WONDERS OF THE WORD!

WONDERS OF THE WORD!

Ps 19:7-11

7 The law of the LORD is perfect, converting the soul: the testimony of the LORD is sure, making wise the simple.

8 The statutes of the LORD are right, rejoicing the heart: the commandment of the LORD is pure, enlightening the eyes.

9 The fear of the LORD is clean, enduring for ever: the judgments of the LORD are true and righteous altogether.

10 More to be desired are they than gold, yea, than much fine gold: sweeter also than honey and the honeycomb.

11 Moreover by them is thy servant warned: and in keeping of them there is great reward.

Too many people suppose the Bible to be not only outdated in its language, which is contemporary with Shakespeare, but also in its philosophies. Modern translations has relieved the complaint about the language but not about the philosophies! Much of the advice of scripture runs opposite human nature and reasoning. Ministers and others who preach these antiquated philosophies receive the same kind of smiles and patronage as feeble minded grandparents. But the Bible, if we would only heed it, is of great benefit.

1. THE LAW IS PERFECT!

Verse 7 speaks of the “law” which is the duty which God requires of man. It is the expression of the Divine mind and will. It is congruent with all the laws of nature. The law is holy, just, good and spiritual. It is trustworthy!

Prov 13:14

14 The law of the wise is a fountain of life, to depart from the snares of death.

2. THE TESTIMONY IS SURE!

Testimony is the Hebrew word eeduwt which means beyond or forward. These are the portions of the law that point forward to the Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world. These testimonies are sure making wise the simple.

Isa 53:7

7 He was oppressed, and he was afflicted, yet he opened not his mouth: he is brought as a lamb to the slaughter, and as a sheep before her shearers is dumb, so he openeth not his mouth.

3. THE STATUTES ARE RIGHT!

These are particular commands and restrictions ordered by God. These are simply referred to as right! Those who do when God says don’t suffer the consequences of their wrong choices. Keeping those guiding commands “rejoices the heart.” The word used for “rejoices” means to “brighten up” or to “cheer up.”

4. THE COMMANDMENT IS PURE!

Purity is its nature, its character and its product. It is cleansing to the mind, heart and soul. It restores the broken and makes straight the crooked. It enlightens the eyes showing man what he must do and pitfalls to avoid. It reveals sin as very sinful, God as holy and we as in need of redemption.

5. THE FEAR OF THE LORD IS CLEAN!

This fear does not mean fright but veneration, reverence and worship. The effect of worship is eternal. The one who worships cannot and would not discard it. It shall never pass away.

6. HIS JUDGMENTS ARE RIGHT!

Ps 19:9

The judgments of the LORD are true and righteous altogether.

Judgment means verdict, sentence or formal decree. In examining any case the Judge of all the universe always rules rightly.

7. VALUABLE – SWEET – USEFUL!

Ps 19:10-11

10 More to be desired are they than gold, yea, than much fine gold: sweeter also than honey and the honeycomb.

11 Moreover by them is thy servant warned: and in keeping of them there is great reward.

In a world of car bombs, skyrocketing inflation, political ignorance and corruption it is comforting to know there is something that is right, clean, valuable, sweet and useful. It’s my Bible!

Dear Lord, thank you for communicating to us through your word. Let your wisdom guide me today. AMEN

GOD’S UNUSUAL GUIDING!

GOD’S UNUSUAL GUIDING!

          How can you tell whether God is guiding or you are just chasing your dreams or running amuck? From all the stories we read in the Bible there doesn’t seem to be a simple formula. Consider the following.

1. God may lead through a mess of my own making!

          Jacob had purchased the highly valuable birthright of the firstborn from his brother for the paltry price of a bowl of lentils. He then stole the patriarchal blessing from his age blinded father.  Now, in Genesis chapter 28, he is on the run and he lays down in a barren place with stones for his pillows. Yet God was leading.

Gen 28:11-15

11 And he lighted upon a certain place, and tarried there all night, because the sun was set; and he took of the stones of that place, and put them for his pillows, and lay down in that place to sleep.

12 And he dreamed, and behold a ladder set up on the earth, and the top of it reached to heaven: and behold the angels of God ascending and descending on it.

13 And, behold, the LORD stood above it, and said, I am the LORD God of Abraham thy father, and the God of Isaac: the land whereon thou liest, to thee will I give it, and to thy seed;

14 And thy seed shall be as the dust of the earth, and thou shalt spread abroad to the west, and to the east, and to the north, and to the south: and in thee and in thy seed shall all the families of the earth be blessed.

15 And, behold, I am with thee, and will keep thee in all places whither thou goest, and will bring thee again into this land; for I will not leave thee, until I have done that which I have spoken to thee of.

          Jonah had stubbornly refused to go to Nineveh and wound up in the belly of a great fish. Yet God was still leading.

Jonah 1:17

17 Now the LORD had prepared a great fish to swallow up Jonah. And Jonah was in the belly of the fish three days and three nights.

2. He may lead by answering prayers with unusual circumstances!

          Abraham’s servant was sent to find a wife for his son. This was a daunting task. How would he find her? How would he know? He devised a plan and prayed a prayer. The woman who watered his camels would be his choice.

Gen 24:15-19

15 And it came to pass, before he had done speaking, that, behold, Rebekah came out, who was born to Bethuel, son of Milcah, the wife of Nahor, Abraham's brother, with her pitcher upon her shoulder.

16 And the damsel was very fair to look upon, a virgin, neither had any man known her: and she went down to the well, and filled her pitcher, and came up.

17 And the servant ran to meet her, and said, Let me, I pray thee, drink a little water of thy pitcher.

18 And she said, Drink, my lord: and she hasted, and let down her pitcher upon her hand, and gave him drink. 19 And when she had done giving him drink, she said, I will draw water for thy camels also, until they have done drinking.

3. He may lead by direct revelation!

          Paul was earnestly trying to determine his next field of service and God had already vetoed his first two choices. In the night God spoke through a dream.

Acts 16:9-10

9 And a vision appeared to Paul in the night; There stood a man of Macedonia, and prayed him, saying, Come over into Macedonia, and help us.

10 And after he had seen the vision, immediately we endeavored to go into Macedonia, assuredly gathering that the Lord had called us for to preach the gospel unto them.

4. He leads through inner urgings upon our spirit!

Isa 30:21

21 And thine ears shall hear a word behind thee, saying, This is the way, walk ye in it, when ye turn to the right hand, and when ye turn to the left.

Ps 143:8

8 Cause me to hear thy lovingkindness in the morning; for in thee do I trust: cause me to know the way wherein I should walk; for I lift up my soul unto thee.

Ps 73:24

24 Thou shalt guide me with thy counsel, and afterward receive me to glory.

Lord, like Solomon, we don’t feel confident to go in or out the door. We need your wisdom for so many of the decisions which must be made today. Make your will and way clear today. AMEN

SONGS IN THE NIGHT!

SONGS IN THE NIGHT!

Ps 42:8

8 Yet the Lord  will command his lovingkindness in the daytime, and in the night his song shall be with me, and my prayer unto the God of my life.

          Last night, as I pillowed my head, I began my prayers as always but I couldn’t sustain them. I couldn’t hold my attention upon any one prayer need. Instead, I began to think of the many blessings God had poured upon me and how little I had done to deserve them. One old song, best sung a cappella, kept playing in my mind.

Grace Greater Than Our Sin

Marvelous grace of our loving Lord,
Grace that exceeds our sin and our guilt!
Yonder on Calvary's mount outpoured,
There where the blood of the Lamb was spilled.

Sin and despair, like the sea waves cold,
Threaten the soul with infinite loss;
Grace that is greater, yes, grace untold,
Points to the refuge, the mighty cross.

Dark is the stain that we cannot hide.
What can we do to wash it away?
Look! There is flowing a crimson tide,
Brighter than snow you may be today.

Marvelous, infinite, matchless grace,
Freely bestowed on all who believe!
You that are longing to see His face,
Will you this moment His grace receive?

Chorus:

Grace! Grace! God’s Grace!

Grace that will pardon and cleanse within!

Grace! Grace! God’s Grace!

Grace that is greater than all our sin.

Dear Lord, let your lovingkindness be shown to me today and let your songs be my prayer. AMEN

MY LIGHT AND MY VOICE!

MY LIGHT AND MY VOICE!

Judges 7:16-22

16 And he divided the three hundred men into three companies, and he put a trumpet in every man's hand, with empty pitchers, and lamps within the pitchers.

17 And he said unto them, Look on me, and do likewise: and, behold, when I come to the outside of the camp, it shall be that, as I do, so shall ye do.

18 When I blow with a trumpet, I and all that are with me, then blow ye the trumpets also on every side of all the camp, and say, The sword of the LORD, and of Gideon.

19 So Gideon, and the hundred men that were with him, came unto the outside of the camp in the beginning of the middle watch; and they had but newly set the watch: and they blew the trumpets, and brake the pitchers that were in their hands.

20 And the three companies blew the trumpets, and brake the pitchers, and held the lamps in their left hands, and the trumpets in their right hands to blow withal: and they cried, The sword of the LORD, and of Gideon.

21 And they stood every man in his place round about the camp: and all the host ran, and cried, and fled.

22 And the three hundred blew the trumpets, and the LORD set every man's sword against his fellow.

          A huge Israeli army had been methodically reduced to only three companies of one hundred men each. Weapons and instruments of warfare had been left behind and two curious pieces of equipment were carried to the battleground. Each man carried a water pitcher made of pottery inside of which was a light. I am reminded of this scripture: “But we have this treasure in earthen vessels, that the excellency of the power may be of God, and not of us.” (2 Cor 4:7)

          As Christian soldiers we have been given two weapons that appear very weak. Our light is our testimony, which is contained in the earthen vessel of our bodies. Our Christian attitudes and behavior are always being observed. It is an effective weapon when used consistently. When our voices consistently match our behavior we can send the enemy running.

Matt 5:16

16 Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father which is in heaven.

Dear Lord, help me to be a good steward of my light and my voice today. AMEN

MY ROCK!

MY ROCK!

2 Sam 22:1-4

22:1 And David spake unto the LORD the words of this song in the day that the LORD had delivered him out of the hand of all his enemies, and out of the hand of Saul:

2 And he said, The LORD is my rock, and my fortress, and my deliverer;

3 The God of my rock; in him will I trust: he is my shield, and the horn of my salvation, my high tower, and my refuge, my saviour; thou savest me from violence.

4 I will call on the LORD, who is worthy to be praised: so shall I be saved from mine enemies.

          The early political life of David reads like the story of Robin Hood. The evil King Saul chased David’s little band of warriors all over southern Israel. David hid out in caves near the salty sea. At one time Saul entered the very cave in which David was hiding to relieve himself! What drama! Now the chase would be over if David could kill his nemesis. But David restrains himself because of principle.

 

1 Sam 24:4-6

4 And the men of David said unto him, Behold the day of which the LORD said unto thee, Behold, I will deliver thine enemy into thine hand, that thou mayest do to him as it shall seem good unto thee. Then David arose, and cut off the skirt of Saul's robe privily.

5 And it came to pass afterward, that David's heart smote him, because he had cut off Saul's skirt.

6 And he said unto his men, The LORD forbid that I should do this thing unto my master, the LORD's anointed, to stretch forth mine hand against him, seeing he is the anointed of the LORD.

          David’s restraint was not because he honored Saul but because he honored the Lord. Saul had been anointed King. The oil was representative of the Spirit of God resting upon the leader and assigning him God’s very own authority. Saul’s wicked character dishonored this anointing but David acknowledged it as still in force.

          David’s rock [fortress] was his God. He personalized this feeling of safety by calling it “my rock.” This rock is moveable. It goes with me and surrounds me wherever I may be. It is high, lofty and unassailable. We often sing an old gospel song that goes this way: “When all around my soul gives way, He then is all my hope and stay. On Christ the Solid Rock I stand – all other ground is sinking sand – all other ground is sinking sand.”

Dear Lord, someone reading this will need you to be their Rock today. Perhaps it will be me. Thank you for being our fortress and refuge. AMEN

THE CONFLICT OF FLESH AND SPIRIT!

THE CONFLICT OF FLESH AND SPIRIT!

Gal 5:16-17

16 This I say then, Walk in the Spirit, and ye shall not fulfil the lust of the flesh.

17 For the flesh lusteth against the Spirit, and the Spirit against the flesh: and these are contrary the one to the other: so that ye cannot do the things that ye would.

Rom 7:15

15 For I do not understand my own actions [I am baffled, bewildered]. I do not practice or accomplish what I wish, but I do the very thing that I loathe [which my moral instinct condemns].

AMPLIFIED

          Why do we have such a difficult time living the spiritual life and obeying God’s wishes? When such an one as Paul had conflict, how can we hope to do better? The fact is that every believer experiences this struggle. We want to serve God but we yield to the longings and desires of the flesh instead. It is so frustrating that Paul groaned, “O wretched man that I am!”

Paul does not mean "the body." The human body is not sinful; it is neutral. If the Holy Spirit controls the body, then we walk in the Spirit but if the flesh controls the body, then we walk in the lusts (desires) of the flesh. The Spirit and the flesh have different appetites, and this is what creates the conflict. (Warren Wiersbe)

A crucifixion is necessary to solve the problem. Paul describes it in  Galatians 2:20 “I am crucified with Christ: nevertheless I live; yet not I, but Christ liveth in me: and the life which I now live in the flesh I live by the faith of the Son of God, who loved me, and gave himself for me.”

Perhaps that is what happened to Enoch of old! Perhaps he became so spiritual that the flesh just fell away. All we know is what the Bible tells us. “And Enoch walked with God: and he was not; for God took him.” Gen 5:24

 

Dear Lord, like Paul, I sense the struggle of the two natures. One is rebellious and sensual while the other has a great desire to connect with you and walk with you. Please capture me and hold me today. I yield myself to your control. AMEN

JESUS’ YOUTH!

JESUS’ YOUTH!

Luke 2:40-43

40 And the child grew, and waxed strong in spirit, filled with wisdom: and the grace of God was upon him.

41 Now his parents went to Jerusalem every year at the feast of the passover.

42 And when he was twelve years old, they went up to Jerusalem after the custom of the feast.

43 And when they had fulfilled the days, as they returned, the child Jesus tarried behind in Jerusalem; and Joseph and his mother knew not of it.

          Christmas is just a month gone and we have generally dismissed Jesus. The world won’t think much about Him again until Palm Sunday and Easter! But we are not the world – and we want to know all there is to know about our Lord and Savior.

          We know little to nothing about the years of Jesus’ youth. Luke 2:40 simply gives us a synopsis of his childhood years. If you are looking for peevish disobedience and youthful rebellion you won’t find it. Jesus grew physically strong, mentally firm, intellectually wise and spiritually mature. The grace of God was upon him. If you are searching for evidences of Jesus being a bratty child or a rebellious youth you won’t find it here.

          Only one story from Jesus’ youth is given to us. Jesus did not return to Nazareth with his parents but lingered behind to speak with the teachers in the temple asking and answering questions about the law. The teachers were amazed. He was there for at least three days and we know nothing more than that. His parents found him in the temple where they had last seen him. It was the mother that spoke in what can only be assumed as a scolding voice: “Son, why hast thou thus dealt with us? behold, thy father and I have sought thee sorrowing.” Jesus’ simple reply was that it was time for him to “be about his father’s business.”

          Jesus went home with His mom and dad and stayed with them another eighteen years. He worked in the carpenter shop and, we assume, ran the family business after Joseph’s death. Jesus’ brothers and sisters most likely took over the carpenter shop when Jesus began his ministry.

          Jesus lived his life intentionally with every move and decision calculated to please the Heavenly Father. He began his ministry by finding John and being baptized. “When Jesus emerged, the Father was able to say of Him, "Thou art My beloved Son; in Thee I am well pleased" (Luke 3:22). May the Father be able to say that about us!

Dear Jesus, let me live my life intentionally with every move and decision calculated to please the Father. AMEN

A SPIRITUAL SELF – TEST!

A SPIRITUAL SELF – TEST!

Who am I and what kind of Christianity do I really practice on a daily basis? I believe that is a question we should ask ourselves from time to time. If today is a convenient time for you to ask, let me suggest a few probing questions.

1. AM I CONTENT WITH THE PERSON I AM BECOMING?

Eph 4:22-24

22 That ye put off concerning the former conversation the old man, which is corrupt according to the deceitful lusts;

23 And be renewed in the spirit of your mind;

24 And that ye put on the new man, which after God is created in righteousness and true holiness.

Every day – sometimes multiple times within that day – there is a need to put off and put on! As I mature am I growing into a wise person who can provide answers to those who follow after me? If I should ever leave my office as a pastor will I have anything left to fill the vacuum? In other words, is my faith personal or simply professional?

2. IS THE CORE OF MY LIFE QUIET?

Ps 46:10-11

10 Be still, and know that I am God: I will be exalted among the heathen, I will be exalted in the earth.

11 The LORD of hosts is with us; the God of Jacob is our refuge.

I read somewhere that the motto of the average person is: “When in trouble, when in doubt, run in circles, scream and shout!” Has my faith in God provided a quiet confidence even in the midst of turmoil and confusion.

3. DO I HAVE A GROWING PRAYER LIFE?

Are my daily decisions made with prayer or are they driven by emergencies or personal desires?

Phil 4:6-7

6 Be careful for nothing; but in every thing by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known unto God.

7 And the peace of God, which passeth all understanding, shall keep your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus.

4. AM I BECOMING TRULY HUMBLE?

Phil 2:3

3 Let nothing be done through strife or vainglory; but in lowliness of mind let each esteem other better than themselves.

Nothing is more arrogant than false humility. I do not need to deny the talents I have but I must remember that those talents are products of God working in me. If God has given me a talent or an ability then He intends to direct their use for His purposes and His glory.

5. AM I OBEDIENT IN SMALL MATTERS?

1 John 2:3-4

3 And hereby we do know that we know him, if we keep his commandments.

4 He that saith, I know him, and keepeth not his commandments, is a liar, and the truth is not in him.

The above verse is strong medicine and needs no comment from me!

6. IS THERE JOY IN MY LIFE?

John 15:11

11 These things have I spoken unto you, that my joy might remain in you, and that your joy might be full.

Joy is not the same as happiness. Happiness is a result of pleasant “happenings!” Joy is the result of knowing that God is in control of every situation – even the unpleasant ones.

Dear Lord, running headlong in my direction today are both good things and bad. Help me to face them both with calm and confidence. AMEN

CHALLENGING DECISIONS REQUIRE PERFECT TIMING!

CHALLENGING DECISIONS REQUIRE PERFECT TIMING!

Gospel ministry in these days requires us to tap into God’s perfect timing and I am not known for being patient. But what some people may not see is my fearful perfectionist tendency which causes me to drag my feet on important projects. God’s grace has provided all that can be called success in me.

Prov 19:2 AMP

2 Desire without knowledge is not good, and to be overhasty is to sin and miss the mark.

We can rush ahead of God’s timing because we think we have thought everything through and come to a reasonable conclusion. When we do that we “sin” by wrenching control from the hands of God.  

Eccl 3:11

11 He hath made every thing beautiful in his time:

Deut 32:4

4 He is the Rock, his work is perfect: for all his ways are judgment: a God of truth and without iniquity, just and right is he.

I personally believe there is sufficient evidence to point to King David’s poor timing as a root cause of his sin with Bathsheba. At a time when kings go forth to war, he tarried still at Jerusalem. In other words, he was not WHERE he should have been WHEN he should have been there.

2 Sam 11:1

11:1 And it came to pass, after the year was expired, at the time when kings go forth to battle, that David sent Joab, and his servants with him, and all Israel; and they destroyed the children of Ammon, and besieged Rabbah. But David tarried still at Jerusalem.

At the same time, waiting could be the right thing to do! When Jesus learned of Lazarus’ serious illness he waited and delayed his travel until it was too late! Lazarus had died!

John 11:21

21 Then said Martha unto Jesus, Lord, if thou hadst been here, my brother had not died.

Jesus had already established that he had power to heal. Now it was his purpose to prove that he had power to restore LIFE. Jesus is the WAY, the TRUTH and the LIFE and to accomplish His purpose it was necessary for him to wait.

HOW CAN WE TAP INTO GOD’S PERFECT TIMING?

Ps 37:7

7 Rest in the LORD, and wait patiently for him: fret not thyself because of him who prospereth in his way, because of the man who bringeth wicked devices to pass.

1. REST!  It is the Hebrew word damam (daw-man') which means “to be dumb” or simply to hold your peace. To hush! God is either in control or He is not! If He is then why are we so restless? (I speak to myself as much as to you.)

2. WAIT PATIENTLY FOR HIM!  Here the Hebrew is very interesting! It is the word chuwl (khool); or chiyl (kheel). Bringing it into today’s language we might say “chill!” But God knows us better than that because it means “to twist or twirl, to writhe in pain!” Now that is what waiting is for ME!

My sister reminded me that we used to take turns climbing a tree to watch for the arrival of the ice cream man. It is this kind of anxious, just-can’t-stand-it, waiting that I am most familiar with.

3. SURRENDER YOUR “WAY”!

Ps 37:5 KJV

5 Commit thy way [COURSE OF LIFE, MODE OF ACTION] unto the LORD; trust also in him; and he shall bring it to pass.

Young’s Literal Translation puts it this way: “Roll on Jehovah thy way, And trust upon Him, and He worketh.”

An old, perhaps ancient, motion chorus we teach in Sunday school goes this way:

Roll away, roll away, roll away!

Every burden of my heart roll away!

Sweet Jesus, though I may twist and twirl while waiting, let me roll upon you my way! AMEN

I WILL NOW TURN!

I WILL NOW TURN!

Ex 3:2-4

2 And the angel of the LORD appeared unto him in a flame of fire out of the midst of a bush: and he looked, and, behold, the bush burned with fire, and the bush was not consumed.

3 And Moses said, I will now turn aside, and see this great sight, why the bush is not burnt.

4 And when the LORD saw that he turned aside to see, God called unto him out of the midst of the bush, and said, Moses, Moses. And he said, Here am I.

          Alienated from both friend and foe, born to be a priest and raised to be a prince, Moses tends sheep in exile on the backside of the desert. He had settled into a daily frustration that he had come to call normal when something unusual and unexpected caught his eye. One of the desert scrubs was on fire. FOUR WORDS describe the turning point in Moses’ life.

 

I – Life change is first of all PERSONAL.

          Looking back over the unusual circumstances of his birth he might have reason to blame others for his lot in life. It was a miracle that he was alive at all. He was taken from his mother’s arms and placed in a basket covered with tar then placed in a river. Discovered and adopted by a princess he was then restored to his mother’s arms. Trained in the palaces of the Pharaoh he must have learned language and letters, culture and architecture and military strategy. What good were any of those things now that he was an 80-year-old shepherd? Yes, the beginning of a new life was very personal. I will turn!

 

WILL – Life change requires an act of the will!

          God sets the bush ablaze and Moses sees it clearly but nothing changes until there is a response of the WILL. Whatever the motivation, whether curiosity, boredom or deep longing; Moses made a decision. How many careers have been changed simply by someone saying “I will”?

 

NOW – Life change requires a starting point!

          How many are even now caught in the calms because they will not hoist their sails? How many reside in the doldrums because they will not begin a new challenge? How many fail to finish because they simply fail to begin? Now! Do it NOW! Postponement will only make a late decision even later. The Bible is clear that “Now is the accepted time.” (2 Cor. 6:2)

 

TURN – Life change requires a new direction!

Even a miserable existence becomes comfortably monotonous through lack of change. Change is the stuff of life. As it relates to sin, we call this change repentance. It means to turn from one direction to another. It is an about face.

          God becomes very active when we turn. Verse 4 says that when God saw that Moses turned aside He sprung into action. He spoke from the flames. He called Moses by name! Nothing was the same after this!

          What about you? Is your personal life a mess? Is your career path headed nowhere? Are you stuck in the doldrums? Pray these four words: “I WILL NOW TURN.”

Dear Lord, someone reading this devotional may be frozen with fear. Please guide them clearly and grant them courage.  AMEN

 

CONFLICT RESOLUTION!

CONFLICT RESOLUTION!

Ps 7:1

7:1 Shig-ga'-ion of David, which he sang unto the Lord, concerning the words of Cush the Benjamite.

O Lord my God, in thee do I put my trust: save me from all them that persecute me, and deliver me:

          The strange word at the very beginning of this verse is from the Hebrew shaagah which means “to wander.” So this is a wandering song, a song written and sung while David is on the run from Saul. It is also a rambling song covering different subjects and made up of different parts. As we read it we have the sense of continual interruption. David was always “bugging out!” It speaks of conflict. As for Cush the Benjamite, some scholars think this refers to Saul himself, the son of Kish who was of the tribe of Benjamin.

          David had a collection of enemies, Saul, Goliath, Shimei and even his very own son, Absalom. These provided constant conflict in his life. For David, conflict was a way of life and we are wise to pay attention when he speaks of it. Notice what he says when he speaks of his enemies. He pleads with the Lord to come and save him. He himself was a mighty warrior but he cries out to God for rescue. He asks God to judge between him and his enemies.

          A war is never quite finished until there is a clear winner and a complete surrender. So it is with a sinful man and a righteous God. Since man can’t hope to win in his conflict with God it is wise for him to surrender early and completely.

Eph 2:13-17

13 But now in Christ Jesus ye who sometimes were far off are made nigh by the blood of Christ.

14 For he is our peace, who hath made both one, and hath broken down the middle wall of partition between us;

15 Having abolished in his flesh the enmity, even the law of commandments contained in ordinances; for to make in himself of twain one new man, so making peace;

16 And that he might reconcile both unto God in one body by the cross, having slain the enmity thereby:

17 And came and preached peace to you which were afar off, and to them that were nigh.

          Enmity is the Greek word echthra and literally means “the reason for opposition.” We were afar off, or estranged, but now we are made near because of the blood of Jesus. He has removed the very reason for opposition. He has slain the enmity so that the warring parties can be at peace.

Dear Lord, I sense enmity still in me. It takes me away from you and causes separation. It is painful and bitter for me and I’m sure it is for you as well. Please come and destroy the enmity with a fresh application of your own blood. Please destroy in me the very reason for opposition. I surrender, Lord. AMEN

THOSE WHO THINK THEMSELVES SPECIAL!

THOSE WHO THINK THEMSELVES SPECIAL!

2 Kings 5:9-12

9 So Naaman came with his horses and with his chariot, and stood at the door of the house of Elisha.

10 And Elisha sent a messenger unto him, saying, Go and wash in the Jordan seven times, and thy flesh shall come again to thee, and thou shalt be clean.

11 But Naaman was wroth, and went away, and said, Behold, I thought, He will surely come out to me, and stand, and call on the name of the LORD his God, and strike his hand over the place, and recover the leper.

12 Are not Abana and Pharpar, rivers of Damascus, better than all the waters of Israel? may I not wash in them, and be clean? So he turned and went away in a rage.

          The story of Naaman the leper is almost comic in its ridiculousness. Here is a guy who has a terrible and terminal disease. He comes to the prophet with all his horses and his chariot. Now, you need to know that this is not simply his mode of transportation but a statement of his importance! This is why people pay a huge sum for a Humvee and it doesn’t even come with a machine gun! They drive such a thing so that you will know they can afford the payments – even if they can’t. 

          Naaman is given a command and a cure that consists of only EIGHT WORDS: “Go and wash in the Jordan seven times.” His response reminds me of some church members I have known! The cure was too humble for him. He was special! It must be some grand thing and extravagant. His feelings were hurt and he flew into a rebellious rage! He had it all planned out in his mind how this thing should go down! The prophet would come out in his vestments and finery and would wave his hand magically over the disease. A few magic words would be chanted and a trumpet would be sounded and the disease would be gone. He went away in a rage. He was special and God had refused to recognize it.

          I know church members who get their fur in a fluff and decide that they don’t have to abide by certain church rules. They don’t have to attend the Sunday school class they should rightfully belong to because something is not done to their liking. They don’t like the teacher or they don’t like the classroom or they don’t like the topic chosen for discussion so they wander off to another class or they simply don’t attend at all. They are special, don’t you see, and nobody has recognized it. They are in a self manufactured rage over nothing of consequence.

          God allowed Naaman to spend himself in his little hissy fit but in the end the leprosy remained until he did the one thing he loathed to do – obey! I rather think the stink that rests on us remains until we surrender our self importance and recognize the majesty of Almighty God.

Luke 18:11-14

11 The Pharisee stood and prayed thus with himself, God, I thank thee, that I am not as other men are, extortioners, unjust, adulterers, or even as this publican.

12 I fast twice in the week, I give tithes of all that I possess.

13 And the publican, standing afar off, would not lift up so much as his eyes unto heaven, but smote upon his breast, saying, God be merciful to me a sinner.

14 I tell you, this man went down to his house justified rather than the other: for every one that exalteth himself shall be abased; and he that humbleth himself shall be exalted.

Dear Lord, I am not worthy of the least of thy blessings. Help me to humbly submit to your leadership. AMEN

PEACE OR UNREST?

PEACE OR UNREST?

Acts 16:9-10

9 And a vision appeared to Paul in the night; There stood a man of Macedonia, and prayed him, saying, Come over into Macedonia, and help us.

10 And after he had seen the vision, immediately we endeavored to go into Macedonia, assuredly gathering that the Lord had called us for to preach the gospel unto them.

2 Cor 2:12-13

12 Furthermore, when I came to Troas to preach Christ's gospel, and a door was opened unto me of the Lord,

13 I had no rest in my spirit, because I found not Titus my brother: but taking my leave of them, I went from thence into Macedonia.

          The life lived by faith is hard to explain to the unbeliever. Who plans their life based on what most people call a “gut feeling?” The well known Macedonian call might have been caused by what Ebenezer Scrooge called “an undigested piece of cheese!” You either believe that God intervenes in the affairs of men or you do not. If you do not then your life is one series of coincidences after the other.

          In Second Corinthians, it seems as if Paul’s plans had unraveled. Titus could not be found and he had received no word from Corinth. Although he had an open door to go to Troas, he had no peace in his heart to walk through those doors. Was that enough information on which to base a decision? The circumstances were not comfortable and Paul could not explain the roadblocks at the time but he was sure that God was in control.

Isa 30:21

21 And thine ears shall hear a word behind thee, saying, This is the way, walk ye in it, when ye turn to the right hand, and when ye turn to the left.

Dear Lord, there may be someone today struggling with a decision. They do not know which way to go! Please lead them in a way that gives them peace in their spirit. AMEN

Tears

TEARS!

1. Tears of weak belief

Mark 9:23-24

23 Jesus said unto him, If thou canst believe, all things are possible to him that believeth.

24 And straightway the father of the child cried out, and said with tears, Lord, I believe; help thou mine unbelief.

The father had brought his demon tormented child to the disciples who, in spite of all their efforts, could not cast the demons out. The Lord deeply indicated that this was a spiritual problem that must be dealt with by spiritual means so he asked the father an important question, “do you believe?”

The father, desperate now, knew that, if Jesus could cast the demons from his son then surely he could also read the thoughts of his heart, confessed his weak and incomplete belief. But there was something that must have moved the heart of Jesus when he saw them. TEARS!

2. Tears of sorrow for sin

Luke 7:37-38

37 And, behold, a woman in the city, which was a sinner, when she knew that Jesus sat at meat in the Pharisee's house, brought an alabaster box of ointment,

38 And stood at his feet behind him weeping, and began to wash his feet with tears, and did wipe them with the hairs of her head, and kissed his feet, and anointed them with the ointment.

I love the phrase bracketed by commas as an afterthought, “which was a sinner.” Think of how many conversations might have that phrase added to it. The mechanic, which was a sinner! The doctor, which was a sinner! The preacher, which was a sinner!

This woman and her sin were well known as she crept in to anoint the Master in the house of the Pharisee. The smell of the ointment filled the nostrils of both the Pharisee and the Savior. The tears, flowing profusely in a never ending stream came from a well of deep sorrow deep in her soul. It was enough to provide the courtesy of washing Jesus’ feet. Such tears we have dammed up inside us as well. We might well flood the earth if it ever burst!

What causes these tears to burst forth? It is the knowledge of forgiveness and the full understanding of the ministry of mercy from the master. Oh! Tears of liberty and gratitude! Will they never end?

These tears attract the tender attention of the Master as he explains the “deadness” in the soul of Simon.

Luke 7:40-45

40 And Jesus answering said unto him, Simon, I have somewhat to say unto thee. And he saith, Master, say on.

41 There was a certain creditor which had two debtors: the one owed five hundred pence, and the other fifty.

42 And when they had nothing to pay, he frankly forgave them both. Tell me therefore, which of them will love him most?

43 Simon answered and said, I suppose that he, to whom he forgave most. And he said unto him, Thou hast rightly judged.

44 And he turned to the woman, and said unto Simon, Seest thou this woman? I entered into thine house, thou gavest me no water for my feet: but she hath washed my feet with tears, and wiped them with the hairs of her head.

45 Thou gavest me no kiss: but this woman since the time I came in hath not ceased to kiss my feet.

3. Tears of Warning

Acts 20:31

31 Therefore watch, and remember, that by the space of three years I ceased not to warn every one night and day with tears.

The warning of the preacher is known but to a few but the warning of parents and loved ones for those who are rebellious is better known. The accompanying tears are also familiar. Everything is tried to free the sinner from his own idiocy! We scold and we plead and finally we weep as we try to effect the tender emotion of those hardened by sin.

4. Tears’ ultimate end

Rev 21:4

4 And God shall wipe away all tears from their eyes; and there shall be no more death, neither sorrow, nor crying, neither shall there be any more pain: for the former things are passed away.

One glorious day, praise God, tears will feel the tender touch of the Creator’s hand and will yield to his gentle sweep across our tormented cheek. Sorrow shall flee away and mourning shall stand ashamed as joy is released from bondage and explodes with laughter. That day will be heaven!

Dear Lord, let the tears of incomplete belief flow and mingle with tears of joy as we consider the day when both shall be wiped away. AMEN