Nehemiah 4: 7 – 18
“The price of peace is constant vigilance”.
I can remember a time when we were proud to live in this nation, and were equally proud of it's armed forces. One of the things that I remember the best was something they called the DEW line. (Distant Early Warning) this was a radar system stretching across that arctic circle used to detect any threats to the USA and Canada as early as possible.
It was in fact an invisible wall to protect all those living inside of it.
Walls have been used throughout history to protect nations and cities; The great wall of China, The Maginot line, these are a few of the more famous walls that failed. Why? The lack of vigilance. The walls were never breached. The enemy passed either around or through, because officers were bribed and gates were opened, or security just looked the other way.
Jerusalem had a wall that was torn down by the cities enemies. The people lived in fear of constant attack.
Someone had to build the walls back up. That someone was Nehemiah.
He was a slave that was released from his servitude for a period of time to build the walls of Jerusalem, while under constant attack.
8 They all plotted together to come and fight against Jerusalem and stir up trouble against it.
9 But we prayed to our God and posted a guard day and night to meet this threat.
13 Therefore I stationed some of the people behind the lowest points of the wall at the exposed places, posting them by families, with their swords, spears and bows.
14 After I looked things over, I stood up and said to the nobles, the officials and the rest of the people, "Don’t be afraid of them. Remember the Lord, who is great and awesome, and fight for your brothers, your sons and your daughters, your wives and your homes."
16 ¶ From that day on, half of my men did the work, while the other half were equipped with spears, shields, bows and armor. The officers posted themselves behind all the people of Judah
17 who were building the wall. Those who carried materials did their work with one hand and held a weapon in the other,
18 and each of the builders wore his sword at his side as he worked. But the man who sounded the trumpet stayed with me.
As Christians, we are under constant attack from all sides and even sometimes from within. So, we must be vigilant at all times. We must go about our business with our tools in one hand and sword in another. Even the most mature believer must be alert at all times.
The apostle John warns us of enemies from three quarters. He identifies them as “the lust of the flesh, the lust of the eyes, and the pride of life” (1 John 2:16). These enemies lure us away from God and His Word and leave a gap for the enemy to sneak in.
Let’s be alert to what entices us today. A lapse opens the door to sin, which in turn may develop into a habit that overwhelms us. Don’t permit a breach in the wall.
Saturday, January 31, 2009
Friday, January 30, 2009
SOWING
Galatians 6: 6 – 10
Farmers are cool. They are the base of our ability to go to a store and buy our food. The saying;
“No farms, no food” really rings true. Many farms are single crop farms like corn, or wheat, and the farmer knows what it is he planted. So, if a farmer plants wheat, he is not surprised when he is able to harvest wheat. But, if he planted wheat and harvested corn, now that would be a surprise. Hence, we have the saying; “You reap what you sow”.
6 Anyone who receives instruction in the word must share all good things with his instructor.
7 Do not be deceived: God cannot be mocked. A man reaps what he sows.
8 The one who sows to please his sinful nature, from that nature will reap destruction; the one who sows to please the Spirit, from the Spirit will reap eternal life.
9 Let us not become weary in doing good, for at the proper time we will reap a harvest if we do not give up.
10 Therefore, as we have opportunity, let us do good to all people, especially to those who belong to the family of believers.
Planting comes in many forms. You can plant your ideals in others by your actions,and you can also plant things in your own mind.
If you read porn or watch it on TV or the web, well that's a seed that is planted in your mind, and it will effect your outlook on life. An d if you read the word of God, that will also effect your outlook on life in a different way.
And your actions will effect the way others see you and can effect their outlook on your faith.
St. Francis of Assisi had a simple prayer;
Lord, make me an instrument of Your peace. Where there is hatred, let me sow love; where there is injury, pardon; where there is doubt, faith; where there is despair, hope; where there is darkness, light; and where there is sadness, joy.
My prayer is that I can be a sower of God's word, that my actions would reflect my faith in Christ, and that my outlook on life will be shaped by the Bible.
Farmers are cool. They are the base of our ability to go to a store and buy our food. The saying;
“No farms, no food” really rings true. Many farms are single crop farms like corn, or wheat, and the farmer knows what it is he planted. So, if a farmer plants wheat, he is not surprised when he is able to harvest wheat. But, if he planted wheat and harvested corn, now that would be a surprise. Hence, we have the saying; “You reap what you sow”.
6 Anyone who receives instruction in the word must share all good things with his instructor.
7 Do not be deceived: God cannot be mocked. A man reaps what he sows.
8 The one who sows to please his sinful nature, from that nature will reap destruction; the one who sows to please the Spirit, from the Spirit will reap eternal life.
9 Let us not become weary in doing good, for at the proper time we will reap a harvest if we do not give up.
10 Therefore, as we have opportunity, let us do good to all people, especially to those who belong to the family of believers.
Planting comes in many forms. You can plant your ideals in others by your actions,and you can also plant things in your own mind.
If you read porn or watch it on TV or the web, well that's a seed that is planted in your mind, and it will effect your outlook on life. An d if you read the word of God, that will also effect your outlook on life in a different way.
And your actions will effect the way others see you and can effect their outlook on your faith.
St. Francis of Assisi had a simple prayer;
Lord, make me an instrument of Your peace. Where there is hatred, let me sow love; where there is injury, pardon; where there is doubt, faith; where there is despair, hope; where there is darkness, light; and where there is sadness, joy.
My prayer is that I can be a sower of God's word, that my actions would reflect my faith in Christ, and that my outlook on life will be shaped by the Bible.
Thursday, January 29, 2009
GROWING OLD
Psalm 71
I just turned 55 and sometimes that number feels so old. I also know people who have much higher numbers than I do. But, all that means is that we have been on this planet for that many years, and the important thing is what have we learned in that time, and what we have done with that knowledge. In other words; we learn from our past in order to live in our present.
This lesson was reflected upon by the Psalmist in Psalm 71.
5 For you have been my hope, O Sovereign LORD, my confidence since my youth.
6 From my birth I have relied on you; you brought me forth from my mother’s womb. I will ever praise you.
As we look back on our lives, we can clearly see the influence and faithfulness of God.
With confidence in that faithfulness, we can face the future and it's uncertainties.
While I grow older my view point has changed. I once looked toward the future with fear. Now I look in that direction with excitement, and hope of the times to come.
14 But as for me, I shall always have hope; I will praise you more and more.
15 My mouth will tell of your righteousness, of your salvation all day long, though I know not its measure.
16 I will come and proclaim your mighty acts, O Sovereign LORD; I will proclaim your righteousness, yours alone.
The word of God gives me this hope for the times to com and I hope it gives you the same feeling.
I just turned 55 and sometimes that number feels so old. I also know people who have much higher numbers than I do. But, all that means is that we have been on this planet for that many years, and the important thing is what have we learned in that time, and what we have done with that knowledge. In other words; we learn from our past in order to live in our present.
This lesson was reflected upon by the Psalmist in Psalm 71.
5 For you have been my hope, O Sovereign LORD, my confidence since my youth.
6 From my birth I have relied on you; you brought me forth from my mother’s womb. I will ever praise you.
As we look back on our lives, we can clearly see the influence and faithfulness of God.
With confidence in that faithfulness, we can face the future and it's uncertainties.
While I grow older my view point has changed. I once looked toward the future with fear. Now I look in that direction with excitement, and hope of the times to come.
14 But as for me, I shall always have hope; I will praise you more and more.
15 My mouth will tell of your righteousness, of your salvation all day long, though I know not its measure.
16 I will come and proclaim your mighty acts, O Sovereign LORD; I will proclaim your righteousness, yours alone.
The word of God gives me this hope for the times to com and I hope it gives you the same feeling.
Wednesday, January 28, 2009
MURPHY'S LAWS
Exodus 20:1 – 17
We all have heard of Murphy's law; “What can go wrong, will” but did you know that there are laws from Murphy that cover all aspects of life?
These laws cover everything from toddlers, to technology, to love, and so on and so forth. All the laws seem to come from a person who has lived life and experienced many of life's highs and a whole lot of it's lows. So he took them to heart, wrote them down, and shared the laws with all the people.
If you want to read Murphy's laws, go to; http://www.murphys-laws.com/
Moses met with God and was given what we have come to know as the “Ten Commandments”.
God in his wisdom was able to come up with a handful of laws upon which we have been able to run our society for a couple of thousand years. Despite what we read today about not offending anyone, all our laws are based on the 10 commandments, yet we can not display them in public places as a reminder.
In case we all need a reminder;
3 "You shall have no other gods before me.
4 "You shall not make for yourself an idol in the form of anything in heaven above or on the earth beneath or in the waters below.
5 You shall not bow down to them or worship them; for I, the LORD your God, am a jealous God, punishing the children for the sin of the fathers to the third and fourth generation of those who hate me,
6 but showing love to a thousand generations of those who love me and keep my commandments.
7 "You shall not misuse the name of the LORD your God, for the LORD will not hold anyone guiltless who misuses his name.
8 "Remember the Sabbath day by keeping it holy.
9 Six days you shall labour and do all your work,
10 but the seventh day is a Sabbath to the LORD your God. On it you shall not do any work, neither you, nor your son or daughter, nor your manservant or maidservant, nor your animals, nor the alien within your gates.
11 For in six days the LORD made the heavens and the earth, the sea, and all that is in them, but he rested on the seventh day. Therefore the LORD blessed the Sabbath day and made it holy.
12 "Honor your father and your mother, so that you may live long in the land the LORD your God is giving you.
13 "You shall not murder.
14 "You shall not commit adultery.
15 "You shall not steal.
16 "You shall not give false testimony against your neighbor.
17 "You shall not covet your neighbor's house. You shall not covet your neighbor's wife, or his manservant or maidservant, his ox or donkey, or anything that belongs to your neighbor."
Murphy was a man, as flawed as any one of us, and most of the laws attributed to him (there are plenty that are suggestions from other people), while true, are quite humorous, and cannot in any conceivable way be compared to God's law.
Base your life on God's law, and read Murphy's for the laugh.
I
We all have heard of Murphy's law; “What can go wrong, will” but did you know that there are laws from Murphy that cover all aspects of life?
These laws cover everything from toddlers, to technology, to love, and so on and so forth. All the laws seem to come from a person who has lived life and experienced many of life's highs and a whole lot of it's lows. So he took them to heart, wrote them down, and shared the laws with all the people.
If you want to read Murphy's laws, go to; http://www.murphys-laws.com/
Moses met with God and was given what we have come to know as the “Ten Commandments”.
God in his wisdom was able to come up with a handful of laws upon which we have been able to run our society for a couple of thousand years. Despite what we read today about not offending anyone, all our laws are based on the 10 commandments, yet we can not display them in public places as a reminder.
In case we all need a reminder;
3 "You shall have no other gods before me.
4 "You shall not make for yourself an idol in the form of anything in heaven above or on the earth beneath or in the waters below.
5 You shall not bow down to them or worship them; for I, the LORD your God, am a jealous God, punishing the children for the sin of the fathers to the third and fourth generation of those who hate me,
6 but showing love to a thousand generations of those who love me and keep my commandments.
7 "You shall not misuse the name of the LORD your God, for the LORD will not hold anyone guiltless who misuses his name.
8 "Remember the Sabbath day by keeping it holy.
9 Six days you shall labour and do all your work,
10 but the seventh day is a Sabbath to the LORD your God. On it you shall not do any work, neither you, nor your son or daughter, nor your manservant or maidservant, nor your animals, nor the alien within your gates.
11 For in six days the LORD made the heavens and the earth, the sea, and all that is in them, but he rested on the seventh day. Therefore the LORD blessed the Sabbath day and made it holy.
12 "Honor your father and your mother, so that you may live long in the land the LORD your God is giving you.
13 "You shall not murder.
14 "You shall not commit adultery.
15 "You shall not steal.
16 "You shall not give false testimony against your neighbor.
17 "You shall not covet your neighbor's house. You shall not covet your neighbor's wife, or his manservant or maidservant, his ox or donkey, or anything that belongs to your neighbor."
Murphy was a man, as flawed as any one of us, and most of the laws attributed to him (there are plenty that are suggestions from other people), while true, are quite humorous, and cannot in any conceivable way be compared to God's law.
Base your life on God's law, and read Murphy's for the laugh.
I
Tuesday, January 27, 2009
PRAYIN' FOR YA BRO.
Luke 18: 9 – 14
I hate to admit it, but, I have participated in prayer groups.
I know that sounds a bit foolish, so let me explain. I have met with groups of men, and women to pray for ourselves and others. What begins with good intentions sometimes devolves into a group of people praying for the short comings of others while ignoring their own. In other words, we were pointing fingers at other people in hope that they wouldn't notice how bad we really are, that way we look better than those we are praying for. IE; I pray that (insert name here) will stop drinking and taking drugs. Explosive stuff, but it keeps people from hearing about you (not really you of course) visiting the local crack house.
We can also use these times of communication with the Most High God, to fill our need to gossip.
As an example; a friend has told you in strict confidence that he has planned to leave his wife, nobody know this other than you. It would be gossiping to share that information with others, so, in group prayer you begin to pray for your friend and his wife to heal the brokenness in their marriage. Now the whole congregation knows.
If we use prayer time to point out the shortcomings of others while ignoring our own, well then we are like the Pharisee in Luke 18.
11 The Pharisee stood up and prayed about himself: ‘God, I thank you that I am not like other men—robbers, evildoers, adulterers—or even like this tax collector.
12 I fast twice a week and give a tenth of all I get.’
13 "But the tax collector stood at a distance. He would not even look up to heaven, but beat his breast and said, ‘God, have mercy on me, a sinner.’
Jesus told it like it was. He didn't mince his words, nor did he temper them with the political correctness that is so common today.
14 "I tell you that this man, rather than the other, went home justified before God. For everyone who exalts himself will be humbled, and he who humbles himself will be exalted."
Use pray time appropriately especially when you go to the thrown alone.
Humble yourself before God.
I hate to admit it, but, I have participated in prayer groups.
I know that sounds a bit foolish, so let me explain. I have met with groups of men, and women to pray for ourselves and others. What begins with good intentions sometimes devolves into a group of people praying for the short comings of others while ignoring their own. In other words, we were pointing fingers at other people in hope that they wouldn't notice how bad we really are, that way we look better than those we are praying for. IE; I pray that (insert name here) will stop drinking and taking drugs. Explosive stuff, but it keeps people from hearing about you (not really you of course) visiting the local crack house.
We can also use these times of communication with the Most High God, to fill our need to gossip.
As an example; a friend has told you in strict confidence that he has planned to leave his wife, nobody know this other than you. It would be gossiping to share that information with others, so, in group prayer you begin to pray for your friend and his wife to heal the brokenness in their marriage. Now the whole congregation knows.
If we use prayer time to point out the shortcomings of others while ignoring our own, well then we are like the Pharisee in Luke 18.
11 The Pharisee stood up and prayed about himself: ‘God, I thank you that I am not like other men—robbers, evildoers, adulterers—or even like this tax collector.
12 I fast twice a week and give a tenth of all I get.’
13 "But the tax collector stood at a distance. He would not even look up to heaven, but beat his breast and said, ‘God, have mercy on me, a sinner.’
Jesus told it like it was. He didn't mince his words, nor did he temper them with the political correctness that is so common today.
14 "I tell you that this man, rather than the other, went home justified before God. For everyone who exalts himself will be humbled, and he who humbles himself will be exalted."
Use pray time appropriately especially when you go to the thrown alone.
Humble yourself before God.
Sunday, January 25, 2009
Friday, January 23, 2009
THAT'S HUGE!
Isaiah 6: 1 – 10
There is a commercial on TV right now for a cruise line, in it they allegedly set a worlds record for playing with the worlds largest beach ball. Watching that ball come off the top of the building they throw it off, well it must have been something quite impressive to see live, the ball looked huge drifting slowly to the street below, while the people on the ground gasped in wonder.
Now, if we can imagine a beach ball as impressive, what must it have been like for Isaiah when he saw the Lord in his vision at the temple.
1 In the year that King Uzziah died, I saw the Lord seated on a throne, high and exalted, and the train of his robe filled the temple.
2 Above him were seraphs, each with six wings: With two wings they covered their faces, with two they covered their feet, and with two they were flying.
3 And they were calling to one another: "Holy, holy, holy is the LORD Almighty; the whole earth is full of his glory."
4 At the sound of their voices the doorposts and thresholds shook and the temple was filled with smoke.
Spectacular. To envision the glory of God in such a way, to increase in knowledge of the relationship that God has with His people, is an option given to us every day as we meditate and increase our relationship with our Father.
5 "Woe to me!" I cried. "I am ruined! For I am a man of unclean lips, and I live among a people of unclean lips, and my eyes have seen the King, the LORD Almighty."
But, here is the stumbling block. Our sin always gets in the way of our relationship with God. No matter how much we try, we can't bridge that gap, nor can we keep from sinning. Thankfully, our Father God can.
6 Then one of the seraphs flew to me with a live coal in his hand, which he had taken with tongs from the altar.
7 With it he touched my mouth and said, "See, this has touched your lips; your guilt is taken away and your sin atoned for."
PRAISE GOD!
Now we can easily enter into His kingdom, His courts, with boldness singing praises to His name. We get to Know him more fully.
THAT'S HUGE!
There is a commercial on TV right now for a cruise line, in it they allegedly set a worlds record for playing with the worlds largest beach ball. Watching that ball come off the top of the building they throw it off, well it must have been something quite impressive to see live, the ball looked huge drifting slowly to the street below, while the people on the ground gasped in wonder.
Now, if we can imagine a beach ball as impressive, what must it have been like for Isaiah when he saw the Lord in his vision at the temple.
1 In the year that King Uzziah died, I saw the Lord seated on a throne, high and exalted, and the train of his robe filled the temple.
2 Above him were seraphs, each with six wings: With two wings they covered their faces, with two they covered their feet, and with two they were flying.
3 And they were calling to one another: "Holy, holy, holy is the LORD Almighty; the whole earth is full of his glory."
4 At the sound of their voices the doorposts and thresholds shook and the temple was filled with smoke.
Spectacular. To envision the glory of God in such a way, to increase in knowledge of the relationship that God has with His people, is an option given to us every day as we meditate and increase our relationship with our Father.
5 "Woe to me!" I cried. "I am ruined! For I am a man of unclean lips, and I live among a people of unclean lips, and my eyes have seen the King, the LORD Almighty."
But, here is the stumbling block. Our sin always gets in the way of our relationship with God. No matter how much we try, we can't bridge that gap, nor can we keep from sinning. Thankfully, our Father God can.
6 Then one of the seraphs flew to me with a live coal in his hand, which he had taken with tongs from the altar.
7 With it he touched my mouth and said, "See, this has touched your lips; your guilt is taken away and your sin atoned for."
PRAISE GOD!
Now we can easily enter into His kingdom, His courts, with boldness singing praises to His name. We get to Know him more fully.
THAT'S HUGE!
Thursday, January 22, 2009
NIKE
2 Corinthians 2: 14 – 17
Nike was the name given to the Greek goddess of victory. She was called upon by soldiers during times of war, and by athletes prior to going to compete. And, if either group was victorious, there would be a spectacular parade through the streets of the city.
One of the things about these victory processions in ancient “Roman” times was that there was a slave who rode with the leader of the victory and would shout continually about the sins, and shortcomings of the hero during the parade to help keep him humble.
14 But thanks be to God, who always leads us in triumphal procession in Christ and through us spreads everywhere the fragrance of the knowledge of him.
15 For we are to God the aroma of Christ among those who are being saved and those who are perishing.
16 To the one we are the smell of death; to the other, the fragrance of life. And who is equal to such a task?
17 Unlike so many, we do not peddle the word of God for profit. On the contrary, in Christ we speak before God with sincerity, like men sent from God.
I guess that being the smell of death can be humbling like that slave who rode with the hero, but we are also the fragrance of life. (go figure huh?)
In the roman world where Paul taught, victory was highly valued. So, when he expressed the truth of Christ, Paul used language that the people would understand. In his letters he describes Jesus as the one who leads the triumphal procession, and compares Christian life to athletes preparing to compete in the Olympic games.
Paul used these words to illustrate our struggles and our ability to overcome.
He tells us things like, overcome evil with good, and to have an attitude of love which we cannot generate by our own strength, but we can with Jesus, in whom we have divine power.
Jesus is the true God of victory.
Nike was the name given to the Greek goddess of victory. She was called upon by soldiers during times of war, and by athletes prior to going to compete. And, if either group was victorious, there would be a spectacular parade through the streets of the city.
One of the things about these victory processions in ancient “Roman” times was that there was a slave who rode with the leader of the victory and would shout continually about the sins, and shortcomings of the hero during the parade to help keep him humble.
14 But thanks be to God, who always leads us in triumphal procession in Christ and through us spreads everywhere the fragrance of the knowledge of him.
15 For we are to God the aroma of Christ among those who are being saved and those who are perishing.
16 To the one we are the smell of death; to the other, the fragrance of life. And who is equal to such a task?
17 Unlike so many, we do not peddle the word of God for profit. On the contrary, in Christ we speak before God with sincerity, like men sent from God.
I guess that being the smell of death can be humbling like that slave who rode with the hero, but we are also the fragrance of life. (go figure huh?)
In the roman world where Paul taught, victory was highly valued. So, when he expressed the truth of Christ, Paul used language that the people would understand. In his letters he describes Jesus as the one who leads the triumphal procession, and compares Christian life to athletes preparing to compete in the Olympic games.
Paul used these words to illustrate our struggles and our ability to overcome.
He tells us things like, overcome evil with good, and to have an attitude of love which we cannot generate by our own strength, but we can with Jesus, in whom we have divine power.
Jesus is the true God of victory.
Wednesday, January 21, 2009
I AM WHO I AM.
Exodus 3: 13 – 18
I'm sure that we can all identify with Moses when God appeared to him in the burning bush and gave him his mission. Moses was living a comfortable life as a Shepard with a family, then God calls him to lead Israel out of Egypt.
He knew that he wasn't worthy of such a task, he couldn't speak well, was shy, and there was that murder thing he had to face when he went to Egypt.
Moses tried to argue with God, and have Him find someone else to go. He tried every excuse he could think of, but was trumped every time by God. The kicker being when Moses said who am I going to say sent me.
13 Moses said to God, "Suppose I go to the Israelites and say to them, ‘The God of your fathers has sent me to you,’ and they ask me, ‘What is his name?’ Then what shall I tell them?"
14 God said to Moses, "I AM WHO I AM. This is what you are to say to the Israelites: ‘I AM has sent me to you.’"
15 God also said to Moses, "Say to the Israelites, ‘The LORD, the God of your fathers—the God of Abraham, the God of Isaac and the God of Jacob—has sent me to you.’ This is my name for ever, the name by which I am to be remembered from generation to generation.
16 "Go, assemble the elders of Israel and say to them, ‘The LORD, the God of your fathers—the God of Abraham, Isaac and Jacob—appeared to me and said: I have watched over you and have seen what has been done to you in Egypt.
17 And I have promised to bring you up out of your misery in Egypt into the land of the Canaanites, Hittites, Amorites, Perizzites, Hivites and Jebusites—a land flowing with milk and honey.’
18 "The elders of Israel will listen to you. Then you and the elders are to go to the king of Egypt and say to him, ‘The LORD, the God of the Hebrews, has met with us. Let us take a three-day journey into the desert to offer sacrifices to the LORD our God.’
Game, set, and match.
We are often reluctant to leave our comfort zones. We feel safe where we are. It's hard to go and do things we are not used to. They don't call them comfort zones for nothing. But, God wants to stretch us, to help us to learn to fully put our trust in Him, and to go and do His will.
Bible commentator G. Bush writes this about God’s description of Himself: “He, in distinction from all others, is the one only true God, the God who really is . . . . The eternal, self-existent, and immutable Being; the only being who can say that He always will be what He always has been.”
God says, “I AM WHO I AM.” He and His name are perfect. In reverence we are to bow before Him.
I'm sure that we can all identify with Moses when God appeared to him in the burning bush and gave him his mission. Moses was living a comfortable life as a Shepard with a family, then God calls him to lead Israel out of Egypt.
He knew that he wasn't worthy of such a task, he couldn't speak well, was shy, and there was that murder thing he had to face when he went to Egypt.
Moses tried to argue with God, and have Him find someone else to go. He tried every excuse he could think of, but was trumped every time by God. The kicker being when Moses said who am I going to say sent me.
13 Moses said to God, "Suppose I go to the Israelites and say to them, ‘The God of your fathers has sent me to you,’ and they ask me, ‘What is his name?’ Then what shall I tell them?"
14 God said to Moses, "I AM WHO I AM. This is what you are to say to the Israelites: ‘I AM has sent me to you.’"
15 God also said to Moses, "Say to the Israelites, ‘The LORD, the God of your fathers—the God of Abraham, the God of Isaac and the God of Jacob—has sent me to you.’ This is my name for ever, the name by which I am to be remembered from generation to generation.
16 "Go, assemble the elders of Israel and say to them, ‘The LORD, the God of your fathers—the God of Abraham, Isaac and Jacob—appeared to me and said: I have watched over you and have seen what has been done to you in Egypt.
17 And I have promised to bring you up out of your misery in Egypt into the land of the Canaanites, Hittites, Amorites, Perizzites, Hivites and Jebusites—a land flowing with milk and honey.’
18 "The elders of Israel will listen to you. Then you and the elders are to go to the king of Egypt and say to him, ‘The LORD, the God of the Hebrews, has met with us. Let us take a three-day journey into the desert to offer sacrifices to the LORD our God.’
Game, set, and match.
We are often reluctant to leave our comfort zones. We feel safe where we are. It's hard to go and do things we are not used to. They don't call them comfort zones for nothing. But, God wants to stretch us, to help us to learn to fully put our trust in Him, and to go and do His will.
Bible commentator G. Bush writes this about God’s description of Himself: “He, in distinction from all others, is the one only true God, the God who really is . . . . The eternal, self-existent, and immutable Being; the only being who can say that He always will be what He always has been.”
God says, “I AM WHO I AM.” He and His name are perfect. In reverence we are to bow before Him.
Tuesday, January 20, 2009
PROTOCOL
James 1: 1 – 8
Today is the day that we inaugurate a new President of the United States of America. It doesn't matter if you voted for him, if you like him, or if you believe in his world view. If we were to be called to meet with him, there are certain procedures that have to followed. Like not launching into a tirade about his beliefs, and how you feel about his principals, or the lack there of.
Well, there are procedures that must be followed when we go to talk to God as well. I love the book of James. When I first came to know the Lord, this book helped me a lot. I can't remember how many times I read his book, because I felt that it spoke into my life and gave me some instruction on how I was supposed to act as a Christian.
And there we find some of the protocols and procedures for when we go to meet with God.
2 Consider it pure joy, my brothers, whenever you face trials of many kinds,
3 because you know that the testing of your faith develops perseverance.
4 Perseverance must finish its work so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything.
5 If any of you lacks wisdom, he should ask God, who gives generously to all without finding fault, and it will be given to him.
6 But when he asks, he must believe and not doubt, because he who doubts is like a wave of the sea, blown and tossed by the wind.
7 That man should not think he will receive anything from the Lord;
8 he is a double-minded man, unstable in all he does.
This whole testing and persevering thing is once again one of the areas that I think we all need to work. We don't want any trouble in our lives and when we have them we want them to go away quicker than they came. But, this is one of the procedures, to stand up to the trouble. Another is to stand firm in our beliefs, before going to meet the Lord.
Heb 4:16 Let us therefore come boldly unto the throne of grace, that we may obtain mercy, and find grace to help in time of need.
Going with boldness before the Lord is one of the other procedures we need to follow. We can't be going to the throne weakly like the characters in the Wizard of Oz. They got nothing until Dorothy stood up on her beliefs and needs.
So with perseverance, firm belief, and boldness, we can go to God with our prayers and petitions and receive the blessings we ask for.
Today is the day that we inaugurate a new President of the United States of America. It doesn't matter if you voted for him, if you like him, or if you believe in his world view. If we were to be called to meet with him, there are certain procedures that have to followed. Like not launching into a tirade about his beliefs, and how you feel about his principals, or the lack there of.
Well, there are procedures that must be followed when we go to talk to God as well. I love the book of James. When I first came to know the Lord, this book helped me a lot. I can't remember how many times I read his book, because I felt that it spoke into my life and gave me some instruction on how I was supposed to act as a Christian.
And there we find some of the protocols and procedures for when we go to meet with God.
2 Consider it pure joy, my brothers, whenever you face trials of many kinds,
3 because you know that the testing of your faith develops perseverance.
4 Perseverance must finish its work so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything.
5 If any of you lacks wisdom, he should ask God, who gives generously to all without finding fault, and it will be given to him.
6 But when he asks, he must believe and not doubt, because he who doubts is like a wave of the sea, blown and tossed by the wind.
7 That man should not think he will receive anything from the Lord;
8 he is a double-minded man, unstable in all he does.
This whole testing and persevering thing is once again one of the areas that I think we all need to work. We don't want any trouble in our lives and when we have them we want them to go away quicker than they came. But, this is one of the procedures, to stand up to the trouble. Another is to stand firm in our beliefs, before going to meet the Lord.
Heb 4:16 Let us therefore come boldly unto the throne of grace, that we may obtain mercy, and find grace to help in time of need.
Going with boldness before the Lord is one of the other procedures we need to follow. We can't be going to the throne weakly like the characters in the Wizard of Oz. They got nothing until Dorothy stood up on her beliefs and needs.
So with perseverance, firm belief, and boldness, we can go to God with our prayers and petitions and receive the blessings we ask for.
Monday, January 19, 2009
THE OTHER CHEEK
Mathew 5: 38 – 42
I used to work in a transitional facility for those people coming from detox who were waiting for housing in a halfway house or other sober living conditions. At shift change I would speak with another guy (also in recovery) and we would talk about the things that made us mad about recovery. Usually it was the things that came along after we sobered up that we never got to try, and all the places of the flesh we were no longer able to go to.
It was usually done tongue and cheek, as one may expect, and never done with a straight face.
Here in Mathew is one of those passages that honk me off.
38 "You have heard that it was said, ‘Eye for eye, and tooth for tooth.’
39 But I tell you, Do not resist an evil person. If someone strikes you on the right cheek, turn to him the other also.
40 And if someone wants to sue you and take your tunic, let him have your cloak as well.
41 If someone forces you to go one mile, go with him two miles.
42 Give to the one who asks you, and do not turn away from the one who wants to borrow from you.
These are lofty goals that are hard to reach. My flesh tells me that if I am struck, well I'm gonna strike back, and hopefully hard enough that there will be no other blows at all.
I once heard pastor Bruce Fong teach in a sermon, that if he gets hit, he will offer the other cheek, but if it happens one more time, he was gonna kick some butt because the Bible never said anything about the third blow. (LOL)
So I guess we all struggle with the flesh from time to time and even if we want to do the right thing, we struggle in doing so. If that is true, we need to watch ourselves and try to keep on the road laid out before us with the instruction of Jesus. After all, He knows better than we do.
I used to work in a transitional facility for those people coming from detox who were waiting for housing in a halfway house or other sober living conditions. At shift change I would speak with another guy (also in recovery) and we would talk about the things that made us mad about recovery. Usually it was the things that came along after we sobered up that we never got to try, and all the places of the flesh we were no longer able to go to.
It was usually done tongue and cheek, as one may expect, and never done with a straight face.
Here in Mathew is one of those passages that honk me off.
38 "You have heard that it was said, ‘Eye for eye, and tooth for tooth.’
39 But I tell you, Do not resist an evil person. If someone strikes you on the right cheek, turn to him the other also.
40 And if someone wants to sue you and take your tunic, let him have your cloak as well.
41 If someone forces you to go one mile, go with him two miles.
42 Give to the one who asks you, and do not turn away from the one who wants to borrow from you.
These are lofty goals that are hard to reach. My flesh tells me that if I am struck, well I'm gonna strike back, and hopefully hard enough that there will be no other blows at all.
I once heard pastor Bruce Fong teach in a sermon, that if he gets hit, he will offer the other cheek, but if it happens one more time, he was gonna kick some butt because the Bible never said anything about the third blow. (LOL)
So I guess we all struggle with the flesh from time to time and even if we want to do the right thing, we struggle in doing so. If that is true, we need to watch ourselves and try to keep on the road laid out before us with the instruction of Jesus. After all, He knows better than we do.
Sunday, January 18, 2009
Saturday, January 17, 2009
UNITY IN JESUS.
Ephesians 2: 14 – 22
On August 8, 2005, the world learned of the dramatic rescue of seven Russian sailors trapped in a small sub entangled in a fishing net. The men had survived 3 cold, dark days on the bottom of the ocean and had less than 6 hours of oxygen left. Meanwhile, up above, a frantic, unified rescue effort by Russian, Japanese, British, and American personnel was underway. Finally, the sub was freed. The Russian Defense Minister, Serguy Ivanov, praised the operation, saying, “We have seen in deeds, not in words, what the brotherhood of the sea means.”
Unity means to be in a state of accord, or my favorite; A combination or arrangement of parts into a whole.
Jesus wants us to be in such an accord, to have such an arrangement. I know this because the word of God tell me so.
I love the book of Ephesians. If you ever feel down, or beaten about the head and shoulders with a blunt instrument, read the book of Ephesians in a personal way and see the love that God has for each of us. Individually and as a whole.
13 But now in Christ Jesus you who once were far away have been brought near through the blood of Christ.
14 For he himself is our peace, who has made the two one and has destroyed the barrier, the dividing wall of hostility,
15 by abolishing in his flesh the law with its commandments and regulations. His purpose was to create in himself one new man out of the two, thus making peace,
16 and in this one body to reconcile both of them to God through the cross, by which he put to death their hostility.
We always hear about the mysteries of God,
This is one of the mysteries of God. The bringing together the Jew and the Gentile as one, in one accord, an arrangement of parts brought together to one purpose.
Okay, so we're united with one vision. Now what are we supposed to do?
Believers in Jesus are commissioned to undertake the most important rescue effort. People are dying without Christ. Praise God that united mission efforts are bringing hope, salvation, education, and relief to desperate people around the world. That’s what the brotherhood of Christ is all about.
On August 8, 2005, the world learned of the dramatic rescue of seven Russian sailors trapped in a small sub entangled in a fishing net. The men had survived 3 cold, dark days on the bottom of the ocean and had less than 6 hours of oxygen left. Meanwhile, up above, a frantic, unified rescue effort by Russian, Japanese, British, and American personnel was underway. Finally, the sub was freed. The Russian Defense Minister, Serguy Ivanov, praised the operation, saying, “We have seen in deeds, not in words, what the brotherhood of the sea means.”
Unity means to be in a state of accord, or my favorite; A combination or arrangement of parts into a whole.
Jesus wants us to be in such an accord, to have such an arrangement. I know this because the word of God tell me so.
I love the book of Ephesians. If you ever feel down, or beaten about the head and shoulders with a blunt instrument, read the book of Ephesians in a personal way and see the love that God has for each of us. Individually and as a whole.
13 But now in Christ Jesus you who once were far away have been brought near through the blood of Christ.
14 For he himself is our peace, who has made the two one and has destroyed the barrier, the dividing wall of hostility,
15 by abolishing in his flesh the law with its commandments and regulations. His purpose was to create in himself one new man out of the two, thus making peace,
16 and in this one body to reconcile both of them to God through the cross, by which he put to death their hostility.
We always hear about the mysteries of God,
This is one of the mysteries of God. The bringing together the Jew and the Gentile as one, in one accord, an arrangement of parts brought together to one purpose.
Okay, so we're united with one vision. Now what are we supposed to do?
Believers in Jesus are commissioned to undertake the most important rescue effort. People are dying without Christ. Praise God that united mission efforts are bringing hope, salvation, education, and relief to desperate people around the world. That’s what the brotherhood of Christ is all about.
Friday, January 16, 2009
HOW CAN I DO THIS GREAT WICKEDNESS......
Genesis 39: 1 – 9
As I look back, not so many years ago, we knew the difference between right and wrong, good and evil, and what was sin and what wasn't. We have started to use euphemisms for the things we do so that they will not seem so bad to others, or even to our selves. We murder our unborn children and call it choice, we call living in sexual sin an alternative lifestyle, and the words and phrases go on and on. I am sure that we can all think of many more words that we use to be politically correct, and not insult anyone, especially those involved in sin who refuse to admit it.
6 So he left in Joseph’s care everything he had; with Joseph in charge, he did not concern himself with anything except the food he ate. Now Joseph was well-built and handsome,
7 ¶ and after a while his master’s wife took notice of Joseph and said, "Come to bed with me!"
8 But he refused. "With me in charge," he told her, "my master does not concern himself with anything in the house; everything he owns he has entrusted to my care.
9 No-one is greater in this house than I am. My master has withheld nothing from me except you, because you are his wife. How then could I do such a wicked thing and sin against God?"
Who among us could hold so true to his beliefs and make such a bold statement?
Oh, I'm sure that there are many that could stand up to that temptation, but I am also sure that we would try to make the other person involved feel as if it was not such a bad thing when they tried to commit adultery.
To quote The Lone Ranger radio show;
“Return with us now to those thrilling days of yester-year”
Let's try to learn the lesson that Joseph so plainly sets out for us. We know the difference between right and wrong, and we know enough to call a spade a spade. Don't mince words and don't compromise your morals.
As I look back, not so many years ago, we knew the difference between right and wrong, good and evil, and what was sin and what wasn't. We have started to use euphemisms for the things we do so that they will not seem so bad to others, or even to our selves. We murder our unborn children and call it choice, we call living in sexual sin an alternative lifestyle, and the words and phrases go on and on. I am sure that we can all think of many more words that we use to be politically correct, and not insult anyone, especially those involved in sin who refuse to admit it.
6 So he left in Joseph’s care everything he had; with Joseph in charge, he did not concern himself with anything except the food he ate. Now Joseph was well-built and handsome,
7 ¶ and after a while his master’s wife took notice of Joseph and said, "Come to bed with me!"
8 But he refused. "With me in charge," he told her, "my master does not concern himself with anything in the house; everything he owns he has entrusted to my care.
9 No-one is greater in this house than I am. My master has withheld nothing from me except you, because you are his wife. How then could I do such a wicked thing and sin against God?"
Who among us could hold so true to his beliefs and make such a bold statement?
Oh, I'm sure that there are many that could stand up to that temptation, but I am also sure that we would try to make the other person involved feel as if it was not such a bad thing when they tried to commit adultery.
To quote The Lone Ranger radio show;
“Return with us now to those thrilling days of yester-year”
Let's try to learn the lesson that Joseph so plainly sets out for us. We know the difference between right and wrong, and we know enough to call a spade a spade. Don't mince words and don't compromise your morals.
Thursday, January 15, 2009
DESPAIR
Psalm 119: 25 – 32
We have all been through trouble, and many of us have known deep depression. There were times when we were children that it was difficult to go home after school, because we weren't sure what mood our parents might be in. we have all known fear. Most of us have been on a first name basis with poverty, and of the effects that it can have on us.
Even the J. Giels band wrote a bout desperation. (every now and then we do get desperate)
Yet at the bottom of our self dug pits, I know that there is hope in Jesus, that guidance come from the Holy Spirit, and that knowledge and power are in God's word.
25 (Daleth) I am laid low in the dust; preserve my life according to your word.
26 I recounted my ways and you answered me; teach me your decrees.
27 Let me understand the teaching of your precepts; then I will meditate on your wonders.
28 My soul is weary with sorrow; strengthen me according to your word.
29 Keep me from deceitful ways; be gracious to me through your law.
30 I have chosen the way of truth; I have set my heart on your laws.
31 I hold fast to your statutes, O LORD; do not let me be put to shame.
32 I run in the path of your commands, for you have set my heart free.
The words of Psalm 119 give us encouragement. We can be revived by God's word.
When our soul is full of sorrow, we can be strengthened by God's word.
When we are threatened by deceit, we can follow the truth of God's word.
Our hearts can be set free by God's command.
Life's demands can become overwhelming, and we can easily fall by the wayside. If that happens, we can find hope, strength, guidance, and knowledge.
Where?
In God's word.
We have all been through trouble, and many of us have known deep depression. There were times when we were children that it was difficult to go home after school, because we weren't sure what mood our parents might be in. we have all known fear. Most of us have been on a first name basis with poverty, and of the effects that it can have on us.
Even the J. Giels band wrote a bout desperation. (every now and then we do get desperate)
Yet at the bottom of our self dug pits, I know that there is hope in Jesus, that guidance come from the Holy Spirit, and that knowledge and power are in God's word.
25 (Daleth) I am laid low in the dust; preserve my life according to your word.
26 I recounted my ways and you answered me; teach me your decrees.
27 Let me understand the teaching of your precepts; then I will meditate on your wonders.
28 My soul is weary with sorrow; strengthen me according to your word.
29 Keep me from deceitful ways; be gracious to me through your law.
30 I have chosen the way of truth; I have set my heart on your laws.
31 I hold fast to your statutes, O LORD; do not let me be put to shame.
32 I run in the path of your commands, for you have set my heart free.
The words of Psalm 119 give us encouragement. We can be revived by God's word.
When our soul is full of sorrow, we can be strengthened by God's word.
When we are threatened by deceit, we can follow the truth of God's word.
Our hearts can be set free by God's command.
Life's demands can become overwhelming, and we can easily fall by the wayside. If that happens, we can find hope, strength, guidance, and knowledge.
Where?
In God's word.
Wednesday, January 14, 2009
FEAR
Mathew10: 27 – 31
When I was a little boy, if I became afraid, I would cry out for my mother or my father. They knew where I was and would come to my side letting me know that they were there, and give me comfort.
Now that I am an adult, I go to my heavenly Father, who gives great comfort.
The other day I wrote about being honest in our prayers to God, I guess we have to talk about giving our fears over to God in prayer too.
God wants everything, good or bad. E watches over us day by day and knows our every move, so why hide from him. Rely on God to relieve our fears, give them over to him in prayer.
27 What I tell you in the dark, speak in the daylight; what is whispered in your ear, proclaim from the roofs.
28 Do not be afraid of those who kill the body but cannot kill the soul. Rather, be afraid of the One who can destroy both soul and body in hell.
29 Are not two sparrows sold for a penny? Yet not one of them will fall to the ground apart from the will of your Father.
30 And even the very hairs of your head are all numbered.
31 So don’t be afraid; you are worth more than many sparrows.
When we face difficult circumstances, fear may cause us to wonder if God is aware of our situation. Jesus’ teaching assures us that God cares deeply and is in control.
When I was a little boy, if I became afraid, I would cry out for my mother or my father. They knew where I was and would come to my side letting me know that they were there, and give me comfort.
Now that I am an adult, I go to my heavenly Father, who gives great comfort.
The other day I wrote about being honest in our prayers to God, I guess we have to talk about giving our fears over to God in prayer too.
God wants everything, good or bad. E watches over us day by day and knows our every move, so why hide from him. Rely on God to relieve our fears, give them over to him in prayer.
27 What I tell you in the dark, speak in the daylight; what is whispered in your ear, proclaim from the roofs.
28 Do not be afraid of those who kill the body but cannot kill the soul. Rather, be afraid of the One who can destroy both soul and body in hell.
29 Are not two sparrows sold for a penny? Yet not one of them will fall to the ground apart from the will of your Father.
30 And even the very hairs of your head are all numbered.
31 So don’t be afraid; you are worth more than many sparrows.
When we face difficult circumstances, fear may cause us to wonder if God is aware of our situation. Jesus’ teaching assures us that God cares deeply and is in control.
Tuesday, January 13, 2009
HONESTY WITH GOD
Habakkuk 1: 1 – 4
How many of us can say that they are truly honest with God when we pray?
I am sure that we all start off giving glory to God in prayer, and asking for His help.
But, when it is time to get honest about how we feel, and even angry about our relationship with God, do we go ahead and get down and dirty with The Almighty?
The Bible teaches us that we should. We are to hold nothing back with our walk with God.
1 The oracle that Habakkuk the prophet received.
2 How long, O LORD, must I call for help, but you do not listen? Or cry out to you, "Violence!" but you do not save?
3 Why do you make me look at injustice? Why do you tolerate wrong? Destruction and violence are before me; there is strife, and conflict abounds.
4 Therefore the law is paralyzed, and justice never prevails. The wicked hem in the righteous, so that justice is perverted.
I sometimes wonder why God places such a high value on honesty in our prayers, even to the extent of enduring unjust outbursts. I am startled to see how many biblical prayers seem ill-tempered. Jeremiah griped about unfairness (20:7-10); Habakkuk accused God of deafness (1:2); Job conceded, “What profit do we have if we pray to Him?” (21:15). The Bible teaches us to pray with blistering honesty. God wants us to come to Him with our complaints. If we march through life pretending to smile while inside we bleed, we dishonor the relationship.
So, how you doin' with that honesty thing?
How many of us can say that they are truly honest with God when we pray?
I am sure that we all start off giving glory to God in prayer, and asking for His help.
But, when it is time to get honest about how we feel, and even angry about our relationship with God, do we go ahead and get down and dirty with The Almighty?
The Bible teaches us that we should. We are to hold nothing back with our walk with God.
1 The oracle that Habakkuk the prophet received.
2 How long, O LORD, must I call for help, but you do not listen? Or cry out to you, "Violence!" but you do not save?
3 Why do you make me look at injustice? Why do you tolerate wrong? Destruction and violence are before me; there is strife, and conflict abounds.
4 Therefore the law is paralyzed, and justice never prevails. The wicked hem in the righteous, so that justice is perverted.
I sometimes wonder why God places such a high value on honesty in our prayers, even to the extent of enduring unjust outbursts. I am startled to see how many biblical prayers seem ill-tempered. Jeremiah griped about unfairness (20:7-10); Habakkuk accused God of deafness (1:2); Job conceded, “What profit do we have if we pray to Him?” (21:15). The Bible teaches us to pray with blistering honesty. God wants us to come to Him with our complaints. If we march through life pretending to smile while inside we bleed, we dishonor the relationship.
So, how you doin' with that honesty thing?
Monday, January 12, 2009
BEYOND HOPE
Luke 23: 33 – 43
Just to let you know, when I was out there drinking and drugging, or running and gunning if you prefer, I wasn't really a bad guy. Don't get me wrong, I wasn't the type of guy you would want to bring home to meet the parents, but I wasn't into a lot of really bad things. I was just rotten. I couldn't be trusted, and I would lie to you, steal from you, and cheat you out of anything that I could get away with.
So, when I came to know the Lord, I believed that I was beyond hope. I felt like I had turned a corner in my life, and was living as an honorable man, but I was also convinced that I was so dirty that God would not defile himself enough to reach into the sewer that I had lived in to lift me out and cleanse my heart, and I figured that this was okay, because he at least stopped the madness in my life.
Thankfully my outlook changed. As I grew closer to God, and began to read and understand the Bible, I began to see that I was not beyond hope and that God would gladly go to any length to enter a relationship with not only me, but everyone who would come to him and ask.
39 One of the criminals who hung there hurled insults at him: "Aren’t you the Christ? Save yourself and us!"
40 But the other criminal rebuked him. "Don’t you fear God," he said, "since you are under the same sentence?
41 We are punished justly, for we are getting what our deeds deserve. But this man has done nothing wrong."
42 Then he said, "Jesus, remember me when you come into your kingdom."
43 Jesus answered him, "I tell you the truth, today you will be with me in paradise."
In medical situations, there is a term known as “triage”. This is a method of determining which patient needs immediate care, and which ones can wait, or which ones are beyond the skill of a doctor to heal. These are the ones who are to far gone to save.
Thankfully God doesn't work that way, and we are comforted by the fact that we are not beyond the scope of the Great Physician to heal.
Do you know someone who seems beyond hope today? Perhaps you think you are without hope. The God of the Bible specializes in giving help to those regarded as so old, so guilty, or so weak as to be beyond help.
Just to let you know, when I was out there drinking and drugging, or running and gunning if you prefer, I wasn't really a bad guy. Don't get me wrong, I wasn't the type of guy you would want to bring home to meet the parents, but I wasn't into a lot of really bad things. I was just rotten. I couldn't be trusted, and I would lie to you, steal from you, and cheat you out of anything that I could get away with.
So, when I came to know the Lord, I believed that I was beyond hope. I felt like I had turned a corner in my life, and was living as an honorable man, but I was also convinced that I was so dirty that God would not defile himself enough to reach into the sewer that I had lived in to lift me out and cleanse my heart, and I figured that this was okay, because he at least stopped the madness in my life.
Thankfully my outlook changed. As I grew closer to God, and began to read and understand the Bible, I began to see that I was not beyond hope and that God would gladly go to any length to enter a relationship with not only me, but everyone who would come to him and ask.
39 One of the criminals who hung there hurled insults at him: "Aren’t you the Christ? Save yourself and us!"
40 But the other criminal rebuked him. "Don’t you fear God," he said, "since you are under the same sentence?
41 We are punished justly, for we are getting what our deeds deserve. But this man has done nothing wrong."
42 Then he said, "Jesus, remember me when you come into your kingdom."
43 Jesus answered him, "I tell you the truth, today you will be with me in paradise."
In medical situations, there is a term known as “triage”. This is a method of determining which patient needs immediate care, and which ones can wait, or which ones are beyond the skill of a doctor to heal. These are the ones who are to far gone to save.
Thankfully God doesn't work that way, and we are comforted by the fact that we are not beyond the scope of the Great Physician to heal.
Do you know someone who seems beyond hope today? Perhaps you think you are without hope. The God of the Bible specializes in giving help to those regarded as so old, so guilty, or so weak as to be beyond help.
Sunday, January 11, 2009
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Sunday, January 4, 2009
Saturday, January 3, 2009
IT JUST SEEMS RIGHT.
Genesis 2:
15 The LORD God took the man and put him in the Garden of Eden to work it and take care of it.
16 And the LORD God commanded the man, "You are free to eat from any tree in the garden;
17 but you must not eat from the tree of the knowledge of good and evil, for when you eat of it you will surely die."
18 The LORD God said, "It is not good for the man to be alone. I will make a helper suitable for him."
19 Now the LORD God had formed out of the ground all the beasts of the field and all the birds of the air. He brought them to the man to see what he would name them; and whatever the man called each living creature, that was its name.
20 So the man gave names to all the livestock, the birds of the air and all the beasts of the field. But for Adam no suitable helper was found.
21 So the LORD God caused the man to fall into a deep sleep; and while he was sleeping, he took one of the man’s ribs and closed up the place with flesh.
22 Then the LORD God made a woman from the rib he had taken out of the man, and he brought her to the man.
It just seems to flow, no probability theories, no evolutionary “science”, it makes sense. Man was brought into a garden paradise that was prepared for him with all that was needed for life.
(scientists call it the “Pre-Cambrian” explosion, a biological “Big Bang”, where one day there was nothing, and the next, the world was full of life. Scientists are also afraid to acknowledge what we already know to be true. God spoke it into existence)
Then God, in His infinite wisdom, created in the garden a suitable helper. I love that translation, suitable helper, kinda like Alfred in the Batman comics. You know always there with a cup of tea and sage advice.
But suitable helper comes from the Hebrew “Ezer Kenegdo” which literally translates to “Life Saver”.
Now that sounds like what God intended.
Like I said, no theories, no scientific experiments, nothing to get in the way of what God wants for us.
15 The LORD God took the man and put him in the Garden of Eden to work it and take care of it.
16 And the LORD God commanded the man, "You are free to eat from any tree in the garden;
17 but you must not eat from the tree of the knowledge of good and evil, for when you eat of it you will surely die."
18 The LORD God said, "It is not good for the man to be alone. I will make a helper suitable for him."
19 Now the LORD God had formed out of the ground all the beasts of the field and all the birds of the air. He brought them to the man to see what he would name them; and whatever the man called each living creature, that was its name.
20 So the man gave names to all the livestock, the birds of the air and all the beasts of the field. But for Adam no suitable helper was found.
21 So the LORD God caused the man to fall into a deep sleep; and while he was sleeping, he took one of the man’s ribs and closed up the place with flesh.
22 Then the LORD God made a woman from the rib he had taken out of the man, and he brought her to the man.
It just seems to flow, no probability theories, no evolutionary “science”, it makes sense. Man was brought into a garden paradise that was prepared for him with all that was needed for life.
(scientists call it the “Pre-Cambrian” explosion, a biological “Big Bang”, where one day there was nothing, and the next, the world was full of life. Scientists are also afraid to acknowledge what we already know to be true. God spoke it into existence)
Then God, in His infinite wisdom, created in the garden a suitable helper. I love that translation, suitable helper, kinda like Alfred in the Batman comics. You know always there with a cup of tea and sage advice.
But suitable helper comes from the Hebrew “Ezer Kenegdo” which literally translates to “Life Saver”.
Now that sounds like what God intended.
Like I said, no theories, no scientific experiments, nothing to get in the way of what God wants for us.
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