The work of righteousness

Bible Reading: Deuteronomy 4; Psalms 86 & 87; Isaiah 32; Revelation 2

And the work of righteousness shall be peace; and the effect of righteousness quietness and assurance for ever. (Isaiah 32:17)

Isaiah was prophesying of what would come to pass when the Spirit of God was poured out upon the people. He warned the people who were then living at ease that trouble was coming. The people of Judah would go away into captivity in Babylon. No one wanted to hear what he said or believe him. They were very comfortable in their ways and deeds. They were comfortable and at ease because they had plenty of food and were at peace with their enemies. Isaiah warned them that it would not last.

Tremble, ye women that are at ease; be troubled, ye careless ones: strip you, and make you bare, and gird sackcloth upon your loins. (Isaiah 32:11)

The only way they would truly have peace and quietness was when the Spirit of God was poured out upon them. They were not worried but they should have been because of the great calamity that was going to come upon them. According to God in his Word, there is only one way to have peace and that is to have righteousness. Before you understand the righteousness of God, you are an enemy of God. Even though Isaiah preached to the nation of Israel, they were still God's enemies because they were not righteous.

How do become righteous? There is only one way. It is how Abraham was made righteous and it is how you can be made righteous too.

And he believed in the LORD; and he counted it to him for righteousness. (Genesis 15:6)

Even the righteousness of God which is by faith of Jesus Christ unto all and upon all them that believe: for there is no difference: (Romans 3:22)

Righteousness is a gift from God. He gives it to those who believe on the Lord Jesus Christ. Now the Bible says the work of righteousness is peace. The effect of righteousness is quietness and assurance forever. Do you have peace with God?

Therefore being justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ: (Romans 5:1)

Do you live a life of quietness? There is only one way to have a peaceful and quiet life. It is to trust in the Lord Jesus Christ and be born again.

Do you know for sure that you are right with God? According to the Bible when you trust in Christ alone for salvation, you can know for sure that you are righteous in his sight. Righteousness is not something you produce. It is something you receive. Trust in Christ and let his righteousness do the work in your life!

In Christ,

Rody

The keys of hell and of death

Bible Reading: Deuteronomy 3; Psalm 85; Isaiah 85; Revelation 1

I am he that liveth, and was dead; and, behold, I am alive for evermore, Amen; and have the keys of hell and of death. (Revelation 1:18)

When Jesus revealed himself to John on the isle of Patmos he described himself in his risen glory. As he had earlier described himself to his disciples on the night he was betrayed he once again affirms that his is alive. Jesus not only is alive, but he is THE LIFE!

Jesus saith unto him, I am the way, the truth, and the life: no man cometh unto the Father, but by me. (John 14:6)

This is a wonderful reminder to John and to us that Jesus is alive. He was dead. He really died on the cross in Jerusalem. He did not faint or swoon, he gave up the ghost and died. He did this for us! He did this to be the propitiation for our sins. He did this because he loves us. On the third day, he was raised from the dead. He is now alive forever. Here we have a summary of the gospel which is the power of God to salvation. The Living One died for us and conquered death by being raised from the dead.

Jesus has the keys of hell and of death. Keys unlock and lock things. Keys represent power and authority. An inmate wishes he had the keys but the jailer has the authority to open and shut! Jesus can open up death and send a person through that door whenever he wishes. Do you remember Ananias and Sapphira? The door of death swung wide open for them when they lied to the Holy Ghost! Jesus can also lock up death for a person so that even if they want to die they cannot until Jesus Christ permits.

And in those days shall men seek death, and shall not find it; and shall desire to die, and death shall flee from them. (Revelation 9:6)

He also has the keys to hell. Once locked up there, a person will only be permitted out for the judgment and transportation to the eternal lake of fire.

And the sea gave up the dead which were in it; and death and hell delivered up the dead which were in them: and they were judged every man according to their works. And death and hell were cast into the lake of fire. This is the second death. And whosoever was not found written in the book of life was cast into the lake of fire. (Revelation 20:13-15)

Jesus has the keys. Keys represent power and authority. What does the Living One say to us in regard to his having this power?

And Jesus came and spake unto them, saying, All power is given unto me in heaven and in earth. Go ye therefore, and teach all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost: Teaching them to observe all things whatsoever I have commanded you: and, lo, I am with you alway, even unto the end of the world. Amen. (Matthew 28:18-20)

In Christ,

Rody

Having not the Spirit

Bible Reading: Deuteronomy 2; Psalms 83 & 84; Isaiah 30; Jude

These be they who separate themselves, sensual, having not the Spirit. (Jude 1:19)

Jude is warning the church to watch for pretenders in their midst. We need to heed this warning today. Everyone that comes to church does not belong to Jesus Christ.

For there are certain men crept in unawares, who were before of old ordained to this condemnation, ungodly men, turning the grace of our God into lasciviousness, and denying the only Lord God, and our Lord Jesus Christ. (Jude 1:4)

These ungodly men turn the grace of God into lasciviousness. In other words, they teach that anything goes! You can live as you please because God does not care. They also deny God and the Lord Jesus Christ. Either they deny him verbally or by their actions.

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)

Jude also tells us that they separate themselves. Instead of being a part of God's family, they usually tear up the family of God. They leave the church and the apostle John tells us:

They went out from us, but they were not of us; for if they had been of us, they would no doubt have continued with us: but they went out, that they might be made manifest that they were not all of us. (1 John 2:19)

Jude tells us the real problem with these pretenders. They are sensual. The Greek word used is psuchikos and means the natural nature of man. He tells us that the sensual man does not have the Spirit. So we know that these pretenders are not saved.

Now if any man have not the Spirit of Christ, he is none of his. (Romans 8:9b)

The same Greek word is used by Paul to explain why a lost person cannot understand God's Word. Here the word psuchikos is translated 'natural'.

But the natural man receiveth not the things of the Spirit of God: for they are foolishness unto him: neither can he know them, because they are spiritually discerned. (1 Corinthians 2:14)

There are people in the church who are not saved. They do not have the Spirit of God living in them because they have never been born again. They cannot understand the things of the Spirit of God and they will make decisions based upon their own understanding. They will cause division. They will separate from the people of God. They will deny the Lord.

What are we to do? First, know that they are here. Second, we must preach the gospel to every creature. The only hope for a person is for them to be saved. Then they can begin to understand God's Word and grow in grace. Brothers and sisters, a lost person will act like a lost person. Do you have the Spirit of God living in you?

Examine yourselves, whether ye be in the faith; prove your own selves. Know ye not your own selves, how that Jesus Christ is in you, except ye be reprobates? (2 Corinthians 13:5)

In Christ,

Rody

Taught by the precept of men

Bible Reading: Deuteronomy 1; Psalm 81 & 82; Isaiah 29; 3 John 1

Wherefore the Lord said, Forasmuch as this people draw near me with their mouth, and with their lips do honour me, but have removed their heart far from me, and their fear toward me is taught by the precept of men: (Isaiah 29:13)

The days in which Isaiah prophesied are not unlike today. It seems that many have a form of godliness, and say that they honor God, but their heart is far from him. When their life does not line up with God's Word and they are not concerned, there is something wrong! In Isaiah's day the problem was that the fear of God was taught by the precept of men instead of taught by God himself.

And the vision of all is become unto you as the words of a book that is sealed, which men deliver to one that is learned, saying, Read this, I pray thee: and he saith, I cannot; for it is sealed: And the book is delivered to him that is not learned, saying, Read this, I pray thee: and he saith, I am not learned. (Isaiah 29:11-12)

The scholar says the book is sealed. This is what the learned of our day are told. They are told that the original autographs are inspired, but we just have to make do with the various translations that we have. So scholars use textual criticism to determine what they think the Bible says. As a result we now have hundreds of translations based on the men who made them.

The unlearned man has bought the lie of the scholar that only the 'clergy' can rightly understand the book so they let the preachers tell them what it says. As a result, we have the precepts of men.

However, God has promised to preserve his Word.

The words of the LORD are pure words: as silver tried in a furnace of earth, purified seven times. Thou shalt keep them, O LORD, thou shalt preserve them from this generation for ever. (Psalms 12:6-7)

God promised that every generation would have the pure words of God. Since this is true, the King James Version is the only one that is based on the actual text that the church has used since the time of the apostles. With it, we may hear the Word of God. Any person regardless of the learning they have at a college or seminary can take it up and read.

It is written in the prophets, And they shall be all taught of God. Every man therefore that hath heard, and hath learned of the Father, cometh unto me. (John 6:45)

Do you read the Bible? Do you believe what God says to you through it? Are you taught by the precepts of men or are you taught of God?

Jesus wants you to come to him!

In Christ,

Rody

This is the refreshing

Bible Reading: Numbers 36; Psalm 80; Isaiah 28; 2 John

To whom he said, This is the rest wherewith ye may cause the weary to rest; and this is the refreshing: yet they would not hear. (Isaiah 28:12)

What is God's prescription for the weary to get rest and refreshing? What do you do for rest and refreshing? Do you go on a vacation? Some people go fishing or take a trip. God says in learning knowledge of him and is word is rest and refreshing. However, the Israelites would not hear what God had to say. They did not want to be treated like children. They were upset at the way the prophets instructed them in the way of the LORD. God used words that were used for elementary education to describe the method of Biblical learning:

Whom shall he teach knowledge? and whom shall he make to understand doctrine? them that are weaned from the milk, and drawn from the breasts. For precept must be upon precept, precept upon precept; line upon line, line upon line; here a little, and there a little: (Isaiah 28:9-10)

We all know that you cannot teach an infant a lot of Bible doctrine. That is why God said they needed to be weaned from the milk in order to learn knowledge. The sad reality is that many of Christ's followers refuse to grow up. The book of Hebrews addresses this:

For when for the time ye ought to be teachers, ye have need that one teach you again which be the first principles of the oracles of God; and are become such as have need of milk, and not of strong meat. (Hebrews 5:12)

Do you want to know God and his word? Then you must allow him to teach you with his prescribed means. He says it will be precept upon precept and line upon line. In other words, it is little bits of knowledge at a time. Like eating a meal, you do not put the whole plate of food into your mouth at once. You take a bit and chew it before you get some more. Learning the Bible takes time. And God says this is the rest and the refreshing.

Are you growing in grace and in the knowledge of our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ? Do you take a little of God's Word into you each and every day? Do you study the Word of God line upon line? Many people want a quick fix to all their problems. They want someone to zap them and make it all alright. However, God says it is here a little and there a little. Growth is a process and you gain a little every time you encounter the Word of God – IF you are humble and prayerfully receive what God has for you.

Want some refreshing? Ask God for help from the Holy Spirit and take up God's word and let him give you knowledge of the Holy!

In Christ,

Rody

There is a sin unto death

Numbers 35; Psalm 79; Isaiah 27; 1 John 5

If any man see his brother sin a sin which is not unto death, he shall ask, and he shall give him life for them that sin not unto death. There is a sin unto death: I do not say that he shall pray for it. All unrighteousness is sin: and there is a sin not unto death. (1 John 5:16-17)

Intercessory prayer is a part of being a follower of Jesus Christ. We can learn much from Abraham as he interceded for Sodom and for Abimelech. A city full of unbelievers who were as wicked as can be and a heathen king who took his wife were the recipients of the intercessory prayer of Abraham. Although Abraham prayed for unbelievers, 1 John tells us to watch for our brothers and sisters in Christ. If you see them sin you are to ask God on their behalf.

What is the usual reaction to sin in another believer's life? If we love them, we excuse it or try to cover it up. If we only 'say that we love them' we can be harsh and condemning and gossip can quickly follow. However, the Biblical, loving response to sin in another believer's life is to ask God on their behalf. Don't condemn. Don't gossip. Don't disown. Pray and ask God. According to the Bible, their life depends upon it.

According to these passages of Scripture, all unrighteousness is sin. However, there is point in a believer's life when God will draw a line saying he will permit them to disobey him no more. He will terminate their earthly life and take them to heaven because their time on earth is over. This is not a sin that causes them to lose their salvation. There is no such thing! However, if your earthly life is terminated early, you lose the ability to store up treasure in heaven.

So when has a believer committed the sin unto death? There is a really easy answer to that question – when they are no longer physically alive. As long as they are alive – PRAY! Please see the incredible promise that we have here in the Word of God. God will give life to the person you are praying for because of your prayer. Think of the foolish decisions that believer's make sometimes. When you pray for them, God hears and answers those prayers.

Don't give up until God says, "Enough!" Don't quit praying just keep praying and believing that God will give them life and will change their heart. Ask him to break their heart over their sin. Ask God to open the eyes of their understanding so they might see how destructive and foolish their choices are. Ask God to give them a renewed sense of calling and purpose as his child. Please see how you play a part in the sanctification of others by your believing prayer!

In Christ,

Rody

Believe not every spirit

Bible Reading: Numbers 34; Psalm 78:38-72; Isaiah 26; 1 John 4

Beloved, believe not every spirit, but try the spirits whether they are of God: because many false prophets are gone out into the world. (1 John 4:1)

The spirit beings created by God did not all stay loyal to him. Led by Lucifer, some of the angels rebelled against the Creator. If we understand the Revelation properly, it looks like one-third of them were cast out of heaven with the rebellion Satan.

And his tail drew the third part of the stars of heaven, and did cast them to the earth: and the dragon stood before the woman which was ready to be delivered, for to devour her child as soon as it was born. (Revelation 12:4)

And the great dragon was cast out, that old serpent, called the Devil, and Satan, which deceiveth the whole world: he was cast out into the earth, and his angels were cast out with him. (Revelation 12:9)

Now some of these fallen angels are devils that seek to keep the lost from knowing Christ and to deceive the saints. For this reason, the Bible warns us to be very careful who we listen to. Spirits are teaching things about life, death, heaven, hell and eternity.

Now the Spirit speaketh expressly, that in the latter times some shall depart from the faith, giving heed to seducing spirits, and doctrines of devils; (1 Timothy 4:1)

So, how can you know the truth? The Bible says we must try the spirits to see if they are of God. This means that when we hear someone teach the Bible, we must test the message to see if it comes from God or not. The devils influence false prophets who go out into the world teaching the doctrines of devils. The test we are to give is all about Jesus.

Hereby know ye the Spirit of God: Every spirit that confesseth that Jesus Christ is come in the flesh is of God: And every spirit that confesseth not that Jesus Christ is come in the flesh is not of God: and this is that spirit of antichrist, whereof ye have heard that it should come; and even now already is it in the world. (1 John 4:2-3)

The spirit of antichrist will deny that Jesus Christ is come in the flesh. They will say that a man called Jesus had the 'cosmic Christ' come upon him at his baptism and depart from him before the crucifixion. Or, they will say that Jesus was a spirit being and did not really have a body. The false prophets will always deny the truth about Jesus Christ. He was born of a virgin and he had a body just like us! We must uphold the truth about Jesus! We must test everything by him! He is the way, the truth and the life, no man comes to the Father but by him!

In Christ,

Rody

P.S. We are on the way to the hospital. Wendy is having our fourth child today!

We love the brethren

Bible Reading: Numbers 33; Psalm 78:1-37; Isaiah 25; 1 John 3

We know that we have passed from death unto life, because we love the brethren. He that loveth not his brother abideth in death. (1 John 3:14)

Jesus wants you to know that you have eternal life. Many people say they 'hope' they would go to heaven when they die, but they do not know for sure. However, the Bible says:

These things have I written unto you that believe on the name of the Son of God; that ye may know that ye have eternal life, and that ye may believe on the name of the Son of God. (1 John 5:13)

The Bible gives us some marks of assurance of salvation. Here is one of them – you can know that you have passed from death unto life because you love the brethren. Who are the brethren? These are other believers in Jesus Christ. If Jesus lives in you, he certainly loves his people. The love he has will flow out of you and you will love them as well. The Bible tells us that someone who loves not his brother is abiding in death. In other words, that person is not truly born again.

The example that the Bible gives us is of Cain.

Not as Cain, who was of that wicked one, and slew his brother. And wherefore slew he him? Because his own works were evil, and his brother's righteous. (1 John 3:12)

Cain was of that wicked one. His works of worship were man-centered and evil. He hated the righteousness of Abel and so he killed him. God's word is clear – to God hatred is murder.

Whosoever hateth his brother is a murderer: and ye know that no murderer hath eternal life abiding in him. (1 John 3:15)

Do you love the brethren? That is a hard question. There are some of the brethren that you know well enough to know they are hard to love! Some of them are easy to love. It is much easier to say that you love the brethren from a distance than to really get in there and love them in community. This is one reason why the church is so important. It teaches us to love just like a family. In a family, we live so close to each other that we know all the quirks and habits of our brothers and sisters. We learn to love, even though we are different and there are things that we do not like about each other.

You need to be involved in the church. This is where the brethren are. They will surprise you; encourage you; help you; disappoint you; hurt you; and love you. And you will do the same with them. But if you want assurance of your salvation, one of its marks will be the fact that you love the brethren!

In Christ,

Rody

I write unto you

Bible Reading: Numbers 32; Psalm 77; Isaiah 24; 1 John 2

I write unto you, little children, because your sins are forgiven you for his name's sake. I write unto you, fathers, because ye have known him that is from the beginning. I write unto you, young men, because ye have overcome the wicked one. I write unto you, little children, because ye have known the Father. I have written unto you, fathers, because ye have known him that is from the beginning. I have written unto you, young men, because ye are strong, and the word of God abideth in you, and ye have overcome the wicked one. (1 John 2:12-14)

The Holy Spirit gives us the inspired epistle of 1 John as a wonderful reminder that we can know for sure that we are saved. As he writes his letter, he tells us that his letter applies to all ages and stages of Christian growth. John divides a disciple's growth process into three stages. He refers to these as little children, young men and fathers. The Bible is written to God's children and we are growing in his family. These three stages of growth can help us to understand where we are in the process of, "grow[ing] up into him in all things" (Ephesians 4:15).

Forgiveness – Little children know that their sins are forgiven for the sake of Jesus Christ. The first stage of Christian growth is a realization that Jesus died on the cross for my sins and that in him I am completely forgiven.

In whom we have redemption through his blood, the forgiveness of sins, according to the riches of his grace; (Ephesians 1:7)

Faith – Young men have the word of God abiding in them and are strong. They realize that there is war with the enemy and they are overcoming him by faith. They have not grown beyond having their sins forgiven, but they have added to this by continual study of the word of God. The young men are learning to put on the whole armor of God and fight in the spiritual battles with the enemy. The mark of young men is their strength. They are strong in the word of God and strong in faith.

Fellowship – Father's are marked by 'knowing' him who was from the beginning. The mark of a spiritually mature Christian is that they have reproduced. They have spiritual children because they share the gospel with others. They are also marked by walking in a relationship with Jesus Christ. Are they forgiven? Absolutely! Are they strong in the Word and in faith? Yes. Now they are confidently walking in a relationship with Jesus Christ.

John wants us to know that the Bible applies to us at whatever stage of growth in grace we are in. Are you a growing Christian?

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. (2 Peter 3:18)

In Christ,

Rody

God is the judge

Bible Reading: Numbers 31; Psalms 75 & 76; Isaiah 23; 1 John 1

For promotion cometh neither from the east, nor from the west, nor from the south. But God is the judge: he putteth down one, and setteth up another. (Psalms 75:6-7)

Asaph reminds us of a very important thing in God's Word – no one pulls themselves up by their own bootstraps. This Psalm is written during a time of political unrest and Asaph is watching many ungodly men vie for position. Those who are in positions of authority, he reminds not to speak with arrogance.

I said unto the fools, Deal not foolishly: and to the wicked, Lift not up the horn: Lift not up your horn on high: speak not with a stiff neck. (Psalms 75:4-5)

In his day, like ours, many arrogant and wicked men were trying to get in positions of power. Any time the Bible speaks of a horn it is referring to power. These men were speaking with pride at their accomplishments and Asaph reminds us that is wickedness. It does not matter when in life we are, we need to understand that promotion does not come from the east, west or the south. Promotion comes from the LORD. We do not need to toot our own horn, God will see to it that you are promoted as necessary! God is the judge. He puts one down and sets another up.

Think of Joseph in the book of Genesis! He was promoted to one of the most prominent positions in Egypt by God's mighty hand. He did not accomplish that rise to power! Where are you right now? Are you not where you think you ought to be? Trust in God! He is ALWAYS trying to teach you something about himself. Do you have a boss who is not righteous? Trust in God, he is the one who can move him out of the way and raise up another!

Maybe you are at a hard place in life and you think you should be doing better than you are. Trust in God! He has the ability to place you where he wants, just wait upon him! Maybe you are doing pretty well in life. Don't get the big head and remember what the Bible says:

For who maketh thee to differ from another? and what hast thou that thou didst not receive? now if thou didst receive it, why dost thou glory, as if thou hadst not received it? (1 Corinthians 4:7)

If you have a strong back, a smart mind, if you are fast, if you have a good job – you did not achieve those things, God gave them to you!

Every good gift and every perfect gift is from above, and cometh down from the Father of lights, with whom is no variableness, neither shadow of turning. (James 1:17)

If you see a turtle on a fence post, you know he did not get there by himself! You are the same! Give God the glory and be thankful.

In Christ,

Rody

Not willing that any should perish

Bible Reading: Numbers 30; Psalm 74; Isaiah 22; 2 Peter 3

The Lord is not slack concerning his promise, as some men count slackness; but is longsuffering to us-ward, not willing that any should perish, but that all should come to repentance. (2 Peter 3:9)

Peter tells us that unbelievers will give up on the Lord's promise to return. In the last days, Peter says scoffers will say that everything goes on just as it was from the beginning of creation. The interesting thing is that the second coming of Jesus was prophesied by Enoch thousands of years ago.

And Enoch also, the seventh from Adam, prophesied of these, saying, Behold, the Lord cometh with ten thousands of his saints, To execute judgment upon all, and to convince all that are ungodly among them of all their ungodly deeds which they have ungodly committed, and of all their hard speeches which ungodly sinners have spoken against him. (Jude 1:14-15)

Have you given up on the return of Jesus? Oh, whatever you do – don't quit looking for Jesus to return. He has promised and he will do it!

In my Father's house are many mansions: if it were not so, I would have told you. I go to prepare a place for you. And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again, and receive you unto myself; that where I am, there ye may be also. (John 14:2-3)

Even though it has been about two thousand years since that promise was made, don't give up. The Bible tells us that the Lord is not slack concerning this promise. He has not returned yet with good reason. He is longsuffering toward mankind. He has not yet returned because he wants everyone to come to repentance. The Lord's delay in returning is grace to a lost world! When Jesus returns to get his church in the rapture, the Great Tribulation will begin here on earth. The Bible tells us that people will be saved during that time, but many people will die very quickly and will perish.

Don't give up on the promise of Jesus! Remember why you are still here – to tell people about the grace of God shown toward us in Jesus Christ. Let the Lord's delay be your urgency! Soon he will return and take his church to heaven. Until then, let us have the same desire that our Lord has – for all to come to repentance. If this is our desire, then let's tell people of the goodness of God.

Or despisest thou the riches of his goodness and forbearance and longsuffering; not knowing that the goodness of God leadeth thee to repentance? (Romans 2:4)

Jesus' delay in coming is a delay in judgment for the unbelieving. That means God is still giving them a chance to hear, believe and call upon him to be saved. Don't give up, get out and preach Jesus!

In Christ,

Rody

My feet were almost gone

Bible Reading: Numbers 29; Psalm 73; Isaiah 21; 2 Peter 2

But as for me, my feet were almost gone; my steps had well nigh slipped. (Psalms 73:2)

Have you ever almost slipped away from following God? Asaph gives his testimony in this Psalm of how he almost slipped from the path because he just could not understand. What was it that made Asaph almost slip?

For I was envious at the foolish, when I saw the prosperity of the wicked. (Psalms 73:3)

Asaph was a committed follower of God's Word. Yet when he observed the wicked he saw that they prospered. How could this be? The wicked were not supposed to get away with their wickedness! Here are some of the things he observed:

It seemed to Asaph that the wicked did not experience torment and pain at death. They were strong until the day they died. The wicked were not in trouble or plagued like other men. It seemed that many godly men dealt with cancer and much pain but not the wicked. The wicked were 'fat cats' who had all they could want. They lived lives of pride and oppressed the righteous. They speak wicked things against God and act as if he does not know what they do. They continually grow wealthy in the earth.

Asaph considered these things and he was broken.

Verily I have cleansed my heart in vain, and washed my hands in innocency. For all the day long have I been plagued, and chastened every morning. If I say, I will speak thus; behold, I should offend against the generation of thy children. (Psalms 73:13-15)

He felt as if following God was wasted effort and he wanted to say something about it, but he was afraid he would cause the children to stumble. Have you ever felt like Asaph? Have you ever looked around and saw how wicked people prosper in the earth? Is it wasted effort to cleanse your heart and follow God?

Until I went into the sanctuary of God; then understood I their end. (Psalms 73:17)

When Asaph went to worship God then he realized the end of the wicked. It may seem like they have it good in this life, but their end will be everlasting destruction. When he realized this Asaph realized how wrong his thinking had been.

Thus my heart was grieved, and I was pricked in my reins. So foolish was I, and ignorant: I was as a beast before thee. (Psalms 73:21-22)

For, lo, they that are far from thee shall perish: thou hast destroyed all them that go a whoring from thee. But it is good for me to draw near to God: I have put my trust in the Lord GOD, that I may declare all thy works. (Psalms 73:27-28)

Don't be envious of the wicked! Go to church and worship God. Focus on eternity and you will see that it is good to draw near to God. Worshipping God and cleansing your heart is never vanity.

In Christ,

Rody

The LORD shall be known in Egypt

Bible Reading: Numbers 28; Psalm 72; Isaiah 19 & 20; 2 Peter 1

In that day shall there be an altar to the LORD in the midst of the land of Egypt, and a pillar at the border thereof to the LORD. And it shall be for a sign and for a witness unto the LORD of hosts in the land of Egypt: for they shall cry unto the LORD because of the oppressors, and he shall send them a saviour, and a great one, and he shall deliver them. And the LORD shall be known to Egypt, and the Egyptians shall know the LORD in that day, and shall do sacrifice and oblation; yea, they shall vow a vow unto the LORD, and perform it. (Isaiah 19:19-21)

According to the 2001 Operation World report, there are less than two percent of Egyptians that are believers in Jesus Christ. Less than thirteen percent would call themselves 'Christians' but the denominational affiliation they have does not believe the Bible. Egypt is estimated to be eighty-seven percent Muslim. Yet, Isaiah prophesied that the day was coming when the Egyptians would cry out to the LORD for a savior! Isaiah tells us that the LORD will be known in Egypt and the people will worship him. The prophecy continues:

In that day shall there be a highway out of Egypt to Assyria, and the Assyrian shall come into Egypt, and the Egyptian into Assyria, and the Egyptians shall serve with the Assyrians. (Isaiah 19:23)

Assyria of Isaiah's time is modern day Iraq. Iraq is estimated to be ninety-seven percent Muslim with less than one percent believing in Jesus Christ. If you look at a map a highway from Egypt to Assyria would have to go through Israel, Jordan and Syria. Can you see what God said about twenty-seven hundred years ago? All these Muslim nations will worship the LORD. They are going to know Jesus!

This should greatly encourage our missionary zeal. We have a promise from God that tells us the Egyptians shall know the LORD. It is hard for us to see how Egypt and Iraq could be so radically converted, but we must realize that the new birth is a miracle! Nothing is impossible with God. However, how does a person come to call upon the name of the LORD?

For whosoever shall call upon the name of the Lord shall be saved. 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? And how shall they preach, except they be sent? as it is written, How beautiful are the feet of them that preach the gospel of peace, and bring glad tidings of good things! But they have not all obeyed the gospel. For Esaias saith, Lord, who hath believed our report? So then faith cometh by hearing, and hearing by the word of God. (Romans 10:13-17)

Keep on preaching the Word, people will believe on the Lord Jesus Christ and be saved!

In Christ,

Rody

Let them be ashamed

Bible Reading: Numbers 27; Psalms 70 & 71; Isaiah 17 & 18; 1 Peter 5

Let them be ashamed and confounded that seek after my soul: let them be turned backward, and put to confusion, that desire my hurt. Let them be turned back for a reward of their shame that say, Aha, aha. (Psalms 70:2-3)

David spent a lot of time in trouble! He had to run for his life on many occasions and he had many enemies. David too was a mighty warrior; however, he did not try to prove his innocence. For that he trusted in God. Here is one of the many instances in Scripture where David prays, asking God to deliver him and to deal with his enemies. Since he was innocent, he did not have to defend himself. He simply prayed that God would make things right. He asks that his enemies will be ashamed and confounded.

Can God do that? Absolutely! You should pray that God would turn them backward and put them into confusion that desire your hurt. Instead of fighting against them, you and I should pray. Many times, we are so worried about being treated right that we spend a lot of time trying to prove our cause. David did not do that. He cried out to God. Do you remember when Saul was trying to kill David? On two different occasions, David would have slain Saul. He would not do it and said that Saul was the Lord's anointed. Even though he was treated wrongly, he would not be the one to take the life of the king.

What did he do? He prayed and trusted God to deal with his personal enemies. David was a very strong man and yet he cries out like this:

Make haste, O God, to deliver me; make haste to help me, O LORD. (Psalms 70:1)

David also prayed for those who were God-seekers. He prayed that they would continually rejoice and worship God. Even when things are tough!

Let all those that seek thee rejoice and be glad in thee: and let such as love thy salvation say continually, Let God be magnified. (Psalms 70:4)

David was a man of faith and he trusted in the LORD. He did not trust in himself or his ability. Listen to how the mighty warrior of Israel describes himself:

But I am poor and needy: make haste unto me, O God: thou art my help and my deliverer; O LORD, make no tarrying. (Psalms 70:5)

When you trust God you do not have to defend yourself. You have to pray! David was dependant, desperate and determined that God receive all the glory! He knew that God would deliver him and confound his enemies in a way that would shame them. God can do a much better job of defending you than you can!

In Christ,

Rody

As every man hath received the gift

Bible Reading: Numbers 26; Psalm 69; Isaiah 16; 1 Peter 4

As every man hath received the gift, even so minister the same one to another, as good stewards of the manifold grace of God. If any man speak, let him speak as the oracles of God; if any man minister, let him do it as of the ability which God giveth: that God in all things may be glorified through Jesus Christ, to whom be praise and dominion for ever and ever. Amen. (1 Peter 4:10-11)

Peter does not so much focus on the 'gifts' of the Holy Spirit. He tells us that every man has received 'the gift' of the Holy Spirit. This is so important to understand. Many times people take spiritual gift inventories trying to recognize what their gifts are. Peter helps us realize that everyone who is born again has received the gift of the Holy Spirit and he can manifest himself in you as he sees fit. The Holy Spirit is in you, now you are to minister the gift to one another. In another place the Bible reminds us of the same aspect of ministry:

But the manifestation of the Spirit is given to every man to profit withal. (1 Corinthians 12:7)

Your gift is given so you can serve. We are to be good stewards of the manifold grace of God. God has graciously poured out his Spirit upon us and we are to allow the Holy Spirit to empower us to serve one another in the body of Christ. Peter makes the diversities of gifts that the Holy Spirit can manifest in a believer's life very easy to understand. He divides them into two categories, speaking and serving.

If the Holy Spirit in you is gifting your to speak do it as if you are speaking the oracles of God. In other words, realize that you are a messenger for the King of Kings and speak his word to the hearers. If the Holy Spirit empowers you to minister or serve, do it with the ability that God gives you. Either way, it is God working in you to bless others through you.

When I think of serving, I think of Bezaleel and Aholiab. God gifted them to build the furniture for the tabernacle.

Then wrought Bezaleel and Aholiab, and every wise hearted man, in whom the LORD put wisdom and understanding to know how to work all manner of work for the service of the sanctuary, according to all that the LORD had commanded. (Exodus 36:1)

It does not matter how God works through you. What matters is that you let him and that he gets all the glory. He has given you his Spirit and he can work in you any way he wants. When you yield yourself to God and put no limits on your service, you will see that God can do amazing things through your life.

In Christ,

Rody

Be always ready

Bible Reading: Numbers 25; Psalm 68; Isaiah 15; 1 Peter 3

But sanctify the Lord God in your hearts: and be ready always to give an answer to every man that asketh you a reason of the hope that is in you with meekness and fear: (1 Peter 3:15)

Peter's first epistle is written to believers that are suffering persecution for their faith in Jesus Christ. He tells them that this is the stage that is set for them to demonstrate patience, love and faithfulness. He does not encourage them to excuse themselves from the mission of Jesus, but admonishes them to let their circumstances be a magnifying glass for the gospel.

But and if ye suffer for righteousness' sake, happy are ye: and be not afraid of their terror, neither be troubled; (1 Peter 3:14)

Suffering because you live a righteous life is a blessed state to be in. He echoes the words of Jesus as he encourages us.

Blessed are they which are persecuted for righteousness' sake: for theirs is the kingdom of heaven. Blessed are ye, when men shall revile you, and persecute you, and shall say all manner of evil against you falsely, for my sake. Rejoice, and be exceeding glad: for great is your reward in heaven: for so persecuted they the prophets which were before you. (Matthew 5:10-12)

No matter what circumstances you find yourself in, you must always be ready to give an answer for the hope that is in you. As a believer you will face life differently than other people. You will have joy and peace in the midst of trials and sufferings. You will walk in love and will not be looking out for number one. You will not engage in gossip or slander but will speak things that edify. You will be a humble, Spirit-filled person and this will cause others to see a difference in you.

When they see this difference you have the opportunity to point to the Savior and give him all the credit! When someone sees you smile and be polite to a rude co-worker and they ask you how you do it you now have the perfect opportunity to preach the gospel to them. Oh, I don't mean jump up on an apple crate with a bull-horn and shout, "Repent or burn!" I mean you can humbly share how you came to know Jesus Christ and what he has done in your life.

Are you ready? Are you prepared with your testimony? Do you know how to tell someone the gospel of Jesus Christ? If you are not, the Bible commands you to get that way!

What about the way you live. Do you complain right along with the rest of the disgruntled employees? Do you show up to work grouchy and stay that way? If you do, you look just like everyone else. You have not sanctified the Lord God in your heart. You need to live different so they will ask.

In Christ,

Rody

Ye should follow his steps

Bible Reading: Numbers 24; Psalms 66-67; Isaiah 14; 1 Peter 2

For even hereunto were ye called: because Christ also suffered for us, leaving us an example, that ye should follow his steps: Who did no sin, neither was guile found in his mouth: (1 Peter 2:21-22)

As a follower of Jesus you should ask where he is going. What is he doing? If we are to follow him, we will be going and doing what he is doing. Peter tells us that our calling is to suffer wrong patiently with Jesus Christ as our example.

Servants, be subject to your masters with all fear; not only to the good and gentle, but also to the froward. For this is thankworthy, if a man for conscience toward God endure grief, suffering wrongfully. For what glory is it, if, when ye be buffeted for your faults, ye shall take it patiently? but if, when ye do well, and suffer for it, ye take it patiently, this is acceptable with God. (1 Peter 2:18-20)

Some people have bosses or masters that are good and gentle. Thank God for them. Others have froward bosses. A forward person is a course, disobedient, unyielding or perverse person. Peter tells us that the kind of boss does not matter. The way we act does! Peter doesn't give us an out; he says we are to suffer wrong with patience because this is acceptable with God. He draws a difference between suffering wrongfully with patience and having patience when we suffer for what we have done wrong.

The example he lays out for us is our Lord Jesus Christ. Jesus suffered the pains of the cross and yet he had no sin. He did not deserve to suffer and die. He was and is completely righteous. Yet, he did not cry out against the injustice he suffered. The Bible prophesied Jesus' suffering:

He was oppressed, and he was afflicted, yet he opened not his mouth: he is brought as a lamb to the slaughter, and as a sheep before her shearers is dumb, so he openeth not his mouth. (Isaiah 53:7)

Jesus is our example when it comes to suffering. He was wronged. He did not open his mouth. Do you whine about the tough time you have at work? Do you complain about unfair treatment you receive? If you are a Christ follower, you need to look to Jesus and understand that he is your example. It is thankworthy to endure grief. Take it patiently and that is acceptable with God.

Why? Because the Bible says so! (That should be enough for any Christian.) But we are also showing Christ-likeness. Being conformed to the image of our Lord is what Jesus wants to do in our lives. Suffering is something he uses to do that. Let Jesus do a work in you through the difficult people in your life. Follow in his steps.

In Christ,

Rody

How shall I curse whom God hath not cursed

Bible Reading: Numbers 23; Psalm 64-65; Isaiah 13; 1 Peter 1

How shall I curse, whom God hath not cursed? or how shall I defy, whom the LORD hath not defied? (Numbers 23:8)

Balak wanted Balaam to curse Israel. He was afraid of them and he knew they would lick up all that are round about us, as the ox licketh up the grass of the field (Numbers 22:4). Balak sent representatives and offered Balaam great riches to curse Israel. When Balaam sought the LORD concerning this matter God told him:

And God said unto Balaam, Thou shalt not go with them; thou shalt not curse the people: for they are blessed. (Numbers 22:12)

Listen to God's words concerning Israel – they are blessed. What a wonderful place to be! Israel was blessed by God and no one could curse them because they were blessed. Balak was upset with Balaam because he would not curse them, but how could he? Israel was blessed by God. God says in another place of his people:

Nevertheless the LORD thy God would not hearken unto Balaam; but the LORD thy God turned the curse into a blessing unto thee, because the LORD thy God loved thee. (Deuteronomy 23:5)

Wouldn't it be wonderful to walk in the blessing of God on a continual basis? Wouldn't it be wonderful to know that God loved you and no one could curse you because you were blessed by God? Wouldn't it be wonderful to know that God would turn cursing into blessing for you? As a follower of Jesus, here is what God says of you in his Word:

Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who hath blessed us with all spiritual blessings in heavenly places in Christ: (Ephesians 1:3)

Can you hear what God's Word says? If you are in Christ you are blessed with all spiritual blessings in heavenly places in Christ. Jesus is the blessed One and if you are 'in him' you are blessed. You do not have to go looking for the blessing of God; you must walk in who you are in Christ.

This means that we do not have to worry about a curse from a false prophet! Any curse brought against a child of God is causeless.

As the bird by wandering, as the swallow by flying, so the curse causeless shall not come. (Proverbs 26:2)

God will turn any curse into blessing for his children. His Word tells us so:

And we know that all things work together for good to them that love God, to them who are the called according to his purpose. (Romans 8:28)

If you are in Christ you are blessed by God. Walk in that blessing!

In Christ,

Rody

 

God is my salvation

Bible Reading: Numbers 22; Psalms 62-63; Isaiah 11-12; James 5

Behold, God is my salvation; I will trust, and not be afraid: for the LORD JEHOVAH is my strength and my song; he also is become my salvation. Therefore with joy shall ye draw water out of the wells of salvation. (Isaiah 12:2-3)

Isaiah in his great prophecy looks forward to a day yet future for the people of Israel when the Gentiles will be called unto the Lord. In this day the earth shall be full of the knowledge of the LORD, as the waters cover the sea (Isaiah 11:9b). Here he cries out God is my salvation. What does it mean to be saved? Who needs to be saved? Isaiah knew that all men need to be saved. Do you know God as your salvation?

Isaiah tells us what the person who knows God as his salvation will do – I will trust and not be afraid. God is absolutely trustworthy and has never broken a promise. He never will! Isaiah declares that the LORD JEHOVAH is his strength and his song. Do you know the LORD JEHOVAH as your strength? Is he the source of strength for all that you do? Has he put a song in your heart so that you sing of your Redeemer?

If we could speak Hebrew we would see that the name of Jesus is used twice in this Scripture! The word translated 'salvation' is the Hebrew word Y@shuw. It would be pronounced Yesh-oo-aw. That is the name of Jesus! His name means 'salvation'. Has he become your salvation?

Drawing water out of the well of salvation is a wonderful description of the blessed Holy Spirit that God has given to us.

In the last day, that great day of the feast, Jesus stood and cried, saying, If any man thirst, let him come unto me, and drink. He that believeth on me, as the scripture hath said, out of his belly shall flow rivers of living water. (But this spake he of the Spirit, which they that believe on him should receive: for the Holy Ghost was not yet given; because that Jesus was not yet glorified.) (John 7:37-39)

Only a thirsty man wants a drink of water. Only a desperate man wants to be saved. Are you thirsty? You can come to Jesus and drink the living water he has. Not only that, but when you believe on him you will become a well of living water as the Holy Spirit flows out of you to others with the salvation of Jesus Christ.

Jesus is the LORD JEHOVAH! They are one and you can trust him!

In Christ,

Rody

When my heart is overwhelmed

Bible Reading: Numbers 21; Psalms 60-61; Isaiah 10:5-34; James 4

From the end of the earth will I cry unto thee, when my heart is overwhelmed: lead me to the rock that is higher than I. (Psalms 61:2)

Have you ever been overwhelmed? Have you ever been at a place where you had something pressing in on all sides and you just did not know what to do next? Have you ever tried to just be quiet and think and you could not do it? God's Word has something for us when we get to that place! In this Psalm by David we hear the cry of a man who is overwhelmed.

If you needed to talk to a friend in our day you could probably just touch one button on a cell phone and call them. But where must you go to talk with God? David says he will cry to God from the end of the earth! It does not matter where you are, you can always talk to God. Prayer is the incredible privilege of the child of God and we can always have access to our loving Heavenly Father's presence.

We can also hear what David prayed. He wanted God's leadership to lead him to the rock that is higher than he! The stability of the rock of Jesus Christ is what David needed to comfort his heart. Do you pray for the stability of the rock of Jesus Christ when you are overwhelmed? The rock is a shelter.

For thou hast been a shelter for me, and a strong tower from the enemy. I will abide in thy tabernacle for ever: I will trust in the covert of thy wings. Selah. (Psalms 61:3-4)

When enemies come against you there is a great need to be in a strong tower for protection. That is what Jesus Christ is! Can you hear the assurance in David's prayer as he says he will abide in God's tabernacle forever? Do you have that kind of assurance of God's love and care?

For I am persuaded, that neither death, nor life, nor angels, nor principalities, nor powers, nor things present, nor things to come, Nor height, nor depth, nor any other creature, shall be able to separate us from the love of God, which is in Christ Jesus our Lord. (Romans 8:38-39)

We have a God who hears our prayers and invites us to come to him when we are overwhelmed! In this Psalm we see David start out crying out to God in distress. Let's see how the Psalm ends:

So will I sing praise unto thy name for ever, that I may daily perform my vows. (Psalms 61:8)

If you will go to God in prayer you will find that going from being overwhelmed to shouting praise will be the result! Don't wallow in distress and self-pity – cry out to God!

In Christ,

Rody

Bridle the whole body

Bible Reading: Numbers 20; Psalms 58-59; Isaiah 9:7-10:4; James 3

For in many things we offend all. If any man offend not in word, the same is a perfect man, and able also to bridle the whole body. (James 3:2)

As frail humans we sin. This is what James means when he says we offend. He is going to tell us what the most uncontrollable part of our bodies is. You might be surprised, but it is the tongue. James makes a very bold claim here by saying that if a man were to live and not sin with his tongue; he would also be able to control the whole body. The Bible gives us two things to compare to: horses and ships. You put a bit in a horse's mouth and control the whole animal. You turn the helm and a big ship moves with ease in the water. Control the tongue, control the life!

We underestimate the power of the tongue.

Even so the tongue is a little member, and boasteth great things. Behold, how great a matter a little fire kindleth! And the tongue is a fire, a world of iniquity: so is the tongue among our members, that it defileth the whole body, and setteth on fire the course of nature; and it is set on fire of hell. (James 3:5-6)

A spark can burn down a million acres of forest. Our tongues defile our whole body. There is more sin in your tongue than any other part of your body. It is set on fire by hell itself. Think of all the evil that come from our tongues: blasphemy, dishonor and cursing, lying, gossip, bearing false witness and boasting. All grievous sins that our tongue is capable of!

Therewith bless we God, even the Father; and therewith curse we men, which are made after the similitude of God. Out of the same mouth proceedeth blessing and cursing. My brethren, these things ought not so to be. (James 3:9-10)

We use our tongue to sing praise to God and then within a few minutes we use our tongue to curse a person. How can blessing and cursing come from the same source? James tells us these things ought not to be.

How do you bridle the tongue? Jesus will tell us:

And he said, That which cometh out of the man, that defileth the man. For from within, out of the heart of men, proceed evil thoughts, adulteries, fornications, murders, Thefts, covetousness, wickedness, deceit, lasciviousness, an evil eye, blasphemy, pride, foolishness: All these evil things come from within, and defile the man. (Mark 7:20-23)

We speak out of what is in our hearts. So let the Holy Ghost fill you up and change your heart. Let the Word of God dwell in your richly and be transformed by God's Spirit!

In Christ,

Rody

To the law and to the testimony

Bible Reading: Numbers 19; Psalms 56-57; Isaiah 8-9:7; James 2

To the law and to the testimony: if they speak not according to this word, it is because there is no light in them. (Isaiah 8:20)

Isaiah lived in a day much like ours. The people of God were not really interested in following God. They went through the religious motions but they had also adopted many Canaanite practices. The people had turned to the occult to try to gain knowledge.

And when they shall say unto you, Seek unto them that have familiar spirits, and unto wizards that peep, and that mutter: should not a people seek unto their God? for the living to the dead? (Isaiah 8:19)

The people were trying to understand what the future held and they were advising one another to turn to those with familiar spirits and to wizards for understanding. A person with a familiar spirit is one who is either possessed or in contact with a spirit being who supposedly gives the person occult (or hidden) information. A wizard is a witch who uses sorcery (hallucinogenic drugs) to conjure up spirits to do his bidding or give him information. They peep and mutter their incantations as they use magic.

Is this going on today in our society? Absolutely! Fascination with the occult is probably more widespread than ever. The occult bookstores do a huge business and astrologers and palm readers abound who will tell your future. Isaiah asks the question: should not a people seek unto their God? Is knowledge to be found by seeking the dead?

The answer to his question is – no, the dead have nothing to share with us. We should seek God, not occult knowledge. Years before Moses had warned the people of Israel about the Canaanite occult practices.

When thou art come into the land which the LORD thy God giveth thee, thou shalt not learn to do after the abominations of those nations. There shall not be found among you any one that maketh his son or his daughter to pass through the fire, or that useth divination, or an observer of times, or an enchanter, or a witch, Or a charmer, or a consulter with familiar spirits, or a wizard, or a necromancer. For all that do these things are an abomination unto the LORD: and because of these abominations the LORD thy God doth drive them out from before thee. (Deuteronomy 18:9-12)

Light is understanding and knowledge. Isaiah tells us if they speak not according to this word it is because there is no light in them. If you gain 'secret' knowledge and yet the person giving it tells you something contrary to God's Word, you have gained nothing! The occult practitioners have no light in them!

To the law and to the prophets! To the Bible! God has spoken. Do you want information? Get it from God's Word, not from demons.

In Christ,

Rody

Swift to hear

Bible Reading: Numbers 17 & 18; Psalm 55; Isaiah 7; James 1

Wherefore, my beloved brethren, let every man be swift to hear, slow to speak, slow to wrath: For the wrath of man worketh not the righteousness of God. (James 1:19-20)

What is one of the most important elements in a relationship? I would say it is trust. Without trust a relationship cannot be a close one. In order to be able to have a relationship built upon trust, there must be communication. The Bible here gives us a formula for developing good relationships. This would include husbands and wives, families, church brothers and sisters, friends and business relationships.

It begins with listening. We must be swift to hear. Many times we have not fully listened to the other person and we have already formed an opinion or made a decision. The Bible says this is foolishness!

He that answereth a matter before he heareth it, it is folly and shame unto him. (Proverbs 18:13)

If we are swift to hear, it means we listen first and foremost to what someone is saying and make sure we understand them before we answer!

With that said, we are also to be slow to speak. A relationship needs the communication of both parties in order to grow. If we are slow to speak it means we listen to everything first before we form opinions. Many people are just the opposite. They are swift to speak and slow to hear. Isn't it amazing that God's Word actually addresses this matter? How many times have we not fully heard a matter and formed an opinion only to find with more information that it was not the way we first thought? If we will heed God's Word, we can avoid this folly altogether!

Now put these verses in their context! James is here telling us that we will encounter suffering, but if we will pray in faith, God will give us wisdom to understand what is going on. Not only that be he is the giver of good gifts and he cannot be tempted with evil. Therefore we desperately need to LISTEN to God's Word and be slow to speak out in the midst of a trial.

We must also be slow to wrath! Don't get mad easily because it does not accomplish the righteousness of God. God is working in your life. Trials and tribulation are tools in the hands of God. Instead of getting mad when things don't go your way, you should listen to God and be slow to speak. You must realize that anger only adds to the problem and may be just the thing God is dealing with in your life in the trial!

Our wrath only adds to the problem. God wants righteousness to come out of our lives. Pray that God will use your life to be a light especially when you are in a trial.

Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father which is in heaven. (Matthew 5:16)

In Christ,

Rody

Seemeth it but a small thing

Bible Reading: Numbers 16; Psalms 52-54; Isaiah 6; Hebrews 13

Seemeth it but a small thing unto you, that the God of Israel hath separated you from the congregation of Israel, to bring you near to himself to do the service of the tabernacle of the LORD, and to stand before the congregation to minister unto them? (Numbers 16:9)

Korah did not like the fact that Moses and Aaron were set over the congregation of Israel as leaders. Korah is an example in the Old Testament of a man who did not submit to the God ordained leadership that he was placed under. He is an example of rebellion. He said to Moses:

And they gathered themselves together against Moses and against Aaron, and said unto them, Ye take too much upon you, seeing all the congregation are holy, every one of them, and the LORD is among them: wherefore then lift ye up yourselves above the congregation of the LORD? (Numbers 16:3)

Notice that Korah did not acknowledge that God had set Moses up to lead the congregation. He charged Moses with lifting himself up above the congregation. It was true that the LORD was among the people and that they were all a holy people. But God had set up a priesthood that only Aaron and his sons could serve in. Korah was a Levite, but not a priest. These were not Moses' regulations, they were God's!

Moses points out the heart of rebellion in Korah and in all who have a rebellious spirit like his. He counted it a small thing what God had done in his life. As a Levite, he had a very special responsibility to do the service of the Tabernacle. Only a Levite was permitted to do this kind of work. But that was not good enough for Korah. He was jealous of Moses and Aaron. He wanted the priesthood also. Korah was overcome with an ambition that was ungodly. Ungodly ambition and rebellion can be the marks of youth many times. God's Word tells us:

For rebellion is as the sin of witchcraft, and stubbornness is as iniquity and idolatry. (1 Samuel 15:23a)

Rebellion against God is not a small thing! Korah saw his ministry as a small thing and he wanted more. But God's Word tells us:

Let your conversation be without covetousness; and be content with such things as ye have: for he hath said, I will never leave thee, nor forsake thee. (Hebrews 13:5)

Do you struggle with covetousness? Do you look at others with different gifts and envy what God has done in them? What ministry has God given to you? Do you view it as a small thing? God doesn't!

There is no small ministry in God's eyes.

In Christ,

Rody

For whom the Lord loveth he chasteneth

Bible Reading: Numbers 15; Psalm 51; Isaiah 5; Hebrews 12

And ye have forgotten the exhortation which speaketh unto you as unto children, My son, despise not thou the chastening of the Lord, nor faint when thou art rebuked of him: For whom the Lord loveth he chasteneth, and scourgeth every son whom he receiveth. (Hebrews 12:5-6)

Preachers who do what God has called them to do let God's people know that he chastens them when they get out of the way they should go. Have you forgotten that exhortation? Have you forgotten the God is our Father and we are his children through faith in Jesus Christ? The Father loves his children and he will chasten them when they are disobedient to him. We must not despise his chastening and rebuke because it is a sign of genuine faith on our part.

Sometimes a person can sin willfully and get away with it. They receive no rebuke from God nor do they realize what they have done is sin. According to Hebrews, this person is a bastard and does not really belong to God!

If ye endure chastening, God dealeth with you as with sons; for what son is he whom the father chasteneth not? But if ye be without chastisement, whereof all are partakers, then are ye bastards, and not sons. (Hebrews 12:7-8)

God deals with his children differently than he deals with other people. Other people are already condemned for their sin and they are simply storing up wrath for the Day of Judgment. God's children are to live in a way that is pleasing to him. Therefore, he will chasten and rebuke us when we are rebellious. It is very clear in Scripture that chastisement is a result of love. It is because God loves you that he chastens you. A godly father learns from the Heavenly Father and chastens his children as well.

Furthermore we have had fathers of our flesh which corrected us, and we gave them reverence: shall we not much rather be in subjection unto the Father of spirits, and live? For they verily for a few days chastened us after their own pleasure; but he for our profit, that we might be partakers of his holiness. (Hebrews 12:9-10)

God's chastening is profitable to us and produces holiness in our lives. It is not enjoyable, but it is profitable.

Now no chastening for the present seemeth to be joyous, but grievous: nevertheless afterward it yieldeth the peaceable fruit of righteousness unto them which are exercised thereby. (Hebrews 12:11)

God is working toward the end result of holiness and righteousness in our lives. I challenge you to look at chastening and rebuke a little differently. No, it is not fun, but thank God that he loves us enough to chasten us. Have you experienced this lately? If you have it is a blessed assurance that you belong to a loving Heavenly Father.

In Christ,

Rody

He hath prepared for them a city

Bible Reading: Numbers 14; Psalm 50; Isaiah 3 & 4; Hebrews 11

But now they desire a better country, that is, an heavenly: wherefore God is not ashamed to be called their God: for he hath prepared for them a city. (Hebrews 11:16)

The eleventh chapter of Hebrews is called the faith chapter. In it God points us to many of the heroes of the faith. It speaks of Abel, Enoch, Noah, Abraham and Sarah as well as many other Old Testament believers who believed God and were rewarded for their faith. They received promises from God and believed them, however they all died in faith not having received the promises. The time was not right. God's plan was bigger than their life span on earth!

You and I are closer to the promises being fulfilled than any of them were! They lived confessing that they were strangers and pilgrims on the earth (Hebrews 11:13). A stranger is someone who is from another country. A pilgrim is someone who leaves their land looking for a new promised land. Is that how you live?

Do you desire a better country? Do you live looking forward to what our elected officials and powerful men will one day make of this country? There is all the difference in the world in these two views. If you live for this world you will invest in it. If you live for that heavenly country, you will invest in it. What does Jesus say?

Lay not up for yourselves treasures upon earth, where moth and rust doth corrupt, and where thieves break through and steal: But lay up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where neither moth nor rust doth corrupt, and where thieves do not break through nor steal: For where your treasure is, there will your heart be also. (Matthew 6:19-21)

Many people are secret worshippers of God but they have a hard time openly talking about him. Have you ever thought that God might be ashamed to be called their God? Those people who live for this life and invest in this world are not truly reflecting the image of God into it. They are lulled to sleep by the never ending promises of a Utopia that government will one day make.

But for those who live for that better, heavenly country God has prepared for them a city. This is the promise of Jesus:

Let not your heart be troubled: ye believe in God, believe also in me. In my Father's house are many mansions: if it were not so, I would have told you. I go to prepare a place for you. And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again, and receive you unto myself; that where I am, there ye may be also. (John 14:1-3)

Live for that prepared city and invest in heaven! The commodity of heaven is relationships – build some ETERNAL ones today.

In Christ,

Rody

They that trust in their wealth

Bible Reading: Numbers 12 & 13; Psalm 49; Isaiah 2; Hebrews 10

They that trust in their wealth, and boast themselves in the multitude of their riches; None of them can by any means redeem his brother, nor give to God a ransom for him: (For the redemption of their soul is precious, and it ceaseth for ever:) (Psalms 49:6-8)

The sons of Korah have given us a wonderful reminder in the Psalms of the folly of trusting in earthly wealth. Wealth is a narcotic for some. Having a great sum of money gives the illusion that you can protect yourself and make yourself secure. It gives comfort knowing that you can pay to fix something that breaks, buy something new if needed, and pay an expert to give the advice or service you need. However, the most precious thing in all of creation is the human soul and it is VERY costly. You cannot redeem your own soul, much less that of your brother.

Whatever you accumulate here on earth is going to wind up in the hands of someone else.

For he seeth that wise men die, likewise the fool and the brutish person perish, and leave their wealth to others. (Psalms 49:10)

For some strange reason, the rich person thinks they can build something that will last forever. Matter of fact they try to enshrine themselves in their properties by naming things after themselves.

Their inward thought is, that their houses shall continue for ever, and their dwelling places to all generations; they call their lands after their own names. Nevertheless man being in honour abideth not: he is like the beasts that perish. (Psalms 49:11-12)

Now all we have to do is look back at the great monuments of the past and see that men build things and then die leaving those things to someone else. However, as a culture we keep listening to their foolishness and repeating what they have done. The contemporary culture approves their sayings:

This their way is their folly: yet their posterity approve their sayings. Selah. (Psalms 49:13)

The sons of Korah know the difference between those who believe and those who do not.

Like sheep they are laid in the grave; death shall feed on them; and the upright shall have dominion over them in the morning; and their beauty shall consume in the grave from their dwelling. But God will redeem my soul from the power of the grave: for he shall receive me. Selah. (Psalms 49:14-15)

Will God redeem your soul from the power of the grave? Or will you die like a beast? The difference lies in where you place your faith. If you trust in Jesus Christ, then the ransom for your soul is paid in full. If you trust in your wealth you will perish. With that said, why do we follow men that don't love Jesus Christ?

Man that is in honour, and understandeth not, is like the beasts that perish. (Psalms 49:20)

In Christ,

Rody

The way into the holiest of all

Bible Reading: Numbers 11; Psalm 48; Isaiah 1; Hebrews 9

The Holy Ghost this signifying, that the way into the holiest of all was not yet made manifest, while as the first tabernacle was yet standing: (Hebrews 9:8)

The Tabernacle of Israel was a replica of the true tabernacle in heaven (Hebrews 9:24). This replica had the most holy place sectioned off from everyone except the high priest who could only enter there once a year alone. He had to take the blood of two sacrifices with him; one for himself and the other for the sins of the people. This curtain that separated the holiest of all from even the priests was a teaching tool of the Holy Ghost to show us that access to God was not yet made manifest.

The desire of a true worshipper is to enter into the presence of God. But the Israelite could not do that! He had to have a mediator in the high priest. He had to offer the blood of bulls and goats in his place. However, these sacrifices could never take away sin! As a matter of fact God said he was not pleased with these sacrifices about seven hundred years before Christ was born!

To what purpose is the multitude of your sacrifices unto me? saith the LORD: I am full of the burnt offerings of rams, and the fat of fed beasts; and I delight not in the blood of bullocks, or of lambs, or of he goats. When ye come to appear before me, who hath required this at your hand, to tread my courts? Bring no more vain oblations; incense is an abomination unto me; the new moons and sabbaths, the calling of assemblies, I cannot away with; it is iniquity, even the solemn meeting. Your new moons and your appointed feasts my soul hateth: they are a trouble unto me; I am weary to bear them. (Isaiah 1:11-14)

These sacrifices were a type and a shadow of the reality of Jesus Christ.

Neither by the blood of goats and calves, but by his own blood he entered in once into the holy place, having obtained eternal redemption for us. (Hebrews 9:12)

Jesus Christ IS the sacrifice for sins. He has already obtained eternal redemption for us. He did this on the cross and it is finished! The Bible tells us that something amazing happened in the temple when Jesus Christ died on the cross:

And the sun was darkened, and the veil of the temple was rent in the midst. (Luke 23:45)

The way into the holiest was now made manifest to all men!

Having therefore, brethren, boldness to enter into the holiest by the blood of Jesus, By a new and living way, which he hath consecrated for us, through the veil, that is to say, his flesh; (Hebrews 10:19-20)

Now we can draw near to God! Praise the Lord for the eternal redemption we have in Jesus!

In Christ,

Rody

Devotional Book

By God's grace, I have published the 2009 devotionals from Necessary Food in a book. It is a big one - 500 pages!

This would be a good gift for a graduate. It is a tool for private devotions or to use in family worship. It includes a topical index. You can purchase it from this site:

Necessary Food

It will also be available on Amazon and other online book sellers soon.

If God has blessed you through the blog, you might want to share these devotionals with someone else.

In Christ,
Rody

Love is strong as death

Bible Reading: Numbers 10; Psalms 46 & 47; Song of Solomon 8; Hebrews 8

Set me as a seal upon thine heart, as a seal upon thine arm: for love is strong as death; jealousy is cruel as the grave: the coals thereof are coals of fire, which hath a most vehement flame. (Song of Solomon 8:6)

As Solomon and the Shulamite return from their village getaway she is sitting beside him and leaning on his arm in the chariot. He asks her to set him as a seal upon his heart and his arm. A seal is a sign of ownership and she is asking for unending love and faithfulness. Is this too much for a husband to ask of his wife? Is this too much for a wife to ask of her husband? No, it is necessary for the marriage to last.

Solomon declares that love is strong as death. Death is final and irreversible. Love is that strong. Love lasts. It is not something that you 'fall' into. The love of a husband and wife is strong and will last a lifetime therefore there is great jealousy that goes along with it. There is nothing wrong with a husband being jealous of his wife's affection; nor of a wife being jealous of her husband. Jealousy is cruel as the grave and if it is aroused will burn hot like coals of fire. If a husband doubts the faithfulness of his wife, this jealousy will burn. The same goes for a wife who doubts her husband's faithfulness.

The king is bringing up an important point about the marriage relationship. The husband and wife actually belong to each other. There can be no wavering affections in the relationship. For this reason, a man should not spend alone time with any other woman than his wife. The wife should not be alone with another man other than her husband. There should be no cause for jealously to burn in the relationship.

Many waters cannot quench love, neither can the floods drown it: if a man would give all the substance of his house for love, it would utterly be contemned. (Song of Solomon 8:7)

You cannot quench love nor can you buy it. The love of a man and a wife is a powerful thing. It should be cultivated and the promises revisited from time to time. A man and his wife must let nothing come between them. A beautiful thing is to see a young bride leaning on the arm of her husband. An even more beautiful thing is to see a wife of forty or fifty years leaning on the arm of hers! If love is like a fire that cannot be quenched, then stoke the fire and fan the flames!

Husbands need to show and tell their wives that they love them. Wives need to do the same. Jesus said it best:

What therefore God hath joined together, let not man put asunder. (Mark 10:9)

In Christ,

Rody

I am my beloveds

Bible Reading: Numbers 9; Psalm 45; Song of Solomon 7; Hebrews 7

I am my beloved's, and his desire is toward me. (Song of Solomon 7:10)

The Shulamite declared that she belonged to her beloved. She was his and none other. This is one of the marriage vows that a couple takes when they are joined as husband and wife. They promise faithfulness to each other as long as they live. The key to marital longevity is faithfulness and love. A husband and wife that trust each other can last a life time together.

Not only that, but she knew his desire was toward her. Solomon made it very plain that he loved her and that he desired her. He wanted to be with her and spend time with her. She was pleasing to him and he got excited when they were together. A husband and wife should work to keep this kind of desire in their marriage. One of the ways to do this is laid out her in Solomon and the Shulamite's life. She suggests a weekend get-away.

Come, my beloved, let us go forth into the field; let us lodge in the villages. (Song of Solomon 7:11)

Getting out of the normal work-a-day life and staying in 'the villages' was her suggestion. Do you do that sometimes with your spouse? Do you plan a time that you can be together and stay at a bed and breakfast or something? It does not have to be a long vacation. Just a little time focusing one hundred percent upon each other is good for a relationship. One of the things that they share is a love for nature and being outdoors, so she suggests they get up early and inspect the vineyards and gardens. Not only that, but she has promises him that she will give him her loves.

Let us get up early to the vineyards; let us see if the vine flourish, whether the tender grape appear, and the pomegranates bud forth: there will I give thee my loves. The mandrakes give a smell, and at our gates are all manner of pleasant fruits, new and old, which I have laid up for thee, O my beloved. (Song of Solomon 7:12-13)

She entices Solomon with the promise of 'all manner of pleasant fruits'. Throughout the Song the use of garden and vegetable metaphors is for the purpose of relating to marital intimacy. She says she has some new things for him to try and some old favorites in mind. How could he not be excited about this weekend away with his wife?

Set aside some time to get away with your beloved. Sample the pomegranates and grapes together. Intimacy in marriage is God's idea. He designed you to desire your spouse. Make sure that your spouse can trust you by being faithful and work to create desire in your marriage!

In Christ,

Rody

Like the chariots of Amminadib

Bible Reading: Numbers 8; Psalm 44; Song of Solomon 6; Hebrews 6

Or ever I was aware, my soul made me like the chariots of Amminadib. (Song of Solomon 6:12)

The Shulamite had not answered the door for her beloved and he had gone. She ran out looking for him and was mistreated by the watchmen of the city. However, as she thought about it a minute, she knew exactly where to find him. She went to the garden. If we go back to God's original design for marriage, we find the very first one in a garden. There God made the woman from the rib of Adam and brought her to the man. There they became one flesh. Marriage should be like a garden.

Garden's don't grow by themselves. They have to be cultivated, planted, watered and weeded. How many weeds have grown up in your garden that need to be tended to? What are you sowing into your marriage? Since marriage is a spiritual thing, you should consider this from the Bible:

Be not deceived; God is not mocked: for whatsoever a man soweth, that shall he also reap. For he that soweth to his flesh shall of the flesh reap corruption; but he that soweth to the Spirit shall of the Spirit reap life everlasting. And let us not be weary in well doing: for in due season we shall reap, if we faint not. (Galatians 6:7-9)

When she gets to the garden she finds Solomon there. When she sees him he begins once again to talk of her beauty. Not only does Solomon praise her beauty, but the other women do too. When she sees her husband, she says that her soul was stirred. Does your soul stir within you when you see your spouse?

Her description is that her soul is like the chariots of Amminadib. We are not sure exactly who Amminadib is, but apparently he was renowned for his chariot-driving skills. Maybe he was fast and reckless. Do you remember the feeling of riding in the back of a pick-up or on a motorcycle and feeling the wind rush in your face? Exhilarating! This is how she feels when she sees her beloved husband.

If you don't get that sensation sometimes when you have been away from your spouse, it is time to start weeding and sowing in that garden of marriage. Plant some beautiful things that will bloom with time and bring back the fresh love of marriage. This is God's will for your marriage!

In Christ,

Rody