“Faithful
are the wounds of a friend;…” Proverbs 27:6
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Thursday 29 August 2013
Aug 30
“Now
she that is a widow indeed, and desolate, trusteth in God,…” 1
Timothy 5:5
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Aug 27
“…My
wellbeloved hath a vineyard in a very fruitful hill:” Isaiah
5:1
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Aug 26
“…the
LORD had given him rest round about from all his enemies;” 2
Samuel 7:1
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Aug 24
“And that they may recover
themselves out of the snare of the devil,…” 2 Timothy
2:26
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Aug 23
“…in
the time of trouble he shall hide me in his pavilion:…” Psalms
27:5
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Aug 22
“…I
gave her corn, and wine, and oil, and multiplied her silver and gold, which
they prepared for Baal.”
Hosea 2:8
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Aug 21
“Wherefore
God also hath highly exalted him, and given him a name which is above every
name:” Philippians 2:9
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Aug 20
“…in
the time of wheat harvest, that Samson visited his wife with a kid;…” Judges
15:1
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Aug 19
“So
I returned, and considered all the oppressions that are done under the sun:…” Ecclesiastes
4:1
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Aug 18
“…and
had given them much exhortation, he came into Greece,” Acts
20:2
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Aug 17
“The
meek will he guide in judgment: and the meek will he teach his way.” Psalms
25:9
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Aug 16
“…repent, and do the first
works…” Revelation 2:5
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Aug 14
“…Received
ye the Spirit by the works of the law, or by the hearing of faith?” Galatians
3:2
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Aug 13
“And
the rest of the people,…that had separated themselves…unto the law of God” Nehemiah
10:28
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Aug 12
“…and
have not charity, I am nothing.”
1 Corinthians 13:2
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Aug 11
“And
they consider not in their hearts that I remember all their wickedness:…” Hosea
7:2
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Aug 9
“Then was the secret
revealed unto Daniel in a night vision….” Daniels
2:19
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Aug 8
“…David took from him a
thousand chariots,…” 1 Chronicles 18:4
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Aug 7
“And
why beholdest thou the mote that is in thy brother's eye,…” Matthew
7:3
By vivid and relevant illustration,
Jesus teaches the importance of analysing ourselves ahead of attempting the
judgement of others. The experience of having a speck in the eye is not
uncommon to most of us. It is an irritant that impedes sight and makes the
normal function of seeing difficult and painful. The illustration Jesus gives
is logical as it is pertinent. There is nothing wrong with our willingness to
help someone who may be afflicted by a small particle in the eye, if our own
eyes are clear, functional and able to see. No one in their right mind would
attempt to remove something so small from someone else’s eye if they were
impaired themselves. Even more surely no one with a speck in their eye would
allow someone with a serious impediment to go anywhere near their eye or
attempt to help! The inference in this teaching of Jesus, is that the person
who has an even bigger problem, that is a ‘beam’, literally a plank or lump of
wood in his own eye, should even dare consider the splinter in someone else’s
eye! This is at the core of the problem addressed by the Lord. All too often we
become critical and begin to scrutinize someone else’s life and shortcomings.
We find fault and criticize them, when in our own lives we have by far more
serious problems and issues to resolve! The logical and wise direction from
God, is to take care of our own difficulty, cleaning and cleansing our own life
and vision, so that then we may be able to genuinely be of some assistance to
someone else. How much easier and more useful we would all be if this simple,
logical and Christ-like principle was followed in our lives. Through prayer,
the careful reading of God’s Word, the sincere analysis of our own lives, and
maybe the assistance of someone who has ‘clear vision’, we should first face,
deal with and overcome our own spiritual impairments. Armed with the knowledge,
love and humility learned in the process, we may then without hypocrisy or fear
of doing damage, assist our precious brother or sister in their difficulty or challenge.
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Aug 6
“…Hear….
the statutes and judgments…..that ye may learn them, and keep, and do them.” Deuteronomy
5:1
Moses, Israel’s leader called the
people together that they may hear, learn, keep and do the commandments of God.
In the New Testament, Jesus similarly told us that it is a wise man, who both
hears the word of God and performs it. Hearing only without the doing of it,
results in failure and tragedy. How appropriate that this all important concept
is consistently presented in both Testaments of the Bible. Knowledge of the
things of God is all important, for without it there is no opportunity to do
righteousness. To that end, God has gone to immense trouble and pains and
ensured that His Word has reached the ears of humanity all over the world. The
Bible is the most sold book in the world, and has been translated in more
languages than any other! Particularly in our western world, it is not lack of
information or opportunity to do well that lacks. Sadly our problem is by far
more serious. We are guilty of having heard long and plenty of God’s
directions, instructions, commandments and warnings, but having turned a deaf
ear. Overall as western nations, we have turned our hearts, minds and choices
away from God and His purposes, rather than towards Him. Naturally this is done
to our own detriment, for we are accountable and it will be required from all
of us, by the Almighty and Just God! Wise is the man that heeds the instruction
of Moses and Jesus, firstly to hear the statutes and judgements of God, then to
learn, keep and obey. This first step of ‘hearing’ in itself requires our commitment
and willingness to apply time and effort. In the busy lives we have made for
ourselves, we find it increasingly difficult to ‘make time’ for God and His
word. The single greatest excuse for people not being at church or making time
to listen to the teaching or preaching of God’s word is ‘lack of time’. We are
too busy with other things and prioritise all else ahead of the necessity for
God. There is still plenty of time to listen to one’s favourite music, or watch
one’s favourite shows, but time for God is simply too big a stretch in many
cases. The next level of commitment however, is even more relevant. Some in
response to guilty consciences, a sense of what is right or due to peer or
family pressure actually take time to be ‘at church’ or attend bible studies,
but this too means little unless it is followed with a heart to learn, remember
and do what is heard! Again in other areas of life, we find no difficulty with
this aspect. We allow the lyrics of our favourite songs to be so imprinted in
our brains that we can scarcely forget them, and we can easily recount to
friends in vivid detail the scenes from our favourite shows, games or
activities! Should even the smallest amount of the same attention and passion
be paid to the Word of God, we might find that our lives and the lives of
others would be impacted in very powerful and positive ways! Jesus is still
looking for faithful servants who will not only listen, but learn, remember and
perform His word. He says this is the test of our true love for Him. How does
our personal life line up with this all important biblical standard?
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Aug 5
“Let no man deceive you by any means:…” 2 Thessalonians 2:3
The subject of the timing of the
return of Jesus, has given rise to much speculation among believers and
resulted in not too few serious errors of doctrine and falsities. Paul
encourages the Thessalonian believers, and in doing so he speaks to us also, in
regards to this matter. We have been clearly taught that no man knows the hour
or the day of the coming of Christ for His church. This ought to have been
determent enough for forecasters and prognosticators from offering up their
predictions, but sadly it hasn’t stopped them. In turn the failed predictions
have simply added to both the tension of the wait among believers, and the
scorn and ridicule among unbelievers. The Holy Ghost through Paul tells us not
to be shaken in mind, troubled nor deceived regarding the return of Jesus and
its timing. In fact he offers good reasons and evidences to stay the minds of
believers from running ahead and worrying unnecessarily about the issue of
imminence. Why did God see fit to give such encouragement? It would seem God
knows our human nature and how susceptible we are to make more mistakes and
poor choices, to be deceived by the opinions and teaching of others, lose focus
or become less effective in the work we are to do, when we overstress our expectation
of an impending return of Jesus. It is true that we should live unto God with
the preparedness that this life could cease at any moment, for indeed none of
us are guaranteed the next breath! Personal preparation and spiritual readiness
are necessary for the believer, but God does not want us to live with fear or
undue concern about what is ahead. Doctrines based on misinterpretation of
scripture, have proposed a ‘secret rapture’, a silent, secretive removal of anyone
who professes Christianity (warts, spots, wrinkles and all) from the world,
leaving those left behind in a quandary or proposing all sorts of weird and
wonderful explanations as to what actually took place. Even for believers the
rapture is presented as some sort of surprise return of Jesus, geared almost to
‘catch’ them out, instead of catching them up! This is not the presentation of
scripture for those who believe. Believers, who are spiritually attuned to God
and His word, have been given plenty of information, warning and direction.
They must not be deceived by man’s perception in any way. Neither by abandoning
the work and challenges which must be faced because Jesus is ‘coming soon’, nor
by becoming complacent and putting off the work and growth necessary because
‘there is yet plenty of time’! The true believer will be ready day to day by
maintaining a close and intimate relationship with Jesus, and yet keep busy at
the business of the Father, living every aspect of life faithfully and until
the day of Christ’s appearing! Jesus is returning to catch away a pure and holy
‘bride’. It is clear from scripture that the true church must yet suffer and be
purified before the coming of Jesus. Our individual ‘works’ will be tried with
the fire of persecution and affliction, and tested for quality. Antichrist and the
powers of evil in authority and government, will be aligned against the people
of God. The dark world around us will continue to need the light of God to be
shined in testimony, from the lives and conduct of believers who will
faithfully serve God until ‘the end’. Let’s be more concerned with the kind of service
we offer our King, than with the time of His return. Let’s prepare ourselves,
our loved ones and anyone else we can help, for the time ahead, by continuing to
pray, read and obey His word, and live a holy life in the fear of God. Let’s
remember at all times that God is faithful, He will keep His promises and will
keep us also through whatever lays up ahead, and not forget that His timing as
always, will be perfect!
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Aug 4
“I
thank my God, making mention of thee always in my prayers,…” Philemon
1:4
Paul used similar terminology when addressing the church at Ephesus, at Rome and when writing to Timothy. It would seem that the Apostle was in the habit of including specific prayers for individuals and congregations, and then doing so consistently. Here we learn a simple yet deep truth about the necessity of upholding one another before the Lord in prayer. Prayer is not some mere liturgical form or empty repetition of words. It is the communication of the heart to God, and the listening to the voice and direction of God. It carries to heaven’s door the needs and requests, not only of the person praying, but of others who may be mentioned in the prayer. Whilst repetition of form and words without heart is not what prayer is all about, the fact that Paul mentioned the saints ‘always’, shows that regular and continuous requests for known or ongoing needs, are acceptable in prayer. They do not reflect a lack of faith, because they are regularly raised with God! The perseverance of the believer in daily prayer to God, is a vibrant and essential part of the Christian walk. It has been correctly noted that like all necessary daily physical activities of eating, sleeping, working and bathing, keep us healthy physically, in the same manner the spiritual activities of prayer, meditation of God’s Word, worship and witnessing, keep us healthy spiritually. Some sharp mind has stated that seven days without prayer makes one weak! Surely any day which passes without our lifting prayers to the Almighty, is a day of potentially lost opportunities and blessings! The ministry of intercessory prayer that is, praying for and petitioning God on behalf of others is an essential structure and requirement in the church. The love we are commanded to have one for another, must by necessity include prayer for each other. Ministers need the prayers of the saints to uphold them in the work they are to do. Upholding one another in our daily walk with God by prayer for strength, protection and enduring faithfulness forms a vital framework of mutual support, much like the bracing which fortifies bridges, walls or other load-bearing structures. Let us never tire of petitioning heaven with requests and supplications for the needs of our brethren and for the salvation of those yet unreached.
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Aug 3
“...
to the acknowledgement of the mystery of God, and of the Father, and of
Christ;” Colossians 2:2
The apostle desires the hearts of
the saints to be comforted, knit together in love and reassured in the
understanding they have been imparted of the truths of God. In particular he
points here to the doctrinal truth, the ‘mystery’ of God, now revealed. This
has to do with the powerful truth that God is One. Some would divide God into
three separate, distinct persons rather than to see He is but One God, who
manifests Himself in multiple ways. This is in part the truth over which Paul
wanted the saints at Colossi to rejoice and be assured in. He also instructs
them, later in the same chapter, not to be deterred from this truth by
traditions, deceptions, philosophies or man’s reasoning. He reminds them that
in Jesus dwells the fullness of the Godhead bodily, and that they and all
believers are complete in Him! This powerful and liberating truth identifies God
and focuses all the glory, the honour, the power and the worship to the One to
Whom it belongs! Hearing from, obeying and following the ways of the Holy One
of Israel, was and remains core doctrine among the Hebrews and should be so
among all Christians also. All of deity, the fullness of it, is in Christ
Jesus! It is all in Him! Scholars agree that ‘and’ (kai, in the Greek) may be
rendered to mean ‘even’, or ‘that is’, and does not always imply a ‘copulative’
(addition) action. Thus the mystery of God ‘and’ of the Father, ‘and’ of
Christ, in our verse, is not a mystery involving three beings, persons or gods.
It is the mystery of God, now revealed to man through His word involving God,
that is, the Father that is, Christ! We are told in 1Timothy 3 that the great
mystery of the Godhead is how that God was manifest in the flesh, justified in
the Spirit, seen of angels, preached unto the Gentiles, believed on in the
world, received up into glory! Jesus fits all of that description! Paul
confirms that the fullness of the Godhead bodily dwelt in Jesus, not just a
portion, a second person, a third or a partial aspect! The same One God, who
was the Father in eternity, took on the form of man and became known as the Son
of God in redemption, died on the cross for our sins, rose again from the dead,
and now abides as the Holy Spirit in the lives of believers! This is a great
assurance, a cause of great comfort, and an establishing, stabilising truth to
all the faithful - that we may personally know the God we have believed in and
trusted for our salvation!
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Aug 2
“Let
this mind be in you, which was also in Christ Jesus:…” Philippians
2:5
The imitation of Christ is suggested
to us all as believers by the apostle Paul, as he writes to the church at
Philippi. The mind set of those who profess to be followers of Christ should
surely reflect the mind of Christ. It is quite impossible to be Christ-like, a
Christian in practice, if we are not a Christian in belief and thought. Much of
what we will perform begins in the mind and heart and it is therefore very
appropriate for us to discover what the mind of Jesus is and then think like
Him. While He walked among us, the Lord made clear the intent and motivation of
His actions and showed to us all the manner and way of true Christian life. There
is much that could be said at this point in regards to the mind of Christ, but
perhaps a few points will suffice here. The Lord was genuinely complete in
every way and could have rightly flaunted His perfection and purity, His power
and superiority, but He did not. With this in focus, let us note then that the
mind which was in Christ Jesus was a mind of humility. Jesus showed us an example of humility in everything He
did and in the way He related to others. This should form the pattern of our
life’s motivation. We should not do anything to be ‘seen’ of others, to receive
the praise and accolades of those around us or to be noted and recognised. The
heart of the believer should be driven by the passion of true love and service
unto God and not strive for credit or recognition. When appreciation or honour
comes from others out of genuine hearts, it must be deflected immediately and
without hesitation, to Him to whom it truly belongs, the Lord Jesus. The mind
of Jesus was also a mind of subjection to
the Father. Jesus, as God in the flesh, the Son, never usurped the will and
pleasure of the Father in Heaven. His desire and conduct was wrapped up in
bringing about all that the Father’s will and purpose demanded. His obedience
was complete and His compliance absolute and service. To have such mind, we too
must be willing to fall in alignment with all that God commands of us and
directs us to do. Nothing should be too ‘hard’ for us to obey God in, or too
extreme to include in our lives, if He so directs in His Word and by His
Spirit. This kind of mind is consecrated to the Lord, dedicated to His purposes
and intent in fulfilling His will in every detail. Along with humility and
subjection, we find the mind of Christ to be a mind of service. The needs of others were the first and foremost interests
of our Lord. The striving, argumentative and adversarial mentalities, to which
we sometimes subscribe, are not Christ-like. They do not minister to the needs
of others, but all too often only cater to our own feelings and wants. This is
not to say we cannot stand for righteousness, refute error or reprove wrong,
but it does mean that we can do those things in the manner, attitude and spirit
of love and service that Jesus showed. He came to serve and minister to others.
He, who was King of Kings, willingly became the Chief Servant and gave to us
who did not deserve. Such altruism is at the core of the mind of Christ, and
should be the mainframe and motivation of ours also. Our human nature makes the
taking and nurturing of our own interests first and normative. The new nature
we inherit from Jesus, turns that around, and places others ahead of ourselves.
Developing that mind of Christ in us is a choice we must continue to make
throughout our Christian walk. It will not happen by chance or accident, nor by
mere religious observance. It can only come as we yield more of ourselves, our
hearts and passions, to comply and align with the purpose for which we were
created and saved – to be more like Jesus!
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Aug 1
“...for his great love wherewith he loved us.” Ephesians 2:4
How could we who were dead in trespasses and sins ever find life or even hope for any improvement from the finality of our spiritual death? There is but one answer: God! The Almighty God who is rich in mercy and possesses an everlasting love towards us, made a way! This has to be the greatest story of love that we as humans have ever heard of. Why should the Holy and Supreme God, regard or care for a world of lost and dying malevolent sinners, particularly when rebellion against Him was the choice we made? We had rejected His love and provision, rebelled against His purpose and plan, and selected our ways of death in place of His way of life. In human terms we would say, we got what we deserved, and reaped the wages of our disobedience. God could have remained still holy, righteous and eternal, above all and separate from the humanity which had rejected Him. Except for the fact that God is love! Yahwah, the Eternal Ruler of the universe is rich in mercy, and has as the essence of His being a love which permeates His every action and purpose. A lesser deity might have turned away from the awful mess mankind had landed itself in, distancing itself from the problem of sin and its effects, but not this God! Jesus is the Spring of Mercy, the Ocean of Love and the River of grace! In His benevolence and tenderness of heart, He by mercy overlooked the injury and offence humanity was guilty of, and treated the offender better than was deserved! His grace, to save and rescue those who will hear, is the outflow of that incomparable mercy and reaches into the soul of every individual who chooses to receive it. His dealings with mankind are always motivated by His great love. This is the very nature of the Almighty. It touches everything He does and blesses anyone who understands even the least aspect of it! Like the ocean, God’s love is immense and great because it is the nature of the Immense and Great God! It stems from the One who fills the universe and knows no bounds or limitations! God’s love is great because it is not like the natural love we are able to give, which is based on merit, character, relationship and largely limited to those who are close to us and who reciprocate love to us. God’s love is given freely to all mankind and is not limited or exclusive.
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