WASH ME!

WASH ME!

Ps 51:1-2

51 Have mercy upon me, O God, according to thy lovingkindness: according unto the multitude of thy tender mercies blot out my transgressions.

2 Wash me throughly from mine iniquity, and cleanse me from my sin.

Ps 51:7

7 Purge me with hyssop, and I shall be clean: wash me, and I shall be whiter than snow.

          Twice in this Psalm David asks to be washed. He had sinned with his neighbor’s wife, produced a child, and had the husband killed. He then played the savior by marrying the widow and adopting the child as his own. Everything would have been fine had it not been for Nathan, the prophet who came to him and exposed the whole sordid mess. Now David has no need to hid or pretend. He is exposed and rightly asks for cleansing.

It is interesting that the Hebrew word for wash is kabac which is a primitive word meaning “to trample.” The idea is that the clothing was agitated by trampling with the feet. I don’t think it is coincidental, however, that our sin must be trampled before there is cleansing. Pride must be broken and self must yield. Otherwise forgiveness and restoration is a farce. It is exoneration without justice.

Isa 1:18

18 Come now, and let us reason together, saith the Lord : though your sins be as scarlet, they shall be as white as snow; though they be red like crimson, they shall be as wool.

Trample me, Lord, if that is what is necessary to make me clean! AMEN

IT IS HARD TO DRIVE A NAIL ONCE BENT!

IT IS HARD TO DRIVE A NAIL ONCE BENT!

Eccl 1:15

15 That which is crooked cannot be made straight: and that which is wanting cannot be numbered.

Eccl 7:13-14

13 Consider the work of God: for who can make that straight, which he hath made crooked?

14 In the day of prosperity be joyful, but in the day of adversity consider: God also hath set the one over against the other, to the end that man should find nothing after him.

          This proverb urges man to be in submission to the providence of God. We often decide that God has made things crooked and we then engage in the task of making the circumstances straight. We want the circumstances to fit our notion of what should be right. We preachers do this all the time thinking that to be our calling. It is a Messiah complex that often frustrates us when crooked people can’t be made straight by our efforts. Some things and some people can’t be made straight simply by wanting them to be.

          We are left with two courses of action regarding the workings of God. These are listed in verse fourteen. First, in the day of prosperity when everything seems straight to us, be joyful and thank God that there are no uncomfortable twists and turns in the circumstances of your life. In the day of adversity consider that there is nothing certain in this life. The word “consider” means to study thoroughly or to meditate so as to fully and properly understand but we can’t fully understand why God does what He does. He has His own plans and purposes. In the absence of understanding He bids us to trust in His nature, wisdom and goodness.

          It is hard to drive a nail once bent. There will always be a weakness that keeps it from piercing true. Some things once done can’t be undone and crooked people can be made straight by God alone.

Luke 13:11-13

11 And, behold, there was a woman which had a spirit of infirmity eighteen years, and was bowed together, and could in no wise lift up herself.

12 And when Jesus saw her, he called her to him, and said unto her, Woman, thou art loosed from thine infirmity.

13 And he laid his hands on her: and immediately she was made straight, and glorified God.

Jesus, Master Carpenter, make straight the crookedness in my loved ones and make straight the crookedness in me. AMEN

A MESSAGE FOR GRADUATES!

A MESSAGE FOR GRADUATES!

Josh 3:4-5

4 Yet there shall be a space between you and it, about two thousand cubits by measure: come not near unto it, that ye may know the way by which ye must go: for ye have not passed this way heretofore.

5 And Joshua said unto the people, Sanctify yourselves: for to morrow the Lord  will do wonders among you.

          A nation waited at the brink of a river that was swollen by floods. Certainly Joshua couldn’t expect them to swim across or to build enough boats for their families. So here is what Joshua told them.

          Follow God! He told them to follow after the Ark which represented the presence of God among them. Don’t follow too close and don’t lag too far behind. God is leading! Be sure you position yourself as an observant follower.

          You haven’t been this way before! All the things you have done before have made you ready for this moment but understand that it is a new day. Marvelous things await you along with many challenges. You will have to make adult decisions very soon and the decisions you make will have a lasting impact on you and all around you. Proceed with caution and prayer.

          Sanctify yourselves! The one decision that will serve you well no matter the path you choose is to be pure. I’ve never seen a drug abuser prosper. Never! I’ve never seen rebellion go well. I’ve never seen moral impropriety make one happy. Never!

          Expect God to do wonderful things! He will answer prayers that you did not know you prayed! He will open doors you never expected and He will close doors that you thought were essential. You will be both disappointed and excited. This is what divine guidance is all about. Yield to it and it will be wonderful.

Jer 29:11

11 For I know the thoughts that I think toward you, saith the Lord , thoughts of peace, and not of evil, to give you an expected end.

SUCCEEDING IN THE WRONG DIRECTION!

SUCCEEDING IN THE WRONG DIRECTION!

Eccl 2:8-11

8 I gathered me also silver and gold, and the peculiar treasure of kings and of the provinces: I gat me men singers and women singers, and the delights of the sons of men, as musical instruments, and that of all sorts.

9 So I was great, and increased more than all that were before me in Jerusalem: also my wisdom remained with me.

10 And whatsoever mine eyes desired I kept not from them, I withheld not my heart from any joy; for my heart rejoiced in all my labour: and this was my portion of all my labour.

11 Then I looked on all the works that my hands had wrought, and on the labour that I had laboured to do: and, behold, all was vanity and vexation of spirit, and there was no profit under the sun.

          The meaning of the word “vanity” has changed. Now it means “undue pride in oneself or one’s appearance.” The word, as it was used by Solomon, means “empty, tasteless and unsatisfactory.” Solomon was saying: “All my pursuits accomplished what I had wished for but left my soul discontented and peeved.”

          I have sometimes too much opportunity to witness the vain pursuits of people. I watch them as they seek love only to find a contentious relationship. They seek wealth only to lose rest. They seek children and family only to find heartache. They seek fame only to lose identity. Life for many is only vanity and vexation of spirit. Thankfully, Solomon gave us some good advice in the end.

Eccl 12:13-14

13 Let us hear the conclusion of the whole matter: Fear God, and keep his commandments: for this is the whole duty of man.

14 For God shall bring every work into judgment, with every secret thing, whether it be good, or whether it be evil.

Dear Father, I have chased after unsatisfactory things long enough. Let me succeed in the right direction. AMEN

BLAMELESS?

BLAMELESS?

Titus 1:5-7

5 For this cause left I thee in Crete, that thou shouldest set in order the things that are wanting, and ordain elders in every city, as I had appointed thee:

6 If any be blameless, the husband of one wife, having faithful children not accused of riot or unruly. 7 For a bishop must be blameless, as the steward of God;

          As a bishop (pastor) I find this to be a pretty tall order! Good? Certainly! Kind? Absolutely! But the idea of being blameless is intimidating to the best of us.

          The Old Testament defines blamelessness as being ethically strong and operating entirely in accord with the truth (Psalm 119:1). In our text above the word blameless is the Greek anegkletos which means unaccused; irreproachable. It does not mean perfection but it points to a lifestyle of integrity.

          As we stroll down the streets of the city do people point and say that we are people  who are ethically strong and true in our dealings? When our name is mentioned in polite conversation do people cringe with disgust or do they nod with approval?

Heb 11:5

5 By faith Enoch was translated that he should not see death; and was not found, because God had translated him: for before his translation he had this testimony, that he pleased God.

Dear Lord, let me be pure in heart and ethical in my dealings so that others may know that your own Spirit dwells in me. AMEN

MADE SIN FOR US!

MADE SIN FOR US!

2 Cor 5:21

21 For he hath made him to be sin for us, who knew no sin; that we might be made the righteousness of God in him.

          Scholars see in this verse much to argue about but, I suppose, that is the nature of scholars. One is furious that anyone should think that Jesus might be considered the greatest of sinners because of our sins. Another marvels that the Son of God was made completely sin. For me it is simpler than all that. I, the sinner, became righteous while He, the righteous, bore the punishment!

          Perhaps we should listen carefully to the comment of Christ Himself when he looked up into the face of God and said: “My God, My God, Why hast thou forsaken me?” (Matthew 27:46) For the first time ever, Jesus felt abandoned by the Father because either [1] the Father could not countenance sin or [2] He could not look upon the punishment being borne by His Son. Either way works for me and perhaps it is for both reasons.

          I think we argue these points so that we don’t have to focus on the truth that we are sinners. Our most horrible sin was laid on Jesus. Now it no longer rests on us. Not only have we been wiped clean but we have been deep cleaned. It’s not fair now and it wasn’t fair then.

          Jesus was just what John said he was. He was the Lamb of God that taketh away the sin of the world. Think of it! A world of sin!

Nothing But The Blood

For my pardon, this I see,
Nothing but the blood of Jesus;
For my cleansing this my plea,
Nothing but the blood of Jesus.

Father we dare not sanitize religion by ignoring the very blood that saves us. Thank you for becoming my sin offering. AMEN

ANOTHER PLEASANT VALLEY SUNDAY!

ANOTHER PLEASANT VALLEY SUNDAY!

Matt 24:37-39

37 But as the days of Noe were, so shall also the coming of the Son of man be.

38 For as in the days that were before the flood they were eating and drinking, marrying and giving in marriage, until the day that Noe entered into the ark,

39 And knew not until the flood came, and took them all away; so shall also the coming of the Son of man be.

Memorial Day reminds me of an old song. “Pleasant Valley Sunday” is a song by Gerry Goffin and Carole King, most famous for the version recorded by The Monkees in 1967. Goffin’s and king’s inspiration for the name was a street named Pleasant Valley Way, in West Orange, New Jersey where they were living at the time. The road follows a valley through several communities among the Watchung Mountains. The lyrics were a social commentary on status symbols, creature comforts, life in suburbia and “keeping up with the Joneses.” (Source Wikipedia) Thoughtless consumerism is not a new phenomenon and neither is social commentary although both did spike in the sixties.

Jesus predicted that “the coming of the Son of man” would take place during a time of lazy luxury. People would be focused on the common affairs of daily life and that these concerns would crowd out any thought of morality, God or eternity. Jesus never recommended the abandonment of daily activities but He did warn against an irreligious life.

As we light the grill and slice the watermelon, let us remember those who died to give us the freedoms we enjoy. As we go about our daily activities, let us glance occasionally at the cross and give thanks to the One who died to purchase our salvation.

Dear Lord, let me not be so consumed with consumerism that I forget to remember your sacrifice. AMEN

THE CROSS – OUR MEMORIAL WALL!

THE CROSS – OUR MEMORIAL WALL!

John 19:25

25 Now there stood by the cross of Jesus his mother, and his mother's sister, Mary the wife of Cleophas, and Mary Magdalene.

Heb 12:2

2 Looking unto Jesus the author and finisher of our faith; who for the joy that was set before him endured the cross, despising the shame, and is set down at the right hand of the throne of God.

The Vietnam Veterans Memorial was dedicated in 1982. In the first 15 years, 54,000 items were left at the Wall. It still takes almost an hour every night, [and much longer on Memorial Day,] to collect all the mementos such as a teddy bear, a photo of a soldier's grandchild, a letter from a daughter who never knew her dad, and such like.

         Every item is labeled and taken to a warehouse. No one knows quite how to deal with it all. "No one ever expected this to happen," a park ranger says. "It's so personal. It caught everyone by surprise."

Who would have thought, on that day so long ago, that the rugged Cross of Calvary would be the memorial wall for so many through the ages? If you search the Scriptures for the phrase “take your burdens to the cross” you will not find it written there. Yet we use this so often we are emotionally certain it should be. What we DO find is this following verse.

Col 2:14

14 Blotting out the handwriting of ordinances that was against us, which was contrary to us, and took it out of the way, nailing it to his cross.

Think of the “warehouse” needed to hold all the “handwritings” which have been nailed to His cross! Now think of all those that are nailed there day after day. It is very personal and would surely take you by surprise!

Approach the cross with reverence and respect! Remember the One who died to give you true freedom. Place before the cross all those personal things that so strongly connect you with it. Pause a while and say thank you. Let the tears flow for a few minutes and remember!

In John Bunyan’s book, Pilgrim’s Progress, Christian finally reaches the place of the cross. “Then was Christian glad and lightsome, and said with a merry heart, He hath given me rest by his sorrow, and life by his death. Then he stood still awhile to look and wonder; for it was very surprising to him, that the sight of the Cross should thus ease him of his Burden.” Then his heart burst with praise and he said:

Blest Cross! blest Sepulchre! blest rather be
The Man that there was put to shame for me.

The Cross – where my restless heart has finally found a home!

Oh my Lord! Thank you for your sacrifice on the Cross. AMEN

NOT WORTHY!

NOT WORTHY!

Gen 32:9-12

9 And Jacob said, O God of my father Abraham, and God of my father Isaac, the Lord  which saidst unto me, Return unto thy country, and to thy kindred, and I will deal well with thee:

10 I am not worthy of the least of all the mercies, and of all the truth, which thou hast shewed unto thy servant; for with my staff I passed over this Jordan; and now I am become two bands.

11 Deliver me, I pray thee, from the hand of my brother, from the hand of Esau: for I fear him, lest he will come and smite me, and the mother with the children.

12 And thou saidst, I will surely do thee good, and make thy seed as the sand of the sea, which cannot be numbered for multitude.

          Jacob, the scoundrel, was about to return home accompanied by his wives, his children, and all his abundance. He had fled the rage of his brother whom he had cheated of both birthright and blessing. Now the prospect of meeting his angry brother causes him to pray. In this prayer I see FOUR important points to remember when we pray.

          We must understand who God is! This, at its best, is elementary because which of us has fully mined the depths of Jehovah God? Nevertheless, Jacob begins by acknowledging God as supreme. This is fundamental in our relationship with Him.

          We must understand who we are! The word “unworthy” is a difficult Hebrew word to fully interpret. It is the word qaton which, essentially means “to be made small.” Jacob saw himself shrinking before God’s great person, power, and patience. God’s goodness to him was so overwhelming that he had to admit that he deserved none of it.

          We must express our concerns! Jacob correctly began his prayer with the words “for I fear” in verse eleven. In my opinion, Jacob feared that his brother would be as ruthless as himself. In his returning parade, Jacob sent ahead his substance and then what could only be described as the sacrifice of his family before he, himself, met his angry brother. Always the manipulator, Jacob thought to assuage the anger of his offended brother. This was his fear and his prayer.

          We must remember God’s promises! Jacob reminded God of his promise to do him good and to make him a great nation. I suspect God needs no reminder but we need to remind ourselves of God’s covenant with us. If God has promised blessing, then this fear is not well founded. Only when we are convinced of God’s good intentions toward us can we move forward in faith.

Awesome God! I shrink before you as one who has no standing with you except your great kindness. I bring to you my fears and concerns. Remember your promises to me. In Jesus’ Name. AMEN

DON’T CAGE MY SONG!

DON’T CAGE MY SONG!

Luke 4:18-19

18 The Spirit of the Lord is upon me, because he hath anointed me to preach the gospel to the poor; he hath sent me to heal the brokenhearted, to preach deliverance to the captives, and recovering of sight to the blind, to set at liberty them that are bruised,

19 To preach the acceptable year of the Lord.

The joyful and almost intrusive song of a Texas Mockingbird comes from a slender-bodied gray bird. They apparently pour all their color into their personalities. They sing almost endlessly, sometimes even at night. They go on learning new sounds throughout their lives. The song is a long series of phrases, with each phrase repeated 2-6 times before shifting to a new sound; the songs can go on for 20 seconds or more. These are the joyful sounds of freedom!

   Archibald Rutledge tells the story that as a young boy he was always catching and caging wild things. He particularly loved the sound of the mockingbird, so he decided to catch one and keep it so he could hear it sing any time.

   He found a very young mockingbird and placed it in a cage outside his home. On the second day he saw a mother bird fly to the cage and feed the young bird through the bars. This pleased young Archibald. But then the following morning he found the little bird was dead.

   Later young Arch was talking to the renowned ornithologist Arthur Wayne, who told him, "A mother mockingbird, finding her young in a cage, will sometimes take it poisonous berries. She evidently thinks it better for one she loves to die rather than live in captivity."  --James S. Hewett, Illustrations Unlimited (Wheaton: Tyndale House Publishers, Inc, 1988) p. 225.

          We hold these truths to be self-evident, that all men are created equal, that they are endowed by their Creator with certain unalienable Rights, that among these are Life, Liberty and the pursuit of Happiness. — That to secure these rights, Governments are instituted among Men, deriving their just powers from the consent of the governed. (The Declaration of Independence)

Dear Lord, having been set free from the cage of sin by thy mercy, let me sing my song long into the night. AMEN

NOT EVERYONE!

NOT EVERYONE!

Matt 7:21-23

21 Not every one that saith unto me, Lord, Lord, shall enter into the kingdom of heaven; but he that doeth the will of my Father which is in heaven.

22 Many will say to me in that day, Lord, Lord, have we not prophesied in thy name? and in thy name have cast out devils? and in thy name done many wonderful works?

23 And then will I profess unto them, I never knew you: depart from me, ye that work iniquity.

          Jesus uses various illustrations to explain that there are two paths and only two. One leads to destruction and this path is occupied by the many. The other path is strait which is the Greek word stenos which means narrow and surrounded by obstacles. Since that is so, should we not give serious consideration to the popularity of some modern brands of Christianity? On the other hand, must true Christianity be unpopular and ill attended?

          The fact is that God is the only qualified judge of whether faith is real or insincere. Warren Wiersbe says: “A false profession will last until judgment comes. Sometimes this judgment is in the form of the trials of life. Like the person who received the seed of God's Word into a shallow heart (Matt 13:4-9), the commitment fails when the testing comes. Many people have professed faith in Christ, only to deny their faith when life becomes spiritually costly and difficult.”

          Jesus shines the light on overt religious activity and shows that it is no real measurement of true faith. Even foretelling the future or claiming to speak with divine inspiration is no guarantee that religious works are genuine. Even the casting out of demons and performing wonderful works is no real proof. Interestingly, the word “works” is the Greek word dunamis which is the same word used in Acts 1:8 when Jesus promised power from the Holy Spirit.

          The wheat and the tares (weeds) will grow together until harvest day when one will be gathered into barns and the other will be burned. Jesus warned against trying to remove the mote (a piece of straw) from my neighbor’s eye while there is a beam (log) in my own. Diligence must be applied to make sure our faith is genuine (2 Peter 1:10).

Dear Lord, let me be sure of my calling and display truth in my dealings. AMEN

A PLACE OF HONOR IN HIS KINGDOM!

A PLACE OF HONOR IN HIS KINGDOM!

Matt 20:20-28

20 Then came to him the mother of Zebedee's children with her sons, worshipping him, and desiring a certain thing of him.

21 And he said unto her, What wilt thou? She saith unto him, Grant that these my two sons may sit, the one on thy right hand, and the other on the left, in thy kingdom.

22 But Jesus answered and said, Ye know not what ye ask. Are ye able to drink of the cup that I shall drink of, and to be baptized with the baptism that I am baptized with? They say unto him, We are able.

23 And he saith unto them, Ye shall drink indeed of my cup, and be baptized with the baptism that I am baptized with: but to sit on my right hand, and on my left, is not mine to give, but it shall be given to them for whom it is prepared of my Father.

24 And when the ten heard it, they were moved with indignation against the two brethren.

25 But Jesus called them unto him, and said, Ye know that the princes of the Gentiles exercise dominion over them, and they that are great exercise authority upon them.

26 But it shall not be so among you: but whosoever will be great among you, let him be your minister;

27 And whosoever will be chief among you, let him be your servant:

28 Even as the Son of man came not to be ministered unto, but to minister, and to give his life a ransom for many.

          The bombastic and headstrong “sons of thunder” asked Mommy to speak to Jesus about a place of honor in the kingdom. The popularity of Jesus was swelling and it surely seemed that Jesus would soon drive out the Romans and sit upon His throne in Jerusalem. Zebedee’s boys had followed this unusual leader for about three years and now the time would come to cash in on their sacrifice and dedication.

          Jesus, ever tender in the face of ignorance, asked the mother what she wanted. She wanted the number two and number three positions for her boys. The comments from Adam Clarke’s Commentary are helpful and I will include it here.

That the sons of Zebedee wished for ecclesiastical rather than secular honours, may be thought probable, from the allusion that is made here to the supreme dignities in the great Sanhedrin. The prince of the Sanhedrin (HA-NASI) sat in the midst of two rows of senators or elders; on his right hand sat the person termed AB (the father of the Sanhedrin;) and on his left hand the CHACHAM, or sage. These persons transacted all business in the absence of the president. The authority of this council was at some periods very great, and extended to a multitude of matters both ecclesiastical and civil. These appear to have been the honours which James and John sought.

          Since the boys were applying for an important job, Jesus asked them if they might be qualified to be seated in such important positions. Just a couple of questions were asked but these too were misunderstood. [1] Can you drink of my cup? The cup was a cup of toil and suffering. Too casually they eagerly replied in the affirmative. [2] Are you willing to submit to my baptism which includes ignominious death? Once again the eager answer was yes.

          Jesus answered that they would indeed drink of His cup. James was slain with the sword by Herod (Acts 12:2) Tradition says John was boiled in oil but miraculously survived to be banished to the island of Patmos where he wrote the Revelation. These things could not have been included in the hopes of Zebedee’s wife and children.

          We misunderstand the nature of much of what we ask God for. If He does not grant our request we pout and think Him to be unkind. If He grants our request, and suffering is included, we think Him to be cruel. It is always best to leave the path of our lives to Him.

Job 23:10

10 But he knoweth the way that I take: when he hath tried me, I shall come forth as gold.

Dear Lord, I often ask you for things I do not fully understand. Thank you for giving me only your best. Help me to trust you more. AMEN

GROANINGS!

GROANINGS!

Rom 8:21-23

21 Because the creature itself also shall be delivered from the bondage of corruption into the glorious liberty of the children of God.

22 For we know that the whole creation groaneth and travaileth in pain together until now.

23 And not only they, but ourselves also, which have the firstfruits of the Spirit, even we ourselves groan within ourselves, waiting for the adoption, to wit, the redemption of our body.

          Recently there is a renewed internet interest in strange groaning sounds or trumpet sounds that have been heard in various parts of the world. The sounds resemble an orchestra tuning up for a concert or the chanting and groaning of a male choir. It is frighteningly strange. Theories range from secret government testing to angelic warfare.

          The Bible mentions the groaning of creation in the above portion. The Greek word is sustenazo which means to moan jointly due to a common calamity; to groan together. When God laid the corner stone of creation, the morning stars sang together, and all the sons of God (angels) shouted for joy. (Job 38:7) Whether any of these sounds are audible to any but the ears of God can’t be fully known.

          We also groan because we were created in liberty but descended into bondage through Adam’s fall. Our very bodies feel the weight of it. The longer we walk in this life the more we groan to be delivered of it.

          God understands groaning! Jesus groaned when he healed the blind man and at the tomb of His friend Lazarus. He hears the groaning of our spirit when our anguish cannot find words.

Rom 8:26

26 Likewise the Spirit also helpeth our infirmities: for we know not what we should pray for as we ought: but the Spirit itself maketh intercession for us with groanings which cannot be uttered.

Dear Lord, hear the prayers of my lips and of my heart today. Interpret my groaning and plead with the Father for me. AMEN

HOW TO BUILD A BELIEVER!

HOW TO BUILD A BELIEVER!

Matt 28:18 - 20

18 And Jesus came and spake unto them, saying, All power is given unto me in heaven and in earth.

19 Go ye therefore, and teach all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost:

20 Teaching them to observe all things whatsoever I have commanded you: and, lo, I am with you alway, even unto the end of the world. Amen.

1. Engage him with the Scriptures!

2 Tim 3:15-17

15 And that from a child thou hast known the holy scriptures, which are able to make thee wise unto salvation through faith which is in Christ Jesus.

16 All scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness:

17 That the man of God may be perfect, throughly furnished unto all good works.

Rom 10:17

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

2. Disciple him one-on-one!

John 1:43

43 The day following Jesus would go forth into Galilee, and findeth Philip, and saith unto him, Follow me.

The word “follow” is from a Greek word that means “to be in the same way with me.” It implies a mimicking of the one being followed.

3. Teach him to multiply his life!

2 Tim 2:2

2 And the things that thou hast heard of me among many witnesses, the same commit thou to faithful men, who shall be able to teach others also.

“The Scriptures are the comprehensive equipment of the man of God, and fit him fully for all branches of his work.” (2 Timothy 3:17) J. B. Phillips Translation

4. Lead him to make Christ the center of his life!

1 Cor 3:10-11

10 According to the grace of God which is given unto me, as a wise masterbuilder, I have laid the foundation, and another buildeth thereon. But let every man take heed how he buildeth thereupon.

11 For other foundation can no man lay than that is laid, which is Jesus Christ.

At the core of the life of the believer is the art of intimacy with Christ. 

5. Be the kind of person you want your disciple to be!

1 Cor 11:1

11:1 Be ye followers of me, even as I also am of Christ.

Dear Lord, let me be the kind of believer that produces a generation after me. AMEN

OVERTAKEN!

OVERTAKEN!

Gal 6:1-2

6 Brethren, if a man be overtaken in a fault, ye which are spiritual, restore such an one in the spirit of meekness; considering thyself, lest thou also be tempted.

2 Bear ye one another's burdens, and so fulfil the law of Christ.

          The Greek word for “overtaken” is the word prolambano which essentially means “to catch before the ball is thrown!” It means “to eat before others have an opportunity; to cut in line; to surprise.” The idea is that some fault, paraptoma a side-slip or unintentional error, has surprised the Christian in his usually steady walk.

          Dealing with such a person requires one to be “spiritual,” non-carnal; a mind that is in tune with God’s Spirit. The purpose is always restoration katartizo which means to repair or adjust. It may refer to setting a joint or broken bone back in place. It will generally be painful. The spiritual mindset does not slip into the judges robe to condemn but rather he puts on the doctor’s smock to heal. It requires circumspection on the part of the healer.

          Within the community of believers there must be a mutual and beneficial sharing and bearing of burdens – heavy things. It requires us to be watchful and sensitive to those who are dragging a bit under their load. Lend a hand and lift their load. It means that when the load becomes too heavy for us there will be another who comes alongside and lifts our load. So, stumbling along under the burden, we all cross the goal together in victory.

Dear Lord, let me be a burden bearer today. Amen

THERE IS A RIVER!

THERE IS A RIVER!

Ps 46:4

4 There is a river, the streams whereof shall make glad the city of God, the holy place of the tabernacles of the most High.

Rev 22:1-3

22:1 And he shewed me a pure river of water of life, clear as crystal, proceeding out of the throne of God and of the Lamb.

2 In the midst of the street of it, and on either side of the river, was there the tree of life, which bare twelve manner of fruits, and yielded her fruit every month: and the leaves of the tree were for the healing of the nations.

3 And there shall be no more curse: but the throne of God and of the Lamb shall be in it; and his servants shall serve him:

          What John saw in Revelation chapter 22, Ezekiel also recorded in his 47^th chapter. An angelic guide gave Ezekiel a grand tour of the city of God and the river which issued from under the threshold is a prominent feature. To the people of the arid region of Israel water is a great treasure. The character of this river is pure, clear as crystal, and it may be enjoyed as much as needed.

          This river is emblematic of God’s peace. While the sea rages and casts up mire and flotsam this river is still and deep. The mind can imagine a resting place with cool green grassy banks upon which to lounge unmolested by any trouble. He leads us beside the still waters and makes us to lie down in this green grass. This river is the peace of God’s fulfilled purpose. Every puzzle piece is securely in place and there is no question that languishes without an answer. This kind of peace is not to be found in this world except in brief moments.

          It is this kind of peace, a river of peace, which believers look forward to. We are going to that city. Here the heathen rage and mobs rant and violence fills the streets. Unsatisfied men wound and kill each other but they are unsatisfied still. On that peaceful shore there is no want or need that has not been bountifully fulfilled. There the soul rests by the river. There the nations are healed by the medicine of the leaves of the trees.

2 Thess 1:7

7 And to you who are troubled rest with us, when the Lord Jesus shall be revealed from heaven with his mighty angels,

Dear Lord, give your own peace to those who are troubled today. May they enjoy peace like a river. AMEN

INVITING OTHERS TO COME!

INVITING OTHERS TO COME!

Num 10:29-32

29 And Moses said unto Hobab, the son of Raguel the Midianite, Moses' father in law, We are journeying unto the place of which the Lord  said, I will give it you: come thou with us, and we will do thee good: for the Lord  hath spoken good concerning Israel.

30 And he said unto him, I will not go; but I will depart to mine own land, and to my kindred.

31 And he said, Leave us not, I pray thee; forasmuch as thou knowest how we are to encamp in the wilderness, and thou mayest be to us instead of eyes.

32 And it shall be, if thou go with us, yea, it shall be, that what goodness the Lord  shall do unto us, the same will we do unto thee.

          The son of Moses’ father in law meant that Hobab was his brother in law! Moses wanted his in-laws to journey with them to the promised land. At first Hobab declined the offer. He preferred to stay in his own land with his own people. Why should he sacrifice comfort and security for an unknown future? It was a comfortable choice but Moses knew it would be the wrong choice.

          Moses knew that anyone travelling with Israel would be blessed in the end. They were going to the land of promise. So Moses offered Hobab an incentive. He asked him to be Israel’s guide. Now, I know that Israel was being guided by the pillar of cloud and fire, but Hobab had knowledge of the terrain and was experienced in how to arrange encampments. Warren Wiersbe says: “Hobab must have agreed to the proposal, because years later we find his descendants living with the Israelites (Judg 1:16; 4:11).”

          We should be inviting others to come! We must not minimize the difficulty of the journey but we should emphasize the blessings to those who join us. As Moses said: “if thou go with us, yea, it shall be, that what goodness the Lord  shall do unto us, the same will we do unto thee.”

Dear Lord, it is hard to convince those who are comfortably situated to travel with us but let us persist in inviting others to come because of the blessings at the end of the journey. AMEN

WISH OR HOPE?

WISH OR HOPE?

3 John 2

2 Beloved, I wish above all things that thou mayest prosper and be in health, even as thy soul prospereth.

Heb 6:17-19

17 Wherein God, willing more abundantly to shew unto the heirs of promise the immutability of his counsel, confirmed it by an oath:

18 That by two immutable things, in which it was impossible for God to lie, we might have a strong consolation, who have fled for refuge to lay hold upon the hope set before us:

19 Which hope we have as an anchor of the soul, both sure and stedfast, and which entereth into that within the veil;

          Merriam-Webster defines “wish” as “to have a desire; long for.” The word “hope” is: “to desire with expectation of fulfillment.” In the English Bible the word wish is found only six times while the word hope is found 129 times. Hope is all over the Bible!

          We may wish, or have a strong desire, for many things but have no real expectation that those wishes will come true. We may wish for a million dollars with absolutely no expectation of ever receiving that amount. Wishing is just dreaming.

          Hope, however, has an expectation. Hope has a foundation. Hope looks forward to that day when the dream becomes a reality. Our hope, according to the writer of Hebrews, is anchored in the veil of the Temple. This veil was torn in two from the top to the bottom when Jesus died to pay for our sins. My sin-debt was cancelled and I now have genuine hope.

          My hope is not just based upon an historical event. My hope is built on my relationship with Christ. He said to come unto Him and I came. He said to repent and I did so. He said to trust and I trusted. He said to believe and I do believe. He said He would wash away all my sin initially and then give me daily cleansing. As the song says…

My hope is built on nothing less

Than Jesus’ blood and righteousness.

I dare not trust the sweetest frame

But wholly lean on Jesus name.

          Is your hope well founded or are you just wishing?

Dear Lord, thank you for a lively hope. Thank you that my hope is a true hope and not just a wish. AMEN