What is thy beloved more than another

Bible Reading: Numbers 7; Psalm 42, 43; Song 5; Hebrews 5

What is thy beloved more than another beloved, O thou fairest among women? what is thy beloved more than another beloved, that thou dost so charge us? (Song of Solomon 5:9)

The virgins of Israel want to know why the Shulamite is so in love with her beloved. The Shulamite was looking frantically for her beloved and charged the daughters of Jerusalem to tell him that she was sick with love for him. Why is he so special? What is different about him from all other men? These are the questions they are asking her. She then begins to talk of her beloved.

My beloved is white and ruddy, the chiefest among ten thousand. His head is as the most fine gold, his locks are bushy, and black as a raven. His eyes are as the eyes of doves by the rivers of waters, washed with milk, and fitly set. His cheeks are as a bed of spices, as sweet flowers: his lips like lilies, dropping sweet smelling myrrh. His hands are as gold rings set with the beryl: his belly is as bright ivory overlaid with sapphires. His legs are as pillars of marble, set upon sockets of fine gold: his countenance is as Lebanon, excellent as the cedars. His mouth is most sweet: yea, he is altogether lovely. This is my beloved, and this is my friend, O daughters of Jerusalem. (Song of Solomon 5:10-16)

Listen to the way she speaks of her husband. She lets everyone know how much she respects him and she sings his praises. She thinks he is handsome.

Many times in public I have heard a woman mock her husband. Sometimes she puts him down because of his negligence with things around the house or his poor handling of money. Sometimes a woman speaks curtly to her man in public. Ladies, learn the lesson from the Shulamite – she speaks highly of her husband in public. He is HER beloved and she loves him.

Nevertheless let every one of you in particular so love his wife even as himself; and the wife see that she reverence her husband. (Ephesians 5:33)

A wife should reverence her husband. She should show him respect and speak highly of him when talking with others. He is the man that God has given to her. He has become one flesh with her and his body is her body. Not only that, but the Shulamite reminds the daughters of Jerusalem that that he is her friend.

Is your husband your friend? He should be. What if you and your husband are not good friends, what should you do?

A man that hath friends must shew himself friendly: and there is a friend that sticketh closer than a brother. (Proverbs 18:24)

If you want your husband to be your friend, be a friend to him. Show yourself friendly. Give him praises and speak highly of him.

In Christ,

Rody

Thou art all fair my love

Bible Reading: Numbers 6; Psalms 40-41; Song of Solomon 4; Hebrews 4

Until the day break, and the shadows flee away, I will get me to the mountain of myrrh, and to the hill of frankincense. Thou art all fair, my love; there is no spot in thee. (Song of Solomon 4:6-7)

Chapter 4 of the Song of Solomon is about the royal couple's wedding night. The first part is Solomon's description of his wife. It is filled with Middle Eastern rural imagery from nature. It would seem that he is rehearsing her beauty as he gets more intimate with her on their wedding night. This is for married couples only! The great tragedy of our day is that many couples have experience prior to their wedding night with someone other than their spouse. We see here a man who is totally enthralled with his wife. He tells her how beautiful she is. They spend this night in each other's arms and Solomon's conclusion is that there is no spot in her. He now knows her intimately as no other man does.

Thou hast ravished my heart, my sister, my spouse; thou hast ravished my heart with one of thine eyes, with one chain of thy neck. (Song of Solomon 4:9)

Notice how Solomon calls her his sister and his spouse. What a beautiful declaration of the relationship between them. A husband and wife should work hard to cultivate a close friendship in their marriage. They should also realize the blessings of marital intimacy. Solomon calls her a garden and a fountain.

A garden inclosed is my sister, my spouse; a spring shut up, a fountain sealed. (Song of Solomon 4:12)

A fountain of gardens, a well of living waters, and streams from Lebanon. (Song of Solomon 4:15)

She is his garden and his fountain. This is something that is not to be shared with anyone. Solomon also writes in another place:

Drink waters out of thine own cistern, and running waters out of thine own well. Let thy fountains be dispersed abroad, and rivers of waters in the streets. Let them be only thine own, and not strangers' with thee. Let thy fountain be blessed: and rejoice with the wife of thy youth. Let her be as the loving hind and pleasant roe; let her breasts satisfy thee at all times; and be thou ravished always with her love. And why wilt thou, my son, be ravished with a strange woman, and embrace the bosom of a stranger? (Proverbs 5:15-20)

God designed marriage and the intimacy of the relationship is his idea. It is to be between one man and one woman in the bonds of covenant marriage. Just as much as the Shulamite ravished Solomon on his wedding night, she is to have his heart all of their life. The Bible says to rejoice with the wife of thy youth. Let God build this kind of relationship in your marriage.

In Christ,

Rody

I held him and would not let him go

Bible Reading: Numbers 5; Psalm 39; Song of Solomon 3; Hebrews 3

It was but a little that I passed from them, but I found him whom my soul loveth: I held him, and would not let him go, until I had brought him into my mother's house, and into the chamber of her that conceived me. I charge you, O ye daughters of Jerusalem, by the roes, and by the hinds of the field, that ye stir not up, nor awake my love, till he please. (Song of Solomon 3:4-5)

Here is the search the Shulamite goes on to find her beloved. He had invited her to come with him earlier and she had refused. Now she knows that he is the one she loves and she cannot find him. A desperate search through the city finally brings her to her beloved. This just prior to their wedding day and when she held him, she would not let him go.

You can hear the desperation in the Shulamite while she cannot find Solomon. This is a woman in courtship who says yes to the marriage proposal of her beau. She has made up her mind. She is not putting him off any more. She brings him to her mother's house, even to the very house where she was conceived. There is never a mention of the Shulamite's father in the Song, so he must have passed away. In her culture, a formal proposal of marriage would have been made by the groom to her father. Since no father is mentioned, Solomon would have had to make his proposal to her brothers.

Can you hear the expectation she has to be with her husband? Once again she charges the daughters of Jerusalem not to stir up her love till he pleases. In other words she is ready to give herself completely to him, but she wants to wait until they are married. She even mentions the fact that while they are in her home it is the place where she was conceived. She is ready for marriage and she is ready to be with her husband all the time.

The rest of Chapter 3 is about the royal wedding. It was a big occasion with lots of attendants. What a special day for this Shulamite country girl who is marrying the king!

This portion of the Song of Solomon helps us realize that love and romance are real and good. However, they are designed by God for the covenant of marriage. The Bible tells us:

For this is the will of God, even your sanctification, that ye should abstain from fornication: That every one of you should know how to possess his vessel in sanctification and honour; Not in the lust of concupiscence, even as the Gentiles which know not God: (1 Thessalonians 4:3-5)

Those who do not know God live lustful lives. Those who do know how to possess their vessel (body) in sanctification and honor. Men honor women by waiting until they are joined in marriage to let loose their passionate love.

In Christ,

Rody

His banner over me was love

Bible Reading: Numbers 4; Psalm 38; Song of Solomon 2; Hebrews 2

He brought me to the banqueting house, and his banner over me was love. (Song of Solomon 2:4)

Solomon was not ashamed of his love for the Shulamite. He brought her to his banqueting house and anyone who was invited to the royal banquet would have been able to see that he loved her. Like an army bearing their standard or banner, Solomon's love was evident to all.

Men, do your wives know the love that you have for them? When you are in public is there a banner of love over your bride? She needs it!

Husbands, love your wives, even as Christ also loved the church, and gave himself for it; (Ephesians 5:25)

She needs the security that comes from knowing that she is loved above all others by her husband.

This is still courtship for Solomon and the Shulamite. She is thinking ahead to her wedding night with him when she says:

His left hand is under my head, and his right hand doth embrace me. I charge you, O ye daughters of Jerusalem, by the roes, and by the hinds of the field, that ye stir not up, nor awake my love, till he please. (Song of Solomon 2:6-7)

She desires to be with him in marital intimacy, but she knows the time is not yet. Part of the man's banner over a woman in love is the promise that he will not put her in a compromising situation until they are married. She is vulnerable and he must protect and honor her vulnerability until they are wed. She speaks to the daughters of Jerusalem charging them not to stir up her love till he pleases. She wants two things. First, she wants to wait until they are married in order to honor God's Word concerning marriage. Second, she wants the commitment from him that he will be hers alone.

Men, realize that fornication is a sin. It is up to godly men of honor to spread their banner of love over a woman and protect her honor. That banner is a guarantee that you love her and are committed to her. It is a pledge of faithfulness and love. The banner brings assurance to her and to all that you belong to each other. The Shulamite knew this because she declares:

My beloved is mine, and I am his: he feedeth among the lilies. (Song of Solomon 2:16)

It has almost become cliché to say 'true love waits', but it is true. Marital love is a wonderful thing that must be guarded as with an army and defended as a strong city!

In Christ,

Rody

Mine own vineyard have I not kept

Bible Reading: Numbers 3; Psalm 37; Song of Solomon 1; Hebrews 1

I am black, but comely, O ye daughters of Jerusalem, as the tents of Kedar, as the curtains of Solomon. Look not upon me, because I am black, because the sun hath looked upon me: my mother's children were angry with me; they made me the keeper of the vineyards; but mine own vineyard have I not kept. (Song of Solomon 1:5-6)

Many have tried to make the Song of Solomon out to be an allegory of Christ and his church. There might be some application along these lines, but first and foremost this is a Song about Solomon and the love of his life. Yes, he had many wives. And, no, that is not what God wants. But here we have the girl he loved and here we see the wife of his youth. The Shulamite girl was a farm girl. She was not a city raised blue blood. As she sits in the presence of the king and looks around at all the fair-skinned women of Jerusalem she compares herself to the tents of Kedar which are covered with black goat skins.

She has grown up working and her brothers and sisters made her work in the vineyards. The sun has made her skin very dark. She has had to work all her life and she has not had the luxury of keeper her complexion beautiful like the city ladies. However, Solomon sees something very different.

I have compared thee, O my love, to a company of horses in Pharaoh's chariots. Thy cheeks are comely with rows of jewels, thy neck with chains of gold. (Song of Solomon 1:9-10)

Ladies today might not like being compared to a horse, but Solomon is saying he sees her as feminine and elegant. The Pharaoh would have had some of the finest horses in the world pulling his chariots. Her cheeks he compares to jewels and her neck to chains of gold.

Her dark complexion does not bother the king. He finds her absolutely beautiful!

Behold, thou art fair, my love; behold, thou art fair; thou hast doves' eyes. (Song of Solomon 1:15)

When the Bible uses the word 'fair' it means beautiful. What do we learn from this chapter? This is the love of a man and a woman. Although he is the king, the rugged beauty of a country girl draws him. She is intimidated by the fact that she has not had the upbringing that she thinks is important to the king and he is helping her to understand that does not matter to him.

Men, this helps us understand that our wives need to hear of their beauty. They need not compare themselves to the Hollywood models. God has made them for us and we see our ladies as fair. Let them know it! Tell your wife how beautiful she is! Love your wife as Christ loved the church.

I Christ,

Rody

Let not the foot of pride come against me

Bible Reading: Numbers 2; Psalm 36; Ecclesiastes 12; Philemon

Let not the foot of pride come against me, and let not the hand of the wicked remove me. (Psalms 36:11)

Psalm 36 is a wonderful Psalm to understand how to deal with wicked men. David begins the Psalm by stating what he is saying to himself in his heart. He is concerned about the wicked men he has to deal with. There is no fear of God within them. The wicked builds himself up in his own eyes and he is a liar. He goes his own way and he does not hate evil. This description of wickedness applies to every generation. You and I deal with men like this in our world today.

How then do you deal with them in a way that is godly?

David begins here where we all begin. He is talking to himself and thinking about the wickedness around him. Many times we do this. We read the paper or watch the news and are discouraged by the wickedness we hear of. We see wicked men in places of power and watch them trampling down the people. Yet David does not simply think about it and worry. He goes to God in prayer and begins to worship the Lord for all his wonderful mercy.

Do you practice this? When you are concerned about the wicked do you go to the Lord in prayer? The Bible tells us very plainly not to be anxious or worried but to take it to the Lord in prayer.

Be careful for nothing; but in every thing by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known unto God. And the peace of God, which passeth all understanding, shall keep your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus. (Philippians 4:6-7)

David turns from his worrying to worship and then to supplication. He asks God to protect him from the foot of pride. The proud trample down the humble and run over them. When I read this I am reminded of the Gadsden flag of the early American colonies. It was a coiled rattlesnake with the words, "Don't tread on me." The British were proud and trampling down the colonies. Do you pray that the proud would not run over you?

David also prays that the hand of the wicked would not remove him. The hand is the symbol of your will. You do your will with your hand. Do you pray that the wicked will not be able to come against you? You should. Instead of worrying and fretting about the wicked, worship God and pray.

In Christ,

Rody

Maintain good works

Bible Reading: Numbers 1; Psalm 35; Ecclesiastes 11; Titus 3

This is a faithful saying, and these things I will that thou affirm constantly, that they which have believed in God might be careful to maintain good works. These things are good and profitable unto men. (Titus 3:8)

Faithful sayings that you affirm constantly are sound doctrine that needs to be taught in the church. The apostle here is instructing Titus to preach that those who have believed in God might be careful to maintain good works. Notice he places faith first and apart from good works. These people were already saved. Now as children of God they were to maintain good works. Good works are profitable to men. Paul is here saying that a person who has trusted in Christ should allow the genuine faith they have to show through in good works.

The trap is to think you gain salvation by your good works. Another trap is to say that you are saved by grace but sanctified by works. Both of these are wrong Biblically. When you trust in Christ for salvation you are saved. You then understand that you are now free to serve God and he has good works for you to do.

Notice the importance of good works in the book of Titus:

They profess that they know God; but in works they deny him, being abominable, and disobedient, and unto every good work reprobate. (Titus 1:16)

We learn that there are people who profess to know God but in their works they deny him. They are reprobate unto every good work. In other words, they are not genuine Christians and you can tell because their lives show something very different than what they say.

In all things shewing thyself a pattern of good works: in doctrine shewing uncorruptness, gravity, sincerity, (Titus 2:7)

The elders in the church are to show themselves a pattern of good works. They are to teach doctrine and live according to that doctrine so others can see an example of someone who is a genuine believer.

Who gave himself for us, that he might redeem us from all iniquity, and purify unto himself a peculiar people, zealous of good works. (Titus 2:14)

Jesus gave himself as a sacrifice to redeem us from sin and purify us to be a people who are literally 'on fire' for good works.

And let ours also learn to maintain good works for necessary uses, that they be not unfruitful. (Titus 3:14)

Believers in Jesus need to learn to maintain good works. By living a life of good works your life will be fruitful. If you do not have good works in your life, it will be unfruitful. A fruitful believer brings glory o the Father (John 15:8).

Five times the book of Titus mentions 'good works'. They are a supernatural result of the life of Jesus in your life!

In Christ,

Rody

That blessed hope

Bible Reading: Leviticus 27; Psalm 34; Ecclesiastes 10; Titus 2

Looking for that blessed hope, and the glorious appearing of the great God and our Saviour Jesus Christ; (Titus 2:13)

Do you live looking forward to the glorious appearing of the great God and our Saviour Jesus Christ? That is the blessed hope of the follower of Jesus! We are to live looking forward! Now some live looking back and that is not what a believer ought to do.

Living life looking back is to live in bondage to the past. Maybe you have not forgiven those who have sinned against you and you are constantly looking back on the hurt and pain you feel. Maybe you are still looking back to some 'glory days' of the past. The days of high school or college are better to you than today. But that is to focus on fleshly desires and not to receive a fresh infilling of God's grace each day. Maybe you live looking back because you are dealing with guilt over something you have done and you are still in bondage to that sin. The Bible says to confess you sin and receive the forgiveness that God gives.

Brethren, I count not myself to have apprehended: but this one thing I do, forgetting those things which are behind, and reaching forth unto those things which are before, I press toward the mark for the prize of the high calling of God in Christ Jesus. (Philippians 3:13-14)

The past is the past and you cannot change it. You can forgive the sin done to you, confess the sin you have done and live for now looking forward to the coming of Christ! What is the blessed hope of the believer?

For the Lord himself shall descend from heaven with a shout, with the voice of the archangel, and with the trump of God: and the dead in Christ shall rise first: Then we which are alive and remain shall be caught up together with them in the clouds, to meet the Lord in the air: and so shall we ever be with the Lord. Wherefore comfort one another with these words. (1 Thessalonians 4:16-18)

Jesus is coming back to get his church! Are you ready? How do you live in readiness? First, you must trust in Christ alone for salvation and be born again. When you belong to Jesus, you can live out of the new life he has given to you. Which the Bible teaches us:

Teaching us that, denying ungodliness and worldly lusts, we should live soberly, righteously, and godly, in this present world; (Titus 2:12)

Deny the ungodly, worldly lusts and live a sober, righteous, godly life now looking forward to the appearing of the great God and our Saviour Jesus Christ!

In Christ,

Rody

Wisdom is better than strength

Bible Reading: Leviticus 26; Psalm 33; Ecclesiastes 9; Titus 1

Ecclesiastes 9:16 Then said I, Wisdom is better than strength: nevertheless the poor man's wisdom is despised, and his words are not heard.

Solomon here considers some of the things he has seen "under the sun". He says that this wisdom seemed great to him. That is a strong statement coming from a man who was gifted by God with wisdom above all men! Whether he had heard this story or seen the situation himself we do not know, but this situation actually happened.

Ecclesiastes 9:14-15 There was a little city, and few men within it; and there came a great king against it, and besieged it, and built great bulwarks against it: 15 Now there was found in it a poor wise man, and he by his wisdom delivered the city; yet no man remembered that same poor man.

The strength of the great king was no match for the wisdom of the poor man. It must have struck Solomon to consider that he too was a 'great king' with many resources and much power. It doesn't matter how strong you are, wisdom can triumph against strength. It is also noteworthy for us to consider the poor man's attitude toward his city. He was no great man in the city, however when the city was in peril he worked to deliver it. This he did demanding no reward and getting none. Nor was he remembered for what he had done. We must learn this lesson. Many of the great men are poor, forgotten men. The unsung heroes of our world are many.

Do you have wisdom? Do you seek for wisdom and ask God for it? To have wisdom is better than having strength.

You also need to listen when wise men speak. However, you will have to listen closely. Wise men are not the one's up front yelling as loud as they can. They are quietly giving wise counsel to those who will hear.

Ecclesiastes 9:17-18 The words of wise men are heard in quiet more than the cry of him that ruleth among fools. 18 Wisdom is better than weapons of war: but one sinner destroyeth much good.

One wise man can do much for a city and one sinner can destroy much good. Here we see the influence of one person. One man saved the city from the great king and his mighty army that came against it. How much damage can one sinner do who does not fear God nor love men? A wise man is selfless and desires the best for his city. A foolish sinner is selfish and does not care what he destroys to have his way.

1 Corinthians 1:30 But of him are ye in Christ Jesus, who of God is made unto us wisdom…

Walk with Jesus. Walk in wisdom.

In Christ,

Rody

Mine iniquity have I not hid

Bible Reading: Leviticus 25; Psalm 32; Ecclesiastes 8; 2 Timothy 4

Psalms 32:5 I acknowledged my sin unto thee, and mine iniquity have I not hid. I said, I will confess my transgressions unto the LORD; and thou forgavest the iniquity of my sin. Selah.

If you are born again what do you do when you sin? Well, you have several options, but only one that is Biblical and obedient. One of the options is to take the line that says I was fully forgiven when I believed on Christ and I have no further need to ask for forgiveness. There is a problem with this approach in that God tells us to ask for forgiveness. Yes, we were fully forgiven when we trusted in Christ in a judicial sense. At that moment we were adopted into God's family and now we have a child to Father relationship with God. As a child, we can disobey our Father and when we do, we need to confess to him.

Another approach is to go to a holy man or priest and tell him all about it. However, the Bible says:

1 Timothy 2:5 For there is one God, and one mediator between God and men, the man Christ Jesus.

The Psalmist said, "I will confess my transgressions unto the LORD."

A third option is to hide our sins and pretend that God does not see. He does see them and the Bible says this will not help us.

Proverbs 28:13 He that covereth his sins shall not prosper: but whoso confesseth and forsaketh them shall have mercy.

The Biblical thing to do is to acknowledge our sin to God. The Bible here repeats itself so that we can understand better what these words mean. To acknowledge our sin to God is to confess our transgressions to him. It means to get honest with God and tell him what you have done and that you know it is sin. Don't try to hide it or cover it up with Adam's fig leaves. Bring it out in the open and tell God about it. Then the Bible tells us that the LORD will forgive the iniquity of our sin.

In order to walk in close fellowship with Jesus, we need to be honest with him about our sin. Sin quenches the Holy Spirit's work in our lives and grieves him.

1 Thessalonians 5:19 Quench not the Spirit.

Ephesians 4:30 And grieve not the holy Spirit of God, whereby ye are sealed unto the day of redemption.

God knows your heart. He will forgive those who are honest with him and confess their sin. Aren't you glad that we have these promises in Scripture? Go to him in prayer and be honest!

In Christ,

Rody

The living will lay it to his heart

Bible Reading: Leviticus 24; Psalm 31; Ecclesiastes 7; 2 Timothy 3

Ecclesiastes 7:1-2 A good name is better than precious ointment; and the day of death than the day of one's birth. 2 It is better to go to the house of mourning, than to go to the house of feasting: for that is the end of all men; and the living will lay it to his heart.

A good name means that others speak well of you. To have a good name shows that you have integrity and that you have dealt honestly. But how do you learn this? Solomon points out that you cannot learn this by going to celebrate birthdays. As a young person, you learn this valuable lesson at funerals. It is better he says to go to the house of mourning than to go to the house of feasting. This is so absurd sounding to our ears that we have to step back and let God deal with us on this issue.

Our culture seeks to do away with death. Most people used to die in their homes. A person who was aged or infirm would be cared for by the extended family and they would die at home. If a doctor was available they made house-calls. Now, most people die in hospitals or nursing homes. Very few children are actually around a person in their last days of life. Because of this phenomenon, we have come to try and hide death. But the Bible says:

Ecclesiastes 3:1-2 To every thing there is a season, and a time to every purpose under the heaven: 2 A time to be born, and a time to die.

Death is the end of all men (unless Jesus raptures us before the body dies 1 Thessalonians 4:13-18). It is ok to attend birthday parties and they are good and fun but, we need a few funerals as well. From the house of mourning we learn truth.

1. 
   We are reminded that we will die one day and we need to be ready for that day.
   
2. We learn that those we know and love will die one day and we need to encourage them to be ready for that day.
   

How do you get ready to die? Ye must be born again! John 3:3,7 You need to be saved so that you will have the hope of being with Jesus.

1. We also learn that a man may take only two things with him at death. He may take his relationship with Jesus and his eternal relationships with others.
   

Many times as you go to the house of mourning, you realize the tragedy of a wasted life. Many times you realize the blessedness of a life lived for Jesus Christ.

Will they be rejoicing that you are with Jesus when your day comes? (One important point – if you truly are a disciple of Jesus, not all men will speak well of you (Luke 6:26)).

In Christ,

Rody

Meet for the Master’s use

Bible Reading: Leviticus 23; Psalm 30; Ecclesiastes 6; 2 Timothy 2

2 Timothy 2:20-21 But in a great house there are not only vessels of gold and of silver, but also of wood and of earth; and some to honour, and some to dishonour. 21 If a man therefore purge himself from these, he shall be a vessel unto honour, sanctified, and meet for the master's use, and prepared unto every good work.

A man has to purge himself from profane babbling and from profane men.

2 Timothy 2:16-18 But shun profane and vain babblings: for they will increase unto more ungodliness. 17 And their word will eat as doth a canker: of whom is Hymenaeus and Philetus; 18 Who concerning the truth have erred, saying that the resurrection is past already; and overthrow the faith of some.

If you want to be used by God, you must not let false teaching influence you. The Bible's illustration here is of a great house. In that house are many different kinds of vessels. A vessel is a container. There are some that are very ornate that one might put out on a table for display containing flowers. There are some that are beautiful serving vessels for meals. There are also common vessels that are used in an everyday context. These might include coffee cups and ordinary flatware.

That house also has vessels that you would never put on display. There are mop buckets and dish basins for cleaning up the house. There might even be chamber pots which are necessary and useful, but not something that would be considered 'unto honor'.

A person is a vessel. We are a clay pot. If we have trusted in the Lord Jesus Christ alone for salvation, we are a clay pot with God's Spirit living inside.

2 Corinthians 4:7 But we have this treasure in earthen vessels, that the excellency of the power may be of God, and not of us.

You and I must consider what kind of a vessel we will be. If we allow false teaching to influence us and we use our bodies for dishonorable purposes, we will be a vessel to dishonor. Judas Iscariot is an example of a vessel unto dishonor. His vessel was filled up with Satan himself.

Luke 22:3 Then entered Satan into Judas surnamed Iscariot, being of the number of the twelve.

But, if we purge ourselves from these things, we will be a vessel unto honor. Then we will be useful to our Master – King Jesus.

What kind of a vessel are you? Do you contain the Holy Spirit of God? Are you born again? Do you allow your vessel to be used for dishonorable purposes or yield yourself to dishonorable men to fill you up with false teaching? Any vessel that is filled up with Jesus is meet for the Master's use!

In Christ,

Rody

God hath not given us the spirit of fear

Bible Reading: Leviticus 22; Psalm 28-29; Ecclesiastes 5; 2 Timothy 1

2 Timothy 1:7 For God hath not given us the spirit of fear; but of power, and of love, and of a sound mind.

What has fear kept you from doing? Sometimes fear is a good thing. Fear that keeps a child from playing in the street is a good thing. Fear that keeps you from doing what God has called you to do is not good! In this verse, we hear the apostle Paul encouraging Timothy and reminding him of the fact that he can live out of God's Spirit rather than out of human tendencies. The church had recognized the faith of Timothy and had recommended him to Paul.

Acts 16:1-2 Then came he to Derbe and Lystra: and, behold, a certain disciple was there, named Timotheus, the son of a certain woman, which was a Jewess, and believed; but his father was a Greek: 2 Which was well reported of by the brethren that were at Lystra and Iconium.

Timothy's mother and grandmother we devout followers of Christ and had led Timothy to faith in Jesus. According to Paul and the church their faith was evident to all.

2 Timothy 1:5 When I call to remembrance the unfeigned faith that is in thee, which dwelt first in thy grandmother Lois, and thy mother Eunice; and I am persuaded that in thee also.

Now Paul was in prison and would be executed soon and Christians were being persecuted all over. Paul was writing to encourage Timothy to stay true to his ministry and preach the Word of God with boldness. These words are applicable to you and me today. It does not matter the state of affairs in our world, we are to be true to Jesus Christ and his gospel.

So the fear that you experience when you go to share the gospel with someone is not from God. God has given to us his Holy Spirit. With the empowering of the Spirit of God comes:

1. Power – power to be witnesses for Christ (Acts 1:8) and to face whatever difficulties come our way.
   
2. Love – the fruit of the Spirit is love! (Galatians 5:22-23). The love of God overcomes any fear that we might experience because we realize that if we love people, we will tell them the truth!
   
3. Sound mind – A mind that is able to think according to the mind of Christ. The Spirit of God helps us to think the way that God thinks rather than be 'scatter-brained' with fear.
   

If Timothy needed to be reminded of this, how much more do we? Do not give in to the spirit of fear that comes upon you. Get focused on God and his Word. Let the Holy Spirit fill you so that you can have the holy boldness to live for God rather than give in to fear.

In Christ,

Rody

I had fainted

Bible Reading: Leviticus 21; Psalms 26-27; Ecclesiastes 4; 1 Timothy 6

Psalms 27:13 I had fainted, unless I had believed to see the goodness of the LORD in the land of the living.

Psalm 27 is a wonderful declaration of David's confidence that God is his deliverer. He is able to face whatever comes his way because God is his light and his salvation. No matter how many come against him he has no need to fear because God will protect him and give him victory. In this psalm, David acknowledges what his true heart's desire is:

Psalms 27:4 One thing have I desired of the LORD, that will I seek after; that I may dwell in the house of the LORD all the days of my life, to behold the beauty of the LORD, and to inquire in his temple.

David wanted God! He wanted to know him and ask him all those questions that everyone has! David was a worshipper. He loved the Lord and sang praises to God. He was also a man that faced incredible hardship and difficulty in his life. For many years he was a fugitive and stayed on the run as King Saul tried to hunt him down and kill him. In this time, David found God to be a hiding place for him.

Psalms 27:5 For in the time of trouble he shall hide me in his pavilion: in the secret of his tabernacle shall he hide me; he shall set me up upon a rock.

During these hard years, David did not become bitter. Imagine how hard it would be to know that you were the rightful king and the current king was rejected by God. Do you think you might have some questions for God about why he allows things like this to happen? Yet David continually sought a relationship with God and refused to seek vengeance upon the king of Israel.

Psalms 27:8 When thou saidst, Seek ye my face; my heart said unto thee, Thy face, LORD, will I seek.

David here acknowledges that even if everyone he loved had forsaken him, the Lord would not.

Psalms 27:10 When my father and my mother forsake me, then the LORD will take me up.

And yet it was a long time that he had to face enemies and be on the run. Have you ever felt like fainting and giving up? David held on because he believed that he would see the goodness of God. He knew that during his life he would see God do good things and he waited for that. Are you in a hard place right now? Don't faint. Keep seeking God's face and know that God will allow you to see his goodness.

Psalms 27:14 Wait on the LORD: be of good courage, and he shall strengthen thine heart: wait, I say, on the LORD.

In Christ,

Rody

Labour in the word and doctrine

Bible Reading: Leviticus 20; Psalm 25; Ecclesiastes 3; 1 Timothy 5

1 Timothy 5:17-18 Let the elders that rule well be counted worthy of double honour, especially they who labour in the word and doctrine. 18 For the scripture saith, Thou shalt not muzzle the ox that treadeth out the corn. And, The labourer is worthy of his reward.

An elder is a pastor is a bishop. These terms are interchangeable in the New Testament. The Bible here tells us what our pastors ought to be doing and how we should treat them. First, elders ought to rule well. The word translated 'rule' is a military term that means to stand before in rank. For this reason, one of the duties of an elder is to be an overseer of the church. In Acts 20:17 Paul called the elders of the Ephesian church and spoke to them before he headed for Jerusalem.

Acts 20:28 Take heed therefore unto yourselves, and to all the flock, over the which the Holy Ghost hath made you overseers, to feed the church of God, which he hath purchased with his own blood.

Here he says the Holy Ghost has made them overseers and that they are to feed the church of God. In order to do this, an elder must labor in the word and doctrine. Peter says much the same thing in one of his epistles:

1 Peter 5:1-2 The elders which are among you I exhort, who am also an elder, and a witness of the sufferings of Christ, and also a partaker of the glory that shall be revealed: 2 Feed the flock of God which is among you, taking the oversight thereof, not by constraint, but willingly; not for filthy lucre, but of a ready mind.

Pastors ought to work had at the word and doctrine. They should:

2 Timothy 2:15 Study to shew thyself approved unto God, a workman that needeth not to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth.

The apostle tells us that elders who study hard and feed the church the good Word of God are to be counted worthy of double honor. The word translated 'honor' here means value or a price paid. We use the word today when we give someone an 'honorarium'. Then Paul quotes from Deuteronomy 25:4 saying you shall not muzzle the ox that treads out the corn. He also quotes the Lord Jesus saying a labourer is worthy of his hire.

How should pastors take care of the church? They should work hard at preaching and teaching so that God's church is fed. How should you treat your pastor? You should pay him well for doing what God has called him to do. If you have a godly pastor who preaches the Word, he is a gift from God. Be grateful and take good care of him. He is an important part of your and your family's spiritual growth.

In Christ,

Rody

Godliness is profitable unto all things

Bible Reading: Leviticus 19; Psalms 23-24; Ecclesiastes 2; 1 Timothy 4

1 Timothy 4:7-9 But refuse profane and old wives' fables, and exercise thyself rather unto godliness. 8 For bodily exercise profiteth little: but godliness is profitable unto all things, having promise of the life that now is, and of that which is to come. 9 This is a faithful saying and worthy of all acceptation.

As Paul was encouraging Timothy in the ministry, he informed him not to get sidetracked with fables. There are many things that can sidetrack us in our Christian lives. Many people get sidetracked with work and forget about serving the Lord. Sometimes we get so caught up studying some pet doctrine that we forget that we are to be soul-winners. But Paul tells Timothy to exercise himself to godliness. He contrasts this with bodily exercise. Talk about something that can sidetrack you! Our culture is so influenced by the Greeks that many now worship their bodies. Go into a book store and notice how many books there are on workouts! But the Bible here tells us that bodily exercise profits a little. In other words, it's OK to work out and exercise, but it is of little profit when compared to the GREAT profit of exercising yourself to godliness.

When you exercise bodily, you discipline yourself to challenge your muscles, bones, circulatory and respiratory systems to become as efficient as they can. You regularly place your body in a situation where it has to push hard to keep up. This gets rid of flabby fat and increases stamina. People literally go to medical school to better understand the fact that you should regularly get out and walk, run, jump, lift heavy stuff and bend over!

When was the last time that you put yourself though a disciplined and rigorous plan to increase godliness? What is your plan for spiritual growth? The Bible says godliness is profitable unto ALL THINGS! If you grow in godliness, you will notice a difference in your marriage, your parenting, your work, your play, your relationships with others and your relationship with God. It promises benefit in this life and the life that is to come. Are you spiritually flabby?

2 Peter 3:18 But grow in grace, and in the knowledge of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ. To him be glory both now and for ever. Amen.

How do you exercise yourself unto godliness? Here is a workout routine for you to consider:

1. A daily quiet time of Bible reading and prayer.
   
2. A constant filling up of your personal trainer, the Holy Spirit.
   
3. A weekly well-balanced diet of preaching intake from a Bible preaching pastor/teacher.
   
4. A rigorous heavy weight-lifting study of the Bible digging in deep.
   
5. A weekly vigorous walk through the neighborhood sharing the gospel with others.
   
6. Plenty of rest in the Lord (Matthew 11:28-30)
   

In Christ,

Rody

No new thing under the sun

Bible Reading: Leviticus 18; Psalm 22; Ecclesiastes 1; 1 Timothy 3

Ecclesiastes 1:9 The thing that hath been, it is that which shall be; and that which is done is that which shall be done: and there is no new thing under the sun.

Solomon's book of Ecclesiastes is a difficult book. In it he explains all his foolish mistakes and the lessons he learned in the school of hard knocks. This is good for us because if we are wise enough to learn from other people's mistakes, we will not have to repeat them. Here the Bible teaches us how important it is to understand history. Why? Because the thing that hath been, it is that which shall be. Things that have happened in the past will happen again.

Is this some form of déjà vu? No, it simply means that because men are sinners and we live in a world that is affected by the curse that we can see people make the same mistakes that past generations have made. We can also study the cycles of our world and see repetitive patterns there as well.

1 Corinthians 10:12-13 Wherefore let him that thinketh he standeth take heed lest he fall. 13 There hath no temptation taken you but such as is common to man: but God is faithful, who will not suffer you to be tempted above that ye are able; but will with the temptation also make a way to escape, that ye may be able to bear it.

As you walk through life, you must not get complacent because you can fall to temptation. However, one of the things to realize about temptation is that nothing can come your way that is not common to man. By studying the Bible, we can understand some of these common traps that all men are likely to fall into. Satan knows this well and he continues to use the same snare over and over again to tempt God's people.

We can see the tendency for power to corrupt. We can see that pride goes before destruction. We can see that lax standards can lead to sexual sin. We can also study the past to see what becomes of nations when they go certain directions. For instance, what happens when a country that is a Constitutional republic embraces socialism? Just look at some of the countries in the world that have gone down this road.

Here is the good news about that which is done being that which shall be done. God does not change! We need to raise up Ebenezer's to remember the victories that God has given us in the past.

1 Samuel 7:12 Then Samuel took a stone, and set it between Mizpeh and Shen, and called the name of it Ebenezer, saying, Hitherto hath the LORD helped us.

An Ebenezer is a stone of remembrance that we use to remember how God has helped us in the past. He will help us in the future!

In Christ,

Rody

Her own works praise her in the gates

Leviticus 17; Psalms 20 & 21; Proverbs 31; 1 Timothy 2

Proverbs 31:30-31 Favour is deceitful, and beauty is vain: but a woman that feareth the LORD, she shall be praised. 31 Give her of the fruit of her hands; and let her own works praise her in the gates.

Don't let the magazine rack at the checkout counter fool you. God looks at the heart! The favor of the world is deceitful. Our world is so foolish. We praise people that are outwardly attractive and inwardly full of wickedness. The outward beauty of the body is vain because it will not last. Does that mean we should neglect our bodies? Of course not, but to live for only the outward is a vain pursuit. A woman of God is the one who shall be praised! The lady who fears God is the one to model your girls on! Proverbs 31 is the description of a lady who is not wasting her life. Her aim is not to be praised by a lost world but to be praised because of the life she lives.

As her husband sits in the gate with the elders of the city, he will be known as a man who is blessed by God with a virtuous wife.

Proverbs 18:22 Whoso findeth a wife findeth a good thing, and obtaineth favour of the LORD.

Her praise comes from her husband because she does him good. He completely trusts her and knows her fidelity. She is a homemaker and a mother. She is a benefactor to those who are in need. She works outside of the home at times and is involved in industry and retail. However, she does not neglect her first responsibility as wife and mother. She is praised by her husband and her children.

A woman who loves Jesus is worth more than rubies! She does not look for her identity in the things of this world. She has a new heart and a transformed mind by the Holy Spirit and the Word of God. Her worldview is shaped by God's Word instead of a lost world. She knows that character is beautiful to God.

1 Peter 3:3-4 Whose adorning let it not be that outward adorning of plaiting the hair, and of wearing of gold, or of putting on of apparel; 4 But let it be the hidden man of the heart, in that which is not corruptible, even the ornament of a meek and quiet spirit, which is in the sight of God of great price.

Ladies, Jesus can make you a Proverbs 31 woman. Men, you need to set this vision before your daughters if you have them. Young ladies, resist the temptation to conform to the world and let God transform you by the Word. Young men, pray for a wife like this!

I have a wife like this. Her name is Wendy and I will praise her in the gate! She is a virtuous woman who does me good. Her children rise up and call her blessed. She fears God and loves Jesus. She is a treasure and I thank God for her. She is a grace gift because I do not deserve my beautiful wife.

In Christ,

Rody

Who hath ascended up into heaven

Bible Reading: Leviticus 16; Psalm 19; Proverbs 30; 1 Timothy 1

Proverbs 30:4 Who hath ascended up into heaven, or descended? who hath gathered the wind in his fists? who hath bound the waters in a garment? who hath established all the ends of the earth? what is his name, and what is his son's name, if thou canst tell?

Agur's words are very important for us to consider. He tells us that he has not learned wisdom, nor does he have the knowledge of the holy. Then he asks questions about God.

Who hath ascended up into heaven, or descended? Enoch and Elijah both ascended into heaven. But neither of them came back telling others what they saw there. The apostle Paul was caught up into the third heaven but he was not allowed to tell. Jesus is the only One who fits this description:

John 3:13 And no man hath ascended up to heaven, but he that came down from heaven, even the Son of man which is in heaven.

Who hath gathered the wind in his fists? Only God can fit this – according to the Bible.

Psalms 135:7 He causeth the vapours to ascend from the ends of the earth; he maketh lightnings for the rain; he bringeth the wind out of his treasuries.

Who hath bound the waters in a garment? God again…

Job 26:8 He bindeth up the waters in his thick clouds; and the cloud is not rent under them.

Who hath established all the ends of the earth? This is the question that God asked Job:

Job 38:4 Where wast thou when I laid the foundations of the earth? declare, if thou hast understanding.

Now the One who can do these things is qualified to tell us about God. What is his name and his son's name? Do you know? How would you find out? You go to the Word of God to find out!

Proverbs 30:5-6 Every word of God is pure: he is a shield unto them that put their trust in him. 6 Add thou not unto his words, lest he reprove thee, and thou be found a liar.

These questions require REVELATION from God. The source of this kind of revelation is the Bible.

Hebrews 1:1-2 God, who at sundry times and in divers manners spake in time past unto the fathers by the prophets, 2 Hath in these last days spoken unto us by his Son, whom he hath appointed heir of all things, by whom also he made the worlds.

His name is Jehovah and his Son's name is Jesus. If you want the knowledge of the holy (Proverbs 30:3) go to the Word of God. It is pure and you can trust it!

In Christ,

Rody

The Lord is faithful

Bible Reading: Leviticus 15; Psalm 18; Proverbs 29; 2 Thessalonians 3

2 Thessalonians 3:3 But the Lord is faithful, who shall stablish you, and keep you from evil.

What a wonderful thing to think of! The Lord is faithful. That can be said of the Lord only and not of any other man. God is trustworthy and he keeps his promises. Just think of the limitations of man in the area of faithfulness. When you go to the grocery store and say you will be back in an hour, you do not know for sure that you can keep that promise. Something out of your control could happen to you that could delay your return either temporarily or indefinitely.

But there is nothing that can hinder God's faithfulness. What he says will come to pass. When he promises, he will be faithful to that promise. It is because the Lord is faithful that you can have hope because:

Hebrews 10:23 Let us hold fast the profession of our faith without wavering; (for he is faithful that promised;)

Think for a minute of the fact that when the apostle speaks of marriage, he is speaking of Christ and the church. Jesus Christ is the bridegroom and the church is his bride. When a bride and groom stand on their wedding day and share vows with each other they promise to faithfully love each other, "till death do them part". Even in this most sacred of all vows they are limited in their promise to each other by the fact of their mortality. However, Jesus can promise his fidelity indefinitely because he will never die! He has NEVER broken a promise.

Sometimes we make promises to the Lord. Have you ever done that? What if we break those promises?

2 Timothy 2:13 If we believe not, yet he abideth faithful: he cannot deny himself.

We can fail Jesus, but he has never failed us! Now the Bible tells us that because the Lord is faithful, he will stablish us. This means to make you rock solid in your faith.

Romans 16:25 Now to him that is of power to stablish you according to my gospel, and the preaching of Jesus Christ…

Philippians 1:6 Being confident of this very thing, that he which hath begun a good work in you will perform it until the day of Jesus Christ.

Aren't you glad the Bible does not say that we can be confident of our ability to perform the work of Christ in us? No, it says Jesus does that! He is the one who keeps us from evil. Praise the Lord! If it was up to us, we would fail but thanks be to God for his faithfulness.

In Christ,

Rody

He that covereth his sins shall not prosper

Bible Reading: Leviticus 14; Psalm 17; Proverbs 28; 2 Thessalonians 2

Proverbs 28:13 He that covereth his sins shall not prosper: but whoso confesseth and forsaketh them shall have mercy.

Do you want your life to be a prosperous one? Of course you do, everyone does. Here we have a proverb that tells us a sure fire way to make sure you do not prosper – cover up your sins. Let us consider what the Bible wants us to understand by prosperity. The first mention of a word in scripture is a good way to understand a word better. The first time we see the word prosper is in Genesis.

Genesis 24:21 And the man wondering at her held his peace, to wit whether the LORD had made his journey prosperous or not.

Abraham had sent his servant to get a wife for Isaac. The man had prayed asking God to show him the right girl in a very certain way. When he met Rebekah he was waiting to see if she would respond in the way he had asked the Lord. If she did, he would know that God had made his journey prosperous. We also read of Joseph being prosperous in all that he did.

Genesis 39:3 And his master saw that the LORD was with him, and that the LORD made all that he did to prosper in his hand.

You can see that prospering in the Bible means to be successful in following God and living a life that is pleasing to him. It does not necessarily mean to be wealthy. Do you want to prosper in following Jesus? Then you must not cover up your sins. You must deal with them in a Biblical manner.

You must confess your sins. This is when you are honest with God and you tell him that what you have done is sin. The Hebrew word yadah translated 'confess' is also translated 'praise' in many places. It means to use the hand or to throw something away. When you hide your sins, it is like you are holding it in a clasped fist behind your back. When you confess your sins to God it is like you are coming to him with open hands raised in praise and not trying to hide anything from him. Not only do we confess them but we also forsake them. Can you see the image of taking your sins and throwing them away from you so your hands are clean to praise God?

The New Testament word for confession means 'to speak the same thing'. When you confess your sins, you are speaking the same thing about sin as God does.

1 John 1:9 If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins, and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.

According to this verse if you confess and forsake your sins you will have mercy. That is prosperous living – walking in the mercy and forgiveness of God!

In Christ,

Rody

Thou wilt not leave my soul in hell

Bible Reading: Leviticus 13; Psalms 15 & 16; Proverbs 27; 2 Thessalonians 1

Psalms 16:10 For thou wilt not leave my soul in hell; neither wilt thou suffer thine Holy One to see corruption.

The Bible tells us at the beginning of Psalm 16 that this is a psalm of David. David lived about a thousand years before Jesus was born in Bethlehem. Did David's soul go to hell? Is David the Holy One? Did God promise David that he would not see corruption? (In other words did he receive a promise that his body would not decay?) If this was all we had, we would be left with so many questions! After David died and Solomon took has place as king, David's body was buried. After just a few days his body would have begun to decay. If you lived after the time of David and read this text you would have a lot of questions.

You and I however have the New Testament and we can learn what God meant here in his word! Peter preached on the day of Pentecost and he tells us there that David was speaking of Jesus Christ.

Acts 2:25 For David speaketh concerning him, I foresaw the Lord always before my face, for he is on my right hand, that I should not be moved…

Acts 2:27-31 Because thou wilt not leave my soul in hell, neither wilt thou suffer thine Holy One to see corruption. 28 Thou hast made known to me the ways of life; thou shalt make me full of joy with thy countenance. 29 Men and brethren, let me freely speak unto you of the patriarch David, that he is both dead and buried, and his sepulchre is with us unto this day. 30 Therefore being a prophet, and knowing that God had sworn with an oath to him, that of the fruit of his loins, according to the flesh, he would raise up Christ to sit on his throne; 31 He seeing this before spake of the resurrection of Christ, that his soul was not left in hell, neither his flesh did see corruption.

Peter pointed out to his audience that the tomb of David was well known. He was dead and buried. However, this psalm is a prophecy of the Messiah. God had promised David that one of his descendants would be the Messiah and would sit on his throne. David spoke of the resurrection of Jesus Christ a thousand years before it happened! On the third day Jesus was raised again after descending into hell and preaching to the captives there (1 Peter 3:18-19).

Always read the Old Testament through the lens of the New Testament. Jesus is the Holy One of God that did not see corruption. He was not left in hell but was resurrected, victorious over the grave. He is the Lord of Lord and King of Kings!

In Christ,

Rody

Sanctify you wholly

Bible Reading: Leviticus 11&12; Psalm 13&14; Proverbs 26; 1 Thessalonians 5

1 Thessalonians 5:23-24 And the very God of peace sanctify you wholly; and I pray God your whole spirit and soul and body be preserved blameless unto the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ. 24 Faithful is he that calleth you, who also will do it.

In the closing of this letter to the Thessalonians, the apostle Paul offers a prayer for them that ought to be our prayer for believers. He calls God, the God of peace. It is a peace that passes all understanding that God gives to us as we pray (Philippians 4:6-7) and you can hear the apostle's confidence in God sanctifying these believers. Paul prayed for a whole holiness for these believers. He was asking God to sanctify them. To sanctify means to make holy or consecrate for God's purposes. Paul was asking God for a complete consecration to God.

Here we see the makeup of a person – spirit, soul and body. Paul wanted God to preserve each of them blameless unto the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ. A holiness of spirit would be that God's Spirit has complete control over you.

Galatians 5:22-23 But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, gentleness, goodness, faith, 23 Meekness, temperance: against such there is no law.

This would lead to a holiness of soul which would direct your thoughts, your will and your emotions.

1 Corinthians 2:15-16 But he that is spiritual judgeth all things, yet he himself is judged of no man. 16 For who hath known the mind of the Lord, that he may instruct him? But we have the mind of Christ.

When you are thinking, doing and feeling as God directs you it will lead to you presenting your body a living sacrifice to God.

Romans 12:1 I beseech you therefore, brethren, by the mercies of God, that ye present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable unto God, which is your reasonable service.

As you can see this process begins with salvation. When you trust in Christ and the Holy Spirit takes up residence in you. Your spirit directs your soul. Your soul directs your body. God starts on the inside and works his way out. If you are experiencing the sanctifying work of the Holy Spirit in your life, you will experience life change! Let this prayer be for you! Give God's Spirit free reign in your life. Do this by getting his Word into you daily. Then THINK about what his word says and let the Holy Spirit lead you. This will lead to your DOING what God wants.

God is faithful! He called you and he will do this. Trust him!

In Christ,

Rody

 

If the foundations be destroyed

Bible Reading: Leviticus 10; Psalms 11 & 12; Proverbs 25; 1 Thessalonians 4

Psalms 11:3 If the foundations be destroyed, what can the righteous do?

This is not a statement made by David as he shrugs his shoulders and throws his hands up in surrender. This is the question that is put to David and the Psalm is his answer to that question. He begins this Psalm by declaring his trust is in the Lord and then he tells us what the counsel is that he is getting from men.

Psalms 11:1-2 In the LORD put I my trust: how say ye to my soul, Flee as a bird to your mountain? 2 For, lo, the wicked bend their bow, they make ready their arrow upon the string, that they may privily shoot at the upright in heart.

His counselors are telling him to flee like a bird to the mountain because men are seeking his life. Surely this is during the reign of Saul. There is a megalomaniac on the throne and the foundations of the kingdom, the faith and their security are being destroyed. Sounds like our day and time, doesn't it? When you get up in the morning and read the newspaper don't you have a desire to run away and hide sometimes? Don't you have a quiet hopelessness come over you as you realize that many of the foundations of the faith of Jesus Christ are being destroyed? What can the righteous do?

Here is David's answer to that question:

Psalms 11:4-7 The LORD is in his holy temple, the LORD'S throne is in heaven: his eyes behold, his eyelids try, the children of men. 5 The LORD trieth the righteous: but the wicked and him that loveth violence his soul hateth. 6 Upon the wicked he shall rain snares, fire and brimstone, and an horrible tempest: this shall be the portion of their cup. 7 For the righteous LORD loveth righteousness; his countenance doth behold the upright.

God is on his throne and he sees all that is going on! The Lord hates those who love violence. The Lord will right ever wrong. He sees and knows what is happening. In Jesus Christ is where our true foundation is laid.

2 Timothy 2:19 Nevertheless the foundation of God standeth sure, having this seal, The Lord knoweth them that are his. And, Let every one that nameth the name of Christ depart from iniquity.

As followers of Jesus we can rest in the fact that God knows who belong to him. You cannot get caught up in the iniquity of our day. We must love Jesus and be about our Father's business. Remember people are not the enemy. Satan is and people are his slaves. The gospel can set them free. Live the gospel and trust in God. He is still on the throne!

In Christ,

Rody

Behold we knew it not

Bible Reading: Leviticus 9; Psalm 10; Proverbs 24; 1 Thessalonians 3

Proverbs 24:11-12 If thou forbear to deliver them that are drawn unto death, and those that are ready to be slain; 12 If thou sayest, Behold, we knew it not; doth not he that pondereth the heart consider it? and he that keepeth thy soul, doth not he know it? and shall not he render to every man according to his works?

God wants us to help when we can. Here we have a hypothetical situation presented to us and some rhetorical questions about not helping when someone is in peril. The proverb gives us a 'what if?' situation. If you forbear (refuse) to deliver someone who is drawn unto death and those ready to be slain. Who might this be? Well, it could be that you know of a situation where an innocent person is going to die. What about a situation where someone will perish unless they cry out to Jesus Christ for deliverance? What about those who are lost are headed for an eternity of hell?

But sometimes we make excuses, don't we?

If we say, "I did not know!" God will consider this because he ponders the heart. He knows what we think when no one else does. God is the one who keeps our soul. He knows what we are thinking. Our excuses will not work with him.

Psalms 139:1-3 O LORD, thou hast searched me, and known me. 2 Thou knowest my downsitting and mine uprising, thou understandest my thought afar off. 3 Thou compassest my path and my lying down, and art acquainted with all my ways.

Hebrews 4:13 Neither is there any creature that is not manifest in his sight: but all things are naked and opened unto the eyes of him with whom we have to do.

We have the keys to the kingdom of heaven! We have the gospel of Jesus Christ. However, most people have never really heard a CLEAR presentation of the gospel. They have a jumbled up bunch of half-truths floating around in their heads mingled with a bunch of superstition. We can do what God told Habakkuk to do: MAKE IT PLAIN! (Habakkuk 2:2)

We have the gospel of Jesus Christ! There is something that you and I can do about men's lost condition!

Romans 1:16 For I am not ashamed of the gospel of Christ: for it is the power of God unto salvation to every one that believeth; to the Jew first, and also to the Greek.

God has good works for us to do. Not to earn our salvation, but because we are saved. Don't ignore those who are drawn away unto death. Don't make excuses. We know it and we can do something about it.

Romans 10:14 How then shall they call on him in whom they have not believed? and how shall they believe in him of whom they have not heard? and how shall they hear without a preacher?

In Christ,

Rody

 

Labour not to be rich

Bible Reading: Leviticus 8; Psalm 9; Proverbs 23; 1 Thessalonians 2

Proverbs 23:4-5 Labour not to be rich: cease from thine own wisdom. 5 Wilt thou set thine eyes upon that which is not? for riches certainly make themselves wings; they fly away as an eagle toward heaven.

How many have worked their whole lives to be rich? Some have achieved this goal but most have not. Here we have a directed statement in God's Word instructing us not to labor to be rich. We also read that we must cease from our own wisdom. It is the wisdom of man that causes one to labor to be rich. The problem with riches is that they are so uncertain. When you are looking at worldly wealth, you are setting your eye on that which is not!

Riches many times involve equity. This is subject to change with political maneuvering and with every swing and fluctuation of the market! A big downturn in the stock market proves how supposed riches are 'that which is not'! One day your portfolio shows you to have a great wealth and the next week, it is one half the size! It is like all your wealth made wings like an eagle and flew away! Inflation does the same thing. You have a large sum of money and you find that it won't buy as much as it would have ten years earlier.

For this reason, God's word tells us that to direct our energies at gaining worldly wealth is not wise and we should cease from that pursuit. Does this mean we should not work? No, we should work to make a living. We should not labor to be rich! It is all about the motivation of our work. Money can become an idol in our lives very easily. Jesus wants us free to love and serve him.

Matthew 6:24 No man can serve two masters: for either he will hate the one, and love the other; or else he will hold to the one, and despise the other. Ye cannot serve God and mammon.

When you labor to be rich you will find that you are serving Mammon and not serving Jesus! Instead we need to heed Jesus' Words about where our energies should be directed.

John 6:27-29 Labour not for the meat which perisheth, but for that meat which endureth unto everlasting life, which the Son of man shall give unto you: for him hath God the Father sealed. 28 Then said they unto him, What shall we do, that we might work the works of God? 29 Jesus answered and said unto them, This is the work of God, that ye believe on him whom he hath sent.

Matthew 6:33 But seek ye first the kingdom of God, and his righteousness; and all these things shall be added unto you.

Don't spend your life on things that will not last! Seek first God's kingdom and his righteousness and trust him to provide the things you need.

In Christ,

Rody

Jesus delivered us from the wrath to come

Bible Reading: Leviticus 7; Psalms 7-8; Proverbs 22; 1 Thessalonians 1

1 Thessalonians 1:9-10 For they themselves shew of us what manner of entering in we had unto you, and how ye turned to God from idols to serve the living and true God; 10 And to wait for his Son from heaven, whom he raised from the dead, even Jesus, which delivered us from the wrath to come.

The Thessalonian believers had been converted! When the apostles preached the gospel there, it was with power and it changed the lives of these that heard and believed. That is what the gospel does! The Bible here tells of their conversion. They used to worship idols and now they worship the living and true God.

Here we can see an accurate picture of repentance. Biblical repentance is to change the mind about who God is and how to be right with him. These Thessalonians were idol worshippers until they heard the gospel of Jesus Christ. This gospel they believed and realized that the traditions they had received from their ancestors were wrong. Those images and ideas about gods and goddesses were not the truth. So they abandoned their old beliefs and embraced the truth of the living God.

This change in thinking and belief led to their desire to serve God and to wait for the return of Jesus Christ from heaven. They went from a wrong belief to an expectant hope! They realized that Jesus' death on the cross was not the end. They knew he was alive and seated at the right hand of God the Father in heaven. They knew that he was raised from the dead!

They also realized what Jesus did for us on the cross and through the resurrection. He delivered us from the wrath to come. These people used to be under God's wrath, but their repentance and belief in Jesus delivered them from this wrath.

Romans 1:18 For the wrath of God is revealed from heaven against all ungodliness and unrighteousness of men, who hold the truth in unrighteousness;

Romans 1:22-23 Professing themselves to be wise, they became fools, 23 And changed the glory of the uncorruptible God into an image made like to corruptible man, and to birds, and fourfooted beasts, and creeping things.

They were worshipping idols. They were worshipping the creation rather than the Creator. The wrath that is coming is God's wrath revealed against all ungodliness. Jesus delivered them from this wrath. Do you have a story like the Thessalonians? Have you turned from whatever way of thinking you had to trust in Jesus Christ alone for righteousness? If so you have been delivered from the wrath to come! Hallelujah! What a Savior!

In Christ,

Rody

My voice shalt thou hear in the morning

Bible Reading: Leviticus 6; Psalm 5&6; Proverbs 21; Colossians 4

Psalms 5:1-3 Give ear to my words, O LORD, consider my meditation. 2 Hearken unto the voice of my cry, my King, and my God: for unto thee will I pray. 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.

Colossians 4:2-4 Continue in prayer, and watch in the same with thanksgiving; 3 Withal praying also for us, that God would open unto us a door of utterance, to speak the mystery of Christ, for which I am also in bonds: 4 That I may make it manifest, as I ought to speak.

How do you start your day? Do you start it with the radio? Do you start it with the newspaper or with the morning show on television? David started his day with meditation and prayer. In the morning he said he would pray to God and look up. Starting your day with an upward look is a good way to start. You will face many obstacles and temptations throughout your day. To begin the day with a quiet time with God is an important way to be prepared for what is coming.

Colossians 3:1-2 If ye then be risen with Christ, seek those things which are above, where Christ sitteth on the right hand of God. 2 Set your affection on things above, not on things on the earth.

To seek things above, we ought to look up! Prayer is a way of setting your affection on things above. To read the book that comes from God and direct your prayer to him first thing in the morning will put your heart on heavenly things.

The New Testament tells us to continue in prayer and watch with thanksgiving. When you start your day with prayer, what should you pray for? Prayer should include praise, checking our priorities in life, asking God for provision and things we need, reconciling personal relationships and asking God for protection. (See Matthew 6:9-13) Paul specifically asked the Colossian Christians to remember him in prayer and to pray that God would open a door for the gospel and give him the boldness to speak to unbelievers as he ought to speak.

Do you start your day with a prayer that God's kingdom come? God's kingdom comes as we proclaim the gospel and people believe and are saved. Do you pray for evangelists and pastors? Do you spend time praying for laborers?

Matthew 9:37-38 Then saith he unto his disciples, The harvest truly is plenteous, but the labourers are few; 38 Pray ye therefore the Lord of the harvest, that he will send forth labourers into his harvest.

There are currently 6.812 billion people on the planet. They all need Jesus. Will you pray for the laborers?

In Christ,

Rody

 

Ye are dead

Bible Reading: Leviticus 5; Psalms 3-4; Proverbs 20; Colossians 3

Colossians 3:3 For ye are dead, and your life is hid with Christ in God.

This is not a reality that most people want to embrace. It is not something that gets preached on a whole lot. It is difficult to understand (try explaining this to a young child). And yet this is the truth of a person who is IN CHRIST. The old life is dead and Christ has come to live his life in you. The Christian life is a life of 'already' and 'not yet' in many different areas. Christ is already the King of Kings and Lord of Lords, but he has not yet set up his earthly kingdom. The same is true of being dead and having my life hid with Christ in God. Positionally, I am dead. Conditionally, I have to put the old man to death.

Colossians 3:5-7 Mortify therefore your members which are upon the earth; fornication, uncleanness, inordinate affection, evil concupiscence, and covetousness, which is idolatry: 6 For which things' sake the wrath of God cometh on the children of disobedience: 7 In the which ye also walked some time, when ye lived in them.

You are dead, but you are told to mortify or put to death your members upon the earth. In other words, you are to kill those old passions that used to rule your life because that is not your life any more. These old, sinful habits are the reason God's wrath comes upon those who do not know Christ. You used to live motivated by those things, but no longer.

You now have a new life in Christ. Your life is hid with Christ in God.

What is this new life like? Well, it is the life of Christ himself. We are in the process of transformation right now. Our minds are being renewed day by day by the Word of God. When the transformation process is complete, we will be like Christ.

Colossians 3:4 When Christ, who is our life, shall appear, then shall ye also appear with him in glory.

God is fitting us for glory! Think of the implications of what God's Word is teaching us. We are not told to clean up our old, sinful life. We are told that we are dead to that old life and Christ has given us a new life! We put off the old man and have put on a new man! Christ gives us a completely new life. The key to living for Jesus is to stop living out of the old life passions and habits and let the new life of Christ motivate us. If you try to clean up the old life, you will fail. You must let Jesus live the new life in you!

In Christ,

Rody

I set my king upon my holy hill of Zion

Bible Reading: Leviticus 4; Psalms 1-2; Proverbs 19; Colossians 2

Psalms 2:6 Yet have I set my king upon my holy hill of Zion.

What does God think of all the ungodly things that earthly rulers and kings do in our world today? The second Psalm is an amazing insight into God's mind on the counsels of world rulers.

Psalms 2:1-3 Why do the heathen rage, and the people imagine a vain thing? 2 The kings of the earth set themselves, and the rulers take counsel together, against the LORD, and against his anointed, saying, 3 Let us break their bands asunder, and cast away their cords from us.

The heathen rage and imagine a vain thing. They plot and plan to take over the world. They give no thought to God or his Word in their policy making and their plans for world domination. Matter of fact, they want to get rid of God's binding precepts and create their own. This was written thousands of years ago, but is an accurate description of what is going on in our world today. What is God's response to the raging of the heathen?

Psalms 2:4-5 He that sitteth in the heavens shall laugh: the Lord shall have them in derision. 5 Then shall he speak unto them in his wrath, and vex them in his sore displeasure.

God will laugh at them! He will vex them (or confound their ideas) in his displeasure. God is not impressed with the might and power of man!

What is God's plan? He has set his king upon his holy hill in Zion! God's plan is the KING of kings and the LORD of Lords – Jesus Christ!

Psalms 2:7-9 I will declare the decree: the LORD hath said unto me, Thou art my Son; this day have I begotten thee. 8 Ask of me, and I shall give thee the heathen for thine inheritance, and the uttermost parts of the earth for thy possession. 9 Thou shalt break them with a rod of iron; thou shalt dash them in pieces like a potter's vessel.

God's king is his only begotten Son. Jesus will be given all people even unto the uttermost parts of the earth as his inheritance. He will rule with a rod of iron and all who oppose him will be dashed to pieces. It is foolish for kings to plot against God. And God gives the kings of the earth council:

Psalms 2:10-12 Be wise now therefore, O ye kings: be instructed, ye judges of the earth. 11 Serve the LORD with fear, and rejoice with trembling. 12 Kiss the Son, lest he be angry, and ye perish from the way, when his wrath is kindled but a little. Blessed are all they that put their trust in him.

Serve the Lord and kiss the Son. The blessed king or judge is the one who puts their trust in the Lord Jesus Christ. Please pray for leaders of nations and states today.

1 Timothy 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.

In Christ,

Rody