Today's reading: Deuteronomy 19, 20, 21; Psalm 28, 58, 88, 118, 148; Proverbs 28
Deuteronomy 20:8, "And the officers shall speak further unto the people, and they shall say, What man is there that is fearful and fainthearted? let him go and return unto his house, lest his brethren's heart faint as well as his heart."
Some years ago I worked with someone that I became close to. It was so funny when people would call and talk to us; because, they could not tell which one of us was which. According to others we sounded just like one another on the phone. We all had a good laugh about it. On guy decided that when one of us would answer the phone he would say both of our first names as one name. This way he had a 50% chance of getting it correct.
I noticed also during this time that some things I would say were exactly the way he would have said them. I also noticed that occasionally he would say things that I would say. We shared some of the same likes and dislikes; but, not all. We both enjoyed spicy, hot food and many other things.
My point? You never know how you might influence someone when you are around them. Especially, if you are around them a lot. I have heard it said that "nearness is likeness". I believe that because I have seen it. I have seen it in my wife and I. The longer we are married the more she and I pick up on the other person's saying and mannerisms also. It is kind of funny.
If you allow someone to have influence over you then you are allowing that person to lead you. Leadership is influence. If I will not allow you to influence me then you will not lead me no matter how hard you try. It would be like trying to take a horse to the watering tank and then pull his head into the water to drink. The theme song to "Mission Impossible" is playing now. Yes, it would be impossible. I know this because I have tried it. Don't attempt it.
So, who is influencing you today? What leader are you following? Have you tried following Jesus? If not start now!
Sunday, February 28, 2010
Saturday, February 27, 2010
February 27, 2010
Today's reading: Deuteronomy 16, 17, 18; Psalm 27, 57, 87, 117, 147; Proverbs 27
Deuteronomy 17:18-19, "And it shall be, when he sitteth upon the throne of his kingdom, that he shall write him a copy of this law in a book out of that which is before the priests the Levites: And it shall be with him, and he shall read therein all the days of his life: that he may learn to fear the LORD his God, to keep all the words of this law and these statutes, to do them:"
You all know from reading this blog that I believe that daily reading the Bible is vitally important. It was so important to the LORD that He assigned the kings of Israel the task of writing a copy of it and to keep is before the priests the Levites. Why is it so important?
I believe that it is important because what you put into you will come out. You are like a funnel. If you pour water into a funnel and expect grape juice to come out the other end you will be sadly mistaken. This is a principle called "Garbage In/Garbage Out" (GIGO). We need to fill our minds and hearts with the Word of God. If we do we will be equipped to live a life that pleases God also. The Bible is good for us.
The Bible is good for others too. Proverbs 27:17, "Iron sharpeneth iron; so a man sharpeneth the countenance of his friend." If I am going to encourage my fellow Christians then I will use the Bible to do that. When you sharpen an axe you use a file or grinder of some sort. This causes friction, heat and sparks. This happens because of the contact of the axe head to whatever you choose to sharpen it with. It is the same in our lives as Christians. We need to be close enough to one another to cause sparks, heat and friction from time to time. This is exhortation. If we see someone doing something contrary to the Bible we should pray for them and us. Then we need to go to them in Christian love and share the Bible with them and try to lead them in the way God would be pleased with.
So friend, how are you doing?
Deuteronomy 17:18-19, "And it shall be, when he sitteth upon the throne of his kingdom, that he shall write him a copy of this law in a book out of that which is before the priests the Levites: And it shall be with him, and he shall read therein all the days of his life: that he may learn to fear the LORD his God, to keep all the words of this law and these statutes, to do them:"
You all know from reading this blog that I believe that daily reading the Bible is vitally important. It was so important to the LORD that He assigned the kings of Israel the task of writing a copy of it and to keep is before the priests the Levites. Why is it so important?
I believe that it is important because what you put into you will come out. You are like a funnel. If you pour water into a funnel and expect grape juice to come out the other end you will be sadly mistaken. This is a principle called "Garbage In/Garbage Out" (GIGO). We need to fill our minds and hearts with the Word of God. If we do we will be equipped to live a life that pleases God also. The Bible is good for us.
The Bible is good for others too. Proverbs 27:17, "Iron sharpeneth iron; so a man sharpeneth the countenance of his friend." If I am going to encourage my fellow Christians then I will use the Bible to do that. When you sharpen an axe you use a file or grinder of some sort. This causes friction, heat and sparks. This happens because of the contact of the axe head to whatever you choose to sharpen it with. It is the same in our lives as Christians. We need to be close enough to one another to cause sparks, heat and friction from time to time. This is exhortation. If we see someone doing something contrary to the Bible we should pray for them and us. Then we need to go to them in Christian love and share the Bible with them and try to lead them in the way God would be pleased with.
So friend, how are you doing?
Friday, February 26, 2010
February 26, 2010
Today's reading: Deuteronomy 13, 14, 15; Psalm 26, 56, 86, 116, 146; Proverbs 16
Deuteronomy 15:17-18, "Then thou shalt take an aul, and thrust it through his ear unto the door, and he shall be thy servant for ever. And also unto thy maidservant thou shalt do likewise. It shall not seem hard unto thee, when thou sendest him away free from thee; for he hath been worth a double hired servant to thee, in serving thee six years: and the LORD thy God shall bless thee in all that thou doest."
I remember growing up on the farm there were several men who came through as hired farm hands. One man in particular we will call Bob. He worked for my uncle several times and was as hard working a man that you could want. The problem was the Bob loved alcohol. When he would get in trouble he would end up at my Aunt and Uncle's house to sober up and get back on the wagon so to speak. Bob was a great guy when he was sober. I only remember seeing him under the influence one time in my life when my Uncle and I went to get him and bring him to the house for a time of drying out.
Bob could work from sun up to sun down as hard as any man. I remember when there was a lull in the conversation Bob would say, "How 'boot that William?" Tragically, Bob's life ended in a benge for alcohol. He got so desperate that he drank rubbing alcohol. He laid on the floor and literally bled to death because of it. How sad.
My point today? In our text we are reminded of how to treat servants. This could be compared to our modern day employee/employer relationship. I often wonder as a servant of God, would He drive an awl through my ear at the end of six years. The answer to that brings doubt to my heart. I want to think that He would; but, I know me too well.
How about you friend? If you were God's servant would He drive an awl through your ear at the end of six years?
Deuteronomy 15:17-18, "Then thou shalt take an aul, and thrust it through his ear unto the door, and he shall be thy servant for ever. And also unto thy maidservant thou shalt do likewise. It shall not seem hard unto thee, when thou sendest him away free from thee; for he hath been worth a double hired servant to thee, in serving thee six years: and the LORD thy God shall bless thee in all that thou doest."
I remember growing up on the farm there were several men who came through as hired farm hands. One man in particular we will call Bob. He worked for my uncle several times and was as hard working a man that you could want. The problem was the Bob loved alcohol. When he would get in trouble he would end up at my Aunt and Uncle's house to sober up and get back on the wagon so to speak. Bob was a great guy when he was sober. I only remember seeing him under the influence one time in my life when my Uncle and I went to get him and bring him to the house for a time of drying out.
Bob could work from sun up to sun down as hard as any man. I remember when there was a lull in the conversation Bob would say, "How 'boot that William?" Tragically, Bob's life ended in a benge for alcohol. He got so desperate that he drank rubbing alcohol. He laid on the floor and literally bled to death because of it. How sad.
My point today? In our text we are reminded of how to treat servants. This could be compared to our modern day employee/employer relationship. I often wonder as a servant of God, would He drive an awl through my ear at the end of six years. The answer to that brings doubt to my heart. I want to think that He would; but, I know me too well.
How about you friend? If you were God's servant would He drive an awl through your ear at the end of six years?
Thursday, February 25, 2010
February 25, 2010
Today's reading: Deuteronomy 10, 11, 12; Psalm 25, 55, 85, 115, 145; Proverbs 25
Deuteronomy 10:6, And the children of Israel took their journey from Beeroth of the children of Jaakan to Mosera: there Aaron died, and there he was buried; and Eleazar his son ministered in the priest's office in his stead."
I am caught by the second half of this verse today, "... there Aaron died, and there he was buried; and Eleazar his son ministered in the priest's office in his stead." What an honor to follow in your father's footsteps; especially, in the LORD's ministry. I know so many men who are Pastors and one of their greatest desires is for their sons to follow them into the ministry. I know that it is my desire for our son to do that very thing. However, God has a different plan for him and this is obvious.
Have you ever taken some time to think about what will become of your children when you step into eternity. I know some of you, my readers, have done that. This is something that I do not like to think about because of our "situation". It concerns me greatly what will happen to our son when we step out into eternity. If we have fulfilled the mandates of Scripture in teaching our children and loving them and winning them to Christ then we should have no worries in this area.
The problem is that most of us don't teach or train our children in the manner that God would have us to train them. This is where the rub comes in. Now, when we depart this earth there is not as sure of a foundation as what we would like there to be and this causes us grief on this side of eternity. There will be no grief on the other side of eternity for those who have been born-again. For those who never trust Jesus Christ as their Saviour there will be nothing but pain, agony, suffering and grief. Imagine living in a place that is described as a fire that burns and is not quenched. I don't want my children, you or anyone else to spend eternity in such an awful place. Yet people step out into eternity every day unprepared for heaven which reserves them a place in hell. God forbid! It is true.
So what of our children today? Have we prepared them for life without us? Most importantly; have we prepared them for eternity? Are you prepared for eternity?
Deuteronomy 10:6, And the children of Israel took their journey from Beeroth of the children of Jaakan to Mosera: there Aaron died, and there he was buried; and Eleazar his son ministered in the priest's office in his stead."
I am caught by the second half of this verse today, "... there Aaron died, and there he was buried; and Eleazar his son ministered in the priest's office in his stead." What an honor to follow in your father's footsteps; especially, in the LORD's ministry. I know so many men who are Pastors and one of their greatest desires is for their sons to follow them into the ministry. I know that it is my desire for our son to do that very thing. However, God has a different plan for him and this is obvious.
Have you ever taken some time to think about what will become of your children when you step into eternity. I know some of you, my readers, have done that. This is something that I do not like to think about because of our "situation". It concerns me greatly what will happen to our son when we step out into eternity. If we have fulfilled the mandates of Scripture in teaching our children and loving them and winning them to Christ then we should have no worries in this area.
The problem is that most of us don't teach or train our children in the manner that God would have us to train them. This is where the rub comes in. Now, when we depart this earth there is not as sure of a foundation as what we would like there to be and this causes us grief on this side of eternity. There will be no grief on the other side of eternity for those who have been born-again. For those who never trust Jesus Christ as their Saviour there will be nothing but pain, agony, suffering and grief. Imagine living in a place that is described as a fire that burns and is not quenched. I don't want my children, you or anyone else to spend eternity in such an awful place. Yet people step out into eternity every day unprepared for heaven which reserves them a place in hell. God forbid! It is true.
So what of our children today? Have we prepared them for life without us? Most importantly; have we prepared them for eternity? Are you prepared for eternity?
Wednesday, February 24, 2010
February 24, 2010
Today's reading: Deuteronomy 7, 8, 9; Psalm 24, 54, 84, 114, 144; Proverbs 24
Deuteronomy 7:9, "Know therefore that the LORD thy God, he is God, the faithful God, which keepeth covenant and mercy with them that love him and keep his commandments to a thousand generations;"
How well do you know the LORD?
First of all you must know Him in salvation. Look at Deuteronomy 7:23, "But the LORD thy God shall deliver them unto thee, and shall destroy them with a mighty destruction, until they be destroyed." Salvation is deliverance. I know He is talking of delivering the enemy into the hand of the Israelites to be destroyed; but, my thoughts went to the deliverance we can have through Christ and His shed blood. Sin is our enemy and we can be bound by it. When we come to faith in Jesus Christ we get a freedom that we have never known.
Secondly you must know Him in supplications. Look at Deuteronomy 7:17, "If thou shalt say in thine heart, These nations are more than I; how can I dispossess them?" One thing is for sure when the children of Israel got into a tight spot they would call upon the LORD. I was reminded of prayer when I read the first part of this verse, "If thou shalt say in thine heart,". I know that some of the most sincere prayers of my life have been uttered under my breath or in my heart to God and the great thing is that He hears them if I am in a right relationship with Him. If not, I can rest assured that He did not hear my prayers.
Thirdly you must know Him in sanctification. Look at Deuteronomy 7:25, "The graven images of their gods shall ye burn with fire: thou shalt not desire the silver or gold that is on them, nor take it unto thee, lest thou be snared therein: for it is an abomination to the LORD thy God." To be sanctified is to be set apart from sin to God. When you or I do something we should consider if God would be pleased with what we are going to do. I have some clothes that I only wear to Church. They are sanctified so to speak. They are set aside only to be worn to Church or a like function. I don't want to get them dirty or torn by wearing them to mow the yard or work on a vehicle.
Fourthly you must know Him in separation. Look at Deuteronomy 7:26, "Neither shalt thou bring an abomination into thine house, lest thou be a cursed thing like it: but thou shalt utterly detest it, and thou shalt utterly abhor it; for it is a cursed thing." So many people do not like the word separation. Just like in our last point, if we do not separate from some things we can become effected by them. I don't partake in alcohol or drugs because I do not want to ruin my Christian testimony. You cannot glorify God while living in sin! It is impossible. The only way you can glorify God is to repent (turn from) your sin and go the direction God directs you to go.
Lastly you must know Him in the Scriptures. Look at Deuteronomy 8:3, "And he humbled thee, and suffered thee to hunger, and fed thee with manna, which thou knewest not, neither did thy fathers know; that he might make thee know that man doth not live by bread only, but by every word that proceedeth out of the mouth of the LORD doth man live." Jesus Himself quoted this in Matthew 4:4, "But he answered and said, It is written, Man shall not live by bread alone, but by every word that proceedeth out of the mouth of God." You see Jesus knew that the Scritpures (Bible) were vital to our Christian walk so He gave us His own example of correctly using them. The Bible is God's love letter to you and I. I hope you spend a lot of time reading it. I know I need to spend more time reading it.
So friend, how well do you know the LORD?
Deuteronomy 7:9, "Know therefore that the LORD thy God, he is God, the faithful God, which keepeth covenant and mercy with them that love him and keep his commandments to a thousand generations;"
How well do you know the LORD?
First of all you must know Him in salvation. Look at Deuteronomy 7:23, "But the LORD thy God shall deliver them unto thee, and shall destroy them with a mighty destruction, until they be destroyed." Salvation is deliverance. I know He is talking of delivering the enemy into the hand of the Israelites to be destroyed; but, my thoughts went to the deliverance we can have through Christ and His shed blood. Sin is our enemy and we can be bound by it. When we come to faith in Jesus Christ we get a freedom that we have never known.
Secondly you must know Him in supplications. Look at Deuteronomy 7:17, "If thou shalt say in thine heart, These nations are more than I; how can I dispossess them?" One thing is for sure when the children of Israel got into a tight spot they would call upon the LORD. I was reminded of prayer when I read the first part of this verse, "If thou shalt say in thine heart,". I know that some of the most sincere prayers of my life have been uttered under my breath or in my heart to God and the great thing is that He hears them if I am in a right relationship with Him. If not, I can rest assured that He did not hear my prayers.
Thirdly you must know Him in sanctification. Look at Deuteronomy 7:25, "The graven images of their gods shall ye burn with fire: thou shalt not desire the silver or gold that is on them, nor take it unto thee, lest thou be snared therein: for it is an abomination to the LORD thy God." To be sanctified is to be set apart from sin to God. When you or I do something we should consider if God would be pleased with what we are going to do. I have some clothes that I only wear to Church. They are sanctified so to speak. They are set aside only to be worn to Church or a like function. I don't want to get them dirty or torn by wearing them to mow the yard or work on a vehicle.
Fourthly you must know Him in separation. Look at Deuteronomy 7:26, "Neither shalt thou bring an abomination into thine house, lest thou be a cursed thing like it: but thou shalt utterly detest it, and thou shalt utterly abhor it; for it is a cursed thing." So many people do not like the word separation. Just like in our last point, if we do not separate from some things we can become effected by them. I don't partake in alcohol or drugs because I do not want to ruin my Christian testimony. You cannot glorify God while living in sin! It is impossible. The only way you can glorify God is to repent (turn from) your sin and go the direction God directs you to go.
Lastly you must know Him in the Scriptures. Look at Deuteronomy 8:3, "And he humbled thee, and suffered thee to hunger, and fed thee with manna, which thou knewest not, neither did thy fathers know; that he might make thee know that man doth not live by bread only, but by every word that proceedeth out of the mouth of the LORD doth man live." Jesus Himself quoted this in Matthew 4:4, "But he answered and said, It is written, Man shall not live by bread alone, but by every word that proceedeth out of the mouth of God." You see Jesus knew that the Scritpures (Bible) were vital to our Christian walk so He gave us His own example of correctly using them. The Bible is God's love letter to you and I. I hope you spend a lot of time reading it. I know I need to spend more time reading it.
So friend, how well do you know the LORD?
Tuesday, February 23, 2010
February 23, 2010
Today's reading: Deuteronomy 4, 5, 6; Psalm 23, 53, 83, 113, 143; Proverbs 23
Psalm 83:18, "That men may know that thou, whose name alone is JEHOVAH, art the most high over all the earth."
We live in a society that no longer believes that there is only one way to heaven. This is so sad. In John 14:6, "Jesus saith unto him, I am the way, the truth, and the life: no man cometh unto the Father, but by me." That is pretty well to the point. It is sad that people no longer believe the truth. The Bible tells us this will happen in the last days before the return of Christ. People are getting cold and indifferent to the truth. They no longer want to hear truth. They just want to be made to feel good. Church services are becoming nothing more than a pep rally for those who attend. This is sad.
The mission of the Church is found in Matthew 28:19-20, "Go ye therefore, and teach all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost: Teaching them to observe all things whatsoever I have commanded you: and, lo, I am with you alway, even unto the end of the world. Amen." This passage is known as "The Great Commission". In most Churches today it is "The Great Omission". I am afraid that it is left out.
We need to teach people, "...that thou, whose name alone is JEHOVAH, art the most high over all the earth." You see worship is ascribing or assigning worth to someone or something. You see, we need to teach and tell the world that God is worthy of worship because He is the King of all kings and LORD of all lords. He is the only one worthy of our worship.
So, what are you telling the world? Really?
Psalm 83:18, "That men may know that thou, whose name alone is JEHOVAH, art the most high over all the earth."
We live in a society that no longer believes that there is only one way to heaven. This is so sad. In John 14:6, "Jesus saith unto him, I am the way, the truth, and the life: no man cometh unto the Father, but by me." That is pretty well to the point. It is sad that people no longer believe the truth. The Bible tells us this will happen in the last days before the return of Christ. People are getting cold and indifferent to the truth. They no longer want to hear truth. They just want to be made to feel good. Church services are becoming nothing more than a pep rally for those who attend. This is sad.
The mission of the Church is found in Matthew 28:19-20, "Go ye therefore, and teach all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost: Teaching them to observe all things whatsoever I have commanded you: and, lo, I am with you alway, even unto the end of the world. Amen." This passage is known as "The Great Commission". In most Churches today it is "The Great Omission". I am afraid that it is left out.
We need to teach people, "...that thou, whose name alone is JEHOVAH, art the most high over all the earth." You see worship is ascribing or assigning worth to someone or something. You see, we need to teach and tell the world that God is worthy of worship because He is the King of all kings and LORD of all lords. He is the only one worthy of our worship.
So, what are you telling the world? Really?
Monday, February 22, 2010
February 22, 2010
Today's reading: Deuteronomy 1, 2, 3; Psalm 22, 52, 82, 112, 142; Proverbs 22
Deuteronomy 1:30, "The LORD your God which goeth before you, he shall fight for you, according to all that he did for you in Egypt before your eyes;"
Deuteronomy 2:36, "From Aroer, which is by the brink of the river of Arnon, and from the city that is by the river, even unto Gilead, there was not one city too strong for us: the LORD our God delivered all unto us:"
Deuteronomy 3:22, "Ye shall not fear them: for the LORD your God he shall fight for you."
As I was sitting at the computer today I received a video from a friend. It was of a retired military man that was saying that a recent terrorist attack on a military base in Texas was executed by a man that was in leadership over our troops and his way of life was ignored by the government. I am not here to get into politics and all that; but, it did catch my attention.
Here in America we are in a battle. The conservatives are fighting the liberals. The muslims are fighting to take over America and make it a muslim nation. We who are Christians should be fighting to make America a Christian nation once again by winning one soul at a time to Jesus Christ.
The Church today is failing miserably. We have taken over control and legislated God out of our nation and our Churches. Yes, we have. I dare say that if Jesus Christ returned today and took His children home to heaven that far too many Churches would just continue to meet like nothing ever happened. Oh, a couple people might not be there anymore; but, they would just keep on keeping on. How sad.
If we are going to engage in this battle we must be prepared. One way to prepare is to know Christ as your Saviour. This is first and foremost the most important thing. Then you must prepare for the battle. A good soldier must know his/her equipment. You need to know who your source of strength is. That is God. You must know what your weapons are. That is the Word of God. You also must know where the battle is and you have to engage that battle.
I hope that you are engaged in the Holy Battle on the side of the Lord Jesus Christ. If not then you need to enlist today. Will you?
Deuteronomy 1:30, "The LORD your God which goeth before you, he shall fight for you, according to all that he did for you in Egypt before your eyes;"
Deuteronomy 2:36, "From Aroer, which is by the brink of the river of Arnon, and from the city that is by the river, even unto Gilead, there was not one city too strong for us: the LORD our God delivered all unto us:"
Deuteronomy 3:22, "Ye shall not fear them: for the LORD your God he shall fight for you."
As I was sitting at the computer today I received a video from a friend. It was of a retired military man that was saying that a recent terrorist attack on a military base in Texas was executed by a man that was in leadership over our troops and his way of life was ignored by the government. I am not here to get into politics and all that; but, it did catch my attention.
Here in America we are in a battle. The conservatives are fighting the liberals. The muslims are fighting to take over America and make it a muslim nation. We who are Christians should be fighting to make America a Christian nation once again by winning one soul at a time to Jesus Christ.
The Church today is failing miserably. We have taken over control and legislated God out of our nation and our Churches. Yes, we have. I dare say that if Jesus Christ returned today and took His children home to heaven that far too many Churches would just continue to meet like nothing ever happened. Oh, a couple people might not be there anymore; but, they would just keep on keeping on. How sad.
If we are going to engage in this battle we must be prepared. One way to prepare is to know Christ as your Saviour. This is first and foremost the most important thing. Then you must prepare for the battle. A good soldier must know his/her equipment. You need to know who your source of strength is. That is God. You must know what your weapons are. That is the Word of God. You also must know where the battle is and you have to engage that battle.
I hope that you are engaged in the Holy Battle on the side of the Lord Jesus Christ. If not then you need to enlist today. Will you?
Sunday, February 21, 2010
February 21, 2010
Today's reading: Numbers 34, 35, 36; Psalm 21, 51, 81, 111, 141; Proverbs 21
Psalm 51:18, "Do good in thy good pleasure unto Zion: build thou the walls of Jerusalem."
This morning's message was a great message. It might become a series of messages too. God powerfully used the Pastor. I agree with him that it is a sad day when 84 Churches every week close their doors and cease to exist. This is a tragedy! The Church we are attending right now is running about 180 for the Sunday morning service. This is a good number I think; but, it is not a number to be happy about. What I mean is that we need to keep trying to win people to Christ and help them get added to the Church. The writer of Hebrews said it best in Hebrews 10:25, "Not forsaking the assembling of ourselves together, as the manner of some is; but exhorting one another: and so much the more, as ye see the day approaching." We need to be faithful to Church so that we can get our spiritual gas tanks filled up for the week to come. It is vital to attend a Church that teaches and preaches the Bible and not worldly philosophy.
We need to have a good testimony before others also. Psalm 141:3, "Set a watch, O LORD, before my mouth; keep the door of my lips." I know that I struggle with this sometimes. If you are in a group of people that are not believers then you need to watch what you say. There might be someone that will never trust Jesus Christ just because I said something that was not Christlike. That would be tragic! We must rely on the leading of the Holy Spirit to guide us in what to say to others. I know someone who at this very moment is meeting with someone they care very deeply for in order to win them to Christ. God help them! Your walk talks and your talk talks; but, your walk talks louder than your talk talks. I don't know who said that originally but it is very true.
Friends, you and I need to do some building. We need to be actively seeking to win lost souls to Christ everywhere we go. Think about this one for a minute. Have you sought to win the very people in your own home? Do your children know Christ as their Saviour? How about your spouse? I was married to a lost Church member for a number of years and one day she dragged me to the altar in a Church service and told me that she was lost.
How about you? If you died today and you stood before God and He said, "Why should I let you into My heaven?" how would you answer Him?
Psalm 51:18, "Do good in thy good pleasure unto Zion: build thou the walls of Jerusalem."
This morning's message was a great message. It might become a series of messages too. God powerfully used the Pastor. I agree with him that it is a sad day when 84 Churches every week close their doors and cease to exist. This is a tragedy! The Church we are attending right now is running about 180 for the Sunday morning service. This is a good number I think; but, it is not a number to be happy about. What I mean is that we need to keep trying to win people to Christ and help them get added to the Church. The writer of Hebrews said it best in Hebrews 10:25, "Not forsaking the assembling of ourselves together, as the manner of some is; but exhorting one another: and so much the more, as ye see the day approaching." We need to be faithful to Church so that we can get our spiritual gas tanks filled up for the week to come. It is vital to attend a Church that teaches and preaches the Bible and not worldly philosophy.
We need to have a good testimony before others also. Psalm 141:3, "Set a watch, O LORD, before my mouth; keep the door of my lips." I know that I struggle with this sometimes. If you are in a group of people that are not believers then you need to watch what you say. There might be someone that will never trust Jesus Christ just because I said something that was not Christlike. That would be tragic! We must rely on the leading of the Holy Spirit to guide us in what to say to others. I know someone who at this very moment is meeting with someone they care very deeply for in order to win them to Christ. God help them! Your walk talks and your talk talks; but, your walk talks louder than your talk talks. I don't know who said that originally but it is very true.
Friends, you and I need to do some building. We need to be actively seeking to win lost souls to Christ everywhere we go. Think about this one for a minute. Have you sought to win the very people in your own home? Do your children know Christ as their Saviour? How about your spouse? I was married to a lost Church member for a number of years and one day she dragged me to the altar in a Church service and told me that she was lost.
How about you? If you died today and you stood before God and He said, "Why should I let you into My heaven?" how would you answer Him?
Saturday, February 20, 2010
February 20, 2010
Today's reading: Numbers 31, 32, 33; Psalm 20, 50, 80, 110, 140; Proverbs 20
Numbers 32:12, "Save Caleb the son of Jephunneh the Kenezite, and Joshua the son of Nun: for they have wholly followed the LORD."
I love this verse. What an epitaph to go on your tombstone (I don't mean pizza either). I could only wish that someone would say of me that I "wholly followed the LORD". I try so hard but I seem to just spin my wheels. Maybe you know what I am talking about.
So how can we "wholly follow the LORD"? I think we can find a good starting place in Numbers 32:17-18, "But we ourselves will go ready armed before the children of Israel, until we have brought them unto their place: and our little ones shall dwell in the fenced cities because of the inhabitants of the land. We will not return unto our houses, until the children of Israel have inherited every man his inheritance." I think first of all if we are going to "wholly follow the LORD" we need to make a committment to follow Him. If you do not committ to something then you will not see it as important. There is no higher committment daily than to follow the Lord with all of your heart, mind and soul.
Something else that we need to do if we are going to "wholly follow the LORD" is to confess all known sin in our lives. Look at Numbers 32:23, "But if ye will not do so, behold, ye have sinned against the LORD: and be sure your sin will find you out." You cannot run from the consequences of sin. It will find you no matter. The worst part about it is that it not only effects you and I; but, it also effects those around us and our family. Our Church family even suffers when we are living with unconfessed sin in our lives.
Another thing that will help us "wholly follow the LORD" is to consult the Scriptures and follow His course. Numbers 33:11, "And they removed from the Red sea, and encamped in the wilderness of Sin." If you think you are going to "wholly follow the LORD" and you go about life and you never take another thought as to what the Lord wants you to do or where He wants you to go then you can bet your bottom dollar you are not following Him as He wants you to follow.
Lastly if we are going to "wholly follow the LORD" we need to conquer the barriers in the way. Look at Numbers 33:55, "But if ye will not drive out the inhabitants of the land from before you; then it shall come to pass, that those which ye let remain of them shall be pricks in your eyes, and thorns in your sides, and shall vex you in the land wherein ye dwell." I am not talking about the dog eat dog garbage that the usaved world does on a dailly basis to get ahead in life. We need to look out for obstacles and either avoid them or plow through them in the power of God. Notice I did not say our own power. We must conquer in the power of God. I like the words of the song "Just a Closer Walk with Thee". It says, "I am weak; but, thou art strong. Jesus, keep me from all wrong." In and of ourselves we are not able to overcome. We can do this by the power of the Holy Spirit living in and through us. If we are truly born again we have Him living and dwelling in us and He will help us.
Are you willing to "wholly follow the LORD"? If you are then let's both Commit to follow, Confess besetting sin, Consult the Scriptures for guidance and Conqure in the power of God. See you at the finish line!
Numbers 32:12, "Save Caleb the son of Jephunneh the Kenezite, and Joshua the son of Nun: for they have wholly followed the LORD."
I love this verse. What an epitaph to go on your tombstone (I don't mean pizza either). I could only wish that someone would say of me that I "wholly followed the LORD". I try so hard but I seem to just spin my wheels. Maybe you know what I am talking about.
So how can we "wholly follow the LORD"? I think we can find a good starting place in Numbers 32:17-18, "But we ourselves will go ready armed before the children of Israel, until we have brought them unto their place: and our little ones shall dwell in the fenced cities because of the inhabitants of the land. We will not return unto our houses, until the children of Israel have inherited every man his inheritance." I think first of all if we are going to "wholly follow the LORD" we need to make a committment to follow Him. If you do not committ to something then you will not see it as important. There is no higher committment daily than to follow the Lord with all of your heart, mind and soul.
Something else that we need to do if we are going to "wholly follow the LORD" is to confess all known sin in our lives. Look at Numbers 32:23, "But if ye will not do so, behold, ye have sinned against the LORD: and be sure your sin will find you out." You cannot run from the consequences of sin. It will find you no matter. The worst part about it is that it not only effects you and I; but, it also effects those around us and our family. Our Church family even suffers when we are living with unconfessed sin in our lives.
Another thing that will help us "wholly follow the LORD" is to consult the Scriptures and follow His course. Numbers 33:11, "And they removed from the Red sea, and encamped in the wilderness of Sin." If you think you are going to "wholly follow the LORD" and you go about life and you never take another thought as to what the Lord wants you to do or where He wants you to go then you can bet your bottom dollar you are not following Him as He wants you to follow.
Lastly if we are going to "wholly follow the LORD" we need to conquer the barriers in the way. Look at Numbers 33:55, "But if ye will not drive out the inhabitants of the land from before you; then it shall come to pass, that those which ye let remain of them shall be pricks in your eyes, and thorns in your sides, and shall vex you in the land wherein ye dwell." I am not talking about the dog eat dog garbage that the usaved world does on a dailly basis to get ahead in life. We need to look out for obstacles and either avoid them or plow through them in the power of God. Notice I did not say our own power. We must conquer in the power of God. I like the words of the song "Just a Closer Walk with Thee". It says, "I am weak; but, thou art strong. Jesus, keep me from all wrong." In and of ourselves we are not able to overcome. We can do this by the power of the Holy Spirit living in and through us. If we are truly born again we have Him living and dwelling in us and He will help us.
Are you willing to "wholly follow the LORD"? If you are then let's both Commit to follow, Confess besetting sin, Consult the Scriptures for guidance and Conqure in the power of God. See you at the finish line!
Friday, February 19, 2010
See You at the House
Psalm 49:8-9, "(For the redemption of their soul is precious, and it ceaseth for ever:) That he should still live for ever, and not see corruption."
Psalm 49:15, "But God will redeem my soul from the power of the grave: for he shall receive me. Selah."
Yesterday evening was a sad day for many of us in this part of the country. One of God's choice servants was called home yesterday evening. I could list his name here; but, most would not know him. Here was a humble man who loved God with all of his heart.
He suffered with congestive heart failure and had the gastric bypass surgery for weight loss to help lessen the stress on his heart. God saw differently. Yesterday evening God called our friend home to heaven.
Everything he has longed for is now a reality. He has a new body that is not hindered by anything and he can worship at the feet of Jesus whom he loved and served with all of his heart. We who knew and loved him will miss him greatly.
I was reminded of a phrase that song writer Bob Benson used to say. When leaving he would say, "See you at the house." He was referring to that reunion on the shores of heaven. Praise God!
See you at the house my Brother!
Psalm 49:15, "But God will redeem my soul from the power of the grave: for he shall receive me. Selah."
Yesterday evening was a sad day for many of us in this part of the country. One of God's choice servants was called home yesterday evening. I could list his name here; but, most would not know him. Here was a humble man who loved God with all of his heart.
He suffered with congestive heart failure and had the gastric bypass surgery for weight loss to help lessen the stress on his heart. God saw differently. Yesterday evening God called our friend home to heaven.
Everything he has longed for is now a reality. He has a new body that is not hindered by anything and he can worship at the feet of Jesus whom he loved and served with all of his heart. We who knew and loved him will miss him greatly.
I was reminded of a phrase that song writer Bob Benson used to say. When leaving he would say, "See you at the house." He was referring to that reunion on the shores of heaven. Praise God!
See you at the house my Brother!
February 19, 2010
Today's reading: Numbers 28, 29, 30; Psalm 19, 49, 79, 109, 139; Proverbs 19
Psalm 139:17-18, "How precious also are thy thoughts unto me, O God! how great is the sum of them! If I should count them, they are more in number than the sand: when I awake, I am still with thee."
I remember reading an e-mail that made it's way around the internet a few years ago. One line of that e-mail said, "If God had a refrigerator your picture would be on it." Now, I don't think God has a refrigerator and if He did it would contain the pictures of all of His children from all of the ages. That is a humbling thought to me.
So many people today think of God a an ogre in heaven waiting to pound them with is righteous fist. This is just not true. God is righteous, holy, just and all those other attributes. He is also loving. He is very love! Nothing says, "I love you!" more than the cross where Jesus was brutally beaten, scourged and crucified for mine and your sin. As the song says, "If that isn't love...".
Consider that God thought of you when He formulated His plan for the ages. I think that as He planned how things would go He considered each individual of all the ages and He did exactly what was best for all of us. He thought of each one of us.
I love the words of the song, "He saw me in his likeness. He saw me just like Him. Pure, clean and holy spotless, white within. He saw me bound in heavy chains and longed to set me free. But He knew if I became like Him then He must become like me."
Thank you Lord for thinking about me!
Psalm 139:17-18, "How precious also are thy thoughts unto me, O God! how great is the sum of them! If I should count them, they are more in number than the sand: when I awake, I am still with thee."
I remember reading an e-mail that made it's way around the internet a few years ago. One line of that e-mail said, "If God had a refrigerator your picture would be on it." Now, I don't think God has a refrigerator and if He did it would contain the pictures of all of His children from all of the ages. That is a humbling thought to me.
So many people today think of God a an ogre in heaven waiting to pound them with is righteous fist. This is just not true. God is righteous, holy, just and all those other attributes. He is also loving. He is very love! Nothing says, "I love you!" more than the cross where Jesus was brutally beaten, scourged and crucified for mine and your sin. As the song says, "If that isn't love...".
Consider that God thought of you when He formulated His plan for the ages. I think that as He planned how things would go He considered each individual of all the ages and He did exactly what was best for all of us. He thought of each one of us.
I love the words of the song, "He saw me in his likeness. He saw me just like Him. Pure, clean and holy spotless, white within. He saw me bound in heavy chains and longed to set me free. But He knew if I became like Him then He must become like me."
Thank you Lord for thinking about me!
Thursday, February 18, 2010
February 18, 2010
Today's reading: Numbers 25, 26, 27; Psalm 18, 48, 78, 108, 138; Proverbs 18
Proverbs 18:24, "A man that hath friends must shew himself friendly: and there is a friend that sticketh closer than a brother."
My wife and I have had the pleasure of visiting Churches in many different areas. You find all kinds of people in Churches. I always enjoy meeting the Pastor and checking him out. Just kidding. I do enjoy meeting the Pastor though.
We have been in Churches that had great numbers in attendance and we have attended some that were small to say the least. No matter the size of the Church there should be a warmth when you enter. The Holy Spirit should be evident that He is welcome and dwells there with the people of God. Unfortunately, there are Churches that if Jesus came back and took His children home that would continue to meet and not know the difference. This is tragic!
I can name a Church that if you visit that you will nearly be knocked off your feet at their love and attention. It sure makes you "feel good". It makes it hard to leave, I know. Sometimes you just want to sit there after the service and just take it all in and be loved. Unfortunately, you have to leave sometimes and go on about your life.
I hope that if you name the name of Christ today and are His child you are a friendly person. If you are not a friendly person maybe you need to spend more time with God in His Word and more time in prayer until you become like Him and then find yourself friendly.
So, how is your friendly meter? Sure about that?
Proverbs 18:24, "A man that hath friends must shew himself friendly: and there is a friend that sticketh closer than a brother."
My wife and I have had the pleasure of visiting Churches in many different areas. You find all kinds of people in Churches. I always enjoy meeting the Pastor and checking him out. Just kidding. I do enjoy meeting the Pastor though.
We have been in Churches that had great numbers in attendance and we have attended some that were small to say the least. No matter the size of the Church there should be a warmth when you enter. The Holy Spirit should be evident that He is welcome and dwells there with the people of God. Unfortunately, there are Churches that if Jesus came back and took His children home that would continue to meet and not know the difference. This is tragic!
I can name a Church that if you visit that you will nearly be knocked off your feet at their love and attention. It sure makes you "feel good". It makes it hard to leave, I know. Sometimes you just want to sit there after the service and just take it all in and be loved. Unfortunately, you have to leave sometimes and go on about your life.
I hope that if you name the name of Christ today and are His child you are a friendly person. If you are not a friendly person maybe you need to spend more time with God in His Word and more time in prayer until you become like Him and then find yourself friendly.
So, how is your friendly meter? Sure about that?
Wednesday, February 17, 2010
February 17, 2010
Today's reading: Numbers 22, 23, 24; Psalm 17, 47, 77, 107, 137; Proverbs 17
Numbers 23:19, "God is not a man, that he should lie; neither the son of man, that he should repent: hath he said, and shall he not do it? or hath he spoken, and shall he not make it good?"
Numbers 24:11, "Therefore now flee thou to thy place: I thought to promote thee unto great honour; but, lo, the LORD hath kept thee back from honour."
In today's reading in the book of Numbers we see the account of Balaam and king Balak. This king was afraid of the Israelites. He looked at them from the mountain tops and they looked like bugs all over the ground because there were so many of them. King Balak wanted to defeat them because he knew if he did not then they would defeat him. This sounds like the dog eat dog world that we live in today.
I love the words of Numbers 23:19, "God is not a man, that He should lie;". So many people today think that they have to lie to get ahead in life. Lying is common and is not even frowned upon in our society today. I am glad that God is one who will never lie. Imagine you come to the end of your life and you find out God lied about how to get to heaven. How tragic! This is not the case. We have God's Word and it is the Truth.
Speaking of lying, we need to remember that the devil is a liar and the father thereof (John 8:44). If we are caught in this besetting sin then we are more like the devil than Christ. This ought not to be! God help us!
Christian, don't let the world lie to you either. They will tell you, "If God loved you He would not keep _____ from you or He would not tell you to do _____. (you fill in the blanks)" In Numbers 24;11 that is exactly what Balak is trying to tempt Balaam with. He is telling him that God was holding back honor from him. That is a lie from the pits of hell. God protects us by what He allows and does not allow and we need to remember that.
Do you love the Truth today? I hope so. How are you and I doing at telling the truth? Need a little work?
Numbers 23:19, "God is not a man, that he should lie; neither the son of man, that he should repent: hath he said, and shall he not do it? or hath he spoken, and shall he not make it good?"
Numbers 24:11, "Therefore now flee thou to thy place: I thought to promote thee unto great honour; but, lo, the LORD hath kept thee back from honour."
In today's reading in the book of Numbers we see the account of Balaam and king Balak. This king was afraid of the Israelites. He looked at them from the mountain tops and they looked like bugs all over the ground because there were so many of them. King Balak wanted to defeat them because he knew if he did not then they would defeat him. This sounds like the dog eat dog world that we live in today.
I love the words of Numbers 23:19, "God is not a man, that He should lie;". So many people today think that they have to lie to get ahead in life. Lying is common and is not even frowned upon in our society today. I am glad that God is one who will never lie. Imagine you come to the end of your life and you find out God lied about how to get to heaven. How tragic! This is not the case. We have God's Word and it is the Truth.
Speaking of lying, we need to remember that the devil is a liar and the father thereof (John 8:44). If we are caught in this besetting sin then we are more like the devil than Christ. This ought not to be! God help us!
Christian, don't let the world lie to you either. They will tell you, "If God loved you He would not keep _____ from you or He would not tell you to do _____. (you fill in the blanks)" In Numbers 24;11 that is exactly what Balak is trying to tempt Balaam with. He is telling him that God was holding back honor from him. That is a lie from the pits of hell. God protects us by what He allows and does not allow and we need to remember that.
Do you love the Truth today? I hope so. How are you and I doing at telling the truth? Need a little work?
Tuesday, February 16, 2010
February 16, 2010
Today's reading: Numbers 19, 20, 21; Psalm 16, 46, 76, 106, 136; Proverbs 16
Numbers 20:8,11,12; "Take the rod, and gather thou the assembly together, thou, and Aaron thy brother, and speak ye unto the rock before their eyes; and it shall give forth his water, and thou shalt bring forth to them water out of the rock: so thou shalt give the congregation and their beasts drink. And Moses lifted up his hand, and with his rod he smote the rock twice: and the water came out abundantly, and the congregation drank, and their beasts also. And the LORD spake unto Moses and Aaron, Because ye believed me not, to sanctify me in the eyes of the children of Israel, therefore ye shall not bring this congregation into the land which I have given them."
Psalm 106:32, "They angered him also at the waters of strife, so that it went ill with Moses for their sakes:"
Today as I was reading I thought of many times I had disobeyed and been punished for it. One particular time I remember being told not to go and play in the water at the baseball diamond across the street from our house. It did not take long and; yes, I was in the water. I remember playing with a piece of wood like it was a surf board. To a little boy the water was deep and I could have easily drowned. I remember my mother and dad being furious with me and rightfully so. I had done what I was told not to do and there were consequences for the act of defiance.
It is the same with the Lord. If we disobey Him there are sometimes severe consequences. God told Moses to speak to the rock and the water would come out. In Moses frustration with the people he ended up striking the rock not once but twice. The rock is a picture of the Lord Jesus Christ. Disobedience cost Moses the joy of entering the promised land with the people. It cost a lot!
Far too often we do not stop and think what effect what we are about to do will have on us and others. I am far too guilty of this. My wife could tell you volumes of times that I have not totally counted the cost and we all paid the price because of my stupidity. Thank God for forgiveness!
In Numbers 21:8-9,"And the LORD said unto Moses, Make thee a fiery serpent, and set it upon a pole: and it shall come to pass, that every one that is bitten, when he looketh upon it, shall live. And Moses made a serpent of brass, and put it upon a pole, and it came to pass, that if a serpent had bitten any man, when he beheld the serpent of brass, he lived." The people had sinned again and were being judged. If they looked at the brass serpent they would live. I remember singing a song in Church as a child called "Look And Live". Brass is a picture of judgment. Again, sin brings judgment.
Is there any sin in my life that is bringing judgment? How about yours?
Numbers 20:8,11,12; "Take the rod, and gather thou the assembly together, thou, and Aaron thy brother, and speak ye unto the rock before their eyes; and it shall give forth his water, and thou shalt bring forth to them water out of the rock: so thou shalt give the congregation and their beasts drink. And Moses lifted up his hand, and with his rod he smote the rock twice: and the water came out abundantly, and the congregation drank, and their beasts also. And the LORD spake unto Moses and Aaron, Because ye believed me not, to sanctify me in the eyes of the children of Israel, therefore ye shall not bring this congregation into the land which I have given them."
Psalm 106:32, "They angered him also at the waters of strife, so that it went ill with Moses for their sakes:"
Today as I was reading I thought of many times I had disobeyed and been punished for it. One particular time I remember being told not to go and play in the water at the baseball diamond across the street from our house. It did not take long and; yes, I was in the water. I remember playing with a piece of wood like it was a surf board. To a little boy the water was deep and I could have easily drowned. I remember my mother and dad being furious with me and rightfully so. I had done what I was told not to do and there were consequences for the act of defiance.
It is the same with the Lord. If we disobey Him there are sometimes severe consequences. God told Moses to speak to the rock and the water would come out. In Moses frustration with the people he ended up striking the rock not once but twice. The rock is a picture of the Lord Jesus Christ. Disobedience cost Moses the joy of entering the promised land with the people. It cost a lot!
Far too often we do not stop and think what effect what we are about to do will have on us and others. I am far too guilty of this. My wife could tell you volumes of times that I have not totally counted the cost and we all paid the price because of my stupidity. Thank God for forgiveness!
In Numbers 21:8-9,"And the LORD said unto Moses, Make thee a fiery serpent, and set it upon a pole: and it shall come to pass, that every one that is bitten, when he looketh upon it, shall live. And Moses made a serpent of brass, and put it upon a pole, and it came to pass, that if a serpent had bitten any man, when he beheld the serpent of brass, he lived." The people had sinned again and were being judged. If they looked at the brass serpent they would live. I remember singing a song in Church as a child called "Look And Live". Brass is a picture of judgment. Again, sin brings judgment.
Is there any sin in my life that is bringing judgment? How about yours?
Monday, February 15, 2010
February 15, 2010
Today's reading: Numbers 16, 17, 18; Psalm 15, 45, 75, 105, 135; Proverbs 15
Numbers 16:9, "Seemeth it but a small thing unto you, that the God of Israel hath separated you from the congregation of Israel, to bring you near to himself to do the service of the tabernacle of the LORD, and to stand before the congregation to minister unto them?"
As I was reading our text for today my attention was drawn to the phrase "to bring you near to himself". I have heard for a long time that "nearness is likeness". This is so true. If you are near someone long enough you will begin to speak like them and act like them. I tease my wife about this all the time. It is true that we will act like those we associate with.
I remember when I was a very young boy there was a terrible storm that came through our area. Trees were knocked down all over the place and all that goes along with that. I remember going to my aunt and uncle's house and helping clean tree limbs out of their yard after lightening struck a huge tree in their yard. I enjoyed helping and best of all I was able to ride on the tractor while my cousin was driving. This went on for a few days as I remember. Then it was over. I remember standing in my bathroom and crying like a little baby because I wanted to go back and ride on the tractor and be with my cousin.
We have to be very careful who we associate with. If we associate with godly people then we will most likely be drawn to godliness. If we choose to associate with ungodly and sinful people then you can mark it down it will not be long and we will be acting just like them. Such a shame. Look at what happened to some who were associated with an ungodly person in Numbers 16:33, "They, and all that appertained to them, went down alive into the pit, and the earth closed upon them: and they perished from among the congregation." These all died because they stuck together and stood up against God and His chosen leaders. It was a costly decision and association.
So; if nearness is likeness, who are you like? Sure about that?
Numbers 16:9, "Seemeth it but a small thing unto you, that the God of Israel hath separated you from the congregation of Israel, to bring you near to himself to do the service of the tabernacle of the LORD, and to stand before the congregation to minister unto them?"
As I was reading our text for today my attention was drawn to the phrase "to bring you near to himself". I have heard for a long time that "nearness is likeness". This is so true. If you are near someone long enough you will begin to speak like them and act like them. I tease my wife about this all the time. It is true that we will act like those we associate with.
I remember when I was a very young boy there was a terrible storm that came through our area. Trees were knocked down all over the place and all that goes along with that. I remember going to my aunt and uncle's house and helping clean tree limbs out of their yard after lightening struck a huge tree in their yard. I enjoyed helping and best of all I was able to ride on the tractor while my cousin was driving. This went on for a few days as I remember. Then it was over. I remember standing in my bathroom and crying like a little baby because I wanted to go back and ride on the tractor and be with my cousin.
We have to be very careful who we associate with. If we associate with godly people then we will most likely be drawn to godliness. If we choose to associate with ungodly and sinful people then you can mark it down it will not be long and we will be acting just like them. Such a shame. Look at what happened to some who were associated with an ungodly person in Numbers 16:33, "They, and all that appertained to them, went down alive into the pit, and the earth closed upon them: and they perished from among the congregation." These all died because they stuck together and stood up against God and His chosen leaders. It was a costly decision and association.
So; if nearness is likeness, who are you like? Sure about that?
Sunday, February 14, 2010
February 14
Today's reading: Numbers 13, 14, 15; Psalm 14, 44, 74, 104, 134; Proverbs 14
Numbers 13:23, "And they came unto the brook of Eshcol, and cut down from thence a branch with one cluster of grapes, and they bare it between two upon a staff; and they brought of the pomegranates, and of the figs."
Today is Valentine's day. It is a day of love and all the such things. At this writing my wife and I did not even get one another a card (this is unusual). It was just agreed between both of us that we would skip the cards. She did not want to cry at the mushy card and I did not want to spend the money to buy the cards. We were totally in agreement on this subject.
As I was reading our text for today I was thinking about unity. My wife and I were unified in our decision not to spend money on mushy cards. In our text today the one's who carried the cluster of grapes were in unity also. They had to work together to get the cluster of grapes carried back to camp.
Notice the words, "they bare it between two upon a staff". There are times where we need to bare things between us and there are times that we need to not share some burdens so we don't overload our spouse. There are many things over the years that I wished I would have kept my big mouth shut and bare my own burdens. I hope that I am not one of those people that you dread to talk to because all they can talk about is their "burdens" or ills.
So many people worry and fret over things they cannot change. This is not a good response. We need to be still before God and let Him tell us what He wants us to do about things. Notice Numbers 13:30-31, "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. But the men that went up with him said, We be not able to go up against the people; for they are stronger than we." We are able to overcome if we do it in the power of God. We need to not burden our spouse with things but take them to the Lord. Maybe, we need to take them to the Lord as a couple too.
I think the first place that we need to start is in prayer asking for forgiveness. Notice the words of Numbers 14:19, "Pardon, I beseech thee, the iniquity of this people according unto the greatness of thy mercy, and as thou hast forgiven this people, from Egypt even until now." Where did they start? They started with forgiveness for the entire nation. Some of us need to get things right with others. Maybe we need to go to a family member and ask for forgiveness or a fellow Church member. Just maybe we need to go to a spouse and ask for forgiveness. You know what you need to do so get busy.
So, how was your Valentine's Day? Was it a day of love or a day of sweeping conflict and whatever is weighing you down under the rug?
Numbers 13:23, "And they came unto the brook of Eshcol, and cut down from thence a branch with one cluster of grapes, and they bare it between two upon a staff; and they brought of the pomegranates, and of the figs."
Today is Valentine's day. It is a day of love and all the such things. At this writing my wife and I did not even get one another a card (this is unusual). It was just agreed between both of us that we would skip the cards. She did not want to cry at the mushy card and I did not want to spend the money to buy the cards. We were totally in agreement on this subject.
As I was reading our text for today I was thinking about unity. My wife and I were unified in our decision not to spend money on mushy cards. In our text today the one's who carried the cluster of grapes were in unity also. They had to work together to get the cluster of grapes carried back to camp.
Notice the words, "they bare it between two upon a staff". There are times where we need to bare things between us and there are times that we need to not share some burdens so we don't overload our spouse. There are many things over the years that I wished I would have kept my big mouth shut and bare my own burdens. I hope that I am not one of those people that you dread to talk to because all they can talk about is their "burdens" or ills.
So many people worry and fret over things they cannot change. This is not a good response. We need to be still before God and let Him tell us what He wants us to do about things. Notice Numbers 13:30-31, "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. But the men that went up with him said, We be not able to go up against the people; for they are stronger than we." We are able to overcome if we do it in the power of God. We need to not burden our spouse with things but take them to the Lord. Maybe, we need to take them to the Lord as a couple too.
I think the first place that we need to start is in prayer asking for forgiveness. Notice the words of Numbers 14:19, "Pardon, I beseech thee, the iniquity of this people according unto the greatness of thy mercy, and as thou hast forgiven this people, from Egypt even until now." Where did they start? They started with forgiveness for the entire nation. Some of us need to get things right with others. Maybe we need to go to a family member and ask for forgiveness or a fellow Church member. Just maybe we need to go to a spouse and ask for forgiveness. You know what you need to do so get busy.
So, how was your Valentine's Day? Was it a day of love or a day of sweeping conflict and whatever is weighing you down under the rug?
Saturday, February 13, 2010
February 13, 2010
Today's reading: Numbers 10, 11, 12; Psalm 13, 43, 73, 103, 133; Proverbs 13
Numbers 10:2-5, "Make thee two trumpets of silver; of a whole piece shalt thou make them: that thou mayest use them for the calling of the assembly, and for the journeying of the camps. And when they shall blow with them, all the assembly shall assemble themselves to thee at the door of the tabernacle of the congregation. And if they blow but with one trumpet, then the princes, which are heads of the thousands of Israel, shall gather themselves unto thee. When ye blow an alarm, then the camps that lie on the east parts shall go forward."
I realize that today's passage is lengthy; but, I had so many thoughts as I was reading it. I thought about the trumpet being blown in warning. It is the responsibility of every Christian to sound an alarm of warning to a lost and dying world. If we do not tell them of the love of Christ and the power of His blood to cleanse men, women, boys and girls from all sin; who will?
I think that it is often our own sin that keeps us from telling others of Christ and His salvation. We know that God wants to save all men but they will not all be saved. It is still our duty to tell everyone we come in contact with. This way they have the opportunity to trust Jesus Christ as their Saviour. If we don't tell them, then, how will they know?
Look at the problems that sin caused the entire nation of Israel. This is only the sin of Miriam and Aaron as they complained against Moses. Look at Numbers 12:15, "And Miriam was shut out from the camp seven days: and the people journeyed not till Miriam was brought in again." The whole nation was paralyzed due to the sin of two people.
If we would only confess and forsake our sin then we too can know the truth of Psalm 103:12, "As far as the east is from the west, so far hath he removed our transgressions from us."
Would you like to have your sin removed today? If so contact me and I would love to show you from the Bible how you can have your sin forgiven and know for sure that heaven is your eternal home. Let's talk.
Numbers 10:2-5, "Make thee two trumpets of silver; of a whole piece shalt thou make them: that thou mayest use them for the calling of the assembly, and for the journeying of the camps. And when they shall blow with them, all the assembly shall assemble themselves to thee at the door of the tabernacle of the congregation. And if they blow but with one trumpet, then the princes, which are heads of the thousands of Israel, shall gather themselves unto thee. When ye blow an alarm, then the camps that lie on the east parts shall go forward."
I realize that today's passage is lengthy; but, I had so many thoughts as I was reading it. I thought about the trumpet being blown in warning. It is the responsibility of every Christian to sound an alarm of warning to a lost and dying world. If we do not tell them of the love of Christ and the power of His blood to cleanse men, women, boys and girls from all sin; who will?
I think that it is often our own sin that keeps us from telling others of Christ and His salvation. We know that God wants to save all men but they will not all be saved. It is still our duty to tell everyone we come in contact with. This way they have the opportunity to trust Jesus Christ as their Saviour. If we don't tell them, then, how will they know?
Look at the problems that sin caused the entire nation of Israel. This is only the sin of Miriam and Aaron as they complained against Moses. Look at Numbers 12:15, "And Miriam was shut out from the camp seven days: and the people journeyed not till Miriam was brought in again." The whole nation was paralyzed due to the sin of two people.
If we would only confess and forsake our sin then we too can know the truth of Psalm 103:12, "As far as the east is from the west, so far hath he removed our transgressions from us."
Would you like to have your sin removed today? If so contact me and I would love to show you from the Bible how you can have your sin forgiven and know for sure that heaven is your eternal home. Let's talk.
Friday, February 12, 2010
February 12, 2010
Today's reading: Numbers 7, 8, 9; Psalm 12, 42, 72, 102, 132; Proverbs 12
Numbers 7:89, And when Moses was gone into the tabernacle of the congregation to speak with him, then he heard the voice of one speaking unto him from off the mercy seat that was upon the ark of testimony, from between the two cherubims: and he spake unto him."
When I was reading this verse I was reminded of a story from a friend. She tells this story on herself. It is about a skit performed at their Church. She was sitting on the platform that was designed to be her kitchen in this skit. As she sits at the kitchen table she begins speaking, "Our Father". Then from the pa system comes a deep booming voice that says, "Yes". The my friend turns to the children in her skit and says, "Would you be quite! I am trying to pray."
Again, she starts, "Our Father in heaven". To which the answer comes booming over the pa system, "Yes". This scenario continues through the entire model prayer. It really looses something in my telling of the story. When she tells it I just roll in laughter yet knowing in the back of my mind that there is a moral lesson here for me and others.
Okay, okay. Why do I ramble today about a skit of days gone by? Simple, really. In the skit, my friend is attempting to pray but is interrupted by the playing of children and other things that I did not rehearse for you. God was speaking directly to her in the skit but each time she was distracted. This ought not to be in our lives. Thus the point of the skit, if I remember correctly.
Imagine being Mosed in our text for today. Imagine begin able to speak directly to God Himself. I get goosebumps just thinking about that possibility. Yet we do have 24 hour access to Him through the avenue of prayer.
You do pray don't you? Well, don't you?
Numbers 7:89, And when Moses was gone into the tabernacle of the congregation to speak with him, then he heard the voice of one speaking unto him from off the mercy seat that was upon the ark of testimony, from between the two cherubims: and he spake unto him."
When I was reading this verse I was reminded of a story from a friend. She tells this story on herself. It is about a skit performed at their Church. She was sitting on the platform that was designed to be her kitchen in this skit. As she sits at the kitchen table she begins speaking, "Our Father". Then from the pa system comes a deep booming voice that says, "Yes". The my friend turns to the children in her skit and says, "Would you be quite! I am trying to pray."
Again, she starts, "Our Father in heaven". To which the answer comes booming over the pa system, "Yes". This scenario continues through the entire model prayer. It really looses something in my telling of the story. When she tells it I just roll in laughter yet knowing in the back of my mind that there is a moral lesson here for me and others.
Okay, okay. Why do I ramble today about a skit of days gone by? Simple, really. In the skit, my friend is attempting to pray but is interrupted by the playing of children and other things that I did not rehearse for you. God was speaking directly to her in the skit but each time she was distracted. This ought not to be in our lives. Thus the point of the skit, if I remember correctly.
Imagine being Mosed in our text for today. Imagine begin able to speak directly to God Himself. I get goosebumps just thinking about that possibility. Yet we do have 24 hour access to Him through the avenue of prayer.
You do pray don't you? Well, don't you?
Thursday, February 11, 2010
February 11, 2010
Today's reading: Numbers 4, 5, 6; Psalm 11, 41, 71, 101, 131; Proverbs 11
Numbers 4:47, "From thirty years old and upward even unto fifty years old, every one that came to do the service of the ministry, and the service of the burden in the tabernacle of the congregation,"
I found it very interesting while reading through the book of Numbers this time. I noticed how each family had their assigned responsibilities. With that responsibility came judgment for not fulfilling the responsibility. Every individual from thirty (30) years old to fifty (50) years old had a specific responsibility that they had to carry out at the appointed time.
So what if they failed? Judgment would come to them. The fear of judgment should have been a huge motivating factor in how well they executed their duties. I cannot imagine trying to remember each sacrifice for each thing. "Do I wave this offering or do I burn it on the altar?" I can hear myself trying to remember the correct way to execute my duties. I guess that is why I was born during this time and not that time.
On the other hand, with obedience comes great blessing. Notice the words of Numbers 6:23-27, "Speak unto Aaron and unto his sons, saying, On this wise ye shall bless the children of Israel, saying unto them, The LORD bless thee, and keep thee: The LORD make his face shine upon thee, and be gracious unto thee: The LORD lift up his countenance upon thee, and give thee peace. And they shall put my name upon the children of Israel; and I will bless them." It does not get any better than this.
So, how are you doing today at obedience? Blessing is on the way!
Numbers 4:47, "From thirty years old and upward even unto fifty years old, every one that came to do the service of the ministry, and the service of the burden in the tabernacle of the congregation,"
I found it very interesting while reading through the book of Numbers this time. I noticed how each family had their assigned responsibilities. With that responsibility came judgment for not fulfilling the responsibility. Every individual from thirty (30) years old to fifty (50) years old had a specific responsibility that they had to carry out at the appointed time.
So what if they failed? Judgment would come to them. The fear of judgment should have been a huge motivating factor in how well they executed their duties. I cannot imagine trying to remember each sacrifice for each thing. "Do I wave this offering or do I burn it on the altar?" I can hear myself trying to remember the correct way to execute my duties. I guess that is why I was born during this time and not that time.
On the other hand, with obedience comes great blessing. Notice the words of Numbers 6:23-27, "Speak unto Aaron and unto his sons, saying, On this wise ye shall bless the children of Israel, saying unto them, The LORD bless thee, and keep thee: The LORD make his face shine upon thee, and be gracious unto thee: The LORD lift up his countenance upon thee, and give thee peace. And they shall put my name upon the children of Israel; and I will bless them." It does not get any better than this.
So, how are you doing today at obedience? Blessing is on the way!
Wednesday, February 10, 2010
February 10, 2010
Today's reading: Numbers 1, 2, 3; Psalm 10, 40, 70, 100, 130; Proverbs 10
Proverbs 10:7, "The memory of the just is blessed: but the name of the wicked shall rot."
You know from reading after me daily that I do enjoy trips down memory lane. I get so much enjoyment out of those trips and the precious memories of days gone by.
I especially enjoy the memories of people that have gone on to heaven. I think of my Grandpa who was a big man at over six feet tall. He was a spiritual giant also. Oh, how I miss him. Grandma has gone on to heaven also and we all miss her terribly. There are many others also; but, the list would be far too long to name them all.
In taking a closer look at our text for today I learned some things. I learned that the word "memory" means: memento, recollection or commeration. The word "just" means: lawful or righteous. I also learned that the word "blessed" means: prosperity (good for something) or present.
In light of this we could say that this verse says, "The memory of the righteous person is their gift to you and I in their absence".
This really set me to thinking. When I am dead and gone what memories will people have of me? I don't want to think about that. Some would have not-so-precious memories. Some might have precious memories of our times together.
What am I leaving my friends and family when I leave this world for heaven? This is a serious question to think about and do some soul searching over.
We are leaving a legacy no matter what. The question is, "What kind of legacy will you and I leave behind?" Think about it.
Proverbs 10:7, "The memory of the just is blessed: but the name of the wicked shall rot."
You know from reading after me daily that I do enjoy trips down memory lane. I get so much enjoyment out of those trips and the precious memories of days gone by.
I especially enjoy the memories of people that have gone on to heaven. I think of my Grandpa who was a big man at over six feet tall. He was a spiritual giant also. Oh, how I miss him. Grandma has gone on to heaven also and we all miss her terribly. There are many others also; but, the list would be far too long to name them all.
In taking a closer look at our text for today I learned some things. I learned that the word "memory" means: memento, recollection or commeration. The word "just" means: lawful or righteous. I also learned that the word "blessed" means: prosperity (good for something) or present.
In light of this we could say that this verse says, "The memory of the righteous person is their gift to you and I in their absence".
This really set me to thinking. When I am dead and gone what memories will people have of me? I don't want to think about that. Some would have not-so-precious memories. Some might have precious memories of our times together.
What am I leaving my friends and family when I leave this world for heaven? This is a serious question to think about and do some soul searching over.
We are leaving a legacy no matter what. The question is, "What kind of legacy will you and I leave behind?" Think about it.
Tuesday, February 9, 2010
February 9, 2010
Today's reading: Leviticus 25, 26, 27; Psalm 9, 39, 69, 99, 129; Proverbs 9
Leviticus 26:12, "And I will walk among you, and will be your God, and ye shall be my people."
I was thinking about the horrific earthquake in Haiti after attending a local meeting to help a village in the country. I was thinking how the people of Haiti must have wondered, "Where is God?" If you know Christ as your Saviour then you know all the promises in the Bible that God will never abandon us.
I look at America and I wonder if God is still here. As a nation we allow the murder of countless children and call it choice. We allow an "alternate lifestyle" that God says is an abomination to run rampant through our land. Listen to the words of Leviticus 26:23-24, "And if ye will not be reformed by me by these things, but will walk contrary unto me; Then will I also walk contrary unto you, and will punish you yet seven times for your sins."
So, where is God? I know that He still walks with His children. He still speaks to us through His Word! He still delights in the prayers of His people. I believe that God is sitting on His throne in heaven; not wringing His hands, but actively leading in the lives of His people
As far as America goes, I think we need to beware of the admonition of Psalm 9:17, "The wicked shall be turned into hell, and all the nations that forget God." I believe that we have not only forgotten but whole-heartedly attempted to suppressed every minute detail about God.
As a Christian I (and you) need to cry out of God in prayer the words of Psalm 139:23-24, "Search me, O God, and know my heart: try me, and know my thoughts: And see if there be any wicked way in me, and lead me in the way everlasting." We need to be ready for Him to speak to us also. Be assured that if you invite God into your life to search your heart He will and then you can walk along with Him with a renewed commitment to live a life that is pleasing and acceptable to Him
Your walk talks and your talk talks; but, your walk talks louder than your talk talks. So, how is your walk and who are you walking with?
Leviticus 26:12, "And I will walk among you, and will be your God, and ye shall be my people."
I was thinking about the horrific earthquake in Haiti after attending a local meeting to help a village in the country. I was thinking how the people of Haiti must have wondered, "Where is God?" If you know Christ as your Saviour then you know all the promises in the Bible that God will never abandon us.
I look at America and I wonder if God is still here. As a nation we allow the murder of countless children and call it choice. We allow an "alternate lifestyle" that God says is an abomination to run rampant through our land. Listen to the words of Leviticus 26:23-24, "And if ye will not be reformed by me by these things, but will walk contrary unto me; Then will I also walk contrary unto you, and will punish you yet seven times for your sins."
So, where is God? I know that He still walks with His children. He still speaks to us through His Word! He still delights in the prayers of His people. I believe that God is sitting on His throne in heaven; not wringing His hands, but actively leading in the lives of His people
As far as America goes, I think we need to beware of the admonition of Psalm 9:17, "The wicked shall be turned into hell, and all the nations that forget God." I believe that we have not only forgotten but whole-heartedly attempted to suppressed every minute detail about God.
As a Christian I (and you) need to cry out of God in prayer the words of Psalm 139:23-24, "Search me, O God, and know my heart: try me, and know my thoughts: And see if there be any wicked way in me, and lead me in the way everlasting." We need to be ready for Him to speak to us also. Be assured that if you invite God into your life to search your heart He will and then you can walk along with Him with a renewed commitment to live a life that is pleasing and acceptable to Him
Your walk talks and your talk talks; but, your walk talks louder than your talk talks. So, how is your walk and who are you walking with?
Monday, February 8, 2010
February 8, 2010
Today's reading: Leviticus 22, 23, 24; Psalm 8, 38, 68, 98, 128; Proverbs 8
Leviticus 23:10, "Speak unto the children of Israel, and say unto them, When ye be come into the land which I give unto you, and shall reap the harvest thereof, then ye shall bring a sheaf of the firstfruits of your harvest unto the priest:"
Leviticus 23:22, "And when ye reap the harvest of your land, thou shalt not make clean riddance of the corners of thy field when thou reapest, neither shalt thou gather any gleaning of thy harvest: thou shalt leave them unto the poor, and to the stranger: I am the LORD your God."
As I was reading the above verses today I thought of so many people that have helped my family and I over the years. There have been so many that I could not list all of them. For instance, our Church took up a food collection last year in November for us and we are still enjoying the bounty they gave us.
Why is it that we find it so easy to give to others? Some of us have a giving spirit about us. God has created us all different and that makes life more interesting. Right now (in 2010) the nation of Haiti is suffering horribly after great earthquakes. Many people are giving money and other goods to help the people of that nation.
What about giving to God? Ouch! People don't like to talk about that. We get hung up on whether the tithe is just an Old Testament requirement or whether it is for us today. I don't get it. I see the tithe as a starting point. We give tithes and offerings. Anything above the tithe is an offering. What is so controversial about that. I think some people just like to have something to disagree about.
My point is that we need to be giving to God. No matter if you believe in the tithe or not, we need to be giving sacrificially. One man said, "Give until it hurts." The problem is that most of us cannot take a whole lot of pain in this area.
How is your giving? Are you sure about that?
Leviticus 23:10, "Speak unto the children of Israel, and say unto them, When ye be come into the land which I give unto you, and shall reap the harvest thereof, then ye shall bring a sheaf of the firstfruits of your harvest unto the priest:"
Leviticus 23:22, "And when ye reap the harvest of your land, thou shalt not make clean riddance of the corners of thy field when thou reapest, neither shalt thou gather any gleaning of thy harvest: thou shalt leave them unto the poor, and to the stranger: I am the LORD your God."
As I was reading the above verses today I thought of so many people that have helped my family and I over the years. There have been so many that I could not list all of them. For instance, our Church took up a food collection last year in November for us and we are still enjoying the bounty they gave us.
Why is it that we find it so easy to give to others? Some of us have a giving spirit about us. God has created us all different and that makes life more interesting. Right now (in 2010) the nation of Haiti is suffering horribly after great earthquakes. Many people are giving money and other goods to help the people of that nation.
What about giving to God? Ouch! People don't like to talk about that. We get hung up on whether the tithe is just an Old Testament requirement or whether it is for us today. I don't get it. I see the tithe as a starting point. We give tithes and offerings. Anything above the tithe is an offering. What is so controversial about that. I think some people just like to have something to disagree about.
My point is that we need to be giving to God. No matter if you believe in the tithe or not, we need to be giving sacrificially. One man said, "Give until it hurts." The problem is that most of us cannot take a whole lot of pain in this area.
How is your giving? Are you sure about that?
Sunday, February 7, 2010
February 7, 2010
Today's reading: Leviticus 19, 20, 21; Psalm 7, 37, 67, 97, 127; Proverbs 7
Leviticus 19:18, "Thou shalt not avenge, nor bear any grudge against the children of thy people, but thou shalt love thy neighbour as thyself: I am the LORD."
When I was growing up I received a bb gun for my birthday. You have read the story. I was so angry at a neighbor boy that I shot him in the ankle with the bb gun. Some years later as I stood in one of those quick oil change businesses the guy working the counter looked at my name and then my face and exclaimed, "You shot my brother!" Wow!
Yes, it was the younger brother of the boy that I had shot all those years ago. I was embarrassed beyond belief. My wife did not know what to do as she stood there listening to what he said. The other customers in the business began to look at me like I was a famous criminal. There were some tense moments there for a while.
My point today is that I did not love my neighbor as myself that day. We do not have to teach ourselves to love ourselves. Unfortunately, we just love ourselves automatically. If I had loved my neighbor as myself, I would have gone to him again and tried to talk to him about the offense. It is too late for that now. Maybe one day I will be able to meet him somewhere in life and I will be able to apologize. I hope so.
So, how are we doing at loving our neighbor? Have we put ourselves aside long enough to love our neighbor? I hope so.
Leviticus 19:18, "Thou shalt not avenge, nor bear any grudge against the children of thy people, but thou shalt love thy neighbour as thyself: I am the LORD."
When I was growing up I received a bb gun for my birthday. You have read the story. I was so angry at a neighbor boy that I shot him in the ankle with the bb gun. Some years later as I stood in one of those quick oil change businesses the guy working the counter looked at my name and then my face and exclaimed, "You shot my brother!" Wow!
Yes, it was the younger brother of the boy that I had shot all those years ago. I was embarrassed beyond belief. My wife did not know what to do as she stood there listening to what he said. The other customers in the business began to look at me like I was a famous criminal. There were some tense moments there for a while.
My point today is that I did not love my neighbor as myself that day. We do not have to teach ourselves to love ourselves. Unfortunately, we just love ourselves automatically. If I had loved my neighbor as myself, I would have gone to him again and tried to talk to him about the offense. It is too late for that now. Maybe one day I will be able to meet him somewhere in life and I will be able to apologize. I hope so.
So, how are we doing at loving our neighbor? Have we put ourselves aside long enough to love our neighbor? I hope so.
Saturday, February 6, 2010
February 6, 2010
Today's reading: Leviticus 16, 17, 18; Psalm 6, 36, 66, 96, 126; Proverbs 6
Leviticus 16:16,"And he shall make an atonement for the holy place, because of the uncleanness of the children of Israel, and because of their transgressions in all their sins: and so shall he do for the tabernacle of the congregation, that remaineth among them in the midst of their uncleanness."
I had the pleasure of growing up on my aunt and uncle's farm. During those years I found myself getting into all kinds of things. Trouble was the most frequent thing that I found myself getting in. Even on rainy days I could go down into the basement and find things to get into or I could go out to the tool shed and even the barn. There was an old house that the landlord kept a tractor in that really held treasures for a young boy to discover.
One thing I remember the most is that I always ended up dirty. I don't mean just a little dirt here and there. Sometimes at night when I would take my bath you could not truly tell what race I was. If we had gone to the coal mine and got a load I could even be black as night. It was at these times that I needed a bath. I remember how dirty the bathtub would be when I got out. Yuck!
It is the same in our lives now. On a spiritual level we need to be cleansed from our sin. The sin that is a part of us is more black and dark than that old coal dust and it takes more than soap and water to clean it away.
Jesus died to pay our sin debt. Like the lambs and goats of our passage today, Jesus is our atonement. The word "atonement" means to cover or to placate or to cancel. Jesus paid the price of sin for you and I if we will trust Him and receive His free gift of salvation and as the old song says, "and be washed in the blood of the Lamb".
Have you ever taken your spiritual bath and been cleansed from your sin? I hope you have. If not contact me and I would love to introduce you to Jesus and He can wash you "white as snow".
Leviticus 16:16,"And he shall make an atonement for the holy place, because of the uncleanness of the children of Israel, and because of their transgressions in all their sins: and so shall he do for the tabernacle of the congregation, that remaineth among them in the midst of their uncleanness."
I had the pleasure of growing up on my aunt and uncle's farm. During those years I found myself getting into all kinds of things. Trouble was the most frequent thing that I found myself getting in. Even on rainy days I could go down into the basement and find things to get into or I could go out to the tool shed and even the barn. There was an old house that the landlord kept a tractor in that really held treasures for a young boy to discover.
One thing I remember the most is that I always ended up dirty. I don't mean just a little dirt here and there. Sometimes at night when I would take my bath you could not truly tell what race I was. If we had gone to the coal mine and got a load I could even be black as night. It was at these times that I needed a bath. I remember how dirty the bathtub would be when I got out. Yuck!
It is the same in our lives now. On a spiritual level we need to be cleansed from our sin. The sin that is a part of us is more black and dark than that old coal dust and it takes more than soap and water to clean it away.
Jesus died to pay our sin debt. Like the lambs and goats of our passage today, Jesus is our atonement. The word "atonement" means to cover or to placate or to cancel. Jesus paid the price of sin for you and I if we will trust Him and receive His free gift of salvation and as the old song says, "and be washed in the blood of the Lamb".
Have you ever taken your spiritual bath and been cleansed from your sin? I hope you have. If not contact me and I would love to introduce you to Jesus and He can wash you "white as snow".
Friday, February 5, 2010
February 5, 2010
Today's reading: Leviticus 13, 14, 15; Psalm 5, 35, 65, 95, 125; Proverbs 5
Proverbs 5:19-20, "Let her be as the loving hind and pleasant roe; let her breasts satisfy thee at all times; and be thou ravished always with her love. And why wilt thou, my son, be ravished with a strange woman, and embrace the bosom of a stranger?"
In nine more day we will celebrate Valentine's Day. The holiday of love and lovers. Ah the memories of past Valentine's Day celebrations. I remember one year I bought my wife her favorite Chinese dinner and had it waiting for her when she came home from work. I also had purchased two sets of purple plates (her favorite color). One set of plates was larger than the others. I sat the smaller plates on top of the larger plates and decorated the table. I had flowers on the table and rose petals spread on the floor of the kitchen. I even bought some balloons and threw them all over the floor too. It was quite a sight. She was so surprised.
Why would I do something like that? I enjoyed doing those things for her because I knew that she would appreciate what I had done for her. It was love. Not like the world thinks of love. Their version is lust. The Scriptures deal with the intimate kind of love that husbands and wives are to have for one another; but, it is to be exercised within the bounds of marriage.
Look at our passage for today. It says, "...let her breasts satisfy thee at all times; and be thou ravished always with her love." As married couples we need to have intimate sexual (yes, I said it) relations with our spouse. God made it and He made it good for husbands and wives to enjoy one another. That is not all though. We need to have an intimate relationship without the sexual part too. When I think of being satisfied by "her breasts", I think of the physical needs, sexual needs and also the closeness that it takes to accomplish that. it is a packaged deal.
I hope that each one of you are passionately in love with your husband or wife and if not it is time to rekindle the fire. It is possible, I promise. Read the (Scriptures) Book.
Proverbs 5:19-20, "Let her be as the loving hind and pleasant roe; let her breasts satisfy thee at all times; and be thou ravished always with her love. And why wilt thou, my son, be ravished with a strange woman, and embrace the bosom of a stranger?"
In nine more day we will celebrate Valentine's Day. The holiday of love and lovers. Ah the memories of past Valentine's Day celebrations. I remember one year I bought my wife her favorite Chinese dinner and had it waiting for her when she came home from work. I also had purchased two sets of purple plates (her favorite color). One set of plates was larger than the others. I sat the smaller plates on top of the larger plates and decorated the table. I had flowers on the table and rose petals spread on the floor of the kitchen. I even bought some balloons and threw them all over the floor too. It was quite a sight. She was so surprised.
Why would I do something like that? I enjoyed doing those things for her because I knew that she would appreciate what I had done for her. It was love. Not like the world thinks of love. Their version is lust. The Scriptures deal with the intimate kind of love that husbands and wives are to have for one another; but, it is to be exercised within the bounds of marriage.
Look at our passage for today. It says, "...let her breasts satisfy thee at all times; and be thou ravished always with her love." As married couples we need to have intimate sexual (yes, I said it) relations with our spouse. God made it and He made it good for husbands and wives to enjoy one another. That is not all though. We need to have an intimate relationship without the sexual part too. When I think of being satisfied by "her breasts", I think of the physical needs, sexual needs and also the closeness that it takes to accomplish that. it is a packaged deal.
I hope that each one of you are passionately in love with your husband or wife and if not it is time to rekindle the fire. It is possible, I promise. Read the (Scriptures) Book.
Thursday, February 4, 2010
February 4, 2010
Today's reading: Leviticus 10, 11, 12; Psalm 4, 34, 64, 94, 124; Proverbs 4
Leviticus 10:1-2, "And Nadab and Abihu, the sons of Aaron, took either of them his censer, and put fire therein, and put incense thereon, and offered strange fire before the LORD, which he commanded them not. And there went out fire from the LORD, and devoured them, and they died before the LORD."
How many of us have started a new job and shortly after think we have a better idea of how things should be done? I know that I am guilty. I don't remember one single time that my suggestions were taken into consideration at all. Why is this?
It might have something to do with a lack of experience. If someone has an established way of doing things and it is successful you might not want to change things. Sometimes change is necessary. I understand that.
In our passage today Aaron's two sons made changes in worship that were contrary to what God had prescribed. You see, God has a plan and you and I just need to fall in line with the plan and run with it.
You cannot change salvation and it still be salvation. You cannot add to it or take away from it because it will cease to be salvation. Then you have works or something else. God knows what He is doing and we need to fall into step with Him and get going.
Have you made any changes lately that maybe you should not have made? Sure about that?
Leviticus 10:1-2, "And Nadab and Abihu, the sons of Aaron, took either of them his censer, and put fire therein, and put incense thereon, and offered strange fire before the LORD, which he commanded them not. And there went out fire from the LORD, and devoured them, and they died before the LORD."
How many of us have started a new job and shortly after think we have a better idea of how things should be done? I know that I am guilty. I don't remember one single time that my suggestions were taken into consideration at all. Why is this?
It might have something to do with a lack of experience. If someone has an established way of doing things and it is successful you might not want to change things. Sometimes change is necessary. I understand that.
In our passage today Aaron's two sons made changes in worship that were contrary to what God had prescribed. You see, God has a plan and you and I just need to fall in line with the plan and run with it.
You cannot change salvation and it still be salvation. You cannot add to it or take away from it because it will cease to be salvation. Then you have works or something else. God knows what He is doing and we need to fall into step with Him and get going.
Have you made any changes lately that maybe you should not have made? Sure about that?
Wednesday, February 3, 2010
February 3, 2010
Today's reading: Leviticus 7, 8, 9; Psalm 3, 33, 63, 93, 123; Proverbs 3
Leviticus 7:6, "Every male among the priests shall eat thereof: it shall be eaten in the holy place: it is most holy."
There is a park about five miles from my house that I enjoy visiting. I have even taken some photographs of various parts of the park. The reason I enjoy it so much is that there is a creek that runs through it. I love to go to the park and sit by the creek and just listen to the water run over the rocks in the creek. They also have a fountain at the front of the park by the entrance that is wonderful to sit by and just watch and listen. This is so relaxing to me. I wish we lived in a warmer climate so that the fountain would run all year long. Unfortunately, we live in an area that freezes and the fountain gets shut off. If I can stand the cold though, I can still hear the creek running over the rocks.
I like to go to the creek and sit on a bench right at the edge of the water. My favorite activity is to read my Bible and pray as I sit there. It just seems like my quiet time is so much better there. I even get a little aggravated if someone else is sittiung there "in my spot". It does happen.
The reason I thought of this today is our text. "it shall be eaten in the holy place: it is most holy." To me this spot at the park is my "holy place". It is not private by no means but it is peaceful and calming and I love to meet with God there.
I hope you have a "holy place" where you meet God each day. You do, don't you?
Leviticus 7:6, "Every male among the priests shall eat thereof: it shall be eaten in the holy place: it is most holy."
There is a park about five miles from my house that I enjoy visiting. I have even taken some photographs of various parts of the park. The reason I enjoy it so much is that there is a creek that runs through it. I love to go to the park and sit by the creek and just listen to the water run over the rocks in the creek. They also have a fountain at the front of the park by the entrance that is wonderful to sit by and just watch and listen. This is so relaxing to me. I wish we lived in a warmer climate so that the fountain would run all year long. Unfortunately, we live in an area that freezes and the fountain gets shut off. If I can stand the cold though, I can still hear the creek running over the rocks.
I like to go to the creek and sit on a bench right at the edge of the water. My favorite activity is to read my Bible and pray as I sit there. It just seems like my quiet time is so much better there. I even get a little aggravated if someone else is sittiung there "in my spot". It does happen.
The reason I thought of this today is our text. "it shall be eaten in the holy place: it is most holy." To me this spot at the park is my "holy place". It is not private by no means but it is peaceful and calming and I love to meet with God there.
I hope you have a "holy place" where you meet God each day. You do, don't you?
Tuesday, February 2, 2010
February 2, 2010
Today's reading: Leviticus 4, 5, 6; Psalm 2, 32, 62, 92, 122; Proverbs 2
Leviticus 4:35, "And he shall take away all the fat thereof, as the fat of the lamb is taken away from the sacrifice of the peace offerings; and the priest shall burn them upon the altar, according to the offerings made by fire unto the LORD: and the priest shall make an atonement for his sin that he hath committed, and it shall be forgiven him."
Having lived on this earth for over forty years now, I feel like I have some life experience. Some of it good and some of it; well, not so good. Over these years I have offended people. I don't like to think about that but it is true. Some of these people used to call themselves my friends. Now, the mention of my name brings anger and hostility.
Why is this? It is because I have done or said something that offended them. Maybe it was something they thought I did or said. None the less, there has been some act that has offended them.
Some of these people I have attempted to reconcile with to no avail. Others would not even let me get close enough to try to reconcile. Unfortunately, there are those with whom I am not ready to reconcile with as of yet.
Here is the thing. The Scriptures tells us that we can have forgiveness if we want it. The main thing is to get forgiveness from God. Start with Him and then go to the person or persons and ask for the needed forgiveness. If they will not forgive you that is one thing; but, at least you did your part in asking and giving forgiveness. Yes, we must forgive also. Ouch!
If we meet God's conditions, we can be forgiven. I love the last few words of our text today, "and it shall be forgiven him." Thank God for forgiveness today and then show someone forgiveness. Easy said. Not so easily done, I know.
Leviticus 4:35, "And he shall take away all the fat thereof, as the fat of the lamb is taken away from the sacrifice of the peace offerings; and the priest shall burn them upon the altar, according to the offerings made by fire unto the LORD: and the priest shall make an atonement for his sin that he hath committed, and it shall be forgiven him."
Having lived on this earth for over forty years now, I feel like I have some life experience. Some of it good and some of it; well, not so good. Over these years I have offended people. I don't like to think about that but it is true. Some of these people used to call themselves my friends. Now, the mention of my name brings anger and hostility.
Why is this? It is because I have done or said something that offended them. Maybe it was something they thought I did or said. None the less, there has been some act that has offended them.
Some of these people I have attempted to reconcile with to no avail. Others would not even let me get close enough to try to reconcile. Unfortunately, there are those with whom I am not ready to reconcile with as of yet.
Here is the thing. The Scriptures tells us that we can have forgiveness if we want it. The main thing is to get forgiveness from God. Start with Him and then go to the person or persons and ask for the needed forgiveness. If they will not forgive you that is one thing; but, at least you did your part in asking and giving forgiveness. Yes, we must forgive also. Ouch!
If we meet God's conditions, we can be forgiven. I love the last few words of our text today, "and it shall be forgiven him." Thank God for forgiveness today and then show someone forgiveness. Easy said. Not so easily done, I know.
Monday, February 1, 2010
February 1, 2010
Today's reading: Leviticus 1, 2, 3; Psalm 1, 31, 61, 91, 121; Proverbs 1
Leviticus 2:3, "And the remnant of the meat offering shall be Aaron's and his sons': it is a thing most holy of the offerings of the LORD made by fire."
I love Steve Green's "The Refiner's Fire". I have not listened to it in a long time. I remember it was very powerful.
As I look around I see people that are really "going through it". I know that my family and I are experiencing things right now that I would rather not experience. As I was reading our passage for today I could not help thinking about how fire purifies.
One day we will all stand before God and if we are His child we will be rewarded for our deeds. Prior to the rewarding there will be a purging of the "wood, hay and stubble" the Scripture calls it. What is left is "gold, silver and precious stones". This is what we will be rewarded for. We will not be rewarded for that which burns up in the fire.
I know that my thoughts today are not in context with this passage; but, it is where I was drawn.
If you are going through the fire today will you come out as gold, silver and precious stones or will it be wood, hay and stubble?
Leviticus 2:3, "And the remnant of the meat offering shall be Aaron's and his sons': it is a thing most holy of the offerings of the LORD made by fire."
I love Steve Green's "The Refiner's Fire". I have not listened to it in a long time. I remember it was very powerful.
As I look around I see people that are really "going through it". I know that my family and I are experiencing things right now that I would rather not experience. As I was reading our passage for today I could not help thinking about how fire purifies.
One day we will all stand before God and if we are His child we will be rewarded for our deeds. Prior to the rewarding there will be a purging of the "wood, hay and stubble" the Scripture calls it. What is left is "gold, silver and precious stones". This is what we will be rewarded for. We will not be rewarded for that which burns up in the fire.
I know that my thoughts today are not in context with this passage; but, it is where I was drawn.
If you are going through the fire today will you come out as gold, silver and precious stones or will it be wood, hay and stubble?
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