Bible Reading: 2 Corinthians 5-9
2 Corinthians 9:10-11 Now he that ministereth seed to the sower both minister bread for your food, and multiply your seed sown, and increase the fruits of your righteousness;) 11 Being enriched in every thing to all bountifulness, which causeth through us thanksgiving to God.
God gives seed to the sower. He can multiply your seed sown and increase the fruits of your righteousness. God gives us the ability to gain wealth (Deuteronomy 8:18). It is a great mistake to think that you or I have gained what we have on our own. We have been given what we have by God.
Someone might say they worked hard for their living. But who gave the ability to work? Who gave the intelligence to think? Who providentially placed you in the family you grew up in? Who placed the people in your life that trained you? God did!
1 Corinthians 4:7 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?
Instead of glorying, we should be thankful to God. If it rains so our crops grow, give thanks to God. If the market is up and our calves bring more than they used to, thank God! If you get a raise at work, thank God! If you get a Christmas bonus, thank God!
God takes care of us! It is amazing to think of how he does this, but he does. He loves us and makes sure that we have what we need. Yes, we are to pray and ask for them, but he knows what we need before we even ask.
Our response to God should be thanksgiving. He is the Great Giver of gifts. He gives us life and breath and all things. He gave us his Son, Jesus Christ. He gives us the gift of salvation and eternal life.
2 Corinthians 9:15 Thanks be unto God for his unspeakable gift.
In Christ,
Rody
Wednesday, December 5, 2012
Tuesday, December 4, 2012
He which raised up the Lord Jesus
Bible Reading: 2 Corinthians 1-4
2 Corinthians 4:13-14 We having the same spirit of faith, according as it is written, I believed, and therefore have I spoken; we also believe, and therefore speak; 14 Knowing that he which raised up the Lord Jesus shall raise up us also by Jesus, and shall present us with you.
Do you believe that Jesus died for sins and was raised from the dead? Paul did and the only thing he could do because he believed was to speak. The truth of faith in Jesus Christ compels us to speak!
The spirit of faith within the believer gives them a boldness and confidence in Christ. The boldness is a bravery of witness whereby we speak the truth of Christ openly.
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.
Not only do we know that we are saved because we trust in Jesus Christ. But we also know that no matter what happens to us here in this life, we will be raised up along with other believers. The resurrection of Jesus Christ teaches us that God will also raise us up!
Death is not the end. It is only a door way. When Jesus presents his pure, spotless bride to himself, Paul knew that he would be there! All those who trust in Christ will be there!
Do you have that kind of confidence in Christ? Do you trust him for your salvation? If so, then the spirit of faith in you will compel you to witness for him and give you the confidence that one day you too will be raised up to live forever with the Lord!
In Christ,
Rody
2 Corinthians 4:13-14 We having the same spirit of faith, according as it is written, I believed, and therefore have I spoken; we also believe, and therefore speak; 14 Knowing that he which raised up the Lord Jesus shall raise up us also by Jesus, and shall present us with you.
Do you believe that Jesus died for sins and was raised from the dead? Paul did and the only thing he could do because he believed was to speak. The truth of faith in Jesus Christ compels us to speak!
The spirit of faith within the believer gives them a boldness and confidence in Christ. The boldness is a bravery of witness whereby we speak the truth of Christ openly.
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.
Not only do we know that we are saved because we trust in Jesus Christ. But we also know that no matter what happens to us here in this life, we will be raised up along with other believers. The resurrection of Jesus Christ teaches us that God will also raise us up!
Death is not the end. It is only a door way. When Jesus presents his pure, spotless bride to himself, Paul knew that he would be there! All those who trust in Christ will be there!
Do you have that kind of confidence in Christ? Do you trust him for your salvation? If so, then the spirit of faith in you will compel you to witness for him and give you the confidence that one day you too will be raised up to live forever with the Lord!
In Christ,
Rody
Monday, December 3, 2012
All flesh is not the same
Bible Reading: 1 Corinthians 15 - 16
1 Corinthians 15:39 All flesh is not the same flesh: but there is one kind of flesh of men, another flesh of beasts, another of fishes, and another of birds.
Animals and humans are not the same. This is not a surprise to someone who has been raised knowing the Bible and being around animals. However, it seems that many today want to put animals on par with humans. Here the Bible is teaching about the resurrection body and how it will be 'changed' from the current terrestrial body that we now have. We can learn something about mankind and animals here as well.
God made man and animals distinct and different. We are not highly evolved animals and we did not come from cave men. When God created Adam, he did it separately from the animals he had already created.
Genesis 1:26-27 And God said, Let us make man in our image, after our likeness: and let them have dominion over the fish of the sea, and over the fowl of the air, and over the cattle, and over all the earth, and over every creeping thing that creepeth upon the earth. 27 So God created man in his own image, in the image of God created he him; male and female created he them.
Man is made in the image of God. He is not evolved from the animals. God created the animals on the sixth day and then he created man. We may have some similarities but not many. We have bones, muscles, fat and blood. Our children drink milk from their mothers like some animals, but we are made in the image of God. Our flesh is different from that of animals. The Bible tells us so. Just take a look for yourself. The next time you have a fish fillet, observe the difference between it and the chicken drumstick that you ate. Look at a steak and see how it is different from the others as well. The Bible tells us that beasts, fish and birds have different kinds of flesh. They did not all come from a common ancestor. They were intentionally designed different by Jesus!
We are not highly evolved animals. We are created in the image of God and he wants to restore that original glory within us by coming into us himself.
Colossians 1:27 To whom God would make known what is the riches of the glory of this mystery among the Gentiles; which is Christ in you, the hope of glory:
God does not live in animals. He does live in believers in Jesus!
In Christ,
Rody
1 Corinthians 15:39 All flesh is not the same flesh: but there is one kind of flesh of men, another flesh of beasts, another of fishes, and another of birds.
Animals and humans are not the same. This is not a surprise to someone who has been raised knowing the Bible and being around animals. However, it seems that many today want to put animals on par with humans. Here the Bible is teaching about the resurrection body and how it will be 'changed' from the current terrestrial body that we now have. We can learn something about mankind and animals here as well.
God made man and animals distinct and different. We are not highly evolved animals and we did not come from cave men. When God created Adam, he did it separately from the animals he had already created.
Genesis 1:26-27 And God said, Let us make man in our image, after our likeness: and let them have dominion over the fish of the sea, and over the fowl of the air, and over the cattle, and over all the earth, and over every creeping thing that creepeth upon the earth. 27 So God created man in his own image, in the image of God created he him; male and female created he them.
Man is made in the image of God. He is not evolved from the animals. God created the animals on the sixth day and then he created man. We may have some similarities but not many. We have bones, muscles, fat and blood. Our children drink milk from their mothers like some animals, but we are made in the image of God. Our flesh is different from that of animals. The Bible tells us so. Just take a look for yourself. The next time you have a fish fillet, observe the difference between it and the chicken drumstick that you ate. Look at a steak and see how it is different from the others as well. The Bible tells us that beasts, fish and birds have different kinds of flesh. They did not all come from a common ancestor. They were intentionally designed different by Jesus!
We are not highly evolved animals. We are created in the image of God and he wants to restore that original glory within us by coming into us himself.
Colossians 1:27 To whom God would make known what is the riches of the glory of this mystery among the Gentiles; which is Christ in you, the hope of glory:
God does not live in animals. He does live in believers in Jesus!
In Christ,
Rody
Thursday, November 29, 2012
The natural man
Bible Reading: 1 Corinthians 1-4
1 Corinthians 2:14 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.
Do you know why people are 'pro choice' and for so called 'gay marriage'? The answer is here before us. The Bible tells us that life begins at conception. It tells us that children are an heritage of the Lord and the fruit of the womb is his reward (Psalm 127). It tells us that marriage is a holy covenant between a man and a woman for life. However, these things are RECEIVED from God's Word. They are not learned from science or from sociology.
Lost people do not understand God's Word. They cannot know the spiritual things of the Word of God because they are received.
Christians need to understand this reality. It is not our first priority to get people to to 'conservative' or hold 'traditional family values'. It is our first priority to preach the gospel to every creature (Mark 16:15). When people are saved by the grace of God through faith in Jesus Christ, then and only then can we teach them all things whatsoever Christ has commanded us (Matthew 28:18-20).
We need to get back to the preaching of the gospel. We need to help people understand the truth of sin and salvation. They cannot receive the things of God until they receive the Son of God - Jesus Christ!
We must do what Paul did when he went to Corinth to preach. He did not try to get them to embrace a particular set of values. Instead the Bible says:
1 Corinthians 2:1-5 And I, brethren, when I came to you, came not with excellency of speech or of wisdom, declaring unto you the testimony of God. 2 For I determined not to know any thing among you, save Jesus Christ, and him crucified. 3 And I was with you in weakness, and in fear, and in much trembling. 4 And my speech and my preaching was not with enticing words of man's wisdom, but in demonstration of the Spirit and of power: 5 That your faith should not stand in the wisdom of men, but in the power of God.
Determine not to know anything among the lost save Jesus Christ and him crucified. Then disciple to saved to learn the Word of God and obey.
In Christ,
Rody
1 Corinthians 2:14 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.
Do you know why people are 'pro choice' and for so called 'gay marriage'? The answer is here before us. The Bible tells us that life begins at conception. It tells us that children are an heritage of the Lord and the fruit of the womb is his reward (Psalm 127). It tells us that marriage is a holy covenant between a man and a woman for life. However, these things are RECEIVED from God's Word. They are not learned from science or from sociology.
Lost people do not understand God's Word. They cannot know the spiritual things of the Word of God because they are received.
Christians need to understand this reality. It is not our first priority to get people to to 'conservative' or hold 'traditional family values'. It is our first priority to preach the gospel to every creature (Mark 16:15). When people are saved by the grace of God through faith in Jesus Christ, then and only then can we teach them all things whatsoever Christ has commanded us (Matthew 28:18-20).
We need to get back to the preaching of the gospel. We need to help people understand the truth of sin and salvation. They cannot receive the things of God until they receive the Son of God - Jesus Christ!
We must do what Paul did when he went to Corinth to preach. He did not try to get them to embrace a particular set of values. Instead the Bible says:
1 Corinthians 2:1-5 And I, brethren, when I came to you, came not with excellency of speech or of wisdom, declaring unto you the testimony of God. 2 For I determined not to know any thing among you, save Jesus Christ, and him crucified. 3 And I was with you in weakness, and in fear, and in much trembling. 4 And my speech and my preaching was not with enticing words of man's wisdom, but in demonstration of the Spirit and of power: 5 That your faith should not stand in the wisdom of men, but in the power of God.
Determine not to know anything among the lost save Jesus Christ and him crucified. Then disciple to saved to learn the Word of God and obey.
In Christ,
Rody
Wednesday, November 28, 2012
Many that believed
Bible Reading: Acts 18:19-19:41
Acts 19:18-20 And many that believed came, and confessed, and shewed their deeds. 19 Many of them also which used curious arts brought their books together, and burned them before all men: and they counted the price of them, and found it fifty thousand pieces of silver. 20 So mightily grew the word of God and prevailed.
The Word of God had a mighty effect in Ephesus. Magic and sorcery were very popular in that day. The worship of false gods was everywhere. The Ephesians had a special affinity to the false goddess Diana. When the apostles preached the gospel there, many believed. The Bible tells us that they were open about their faith. It was not some secret decision that they made and no one knew about. They confessed Christ openly and they showed their deeds.
The Word of God brought with it change. When the Holy Spirit moves in, he begins to clean house of all things that do not bring glory to the name of Jesus Christ.
There were people who were involved with 'curious arts'. They were practitioners of magic and they had grim-ores or magic books that contained spells and enchantments. These they brought out and burned openly.
The Bible tells us:
2 Corinthians 6:14-18 Be ye not unequally yoked together with unbelievers: for what fellowship hath righteousness with unrighteousness? and what communion hath light with darkness? 15 And what concord hath Christ with Belial? or what part hath he that believeth with an infidel? 16 And what agreement hath the temple of God with idols? for ye are the temple of the living God; as God hath said, I will dwell in them, and walk in them; and I will be their God, and they shall be my people. 17 Wherefore come out from among them, and be ye separate, saith the Lord, and touch not the unclean thing; and I will receive you, 18 And will be a Father unto you, and ye shall be my sons and daughters, saith the Lord Almighty.
1 Corinthians 10:21 Ye cannot drink the cup of the Lord, and the cup of devils: ye cannot be partakers of the Lord's table, and of the table of devils.
When a person believes on Jesus, they have a new nature, a new life, a new master, a new love and a new purpose. The old has passed away and all things have become new. We must learn the lesson from these ex-witches. When they trusted in Jesus, they parted with the old life of practicing 'curious arts'. They were new and they cleaned house with the old.
Thank you Jesus, for the new life that does not need magic, ritual or idolatry! We know the Creator! We know the redeemer! We know Jesus!
In Christ,
Rody
Acts 19:18-20 And many that believed came, and confessed, and shewed their deeds. 19 Many of them also which used curious arts brought their books together, and burned them before all men: and they counted the price of them, and found it fifty thousand pieces of silver. 20 So mightily grew the word of God and prevailed.
The Word of God had a mighty effect in Ephesus. Magic and sorcery were very popular in that day. The worship of false gods was everywhere. The Ephesians had a special affinity to the false goddess Diana. When the apostles preached the gospel there, many believed. The Bible tells us that they were open about their faith. It was not some secret decision that they made and no one knew about. They confessed Christ openly and they showed their deeds.
The Word of God brought with it change. When the Holy Spirit moves in, he begins to clean house of all things that do not bring glory to the name of Jesus Christ.
There were people who were involved with 'curious arts'. They were practitioners of magic and they had grim-ores or magic books that contained spells and enchantments. These they brought out and burned openly.
The Bible tells us:
2 Corinthians 6:14-18 Be ye not unequally yoked together with unbelievers: for what fellowship hath righteousness with unrighteousness? and what communion hath light with darkness? 15 And what concord hath Christ with Belial? or what part hath he that believeth with an infidel? 16 And what agreement hath the temple of God with idols? for ye are the temple of the living God; as God hath said, I will dwell in them, and walk in them; and I will be their God, and they shall be my people. 17 Wherefore come out from among them, and be ye separate, saith the Lord, and touch not the unclean thing; and I will receive you, 18 And will be a Father unto you, and ye shall be my sons and daughters, saith the Lord Almighty.
1 Corinthians 10:21 Ye cannot drink the cup of the Lord, and the cup of devils: ye cannot be partakers of the Lord's table, and of the table of devils.
When a person believes on Jesus, they have a new nature, a new life, a new master, a new love and a new purpose. The old has passed away and all things have become new. We must learn the lesson from these ex-witches. When they trusted in Jesus, they parted with the old life of practicing 'curious arts'. They were new and they cleaned house with the old.
Thank you Jesus, for the new life that does not need magic, ritual or idolatry! We know the Creator! We know the redeemer! We know Jesus!
In Christ,
Rody
Tuesday, November 27, 2012
Unto holiness
Bible Reading: 1 & 2 Thessalonians
1 Thessalonians 4:7 For God hath not called us unto uncleanness, but unto holiness.
Many times people ask if something is sin. Should I do this or not? Is it a sin to do so and so? These are the wrong questions for the Christian.
The question for the follower of Jesus is not, "How close to the line of sin can I get?" The calling of the follower of Jesus is to holiness. Religion gives man a set of rules to follow. This always leads to looking for loop holes and searching for ways to bend the rules.
A true walk with Jesus is to walk in the Spirit. That is the answer the Bible gives to sin.
Galatians 5:16 This I say then, Walk in the Spirit, and ye shall not fulfil the lust of the flesh.
The true follower of Christ does not focus on what is sin and what is not sin anymore. They focus on following Jesus. A walk in the Spirit is a walk of holiness. He is the HOLY SPIRIT. He will not lead you into sin. He will lead you into holiness.
Romans 8:14 For as many as are led by the Spirit of God, they are the sons of God.
A son of God through faith in Jesus Christ is led by the Spirit. He leads us into holiness. He will not lead us into uncleanness. The call of God is to follow him. He is working in the world today. His work is one of love and mercy. He does not lead a person to walk a sinful lifestyle. He leads us to be light in a dark world and to show the love of Christ.
Stop asking about what is sin and start following Jesus!
In Christ,
Rody
1 Thessalonians 4:7 For God hath not called us unto uncleanness, but unto holiness.
Many times people ask if something is sin. Should I do this or not? Is it a sin to do so and so? These are the wrong questions for the Christian.
The question for the follower of Jesus is not, "How close to the line of sin can I get?" The calling of the follower of Jesus is to holiness. Religion gives man a set of rules to follow. This always leads to looking for loop holes and searching for ways to bend the rules.
A true walk with Jesus is to walk in the Spirit. That is the answer the Bible gives to sin.
Galatians 5:16 This I say then, Walk in the Spirit, and ye shall not fulfil the lust of the flesh.
The true follower of Christ does not focus on what is sin and what is not sin anymore. They focus on following Jesus. A walk in the Spirit is a walk of holiness. He is the HOLY SPIRIT. He will not lead you into sin. He will lead you into holiness.
Romans 8:14 For as many as are led by the Spirit of God, they are the sons of God.
A son of God through faith in Jesus Christ is led by the Spirit. He leads us into holiness. He will not lead us into uncleanness. The call of God is to follow him. He is working in the world today. His work is one of love and mercy. He does not lead a person to walk a sinful lifestyle. He leads us to be light in a dark world and to show the love of Christ.
Stop asking about what is sin and start following Jesus!
In Christ,
Rody
Wednesday, November 14, 2012
Go ye
Bible Reading: Matthew 28 & Mark 16
Mark 16:15 And he said unto them, Go ye into all the world, and preach the gospel to every creature.
Jesus commissioned the disciples to go. There is a difference between go and stay. Think about the commands that a man might give to a cowdog or bird dog. "Stay", means don't move; remain where you are. No action is required in the command to stay. It simply means wait for further orders. However, "go" is very different. It means to advance. It means to proceed. It means that you must immediately begin making decisions because even in your going, you must make the first step and choose a direction.
Even if you were given the destination that you were to "go" to, you would still have to determine the path that would get you there. Each step that you take is really up to you. You can take the direct path or you can take a more circuitous route. The command "go" involves movement. In physics terms it includes velocity and momentum. You must accelerate and decelerate in order to "go".
Jesus gave the disciples the command, "Go". He also gave them the destination - into all the world. He told them the mission. They were to "preach the gospel to every creature." They had a lot of choices to make. They had to gain momentum. They had to accelerate. They had to go from being stationary to being in motion. And they did!
Now, the question is this: does this command apply to us today? Some would say, "No, that was for the apostles." However, when we look to the epistles which were given to the churches, we see the gospel mission still being emphasized.
1 Thessalonians 1:8 For from you sounded out the word of the Lord not only in Macedonia and Achaia, but also in every place your faith to God- ward is spread abroad; so that we need not to speak any thing.
The churches were planted by the apostles but the mission did not end. It continues. The Lord's command still applies. We have a mission!
What - Go! Preach the gospel.
Where - into all the world.
To whom - To EVERY creature
How - In the power of Jesus. (Lo, I am with you alway, even unto the end of the world. Matthew 28:20)
The Word is a call to action. It tells us, "Believe" and it tells us, "Go and preach." So what are you waiting for? The command is not to stay, but to go. Let's go!
In Christ,
Rody
Mark 16:15 And he said unto them, Go ye into all the world, and preach the gospel to every creature.
Jesus commissioned the disciples to go. There is a difference between go and stay. Think about the commands that a man might give to a cowdog or bird dog. "Stay", means don't move; remain where you are. No action is required in the command to stay. It simply means wait for further orders. However, "go" is very different. It means to advance. It means to proceed. It means that you must immediately begin making decisions because even in your going, you must make the first step and choose a direction.
Even if you were given the destination that you were to "go" to, you would still have to determine the path that would get you there. Each step that you take is really up to you. You can take the direct path or you can take a more circuitous route. The command "go" involves movement. In physics terms it includes velocity and momentum. You must accelerate and decelerate in order to "go".
Jesus gave the disciples the command, "Go". He also gave them the destination - into all the world. He told them the mission. They were to "preach the gospel to every creature." They had a lot of choices to make. They had to gain momentum. They had to accelerate. They had to go from being stationary to being in motion. And they did!
Now, the question is this: does this command apply to us today? Some would say, "No, that was for the apostles." However, when we look to the epistles which were given to the churches, we see the gospel mission still being emphasized.
1 Thessalonians 1:8 For from you sounded out the word of the Lord not only in Macedonia and Achaia, but also in every place your faith to God- ward is spread abroad; so that we need not to speak any thing.
The churches were planted by the apostles but the mission did not end. It continues. The Lord's command still applies. We have a mission!
What - Go! Preach the gospel.
Where - into all the world.
To whom - To EVERY creature
How - In the power of Jesus. (Lo, I am with you alway, even unto the end of the world. Matthew 28:20)
The Word is a call to action. It tells us, "Believe" and it tells us, "Go and preach." So what are you waiting for? The command is not to stay, but to go. Let's go!
In Christ,
Rody
Tuesday, November 13, 2012
The truth
Bible Reading: Luke 23; John 18-19
John 18:37 Pilate therefore said unto him, Art thou a king then? Jesus answered, Thou sayest that I am a king. To this end was I born, and for this cause came I into the world, that I should bear witness unto the truth. Every one that is of the truth heareth my voice.
Pilate wanted to know if Jesus was a king. Yes, this is why he was born and this is why he came into this world. Everything that Jesus said and did was the truth. The world was, and is, so influenced by the father of the lie, Satan, that many in it did not recognize the truth.
Do you know the truth? You do if you know Jesus. He is the truth. If you hear his voice, you hear truth. If not, you are still believing a lie. Just think of how many people in the world are believing a lie. There are millions who do not know Jesus. They don't know the One who is the truth. Thier faith is based on a lie.
It could be the lie of evolution. It could be the lie that life on earth was planted here by some alien race. It could be the lie of Islam or the lie of buddhism. It could be the lie of just plain ole' American good-ole'-boyism. If you don't hear Jesus' voice, you are listening to a lie.
Get out your Bible and hear the voice of Jesus. He is the truth!
In Christ,
Rody
John 18:37 Pilate therefore said unto him, Art thou a king then? Jesus answered, Thou sayest that I am a king. To this end was I born, and for this cause came I into the world, that I should bear witness unto the truth. Every one that is of the truth heareth my voice.
Pilate wanted to know if Jesus was a king. Yes, this is why he was born and this is why he came into this world. Everything that Jesus said and did was the truth. The world was, and is, so influenced by the father of the lie, Satan, that many in it did not recognize the truth.
Do you know the truth? You do if you know Jesus. He is the truth. If you hear his voice, you hear truth. If not, you are still believing a lie. Just think of how many people in the world are believing a lie. There are millions who do not know Jesus. They don't know the One who is the truth. Thier faith is based on a lie.
It could be the lie of evolution. It could be the lie that life on earth was planted here by some alien race. It could be the lie of Islam or the lie of buddhism. It could be the lie of just plain ole' American good-ole'-boyism. If you don't hear Jesus' voice, you are listening to a lie.
Get out your Bible and hear the voice of Jesus. He is the truth!
In Christ,
Rody
Monday, November 12, 2012
Willing to content the people
Bible Reading: Matthew 27 & Mark 15
Mark 15:15 And so Pilate, willing to content the people, released Barabbas unto them, and delivered Jesus, when he had scourged him, to be crucified.
This truly sounds like a politician. He was willing to content the people. What was right and wrong was hard to determine. Maybe he cared about right and wrong or not - I can't tell. Pilate made his decision based on the squeaking wheel. He listened to the yelling of the crowd. He did not listen to God.
Making decisions needs to be based on hearing and obeying God's Word. Just going along with the crowd is almost always the wrong way to decide.
Let's contrast Pilate's decision with the decision of the disciples.
Acts 4:16-20 Saying, What shall we do to these men? for that indeed a notable miracle hath been done by them is manifest to all them that dwell in Jerusalem; and we cannot deny it. 17 But that it spread no further among the people, let us straitly threaten them, that they speak henceforth to no man in this name. 18 And they called them, and commanded them not to speak at all nor teach in the name of Jesus. 19 But Peter and John answered and said unto them, Whether it be right in the sight of God to hearken unto you more than unto God, judge ye. 20 For we cannot but speak the things which we have seen and heard.
Peter and John did not listen to the crowd or even the threatening of the leaders of Jerusalem. They said they would make their decisions based on what was right in the sight of God.
If Pilate had listened to the wisdom from his wife, he would have reconsidered. Pilate had a problem. He did not know what the truth was. He had lived that long and become a powerful man and still did not know what truth was or where to find it.
As Christians, we know the One who is truth - Jesus Christ. We must feed upon his Word daily and be led by his Spirit. Our decision making is more that just listening to the crowd. We must listen to the still, small voice of the Holy Spirit who leads those who are the sons of God.
Pray for our politicians. The crowd is usually wrong. Pray for men and women who will seek the Lord with all their heart and trust in Jesus.
In Christ,
Rody
Mark 15:15 And so Pilate, willing to content the people, released Barabbas unto them, and delivered Jesus, when he had scourged him, to be crucified.
This truly sounds like a politician. He was willing to content the people. What was right and wrong was hard to determine. Maybe he cared about right and wrong or not - I can't tell. Pilate made his decision based on the squeaking wheel. He listened to the yelling of the crowd. He did not listen to God.
Making decisions needs to be based on hearing and obeying God's Word. Just going along with the crowd is almost always the wrong way to decide.
Let's contrast Pilate's decision with the decision of the disciples.
Acts 4:16-20 Saying, What shall we do to these men? for that indeed a notable miracle hath been done by them is manifest to all them that dwell in Jerusalem; and we cannot deny it. 17 But that it spread no further among the people, let us straitly threaten them, that they speak henceforth to no man in this name. 18 And they called them, and commanded them not to speak at all nor teach in the name of Jesus. 19 But Peter and John answered and said unto them, Whether it be right in the sight of God to hearken unto you more than unto God, judge ye. 20 For we cannot but speak the things which we have seen and heard.
Peter and John did not listen to the crowd or even the threatening of the leaders of Jerusalem. They said they would make their decisions based on what was right in the sight of God.
If Pilate had listened to the wisdom from his wife, he would have reconsidered. Pilate had a problem. He did not know what the truth was. He had lived that long and become a powerful man and still did not know what truth was or where to find it.
As Christians, we know the One who is truth - Jesus Christ. We must feed upon his Word daily and be led by his Spirit. Our decision making is more that just listening to the crowd. We must listen to the still, small voice of the Holy Spirit who leads those who are the sons of God.
Pray for our politicians. The crowd is usually wrong. Pray for men and women who will seek the Lord with all their heart and trust in Jesus.
In Christ,
Rody
Friday, November 9, 2012
The flesh is weak
Bible Reading: Matthew 26 & Mark 14
Mark 14:37-38 And he cometh, and findeth them sleeping, and saith unto Peter, Simon, sleepest thou? couldest not thou watch one hour? 38 Watch ye and pray, lest ye enter into temptation. The spirit truly is ready, but the flesh is weak.
To watch for one hour seems like a small thing to do. But sleep overtook the disciples. They were asked to pray for Jesus. He knew what was coming, but they did not. It was the most important hour as he prepared for the suffering that was to come. It was their last hours with him on this earth before the resurrection.
Have you ever faced this kind of temptation? You know that you need to pray but sleep overtakes you. We all know that we should pray more than we do. It is so hard to stay alert and watchful when the physical body is exhausted.
Here Jesus tells us of this constant battle that rages in the life of the believer. The flesh versus the spirit. The Word says:
Galatians 5:16-18 This I say then, Walk in the Spirit, and ye shall not fulfil the lust of the flesh. 17 For the flesh lusteth against the Spirit, and the Spirit against the flesh: and these are contrary the one to the other: so that ye cannot do the things that ye would. 18 But if ye be led of the Spirit, ye are not under the law.
The flesh loathes prayer. It wants to accomplish. Prayer is spiritual and dependent. The flesh likes to do and be rewarded for what it has done. The spiritual life of prayer trusts in God and asks him to do what we cannot. The man or woman of prayer admits their desperate need. The flesh is prideful and selfish. Our flesh wants to think we have no need. Our flesh is spiritually lazy.
To win the war of the flesh versus the spirit we must feed the spirit on the Word of God and keep our eyes set on the Lord Jesus Christ. We must discipline ourselves to make time for prayer so we can find that quiet time alone with the Lord that feeds the spirit and nourishes our soul.
In Christ,
Rody
Mark 14:37-38 And he cometh, and findeth them sleeping, and saith unto Peter, Simon, sleepest thou? couldest not thou watch one hour? 38 Watch ye and pray, lest ye enter into temptation. The spirit truly is ready, but the flesh is weak.
To watch for one hour seems like a small thing to do. But sleep overtook the disciples. They were asked to pray for Jesus. He knew what was coming, but they did not. It was the most important hour as he prepared for the suffering that was to come. It was their last hours with him on this earth before the resurrection.
Have you ever faced this kind of temptation? You know that you need to pray but sleep overtakes you. We all know that we should pray more than we do. It is so hard to stay alert and watchful when the physical body is exhausted.
Here Jesus tells us of this constant battle that rages in the life of the believer. The flesh versus the spirit. The Word says:
Galatians 5:16-18 This I say then, Walk in the Spirit, and ye shall not fulfil the lust of the flesh. 17 For the flesh lusteth against the Spirit, and the Spirit against the flesh: and these are contrary the one to the other: so that ye cannot do the things that ye would. 18 But if ye be led of the Spirit, ye are not under the law.
The flesh loathes prayer. It wants to accomplish. Prayer is spiritual and dependent. The flesh likes to do and be rewarded for what it has done. The spiritual life of prayer trusts in God and asks him to do what we cannot. The man or woman of prayer admits their desperate need. The flesh is prideful and selfish. Our flesh wants to think we have no need. Our flesh is spiritually lazy.
To win the war of the flesh versus the spirit we must feed the spirit on the Word of God and keep our eyes set on the Lord Jesus Christ. We must discipline ourselves to make time for prayer so we can find that quiet time alone with the Lord that feeds the spirit and nourishes our soul.
In Christ,
Rody
Thursday, November 8, 2012
The Son of man cometh
Bible Reading: Matthew 25
Matthew 25:13 Watch therefore, for ye know neither the day nor the hour wherein the Son of man cometh.
Jesus expects us to be expecting him. He told his followers the parable of the wise and foolish virgins to help us understand that he will come, but it might take a little longer than we think. We are to be watching and prepared when he comes. The wise virgins took oil and were ready with burning lamps. The foolish were not prepared.
What does it mean to watch for the Lord? How do we watch? What are we watching for? Jesus told another parable to help us understand what he means.
Mark 13:28-29 Now learn a parable of the fig tree; When her branch is yet tender, and putteth forth leaves, ye know that summer is near: 29 So ye in like manner, when ye shall see these things come to pass, know that it is nigh, even at the doors.
You will not know exactly when, but you can see the changing seasons like the leaves on a fig tree. You know summer is near. Part of watching is looking at the signs of the times all around us. Famines, earthquakes and wars were some of the signs he told us to look for. He also told us to look for an attitude among men about his coming.
2 Peter 3:3-4 Knowing this first, that there shall come in the last days scoffers, walking after their own lusts, 4 And saying, Where is the promise of his coming? for since the fathers fell asleep, all things continue as they were from the beginning of the creation.
Men scoff at the idea of Jesus returning. It has been two thousand years since he made this promise and they have given up watching.
1 Peter 5:8 Be sober, be vigilant; because your adversary the devil, as a roaring lion, walketh about, seeking whom he may devour:
Our watching must also include a vigilance about Satan and his hunt. We must not get caught in his trap. We must not be lulled to sleep by the spirit of the age. We must always be watching for the coming of the Lord because he expects us to expect him!
In Christ,
Rody
Matthew 25:13 Watch therefore, for ye know neither the day nor the hour wherein the Son of man cometh.
Jesus expects us to be expecting him. He told his followers the parable of the wise and foolish virgins to help us understand that he will come, but it might take a little longer than we think. We are to be watching and prepared when he comes. The wise virgins took oil and were ready with burning lamps. The foolish were not prepared.
What does it mean to watch for the Lord? How do we watch? What are we watching for? Jesus told another parable to help us understand what he means.
Mark 13:28-29 Now learn a parable of the fig tree; When her branch is yet tender, and putteth forth leaves, ye know that summer is near: 29 So ye in like manner, when ye shall see these things come to pass, know that it is nigh, even at the doors.
You will not know exactly when, but you can see the changing seasons like the leaves on a fig tree. You know summer is near. Part of watching is looking at the signs of the times all around us. Famines, earthquakes and wars were some of the signs he told us to look for. He also told us to look for an attitude among men about his coming.
2 Peter 3:3-4 Knowing this first, that there shall come in the last days scoffers, walking after their own lusts, 4 And saying, Where is the promise of his coming? for since the fathers fell asleep, all things continue as they were from the beginning of the creation.
Men scoff at the idea of Jesus returning. It has been two thousand years since he made this promise and they have given up watching.
1 Peter 5:8 Be sober, be vigilant; because your adversary the devil, as a roaring lion, walketh about, seeking whom he may devour:
Our watching must also include a vigilance about Satan and his hunt. We must not get caught in his trap. We must not be lulled to sleep by the spirit of the age. We must always be watching for the coming of the Lord because he expects us to expect him!
In Christ,
Rody
Wednesday, November 7, 2012
All the tribes of the earth
Bible Reading: Matthew 24
Matthew 24:30 And then shall appear the sign of the Son of man in heaven: and then shall all the tribes of the earth mourn, and they shall see the Son of man coming in the clouds of heaven with power and great glory.
Isn't it interesting that God's Word told us 2000 years ago that when Jesus returns that the tribes of the earth shall mourn? After 2000 years you would think that 'tribalism' would be a thing of the past. But no, we are not more united, we are just as fragmented as we were 200 years ago.
For Americans, we might say that we are not a tribal people. At least not like those who live in Africa or South America.
However, when you really look at it, we are. There are gangs. There are loyalties to particular sports teams that are tribal. There are Democrats. There are Republicans. There are racial divisions. And on and on...
Not only does the Word of God tell us that people will be associated with tribes when Jesus comes, but it also says these tribes will mourn. How sad.
The Creator and King is going to return to this earth to receive those who have faith in him to himself and the tribes of the earth will mourn. It would seem that the tribes of the earth would praise him and shout for joy because the true King is going to rule and reign! No, the tribes do not celebrate the return of Jesus. They mourn. This tells you where their real identity lies - in this world.
As followers of Christ, we need to understand what the Bible says.
Galatians 3:26-28 For ye are all the children of God by faith in Christ Jesus. 27 For as many of you as have been baptized into Christ have put on Christ. 28 There is neither Jew nor Greek, there is neither bond nor free, there is neither male nor female: for ye are all one in Christ Jesus.
All tribal affiliations are dissolved in Christ. Those fleshly identities are now gone. We are his children. We are all one in Christ Jesus. The tribes are not one. Only those who are in Christ Jesus are all one.
Let us live this oneness with Christ and his children now and realize that whatever tribe we used to be a part of we are not identified that way any longer!
In Christ,
Rody
Matthew 24:30 And then shall appear the sign of the Son of man in heaven: and then shall all the tribes of the earth mourn, and they shall see the Son of man coming in the clouds of heaven with power and great glory.
Isn't it interesting that God's Word told us 2000 years ago that when Jesus returns that the tribes of the earth shall mourn? After 2000 years you would think that 'tribalism' would be a thing of the past. But no, we are not more united, we are just as fragmented as we were 200 years ago.
For Americans, we might say that we are not a tribal people. At least not like those who live in Africa or South America.
However, when you really look at it, we are. There are gangs. There are loyalties to particular sports teams that are tribal. There are Democrats. There are Republicans. There are racial divisions. And on and on...
Not only does the Word of God tell us that people will be associated with tribes when Jesus comes, but it also says these tribes will mourn. How sad.
The Creator and King is going to return to this earth to receive those who have faith in him to himself and the tribes of the earth will mourn. It would seem that the tribes of the earth would praise him and shout for joy because the true King is going to rule and reign! No, the tribes do not celebrate the return of Jesus. They mourn. This tells you where their real identity lies - in this world.
As followers of Christ, we need to understand what the Bible says.
Galatians 3:26-28 For ye are all the children of God by faith in Christ Jesus. 27 For as many of you as have been baptized into Christ have put on Christ. 28 There is neither Jew nor Greek, there is neither bond nor free, there is neither male nor female: for ye are all one in Christ Jesus.
All tribal affiliations are dissolved in Christ. Those fleshly identities are now gone. We are his children. We are all one in Christ Jesus. The tribes are not one. Only those who are in Christ Jesus are all one.
Let us live this oneness with Christ and his children now and realize that whatever tribe we used to be a part of we are not identified that way any longer!
In Christ,
Rody
Thursday, November 1, 2012
A nation bringing forth the fruits thereof
Bible Reading: Matthew 20 & 21
Matthew 21:42-43 Jesus saith unto them, Did ye never read in the scriptures, The stone which the builders rejected, the same is become the head of the corner: this is the Lord's doing, and it is marvellous in our eyes? 43 Therefore say I unto you, The kingdom of God shall be taken from you, and given to a nation bringing forth the fruits thereof.
Jesus had just told the parable of the owner of the vineyard that let it out to husbandmen. Those husbandmen beat his servants that came to check on the work and receive the landowner's portion. Then they killed the landowner's son. This parable was directed at the unbelieving leaders of the nation of Israel and showed how they had treated the Lord's prophets and his Son, Jesus Christ.
They knew he was speaking this against them. Then Jesus said their kingdom would be taken away and given to someone else. Who would it be given to? The Romans? No, it would be given to a nation bringing forth the fruits thereof. In other words, it would be given to those who truly are believers and who honor the Son in the way he should be honored.
Jesus used the image of a stone. He said there were builders who rejected a particular stone, but it actually became the head of the corner. That reference is to him. Some men reject Jesus as Savior and Lord. Some men receive him.
The kingdom of God belongs not to particular race of people. It belongs to those who know and love Jesus.
Galatians 3:26-28 For ye are all the children of God by faith in Christ Jesus. 27 For as many of you as have been baptized into Christ have put on Christ. 28 There is neither Jew nor Greek, there is neither bond nor free, there is neither male nor female: for ye are all one in Christ Jesus.
Every person is going to have to decide truly who Jesus Christ is. Every person has a choice when it comes to the Stone that is become the head of the corner. Either fall on him and be broken by faith. Or reject him and have him fall upon you and grind you to powder.
Matthew 21:44 And whosoever shall fall on this stone shall be broken: but on whomsoever it shall fall, it will grind him to powder.
What will you do with the Stone that the builder's rejected? Is he marvelous in your eyes?
In Christ,
Rody
Matthew 21:42-43 Jesus saith unto them, Did ye never read in the scriptures, The stone which the builders rejected, the same is become the head of the corner: this is the Lord's doing, and it is marvellous in our eyes? 43 Therefore say I unto you, The kingdom of God shall be taken from you, and given to a nation bringing forth the fruits thereof.
Jesus had just told the parable of the owner of the vineyard that let it out to husbandmen. Those husbandmen beat his servants that came to check on the work and receive the landowner's portion. Then they killed the landowner's son. This parable was directed at the unbelieving leaders of the nation of Israel and showed how they had treated the Lord's prophets and his Son, Jesus Christ.
They knew he was speaking this against them. Then Jesus said their kingdom would be taken away and given to someone else. Who would it be given to? The Romans? No, it would be given to a nation bringing forth the fruits thereof. In other words, it would be given to those who truly are believers and who honor the Son in the way he should be honored.
Jesus used the image of a stone. He said there were builders who rejected a particular stone, but it actually became the head of the corner. That reference is to him. Some men reject Jesus as Savior and Lord. Some men receive him.
The kingdom of God belongs not to particular race of people. It belongs to those who know and love Jesus.
Galatians 3:26-28 For ye are all the children of God by faith in Christ Jesus. 27 For as many of you as have been baptized into Christ have put on Christ. 28 There is neither Jew nor Greek, there is neither bond nor free, there is neither male nor female: for ye are all one in Christ Jesus.
Every person is going to have to decide truly who Jesus Christ is. Every person has a choice when it comes to the Stone that is become the head of the corner. Either fall on him and be broken by faith. Or reject him and have him fall upon you and grind you to powder.
Matthew 21:44 And whosoever shall fall on this stone shall be broken: but on whomsoever it shall fall, it will grind him to powder.
What will you do with the Stone that the builder's rejected? Is he marvelous in your eyes?
In Christ,
Rody
Wednesday, October 31, 2012
Receive the kingdom of God as a little child
Bible Reading: Matthew 19 & Mark 10
Mark 10:15 Verily I say unto you, Whosoever shall not receive the kingdom of God as a little child, he shall not enter therein.
The people had brought little children to Jesus. They wanted him to touch them and bless them. The disciples saw their job like the bouncers trying to keep people from crowding a rock star so they rebuked these parents for what they were doing.
Mark 10:14 But when Jesus saw it, he was much displeased, and said unto them, Suffer the little children to come unto me, and forbid them not: for of such is the kingdom of God.
Jesus was always looking for a way to teach about the Kingdom of God. Here he helped the disciples, the parents and us to understand a little more about faith. You receive the kingdom as a little child. What does that mean?
First, you enter by a birth. A little child enters this world by being born and you enter the kingdom by being born again.
John 3:3 Jesus answered and said unto him, Verily, verily, I say unto thee, Except a man be born again, he cannot see the kingdom of God.
John 1:12-13 But as many as received him, to them gave he power to become the sons of God, even to them that believe on his name: 13 Which were born, not of blood, nor of the will of the flesh, nor of the will of man, but of God.
You enter the Kingdom of God by being born again through faith in Jesus Christ. The second thing about a child is their dependency upon parents for everything. We are dependent upon our loving Heavenly Father.
John 15:5 I am the vine, ye are the branches: He that abideth in me, and I in him, the same bringeth forth much fruit: for without me ye can do nothing.
Another aspect of being like a little child is child-like faith. Little children believe the things their parents tell them to be true. We enter the Kingdom of God by faith. We believe what Jesus says and know he is the truth.
1 John 5:1 Whosoever believeth that Jesus is the Christ is born of God: and every one that loveth him that begat loveth him also that is begotten of him.
Those who a little child knows and trusts he/she loves. And we like a child are to love Jesus with all that is in us.
Mark 12:30 And thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all thy heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy mind, and with all thy strength: this is the first commandment.
Just yesterday, my two year old daughter said to me, "Daddy, I love you." She's two. She is not playing a manipulation game. She loves me. She told me so.
Be like a little child. Love and trust Jesus. He loves you!
In Christ,
Rody
Mark 10:15 Verily I say unto you, Whosoever shall not receive the kingdom of God as a little child, he shall not enter therein.
The people had brought little children to Jesus. They wanted him to touch them and bless them. The disciples saw their job like the bouncers trying to keep people from crowding a rock star so they rebuked these parents for what they were doing.
Mark 10:14 But when Jesus saw it, he was much displeased, and said unto them, Suffer the little children to come unto me, and forbid them not: for of such is the kingdom of God.
Jesus was always looking for a way to teach about the Kingdom of God. Here he helped the disciples, the parents and us to understand a little more about faith. You receive the kingdom as a little child. What does that mean?
First, you enter by a birth. A little child enters this world by being born and you enter the kingdom by being born again.
John 3:3 Jesus answered and said unto him, Verily, verily, I say unto thee, Except a man be born again, he cannot see the kingdom of God.
John 1:12-13 But as many as received him, to them gave he power to become the sons of God, even to them that believe on his name: 13 Which were born, not of blood, nor of the will of the flesh, nor of the will of man, but of God.
You enter the Kingdom of God by being born again through faith in Jesus Christ. The second thing about a child is their dependency upon parents for everything. We are dependent upon our loving Heavenly Father.
John 15:5 I am the vine, ye are the branches: He that abideth in me, and I in him, the same bringeth forth much fruit: for without me ye can do nothing.
Another aspect of being like a little child is child-like faith. Little children believe the things their parents tell them to be true. We enter the Kingdom of God by faith. We believe what Jesus says and know he is the truth.
1 John 5:1 Whosoever believeth that Jesus is the Christ is born of God: and every one that loveth him that begat loveth him also that is begotten of him.
Those who a little child knows and trusts he/she loves. And we like a child are to love Jesus with all that is in us.
Mark 12:30 And thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all thy heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy mind, and with all thy strength: this is the first commandment.
Just yesterday, my two year old daughter said to me, "Daddy, I love you." She's two. She is not playing a manipulation game. She loves me. She told me so.
Be like a little child. Love and trust Jesus. He loves you!
In Christ,
Rody
Monday, October 29, 2012
One man should die for the people
Bible Reading: John 11
John 11:49-50 And one of them, named Caiaphas, being the high priest that same year, said unto them, Ye know nothing at all, 50 Nor consider that it is expedient for us, that one man should die for the people, and that the whole nation perish not.
Caiaphas did not mean it the way that it happened. He meant that they should kill Jesus and not allow him to influence the people of Israel. The leaders of Jerusalem were afraid that Jesus would gather so much support that they would revolt against the Roman occupation. This would mean they would send more troops. It also meant that these men would loose their power status.
Either way the revolt turned out, these men were out. If the Romans came and put down a rebellion, these men would loose their places because they would be replaced. They were supposed to handle these kinds of things and never let them come to this point. If Jesus led a successful rebellion, they would loose their powerful positions because surely he would replace them with his loyal followers. This is their reasoning.
Isn't it amazing that someone could look at Jesus and what he was doing and say he needed to die? He needed to die to maintain the status quo. According to these men it was better to be occupied by the Romans and have their puppet power positions than to trust in the Messiah of Israel.
There are many like this today. They do not want a return to righteousness or to choose for godly direction if it means change. They are happy with their little corner of the world and will actually fight against righteousness in order to keep their little kingdom. Sad.
They would kill one man - Jesus, so that the nation would not perish. They were thinking politically. Jesus came to die for that nation and the whole world. His death would pay the price for all sin. Caiaphas spoke prophetically even though he did not know what it was he was saying!
Always remember - doing what's right is more important than who is right! It is worth it to follow Jesus even if it upsets the applecart! He died to save you from hell. He deserves our worship and our whole life!
In Christ,
Rody
John 11:49-50 And one of them, named Caiaphas, being the high priest that same year, said unto them, Ye know nothing at all, 50 Nor consider that it is expedient for us, that one man should die for the people, and that the whole nation perish not.
Caiaphas did not mean it the way that it happened. He meant that they should kill Jesus and not allow him to influence the people of Israel. The leaders of Jerusalem were afraid that Jesus would gather so much support that they would revolt against the Roman occupation. This would mean they would send more troops. It also meant that these men would loose their power status.
Either way the revolt turned out, these men were out. If the Romans came and put down a rebellion, these men would loose their places because they would be replaced. They were supposed to handle these kinds of things and never let them come to this point. If Jesus led a successful rebellion, they would loose their powerful positions because surely he would replace them with his loyal followers. This is their reasoning.
Isn't it amazing that someone could look at Jesus and what he was doing and say he needed to die? He needed to die to maintain the status quo. According to these men it was better to be occupied by the Romans and have their puppet power positions than to trust in the Messiah of Israel.
There are many like this today. They do not want a return to righteousness or to choose for godly direction if it means change. They are happy with their little corner of the world and will actually fight against righteousness in order to keep their little kingdom. Sad.
They would kill one man - Jesus, so that the nation would not perish. They were thinking politically. Jesus came to die for that nation and the whole world. His death would pay the price for all sin. Caiaphas spoke prophetically even though he did not know what it was he was saying!
Always remember - doing what's right is more important than who is right! It is worth it to follow Jesus even if it upsets the applecart! He died to save you from hell. He deserves our worship and our whole life!
In Christ,
Rody
Thursday, October 25, 2012
Everyone that asketh receiveth
Bible Reading: Luke 10-11 & John 10:22-42
Luke 11:9-10 And I say unto you, Ask, and it shall be given you; seek, and ye shall find; knock, and it shall be opened unto you. 10 For every one that asketh receiveth; and he that seeketh findeth; and to him that knocketh it shall be opened.
This just sounds too good to be true! Many have tried prayer but have given up because they didn't get immediately what they asked for. Many others try to explain the promises of Jesus away by saying that prayer doesn't really change anything except you. Prayer does change you, but God also answers believing prayer and changes things because of it. The Bible says so.
What are you asking God for right now? Are you really asking for something? Many times we pray and praise God and give him thanks. That is good and we should do that. However, Jesus has invited us to ask. What should you ask for? Ask for the eternal life and salvation of the lost. Ask for health for the sick. Ask for help with your financial situation. Ask for wisdom which God gives liberally. Ask for your daily bread. Ask for godly leaders in our nation and world. The list goes on and on.
What are you seeking for right now? Are you seeking for the lost like Jesus said he came to do?
Luke 19:10 For the Son of man is come to seek and to save that which was lost.
Are you seeking for answers to the questions you have as you studied your Bible? Are you seeking for a job? Are you seeking for a spouse? Jesus says you will find.
What door are you knocking on right now? Are you looking for an open door for the gospel? Are you looking for an open door in a relationship?
I think the problem is that we many times are not asking. We are not seeking. We are not knocking. Start asking! Start seeking! Start knocking! Be humble and realize that God wants to lead you into all righteousness. He wants to teach you to pray. He does want to change you, but he also wants to change others and the world through your prayers.
In Christ,
Rody
Luke 11:9-10 And I say unto you, Ask, and it shall be given you; seek, and ye shall find; knock, and it shall be opened unto you. 10 For every one that asketh receiveth; and he that seeketh findeth; and to him that knocketh it shall be opened.
This just sounds too good to be true! Many have tried prayer but have given up because they didn't get immediately what they asked for. Many others try to explain the promises of Jesus away by saying that prayer doesn't really change anything except you. Prayer does change you, but God also answers believing prayer and changes things because of it. The Bible says so.
What are you asking God for right now? Are you really asking for something? Many times we pray and praise God and give him thanks. That is good and we should do that. However, Jesus has invited us to ask. What should you ask for? Ask for the eternal life and salvation of the lost. Ask for health for the sick. Ask for help with your financial situation. Ask for wisdom which God gives liberally. Ask for your daily bread. Ask for godly leaders in our nation and world. The list goes on and on.
What are you seeking for right now? Are you seeking for the lost like Jesus said he came to do?
Luke 19:10 For the Son of man is come to seek and to save that which was lost.
Are you seeking for answers to the questions you have as you studied your Bible? Are you seeking for a job? Are you seeking for a spouse? Jesus says you will find.
What door are you knocking on right now? Are you looking for an open door for the gospel? Are you looking for an open door in a relationship?
I think the problem is that we many times are not asking. We are not seeking. We are not knocking. Start asking! Start seeking! Start knocking! Be humble and realize that God wants to lead you into all righteousness. He wants to teach you to pray. He does want to change you, but he also wants to change others and the world through your prayers.
In Christ,
Rody
Monday, September 24, 2012
Haman thought in his heart
Bible Reading: Esther 6-10
Esther 6:6 So Haman came in. And the king said unto him, What shall be done unto the man whom the king delighteth to honour? Now Haman thought in his heart, To whom would the king delight to do honour more than to myself?
Haman had several problems. One of them was hate.
Esther 3:6 And he thought scorn to lay hands on Mordecai alone; for they had shewed him the people of Mordecai: wherefore Haman sought to destroy all the Jews that were throughout the whole kingdom of Ahasuerus, even the people of Mordecai.
It reminds me of some in our day who hate and want entire groups of people to be destroyed. To write off an entire group of people is demonic.
Haman also thought too much of himself. He was so self absorbed that when the king asked what should be done to someone the king wanted to honor, his immediate thought in his heart was of himself.
The Bible teaches us:
Romans 12:3 For I say, through the grace given unto me, to every man that is among you, not to think of himself more highly than he ought to think; but to think soberly, according as God hath dealt to every man the measure of faith.
God's Word also tells us:
Proverbs 28:26He that trusteth in his own heart is a fool: but whoso walketh wisely, he shall be delivered.
It is an incredible sense of irony that Haman had to honor Mordecai seeing that his presence at the palace that day was to ask the king's permission to have Mordecai killed! All his boasting and bragging before his family brought an incredible sense of shame as he paraded Mordecai through the streets!
The Bible says:
Proverbs 11:2 When pride cometh, then cometh shame: but with the lowly is wisdom.
Haman's pride brought him incredible shame as he led the king's horse honoring Mordecai. His hatred turned back upon him too as he was hanged on the gallows he had built. Run from pride! Run from hatred! Don't think too highly of yourself. Humble yourself before God and he will lift you up.
In Christ,
Rody
Esther 6:6 So Haman came in. And the king said unto him, What shall be done unto the man whom the king delighteth to honour? Now Haman thought in his heart, To whom would the king delight to do honour more than to myself?
Haman had several problems. One of them was hate.
Esther 3:6 And he thought scorn to lay hands on Mordecai alone; for they had shewed him the people of Mordecai: wherefore Haman sought to destroy all the Jews that were throughout the whole kingdom of Ahasuerus, even the people of Mordecai.
It reminds me of some in our day who hate and want entire groups of people to be destroyed. To write off an entire group of people is demonic.
Haman also thought too much of himself. He was so self absorbed that when the king asked what should be done to someone the king wanted to honor, his immediate thought in his heart was of himself.
The Bible teaches us:
Romans 12:3 For I say, through the grace given unto me, to every man that is among you, not to think of himself more highly than he ought to think; but to think soberly, according as God hath dealt to every man the measure of faith.
God's Word also tells us:
Proverbs 28:26He that trusteth in his own heart is a fool: but whoso walketh wisely, he shall be delivered.
It is an incredible sense of irony that Haman had to honor Mordecai seeing that his presence at the palace that day was to ask the king's permission to have Mordecai killed! All his boasting and bragging before his family brought an incredible sense of shame as he paraded Mordecai through the streets!
The Bible says:
Proverbs 11:2 When pride cometh, then cometh shame: but with the lowly is wisdom.
Haman's pride brought him incredible shame as he led the king's horse honoring Mordecai. His hatred turned back upon him too as he was hanged on the gallows he had built. Run from pride! Run from hatred! Don't think too highly of yourself. Humble yourself before God and he will lift you up.
In Christ,
Rody
Thursday, September 20, 2012
Consider your ways
Bible Reading: Haggai 1-2
Haggai 1:3-7 Then came the word of the Lord by Haggai the prophet, saying, 4 Is it time for you, O ye, to dwell in your cieled houses,
and this house lie waste? 5 Now therefore thus saith the Lord of hosts; Consider your ways. 6 Ye have sown much, and bring in little; ye eat, but ye have not enough; ye drink, but ye are not filled with drink; ye clothe you, but there is none warm; and he that earneth wages earneth wages to put it into a bag with holes. 7 Thus saith the Lord of hosts; Consider your ways.
The reason Cyrus allow many of the Jews to return to Israel was so they could rebuild the temple. They began to build but they ran into difficulty. The work stopped and soon the people were in danger of forgetting their purpose.
Any kind of building will bring difficulties. However, God says that he was allowing loss in their lives to get them to consider their ways. They were not bringing in the kind of harvest they expected. They were not satisfied. They were not warm. Their wages went into a bag with holes. God did this to get their attention.
As I read this, I cannot help but think of the church of Jesus Christ. Many times the church lies in waste and the Christians live in their 'cieled houses'. I do not mean the building. Many times the building is in good repair but there is no evangelism. There is no discipleship. Many times the church is merely a social club. The house of God lies waste because the Word of God is not preached.
I believe God is saying to us today, "Consider your ways." There are disciples to make. The Word of God must be preached. The gospel must be spread. Just as Haggai was used of God to stir the spirit of Joshua and Zerubbabel, he is stirring our spirits today to rise up and build the house of God.
1 Corinthians 3:9-11 For we are labourers together with God: ye are God's husbandry, ye are God's building. 10 According to the grace of God which is given unto me, as a wise masterbuilder, I have laid the foundation, and another buildeth thereon. But let every man take heed how he buildeth thereupon. 11 For other foundation can no man lay than that is laid, which is Jesus Christ.
There is work to do. We must rise up and build!
In Christ,
Rody
Haggai 1:3-7 Then came the word of the Lord by Haggai the prophet, saying, 4 Is it time for you, O ye, to dwell in your cieled houses,
and this house lie waste? 5 Now therefore thus saith the Lord of hosts; Consider your ways. 6 Ye have sown much, and bring in little; ye eat, but ye have not enough; ye drink, but ye are not filled with drink; ye clothe you, but there is none warm; and he that earneth wages earneth wages to put it into a bag with holes. 7 Thus saith the Lord of hosts; Consider your ways.
The reason Cyrus allow many of the Jews to return to Israel was so they could rebuild the temple. They began to build but they ran into difficulty. The work stopped and soon the people were in danger of forgetting their purpose.
Any kind of building will bring difficulties. However, God says that he was allowing loss in their lives to get them to consider their ways. They were not bringing in the kind of harvest they expected. They were not satisfied. They were not warm. Their wages went into a bag with holes. God did this to get their attention.
As I read this, I cannot help but think of the church of Jesus Christ. Many times the church lies in waste and the Christians live in their 'cieled houses'. I do not mean the building. Many times the building is in good repair but there is no evangelism. There is no discipleship. Many times the church is merely a social club. The house of God lies waste because the Word of God is not preached.
I believe God is saying to us today, "Consider your ways." There are disciples to make. The Word of God must be preached. The gospel must be spread. Just as Haggai was used of God to stir the spirit of Joshua and Zerubbabel, he is stirring our spirits today to rise up and build the house of God.
1 Corinthians 3:9-11 For we are labourers together with God: ye are God's husbandry, ye are God's building. 10 According to the grace of God which is given unto me, as a wise masterbuilder, I have laid the foundation, and another buildeth thereon. But let every man take heed how he buildeth thereupon. 11 For other foundation can no man lay than that is laid, which is Jesus Christ.
There is work to do. We must rise up and build!
In Christ,
Rody
Tuesday, September 18, 2012
Because he is good
Bible Reading: Ezra 1-3
Ezra 3:11 And they sang together by course in praising and giving thanks unto the Lord; because he is good, for his mercy endureth for ever toward Israel. And all the people shouted with a great shout, when they praised the Lord, because the foundation of the house of the Lord was laid.
After seventy years of captivity, God raised up Cyrus the Persian to permit the Jews to return to Israel and build the temple that the Babylonians had torn down. God had promised them through the prophet Jeremiah that he would not forget them, but after their time of chastening, he would return them to their land that he had promised to Abraham, Isaac and Jacob.
Jeremiah 29:11-14 For I know the thoughts that I think toward you, saith the Lord, thoughts of peace, and not of evil, to give you an expected end. 12 Then shall ye call upon me, and ye shall go and pray unto me, and I will hearken unto you. 13 And ye shall seek me, and find me, when ye shall search for me with all your heart. 14 And I will be found of you, saith the Lord: and I will turn away your captivity, and I will gather you from all the nations, and from all the places whither I have driven you, saith the Lord; and I will bring you again into the place whence I caused you to be carried away captive.
God promised them that he would gather them and now he was doing just that! When they had laid the foundation of the house of God, they sang praise to the Lord. They praised him for his goodness and his mercy. God always keeps his promises.
Have you had an experience like this lately? Have you seen God's faithfulness and mercy and been overwhelmed with a sense of praise for his goodness? I hope so. As I write this morning, it is raining outside. Praise Jesus for answering prayers! Maybe he has provided for you financially. Maybe he has reconciled a relationship. Maybe he has touched your body and brought healing. Maybe had has opened someone's heart that you know to receive his Word. There are so many things that Jesus is doing in this world. Let's praise him because he is good and his mercy endures forever! His grace is amazing and his love is overwhelming!
In Christ,
Rody
Ezra 3:11 And they sang together by course in praising and giving thanks unto the Lord; because he is good, for his mercy endureth for ever toward Israel. And all the people shouted with a great shout, when they praised the Lord, because the foundation of the house of the Lord was laid.
After seventy years of captivity, God raised up Cyrus the Persian to permit the Jews to return to Israel and build the temple that the Babylonians had torn down. God had promised them through the prophet Jeremiah that he would not forget them, but after their time of chastening, he would return them to their land that he had promised to Abraham, Isaac and Jacob.
Jeremiah 29:11-14 For I know the thoughts that I think toward you, saith the Lord, thoughts of peace, and not of evil, to give you an expected end. 12 Then shall ye call upon me, and ye shall go and pray unto me, and I will hearken unto you. 13 And ye shall seek me, and find me, when ye shall search for me with all your heart. 14 And I will be found of you, saith the Lord: and I will turn away your captivity, and I will gather you from all the nations, and from all the places whither I have driven you, saith the Lord; and I will bring you again into the place whence I caused you to be carried away captive.
God promised them that he would gather them and now he was doing just that! When they had laid the foundation of the house of God, they sang praise to the Lord. They praised him for his goodness and his mercy. God always keeps his promises.
Have you had an experience like this lately? Have you seen God's faithfulness and mercy and been overwhelmed with a sense of praise for his goodness? I hope so. As I write this morning, it is raining outside. Praise Jesus for answering prayers! Maybe he has provided for you financially. Maybe he has reconciled a relationship. Maybe he has touched your body and brought healing. Maybe had has opened someone's heart that you know to receive his Word. There are so many things that Jesus is doing in this world. Let's praise him because he is good and his mercy endures forever! His grace is amazing and his love is overwhelming!
In Christ,
Rody
Monday, September 10, 2012
Let them measure the pattern
Bible Reading: Ezekiel 42-43
Ezekiel 43:10-11 Thou son of man, shew the house to the house of Israel, that they may be ashamed of their iniquities: and let them measure the pattern. 11 And if they be ashamed of all that they have done, shew them the form of the house, and the fashion thereof, and the goings out thereof, and the comings in thereof, and all the forms thereof, and all the ordinances thereof, and all the forms thereof, and all the laws thereof: and write it in their sight, that they may keep the whole form thereof, and all the ordinances thereof, and do them.
Israel had not been faithful to the covenant and they were being chastised for their disobedience. Ezekiel was given the pattern for a new temple. A bigger and more glorious temple than they had ever seen. He was told to tell the people of Judah all about this temple so they would be ashamed of their iniquities.
Why would seeing the pattern of the new temple make the people ashamed? Because they had lost their temple because of their idolatry. The Babylonians destroyed it and God permitted it. The Israelites had placed idols in the temple and had worshipped false gods there. Now they were captives in a strange land. Because they polluted the temple God allowed it to be destroyed.
God said in hearing of the majesty of the new temple, they would be ashamed of their sin which caused the destruction of the former one.
Have you ever done something you weren't supposed to do and then saw what a mess you made of things and were ashamed? That is what God was showing them here. Even though they made a mess of true worship, God was going to establish something even more glorious.
When I think of Israel, I always want to learn the lessons they didn't learn. We need to learn from their mistakes. We need to learn to live for Christ each day and have no regrets. Living in Babylon, brought regret to Judah. Let's not have those. Let's live for Jesus now!
Israel was given the pattern of the temple. We are given the pattern of the perfect man, Jesus Christ. He is our measure.
Ephesians 4:13 Till we all come in the unity of the faith, and of the knowledge of the Son of God, unto a perfect man, unto the measure of the stature of the fulness of Christ:
If you are going to look at the pattern of what a person should be, always look to Jesus.
In Christ,
Rody
Ezekiel 43:10-11 Thou son of man, shew the house to the house of Israel, that they may be ashamed of their iniquities: and let them measure the pattern. 11 And if they be ashamed of all that they have done, shew them the form of the house, and the fashion thereof, and the goings out thereof, and the comings in thereof, and all the forms thereof, and all the ordinances thereof, and all the forms thereof, and all the laws thereof: and write it in their sight, that they may keep the whole form thereof, and all the ordinances thereof, and do them.
Israel had not been faithful to the covenant and they were being chastised for their disobedience. Ezekiel was given the pattern for a new temple. A bigger and more glorious temple than they had ever seen. He was told to tell the people of Judah all about this temple so they would be ashamed of their iniquities.
Why would seeing the pattern of the new temple make the people ashamed? Because they had lost their temple because of their idolatry. The Babylonians destroyed it and God permitted it. The Israelites had placed idols in the temple and had worshipped false gods there. Now they were captives in a strange land. Because they polluted the temple God allowed it to be destroyed.
God said in hearing of the majesty of the new temple, they would be ashamed of their sin which caused the destruction of the former one.
Have you ever done something you weren't supposed to do and then saw what a mess you made of things and were ashamed? That is what God was showing them here. Even though they made a mess of true worship, God was going to establish something even more glorious.
When I think of Israel, I always want to learn the lessons they didn't learn. We need to learn from their mistakes. We need to learn to live for Christ each day and have no regrets. Living in Babylon, brought regret to Judah. Let's not have those. Let's live for Jesus now!
Israel was given the pattern of the temple. We are given the pattern of the perfect man, Jesus Christ. He is our measure.
Ephesians 4:13 Till we all come in the unity of the faith, and of the knowledge of the Son of God, unto a perfect man, unto the measure of the stature of the fulness of Christ:
If you are going to look at the pattern of what a person should be, always look to Jesus.
In Christ,
Rody
Thursday, September 6, 2012
Should not the shepherds feed the flocks
Bible Reading: Ezekiel 32-34
Ezekiel 34:2 Son of man, prophesy against the shepherds of Israel, prophesy, and say unto them, Thus saith the Lord God unto the shepherds; Woe be to the shepherds of Israel that do feed themselves! should not the shepherds feed the flocks?
A shepherd is supposed to look after the sheep that he is entrusted with. They are to care for them and make sure they are in a place where they can thrive. The shepherd is to move them to good pasture and make sure they have adequate water. At night the shepherd pens them up to keep them safe from predators. When the sheep are sick, the shepherd cares for them. An isolated sheep is in jeopardy of it's life and so the shepherd makes sure they do not get scattered.
The image is one that is very vivid. This is the object lesson that God uses many times in Scripture. Leaders of people are called shepherds in Scripture. In Israel, the priests, prophets and kings were to shepherd the people. In the New Testament, elders are called shepherds or pastors (same word).
The shepherds of Israel were not doing their job. They were not feeding the sheep. They were allowing the sheep to scatter and they were feeding on the sheep rather than feeding them. It happened in Ezekiel's day and it can happen today. The shepherds must feed the sheep and care for them.
Jesus told Simon Peter:
John 21:15 So when they had dined, Jesus saith to Simon Peter, Simon, son of Jonas, lovest thou me more than these? He saith unto him, Yea, Lord; thou knowest that I love thee. He saith unto him, Feed my lambs.
Paul told the Ephesian elders:
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.
Peter wrote in his epistle:
1 Peter 5:2 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;
If you have a pastor that feeds the church of God the Word of God, rejoice! Pray for him and encourage him. It is a blessing to be a part of a church that is regularly fed the Word of God.
However, no matter what the earthly shepherds do, always remember that you do have the Chief Shepherd taking care of you.
John 10:11 I am the good shepherd: the good shepherd giveth his life for the sheep.
It is good news to know that the good shepherd loves his sheep and laid down his life for us. He does not exploit the sheep. He loves and cares for the sheep. You can trust him.
In Christ,
Rody
Ezekiel 34:2 Son of man, prophesy against the shepherds of Israel, prophesy, and say unto them, Thus saith the Lord God unto the shepherds; Woe be to the shepherds of Israel that do feed themselves! should not the shepherds feed the flocks?
A shepherd is supposed to look after the sheep that he is entrusted with. They are to care for them and make sure they are in a place where they can thrive. The shepherd is to move them to good pasture and make sure they have adequate water. At night the shepherd pens them up to keep them safe from predators. When the sheep are sick, the shepherd cares for them. An isolated sheep is in jeopardy of it's life and so the shepherd makes sure they do not get scattered.
The image is one that is very vivid. This is the object lesson that God uses many times in Scripture. Leaders of people are called shepherds in Scripture. In Israel, the priests, prophets and kings were to shepherd the people. In the New Testament, elders are called shepherds or pastors (same word).
The shepherds of Israel were not doing their job. They were not feeding the sheep. They were allowing the sheep to scatter and they were feeding on the sheep rather than feeding them. It happened in Ezekiel's day and it can happen today. The shepherds must feed the sheep and care for them.
Jesus told Simon Peter:
John 21:15 So when they had dined, Jesus saith to Simon Peter, Simon, son of Jonas, lovest thou me more than these? He saith unto him, Yea, Lord; thou knowest that I love thee. He saith unto him, Feed my lambs.
Paul told the Ephesian elders:
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.
Peter wrote in his epistle:
1 Peter 5:2 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;
If you have a pastor that feeds the church of God the Word of God, rejoice! Pray for him and encourage him. It is a blessing to be a part of a church that is regularly fed the Word of God.
However, no matter what the earthly shepherds do, always remember that you do have the Chief Shepherd taking care of you.
John 10:11 I am the good shepherd: the good shepherd giveth his life for the sheep.
It is good news to know that the good shepherd loves his sheep and laid down his life for us. He does not exploit the sheep. He loves and cares for the sheep. You can trust him.
In Christ,
Rody
Wednesday, September 5, 2012
Because thou hast set thine heart as the heart of God
Bible Reading: Ezekiel 28-31
Ezekiel 28:6-7 Therefore thus saith the Lord God; Because thou hast set thine heart as the heart of God; 7 Behold, therefore I will bring strangers upon thee, the terrible of the nations: and they shall draw their swords against the beauty of thy wisdom, and they shall defile thy brightness.
The kings of Tyre and Egypt were inspired by Satan. The Bible tells us that the king of Tyre claimed to be a god.
Ezekiel 28:2 Son of man, say unto the prince of Tyrus, Thus saith the Lord God; Because thine heart is lifted up, and thou hast said, I am a God, I sit in the seat of God, in the midst of the seas; yet thou art a man, and not God, though thou set thine heart as the heart of God:
However, God used this king to describe the fall of Satan.
Ezekiel 28:16 By the multitude of thy merchandise they have filled the midst of thee with violence, and thou hast sinned: therefore I will cast thee as profane out of the mountain of God: and I will destroy thee, O covering cherub, from the midst of the stones of fire.
The Pharaoh of Egypt also saw himself as a god. God once again used the language of Satan to describe him.
Ezekiel 29:3 Speak, and say, Thus saith the Lord God; Behold, I am against thee, Pharaoh king of Egypt, the great dragon that lieth in the midst of his rivers, which hath said, My river is mine own, and I have made it for myself.
We know that in the Bible, Satan is described as the dragon.
Revelation 12:9 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.
Why would God use the language of Satan to describe earthly kings? Because they saw themselves as gods. They bought the lie of Satan and would not acknowledge the reality of their Creator. They had no need for a redeemer. They wanted to be god.
This is a great offense to God. We must bow the knee to Jesus and acknowledge that he alone is God and the one true King!
In Christ,
Rody
Ezekiel 28:6-7 Therefore thus saith the Lord God; Because thou hast set thine heart as the heart of God; 7 Behold, therefore I will bring strangers upon thee, the terrible of the nations: and they shall draw their swords against the beauty of thy wisdom, and they shall defile thy brightness.
The kings of Tyre and Egypt were inspired by Satan. The Bible tells us that the king of Tyre claimed to be a god.
Ezekiel 28:2 Son of man, say unto the prince of Tyrus, Thus saith the Lord God; Because thine heart is lifted up, and thou hast said, I am a God, I sit in the seat of God, in the midst of the seas; yet thou art a man, and not God, though thou set thine heart as the heart of God:
However, God used this king to describe the fall of Satan.
Ezekiel 28:16 By the multitude of thy merchandise they have filled the midst of thee with violence, and thou hast sinned: therefore I will cast thee as profane out of the mountain of God: and I will destroy thee, O covering cherub, from the midst of the stones of fire.
The Pharaoh of Egypt also saw himself as a god. God once again used the language of Satan to describe him.
Ezekiel 29:3 Speak, and say, Thus saith the Lord God; Behold, I am against thee, Pharaoh king of Egypt, the great dragon that lieth in the midst of his rivers, which hath said, My river is mine own, and I have made it for myself.
We know that in the Bible, Satan is described as the dragon.
Revelation 12:9 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.
Why would God use the language of Satan to describe earthly kings? Because they saw themselves as gods. They bought the lie of Satan and would not acknowledge the reality of their Creator. They had no need for a redeemer. They wanted to be god.
This is a great offense to God. We must bow the knee to Jesus and acknowledge that he alone is God and the one true King!
In Christ,
Rody
Tuesday, September 4, 2012
Ezekiel is unto you a sign
Bible Reading: Ezekiel 24-27
Ezekiel 24:24 Thus Ezekiel is unto you a sign: according to all that he hath done shall ye do: and when this cometh, ye shall know that I am the Lord God.
The prophets not only spoke the Word of the Lord to the people, but many times, they were called upon for their lives to be a living parable so the people could see what was happening in their life and relate it to God's people. Hosea was called to marry a "wife of whoredoms and children of whoredoms" to show God's great love for Israel and their great sin of following after idols and forsaking him. Isaiah was called upon to prophesy naked and barefoot for three years as a sign to Egypt and Ethiopia that they would be led in that manner by the Assyrians. Ezekiel had to do many things that were signs, but the hardest was the way he was to handle the death of his wife.
Ezekiel 24:16-17 Son of man, behold, I take away from thee the desire of thine eyes with a stroke: yet neither shalt thou mourn nor weep, neither shall thy tears run down. 17 Forbear to cry, make no mourning for the dead, bind the tire of thine head upon thee, and put on thy shoes upon thy feet, and cover not thy lips, and eat not the bread of men.
God told him his wife would die and he was not to mourn for her.
Ezekiel 24:18 So I spake unto the people in the morning: and at even my wife died; and I did in the morning as I was commanded.
God told the people that Ezekiel was a sign to them. As he had lost 'the desire of his eyes', his wife, they would loose loved ones. As he had not mourned, neither would they be allowed that luxury. The Babylonian invasion and captivity would be horrible and they would loose many loved ones.
How incredibly difficult it was for Ezekiel to be obedient to God. Yet, he did as he was commanded. He loved God and took his calling seriously. God's warnings are incredibly serious. We should heed God's Word and listen with fear and trembling. The love of Jesus is incredible, and the fires are hell are real. Something must be terrible to warrant the death of God's only begotten Son. Let's listen to God's Word!
In Christ,
Rody
Ezekiel 24:24 Thus Ezekiel is unto you a sign: according to all that he hath done shall ye do: and when this cometh, ye shall know that I am the Lord God.
The prophets not only spoke the Word of the Lord to the people, but many times, they were called upon for their lives to be a living parable so the people could see what was happening in their life and relate it to God's people. Hosea was called to marry a "wife of whoredoms and children of whoredoms" to show God's great love for Israel and their great sin of following after idols and forsaking him. Isaiah was called upon to prophesy naked and barefoot for three years as a sign to Egypt and Ethiopia that they would be led in that manner by the Assyrians. Ezekiel had to do many things that were signs, but the hardest was the way he was to handle the death of his wife.
Ezekiel 24:16-17 Son of man, behold, I take away from thee the desire of thine eyes with a stroke: yet neither shalt thou mourn nor weep, neither shall thy tears run down. 17 Forbear to cry, make no mourning for the dead, bind the tire of thine head upon thee, and put on thy shoes upon thy feet, and cover not thy lips, and eat not the bread of men.
God told him his wife would die and he was not to mourn for her.
Ezekiel 24:18 So I spake unto the people in the morning: and at even my wife died; and I did in the morning as I was commanded.
God told the people that Ezekiel was a sign to them. As he had lost 'the desire of his eyes', his wife, they would loose loved ones. As he had not mourned, neither would they be allowed that luxury. The Babylonian invasion and captivity would be horrible and they would loose many loved ones.
How incredibly difficult it was for Ezekiel to be obedient to God. Yet, he did as he was commanded. He loved God and took his calling seriously. God's warnings are incredibly serious. We should heed God's Word and listen with fear and trembling. The love of Jesus is incredible, and the fires are hell are real. Something must be terrible to warrant the death of God's only begotten Son. Let's listen to God's Word!
In Christ,
Rody
Monday, September 3, 2012
With their idols have they committed adultery
Bible Reading: Ezekiel 22-23
Ezekiel 23:37 That they have committed adultery, and blood is in their hands, and with their idols have they committed adultery, and have also caused their sons, whom they bare unto me, to pass for them through the fire, to devour them.
Ezekiel was God's prophet to tell the people of Judah that he was going to bring chastisement upon them. He told them the reason for the exile was their sin and the fact that they had broken his covenant. As he brought the indictment against them, he said that God sees idolatry as adultery.
Think of a man who has been betrayed by his wife. Think of a woman whose husband has cheated on her. They were in a covenant relationship with each other and the other person was unfaithful. That is adultery. It is excruciatingly painful to the other person. It involves lying and stealing. It usually leads to divorce.
God here paints a picture for us of what idolatry is like. With their idols, Judah was cheating on God and being an unfaithful wife. Not only that, but the children that God had given to them, they had sacrificed to these false gods they worshipped. Imagine a wife who committed adultery and then killed the children she and her husband had together! It is utterly unthinkable.
Jesus says that the church is a bride and he is the bridegroom. He loves the church and gave himself for her. He wants her to submit to him and love him. He will not share her with another. He is worthy of our faithful, loving devotion. Let the love of the bridegroom overwhelm you so that your heart fully belongs to him.
1 John 5:21 Little children, keep yourselves from idols. Amen.
In Christ,
Rody
Ezekiel 23:37 That they have committed adultery, and blood is in their hands, and with their idols have they committed adultery, and have also caused their sons, whom they bare unto me, to pass for them through the fire, to devour them.
Ezekiel was God's prophet to tell the people of Judah that he was going to bring chastisement upon them. He told them the reason for the exile was their sin and the fact that they had broken his covenant. As he brought the indictment against them, he said that God sees idolatry as adultery.
Think of a man who has been betrayed by his wife. Think of a woman whose husband has cheated on her. They were in a covenant relationship with each other and the other person was unfaithful. That is adultery. It is excruciatingly painful to the other person. It involves lying and stealing. It usually leads to divorce.
God here paints a picture for us of what idolatry is like. With their idols, Judah was cheating on God and being an unfaithful wife. Not only that, but the children that God had given to them, they had sacrificed to these false gods they worshipped. Imagine a wife who committed adultery and then killed the children she and her husband had together! It is utterly unthinkable.
Jesus says that the church is a bride and he is the bridegroom. He loves the church and gave himself for her. He wants her to submit to him and love him. He will not share her with another. He is worthy of our faithful, loving devotion. Let the love of the bridegroom overwhelm you so that your heart fully belongs to him.
1 John 5:21 Little children, keep yourselves from idols. Amen.
In Christ,
Rody
Wednesday, August 29, 2012
I will make this proverb to cease
Bible Reading: Ezekiel 9-12
Ezekiel 12:21-23 And the word of the Lord came unto me, saying, 22 Son of man, what is that proverb that ye have in the land of Israel, saying, The days are prolonged, and every vision faileth? 23 Tell them therefore, Thus saith the Lord God; I will make this proverb to cease, and they shall no more use it as a proverb in Israel; but say unto them, The days are at hand, and the effect of every vision.
The people of Ezekiel's day had come to a place where they no longer believed the Word of the Lord. They spoke of God's Word in a proverb saying that every vision had failed. The reason for this was the fact that it had been a long time since the prophet's had spoken. In other Words, they had heard the words of the prophets but since nothing had happened in a while, they said it would never happen.
God instructed Ezekiel to tell them, "The days are at hand!" God was going to do what he had said through the prophets and unfortunately for Judah that meant a great chastisement. They would be exiled to Babylon.
The same thing happens in our day. Peter told us it would come:
2 Peter 3:3-4 Knowing this first, that there shall come in the last days scoffers, walking after their own lusts, 4 And saying, Where is the promise of his coming? for since the fathers fell asleep, all things continue as they were from the beginning of the creation.
Don't be a part of this. Don't 'spiritualize' the Word of God and not believe that Jesus is coming again! We learn through a study of the Word of God that he is faithful to fulfill his promises. They take place in his time, not ours. Peter also tells us:
2 Peter 3:8-9 But, beloved, be not ignorant of this one thing, that one day is with the Lord as a thousand years, and a thousand years as one day. 9 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.
Time is very different to Jesus than it is to us! Don't get impatient, but realize that his delay is longsuffering and grace. He wants more to be saved! He is giving mankind time to repent and believe the gospel.
Never give up on the promises of God, but realize that all will be fulfilled in his time. You can rest in that!
In Christ,
Rody
Ezekiel 12:21-23 And the word of the Lord came unto me, saying, 22 Son of man, what is that proverb that ye have in the land of Israel, saying, The days are prolonged, and every vision faileth? 23 Tell them therefore, Thus saith the Lord God; I will make this proverb to cease, and they shall no more use it as a proverb in Israel; but say unto them, The days are at hand, and the effect of every vision.
The people of Ezekiel's day had come to a place where they no longer believed the Word of the Lord. They spoke of God's Word in a proverb saying that every vision had failed. The reason for this was the fact that it had been a long time since the prophet's had spoken. In other Words, they had heard the words of the prophets but since nothing had happened in a while, they said it would never happen.
God instructed Ezekiel to tell them, "The days are at hand!" God was going to do what he had said through the prophets and unfortunately for Judah that meant a great chastisement. They would be exiled to Babylon.
The same thing happens in our day. Peter told us it would come:
2 Peter 3:3-4 Knowing this first, that there shall come in the last days scoffers, walking after their own lusts, 4 And saying, Where is the promise of his coming? for since the fathers fell asleep, all things continue as they were from the beginning of the creation.
Don't be a part of this. Don't 'spiritualize' the Word of God and not believe that Jesus is coming again! We learn through a study of the Word of God that he is faithful to fulfill his promises. They take place in his time, not ours. Peter also tells us:
2 Peter 3:8-9 But, beloved, be not ignorant of this one thing, that one day is with the Lord as a thousand years, and a thousand years as one day. 9 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.
Time is very different to Jesus than it is to us! Don't get impatient, but realize that his delay is longsuffering and grace. He wants more to be saved! He is giving mankind time to repent and believe the gospel.
Never give up on the promises of God, but realize that all will be fulfilled in his time. You can rest in that!
In Christ,
Rody
Monday, August 27, 2012
They will not hearken unto me
Bible Reading: Ezekiel 1-4
Ezekiel 3:7-8 But the house of Israel will not hearken unto thee; for they will not hearken unto me: for all the house of Israel are impudent and hardhearted. 8 Behold, I have made thy face strong against their faces, and thy forehead strong against their foreheads.
Ezekiel's task was not an easy one. No prophet's is an easy task. People are like sheep the Bible says, and go their own way. When God wants to speak to them, many times they do not want to hear.
God knew that the Israelites would not listen to Ezekiel. God would give Ezekiel the words to say and he would tell the people. Since they would not listen to God, they would not listen to Ezekiel. However, God wanted to speak to them even though they would not listen.
It is important for the prophet to speak the word of God. Even when people do not hear, he must speak. He must offer the invitation to come to God and remind the people of God's grace and mercy. In order to do this, the prophet needs two things.
First, he needs to remember that he is speaking God's Word, not his own. This is imperative. The apostle Paul instructed Timothy and us all:
2 Timothy 4:2 Preach the word; be instant in season, out of season; reprove, rebuke, exhort with all longsuffering and doctrine.
No one has the right to find out what people want to hear and then preach that. As a matter of fact, Paul warned that was coming.
2 Timothy 4:3-4 For the time will come when they will not endure sound doctrine; but after their own lusts shall they heap to themselves teachers, having itching ears; 4 And they shall turn away their ears from the truth, and shall be turned unto fables.
It is the Word of God that has the power to change a life!
The second thing the prophet needs is a hard head. God told Ezekiel that he had made his forehead hard against theirs.
Ezekiel 3:9 As an adamant harder than flint have I made thy forehead: fear them not, neither be dismayed at their looks, though they be a rebellious house.
An adamant is hard like diamond. God says it is harder than flint! If the prophet is easily swayed, he will fear the people and give in to them. He will want popularity and will learn to tickle ears instead of simply being faithful to deliver the word of God.
We all need a forehead like adamant. We need to know the Word so well that we can share it in love with those around us. We also must not be swayed when people do not listen. If they reject the message of Jesus, they are not rejecting us, but him.
Some will hear. Let's go tell!
In Christ,
Rody
Ezekiel 3:7-8 But the house of Israel will not hearken unto thee; for they will not hearken unto me: for all the house of Israel are impudent and hardhearted. 8 Behold, I have made thy face strong against their faces, and thy forehead strong against their foreheads.
Ezekiel's task was not an easy one. No prophet's is an easy task. People are like sheep the Bible says, and go their own way. When God wants to speak to them, many times they do not want to hear.
God knew that the Israelites would not listen to Ezekiel. God would give Ezekiel the words to say and he would tell the people. Since they would not listen to God, they would not listen to Ezekiel. However, God wanted to speak to them even though they would not listen.
It is important for the prophet to speak the word of God. Even when people do not hear, he must speak. He must offer the invitation to come to God and remind the people of God's grace and mercy. In order to do this, the prophet needs two things.
First, he needs to remember that he is speaking God's Word, not his own. This is imperative. The apostle Paul instructed Timothy and us all:
2 Timothy 4:2 Preach the word; be instant in season, out of season; reprove, rebuke, exhort with all longsuffering and doctrine.
No one has the right to find out what people want to hear and then preach that. As a matter of fact, Paul warned that was coming.
2 Timothy 4:3-4 For the time will come when they will not endure sound doctrine; but after their own lusts shall they heap to themselves teachers, having itching ears; 4 And they shall turn away their ears from the truth, and shall be turned unto fables.
It is the Word of God that has the power to change a life!
The second thing the prophet needs is a hard head. God told Ezekiel that he had made his forehead hard against theirs.
Ezekiel 3:9 As an adamant harder than flint have I made thy forehead: fear them not, neither be dismayed at their looks, though they be a rebellious house.
An adamant is hard like diamond. God says it is harder than flint! If the prophet is easily swayed, he will fear the people and give in to them. He will want popularity and will learn to tickle ears instead of simply being faithful to deliver the word of God.
We all need a forehead like adamant. We need to know the Word so well that we can share it in love with those around us. We also must not be swayed when people do not listen. If they reject the message of Jesus, they are not rejecting us, but him.
Some will hear. Let's go tell!
In Christ,
Rody
Wednesday, August 22, 2012
I will not make a full end of thee
Jeremiah 46-48
Jeremiah 46:27-28 But fear not thou, O my servant Jacob, and be not dismayed, O Israel: for, behold, I will save thee from afar off, and thy seed from the land of their captivity; and Jacob shall return, and be in rest and at ease, and none shall make him afraid. 28 Fear thou not, O Jacob my servant, saith the Lord: for I am with thee; for I will make a full end of all the nations whither I have driven thee: but I will not make a full end of thee, but correct thee in measure; yet will I not leave thee wholly unpunished.
Jeremiah had a tough job. He had to declare to the people of Judah that they would be taken into captivity by the Babylonians. He had to call them to account for their idolatry and their lack of devotion to their Creator.
He also had the task of bringing the stinging message of God's wrath to many other nations around Judah, including announcing the fall of Babylon.
Jeremiah was not popular in his day, nor was his message well received. However, he also had the incredible privilege of announcing God's favor on Judah and the promise that he would bring them back into the land of their inheritance after a period of captivity. This would happen at the end of seventy years and God would 'save them from afar off'.
There is a great difference in the messages of Jeremiah to Judah and to the other nations. The other nations would come to an end, but God would not make an end of Judah. Their time of captivity would serve a purpose. They would be punished for their disobedience. However, God was with them.
As a loving heavenly Father, God will discipline his children. He will not let us get away with rebellion. There are consequences for our actions.
Hebrews 12:5-11 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: 6 For whom the Lord loveth he chasteneth, and scourgeth every son whom he receiveth.
7 If ye endure chastening, God dealeth with you as with sons; for what son is he whom the father chasteneth not? 8 But if ye be without chastisement, whereof all are partakers, then are ye bastards, and not sons. 9 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? 10 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. 11 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.
If you receive the chastening of God, you can know that you are his child! He only chastens his sons. You can also know that God's chastening is for our good and God's glory.
Jesus says:
Revelation 3:19 As many as I love, I rebuke and chasten: be zealous therefore, and repent.
Chastening is something that Jesus does because he loves his children and does not want us to wander in disobedience. He chastens us to bring us back to himself. Let his chastening have it's intended effect in your life!
In Christ,
Rody
Jeremiah 46:27-28 But fear not thou, O my servant Jacob, and be not dismayed, O Israel: for, behold, I will save thee from afar off, and thy seed from the land of their captivity; and Jacob shall return, and be in rest and at ease, and none shall make him afraid. 28 Fear thou not, O Jacob my servant, saith the Lord: for I am with thee; for I will make a full end of all the nations whither I have driven thee: but I will not make a full end of thee, but correct thee in measure; yet will I not leave thee wholly unpunished.
Jeremiah had a tough job. He had to declare to the people of Judah that they would be taken into captivity by the Babylonians. He had to call them to account for their idolatry and their lack of devotion to their Creator.
He also had the task of bringing the stinging message of God's wrath to many other nations around Judah, including announcing the fall of Babylon.
Jeremiah was not popular in his day, nor was his message well received. However, he also had the incredible privilege of announcing God's favor on Judah and the promise that he would bring them back into the land of their inheritance after a period of captivity. This would happen at the end of seventy years and God would 'save them from afar off'.
There is a great difference in the messages of Jeremiah to Judah and to the other nations. The other nations would come to an end, but God would not make an end of Judah. Their time of captivity would serve a purpose. They would be punished for their disobedience. However, God was with them.
As a loving heavenly Father, God will discipline his children. He will not let us get away with rebellion. There are consequences for our actions.
Hebrews 12:5-11 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: 6 For whom the Lord loveth he chasteneth, and scourgeth every son whom he receiveth.
7 If ye endure chastening, God dealeth with you as with sons; for what son is he whom the father chasteneth not? 8 But if ye be without chastisement, whereof all are partakers, then are ye bastards, and not sons. 9 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? 10 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. 11 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.
If you receive the chastening of God, you can know that you are his child! He only chastens his sons. You can also know that God's chastening is for our good and God's glory.
Jesus says:
Revelation 3:19 As many as I love, I rebuke and chasten: be zealous therefore, and repent.
Chastening is something that Jesus does because he loves his children and does not want us to wander in disobedience. He chastens us to bring us back to himself. Let his chastening have it's intended effect in your life!
In Christ,
Rody
Friday, August 3, 2012
Then Manasseh knew that the Lord he was God
Bible Reading: 2 Chronicles 32-33
2 Chronicles 33:12-13 And when he was in affliction, he besought the Lord his God, and humbled himself greatly before the God of his fathers, 13 And prayed unto him: and he was intreated of him, and heard his supplication, and brought him again to Jerusalem into his kingdom. Then Manasseh knew that the Lord he was God.
The son of Hezekiah, Manasseh was the most wicked king Judah had ever had. He was an idolater and a murderer. He murdered his own children in a religious ceremony worshipping a false god! He practiced witchcraft and sorcery. He set up high places and altars to all the host of heaven. He even put a graven image of a false god in the temple in Jerusalem.
While Hezekiah was alive, the prophet told him that his son would rebel against God and would be taken into the custody of a foreign king.
2 Kings 20:17-18 Behold, the days come, that all that is in thine house, and that which thy fathers have laid up in store unto this day, shall be carried into Babylon: nothing shall be left, saith the Lord. 18 And of thy sons that shall issue from thee, which thou shalt beget, shall they take away; and they shall be eunuchs in the palace of the king of Babylon.
Because of his wickedness and rebellion, Manasseh was taken away to Babylon. However, when he was taken by the foreign powers, he began to seek the Lord! The Bible tells us that he humbled himself before God and prayed unto him. When this happened, Manasseh knew that the Lord was God!
Imagine that! The most wicked king that Judah ever had who led the people away from God into the false worship of demons finally repented and believed in the name of the God of his fathers. And God heard his prayer and restored him.
Don't ever give up on someone! God doesn't. If a person like Manasseh can repent, anyone can. Was he too far from God? No, and when he was afflicted, he called upon the name of the Lord. God is never far from any one of us. He is always near!
Romans 10:8-9 But what saith it? The word is nigh thee, even in thy mouth, and in thy heart: that is, the word of faith, which we preach; 9 That if thou shalt confess with thy mouth the Lord Jesus, and shalt believe in thine heart that God hath raised him from the dead, thou shalt be saved.
Sometimes it takes affliction and difficult circumstances in our lives to bring us to a place where we can trust in God. It was so for David.
Psalms 119:67 & 71 Before I was afflicted I went astray: but now have I kept thy word.
It is good for me that I have been afflicted; that I might learn thy statutes.
The story of Manasseh is a great encouragement to me. Although his early years are a terrible show of idolatry and rebellion, his later repentance and knowledge of God reminds me that it is never too late. God is merciful and gracious. His grace is amazing and we should never forget that even the person who is farthest away from God can repent and trust in Jesus.
In Christ,
Rody
2 Chronicles 33:12-13 And when he was in affliction, he besought the Lord his God, and humbled himself greatly before the God of his fathers, 13 And prayed unto him: and he was intreated of him, and heard his supplication, and brought him again to Jerusalem into his kingdom. Then Manasseh knew that the Lord he was God.
The son of Hezekiah, Manasseh was the most wicked king Judah had ever had. He was an idolater and a murderer. He murdered his own children in a religious ceremony worshipping a false god! He practiced witchcraft and sorcery. He set up high places and altars to all the host of heaven. He even put a graven image of a false god in the temple in Jerusalem.
While Hezekiah was alive, the prophet told him that his son would rebel against God and would be taken into the custody of a foreign king.
2 Kings 20:17-18 Behold, the days come, that all that is in thine house, and that which thy fathers have laid up in store unto this day, shall be carried into Babylon: nothing shall be left, saith the Lord. 18 And of thy sons that shall issue from thee, which thou shalt beget, shall they take away; and they shall be eunuchs in the palace of the king of Babylon.
Because of his wickedness and rebellion, Manasseh was taken away to Babylon. However, when he was taken by the foreign powers, he began to seek the Lord! The Bible tells us that he humbled himself before God and prayed unto him. When this happened, Manasseh knew that the Lord was God!
Imagine that! The most wicked king that Judah ever had who led the people away from God into the false worship of demons finally repented and believed in the name of the God of his fathers. And God heard his prayer and restored him.
Don't ever give up on someone! God doesn't. If a person like Manasseh can repent, anyone can. Was he too far from God? No, and when he was afflicted, he called upon the name of the Lord. God is never far from any one of us. He is always near!
Romans 10:8-9 But what saith it? The word is nigh thee, even in thy mouth, and in thy heart: that is, the word of faith, which we preach; 9 That if thou shalt confess with thy mouth the Lord Jesus, and shalt believe in thine heart that God hath raised him from the dead, thou shalt be saved.
Sometimes it takes affliction and difficult circumstances in our lives to bring us to a place where we can trust in God. It was so for David.
Psalms 119:67 & 71 Before I was afflicted I went astray: but now have I kept thy word.
It is good for me that I have been afflicted; that I might learn thy statutes.
The story of Manasseh is a great encouragement to me. Although his early years are a terrible show of idolatry and rebellion, his later repentance and knowledge of God reminds me that it is never too late. God is merciful and gracious. His grace is amazing and we should never forget that even the person who is farthest away from God can repent and trust in Jesus.
In Christ,
Rody
Wednesday, August 1, 2012
A contrite spirit
Bible Reading: Isaiah 64-66
Isaiah 66:1-2 Thus saith the Lord, The heaven is my throne, and the earth is my footstool: where is the house that ye build unto me? and where is the place of my rest? 2 For all those things hath mine hand made, and all those things have been, saith the Lord: but to this man will I look, even to him that is poor and of a contrite spirit, and trembleth at my word.
How do you get the attention of the Lord? The house of worship that Israel made was constructed as a house of prayer. However, the people had degraded in their devotion to God. They were going through the motions. They did religious things, but their hearts were far from God. Because of this, he was not impressed.
God is never impressed with our outward religious rituals. Our church going and sacrificial giving means little if it is not an outward show of the inward reality of God's love transforming our lives.
However, there is a person that God will look to. It is the person who is in the transformation process. The poor in spirit is the blessed man.
Matthew 5:3 Blessed are the poor in spirit: for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.
The broken heart is what God is looking for. David knew this and his prayer of confession to God helps us understand that God is looking at our hearts.
Psalms 51:16-17 For thou desirest not sacrifice; else would I give it:
thou delightest not in burnt offering. 17 The sacrifices of God are a broken spirit: a broken and a contrite heart, O God, thou wilt not despise.
God is looking for the person who trembles at the Word of God. When was the last time that you read your Bible and trembled as you thought of the holiness of God and the sinfulness of man?
We get the attention of the Lord when we are genuine in our love for him. When his Word breaks our hearts and the poverty of spirit that we have makes us realize our desperate need of Jesus. Our own sin should break our hearts and the sin of our world should break it as well. Do you tremble at the thought of hell? I am not saying a believer in Jesus should fear going to hell. I am saying we should tremble at the thought of those who do not know Jesus going there.
Jesus said:
Matthew 10:28 And fear not them which kill the body, but are not able to kill the soul: but rather fear him which is able to destroy both soul and body in hell.
That makes me tremble. How 'bout you?
In Christ,
Rody
Isaiah 66:1-2 Thus saith the Lord, The heaven is my throne, and the earth is my footstool: where is the house that ye build unto me? and where is the place of my rest? 2 For all those things hath mine hand made, and all those things have been, saith the Lord: but to this man will I look, even to him that is poor and of a contrite spirit, and trembleth at my word.
How do you get the attention of the Lord? The house of worship that Israel made was constructed as a house of prayer. However, the people had degraded in their devotion to God. They were going through the motions. They did religious things, but their hearts were far from God. Because of this, he was not impressed.
God is never impressed with our outward religious rituals. Our church going and sacrificial giving means little if it is not an outward show of the inward reality of God's love transforming our lives.
However, there is a person that God will look to. It is the person who is in the transformation process. The poor in spirit is the blessed man.
Matthew 5:3 Blessed are the poor in spirit: for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.
The broken heart is what God is looking for. David knew this and his prayer of confession to God helps us understand that God is looking at our hearts.
Psalms 51:16-17 For thou desirest not sacrifice; else would I give it:
thou delightest not in burnt offering. 17 The sacrifices of God are a broken spirit: a broken and a contrite heart, O God, thou wilt not despise.
God is looking for the person who trembles at the Word of God. When was the last time that you read your Bible and trembled as you thought of the holiness of God and the sinfulness of man?
We get the attention of the Lord when we are genuine in our love for him. When his Word breaks our hearts and the poverty of spirit that we have makes us realize our desperate need of Jesus. Our own sin should break our hearts and the sin of our world should break it as well. Do you tremble at the thought of hell? I am not saying a believer in Jesus should fear going to hell. I am saying we should tremble at the thought of those who do not know Jesus going there.
Jesus said:
Matthew 10:28 And fear not them which kill the body, but are not able to kill the soul: but rather fear him which is able to destroy both soul and body in hell.
That makes me tremble. How 'bout you?
In Christ,
Rody
Monday, July 30, 2012
It shall not return unto me void
Bible Reading: Isaiah 54-58
Isaiah 55:8-11 For my thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways my ways, saith the Lord. 9 For as the heavens are higher than the earth, so are my ways higher than your ways, and my thoughts than your thoughts. 10 For as the rain cometh down, and the snow from heaven, and returneth not thither, but watereth the earth, and maketh it bring forth and bud, that it may give seed to the sower, and bread to the eater: 11 So shall my word be that goeth forth out of my mouth: it shall not return unto me void, but it shall accomplish that which I please, and it shall prosper in the thing whereto I sent it.
It is tempting, but we dare not impose on God our own way of thinking. His thoughts are higher than ours and so are his ways. God has a plan and it is intricate. We would never come up with such a plan because his thoughts are higher than the heavens. Instead of imposing our thoughts on him, we should seek him to gain knowledge and be led in the way he wants us to go.
God's thoughts bring about God's ways and his ways are stated in his Word. He speaks and it happens. Sometimes it happens immediately. Sometimes it happens after delay, but always according to his timing.
God says his Word is like the moisture from the sky. It has an effect upon the earth. Sometimes it is like a spring or summer rain. It falls and you can almost immediately see it's effects. Grass grows, flowers bloom and buds pop out on the trees. Sometimes, God's Word is like the snow of winter. It falls and there is no immediate effect, but when the longer days of Spring come, then the life-giving moisture brings about the growth.
The point is that God's Word will not return void or empty. It will accomplish the purpose of God. You can trust his Word. When you read your Bible you must know that it will come to pass. Sometimes it will happen quickly. Sometimes you will read of something that is for the future, but always know it will come to pass. It will prosper in the thing that God sent it forth to do!
In Christ,
Rody
Isaiah 55:8-11 For my thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways my ways, saith the Lord. 9 For as the heavens are higher than the earth, so are my ways higher than your ways, and my thoughts than your thoughts. 10 For as the rain cometh down, and the snow from heaven, and returneth not thither, but watereth the earth, and maketh it bring forth and bud, that it may give seed to the sower, and bread to the eater: 11 So shall my word be that goeth forth out of my mouth: it shall not return unto me void, but it shall accomplish that which I please, and it shall prosper in the thing whereto I sent it.
It is tempting, but we dare not impose on God our own way of thinking. His thoughts are higher than ours and so are his ways. God has a plan and it is intricate. We would never come up with such a plan because his thoughts are higher than the heavens. Instead of imposing our thoughts on him, we should seek him to gain knowledge and be led in the way he wants us to go.
God's thoughts bring about God's ways and his ways are stated in his Word. He speaks and it happens. Sometimes it happens immediately. Sometimes it happens after delay, but always according to his timing.
God says his Word is like the moisture from the sky. It has an effect upon the earth. Sometimes it is like a spring or summer rain. It falls and you can almost immediately see it's effects. Grass grows, flowers bloom and buds pop out on the trees. Sometimes, God's Word is like the snow of winter. It falls and there is no immediate effect, but when the longer days of Spring come, then the life-giving moisture brings about the growth.
The point is that God's Word will not return void or empty. It will accomplish the purpose of God. You can trust his Word. When you read your Bible you must know that it will come to pass. Sometimes it will happen quickly. Sometimes you will read of something that is for the future, but always know it will come to pass. It will prosper in the thing that God sent it forth to do!
In Christ,
Rody
Thursday, July 26, 2012
They shall walk and not faint
Bible Reading: Isaiah 40-43
Isaiah 40:31 But they that wait upon the Lord shall renew their strength; they shall mount up with wings as eagles; they shall run, and not be weary; and they shall walk, and not faint.
The tune of Isaiah changes drastically at the beginning of chapter 40. Up to this point the prophet has been pronouncing judgment and impending calamity upon the nations. This will come, but it will not last! With the word of chastisement also comes the message of forgiveness and restoration for God's people!
We see this all throughout the Word of God. He says that he is a loving heavenly Father and he will not tolerate rebellion in the lives of his children. He will chastise us when we sin against him.
Hebrews 12:6 For whom the Lord loveth he chasteneth, and scourgeth every son whom he receiveth.
However, when the chastisement is over, then comes the time of loving forgiveness and restoration. This is the promise of Isaiah to the people of Judah.
Isaiah 40:1-2 Comfort ye, comfort ye my people, saith your God. 2 Speak ye comfortably to Jerusalem, and cry unto her, that her warfare is accomplished, that her iniquity is pardoned: for she hath received of the Lord's hand double for all her sins.
The next words are the call of John the Baptist announcing the coming of Jesus!
Isaiah 40:3 The voice of him that crieth in the wilderness, Prepare ye the way of the Lord, make straight in the desert a highway for our God.
Judah was promised the chastening discipline of the Lord. Following that Judah was promised forgiveness and an end to her warfare. However, they would have to wait for it. So God tells them that if they would wait upon the Lord, they would mount up with wings as eagles. They would run and not grow weary. They would walk and not faint.
Waiting is hard, but it is worth it. We get in such a hurry. We like instant gratification. But God has promised that he will right every wrong. He will fix that which is broken. There is coming a new body and a new heaven and a new earth. A day is coming when there will be no more sin or suffering. He will wipe away the tears from every eye. It's not here yet, but if we will wait for him, we will fly like an eagle!
Revelation 21:1-5 And I saw a new heaven and a new earth: for the first heaven and the first earth were passed away; and there was no more sea. 2 And I John saw the holy city, new Jerusalem, coming down from God out of heaven, prepared as a bride adorned for her husband. 3 And I heard a great voice out of heaven saying, Behold, the tabernacle of God is with men, and he will dwell with them, and they shall be his people, and God himself shall be with them, and be their God. 4 And God shall wipe away all tears from their eyes; and there shall be no more death, neither sorrow, nor crying, neither shall there be any more pain: for the former things are passed away.
5 And he that sat upon the throne said, Behold, I make all things new. And he said unto me, Write: for these words are true and faithful.
Hang in there! Trust Jesus and wait for him. It may seem like a long wait, but in light of the glorious eternity we have ahead of us, it will be but a twinkling of an eye when we look back.
Romans 8:18 For I reckon that the sufferings of this present time are not worthy to be compared with the glory which shall be revealed in us.
In Christ,
Rody
Isaiah 40:31 But they that wait upon the Lord shall renew their strength; they shall mount up with wings as eagles; they shall run, and not be weary; and they shall walk, and not faint.
The tune of Isaiah changes drastically at the beginning of chapter 40. Up to this point the prophet has been pronouncing judgment and impending calamity upon the nations. This will come, but it will not last! With the word of chastisement also comes the message of forgiveness and restoration for God's people!
We see this all throughout the Word of God. He says that he is a loving heavenly Father and he will not tolerate rebellion in the lives of his children. He will chastise us when we sin against him.
Hebrews 12:6 For whom the Lord loveth he chasteneth, and scourgeth every son whom he receiveth.
However, when the chastisement is over, then comes the time of loving forgiveness and restoration. This is the promise of Isaiah to the people of Judah.
Isaiah 40:1-2 Comfort ye, comfort ye my people, saith your God. 2 Speak ye comfortably to Jerusalem, and cry unto her, that her warfare is accomplished, that her iniquity is pardoned: for she hath received of the Lord's hand double for all her sins.
The next words are the call of John the Baptist announcing the coming of Jesus!
Isaiah 40:3 The voice of him that crieth in the wilderness, Prepare ye the way of the Lord, make straight in the desert a highway for our God.
Judah was promised the chastening discipline of the Lord. Following that Judah was promised forgiveness and an end to her warfare. However, they would have to wait for it. So God tells them that if they would wait upon the Lord, they would mount up with wings as eagles. They would run and not grow weary. They would walk and not faint.
Waiting is hard, but it is worth it. We get in such a hurry. We like instant gratification. But God has promised that he will right every wrong. He will fix that which is broken. There is coming a new body and a new heaven and a new earth. A day is coming when there will be no more sin or suffering. He will wipe away the tears from every eye. It's not here yet, but if we will wait for him, we will fly like an eagle!
Revelation 21:1-5 And I saw a new heaven and a new earth: for the first heaven and the first earth were passed away; and there was no more sea. 2 And I John saw the holy city, new Jerusalem, coming down from God out of heaven, prepared as a bride adorned for her husband. 3 And I heard a great voice out of heaven saying, Behold, the tabernacle of God is with men, and he will dwell with them, and they shall be his people, and God himself shall be with them, and be their God. 4 And God shall wipe away all tears from their eyes; and there shall be no more death, neither sorrow, nor crying, neither shall there be any more pain: for the former things are passed away.
5 And he that sat upon the throne said, Behold, I make all things new. And he said unto me, Write: for these words are true and faithful.
Hang in there! Trust Jesus and wait for him. It may seem like a long wait, but in light of the glorious eternity we have ahead of us, it will be but a twinkling of an eye when we look back.
Romans 8:18 For I reckon that the sufferings of this present time are not worthy to be compared with the glory which shall be revealed in us.
In Christ,
Rody
Wednesday, July 25, 2012
Spread it before the Lord
Bible Reading: Isaiah 37-39; Psalm 76
Isaiah 37:14-15 And Hezekiah received the letter from the hand of the messengers, and read it: and Hezekiah went up unto the house of the Lord, and spread it before the Lord. 15 And Hezekiah prayed unto the Lord, saying,
Hezekiah was truly a man of prayer. When he discovered the intentions of the Assyrian army and heard their threats, his first response was to go to the house of the Lord and pray.
In his life, Hezekiah received much from the hand of God in answer to prayer. Not only was he delivered from invading armies, but he also was healed of a disease and given fifteen more years of life because he asked God.
Is prayer your first response when you encounter difficulties? Or is prayer a last resort after you have tried on your own and failed?
Prayer is God's idea and he invites us to pray and ask him for what we need. He delights in our prayers!
Proverbs 15:8 The sacrifice of the wicked is an abomination to the Lord:
but the prayer of the upright is his delight.
God has given us some incredible promises in his Word in regard to prayer. One of the most amazing is this:
Matthew 7:7-8 Ask, and it shall be given you; seek, and ye shall find; knock, and it shall be opened unto you: 8 For every one that asketh receiveth; and he that seeketh findeth; and to him that knocketh it shall be opened.
What are you asking God for right now?
In Christ,
Rody
Isaiah 37:14-15 And Hezekiah received the letter from the hand of the messengers, and read it: and Hezekiah went up unto the house of the Lord, and spread it before the Lord. 15 And Hezekiah prayed unto the Lord, saying,
Hezekiah was truly a man of prayer. When he discovered the intentions of the Assyrian army and heard their threats, his first response was to go to the house of the Lord and pray.
In his life, Hezekiah received much from the hand of God in answer to prayer. Not only was he delivered from invading armies, but he also was healed of a disease and given fifteen more years of life because he asked God.
Is prayer your first response when you encounter difficulties? Or is prayer a last resort after you have tried on your own and failed?
Prayer is God's idea and he invites us to pray and ask him for what we need. He delights in our prayers!
Proverbs 15:8 The sacrifice of the wicked is an abomination to the Lord:
but the prayer of the upright is his delight.
God has given us some incredible promises in his Word in regard to prayer. One of the most amazing is this:
Matthew 7:7-8 Ask, and it shall be given you; seek, and ye shall find; knock, and it shall be opened unto you: 8 For every one that asketh receiveth; and he that seeketh findeth; and to him that knocketh it shall be opened.
What are you asking God for right now?
In Christ,
Rody
Tuesday, July 24, 2012
He will come and save you
Bible Reading: Isaiah 35 & 36
Isaiah 35:3-4 Strengthen ye the weak hands, and confirm the feeble knees. 4 Say to them that are of a fearful heart, Be strong, fear not: behold, your God will come with vengeance, even God with a recompence; he will come and save you.
Even after the prophet warned the people of God's chastisement that was going to come their way, he still had a word of encouragement for them. God was not pleased with the Israelites' way of life. He warned them that if they did not repent, there would be dire consequences and a foreign army would come and take them away. Yet, right after the warning, he gave Judah this word!
The Assyrians would take Israel, but Judah would not fall by their hand. The prophet told the people to strengthen weak hands and confirm feeble knees. Tell the fearful to be strong and fear not. God would come and save them!
Wow! What a wonderful word of encouragement right at the point of incredible conflict. The next chapter describes how the Rabshakeh came and told the men of Judah that they were going to invade. This could cause hands to be weak and knees to be feeble. This could cause great fear in the hearts of the people. Isaiah told them not to fear because God would come and save them.
The writer to the Hebrews quoted this passage from Isaiah as he wrote about the chastisement of God. He declared:
Hebrews 12:7-8 If ye endure chastening, God dealeth with you as with sons; for what son is he whom the father chasteneth not? 8 But if ye be without chastisement, whereof all are partakers, then are ye bastards, and not sons.
What son is he whom the father chasteneth not? God loves his children and when we go astray, he chastens us. He does not do it to destroy us but to correct us. If there is not chastening, you are not a child of God.
God's Word tells us that when we encounter chastening from God, we should not faint. He is doing it for our good and his glory. Therefore, the book of Hebrews tells us:
Hebrews 12:11-14 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.
12 Wherefore lift up the hands which hang down, and the feeble knees; 13 And make straight paths for your feet, lest that which is lame be turned out of the way; but let it rather be healed. 14 Follow peace with all men, and holiness, without which no man shall see the Lord:
God wants to heal us. He wants to restore us to a right fellowship with him. Don't faint! Lift up the hands which hand down! Strengthen the feeble knees! Make straight paths for your feet. God will come and save you!
In Christ,
Rody
Isaiah 35:3-4 Strengthen ye the weak hands, and confirm the feeble knees. 4 Say to them that are of a fearful heart, Be strong, fear not: behold, your God will come with vengeance, even God with a recompence; he will come and save you.
Even after the prophet warned the people of God's chastisement that was going to come their way, he still had a word of encouragement for them. God was not pleased with the Israelites' way of life. He warned them that if they did not repent, there would be dire consequences and a foreign army would come and take them away. Yet, right after the warning, he gave Judah this word!
The Assyrians would take Israel, but Judah would not fall by their hand. The prophet told the people to strengthen weak hands and confirm feeble knees. Tell the fearful to be strong and fear not. God would come and save them!
Wow! What a wonderful word of encouragement right at the point of incredible conflict. The next chapter describes how the Rabshakeh came and told the men of Judah that they were going to invade. This could cause hands to be weak and knees to be feeble. This could cause great fear in the hearts of the people. Isaiah told them not to fear because God would come and save them.
The writer to the Hebrews quoted this passage from Isaiah as he wrote about the chastisement of God. He declared:
Hebrews 12:7-8 If ye endure chastening, God dealeth with you as with sons; for what son is he whom the father chasteneth not? 8 But if ye be without chastisement, whereof all are partakers, then are ye bastards, and not sons.
What son is he whom the father chasteneth not? God loves his children and when we go astray, he chastens us. He does not do it to destroy us but to correct us. If there is not chastening, you are not a child of God.
God's Word tells us that when we encounter chastening from God, we should not faint. He is doing it for our good and his glory. Therefore, the book of Hebrews tells us:
Hebrews 12:11-14 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.
12 Wherefore lift up the hands which hang down, and the feeble knees; 13 And make straight paths for your feet, lest that which is lame be turned out of the way; but let it rather be healed. 14 Follow peace with all men, and holiness, without which no man shall see the Lord:
God wants to heal us. He wants to restore us to a right fellowship with him. Don't faint! Lift up the hands which hand down! Strengthen the feeble knees! Make straight paths for your feet. God will come and save you!
In Christ,
Rody
Monday, July 23, 2012
Assurance for ever
Bible Reading: Isaiah 31-34
Isaiah 32:17 And the work of righteousness shall be peace; and the effect of righteousness quietness and assurance for ever.
During the days of Isaiah, he was calling the people back to God. They had given in to the idolatry around them. They gave lip service to God, but their hearts did not belong to him.
Isaiah 29:13 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 called the people to return to the Lord. They forgot their God. They were so far from him. As a result, they were not at peace. The prophet tells us something very interesting about peace. He says the work of righteousness is peace. When a person is right with God, they will have peace. If there is not peace, there is no righteousness.
Do you have peace? The Bible tells us that we can be assured of our salvation in Christ. It brings a wonderful peace knowing we are saved and our home in heaven is secure. The effect of righteousness is quiet and assurance. Do you know for sure you are saved? Do you know for sure you are righteous? If you do, you will have peace.
But what of the religious person? They can never have assurance of their salvation because they can never be sure they have done enough good to bring about righteousness.
However, when you believe in Jesus, he gives you righteousness as a free gift. Then you can have peace and quietness. When you trust in Christ, you can have assurance forever because he is taking care of our eternity and we can trust him.
The key to peace and assurance is righteousness. Are you righteous? The only way to righteousness is by trusting in Christ.
In Christ,
Rody
Isaiah 32:17 And the work of righteousness shall be peace; and the effect of righteousness quietness and assurance for ever.
During the days of Isaiah, he was calling the people back to God. They had given in to the idolatry around them. They gave lip service to God, but their hearts did not belong to him.
Isaiah 29:13 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 called the people to return to the Lord. They forgot their God. They were so far from him. As a result, they were not at peace. The prophet tells us something very interesting about peace. He says the work of righteousness is peace. When a person is right with God, they will have peace. If there is not peace, there is no righteousness.
Do you have peace? The Bible tells us that we can be assured of our salvation in Christ. It brings a wonderful peace knowing we are saved and our home in heaven is secure. The effect of righteousness is quiet and assurance. Do you know for sure you are saved? Do you know for sure you are righteous? If you do, you will have peace.
But what of the religious person? They can never have assurance of their salvation because they can never be sure they have done enough good to bring about righteousness.
However, when you believe in Jesus, he gives you righteousness as a free gift. Then you can have peace and quietness. When you trust in Christ, you can have assurance forever because he is taking care of our eternity and we can trust him.
The key to peace and assurance is righteousness. Are you righteous? The only way to righteousness is by trusting in Christ.
In Christ,
Rody
Thursday, July 19, 2012
According to thy name, O God
Bible Reading: 2 Kings 18:1-8; 2 Chronicles 29-31; Psalm 48
Psalms 48:10 According to thy name, O God, so is thy praise unto the ends of the earth: thy right hand is full of righteousness.
The name of God is something that is amazing to think of and study out. According to the Psalm, the praise of God throughout the earth is according to his name. If you know God, you can praise him. If you do not know him, you cannot praise him by name.
When you hear someone praise the name of God it is wonderful and you know that they have a relationship with him. So what is the name of God? Amazingly, there are literally hundreds of names of God used in Scripture. Each of them denotes an aspect of his character and his nature. He is called:
Elohim, Adonai, Jehovah-Jireh, The Almighty, The God of Comfort, and many, many more.
Each name of God helps us understand a little more of his nature and his character. He provides, he comforts, he heals, he is righteous, he is mighty, he is loving and he is merciful. All these names are wonderful (by the way, his name is Wonderful!)
Yet out of all these names, the Bible tells us there is a name above all names. Now that does not mean one name of God is above all others. It means that THE name of God is above all names of other people and angels and demons. Do you know that name?
Philippians 2:9-11 Wherefore God also hath highly exalted him, and given him a name which is above every name: 10 That at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, of things in heaven, and things in earth, and things under the earth; 11 And that every tongue should confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father.
At the name of Jesus, every knee should bow. Jesus has a name above every name. According to the name of Jesus so is his praise unto the ends of the earth! When you hear the name of Jesus praised, you know that they know the one true and living God!
It always amazes me when I witness to someone and ask them about salvation or life after death or heaven or hell that they talk about going to heaven, but don't mention the name of Jesus. Just the other day, a man told us how he thought God would let him into heaven because he had lived a 'good' life. He never mentioned Jesus.
How can you be saved and not give praise to the One who saved you? You can't. This man was telling me about his own righteousness. He was not praising the name of Jesus whose right hand is full of righteousness.
Praise the name of Jesus! He is Lord! If we have any righteousness, it is because he has given it to us as a gift! He is the one who is righteousness.
His name is Jehovah-Tsidkenu (Jeremiah 23:6) The Lord our righteousness.
1 Corinthians 1:30-31 But of him are ye in Christ Jesus, who of God is made unto us wisdom, and righteousness, and sanctification, and redemption: 31 That, according as it is written, He that glorieth, let him glory in the Lord.
In Christ,
Rody
Psalms 48:10 According to thy name, O God, so is thy praise unto the ends of the earth: thy right hand is full of righteousness.
The name of God is something that is amazing to think of and study out. According to the Psalm, the praise of God throughout the earth is according to his name. If you know God, you can praise him. If you do not know him, you cannot praise him by name.
When you hear someone praise the name of God it is wonderful and you know that they have a relationship with him. So what is the name of God? Amazingly, there are literally hundreds of names of God used in Scripture. Each of them denotes an aspect of his character and his nature. He is called:
Elohim, Adonai, Jehovah-Jireh, The Almighty, The God of Comfort, and many, many more.
Each name of God helps us understand a little more of his nature and his character. He provides, he comforts, he heals, he is righteous, he is mighty, he is loving and he is merciful. All these names are wonderful (by the way, his name is Wonderful!)
Yet out of all these names, the Bible tells us there is a name above all names. Now that does not mean one name of God is above all others. It means that THE name of God is above all names of other people and angels and demons. Do you know that name?
Philippians 2:9-11 Wherefore God also hath highly exalted him, and given him a name which is above every name: 10 That at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, of things in heaven, and things in earth, and things under the earth; 11 And that every tongue should confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father.
At the name of Jesus, every knee should bow. Jesus has a name above every name. According to the name of Jesus so is his praise unto the ends of the earth! When you hear the name of Jesus praised, you know that they know the one true and living God!
It always amazes me when I witness to someone and ask them about salvation or life after death or heaven or hell that they talk about going to heaven, but don't mention the name of Jesus. Just the other day, a man told us how he thought God would let him into heaven because he had lived a 'good' life. He never mentioned Jesus.
How can you be saved and not give praise to the One who saved you? You can't. This man was telling me about his own righteousness. He was not praising the name of Jesus whose right hand is full of righteousness.
Praise the name of Jesus! He is Lord! If we have any righteousness, it is because he has given it to us as a gift! He is the one who is righteousness.
His name is Jehovah-Tsidkenu (Jeremiah 23:6) The Lord our righteousness.
1 Corinthians 1:30-31 But of him are ye in Christ Jesus, who of God is made unto us wisdom, and righteousness, and sanctification, and redemption: 31 That, according as it is written, He that glorieth, let him glory in the Lord.
In Christ,
Rody
Wednesday, July 18, 2012
We have waited for him
Bible Reading: Isaiah 23-27
Isaiah 25:9 And it shall be said in that day, Lo, this is our God; we have waited for him, and he will save us: this is the Lord; we have waited for him, we will be glad and rejoice in his salvation.
Isaiah saw a day when God would return to his people with salvation and there would be great rejoicing. God's people have always been taught to wait for him to come and save them.
This is where we live as Christians. We are waiting for the coming of the Lord to save us. Oh, yes, we are saved eternally now if we believe in Jesus Christ alone for salvation. But when he comes he will save us completely. He will give us a new body and he will set up his throne on earth. His kingdom will be a reign of righteousness and it will never end!
James 5:7 Be patient therefore, brethren, unto the coming of the Lord. Behold, the husbandman waiteth for the precious fruit of the earth, and hath long patience for it, until he receive the early and latter rain.
1 Corinthians 1:7 So that ye come behind in no gift; waiting for the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ:
The Bible tells us how the Thessalonian believers had turned from idols to Christ and were waiting for his return.
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.
A complete salvation is coming with the coming of the Lord Jesus. This is our God. He will save us! We will wait for him!
In Christ,
Rody
Isaiah 25:9 And it shall be said in that day, Lo, this is our God; we have waited for him, and he will save us: this is the Lord; we have waited for him, we will be glad and rejoice in his salvation.
Isaiah saw a day when God would return to his people with salvation and there would be great rejoicing. God's people have always been taught to wait for him to come and save them.
This is where we live as Christians. We are waiting for the coming of the Lord to save us. Oh, yes, we are saved eternally now if we believe in Jesus Christ alone for salvation. But when he comes he will save us completely. He will give us a new body and he will set up his throne on earth. His kingdom will be a reign of righteousness and it will never end!
James 5:7 Be patient therefore, brethren, unto the coming of the Lord. Behold, the husbandman waiteth for the precious fruit of the earth, and hath long patience for it, until he receive the early and latter rain.
1 Corinthians 1:7 So that ye come behind in no gift; waiting for the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ:
The Bible tells us how the Thessalonian believers had turned from idols to Christ and were waiting for his return.
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.
A complete salvation is coming with the coming of the Lord Jesus. This is our God. He will save us! We will wait for him!
In Christ,
Rody
Tuesday, July 17, 2012
In that day
Bible Reading: Isaiah 18-22
Isaiah 19:23-25 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. 24 In that day shall Israel be the third with Egypt and with Assyria, even a blessing in the midst of the land: 25 Whom the Lord of hosts shall bless, saying, Blessed be Egypt my people, and Assyria the work of my hands, and Israel mine inheritance.
About 2700 years ago, the prophet Isaiah was commanded by God to walk naked and barefoot for three years as a sign against Egypt and Ethiopia. The Assyrians would come and take the Egyptians away captive and their humiliation would be that their buttocks would be bear as they were taken captive (Isaiah 20).
Their idolatry had brought God to a point where he would humble them greatly. However, even before Isaiah was a sign to them, God promised that they would be called blessed. They would call upon the Lord and know him!
Isaiah 19:21-22 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. 22 And the Lord shall smite Egypt: he shall smite and heal it: and they shall return even to the Lord, and he shall be intreated of them, and shall heal them.
Can you imagine the land of Assyria, Egypt and Israel all united together with a highway system and people going and coming between these countries at will? It's hard to imagine right now, since the Muslim Brotherhood in Egypt is trying to destroy Israel. Right now Israeli tanks are situated on the Egyptian border protecting construction crews working feverishly to build a fence between Egypt and Israel!
Isaiah saw something WAY down the road! He saw the future and you and I can look forward to that future as well. There will be a day when the Lord Jesus reigns on his glorious throne in Jerusalem and the nations will live at peace! The Egyptians will cry unto the Lord.
Romans 10:13-15 For whosoever shall call upon the name of the Lord shall be saved. 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? 15 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!
There will be a revival in Egypt! The Lord has promised. In the meantime, we must get the gospel message out! We must preach the forgiveness of sins and the eternal life that is only in Jesus Christ!
In Christ,
Rody
Isaiah 19:23-25 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. 24 In that day shall Israel be the third with Egypt and with Assyria, even a blessing in the midst of the land: 25 Whom the Lord of hosts shall bless, saying, Blessed be Egypt my people, and Assyria the work of my hands, and Israel mine inheritance.
About 2700 years ago, the prophet Isaiah was commanded by God to walk naked and barefoot for three years as a sign against Egypt and Ethiopia. The Assyrians would come and take the Egyptians away captive and their humiliation would be that their buttocks would be bear as they were taken captive (Isaiah 20).
Their idolatry had brought God to a point where he would humble them greatly. However, even before Isaiah was a sign to them, God promised that they would be called blessed. They would call upon the Lord and know him!
Isaiah 19:21-22 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. 22 And the Lord shall smite Egypt: he shall smite and heal it: and they shall return even to the Lord, and he shall be intreated of them, and shall heal them.
Can you imagine the land of Assyria, Egypt and Israel all united together with a highway system and people going and coming between these countries at will? It's hard to imagine right now, since the Muslim Brotherhood in Egypt is trying to destroy Israel. Right now Israeli tanks are situated on the Egyptian border protecting construction crews working feverishly to build a fence between Egypt and Israel!
Isaiah saw something WAY down the road! He saw the future and you and I can look forward to that future as well. There will be a day when the Lord Jesus reigns on his glorious throne in Jerusalem and the nations will live at peace! The Egyptians will cry unto the Lord.
Romans 10:13-15 For whosoever shall call upon the name of the Lord shall be saved. 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? 15 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!
There will be a revival in Egypt! The Lord has promised. In the meantime, we must get the gospel message out! We must preach the forgiveness of sins and the eternal life that is only in Jesus Christ!
In Christ,
Rody
Monday, July 16, 2012
I will be like the most High
Bible Reading: Isaiah 13-17
Isaiah 14:13-14For thou hast said in thine heart, I will ascend into heaven,
I will exalt my throne above the stars of God: I will sit also upon the mount of the congregation, in the sides of the north: 14 I will ascend above the heights of the clouds; I will be like the most High.
Satan wants God's seat. That is the bottom line. When he came to Adam and Eve in the Garden of Eden, the events of Isaiah 14 had already taken place. He lied to them saying they could be like gods. That is what he wants as well. He wants to be like God. Isn't it interesting that Satan would say he wanted to be 'like' the most High. Why didn't he say he wanted to be greater than God?
The reason is in the very nature of God. He is the Greatest. Even the most sinister villain of all cannot conceive in his evil mind anything greater than God. The title "Most High" says it all! This is who God is - he is the Highest.
This is why Satan wants his worship and why we must worship God alone. It is incredibly foolish to worship anything lesser than the Most High. There are an infinite number of idols of lesser degree. They are not creators. They cannot redeem the soul. So why would anyone want to give them worship? It does not make sense.
Even in the setting of his throne, Satan could only set his sights on getting it above the stars of God. It didn't even enter into his diabolical mind to set a throne higher than God's throne. There is no higher place! All he could do was try and usurp God's authority. He couldn't even dream of being greater.
The Bible says:
John 4:23 But the hour cometh, and now is, when the true worshippers shall worship the Father in spirit and in truth: for the Father seeketh such to worship him.
The Father is seeking worshippers. So is Satan. He wanted the worship of Jesus!
Matthew 4:9-10 And saith unto him, All these things will I give thee, if thou wilt fall down and worship me. 10 Then saith Jesus unto him, Get thee hence, Satan: for it is written, Thou shalt worship the Lord thy God, and him only shalt thou serve.
The answer from the mouth of the Son of God is the answer of every true Christ follower and worshipper - worship the Lord thy God! Don't allow the lesser to grab your attention. The Father is seeking worshippers. Let's be those worshippers who try with our limited understanding and faltering lives to give all of our worship to the One True and Living God - Jesus Christ!
In Christ,
Rody
Isaiah 14:13-14For thou hast said in thine heart, I will ascend into heaven,
I will exalt my throne above the stars of God: I will sit also upon the mount of the congregation, in the sides of the north: 14 I will ascend above the heights of the clouds; I will be like the most High.
Satan wants God's seat. That is the bottom line. When he came to Adam and Eve in the Garden of Eden, the events of Isaiah 14 had already taken place. He lied to them saying they could be like gods. That is what he wants as well. He wants to be like God. Isn't it interesting that Satan would say he wanted to be 'like' the most High. Why didn't he say he wanted to be greater than God?
The reason is in the very nature of God. He is the Greatest. Even the most sinister villain of all cannot conceive in his evil mind anything greater than God. The title "Most High" says it all! This is who God is - he is the Highest.
This is why Satan wants his worship and why we must worship God alone. It is incredibly foolish to worship anything lesser than the Most High. There are an infinite number of idols of lesser degree. They are not creators. They cannot redeem the soul. So why would anyone want to give them worship? It does not make sense.
Even in the setting of his throne, Satan could only set his sights on getting it above the stars of God. It didn't even enter into his diabolical mind to set a throne higher than God's throne. There is no higher place! All he could do was try and usurp God's authority. He couldn't even dream of being greater.
The Bible says:
John 4:23 But the hour cometh, and now is, when the true worshippers shall worship the Father in spirit and in truth: for the Father seeketh such to worship him.
The Father is seeking worshippers. So is Satan. He wanted the worship of Jesus!
Matthew 4:9-10 And saith unto him, All these things will I give thee, if thou wilt fall down and worship me. 10 Then saith Jesus unto him, Get thee hence, Satan: for it is written, Thou shalt worship the Lord thy God, and him only shalt thou serve.
The answer from the mouth of the Son of God is the answer of every true Christ follower and worshipper - worship the Lord thy God! Don't allow the lesser to grab your attention. The Father is seeking worshippers. Let's be those worshippers who try with our limited understanding and faltering lives to give all of our worship to the One True and Living God - Jesus Christ!
In Christ,
Rody
Friday, July 6, 2012
The Lord is able to give thee much more than this
Bible Reading: 2 Kings 14; 2 Chronicles 25
2 Chronicles 25:6-9 He hired also an hundred thousand mighty men of valour out of Israel for an hundred talents of silver. 7 But there came a man of God to him, saying, O king, let not the army of Israel go with thee; for the Lord is not with Israel, to wit, with all the children of Ephraim. 8 But if thou wilt go, do it, be strong for the battle: God shall make thee fall before the enemy: for God hath power to help, and to cast down. 9 And Amaziah said to the man of God, But what shall we do for the hundred talents which I have given to the army of Israel? And the man of God answered, The Lord is able to give thee much more than this.
Amaziah, king of Judah started out good as a king. However, he apparently was not a man of prayer because he did not ask God's counsel before making decisions. He was going to war against Edom and he hired 100,000 men of Israel to go and fight with him.
It was not God's plan for Judah to make covenants and partnerships with the apostate Israel. When God sent the prophet to Amaziah he told him that God was not with Israel. He warned him that he would fall if he went into battle alongside Israel.
Amaziah's question was about the bottom line. What about the money he had paid to hire them? The man of God's answer is very important.
"The Lord is able to give thee much more than this."
In the economy of God, it is not about earning. It is not about acquiring. It is about receiving! God gives and he is able to give more than you can imagine.
The Bible reminds us of this in the New Testament.
1 Corinthians 4:7 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?
What do you have that you did not receive? We are the recipients of God's grace. We ask for the things we need and God is the giver of good gifts. He is able to give us not only what we need but above and beyond all we could even imagine. Jesus says:
Matthew 7:7-8 Ask, and it shall be given you; seek, and ye shall find; knock, and it shall be opened unto you: 8 For every one that asketh receiveth; and he that seeketh findeth; and to him that knocketh it shall be opened.
However, the Bible reminds us that a right heart and right motives are necessary when we pray to God.
James 4:2-3 Ye lust, and have not: ye kill, and desire to have, and cannot obtain: ye fight and war, yet ye have not, because ye ask not. 3 Ye ask, and receive not, because ye ask amiss, that ye may consume it upon your lusts.
As followers of Christ, we need to know that he is the giver and we are recipients of his grace. The Lord is able!
Ephesians 3:20-21 Now unto him that is able to do exceeding abundantly above all that we ask or think, according to the power that worketh in us, 21 Unto him be glory in the church by Christ Jesus throughout all ages, world without end. Amen.
In Christ,
Rody
2 Chronicles 25:6-9 He hired also an hundred thousand mighty men of valour out of Israel for an hundred talents of silver. 7 But there came a man of God to him, saying, O king, let not the army of Israel go with thee; for the Lord is not with Israel, to wit, with all the children of Ephraim. 8 But if thou wilt go, do it, be strong for the battle: God shall make thee fall before the enemy: for God hath power to help, and to cast down. 9 And Amaziah said to the man of God, But what shall we do for the hundred talents which I have given to the army of Israel? And the man of God answered, The Lord is able to give thee much more than this.
Amaziah, king of Judah started out good as a king. However, he apparently was not a man of prayer because he did not ask God's counsel before making decisions. He was going to war against Edom and he hired 100,000 men of Israel to go and fight with him.
It was not God's plan for Judah to make covenants and partnerships with the apostate Israel. When God sent the prophet to Amaziah he told him that God was not with Israel. He warned him that he would fall if he went into battle alongside Israel.
Amaziah's question was about the bottom line. What about the money he had paid to hire them? The man of God's answer is very important.
"The Lord is able to give thee much more than this."
In the economy of God, it is not about earning. It is not about acquiring. It is about receiving! God gives and he is able to give more than you can imagine.
The Bible reminds us of this in the New Testament.
1 Corinthians 4:7 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?
What do you have that you did not receive? We are the recipients of God's grace. We ask for the things we need and God is the giver of good gifts. He is able to give us not only what we need but above and beyond all we could even imagine. Jesus says:
Matthew 7:7-8 Ask, and it shall be given you; seek, and ye shall find; knock, and it shall be opened unto you: 8 For every one that asketh receiveth; and he that seeketh findeth; and to him that knocketh it shall be opened.
However, the Bible reminds us that a right heart and right motives are necessary when we pray to God.
James 4:2-3 Ye lust, and have not: ye kill, and desire to have, and cannot obtain: ye fight and war, yet ye have not, because ye ask not. 3 Ye ask, and receive not, because ye ask amiss, that ye may consume it upon your lusts.
As followers of Christ, we need to know that he is the giver and we are recipients of his grace. The Lord is able!
Ephesians 3:20-21 Now unto him that is able to do exceeding abundantly above all that we ask or think, according to the power that worketh in us, 21 Unto him be glory in the church by Christ Jesus throughout all ages, world without end. Amen.
In Christ,
Rody
Tuesday, July 3, 2012
A noise of chariots
Bible Reading: 2 Kings 5-8
2 Kings 7:6 For the Lord had made the host of the Syrians to hear a noise of chariots, and a noise of horses, even the noise of a great host: and they said one to another, Lo, the king of Israel hath hired against us the kings of the Hittites, and the kings of the Egyptians, to come upon us.
The Syrians had the Israelites hemmed in and there was a terrible famine in the land. Because of a lack of supplies, the inflation was astronomical. There was very little food and people were getting desperate.
The king of Israel thought it was the fault of Elisha, but Elisha said that it would all end tomorrow.
2 Kings 7:1-2 Then Elisha said, Hear ye the word of the Lord; Thus saith the Lord, To morrow about this time shall a measure of fine flour be sold for a shekel, and two measures of barley for a shekel, in the gate of Samaria. 2 Then a lord on whose hand the king leaned answered the man of God, and said, Behold, if the Lord would make windows in heaven, might this thing be? And he said, Behold, thou shalt see it with thine eyes, but shalt not eat thereof.
As the Israelites sat inside the walls of the city, the Syrians were camped outside besieging the city. Four lepers sat outside the gate and the finally decided that it would be better to go and see what was happening in the camp of the Syrians than to perish sitting outside the gate of Samaria. When they came into the camp of the Syrians, they found them all gone and the camp and all their goods abandoned.
It turns out that in the night, the Lord had made them to hear the sound of chariots and they assumed the Israelites had hired another army to come and rescue them. The truth of the matter is that God miraculously delivered Israel by causing them to hear something that wasn't there!
God can do anything. Even when it seems that there is no way, there is a way. God can make a way. Trust him!
In Christ,
Rody
2 Kings 7:6 For the Lord had made the host of the Syrians to hear a noise of chariots, and a noise of horses, even the noise of a great host: and they said one to another, Lo, the king of Israel hath hired against us the kings of the Hittites, and the kings of the Egyptians, to come upon us.
The Syrians had the Israelites hemmed in and there was a terrible famine in the land. Because of a lack of supplies, the inflation was astronomical. There was very little food and people were getting desperate.
The king of Israel thought it was the fault of Elisha, but Elisha said that it would all end tomorrow.
2 Kings 7:1-2 Then Elisha said, Hear ye the word of the Lord; Thus saith the Lord, To morrow about this time shall a measure of fine flour be sold for a shekel, and two measures of barley for a shekel, in the gate of Samaria. 2 Then a lord on whose hand the king leaned answered the man of God, and said, Behold, if the Lord would make windows in heaven, might this thing be? And he said, Behold, thou shalt see it with thine eyes, but shalt not eat thereof.
As the Israelites sat inside the walls of the city, the Syrians were camped outside besieging the city. Four lepers sat outside the gate and the finally decided that it would be better to go and see what was happening in the camp of the Syrians than to perish sitting outside the gate of Samaria. When they came into the camp of the Syrians, they found them all gone and the camp and all their goods abandoned.
It turns out that in the night, the Lord had made them to hear the sound of chariots and they assumed the Israelites had hired another army to come and rescue them. The truth of the matter is that God miraculously delivered Israel by causing them to hear something that wasn't there!
God can do anything. Even when it seems that there is no way, there is a way. God can make a way. Trust him!
In Christ,
Rody
Wednesday, June 20, 2012
Be not righteous over much
Bible Reading: Ecclesiastes 7-12
Ecclesiastes 7:16-18 Be not righteous over much; neither make thyself over wise: why shouldest thou destroy thyself? 17 Be not over much wicked, neither be thou foolish: why shouldest thou die before thy time? 18 It is good that thou shouldest take hold of this; yea, also from this withdraw not thine hand: for he that feareth God shall come forth of them all.
Solomon had been around some self-righteous people. Here he gives a warning and tells us that we should 'take hold of' an important lesson. It will destroy you to make yourself out to be something you are not. Have you ever been around someone who was more righteous than everyone else around them? Ray Stevens called this person "Bertha Better-Than-You". Don't be like the man Jesus spoke of.
Luke 18:9-14 And he spake this parable unto certain which trusted in themselves that they were righteous, and despised others: 10 Two men went up into the temple to pray; the one a Pharisee, and the other a publican. 11 The Pharisee stood and prayed thus with himself, God, I thank thee, that I am not as other men are, extortioners, unjust, adulterers, or even as this publican. 12 I fast twice in the week, I give tithes of all that I possess. 13 And the publican, standing afar off, would not lift up so much as his eyes unto heaven, but smote upon his breast, saying, God be merciful to me a sinner. 14 I tell you, this man went down to his house justified rather than the other: for every one that exalteth himself shall be abased; and he that humbleth himself shall be exalted.
He also warns against being overly wicked. This will cut your life short! To be a self-righteous, know-it-all will destroy you and to be an outlaw will do the same. Instead, fear God and understand that true righteousness is a gift that is imputed to the person who has faith in Jesus Christ. Humble yourself before God and trust him. If you live a righteous life, it is as a result of the Holy Ghost living in you.
In Christ,
Rody
Ecclesiastes 7:16-18 Be not righteous over much; neither make thyself over wise: why shouldest thou destroy thyself? 17 Be not over much wicked, neither be thou foolish: why shouldest thou die before thy time? 18 It is good that thou shouldest take hold of this; yea, also from this withdraw not thine hand: for he that feareth God shall come forth of them all.
Solomon had been around some self-righteous people. Here he gives a warning and tells us that we should 'take hold of' an important lesson. It will destroy you to make yourself out to be something you are not. Have you ever been around someone who was more righteous than everyone else around them? Ray Stevens called this person "Bertha Better-Than-You". Don't be like the man Jesus spoke of.
Luke 18:9-14 And he spake this parable unto certain which trusted in themselves that they were righteous, and despised others: 10 Two men went up into the temple to pray; the one a Pharisee, and the other a publican. 11 The Pharisee stood and prayed thus with himself, God, I thank thee, that I am not as other men are, extortioners, unjust, adulterers, or even as this publican. 12 I fast twice in the week, I give tithes of all that I possess. 13 And the publican, standing afar off, would not lift up so much as his eyes unto heaven, but smote upon his breast, saying, God be merciful to me a sinner. 14 I tell you, this man went down to his house justified rather than the other: for every one that exalteth himself shall be abased; and he that humbleth himself shall be exalted.
He also warns against being overly wicked. This will cut your life short! To be a self-righteous, know-it-all will destroy you and to be an outlaw will do the same. Instead, fear God and understand that true righteousness is a gift that is imputed to the person who has faith in Jesus Christ. Humble yourself before God and trust him. If you live a righteous life, it is as a result of the Holy Ghost living in you.
In Christ,
Rody
Tuesday, June 19, 2012
Be not rash with thy mouth
Bible Reading: Ecclesiastes 1-6
Ecclesiastes 5:1-2 Keep thy foot when thou goest to the house of God, and be more ready to hear, than to give the sacrifice of fools: for they consider not that they do evil. 2 Be not rash with thy mouth, and let not thine heart be hasty to utter any thing before God: for God is in heaven, and thou upon earth: therefore let thy words be few.
Solomon is warning us to remember to whom we are talking when we worship. Familiarity with our relationship with Jesus is a good thing and he does call us friends, however, he is still God Almighty. We should address him with reverence and respect.
The sacrifice of fools is to utter too much. It is to be running off at the mouth and speaking in a manner not conducive to one who is addressing our Creator. Instead we should let our words be few. Certainly, Solomon has in mind here the making of vows before God. A fool would rashly utter vows that he or she was not capable of fulfilling. Jesus tells us not to make vows at all.
The Bible is not telling us here to pray less. On the contrary, we all should probably pray more. The Bible is here telling us to think before we speak. This is always wise before God and men. Remember that Jesus has invited us to come boldly to the throne of grace (Hebrews 4:16). He has also given us the indwelling Holy Spirit that births within us the spirit of prayer.
Galatians 4:6 And because ye are sons, God hath sent forth the Spirit of his Son into your hearts, crying, Abba, Father.
We can boldly approach the Creator of the universe as his sons and cry out to him and call him 'Abba'. He wants us to come and pour out our hearts before him in prayer. We must remember that he deserves reverence and not come to him in a demanding way or offering the sacrifice of fools. Come to him as a wise son of God and praise him. Come to him any time and ask for the things you need. Come to him and intercede on behalf of others.
In Christ,
Rody
Ecclesiastes 5:1-2 Keep thy foot when thou goest to the house of God, and be more ready to hear, than to give the sacrifice of fools: for they consider not that they do evil. 2 Be not rash with thy mouth, and let not thine heart be hasty to utter any thing before God: for God is in heaven, and thou upon earth: therefore let thy words be few.
Solomon is warning us to remember to whom we are talking when we worship. Familiarity with our relationship with Jesus is a good thing and he does call us friends, however, he is still God Almighty. We should address him with reverence and respect.
The sacrifice of fools is to utter too much. It is to be running off at the mouth and speaking in a manner not conducive to one who is addressing our Creator. Instead we should let our words be few. Certainly, Solomon has in mind here the making of vows before God. A fool would rashly utter vows that he or she was not capable of fulfilling. Jesus tells us not to make vows at all.
The Bible is not telling us here to pray less. On the contrary, we all should probably pray more. The Bible is here telling us to think before we speak. This is always wise before God and men. Remember that Jesus has invited us to come boldly to the throne of grace (Hebrews 4:16). He has also given us the indwelling Holy Spirit that births within us the spirit of prayer.
Galatians 4:6 And because ye are sons, God hath sent forth the Spirit of his Son into your hearts, crying, Abba, Father.
We can boldly approach the Creator of the universe as his sons and cry out to him and call him 'Abba'. He wants us to come and pour out our hearts before him in prayer. We must remember that he deserves reverence and not come to him in a demanding way or offering the sacrifice of fools. Come to him as a wise son of God and praise him. Come to him any time and ask for the things you need. Come to him and intercede on behalf of others.
In Christ,
Rody
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