Bible Reading: Joshua 19-21
Joshua 21:43-45And the LORD gave unto Israel all the land which he sware to give unto their fathers; and they possessed it, and dwelt therein. 44 And the LORD gave them rest round about, according to all that he sware unto their fathers: and there stood not a man of all their enemies before them; the LORD delivered all their enemies into their hand. 45 There failed not ought of any good thing which the LORD had spoken unto the house of Israel; all came to pass .
Hundreds of years before, God had promised Abraham that he would give this land to Abraham's descendants. He gave it to the children of Israel and they possessed it and dwelt in the land. Not only that, but the Lord gave them rest round about and they were able to defeat their enemies.
They were the recipients of the grace and goodness of God. God promised and he kept his promise. God always keeps his promises! He is the only one who is capable of keeping his promises. When I leave the house and tell my family that I will be back later, I have to remember that is "God willing." I may not make it home! I may not make it through the day. But God always keeps his Word. You can trust him!
1 Peter 1:3-5 Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, which according to his abundant mercy hath begotten us again unto a lively hope by the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead, 4 To an inheritance incorruptible, and undefiled, and that fadeth not away, reserved in heaven for you, 5 Who are kept by the power of God through faith unto salvation ready to be revealed in the last time.
Jesus has promised us an inheritance which is reserved in heaven. He has promised to keep us by his mighty power until that inheritance is ready to be revealed. He has promised - he will do it!
In Christ,
Rody
Wednesday, March 28, 2012
Monday, March 26, 2012
I am as strong this day
Bible Reading: Joshua 12-15
Joshua 14:11-12 As yet I am as strong this day as I was in the day that Moses sent me: as my strength was then, even so is my strength now, for war, both to go out, and to come in. 12 Now therefore give me this mountain, whereof the Lord spake in that day; for thou heardest in that day how the Anakims were there, and that the cities were great and fenced: if so be the Lord will be with me, then I shall be able to drive them out, as the Lord said.
Caleb is a great example of a man that "wholly followed the LORD God of Israel" (Joshua 14:14). Forty five years earlier, Caleb was selected by his tribe, Judah, to be one of the twelve spies. God sent them into the land of Canaan to spy out the land and bring back a report to the rest of Israel.
When they returned, ten of the spies brought an evil report of the land. They talked of how big the walls of the cities were and how the descendants of Anak lived there.
Numbers 13:30 And Caleb stilled the people before Moses, and said, Let us go up at once, and possess it; for we are well able to overcome it.
The murmuring continued and the people decided to rebel against Moses and choose another leader and return to Egypt. At this the Bible says:
Numbers 14:6-9 And Joshua the son of Nun, and Caleb the son of Jephunneh, which were of them that searched the land, rent their clothes: 7 And they spake unto all the company of the children of Israel, saying, The land, which we passed through to search it, is an exceeding good land. 8 If the Lord delight in us, then he will bring us into this land, and give it us; a land which floweth with milk and honey. 9 Only rebel not ye against the Lord, neither fear ye the people of the land; for they are bread for us: their defence is departed from them, and the Lord is with us: fear them not.
The people wanted to stone Joshua and Caleb. They did not want to hear what they had to say. Because of their reaction, God said that entire generation would wander in the wilderness. It would be their children that entered into the land of Canaan. Only two of that generation would go in - Joshua and Caleb.
Numbers 14:24 But my servant Caleb, because he had another spirit with him, and hath followed me fully, him will I bring into the land whereinto he went; and his seed shall possess it.
Now, forty-five years later that promise is fulfilled. And not only that, but God had given Caleb the strength of his youth! At eighty five, he was not ready to retire; he was ready to fight! He would go out to war and he would come in with the spoils of victory!
Caleb trusted the Lord. He believed what God said and he gave God the glory. Let's be like Caleb! We may not receive all that the Lord has for us today, but let's trust him to take care of us and give us the strength to endure and enjoy what God has for us.
Give me this mountain!
Philippians 4:13 I can do all things through Christ which strengtheneth me.
In Christ,
Rody
Joshua 14:11-12 As yet I am as strong this day as I was in the day that Moses sent me: as my strength was then, even so is my strength now, for war, both to go out, and to come in. 12 Now therefore give me this mountain, whereof the Lord spake in that day; for thou heardest in that day how the Anakims were there, and that the cities were great and fenced: if so be the Lord will be with me, then I shall be able to drive them out, as the Lord said.
Caleb is a great example of a man that "wholly followed the LORD God of Israel" (Joshua 14:14). Forty five years earlier, Caleb was selected by his tribe, Judah, to be one of the twelve spies. God sent them into the land of Canaan to spy out the land and bring back a report to the rest of Israel.
When they returned, ten of the spies brought an evil report of the land. They talked of how big the walls of the cities were and how the descendants of Anak lived there.
Numbers 13:30 And Caleb stilled the people before Moses, and said, Let us go up at once, and possess it; for we are well able to overcome it.
The murmuring continued and the people decided to rebel against Moses and choose another leader and return to Egypt. At this the Bible says:
Numbers 14:6-9 And Joshua the son of Nun, and Caleb the son of Jephunneh, which were of them that searched the land, rent their clothes: 7 And they spake unto all the company of the children of Israel, saying, The land, which we passed through to search it, is an exceeding good land. 8 If the Lord delight in us, then he will bring us into this land, and give it us; a land which floweth with milk and honey. 9 Only rebel not ye against the Lord, neither fear ye the people of the land; for they are bread for us: their defence is departed from them, and the Lord is with us: fear them not.
The people wanted to stone Joshua and Caleb. They did not want to hear what they had to say. Because of their reaction, God said that entire generation would wander in the wilderness. It would be their children that entered into the land of Canaan. Only two of that generation would go in - Joshua and Caleb.
Numbers 14:24 But my servant Caleb, because he had another spirit with him, and hath followed me fully, him will I bring into the land whereinto he went; and his seed shall possess it.
Now, forty-five years later that promise is fulfilled. And not only that, but God had given Caleb the strength of his youth! At eighty five, he was not ready to retire; he was ready to fight! He would go out to war and he would come in with the spoils of victory!
Caleb trusted the Lord. He believed what God said and he gave God the glory. Let's be like Caleb! We may not receive all that the Lord has for us today, but let's trust him to take care of us and give us the strength to endure and enjoy what God has for us.
Give me this mountain!
Philippians 4:13 I can do all things through Christ which strengtheneth me.
In Christ,
Rody
Friday, March 23, 2012
Know the hand of the LORD
Bible Reading: Joshua 1-4
Joshua 4:24 That all the people of the earth might know the hand of the LORD, that it is mighty: that ye might fear the LORD your God for ever.
Do you know the hand of the LORD? His hand is mighty! He can do all his good pleasure. With him, nothing is impossible. God's hand is creative, loving and compassionate. His hand is also one that disciplines his children when we sin.
God wants all the people of the earth to know how mighty he is. He does not just love one group of people. He loves the whole world. He gave his Son because of the great love he has for the whole world.
John 3:16 For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life.
God showed his mighty hand during the Exodus and the crossing of the Jordan into Canaan. He wanted people to know him.
Psalms 106:8 Nevertheless he saved them for his name's sake, that he might make his mighty power to be known.
It is God's desire that all people know him. He does not want any to perish.
2 Peter 3:9 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.
The Creator desires a relationship with us. He wants us to know him and fear him. He wants us to love him above all else because he is worthy of our worship. Do you know the hand of the LORD? Has he showed himself mighty on your behalf? Pray to him and ask him to save you if you don't know him. If you do know him then gratefully walk through this life with a sense of wonder and awe at the mighty hand of God!
In Christ,
Rody
Joshua 4:24 That all the people of the earth might know the hand of the LORD, that it is mighty: that ye might fear the LORD your God for ever.
Do you know the hand of the LORD? His hand is mighty! He can do all his good pleasure. With him, nothing is impossible. God's hand is creative, loving and compassionate. His hand is also one that disciplines his children when we sin.
God wants all the people of the earth to know how mighty he is. He does not just love one group of people. He loves the whole world. He gave his Son because of the great love he has for the whole world.
John 3:16 For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life.
God showed his mighty hand during the Exodus and the crossing of the Jordan into Canaan. He wanted people to know him.
Psalms 106:8 Nevertheless he saved them for his name's sake, that he might make his mighty power to be known.
It is God's desire that all people know him. He does not want any to perish.
2 Peter 3:9 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.
The Creator desires a relationship with us. He wants us to know him and fear him. He wants us to love him above all else because he is worthy of our worship. Do you know the hand of the LORD? Has he showed himself mighty on your behalf? Pray to him and ask him to save you if you don't know him. If you do know him then gratefully walk through this life with a sense of wonder and awe at the mighty hand of God!
In Christ,
Rody
Thursday, March 22, 2012
He is the Rock
Bible Reading: Deuteronomy 32-34; Psalm 91
Deuteronomy 32:4 He is the Rock, his work is perfect: for all his ways are judgment: a God of truth and without iniquity, just and right is he.
A Rock is our God. He is stable. He is unmovable. He is anchored. He is situated. A Rock is a foundation and a place of security. In desert land, a Rock is a place of security and shade from the heat of the sun. A Rock is a place from which to see sights which cannot be seen in the valley. A Rock is place of high ground for defense against the onslaught of the enemy.
Psalms 18:2 The Lord is my rock, and my fortress, and my deliverer; my God, my strength, in whom I will trust; my buckler, and the horn of my salvation, and my high tower.
God's work is perfect. He is a Master Craftsman. When you look at the work of a Master, you admire it and wonder, "How did they do such exquisite work?" The Bible tells us that God has a new creation in Christ. If you are born again, the Bible says:
Ephesians 2:10 For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus unto good works, which God hath before ordained that we should walk in them.
He created us anew in Christ and he has good works for us to do.
All his ways are judgment. He is truth. He is without iniquity. He is just and he is right. God always does what is right. No one else can ever make such a claim. Men sin, God does not. Men make mistakes, God does not.
Let's give him praise today because of his truth and righteousness. And let's give him thanks because of his grace and love. His name is Jesus!
In Christ,
Rody
Deuteronomy 32:4 He is the Rock, his work is perfect: for all his ways are judgment: a God of truth and without iniquity, just and right is he.
A Rock is our God. He is stable. He is unmovable. He is anchored. He is situated. A Rock is a foundation and a place of security. In desert land, a Rock is a place of security and shade from the heat of the sun. A Rock is a place from which to see sights which cannot be seen in the valley. A Rock is place of high ground for defense against the onslaught of the enemy.
Psalms 18:2 The Lord is my rock, and my fortress, and my deliverer; my God, my strength, in whom I will trust; my buckler, and the horn of my salvation, and my high tower.
God's work is perfect. He is a Master Craftsman. When you look at the work of a Master, you admire it and wonder, "How did they do such exquisite work?" The Bible tells us that God has a new creation in Christ. If you are born again, the Bible says:
Ephesians 2:10 For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus unto good works, which God hath before ordained that we should walk in them.
He created us anew in Christ and he has good works for us to do.
All his ways are judgment. He is truth. He is without iniquity. He is just and he is right. God always does what is right. No one else can ever make such a claim. Men sin, God does not. Men make mistakes, God does not.
Let's give him praise today because of his truth and righteousness. And let's give him thanks because of his grace and love. His name is Jesus!
In Christ,
Rody
Wednesday, March 21, 2012
Be strong and of a good courage
Bible Reading: Deuteronomy 30-31
Deuteronomy 31:7-8 And Moses called unto Joshua, and said unto him in the sight of all Israel, Be strong and of a good courage: for thou must go with this people unto the land which the Lord hath sworn unto their fathers to give them; and thou shalt cause them to inherit it. 8 And the Lord, he it is that doth go before thee; he will be with thee, he will not fail thee, neither forsake thee: fear not, neither be dismayed.
What a moment in history! Can you imagine the sight of Moses calling Joshua before the children of Israel and giving him this charge? Wow!
Joshua had spent a lot of time with Moses and had sat at the door of the tent while Moses spoke with the Lord. Joshua had fought Amalek and discovered the fact that when Moses' hands were held high, he and his forces gained the victory. Joshua had brought back a good report from the land of Canaan. He had been a good fighter, friend and lieutenant. However, now he is to lead.
His charge was given before all the people of Israel and at the command of God. This was not Moses' idea, although had it been up to him, he might have chosen Joshua. God's command included victory - 'thou shalt cause them to inherit it'.
How would Joshua accomplish this monumental task? Joshua would have to rely on three things.
1. He would have to conquer fear and have faith. Joshua is told to be strong and of a good courage. He was given a task by God and he would be in a situation that could be paralyzing with the fear it produced. Moses told him to 'fear not'.
2. He would have to submit to God's leadership in his life. Moses told him the Lord was going before them. That means if Joshua would follow the Lord, he would lead the people. All godly leaders are faithful followers of Jesus.
3. He would have the promise of God's presence. God would be with Joshua and would not fail him. He would not forsake him. Joshua was promised victory and the presence and provision of God.
I love this charge to Joshua because it reminds me that all followers of Jesus are charged to be leaders in this world. We too must have courage and strength. We must follow the Holy Spirit's leadership. We too have the promise of God's presence.
Hebrews 13:5-6 Let your conversation be without covetousness; and be content with such things as ye have: for he hath said, I will never leave thee, nor forsake thee. 6 So that we may boldly say, The Lord is my helper, and I will not fear what man shall do unto me.
In Christ,
Rody
Deuteronomy 31:7-8 And Moses called unto Joshua, and said unto him in the sight of all Israel, Be strong and of a good courage: for thou must go with this people unto the land which the Lord hath sworn unto their fathers to give them; and thou shalt cause them to inherit it. 8 And the Lord, he it is that doth go before thee; he will be with thee, he will not fail thee, neither forsake thee: fear not, neither be dismayed.
What a moment in history! Can you imagine the sight of Moses calling Joshua before the children of Israel and giving him this charge? Wow!
Joshua had spent a lot of time with Moses and had sat at the door of the tent while Moses spoke with the Lord. Joshua had fought Amalek and discovered the fact that when Moses' hands were held high, he and his forces gained the victory. Joshua had brought back a good report from the land of Canaan. He had been a good fighter, friend and lieutenant. However, now he is to lead.
His charge was given before all the people of Israel and at the command of God. This was not Moses' idea, although had it been up to him, he might have chosen Joshua. God's command included victory - 'thou shalt cause them to inherit it'.
How would Joshua accomplish this monumental task? Joshua would have to rely on three things.
1. He would have to conquer fear and have faith. Joshua is told to be strong and of a good courage. He was given a task by God and he would be in a situation that could be paralyzing with the fear it produced. Moses told him to 'fear not'.
2. He would have to submit to God's leadership in his life. Moses told him the Lord was going before them. That means if Joshua would follow the Lord, he would lead the people. All godly leaders are faithful followers of Jesus.
3. He would have the promise of God's presence. God would be with Joshua and would not fail him. He would not forsake him. Joshua was promised victory and the presence and provision of God.
I love this charge to Joshua because it reminds me that all followers of Jesus are charged to be leaders in this world. We too must have courage and strength. We must follow the Holy Spirit's leadership. We too have the promise of God's presence.
Hebrews 13:5-6 Let your conversation be without covetousness; and be content with such things as ye have: for he hath said, I will never leave thee, nor forsake thee. 6 So that we may boldly say, The Lord is my helper, and I will not fear what man shall do unto me.
In Christ,
Rody
Tuesday, March 20, 2012
The Secret Things
Bible Reading: Deuteronomy 28-29
Deuteronomy 29:29 The secret things belong unto the Lord our God: but those things which are revealed belong unto us and to our children for ever, that we may do all the words of this law.
The Bible draws a difference between those things that are secret and those that are revealed. The world of the occult seeks to know 'secret things'. And throughout time those who supposedly have occult knowledge have been sought out to divine the future. A soothsayer or a witch supposedly can discover 'secret things'.
This verse is set in the context of God giving the Israelites blessings and curses. The blessings are for obedience to his Word. The curses are for disobedience. One of the snares for Israel was idolatry. They brought it with them out of Egypt and found more of it in Canaan. The Canaanites practiced divination or the practice of using means to divine 'secret things'.
Can you see what God is saying? He wants us to know that which is revealed. He has revealed himself to us in Jesus Christ. He has given us his Word and the revelation of his will to man. He wants us to stay away from the occult practices that are a part of idolatry.
Not only that, but his revealed things are for our children. We are to pass on the knowledge of God to our children. True knowledge of God is revealed.
Matthew 11:25-27 At that time Jesus answered and said, I thank thee, O Father, Lord of heaven and earth, because thou hast hid these things from the wise and prudent, and hast revealed them unto babes. 26 Even so, Father: for so it seemed good in thy sight. 27 All things are delivered unto me of my Father: and no man knoweth the Son, but the Father; neither knoweth any man the Father, save the Son, and he to whomsoever the Son will reveal him.
Matthew 16:17 And Jesus answered and said unto him, Blessed art thou, Simon Barjona: for flesh and blood hath not revealed it unto thee, but my Father which is in heaven.
If you know Jesus, you can trust him to reveal to you all you need for life and godliness.
In Christ,
Rody
Deuteronomy 29:29 The secret things belong unto the Lord our God: but those things which are revealed belong unto us and to our children for ever, that we may do all the words of this law.
The Bible draws a difference between those things that are secret and those that are revealed. The world of the occult seeks to know 'secret things'. And throughout time those who supposedly have occult knowledge have been sought out to divine the future. A soothsayer or a witch supposedly can discover 'secret things'.
This verse is set in the context of God giving the Israelites blessings and curses. The blessings are for obedience to his Word. The curses are for disobedience. One of the snares for Israel was idolatry. They brought it with them out of Egypt and found more of it in Canaan. The Canaanites practiced divination or the practice of using means to divine 'secret things'.
Can you see what God is saying? He wants us to know that which is revealed. He has revealed himself to us in Jesus Christ. He has given us his Word and the revelation of his will to man. He wants us to stay away from the occult practices that are a part of idolatry.
Not only that, but his revealed things are for our children. We are to pass on the knowledge of God to our children. True knowledge of God is revealed.
Matthew 11:25-27 At that time Jesus answered and said, I thank thee, O Father, Lord of heaven and earth, because thou hast hid these things from the wise and prudent, and hast revealed them unto babes. 26 Even so, Father: for so it seemed good in thy sight. 27 All things are delivered unto me of my Father: and no man knoweth the Son, but the Father; neither knoweth any man the Father, save the Son, and he to whomsoever the Son will reveal him.
Matthew 16:17 And Jesus answered and said unto him, Blessed art thou, Simon Barjona: for flesh and blood hath not revealed it unto thee, but my Father which is in heaven.
If you know Jesus, you can trust him to reveal to you all you need for life and godliness.
In Christ,
Rody
Monday, March 19, 2012
For the stranger the fatherless and the widow
Bible Reading: Deuteronomy 24-27
Deuteronomy 24:19-22 When thou cuttest down thine harvest in thy field, and hast forgot a sheaf in the field, thou shalt not go again to fetch it: it shall be for the stranger, for the fatherless, and for the widow: that the Lord thy God may bless thee in all the work of thine hands. 20 When thou beatest thine olive tree, thou shalt not go over the boughs again: it shall be for the stranger, for the fatherless, and for the widow. 21 When thou gatherest the grapes of thy vineyard, thou shalt not glean it afterward: it shall be for the stranger, for the fatherless, and for the widow. 22 And thou shalt remember that thou wast a bondman in the land of Egypt: therefore I command thee to do this thing.
We live in a partial, if not entire well-fare state. It is going to break us and we are so dependent upon it now that 'cutting the fat' will affect so many people that the outcry will most likely stop any cutting. Now, what did God say to Israel about the poor of the land?
He gave them workfare, not wellfare. Here we see that an Israelite was to make provision for the poor by not completely harvesting his field, his trees or his vineyard. This would allow for the stranger, the fatherless and the widow to come behind them and glean the part that was left.
If we put some of the things together that God commanded Israel we might have a better idea about caring for the disenfranchised of our land. Leave a little for them. Don't lend money with usury, thus keeping them out of debt. Release the debt every seven years. Keep the land within the family unit and make sure if it does sell that it goes back the original family after fifty years.
God knows that some people will be more needy than others. He also knows that some would try to exploit others. The state did not own all the property, but private ownership was the law.
I am not advocating a return to Mosaic law, however we could learn something about economics from the Word of God. The bottom line is this:
Matthew 6:33-34 But seek ye first the kingdom of God, and his righteousness; and all these things shall be added unto you. 34 Take therefore no thought for the morrow: for the morrow shall take thought for the things of itself. Sufficient unto the day is the evil thereof.
In Christ,
Rody
Deuteronomy 24:19-22 When thou cuttest down thine harvest in thy field, and hast forgot a sheaf in the field, thou shalt not go again to fetch it: it shall be for the stranger, for the fatherless, and for the widow: that the Lord thy God may bless thee in all the work of thine hands. 20 When thou beatest thine olive tree, thou shalt not go over the boughs again: it shall be for the stranger, for the fatherless, and for the widow. 21 When thou gatherest the grapes of thy vineyard, thou shalt not glean it afterward: it shall be for the stranger, for the fatherless, and for the widow. 22 And thou shalt remember that thou wast a bondman in the land of Egypt: therefore I command thee to do this thing.
We live in a partial, if not entire well-fare state. It is going to break us and we are so dependent upon it now that 'cutting the fat' will affect so many people that the outcry will most likely stop any cutting. Now, what did God say to Israel about the poor of the land?
He gave them workfare, not wellfare. Here we see that an Israelite was to make provision for the poor by not completely harvesting his field, his trees or his vineyard. This would allow for the stranger, the fatherless and the widow to come behind them and glean the part that was left.
If we put some of the things together that God commanded Israel we might have a better idea about caring for the disenfranchised of our land. Leave a little for them. Don't lend money with usury, thus keeping them out of debt. Release the debt every seven years. Keep the land within the family unit and make sure if it does sell that it goes back the original family after fifty years.
God knows that some people will be more needy than others. He also knows that some would try to exploit others. The state did not own all the property, but private ownership was the law.
I am not advocating a return to Mosaic law, however we could learn something about economics from the Word of God. The bottom line is this:
Matthew 6:33-34 But seek ye first the kingdom of God, and his righteousness; and all these things shall be added unto you. 34 Take therefore no thought for the morrow: for the morrow shall take thought for the things of itself. Sufficient unto the day is the evil thereof.
In Christ,
Rody
Friday, March 16, 2012
The poor shall never cease out of the land
Bible Reading: Deuteronomy 14-16
Deuteronomy 15:11For the poor shall never cease out of the land: therefore I command thee, saying, Thou shalt open thine hand wide unto thy brother, to thy poor, and to thy needy, in thy land.
Being poor is not the worst thing that can happen to someone. However, God's Word tells us there will always be poor in the land. For the Israelite, they were commanded to realize there would be poor among them and they were to give to the poor. Jesus said something very similar, paraphrasing this passage in Deuteronomy.
Matthew 26:11 For ye have the poor always with you; but me ye have not always.
The Israelite was commanded by God to give to the poor and to do it with grace and not bitterness.
Deuteronomy 15:10 Thou shalt surely give him, and thine heart shall not be grieved when thou givest unto him: because that for this thing the Lord thy God shall bless thee in all thy works, and in all that thou puttest thine hand unto.
The Hebrew was to care for the stranger as well, but his true obligation was to the poor among the Israelites. God promised to bless if a man would give liberally and not grudgingly to the poor.
As New Testament followers of Christ, we too are to have a liberal heart in regards to the poor. It is interesting that the world sees the church as obligated to take care of all poor in the land. And the church should do go, however the Bible keeps the same intensification of care for those who are believers.
Galatians 6:10 As we have therefore opportunity, let us do good unto all men, especially unto them who are of the household of faith.
The word 'especially' tells us that we must be extra sensitive to the needs of our brothers and sisters in Christ. As we have the opportunity we should do good to all men, but especially those of the household of faith.
2 Corinthians 9:7 Every man according as he purposeth in his heart, so let him give; not grudgingly, or of necessity: for God loveth a cheerful giver.
The attitude of a Christian should be one of dependance upon God. He has received freely from God and he can freely give. Be a conduit of blessing!
In Christ,
Rody
Deuteronomy 15:11For the poor shall never cease out of the land: therefore I command thee, saying, Thou shalt open thine hand wide unto thy brother, to thy poor, and to thy needy, in thy land.
Being poor is not the worst thing that can happen to someone. However, God's Word tells us there will always be poor in the land. For the Israelite, they were commanded to realize there would be poor among them and they were to give to the poor. Jesus said something very similar, paraphrasing this passage in Deuteronomy.
Matthew 26:11 For ye have the poor always with you; but me ye have not always.
The Israelite was commanded by God to give to the poor and to do it with grace and not bitterness.
Deuteronomy 15:10 Thou shalt surely give him, and thine heart shall not be grieved when thou givest unto him: because that for this thing the Lord thy God shall bless thee in all thy works, and in all that thou puttest thine hand unto.
The Hebrew was to care for the stranger as well, but his true obligation was to the poor among the Israelites. God promised to bless if a man would give liberally and not grudgingly to the poor.
As New Testament followers of Christ, we too are to have a liberal heart in regards to the poor. It is interesting that the world sees the church as obligated to take care of all poor in the land. And the church should do go, however the Bible keeps the same intensification of care for those who are believers.
Galatians 6:10 As we have therefore opportunity, let us do good unto all men, especially unto them who are of the household of faith.
The word 'especially' tells us that we must be extra sensitive to the needs of our brothers and sisters in Christ. As we have the opportunity we should do good to all men, but especially those of the household of faith.
2 Corinthians 9:7 Every man according as he purposeth in his heart, so let him give; not grudgingly, or of necessity: for God loveth a cheerful giver.
The attitude of a Christian should be one of dependance upon God. He has received freely from God and he can freely give. Be a conduit of blessing!
In Christ,
Rody
Tuesday, March 13, 2012
O that there were such an heart in them
Bible Reading: Deuteronomy 5-7
Deuteronomy 5:29 O that there were such an heart in them, that they would fear me, and keep all my commandments always, that it might be well with them, and with their children for ever!
This is what God desires from his people! He wants us to have a heart in us that we would fear the Lord and keep his commandments always. If we will do this, it will be well with us and with our children! But, there is a problem.
Jeremiah 17:9 The heart is deceitful above all things, and desperately wicked: who can know it?
The heart of man is corrupted by sin. It is not that God's law has flaws, it is that man is sinful and our hearts are easily swayed away from God and his holy Word.
In order for us to have a heart that fears God and keeps his commandments, God must give us that heart.
Ezekiel 36:26-27 A new heart also will I give you, and a new spirit will I put within you: and I will take away the stony heart out of your flesh, and I will give you an heart of flesh. 27 And I will put my spirit within you, and cause you to walk in my statutes, and ye shall keep my judgments, and do them.
Romans 8:3-4 For what the law could not do, in that it was weak through the flesh, God sending his own Son in the likeness of sinful flesh, and for sin, condemned sin in the flesh: 4 That the righteousness of the law might be fulfilled in us, who walk not after the flesh, but after the Spirit.
God did it for us! He sent his Son, Jesus the Christ to live the life we cannot live. He also has given us His Spirit to live in us and with him comes a new heart! A heart that can love God. A heart that can fear God. A heart that can keep his commandments.
Now just what are those commandments that God wants us to keep?
1 John 3:23 And this is his commandment, That we should believe on the name of his Son Jesus Christ, and love one another, as he gave us commandment.
Now that is good news! This is what God desires for you. Have a heart that fully belongs to him!
In Christ,
Rody
Deuteronomy 5:29 O that there were such an heart in them, that they would fear me, and keep all my commandments always, that it might be well with them, and with their children for ever!
This is what God desires from his people! He wants us to have a heart in us that we would fear the Lord and keep his commandments always. If we will do this, it will be well with us and with our children! But, there is a problem.
Jeremiah 17:9 The heart is deceitful above all things, and desperately wicked: who can know it?
The heart of man is corrupted by sin. It is not that God's law has flaws, it is that man is sinful and our hearts are easily swayed away from God and his holy Word.
In order for us to have a heart that fears God and keeps his commandments, God must give us that heart.
Ezekiel 36:26-27 A new heart also will I give you, and a new spirit will I put within you: and I will take away the stony heart out of your flesh, and I will give you an heart of flesh. 27 And I will put my spirit within you, and cause you to walk in my statutes, and ye shall keep my judgments, and do them.
Romans 8:3-4 For what the law could not do, in that it was weak through the flesh, God sending his own Son in the likeness of sinful flesh, and for sin, condemned sin in the flesh: 4 That the righteousness of the law might be fulfilled in us, who walk not after the flesh, but after the Spirit.
God did it for us! He sent his Son, Jesus the Christ to live the life we cannot live. He also has given us His Spirit to live in us and with him comes a new heart! A heart that can love God. A heart that can fear God. A heart that can keep his commandments.
Now just what are those commandments that God wants us to keep?
1 John 3:23 And this is his commandment, That we should believe on the name of his Son Jesus Christ, and love one another, as he gave us commandment.
Now that is good news! This is what God desires for you. Have a heart that fully belongs to him!
In Christ,
Rody
Monday, March 12, 2012
Seek him with all thy heart
Bible Reading: Deuteronomy 3-4
Deuteronomy 4:26-29 I call heaven and earth to witness against you this day, that ye shall soon utterly perish from off the land whereunto ye go over Jordan to possess it; ye shall not prolong your days upon it, but shall utterly be destroyed. 27 And the Lord shall scatter you among the nations, and ye shall be left few in number among the heathen, whither the Lord shall lead you. 28 And there ye shall serve gods, the work of men's hands, wood and stone, which neither see, nor hear, nor eat, nor smell. 29 But if from thence thou shalt seek the Lord thy God, thou shalt find him, if thou seek him with all thy heart and with all thy soul.
It was not 'if' Israel would break their covenant with God and disobey him, it was 'when'. God had revealed to Moses that they would not honor his law and they would be driven from the land that Joshua would lead them in to possess.
How sad to hear these words immediately before entering into the land of Canaan. Israel would rebel against God. They would not be faithful to him. They would be destroyed and scattered among the nations. This is what happened.
However, even in the midst of this stern warning, God showed them mercy and grace. When you are scattered and in a nation that serves a false god, if you will seek the Lord, you shall find him! There were two stipulations for them.
1. Seek the Lord.
2. Seek him with all your heart and all your soul.
What about you? Was there a time when you were closer to the Lord than you are right now? Was there a time when you joyfully gathered with God's people in the name of Jesus? Was there a time when you devoured God's Word and sought him daily in prayer? Have you drifted? Are you straying?
Matthew 6:33 But seek ye first the kingdom of God, and his righteousness; and all these things shall be added unto you.
James 4:8-9 Draw nigh to God, and he will draw nigh to you. Cleanse your hands, ye sinners; and purify your hearts, ye double minded. 9 Be afflicted, and mourn, and weep: let your laughter be turned to mourning, and your joy to heaviness.
God always invites you back into his loving arms. The prodigal can come home and find an excited and welcoming Father running to meet him.
Come home, come home.
Ye who are weary, come home.
Earnestly, tenderly, Jesus is calling
Calling oh, sinner come home!
In Christ,
Rody
In Christ,
Rody
Deuteronomy 4:26-29 I call heaven and earth to witness against you this day, that ye shall soon utterly perish from off the land whereunto ye go over Jordan to possess it; ye shall not prolong your days upon it, but shall utterly be destroyed. 27 And the Lord shall scatter you among the nations, and ye shall be left few in number among the heathen, whither the Lord shall lead you. 28 And there ye shall serve gods, the work of men's hands, wood and stone, which neither see, nor hear, nor eat, nor smell. 29 But if from thence thou shalt seek the Lord thy God, thou shalt find him, if thou seek him with all thy heart and with all thy soul.
It was not 'if' Israel would break their covenant with God and disobey him, it was 'when'. God had revealed to Moses that they would not honor his law and they would be driven from the land that Joshua would lead them in to possess.
How sad to hear these words immediately before entering into the land of Canaan. Israel would rebel against God. They would not be faithful to him. They would be destroyed and scattered among the nations. This is what happened.
However, even in the midst of this stern warning, God showed them mercy and grace. When you are scattered and in a nation that serves a false god, if you will seek the Lord, you shall find him! There were two stipulations for them.
1. Seek the Lord.
2. Seek him with all your heart and all your soul.
What about you? Was there a time when you were closer to the Lord than you are right now? Was there a time when you joyfully gathered with God's people in the name of Jesus? Was there a time when you devoured God's Word and sought him daily in prayer? Have you drifted? Are you straying?
Matthew 6:33 But seek ye first the kingdom of God, and his righteousness; and all these things shall be added unto you.
James 4:8-9 Draw nigh to God, and he will draw nigh to you. Cleanse your hands, ye sinners; and purify your hearts, ye double minded. 9 Be afflicted, and mourn, and weep: let your laughter be turned to mourning, and your joy to heaviness.
God always invites you back into his loving arms. The prodigal can come home and find an excited and welcoming Father running to meet him.
Come home, come home.
Ye who are weary, come home.
Earnestly, tenderly, Jesus is calling
Calling oh, sinner come home!
In Christ,
Rody
In Christ,
Rody
Friday, March 2, 2012
They gathered themselves together against Moses
Bible Reading: Numbers 16-17
Numbers 16:3 And they gathered themselves together against Moses and against Aaron, and said unto them, Ye take too much upon you, seeing all the congregation are holy, every one of them, and the Lord is among them: wherefore then lift ye up yourselves above the congregation of the Lord?
Korah, Dathan and Abiram gathered two hundred and fifty men to rise up in rebellion against Moses and Aaron. They were ambitious for a leadership position. They said that they were just as holy as Moses and could lead just fine without him.
This is such a common thing in life. It seems that there is always someone who thinks they can lead better than the leader. A person who could run things better than their boss or a parent who could coach better than the coach.
In this situation, God had chosen Moses for leadership. This was not something he took upon himself. So in going against God's man, these rebels were going against God. The New Testament warns that men like these will be a part of the New Testament church:
Jude 1:10-11 But these speak evil of those things which they know not: but what they know naturally, as brute beasts, in those things they corrupt themselves. 11 Woe unto them! for they have gone in the way of Cain, and ran greedily after the error of Balaam for reward, and perished in the gainsaying of Core.
They are gainsayers like Korah. They argue and contend with the elders. They try to gather a following after them. This is dangerous business because we know what happened to Korah and the others. The earth swallowed them whole! God then provided a miracle to show that he had chosen Aaron and his sons for the priesthood.
The leadership of Israel was not man's idea, it was God's. He chose Moses and Aaron. As we follow Jesus, we need to respect those who are in authority and remember that Satan was a rebel. We don't want to be like him.
In Christ,
Rody
Numbers 16:3 And they gathered themselves together against Moses and against Aaron, and said unto them, Ye take too much upon you, seeing all the congregation are holy, every one of them, and the Lord is among them: wherefore then lift ye up yourselves above the congregation of the Lord?
Korah, Dathan and Abiram gathered two hundred and fifty men to rise up in rebellion against Moses and Aaron. They were ambitious for a leadership position. They said that they were just as holy as Moses and could lead just fine without him.
This is such a common thing in life. It seems that there is always someone who thinks they can lead better than the leader. A person who could run things better than their boss or a parent who could coach better than the coach.
In this situation, God had chosen Moses for leadership. This was not something he took upon himself. So in going against God's man, these rebels were going against God. The New Testament warns that men like these will be a part of the New Testament church:
Jude 1:10-11 But these speak evil of those things which they know not: but what they know naturally, as brute beasts, in those things they corrupt themselves. 11 Woe unto them! for they have gone in the way of Cain, and ran greedily after the error of Balaam for reward, and perished in the gainsaying of Core.
They are gainsayers like Korah. They argue and contend with the elders. They try to gather a following after them. This is dangerous business because we know what happened to Korah and the others. The earth swallowed them whole! God then provided a miracle to show that he had chosen Aaron and his sons for the priesthood.
The leadership of Israel was not man's idea, it was God's. He chose Moses and Aaron. As we follow Jesus, we need to respect those who are in authority and remember that Satan was a rebel. We don't want to be like him.
In Christ,
Rody
Thursday, March 1, 2012
They are bread for us
Bible Reading: Numbers 14-15; Psalm 90
Numbers 14:8-9 If the Lord delight in us, then he will bring us into this land, and give it us; a land which floweth with milk and honey. 9 Only rebel not ye against the Lord, neither fear ye the people of the land; for they are bread for us: their defence is departed from them, and the Lord is with us: fear them not.
Challenges are nourishment for your spirit. Most people don't think about this, but throughout the Word of God, we see that challenges do us good.
This is what Joshua and Caleb meant when they said the Canaanites were
bread for them'. Facing the challenge of the people in the land would feed their faith in God.
When the twelve spies brought back the report of the land that they spied out they also told the people how there were giants in the land and they would be facing walled cities. This caused the people to murmur and doubt that they could occupy the land. Only two of them had a godly understanding of what was going on. Joshua and Caleb knew it was not about them fighting on their own. They knew that God would bring them in and give them the land.
It is no different for us. If we face the challenges of life with faith and trust that God is at work, we can handle the situations. The Lord is with us. We need to trust him.
Start looking at challenges as bread. Bread brings nourishment to your body. Challenges we face are opportunities to trust in God. He has promised us that trials grow our faith and make us mature.
James 1:2-4 My brethren, count it all joy when ye fall into divers temptations; 3 Knowing this, that the trying of your faith worketh patience. 4 But let patience have her perfect work, that ye may be perfect and entire, wanting nothing.
In Christ,
Rody
Numbers 14:8-9 If the Lord delight in us, then he will bring us into this land, and give it us; a land which floweth with milk and honey. 9 Only rebel not ye against the Lord, neither fear ye the people of the land; for they are bread for us: their defence is departed from them, and the Lord is with us: fear them not.
Challenges are nourishment for your spirit. Most people don't think about this, but throughout the Word of God, we see that challenges do us good.
This is what Joshua and Caleb meant when they said the Canaanites were
bread for them'. Facing the challenge of the people in the land would feed their faith in God.
When the twelve spies brought back the report of the land that they spied out they also told the people how there were giants in the land and they would be facing walled cities. This caused the people to murmur and doubt that they could occupy the land. Only two of them had a godly understanding of what was going on. Joshua and Caleb knew it was not about them fighting on their own. They knew that God would bring them in and give them the land.
It is no different for us. If we face the challenges of life with faith and trust that God is at work, we can handle the situations. The Lord is with us. We need to trust him.
Start looking at challenges as bread. Bread brings nourishment to your body. Challenges we face are opportunities to trust in God. He has promised us that trials grow our faith and make us mature.
James 1:2-4 My brethren, count it all joy when ye fall into divers temptations; 3 Knowing this, that the trying of your faith worketh patience. 4 But let patience have her perfect work, that ye may be perfect and entire, wanting nothing.
In Christ,
Rody
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