Bible Reading: Psalms 102-104
Psalms 102:25-27 Of old hast thou laid the foundation of the earth: and the heavens are the work of thy hands. They shall perish, but thou shalt endure: yea, all of them shall wax old like a garment; as a vesture shalt thou change them, and they shall be changed: But thou art the same, and thy years shall have no end.
The earth is no cosmic accident. In the beginning God created it. He laid the foundation of it. not only the earth, but the heavens too are the work of God's hands. As magnificent as they are, they will not last forever. they shall perish. The earth and the heavens will wax old. the entropy laws that God created are in effect right now. The universe is not eternal. This current world will perish.
2 Peter 3:10 But the day of the Lord will come as a thief in the night; in the which the heavens shall pass away with a great noise, and the elements shall melt with fervent heat, the earth also and the works that are therein shall be burned up.
The Psalm contrasts the earth with God. The earth and universe are not eternal, but God is. The earth and heavens will not always be the same, but God is. He does not change. This is called the immutability of God.
Where then should we place our hope? Should we hope in the creation that will not always be the same? Or should we hope in Jesus Christ who created this universe and will change it when he returns?
Just like a garment wears out, this universe is going to wear out, but Jesus is going to make a new one. John saw the future.
Revelation 21:1 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 Peter 3:13 Nevertheless we, according to his promise, look for new heavens and a new earth, wherein dwelleth righteousness.
Trust in Jesus, he does not change!
In Christ,
Rody
Monday, April 30, 2012
Thursday, April 26, 2012
My steps had well nigh slipped
Bible Reading: Psalms 73, 77 & 78
Psalms 73:2-3 But as for me, my feet were almost gone; my steps had well nigh slipped. For I was envious at the foolish, when I saw the prosperity of the wicked.
David was struggling. He looked around him and saw how well the ungodly were doing and he became envious. Have you ever done that? When you look around at some of the people who don't want anything to do with Jesus or his word and yet, they are healthy and wealthy. They live in big houses and take extravagant vacations.
It is a slippery slope! David was about to slip and he wondered why he was serving God and yet still struggling and persecuted.
Psalms 73:4-9 For there are no bands in their death: but their strength is firm. They are not in trouble as other men; neither are they plagued like other men. Therefore pride compasseth them about as a chain; violence covereth them as a garment. Their eyes stand out with fatness: they have more than heart could wish. They are corrupt, and speak wickedly concerning oppression: they speak loftily. They set their mouth against the heavens, and their tongue walketh through the earth.
It seemed to David that they were doing good until, he went into the sanctuary of the Lord and got his perspective right. When he got back to the Word of God, he realized that they might be doing good now, but their end would be very different than the end for believers.
Psalms 73:17 Until I went into the sanctuary of God; then understood I their end.
This life is not all there is. As a believer, you must remember this. A person who lives for themselves and does not believe in Christ, will die one day. If they do not trust in Christ, they will experience ultimate separation from God and be cast into the lake of fire.
With this perspective, we can guard our hearts and not be envious of the foolish and wicked. They may look like they are prospering, but really they are only storing up wrath. This perspective will also help us to have compassion for them and desire to see them saved. They need Jesus!
In Christ,
Rody
Psalms 73:2-3 But as for me, my feet were almost gone; my steps had well nigh slipped. For I was envious at the foolish, when I saw the prosperity of the wicked.
David was struggling. He looked around him and saw how well the ungodly were doing and he became envious. Have you ever done that? When you look around at some of the people who don't want anything to do with Jesus or his word and yet, they are healthy and wealthy. They live in big houses and take extravagant vacations.
It is a slippery slope! David was about to slip and he wondered why he was serving God and yet still struggling and persecuted.
Psalms 73:4-9 For there are no bands in their death: but their strength is firm. They are not in trouble as other men; neither are they plagued like other men. Therefore pride compasseth them about as a chain; violence covereth them as a garment. Their eyes stand out with fatness: they have more than heart could wish. They are corrupt, and speak wickedly concerning oppression: they speak loftily. They set their mouth against the heavens, and their tongue walketh through the earth.
It seemed to David that they were doing good until, he went into the sanctuary of the Lord and got his perspective right. When he got back to the Word of God, he realized that they might be doing good now, but their end would be very different than the end for believers.
Psalms 73:17 Until I went into the sanctuary of God; then understood I their end.
This life is not all there is. As a believer, you must remember this. A person who lives for themselves and does not believe in Christ, will die one day. If they do not trust in Christ, they will experience ultimate separation from God and be cast into the lake of fire.
With this perspective, we can guard our hearts and not be envious of the foolish and wicked. They may look like they are prospering, but really they are only storing up wrath. This perspective will also help us to have compassion for them and desire to see them saved. They need Jesus!
In Christ,
Rody
Wednesday, April 25, 2012
Jabez called on the God of Israel
Bible Reading: 1 Chronicles 3-5
1 Chronicles 4:9-10 And Jabez was more honourable than his brethren: and his mother called his name Jabez, saying, Because I bare him with sorrow. 10 And Jabez called on the God of Israel, saying, Oh that thou wouldest bless me indeed, and enlarge my coast, and that thine hand might be with me, and that thou wouldest keep me from evil, that it may not grieve me! And God granted him that which he requested.
Do you remember several years back when this prayer was all the buzz in the Christian book circles? It was almost funny to see people make such a big deal about this. Many people were actually repeating this prayer daily expecting that to be some kind of formula. Jesus tells us:
Matthew 6:7 But when ye pray, use not vain repetitions, as the heathen do: for they think that they shall be heard for their much speaking.
It's too bad that people try and make a relationship with God into a formula. I am sure that grieves the Holy Spirit. However, here is what is so great about this portion of Scripture. It tells us of a man from Judah who was born into a sorrowful situation. We do not know exactly what the circumstances of his birth were, but the Bible tells us they were sorrowful. The Bible also tells us that Jabez was more honorable than his brethren.
What made him more honorable? Well, it had to have been his faith in God and his dependance upon God. How do we know that? Because the Word tells us that he 'called upon the God of Israel'. Jabez was a man of prayer. As a man of prayer, he was also a man of faith. The Bible tells us:
Hebrews 11:6 But without faith it is impossible to please him: for he that cometh to God must believe that he is, and that he is a rewarder of them that diligently seek him.
God is pleased when we trust him. Instead of Jabez being a self-made man, he was a man who depended upon God in prayer. He asked God for what he needed. And the Bible tells us: and God granted him that which he requested.
God hears our prayers! Are you a person of prayer? Do you ask God for the things you need? Do you spend time daily talking with God? He invites us to come and seek him. Let's go to him and pray!
In Christ,
Rody
1 Chronicles 4:9-10 And Jabez was more honourable than his brethren: and his mother called his name Jabez, saying, Because I bare him with sorrow. 10 And Jabez called on the God of Israel, saying, Oh that thou wouldest bless me indeed, and enlarge my coast, and that thine hand might be with me, and that thou wouldest keep me from evil, that it may not grieve me! And God granted him that which he requested.
Do you remember several years back when this prayer was all the buzz in the Christian book circles? It was almost funny to see people make such a big deal about this. Many people were actually repeating this prayer daily expecting that to be some kind of formula. Jesus tells us:
Matthew 6:7 But when ye pray, use not vain repetitions, as the heathen do: for they think that they shall be heard for their much speaking.
It's too bad that people try and make a relationship with God into a formula. I am sure that grieves the Holy Spirit. However, here is what is so great about this portion of Scripture. It tells us of a man from Judah who was born into a sorrowful situation. We do not know exactly what the circumstances of his birth were, but the Bible tells us they were sorrowful. The Bible also tells us that Jabez was more honorable than his brethren.
What made him more honorable? Well, it had to have been his faith in God and his dependance upon God. How do we know that? Because the Word tells us that he 'called upon the God of Israel'. Jabez was a man of prayer. As a man of prayer, he was also a man of faith. The Bible tells us:
Hebrews 11:6 But without faith it is impossible to please him: for he that cometh to God must believe that he is, and that he is a rewarder of them that diligently seek him.
God is pleased when we trust him. Instead of Jabez being a self-made man, he was a man who depended upon God in prayer. He asked God for what he needed. And the Bible tells us: and God granted him that which he requested.
God hears our prayers! Are you a person of prayer? Do you ask God for the things you need? Do you spend time daily talking with God? He invites us to come and seek him. Let's go to him and pray!
In Christ,
Rody
Tuesday, April 24, 2012
Blessed is the man that trusteth in thee
Bible Reading: Psalms 43, 44, 45, 49, 84, 85 & 87
Psalms 84:11-12 For the Lord God is a sun and shield: the Lord will give grace and glory: no good thing will he withhold from them that walk uprightly. O Lord of hosts, blessed is the man that trusteth in thee.
When it comes to life on planet earth, it would not happen if it were not for the sun. Not only does it give light and heat, but it is also responsible for photosynthesis, seasons, alternating day and night, radiation, and many other factors. The placement of our earth in proximity from the sun is perfect. If our earth was closer, we would burn up. If we were farther, we would be on a frozen ice ball. God designed all this!
Now, if we think about the comparison that David makes here, we see that he is relating things we can see to our relationship with God. God gives us life. He is the light! He is also a shield. Not only does he give us life, but he protects us from all attacks.
Not only that, but he does not withhold any good thing from those who walk uprightly. Now is that a works based salvation? No, it reminds us that the loving and nurturing hand of God is for us and not against us. Now if we study all of the Bible, we know that to walk uprightly is not something we do, but based on faith in Jesus Christ. Only a person who trusts in Jesus is 'upright' in God's eyes.
And that is what the very next verse says! Blessed is the man that trusts in the Lord. God is good and he gives us life and protection. We need to trust him. We cannot trust ourselves or any other thing. Because nothing else is powerful enough to give life, and shield us. God is! He is all-powerful! He is all-knowing. He loves us. Trust Jesus!
In Christ,
Rody
Psalms 84:11-12 For the Lord God is a sun and shield: the Lord will give grace and glory: no good thing will he withhold from them that walk uprightly. O Lord of hosts, blessed is the man that trusteth in thee.
When it comes to life on planet earth, it would not happen if it were not for the sun. Not only does it give light and heat, but it is also responsible for photosynthesis, seasons, alternating day and night, radiation, and many other factors. The placement of our earth in proximity from the sun is perfect. If our earth was closer, we would burn up. If we were farther, we would be on a frozen ice ball. God designed all this!
Now, if we think about the comparison that David makes here, we see that he is relating things we can see to our relationship with God. God gives us life. He is the light! He is also a shield. Not only does he give us life, but he protects us from all attacks.
Not only that, but he does not withhold any good thing from those who walk uprightly. Now is that a works based salvation? No, it reminds us that the loving and nurturing hand of God is for us and not against us. Now if we study all of the Bible, we know that to walk uprightly is not something we do, but based on faith in Jesus Christ. Only a person who trusts in Jesus is 'upright' in God's eyes.
And that is what the very next verse says! Blessed is the man that trusts in the Lord. God is good and he gives us life and protection. We need to trust him. We cannot trust ourselves or any other thing. Because nothing else is powerful enough to give life, and shield us. God is! He is all-powerful! He is all-knowing. He loves us. Trust Jesus!
In Christ,
Rody
Friday, April 20, 2012
I wait for the Lord
Bible Reading: Psalms 121, 123, 124, 125, 128, 129 & 130
Psalms 130:5 I wait for the Lord, my soul doth wait, and in his word do I hope.
David summed up his time in the wilderness of Judah. What was he doing as he lived his fugitive life running from Saul? He waited. What was he waiting for?
Some of his men, like Abishai thought David was waiting for his chance. They thought he bided his time looking for the opportunity to slay Saul and take the rightful place on the throne. But when given the opportunity, David would not touch "God's anointed".
Others thought David was waiting for someone else to see him. His time with the Philistines almost proved to be an opportunity to advance in their ranks, but God would not have that for David.
No, David was waiting for the Lord. He was simply waiting for God to put him where God wanted him. God had promised to make David king. Samuel had anointed David, but he would not take the throne. He would wait and hope in God's word.
Waiting is difficult work. It shouldn't be because really you are not working hard at it. It is simply...waiting. For some, they see waiting as sitting and being completely inactive. That is not so when it comes to waiting upon the Lord. When you wait on the Lord, you continue to serve him faithfully doing what you know he has called you to do. However, you know that at some time, he has some other plan for you. We all wait for the coming of our King to establish his kingdom.
So how do you faithfully wait upon the Lord? You do what David did - you hope in his Word. You get the promises of God in your heart and meditate upon them daily. You believe what he says and know that he will fulfill all his word in his time.
Psalms 27:14 Wait on the Lord: be of good courage, and he shall strengthen thine heart: wait, I say, on the Lord.
In Christ,
Rody
Psalms 130:5 I wait for the Lord, my soul doth wait, and in his word do I hope.
David summed up his time in the wilderness of Judah. What was he doing as he lived his fugitive life running from Saul? He waited. What was he waiting for?
Some of his men, like Abishai thought David was waiting for his chance. They thought he bided his time looking for the opportunity to slay Saul and take the rightful place on the throne. But when given the opportunity, David would not touch "God's anointed".
Others thought David was waiting for someone else to see him. His time with the Philistines almost proved to be an opportunity to advance in their ranks, but God would not have that for David.
No, David was waiting for the Lord. He was simply waiting for God to put him where God wanted him. God had promised to make David king. Samuel had anointed David, but he would not take the throne. He would wait and hope in God's word.
Waiting is difficult work. It shouldn't be because really you are not working hard at it. It is simply...waiting. For some, they see waiting as sitting and being completely inactive. That is not so when it comes to waiting upon the Lord. When you wait on the Lord, you continue to serve him faithfully doing what you know he has called you to do. However, you know that at some time, he has some other plan for you. We all wait for the coming of our King to establish his kingdom.
So how do you faithfully wait upon the Lord? You do what David did - you hope in his Word. You get the promises of God in your heart and meditate upon them daily. You believe what he says and know that he will fulfill all his word in his time.
Psalms 27:14 Wait on the Lord: be of good courage, and he shall strengthen thine heart: wait, I say, on the Lord.
In Christ,
Rody
Thursday, April 19, 2012
He teacheth my hands to war
Bible Reading: 1 Samuel 28-31; Psalm 18
Psalms 18:34 He teacheth my hands to war, so that a bow of steel is broken by mine arms.
I love this verse. In this Psalm, David shows how his relationship with God flowed into every aspect of his life. He did not just see God as the One he worshipped on the Sabbath. He saw God as active in all of life. His skill as an archer was due to God!
Do you see the Lord Jesus as teaching your hands to war? Maybe you don't war, but does he teach your hands to make supper? Or does he help you shoot a basketball? What about giving you the knowledge you need for your studies?
When I help my Dad brand calves, I always pray that God will teach my hands to rope well. I meditate on this verse as well as a few others. To follow Jesus is a part of all of life. The Bible says:
Colossians 3:17 And whatsoever ye do in word or deed, do all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God and the Father by him.
Colossians 3:23 And whatsoever ye do, do it heartily, as to the Lord, and not unto men.
Our walk in Christ encompasses all of life. The Holy Spirit fills us and empowers us to study the Bible, lead someone to Christ, disciple new believers, teach a Bible study, pray for a hurting friend as well as...
Rope a calf at the branding, drive a tractor, present a business proposal, file a report, try a case, build something from scratch, teach kids math, lay brick, frame a house, drive all day long, sell insurance, wait tables, mow the lawn...
David knew that his strong arms and ability for battle came from God. Let's learn the same lesson. If you know how to do something, do it for the glory of God. If you cannot say what you do glorifies God...THEN DON'T DO IT!
Whatever you do, do it in the name of Jesus and do it with all your heart. Bring glory to God in all of life...even changing diapers and cleaning up throw up!
In Christ,
Rody
Psalms 18:34 He teacheth my hands to war, so that a bow of steel is broken by mine arms.
I love this verse. In this Psalm, David shows how his relationship with God flowed into every aspect of his life. He did not just see God as the One he worshipped on the Sabbath. He saw God as active in all of life. His skill as an archer was due to God!
Do you see the Lord Jesus as teaching your hands to war? Maybe you don't war, but does he teach your hands to make supper? Or does he help you shoot a basketball? What about giving you the knowledge you need for your studies?
When I help my Dad brand calves, I always pray that God will teach my hands to rope well. I meditate on this verse as well as a few others. To follow Jesus is a part of all of life. The Bible says:
Colossians 3:17 And whatsoever ye do in word or deed, do all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God and the Father by him.
Colossians 3:23 And whatsoever ye do, do it heartily, as to the Lord, and not unto men.
Our walk in Christ encompasses all of life. The Holy Spirit fills us and empowers us to study the Bible, lead someone to Christ, disciple new believers, teach a Bible study, pray for a hurting friend as well as...
Rope a calf at the branding, drive a tractor, present a business proposal, file a report, try a case, build something from scratch, teach kids math, lay brick, frame a house, drive all day long, sell insurance, wait tables, mow the lawn...
David knew that his strong arms and ability for battle came from God. Let's learn the same lesson. If you know how to do something, do it for the glory of God. If you cannot say what you do glorifies God...THEN DON'T DO IT!
Whatever you do, do it in the name of Jesus and do it with all your heart. Bring glory to God in all of life...even changing diapers and cleaning up throw up!
In Christ,
Rody
Wednesday, April 18, 2012
Early will I seek thee
Bible Reading: Psalms 17; 35; 54 & 63
Psalms 63:1
A Psalm of David, when he was in the wilderness of Judah.
O God, thou art my God; early will I seek thee: my soul thirsteth for thee, my flesh longeth for thee in a dry and thirsty land, where no water is.
Psalms 63:6 When I remember thee upon my bed, and meditate on thee in the night watches.
David was running from Saul and living in the wilderness. He was a wanted man by the king who should have been his friend. He was in a place that could easily cause incredible anxiety for anyone. Yet, he knew where to look for help and comfort.
David began and ended his day with a conversation with the Lord. David knew what it was to be thirsty from living in the wilderness of Judah. He wanted God like his body longed for water in the heat of the desert. Do you long for God like that? Do you thirst for him? Is he the first thought of your day and the last meditation before you drift off to sleep?
The testimony from Scripture is that David longed for God. He did not long for 'ministry'. He did not long for the things that God would give him. He longed for God. David did not use God to get what he wanted. David wanted God. He wanted a relationship with him. He wanted to know him and walk with God and talk with God.
This is what we should all long for. Jesus said:
John 17:3 And this is life eternal, that they might know thee the only true God, and Jesus Christ, whom thou hast sent.
To know Jesus is eternal life. What do you long for? Is it God's blessing? Is it what God could do for you? Or is it to know Jesus?
Is your soul thirsty?
In Christ,
Rody
Psalms 63:1
A Psalm of David, when he was in the wilderness of Judah.
O God, thou art my God; early will I seek thee: my soul thirsteth for thee, my flesh longeth for thee in a dry and thirsty land, where no water is.
Psalms 63:6 When I remember thee upon my bed, and meditate on thee in the night watches.
David was running from Saul and living in the wilderness. He was a wanted man by the king who should have been his friend. He was in a place that could easily cause incredible anxiety for anyone. Yet, he knew where to look for help and comfort.
David began and ended his day with a conversation with the Lord. David knew what it was to be thirsty from living in the wilderness of Judah. He wanted God like his body longed for water in the heat of the desert. Do you long for God like that? Do you thirst for him? Is he the first thought of your day and the last meditation before you drift off to sleep?
The testimony from Scripture is that David longed for God. He did not long for 'ministry'. He did not long for the things that God would give him. He longed for God. David did not use God to get what he wanted. David wanted God. He wanted a relationship with him. He wanted to know him and walk with God and talk with God.
This is what we should all long for. Jesus said:
John 17:3 And this is life eternal, that they might know thee the only true God, and Jesus Christ, whom thou hast sent.
To know Jesus is eternal life. What do you long for? Is it God's blessing? Is it what God could do for you? Or is it to know Jesus?
Is your soul thirsty?
In Christ,
Rody
Tuesday, April 17, 2012
In the eyes of the Lord
Bible Reading: 1 Samuel 25-27
1 Samuel 26:23-24 The Lord render to every man his righteousness and his faithfulness: for the Lord delivered thee into my hand to day, but I would not stretch forth mine hand against the Lord 's anointed. 24 And, behold, as thy life was much set by this day in mine eyes, so let my life be much set by in the eyes of the Lord, and let him deliver me out of all tribulation.
David and Abishai dad Saul and Abner dead to rights. A deep sleep had fallen upon Saul and his army and David and Abishai crept into their camp. David took the spear and canteen that laid by Saul's pillow and they went back to a hill a safe distance away. David would not kill Saul. He would not permit Abishai to kill him.
1 Samuel 26:9 And David said to Abishai, Destroy him not: for who can stretch forth his hand against the Lord 's anointed, and be guiltless?
Saul wanted to kill David and was hunting him like an animal and yet David's integrity was impeccable. He would not touch the Lord's anointed. He would leave that to the Lord. However, he wanted Saul to know how close he had come that night to death. David could have killed him in his sleep. Now, all David wanted was for Saul to realize how much David valued his life. In David's eyes, Saul's life was precious.
Do you see life as precious? Do you value human life?
David also valued the anointing of God on Saul's life. God chose Saul and David knew that. However, when it came to the value of David's life, he did not ask Saul to value his life as David valued Saul's. Instead, David placed his life in the hands of God.
"Let my life be much set by in the eyes of the Lord and let him deliver me out of all tribulation," said David.
He wanted the value of his life to come from God. He did not want an 'even trade' with Saul and he made no covenant with him. Instead he trusted God with his life. You and I should do the same. Our value and security does not come from man or man's institutions. Our value and security comes from God. Let's trust him to provide, protect and define our life's purpose.
In Christ,
Rody
1 Samuel 26:23-24 The Lord render to every man his righteousness and his faithfulness: for the Lord delivered thee into my hand to day, but I would not stretch forth mine hand against the Lord 's anointed. 24 And, behold, as thy life was much set by this day in mine eyes, so let my life be much set by in the eyes of the Lord, and let him deliver me out of all tribulation.
David and Abishai dad Saul and Abner dead to rights. A deep sleep had fallen upon Saul and his army and David and Abishai crept into their camp. David took the spear and canteen that laid by Saul's pillow and they went back to a hill a safe distance away. David would not kill Saul. He would not permit Abishai to kill him.
1 Samuel 26:9 And David said to Abishai, Destroy him not: for who can stretch forth his hand against the Lord 's anointed, and be guiltless?
Saul wanted to kill David and was hunting him like an animal and yet David's integrity was impeccable. He would not touch the Lord's anointed. He would leave that to the Lord. However, he wanted Saul to know how close he had come that night to death. David could have killed him in his sleep. Now, all David wanted was for Saul to realize how much David valued his life. In David's eyes, Saul's life was precious.
Do you see life as precious? Do you value human life?
David also valued the anointing of God on Saul's life. God chose Saul and David knew that. However, when it came to the value of David's life, he did not ask Saul to value his life as David valued Saul's. Instead, David placed his life in the hands of God.
"Let my life be much set by in the eyes of the Lord and let him deliver me out of all tribulation," said David.
He wanted the value of his life to come from God. He did not want an 'even trade' with Saul and he made no covenant with him. Instead he trusted God with his life. You and I should do the same. Our value and security does not come from man or man's institutions. Our value and security comes from God. Let's trust him to provide, protect and define our life's purpose.
In Christ,
Rody
Friday, April 13, 2012
He went out and came in before them
Bible Reading: 1 Samuel 18-20; Psalms 11 & 59
1 Samuel 18:16 But all Israel and Judah loved David, because he went out and came in before them.
Why did all Israel and Judah love David? Because he was a leader who led from the front. He did not sit at his desk and tell people to go and do things that he was not willing (or able) to do himself. He went out and came in before them.
The women sang of David:
1 Samuel 18:7 And the women answered one another as they played, and said, Saul hath slain his thousands, and David his ten thousands.
This disturbed Saul greatly. However, the people knew the truth. David was capable and he was a leader.
Do you lead from the front? Maybe you don't even see yourself as a leader, but you are. You lead in your family and in your place of work. You lead among your friends. You lead even when you don't think about it. So, will you lead from the front? Will you let the Holy Spirit lead you so that you can lead others?
The key to Christian leadership is to be led. A man who follows Christ will be going in the the right direction and others can be influenced by that person. David led out of who he was and his relationship with God. You and I must do the same.
In Christ,
Rody
1 Samuel 18:16 But all Israel and Judah loved David, because he went out and came in before them.
Why did all Israel and Judah love David? Because he was a leader who led from the front. He did not sit at his desk and tell people to go and do things that he was not willing (or able) to do himself. He went out and came in before them.
The women sang of David:
1 Samuel 18:7 And the women answered one another as they played, and said, Saul hath slain his thousands, and David his ten thousands.
This disturbed Saul greatly. However, the people knew the truth. David was capable and he was a leader.
Do you lead from the front? Maybe you don't even see yourself as a leader, but you are. You lead in your family and in your place of work. You lead among your friends. You lead even when you don't think about it. So, will you lead from the front? Will you let the Holy Spirit lead you so that you can lead others?
The key to Christian leadership is to be led. A man who follows Christ will be going in the the right direction and others can be influenced by that person. David led out of who he was and his relationship with God. You and I must do the same.
In Christ,
Rody
Thursday, April 12, 2012
The Lord saveth not with sword and spear
Bible Reading: 1 Samuel 15-17
1 Samuel 17:45-47 Then said David to the Philistine, Thou comest to me with a sword, and with a spear, and with a shield: but I come to thee in the name of the Lord of hosts, the God of the armies of Israel, whom thou hast defied. 46 This day will the Lord deliver thee into mine hand; and I will smite thee, and take thine head from thee; and I will give the carcases of the host of the Philistines this day unto the fowls of the air, and to the wild beasts of the earth; that all the earth may know that there is a God in Israel. 47 And all this assembly shall know that the Lord saveth not with sword and spear: for the battle is the Lord 's, and he will give you into our hands.
How did a young boy have this kind of faith and courage while the armies of Israel were shaking in fear? David knew his God! He knew the Word and he knew what God's Word said in regard to facing the enemies of the Lord.
Deuteronomy 20:1-4 When thou goest out to battle against thine enemies, and seest horses, and chariots, and a people more than thou, be not afraid of them: for the Lord thy God is with thee, which brought thee up out of the land of Egypt. 2 And it shall be, when ye are come nigh unto the battle, that the priest shall approach and speak unto the people, 3 And shall say unto them, Hear, O Israel, ye approach this day unto battle against your enemies: let not your hearts faint, fear not, and do not tremble, neither be ye terrified because of them; 4 For the Lord your God is he that goeth with you, to fight for you against your enemies, to save you.
Israel was not to cower before their enemies because God had promised to fight for them. David knew this. Saul did not.
Faith comes from hearing the Word of God (Romans 10:17). Do you know the Word? If you do, you will be able to face the giants in your life with faith. If you do not, you might just cower before them.
Get into the Word and know the promises of God. It will produce the faith you need to face every challenge that comes your way!
In Christ,
Rody
1 Samuel 17:45-47 Then said David to the Philistine, Thou comest to me with a sword, and with a spear, and with a shield: but I come to thee in the name of the Lord of hosts, the God of the armies of Israel, whom thou hast defied. 46 This day will the Lord deliver thee into mine hand; and I will smite thee, and take thine head from thee; and I will give the carcases of the host of the Philistines this day unto the fowls of the air, and to the wild beasts of the earth; that all the earth may know that there is a God in Israel. 47 And all this assembly shall know that the Lord saveth not with sword and spear: for the battle is the Lord 's, and he will give you into our hands.
How did a young boy have this kind of faith and courage while the armies of Israel were shaking in fear? David knew his God! He knew the Word and he knew what God's Word said in regard to facing the enemies of the Lord.
Deuteronomy 20:1-4 When thou goest out to battle against thine enemies, and seest horses, and chariots, and a people more than thou, be not afraid of them: for the Lord thy God is with thee, which brought thee up out of the land of Egypt. 2 And it shall be, when ye are come nigh unto the battle, that the priest shall approach and speak unto the people, 3 And shall say unto them, Hear, O Israel, ye approach this day unto battle against your enemies: let not your hearts faint, fear not, and do not tremble, neither be ye terrified because of them; 4 For the Lord your God is he that goeth with you, to fight for you against your enemies, to save you.
Israel was not to cower before their enemies because God had promised to fight for them. David knew this. Saul did not.
Faith comes from hearing the Word of God (Romans 10:17). Do you know the Word? If you do, you will be able to face the giants in your life with faith. If you do not, you might just cower before them.
Get into the Word and know the promises of God. It will produce the faith you need to face every challenge that comes your way!
In Christ,
Rody
Wednesday, April 11, 2012
A man after his own heart
Bible Reading: 1 Samuel 13-14
1 Samuel 13:14 But now thy kingdom shall not continue: the Lord hath sought him a man after his own heart, and the Lord hath commanded him to be captain over his people, because thou hast not kept that which the Lord commanded thee.
Saul would not obey the Lord. He was a pragmatist. He looked at the advance of the Philistines and the delay of the prophet and he could wait no longer. He offered the burnt offerings himself. He overstepped his bounds. He would not wait for God's timing.
His disobedience came from his lack of faith in God. Obedience always flows from faith. You will act on that which you believe. If you believe the prophet is coming, you will wait. If you do not, you will act. Saul acted and it was wrong.
Samuel declared that God sought a man after his own heart. What is that man like? Is God still looking for a man after his own heart? The Bible tells us that God found that man in David.
Acts 13:22 And when he had removed him, he raised up unto them David to be their king; to whom also he gave testimony, and said, I have found David the son of Jesse, a man after mine own heart, which shall fulfil all my will.
A man after God's own heart wants the will of God to be done. He will obey the Word of the Lord. The other thing about a man after God's own heart is that he is looking for worshippers.
John 4:23-24 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. 24 God is a Spirit: and they that worship him must worship him in spirit and in truth.
The Father is seeking worshippers. He is pleased with faith (Hebrews 11:6). He wants those who pray for his will to be done in earth as it is in heaven. Are you a worshipper? Are you a man or a woman after God's own heart?
If you trust in Jesus, he will give you a new heart that is in line with his!
In Christ,
Rody
1 Samuel 13:14 But now thy kingdom shall not continue: the Lord hath sought him a man after his own heart, and the Lord hath commanded him to be captain over his people, because thou hast not kept that which the Lord commanded thee.
Saul would not obey the Lord. He was a pragmatist. He looked at the advance of the Philistines and the delay of the prophet and he could wait no longer. He offered the burnt offerings himself. He overstepped his bounds. He would not wait for God's timing.
His disobedience came from his lack of faith in God. Obedience always flows from faith. You will act on that which you believe. If you believe the prophet is coming, you will wait. If you do not, you will act. Saul acted and it was wrong.
Samuel declared that God sought a man after his own heart. What is that man like? Is God still looking for a man after his own heart? The Bible tells us that God found that man in David.
Acts 13:22 And when he had removed him, he raised up unto them David to be their king; to whom also he gave testimony, and said, I have found David the son of Jesse, a man after mine own heart, which shall fulfil all my will.
A man after God's own heart wants the will of God to be done. He will obey the Word of the Lord. The other thing about a man after God's own heart is that he is looking for worshippers.
John 4:23-24 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. 24 God is a Spirit: and they that worship him must worship him in spirit and in truth.
The Father is seeking worshippers. He is pleased with faith (Hebrews 11:6). He wants those who pray for his will to be done in earth as it is in heaven. Are you a worshipper? Are you a man or a woman after God's own heart?
If you trust in Jesus, he will give you a new heart that is in line with his!
In Christ,
Rody
Tuesday, April 10, 2012
God forbid that I should sin against the Lord in ceasing to pray for you
Bible Reading: 1 Samuel 9-12
1 Samuel 12:23 Moreover as for me, God forbid that I should sin against the Lord in ceasing to pray for you: but I will teach you the good and the right way:
Samuel was a prophet and a judge in Israel. He was responsible for anointing the first two kings of Israel at God's command. He was a leader. He was an intercessor.
He knew that the people's desire for a king was wicked.
1 Samuel 8:6-7 But the thing displeased Samuel, when they said, Give us a king to judge us. And Samuel prayed unto the Lord. 7 And the Lord said unto Samuel, Hearken unto the voice of the people in all that they say unto thee: for they have not rejected thee, but they have rejected me, that I should not reign over them.
1 Samuel 10:19 And ye have this day rejected your God, who himself saved you out of all your adversities and your tribulations; and ye have said unto him, Nay, but set a king over us. Now therefore present yourselves before the Lord by your tribes, and by your thousands.
1 Samuel 12:17 Is it not wheat harvest to day? I will call unto the Lord, and he shall send thunder and rain; that ye may perceive and see that your wickedness is great, which ye have done in the sight of the Lord, in asking you a king.
And yet, he loved the people and he knew they were the recipients of God's covenant. It would have been easy for him to grow bitter. It would have been a great temptation for him to be judgmental and have wanted to quit his prophet's role in Israel. But he did not choose those routes. He chose prayer. Even more! He said it would be sin for him not to pray for his people.
Do you have that kind of heart? Do you pray for the people of God? Even when they do wickedly? God's heart is to give mercy, grace and forgiveness.
1 John 5:16 If any man see his brother sin a sin which is not unto death, he shall ask, and he shall give him life for them that sin not unto death. There is a sin unto death: I do not say that he shall pray for it.
You do not have to wink at sin. You need to pray for your brother. Please let the Holy Spirit break your heart over the sin of this world and be an intercessor.
In Christ,
Rody
1 Samuel 12:23 Moreover as for me, God forbid that I should sin against the Lord in ceasing to pray for you: but I will teach you the good and the right way:
Samuel was a prophet and a judge in Israel. He was responsible for anointing the first two kings of Israel at God's command. He was a leader. He was an intercessor.
He knew that the people's desire for a king was wicked.
1 Samuel 8:6-7 But the thing displeased Samuel, when they said, Give us a king to judge us. And Samuel prayed unto the Lord. 7 And the Lord said unto Samuel, Hearken unto the voice of the people in all that they say unto thee: for they have not rejected thee, but they have rejected me, that I should not reign over them.
1 Samuel 10:19 And ye have this day rejected your God, who himself saved you out of all your adversities and your tribulations; and ye have said unto him, Nay, but set a king over us. Now therefore present yourselves before the Lord by your tribes, and by your thousands.
1 Samuel 12:17 Is it not wheat harvest to day? I will call unto the Lord, and he shall send thunder and rain; that ye may perceive and see that your wickedness is great, which ye have done in the sight of the Lord, in asking you a king.
And yet, he loved the people and he knew they were the recipients of God's covenant. It would have been easy for him to grow bitter. It would have been a great temptation for him to be judgmental and have wanted to quit his prophet's role in Israel. But he did not choose those routes. He chose prayer. Even more! He said it would be sin for him not to pray for his people.
Do you have that kind of heart? Do you pray for the people of God? Even when they do wickedly? God's heart is to give mercy, grace and forgiveness.
1 John 5:16 If any man see his brother sin a sin which is not unto death, he shall ask, and he shall give him life for them that sin not unto death. There is a sin unto death: I do not say that he shall pray for it.
You do not have to wink at sin. You need to pray for your brother. Please let the Holy Spirit break your heart over the sin of this world and be an intercessor.
In Christ,
Rody
Wednesday, April 4, 2012
But God clave a hollow place
Bible Reading: Judges 13-15
Judges 15:18-19 And he was sore athirst, and called on the Lord, and said, Thou hast given this great deliverance into the hand of thy servant: and now shall I die for thirst, and fall into the hand of the uncircumcised? 19 But God clave an hollow place that was in the jaw, and there came water thereout; and when he had drunk, his spirit came again, and he revived: wherefore he called the name thereof Enhakkore, which is in Lehi unto this day.
God's calling on a man's life is a powerful thing. Samson is one of the most spoiled, rotten kids in the Bible (in my opinion). He was obstinate and talked back to his parents.
Judges 14:2-3 And he came up, and told his father and his mother, and said, I have seen a woman in Timnath of the daughters of the Philistines: now therefore get her for me to wife. 3 Then his father and his mother said unto him, Is there never a woman among the daughters of thy brethren, or among all my people, that thou goest to take a wife of the uncircumcised Philistines? And Samson said unto his father, Get her for me; for she pleaseth me well.
He disobeyed God. Not only was he not to marry a Philistine woman, but he was raised a Nazarite and was not to touch a dead body. However, he took honey from the carcass of a lion and his weapon of choice against the Philistines was the jaw bone of an ass.
And yet, God used him mightily and answered his prayers. When he was thirsty, God clave a hollow place in the rock at Ramathlehi and caused water to flow so Samson could drink.
God is amazing in his love, longsuffering and mercy toward his people. Thank God that in Christ he does not give us what we deserve, but gives us grace upon grace.
It is not that I dislike Samson. It is that I am more like him than I want to admit. I do not advise taking God's grace in vain. However, I continually stand amazed at God's gracious dealings with his children.
Thank you Jesus!
In Christ,
Rody
Judges 15:18-19 And he was sore athirst, and called on the Lord, and said, Thou hast given this great deliverance into the hand of thy servant: and now shall I die for thirst, and fall into the hand of the uncircumcised? 19 But God clave an hollow place that was in the jaw, and there came water thereout; and when he had drunk, his spirit came again, and he revived: wherefore he called the name thereof Enhakkore, which is in Lehi unto this day.
God's calling on a man's life is a powerful thing. Samson is one of the most spoiled, rotten kids in the Bible (in my opinion). He was obstinate and talked back to his parents.
Judges 14:2-3 And he came up, and told his father and his mother, and said, I have seen a woman in Timnath of the daughters of the Philistines: now therefore get her for me to wife. 3 Then his father and his mother said unto him, Is there never a woman among the daughters of thy brethren, or among all my people, that thou goest to take a wife of the uncircumcised Philistines? And Samson said unto his father, Get her for me; for she pleaseth me well.
He disobeyed God. Not only was he not to marry a Philistine woman, but he was raised a Nazarite and was not to touch a dead body. However, he took honey from the carcass of a lion and his weapon of choice against the Philistines was the jaw bone of an ass.
And yet, God used him mightily and answered his prayers. When he was thirsty, God clave a hollow place in the rock at Ramathlehi and caused water to flow so Samson could drink.
God is amazing in his love, longsuffering and mercy toward his people. Thank God that in Christ he does not give us what we deserve, but gives us grace upon grace.
It is not that I dislike Samson. It is that I am more like him than I want to admit. I do not advise taking God's grace in vain. However, I continually stand amazed at God's gracious dealings with his children.
Thank you Jesus!
In Christ,
Rody
Tuesday, April 3, 2012
His soul was grieved for the misery of Israel
Bible Reading: Judges 10-12
Judges 10:16 And they put away the strange gods from among them, and served the Lord: and his soul was grieved for the misery of Israel.
God is longsuffering. He has incredible patience with his people. We wants us to be wholly committed to him, heart and soul. He knows that we are frail and like sheep in need of a Shepherd. Praise God that he knows this and does not deal with us as our sins deserve, but he deals with us in kindness and mercy.
During the time of the Judges in Israel, the people once again began to worship the false gods of the inhabitants of the land of Canaan.
Judges 10:6 And the children of Israel did evil again in the sight of the Lord, and served Baalim, and Ashtaroth, and the gods of Syria, and the gods of Zidon, and the gods of Moab, and the gods of the children of Ammon, and the gods of the Philistines, and forsook the Lord, and served not him.
This displeased the Lord greatly and he delivered the children of Israel into the hands of the Philistines and the children of Ammon. They invaded Israel and plundered them. Finally, Israel began to cry out to God for deliverance.
Judges 10:10-14 And the children of Israel cried unto the Lord, saying, We have sinned against thee, both because we have forsaken our God, and also served Baalim. 11 And the Lord said unto the children of Israel, Did not I deliver you from the Egyptians, and from the Amorites, from the children of Ammon, and from the Philistines? 12 The Zidonians also, and the Amalekites, and the Maonites, did oppress you; and ye cried to me, and I delivered you out of their hand. 13 Yet ye have forsaken me, and served other gods: wherefore I will deliver you no more. 14 Go and cry unto the gods which ye have chosen; let them deliver you in the time of your tribulation.
Wow! God said if you want to worship those gods, then cry to them for deliverance. However, Israel continued to cry out to God and they confessed their sin.
Judges 10:15 And the children of Israel said unto the Lord, We have sinned: do thou unto us whatsoever seemeth good unto thee; deliver us only, we pray thee, this day.
God saw their desire to return to him and their genuine confession. He heard their cry and sent them deliverance. It is truly amazing that God is so merciful and gracious. He is loving and kind. He hears our cry and forgives our sin. When we are unfaithful and sin against him, he promises.
1 John 1:9 If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins, and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.
Why does he do this?
1 John 1:7 But if we walk in the light, as he is in the light, we have fellowship one with another, and the blood of Jesus Christ his Son cleanseth us from all sin.
He forgives us because the blood of Jesus Christ his Son cleanses us from all sin. Have you strayed from the Lord? Confess your sin to him and cry out to him. He will have compassion on you and he will forgive. He knows your misery and he is grieved because of it. He wants you to walk in victory!
In Christ,
Rody
Judges 10:16 And they put away the strange gods from among them, and served the Lord: and his soul was grieved for the misery of Israel.
God is longsuffering. He has incredible patience with his people. We wants us to be wholly committed to him, heart and soul. He knows that we are frail and like sheep in need of a Shepherd. Praise God that he knows this and does not deal with us as our sins deserve, but he deals with us in kindness and mercy.
During the time of the Judges in Israel, the people once again began to worship the false gods of the inhabitants of the land of Canaan.
Judges 10:6 And the children of Israel did evil again in the sight of the Lord, and served Baalim, and Ashtaroth, and the gods of Syria, and the gods of Zidon, and the gods of Moab, and the gods of the children of Ammon, and the gods of the Philistines, and forsook the Lord, and served not him.
This displeased the Lord greatly and he delivered the children of Israel into the hands of the Philistines and the children of Ammon. They invaded Israel and plundered them. Finally, Israel began to cry out to God for deliverance.
Judges 10:10-14 And the children of Israel cried unto the Lord, saying, We have sinned against thee, both because we have forsaken our God, and also served Baalim. 11 And the Lord said unto the children of Israel, Did not I deliver you from the Egyptians, and from the Amorites, from the children of Ammon, and from the Philistines? 12 The Zidonians also, and the Amalekites, and the Maonites, did oppress you; and ye cried to me, and I delivered you out of their hand. 13 Yet ye have forsaken me, and served other gods: wherefore I will deliver you no more. 14 Go and cry unto the gods which ye have chosen; let them deliver you in the time of your tribulation.
Wow! God said if you want to worship those gods, then cry to them for deliverance. However, Israel continued to cry out to God and they confessed their sin.
Judges 10:15 And the children of Israel said unto the Lord, We have sinned: do thou unto us whatsoever seemeth good unto thee; deliver us only, we pray thee, this day.
God saw their desire to return to him and their genuine confession. He heard their cry and sent them deliverance. It is truly amazing that God is so merciful and gracious. He is loving and kind. He hears our cry and forgives our sin. When we are unfaithful and sin against him, he promises.
1 John 1:9 If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins, and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.
Why does he do this?
1 John 1:7 But if we walk in the light, as he is in the light, we have fellowship one with another, and the blood of Jesus Christ his Son cleanseth us from all sin.
He forgives us because the blood of Jesus Christ his Son cleanses us from all sin. Have you strayed from the Lord? Confess your sin to him and cry out to him. He will have compassion on you and he will forgive. He knows your misery and he is grieved because of it. He wants you to walk in victory!
In Christ,
Rody
Monday, April 2, 2012
Whether is better for you
Bible Reading: Judges 8-9
Judges 9:2 Speak, I pray you, in the ears of all the men of Shechem, Whether is better for you, either that all the sons of Jerubbaal, which are threescore and ten persons, reign over you, or that one reign over you? remember also that I am your bone and your flesh.
Gideon had seventy sons by his wives and one son by a concubine. the son of the concubine was from Shechem and he made a proposal to the men of Shechem. Would it be better to have all of Gideon's sons to reign over them or to have him? They said it would be better to have him. So they gave him money and made him a ruler and he killed all his brothers!
Judges 9:5-6 And he went unto his father's house at Ophrah, and slew his brethren the sons of Jerubbaal, being threescore and ten persons, upon one stone: notwithstanding yet Jotham the youngest son of Jerubbaal was left; for he hid himself. 6 And all the men of Shechem gathered together, and all the house of Millo, and went, and made Abimelech king, by the plain of the pillar that was in Shechem.
Why do men want a man to be their king? Why was Israel not content with God as their king? I honestly don't know the answer to these questions. It is because of our sin nature obviously, but we should learn from Israel and from the history of the world.
The situation with Abimelech is a typical one. He gave the people a choice, but both options were ungodly. God had never told them to choose a king. God raised up judges for them, but they had God as their king and his Word as their law.
Since then we have been presented the same dialectic many, many times. Two choices, both of which are ungodly. Leadership is a very difficult thing.
What's the answer? Follow Jesus and pray for the leaders in your land!
1 Timothy 2:1-6 I exhort therefore, that, first of all, supplications, prayers, intercessions, and giving of thanks, be made for all men; 2 For kings, and for all that are in authority; that we may lead a quiet and peaceable life in all godliness and honesty. 3 For this is good and acceptable in the sight of God our Saviour; 4 Who will have all men to be saved, and to come unto the knowledge of the truth. 5 For there is one God, and one mediator between God and men, the man Christ Jesus; 6 Who gave himself a ransom for all, to be testified in due time.
In Christ,
Rody
Judges 9:2 Speak, I pray you, in the ears of all the men of Shechem, Whether is better for you, either that all the sons of Jerubbaal, which are threescore and ten persons, reign over you, or that one reign over you? remember also that I am your bone and your flesh.
Gideon had seventy sons by his wives and one son by a concubine. the son of the concubine was from Shechem and he made a proposal to the men of Shechem. Would it be better to have all of Gideon's sons to reign over them or to have him? They said it would be better to have him. So they gave him money and made him a ruler and he killed all his brothers!
Judges 9:5-6 And he went unto his father's house at Ophrah, and slew his brethren the sons of Jerubbaal, being threescore and ten persons, upon one stone: notwithstanding yet Jotham the youngest son of Jerubbaal was left; for he hid himself. 6 And all the men of Shechem gathered together, and all the house of Millo, and went, and made Abimelech king, by the plain of the pillar that was in Shechem.
Why do men want a man to be their king? Why was Israel not content with God as their king? I honestly don't know the answer to these questions. It is because of our sin nature obviously, but we should learn from Israel and from the history of the world.
The situation with Abimelech is a typical one. He gave the people a choice, but both options were ungodly. God had never told them to choose a king. God raised up judges for them, but they had God as their king and his Word as their law.
Since then we have been presented the same dialectic many, many times. Two choices, both of which are ungodly. Leadership is a very difficult thing.
What's the answer? Follow Jesus and pray for the leaders in your land!
1 Timothy 2:1-6 I exhort therefore, that, first of all, supplications, prayers, intercessions, and giving of thanks, be made for all men; 2 For kings, and for all that are in authority; that we may lead a quiet and peaceable life in all godliness and honesty. 3 For this is good and acceptable in the sight of God our Saviour; 4 Who will have all men to be saved, and to come unto the knowledge of the truth. 5 For there is one God, and one mediator between God and men, the man Christ Jesus; 6 Who gave himself a ransom for all, to be testified in due time.
In Christ,
Rody
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