CAN THESE BONES LIVE?

 

Friday, September 20, 2024

 

CAN THESE BONES LIVE?

 

Ezek 37:1-3

37 The hand of the Lord was upon me, and carried me out in the spirit of the Lord, and set me down in the midst of the valley, which was full of bones,

2 And caused me to pass by them round about: and behold, there were very many in the open valley; and, lo, they were very dry.

3 And he said unto me, Son of man, can these bones live? And I answered, O Lord God, thou knowest.

 

          Warren Wiersbe explains: “At the beginning of Ezekiel's ministry, the Spirit transported him to sit among the discouraged exiles by the canal (3:14 ff). Later, the Spirit took him in visions to Jerusalem (8:3 ff), to the temple gate and then back to Babylon (11:1,24). Now the Spirit brought him in a vision to a valley filled with many bleached bones, scattered on the ground, the skeletons of corpses long ago decomposed and devoured by carrion-eating birds and animals. These people were slain (37:9), and they may have been soldiers in the Jewish army (v. 10).”

 

          The obvious point is that God is the God of impossible situations! These were not sick bodies but dead ones. The need was not revival but resurrection. God made man from the dust of the ground, and He had little more to deal with in this case! Ezekiel was powerless except for his prophetic contribution. He could only speak to them! “O ye dry bones, hear the word of the Lord. Ezekiel 37:4”

 

          Israel said, “Our bones are dried, and our hope is lost: Ezekiel 37:11” Perhaps you feel the same way about your own situation. You see no way out of your predicament. There is no cure for your disease and no hope for your cause. But know that God still sits comfortably on his throne, and He rules. He can cause dry bones to live!

 

Ps 42:11

11 Why art thou cast down, O my soul? and why art thou disquieted within me? hope thou in God: for I shall yet praise him, who is the health of my countenance, and my God.

 

Dear God of hopeless causes, look upon the dryness of my situation and restore life. Let me yet praise you. AMEN

 

WHY JESUS RESORTED TO HIGH MOUNTAINS!

 

Thursday, September 19, 2024

 

WHY JESUS RESORTED TO HIGH MOUNTAINS!

 

Matt 14:22-23

22 And straightway Jesus constrained his disciples to get into a ship, and to go before him unto the other side, while he sent the multitudes away.

23 And when he had sent the multitudes away, he went up into a mountain apart to pray: and when the evening was come, he was there alone.

 

          The phrase “mountain apart” can be found three times in the New Testament. Once after Jesus and the disciples had finished feeding and dealing with a multitude. He sent them across the lake, and he climbed the mountain. The other two times the phrase refers to the mount of transfiguration where Jesus revealed to them His glory.

 

          Interestingly, the word “apart” is the Greek idios which literally means private! If you will excuse the cuteness, idios could mean adios! Sometimes you just have to get away! It has nothing to do with a loss of love for those who are needy. It has everything to do with a loss of energy.

 

          It is also very encouraging to note that it was atop a mountain “apart” that Jesus was transfigured. He changed forms. He appeared as spirit talking with other spirits. His whole person shined like the day. Peter was so amazed that he did not know what to say – so he said it. I have heard similar responses myself. Impractical and unreasonable!

 

          Jesus recommended the same therapy for his disciples who helped Him conduct his ministry. “And he said unto them, Come ye yourselves apart into a desert place [a place without people], and rest a while: for there were many coming and going, and they had no leisure so much as to eat.”  Mark 6:31

 

Dear Lord, every now and then I feel the need to withdraw temporarily so that I might see your glory and refresh my spirit. Refresh me today so that I may refresh others. AMEN

 

HE BRINGS ORDER OUT OF CHAOS!

 

Wednesday, September 18, 2024

Ponder this timely classic

 

HE BRINGS ORDER OUT OF CHAOS!

 

1 Cor 14:33

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

 

          The context of this verse is set in the midst of instructions regarding the proper use of the temporary gift of previously unlearned languages to transmit God’s word to the churches. The Bible had not yet been completed and, in fact, was still being lived out. Truth was transmitted by way of special messengers who would give that message in a language they did not know. Another in the church would be gifted with the interpretation and answer. The Corinthians were abusing this and Satan was counterfeiting it. The result was confusion and clamor. However, for our purposes, we will pull out the principle and let it stand alone. God is not the author of confusion.

 

          The opposite of confusion (akatastasia) is not clarity but peace (eirene)! Peace is possible even when things are not yet perfectly clear! Many strands of a knotty problem may yet need to be unraveled but the spirit is at peace. Isn’t that what we want when we pray? We ask God to make things clear to us when what we really want is peace. We want to know that those confusing things will eventually work out and that they are not confusing to God. We need to know that God is in control, working things out for good.

 

          Creation shows God’s handiwork in bringing order out of chaos. We are alarmed to read that “earth was without form and void and darkness was upon the face of the deep.” Many have tried to make much of that statement without any satisfactory conclusion. I think it simply can be explained by watching a potter. His first order of business is to scoop up a batch of mud. It has no form or function. That is the job of the potter.

 

          The demoniac of Gadara was so out of control that he was chained naked amongst the tombs. He was in constant torment and cried out. Later, in Luke 8:35, he was seen sitting by Jesus clothed and in his right mind! The change was so dramatic that it made the disciples afraid. Since the demoniac was no problem for Jesus, certainly we can bring our chaos to Him.

 

Dear Lord, I bring you my confusion. Please give me your peace! AMEN

 

DON’T HIDE YOUR CANDLE!

 

Tuesday, September 17, 2024

 

DON’T HIDE YOUR CANDLE!

 

Luke 8:16

16 No man, when he hath lighted a candle, covereth it with a vessel, or putteth it under a bed; but setteth it on a candlestick, that they which enter in may see the light.

 

          The analogous candle is a familiar Biblical example of the life of the believer. We have been set ablaze by our faith in Christ and in Him is “no darkness at all” (1 John 1:5). That a man would light a candle and then cover it with a vessel or put it under a bed is foolish. Yet it is clear that Jesus sees us doing exactly that with the candle of our life.

 

          A most interesting word in our scripture today is the word “vessel.” It sometimes means “household goods” or “stuff.” Oh, I see it often! A talented believer sometimes has his light hidden beneath the accumulation of his stuff.

 

The word is also used to designate the human body as in “he is a chosen vessel.”  How often is the light of the gospel dimmed by our indulgence of the body’s needs or the concern for the body’s safety? We do not speak for fear of enduring some deprivation of accustomed pleasure. We will not venture far to share the gospel for fear of personal safety. The light has become darkness.

 

Luke 11:33

33 No man, when he hath lighted a candle, putteth it in a secret place, neither under a bushel, but on a candlestick, that they which come in may see the light.

 

          Jesus again, as recorded by Luke, says that it is unthinkable to place a lighted candle in a secret place. Now, the word that is translated “a secret place” is the Greek word krupte (kroop-tay) and means “a place concealed or a private place.” How often is the gospel hidden simply because it is viewed as my very own private light? The nature of light makes this thought even more ridiculous. Light can’t be privately held. Once you turn on the light, it shines upon all.

 

          The believer is a candle to all and has been set ablaze by his faith in Christ. His design and purpose is to shine so that others may see the light. If we hide ourselves under material stuff our light becomes darkness. If we keep our light selfishly private, then no one will see.

 

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, set me on fire and put me in a prominent place that I may give light to those in darkness. Amen

 

THE LORD OF ALL MY NEED!

 

Monday, September 16, 2024

 

THE LORD OF ALL MY NEED!

 

Summer, although still very warm in our corner of the world, is winding down. The sounds of school children echo from the school yards. Already shelves are stocked with fall decorations, Halloween things, and even Christmas trees.

 

It has not been a summer of rest but of flurry and sometimes worry. Our nation is in a crisis of leadership and there is great discontent.  The wicked rule and the people mourn. Yet we have a shepherd who is the Lord of all our needs.

 

Ps 23

The LORD is my shepherd; I shall not want.

2 He maketh me to lie down in green pastures: he leadeth me beside the still waters.

3 He restoreth my soul: he leadeth me in the paths of righteousness for his name's sake.

4 Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil: for thou art with me; thy rod and thy staff they comfort me.

5 Thou preparest a table before me in the presence of mine enemies: thou anointest my head with oil; my cup runneth over.

6 Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life: and I will dwell in the house of the LORD for ever.

 

When I need peace – he makes me lie down in green pastures beside still waters. I think this is modern man’s greatest and most elusive need.

 

When I am weak – he restores my soul [renews my strength]. Even young people are consuming popular “energy drinks” at an amazing rate but I have peace like a river.

 

When I am afraid – he walks with me through my darkest valleys. He protects me with his rod and guides me with his staff. My foot doesn’t stumble though the way is narrow and rough. When enemies and predators roar, he sets me inside a perimeter of safety and prepares a quiet dinner in the midst of it.

 

When I am troubled and frustrated – he anoints my head with oil protecting me from the burning of the sun and from the annoying flies and worries that buzz my head.

 

When I fear a lack of supplies – my cup, my portion, he fills to overflowing. I am given more than enough, sometimes through miraculous means.

 

When I think of my future – I realize that his goodness and mercy has led me all the way and I rest upon the promise that I will be welcomed into the House of the Lord where I have an eternal home.

 

Dear Lord, thank you for being my shepherd. Nothing will approach me today for which you are not prepared. I rest in you today. AMEN

 

BEFORE YOU ASK HIM!

 

Sunday, September 15, 2024

 

BEFORE YOU ASK HIM!

 

Matt 6:8

Your Father knoweth what things ye have need of, before ye ask him.

 

Acts 9:6

6 And he trembling and astonished said, Lord, what wilt thou have me to do? And the Lord said unto him, Arise, and go into the city, and it shall be told thee what thou must do.

 

          Both our needs and our deeds are known to God beforehand! Oh! If only God were not so frustratingly invisible, we might not fret to know the fearful unknown. If He were flesh and nearby, we could rest in Him but, of course, that is what faith is all about.

 

          Our needs are well known by the Lord before we actually need them! Along the way God provides for those needs. Sometimes He provides our needs through what we call normal and natural means. We work and earn, and our needs are met. At other wonderful times God provides by unexpected means. When God provides unexpectedly, He often does so by bringing us close to disaster just before the need is met. Living by faith is an exciting way of life – much like sleeping on a roller coaster.

 

          Our deeds, if they are surrendered to the Lord, are also planned out for us. Paul had just encountered the risen Christ on the Damascus Road. Because he was totally captivated by a vastly superior force, he asked God what he was to do. Jesus simply told him to continue on to Damascus and when he got there it would be told to him what he must do. The word “must” indicated that the guidance system for Paul’s life had suddenly and drastically changed.

 

          We are given daily bread. It is not God’s plan for most of us to have bread to store. We are given daily tasks, and these are generally not the ones on our list of “things to do.” We are given just enough light to see the path. He gives us a lamp unto our feet and not a floodlight to see the future. We must walk carefully but confidently in that light.

 

Deut 29:29

29 The secret things belong unto the Lord our God: but those things which are revealed belong unto us and to our children for ever, that we may do all the words of this law.

 

Lord, I desire to know what you know and to do what I am supposed to do. Because of your vast wisdom, you reveal both to me in measured amounts. Thank you for your provision and your guidance. AMEN

 

FIRST OF ALL – PRAYERS!

 

Saturday, September 14, 2024

 

FIRST OF ALL – PRAYERS!

 

1 Tim 2:1-4

I exhort therefore, that, first of all, supplications, prayers, intercessions, and giving of thanks, be made for all men;

2 For kings, and for all that are in authority; that we may lead a quiet and peaceable life in all godliness and honesty.

3 For this is good and acceptable in the sight of God our Saviour;

4 Who will have all men to be saved, and to come unto the knowledge of the truth.

 

          With the election just days away, we are beginning to sense the urgency of getting this one “right.” The United States can’t afford to select the wrong leader at this point in our history. Our freedoms and especially our freedom of worship and self-preservation are under attack.

 

          It is too bad that the bottom line in any of these elections is our pocketbook! If God is pure and holy, should we not be concerned that we align ourselves with His sense of morality? If we continue to resist Him, should we be surprised when He resists us? If we cling to lifestyles that He has labeled an “abomination”, should we not expect His anger? With most of the Middle East on fire, with Israel and Iran near nuclear war, and with Ukraine and Russia engaged in a prolonged war, and with our borders as porous as cheese cloth, should we not be a little bit concerned about God’s protection and mercy? I think so.

 

          Now is the time for Christians everywhere to pray. Pray that this nation would still have enough moral fiber to elect a man of purpose.. Pray that our foreign policy is returned to some form of sanity or at least reality. The purpose for godly government is so that “we may lead a quiet and peaceable life in all godliness and honesty.” Pray that our nation returns to God!

 

Prov 14:34

34 Righteousness exalteth a nation: but sin is a reproach to any people.

 

Dear Lord, rescue us from ourselves. We have offended you. Please forgive us and restore unto us a bit of moral purity. Be swift to help us. AMEN

 

YOU BETTER BELIEVE IT

 

Friday, September 13, 2024

 

YOU BETTER BELIEVE IT

 

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.

 

          Belief is the “assent of the mind to the truth of any proposition.” (McClintock and Strong). Belief does not need any means or arguments but may simply be a response to our senses. What makes one witness credible while another witness is discredited?

 

          In Mark 9, the father of the demonized son relates the failure of other means to release his son from this torture. The father then pleads with Jesus saying, “but if thou canst do anything, have compassion on us, and help us.” This was almost a statement of doubt and not a statement of faith. The father was willing to try this one more thing, but you can hear the doubt in his plea.

 

          Jesus answered that belief is crucial to the cure. The father then admits the weakness of his faith and asks for help in believing. So it is with us. We believe with the weakest faith at our disposal. Without evidence, we place our trust in an invisible God.

 

          God always allows for doubt because doubt and belief exist together. Cures, miracles, and turn-a-rounds can almost always be ascribed to natural means. Only the believer assigns the cure to God. Doubters go on doubting, even in the face of miracles, while believers go on believing.

 

          Only when the doubter is willing to ask for help in believing does he move from one realm to another. When the doubter acknowledges his doubt, and agrees to the possibility of belief, faith is born.

 

          Belief grows as we exercise faith. Stephen, in Acts 5 and 6, was said to be a man “full of faith” or “covered over with persuasion.” He maintained his faith even while being stoned to death and saw, by faith, Jesus standing at the Father’s right hand ready to welcome him home.

 

Dear Lord, we beg with the disciples, increase our faith! AMEN

 

AFTER GOD’S OWN HEART!

 

Thursday, September 12, 2024

 

AFTER GOD’S OWN HEART!

 

Acts 13:21-22

21 And afterward they desired a king: and God gave unto them Saul the son of Cis, a man of the tribe of Benjamin, by the space of forty years.

22 And when he had removed him, he raised up unto them David to be their king; to whom also he gave testimony, and said, I have found David the son of Jesse, a man after mine own heart, which shall fulfil all my will.

 

Ps 78:71-72

71 From following the ewes great with young he brought him to feed Jacob his people, and Israel his inheritance.

72 So he fed them according to the integrity of his heart; and guided them by the skilfulness of his hands.

 

          David’s private and intimate moments were flawed! The most notable flaw was his sin with his neighbor’s wife, Bathsheba. In that illicit escapade he blatantly disobeyed Exodus 20: 14 and 17. So just what did God mean when He said David was a man after His own heart?

 

          David was a shepherd leader because the Lord was his shepherd (Psalm 23:1). He would be sensitive to the ewes great with young and would lead them tenderly to cool water and green pastures. Although he was a warrior, he was more. His civil government was a government of peace and prosperity where the people would benefit from godly leadership.

 

          David sought and maintained a personal relationship with the Lord. He said in Psalm 143:6 “I stretch forth my hands unto thee: my soul thirsteth after thee, as a thirsty land.” David longed to be personally and closely related to God. This relationship caused him to assume some of the character and heart of God.

 

          David sought the guidance of God! He said: “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 143:8

 

Dear Lord, I long to be a man after your own heart! I know my private and intimate moments are flawed. Let me lead like a shepherd. I stretch forth my hands to you. Cause me to know the way wherein I should walk; for I lift up my soul unto thee. AMEN

 

REMEMBERING 9-11-01

 

Wednesday, September 11, 2024

 

REMEMBERING 9-11-01

2 Sam 22:1-4

22 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.

 

          I remember it like it was yesterday. September 11, 2001, was just another Tuesday. I was attending a fellowship meeting of pastors. We were gathered in the church kitchen and dining hall when many of the preachers began receiving phone calls. Their faces were worried. Some left without saying a word. Others told of an unbelievable horror. One poor fellow was trying to preach as if nothing had happened, but the world had changed!

 

          I finally received a call from my secretary who was watching the unspeakable on television in our missionary apartment. I remember exactly what she said. “Oh, preacher it is awful!”  Awful did not begin to describe it. Hijackers had boarded commercial planes and had flown them into the Twin Towers in New York City – a symbol of our financial strength. Another hit the Pentagon – the symbol of our military might. Yet another seemed to be headed toward the capital – the seat of our government. The heroism of a few on board prevented that. It crashed in a field in Pennsylvania -- across the road from a church which was pastored at that time by a friend of mine.

 

          I hurried home although I was only 23 miles away. I could have been stopped by police at any time because I at no time heeded the speed limit signs! My wife was a substitute teacher, and I wanted to reunite with her and be safe. I found my secretary inconsolable and joined her to watch the news.

 

          Our Wednesday night Bible Study was crowded by worshippers who had long ago abandoned the Prayer Meeting. Now the altar was flooded with those who were once complacent. Alas, we have returned to that former state but – for a moment – we were reminded that “He only is my rock and my salvation; he is my defense; I shall not be greatly moved (Psalm 62:2).”

 

Sweet Jesus, be diligent and vigilant for us today. You only are our rock and our strong defense. AMEN

 

JACOB DID NOT SLEEP WELL

 

Tuesday, September 10, 2024

 

JACOB DID NOT SLEEP WELL

 

Gen 28:13

16 And Jacob awaked out of his sleep, and he said, Surely the LORD is in this place; and I knew it not.

 

Gen 32:24-26

24 And Jacob was left alone; and there wrestled a man with him until the breaking of the day.

25 And when he saw that he prevailed not against him, he touched the hollow of his thigh; and the hollow of Jacob's thigh was out of joint, as he wrestled with him.

26 And he said, Let me go, for the day breaketh. And he said, I will not let thee go, except thou bless me.

 

          It could have been the stone that he used for a pillow that caused Jacob to dream his angelic dream, but that dream changed the course of his life as well as the course of history. Jacob was told his purpose. He was promised an inheritance and an influence. The hard dirt upon which he lay would be his forever. He was also promised the companionship and partnership of God. When he rose up from sleep, he named that place Bethel, the house of God.

 

          Fast forward through treachery and treasure and we find Jacob sleeping again fitfully. Tossing and turning, he knew he was about to return to the brother he had cheated. He dreamed … or was it a dream? The struggle certainly seemed real. The hip certainly pained him. This time he named that place Peniel, the face of God, for he had seen God face to face, and his life was preserved.

 

          Too often I am stirred awake at about three o’clock. Perhaps it is the pillow or the pains in my hip or other joints, but I usually creep out of bed to sit in my chair and pray and think. It is quiet at this hour and God is better perceived and heard when He speaks. When names and faces come to mind, God and I discuss them. Some call it prayer, but it is something more to me.

 

Ps 5:3

3 My voice shalt thou hear in the morning, O LORD; in the morning will I direct my prayer unto thee, and will look up.

 

Dear Lord, thank you for those solitary and soundless mornings when we talk without interruption. AMEN