Of Destruction and Preservation---Day 303 Through the Bible

                                 This picture was taken recently on the Blue Ridge Parkway at Pisgah Inn. 
                                         This tree is American Mountain-Ash which rarely grows below 5,000 ft. in N.C.
                   Its coral fruits are an important food for birds (Wildflowers in Color published by HarperPerennial).

  (Today's Scripture readings: Jeremiah 47:1-48:47; Psalm 119:113-120; Proverbs 28:5; 2 Timothy 4:1-22)

The word of the Lord against the Philistines before Pharoah attacked Gaza--God is faithful in keeping His word. He knows what the future holds--in detail. "The fathers will not look back for their children, lacking courage, because of the day that comes to plunder all the Philistines. The sword of the Lord is unrelenting when He "has given it a charge": and "has appointed it". "O you sword of the Lord, how long until you are quiet? Put yourself into your scabbard, rest and be still (v. 6-7)!

And of Moab (descendants of Lot through an incestuous relationship with his daughter; they led the Israelites into idolatry, would be conquered by Babylon and disappear as a nation), "The sword shall pursue you" (48:2). "For because you have trusted in your works and your treasures, you also shall be taken" (v. 7). God says "Moab has been at ease from his youth. . .nor has he gone into captivity. Therefore his taste remained in him, and his scent has not changed" (v.11). "Moab shall be ashamed of Chemosh (the main god of Moab; child sacrifice was included in the worship of Chemosh). The reason for Moab's destruction?  "Because he exalted himself against the Lord. Moab shall wallow in his vomit" (v. 26). "We have heard the pride of Moab (he is exceedingly proud), of his loftiness and arrogance and pride, and of the haughtiness of his heart" (v. 29).  "Joy and gladness are taken from the plentiful field and from the land of Moab; I have caused wine to fail from the winepresses; no one will tread with joyous shouting--no joyous shouting" (v. 33)!  "The mighty men's hearts in Moab on that day shall be like the heart of a woman in birth pangs. And Moab shall be destroyed as a people, because he exalteth himself against the Lord" (v. 41-42). "Yet I will bring back the captives of Moab in the latter days, says the Lord" (v. 47).

Where do I hide, what do I protect myself with, and what is the source of my hope?  "You are my hiding place and my shield; I hope in Your word" (Psalm 119:114). Proverbs 28:5 (the Amplified translation of this verse seems clearer to me) "Evil men do not understand justice, but they who crave and seek the Lord understand it fully."  An example: the depraved worshipers of Chemosh did not understand "justice" for the innocent children sacrificed to their nothing god!  Those who reject the One True God lose touch with reality.

"(God) will judge the living and the dead at His appearing and His kingdom" (2 Timothy 4:1).  Paul warned, "For the time will come when they will not endure sound doctrine. . .they will turn their ears away from the truth, and be turned aside to fables" (v. 3-4).  Paul admonishes Timothy, "but you be watchful in all things, endure afflictions, do the work of an evangelist, fulfill your ministry" (v. 5).  Paul knew he was nearing the end of his life and proclaimed his faithfulness and hope with confidence. "For I am already being poured out as a drink offering, and the time of my departure is at hand.  I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith. Finally, there is laid up for me the crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous Judge, will give to me on that Day, and not to me only but also to all who have loved His appearing" (v. 6-8).

Although Paul met with opposition and betrayal he did not focus on what people did, but kept his focus on God and accomplishing the ministry God had given him, "But the Lord stood with me and strengthened me, so that the message might be preached fully through me, and that all the Gentiles might hear" (v. 17).  Paul did not forget God's deliverance during his ministry. "Also I was delivered out of the mouth of the lion", and remained confident that God would take care of him. "And the Lord will deliver me from every evil work and preserve me for His heavenly kingdom. To Him be glory forever and ever. Amen" (v. 18)!  Paul's life would end by execution--God did not fail Paul, but allowed him to be removed from the evil of this world and through the Holy Spirit that dwelt in him, preserved Paul for God's heavenly kingdom.

Our Heritage Forever – Day 302 Through the Bible

A Restaurant / Christian Mission Outreach in Spruce Pine – Homemade Tropical dishes (Fish tacos with a side of Creamy Mango Sauce!) and Guatemalan handmade goods for sale, with profits and the gospel going back into the villages of Guatemala – near Mt. Celo Church – site last night of our final Conversational Spanish class for the semester.  

My Meditations on Today’s Readings

(Ellipses are mine and are used for contemplation.)

Key Words: Logos: Thus says the LORD, the word of the LORD, a lamp, a light, Your righteous judgments, Your law, Your testimonies, The Holy Scriptures, all Scripture, a heritage forever, the time of their punishment…their calamity, declare, proclaim Preordination: this is the day of the Lord GOD of hosts, a day of vengeance, the appointed time, the day of their punishment, of their calamity, forever, to the very end, in the last days…Woes: fear, war, punishment, woe….stand, prepare yourself 

Woes – Jeremiah 45 and 46 (Facts: What It Says – Summarized) A Self-focused Perspective and Pronouncement of Woe: Baruch, Jeremiah’s scribe and captive among the Jews in Egypt, pronounces woe on himself, “Woe is me now! For the LORD has added grief to my sorrow.  I fainted in my sighing, and I find no rest.” God’s reply to Baruch through Jeremiah: “Behold, what I have built, I will break down; and what I have planted, I will pluck up, that is, this whole land.  And do you seek great things for yourself?  Do not seek them; for behold, I will bring adversity on all flesh,” says the LORD. “But I will give your life to you as a prize in all places, wherever you go.”  A God-focused Perspective and Pronouncement of Woe: Judah is destroyed.  Johanan has followed his own desires rather than God’s command not to go to Egypt.  The Jews and all captives are with him (including Jeremiah and Baruch) in Egypt.  God said he would destroy them there by the very calamities they sought to avoid by leaving Judah – the sword, pestilence and famine.  God is bringing Babylon against Egypt to destroy it and the disobedient Jews.  “They did not stand…because…the LORD drove them away…the time of their punishment…of their calamity…had come upon them.”  But…a remnant is saved. God’s reply to His people through Jeremiah: “Jacob shall return, have rest and be at ease; no one shall make him afraid.  Do not fear, O Jacob My servant,” says the LORD, “for…I am with you; for…I will make a complete end of all the nations to which I have driven you…but…I will not…make a compete end of you.  I will rightly correct you…for…I will not leave you wholly unpunished.”  Principle:  Over and over this truth is established and fulfilled:  God’s Word stands firm.  “If it tarry, wait for it. It will surely come.”  (Habakkuk 2:4)  Here is the difficult part taught over and over as well in the Bible in the lives of God’s people.  He will save, bless, be with us; He will also punish us as necessary. Though forgiven, we will often face hard consequences as a result of our sins – and the sins of others.

How to Persevere in Times of Woe – Psalm 119: 105-112 – (Facts: What It Says – Summarized) The Woes of David (“sweet psalmist of Israel”; “a man after God’s own heart”) “I am afflicted very much…my life is…continually…in my hand…the wicked have laid a snare for me.”  Recall the truth of this:  David was constantly fighting internal and external battles in his life.  The Affirmations of David:  1) “YOUR word…is a lamp to my feet…and…a light to my path.  2) I have sworn…and confirmed…that I will keep…YOUR righteous judgments.  3) Yet…(in spite of my woes) I do not forget…YOUR law.  4) Yet (in spite of my woes) I have not strayed from YOUR precepts. 5) YOUR testimonies…I have taken…as a heritage…forever…for…THEY are the rejoicing…of my heart. 6) I have inclined my heart…to perform…YOUR statutes…forever…to the end. The Requests of David: Revive me… LORD…according to…YOUR word.  Accept…I pray...the freewill offerings of my mouth, O LORD.  Teach me…YOUR judgments.” Principle: God’s will and way for our lives - for His kingdom work - is illumined for us through His Word.  We must commit ourselves to obeying His Word, standing firm in the midst of trials, and humbling ourselves under His omnipotent Hand.

Woes of the Latter Days – 2 Timothy 3 – (Facts: What It Says – Summarized) These will be “perilous times”  - not just annoying or irritating, but perilous. What Believers will see: 1) Men who are lovers of themselves, 2) lovers of money, 3) boasters, 4) proud, 5) blasphemers, 6) disobedient to parents, 7) unthankful, 8) unholy, 9) unloving, (10) unforgiving, 11) slanderers, 12) without self-control, 13) brutal, 14) despisers of good, 15) traitors, 16) headstrong, 17) haughty, 18) lovers of pleasure rather than lovers of God, 19) having a form of godliness, but denying its power.  Sound familiar? How Believers should respond and why:  “And from such people turn away.  FOR…of this sort…are those who creep into households and make captives…of gullible women…loaded down with sins…led away by various lusts…always learning and never able to come to the knowledge of truth.  These also resist the truth: men of corrupt minds…disapproved concerning the faith. But…they will progress no further…for…their folly...will be manifest to all.” How Believers should conduct themselves: “Carefully follow…continue in…the doctrine, manner of life, purpose, faith, longsuffering, love, perseverance, persecutions, afflictions” as Paul did.  Tall, Difficult Order, Why? Paul Suffered Constant Horrors.  “And the Lord delivered him out of them all.” Things will become worse for the Christian in the latter days…And…all…who desire to live godly…in Christ…will…suffer persecution.  But…evil men and impostors…will grow worse and worse…deceiving and being deceived." How can we do this? Through the Sufficiency of Scripture: 1) You have known the Holy Scriptures…which are able…to make you wise…for salvation…through faith…which is in Christ Jesus. 2) All Scripture is given by inspiration of God…and is profitable…for doctrine, for reproof…for correction…for instruction…in righteousness…that…the man of God…may be complete…thoroughly equipped…for every good work.” Principle: This is no health, wealth and prosperity gospel – at least from a human perspective.  Jesus warned us of this.  This is about God’s Plan for the world – for eternity – with eternal consequences.  This is Coram Deo – in the presence of, under the authority of, to the honor and glory of God.

My Lessons and Applications:  How did many of our modern churches get so far off the mark?  Was it to tickle the ears of the hearers?  To increase church attendance?  For the sake of growth in numbers and wealth? The attendance and numbers fell far short, if that was the goal.  As we near the end of our study through the Bible, have you seen what I have?  How we have been taught incorrectly in so many of our churches on what God’s Word – in the full counsel of God – REALLY says?   We need to use the wonderful online resources to delve into the original Greek, Hebrew and Aramaic – to know what the original intent was.  We need to be more like the Bereans in Acts 17: 10-11: “And the brethren immediately sent away Paul and Silas by night unto Berea: who coming thither went into the synagogue of the Jews. These were more noble than those in Thessalonica, in that they received the word with all readiness of mind, and searched the scriptures daily, whether those things were so. “ We need to study alone with God and study Scripture together – in community as believers - not just in denominational isolation, diligently searching the Scriptures to know and live the truth.  We must do this ourselves.  This is our honor and duty to study and know the Word of God personally, not just to sit under the Ministry of the Word – as important as that is.  And then…we must live what we know, what has been revealed to us – to the honor and glory of God.

“The "show business," which is so incorporated into our view of Christian work today, has caused us to drift far from Our Lord's conception of discipleship. It is instilled in us to think that we have to do exceptional things for God; we have not. We have to be exceptional in ordinary things, to be holy in mean streets, among mean people, surrounded by sordid sinners. That is not learned in five minutes.”

― Oswald Chambers

“If we are cut loose from the anchor of God's Word, we will not be free. We will be slaves of personal passions and popular trends.”

― John Piper, Jesus: The Only Way to God: Must You Hear the Gospel to Be Saved?

Sweeter Than Honey and Taught by God Himself---Day 301 Through the Bible

                       "How sweet are Your words to my taste, sweeter than honey to my mouth." Psalm 119:103

  Today's Scripture readings: Jeremiah 43:1-44:30; Psalm 119:97-104; Proverbs 28:3; 2 Timothy 2:1-26

Believers who know and apply the Bible to their lives have an "edge" on those who do not. This is not to be a source of pride and we will see in our reading in Jeremiah today that it is pride that stands in the way and prevents us from obeying God---leaving us without that "edge". In Psalm 119:97, the writer begins, "O how I love Your law! It is my meditation all the day". He continues, "You, through Your commandments, make me wiser than my enemies; for they are ever with me. I have more understanding than all my teachers, for Your testimonies are my meditation. I understand more than the ancients, because I keep Your precepts. I have restrained my feet from every evil way, that I may keep your word. I have not departed from Your judgments, for You Yourself have taught me. . .Through Your precepts I get understanding; therefore I hate every false way" (Psalm 119: 97-104). As this passage says, we are actually being taught by God Himself when we are taught from the Bible. (Something to consider when we sit down to read our Bibles!)

There is no greater foundation for anything we undertake than the truth of God's word. That which is based on deceit and lies will eventually collapse under its own false premises.  We also see in this passage that it is necessary to do more than just read. We are to meditate on them, keep them with us, apply them, exercise restraint, not depart from them, and, as a result of understanding them by application we will hate evil. God's commandments, testimonies, precepts, and judgments are included in "them". The Bible is a treasure trove of understanding and wisdom!  In verse 103, the writer says, "How sweet are Your words to my taste, sweeter than honey to my mouth"!

We read in Jeremiah today about "all the proud men" (43:2), who did not want to believe the words God had given Jeremiah and refused to follow God's instructions. The remnant of God's people were told not to move to Egypt, but went anyway. This was considered "wickedness" by God and they became "wasted and desolate" in Egypt. (We will likewise find ourselves "wasted and desolate" when we refuse to follow what God says in His word.) "Therefore your land is a desolation, an astonishment, a curse, and without an inhabitant" (v. 22).

Paul reminds Timothy in 2 Timothy 2:1, that his strength lies in the grace that is in Christ Jesus. Paul reminds him and us that we "must endure hardship as a good soldier of Jesus Christ" (v. 3). We are not to get caught up in the cares of this life and forget we are in a spiritual battle. Like Timothy, we gain understanding when we consider Paul's words as Timothy was admonished to do, as well as when we consider all the words that "God has breathed" for us in the Bible. Paul was in chains at times, however he did not focus on his chains but considered the fact that "the word of God is not chained" (v. 9). Paul says he endured "for the sake of the elect, that they also may obtain the salvation which is in Christ Jesus with eternal glory" (v. 10).  Striving about words does not profit, but negatively affects those who hear it (v. 14). "Be diligent to present yourself approved to God, a worker who does not need to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth" (v. 15).

Dr. Stanley writes a section on how to gain spiritual understanding. He says this, "First, we have to consider what God says in His word--ponder it, turn it over in our minds. Then we have to pray that He enlightens our quest for understanding. Both work together."  There is no difference today in how we are to seek God and how Jeremiah, Solomon, the Psalmists, Paul, and Timothy were to seek Him. God wants us to know Him, to know His love and thereby understand it is beneficial for us to obey what He says. God says we will find Him when we seek Him with our whole heart (Deuteronomy 4:29)!

The Sacred and the Profane – Day 300 Through the Bible

A North Carolina Blue Ridge Pig-Pickin This Past Week - The men began the cooking process at 6:00 am and at 5:00 pm the community was invited to share in a time of food and fellowship at South Estatoe Baptist Church – near Mt. Celo  Church and the Blue Ridge Parkway ( 1st photo; 2nd photo - at the gathering)

My Meditation on Today’s Readings

(Ellipses are mine and are used for contemplation.)

Key Words: Words Referring to God's Providential Timing: (Now it came to pass, And it happened,  Forever, Until that Day, When as yet); God and His Word (Pray for us, we will obey Him, the word of the LORD came to Jeremiah, Thus says the Lord, The LORD has said, Your word, Your faithfulness, Your ordinances, Your law, Your precepts, Your testimonies, the gospel, Jesus Christ, the pattern of sound words)

The Profane - Guise of Pretense Lived in the Power of Self – Jeremiah 41 and 42 (Facts: What It Says – Summarized) Murderous Pretense: Gedaliah has been appointed governor by the Chaldeans over the remnant of poor Judeans left in the land.  He has been warned by Johanan that Ishamel plans to kill the governor.  Gedaliah brushes off the warning; Ishamael and 10 cohorts come and “eat bread together” with Gedaliah; they murder him and all the Jews that were in the land as well as the Chaldeans that were found there.  Devout men from Schechem, Shiloh and Samaria come to worship with offerings and incense to the house of the LORD– with their beards shaved, their clothes torn, having cut themselves (supposedly over the sacking of Judah by the Babylonians.) Ishmael comes out weeping to meet them, to invite them to come to Gedaliah, the appointed governor.  But…Ishmael kills all these men, except for ten who promise him wheat, barley, oil and honey.  Ishmael throws all the murdered men in a pit, “carries away captive all the rest of the people in Mizpah whom the captain of the Chaldean guard had committed to Gedaliah."  But Johanan hears of the evil and gathers a force to fight Ishmael at Gibeon.  Ishmael and 8 men escape, but the captives join Johanan near Bethlehem and plan to go to Egypt because of fear of the Chaldeans.  Spiritual Pretense: These men go to Jeremiah, the prophet, and ask him, “Please, let our petition be acceptable you, and pray for us to the LORD…your God…for all this remnant, since we are left but a few of many, as you can see…that…the LORD…your God…may show us the way in which we should walk…and the thing we should do.”  After ten days, the LORD promises to protect these people, but only if…they remain in the land and do not go to Egypt.  If they go to Egypt, the very sword, famine and pestilence they fear will devour them.  Jeremiah repeats the warning and says, “The LORD has said concerning you, O remnant of Judah, ‘Do not go to Egypt!’  Know certainly…that I have admonished you this day…For…you were…hypocrites…in your hearts when you sent me to the LORD…your God…saying, ‘Pray for us to the Lord.  I have this day declared it to you…but…you have not obeyed the voice of the LORD your God, or anything which He has sent you by me.  Now, therefore, know certainly that you shall die by the sword, by famine, and by pestilence in the place where… you desire…to go to dwell. Principle:  Asking God to bless what we intend to do, when we explicitly know it is not His will, will only end in dire consequences, which are usually delineated for us in the Word of God.

Spiritual Authenticity – Psalm 119:89-96 – (Facts:  What It Says – Summarized) The permanency of God’s Word: David, “the sweet psalmist of Israel, a man after God’s own heart” says, “FOREVER…O Lord…YOUR Word…is settled…in heaven.  YOUR faithfulness…endures…to all generations.  YOU established the earth…and it abides.   They continue this day…according to YOUR ordinances.  For all…are YOUR servants. The necessity of God’s Word: Unless…YOUR law…had been my delight…I would then have perished…in my affliction…For I have sought YOUR precepts. The wicked wait for me to destroy me…but I…will consider YOUR testimonies. The efficacy of God’s Word: For by them, YOU have given me life…I am YOURS….save me.  I have seen the consummation of all perfection…but YOUR commandment is exceedingly broad. Principle: God’s Word is eternal and will be accomplished; His Word is essential, effective, and enduring for all – regardless of whether one chooses to believe it or not - but is loved and cherished by those who love Him – who are people after His own heart.

The Sacred - Genuine Faith Lived in the Power of His Word – 2 Timothy 1 – (Facts: What It Says – Summarized) Paul remembers the.. genuine…faith that was in Timothy’s mother and grandmother and that the apostle sees evidenced in young Timothy’s life as well.  His reminders as he passes the torch to Timothy: 1) Stir up the gift of God which is in you…FOR…God has not given us a spirit of fear, but of…power…and of love…and of a sound mind.  2) THEREFORE, do not be ashamed of the testimony of our Lord, nor of me His prisoner…but…share with me in the sufferings for the gospel…according to the power of God…who has called us with a holy calling…not according to our works…but…according to His own purpose…and grace…which was given to us…in Christ Jesus…before time began…but has now been revealed by the appearing of our Savior Jesus Christ…who has abolished death…and brought life and immortality…to light…through the gospel.  For this reason…I also suffer these things…nevertheless…I am not ashamed…FOR…I know…whom I have believed…and am persuaded…that He is able…to keep what I have committed to Him until that Day. 3) Hold fast the pattern of sound words…which you have heard from me…in faith and love…which are in Christ Jesus. 4) That good thing…which was committed to you…keep…by the Holy Spirit…who dwells in us. Principle: Discipleship is not easy.  We have work to do – enabled by His Word, His power, His Holy Spirit - all securely committed to Him until His Second Coming.

My Lessons and Applications:  It is impossible to feign faith to God or in light of His word – whether through His prophet, or through His spoken or written Word.  At some point, even among His people, the truth will out; it will be evidenced in our walk, in our pattern of life.  For the word of God is living and powerful, and sharper than any two-edged sword, piercing even to the division of soul and spirit, and of joints and marrow, and is a discerner of the thoughts and intents of the heart.  (Hebrews 4:12)  The genuine and the profane are revealed in light of God’s Word.  If that is not enough to get us deep into study and knowledge of His Word – to be able to navigate this world of deception and lies – I am not sure what is!

Beware, I pray thee, of presuming that thou art saved. If thy heart be renewed, if thou shalt hate the things that thou didst once love, and love the things that thou didst once hate; if thou hast really repented; if there be a thorough change of mind in thee; if thou be born again, then hast thou reason to rejoice: but if there be no vital change, no inward godliness; if there be no love to God, no prayer, no work of the Holy Spirit, then thy saying “I am saved” is but thine own assertion, and it may delude, but it will not deliver thee.

—Charles Spurgeon