DISCRETION!

DISCRETION!

          The word “discretion” is found nine times in our English Bible; all in the Old Testament. Because biblical languages are precise in meaning, there are several words that are translated discretion.

          Mishpat and Mezimmah which are found in Psalm 112:5; Proverbs 1:4; 2:11 and 3:21 all mean “a clever plan or a verdict.” Living purposefully is the choice of good and wise people. They know that it is better to have a plan – even a plan B – than to flail their arms in despair at the chance occurrences of life. It is always wise to seek advice and have a plan.

Prov 15:22

22 Without counsel purposes are disappointed: but in the multitude of counsellors they are established.

          The Hebrew word ta’am is translated discretion and means “perception and intelligence.” In the following verse in which it is found, I think we might refer to it as “good and common sense.” Once you read the verse and see how it is used, I think you will agree.

Prov 11:22

22 As a jewel of gold in a swine's snout, so is a fair woman which is without discretion.

          We use two phrases in our American colloquialism that fit here. One is: “Discretion is the better part of valor” and the other is: “Let sleeping dogs lie.” Did you know that the Bible forms the basis for both of these?

Prov 19:11

11 The discretion of a man deferreth his anger; and it is his glory to pass over a transgression.

Prov 26:17

17 He that passeth by, and meddleth with strife belonging not to him, is like one that taketh a dog by the ears.

Dear Lord, today let me conduct myself and my affairs with discretion. AMEN

NOT DUMB – JUST IGNORANT!

NOT DUMB – JUST IGNORANT!

2 Tim 3:7

7 Ever learning, and never able to come to the knowledge of the truth.

          One of the characteristics of the end-time generation is that they are ignorant of the truth. Paul warns Timothy that they will be self lovers, proud, religious but not righteous, and ignorant. If this is the last generation, and I believe that it is, there are three possible reasons for this ignorance.

1. INFORMATION OVERLOAD!

          There is simply too much information for our minds to process. Computers, both big and small, and gadgets that almost defy description pour information into and upon us at an alarming rate. Modern man has hardly ever heard silence, felt the comfort of sensory rest, or communicated with his own spirit. Someone or something is always vying for our attention. Spiritual truth is almost always, however, communicated in periods of quiet, in unhurried reflection and contemplation.

Ps 46:10

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

2. WE ARE LEARNING THE WRONG THINGS!

          If you walk on any college campus you will eventually hear one student ask another: “What’s your major?” It indicates the kind of things being learned and it also indicates the destiny to which this learning is leading. A student studying political science will make a poor doctor. Much of what we learn lies outside the boundaries of what God intended for us.

Jer 4:22

22 For my people is foolish, they have not known me; they are sottish [or silly] children, and they have none understanding: they are wise to do evil, but to do good they have no knowledge.

          Make no mistake, our youth are not dumb – they are simply ignorant. They are processing information at an astounding rate but most can’t clearly recall the simplest of Bible stories. Two things I hear from the mouths of young people that amaze me – they are bored and they are tired! I sometimes wonder how these can abide together.

3. WE DEMAND THAT KNOWLEDGE ENTER THROUGH OUR OWN FAMILIAR PARADIGM!

          The Jews rejected Jesus not because he was not an astounding and spectacular individual but because He did not fit their preconceived notion of a Messiah. In spite of all the miracles they sought for a sign and Jesus said there would no sign be given except the sign of the prophet Jonah who was three days in the belly of the whale. He said that he would be three days in the belly of the earth and they didn’t understand. It didn’t fit.

          The Greeks rejected Jesus because they were looking for some new wisdom. They were sophists. Their arguments were brilliant but their reasoning was flawed.

1 Cor 1:22-23

22 For the Jews require a sign, and the Greeks seek after wisdom:

23 But we preach Christ crucified, unto the Jews a stumblingblock, and unto the Greeks foolishness;

1 Cor 3:18

18 Let no man deceive himself. If any man among you seemeth to be wise in this world, let him become a fool, [moros, a moron] that he may be wise.

Dear Lord, let me study to be quiet and to hear your voice today. AMEN

REAL RELIGION!

REAL RELIGION!

James 1:26-27

26 If any man among you seem to be religious, and bridleth not his tongue, but deceiveth his own heart, this man's religion is vain.

27 Pure religion and undefiled before God and the Father is this, To visit the fatherless and widows in their affliction, and to keep himself unspotted from the world.

Luke 10:33-34

33 But a certain Samaritan, as he journeyed, came where he was: and when he saw him, he had compassion on him,

34 And went to him, and bound up his wounds, pouring in oil and wine, and set him on his own beast, and brought him to an inn, and took care of him.

          It is too easy to blame the priest and the Levite and forget that we too often fail at the basic element of real religion which is to practically apply its teachings. The priest had been ministering in the Temple and was anxious to get home. Perhaps the robbers were still nearby and he didn’t want to chance becoming another victim. The Levite might have been concerned about becoming defiled by touching a dead man, if he was dead, or by contacting blood if he was still alive. Surely someone else would come by later.

          It is too easy to become engaged in attending church and evaluating the quality and content of sermons instead of actually applying the principles of my faith. The Samaritan did what Jesus taught. He loved those who hated him and gave to the one who could not repay him. He received no reward or honor for his kindness as far as we know.

          That homeless man you meet along the way that breaks your heart and makes you late for church because you stopped to help might have actually taught you more about real religion than another hour of listening to sermons.

Luke 10:36-37

36 Which now of these three, thinkest thou, was neighbour unto him that fell among the thieves?

37 And he said, He that shewed mercy on him. Then said Jesus unto him, Go, and do thou likewise.

Dear Lord, too often I am the Priest and Levite. Help me today to be the Samaritan. AMEN

LET YOUR LIGHT SHINE!

LET YOUR LIGHT SHINE!

Matt 5:14-16

14 Ye are the light of the world. A city that is set on an hill cannot be hid.

15 Neither do men light a candle, and put it under a bushel, but on a candlestick; and it giveth light unto all that are in the house.

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

I’m going to give up a trade secret among ministers this morning. There are times when we get sick and tired of being “nice.” We get tired to death of restraining ourselves from giving certain individuals a valuable piece of our mind because they seem not to have much of a mind themselves. We grow morbidly weary of being called upon to pray some magic little prayer that will eliminate the consequences of stupidity. How we sometimes envy those whose task in life is to stand in some assembly line and unendingly attach some widget to some gadget. Perhaps this is why the majority of ministers resist the call to such a life. A candle may resent the flame – but will always yield to it.

          Like a candle, we may resent the heat of the flame of ministry. We know that this flame will gradually wear us away but we also know that this is our purpose and reason for existence. Fancier candles may give off their sweet perfume but that is not their purpose or design. They are to give forth light and in order to do that they must yield to the flame. We care because God’s care has been melted and formed within us. It is part of our nature. We respond because the spirit of the Good Samaritan has been poured into us. We shine because the master regularly trims our wick.

          You too are a candle formed and poured by the Lord. Do not resist the flame of obligation. Do not hide your light under the basket of selfishness. Take your place on the candlestick and let your light shine. Men will see your good works and understand that God is at the center of them. Glorify God today!

Dear Lord, I yield to the flame today! Use me to send forth your light. AMEN

ENOUGH FOR TODAY!

ENOUGH FOR TODAY!

2 Cor 12:7-10

7 And lest I should be exalted above measure through the abundance of the revelations, there was given to me a thorn in the flesh, the messenger of Satan to buffet me, lest I should be exalted above measure.

8 For this thing I besought the Lord thrice, that it might depart from me.

9 And he said unto me, My grace is sufficient for thee: for my strength is made perfect in weakness. Most gladly therefore will I rather glory in my infirmities, that the power of Christ may rest upon me.

10 Therefore I take pleasure in infirmities, in reproaches, in necessities, in persecutions, in distresses for Christ's sake: for when I am weak, then am I strong.

          This week presents itself as a great challenge for me. Each day seems filled with more than enough to exhaust me. There are doctor’s appointments to follow up a surgery which has sidelined me for several weeks, an ill-timed tooth ache which could have waited for a calmer time, an emotionally stressful meeting on Thursday and, if that were not enough, a piece of electronic equipment that defies me in spite of my best efforts. I don’t feel sufficient for all of it.

          Perhaps you are also facing a daunting list of impossibilities. Each item on your list threatens to drain every ounce of your reserves but when you put them all together you can’t imagine how you will get them all done. Maybe this is just life! Maybe our situation is not so unique at all.

          Paul allows us to peek in at his own set of personal problems. He has a thorn in the flesh. He does not tell us what it is but we think it is a physical ailment that slowed him down in his effort to serve God. It would seem reasonable for God to remove it so that His servant might perform more efficiently. But God only offered grace! A quote from Frances J. Roberts may explain God’s reasoning: “I am not in the whirlwind of activity, but in the still, small voice of communion. Find it, my child, and hold to it, and you will be energized.”

          God has an unlimited store of grace and strength but He dispenses it in small amounts. Each project receives its allotment of God’s help. Each weakness of ours is met with His great strength. As you go through your day – and your week – watch for God’s sufficient grace. You will have enough for today.

Dear Lord, I do not have the energy today to think about the tasks of tomorrow. The challenges of this day will drain all of today’s resources. Lord, I need you today and I will need you again tomorrow. Be nearby and be strong to help me. AMEN

THE APPLE OF HIS EYE!

THE APPLE OF HIS EYE!

Deut 32:9-10

9 For the Lord’s portion is his people; Jacob is the lot of his inheritance.

10 He found him in a desert land, and in the waste howling wilderness; he led him about, he instructed him, he kept him as the apple of his eye.

Zech 2:8

8 For thus saith the Lord of hosts; after the glory hath he sent me unto the nations which spoiled you: for he that toucheth you toucheth the apple of his eye.

          We have heard this “apple of the eye” phrase most of our life but do we know to what it refers? The apple of the eye is from a word that literally means "gate or opening" probably referring to the pupil of the eye; that part of the eye most easily injured, the most demanding of protection. When something approaches our eye the lid reflexively closes. What God is saying is that He is very sensitive to the needs of His people.

          God is aware of those of us who are suffering physical illness. He knows that beyond the physical pain of the illness itself, there is the fact that we must temporarily assign our duties to others or else leave them undone. There are the sleepless nights and the inactivity and loneliness of the long days while our bodies recover. We become needy and fear that we will be a burden to others. We become concerned that important things will not fare well without our personal attention. We feel helpless and weak. Whatever touches you touches the apple of his eye!

          God is aware of your financial needs. He knows when the rent is due and the contents of the pantry. He has felt the hollow of hunger and the empty purse. His eye is on the widow and the orphan. He is aware of those who are unemployed or locked in a low paying job. We may call upon Him to meet our needs. He invites us to trust Him for supplies. Whatever touches you touches the apple of his eye!

            He knows the pain of unfriendly friends. He knows what it is like to see a multitude of followers dwindle to a handful. He has asked “Will ye also go away?” He knows what it is like to stand upon principles and lose companions because of it – or simply to have those leave your company who expected a product you were not manufacturing. He knows what it is like to be “unfriended.”

Dear Jesus, I can face the afflictions of this day knowing that you guard me like the apple of your eye. Thank you for being my companion in trials and for the abundant provision of my need. Come quickly to help when we need you. AMEN

WHY THE FAITHFUL FALTER!

WHY THE FAITHFUL FALTER!

Hosea 4:6

6 My people are destroyed for lack of knowledge: because thou hast rejected knowledge, I will also reject thee, that thou shalt be no priest to me: seeing thou hast forgotten the law of thy God, I will also forget thy children.

I have had the privilege of pastoring one group of people for a significant number of years. Many of them are very faithful in their commitments and yet I have seen some of them falter during times of difficulty. It is puzzling to watch someone who has a long record of steadiness suddenly falter during times of trial. Perhaps they will return to habits long abandoned or they may surrender a Sunday school class they have taught for a very long time. 

Dr. Charles Stanley said: “A spiritual relationship heavy on emotion but light on facts falters in a valley. Believers must know how Scripture applies to life. Unless you have a belief system that can withstand pressure, pain, and criticism, you are at risk.” Our text in Hosea does not say “my people are destroyed for lack of passion” but for lack of knowledge.

1. KNOWLEDGE OF THE BIBLE REVEALS GOD AND HIS NATURE!

John 5:39

39 Search the scriptures; for in them ye think ye have eternal life: and they are they which testify of me.

James 1:17

17 Every good gift and every perfect gift is from above, and cometh down from the Father of lights, with whom is no variableness, neither shadow of turning.

Ps 95:6-7

6 O come, let us worship and bow down: let us kneel before the LORD our maker.

7 For he is our God; and we are the people of his pasture,

II. WHEN EMOTION REPLACES KNOWLEDGE FAILURE IS THE RESULT!

Matt 13:3-7

Behold, a sower went forth to sow;

4 And when he sowed, some seeds fell by the way side, and the fowls came and devoured them up:

5 Some fell upon stony places, where they had not much earth: and forthwith they sprung up, because they had no deepness of earth:

6 And when the sun was up, they were scorched; and because they had no root, they withered away.

7 And some fell among thorns; and the thorns sprung up, and choked them:

Believers without a disciplined knowledge of the Bible will seek advice from secular counselors who may offer only a temporary relief.

Isa 26:3

3 Thou wilt keep him in perfect peace, whose mind is stayed on thee: because he trusteth in thee.

III. FAITH IS PRODUCED BY KNOWLEDGE OF THE WORD!

Rom 10:17

17 So then faith cometh by hearing, and hearing by the word of God.

Ps 119:15-18

15 I will meditate in thy precepts, and have respect unto thy ways.

16 I will delight myself in thy statutes: I will not forget thy word.

17 Deal bountifully with thy servant, that I may live, and keep thy word.

18 Open thou mine eyes, that I may behold wondrous things out of thy law.

Great God, today there will be many challenges to my faith. Let me not do battle with my emotions but with the Sword of the Spirit, the Word of God. AMEN

A BIBLICAL FORMULA FOR PEACE!

A BIBLICAL FORMULA FOR PEACE!

Phil 4:6-9

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.

8 Finally, brethren, whatsoever things are true, whatsoever things are honest, whatsoever things are just, whatsoever things are pure, whatsoever things are lovely, whatsoever things are of good report; if there be any virtue, and if there be any praise, think on these things.

9 Those things, which ye have both learned, and received, and heard, and seen in me, do: and the God of peace shall be with you.

Peace that passes understanding comes from God; it exists in spite of the circumstances that should quench it. It is unsinkable, indestructible, and unfathomable. It creates a strong thirst in the anxious yet it does not exist in calm but rather in trouble. We think that if we could only eliminate clamor peace would come and rest on our shoulder but it is just the opposite. God’s peace floats upon the stormy winds and not the gentle breeze. It passes understanding!

1. BE CAREFUL FOR NOTHING! (v.6)

Do not allow your confidence in God to be replaced by earthly concerns. Certainly we need to give appropriate care to daily responsibilities but do not allow those things to crowd out the assurance that God is both good and in control.

Matt 6:31-34

31 Therefore take no thought, saying, What shall we eat? or, What shall we drink? or, Wherewithal shall we be clothed?

32(For after all these things do the Gentiles seek:) for your heavenly Father knoweth that ye have need of all these things.

33 But seek ye first the kingdom of God, and his righteousness; and all these things shall be added unto you.

34 Take therefore no thought for the morrow: for the morrow shall take thought for the things of itself. Sufficient unto the day is the evil thereof.

2. PRAY ABOUT EVERYTHING! (v.6)

Will Rogers is supposed to have said: “I’ve suffered a great many catastrophes in my life. Most of them never happened!”

3. DEVELOP DISCIPLINED THINKING! (v.8)

The phrase “think on” is the Greek word logizomai and means “to take an inventory” but it is not an inventory of troubles that have not yet happened. It is an inventory of blessings readily at hand. Literally we should “count our blessings!” Take an inventory of the true things, the honest things and the things that are of a good report.

4. PRACTICE IN DEEDS WHAT YOU KNOW TO BE TRUE! (v.9)

The most important word in verse 9 is the word “do.” We can sit by and work out all the details in our mind but until we apply the hammer to the nail the plank is not secured! Stop measuring and “nail it!”

Ps 34:14

14 Depart from evil, and do good; seek peace, and pursue it.

Dear Lord, grant unto your children peace today. AMEN

SHARE THE NEWS – SHARE THE LIGHT!

SHARE THE NEWS – SHARE THE LIGHT!

2 Cor 4:6

6 For God, who commanded the light to shine out of darkness, hath shined in our hearts, to give the light of the knowledge of the glory of God in the face of Jesus Christ.

Do you see the three-step process in this verse? Focus on it once again. Do you see it? God is the source of light! He commanded his light to SHINE OUT. That light has SHINED IN our hearts but the result is that we must now GIVE THE LIGHT.

There is a story, supposedly true, of Rose Crawford who had been blind for 50 years. Then she had an operation in an Ontario hospital. She said "I just can’t believe it," as the doctor lifted the bandages from her eyes. She wept—when for the first time in her life a dazzling and beautiful world of form and color greeted her eyes and she could now see.

          The amazing thing about her story, however, was that 20 years of her blindness was unnecessary. She didn’t know that surgical techniques had been developed, and that an operation could have restored her vision at the age of 30.

          The Dr. said, "She just figured there was nothing that could be done for her condition. Much of her life could have been different." Rose did not know! The good news had not reached her.

Dear Lord, let me pray – give – and go so that those who sit in darkness may see the light. AMEN

WISDOM AND DISCERNMENT!

WISDOM AND DISCERNMENT!

1 Kings 3:7-10

7 And now, O Lord my God, thou hast made thy servant king instead of David my father: and I am but a little child: I know not how to go out or come in.

8 And thy servant is in the midst of thy people which thou hast chosen, a great people, that cannot be numbered nor counted for multitude.

9 Give therefore thy servant an understanding heart to judge thy people, that I may discern between good and bad: for who is able to judge this thy so great a people?

10 And the speech pleased the Lord, that Solomon had asked this thing.

          While eating at a Denny’s Restaurant earlier this week, I noticed a maze where you had to trace a route from an entrance to an exit. There were many twists and turns along the way and many cul-de-sacs which forced you to retrace your path. Yes, that is life and we all experience it. Solomon was given the kingdom of his father David and the enormity of the task drove him to his knees.

          Wisdom is defined by Webster’s English Dictionary as: “The quality of being wise; knowledge, and the capacity to make due use of it; knowledge of the best ends and the best means; discernment and judgment; discretion; sagacity; skill; dexterity.” Knowledge then, is mechanical while wisdom is – spiritual. Many smart people are not wise and some wise people are not greatly educated. William Cowper (pronounced Cooper) had this to say about wisdom.

Knowledge and wisdom, far from being one,
Have ofttimes no connection. Knowledge dwells
In heads replete with thoughts of other men;
Wisdom, in minds attentive to their own.
Knowledge, a rude, unprofitable mass,
The mere materials with which wisdom builds,
Till smoothed, and squared, and fitted to its place,
Does but encumber whom it seems to enrich.
Knowledge is proud that he has learned so much;
Wisdom is humble that he knows no more.
Cowper.

          Discernment is the ability to see what is cleverly hidden by circumstances! I remember seeing in some newspapers side-by-side cartoons with subtle differences. The challenge was to find all the differences between picture one and picture two. It was fun but challenging. Subtle differences in life are not always fun but are always challenging. Sometimes the ability to discern subtle differences is essential and urgent.

Dear Lord, you promised wisdom to those who would only ask for it. I’m asking today. Please add the gift of discernment as well. AMEN

CLEARING UP THE CONFUSION!

CLEARING UP THE CONFUSION!

1 Cor 14:33

33 For God is not the author of confusion, but of peace, as in all churches of the saints.

          This declaration by Paul is set like a gem in the midst of his instruction regarding the use of the gift of tongues. On the day of Pentecost God gave the church a wonderful tool with which to reach the world. He gave them the ability to communicate to foreigners in their own language. What fun it must have been to be able to rattle off a few phrases you had never previously learned! In fact it was probably the “fun” aspect of tongues that led to the confusion in the Corinthian church. Everyone was babbling at the same time. Nobody understood anybody. This led to many other unwanted results.

          In Genesis chapter 11 Nimrod had decided to build a tower so tall it would reach into heaven itself. After all, how high could heaven be? God grew weary with this and said to himself: “ …let us go down, and there confound their language, that they may not understand one another's speech. So the Lord  scattered them abroad from thence upon the face of all the earth: and they left off to build the city.” (Gen 11:7-8) In this particular case, God actually was the author of their confusion.

          God knew that once communication breaks down, relationships are over, and all cooperative projects fail. It is very important that we understand one another. It is important that we agree on the definition of certain terms and labels. Our current struggle to reconcile Christianity with rapidly changing culture may be little more than two passionate men arguing in different languages. They do not fully understand the points about which they disagree and often do not realize they have actually reached an agreement! Throwing up their hands, both shout in their own language: “It’s all Greek to me!”

          The church is a community of believers who have joined together with a common understanding for a common purpose. It’s not perfect! We still struggle to understand one another but there is a beauty in this community that the world does not have. There is a kinship that is born of the Spirit. It is counter-cultural and cross-cultural in nature. It defies the differences that often separate us. The Spirit bonds us together. We are brethren.

1 Cor 1:10

10 Now I beseech you, brethren, by the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, that ye all speak the same thing, and that there be no divisions among you; but that ye be perfectly joined together in the same mind and in the same judgment.

Dear Lord, let me be joined together with my brothers and sisters in Christ today. May we think and speak the same thing that there be no divisions among us. AMEN

NO CRISIS TOO LARGE!

NO CRISIS TOO LARGE!

Jer 32:17-18

17 Ah Lord God! behold, thou hast made the heaven and the earth by thy great power and stretched out arm, and there is nothing too hard for thee:

18 Thou shewest lovingkindness unto thousands, and recompensest the iniquity of the fathers into the bosom of their children after them: the Great, the Mighty God, the LORD of hosts, is his name.

Luke 1:37

37 For with God nothing shall be impossible.

          Nine times in the New Testament we find the word “impossible” and usually it means “un-doable.” Only once does Jesus use the word when it means “implausible” when he says that is impossible [not likely] but that offenses will come. (Luke 17:1)

          In Genesis God tells Sarah that she will have a child. She complains that she is too old but God explains that nothing is too hard for Him. In Luke 1:37 Mary is told that she will have a child but she complains that she is too young! She has not had any sexual contact with a man. Sarah was not too old. Mary was not too young and the circumstances were not too hard for God.

          Why does God allow us to come up against so many impossible situations? Over and over in Exodus we see the phrase “that ye may know.” God needed to prove himself to a doubting people. He brought them to hunger and then provided bread. He allowed them to thirst and then produced water from a rock. He brought them to the brink of certain destruction and then parted the waters for them to cross.

          Paul and Silas found themselves in the dungeon with their feet held fast in the stocks. It was impossible, or at least implausible, that they would be freed so they did the only thing they could do. They made the best of a bad situation. One looked to the other and said: “Let’s sing!” God did the rest.

          As a young boy I remember singing a little chorus in church that went something like this…

Got any rivers – you think are un-crossable?

God any mountains – you can’t tunnel through?

God specializes in things thought – impossible!

And He can do – what – no other power can do!

Almighty God, when we have done all we can do without success, let us simply sing and trust you. AMEN

ARE YOU CONFUSED?

ARE YOU CONFUSED?

1 Cor 14:33

33 For God is not the author of confusion, but of peace, as in all churches of the saints.

          Our English word “confusion” can be found 26 times in the Authorized version. In the Old Testament it can mean something vile but in the New Testament there is one word Greek word that adequately corresponds to our current definition. The Greek word akatastasia basically means “instability and disorder” and our verse this morning assures us that God is not the author of that! No, God is the author of peace which, in our verse, means quietness, rest, and prosperity. If you are disquieted, confused as to direction, and unsettled in your heart and mind you can be sure that Satan is behind it.

          In the past few days, I have shared uncommon joy at God’s blessings. Then, suddenly, I’ve felt disappointment and confusion as what seemed like God’s clear direction was thwarted. So, now what? Well, it’s not my battle! If God clearly blessed and that blessing was turned into disappointment, then God and Satan must be doing battle on my battlefield! I will remain alert but this is God’s battle so the outcome is certain.

Ps 61:1-4

61 Hear my cry, O God; attend unto my prayer.

2 From the end of the earth will I cry unto thee, when my heart is overwhelmed: lead me to the rock that is higher than I.

3 For thou hast been a shelter for me, and a strong tower from the enemy.

4 I will abide in thy tabernacle for ever: I will trust in the covert of thy wings. Selah.

Dear Lord, I’m trusting you to defeat the Devil’s confusion and to replace it with Thy peace. AMEN

BLESSINGS!

BLESSINGS!

Eph 1:3

3 Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who hath blessed us with all spiritual blessings in heavenly places in Christ:

Ps 40:5

5 Many, O Lord  my God, are thy wonderful works which thou hast done, and thy thoughts which are to us-ward: they cannot be reckoned up in order unto thee: if I would declare and speak of them, they are more than can be numbered.

          Often I have read in Scripture where troubles have driven away sleep but I can’t seem to find an occasion when blessing have disturbed sleep! Notwithstanding, my own sleep suffered from the excitement and amazement of an overwhelming load of God’s goodness!

          Amazement is the first thought that lingers beyond bedtime! Amazed at God’s obvious timing of these blessings and the enormity of His goodness. Amazed also because they are an evident work of grace and not merit. I have done nothing worthy of God’s kind attention and yet I am showered with His gifts. I hardly know whether to laugh or cry – so I have done a little of both.

          Anticipation is the next thing I feel, the air is electric with it, because I know that God is purposeful and He blesses me so that I can be a blessing. I wait for Him to show me how to use his gifts to help others. I search my thoughts for ways to disburse what God has given me.

          Caution steps in as I realize that I have an adversary who is greatly disturbed by God’s merciful actions. I know the enemy will do all he is permitted to do to annoy and upset me. I am wary as I watch for his traps but I know that God has laid a trap for him and may be using me for bait. It is the enemy who should be careful.

Rev 20:10

10 And the devil that deceived them was cast into the lake of fire and brimstone, where the beast and the false prophet are, and shall be tormented day and night for ever and ever.

Ah, Lord God, you have blessed me so much that I am embarrassed. Let me be used as an instrument of blessing in Thy hand. AMEN

MICHAEL STIRRING!

MICHAEL STIRRING!

Dan 10:10-14

10 And, behold, an hand touched me, which set me upon my knees and upon the palms of my hands.

11 And he said unto me, O Daniel, a man greatly beloved, understand the words that I speak unto thee, and stand upright: for unto thee am I now sent. And when he had spoken this word unto me, I stood trembling.

12 Then said he unto me, Fear not, Daniel: for from the first day that thou didst set thine heart to understand, and to chasten thyself before thy God, thy words were heard, and I am come for thy words.

13 But the prince of the kingdom of Persia withstood me one and twenty days: but, lo, Michael, one of the chief princes, came to help me; and I remained there with the kings of Persia.

14 Now I am come to make thee understand what shall befall thy people in the latter days: for yet the vision is for many days.

          The name of this mighty angel forms a question: "Who is like God?" It is composed of three parts: ‎mi‎, meaning "who"; ‎ci‎, meaning "like"; and ‎el‎, the name for God, emphasizing power. One of his assigned duties is to protect the nation Israel from her enemies.

In Daniel's time, an angel of lower rank and power than Michael was sent from heaven to Daniel to answer his prayers and to give revelation regarding Israel's future and the end times. However, he was delayed in transit three weeks by an opposing spirit ruler, a demon, called "the prince of Persia." Then came Michael, the angel said, "to help me, for I had been left there with the kings of Persia" (Dan 10:13). After the angel delivered God's message to Daniel, he left to do battle in the spirit world with "the prince of Greece. . . . Yet there is no one who stands firmly with me against these forces except Michael your prince" (10:20-21).

(from Names of Angels © 1997 by C. Fred Dickason. All rights reserved.)

          As the world grows increasingly evil and violence against Israel presses in on all sides, there is one who will arise to defend them. His name is “Who is like God?” He is God’s great warrior prince.

Ps 91:10-11

10 There shall no evil befall thee, neither shall any plague come nigh thy dwelling.

11 For he shall give his angels charge over thee, to keep thee in all thy ways.

Dear Lord, encamped all around me are unseen protectors and watchers. Let me move with the confidence that comes from knowing you have set a guard over me. AMEN

GOD’S PROMISES FOR TODAY!

GOD’S PROMISES FOR TODAY!

Isa 41:10-16

10 Fear thou not; for I am with thee: be not dismayed; for I am thy God: I will strengthen thee; yea, I will help thee; yea, I will uphold thee with the right hand of my righteousness.

11 Behold, all they that were incensed against thee shall be ashamed and confounded: they shall be as nothing; and they that strive with thee shall perish.

12 Thou shalt seek them, and shalt not find them, even them that contended with thee: they that war against thee shall be as nothing, and as a thing of nought.

13 For I the LORD thy God will hold thy right hand, saying unto thee, Fear not; I will help thee.

14 Fear not, thou worm Jacob, and ye men of Israel; I will help thee, saith the LORD, and thy redeemer, the Holy One of Israel.

15 Behold, I will make thee a new sharp threshing instrument having teeth: thou shalt thresh the mountains, and beat them small, and shalt make the hills as chaff.

16 Thou shalt fan them, and the wind shall carry them away, and the whirlwind shall scatter them: and thou shalt rejoice in the LORD, and shalt glory in the Holy One of Israel.

In these verses God promises…

1. His PRESENCE for the lonely!

One translation says: “Do not anxiously look about you, for I am your God.” (v.10) Anxiety is the companion of the lonely. When we are abandoned we long for a companion either to challenge our opinions or to confirm them. Jesus promised to be that constantly abiding friend we need.

2. His POWER for the helpless!

I will strengthen thee; yea, I will help thee; yea, I will uphold thee with the right hand of my righteousness. (v.10) He is our strength when we are weak – help when we are out of resources – and support when we fail and fall.

3. His PROTECTION for the vulnerable!

Children and the elderly are particularly vulnerable in this world. Those who would abuse them should pay close attention to what the Bible has to say about God’s love of widows and orphans!

Ps 68:5

5 A father of the fatherless, and a judge of the widows, is God in his holy habitation.

4. His PURPOSE for those who feel useless!

I will make thee a new sharp threshing instrument having teeth: thou shalt thresh the mountains, and beat them small, and shalt make the hills as chaff. (v.15)

Dear Lord, thank you for being all that I need today. I bring to you my long list of deficiencies and you give to me your long list of supplies. AMEN

BE TRUE TO YOU!

BE TRUE TO YOU!

Ex 23:2-6

2 Thou shalt not follow a multitude to do evil; neither shalt thou speak in a cause to decline after many to wrest judgment:

3 Neither shalt thou countenance a poor man in his cause.

4 If thou meet thine enemy's ox or his ass going astray, thou shalt surely bring it back to him again.

5 If thou see the ass of him that hateth thee lying under his burden, and wouldest forbear to help him, thou shalt surely help with him.

6 Thou shalt not wrest the judgment of thy poor in his cause.

The mark of adulthood is not a chronological age passed; it is the development of personhood. It means that you have become who you have been becoming and that you are consistent and comfortable with that persona. It means you have cast off the funny fads of adolescence and found a style that is functional and appropriate to the occasion. It means that you do not agree with a faceless crowd simply because it is a crowd.

It is almost painful to watch an adolescent grow up and even more painful to see those who have reached the age where they should have grown up but failed to do so.

Take a look at the important points in our Scripture portion today.

1. Don’t always follow the crowd – especially if it is a mob! Why do people feel they have to say what others say, do what others do, and even wear what others wear in order to feel significant? Especially refrain from swearing to a lie even if everyone else says it is true. Verse 2 particularly speaks of being cautious not to agree with the majority opinion if it is false and would convict the innocent man or release a guilty one.

2. Don’t allow sympathy to cause you to tolerate wrong! This is the force of verse 3 which basically means that you should never be partial to a poor man just because he is poor. Again, do not allow yourself to tolerate sin in someone if he is capable of doing right. Parents often hinder their children from reaching adulthood because they will not hold them accountable.

3. Be a blessing even to someone who is not your friend! Verses 4 and 5 give us the scenario of an “enemy” whose donkey runs away. If you find the donkey simply return it to the owner. If you find the donkey collapsed under a heavy load and the owner, who is your enemy, is struggling with it you should stop and offer to help. It’s really that simple!

William Shakespeare said: “And this above all unto thine own self be true and it shall follow as the day the night – thou can’st not then be false to any man.”

Dear Lord, help me to be fully grown, mature and faithful today. Help me to stand for truth and principles even if I must stand alone. AMEN