We are given so many precious promises by God our Father that we could spend a lifetime examining them all. How do they apply, of what use are they to daily living in 2009, are the promises just for Israel or are do they apply to Believers also?
I feel that enough scripture has been given, revealed and opened to Believers that we can have great confidence that each and every promise is ours for the taking. How do we apply His promises? Do we only ask for answers to our prayers and claim what He has said is ours during times of trial and tribulation? Do we go the temple to offer daily sacrifices of praise, thanksgiving and to make our requests known before His throne?
Deep down in our spirit, do we just have a concept, or platitude when we repeat His promises back to Him in prayer, thought or words? A platitude is a trite or banal remark or statement. Have His promises of deliverance, peace and joy in tribulation really sunk down deep into our heart, no matter the present trial?
This morning I am still fighting a very stubborn chest cold and congestion. I fought through this thing for several weeks and it still lingers. In my morning routine, I walked with my retriever (more resembling a small horse!) and threw his stick for him; perhaps a dozen times! I did not have too much energy and I was praying that God would give me the energy to go to work and perform my duties in a proper manner. I knew that I did not have it in myself to gather the energy to go to a building with over 1,700 teenagers to clean up after the daily hurricane they cause.
As only the Holy Spirit can, He brought a song of the past into my spirit and it gave great strength; in the midst of feeling sluggish and tired. My spirit began to come alive inside of this tired body and great hope, strength and joy came to my soul. Only He can do this! I could not "work it up" on my own. The song was written in the 1800's and as I sang the chorus over and over again sweet memories of those who have gone before us to the heavens sitting in the pew in churches of years gone by entered my mind.
This is not a concept; nor a platitude. This is the Spirit of God giving strength in times of need. The words to this beautiful hymn of the church give a beautiful picture of what our mindset must be in both good times and difficulties.
JESUS I COME TO THEE
Out of my bondage, sorrow and night-
Jesus I come, Jesus I come,
Into Thy freedom, gladness and light-
Jesus I come to Thee;
Out of my sickness, into Thy health-
Out of my want and into Thy wealth;
Out of my sin and into Thyself-
Jesus I come to Thee.
Out of my shameful failures and loss;
Jesus I come, Jesus I come-
Into the glorious gain of Thy cross,
Jesus I come to Thee;
Out of earths sorrows, into Thy balm,
Out of life's storms and into Thy calm;
Out of distress to jubilant psalm;
Jesus I come to Thee.
Out of unrest and arrogant pride-
Jesus I come, Jesus I come;
Into Thy blessed will to abide
Jesus I come to Thee;
Out of myself, to dwell in Thy love,
Out of despair into rapture above,
upward for aye on wings like a dove,
Jesus I come to Thee.
Out of the fear and dread of the tomb,
Jesus I come, Jesus I come;
Into the joy and light of Thy home,
Jesus I come to Thee;
Out of the depths of ruin untold,
Into the peace of Thy sheltering fold,
Ever Thy glorious face to behold,
Jesus I come to Thee.
May the God of all peace, joy and love rule and reign in our hearts and minds; through Christ Jesus - Not a Concept - Not a Platitude - But a REALITY for those that are His! We are drinking at the springs of living water, no matter the circumstance, trial or victory!
And you shall seek Me, and find Me, when ye shall search for Me with all of your heart! (Jeremiah 29:13) The LORD is good to those that wait for Him; to the soul that seeks Him. (Lamentations 3:25)
Monday, November 30, 2009
Sunday, November 29, 2009
Being Tried?
There is a basic spiritual principal many shy away from at their own peril. It is that God tries the hearts of all mankind. The word tries, or trieth means He investigates, He examines, tests and proves our heart.
Metal is tested by engineers in proportion for what it is going to be used for. Metal used for paperclips will not pass the test of metal used for a building supports. or a suspension bridge. I feel the spiritual world is similar. The physical world in which we move, live and have our being is only a mirror of the eternal. Our lot and position in eternity may very well be in proportion to our success during our times of testing and trial; whether great trials of distress where all we can do is cry out for help, or the small trials we tend to set aside; thinking little of them.
Scripture gives many examples of this way of God. Here are a few :
1. King David said " I know also, my God, that Thou triest the heart, and hast pleasure in uprightness." ( 1 Chronicles 29:17)
2. Jeremiah said, " But, O LORD of Hosts, that judgest righteously, that triest the reins of the heart..." ( Jeremiah 11:20)
3. again in Jeremiah, " But, O LORD of Hosts, that triest the righteous, and see the reins and the heart..." (Jeremiah 20:12)
4. King David again says that the wickedness of the wicked will come to an end; and that God will establish the just - for the righteous God trieth the hearts and reins.
5. The wisest man who ever lived outside of Christ, King Solomon said that the refining pot is for silver, and the furnace is for gold; but the LORD trieth the hearts.
In the natural world, I could never become a member of the Special Forces of the United States military unless I went through the required training. Is the spiritual world different? I hear of receiving a crown of righteousness for the saints and over comers, but to be an over comer we must go through things to be overcome! No trials - no crown? No tests - no rewards?
1 Peter 1 says the trial of our faith is much more precious than gold, even if we are tried by the fire. Our success in these grievous seasons, whether it be financial, sickness, great temptation or any number of issues will be found to bring praise and honour and glory when Christ Jesus appears to receive us unto Himself.
The great man Abraham, one whom God called friend was severely tried. His metal was tested, so to speak, when he was told to offer his son Isaac on the altar. Abraham was able to obey because he determined in his heart that even if Isaac was offered as the sacrifice, God was able to raise him up from the dead. This is faith! What a trial!
Revelation speaks of some being cast into prison that they may be tried. ( Revelation 2:10) Being tried is not just an old testament concept. We live in the age of grace; but trials and tests are part of the growth process; maturity, patience, grace and understanding of others are the fruits of our trials. They may be great tests requiring Divine miracles or small tests that seem to linger forever; all serve a purpose.
Even the Word of God is tried. It has been proved, tried, tested and found faithful. "As for God, His way is perfect; the word of the LORD is tried: He is a buckler to all them that trust in Him." (2 Samuel 22:31)
The very foundation of our faith has been tried and found faithful and true. Isaiah 28:16 gives a beautiful picture of this~
" Therefore thus saith the LORD God, Behold, I lay in Zion for a foundation a stone, a tried stone, a precious corner stone, a sure foundation: he that believeth shall not make haste."
Never lose heart and think you are forsaken, forgotten, or neglected. The enemy, and sometimes our friends may say so. One day soon Christ will look upon us and proclaim with great gladness that our hearts have been tried, tested and found worthy!
Metal is tested by engineers in proportion for what it is going to be used for. Metal used for paperclips will not pass the test of metal used for a building supports. or a suspension bridge. I feel the spiritual world is similar. The physical world in which we move, live and have our being is only a mirror of the eternal. Our lot and position in eternity may very well be in proportion to our success during our times of testing and trial; whether great trials of distress where all we can do is cry out for help, or the small trials we tend to set aside; thinking little of them.
Scripture gives many examples of this way of God. Here are a few :
1. King David said " I know also, my God, that Thou triest the heart, and hast pleasure in uprightness." ( 1 Chronicles 29:17)
2. Jeremiah said, " But, O LORD of Hosts, that judgest righteously, that triest the reins of the heart..." ( Jeremiah 11:20)
3. again in Jeremiah, " But, O LORD of Hosts, that triest the righteous, and see the reins and the heart..." (Jeremiah 20:12)
4. King David again says that the wickedness of the wicked will come to an end; and that God will establish the just - for the righteous God trieth the hearts and reins.
5. The wisest man who ever lived outside of Christ, King Solomon said that the refining pot is for silver, and the furnace is for gold; but the LORD trieth the hearts.
In the natural world, I could never become a member of the Special Forces of the United States military unless I went through the required training. Is the spiritual world different? I hear of receiving a crown of righteousness for the saints and over comers, but to be an over comer we must go through things to be overcome! No trials - no crown? No tests - no rewards?
1 Peter 1 says the trial of our faith is much more precious than gold, even if we are tried by the fire. Our success in these grievous seasons, whether it be financial, sickness, great temptation or any number of issues will be found to bring praise and honour and glory when Christ Jesus appears to receive us unto Himself.
The great man Abraham, one whom God called friend was severely tried. His metal was tested, so to speak, when he was told to offer his son Isaac on the altar. Abraham was able to obey because he determined in his heart that even if Isaac was offered as the sacrifice, God was able to raise him up from the dead. This is faith! What a trial!
Revelation speaks of some being cast into prison that they may be tried. ( Revelation 2:10) Being tried is not just an old testament concept. We live in the age of grace; but trials and tests are part of the growth process; maturity, patience, grace and understanding of others are the fruits of our trials. They may be great tests requiring Divine miracles or small tests that seem to linger forever; all serve a purpose.
Even the Word of God is tried. It has been proved, tried, tested and found faithful. "As for God, His way is perfect; the word of the LORD is tried: He is a buckler to all them that trust in Him." (2 Samuel 22:31)
The very foundation of our faith has been tried and found faithful and true. Isaiah 28:16 gives a beautiful picture of this~
" Therefore thus saith the LORD God, Behold, I lay in Zion for a foundation a stone, a tried stone, a precious corner stone, a sure foundation: he that believeth shall not make haste."
Never lose heart and think you are forsaken, forgotten, or neglected. The enemy, and sometimes our friends may say so. One day soon Christ will look upon us and proclaim with great gladness that our hearts have been tried, tested and found worthy!
Friday, November 27, 2009
Miracle In Israel-Revive Israel Ministry
Testimony: The Intervention of Heaven: A Creative Miracle
By Tal Rubin
Ten years ago in Russia, Luda and her son Arthur, were on a 3-day train ride from Siberia to Irkutch. During this trip, Arthur became very ill with a high fever and he was on the brink of death. Luda was not a believer in Yeshua (Jesus); however, in spite of this, she decided to kneel and cry out to the God she did not know. While she was praying, an ambulance appeared alongside the train and the train pulled to a halt.
As the medics entered the train car, they called out, "Where is the sick boy?" No one replied so Luda responded, "Here!" The medics gave him an injection and exited the train. The train started up and continued on its way, and Arthur gained strength and was healed. A steward asked her how she had managed to create contact with the ambulance staff. Luda replied that she hadn't! The steward then explained to her that someone whom he could not see had stood behind him and told him that the train must stop immediately for a boy in the same cabin in which Luda and Arthur were riding. As a result of this incident Luda gave her life to God.
When he was two years old, Arthur was diagnosed as having only one kidney, which was severely damaged and deformed. This kidney was in danger of atrophy in addition to being effected by Polycystic Kidney Disease. At the age of sixteen, just a short time ago, he came to Israel with his mother. The goal of this trip was to undergo surgery to remove the damaged, beyond repair, cyst-ridden kidney. Upon arrival in Israel, they headed up to Jerusalem and settled in a city to the east, in Ma'ale Adumim. Luda shared her story with a local congregational leader, Abraham Ben-Hod, and asked if he could baptize her.
Abraham and I both had on our hearts to pray that God would provide Arthur with a new kidney. We agreed together and prayed that God would create a new kidney and would miraculously heal his other damaged kidney.
On the day of her baptism (Friday), Luda told the testimony of supernatural healing for Arthur on the train. After the baptism and time of prayer, I felt again that God's will was to pray for a creative miracle of a brand-new kidney for Arthur. During the Ma'ale Adumim Congregation meeting on Saturday, we prayed over him again and anointed him with oil. The following Sunday he had another check-up at Ein Kerem Hospital. The first CT scan confirmed that his one kidney was very damaged. Following the second CT scan, the doctor stated that the very damaged kidney must be surgically removed; however, he would be able to function very well with one perfectly working kidney. Meaning, God did indeed create a new kidney for Arthur!
The operation to “remove” the damaged kidney lasted 8 hours. However, the doctors found the formerly “damaged-beyond-repair” kidney had surprisingly shrunk back to its normal size, and were able to repair it. The final outcome? Two kidneys! An answer to prayer and a creative miracle!
All that took place in Arthur's body is documented in medical reports.
By Tal Rubin
Ten years ago in Russia, Luda and her son Arthur, were on a 3-day train ride from Siberia to Irkutch. During this trip, Arthur became very ill with a high fever and he was on the brink of death. Luda was not a believer in Yeshua (Jesus); however, in spite of this, she decided to kneel and cry out to the God she did not know. While she was praying, an ambulance appeared alongside the train and the train pulled to a halt.
As the medics entered the train car, they called out, "Where is the sick boy?" No one replied so Luda responded, "Here!" The medics gave him an injection and exited the train. The train started up and continued on its way, and Arthur gained strength and was healed. A steward asked her how she had managed to create contact with the ambulance staff. Luda replied that she hadn't! The steward then explained to her that someone whom he could not see had stood behind him and told him that the train must stop immediately for a boy in the same cabin in which Luda and Arthur were riding. As a result of this incident Luda gave her life to God.
When he was two years old, Arthur was diagnosed as having only one kidney, which was severely damaged and deformed. This kidney was in danger of atrophy in addition to being effected by Polycystic Kidney Disease. At the age of sixteen, just a short time ago, he came to Israel with his mother. The goal of this trip was to undergo surgery to remove the damaged, beyond repair, cyst-ridden kidney. Upon arrival in Israel, they headed up to Jerusalem and settled in a city to the east, in Ma'ale Adumim. Luda shared her story with a local congregational leader, Abraham Ben-Hod, and asked if he could baptize her.
Abraham and I both had on our hearts to pray that God would provide Arthur with a new kidney. We agreed together and prayed that God would create a new kidney and would miraculously heal his other damaged kidney.
On the day of her baptism (Friday), Luda told the testimony of supernatural healing for Arthur on the train. After the baptism and time of prayer, I felt again that God's will was to pray for a creative miracle of a brand-new kidney for Arthur. During the Ma'ale Adumim Congregation meeting on Saturday, we prayed over him again and anointed him with oil. The following Sunday he had another check-up at Ein Kerem Hospital. The first CT scan confirmed that his one kidney was very damaged. Following the second CT scan, the doctor stated that the very damaged kidney must be surgically removed; however, he would be able to function very well with one perfectly working kidney. Meaning, God did indeed create a new kidney for Arthur!
The operation to “remove” the damaged kidney lasted 8 hours. However, the doctors found the formerly “damaged-beyond-repair” kidney had surprisingly shrunk back to its normal size, and were able to repair it. The final outcome? Two kidneys! An answer to prayer and a creative miracle!
All that took place in Arthur's body is documented in medical reports.
Wednesday, November 25, 2009
THANKSGIVING BLESSINGS
There are blessings for the children of God. Deuteronomy 28 and 29 spell these out in great detail. They are the words and promises of God to those that are His. They were not only for the children of Israel in those days; they are available to His children today. That includes us. On what basis?
The requirements of the Law was fulfilled on our behalf by Christ. Galatians 3 says that Christ redeemed us from the curse of the Law-He was made a curse for us. For it is written, cursed is everyone who hangs on a tree. Romans 8:4 says He died that the righteousness of the Law might be fulfilled in us.
Matthew Henry interprets this that, "Both our justification and in our sanctification, the righteousness of the Law is fulfilled in us; through Christ-if we are in Christ."
God, by sending His Son in our likeness (sinful flesh, although He was without sin), Jesus condemned sin in the flesh on our behalf. So, the blessings of the Law are available to those who have the Spirit of God in them.
What are the blessings?
If we obey - listen diligently - observe and do all His commandments He will -
1. set us high above all nations of the earth
2. the blessings will come on us and overtake us
3. the fruit of our body will be blessed
4. the fruit of our field will be blessed
5. the fruit of our flocks of cattle, sheep and flock are blessed (our labors)
6. we will be blessed when we come in and when we go out
7. our basket and our storehouse will be blessed
8. any enemy that rises up against us will be smitten before our face
9 our enemy will come against us one way and flee from us seven ways
10. the LORD will command a blessing upon our storehouses and in all that we set our hands to do
He will establish us a His holy people unto Himself. He has sworn this to us if we keep His commandments and walk in His ways. What is the ultimate purpose of this, His way and promise? That all the people of the earth shall see that we are called by the Name of the LORD, and they will be afraid of us.
As we grow and mature in Him, He will make us plenteous in goods-the fruit of our body, the fruit of our cattle, the fruit of our ground in the Land He has sworn to us.
Remember, the earth is the LORD'S, and the fullness thereof. He will open His good treasure and will give rain in His season. We will lend and not borrow. We will be the head and not the tail; we will be above only and not below. IF, IF we hearken and listen to the commandments of the LORD.
Christ said the most important commandment is to love our neighbor as our self; to treat everyone as we want to be treated. The Apostle Paul said that the righteousness of the Law might be fulfilled in us (Romans 8:4)
In the middle of blessings we still have a very real enemy. He is relentless. But, we must not faint or grow weary. 2 Corinthians 4:16-18 says though the outward man perish, yet our inward man is renewed day by day. For our light affliction, which is but for a moment, worketh for us a far more exceeding and eternal weight of glory. What does this verse infer? Our weight of glory in eternity will be determined by the affliction we endure.
How are we confident that we walk in and are in the Spirit? We will have the favor of God. Our main concern is the welfare of our soul and our concerns are for the eternal. A person is as the mind is; as you think, so are you. (Proverbs 23:7) We cannot tread in His steps unless we have His Spirit in us. Having the Spirit of Christ in us is the same as having the Spirit of God in us. There is a life of peace both in this world, which is temporal, and in the heavens, which are eternal.
Those who have His Spirit dwelling in them are meek, lowly, humble, peaceable, patient, charitable; as He was. God is our Creator, our Owner, our Ruler, and our Benefactor.
Again to the blessings that are available to us -
We must use each blessing to minister to others; the homeless, the sick, the heartbroken, the widow and the orphan. We must not waste them in selfishness on our own lust and desires. This is a constant battle.
How do we get these blessings? I think some come automatically; some must be asked for. There is nothing an earthly father loves more than to hear one of his children using words and phrases they have learned from him. The Bible is the Word of God; repeat His words back to Him in prayer. Prove that He is true!
If we are Christ's, we are Abraham's seed, and heirs according to the promise. (Galatians 3:29) Remember through it all, whether in blessing or a long season of waiting; keep the mindset that we look at things which are not seen; for the things which are seen are temporal, but the things which are not seen are eternal.
We will be tried during our times of blessing. Will we squander our inheritance given by Him on ourselves, as the prodigal son did in the parable Christ told? Or will we, in turn, take of what He gives us and minister to others? This is a test by Him as He checks the condition of our hearts.
He promised that He would establish us in our land to be a holy people unto Himself; He has sworn this to us if we keep His commandments and walk in His ways.
Multitudes of promises, assistance, mercy and love are ours for the taking. Precious thoughts on this Thanksgiving Day!
The requirements of the Law was fulfilled on our behalf by Christ. Galatians 3 says that Christ redeemed us from the curse of the Law-He was made a curse for us. For it is written, cursed is everyone who hangs on a tree. Romans 8:4 says He died that the righteousness of the Law might be fulfilled in us.
Matthew Henry interprets this that, "Both our justification and in our sanctification, the righteousness of the Law is fulfilled in us; through Christ-if we are in Christ."
God, by sending His Son in our likeness (sinful flesh, although He was without sin), Jesus condemned sin in the flesh on our behalf. So, the blessings of the Law are available to those who have the Spirit of God in them.
What are the blessings?
If we obey - listen diligently - observe and do all His commandments He will -
1. set us high above all nations of the earth
2. the blessings will come on us and overtake us
3. the fruit of our body will be blessed
4. the fruit of our field will be blessed
5. the fruit of our flocks of cattle, sheep and flock are blessed (our labors)
6. we will be blessed when we come in and when we go out
7. our basket and our storehouse will be blessed
8. any enemy that rises up against us will be smitten before our face
9 our enemy will come against us one way and flee from us seven ways
10. the LORD will command a blessing upon our storehouses and in all that we set our hands to do
He will establish us a His holy people unto Himself. He has sworn this to us if we keep His commandments and walk in His ways. What is the ultimate purpose of this, His way and promise? That all the people of the earth shall see that we are called by the Name of the LORD, and they will be afraid of us.
As we grow and mature in Him, He will make us plenteous in goods-the fruit of our body, the fruit of our cattle, the fruit of our ground in the Land He has sworn to us.
Remember, the earth is the LORD'S, and the fullness thereof. He will open His good treasure and will give rain in His season. We will lend and not borrow. We will be the head and not the tail; we will be above only and not below. IF, IF we hearken and listen to the commandments of the LORD.
Christ said the most important commandment is to love our neighbor as our self; to treat everyone as we want to be treated. The Apostle Paul said that the righteousness of the Law might be fulfilled in us (Romans 8:4)
In the middle of blessings we still have a very real enemy. He is relentless. But, we must not faint or grow weary. 2 Corinthians 4:16-18 says though the outward man perish, yet our inward man is renewed day by day. For our light affliction, which is but for a moment, worketh for us a far more exceeding and eternal weight of glory. What does this verse infer? Our weight of glory in eternity will be determined by the affliction we endure.
How are we confident that we walk in and are in the Spirit? We will have the favor of God. Our main concern is the welfare of our soul and our concerns are for the eternal. A person is as the mind is; as you think, so are you. (Proverbs 23:7) We cannot tread in His steps unless we have His Spirit in us. Having the Spirit of Christ in us is the same as having the Spirit of God in us. There is a life of peace both in this world, which is temporal, and in the heavens, which are eternal.
Those who have His Spirit dwelling in them are meek, lowly, humble, peaceable, patient, charitable; as He was. God is our Creator, our Owner, our Ruler, and our Benefactor.
Again to the blessings that are available to us -
We must use each blessing to minister to others; the homeless, the sick, the heartbroken, the widow and the orphan. We must not waste them in selfishness on our own lust and desires. This is a constant battle.
How do we get these blessings? I think some come automatically; some must be asked for. There is nothing an earthly father loves more than to hear one of his children using words and phrases they have learned from him. The Bible is the Word of God; repeat His words back to Him in prayer. Prove that He is true!
If we are Christ's, we are Abraham's seed, and heirs according to the promise. (Galatians 3:29) Remember through it all, whether in blessing or a long season of waiting; keep the mindset that we look at things which are not seen; for the things which are seen are temporal, but the things which are not seen are eternal.
We will be tried during our times of blessing. Will we squander our inheritance given by Him on ourselves, as the prodigal son did in the parable Christ told? Or will we, in turn, take of what He gives us and minister to others? This is a test by Him as He checks the condition of our hearts.
He promised that He would establish us in our land to be a holy people unto Himself; He has sworn this to us if we keep His commandments and walk in His ways.
Multitudes of promises, assistance, mercy and love are ours for the taking. Precious thoughts on this Thanksgiving Day!
Sunday, November 22, 2009
LOVER OF THE WORD?
A Godly Man is a Lover of the Word - by Thomas Watson (Puritan Minister)
"O how love I your law." (Psa. 119:97)
Part A: Godly Man Loves the Word Written
Chrysostom compares the Scripture to a garden set with ornaments and flowers. A godly man delights to walk in this garden and sweetly solace himself. He loves every branch and part of the Word:
1. He loves the counselling part of the Word, as it is a directory and rule of life. The Word is the direction sign which points us to our duty. It contains in it things to be believed and practiced. A godly man loves the directions of the Word.
2. He loves the threatening part of the Word. The Scripture is like the Garden of Eden: as it has a tree of life in it, so it has a flaming sword at its gates. This is the threatening of the Word. It flashes fire in the face of every person who goes on obstinately in wickedness. "God will wound the head of His enemies, the hairy scalp of the one who still goes on in his trespasses." (Psa. 68:21). The Word gives no indulgence to evil. It will not let a man halt half-way between God and sin. The true mother would not let the child be divided (I Kings 3:26), and God will not have the heart divided. The Word thunders out threats against the very appearance of evil. It is like that flying scroll full of curses (Zech. 5:1).
A godly man loves the menaces of the Word. He knows there is love in every threat. God would not have us perish; he therefore mercifully threatens us, so that he may scare us from sin. God's threats are like the buoy, which shows the rocks in the sea and threatens death to such as come near. The threat is a curbing bit to check us, so that we may not run in full career to hell. There is mercy in every threat.
3. He loves the consolatory part of the Word - the promises. He goes feeding on these as Samson went on his way eating the honeycomb (Judges 14:8,9). The promises are all marrow and sweetness. They are reviving to us when we are fainting; they are the conduits of the water of life. "In the multitude of my anxieties within me, Your comforts delight my soul." (Psa. 94:19). The promises were David's harp to drive away sad thoughts; they were the breast which gave him the milk of divine consolation.
A godly man shows his love to the Word written:
"O how love I your law." (Psa. 119:97)
Part A: Godly Man Loves the Word Written
Chrysostom compares the Scripture to a garden set with ornaments and flowers. A godly man delights to walk in this garden and sweetly solace himself. He loves every branch and part of the Word:
1. He loves the counselling part of the Word, as it is a directory and rule of life. The Word is the direction sign which points us to our duty. It contains in it things to be believed and practiced. A godly man loves the directions of the Word.
2. He loves the threatening part of the Word. The Scripture is like the Garden of Eden: as it has a tree of life in it, so it has a flaming sword at its gates. This is the threatening of the Word. It flashes fire in the face of every person who goes on obstinately in wickedness. "God will wound the head of His enemies, the hairy scalp of the one who still goes on in his trespasses." (Psa. 68:21). The Word gives no indulgence to evil. It will not let a man halt half-way between God and sin. The true mother would not let the child be divided (I Kings 3:26), and God will not have the heart divided. The Word thunders out threats against the very appearance of evil. It is like that flying scroll full of curses (Zech. 5:1).
A godly man loves the menaces of the Word. He knows there is love in every threat. God would not have us perish; he therefore mercifully threatens us, so that he may scare us from sin. God's threats are like the buoy, which shows the rocks in the sea and threatens death to such as come near. The threat is a curbing bit to check us, so that we may not run in full career to hell. There is mercy in every threat.
3. He loves the consolatory part of the Word - the promises. He goes feeding on these as Samson went on his way eating the honeycomb (Judges 14:8,9). The promises are all marrow and sweetness. They are reviving to us when we are fainting; they are the conduits of the water of life. "In the multitude of my anxieties within me, Your comforts delight my soul." (Psa. 94:19). The promises were David's harp to drive away sad thoughts; they were the breast which gave him the milk of divine consolation.
A godly man shows his love to the Word written:
(a) By diligently reading it. The noble Bereans "searched the Scriptures daily" (Acts 17:11). Apollos was mighty in the Scriptures (Acts 18:12). The Word is our Magna Carta for heaven; we should be daily reading over this charter. The Word shows what is truth and what is error. It is the field where the pearl of price is hidden. How we should dig for this pearl! A godly man's heart is the library to hold the Word of God; it dwells richly in him (Col. 3:16). It is reported of Melanchthon that when he was young, he always carried the Bible with him and read it greedily. The Word has a double work: to teach us and to judge us. Those who will not be taught by the Word shall be judged by the Word. Oh, let us make ourselves familiar with the Scripture! What if it should be as in the times of Diocletian, who commanded by proclamation that the Bible be burned? Or as in Queen Mary's days, when it spelled death to have a Bible in English? By diligent conversing with Scripture, we may carry a Bible in our heads.
(b) By frequently meditating on it: "It is my meditation all the day" (Psa. 119:97). A pious soul meditates on the truth and holiness of the Word. He not only has a few transient thoughts, but leaves his mind steeping in the Scripture. By meditation, he sucks from this sweet flower and ruminates on holy truths in his mind.
(c) By delighting in it. It is his recreation: "Your words were found, and I ate them, and Your word was to me the joy and rejoicing of my heart." (Jer 15:16) Never did a man take such delight in a dish that he loved as the prophet did in the Word. And indeed, how can a saint choose but take great pleasure in the Word? All that he ever hopes to be worth is contained in it. Does not a son take pleasure in reading his father's will and testament, in which he bequeaths his estate to him?
(d) By hiding it: "Your word I have hidden in my heart" (Psa 119:11) - as one hides a treasure so that it should not be stolen. The Word is the jewel; the heart is the cabinet where it must be locked up. Many hide the Word in their memory, but not in their heart. And why would David enclose the Word in his heart? "That I might not sin against you." As a man would carry an antidote about him when he comes near an infected place, so a godly man carries the Word in his heart as a spiritual antidote to preserve him from the infection of sin. Why have so many been poisoned with error, others with moral vice, but because they have not hidden the Word as a holy antidote in their heart?
(e) By defending it. A wise man will not let his land be taken from him but will defend his title. David looked upon the Word as his land of inheritance: "Your testimonies I have taken as a heritage forever, for they are the rejoicing of my heart." (Psa 119:111) And do you think he will let his inheritance be wrested out of his hands? A godly man will not only dispute for the Word but die for it: "I saw under the altar the souls of those who had been slain for the word of God." (Rev 6:9)
(f) By preferring it above things most precious: (1) Above food: "I have treasured the words of His mouth More than my necessary food." (Job. 23:12). (2) Above riches: "The law of Your mouth is better to me than thousands of coins of gold and silver." (Psa. 119:72). (3) Above worldly honour. Memorable is the story of King Edward the Sixth. On the day of his coronation, when they presented three swords before him, signifying to him that he was monarch of three kingdoms, the king said, "There is still one sword missing." On being asked what that was, he answered, "The Holy Bible, which is the 'sword of the Spirit' and is to be preferred before these ensigns of royalty."
(f) By talking about it: "My tongue shall speak of your word." (Psa. 119:172). As a covetous man talks of his rich purchase, so a godly man speaks of the Word. What a treasure it is, how full of beauty and sweetness! Those whose mouths the devil has gagged, who never speak of God's Word, indicate that they never reaped any good from it.
(g) By conforming to it. The Word is his compass, by which he sets his life, the balance in which he weighs his actions. He copies out the Word in his daily walk: "I have kept the faith" (2 Tim. 4:7). St Paul kept the doctrine of faith, and lived the life of faith.
Question: Why is a godly man a lover of the Word?
Answer: Because of the excellence of the Word.
1. The Word written is our pillar of fire to guide us. It shows us what rocks we are to avoid; it is the map by which we sail to the new Jerusalem.
2. The Word is a spiritual mirror through which we may see our own hearts. The mirror of nature, which the heathen had, revealed spots in their lives, but this mirror reveals spots in the imagination; that mirror revealed the spots of their unrighteousness, this reveals the spots of our righteousness. "When the commandment came, sin revived, and I died" (Rom. 7:9). When the Word came like a mirror, all my opinion of self-righteousness died.
3. The Word of God is a sovereign comfort in distress. While we follow this cloud, the rock follows us. "This is my comfort in my affliction, For Your word has given me life." (Psa. 119:50). Christ is the fountain of living water, the Word is the golden pipe through which it runs. What can revive at the hour of death but the word of life (Phil. 2:16)?
Part B: A Godly Man Loves the Word, Because of the Efficacy it has had upon Him
A godly man loves the Word preached, which is a commentary upon the Word written. This day-star has risen in his heart, and ushered in the Sun of righteousness. The Scriptures are the sovereign oils and balsams; the preaching of the Word is the pouring of them out. The Scriptures are the precious spices; the preaching of the Word is the beating of these spices, which causes a wonderful fragrance and delight. The Word preached is "the rod of God's strength" (Psa. 11O:2) and "the breath of his lips" (Isa. 11:4). What was once said of the city of Thebes, that it was built by the sound of Amphius' harp, is much more true of soul conversion. It is built by the sound of the gospel harp. Therefore the preaching of the Word is called "the power of God to salvation" (Rom 1:16). By this, Christ is said (now) to speak to us from heaven (Heb. 12:25). This ministry of the Word is to be preferred before the ministry of angels.
A godly man loves the Word preached, partly from the good he has found by it - he has felt the dew fall with this manna - and partly because of God's institution. The Lord has appointed this ordinance to save him. The king's image makes the coin current. The stamp of divine authority on the Word preached makes it an instrument conducive to men's salvation.
Application: Let us test by this characteristic whether we are godly: Are we lovers of the Word?
1. Do we love the Word written? What sums of money the martyrs gave for a few pages of the Bible! Do we make the Word our bosom friend? As Moses often had 'the rod of God' in his hand, so we should have 'the Book of God' in our hand. When we want direction, do we consult this sacred oracle? When we find corruptions strong, do we make use of this "sword of the Spirit" to hew them down? When we are disconsolate, do we go to this bottle of the water of life for comfort? Then we are lovers of the Word! But alas, how can they who are seldom conversant with the Scriptures say they love them? Their eyes begin to be sore when they look at a Bible. The two testaments are hung up like rusty armour which is seldom or never made use of. The Lord wrote the law with his own finger, but though God took pains to write, men will not take pains to read. They would rather look at a deck of cards than at a Bible.
2. Do we love the Word preached? Do we prize it in our judgments? Do we receive it into our hearts? Do we fear the loss of the Word preached more than the loss of peace and trade? Is it the removal of the ark that troubles us?
Again, do we attend to the Word with reverential devotion? When the judge is giving his charge from the bench, all attend. When the Word is preached, the great God is giving us his charge. Do we listen to it as to a matter of life and death? This is a good sign that we love the Word.
Again, do we love the holiness of the Word (Psa. 119:140)? The Word is preached to beat down sin and advance holiness. Do we love it for its spirituality and purity? Many love the Word preached only for its eloquence and notion. They come to a sermon as to a performance (Ezek. 33:31,32) or as to a garden to pick flowers, but not to have their lusts subdued or their hearts bettered. These are like a foolish woman who paints her face but neglects her health.
Again, do we love the convictions of the Word? Do we love the Word when it comes home to our conscience and shoots its arrows of reproof at our sins? It is the minister's duty sometimes to reprove. He who can speak smooth words in the pulpit, but does not know how to reprove, is like a sword with a fine hilt but without an edge. "Rebuke them sharply" (Titus 2:15). Dip the nail in oil, reprove in love, but strike the nail home. Now Christian, when the Word touches on your sin and says, "You are the man", do you love the reproof? Can you bless God that "the sword of the Spirit" has divided between you and your lusts? This is indeed a sign of grace and shows that you are a lover of the Word.
A corrupt heart loves the comforts of the Word, but not the reproofs: "They hate the one who rebukes in the gate." (Amos 5:1O). "Their eyes flash with fire!" Like venomous creatures that at the least touch spit poison, "When they heard these things they were cut to the heart, and they gnashed at him with their teeth." (Acts 7:54). When Stephen touched them to the quick, they were mad and could not endure it.
Question: How shall we know that we love the reproofs of the Word?
Answer 1: When we desire to sit under a heart-searching ministry. Who cares for medicines that will not work? A godly man does not choose to sit under a ministry that will not work upon his conscience.
Answer 2: When we pray that the Word may meet with our sins. If there is any traitorous lust in our heart, we would have it found out and executed. We do not want sin covered, but cured. We can open our breast to the bullet of the Word and say, "Lord, smite this sin."
Answer 3: When we are thankful for a reproof: "Let the righteous strike me; It shall be a kindness. And let him rebuke me; It shall be as excellent oil; Let my head not refuse it. For still my prayer is against the deeds of the wicked." (Psa. 141:5). David was glad of a reproof. Suppose a man were in the mouth of a lion, and another should shoot the lion and save the man, would he not be thankful? So, when we are in the mouth of sin, as of a lion, and the minister by a reproof shoots this sin to death, shall we not be thankful? A gracious soul rejoices when the sharp lance of the Word has pierced his abscess. He wears a reproof like a jewel on his ear: "Like an earring of gold and an ornament of fine gold is a wise reprover to an obedient ear." (Prov. 25:12).
To conclude, it is convincing preaching which must do the soul good. A nipping reproof prepares for comfort, as a nipping frost prepares for the sweet flowers of spring.
[From The Godly Man's Picture by Thomas Watson, a Puritan Paperback edition published by the Banner of Truth.]
Saturday, November 21, 2009
Show Forth!
In all of our issues and troubles, success and victories, King David admonishes us to show forth all of His marvellous works for us and through us. Psalm 9 says "I will praise Thee, O LORD, with my whole heart (not half heartily) I will show forth all Thy marvellous works..."
What is David showing forth? When his enemies are turned back. When they fall and perish. When God maintains our right and our cause. We boast in His ability to destroy wickedness, even the wickedness still in us, and especially in the forces that rise up against the righteous works He does in and through us as individuals.
The memorial of the wicked will one day soon perish. It will be as if they never existed at all! The LORD and His people will endure forever. In the process, and it is a process we must endure, the LORD is a refuge when we are oppressed in our times of trouble. Those who know God will put their very lives into His able hands. He will not forsake those who seek Him.
How do we seek Him? Once a week during morning worship or Sunday evening service at our local church? Will three or four hours of hearing His word sustain us for the remaining 168 hours of the week? Not today! Seek Him daily. When the manna fell from heaven in the Wilderness journey of the Children of Israel, each person had to go gather it for themselves. If they tried to store it for the next day it would rot! It was, and still is a daily process.
Troubles will come in this process. King David constantly prayed for mercy and help in his troubles. Verse 13 of Psalm 9 says that each time God has rescued David, he would show forth all God's praise in the gates of Zion; he rejoiced in deliverance and his salvation.
We walk in confidence and assurance that God saves those that are His. We are confident that the wicked will be caught in their own snare and trap they set for others. The heathen will sink into the pit they dug for others. They will fall and become victim by the work of their own hands.
The needy, and we are often in that lot at times, shall not be always forgotten. The expectations of the poor shall not perish forever. We can cry as did King David, "Arise, O LORD, let not man prevail; let the heathen be judged in Thy sight. Put them in fear, O LORD; that the nations may know themselves to be but men."
Sometimes we feel forgotten and forsaken. Even then, when all seems hopeless, our circumstance is only caught up in the processes of God. It is a process. Do not lose heart or believe the lies of the enemy. When it seems that evil will finally triumph, that is when they are getting ready to fall. God has set it up this way.
If it seems He has forgotten the cry and prayers of the humble, He says that even this is a part of His treasuries; the way He works most of the time. For example, think of the "pit experiences" given to us in His word; Jeremiah cast into a miry pit only to be rescued to prophecy again. Joseph thrown into a pit by his own family, his brothers, only to be sold into slavery; but to rise and become a great leader in Egypt and save the known world from famine. He was not only cast into the pit but imprisoned and forgotten for a season. Some estimate he may have been in jail for several years!
While in our testings and trials, as evil seems to be all encompassing about us, think of Moses, one man with hundreds of thousands of people depending on him, standing at the Red Sea with an enemy army baring down on them in great anger and with murder in their heart. Think of Paul and Silas, after obeying the great commission to preach the gospel, being beaten and thrown in jail; only to sing songs of praise in the midst of mental and spiritual fires. These glorified God in their fires.
Each one showed forth God's ways, His great deliverance, and gave Him the praise and honor He deserves.
Do We?
When deliverance does finally come, it is as if we were never our of His care! There is an appointed time to be delivered. Learn through the process. As the saints in the days of old, we must encourage ourselves to wait for the year of the redeemed and the year of recompense for the controversy of Zion. We are of Mount Zion. He has a holy hill that only the redeemed are allowed to walk. Right now we spiritually sit in heavenly places with Christ Jesus.
I need to apply this fact in my everyday walk. No matter the obstacle thrown across the path; no matter the travail of the hour. As King David, I must show forth His ways, His praise, and His desire in every aspect of my life. I can say that we are never brought so low, so near death, but that God can raise us up. Those who truly believe do not make haste; but wait for the appointed time. May God give me grace in that regard; and He will!
What is David showing forth? When his enemies are turned back. When they fall and perish. When God maintains our right and our cause. We boast in His ability to destroy wickedness, even the wickedness still in us, and especially in the forces that rise up against the righteous works He does in and through us as individuals.
The memorial of the wicked will one day soon perish. It will be as if they never existed at all! The LORD and His people will endure forever. In the process, and it is a process we must endure, the LORD is a refuge when we are oppressed in our times of trouble. Those who know God will put their very lives into His able hands. He will not forsake those who seek Him.
How do we seek Him? Once a week during morning worship or Sunday evening service at our local church? Will three or four hours of hearing His word sustain us for the remaining 168 hours of the week? Not today! Seek Him daily. When the manna fell from heaven in the Wilderness journey of the Children of Israel, each person had to go gather it for themselves. If they tried to store it for the next day it would rot! It was, and still is a daily process.
Troubles will come in this process. King David constantly prayed for mercy and help in his troubles. Verse 13 of Psalm 9 says that each time God has rescued David, he would show forth all God's praise in the gates of Zion; he rejoiced in deliverance and his salvation.
We walk in confidence and assurance that God saves those that are His. We are confident that the wicked will be caught in their own snare and trap they set for others. The heathen will sink into the pit they dug for others. They will fall and become victim by the work of their own hands.
The needy, and we are often in that lot at times, shall not be always forgotten. The expectations of the poor shall not perish forever. We can cry as did King David, "Arise, O LORD, let not man prevail; let the heathen be judged in Thy sight. Put them in fear, O LORD; that the nations may know themselves to be but men."
Sometimes we feel forgotten and forsaken. Even then, when all seems hopeless, our circumstance is only caught up in the processes of God. It is a process. Do not lose heart or believe the lies of the enemy. When it seems that evil will finally triumph, that is when they are getting ready to fall. God has set it up this way.
If it seems He has forgotten the cry and prayers of the humble, He says that even this is a part of His treasuries; the way He works most of the time. For example, think of the "pit experiences" given to us in His word; Jeremiah cast into a miry pit only to be rescued to prophecy again. Joseph thrown into a pit by his own family, his brothers, only to be sold into slavery; but to rise and become a great leader in Egypt and save the known world from famine. He was not only cast into the pit but imprisoned and forgotten for a season. Some estimate he may have been in jail for several years!
While in our testings and trials, as evil seems to be all encompassing about us, think of Moses, one man with hundreds of thousands of people depending on him, standing at the Red Sea with an enemy army baring down on them in great anger and with murder in their heart. Think of Paul and Silas, after obeying the great commission to preach the gospel, being beaten and thrown in jail; only to sing songs of praise in the midst of mental and spiritual fires. These glorified God in their fires.
Each one showed forth God's ways, His great deliverance, and gave Him the praise and honor He deserves.
Do We?
When deliverance does finally come, it is as if we were never our of His care! There is an appointed time to be delivered. Learn through the process. As the saints in the days of old, we must encourage ourselves to wait for the year of the redeemed and the year of recompense for the controversy of Zion. We are of Mount Zion. He has a holy hill that only the redeemed are allowed to walk. Right now we spiritually sit in heavenly places with Christ Jesus.
I need to apply this fact in my everyday walk. No matter the obstacle thrown across the path; no matter the travail of the hour. As King David, I must show forth His ways, His praise, and His desire in every aspect of my life. I can say that we are never brought so low, so near death, but that God can raise us up. Those who truly believe do not make haste; but wait for the appointed time. May God give me grace in that regard; and He will!
HE BROUGHT ME OUT
(verse five)
I'll tell of the pit with its gloom and despair,
I'll praise the dear Father, who answered my prayer;
I'll sing my new song, the glad story of love,
Then join in the chorus with the saints above.
~ CHORUS ~
" He brought me out of the miry clay,
He set my feet on the Rock to stay;
He puts a song in my soul today,
A song of praise, hallelujah! "
(He Brought Me Out - Henry J. Zelley 1859-`942/Henry Gilmour 1836-1920)
Friday, November 20, 2009
The Chastisement
Israel left the land in the days of Jeremiah and went to Egypt for safety; going totally against the word of the Prophet. They were fleeing from the king of Babylon to what they thought was safety in Egypt. Many today flee from the forces coming upon our nation in particular and the world as a whole. Where are they going? Many think that if they save enough, stuff their mattress full of money, they can ride out the economic storm. Food, drink, shelter, peace and prosperity once again as a nation?
We all have fear. Should we? NO~ In that regard, we all have come short and fallen from the totality of of the glory of God. In the midst of great turmoil we must remember that we are children of the living God. As multitudes fall on every side we have precious promises that we can claim, live by, and depend upon.
I noticed while reading today that even for those who have strayed from the narrow path that leads to a complete walk with God, there is great hope in knowing that He still will not forsake His own. As a father chastises his children when they ere, so the Father does to those that are His. Notice this passage of scripture from Jeremiah chapter 47 when Israel was in total, outright rebellion against the word of the LORD spoken by Jeremiah. In the middle of great judgments, there has always been and will always be a remnant whom He keeps ~
27. But fear not thou, O my servant Jacob, and be not dismayed, O Israel, for, behold, I will save thee from afar off, and thy seed from the land of their captivity; and Jacob shall return, and be in rest and at ease, and none shall make him afraid.
28. Fear thou not, O Jacob, my servant, saith the LORD: for I am with thee; for I will make a full end of all the nations whither I have driven thee; but I will not make a full end of thee, but correct thee in measure; yet will I not leave thee wholly unpunished.
We know that there are none who were born righteous; not one. As children we are told in Hebrews 12:6 that those the LORD loves He chastens. King David said in Psalm 94:11-13 that the thoughts of man are vanity; our desire at self preservation by our wisdom and knowledge fall into that cataory. Even when we have on occasion run to Egypt and are chastened and corrected for doing that, in our chastening we know that we are still His because "blessed is the man whom God chastens, that we may learn His law". In some strange way, as only He can do, we receive rest, verse 13 says, from the day of adversity. In all situations and processes God is digging a pit for the wicked. The wicked who oppose Him, and also I believe a pit for the residue of wickedness He is working out of our hearts. Not a profane wickedness on our part but even misguided thoughts, actions and words.
We are living in a world that has fallev into great darkness. We need a daily cleansing, and sometimes a chastening or correction from God. Chastening is not only an Old Testament concept; Revelation 3:19 says, " As many as I love, I rebuke and chasten; be zealous therefore, and repent. " He is not speaking to sinners here, He is speaking to a church!
We all have fear. Should we? NO~ In that regard, we all have come short and fallen from the totality of of the glory of God. In the midst of great turmoil we must remember that we are children of the living God. As multitudes fall on every side we have precious promises that we can claim, live by, and depend upon.
I noticed while reading today that even for those who have strayed from the narrow path that leads to a complete walk with God, there is great hope in knowing that He still will not forsake His own. As a father chastises his children when they ere, so the Father does to those that are His. Notice this passage of scripture from Jeremiah chapter 47 when Israel was in total, outright rebellion against the word of the LORD spoken by Jeremiah. In the middle of great judgments, there has always been and will always be a remnant whom He keeps ~
27. But fear not thou, O my servant Jacob, and be not dismayed, O Israel, for, behold, I will save thee from afar off, and thy seed from the land of their captivity; and Jacob shall return, and be in rest and at ease, and none shall make him afraid.
28. Fear thou not, O Jacob, my servant, saith the LORD: for I am with thee; for I will make a full end of all the nations whither I have driven thee; but I will not make a full end of thee, but correct thee in measure; yet will I not leave thee wholly unpunished.
We know that there are none who were born righteous; not one. As children we are told in Hebrews 12:6 that those the LORD loves He chastens. King David said in Psalm 94:11-13 that the thoughts of man are vanity; our desire at self preservation by our wisdom and knowledge fall into that cataory. Even when we have on occasion run to Egypt and are chastened and corrected for doing that, in our chastening we know that we are still His because "blessed is the man whom God chastens, that we may learn His law". In some strange way, as only He can do, we receive rest, verse 13 says, from the day of adversity. In all situations and processes God is digging a pit for the wicked. The wicked who oppose Him, and also I believe a pit for the residue of wickedness He is working out of our hearts. Not a profane wickedness on our part but even misguided thoughts, actions and words.
We are living in a world that has fallev into great darkness. We need a daily cleansing, and sometimes a chastening or correction from God. Chastening is not only an Old Testament concept; Revelation 3:19 says, " As many as I love, I rebuke and chasten; be zealous therefore, and repent. " He is not speaking to sinners here, He is speaking to a church!
Job had a clear picture of the lot of mankind when he said that we are born to trouble as sure as sparks fly upward. ( Job 5:7) It is important to remember that the chastisement of our peace was upon Christ; He knows the full effect, in every aspect, of what we are experiencing. He was not chastened in vain; we can go to Him with the full confidence that He knows what we are going through because He also went through it for us. We can boldly petition the throne of grace for strength, endurance and revelation in every situation.
When the fires start to get hot always remember who sits as the Refiner of gold and silver! God has His hands on the controls. He is in the process of preparing a Bride for His Son. We will be a clean, pure bride, without spot or wrinkle; washed in the blood of the Lamb. We know where to go for rest. There is a peace for the children of God. A remnant will be saved.
As we serve God, not in a casual sense but working out our salvation with fear and trembling may we each be like the twelve wise virgins. Lamps bright and burning, with the oil of the Holy Spirit in reserve. Not just enough oil to get us through the day, but oil to spare!
Do not fear that God has forsaken. He sees, He will save, even when we go afar off. Rest assured that we are His. He will not let us go unpunished; but He is with us and we are not forsaken in the process. Hold tight to your faith. He is making a full end of the systems of the earth, but not of His own.
On that great day, when all is said and done, those that are His will shine like the stars of heaven; not because of our strength, but as a result of our obedience in allowing His Spirit to work in us.
Monday, November 16, 2009
Jesus And Israel
We ask that you pray for righteousness to once again come to the U.N. We ask that you watch this video and consider its message.
http://www.honestreporting.com/a/UNHypocrisy.asp
The "Jewish Trinity"
©November 15, 2009 Asher Intrater
Some have referred to the "Jewish Trinity" as: The people of Israel, the Torah of Israel, and the Land of Israel. It is unfortunate to call it by that name, since it stands in opposition to the authority of Yeshua (Jesus) as Messiah; it misses the work of the Holy Spirit in our lives; and it turns these Jewish elements into a form of idolatry.
On the other hand, many Christians miss the place of the people, the law, and the land in God's kingdom plan. The way to connect the two is to see Yeshua Himself as the Angel of YHVH appearing to our forefathers.
The People
YHVH appears to Abraham several times (Genesis 12:7, 15:17, 17:1, 18:1-33, 22:15). In Genesis 18, the appearance of YHVH is in the form of a physical man. He eats with Abraham, discusses with him the destruction of Sodom, and promises him a son through Sarah. This cannot be a normal angel, since He is called YHVH. It cannot be our heavenly Father, since He appears upon the earth in the form of a human being.
That is exactly who Yeshua is: the manifestation of YHVH on earth in the form of a man. It is this same God-Man who cuts an eternal covenant of loyalty with Abraham and his seed. The defining moment of the Jewish people is in fact a family covenant with YHVH in the form of a man; in other words, with Yeshua.
Some Jewish people want a covenant with God without Yeshua. That is impossible. He is the very one our forefathers covenanted with. Some Christians want Yeshua without the Jewish people. That is also impossible. From the moment Yeshua appears, both in the Torah and in the gospels, He is connected to the Jewish people. As my wife and I are joined in covenant, so are Jesus and the Jewish people. You can't have one without the other. He is like a faithful husband to an unfaithful wife (Hosea 1-2).
The Law
The divine Angel of YHVH appears to Moses in the book of Exodus many times:
Exodus 3:2, 4 - He is referred to as both an angel and as God.
Exodus 14:19, 24 - He is again referred to as both angel and God
Exodus 17:5-6 - He stands next to Moses as he brings water out of the rock.
Exodus 24:10-11 - Moses and all the 70 elders see God in the form of a man.
Exodus 33:21-21 - Moses sees His backside from the cleft of the rock.
Since this figure is a messenger from God, it cannot be our heavenly Father. Since he is called both God and YHVH, it cannot be a normal angel.
This Angel YHVH, who is both God and a messenger from God, can only be one person: Yeshua. If He is the one who was with Moses throughout the Exodus and the Sinai desert, then He must have been the one whose finger etched the Ten Commandments (compare Yeshua's finger writing on the ground in John 8:6). The connection between Yeshua and the Ten Commandments opens revelatory understanding concerning the Torah and the gospels.
A gospel without absolute moral standards leads to a worldly and carnal form of Christianity. The Torah without the atoning sacrifice of Messiah leads to a religious ritualism without personal salvation. Since Yeshua wrote the Ten Commandments, there can be no gospel without moral standards, and there can be no Torah without Messiah's sacrifice.
Thus Yeshua could forgive the woman who broke the Ten Commandments by committing adultery (John 8). He could claim to be the lord of the Sabbath day (Mark 2:28). He could tell the rich young ruler to obey the commandments in order to obtain eternal life (Matthew 19:17). It is Yeshua who wrote "I am YHVH, your God" – Exodus 20:2. (Thus the first of the Ten Commandments can be seen as faith in the divinity of Yeshua, the Angel YHVH.)
The Land
The most controversial topic in international politics today is who has the right to "occupy" the land of Israel\Palestine. The words "occupy" and "conquer" are the same word in Hebrew (covesh). So who conquered the land of Canaan in the first place?
On the evening before the battle of Jericho, a Man appears to Joshua (Joshua 5:13-15). The Man is the commander of the armies of YHVH. He tells Joshua to remove his sandals from his feet (just as with Moses at the burning bush). Joshua calls Him "Lord" and bows down to worship Him. Again this cannot be a normal angel, nor God the Father. It must be Yeshua in His pre-birth form.
It is this Angelic Commander who leads the attack on Jericho. It is His army that knocks down the walls. It is His army that led most of the warfare to conquer the land (Joshua 10:11, Exodus 23:23, II Samuel 5:24, Judges 2:1-4). Ultimately, the land of Israel and all of planet earth belong to God, anyway.
The conquest of the land of Canaan by the Angel YHVH/Yeshua was just the first step of God's repossessing planet earth on behalf of all His people: the righteous remnant of all nations. Yeshua will return at the Second Coming as Commander of the armies of YHVH to complete the process He started in the book of Jericho.
Some Christians may want Yeshua without the land of Israel; and some Jews may want the land of Israel without Yeshua; but the two go together. The controversy over the occupation of the land of Israel today is at root a demonic opposition to the Second Coming of Yeshua, and to God's claim of His lordship over planet earth.
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http://www.honestreporting.com/a/UNHypocrisy.asp
The "Jewish Trinity"
©November 15, 2009 Asher Intrater
Some have referred to the "Jewish Trinity" as: The people of Israel, the Torah of Israel, and the Land of Israel. It is unfortunate to call it by that name, since it stands in opposition to the authority of Yeshua (Jesus) as Messiah; it misses the work of the Holy Spirit in our lives; and it turns these Jewish elements into a form of idolatry.
On the other hand, many Christians miss the place of the people, the law, and the land in God's kingdom plan. The way to connect the two is to see Yeshua Himself as the Angel of YHVH appearing to our forefathers.
The People
YHVH appears to Abraham several times (Genesis 12:7, 15:17, 17:1, 18:1-33, 22:15). In Genesis 18, the appearance of YHVH is in the form of a physical man. He eats with Abraham, discusses with him the destruction of Sodom, and promises him a son through Sarah. This cannot be a normal angel, since He is called YHVH. It cannot be our heavenly Father, since He appears upon the earth in the form of a human being.
That is exactly who Yeshua is: the manifestation of YHVH on earth in the form of a man. It is this same God-Man who cuts an eternal covenant of loyalty with Abraham and his seed. The defining moment of the Jewish people is in fact a family covenant with YHVH in the form of a man; in other words, with Yeshua.
Some Jewish people want a covenant with God without Yeshua. That is impossible. He is the very one our forefathers covenanted with. Some Christians want Yeshua without the Jewish people. That is also impossible. From the moment Yeshua appears, both in the Torah and in the gospels, He is connected to the Jewish people. As my wife and I are joined in covenant, so are Jesus and the Jewish people. You can't have one without the other. He is like a faithful husband to an unfaithful wife (Hosea 1-2).
The Law
The divine Angel of YHVH appears to Moses in the book of Exodus many times:
Exodus 3:2, 4 - He is referred to as both an angel and as God.
Exodus 14:19, 24 - He is again referred to as both angel and God
Exodus 17:5-6 - He stands next to Moses as he brings water out of the rock.
Exodus 24:10-11 - Moses and all the 70 elders see God in the form of a man.
Exodus 33:21-21 - Moses sees His backside from the cleft of the rock.
Since this figure is a messenger from God, it cannot be our heavenly Father. Since he is called both God and YHVH, it cannot be a normal angel.
This Angel YHVH, who is both God and a messenger from God, can only be one person: Yeshua. If He is the one who was with Moses throughout the Exodus and the Sinai desert, then He must have been the one whose finger etched the Ten Commandments (compare Yeshua's finger writing on the ground in John 8:6). The connection between Yeshua and the Ten Commandments opens revelatory understanding concerning the Torah and the gospels.
A gospel without absolute moral standards leads to a worldly and carnal form of Christianity. The Torah without the atoning sacrifice of Messiah leads to a religious ritualism without personal salvation. Since Yeshua wrote the Ten Commandments, there can be no gospel without moral standards, and there can be no Torah without Messiah's sacrifice.
Thus Yeshua could forgive the woman who broke the Ten Commandments by committing adultery (John 8). He could claim to be the lord of the Sabbath day (Mark 2:28). He could tell the rich young ruler to obey the commandments in order to obtain eternal life (Matthew 19:17). It is Yeshua who wrote "I am YHVH, your God" – Exodus 20:2. (Thus the first of the Ten Commandments can be seen as faith in the divinity of Yeshua, the Angel YHVH.)
The Land
The most controversial topic in international politics today is who has the right to "occupy" the land of Israel\Palestine. The words "occupy" and "conquer" are the same word in Hebrew (covesh). So who conquered the land of Canaan in the first place?
On the evening before the battle of Jericho, a Man appears to Joshua (Joshua 5:13-15). The Man is the commander of the armies of YHVH. He tells Joshua to remove his sandals from his feet (just as with Moses at the burning bush). Joshua calls Him "Lord" and bows down to worship Him. Again this cannot be a normal angel, nor God the Father. It must be Yeshua in His pre-birth form.
It is this Angelic Commander who leads the attack on Jericho. It is His army that knocks down the walls. It is His army that led most of the warfare to conquer the land (Joshua 10:11, Exodus 23:23, II Samuel 5:24, Judges 2:1-4). Ultimately, the land of Israel and all of planet earth belong to God, anyway.
The conquest of the land of Canaan by the Angel YHVH/Yeshua was just the first step of God's repossessing planet earth on behalf of all His people: the righteous remnant of all nations. Yeshua will return at the Second Coming as Commander of the armies of YHVH to complete the process He started in the book of Jericho.
Some Christians may want Yeshua without the land of Israel; and some Jews may want the land of Israel without Yeshua; but the two go together. The controversy over the occupation of the land of Israel today is at root a demonic opposition to the Second Coming of Yeshua, and to God's claim of His lordship over planet earth.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Saturday, November 14, 2009
Eagerly Waiting!
The Prophet Isaiah gives a description of Jesus when He returns to rule the earth as both God and man. Christ, as fully God, who contains the Godhead bodily, has human features; He can sit, stand up, ride, become angry, dwell, look and when He speaks or lifts up His arm there is thunder, lightening, hail,storm,and men are seized by fear and dismay. Both His humanity and His divinity are revealed.
I know we know this, but it bares repeating. It is amazing to even try to imagine!
Who is He coming back for?
The LORD, the righteous Judge will award a crown to all who have loved His appearing. (II Timothy 4:3)
Not to those who know of His coming only, but those who love His coming. He is first and foremost in their thoughts and actions. In Titus 2:13 we are admonished to look for, not just wait for His coming. 1 Thessalonians 1:10 says we are to wait for His Son from heaven.
Our mindset should not be anchored to this earthly realm; Philippians 3:20 says that our citizenship is in heaven, we should eagerly wait for a Saviour, the LORD Jesus Christ who is coming for those who are looking for Him. This is not a passive activity, it is proactive on our part to constantly have our mind set on things above.
Hebrews 9:20 says that Jesus is coming for those who eagerly await for Him, not just those satisfied that they are saved, but for those who are eagerly awaiting Him; these are the ones for whom He is coming.
What will it be like when He returns? Again, Isaiah gives a beautiful, all encompassing picture of His activity ~
With justice He will judge the poor and decide with fairness for the afflicted of the earth. He will strike the earth with the rod of His mouth and with the breath of His lips He will slay the wicked. Righteousness will be the belt about His loins and faithfulness the belt about His waist. (Isaiah 11:4)
All on earth will proclaim, how the oppressor has ceased and how fury has ceased! The LORD will break the staff of the wicked and the scepter of rulers who have struck the peoples in fury with unceasing strokes; those world rulers who have subdued the nations in anger with unrestrained persecution. The previous blog concerning the Arab rulers today addresses this issue.
The whole earth will be at rest and be quiet when Christ rules. The peoples will break forth into shouts of joy. (Isaiah 14:4-6)
In the day of His coming, He will punish Levithan (Satan and his forces), the fleeing serpent (on that day Satan will flee in fear!) With His great and mighty sword, even leviathan the twisted serpent. Christ will kill the dragon who lives in the sea. The sea represents the people of the earth where the dragon and serpent, satanic forces have suppressed and oppressed the inhabitants of planet earth. ( Isaiah 27:1-6)
What of Israel? He will multiply that nation and increase their gladness. They will be glad in His presence as with the gladness of harvest, as men rejoice when they divide the spoil. (Isaiah 9:3) Israel will finally fill her destiny as a nation set apart by God to reveal His praise in all of the earth. In that day, they will sing to the vineyard of wine!
God says that, " I, the LORD am Israel's keeper; He will water His vineyard every moment lest anyone damages her, He will guard it by day and by night. He will no more have wrath toward her. (Isaiah 27:1-6)
Jesus, coming back as God and as man! What a concept. He is coming for those who are anxiously awaiting His return. His reward is with Him. His reward is those who have proven faithful til the end. They have not given up or given in. Though discouraged oft times, though cast down and dejected, as the Apostle Paul said at times, even despairing of life itself, they still have that spark of the Holy Spirit and a little blowing of His Spirit is all it takes to reignite the flame! After all, remember, it is not by our might, not by our power, but it is all by His Spirit that we live, breath and have our being.
In closing, Isaiah 40:10 says, " Behold, (pay attention!) the Lord GOD will come with might, with His arm ruling for Him. Behold His reward is with Him, and His recompense before Him. "
Should someone give Him briers and thorns in this great day of battle, He said He would step on them and burn them completely. Let us rely on His protection. We are at peace with Him. In those days, Jacob will take root, Israel will blossom and sprout and they will find the whole earth filled with fruit.
The LORD, the Righteous Judge, will reward all those who have loved His appearing. Even so, come LORD Jesus!
I know we know this, but it bares repeating. It is amazing to even try to imagine!
Who is He coming back for?
The LORD, the righteous Judge will award a crown to all who have loved His appearing. (II Timothy 4:3)
Not to those who know of His coming only, but those who love His coming. He is first and foremost in their thoughts and actions. In Titus 2:13 we are admonished to look for, not just wait for His coming. 1 Thessalonians 1:10 says we are to wait for His Son from heaven.
Our mindset should not be anchored to this earthly realm; Philippians 3:20 says that our citizenship is in heaven, we should eagerly wait for a Saviour, the LORD Jesus Christ who is coming for those who are looking for Him. This is not a passive activity, it is proactive on our part to constantly have our mind set on things above.
Hebrews 9:20 says that Jesus is coming for those who eagerly await for Him, not just those satisfied that they are saved, but for those who are eagerly awaiting Him; these are the ones for whom He is coming.
What will it be like when He returns? Again, Isaiah gives a beautiful, all encompassing picture of His activity ~
With justice He will judge the poor and decide with fairness for the afflicted of the earth. He will strike the earth with the rod of His mouth and with the breath of His lips He will slay the wicked. Righteousness will be the belt about His loins and faithfulness the belt about His waist. (Isaiah 11:4)
All on earth will proclaim, how the oppressor has ceased and how fury has ceased! The LORD will break the staff of the wicked and the scepter of rulers who have struck the peoples in fury with unceasing strokes; those world rulers who have subdued the nations in anger with unrestrained persecution. The previous blog concerning the Arab rulers today addresses this issue.
The whole earth will be at rest and be quiet when Christ rules. The peoples will break forth into shouts of joy. (Isaiah 14:4-6)
In the day of His coming, He will punish Levithan (Satan and his forces), the fleeing serpent (on that day Satan will flee in fear!) With His great and mighty sword, even leviathan the twisted serpent. Christ will kill the dragon who lives in the sea. The sea represents the people of the earth where the dragon and serpent, satanic forces have suppressed and oppressed the inhabitants of planet earth. ( Isaiah 27:1-6)
What of Israel? He will multiply that nation and increase their gladness. They will be glad in His presence as with the gladness of harvest, as men rejoice when they divide the spoil. (Isaiah 9:3) Israel will finally fill her destiny as a nation set apart by God to reveal His praise in all of the earth. In that day, they will sing to the vineyard of wine!
God says that, " I, the LORD am Israel's keeper; He will water His vineyard every moment lest anyone damages her, He will guard it by day and by night. He will no more have wrath toward her. (Isaiah 27:1-6)
Jesus, coming back as God and as man! What a concept. He is coming for those who are anxiously awaiting His return. His reward is with Him. His reward is those who have proven faithful til the end. They have not given up or given in. Though discouraged oft times, though cast down and dejected, as the Apostle Paul said at times, even despairing of life itself, they still have that spark of the Holy Spirit and a little blowing of His Spirit is all it takes to reignite the flame! After all, remember, it is not by our might, not by our power, but it is all by His Spirit that we live, breath and have our being.
In closing, Isaiah 40:10 says, " Behold, (pay attention!) the Lord GOD will come with might, with His arm ruling for Him. Behold His reward is with Him, and His recompense before Him. "
Should someone give Him briers and thorns in this great day of battle, He said He would step on them and burn them completely. Let us rely on His protection. We are at peace with Him. In those days, Jacob will take root, Israel will blossom and sprout and they will find the whole earth filled with fruit.
The LORD, the Righteous Judge, will reward all those who have loved His appearing. Even so, come LORD Jesus!
Word For Today
Wherever God's children are
they are still upon the Father's ground -
so they are still under their Father's eye and care.
They may at times find themselves in a wilderness
but God has not lost them.
Friday, November 13, 2009
Mission Field
The Muslim world is ripe for harvest. Why so ripe? Consider the living conditions in just a few of the nations in the Mideast; the political, social and economic issues the citizens face ~
In Egypt, Hosni Mubarak has been in power for 28 years-his son is the likely successor after his demise. The population of the capital city of Cairo has gone from being 9 million souls in 1976 to over 18 million in 2006. In Riyadh Saudi Arabia, a city that barely existed 50 years ago had 2 million citizens in 1990 and now has 5 million.
In Lebanon 87% and in Jordan 83% of the population lives in cities. The political climate in all is precarious. In Tunisia, Zine al-Abidine Ben Ali has been in power for over 22 years. Ali Abdullah Saleh in Yemen has been in power for 30 years. Morocco is controlled by the Alauite family and Saudi Arabia by the al-Sauds and Kuwait by the al-Sabahs.
In Libya Muammar Qadaffi has been dictator in chief since 1969, Syria is controlled by a family business called the Assad's. Can you imagine the frustration, the under current of anger and frustration of the 360,000,000 people; most under the age of 25?
A field ripe for harvest?
Most in the United States would say but it is forbidden to speak the name of Jesus in these nations? The background on this important fact is given in the New Testament and the Apostles. Paul and the others were forbidden by the rules of their day to speak. They were beaten, jailed and some killed for their witness.
Hebrews 11 speaks of trials of not just mockings, but CRUEL mocking and scourging. Scourging means continuous, repeatedly without ceasing suffering severe vengance and punishment; to the point of devastation. Some were sawn assunder, tormented and hiding in deserts, mountains and caves. What was heaven's perspective on this issue? The heavens declared that the world was not worthy of such chosen ones!
When is the last time we heard a sermon in America or Europe that this also is a part of serving and obeying God? And we claim to be sons of God? How so? What is the price we pay? Ten percent of our income; and is that gross pay or net salary?
Why concern for the 360,000,000 Muslim Arabs? Isaiah 19:22-25 gives a glimpse from the heavenly perspective. I feel most are, and I have missed this fact:
" And the LORD shall smite Egypt; He shall smite and heal it;
and they shall return even to the LORD,
and He shall be entreated of them, and shall heal them."
" In that day shall there be a highway out of Egypt to Assyria,
and the Assyrian shall come into Egypt, and the Egyptian into Assyria,
and the Egyptians shall serve with the Assyrians."
" In that day shall Israel be the third with Egypt and with Assyria,
even a blessing in the midst of the land:
Whom the LORD of host shall bless, saying,
"Blessed be Egypt My people,
and Assyria the work of My hands,
and Israel Mine inheritance."
This concept does not fit into the political climate today. Most want to see the Muslim world punished. What is heavens perspective in context of these verses? Are we missing the big picture? Satan is a liar and a murderer from the beginning. He would love for hundreds of millions to lose any chance they had to serve the One True and Living God. What are we to do?
There are ministries alive and well in the Mideast that minister to Jews, nonbelievers, Muslims and anyone who will listen. Voice of the Martyrs, Revive Israel with Asher Instrater and Mount Carmel Assembly with David Davis and others are a few. Trumpet of Salvation to Israel with Yacov Damkani is another.
Cover these brothers and sisters in prayer and financial support. Pray for a moving of the Holy Spirit among the 360,000,000 Arabs and Muslims just in the Mideast who live captive by dictatorships and tyranny. This demonic stronghold can fall; it is a spiritual battle being fought in the heavenlies and being played out in the physical where presently live and operate.
All principalities and wickedness in high places must bow before the God of the whole earth; the Creator of all things. We are sons of the Almighty waging warfare on His behalf. There are multitudes in the valley of decision. The eternal fate of hundreds of millions is being weighed in the balance.
In Egypt, Hosni Mubarak has been in power for 28 years-his son is the likely successor after his demise. The population of the capital city of Cairo has gone from being 9 million souls in 1976 to over 18 million in 2006. In Riyadh Saudi Arabia, a city that barely existed 50 years ago had 2 million citizens in 1990 and now has 5 million.
In Lebanon 87% and in Jordan 83% of the population lives in cities. The political climate in all is precarious. In Tunisia, Zine al-Abidine Ben Ali has been in power for over 22 years. Ali Abdullah Saleh in Yemen has been in power for 30 years. Morocco is controlled by the Alauite family and Saudi Arabia by the al-Sauds and Kuwait by the al-Sabahs.
In Libya Muammar Qadaffi has been dictator in chief since 1969, Syria is controlled by a family business called the Assad's. Can you imagine the frustration, the under current of anger and frustration of the 360,000,000 people; most under the age of 25?
A field ripe for harvest?
Most in the United States would say but it is forbidden to speak the name of Jesus in these nations? The background on this important fact is given in the New Testament and the Apostles. Paul and the others were forbidden by the rules of their day to speak. They were beaten, jailed and some killed for their witness.
Hebrews 11 speaks of trials of not just mockings, but CRUEL mocking and scourging. Scourging means continuous, repeatedly without ceasing suffering severe vengance and punishment; to the point of devastation. Some were sawn assunder, tormented and hiding in deserts, mountains and caves. What was heaven's perspective on this issue? The heavens declared that the world was not worthy of such chosen ones!
When is the last time we heard a sermon in America or Europe that this also is a part of serving and obeying God? And we claim to be sons of God? How so? What is the price we pay? Ten percent of our income; and is that gross pay or net salary?
Why concern for the 360,000,000 Muslim Arabs? Isaiah 19:22-25 gives a glimpse from the heavenly perspective. I feel most are, and I have missed this fact:
" And the LORD shall smite Egypt; He shall smite and heal it;
and they shall return even to the LORD,
and He shall be entreated of them, and shall heal them."
" In that day shall there be a highway out of Egypt to Assyria,
and the Assyrian shall come into Egypt, and the Egyptian into Assyria,
and the Egyptians shall serve with the Assyrians."
" In that day shall Israel be the third with Egypt and with Assyria,
even a blessing in the midst of the land:
Whom the LORD of host shall bless, saying,
"Blessed be Egypt My people,
and Assyria the work of My hands,
and Israel Mine inheritance."
This concept does not fit into the political climate today. Most want to see the Muslim world punished. What is heavens perspective in context of these verses? Are we missing the big picture? Satan is a liar and a murderer from the beginning. He would love for hundreds of millions to lose any chance they had to serve the One True and Living God. What are we to do?
There are ministries alive and well in the Mideast that minister to Jews, nonbelievers, Muslims and anyone who will listen. Voice of the Martyrs, Revive Israel with Asher Instrater and Mount Carmel Assembly with David Davis and others are a few. Trumpet of Salvation to Israel with Yacov Damkani is another.
Cover these brothers and sisters in prayer and financial support. Pray for a moving of the Holy Spirit among the 360,000,000 Arabs and Muslims just in the Mideast who live captive by dictatorships and tyranny. This demonic stronghold can fall; it is a spiritual battle being fought in the heavenlies and being played out in the physical where presently live and operate.
All principalities and wickedness in high places must bow before the God of the whole earth; the Creator of all things. We are sons of the Almighty waging warfare on His behalf. There are multitudes in the valley of decision. The eternal fate of hundreds of millions is being weighed in the balance.
Saturday, November 7, 2009
BEFORE THE HARVEST
God has called Himself the great husbandman. The earth is his field, we are His planting. I believe Isaiah 28:24-29 paints a beautiful scene of the processes He uses for our benefit.
" Doth the plowman plow all day to sow?
doth he open and break the clods of his ground?
When he hath made plain the face thereof,
doth he not cast abroad the fitches, and scatter the cummin,
and cast in the principal wheat and the appointed barley and the rye in their place? "
" For his God doth instruct him to discretion, and doth teach him.
For the fitches are not threshed with a threshing instrument,
neither is a cart wheel turned about upon the cummin;
but the fitches are beaten out with a staff,
and the cummin with a rod. "
" Bread corn is bruised;
because he will not forever be threshing it, nor break it with the wheel of his cart,
nor bruise it with his horsemen.
This also cometh forth from the LORD of hosts,
which is wonderful in counsel,
and excellent in working."
As this passage explains in great detail, the threshing instrument used depends on the type of grain being harvested. Fitches (fennel) was beaten with a staff and cummin with a rod. The heavier grain for bread, corn, wheat and barley had to be bruised. Often a heavy threshing cart had to be rolled over it to loosen the grain from the chaff.
Even the heavier grains were not threshed forever. There is great wisdom in the process. The ultimate goal is to obtain life giving and sustaining fruit from the fields. It is not beaten and threshed continually; only until the chaff and waste is separated from the life giving substance. As Isaiah says, those who have an ear, let him hear!
In our lives, each and every day, no matter how mundane or how all encompassing, God has a purpose. He is wise in counsel and excellent in His workings. Consider what Christ said in John 15:1,2 ~ " I am the true vine and My Father is the Husbandman. Every branch in Me that beareth not fruit, He purges it, that it may bring forth more fruit..."
This is the purpose; to bring forth fruit. It's interesting that according to Christ's words - we can be in Him, and still not bare fruit! The reason for the purging are to bring forth more fruit. This is the purpose Isaiah so beautifully described in his writings of the husbandman and his work; the rod, the threshing instruments, the cart and wheels separate the grain from the chaff.
What gives great encouragement is that the ploughman does not plough continually, only as long as necessary. If only the rod and the staff are needed, that is what is used. There are seasons, depending upon the harvest desired, that the heavier cart wheel and horsemen will be used to tread and separate the good from the bad. When this is necessary, remember , His anger lasts only from a moment in the context of the life giving grain that is provided.
Do not despise the chastening of the LORD; Whom the LORD loves, He chastens. His chastening will convince us of the foolishness of sin, it makes us pray more, we become more compassionate and loving of others; and it should produce an increase of faith. We must hold on until the end. It produces faith and hope in God.
Not only from an eternal prospective, but even now, immediate fruits appear after the threshing process. God's plowing of the barren ground in our souls transforms us into the image of Christ. The fruits produced are the fruits of the Spirit; love, joy, peace, long suffering, gentleness, goodness, faith, meekness and temperance. We do not just wake up with these fruits one morning! They are pruduced through His process. Although it seems severe most of the time; it is necessary.
We will bare fruit in its season! We look forward to that last great harvest when the angels thrust in the last sickle to reap one last time. May we each be laden down with much fruit for our Father. May His plowing and plantings and reaping not have been in vain. May He have much joy.
I picture Boaz, mentioned in the Book of Ruth, at the end of his harvest; it says he laid down with great joy on his threshing floor beside his heap of grain! May God do so with us. The Bible says God will rejoice with singing; over us!!
Yield to the plow, yield to the rod and threshing instrument, and when necessary, yield to the heavy wheel of the threshing cart; the fruit of the harvest will be worth it all. Our great comfort is the strong confidence that He is our Father and He will do no more than is needed.
It will be worth it all;
when we see Jesus,
life's trials will seem so small,
when we see Him.
One look at His dear face,
all sorrow will erase,
so gladly run the race,
til we see Christ.
" Doth the plowman plow all day to sow?
doth he open and break the clods of his ground?
When he hath made plain the face thereof,
doth he not cast abroad the fitches, and scatter the cummin,
and cast in the principal wheat and the appointed barley and the rye in their place? "
" For his God doth instruct him to discretion, and doth teach him.
For the fitches are not threshed with a threshing instrument,
neither is a cart wheel turned about upon the cummin;
but the fitches are beaten out with a staff,
and the cummin with a rod. "
" Bread corn is bruised;
because he will not forever be threshing it, nor break it with the wheel of his cart,
nor bruise it with his horsemen.
This also cometh forth from the LORD of hosts,
which is wonderful in counsel,
and excellent in working."
As this passage explains in great detail, the threshing instrument used depends on the type of grain being harvested. Fitches (fennel) was beaten with a staff and cummin with a rod. The heavier grain for bread, corn, wheat and barley had to be bruised. Often a heavy threshing cart had to be rolled over it to loosen the grain from the chaff.
Even the heavier grains were not threshed forever. There is great wisdom in the process. The ultimate goal is to obtain life giving and sustaining fruit from the fields. It is not beaten and threshed continually; only until the chaff and waste is separated from the life giving substance. As Isaiah says, those who have an ear, let him hear!
In our lives, each and every day, no matter how mundane or how all encompassing, God has a purpose. He is wise in counsel and excellent in His workings. Consider what Christ said in John 15:1,2 ~ " I am the true vine and My Father is the Husbandman. Every branch in Me that beareth not fruit, He purges it, that it may bring forth more fruit..."
This is the purpose; to bring forth fruit. It's interesting that according to Christ's words - we can be in Him, and still not bare fruit! The reason for the purging are to bring forth more fruit. This is the purpose Isaiah so beautifully described in his writings of the husbandman and his work; the rod, the threshing instruments, the cart and wheels separate the grain from the chaff.
What gives great encouragement is that the ploughman does not plough continually, only as long as necessary. If only the rod and the staff are needed, that is what is used. There are seasons, depending upon the harvest desired, that the heavier cart wheel and horsemen will be used to tread and separate the good from the bad. When this is necessary, remember , His anger lasts only from a moment in the context of the life giving grain that is provided.
Do not despise the chastening of the LORD; Whom the LORD loves, He chastens. His chastening will convince us of the foolishness of sin, it makes us pray more, we become more compassionate and loving of others; and it should produce an increase of faith. We must hold on until the end. It produces faith and hope in God.
Not only from an eternal prospective, but even now, immediate fruits appear after the threshing process. God's plowing of the barren ground in our souls transforms us into the image of Christ. The fruits produced are the fruits of the Spirit; love, joy, peace, long suffering, gentleness, goodness, faith, meekness and temperance. We do not just wake up with these fruits one morning! They are pruduced through His process. Although it seems severe most of the time; it is necessary.
We will bare fruit in its season! We look forward to that last great harvest when the angels thrust in the last sickle to reap one last time. May we each be laden down with much fruit for our Father. May His plowing and plantings and reaping not have been in vain. May He have much joy.
I picture Boaz, mentioned in the Book of Ruth, at the end of his harvest; it says he laid down with great joy on his threshing floor beside his heap of grain! May God do so with us. The Bible says God will rejoice with singing; over us!!
Yield to the plow, yield to the rod and threshing instrument, and when necessary, yield to the heavy wheel of the threshing cart; the fruit of the harvest will be worth it all. Our great comfort is the strong confidence that He is our Father and He will do no more than is needed.
It will be worth it all;
when we see Jesus,
life's trials will seem so small,
when we see Him.
One look at His dear face,
all sorrow will erase,
so gladly run the race,
til we see Christ.
Thursday, November 5, 2009
A Fixed Heart
It is recorded that King David, by his prayers committed himself and his cause to God being sure of his protection - his heart was fixed, and he was easy.
I have memorized this over the past few days while working; this verse is written on a little sheet of wrinkled paper I pull out of my pocket while cleaning the floors at a local High School. The concept of a man of David's character, trials, tribulations and success being in a place of mental and physical ease is quite profound.
Just one example, David's own son Absalom tried to overthrow the kingdom given to David by God. David had a man murdered so he could marry his wife. He had a child die. Israel was judged severely on another occasion when David took a census to show his strength; for this 70,000 men were killed by an avenging angel sent by God.
Furthermore, King Saul sought David's death for years; chasing David throughout the breadth and depth of Israel. While on the run from Saul, David was surrounded by a band of malcontents and outcasts. Yet, this man reached a place where he realized that God heard every prayer he ever prayed. He committed himself first, then he committed his circumstances to God.
Knowing that your prayers are heard and that God will protect you in all circumstances brings great comfort. I want to learn to fix my heart on this fact; this is from where this ease of David came from. He KNEW that he was heard. He established this in his heart and firmly believed it.
In Psalm 57:7 David said, " My heart is fixed, O God, my heart is fixed - I will sing and give praise..." The background of this statement was David being surrounded by circumstances that could swallow him whole; confronted by men whose teeth were as spears and arrows, tongues as a sharp sword. Forces dug pits for David and prepared a net, setting traps to ensnare him. In the middle of this David fixed his heart to exalt the God of heaven-he awakened his heart to give praise, realizing the glory of his God.
How did he do this? By prayer! The same method we must use. Is David different than we? In John 6:37 Christ says, " All that the Father giveth Me shall come to Me; and those that come to Me I will in no wise cast out. " God comforts those who are for a season cast down (to everything there is a season). He sends comforts in ways we do not always understand ( 2 Corinthians 7:6).
Our comfort comes when we finally realize that no matter the circumstance, our prayers are heard by God. In this we must as King David, fix our heart to know we can have full confidence in God. He is our Father, we are His children; what more could we desire? He HEARS! He places a song in our heart and a passage of scripture to enlighten our paths and increase our faith.
When necessary we must also glorify God in the fires!
I have memorized this over the past few days while working; this verse is written on a little sheet of wrinkled paper I pull out of my pocket while cleaning the floors at a local High School. The concept of a man of David's character, trials, tribulations and success being in a place of mental and physical ease is quite profound.
Just one example, David's own son Absalom tried to overthrow the kingdom given to David by God. David had a man murdered so he could marry his wife. He had a child die. Israel was judged severely on another occasion when David took a census to show his strength; for this 70,000 men were killed by an avenging angel sent by God.
Furthermore, King Saul sought David's death for years; chasing David throughout the breadth and depth of Israel. While on the run from Saul, David was surrounded by a band of malcontents and outcasts. Yet, this man reached a place where he realized that God heard every prayer he ever prayed. He committed himself first, then he committed his circumstances to God.
Knowing that your prayers are heard and that God will protect you in all circumstances brings great comfort. I want to learn to fix my heart on this fact; this is from where this ease of David came from. He KNEW that he was heard. He established this in his heart and firmly believed it.
In Psalm 57:7 David said, " My heart is fixed, O God, my heart is fixed - I will sing and give praise..." The background of this statement was David being surrounded by circumstances that could swallow him whole; confronted by men whose teeth were as spears and arrows, tongues as a sharp sword. Forces dug pits for David and prepared a net, setting traps to ensnare him. In the middle of this David fixed his heart to exalt the God of heaven-he awakened his heart to give praise, realizing the glory of his God.
How did he do this? By prayer! The same method we must use. Is David different than we? In John 6:37 Christ says, " All that the Father giveth Me shall come to Me; and those that come to Me I will in no wise cast out. " God comforts those who are for a season cast down (to everything there is a season). He sends comforts in ways we do not always understand ( 2 Corinthians 7:6).
Our comfort comes when we finally realize that no matter the circumstance, our prayers are heard by God. In this we must as King David, fix our heart to know we can have full confidence in God. He is our Father, we are His children; what more could we desire? He HEARS! He places a song in our heart and a passage of scripture to enlighten our paths and increase our faith.
When necessary we must also glorify God in the fires!
Tuesday, November 3, 2009
Thin Veil
I believe that God works with each of His children in different ways. He does not change I know, but if you examine the Prophets, He spoke to them, broke through on their behalf in various manner's. He gave Ezekiel great visions, Isaiah He gave words that are so beautiful that a Prime Minister in Britain years ago used to read out of Isaiah before he gave important speeches before the British Parliament. Isaiah is quoted, I believe, more than any other Prophet because of the beauty of the language. With Moses, He showed great signs and wonders.
With this background, I would like to explain what has been happening at our home over the past few weeks. The child we are caring for just got out of the hospital, again, last week. She did a four day stint because her blood gases were awry, her sugar count was extremely low one hour then through the roof the next, and she contracted the flu while in Intensive Care! She was given a flu shot then sent home to give the flu to me!! Our little example of the health care issues presently facing our nation.
While I was in bed feeling to drained to even move or read toward the end of last week, I got my Grandfather's Bible and went outside for some fresh air to read and try to relax. I heard an alarm start to ring and I did not know where it was coming from. My wife came running out of the house and said the septic system, a Class II, LPP system we had to install with pumps and motors had stopped working. This is a 10,400 dollar system that is no more than three years old!
I moaned, sighed and did what I knew to do to address the issue. Both tanks were full to the brim and we were shut down as far as running water was concerned. My property taxes are due, the septic is broken, a child was in bed with the flu and sugar issues, and I was feeling like what our dogs leave in our back yard!!! (Sorry!)
Bare with me for a moment, please!
Sunday afternoon, after getting back from church, I went to bed to take a short nap and hours later my wife came into the bedroom to make sure I was still breathing. I dragged myself out of bed and did a few things around the house; sitting in the chair and reading, to tell the truth!
During the early hours of yesterday morning, while in a deep sleep and asking God for days for a sign for the good, for something to get me through this period of testing, something happened that I cannot adequately put into words. As I said, God speaks to His children in different ways; Here is how He spoke to me yesterday morning ~
I do not know if I was asleep or half awake; all I know is that I heard the most beautiful music I have ever heard. It was the sound of tens of thousands, perhaps millions of people singing praises; a solemn chorus of praise all heading in one direction; toward a throne of some kind. I walked toward the music, I was drawn like a strong magnet, I could not resist.
I came upon a veil, so thin that I could see through it and as I walked toward the veil I could see a glow, the choir or the people had a glow themselves and the atmosphere was filled with this. I had a feeling that this was everything I have ever sought in my entire life; every desire, every earthly possession everything and more than this earth could ever offer. I was a feeling of worship, admiration and adoration that I have never felt in my entire life.
I was ready to pass through the veil, I felt that all I had to do was just walk through it and I would be a part of this beauty. As soon as I started to go through, I awoke. I had chills, the hair stood up on my arms and I laid there for awhile trying to reenter the scene. I did not want to ever leave; I desired to be there forever.
I prayed for quite a while asking for insight of this experience. I have never had this happen in my entire life. I now feel that the veil I was getting ready to walk through was my flesh; we are that close to the glory of God; ten thousandths of an inch, perhaps? One breath, perhaps? After all, He holds our very breath in our hands.
The reason this was so important to me is that when I felt bad for the past several days I considered going to the hospital to get feelings I have been having in my chest checked out. Not pain, but like my heart was beating faster than it should. After this dream, I realize that it is far better to be with the LORD than to be anywhere else in the Universe!
I love my wife and family dearly. If I were to have walked through that veil I would have missed them terribly, anxiously awaiting their arrival, I am sure. But I cannot explain the atmosphere I saw! The glow, the throne in a distance, the multitudes facing the throne singing praises and worship in unison to the One who is worthy of all praise!
God did exactly what was needed for me during this season. I have been basking in His presence within my being, thanking Him hundreds of times a day for who He is, for what He does and for His faithfulness in times of great trial. To quote King David, " He has put gladness in my heart, more than in the time that their corn and their wine increased..."
The worldly system celebrates success, abundance, 401(k) and savings balances and full employment and benefits, (I am not saying by any means that these are not important) but David rejoiced for the gladness God put in his heart!
I will rejoice with David! We are heading to a place that is so beautiful that there is no way of putting into human language the atmosphere. I have a better understanding of what the Apostle Paul was trying to say when he said he saw things that were unlawful to be uttered.
Grace and peace be with all that love Christ in sincerity!
With this background, I would like to explain what has been happening at our home over the past few weeks. The child we are caring for just got out of the hospital, again, last week. She did a four day stint because her blood gases were awry, her sugar count was extremely low one hour then through the roof the next, and she contracted the flu while in Intensive Care! She was given a flu shot then sent home to give the flu to me!! Our little example of the health care issues presently facing our nation.
While I was in bed feeling to drained to even move or read toward the end of last week, I got my Grandfather's Bible and went outside for some fresh air to read and try to relax. I heard an alarm start to ring and I did not know where it was coming from. My wife came running out of the house and said the septic system, a Class II, LPP system we had to install with pumps and motors had stopped working. This is a 10,400 dollar system that is no more than three years old!
I moaned, sighed and did what I knew to do to address the issue. Both tanks were full to the brim and we were shut down as far as running water was concerned. My property taxes are due, the septic is broken, a child was in bed with the flu and sugar issues, and I was feeling like what our dogs leave in our back yard!!! (Sorry!)
Bare with me for a moment, please!
Sunday afternoon, after getting back from church, I went to bed to take a short nap and hours later my wife came into the bedroom to make sure I was still breathing. I dragged myself out of bed and did a few things around the house; sitting in the chair and reading, to tell the truth!
During the early hours of yesterday morning, while in a deep sleep and asking God for days for a sign for the good, for something to get me through this period of testing, something happened that I cannot adequately put into words. As I said, God speaks to His children in different ways; Here is how He spoke to me yesterday morning ~
I do not know if I was asleep or half awake; all I know is that I heard the most beautiful music I have ever heard. It was the sound of tens of thousands, perhaps millions of people singing praises; a solemn chorus of praise all heading in one direction; toward a throne of some kind. I walked toward the music, I was drawn like a strong magnet, I could not resist.
I came upon a veil, so thin that I could see through it and as I walked toward the veil I could see a glow, the choir or the people had a glow themselves and the atmosphere was filled with this. I had a feeling that this was everything I have ever sought in my entire life; every desire, every earthly possession everything and more than this earth could ever offer. I was a feeling of worship, admiration and adoration that I have never felt in my entire life.
I was ready to pass through the veil, I felt that all I had to do was just walk through it and I would be a part of this beauty. As soon as I started to go through, I awoke. I had chills, the hair stood up on my arms and I laid there for awhile trying to reenter the scene. I did not want to ever leave; I desired to be there forever.
I prayed for quite a while asking for insight of this experience. I have never had this happen in my entire life. I now feel that the veil I was getting ready to walk through was my flesh; we are that close to the glory of God; ten thousandths of an inch, perhaps? One breath, perhaps? After all, He holds our very breath in our hands.
The reason this was so important to me is that when I felt bad for the past several days I considered going to the hospital to get feelings I have been having in my chest checked out. Not pain, but like my heart was beating faster than it should. After this dream, I realize that it is far better to be with the LORD than to be anywhere else in the Universe!
I love my wife and family dearly. If I were to have walked through that veil I would have missed them terribly, anxiously awaiting their arrival, I am sure. But I cannot explain the atmosphere I saw! The glow, the throne in a distance, the multitudes facing the throne singing praises and worship in unison to the One who is worthy of all praise!
God did exactly what was needed for me during this season. I have been basking in His presence within my being, thanking Him hundreds of times a day for who He is, for what He does and for His faithfulness in times of great trial. To quote King David, " He has put gladness in my heart, more than in the time that their corn and their wine increased..."
The worldly system celebrates success, abundance, 401(k) and savings balances and full employment and benefits, (I am not saying by any means that these are not important) but David rejoiced for the gladness God put in his heart!
I will rejoice with David! We are heading to a place that is so beautiful that there is no way of putting into human language the atmosphere. I have a better understanding of what the Apostle Paul was trying to say when he said he saw things that were unlawful to be uttered.
Grace and peace be with all that love Christ in sincerity!
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