The Power of Truth---Day 361 Through the Bible

                          The path God takes us on may not always be as pleasant as this one.
                                     However, God will always takes us down the path of truth!

My thoughtful considerations regarding today's Scripture readings in Zechariah, Psalms, Proverbs, and Revelation. Key phrases and passages that stood out for me are as follows:

"Did you really fast for Me--for Me?" (Zechariah 1:5).  God poses this question to Zechariah in response to his original question--"Should I weep in the fifth month and fast as I have done for so many years?" (v. 3). The divine response cuts to the heart of ceremony and worship practices and God suggests that perhaps obedience during prosperous times ought to have been a consideration (v. 7).

These are the words of God to Zechariah.  Through them the heart of God is revealed and the heart of the believer is challenged:

"Execute true justice,
Show mercy and compassion everyone to his brother.
Do not oppress the widow or the fatherless, the alien or the poor.
Let none of you plan evil in his heart against his brother" (v. 9). 

Israel's response to God's directive was to shrug their shoulders and stop their ears so they could not hear (v. 11).  Their response went beyond complacency--"they made their hearts like flint", refusing to hear God's words. God dealt with them in the same manner they responded to Him--"so they called out and I would not listen" (v. 13).  They were scattered "among all the nations which they had not known" (v. 14).

"Jerusalem shall be called the City of Truth" (Zechariah 8:3).  Up until recently it may have been easy to just read over this verse. However, what hope and what a welcome contrast in light of the culture of lies and deceit that is continually unfolding in the world today.  Another reason to pray, "Thy kingdom come"!  And to live in such a time of simplicity when "The streets of the city shall be full of boys and girls playing in its streets!" (v. 5).  God promises to bring His people back from captivity, "and they shall be My people and I will be their God, in truth and righteousness" (v. 8).  Whatever our captivity, God holds out hope for us in a relationship with Him.

God says He is "determined to do good to Jerusalem and to the house of Israel" (v. 15). In order to be able to accomplish this toward them God says this, "Do not fear (solutions to our problems today may seem impossible!).  These are the things you shall do: 

Speak each man the truth to his neighbor; 
give judgment in your gates for truth, justice, and peace; 
let none of you think evil in your heart against your neighbor; 
and do not love a false oath.  
For all these are things that I hate, says the Lord" (v. 15, 16, 17).  

And in verse 21, the inhabitants of the cities will say to one another, "Let us continue to go and pray before the Lord, and seek the Lord of hosts".  Reading through the Bible, we have discovered the truth about other gods and the fact that the God of Israel is the only true God. This understanding helps put the following verse in perspective.  "In those days ten men from every language of the nations shall grasp the sleeve of a Jewish man, saying, 'Let us go with you, for we have heard that God is with you.'" (v. 23).

"Rejoice greatly, O daughter of Zion! . . .Behold, your King is coming to you; He is just and having salvation, lowly and riding on a donkey, a colt, the foal of a donkey. . .He shall speak peace to the nations; His dominion shall be from sea to sea. And from the River to the ends of the earth." (Zechariah 9:9,10).  Verse 12, "Return to the stronghold, you prisoners of hope".  Verse 14, "Then the Lord will be seen over them. . .the Lord of hosts will defend them" (v. 15).  "The Lord their God will save them in that day, as the flock of His people, for they shall be like the jewels of a crown, lifted like a banner over His land--for how great is its goodness and how great its beauty" (v. 16, 17).  Beautiful words!  A beautiful hope and future!  The truth of God!

Psalm 148:7-14, is tremendously fitting here and ends with this,  "And He has exalted the horn of His people, the praise of all His saints--of the children of Israel, a people near to Him.  Praise the Lord!"  King Solomon continues with his contemplation of God's creation and creatures in Proverbs 30:29-31, considering three things that are "majestic in pace" and "four which are stately in walk".  In this passage he focuses attention on the lion, a greyhound, a male goat, and "a king whose troops are with him".  Taking time to think and consider was something the wisest man who ever lived engaged in. (There is certainly a lesson here for us readers.)

In Revelation 18, we read of the fall of Babylon--"the evil world system" (Dr. Charles Stanley).  Her sins are listed and God warns His people in verse 4, "Come out of her, my people, lest you share in her sins, and lest you receive of her plagues.  For her sins have reached to heaven, and God has remembered her iniquities".  Verse 23, "For your merchants were the great men of the earth, for by your sorcery all the nations were deceived. And in her was found the blood of prophets and saints, and of all who were slain on the earth".
God's word is sobering, yet God never leaves us without hope!  God always tells us the truth!

Many Considerations, Not the Least of Which is "Hope"---Day 357 Through the Bible

                                  There are many things that catch our attention in God's creation
                                      and in His Word--and they all point to an awesome God!

These are my contemplations and reflections on today's Bible readings in Zephaniah, Psalms, Proverbs, and Revelation. Key words and phrases that I noted included deceit, complacency, humility, justice, wait, restore, a new song, gospel, patience, and rest. Having reached this point in reading through the Bible this year, the one word I am left with is "hope".

"Hope is the silver shaft of sun breaking through the storm-darkened sky, words of comfort in the intensive care unit, a letter from across the sea, the first spring bird perched on a snow-covered twig, and the finish line in sight.  It is a rainbow, a song, a loving touch.  Hope is knowing God and resting in His love"  (The Life Application Study Bible/Introduction to the Book of Zephaniah).

God declares in the book of Zephaniah, "I will cut off every trace of Baal from this place"!  Verses 5 & 6, of chapter one describes a practice that continues today and one that I was made aware of during a Bible study this year on "Invasion of Other Gods" by Dr. David Jeremiah.  "Those who worship and swear oaths by the Lord, but who also swear by Milcom (the god Molech, which Israel was warned about worshiping all the way back in Leviticus); those who have turned back from following the Lord, and have not sought the Lord, nor inquired of Him".  In the study on "Other Gods" we discovered it is a fact that many "Christians" become involved in other religions while holding onto some of their Christian beliefs. They add practices from these religions to their Christian beliefs in an attempt to "enhance" their spiritual experience. God forbids such pantheistic practices. He alone is the true God. (See Deuteronomy 5:7-10.)

In verse 12, God says that "at that time I will search Jerusalem with lamps".  (The Jewish people used lamps to search out leaven in their houses in preparation for the Days of Unleavened Bread. Leaven represented sin.)  God warns in this passage that those "who are settled in complacency" will be punished.  And those who think God will do nothing--"who say in their heart, the Lord will not do good, nor will He do evil" (v.12).  God warns, "O undesirable nation, before the decree is issued. . before the Lord's fierce anger comes upon you, before the day of the Lord's anger comes upon you!  Seek the Lord, all you meek of the earth, who have upheld His justice.  Seek righteousness, seek humility.  It may be that you will be hidden in the day of the Lord's anger" (2:1-3). (Hope!)

"This shall they have for their pride, because they have reproached and made arrogant threats against the people of the Lord of hosts.  The Lord will be awesome to them.  For He will reduce to nothing all the gods of the earth" (v. 10, 11).  God takes issue with the "rebellious", "polluted", and "oppressing" city---"She has not obeyed His voice, she has not received correction; she has not trusted in the Lord, she has not drawn near to her God" (3: 1, 2).  (I can use this list to examine my own heart!)  "Therefore wait for Me, says the Lord, until the day I rise up for plunder; My determination is to gather the nations to My assembly of kingdoms, to pour on them My indignation, all My fierce anger; all the earth shall be devoured with the fire of My jealousy" (v. 8).

In the Book of Zephaniah that is filled with the judgment of God "in that day", God comforts His people. (Hope!)  "In that day it shall be said to Jerusalem: Do not fear; Zion, let not your hands be weak.  The Lord your God in your midst, the Mighty One, will save; He will rejoice over you with gladness, He will quiet you with His love, He will rejoice over you with singing" (v. 16, 17).  And, in Psalm 147:2, we read, "The Lord builds up Jerusalem. . He heals the brokenhearted and binds up their wounds".  In verse 6, "The Lord lifts up the humble; He casts the wicked down to the ground".

In Proverbs 30:18-19, Solomon acknowledges, "There are three things which are too wonderful for me, yes, four which I do not understand: the way of an eagle in the air, the way of a serpent on a rock, the way of a ship in the midst of the sea, and the way of a man with a virgin". This reminds me to take time to consider God's creation and to stand in awe of His hand in everything that catches my interest.

I found it thought-provoking that "singing" is found in 3 of the 4 books we read from today. "Their voice shall sing in the windows" (Zephaniah 2:14).  "He will rejoice over you with singing" (Zephaniah 3:17). "Praise the Lord! For it is good to sing praises to our God" (Psalm 147:1).  "They sang as it were a new song before the throne . . . and no one could learn that song except the hundred and forty-four thousand who were redeemed from the earth" (Revelation 14:3).  Continuing in verse 4, "These are the ones who were not defiled with women (? other gods), for they are virgins.  These are the ones who follow the Lamb wherever He goes.  These were redeemed from among men, being firstfruits to God and to the Lamb. And in their mouth was found no deceit, for they are without fault before the throne of God".

Continuing in Revelation 14, we read about "the everlasting gospel to preach to those who dwell on the earth", and "the mark of the beast".  Verse 12, "Here is the patience of the saints; here are those who keep the commandments of God and the faith of Jesus".  To consider where I stand with God in my walk with Him (Am I "complacent"? Is there "deceit" in my mouth? How often do I "sing praises to God"? Do I "trust in the name of the Lord"? Am I "defiled" with idolatry?  Do I "follow the Lamb"?, etc.) and to consider God's love and mercy toward me and the hope that I have as a born again child of God summarizes today's readings for me!

Happy Are the People Whose God is the Lord!---Day 352 Through the Bible

                                                     A beautiful sculpture of "Queen Charlotte" 
                                     graces the grounds of the Charlotte Douglas International Airport
                                          which is located in the Piedmont area of North Carolina
                                                         and can be viewed on their website.

"Happy are the people who are in such a state; Happy are the people whose God is the Lord!" (Psalm 144:15).  This passage basically sums up what God wants for me.  It's not the same as "living happily ever after" portrayed in fairy tales.  It is reality--the reality of God!  There are several phrases in today's passage in Psalm 144, that drew my attention. "I will sing a new song to You, O God" (v. 9).  "The One who gives salvation to kings" (v. 10).  "That our sons may be as plants grown up in their youth; that our daughters may be as pillars, sculptured in palace style" (v. 12).  God inspired these beautiful words to be read by His people, preserving them in His holy book that we call the Bible.  The verses preceding verse 15, describe a state of full barns, an abundance of produce, productive flocks, and "no outcry in our streets". Without peace, "plenty" is not complete.  God, our Savior, who came to earth to give us "abundant life" (John 10:10), is also called "The Prince of Peace" (Isaiah 9:6).  God has every base covered. Jesus is "waiting in the wings" to bring peace to all the earth at His return. As God's daughter and recipient of the Holy Spirit I have His peace abiding in me now as do all believers. The extent of peace in my life depends a great deal on the degree to which I choose to abide in God.

In Revelation 9:20-21, God lists certain sins that people will hold onto and not repent of even after experiencing three plagues that will take out a third of the population.  They will not give up the worship of demons and idols and will not repent of murder, sorcery, sexual immorality, and thefts. Dr. Stanley makes this comment regarding those who have hardened their hearts in such a way toward God. "Encouragement and expressions of God's grace can soften hearts before the Day of Judgment. Today, show someone the love of God in a genuine way so that their hearts might be softened and they may repent. You may be instrumental in changing their eternal destination".

There is much wisdom in Proverbs 30:10, regarding motives. "Do not malign a servant to his master, lest he curse you, and you be found guilty".  The Amplified Bible presents it this way, "Do not accuse and hurt a servant before his master, lest he curse you, and you be held guilty [of adding to the burdens of the lowly]."  "Accusing and hurting" are things Jesus never did, nor will ever do to anyone!  Attempting to impress someone or make myself look good at another person's expense suggests selfish, ugly motives rather than a Christ-like attitude of love and concern for others.

The prophet Micah speaks the word of the Lord to all peoples!  "Listen, O earth, and all that is in it! . . For behold, the Lord is coming out of His place; He will come down"! (v. 2, 3).  Speaking of  "your precious children", God says, "For they shall go from you into captivity" (v.16).  The phrase "Because I can!" has become popular today.  However, this is evidently not a new idea.  "Woe to those who devise iniquity, and work out evil on their beds! At morning light they practice it, because it is in the power of their hand" (Micah 2:1).  Micah describes a time of covetousness, violence, and oppression (of people and property).  "They covet fields and take them by violence, also houses, and seize them. So they oppress a man and his house, a man and his inheritance" (v. 2).  God warns these oppressors that He is "devising disaster, from which you cannot remove your necks; nor shall you walk haughtily, for this is an evil time" (v. 3).  In this time, it will also be said that God "'has changed the heritage of my people; How He has removed it from me!  To a turncoat He has divided our fields'".  God asks this, "Do not My words do good to him who walks uprightly?"  He continues in verse 8, "Lately My people have risen up as an enemy".

In Micah chapter 3, God takes issue with the "heads of Jacob" and "rulers of the house of Israel" (v. 1). He lists the ways they harm and destroy His people. He asks these leaders, "Is it not for you to know justice? You who hate good and love evil".  He warns that they will experience "night without vision" and "darkness without divination; the sun shall go down on the prophets, and the day shall be dark for them" (v. 6).  However, Micah says of himself, "But truly I am full of power by the Spirit of the Lord, and of justice and might"! (v. 8).  How very encouraging!  With this in mind I can appropriately end today's blog with the same verse it began with:  "Happy are the people who are in such a state; Happy are the people whose God is the Lord"!

Judgment, Justice, Holiness---Day 347 Through the Bible

The book of Amos begins with strong rebuke against women of Israel.  God actually refers to them as "cows"--"cows of Bashan" (v. 1). These women are described as women "who oppress the poor, who crush the needy, who say to your husbands, 'Bring wine, let us drink!'" (v. 1).  God says through the prophet that they will be taken away and "you will go out through broken walls, each one straight ahead of her" (v. 3).

The "form of godliness" (2 Tim. 3:5) that God is condemning is described in verses 4 & 5: "'Come to Bethel and transgress, at Gilgal multiply transgression; bring your sacrifices every morning, your tithes every three days.  Offer a sacrifice of thanksgiving with leaven (sin).  Proclaim and announce the freewill offerings (Jesus rebuked the Pharisees for this very practice); for this you love, you children of Israel!' Says the Lord God".

During this year's study God's view of us has become clearer to me. I think more about how my "Christian duties" and religious ceremonies look to Him.  God is interested in what is in the heart is a point He frequently makes.  Amos lists the "tools" God has used to correct Israel yet they have not returned to Him.
Lack of bread, withheld rain, blight and mildew, locusts, and a plague are all mentioned.  God warns Israel in verse 12, "Prepare to meet your God, O Israel!"

Some of the phrases I highlighted in chapter 5, are these: "Seek Me and live", "seek the Lord and live", "the Lord is His name", "therefore the prudent keep silent at that time, for it is an evil time". And in verses 14 & 15, we read these instructions from God, "Seek good and not evil, that you may live; So the Lord God of hosts will be with you.  As you have spoken. Hate evil, love good; establish justice in the gate.  It may be that the Lord God of hosts will be gracious to the remnant of Joseph".  Amos says there will be no getting away from God in the day of the Lord (v. 19). "Woe to you who desire the day of the Lord!" (v. 18).

The Lord reminds the readers of Proverbs that "Many seek the ruler's favor, but justice for man comes from the Lord" (v. 26). In Revelation 4:1-11, "a door standing open in heaven" and a glimpse into the throne room of God is revealed in these verses. A suiting passage to read when coming before "the throne of grace".

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.

A Place of Broad Rivers and Streams---Day 263 Through the Bible

                                                   "Along a trail that's winding always upward--
                                                                       this troubled world is not my final home."

Isaiah 33:1-34:17
"The Lord is exalted, for He dwells on high; He has filled Zion with justice and righteousness. 
Wisdom and knowledge will be the stability of your times, and the strength of salvation;  The fear of the Lord is His treasure" (v. 5-6).

Only God is good!  Only He can afford us with justice, righteousness, wisdom, and knowledge, and the end results of stability and salvation!  Our efforts at peace fail.  "The ambassadors of peace shall weep bitterly" (v. 7).  It may seem that "He has broken the covenant" (v. 8), when, in fact, it's only a matter of timing.  "Now I will rise,' says the Lord" (v.10).  God will never break a covenant He has made!

Isaiah writes that, "The sinners in Zion are afraid; fearfulness has seized the hypocrites" (v.14).  In the same verse he asks, "Who among us shall dwell with the devouring fire? Who among us shall dwell with everlasting burnings?"  The answer: "He who walks righteously and speaks uprightly, he who despises the gain of oppressions, who gestures with his hands, refusing bribes, who stops his ears from hearing of bloodshed, and shuts his eyes from seeing evil: he will dwell on high; his place of defense will be the fortress of rocks; bread will be given him, his water shall be sure" (v.15-16).

"Your eyes will see the King in His beauty; they will see the land that is very far off" (v.17).  People will be expecting terror and to see "a fierce people" (v. 18). "Look upon Zion, the city of our appointed feasts (the Feasts of God reveal His plan); your eyes will see Jerusalem, a quiet home, a tabernacle that will not be taken down; not one of its stakes will ever be removed, nor will any of its cords be broken" (v.20). "But there the majestic Lord will be for us a place of broad rivers and streams" (v.21). (God has such a way with words!)

The Day of the Lord--the Day of God's judgment on the earth --"For it is the day of the Lord's vengeance, the year of recompense for the cause of Zion" (34:8).  "The sword of the Lord is filled with blood" (v.6). "All the host of heaven shall be dissolved, and the heavens shall be rolled up like a scroll" (v.4).  Intertwined in the prophecy in chapter 34, along with the day of the Lord's vengeance is the destruction of Edom. God describes its utter destruction and lists the animals and birds of prey that will make their habitation there. He says, "Search from the book of the Lord, and read: not one of these shall fail; not one shall lack her mate.  For my mouth has commanded it, and His Spirit has gathered them. . . from generation to generation they shall dwell in it" (v.16-17).

Psalm 109:1-5
The Psalmist David cries out to God because of his enemies--"they have also surrounded me with words of hatred, and fought against me without a cause, in return for my love they are my accusers" (v. 3-4). He continues, "But I give myself to prayer".

Proverbs 25:25-26
"As cold water to a weary soul, so is good news from a far country.  A righteous man who falters before the wicked is like a murky spring and a polluted well."  There is nothing refreshing or encouraging about a man who says he stands for what is right, but then "falters" in the face of wickedness.  (I would think that a "murky spring" and a "polluted well" have bacteria growing in them that may have come from something dead that got into the water. And, if water doesn't flow, it may "stagnate"--not a pretty or fragrant situation!)

2 Corinthians 12:1-21
Paul reveals the fact that he has "a thorn in the flesh" and had asked God at least 3 times to remove it.  However, God's answer was, "My strength is sufficient for you, for My strength is made perfect in weakness" (v.9).  His response? "Therefore most gladly I will rather boast in my infirmities, that the power of Christ may rest upon me.  Therefore I take pleasure in infirmities, in reproaches, in needs, in persecutions, in distresses, for Christ's sake. For when I am weak, then I am strong" (v. 9-10).

Paul continues his words of wisdom: "For the children ought not to lay up for the parents, but the parents for the children" (v.14). (Paul was evidently viewing himself as the "parent" to these church members in this situation regarding offerings.)  He says, "And I will very gladly spend and be spent for your souls; though the more abundantly I love you, the less I am loved".  Evidently Paul was dealing with some in the church who were advocating that he was taking advantage of them financially.  He told them he was not making excuses, but speaking before God in Christ--verse 19.  He was working toward their edification lest when he came to them he would find "contentions, jealousies, outbursts of wrath, selfish ambitions, backbitings, whisperings, conceits, tumults. "Lest, when I come again, my God will humble me among you, and I shall mourn for many who have sinned before and have not repented of the uncleanness, fornication, and lewdness which they have practiced" (v.21).

The Many Lessons and Questions from Today's Study
--Paul's example deserves an in depth study. Have I worked hard enough and smart enough to have something to leave my children?  Am I willing to gladly spend myself for God's work and for the furthering of the Gospel?  Am I guilty of being contentious, being jealous?  Do I have outbursts of wrath?  Am I filled with selfish ambitions?  Am I guilty of "backbiting"?  Do I whisper about others (would I mind them hearing what I say about them?)  Do I consider my sins, confess them, and repent before God?
--Do I recognize that God's grace is sufficient for things that I cannot change and that are evidently weaknesses in my body that are probably not going away?  Do I take pleasure my trials and difficulties draw me closer to God?  Do I rest in Christ?  Do I depend on Him for His strength to deal with my weaknesses?
--Do I ask God for courage to help me stand in the face of wickedness?  Have I determined in my heart what I will not do when confronted with evil?  Do I allow God's Spirit--the living water, to flow through me, that I don't "stagnate" or grow disgusting behavior that smells?
--Do I give myself to prayer when I feel pressure from enemies?
--Do I rest assured in the fact that God will keep His covenant and that His word cannot fail?
--Do I really believe that my eyes will see the King in His beauty and the land that now seems so very far off?  Is the majestic Lord a place of (spiritual) broad rivers and streams for me?
--Do my words and my life portray righteousness? Do I despise the gain of oppressions?
--Do I stop my ears from hearing of bloodshed?  Do I shut my eyes from seeing evil?  (What do I watch, read, & listen to as far as TV, books, movies, games, etc.?)
--Do I grieve over the lack of stability that surrounds us?  Do I value justice, righteousness, wisdom, and knowledge?  Do I long for stability and salvation for nations and people in need and that only comes from God?
--Do I understand that God love me and that He treasures the fact that I stand in awe of Him and reverence Him?

"The Word of God is quick, and powerful, and sharper than any twoedged sword, piercing even to the dividing of soul and spirit, and of the joints and marrow, and is a discerner of the thoughts and intents of the heart"!  Hebrews 4:12

What Kind of Grapes Does God Find in My Vineyard?---Day 249 Through the Bible

                                                 "So He expected it to bring forth good grapes."
Isaiah 5:1-6:13

God likens Israel to a vineyard--"the vineyard of the Lord of hosts is the house of Israel".
"He looked for justice, but behold, oppression; for righteousness, but behold, a cry for help" (v.7).
We manage to live in ways God never intended--ways that limit His blessings on what we do:
"Woe to those who join house to house; they add field to field, till there is no place where they may dwell alone in the midst of the land!"  Verse 9: "Truly many houses shall be desolate, great and beautiful ones, without inhabitant". (Unfortunately, we have recently witnessed this very thing happen in our country as many beautiful homes now stand empty.)  (But what about me?  What does God look for in my life and what does he actually find?  Does He find justice and righteousness?)

God also pronounces, "Woe to those who rise early in the morning, that they may follow intoxicating drink". They party with music and wine in their celebrations, "But they do not regard the work of the Lord, nor consider the operation of His hands.  Therefore my people have gone into captivity, because they have no knowledge" (v. 11-13).  Verse 18, 20: "Woe to those who draw iniquity with cords of vanity, and sin as with a cart rope (what a visual!); . . .Woe to those who call evil good, and good evil; who put darkness for light, and light for darkness . ..bitter for sweet, and sweet for bitter!"  Verse 22, "Woe to men mighty at drinking wine, woe to men valiant for mixing intoxicating drink, who justify the wicked for a bribe and take away justice from the righteous man".  Chapter 5 finishes with a description of the army that will carry away Israel "and no one will deliver.  In that day they will roar against them like the roaring of the sea. And if one looks to the land, behold, darkness and sorrow; and the light is darkened by the clouds" (v. 29-30).

In chapter 6, Isaiah "saw the Lord sitting on a throne, high and lifted up, and the train of His robe filled the temple".  His encounter with the Almighty changed Isaiah's life.  "You will never deal effectively with your sin without first realizing who God is.  When you study His Word and begin to grasp His holiness, a deep reverence for Him grows in your heart" (Dr. Stanley).  (Am I growing in reverence for God?)

Psalm 105:23-36
The Psalmist recounts God's hand in the events that Israel experienced in Egypt. (Do I recognize God's hand in my life?)

Proverbs 24:28-29
A warning against "bearing false witness" against your neighbor---using your lips for deception, and seeking to pay back in return. (Do my lips speak deception?  Do I seek revenge?)

I Corinthians 15:29-58
Paul asks if there is no resurrection, then why not "eat and drink, for tomorrow we die!"  He warns them to "Awake to righteousness, and do not sin; for some do not have the knowledge of God.  I speak to your shame".  (Do I prove all things and hold fast that which is good (I Thessalonians 5:21?)

Concerning the resurrection, Paul says that when you sow seed it does not come back up; the seed dies and a new plant is generated. He differentiates the flesh of men, animals, fish, and birds. (According to this passage animals are not "people in fur coats" as some suggest.)  "The body is sown in corruption, it is raised in incorruption."  He elaborates: It is sown in dishonor--raised in glory, sown in weakness--raised in power, sown a natural body--raised a spiritual body.  "And as we have borne the image of the man of dust (Adam), we shall also bear the image of the heavenly Man (Jesus)".  Because there is a resurrection from the dead Paul says this: "Thanks be to God, who gives us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ: Therefore, my beloved brethren, be steadfast, immovable, always abounding in the work of the Lord, knowing that your labor is not in vain in the Lord"!  (What kind of fruit is in my vineyard?)

O How Love I Thy Law!---Day 36 Through the Bible

                               God sets boundaries in His creation by the laws of nature;
                                         this WNC farm scene attests to the beauty of orderliness in creation.
                                         God also sets boundaries in relationships by His laws and judgments.
                                    

 February 5

If I read these scriptures in Exodus without knowing anything about God, I would probably think, “Wow, He sure is a stickler for laws!” And, if I were much younger, I might think these laws are a little drastic, to say the least. However,we would no doubt want these underlying principles applied in our own situations. On a personal note, my mother grew a beautiful vegetable garden one summer and our neighbor’s cow destroyed it. The neighbors ignored the situation and demonstrated no sense of fairness or responsibility toward my mother and her loss. This very situation is addressed in God’s judgments we are studying today. (It has been said that most people rebel at the thought of The 10 Commandments, however, almost everyone would love to have neighbors that abide by them.)

These judgments are based on right principles and include: accountability, responsibility, justice, honesty, and restitution. In other words, just doing what is right. However, without specific guidelines, we may disagree as to what would be fair. Our first parents rejected God's instructions and were left to their own devices.  However, God continues to guide those who desire His input in their lives. Because of God’s love and mercy, He continued to offer His help and gives us gifts (Matthew 5:45).  Whether or not we accept what He says and follow His guidance is entirely up to us. God even made clothes for Adam and Eve after they sinned. Later, He chose Israel to be His people and receive His blessings; He gave them His laws, instituted cities of refuge, and placed value on their bodies and their lives by requiring an eye for an eye, a life for a life. These judgments were for the purpose of deterring injustice, injury, harm, and even death. God’s mercy and love for us are astounding!

If God values life so much, we might wonder why he says a person can be considered “property” in Exodus 21:21.  God allows us to set up our own ways of doing things, including our own governments and our own laws, however He does hold us accountable for how we treat others. (It is interesting that The Ten Commandments are depicted on the doors of the U.S. Supreme Court in Washington, DC, representing the basis of all law. The court room also contains several depictions of Moses and The Ten Commandments engraved in marble.)

A nation without laws or without regard for law is obviously unstable and leaves itself open for many problems. Unfortunately, our own country is reaping the consequences of lawlessness at present. Many of our laws are never enforced and certainly not speedily, leaving citizens in danger of violence. We would do well to consider Ecclesiastes 8:11, which was written by the wisest man who ever lived and which, of course, is “God-breathed”:  “Because sentence against an evil work is not executed speedily, therefore the heart of the sons of men is fully set in them to do evil”. God is not the author of confusion (I Corinthians 14:43), and sets us laws to preserve orderliness in the Universe as well as in our lives. Although, as sinners, we cannot follow God's laws perfectly, we can enjoy a more peaceful and prosperous life when we follow His principles of living. (Following God’s Laws can enhance our happiness, however it is not the way to salvation. Salvation is the gift of God, not of works, lest any one should boast. See Ephesians 2:8-10).

Some of the judgments in these chapters include being responsible for damage done by your animals (the cow & garden incident), and taking responsibility for starting a fire that results in damage. Spiritual matters are also addressed—practicing sorcery incurred the death penalty, as did sacrificing to other gods. Morality is addressed—bestiality brought the death penalty. God forbade His people to charge interest to the poor, and did not allow their clothes to be held as collateral after sundown. God says a person's clothes are his covering and asks, “What will he sleep in?” God goes on to say that “when he cries to Me, I will hear, for I am gracious”. These judgments are examples of applying the second greatest commandment (Matthew 22:39), and treating others like you want to be treated.

God said He Himself would avenge widows and the fatherless, “If you afflict them in any way, and they cry at all to Me, I will surely hear their cry". He made it clear that the oppressors of these unfortunate people could count on the fact that their families would also know what it is like to be widows and fatherless. God also says not to revile Him or curse a ruler, not to delay giving Him what belongs to Him, and to dedicate first-born sons to Him. He also says He expects His people “to be holy men to God”.  What a different culture we would have today if we lived by these judgments.

Our reading in Psalms exalts God as our Rock, our avenger, and our deliverer. He has shown Himself in this capacity in the chapters in Exodus we have read. Proverbs continues along the lines of "cause and effect" (Galatians 6:7), and warns that a man can lose everything he has by keeping company with prostitutes.

In Matthew, Jesus verbally chastises the hypocritical religious leaders who attempt to turn His kingdom into a system of do’s and don’ts. Jesus knows the Law inside and out and reprimanded them for their ridiculous rules which were so contrary to God's purposes. God's law reflects His character and reveals His standard and is not intended to inflict hardship, but quite the contrary--blessings. In Psalm 119:97, it is written, “O how I love your law! It is my meditation all the day”. The Apostle Paul writes in Romans 7:12, “Wherefore the law is holy, and the commandment holy, and just, and good”.  Neither did Jesus come to destroy what we have read in Exodus 21 & 22 (See Matthew 5:17-18).

As Believers, God’s laws are written on our hearts with love (Jeremiah 31:33, Hebrews 8:10), and because His Holy Spirit lives in us, we have the capacity to exceed the written law in our love for God and for others (Galatians 5:22-23). We find our culture in a state of decay as a result of denying God and disregarding His laws. Our culture is permeated with an attitude of lawlessness that is contributing to our failure as a nation. Nevertheless, God has called us out of the world and we have the opportunity to glorify God and be a blessing to others by exemplifying these godly principles in the way in which we live.

Our God of Compassion--Day 21 Through the Bible

     Compassion--sympathetic consciousness of others' distress together with a desire to alleviate it.

 (Merriam-Webster)

                         

January 21

“Give me your tired, your poor, your huddled masses yearning to breathe free, the wretched refuse of your teeming shore.” You no doubt probably recognize the words of this sonnet written by Emma Lazarus, and know that these words are written on a plaque that is mounted in the base of The Statute of Liberty.

Our study today has a common thread that runs through Genesis, Psalms, and Matthew. That thread is compassion. When Joseph saw his brothers for the first time after many years, he was moved with compassion for them. He watched and listened while they verbalized their fear and frustration as they dealt with their dilemma. He listened as they expressed regret for having sold him into slavery, and as they bemoaned the fact that now they were paying for it. He finally had to remove himself from their presence so that he could weep.

Matthew 14: “And when Jesus went out He saw a great multitude; and He was moved with compassion for them, and healed their sick”. Later, the disciples came to Jesus and suggested sending the multitudes away so they could buy themselves food. This seemed like a practical idea. “But Jesus told His disciples, “They do not need to go away. You give them something to eat”. He proceeded to miraculously feed more than 5,000 people besides women and children. In our daily reading in Psalms 10, God is said to be “the helper of the fatherless” and “(does) justice to the fatherless and the oppressed, that the man of the earth may oppress no more”.

On occasion, during times of waiting, I have had the opportunity to observe people coming and going. This usually results in a sense of sadness for me. Without the hope of something better, our lives are left with much to be desired. Even if we make it through life with our needs met, we will ultimately face the end of our lives. We are each a part of the huddled mass of humanity. While we may receive a little compassion from others in times of sickness, loss, and neediness, we are born with an overwhelming spiritual need that can only be filled by the compassion of a loving God.

Psalms 86:15, tells us “But you, O Lord, are a God full of compassion, and gracious, patient, and plenteous in mercy and truth”. We should be so thankful and grateful to God for His plan of salvation and the hope this brings to all, as we recognize the ultimate sad state of humankind. We should also, without hesitation, share this Good News with those we meet. Our hearts should emanate compassion for the spiritual need of “the huddled masses”. We should never send people away to get spiritual help elsewhere. As Believers, we know where to find eternal life. We should be filled with a sense of joy that we have the privilege of telling others about the God of Compassion and the hope that He offers them through salvation and a relationship with Him!