12/19/12 Ephesians 4
We are to be built up to the full "measure of the stature which belongs to the fullness of Christ" - Like a container filled to the top - or a puzzle with every piece in place. How? By the gifts that God gives out of His grace to the church.
It begins with each of us being strengthened by the Holy Spirit, rooted and grounded in the love of Christ, and filled with the fullness of God. Then we are called to "walk in a manner worthy" of this new Life. And we can only walk by the same Spirit, by Grace, through Christ Jesus.
Paul shows us what a worthy walk looks like, it is:
humble
gentle
patient
forbearing with one another in love
diligently preserving the unity of the Spirit in peace
speaking truth in love
laying aside the old self
being renewed in the spirit of your mind
living as the new creation you are in righteousness and holiness of the truth
(Again he repeats speaking in truth) must have been a particular issue in Ephesus?
Not sinning in our anger
not giving the devil a foothold
not stealing
working to provide for ourselves and to share
letting no unwholesome talk come from our lips
speaking words to edify and give grace
not grieving the Holy Spirit
putting away all bitterness, wrath, anger, clamor, slander and malice
Being kind to one another, tenderhearted, forgiving.
In other words, walking in love as Christ did.
This is the goal. We cannot do it on our own. In fact, Christ gives the apostles, prophets, evangelists, pastors, and teachers as gifts to the church for the building up of the saints, the body of Christ... us!
As each of is individually fitted and held together, working properly, growing up into "all aspects into Him," Then the church is built up and grows up, in love.
Help me Holy Spirit to walk the worthy walk. Strengthen me with your mighty power in my inner self.
Help me Lord Jesus, dwell in my heart and fill be with your incomprehensible love.
Help me Father, fill me with Your fullness, do exceeding abundantly in me all that You desire . May You receive all Glory due Your Name.
Amen
Wednesday, December 19, 2012
Tuesday, December 18, 2012
12/18/12 Ephesians 3
The mystery of Christ. Paul uses this phrase over and over to explain this new revelation that salvation is for the Gentiles as well as for the Jews. The mystery, the secret plan that God the Father had purposed, planned, and accomplished through Jesus Christ.
Romans 11:25 "For I do not want you, brethren, to be uninformed of this mystery.... " The Jews and Gentiles alike are saved by faith in Christ Jesus.
Romans 16:25 " Now to Him who is able to establish you according to my gospel and the preaching of Jesus Christ, according to the revelation of the mystery which has been kept secret for long ages past, but now is manifested and by the Scriptures of the prophets, according to the commandment of the eternal God, has been made known to all the nations, leading to obedience of faith.."
I Cor. 2:7 " but we speak God's wisdom in a mystery, the hidden wisdom which God predestined before the ages to our glory, the wisdom which none of this age understood..."
Eph. 1: 9 " He made known to us the mystery of His will, according to His kind intention which He purposed in Him"
Eph. 3:3,4 " that by revelation there was made known to me the mystery..." ; " And by referring to this, when you read you can understand my insight into the mystery of Christ, which in other generations was not made known to the sons of men as it has now been revealed..." v6 "to be specific, that the Gentiles are fellow heirs and fellow members of the body, and fellow partakers of the promise in Christ Jesus through the gospel"
v9 " and to bring to light what is the administration of the mystery which for ages has been hidden in God, who created all things".
Col. 1:26 -27" that is, the mystery which has been hidden from the past ages and generations; but has now been manifested to His saints, to whom God willed to make known what is the riches of the glory of this mystery among the Gentiles , which is Christ in you the hope of glory."
Col. 4: 3 "...so that we may speak forth the mystery of Christ, for which I have also been imprisoned"
Paul, a Jew, was given the privilege by Grace to "preach to the Gentiles the unfathomable riches of Christ", to reveal something hidden in God the Creator, to make known "the manifold wisdom of God" To announce "to the rulers and authorities in the heavenly places" that God had planned from eternity to bring salvation through His Son, Christ Jesus our Lord, to all people.
Paul closes chapter 3 with a beautiful prayer.
To the Father - of ALL families in heaven and earth, "that He would grant you , according to the riches of His glory" : inner strength/ power through His Spirit; ability to comprehend the love of Christ that is beyond our ability to comprehend, through His dwelling in our hearts; to be filled with the fulness of God.
To be filled with the Spirit for strength. To be filled with Christ for love. To be filled with all the fulness of God - made complete.
The mystery of Christ. Paul uses this phrase over and over to explain this new revelation that salvation is for the Gentiles as well as for the Jews. The mystery, the secret plan that God the Father had purposed, planned, and accomplished through Jesus Christ.
Romans 11:25 "For I do not want you, brethren, to be uninformed of this mystery.... " The Jews and Gentiles alike are saved by faith in Christ Jesus.
Romans 16:25 " Now to Him who is able to establish you according to my gospel and the preaching of Jesus Christ, according to the revelation of the mystery which has been kept secret for long ages past, but now is manifested and by the Scriptures of the prophets, according to the commandment of the eternal God, has been made known to all the nations, leading to obedience of faith.."
I Cor. 2:7 " but we speak God's wisdom in a mystery, the hidden wisdom which God predestined before the ages to our glory, the wisdom which none of this age understood..."
Eph. 1: 9 " He made known to us the mystery of His will, according to His kind intention which He purposed in Him"
Eph. 3:3,4 " that by revelation there was made known to me the mystery..." ; " And by referring to this, when you read you can understand my insight into the mystery of Christ, which in other generations was not made known to the sons of men as it has now been revealed..." v6 "to be specific, that the Gentiles are fellow heirs and fellow members of the body, and fellow partakers of the promise in Christ Jesus through the gospel"
v9 " and to bring to light what is the administration of the mystery which for ages has been hidden in God, who created all things".
Col. 1:26 -27" that is, the mystery which has been hidden from the past ages and generations; but has now been manifested to His saints, to whom God willed to make known what is the riches of the glory of this mystery among the Gentiles , which is Christ in you the hope of glory."
Col. 4: 3 "...so that we may speak forth the mystery of Christ, for which I have also been imprisoned"
Paul, a Jew, was given the privilege by Grace to "preach to the Gentiles the unfathomable riches of Christ", to reveal something hidden in God the Creator, to make known "the manifold wisdom of God" To announce "to the rulers and authorities in the heavenly places" that God had planned from eternity to bring salvation through His Son, Christ Jesus our Lord, to all people.
Paul closes chapter 3 with a beautiful prayer.
To the Father - of ALL families in heaven and earth, "that He would grant you , according to the riches of His glory" : inner strength/ power through His Spirit; ability to comprehend the love of Christ that is beyond our ability to comprehend, through His dwelling in our hearts; to be filled with the fulness of God.
To be filled with the Spirit for strength. To be filled with Christ for love. To be filled with all the fulness of God - made complete.
Monday, December 17, 2012
12/17/12
Ephesians 2 - "And you were dead.... " The state we all are in before we find Life in Christ. DEAD!
In sins and trespasses, walking dead. Following the course of the world...the never ending, hopeless, cycle of days upon the earth, under the bondage of the "prince of the power of the air". Chained to our fleshly lusts, indulging the desires of the mind and flesh, children of wrath. Dead! Paul includes himself in this description. We are all "born this way".
BUT GOD.... Love, love, love these two words!!!!
God, rich in mercy!
God, loving us with a great love!
God, sent us a rescuer! A LIFE giver! A Peace maker!
While we were dead, helpless and hopeless, He made us alive together with Christ. All of GRACE.
He raised us from the dead with Christ.
He seated us with Christ in Heaven.
He plans on forever showing us the "riches of His grace in kindness toward us in Christ Jesus" v7
We are His workmanship. His creation in Christ Jesus, with a new purpose.. good works.
Christ Jesus brought us near to God by His blood.
He broke down the barriers between Jews and Gentiles.
He abolished the Law, the enmity, the hostile opposition, putting it to death.
He reconciled all who believe - One man, one building, one temple, one dwelling place for the Holy Spirit.
" For by grace you have been saved through faith; and that not of yourselves, it is the gift of God;"
By grace - Greek charis - graciousness, favour, gift, liberality, pleasure, thanks-worthy, joy - we are saved, rescued, redeemed, made alive, made safe. God shows us His favor, a free, undeserved GIFT.
He "elects" us to salvation out of His own good pleasure. All of Grace, all a gift He chooses to give. We receive this gift by faith. Persuaded of the Truth. Conviction and reliance upon Christ for salvation. Constancy in profession of this Truth. Jesus Christ loved me and gave Himself up for me.
I live by faith in Him. Thank God, the God of all Grace, for His wonderful Gift.. Jesus!
Amen.
Ephesians 2 - "And you were dead.... " The state we all are in before we find Life in Christ. DEAD!
In sins and trespasses, walking dead. Following the course of the world...the never ending, hopeless, cycle of days upon the earth, under the bondage of the "prince of the power of the air". Chained to our fleshly lusts, indulging the desires of the mind and flesh, children of wrath. Dead! Paul includes himself in this description. We are all "born this way".
BUT GOD.... Love, love, love these two words!!!!
God, rich in mercy!
God, loving us with a great love!
God, sent us a rescuer! A LIFE giver! A Peace maker!
While we were dead, helpless and hopeless, He made us alive together with Christ. All of GRACE.
He raised us from the dead with Christ.
He seated us with Christ in Heaven.
He plans on forever showing us the "riches of His grace in kindness toward us in Christ Jesus" v7
We are His workmanship. His creation in Christ Jesus, with a new purpose.. good works.
Christ Jesus brought us near to God by His blood.
He broke down the barriers between Jews and Gentiles.
He abolished the Law, the enmity, the hostile opposition, putting it to death.
He reconciled all who believe - One man, one building, one temple, one dwelling place for the Holy Spirit.
" For by grace you have been saved through faith; and that not of yourselves, it is the gift of God;"
By grace - Greek charis - graciousness, favour, gift, liberality, pleasure, thanks-worthy, joy - we are saved, rescued, redeemed, made alive, made safe. God shows us His favor, a free, undeserved GIFT.
He "elects" us to salvation out of His own good pleasure. All of Grace, all a gift He chooses to give. We receive this gift by faith. Persuaded of the Truth. Conviction and reliance upon Christ for salvation. Constancy in profession of this Truth. Jesus Christ loved me and gave Himself up for me.
I live by faith in Him. Thank God, the God of all Grace, for His wonderful Gift.. Jesus!
Amen.
Friday, December 14, 2012
12/14/12 Ephesians 1
Christ Jesus fills all in all... Everything is summed up in Him.
"Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ who has blessed us with every spiritual blessing in the heavenly places in Christ!" Out of the kind purposes of God's own heart, out of His love for us - we received every spiritual blessing through Christ Jesus:
We are chosen in Christ, before the world was even created, to be holy and blameless before God.
We were predestined to become sons of God, through Christ, in love. ( Praise the glory of His Grace!)
We were redeemed through His blood, forgiven for our trespasses according to the riches of His Grace, lavished on us.
We are given wisdom and insight into the "mystery of His will" - planned and purposed in Christ.
We have obtained an inheritance, a hope, a promise, to be God's own possession.
In Him we, who listened to the message of the gospel and believed, are sealed with the Holy Spirit of promise.
We have received all these blessings, yet Paul prays for the church in Ephesus (and for us) to receive even more from the "God of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of glory":
May He give us a spirit of wisdom and revelation in the knowledge of Him.
May the eyes of our hearts be enlightened to know the hope of His calling, the riches of the glory of His inheritance.
May we know the surpassing greatness of His power toward us, the strength of His might, which was brought about in Christ's resurrection and glorification. For Christ is seated at the right hand of God, far above all rule, authority, dominion, and name in this age and forever more.
All things are subject to Jesus.. He is head over all things in the church, His body.
In knowing Christ Jesus we, the church, become " the fulness of Him who fills all in all"
We are chosen, we are adopted, we are redeemed, we are forgiven, we are "in" on the plans of God, we have a promised amazing future with Him forever! We are sealed with His Spirit. God grant us wisdom and revelation in the knowledge of Christ Jesus, to know the hope that has been promised, to know His power to become the church that is filled with the fulness of Christ!
Amen!
Christ Jesus fills all in all... Everything is summed up in Him.
"Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ who has blessed us with every spiritual blessing in the heavenly places in Christ!" Out of the kind purposes of God's own heart, out of His love for us - we received every spiritual blessing through Christ Jesus:
We are chosen in Christ, before the world was even created, to be holy and blameless before God.
We were predestined to become sons of God, through Christ, in love. ( Praise the glory of His Grace!)
We were redeemed through His blood, forgiven for our trespasses according to the riches of His Grace, lavished on us.
We are given wisdom and insight into the "mystery of His will" - planned and purposed in Christ.
We have obtained an inheritance, a hope, a promise, to be God's own possession.
In Him we, who listened to the message of the gospel and believed, are sealed with the Holy Spirit of promise.
We have received all these blessings, yet Paul prays for the church in Ephesus (and for us) to receive even more from the "God of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of glory":
May He give us a spirit of wisdom and revelation in the knowledge of Him.
May the eyes of our hearts be enlightened to know the hope of His calling, the riches of the glory of His inheritance.
May we know the surpassing greatness of His power toward us, the strength of His might, which was brought about in Christ's resurrection and glorification. For Christ is seated at the right hand of God, far above all rule, authority, dominion, and name in this age and forever more.
All things are subject to Jesus.. He is head over all things in the church, His body.
In knowing Christ Jesus we, the church, become " the fulness of Him who fills all in all"
We are chosen, we are adopted, we are redeemed, we are forgiven, we are "in" on the plans of God, we have a promised amazing future with Him forever! We are sealed with His Spirit. God grant us wisdom and revelation in the knowledge of Christ Jesus, to know the hope that has been promised, to know His power to become the church that is filled with the fulness of Christ!
Amen!
Thursday, December 13, 2012
12/13/12
Lamentations
A princess who has become a slave, weeping bitterly every night.
Princes who have become homeless beggars, starving and weak.
Mothers who cannot feed their children and who in desperation boil their babies for food.
Beautiful buildings now burned out, broken down, and desolate.
The pictures we have seen of Holocaust victims, skeletal flesh, barely alive, this is what those left in Jerusalem looked like.
Jeremiah writes his lament, his song of mourning for his beloved country. He has done all he could. But he has not been able to turn the people to repentance, nor stop the wrath of God on the sinful.
"I am a man who has seen affliction" Jeremiah writes. He is a witness first hand of what happens when people turn from God. God will not allow the guilty to go unpunished. ( Ex. 34:7)
Listen to this description of Jerusalem and picture it in your mind's eye. " Jerusalem sinned greatly, therefore she has become an unclean thing. All who honored her despise her because they have seen her nakedness; Even she herself groans and turns away. Her uncleanness was in her skirts; She did not consider her future; therefore she has fallen astonishingly. She has no comforter. " Lam. 1:8-9
Yet He is a God of lovingkindness and compassion to those who seek Him. "Let us examine and probe our ways, and let us return to the Lord" Lam. 3:40. Repent, acknowledge sin and turn from it. Cry to the Lord for mercy. He will restore.
We must take seriously the "wages of sin" - God has made it abundantly clear! Death will come. Not a blissful nothingness. But a painful, desperate, hopeless, eternal separation from God - from all that is Good, from the only One who can offer comfort, from the ONLY source of Light and Life. Our only Hope is Jesus. He drank the cup of God's wrath for us. He suffered the punishment that we deserve. He is the giver of Life. Jeremiah, in the midst of horror, remembers the goodness and love of God. It is his only Hope. And here we find the words that bring joy and comfort to us "Great is Thy faithfulness" .
Jeremiah did not live to see his beloved country restored or the temple rebuilt. But, he received the promise of a faithful God, a new Jerusalem, eternal dwelling place of the King who "dost rule forever" Lam . 5:19. I look forward to the Day when faith will become sight and we will be forever with the saints of light. I want to meet Jeremiah.
Lamentations
A princess who has become a slave, weeping bitterly every night.
Princes who have become homeless beggars, starving and weak.
Mothers who cannot feed their children and who in desperation boil their babies for food.
Beautiful buildings now burned out, broken down, and desolate.
The pictures we have seen of Holocaust victims, skeletal flesh, barely alive, this is what those left in Jerusalem looked like.
Jeremiah writes his lament, his song of mourning for his beloved country. He has done all he could. But he has not been able to turn the people to repentance, nor stop the wrath of God on the sinful.
"I am a man who has seen affliction" Jeremiah writes. He is a witness first hand of what happens when people turn from God. God will not allow the guilty to go unpunished. ( Ex. 34:7)
Listen to this description of Jerusalem and picture it in your mind's eye. " Jerusalem sinned greatly, therefore she has become an unclean thing. All who honored her despise her because they have seen her nakedness; Even she herself groans and turns away. Her uncleanness was in her skirts; She did not consider her future; therefore she has fallen astonishingly. She has no comforter. " Lam. 1:8-9
Yet He is a God of lovingkindness and compassion to those who seek Him. "Let us examine and probe our ways, and let us return to the Lord" Lam. 3:40. Repent, acknowledge sin and turn from it. Cry to the Lord for mercy. He will restore.
We must take seriously the "wages of sin" - God has made it abundantly clear! Death will come. Not a blissful nothingness. But a painful, desperate, hopeless, eternal separation from God - from all that is Good, from the only One who can offer comfort, from the ONLY source of Light and Life. Our only Hope is Jesus. He drank the cup of God's wrath for us. He suffered the punishment that we deserve. He is the giver of Life. Jeremiah, in the midst of horror, remembers the goodness and love of God. It is his only Hope. And here we find the words that bring joy and comfort to us "Great is Thy faithfulness" .
Jeremiah did not live to see his beloved country restored or the temple rebuilt. But, he received the promise of a faithful God, a new Jerusalem, eternal dwelling place of the King who "dost rule forever" Lam . 5:19. I look forward to the Day when faith will become sight and we will be forever with the saints of light. I want to meet Jeremiah.
Wednesday, December 12, 2012
12/12/12 Galatians 5-6
" For neither is circumcision anything, not uncircumcision, but a new creation." Gal. 6;15 Paul teaches. Being a Jew or a Gentile no longer matters. This is the reason Paul is persecuted by the Jews. There has always been a difference... it has been pounded into the head and heart of every Jew... you are God's people and the Gentiles are not! But that isn't really true, never has been, for God created ALL men. The Jews were supposed to be set apart to reveal the Holy One. But they failed miserably.
Now Paul is preaching a "new creation" - a new creature, (ktisis-Greek) a formation, a building, newly fabricated - the Christian. The sons of God, clothed with Christ - not Jew, not Gentile, not slave, not freeman, not male, not female - none of those distinctions matter anymore. "And if you belong to Christ, then you are Abraham's offspring, heirs according to the promise"(3 :29) and " For in Christ Jesus neither circumcision nor uncircumcision means anything, but faith working through love." Gal. 5:6.
We are called to freedom and called to serve one another , in love! By walking in the Spirit and being led by the Spirit, sowing to the Spirit and reaping the fruit of the Spirit we fulfill the Law. All of it!
Paul ends with some very practical examples of this life of faith in love:
We will gently restore those who fall into sin. Gal 6:1
We will bear one another's burdens. 6:2
We will examine our own works and not the work of others. 6:4
We will share good things with those who share the Word with us. 6:6
We will do good and not grow weary. 6:9 ( or more pointedly, do good even though we do grow weary)
We will take the opportunity to do good whenever we can. 6:10
We will follow Paul's example of never boasting in anything but the cross of our Lord Jesus Christ. 6:14.
Oh Spirit of God, fall fresh on me! Lead me, walk with me, bear fruit in me... that I might live as the Child of God, the new Creation that You have born me to be. The cross of Jesus is my only hope of salvation, of completion, of Life. Thank You Jesus.
" For neither is circumcision anything, not uncircumcision, but a new creation." Gal. 6;15 Paul teaches. Being a Jew or a Gentile no longer matters. This is the reason Paul is persecuted by the Jews. There has always been a difference... it has been pounded into the head and heart of every Jew... you are God's people and the Gentiles are not! But that isn't really true, never has been, for God created ALL men. The Jews were supposed to be set apart to reveal the Holy One. But they failed miserably.
Now Paul is preaching a "new creation" - a new creature, (ktisis-Greek) a formation, a building, newly fabricated - the Christian. The sons of God, clothed with Christ - not Jew, not Gentile, not slave, not freeman, not male, not female - none of those distinctions matter anymore. "And if you belong to Christ, then you are Abraham's offspring, heirs according to the promise"(3 :29) and " For in Christ Jesus neither circumcision nor uncircumcision means anything, but faith working through love." Gal. 5:6.
We are called to freedom and called to serve one another , in love! By walking in the Spirit and being led by the Spirit, sowing to the Spirit and reaping the fruit of the Spirit we fulfill the Law. All of it!
Paul ends with some very practical examples of this life of faith in love:
We will gently restore those who fall into sin. Gal 6:1
We will bear one another's burdens. 6:2
We will examine our own works and not the work of others. 6:4
We will share good things with those who share the Word with us. 6:6
We will do good and not grow weary. 6:9 ( or more pointedly, do good even though we do grow weary)
We will take the opportunity to do good whenever we can. 6:10
We will follow Paul's example of never boasting in anything but the cross of our Lord Jesus Christ. 6:14.
Oh Spirit of God, fall fresh on me! Lead me, walk with me, bear fruit in me... that I might live as the Child of God, the new Creation that You have born me to be. The cross of Jesus is my only hope of salvation, of completion, of Life. Thank You Jesus.
Tuesday, December 11, 2012
12/11/12 Galatians
Through faith in Christ Jesus we are redeemed. We are made sons of God and heirs of the promise.
Through faith in Christ Jesus we are justified.
" Before faith came" ( Gal. 3:23) there was the Law, that "shut up" the Jews, and sin that "shut up" all men. We were subject to, enclosed with, imprisoned by.. sin. The Jews were given the Law as a protective measure, to shield them from the evil of the world around them. It was a governess, a disciplinarian , to keep the people from moral evil, until Christ would come.
All are sinners, missing the mark, unable to be righteous, the Scriptures make that clear. The Jews were given the Law, but it could not make them righteous, it just showed them that they were not able to become righteous on their own. It was meant to lead them to Christ!
The gentiles didn't have the Law, but now we have Christ Jesus, who loved us and gave Himself for us... for all of us. There is freedom in Christ. Freedom from the law, freedom from sin.
In Gal. 5 Paul addresses the freedom from the law first, to seek to be justified by law is to "fall from grace"; it is a "yoke of slavery"; it severs us from Christ. It could not save and it could not give life. It is made obsolete by Christ. It has fulfilled its purpose.
In Christ, we find freedom from sin, from the flesh. The whole Law "is fulfilled in one word, in the statement, "You shall Love your neighbor as yourself". Because of faith in Christ Jesus we have been given the Spirit. We have been given LIFE. In this new life, we are not under the rule of the Law, nor of the flesh. But we are told to walk by the Spirit ( Gal. 5:16); Be led by the Spirit ( v18); To live by the Spirit and walk by the Spirit ( V25) and to sow to the Spirit ( Gal. 6:8)
I know this is very basic, scriptural teaching. I understand it at that level, but I am looking at this with a desire to know Christ more. To appreciate and value and KNOW all that He has done for me and all He desires for me.
What does it mean to "walk by the Spirit"? To "peripateo - walk, live, deport oneself, follow.. as a companion, to be occupied with... the Spirit? To live by the Spirit? To be alive, to have a life time (zao) by the Spirit? To be led ( Greek - ago) - bring, drive, go, carry, be open, lead away.. by the Spirit. To sow to the Spirit - to scatter seed, ?
It is in our living, in our thinking, in our movements, in our work, ... we yield to His Spirit's control and not the flesh's control. These two are in opposition, it is a battle within ourselves. They have opposite results. If the flesh wins the result is seen in our life - immorality, impurity, sensuality, etc and corruption is the harvest that is reaped. If the Spirit wins, the results seen in our lives are quite different - love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control.. and the harvest that is reaped is eternal life.
"Now those who belong to Christ Jesus HAVE CRUCIFIED the flesh with its passions and desires" (Gal. 5:24) We live by the Spirit. We are to walk by Him too. And like Paul we learn to say and agree that we too have been crucified with Christ, and yet we live.. and it not ourselves that live but Christ in us, for we live by faith in the Son of God who loves us and gave Himself for us. It is through His cross that the world is crucified to me and I to the world.
Lord God, I praise You and thank You for such a marvelous salvation. Fill me with Your Spirit!
Amen
Through faith in Christ Jesus we are redeemed. We are made sons of God and heirs of the promise.
Through faith in Christ Jesus we are justified.
" Before faith came" ( Gal. 3:23) there was the Law, that "shut up" the Jews, and sin that "shut up" all men. We were subject to, enclosed with, imprisoned by.. sin. The Jews were given the Law as a protective measure, to shield them from the evil of the world around them. It was a governess, a disciplinarian , to keep the people from moral evil, until Christ would come.
All are sinners, missing the mark, unable to be righteous, the Scriptures make that clear. The Jews were given the Law, but it could not make them righteous, it just showed them that they were not able to become righteous on their own. It was meant to lead them to Christ!
The gentiles didn't have the Law, but now we have Christ Jesus, who loved us and gave Himself for us... for all of us. There is freedom in Christ. Freedom from the law, freedom from sin.
In Gal. 5 Paul addresses the freedom from the law first, to seek to be justified by law is to "fall from grace"; it is a "yoke of slavery"; it severs us from Christ. It could not save and it could not give life. It is made obsolete by Christ. It has fulfilled its purpose.
In Christ, we find freedom from sin, from the flesh. The whole Law "is fulfilled in one word, in the statement, "You shall Love your neighbor as yourself". Because of faith in Christ Jesus we have been given the Spirit. We have been given LIFE. In this new life, we are not under the rule of the Law, nor of the flesh. But we are told to walk by the Spirit ( Gal. 5:16); Be led by the Spirit ( v18); To live by the Spirit and walk by the Spirit ( V25) and to sow to the Spirit ( Gal. 6:8)
I know this is very basic, scriptural teaching. I understand it at that level, but I am looking at this with a desire to know Christ more. To appreciate and value and KNOW all that He has done for me and all He desires for me.
What does it mean to "walk by the Spirit"? To "peripateo - walk, live, deport oneself, follow.. as a companion, to be occupied with... the Spirit? To live by the Spirit? To be alive, to have a life time (zao) by the Spirit? To be led ( Greek - ago) - bring, drive, go, carry, be open, lead away.. by the Spirit. To sow to the Spirit - to scatter seed, ?
It is in our living, in our thinking, in our movements, in our work, ... we yield to His Spirit's control and not the flesh's control. These two are in opposition, it is a battle within ourselves. They have opposite results. If the flesh wins the result is seen in our life - immorality, impurity, sensuality, etc and corruption is the harvest that is reaped. If the Spirit wins, the results seen in our lives are quite different - love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control.. and the harvest that is reaped is eternal life.
"Now those who belong to Christ Jesus HAVE CRUCIFIED the flesh with its passions and desires" (Gal. 5:24) We live by the Spirit. We are to walk by Him too. And like Paul we learn to say and agree that we too have been crucified with Christ, and yet we live.. and it not ourselves that live but Christ in us, for we live by faith in the Son of God who loves us and gave Himself for us. It is through His cross that the world is crucified to me and I to the world.
Lord God, I praise You and thank You for such a marvelous salvation. Fill me with Your Spirit!
Amen
Monday, December 10, 2012
12/10/12
Galatians 2-3
Paul sets forth a clear argument why the Law is not the way of life for a Christian, Jewish or Gentile. Paul gave himself as an example. He was a devoted Jew, extremely zealous, advanced in learning, a persecutor of the church. Until he met Jesus. ( Gal. 1:13-15) He was "called" through grace and believed and received the revelation given to him - the truth of the gospel. The only gospel that can glorify God and save men. Paul states that he did not receive the gospel through men, but through Christ. He did not need the ok of the apostles, but did meet with them 17 years after he was saved, to be sure that they were not running in vain. Paul also talks about reprimanding Peter for hypocrisy in his actions when he feared the "party of the circumcision" in Antioch.
Starting in Ch 2:15 Paul explains why the gentile believers should not listen to those who are trying to make them become jewish...be circumcised and follow the Law.
1. The Jews are not justified by the works of the Law, even as the Gentiles cannot be.
Both groups can only be justified by faith in Christ.
2. Paul states that he "died to the Law" in order to live to God. He goes on to explain that the Law cannot: give life ( v20) give the Spirit ( 3:2), perfect the flesh ( 3:3), work miracles ( 3:5) justify any man ( v11) , cannot invalidate the covenant ratified by God, spoken to Abraham, of the promise to bless all nations through his Seed - Christ Jesus ( v17); nor can it make us sons of God or offspring of Abraham. In fact the only thing the Law can do is bring a curse - because only those who can keep the Law perfectly can live by the Law; and no one is able to do that.
3. Jesus redeemed us from the curse of the Law by hanging on the cross. " if righteousness comes through the Law, then Christ died needlessly" The Law cannot do what Christ alone did.
4. By faith in the Son of God " who loved me and delivered Himself up for me" is LIFE, Paul testifies (2:20) Hearing by faith DOES what the Law cannot do : gives life, gives the Spirit, brings perfection (maturing), works miracles, justifies, makes righteous, fulfills the promise given to Abraham that all nations will be blessed, makes us sons of God and offspring of Abraham, heirs to the promise.
Because of what Christ Jesus did - delivering Himself up to die on the cross - the "blessing of Abraham" comes to the Gentiles "that we might receive the promise of the Spirit through faith"
Again and again I am drawn back to Gal. 2:20b ".. and the life which I now live in the flesh I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and delivered Himself up for me" I must admit that the first part of that verse is often quoted "I have been crucified with Christ, and it is no longer I who live, but Christ lives in me.." is something I can't quite grasp. But I can hold on to the second part. Jesus LOVES me! He gave Himself up for me! I put my faith in that Truth - convinced and convicted that this is True and believe - entrust my life into His. Thank You Jesus!
Galatians 2-3
Paul sets forth a clear argument why the Law is not the way of life for a Christian, Jewish or Gentile. Paul gave himself as an example. He was a devoted Jew, extremely zealous, advanced in learning, a persecutor of the church. Until he met Jesus. ( Gal. 1:13-15) He was "called" through grace and believed and received the revelation given to him - the truth of the gospel. The only gospel that can glorify God and save men. Paul states that he did not receive the gospel through men, but through Christ. He did not need the ok of the apostles, but did meet with them 17 years after he was saved, to be sure that they were not running in vain. Paul also talks about reprimanding Peter for hypocrisy in his actions when he feared the "party of the circumcision" in Antioch.
Starting in Ch 2:15 Paul explains why the gentile believers should not listen to those who are trying to make them become jewish...be circumcised and follow the Law.
1. The Jews are not justified by the works of the Law, even as the Gentiles cannot be.
Both groups can only be justified by faith in Christ.
2. Paul states that he "died to the Law" in order to live to God. He goes on to explain that the Law cannot: give life ( v20) give the Spirit ( 3:2), perfect the flesh ( 3:3), work miracles ( 3:5) justify any man ( v11) , cannot invalidate the covenant ratified by God, spoken to Abraham, of the promise to bless all nations through his Seed - Christ Jesus ( v17); nor can it make us sons of God or offspring of Abraham. In fact the only thing the Law can do is bring a curse - because only those who can keep the Law perfectly can live by the Law; and no one is able to do that.
3. Jesus redeemed us from the curse of the Law by hanging on the cross. " if righteousness comes through the Law, then Christ died needlessly" The Law cannot do what Christ alone did.
4. By faith in the Son of God " who loved me and delivered Himself up for me" is LIFE, Paul testifies (2:20) Hearing by faith DOES what the Law cannot do : gives life, gives the Spirit, brings perfection (maturing), works miracles, justifies, makes righteous, fulfills the promise given to Abraham that all nations will be blessed, makes us sons of God and offspring of Abraham, heirs to the promise.
Because of what Christ Jesus did - delivering Himself up to die on the cross - the "blessing of Abraham" comes to the Gentiles "that we might receive the promise of the Spirit through faith"
Again and again I am drawn back to Gal. 2:20b ".. and the life which I now live in the flesh I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and delivered Himself up for me" I must admit that the first part of that verse is often quoted "I have been crucified with Christ, and it is no longer I who live, but Christ lives in me.." is something I can't quite grasp. But I can hold on to the second part. Jesus LOVES me! He gave Himself up for me! I put my faith in that Truth - convinced and convicted that this is True and believe - entrust my life into His. Thank You Jesus!
Friday, December 7, 2012
12/7/12
Galatians 1
Paul addresses a church who is being lured away from the true Gospel of Jesus Christ. Paul greets them, immediately presenting the Truth - v 3-4 " Grace to you and peace from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ , who gave Himself for our sins, that He might deliver us out of this present evil age ( world) according to the will of our God and Father"
The IVP New Testament Commentary gives a wonderful analogy - think of a war movie, a hero comes and rescues the prisoners of war. God, the Father, planned our rescue, Christ Jesus came and delivered us from the " present age.. controlled by destructive, malignant forces" The cross of Christ "inaugurated God's new created order in human history" Grace was shown that peace might be found!
This is the true gospel that is our foundation for life in Christ. He loved us and gave Himself for us.
Dwelling on that thought. Meditating on that truth this Christmas season. Father, let me grasp and know Your love like never before.
Amen
Galatians 1
Paul addresses a church who is being lured away from the true Gospel of Jesus Christ. Paul greets them, immediately presenting the Truth - v 3-4 " Grace to you and peace from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ , who gave Himself for our sins, that He might deliver us out of this present evil age ( world) according to the will of our God and Father"
The IVP New Testament Commentary gives a wonderful analogy - think of a war movie, a hero comes and rescues the prisoners of war. God, the Father, planned our rescue, Christ Jesus came and delivered us from the " present age.. controlled by destructive, malignant forces" The cross of Christ "inaugurated God's new created order in human history" Grace was shown that peace might be found!
This is the true gospel that is our foundation for life in Christ. He loved us and gave Himself for us.
Dwelling on that thought. Meditating on that truth this Christmas season. Father, let me grasp and know Your love like never before.
Amen
Wednesday, December 5, 2012
12/5/12 Galations - Jesus ONLY
Just read through the whole letter that Paul wrote to the Galatian church. Paul had started this church, but some had come in and convinced the believers there that they needed to become Jewish - to be circumcised in order to be Christians. Paul delivers a powerful message about faith and the Law.
The Gospel of Jesus Christ supercedes the Law given to Moses. Paul compares the difference to the sons of Abraham; one, born of the slave girl Hagar, by the human flesh, and one born of the free woman Sarah, by supernatural means according to the promise given to Abraham. Those who trust in the works of Law, circumcision, feasts, sacrifices, etc. are like slaves. But those who trust in the Lord Jesus Christ alone, by faith, are justified by that faith, born of the Spirit, a New Creation - a miraculous birth, are free, sons of God, clothed in Christ, heirs according to the promise.
Paul's emphasis is that what began as a work of the Spirit of God can only be completed by the Spirit of God, not by trying to keep the Law. Walk by the Spirit, be led by the Spirit, sow to the Spirit and reap eternal life from the Spirit.
Our personal salvation, when we believed that Jesus Chris " gave Himself for our sins, that He might deliver us out of this present age, according to the will of our God and Father" ( Gal. 1:4) was as much a miraculous birth as that of Isaac, born to Sarah who was 90 years old and Abraham who was 100. Isaac wasn't born our of natural circumstances, he was given by God according to His promise to a believing Abraham. We receive a new Life, born of the Spirit of God, when we believe in Jesus Christ. " I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and delivered Himself up for me" ( Gal. 2:20)
Gal. 2:16 " ... but through faith ( Gr. pistis - persuasion, credence, conviction of truth) in Christ Jesus, even we have believed ( Gr. pisteuo - credit, entrust, commit to, put trust in) Christ Jesus, that we may be justified by faith in Christ...."
Once again I bow my head and wonder at the grace of our God Who offers us such a great salvation, not through the impossible work of keeping laws, but through believing the Word that we have heard, considering it True, and trusting in Christ Jesus, Who loved me and gave Himself up for me too!
What a wonderful Saviour!
Just read through the whole letter that Paul wrote to the Galatian church. Paul had started this church, but some had come in and convinced the believers there that they needed to become Jewish - to be circumcised in order to be Christians. Paul delivers a powerful message about faith and the Law.
The Gospel of Jesus Christ supercedes the Law given to Moses. Paul compares the difference to the sons of Abraham; one, born of the slave girl Hagar, by the human flesh, and one born of the free woman Sarah, by supernatural means according to the promise given to Abraham. Those who trust in the works of Law, circumcision, feasts, sacrifices, etc. are like slaves. But those who trust in the Lord Jesus Christ alone, by faith, are justified by that faith, born of the Spirit, a New Creation - a miraculous birth, are free, sons of God, clothed in Christ, heirs according to the promise.
Paul's emphasis is that what began as a work of the Spirit of God can only be completed by the Spirit of God, not by trying to keep the Law. Walk by the Spirit, be led by the Spirit, sow to the Spirit and reap eternal life from the Spirit.
Our personal salvation, when we believed that Jesus Chris " gave Himself for our sins, that He might deliver us out of this present age, according to the will of our God and Father" ( Gal. 1:4) was as much a miraculous birth as that of Isaac, born to Sarah who was 90 years old and Abraham who was 100. Isaac wasn't born our of natural circumstances, he was given by God according to His promise to a believing Abraham. We receive a new Life, born of the Spirit of God, when we believe in Jesus Christ. " I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and delivered Himself up for me" ( Gal. 2:20)
Gal. 2:16 " ... but through faith ( Gr. pistis - persuasion, credence, conviction of truth) in Christ Jesus, even we have believed ( Gr. pisteuo - credit, entrust, commit to, put trust in) Christ Jesus, that we may be justified by faith in Christ...."
Once again I bow my head and wonder at the grace of our God Who offers us such a great salvation, not through the impossible work of keeping laws, but through believing the Word that we have heard, considering it True, and trusting in Christ Jesus, Who loved me and gave Himself up for me too!
What a wonderful Saviour!
Tuesday, December 4, 2012
12/4/12
Jeremiah 50-52
Jeremiah continues to speak the Words of prophecy given him by the Lord. Ch. 50-51 are the words against Babylon. Babylon under the reign of Nebuchadnezzar was the world power at that time. She was fierce and wealthy and powerful. But God calls her " a golden cup in the hand of the Lord, intoxicating all the earth. The nations have drunk of her wine, therefore the nations are going mad"
God's plan and purposes for Babylon were completed. But she was not innocent for the evil that she was doing. The sins of arrogance, pride, idolatry, wickedness... will be punished. Babylon the destroyer, was destroyed. "As she has done to others, so do to her" ( 50:15) This is the Lord's vengeance.
All that Jeremiah had prophesied happened. He wrote it all down and witnessed it with his own eyes.
What a difficult and horrible thing to live through. Yet, Jeremiah also had a wonderful, deep understanding of God. Over and over he reminds himself and us that God , who made the earth, established the world by His wisdom, and stretched out the heavens, that He is the Lord of hosts and that what He has said.. He will do. And there would come a day when Israel would return to Zion. They would again seek the Lord. They were not forsaken. "The Redeemer is strong, the Lord of hosts is His Name." (50:34)
The Redeemer gaal - the next of kin, the kinsman who buys back the relative, purchases, ransoms, and redeems. Our Redeemer Lives! He has not changed and none is like Him!
In our nation there is much arrogance, pride, idolatry .. and we will not go unpunished. Even if we are witnesses to the destruction of life as we know it... even if it goes that far... God , the Lord of hosts, Our Redeemer is Strong. Praise His holy Name!
Jeremiah 50-52
Jeremiah continues to speak the Words of prophecy given him by the Lord. Ch. 50-51 are the words against Babylon. Babylon under the reign of Nebuchadnezzar was the world power at that time. She was fierce and wealthy and powerful. But God calls her " a golden cup in the hand of the Lord, intoxicating all the earth. The nations have drunk of her wine, therefore the nations are going mad"
God's plan and purposes for Babylon were completed. But she was not innocent for the evil that she was doing. The sins of arrogance, pride, idolatry, wickedness... will be punished. Babylon the destroyer, was destroyed. "As she has done to others, so do to her" ( 50:15) This is the Lord's vengeance.
All that Jeremiah had prophesied happened. He wrote it all down and witnessed it with his own eyes.
What a difficult and horrible thing to live through. Yet, Jeremiah also had a wonderful, deep understanding of God. Over and over he reminds himself and us that God , who made the earth, established the world by His wisdom, and stretched out the heavens, that He is the Lord of hosts and that what He has said.. He will do. And there would come a day when Israel would return to Zion. They would again seek the Lord. They were not forsaken. "The Redeemer is strong, the Lord of hosts is His Name." (50:34)
The Redeemer gaal - the next of kin, the kinsman who buys back the relative, purchases, ransoms, and redeems. Our Redeemer Lives! He has not changed and none is like Him!
In our nation there is much arrogance, pride, idolatry .. and we will not go unpunished. Even if we are witnesses to the destruction of life as we know it... even if it goes that far... God , the Lord of hosts, Our Redeemer is Strong. Praise His holy Name!
Monday, December 3, 2012
12/3/12 Jeremiah 49
Prophecies are recorded here against Ammon, Edom, Damascus, Kedor, Hazor, and Elam.
Ammon will be driven out because of his boasting and trust in treasures. But there will be restoration in the future.
Edom will be stripped and uncovered due to his lack of wisdom, but orphans and widows are spared.
Damascus will become helpless, deserted, and silenced.
Kedar and Hazor will be scattered.
Elam will be outcasts and consumed, but restoration will come after God sets His throne in Elam.
How does this all play out? What is the significance? God has plans and purposes for every nation. v. 20 He brings punishment on all who refuse to bow before Him. v19 "For who is like Me, and who will summon Me into court? And who then is the shepherd who can stand against Me?"
It is the arrogant and unwise who are deceived and who are brought down by Almighty God.
It was so and it is still so. Elam is where modern day Iran now arrogantly raises its voice against the people of God. God will complete His purposes and plans for Iran. He will bring down the prideful and arrogant. He will restore those He chooses. He will rescue those He desires to rescue.
In the world today there are many nations who think they can reign without bowing to the Lord. He will not allow that to remain. He will punish the unjust and arrogant. He has always done that and He has not changed. America is treading on dangerous territory. We must humble ourselves before the Lord. We are being deceived by the arrogance of our hearts just as Edom was during Jeremiah's days. Our sin is not merely abortion or homosexual marriages, evolution or social injustice... our sin is that we have forgotten Who God really is. We, as a nation, are arrogant and will be brought down.
Romans 1: 28-31 "And just as they did not see fit to acknowledge God and longer, God gave them over to a depraved mind, to do those things which are not proper, being filled with unrighteousness, wickedness, greed, evil; full of envy,murder, strife, deceit, malice; they are gossips, slanderers, haters of God, insolent, arrogant, boastful, inventors of evil, disobedient to parents, without understanding, untrustworthy, unloving, unmerciful..."
And what is the message for me today? God is to be honored and acknowledged as God! Creator and Ruler of Heaven and Earth. Each and every one will stand before Him and he will render judgement. We either acknowledge Him and seek to live as His servant, believing and trusting in His Son as Savior, and find eternal life.... or we do not obey the truth, are unrighteous and will face His wrath. I am so thankful to know the gospel , the power of God for salvation to any who believe.
" Or do you think lightly of the riches of His kindness and forbearance and patience, not knowing that the kindness of God leads you to repentance?" Rom. 2:4 Praise to our Lord and King, the Shepherd of those who follow Him.
Prophecies are recorded here against Ammon, Edom, Damascus, Kedor, Hazor, and Elam.
Ammon will be driven out because of his boasting and trust in treasures. But there will be restoration in the future.
Edom will be stripped and uncovered due to his lack of wisdom, but orphans and widows are spared.
Damascus will become helpless, deserted, and silenced.
Kedar and Hazor will be scattered.
Elam will be outcasts and consumed, but restoration will come after God sets His throne in Elam.
How does this all play out? What is the significance? God has plans and purposes for every nation. v. 20 He brings punishment on all who refuse to bow before Him. v19 "For who is like Me, and who will summon Me into court? And who then is the shepherd who can stand against Me?"
It is the arrogant and unwise who are deceived and who are brought down by Almighty God.
It was so and it is still so. Elam is where modern day Iran now arrogantly raises its voice against the people of God. God will complete His purposes and plans for Iran. He will bring down the prideful and arrogant. He will restore those He chooses. He will rescue those He desires to rescue.
In the world today there are many nations who think they can reign without bowing to the Lord. He will not allow that to remain. He will punish the unjust and arrogant. He has always done that and He has not changed. America is treading on dangerous territory. We must humble ourselves before the Lord. We are being deceived by the arrogance of our hearts just as Edom was during Jeremiah's days. Our sin is not merely abortion or homosexual marriages, evolution or social injustice... our sin is that we have forgotten Who God really is. We, as a nation, are arrogant and will be brought down.
Romans 1: 28-31 "And just as they did not see fit to acknowledge God and longer, God gave them over to a depraved mind, to do those things which are not proper, being filled with unrighteousness, wickedness, greed, evil; full of envy,murder, strife, deceit, malice; they are gossips, slanderers, haters of God, insolent, arrogant, boastful, inventors of evil, disobedient to parents, without understanding, untrustworthy, unloving, unmerciful..."
And what is the message for me today? God is to be honored and acknowledged as God! Creator and Ruler of Heaven and Earth. Each and every one will stand before Him and he will render judgement. We either acknowledge Him and seek to live as His servant, believing and trusting in His Son as Savior, and find eternal life.... or we do not obey the truth, are unrighteous and will face His wrath. I am so thankful to know the gospel , the power of God for salvation to any who believe.
" Or do you think lightly of the riches of His kindness and forbearance and patience, not knowing that the kindness of God leads you to repentance?" Rom. 2:4 Praise to our Lord and King, the Shepherd of those who follow Him.
Friday, November 30, 2012
11/30/12
Jeremiah 47-48
Jeremiah is given the word of the Lord about Philistia and Moab. Both of these nations are going to be wiped out. The Philistines live in Gaza and Ashkelon, right where the Gaza strip is now. The Lord brought total destruction. The sword of the Lord has come against it and will not be quiet. It is interesting that warfare still continues to plague this area. Now it is the Palestinians that claim this land and fight still against the God of Israel.
Ch. 48 is the Lord's Word against Moab. Modern day Jordan occupies this territory. Moab's sin was its pride. He trusted in his own achievements and treasures ( v7) He was arrogant toward the Lord. ( v 26) He was very proud, haughty, arrogant, and self-exalting. (v29) But God declared that He would break Moab like and undesirable vessel, make him a laughing-stock, put him to shame, and destroy him as a people. But, He also declares that He will restore the fortunes of Moab in the latter days.
Isaiah 15 is also a prophecy against Moab. There are quite a few similar statements. Both passages mention that every head is bald and beard cut off and that there is much wailing. Both mention the pride and arrogance of Moab and his false boasts. And both mention that the heart of God cries for Moab ( Isaiah 15:5 and Jeremiah 48:36).
God is compassionate and gracious and full of loving kindness, but He doesn't let the guilty go unpunished. And just like Philistia and Moab and Egypt and Israel, when we sin against Him, when we are prideful and arrogant and boast in ourselves, our achievements, and treasures.. He will bring upon us punishment. If we do not repent and turn to Him, that punishment means destruction.
But, He gives us Mercy and Grace through Jesus Christ and if we will just turn to Him and seek Him, He will pardon our sins and forgive us for our transgressions. Oh What a Wonderful God We serve!
Jeremiah 47-48
Jeremiah is given the word of the Lord about Philistia and Moab. Both of these nations are going to be wiped out. The Philistines live in Gaza and Ashkelon, right where the Gaza strip is now. The Lord brought total destruction. The sword of the Lord has come against it and will not be quiet. It is interesting that warfare still continues to plague this area. Now it is the Palestinians that claim this land and fight still against the God of Israel.
Ch. 48 is the Lord's Word against Moab. Modern day Jordan occupies this territory. Moab's sin was its pride. He trusted in his own achievements and treasures ( v7) He was arrogant toward the Lord. ( v 26) He was very proud, haughty, arrogant, and self-exalting. (v29) But God declared that He would break Moab like and undesirable vessel, make him a laughing-stock, put him to shame, and destroy him as a people. But, He also declares that He will restore the fortunes of Moab in the latter days.
Isaiah 15 is also a prophecy against Moab. There are quite a few similar statements. Both passages mention that every head is bald and beard cut off and that there is much wailing. Both mention the pride and arrogance of Moab and his false boasts. And both mention that the heart of God cries for Moab ( Isaiah 15:5 and Jeremiah 48:36).
God is compassionate and gracious and full of loving kindness, but He doesn't let the guilty go unpunished. And just like Philistia and Moab and Egypt and Israel, when we sin against Him, when we are prideful and arrogant and boast in ourselves, our achievements, and treasures.. He will bring upon us punishment. If we do not repent and turn to Him, that punishment means destruction.
But, He gives us Mercy and Grace through Jesus Christ and if we will just turn to Him and seek Him, He will pardon our sins and forgive us for our transgressions. Oh What a Wonderful God We serve!
Thursday, November 29, 2012
11/29/12 Jeremiah 44-46
The people of Judah disobey and go to Egypt. There they begin to worship the "queen of heaven"
and the gods of Egypt. They twist things around, believing that it was when they stopped worshiping the false gods that things went wrong. They refuse to believe anything Jeremiah tells them. So God sets His face against them to destroy all the remnant that has gone to Egypt, except for a few.
Egypt is also in the crosshairs of God's wrath. He is sending Nebuchadnezzar to defeat Egypt also.
In the middle of this God sends a message to Baruch, the scribe who writes for Jeremiah. It is a message of deliverance, " I will give your life to you", but also a warning. "But you, are you seeking great things for yourself? Do not seek them;" I can understand why Baruch was weary and groaning, why he had such great sorrow. The message he had just written for Jeremiah was heartbreaking. Disaster was coming , again! I can't imagine being forced to leave your land against your will, even though it had been ravaged by war, fire, and disease. And knowing that God had commanded you to stay, you are forced to go... knowing there was no hope in Egypt anyway.
God reaches out to Baruch in the midst of his despair. Don't seek things or success or power or escape... I will give you what you need - I will give you life.
Even in the face of trying circumstances that are in no way compared to what Jeremiah and Baruch were in, I need this reminder. Stop looking for answers, stop groaning about problems, stop seeking Life in any thing except in the Lord Jesus Christ. He is the ONLY Way, Truth, and LIFE! Amen!
The people of Judah disobey and go to Egypt. There they begin to worship the "queen of heaven"
and the gods of Egypt. They twist things around, believing that it was when they stopped worshiping the false gods that things went wrong. They refuse to believe anything Jeremiah tells them. So God sets His face against them to destroy all the remnant that has gone to Egypt, except for a few.
Egypt is also in the crosshairs of God's wrath. He is sending Nebuchadnezzar to defeat Egypt also.
In the middle of this God sends a message to Baruch, the scribe who writes for Jeremiah. It is a message of deliverance, " I will give your life to you", but also a warning. "But you, are you seeking great things for yourself? Do not seek them;" I can understand why Baruch was weary and groaning, why he had such great sorrow. The message he had just written for Jeremiah was heartbreaking. Disaster was coming , again! I can't imagine being forced to leave your land against your will, even though it had been ravaged by war, fire, and disease. And knowing that God had commanded you to stay, you are forced to go... knowing there was no hope in Egypt anyway.
God reaches out to Baruch in the midst of his despair. Don't seek things or success or power or escape... I will give you what you need - I will give you life.
Even in the face of trying circumstances that are in no way compared to what Jeremiah and Baruch were in, I need this reminder. Stop looking for answers, stop groaning about problems, stop seeking Life in any thing except in the Lord Jesus Christ. He is the ONLY Way, Truth, and LIFE! Amen!
Wednesday, November 28, 2012
11/28'/12 Jeremiah 40-43
Jeremiah is freed from his chains by Nebuzaradan, the Chaldean captain of the the bodyguard. This man knows exactly what Jeremiah has been telling Judah, that God has brought about all that has occurred because of the sins of Judah. This foreigner "gets it" while the priests and kings and leaders don't! This man also offers Jeremiah anything he wants. He can go with Nebuzaradan and be taken care of in Babylon, he can go back to Mizpah where the remnant of Judah is staying, or he can go wherever he wants. Jeremiah, God's prophet was thrown in prison by God's people and freed by a captain in Babylon. How backward that seems, but that is so often the way things seem to happen.
It is the same way Jesus was treated. Killed because of the Jewish leaders, when the Roman authority wanted to release Him.
Gedaliah takes over the governing of the remnant in Judah. But, Ishmael comes along and kills him. He also takes the people with him until Johanan comes to the rescue. This starts out well, but takes a bad turn. Johanan and his fellow commanders come to Jeremiah and ask him to pray and seek the Lord's direction for what they should do next. Jeremiah prays and speaks the Word to the people, and although they had pledged to obey, they instead call him a liar and head to Egypt. And they force Jeremiah to go with them. This spells doom for Egypt too.
It is not enough to pray and ask God to reveal His will for us.
It is not enough for us to pray and pledge that we will obey.
It is only when we pray, listen, and OBEY that we will bring about God's wonderful plan for us, to bless us and save us. To build us up and not tear us down, to plant us and not uproot us. ( 42:10)
Like the remnant of Judah, we deceive ourselves if we pray and pledge to obey, but refuse to follow through. "Trust and Obey for there's no other way to be happy in Jesus, but to trust and obey!"
Lord Jesus, Help me to hear when You speak and to obey completely. Help me to truly hear the Voice of the Shepherd.
Jeremiah is freed from his chains by Nebuzaradan, the Chaldean captain of the the bodyguard. This man knows exactly what Jeremiah has been telling Judah, that God has brought about all that has occurred because of the sins of Judah. This foreigner "gets it" while the priests and kings and leaders don't! This man also offers Jeremiah anything he wants. He can go with Nebuzaradan and be taken care of in Babylon, he can go back to Mizpah where the remnant of Judah is staying, or he can go wherever he wants. Jeremiah, God's prophet was thrown in prison by God's people and freed by a captain in Babylon. How backward that seems, but that is so often the way things seem to happen.
It is the same way Jesus was treated. Killed because of the Jewish leaders, when the Roman authority wanted to release Him.
Gedaliah takes over the governing of the remnant in Judah. But, Ishmael comes along and kills him. He also takes the people with him until Johanan comes to the rescue. This starts out well, but takes a bad turn. Johanan and his fellow commanders come to Jeremiah and ask him to pray and seek the Lord's direction for what they should do next. Jeremiah prays and speaks the Word to the people, and although they had pledged to obey, they instead call him a liar and head to Egypt. And they force Jeremiah to go with them. This spells doom for Egypt too.
It is not enough to pray and ask God to reveal His will for us.
It is not enough for us to pray and pledge that we will obey.
It is only when we pray, listen, and OBEY that we will bring about God's wonderful plan for us, to bless us and save us. To build us up and not tear us down, to plant us and not uproot us. ( 42:10)
Like the remnant of Judah, we deceive ourselves if we pray and pledge to obey, but refuse to follow through. "Trust and Obey for there's no other way to be happy in Jesus, but to trust and obey!"
Lord Jesus, Help me to hear when You speak and to obey completely. Help me to truly hear the Voice of the Shepherd.
Monday, November 26, 2012
11/26/12 Jeremiah 37-39
Jeremiah is arrested and put into a prison/ dungeon at the house of Jonathan the scribe. Next he is kept in the court of the guardhouse, and thirdly he is thrown into a cistern of mud. Several times he is interviewed by the king, secretly, and given opportunity to warn the king about what was coming. Zedekiah had ample opportunity to obey the Word of the Lord, but his pride and patriotism kept him from yielding to the king of Babylon. Unfortunately, the results were even worse than he probably imagined. He watched while his sons were killed in front of him and then his eyes were blinded and he was bound by bronze fetters and taken to Babylon. His beloved city was burned just as Jeremiah had warned.
After the siege, after the destruction, all that is left of Judah are the poorest of the people and Jeremiah. The poor are given vineyards and fields. Jeremiah is freed from imprisonment and taken home by Gedaliah. Ebed-Melech, the Ethiopian who rescued Jeremiah from the muddy cistern is also delivered from those who hated him, because he trusted in the LORD.
God gave Israel and Judah every opportunity to repent and return to Him. He is compassionate and patient. He greatly desired them to live. He would have gladly saved the city, if they would just trust Him and obey His Word. But they did not.
This same God, longs to have compassion on us! He will pardon our iniquities, He will heal our sinful hearts, and He will set us free from sin and death and destruction. Oh that we will open our hearts to Him. May we truly listen and obey! Jesus Christ is our King. He came to save us. He is the Way, the Truth, and the Life. Come out from the city, from the world of pride and self. Place your trust in the only One Who knows what tomorrow holds. Oh Lord God, I place my hope in You!
Jeremiah is arrested and put into a prison/ dungeon at the house of Jonathan the scribe. Next he is kept in the court of the guardhouse, and thirdly he is thrown into a cistern of mud. Several times he is interviewed by the king, secretly, and given opportunity to warn the king about what was coming. Zedekiah had ample opportunity to obey the Word of the Lord, but his pride and patriotism kept him from yielding to the king of Babylon. Unfortunately, the results were even worse than he probably imagined. He watched while his sons were killed in front of him and then his eyes were blinded and he was bound by bronze fetters and taken to Babylon. His beloved city was burned just as Jeremiah had warned.
After the siege, after the destruction, all that is left of Judah are the poorest of the people and Jeremiah. The poor are given vineyards and fields. Jeremiah is freed from imprisonment and taken home by Gedaliah. Ebed-Melech, the Ethiopian who rescued Jeremiah from the muddy cistern is also delivered from those who hated him, because he trusted in the LORD.
God gave Israel and Judah every opportunity to repent and return to Him. He is compassionate and patient. He greatly desired them to live. He would have gladly saved the city, if they would just trust Him and obey His Word. But they did not.
This same God, longs to have compassion on us! He will pardon our iniquities, He will heal our sinful hearts, and He will set us free from sin and death and destruction. Oh that we will open our hearts to Him. May we truly listen and obey! Jesus Christ is our King. He came to save us. He is the Way, the Truth, and the Life. Come out from the city, from the world of pride and self. Place your trust in the only One Who knows what tomorrow holds. Oh Lord God, I place my hope in You!
Friday, November 23, 2012
11/23/12 Jeremiah 35 Words of Life
Jeremiah dictates a book to Baruch a scribe, writing all the Words that God had spoken to him through the years... 20 years of warnings, prophecies, and reminders. When the scroll is completed Baruch is told to go on a "fast" day to read the words. It is over a year before this happens.
The day comes and Baruch courageously stands and reads the Word of God through Jeremiah, to the crowd. Micaiah hears and reports this to the officials, who then call for Baruch to come and read the words to them. They tell Baruch to take Jeremiah and go hide. They then report the words to the king Jehoiakim. Jehoiakim demands to hear the words and when Jehudi begins reading it Jehoiakim refuses to listens and cuts it in pieces and burns it.
But God is not through yet. He has Jeremiah dictate the words again, adding more to it ! And one of the things added is that Jehoiakim will not only know that the Words are true, he will experience it himself. He will die and not be buried like a king and he will not have any descendants to sit on the throne of David.
The Word of God cannot be destroyed by man. It cannot be manipulated, it cannot be ignored. There are grave consequences for trying to destroy, ignore, or manipulate the Words of God. He will not be stopped from His purposes or His plans.
So thankful that the Words written by Baruch at the dictation of Jeremiah have been preserved. So thankful that the Lord, God of hosts, Creator of heaven and earth, speaks again and again, calling us to listen, to find Him, to find Life. Wonderful Words, Beautiful Words, Wonderful Words of Life!
Jeremiah dictates a book to Baruch a scribe, writing all the Words that God had spoken to him through the years... 20 years of warnings, prophecies, and reminders. When the scroll is completed Baruch is told to go on a "fast" day to read the words. It is over a year before this happens.
The day comes and Baruch courageously stands and reads the Word of God through Jeremiah, to the crowd. Micaiah hears and reports this to the officials, who then call for Baruch to come and read the words to them. They tell Baruch to take Jeremiah and go hide. They then report the words to the king Jehoiakim. Jehoiakim demands to hear the words and when Jehudi begins reading it Jehoiakim refuses to listens and cuts it in pieces and burns it.
But God is not through yet. He has Jeremiah dictate the words again, adding more to it ! And one of the things added is that Jehoiakim will not only know that the Words are true, he will experience it himself. He will die and not be buried like a king and he will not have any descendants to sit on the throne of David.
The Word of God cannot be destroyed by man. It cannot be manipulated, it cannot be ignored. There are grave consequences for trying to destroy, ignore, or manipulate the Words of God. He will not be stopped from His purposes or His plans.
So thankful that the Words written by Baruch at the dictation of Jeremiah have been preserved. So thankful that the Lord, God of hosts, Creator of heaven and earth, speaks again and again, calling us to listen, to find Him, to find Life. Wonderful Words, Beautiful Words, Wonderful Words of Life!
Thursday, November 22, 2012
11/22/12 Jeremiah 35
In this message from God, Jeremiah is told to call in a family, the Rechabites, for a special meeting. These are descendants of a man named Jonadab, the son of Rechab. Jonadab is known for aiding Jehu against King Ahab. He then led his family to be different than the rest of the Israelites. They never drank wine, they never built houses (living in tents) and they never were farmers - no fields and no vineyards. They were committed to obeying the instructions of Jonadab and refused to drink wine even when Jeremiah is instructed by God to give it to them. The Rechabites had reluctantly come to live in Jerusalem only because of the army of the Chaldeans.
God uses this family as a contrast to the house of Judah. The Rechabites obeyed their father Jonadab, a man who was no longer living and had no more influence in their lives. But Judah refused to listen to the Words of the Lord God, the Almighty Living One, though He spoke again and again!
The Rechabites are rewarded for their faithfulness and obedience to the commands of their earthly father. Judah is punished for their unfaithfulness and refusal to obey the commands of their Heavenly Father.
When we listen to God's Word and obey Him, the benefits are overwhelming - Ps. 102 reminds us to Bless the Lord and to not forget any of His benefits. He pardons all my iniquities, He heals all my diseases, He redeems my life from the pit, He crowns me with lovingkindness and compassion, He satisfies my years with good things..... etc. On this Thanksgiving Day I offer my thanks to my Heavenly Father and remember all of His benefits, His blessings. You have redeemed me by the blood of the Lamb, You have given to be New Life in Christ, You have made me whole, righteous, and blameless in Jesus my Lord. To surround me with Your Lovingkindness and compassion is to surround me with Yourself. Thank You my Lord. May I walk this day in Your Spirit and Honor You in all that I do and say. Amen.
In this message from God, Jeremiah is told to call in a family, the Rechabites, for a special meeting. These are descendants of a man named Jonadab, the son of Rechab. Jonadab is known for aiding Jehu against King Ahab. He then led his family to be different than the rest of the Israelites. They never drank wine, they never built houses (living in tents) and they never were farmers - no fields and no vineyards. They were committed to obeying the instructions of Jonadab and refused to drink wine even when Jeremiah is instructed by God to give it to them. The Rechabites had reluctantly come to live in Jerusalem only because of the army of the Chaldeans.
God uses this family as a contrast to the house of Judah. The Rechabites obeyed their father Jonadab, a man who was no longer living and had no more influence in their lives. But Judah refused to listen to the Words of the Lord God, the Almighty Living One, though He spoke again and again!
The Rechabites are rewarded for their faithfulness and obedience to the commands of their earthly father. Judah is punished for their unfaithfulness and refusal to obey the commands of their Heavenly Father.
When we listen to God's Word and obey Him, the benefits are overwhelming - Ps. 102 reminds us to Bless the Lord and to not forget any of His benefits. He pardons all my iniquities, He heals all my diseases, He redeems my life from the pit, He crowns me with lovingkindness and compassion, He satisfies my years with good things..... etc. On this Thanksgiving Day I offer my thanks to my Heavenly Father and remember all of His benefits, His blessings. You have redeemed me by the blood of the Lamb, You have given to be New Life in Christ, You have made me whole, righteous, and blameless in Jesus my Lord. To surround me with Your Lovingkindness and compassion is to surround me with Yourself. Thank You my Lord. May I walk this day in Your Spirit and Honor You in all that I do and say. Amen.
Wednesday, November 21, 2012
Nov. 21, 2012 Jeremiah 34
Zedekiah tries to get the people to do something right - to release every Jewish slave from those who have "bought" them, as commanded by God - on the 7th year they should be set free. And the people did it, but then they turned around and took them back into slavery. God reminds them about how He had brought them as a nation out of slavery in Egypt. But because of their actions He is now sending them to the sword, pestilence and to famine. He is releasing His claim on them. They wanted freedom from His Law - the Covenant He had with them. Well, He is granting it - but they are getting release from His Blessings on them also.
Isn't this just like us? We want "freedom" to do our own thing, freedom from religion.. as the atheists say... but along with that "freedom" comes a release from God's blessings. From peace and joy and love, and hope, and healing and salvation.
When God is our God, He gives us all His blessings, but He wants all of our will, to obey His commands, to turn to Him. To trust Him. He knows what is best. Am I trying to do things my own way, am I holding onto things or people or attitudes that I need to release? Forgive me Lord and let Your Will be done in every part of my life. You are my God and I will obey You.
Thank You for being a God of compassion and loving kindness, Who pardons our iniquities.
Keep me in Your Hands I pray.
Amen
Zedekiah tries to get the people to do something right - to release every Jewish slave from those who have "bought" them, as commanded by God - on the 7th year they should be set free. And the people did it, but then they turned around and took them back into slavery. God reminds them about how He had brought them as a nation out of slavery in Egypt. But because of their actions He is now sending them to the sword, pestilence and to famine. He is releasing His claim on them. They wanted freedom from His Law - the Covenant He had with them. Well, He is granting it - but they are getting release from His Blessings on them also.
Isn't this just like us? We want "freedom" to do our own thing, freedom from religion.. as the atheists say... but along with that "freedom" comes a release from God's blessings. From peace and joy and love, and hope, and healing and salvation.
When God is our God, He gives us all His blessings, but He wants all of our will, to obey His commands, to turn to Him. To trust Him. He knows what is best. Am I trying to do things my own way, am I holding onto things or people or attitudes that I need to release? Forgive me Lord and let Your Will be done in every part of my life. You are my God and I will obey You.
Thank You for being a God of compassion and loving kindness, Who pardons our iniquities.
Keep me in Your Hands I pray.
Amen
Tuesday, November 20, 2012
Nov. 20, 2012 Jeremiah 32-33
Jeremiah is imprisoned speaking against Judah saying that the king of Babylon will win the battle. It is truth, but Zedekiah does not want to hear it. The Chaldean's have built seige mounds, many have been killed, captured, or sickened, but stubborn Zedekiah refuses to admit defeat. Meanwhile, Jeremiah, in prison, buys a field from his cousin. Who buys property when they know the city is about to be destroyed, the nation ruined, and you are in prison for treason? Jeremiah does! His prayer shows why - " Ah Lord God! Behold Thou hast made the heavens and the earth by Thy great power and by Thine outstretched arm! Nothing is too difficult for Thee!"
Jeremiah recounts the attributes of God - showing lovingkindness to thousands, repaying iniquity, great in counsel, mighty in deed, eyes open to all the ways of men, giving to each one according to his ways and the fruit of his deeds.
Jeremiah reminds Zedekiah of the history of Israel, how God brought them out of Egypt and gave them a covenant that would make them His people . But the people, the kings, the leaders, the priests, the prophets, the people - all of them turned their back on God, and not their face, refusing to listen, refusing to learn, doing the things that God considered an abomination, sacrificing their children to Molech, worshiping Baal, defiling even the House that was called by God's Name.
Yet even now, God is making a promise to Israel and Judah - a promise to restore the people to the land, to be their God, to hear them when they call on His Name, to heal , to cleanse, to bring joy and praise and glory, that once again there will be peace and goodness. A day is coming when the righteous Branch of David will come with justice and righteousness. An everlasting King and an everlasting Priest. God who has established day and night, will establish the Kingship of David's descendant. Jesus Christ is the answer to that promise. He is King forever! In Him is LIFE!
He is the source of all life. He is my life! Praise His Name, Praise Him!
Jer. 33:13 " .. the flocks shall again pass under the hands of the one who numbers them, says the Lord." A Shepherd numbers his flock. He knows each one and He knows when one is missing ( Luke 15:4) He knows His sheep and calls to them and they follow Him. Our King will bring us to dwell with Him, in safety and in peace. He will bring us to a place of rest. We will sing with the restored nation of Israel " Give thanks to the Lord of hosts, For the Lord is good, For His lovingkindness is everlasting." v.11
The future was bleak during Jeremiah's day. Jerusalem was about to be destroyed. Life as they knew it would be over and many would never make the journey back from captivity. But God was not through with His people. He promised to bring them home. He promised to bring restoration and salvation. And He did exactly what He said He would. His promises are true. We still look forward to the day when we will be HOME, with our Savior forever. Our Shepherd King will number each one as we pass into eternal rest. Thank You Jesus! What a day that will be!
Jeremiah is imprisoned speaking against Judah saying that the king of Babylon will win the battle. It is truth, but Zedekiah does not want to hear it. The Chaldean's have built seige mounds, many have been killed, captured, or sickened, but stubborn Zedekiah refuses to admit defeat. Meanwhile, Jeremiah, in prison, buys a field from his cousin. Who buys property when they know the city is about to be destroyed, the nation ruined, and you are in prison for treason? Jeremiah does! His prayer shows why - " Ah Lord God! Behold Thou hast made the heavens and the earth by Thy great power and by Thine outstretched arm! Nothing is too difficult for Thee!"
Jeremiah recounts the attributes of God - showing lovingkindness to thousands, repaying iniquity, great in counsel, mighty in deed, eyes open to all the ways of men, giving to each one according to his ways and the fruit of his deeds.
Jeremiah reminds Zedekiah of the history of Israel, how God brought them out of Egypt and gave them a covenant that would make them His people . But the people, the kings, the leaders, the priests, the prophets, the people - all of them turned their back on God, and not their face, refusing to listen, refusing to learn, doing the things that God considered an abomination, sacrificing their children to Molech, worshiping Baal, defiling even the House that was called by God's Name.
Yet even now, God is making a promise to Israel and Judah - a promise to restore the people to the land, to be their God, to hear them when they call on His Name, to heal , to cleanse, to bring joy and praise and glory, that once again there will be peace and goodness. A day is coming when the righteous Branch of David will come with justice and righteousness. An everlasting King and an everlasting Priest. God who has established day and night, will establish the Kingship of David's descendant. Jesus Christ is the answer to that promise. He is King forever! In Him is LIFE!
He is the source of all life. He is my life! Praise His Name, Praise Him!
Jer. 33:13 " .. the flocks shall again pass under the hands of the one who numbers them, says the Lord." A Shepherd numbers his flock. He knows each one and He knows when one is missing ( Luke 15:4) He knows His sheep and calls to them and they follow Him. Our King will bring us to dwell with Him, in safety and in peace. He will bring us to a place of rest. We will sing with the restored nation of Israel " Give thanks to the Lord of hosts, For the Lord is good, For His lovingkindness is everlasting." v.11
The future was bleak during Jeremiah's day. Jerusalem was about to be destroyed. Life as they knew it would be over and many would never make the journey back from captivity. But God was not through with His people. He promised to bring them home. He promised to bring restoration and salvation. And He did exactly what He said He would. His promises are true. We still look forward to the day when we will be HOME, with our Savior forever. Our Shepherd King will number each one as we pass into eternal rest. Thank You Jesus! What a day that will be!
Monday, November 19, 2012
Nov. 19, 2012 Jeremiah 31
Jeremiah is given a dream of the future of Israel and Judah, a pleasant dream of restoration and renewal. The Lord declares His everlasting love for them, He draws them back to himself. He leads them with supplication - earnest prayer, from the root word - chanan - gracious, to bow or stoop in kindness to an inferior, to favor or bestow, to grant mercy and have pity upon, to pray . He will ransom them, redeem them, and turn their mourning into dancing! Hope for a wonderful,bountiful future is given. God will once again bless His people and be their God. He will satisfy the weary and refresh those who languish.When Jeremiah awakes he is so happy!
Then Jeremiah is given a wonderful Truth - God is going to initiate a New Covenant. The old one has been broken. The new covenant will be different. This time the Lord will put His law in the hearts of individuals, and He will hold each person responsible for their own sins. Each person, from the least to the greatest will be able to "know the Lord". Each individual will have the gift of forgiveness and cleansing from their iniquities. We know that this was fulfilled by Jesus, Who purchased our pardon on Calvary's tree. And the Holy Spirit Whom He sent to dwell in us and enable us to live according to God's will - His law in our hearts.
A day will come when Jerusalem will be rebuilt for the LORD v38 tells us. It will be HOLY forever.
Once again as I write this, Israel is being attacked by her enemies, but the Word of God tells us that the God who gave the sun for light by day, who gives the moon and stars at night, who causes the seas to roar - this God will keep Israel as a nation before Him. Can the heavens be measured? No! Can the foundations of the earth be searched out? No! Then God will not cast off Israel. God has declared it and it will be so! Amen!
Jeremiah is given a dream of the future of Israel and Judah, a pleasant dream of restoration and renewal. The Lord declares His everlasting love for them, He draws them back to himself. He leads them with supplication - earnest prayer, from the root word - chanan - gracious, to bow or stoop in kindness to an inferior, to favor or bestow, to grant mercy and have pity upon, to pray . He will ransom them, redeem them, and turn their mourning into dancing! Hope for a wonderful,bountiful future is given. God will once again bless His people and be their God. He will satisfy the weary and refresh those who languish.When Jeremiah awakes he is so happy!
Then Jeremiah is given a wonderful Truth - God is going to initiate a New Covenant. The old one has been broken. The new covenant will be different. This time the Lord will put His law in the hearts of individuals, and He will hold each person responsible for their own sins. Each person, from the least to the greatest will be able to "know the Lord". Each individual will have the gift of forgiveness and cleansing from their iniquities. We know that this was fulfilled by Jesus, Who purchased our pardon on Calvary's tree. And the Holy Spirit Whom He sent to dwell in us and enable us to live according to God's will - His law in our hearts.
A day will come when Jerusalem will be rebuilt for the LORD v38 tells us. It will be HOLY forever.
Once again as I write this, Israel is being attacked by her enemies, but the Word of God tells us that the God who gave the sun for light by day, who gives the moon and stars at night, who causes the seas to roar - this God will keep Israel as a nation before Him. Can the heavens be measured? No! Can the foundations of the earth be searched out? No! Then God will not cast off Israel. God has declared it and it will be so! Amen!
Friday, November 16, 2012
Nov. 16, 2012
Jeremiah 30
In the time of suffering the wrath of God, brought on by their own iniquity and rebellion, God gives hope. It is He who has given them the incurable wound as punishment for their sins, but it is He who promises healing of that wound and restoration to health.
An incurable pain from an incurable wound - that is the picture God uses for sin. He describes His anger as a tempest, a fierce anger, for He has inflicted the wound Himself. He vows to not turn back until "He has performed and until He has accomplished the intent of His heart"
What is His intent - to show compassion, to heal and restore, to avenge and to return them to their rightful place where they will have thanksgiving, honor, joy, and right relationship with God.
He will give a ruler, who will come forth from their midst, One that can approach God for them, One who gives His heart as a pledge and His life for them. Oh Jesus, friend of sinners, thank you for saving me! Thank you for healing the incurable wound that sin has wrought. Thank you for drinking the cup of God's wrath on my behalf. Jesus, what a Saviour!
The gospel in Jeremiah's book!
Jeremiah 30
In the time of suffering the wrath of God, brought on by their own iniquity and rebellion, God gives hope. It is He who has given them the incurable wound as punishment for their sins, but it is He who promises healing of that wound and restoration to health.
An incurable pain from an incurable wound - that is the picture God uses for sin. He describes His anger as a tempest, a fierce anger, for He has inflicted the wound Himself. He vows to not turn back until "He has performed and until He has accomplished the intent of His heart"
What is His intent - to show compassion, to heal and restore, to avenge and to return them to their rightful place where they will have thanksgiving, honor, joy, and right relationship with God.
He will give a ruler, who will come forth from their midst, One that can approach God for them, One who gives His heart as a pledge and His life for them. Oh Jesus, friend of sinners, thank you for saving me! Thank you for healing the incurable wound that sin has wrought. Thank you for drinking the cup of God's wrath on my behalf. Jesus, what a Saviour!
The gospel in Jeremiah's book!
Thursday, November 15, 2012
Nov. 15, 2012 Jeremiah 29
Jeremiah was instructed by God to send a letter to the exiles in Babylon telling them to settle down, build houses and raise their families. It will be 70 years before anyone returns to Jerusalem. That is God's plan, His plan for their welfare and the future of Israel. They will call on Him and He will answer. They will seek Him and He will be found, but not until that time.
Again, false prophets go against Jeremiah and even call him a madman. But those who have spoken lies are the ones who God will judge. He does not leave the guilty unpunished.
Zedekiah and Ahab were 2 in Babylon who were heading towards an awful death at the hand of Nebuchadnezzar - they would be "roasted in the fire" - they spoke in the Name of the Lord falsely, while committing adultery with their neighbor's wives and acting foolishly. Another man, Shemaiah was also stirring up trouble for Jeremiah and causing the people to believe a lie, preaching rebellion, would be not only killed, but would leave no descendants to come back to Israel.
God does not leave the guilty unpunished. Ex. 34: 6-7 God meets Moses up on Mt Sinai to replace the stone tablets that had been broken. Moses has asked God to show Himself to him. This is God's description of Himself " The Lord, the Lord God, compassionate and gracious ( to bend and show mercy and kindness to an inferior, to bestow favor), slow to anger, and abounding in lovingkindness and truth; who keeps ( guards and protects) lovingkindness for thousands, who forgives iniquity, transgression and sin; yet He will by no means leave the guilty unpunished..."
Moses bowed down and worshiped the Lord in response to His presence and revelation of Himself. His prayer was one that I will gladly make my own " I pray, let the Lord go along in our midst, even though the people are so obstinate; and do Thou pardon our iniquity and sin, and take us as Thine own possession". Ex. 34:9
Jeremiah was instructed by God to send a letter to the exiles in Babylon telling them to settle down, build houses and raise their families. It will be 70 years before anyone returns to Jerusalem. That is God's plan, His plan for their welfare and the future of Israel. They will call on Him and He will answer. They will seek Him and He will be found, but not until that time.
Again, false prophets go against Jeremiah and even call him a madman. But those who have spoken lies are the ones who God will judge. He does not leave the guilty unpunished.
Zedekiah and Ahab were 2 in Babylon who were heading towards an awful death at the hand of Nebuchadnezzar - they would be "roasted in the fire" - they spoke in the Name of the Lord falsely, while committing adultery with their neighbor's wives and acting foolishly. Another man, Shemaiah was also stirring up trouble for Jeremiah and causing the people to believe a lie, preaching rebellion, would be not only killed, but would leave no descendants to come back to Israel.
God does not leave the guilty unpunished. Ex. 34: 6-7 God meets Moses up on Mt Sinai to replace the stone tablets that had been broken. Moses has asked God to show Himself to him. This is God's description of Himself " The Lord, the Lord God, compassionate and gracious ( to bend and show mercy and kindness to an inferior, to bestow favor), slow to anger, and abounding in lovingkindness and truth; who keeps ( guards and protects) lovingkindness for thousands, who forgives iniquity, transgression and sin; yet He will by no means leave the guilty unpunished..."
Moses bowed down and worshiped the Lord in response to His presence and revelation of Himself. His prayer was one that I will gladly make my own " I pray, let the Lord go along in our midst, even though the people are so obstinate; and do Thou pardon our iniquity and sin, and take us as Thine own possession". Ex. 34:9
Wednesday, November 14, 2012
Nov. 14, 2012
Jeremiah 27 - 28
Jeremiah is told by God to make a yoke and bonds and to wear it around his neck. This was to symbolize the command of God to the nations that God was giving Nebuchadnezzar rule over all of them and even of the beasts of the field. They were to choose to bow to him and serve him. This was God's will and command for Judah, Edom, Moab, Ammon, Tyre, and Sidon. Refusal to serve Nebuchadnezzar would result in judgement of sword, famine, and pestilence. Bring your neck under the yoke... and live.
But the prophets continued to lie and declare that the Lord was telling them that all would be well and that within 2 years even the things stolen from the Temple would be returned. Hananiah was one of those false prophets. Jeremiah did not argue, in fact he said "Amen" But, the sign of a true prophet is that what he declares happens. Time would tell.
Hananiah broke the yoke off of Jeremiah's neck to show that this would happen to Judah. But the result was not what he expected. Jeremiah heard from the Lord and the message was that since they refused the yoke of wood, God would replace it with a yoke of iron. Hananiah lied and made the people believe a lie... it was a counsel of rebellion. And it resulted in his death.
It seems hard to believe that God wants us to serve a ruler like Nebuchadnezzar. Or that he would call Nebuchadnezzar His servant. But that is what the Word says. We are to submit to ungodly rulers that God has chosen to put into positions of government. Romans 13:1-2 repeats this command for the New Testament era - " Let every person be in subjection to the governing authorities. For there is no authority except from God and those which exist are established by God"
In fact, we are to pray for them. I Tim. 2:2.
In light of our recent elections, and the choosing of our current president, I find this a bit uncomfortable. Surely Mr. Obama is not the Lord's servant, or is he? God has put him into this position for HIS purposes. What are the modern day prophets saying? What is God saying?
We are to pray for our government. Every aspect of it. Executive, Legislative, and Judicial branches.
I confess I have failed to do this. Help me Lord to be more faithful in praying for our country and its leaders. Help me to be faithful in obedience to the True Word of God in every way.
Amen.
Jeremiah 27 - 28
Jeremiah is told by God to make a yoke and bonds and to wear it around his neck. This was to symbolize the command of God to the nations that God was giving Nebuchadnezzar rule over all of them and even of the beasts of the field. They were to choose to bow to him and serve him. This was God's will and command for Judah, Edom, Moab, Ammon, Tyre, and Sidon. Refusal to serve Nebuchadnezzar would result in judgement of sword, famine, and pestilence. Bring your neck under the yoke... and live.
But the prophets continued to lie and declare that the Lord was telling them that all would be well and that within 2 years even the things stolen from the Temple would be returned. Hananiah was one of those false prophets. Jeremiah did not argue, in fact he said "Amen" But, the sign of a true prophet is that what he declares happens. Time would tell.
Hananiah broke the yoke off of Jeremiah's neck to show that this would happen to Judah. But the result was not what he expected. Jeremiah heard from the Lord and the message was that since they refused the yoke of wood, God would replace it with a yoke of iron. Hananiah lied and made the people believe a lie... it was a counsel of rebellion. And it resulted in his death.
It seems hard to believe that God wants us to serve a ruler like Nebuchadnezzar. Or that he would call Nebuchadnezzar His servant. But that is what the Word says. We are to submit to ungodly rulers that God has chosen to put into positions of government. Romans 13:1-2 repeats this command for the New Testament era - " Let every person be in subjection to the governing authorities. For there is no authority except from God and those which exist are established by God"
In fact, we are to pray for them. I Tim. 2:2.
In light of our recent elections, and the choosing of our current president, I find this a bit uncomfortable. Surely Mr. Obama is not the Lord's servant, or is he? God has put him into this position for HIS purposes. What are the modern day prophets saying? What is God saying?
We are to pray for our government. Every aspect of it. Executive, Legislative, and Judicial branches.
I confess I have failed to do this. Help me Lord to be more faithful in praying for our country and its leaders. Help me to be faithful in obedience to the True Word of God in every way.
Amen.
Tuesday, November 13, 2012
Nov. 13, 2012
Jeremiah 26
Yet another opportunity is given to the people to repent and return to the Lord. To LISTEN and to OBEY the Word of the LORD will turn the Lord's heart from calamity to blessing. The Lord is willing to change His mind (v13) when we turn ourselves back to Him.
Jeremiah was willing to speak up, but his message was not well received. In fact, the people, priests, and prophets wanted to put him to death. And Jeremiah rests in the Truth of the Lord, telling them to do what they think is good and right to him, but know that they will be bringing more innocent blood on themselves.
It is actually the officials that intervene for Jeremiah at this time. In particular, Ahikam the son of Shaphan intervenes. Shaphan and his son Ahikam are mentioned in II Kings 22 where they find the scroll in the Temple while Josiah is having it restored. Later, Ahikam's son Gedaliah takes care of Jeremiah. Gedaliah is put in charge of the remnant left in Judah after Nebuchadnezzar takes the rest into exile. This family, father Shaphan, son Ahikam, and grandson Gedaliah, is one of the faithful to stand with Jeremiah and therefore the Lord, it appears. Yet Gedaliah is slain by Ishmael, a jealous and evil man that Gedaliah actually thought was a friend.
Godly men like Jeremiah and Gedaliah are not immune from suffering for doing what is right. Jeremiah was called a liar and hated for speaking God's Words. Life is unfair and God does not always stop the unrighteous from winning the fight. How important for us to keep on trusting the ONE who allows things in our lives that hurt us, for reasons we may not understand, because in the end He will win the WAR.
Like the people in Judah we are given the Word - listen and turn from doing evil, walk in the ways of the Lord, obey His voice - this is the only way to ultimately find life and peace. Help me my Adonai, to Listen and obey. I surrender to Your ways!
Jeremiah 26
Yet another opportunity is given to the people to repent and return to the Lord. To LISTEN and to OBEY the Word of the LORD will turn the Lord's heart from calamity to blessing. The Lord is willing to change His mind (v13) when we turn ourselves back to Him.
Jeremiah was willing to speak up, but his message was not well received. In fact, the people, priests, and prophets wanted to put him to death. And Jeremiah rests in the Truth of the Lord, telling them to do what they think is good and right to him, but know that they will be bringing more innocent blood on themselves.
It is actually the officials that intervene for Jeremiah at this time. In particular, Ahikam the son of Shaphan intervenes. Shaphan and his son Ahikam are mentioned in II Kings 22 where they find the scroll in the Temple while Josiah is having it restored. Later, Ahikam's son Gedaliah takes care of Jeremiah. Gedaliah is put in charge of the remnant left in Judah after Nebuchadnezzar takes the rest into exile. This family, father Shaphan, son Ahikam, and grandson Gedaliah, is one of the faithful to stand with Jeremiah and therefore the Lord, it appears. Yet Gedaliah is slain by Ishmael, a jealous and evil man that Gedaliah actually thought was a friend.
Godly men like Jeremiah and Gedaliah are not immune from suffering for doing what is right. Jeremiah was called a liar and hated for speaking God's Words. Life is unfair and God does not always stop the unrighteous from winning the fight. How important for us to keep on trusting the ONE who allows things in our lives that hurt us, for reasons we may not understand, because in the end He will win the WAR.
Like the people in Judah we are given the Word - listen and turn from doing evil, walk in the ways of the Lord, obey His voice - this is the only way to ultimately find life and peace. Help me my Adonai, to Listen and obey. I surrender to Your ways!
Friday, November 9, 2012
Nov. 9, 2012 Jeremiah 25
Judgement. Not something we want for ourselves, but glory in when it is handed down to those who have harmed another person, especially ourselves. Warning after warning has been given to the people of Israel and Judah. 3 times in this prophecy the Lord indicts the people because they " have not listened" When we listen and heed the Words of God we will be saved. But when we refuse to listen, when we continue to do the things that He has told us not to do, He will bring His judgement against us with great anger. The "cup of the wine of wrath" comes from God's Hands. It is poured out on every nation, every "inhabitant of the earth". None is free from punishment, none can refuse this cup of wrath. "You shall surely drink!" He declares.
We do not listen to Him, but continue to provoke God to anger when we do not "turn now everyone from his evil way and from the evil of your deeds" Verses 6-7 repeat the phrase " work of your hands" It is repeated again in v. 14 for the nations, besides Judah and Israel.
What is this "work of your hands" that provokes God to such wrath? The worship of idols and especially the sacrifice of children to those idols. This is sited over and over again - II Kings 17, Isaiah 55, Jeremiah 4, 7, 32 . 32:33 " And they have turned their back to Me, and not their face; though I taught them, teaching again and again, they would not listen and receive instruction." They even put idols in the temple of God. Defiling His Holy place.
Do we do that? Do we fail to listen to God's warnings and teachings? Do we allow idols in His Holy place - into our hearts and souls? Do we sacrifice innocent children? Our nation is not free from God's judgement or punishment. If we provoke His Wrath we will be judged and the cup of His wrath will be poured out and we will drink.
Turn back O nation! Turn and listen to the Word of God. Stop doing evil. We are recompensed for our deeds, for the work of our hands. What am I doing with my hands today?
Judgement. Not something we want for ourselves, but glory in when it is handed down to those who have harmed another person, especially ourselves. Warning after warning has been given to the people of Israel and Judah. 3 times in this prophecy the Lord indicts the people because they " have not listened" When we listen and heed the Words of God we will be saved. But when we refuse to listen, when we continue to do the things that He has told us not to do, He will bring His judgement against us with great anger. The "cup of the wine of wrath" comes from God's Hands. It is poured out on every nation, every "inhabitant of the earth". None is free from punishment, none can refuse this cup of wrath. "You shall surely drink!" He declares.
We do not listen to Him, but continue to provoke God to anger when we do not "turn now everyone from his evil way and from the evil of your deeds" Verses 6-7 repeat the phrase " work of your hands" It is repeated again in v. 14 for the nations, besides Judah and Israel.
What is this "work of your hands" that provokes God to such wrath? The worship of idols and especially the sacrifice of children to those idols. This is sited over and over again - II Kings 17, Isaiah 55, Jeremiah 4, 7, 32 . 32:33 " And they have turned their back to Me, and not their face; though I taught them, teaching again and again, they would not listen and receive instruction." They even put idols in the temple of God. Defiling His Holy place.
Do we do that? Do we fail to listen to God's warnings and teachings? Do we allow idols in His Holy place - into our hearts and souls? Do we sacrifice innocent children? Our nation is not free from God's judgement or punishment. If we provoke His Wrath we will be judged and the cup of His wrath will be poured out and we will drink.
Turn back O nation! Turn and listen to the Word of God. Stop doing evil. We are recompensed for our deeds, for the work of our hands. What am I doing with my hands today?
Wednesday, November 7, 2012
Nov. 7, 2012
Jeremiah 24
"What do you see?" God asks Jeremiah. 2 baskets of figs - the good ones, very good; the bad ones, so bad , so rotten , they could not be eaten. Both were set before the temple. Offerings? Who would offer a sacrifice of rotten figs? Figs weren't used in sacrifices, were they?
So what is the significance? Hosea 9:10 " I found Israel like grapes in the wilderness; I saw you forefathers as the earliest fruit on the fig tree in its season. " But when they served Baal, they devoted themselves to shame and became as detestable as that which "they loved"
Micah 7:1 - A first -ripe fig is highly desired and is here compared to a godly person- none to be found.
Isaiah 28:4 The first-ripe fig prior to summer - so desirable that the person who sees it, as soon as it is in his hand he gobbles it up.
Figs are often dried and kept for food as cakes - Abigail brought them to David in IISamuel.
They did not become rotten because they were old. They were rotten because of the tree.
Jesus looked for figs on a tree when he walked to Jerusalem. When it did not have any produce, He cursed the tree and it withered.
He also gave a parable about the fig tree - when you see the leaves, you can know that the season has come - summer is here. He compared that to His second coming. Mark 13:28 -31 "Now learn the parable from the fig tree; when its branch has already become tender, and puts forth its leaves, you now that summer is near. Even so you too, when you see these things happening recognize that He is near, right at the door. Truly I say to you this generation will not pass away until all these things take place"
In Jeremiah's time, God compares the good figs to those who are going into captivity. He tells them that He will:
Set His eyes on them.
Bring them up again.
Build them up.
Plant them and not pluck them.
Give them a heart to know Him.
Be their Lord and they His people.
He will be their God and they will return to Him with their whole heart.
They are desirable. They are wanted and have value and worth to Him. He is sending them out of the land for their good.
But the rotten figs are equated with those who stay in Jerusalem or run to Egypt. They have not obeyed God's commands. He has told them over and over that He will not rescue them any longer. Leave or die. Jeremiah 21:8-9
He will:
Make them a terror and an evil, a reproach, a taunt, a curse, in all places.
Send the sword, famine, and pestilence to destroy them and remove them from the land.
The sword - war, enemies, killing, violence, bloodshed= death
famine- no rain, no crops, no food. =death
Pestilence -plague, destroyer, fatal diseases - virus, infectious, contagious, epidemics. = death
Over and over the message is given and is consistantly the same- obey God, KNOW Him, return to Him. If you do, He will be with you and help you, even if that means moving you out of where you are for a time.
Ignore or turn from Him, refuse His ways, stubbornly do your own thing - death will be all you can look forward to, for it will come. If the sword doesn't get you, famine or disease will.
Choose life! Choose God! He will help you. You are desirable to Him.
Thank You Father, for Your marvelous grace.
Jeremiah 24
"What do you see?" God asks Jeremiah. 2 baskets of figs - the good ones, very good; the bad ones, so bad , so rotten , they could not be eaten. Both were set before the temple. Offerings? Who would offer a sacrifice of rotten figs? Figs weren't used in sacrifices, were they?
So what is the significance? Hosea 9:10 " I found Israel like grapes in the wilderness; I saw you forefathers as the earliest fruit on the fig tree in its season. " But when they served Baal, they devoted themselves to shame and became as detestable as that which "they loved"
Micah 7:1 - A first -ripe fig is highly desired and is here compared to a godly person- none to be found.
Isaiah 28:4 The first-ripe fig prior to summer - so desirable that the person who sees it, as soon as it is in his hand he gobbles it up.
Figs are often dried and kept for food as cakes - Abigail brought them to David in IISamuel.
They did not become rotten because they were old. They were rotten because of the tree.
Jesus looked for figs on a tree when he walked to Jerusalem. When it did not have any produce, He cursed the tree and it withered.
He also gave a parable about the fig tree - when you see the leaves, you can know that the season has come - summer is here. He compared that to His second coming. Mark 13:28 -31 "Now learn the parable from the fig tree; when its branch has already become tender, and puts forth its leaves, you now that summer is near. Even so you too, when you see these things happening recognize that He is near, right at the door. Truly I say to you this generation will not pass away until all these things take place"
In Jeremiah's time, God compares the good figs to those who are going into captivity. He tells them that He will:
Set His eyes on them.
Bring them up again.
Build them up.
Plant them and not pluck them.
Give them a heart to know Him.
Be their Lord and they His people.
He will be their God and they will return to Him with their whole heart.
They are desirable. They are wanted and have value and worth to Him. He is sending them out of the land for their good.
But the rotten figs are equated with those who stay in Jerusalem or run to Egypt. They have not obeyed God's commands. He has told them over and over that He will not rescue them any longer. Leave or die. Jeremiah 21:8-9
He will:
Make them a terror and an evil, a reproach, a taunt, a curse, in all places.
Send the sword, famine, and pestilence to destroy them and remove them from the land.
The sword - war, enemies, killing, violence, bloodshed= death
famine- no rain, no crops, no food. =death
Pestilence -plague, destroyer, fatal diseases - virus, infectious, contagious, epidemics. = death
Over and over the message is given and is consistantly the same- obey God, KNOW Him, return to Him. If you do, He will be with you and help you, even if that means moving you out of where you are for a time.
Ignore or turn from Him, refuse His ways, stubbornly do your own thing - death will be all you can look forward to, for it will come. If the sword doesn't get you, famine or disease will.
Choose life! Choose God! He will help you. You are desirable to Him.
Thank You Father, for Your marvelous grace.
Tuesday, November 6, 2012
Nov. 6, 2012
Jeremiah 23
Woe to the shepherds - the leaders, the prophets, the priests - those who were trusted with the Words of God, but failed to speak Truth. They failed to lead in righteousness, wisdom and justice. They spoke about their own dreams and put more emphasis on their own thoughts than the Word of the Lord. God calls that pollution.
The right way for a leader is to first stand in the council of the Lord. v18 To be in close intimate consultation with the Most High God! To first see and hear His Word and then present those Words to the people, to the flock. To carry out His purposes. To turn the people back from evil ways and deeds.
But they didn't listen to God or heed His Words. Instead they prophesied false dreams and led people astray with lies. Instead of stopping the evil they actually strengthened them. They proclaimed peace, but God had no intention of giving them peace when they were committing adultery and falsehood.
They told the people that there would be no calamity. But in Truth, calamity was about to hit them up side the head! God was so angry at the prophets for their lying and leading others astray that He was abandoning them altogether. To pervert the Words of the Lord, to lie, to falsely proclaim a vision or word, will bring everlasting reproach and humiliation.
God promises a Shepherd, a Branch of David Who will reign as King. Who will act wisely. Who will do justice and righteousness in the land. He will be called "The Lord our Righteousness" Jehovah Tsedeq. "In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God" King Jesus, the Christ, the Lord of Righteousness does reign and will reign forever. He speaks Truth for He is the Truth. He does justice and righteousness. He acts wisely. He does not cover up sin, but exposes it. He does not ignore it, but brings forgiveness and deliverance. Praise God for our Saviour and King! All Hail King Jesus!
Jeremiah 23
Woe to the shepherds - the leaders, the prophets, the priests - those who were trusted with the Words of God, but failed to speak Truth. They failed to lead in righteousness, wisdom and justice. They spoke about their own dreams and put more emphasis on their own thoughts than the Word of the Lord. God calls that pollution.
The right way for a leader is to first stand in the council of the Lord. v18 To be in close intimate consultation with the Most High God! To first see and hear His Word and then present those Words to the people, to the flock. To carry out His purposes. To turn the people back from evil ways and deeds.
But they didn't listen to God or heed His Words. Instead they prophesied false dreams and led people astray with lies. Instead of stopping the evil they actually strengthened them. They proclaimed peace, but God had no intention of giving them peace when they were committing adultery and falsehood.
They told the people that there would be no calamity. But in Truth, calamity was about to hit them up side the head! God was so angry at the prophets for their lying and leading others astray that He was abandoning them altogether. To pervert the Words of the Lord, to lie, to falsely proclaim a vision or word, will bring everlasting reproach and humiliation.
God promises a Shepherd, a Branch of David Who will reign as King. Who will act wisely. Who will do justice and righteousness in the land. He will be called "The Lord our Righteousness" Jehovah Tsedeq. "In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God" King Jesus, the Christ, the Lord of Righteousness does reign and will reign forever. He speaks Truth for He is the Truth. He does justice and righteousness. He acts wisely. He does not cover up sin, but exposes it. He does not ignore it, but brings forgiveness and deliverance. Praise God for our Saviour and King! All Hail King Jesus!
Monday, November 5, 2012
Nov. 5, 2012
Jeremiah 20
Pashhur - libreration, son of Immer, chief officer in the house of the Lord, had Jeremiah beaten and put into stocks because of his prophecies. Jeremiah tells him something that Pashhur doesn't know, God has another name for you Pashhur, not liberation, but terror Magor-missabib - terror on every side. Jeremiah 6:25 - terror on every side is coming from Babylon - in the field, on the road.... 20;10 - the whisper of many are blaming this on Jeremiah. But God puts the blame on Pashhur - he will be a terror, he will see terror, he will experience terror personally. He will watch as his friends are killed by the sword, he will be taken into captivity, he will never return from Babylon. Why? Because Pashhur spoke lies. he falsely prophesied. "Liberation" is taken captive because he refused to listen to the Word of God.
Jeremiah has been beaten and stuck into stocks. He is in pain and he has been mocked and laughed at. He feels as if God has deceived him. To speak God's Words should be a blessing, a happy thing . But instead, Jeremiah has been ridiculed, derided, and made to feel like everyone is against him, even the Lord. Yet, God speaks to him and he can't stop speaking what God wants him to say. His heart burns, he can't hold it in. So it finally just bursts out. " O Lord of hosts, thou who dost test the righteous, Who seest the mind and the heart; Let me see Thy vengeance on them. For to Thee I have set forth my cause. Sing to the LORD; praise the LORD! For He has delivered the soul of the needy one from the hand of the evildoers. " Jeremiah goes on to rue the day he was born. He wonders if life is worth the pain and anguish he is feeling.
What God does and allows in our lives doesn't always feel good to us. We do feel deceived. We feel the anguish of unanswered prayer and the shame of being mocked and ridiculed by others. Especially when that comes from someone in the "church". But like Jeremiah, we must speak the Word of God and we must recognize that it is He Who sees our hearts and minds, who will deliver us, and Who deserves our songs and our praise. Trouble, sorrow, shame... the storms of life, are not what we necessarily want our lives to be full of.... but what God allows for His purposes.
Jeremiah 21-22
King Zedekiah makes Pashhur come to Jeremiah and request a word from the Lord. They are now looking into the face of Nebuchadnezzar and the terror is on every side. Jeremiah speaks all that God has been pouring into him. All the wrath that is going to be poured out on Judah because they refused to obey His Word. Justice and righteousness and deliverance of the oppressed. That was the king's job - and he failed miserably.
The way of life and death ( 21:8) is clearly set out by God. Fight it or surrender to it.
The way of life is surrender. Do justice and righteousness, deliver the one who had been robbed by his oppressor, don't mistreat foreigners, widows, or orphans, don't shed innocent blood. Plead the cause of the afflicted and needy. "Is not this what it means to know Me? declares the LORD"
The way of death is stubbornly fighting the will of God, the inevitable, forsaking Him and bowing to other gods, intent on your own dishonest gain, shedding innocent blood, practicing oppression and extortion. Evil deeds will be punished accordingly.
II Chron. 36 records the fulfillment of the words of Jeremiah. Down to the last word.
Jeremiah 20
Pashhur - libreration, son of Immer, chief officer in the house of the Lord, had Jeremiah beaten and put into stocks because of his prophecies. Jeremiah tells him something that Pashhur doesn't know, God has another name for you Pashhur, not liberation, but terror Magor-missabib - terror on every side. Jeremiah 6:25 - terror on every side is coming from Babylon - in the field, on the road.... 20;10 - the whisper of many are blaming this on Jeremiah. But God puts the blame on Pashhur - he will be a terror, he will see terror, he will experience terror personally. He will watch as his friends are killed by the sword, he will be taken into captivity, he will never return from Babylon. Why? Because Pashhur spoke lies. he falsely prophesied. "Liberation" is taken captive because he refused to listen to the Word of God.
Jeremiah has been beaten and stuck into stocks. He is in pain and he has been mocked and laughed at. He feels as if God has deceived him. To speak God's Words should be a blessing, a happy thing . But instead, Jeremiah has been ridiculed, derided, and made to feel like everyone is against him, even the Lord. Yet, God speaks to him and he can't stop speaking what God wants him to say. His heart burns, he can't hold it in. So it finally just bursts out. " O Lord of hosts, thou who dost test the righteous, Who seest the mind and the heart; Let me see Thy vengeance on them. For to Thee I have set forth my cause. Sing to the LORD; praise the LORD! For He has delivered the soul of the needy one from the hand of the evildoers. " Jeremiah goes on to rue the day he was born. He wonders if life is worth the pain and anguish he is feeling.
What God does and allows in our lives doesn't always feel good to us. We do feel deceived. We feel the anguish of unanswered prayer and the shame of being mocked and ridiculed by others. Especially when that comes from someone in the "church". But like Jeremiah, we must speak the Word of God and we must recognize that it is He Who sees our hearts and minds, who will deliver us, and Who deserves our songs and our praise. Trouble, sorrow, shame... the storms of life, are not what we necessarily want our lives to be full of.... but what God allows for His purposes.
Jeremiah 21-22
King Zedekiah makes Pashhur come to Jeremiah and request a word from the Lord. They are now looking into the face of Nebuchadnezzar and the terror is on every side. Jeremiah speaks all that God has been pouring into him. All the wrath that is going to be poured out on Judah because they refused to obey His Word. Justice and righteousness and deliverance of the oppressed. That was the king's job - and he failed miserably.
The way of life and death ( 21:8) is clearly set out by God. Fight it or surrender to it.
The way of life is surrender. Do justice and righteousness, deliver the one who had been robbed by his oppressor, don't mistreat foreigners, widows, or orphans, don't shed innocent blood. Plead the cause of the afflicted and needy. "Is not this what it means to know Me? declares the LORD"
The way of death is stubbornly fighting the will of God, the inevitable, forsaking Him and bowing to other gods, intent on your own dishonest gain, shedding innocent blood, practicing oppression and extortion. Evil deeds will be punished accordingly.
II Chron. 36 records the fulfillment of the words of Jeremiah. Down to the last word.
Wednesday, October 31, 2012
Oct. 31, 2012
Jeremiah 18
The potter and the clay. We love this imagery. God has the right to fashion us anyway He chooses.
He is the Potter. In this passage God is showing Jeremiah that He will take a nation and act according to the evil that nation does or the repentance that nation shows. Judah has refused to turn back. They insist on continuing in their stubbornness and evil. Disaster is coming and they know it, but they will not repent!
Jeremiah has had enough! He has spoken the Word of the Lord, he has been faithful to do all the Lord has told him to do. But the people have turned a deaf ear and now they are refusing to listen at all. They have prepared a pit to throw him into. So, he will no longer try to turn away the wrath of God, but instead asks God to act.
Ch. 19
Another illustration is given from the potter's hand. This time a earthenware vessel is taken to Topheth and broken into pieces, unrepairable. Here the people of Jerusalem will also be shattered. Why?
v4 "because they have forsaken Me."
v4b "because they have filled this pace with the blood of the innocent"
v13 "because of all the houses on whose rooftops they burned sacrifices to all the heavenly host and poured out libations to other gods"
v15 "because they have stiffened their necks so as not to heed My words"
The sins of Judah are the sins of America, aren't they?
Have we too, forsaken God? forsaken- azab, to loosen, relinquish, fail, leave. Many in America have chosen to leave God. Our laws are being loosened that protect religious freedoms. Atheists seem to have more rights than Christians. We are a nation in danger.
Have we too filled the land with innocent blood? People in Israel and Judah were so committed to their false gods that they would even offer their children as burnt sacrifices. Mannasseh, an evil king offered his own sons and daughters to Baal. The Lord called this evil. So awful that He would never even think of such a thing! God valued the life of children. He still does. Yet we have a nation that has legalized abortion. A president who defends such a practice as a right and pridefully calls it a patriotic stand. We have filled our land with the blood of innocent babies.
Have we too offered sacrifices to the heavenly host? How many millions of dollars have been spent on missions to Mars and to space? We may not offer sheep or oxen, but we offer the money that could feed the poor and provide of the needy.
Have we stiffened our neck also? oh yes, our nation does not want to heed God's Word any more than Israel or Judah. We say the same thing that Judah did, " It's hopeless! For we are going to follow our own plans, and each of us will act according to the stubbornness of his evil heart" 3:12
We are a nation that has turned away from God. Yet, there are still many who have not forsaken Him also. Thank You Father that You are still at work in America! The church is still alive and we must continue to keep our faces turned to Him and obey His Word. We must protect the innocent, keep from defiling our land with false idols. God have mercy on us! Work among us! Purify us! May Your kingdom come!!!
Amen
Jeremiah 18
The potter and the clay. We love this imagery. God has the right to fashion us anyway He chooses.
He is the Potter. In this passage God is showing Jeremiah that He will take a nation and act according to the evil that nation does or the repentance that nation shows. Judah has refused to turn back. They insist on continuing in their stubbornness and evil. Disaster is coming and they know it, but they will not repent!
Jeremiah has had enough! He has spoken the Word of the Lord, he has been faithful to do all the Lord has told him to do. But the people have turned a deaf ear and now they are refusing to listen at all. They have prepared a pit to throw him into. So, he will no longer try to turn away the wrath of God, but instead asks God to act.
Ch. 19
Another illustration is given from the potter's hand. This time a earthenware vessel is taken to Topheth and broken into pieces, unrepairable. Here the people of Jerusalem will also be shattered. Why?
v4 "because they have forsaken Me."
v4b "because they have filled this pace with the blood of the innocent"
v13 "because of all the houses on whose rooftops they burned sacrifices to all the heavenly host and poured out libations to other gods"
v15 "because they have stiffened their necks so as not to heed My words"
The sins of Judah are the sins of America, aren't they?
Have we too, forsaken God? forsaken- azab, to loosen, relinquish, fail, leave. Many in America have chosen to leave God. Our laws are being loosened that protect religious freedoms. Atheists seem to have more rights than Christians. We are a nation in danger.
Have we too filled the land with innocent blood? People in Israel and Judah were so committed to their false gods that they would even offer their children as burnt sacrifices. Mannasseh, an evil king offered his own sons and daughters to Baal. The Lord called this evil. So awful that He would never even think of such a thing! God valued the life of children. He still does. Yet we have a nation that has legalized abortion. A president who defends such a practice as a right and pridefully calls it a patriotic stand. We have filled our land with the blood of innocent babies.
Have we too offered sacrifices to the heavenly host? How many millions of dollars have been spent on missions to Mars and to space? We may not offer sheep or oxen, but we offer the money that could feed the poor and provide of the needy.
Have we stiffened our neck also? oh yes, our nation does not want to heed God's Word any more than Israel or Judah. We say the same thing that Judah did, " It's hopeless! For we are going to follow our own plans, and each of us will act according to the stubbornness of his evil heart" 3:12
We are a nation that has turned away from God. Yet, there are still many who have not forsaken Him also. Thank You Father that You are still at work in America! The church is still alive and we must continue to keep our faces turned to Him and obey His Word. We must protect the innocent, keep from defiling our land with false idols. God have mercy on us! Work among us! Purify us! May Your kingdom come!!!
Amen
Tuesday, October 30, 2012
Oct. 30.2012
Jeremiah 17
verses 1-18 are a clear message to Judah - Blessing comes if you trust the Lord, curses come if you trust in mankind. They chose to trust in men and the curse came. They gave up their inheritance and clung to their idols. Those who forsake the Lord are put to shame. Those who look to Him are not.
Jeremiah prays a humble prayer " Heal me, O Lord, and I will be healed; Save me and I will be saved; For thou art my praise" God is our only Hope! In every trial and problem. Trust in Him alone.
V. 19-27 It seems as if the Lord gives a lifeline to Judah in this message. One commandment - can they keep just ONE? A fairly easy one - Keep the Sabbath Day. Not to difficult, not a lot to ask?
Just stop doing business as usual on the Sabbath. Stop doing business and God will bless the whole city of Jerusalem and all the people of Judah. But, ignore this final offer and there will be devastation and loss. A fire will destroy Jerusalem.
Seems like a no brainer! But, they refused to listen. Destruction comes.
What would we do in this situation? Would we give up 1 day of business for the Lord? We used to do that in our country, but things have changed here too. Sunday has become a day of recreation instead of a day of rest. We are told in Hebrews that Jesus is our Rest, our Sabbath. Heb. 4: 9-10 "There remains therefore a Sabbath rest for the people of God. For the one who had entered His rest has himself also rested from his works, as God did from His. "
So, what does this mean? There is one requirement for salvation. Do this ONE thing and you will be saved. Enter into Jesus!
Jer. 17: 10 " I, the LORD, search the heart, I test the mind, Even to give to each man according to his ways, according to the results of his deeds." and compare Heb. 4: 12-13 " For the Word of God is living and active and sharper than any two-edged sword, and piercing as far as the division of soul and spirit, of joints and marrow, and able to judge the thoughts and intentions of the heart. And there is no creature hidden from His sight, but all things are open and laid bared to the eyes of Him with whom we have to do."
Hebrews lays out the consequences of disobedience , specifically unbelief. They did not enter His Rest. Heb. 3:12 " Take care, brethren, lest there should be in any one of you and evil, unbelieving heart..." v15 " do not harden your hearts, as when they provoked me" Because of hard hearts they did not believe God's Word. They did not trust Him to bring them into His Rest. So they never were allowed to enter. It was GOOD NEWS - entry was guaranteed! But they wouldn't believe. We also have GOOD NEWS - entry in to our REST, our SABBATH - eternal LIFE is guaranteed when we believe in JESUS. But if we harden our hearts and refuse to believe - we are in the same situation that Israel was in - shut out from the one place where we can find what we need the most - REST.
God sees our hearts and judges our intentions. We cannot hide what we are thinking and doing. HE knows everything about us, including our weaknesses and temptations. Heb. 4;15-16 tells us that Jesus can sympathize with us in those, for He was also tempted. Because of Him, we have Hope. For He has opened the way for us to come to God, to the Throne of GRACE, to receive mercy and to find grace to help in time of need. So like Jeremiah we can pray " Heal me and I will be healed, Save me and I will be saved For thou art my praise."
Jeremiah 17
verses 1-18 are a clear message to Judah - Blessing comes if you trust the Lord, curses come if you trust in mankind. They chose to trust in men and the curse came. They gave up their inheritance and clung to their idols. Those who forsake the Lord are put to shame. Those who look to Him are not.
Jeremiah prays a humble prayer " Heal me, O Lord, and I will be healed; Save me and I will be saved; For thou art my praise" God is our only Hope! In every trial and problem. Trust in Him alone.
V. 19-27 It seems as if the Lord gives a lifeline to Judah in this message. One commandment - can they keep just ONE? A fairly easy one - Keep the Sabbath Day. Not to difficult, not a lot to ask?
Just stop doing business as usual on the Sabbath. Stop doing business and God will bless the whole city of Jerusalem and all the people of Judah. But, ignore this final offer and there will be devastation and loss. A fire will destroy Jerusalem.
Seems like a no brainer! But, they refused to listen. Destruction comes.
What would we do in this situation? Would we give up 1 day of business for the Lord? We used to do that in our country, but things have changed here too. Sunday has become a day of recreation instead of a day of rest. We are told in Hebrews that Jesus is our Rest, our Sabbath. Heb. 4: 9-10 "There remains therefore a Sabbath rest for the people of God. For the one who had entered His rest has himself also rested from his works, as God did from His. "
So, what does this mean? There is one requirement for salvation. Do this ONE thing and you will be saved. Enter into Jesus!
Jer. 17: 10 " I, the LORD, search the heart, I test the mind, Even to give to each man according to his ways, according to the results of his deeds." and compare Heb. 4: 12-13 " For the Word of God is living and active and sharper than any two-edged sword, and piercing as far as the division of soul and spirit, of joints and marrow, and able to judge the thoughts and intentions of the heart. And there is no creature hidden from His sight, but all things are open and laid bared to the eyes of Him with whom we have to do."
Hebrews lays out the consequences of disobedience , specifically unbelief. They did not enter His Rest. Heb. 3:12 " Take care, brethren, lest there should be in any one of you and evil, unbelieving heart..." v15 " do not harden your hearts, as when they provoked me" Because of hard hearts they did not believe God's Word. They did not trust Him to bring them into His Rest. So they never were allowed to enter. It was GOOD NEWS - entry was guaranteed! But they wouldn't believe. We also have GOOD NEWS - entry in to our REST, our SABBATH - eternal LIFE is guaranteed when we believe in JESUS. But if we harden our hearts and refuse to believe - we are in the same situation that Israel was in - shut out from the one place where we can find what we need the most - REST.
God sees our hearts and judges our intentions. We cannot hide what we are thinking and doing. HE knows everything about us, including our weaknesses and temptations. Heb. 4;15-16 tells us that Jesus can sympathize with us in those, for He was also tempted. Because of Him, we have Hope. For He has opened the way for us to come to God, to the Throne of GRACE, to receive mercy and to find grace to help in time of need. So like Jeremiah we can pray " Heal me and I will be healed, Save me and I will be saved For thou art my praise."
Monday, October 29, 2012
Oct. 29,2012
Spent a week in the mountains of N. C. Beautiful views, crisp weather, and fellowship with my husband. Priceless! Thank You Father for safety, health, and refreshment.
Jeremiah 16
Jeremiah is told not to marry or have children. For all the mothers, fathers, sons, and daughters will die and not even be mourned. A time of great sorrow is coming and God wants to spare Jeremiah from this pain and disaster. He is further told to not mourn with those who mourn or rejoice with those who rejoice. Because the people have forsaken God, not kept His law, not listened to His voice, or walked in His ways, He is removing them from the land.
But, God leaves Jeremiah with a promise. He will restore them to their land. There will come a time when His people will know His power and His might. They will know that He is the LORD!
LORD - Jehovah, Yahweh - the Self - existent One who reveals Himself; Righteous, Holy, and Loving.
Because of their sins, The LORD Who has revealed Himself to them, is now going to withdraw His peace, lovingkindness, and compassion. All the ways He has shown Himself to His people, He now is taking away. El Shaddai - The supplier of every need - is no longer their supplier. Jehovah Jirah, is no longer their provider, Jehovah Raphah is no longer their healer, Jehovah Nisse is no longer their Banner of victory. They have chosen to call another Master instead of their Adonai. All of Who He is will now be withdrawn from them.
What darkness! What sorrow!
But there will come a time when they will again call on His Name. They will know His power and His might! Lord Haste the day when faith will be sight!
Amen.
Spent a week in the mountains of N. C. Beautiful views, crisp weather, and fellowship with my husband. Priceless! Thank You Father for safety, health, and refreshment.
Jeremiah 16
Jeremiah is told not to marry or have children. For all the mothers, fathers, sons, and daughters will die and not even be mourned. A time of great sorrow is coming and God wants to spare Jeremiah from this pain and disaster. He is further told to not mourn with those who mourn or rejoice with those who rejoice. Because the people have forsaken God, not kept His law, not listened to His voice, or walked in His ways, He is removing them from the land.
But, God leaves Jeremiah with a promise. He will restore them to their land. There will come a time when His people will know His power and His might. They will know that He is the LORD!
LORD - Jehovah, Yahweh - the Self - existent One who reveals Himself; Righteous, Holy, and Loving.
Because of their sins, The LORD Who has revealed Himself to them, is now going to withdraw His peace, lovingkindness, and compassion. All the ways He has shown Himself to His people, He now is taking away. El Shaddai - The supplier of every need - is no longer their supplier. Jehovah Jirah, is no longer their provider, Jehovah Raphah is no longer their healer, Jehovah Nisse is no longer their Banner of victory. They have chosen to call another Master instead of their Adonai. All of Who He is will now be withdrawn from them.
What darkness! What sorrow!
But there will come a time when they will again call on His Name. They will know His power and His might! Lord Haste the day when faith will be sight!
Amen.
Friday, October 19, 2012
10/19/12 Happy Birthday to me! The Lord has been good to me. You have blessed me with another birthday, a special day to remember that You formed me in my mother's womb. That You made me fearfully and wonderfully. That You have planned and lead me every day to the place that I am in right now, for Your purposes, to be the person I am, for Your glory! Thank You for all You have blessed me with Father! Thank You for a wonderful husband who dearly loves You and has shown me how to be a servant, how to be faithful, and how to be generous. Thank You for a beautiful daughter and her baby boys! What a blessing they are to me. They fill my heart with love and joy.
Thank You for giving me 3 bonus sons, with their families, to love and care for and fill my heart with joy in the good things and comfort through the tough times. Thank You for family, those who love and serve You, their encouragement and examples. Thank You for those who still are walking in darkness, for they bring me to You in the most earnest of prayers, open their eyes Lord, and let them see Jesus. Thank You for the church. That even in this most trying time, You are Lord and You are at work. That, like Jeremiah, I can plead my case before You and You hear it Lord. For You are just and You Love the Truth.
Jeremiah14- 15
The land is dried and cracking. There is no water in the wells. There are no crops in the fields. There is no grass or vegetation for the animals. The people cry out to God, but it is too late. He Who would have forgiven them, has now waited long enough, and it is too late. Death is coming - by famine, sword, or captivity.
The young girl's life is broken and dried up. Only 19, she has already seen what emptiness and darkness the things of this world can bring. There is no living water in her soul. No fruit of love, peace, or joy in her relationships. There is nothing to sustain life. But she refuses to call out to the Only One Who would listen and could help. Unless she will turn to Him, death will come. She will be old before she reaches 20. She will be worthless, hopeless, and sent away.
Oh may repentance be granted. May ears hear and eyes see the Lord! You alone are God. You alone can save us! Thank You for Grace. Your free unmerited favor in Christ Jesus. Thank You that in Jesus I can say along with Jeremiah " Thou Who knowest O Lord, Remember me, take notice of me."
" Thy words were found and I ate them, and Thy words became for me a joy and the delight of my heart; For I have been called by Thy Name. O Lord God of Hosts" Thank You for the promise to deliver and save those who call on You. I call on You. There is no other who has the Words of Life.
Amen.
Thank You for giving me 3 bonus sons, with their families, to love and care for and fill my heart with joy in the good things and comfort through the tough times. Thank You for family, those who love and serve You, their encouragement and examples. Thank You for those who still are walking in darkness, for they bring me to You in the most earnest of prayers, open their eyes Lord, and let them see Jesus. Thank You for the church. That even in this most trying time, You are Lord and You are at work. That, like Jeremiah, I can plead my case before You and You hear it Lord. For You are just and You Love the Truth.
Jeremiah14- 15
The land is dried and cracking. There is no water in the wells. There are no crops in the fields. There is no grass or vegetation for the animals. The people cry out to God, but it is too late. He Who would have forgiven them, has now waited long enough, and it is too late. Death is coming - by famine, sword, or captivity.
The young girl's life is broken and dried up. Only 19, she has already seen what emptiness and darkness the things of this world can bring. There is no living water in her soul. No fruit of love, peace, or joy in her relationships. There is nothing to sustain life. But she refuses to call out to the Only One Who would listen and could help. Unless she will turn to Him, death will come. She will be old before she reaches 20. She will be worthless, hopeless, and sent away.
Oh may repentance be granted. May ears hear and eyes see the Lord! You alone are God. You alone can save us! Thank You for Grace. Your free unmerited favor in Christ Jesus. Thank You that in Jesus I can say along with Jeremiah " Thou Who knowest O Lord, Remember me, take notice of me."
" Thy words were found and I ate them, and Thy words became for me a joy and the delight of my heart; For I have been called by Thy Name. O Lord God of Hosts" Thank You for the promise to deliver and save those who call on You. I call on You. There is no other who has the Words of Life.
Amen.
Thursday, October 18, 2012
Oct. 18, 2012
Jeremiah 13
God gives Jeremiah an unusual task. He was to buy a brand new belt ( waistband) and put it around his waist. Then he was to take it off and hide it in the ground in a crevice of a rock near the Euphrates river. After a while he was sent to go dig it up and of course it was ruined. Worthless.
This illustration was a description of Judah. For God made His people to cling to Him, even as the belt was made to cling to the waist of a man. But they were ruined and made worthless by their refusal to listen to His Word, walking in the stubbornness of their own hearts, and serving other gods.
They traded the privilege of being God's own people - renowned, praised, full of glory - for their own pride. They wanted to ignore the Word of God, do whatever they felt like, and trust in lies, falsehood, and what ever idol they chose. This resulted in them becoming worthless.
The people were so haughty and prideful that they refused to listen to the warnings even when they saw what had already happened to Israel. They refused to change for so long that now it was impossible - even as impossible as it is for a leopard to change his spots or an Ethiopian to change his skin ( v23) . They couldn't do good because they were so accustomed to doing evil. God compared his beloved people to wanton prostitutes. He wanted them to no longer hide their faces, but to be as ashamed as they should be.
As God's people we are also meant to cling to God firmly. To listen to Him, walk in His ways, and serve Him alone. Here is our worthiness and worth. He will bring us to renown, praise, and glory!
Any other course of life will bring devastation, punishment, shame. So many in our world today want to live like Judah and Israel did. They ignore the Bible, ignore God, do whatever they feel like and choose to believe lies. They are proud of themselves and their "rights" to believe whatever they want. And they are headed for disaster. They can see it happening to others around them, but they are so prideful that they can't believe it can happen to them.
I see that in the lives of my own family members. Like Jeremiah, it breaks my heart. (v 17) " But if you will not listen to it, my soul will sob in secret for such pride; and my eyes will bitterly weep and flow down with tears, because the flock of the Lord has been taken captive"
Oh God, have mercy on us. Bring repentance! Turn our hearts back to You. Thank you that Jesus came to seek and to save those who are lost! Jesus will you find my brothers, nieces and nephews, grandchildren, cousins, and bring them into the Kingdom. Let Your Kingdom come into their lives today! I plead with You on their behalf.
And may it be so in Your mighty Name,
Amen
Jeremiah 13
God gives Jeremiah an unusual task. He was to buy a brand new belt ( waistband) and put it around his waist. Then he was to take it off and hide it in the ground in a crevice of a rock near the Euphrates river. After a while he was sent to go dig it up and of course it was ruined. Worthless.
This illustration was a description of Judah. For God made His people to cling to Him, even as the belt was made to cling to the waist of a man. But they were ruined and made worthless by their refusal to listen to His Word, walking in the stubbornness of their own hearts, and serving other gods.
They traded the privilege of being God's own people - renowned, praised, full of glory - for their own pride. They wanted to ignore the Word of God, do whatever they felt like, and trust in lies, falsehood, and what ever idol they chose. This resulted in them becoming worthless.
The people were so haughty and prideful that they refused to listen to the warnings even when they saw what had already happened to Israel. They refused to change for so long that now it was impossible - even as impossible as it is for a leopard to change his spots or an Ethiopian to change his skin ( v23) . They couldn't do good because they were so accustomed to doing evil. God compared his beloved people to wanton prostitutes. He wanted them to no longer hide their faces, but to be as ashamed as they should be.
As God's people we are also meant to cling to God firmly. To listen to Him, walk in His ways, and serve Him alone. Here is our worthiness and worth. He will bring us to renown, praise, and glory!
Any other course of life will bring devastation, punishment, shame. So many in our world today want to live like Judah and Israel did. They ignore the Bible, ignore God, do whatever they feel like and choose to believe lies. They are proud of themselves and their "rights" to believe whatever they want. And they are headed for disaster. They can see it happening to others around them, but they are so prideful that they can't believe it can happen to them.
I see that in the lives of my own family members. Like Jeremiah, it breaks my heart. (v 17) " But if you will not listen to it, my soul will sob in secret for such pride; and my eyes will bitterly weep and flow down with tears, because the flock of the Lord has been taken captive"
Oh God, have mercy on us. Bring repentance! Turn our hearts back to You. Thank you that Jesus came to seek and to save those who are lost! Jesus will you find my brothers, nieces and nephews, grandchildren, cousins, and bring them into the Kingdom. Let Your Kingdom come into their lives today! I plead with You on their behalf.
And may it be so in Your mighty Name,
Amen
Wednesday, October 17, 2012
Oct. 17, 2012
Jeremiah 12
Jeremiah has been threatened, imprisoned, thrown in a well, and bashed about by even his own family, all because he speaks the Word of the Lord. He takes his case to the only one Who is just and can help him - the Lord God. " I will plead my case" " I will discuss matters of justice with Thee"
His case rests on the Lord Who knows hims, sees him, and examines his heart's attitude towards God.
The Lord is bringing judgement against Israel and Judah, but He still considers her "the beloved of My soul" Her actions have caused Him to "hate" her. Her wickedness is so awful that everything has become desolate -astonishingly devastated, destroyed, wasted. In an agrarian society, where everyone grows their own food, bare fields, harvests of thorns instead of wheat, and ruined vineyards, means complete devastation to the economy, the community, and the national security. Life does not just keep going on.
God is going to uproot them and send them into exile, but He will not leave them there forever. When they turn back to Him, learn His ways, and swear by His Name, not Baal's; then He will bring them back again. He will have compassion on them. But they must be willing to listen ( Hebrew shama - to hear intelligently, with full attention, carefully, diligently, with an attitude of obedience)
Father, thank You for Your Word. Thank You that You are willing to hear my case and discuss justice with me. To show me Your Truth. You examine my heart and know me, you see me, and you have compassion on me. Thank You.
Lord, I see much in our society that is heading towards desolation. Our economy, our community, and our national security have all been devastated, yet not to the extent of Israel. May the nation of the United States of America look to You, repent, and turn from her wicked ways. May we turn back to You, learn Your ways, and swear by Your Name. We need You Lord God.
Bring revival. Save us.
Amen
Jeremiah 12
Jeremiah has been threatened, imprisoned, thrown in a well, and bashed about by even his own family, all because he speaks the Word of the Lord. He takes his case to the only one Who is just and can help him - the Lord God. " I will plead my case" " I will discuss matters of justice with Thee"
His case rests on the Lord Who knows hims, sees him, and examines his heart's attitude towards God.
The Lord is bringing judgement against Israel and Judah, but He still considers her "the beloved of My soul" Her actions have caused Him to "hate" her. Her wickedness is so awful that everything has become desolate -astonishingly devastated, destroyed, wasted. In an agrarian society, where everyone grows their own food, bare fields, harvests of thorns instead of wheat, and ruined vineyards, means complete devastation to the economy, the community, and the national security. Life does not just keep going on.
God is going to uproot them and send them into exile, but He will not leave them there forever. When they turn back to Him, learn His ways, and swear by His Name, not Baal's; then He will bring them back again. He will have compassion on them. But they must be willing to listen ( Hebrew shama - to hear intelligently, with full attention, carefully, diligently, with an attitude of obedience)
Father, thank You for Your Word. Thank You that You are willing to hear my case and discuss justice with me. To show me Your Truth. You examine my heart and know me, you see me, and you have compassion on me. Thank You.
Lord, I see much in our society that is heading towards desolation. Our economy, our community, and our national security have all been devastated, yet not to the extent of Israel. May the nation of the United States of America look to You, repent, and turn from her wicked ways. May we turn back to You, learn Your ways, and swear by Your Name. We need You Lord God.
Bring revival. Save us.
Amen
Tuesday, October 16, 2012
Oct. 16, 2012
Jeremiah 11
Once again God speaks to Jeremiah and clearly sets out the case against Israel and Judah. There was a covenant (agreement) between Israel and God. He delivered them from Egypt and they promised to listen and do what He said. If they obeyed His commands, all would go well and they would be blessed in the land He brought them to. But if they did not obey they would be cursed. Again and again they were warned of the consequences of disobedience. But they would not listen and would not obey. They broke their promises to God, with stubborn and wicked hearts they turned to idols. They offered incense and sacrifices to Baal. What an insult to God! What an awful grievance to turn from the True Living God who had delivered them from slavery and given them a beautiful and fruitful land; to turn to a false god, to give themselves to worthless, empty, superstition and demonic idols.
Therefore, God will keep His word. What He said He would do, He does. He had planted them to be a beautiful olive tree, but now he was cutting it down and throwing the branches into the fire. It was worthless.
After Jeremiah speaks these words he is threatened by those who didn't want to hear that they were wrong. They didn't want to hear from the Lord. So they thought they would kill Jeremiah and that would stop the disaster from coming. But, God judges righteously. And Jeremiah is spared while the men of Anathoth are wiped out.
v20 " But, O Lord of hosts, who judges righteously, Who tries the feelings and the heart, Let me see Thy vengeance on them, For to Thee have I committed my cause."
Father, Lord of hosts, I want to echo these words of your servant Jeremiah. To Thee I have committed my cause. Committed - revealed, bring, carry, disclose, plainly, uncover, tell, shamelessly show - my cause - contest, personal or legal, contention, strife, controversy. Vengeance is in Your hands. You judge righteously. You know the feelings and the heart of all involved. We want to walk in obedience to Your Word. To live for You, to listen to You. Keep us in righteousness. Then, You deal with those who would threaten and devise plots against us. Let us see Your vengeance, just and righteous on them.
Thank you for Your Grace and mercy. Oh Wise God, I'm so glad to know that You are able to bring good out of even the evil that others have devised. Bring good even now.
In Jesus' Name I pray.
Amen
Jeremiah 11
Once again God speaks to Jeremiah and clearly sets out the case against Israel and Judah. There was a covenant (agreement) between Israel and God. He delivered them from Egypt and they promised to listen and do what He said. If they obeyed His commands, all would go well and they would be blessed in the land He brought them to. But if they did not obey they would be cursed. Again and again they were warned of the consequences of disobedience. But they would not listen and would not obey. They broke their promises to God, with stubborn and wicked hearts they turned to idols. They offered incense and sacrifices to Baal. What an insult to God! What an awful grievance to turn from the True Living God who had delivered them from slavery and given them a beautiful and fruitful land; to turn to a false god, to give themselves to worthless, empty, superstition and demonic idols.
Therefore, God will keep His word. What He said He would do, He does. He had planted them to be a beautiful olive tree, but now he was cutting it down and throwing the branches into the fire. It was worthless.
After Jeremiah speaks these words he is threatened by those who didn't want to hear that they were wrong. They didn't want to hear from the Lord. So they thought they would kill Jeremiah and that would stop the disaster from coming. But, God judges righteously. And Jeremiah is spared while the men of Anathoth are wiped out.
v20 " But, O Lord of hosts, who judges righteously, Who tries the feelings and the heart, Let me see Thy vengeance on them, For to Thee have I committed my cause."
Father, Lord of hosts, I want to echo these words of your servant Jeremiah. To Thee I have committed my cause. Committed - revealed, bring, carry, disclose, plainly, uncover, tell, shamelessly show - my cause - contest, personal or legal, contention, strife, controversy. Vengeance is in Your hands. You judge righteously. You know the feelings and the heart of all involved. We want to walk in obedience to Your Word. To live for You, to listen to You. Keep us in righteousness. Then, You deal with those who would threaten and devise plots against us. Let us see Your vengeance, just and righteous on them.
Thank you for Your Grace and mercy. Oh Wise God, I'm so glad to know that You are able to bring good out of even the evil that others have devised. Bring good even now.
In Jesus' Name I pray.
Amen
Monday, October 15, 2012
Journal Aug. 8, 2012
Isaiah 13
Every nation belongs to God. Their armies are His instruments. He even calls them “My consecrated ones” and “My mighty “. They are His “instruments of indignation”
And God is mustering them for battle against the people that He has called His own... Israel. ( Back in Isaiah's time, but now? Could it be the US? )
For destruction. God’s anger is coming. And His anger is to be feared, so much that we should wail!
All hands will fall limp.
Men’s hearts will melt.
They All will be terrified.
Pain and anguish will take hold.
Pain, so awful it will astonish them and consume them.
It will be called cruel, with fury and burning anger
The land will be desolated.
Sinners will be exterminated.
Stars will be dark.
The sun will be dark.
The moon will be dark.
“Thus will I punish the world for its evil. And the wicked for their iniquity.
I will also put an end to the arrogance of the proud”
the heavens will tremble, the earth will shake.
People will run to hide. They will see their children die in front of their eyes. Their houses plundered and their wives ravished.
One cannot imagine such horror. We cannot understand a God who would allow it, a God who is called “Love”. So we deny it. We deny Him. We ignore these warnings, arrogant in our unbelief. This is what hardens our hearts. This is exactly what brings the judgements upon us. We do not fear God and do not believe that He is Who He says He is. “HOLY, HOLY, HOLY is the LORD GOD Almighty” Sin will be the death of us... literally, spiritually and physically.
Yet He does not leave us without hope. For the Wrath of God is described elsewhere as a CUP.. to be drank, to be swallowed. And Jesus Christ took that Cup and drank it all! He took God’s wrath against arrogant, sinful, wicked mankind. And He became the scapegoat, the sin bearer, for us. And God poured out His anger on His Son, to provide a rescue for us. A Ransom for sinners. A rescue from Heaven.
Oh the Love of Jesus, to take our cross, our sin , our shame. This is the Gospel, the Good News. Only Believe. Turn to Jesus and accept His sacrifice for your self.
It is our only Hope.
For judgement is coming. The Holy God who hates sin, sees ours. He will not let us continue to lie, kill, and destroy each other. He will not allow evil to be called good and good to be called evil. He is HOLY!
Run to Jesus and be saved from the wrath of God. It is the only way.
Isaiah 13
Every nation belongs to God. Their armies are His instruments. He even calls them “My consecrated ones” and “My mighty “. They are His “instruments of indignation”
And God is mustering them for battle against the people that He has called His own... Israel. ( Back in Isaiah's time, but now? Could it be the US? )
For destruction. God’s anger is coming. And His anger is to be feared, so much that we should wail!
All hands will fall limp.
Men’s hearts will melt.
They All will be terrified.
Pain and anguish will take hold.
Pain, so awful it will astonish them and consume them.
It will be called cruel, with fury and burning anger
The land will be desolated.
Sinners will be exterminated.
Stars will be dark.
The sun will be dark.
The moon will be dark.
“Thus will I punish the world for its evil. And the wicked for their iniquity.
I will also put an end to the arrogance of the proud”
the heavens will tremble, the earth will shake.
People will run to hide. They will see their children die in front of their eyes. Their houses plundered and their wives ravished.
One cannot imagine such horror. We cannot understand a God who would allow it, a God who is called “Love”. So we deny it. We deny Him. We ignore these warnings, arrogant in our unbelief. This is what hardens our hearts. This is exactly what brings the judgements upon us. We do not fear God and do not believe that He is Who He says He is. “HOLY, HOLY, HOLY is the LORD GOD Almighty” Sin will be the death of us... literally, spiritually and physically.
Yet He does not leave us without hope. For the Wrath of God is described elsewhere as a CUP.. to be drank, to be swallowed. And Jesus Christ took that Cup and drank it all! He took God’s wrath against arrogant, sinful, wicked mankind. And He became the scapegoat, the sin bearer, for us. And God poured out His anger on His Son, to provide a rescue for us. A Ransom for sinners. A rescue from Heaven.
Oh the Love of Jesus, to take our cross, our sin , our shame. This is the Gospel, the Good News. Only Believe. Turn to Jesus and accept His sacrifice for your self.
It is our only Hope.
For judgement is coming. The Holy God who hates sin, sees ours. He will not let us continue to lie, kill, and destroy each other. He will not allow evil to be called good and good to be called evil. He is HOLY!
Run to Jesus and be saved from the wrath of God. It is the only way.
Oct. 15, 2012
Jeremiah 10
Every idol, every false notion of a god, every hope that is not based on the One True God, is a delusion, a lie, vanity, meaningless, empty. It makes us "stupid and foolish" to trust in anything that is made by human hands. We may not carve it out of wood or mold it from gold or silver, but it is still an idol if we put it before the LORD of heaven and earth.
There is none like the Lord! He is great. His Name is mighty! He is the True God. The living God.
The everlasting King. He can shake the earth because He was the One who made it. "It is He who made the earth by His power, who established the world by His wisdom, And by His understanding He has stretched out the heavens" His voice controls rain, clouds, lightning, and wind. He is the Maker of everything.
In light of this Truth, to trust in a piece of wood or stone is stupid! If we have not sought the Lord we are under His wrath and we will not be able to endure it. Our response needs to be as Jeremiah's was:
" I know, O Lord, that a man's way is not in himself; nor is it in a man who walks to direct his steps. Correct me, O Lord, but with justice; not with Thine anger, lest You bring me to nothing."
Have mercy on us, O God of hosts! Creator of Heaven and earth, You alone are God.
Do we put our lives, our hearts, our families in His Hands? Or do we trust in the man made things - houses, jobs, governments, bank accounts? It is a delusion to trust in anything or anyone to save us. We cannot save ourselves. God and God alone is our Maker. There is NONE like HIM!
Jeremiah 10
Every idol, every false notion of a god, every hope that is not based on the One True God, is a delusion, a lie, vanity, meaningless, empty. It makes us "stupid and foolish" to trust in anything that is made by human hands. We may not carve it out of wood or mold it from gold or silver, but it is still an idol if we put it before the LORD of heaven and earth.
There is none like the Lord! He is great. His Name is mighty! He is the True God. The living God.
The everlasting King. He can shake the earth because He was the One who made it. "It is He who made the earth by His power, who established the world by His wisdom, And by His understanding He has stretched out the heavens" His voice controls rain, clouds, lightning, and wind. He is the Maker of everything.
In light of this Truth, to trust in a piece of wood or stone is stupid! If we have not sought the Lord we are under His wrath and we will not be able to endure it. Our response needs to be as Jeremiah's was:
" I know, O Lord, that a man's way is not in himself; nor is it in a man who walks to direct his steps. Correct me, O Lord, but with justice; not with Thine anger, lest You bring me to nothing."
Have mercy on us, O God of hosts! Creator of Heaven and earth, You alone are God.
Do we put our lives, our hearts, our families in His Hands? Or do we trust in the man made things - houses, jobs, governments, bank accounts? It is a delusion to trust in anything or anyone to save us. We cannot save ourselves. God and God alone is our Maker. There is NONE like HIM!
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