Tuesday, September 30, 2014
Bought With A Price
1 Corinthians 6:20
"Have you not been bought with a price: Therefore glorify God in your body."
As the slave who is purchased by his master for a sum of money is the sole property of that master, so we being bought with the price of the blood of Christ, are not your own and are his property. As the slave is bound to use all his skill and diligence in the service of his master, so we should employ body, soul, and spirit in the service of our Lord.
Our bodies were originally created in God's image (Ge.1:26,27) that we might give Him glory, a purpose that was derailed when sin entered the world. But believers have been redeemed so that they might fulfill one of their original purposes - to glorify God in their body!
In Romans Ch.1, Paul explains how a failure to glorify God spirals downward until finally God turns them over to the power of their depraved nature with the result being that their bodies were dishonored. They were of no value to glorify the Creator.
But praise God that because of His great mercy and grace and the cleansing blood of Christ, even those "dishonored" bodies can be redeemed and restored to a state of usefulness in which they can glorify God.
The Truth
“I have been crucified with Christ; it is no longer I who live, but Christ lives in me; and the life which I now live in the flesh I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave Himself for me. (Galatians 2:20)
Sunday, September 28, 2014
Purge Out The Old Leaven
1 Corinthians 5:7
“Therefore purge out the old leaven, that you may be a new lump.”
Here in Chapter 5 immorality had crept into the church at Corinth (v.1) and instead of being grieved about it, the Corinthian believers were proud of their open-mindedness, their tolerance, their political correctness in allowing the offending brother to remain in their midst (v.2).
Paul understood that immorality not only defiles an individual but also left unchecked, will defile the church. So, that the entire body may be protected against this evil, he instructs the church to purge out the offending brother (v.13).
This does not mean that we are to cut off from our company anyone who falls into or struggles with this sin (or any sin) but, the one who knowingly, obstinately, perpetually practices it…yes. As Charles Spurgeon put it, "Salvation in sin is not possible, it must always be salvation from sin."
The Truth
“Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation; old things have passed away; behold, all things have become new.” (2 Corinthians 5:17)
“Therefore purge out the old leaven, that you may be a new lump.”
Here in Chapter 5 immorality had crept into the church at Corinth (v.1) and instead of being grieved about it, the Corinthian believers were proud of their open-mindedness, their tolerance, their political correctness in allowing the offending brother to remain in their midst (v.2).
Paul understood that immorality not only defiles an individual but also left unchecked, will defile the church. So, that the entire body may be protected against this evil, he instructs the church to purge out the offending brother (v.13).
This does not mean that we are to cut off from our company anyone who falls into or struggles with this sin (or any sin) but, the one who knowingly, obstinately, perpetually practices it…yes. As Charles Spurgeon put it, "Salvation in sin is not possible, it must always be salvation from sin."
The Truth
“Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation; old things have passed away; behold, all things have become new.” (2 Corinthians 5:17)
Friday, September 26, 2014
Faithful Stewards
1 Corinthians 4:6
“Moreover it is required in stewards, that a man be found faithful.”
The word “steward” refers to the slave who knew the location of his master’s wealth. As in Genesis 39, where Joseph was a type of slave to Potiphar. The text here points out that stewards are only required to be faithful, not successful.
As Christians, we are slaves to Christ who know the location of the riches of Scripture. Our only requirement is that we be faithful to the leading of the Holy Spirit in sharing that wealth with others.
You may not ever be noticed, applauded, promoted or patted on the back – and that’s okay. Just be a faithful steward of the treasure within you. Lord, helps us to be faithful stewards of what you have given us.
The Truth
“His lord said to him, “Well done, good and faithful servant; you have been faithful over a few things, I will make you ruler over many things. Enter into the joy of your lord.” (Matthew 25:23)
“Moreover it is required in stewards, that a man be found faithful.”
The word “steward” refers to the slave who knew the location of his master’s wealth. As in Genesis 39, where Joseph was a type of slave to Potiphar. The text here points out that stewards are only required to be faithful, not successful.
As Christians, we are slaves to Christ who know the location of the riches of Scripture. Our only requirement is that we be faithful to the leading of the Holy Spirit in sharing that wealth with others.
You may not ever be noticed, applauded, promoted or patted on the back – and that’s okay. Just be a faithful steward of the treasure within you. Lord, helps us to be faithful stewards of what you have given us.
The Truth
“His lord said to him, “Well done, good and faithful servant; you have been faithful over a few things, I will make you ruler over many things. Enter into the joy of your lord.” (Matthew 25:23)
Thursday, September 25, 2014
The Chief Corner Stone
1 Corinthians 3:11
“For no other foundation can anyone lay than that which is laid, which is Jesus Christ.”
Here the apostle informs us what foundation he had laid, Jesus Christ, the chief corner stone (Ephesians 20). Upon this foundation, all the faithful ministers of Christ build. Upon this rock, all Christians find their hopes of heaven. Those that build their hopes on any other foundation build upon the sand. It is in Christ only that God is reconciling a sinful world to himself (2 Corinthians 5:19)
Jesus talked about the importance of building our lives on a solid foundation. He said that the person who obeys His Word is like "a wise man who built his house on the rock" (Matthew 7:24).
If we build according to His code, we will not be swept away when a crisis hits with hurricane like force. The tempests of temptation and the storms of suffering cannot sweep a sturdy structure off a solid foundation.
Adversity will come, but a life constructed of virtue and goodness and built on faith in Christ, cannot be destroyed.
The Truth
“He is like a man building a house, who dug deep and laid the foundation on the rock. And when the flood arose, the stream beat vehemently against that house, and could not shake it, for it was founded on the rock.” (Luke 6:48)
“For no other foundation can anyone lay than that which is laid, which is Jesus Christ.”
Here the apostle informs us what foundation he had laid, Jesus Christ, the chief corner stone (Ephesians 20). Upon this foundation, all the faithful ministers of Christ build. Upon this rock, all Christians find their hopes of heaven. Those that build their hopes on any other foundation build upon the sand. It is in Christ only that God is reconciling a sinful world to himself (2 Corinthians 5:19)
Jesus talked about the importance of building our lives on a solid foundation. He said that the person who obeys His Word is like "a wise man who built his house on the rock" (Matthew 7:24).
If we build according to His code, we will not be swept away when a crisis hits with hurricane like force. The tempests of temptation and the storms of suffering cannot sweep a sturdy structure off a solid foundation.
Adversity will come, but a life constructed of virtue and goodness and built on faith in Christ, cannot be destroyed.
The Truth
“He is like a man building a house, who dug deep and laid the foundation on the rock. And when the flood arose, the stream beat vehemently against that house, and could not shake it, for it was founded on the rock.” (Luke 6:48)
Wednesday, September 24, 2014
Spiritual Wisdom
1 Corinthians 2:9
But it is written, “eye has not seen, nor ear heard, nor has entered into the heart of man the things which God has prepared for those who love Him.”
Paul is not only referring to heaven here but (I believe) he is saying even in this life, we as believers see things others don’t and know things others can’t, because the Holy Spirit ministers to our spirits concerning spiritual truth.
Therefore, we look at the world around us through a totally different lens, while waiting for our Lords return. When going through difficult seasons we trust in His divine guidance and protection in our daily lives. When hearing about events around the world (and especially the middle east) that turn toward war and destruction, we are not surprised for we know our Bible prophesy.
Although the spiritual man is able to put everything into perspective and have a sense of peace in difficult times, the worldly man can’t figure him out. It is the Spirit of God only that can reveal the things of God (1 Corinthians 2:11) therefore, the natural man cannot know them. (1 Corinthians 2:14)
As Christians, (those who love God) not only have we been given this heavenly helper while here on earth but, God has prepared even more than can be imagined for us in heaven.
The Truth
“Let not your heart be troubled; you believe in God, believe also in Me. In My Father’s house are many mansions; if it were not so, I would have told you. I go to prepare a place for you. And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again and receive you to Myself; that where I am, there you may be also.” (John 14:1-3)
But it is written, “eye has not seen, nor ear heard, nor has entered into the heart of man the things which God has prepared for those who love Him.”
Paul is not only referring to heaven here but (I believe) he is saying even in this life, we as believers see things others don’t and know things others can’t, because the Holy Spirit ministers to our spirits concerning spiritual truth.
Therefore, we look at the world around us through a totally different lens, while waiting for our Lords return. When going through difficult seasons we trust in His divine guidance and protection in our daily lives. When hearing about events around the world (and especially the middle east) that turn toward war and destruction, we are not surprised for we know our Bible prophesy.
Although the spiritual man is able to put everything into perspective and have a sense of peace in difficult times, the worldly man can’t figure him out. It is the Spirit of God only that can reveal the things of God (1 Corinthians 2:11) therefore, the natural man cannot know them. (1 Corinthians 2:14)
As Christians, (those who love God) not only have we been given this heavenly helper while here on earth but, God has prepared even more than can be imagined for us in heaven.
The Truth
“Let not your heart be troubled; you believe in God, believe also in Me. In My Father’s house are many mansions; if it were not so, I would have told you. I go to prepare a place for you. And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again and receive you to Myself; that where I am, there you may be also.” (John 14:1-3)
Tuesday, September 23, 2014
An Appeal To Unity
1 Corinthians 1:10
"Now I beseech you, brethren, by the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, that you should speak the same thing, and that there be no division among you."
The Church of Corinth had become divided into (4) groups (1 Cor.1:12) pulling the body apart, which became Paul's reason for sending this letter and to instruct them on true unity.
Division in the Church, is also very common today. You’ll hear things like; he’s too boring, he doesn’t do this or they do that or the worship is better over there, etc.
The answer for all the divisions (past, present and future) is the same yesterday, today and forever - Jesus Christ and Him crucified. If a church is grounded in this and dedicated to the gospel, then all other minor concerns will fall away because it’s focus is in the right place.
The Truth
“There is one body, and one Spirit, One Lord, one faith, one baptism, one God and Father of all, who is above all, and through all, and in you all.” (Ephesians 4:4-6)
"Now I beseech you, brethren, by the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, that you should speak the same thing, and that there be no division among you."
The Church of Corinth had become divided into (4) groups (1 Cor.1:12) pulling the body apart, which became Paul's reason for sending this letter and to instruct them on true unity.
Division in the Church, is also very common today. You’ll hear things like; he’s too boring, he doesn’t do this or they do that or the worship is better over there, etc.
The answer for all the divisions (past, present and future) is the same yesterday, today and forever - Jesus Christ and Him crucified. If a church is grounded in this and dedicated to the gospel, then all other minor concerns will fall away because it’s focus is in the right place.
The Truth
“There is one body, and one Spirit, One Lord, one faith, one baptism, one God and Father of all, who is above all, and through all, and in you all.” (Ephesians 4:4-6)
Sunday, September 21, 2014
I Will Heal Their Apostasy
Hosea Ch.14:4
“I will heal their apostasy, I will love them freely, for My anger has turned away from them.”
The purpose in judgment is healing. God will ultimately prevent us from prospering in our sin until we repent. For He longs to turn us from apostasy (falling away from Him) to bringing us into His arms so He can bless us. God does not delight in our suffering but, like any loving father, He will chasten those He loves.
David, who knew both the judgment and the forgiveness of God wrote, "weeping may endure for a night, but joy comes in the morning" (Psalm 30:5). David was a bold, open man, who sinned, regretted it deeply, and returned to the Lord. The trouble that inevitably came to him, only lasted until he saw his need for repentance; then he was FORGIVEN, and joy filled his life once more.
Like David, if you will turn to Him and to His ways today, you will abundantly LIVE in the sight of God.
The Truth
“If we confess our sin, He is faithful and just to forgive us our sin and to cleans us from all unrighteousness.” (1 John 1:9)
“I will heal their apostasy, I will love them freely, for My anger has turned away from them.”
The purpose in judgment is healing. God will ultimately prevent us from prospering in our sin until we repent. For He longs to turn us from apostasy (falling away from Him) to bringing us into His arms so He can bless us. God does not delight in our suffering but, like any loving father, He will chasten those He loves.
David, who knew both the judgment and the forgiveness of God wrote, "weeping may endure for a night, but joy comes in the morning" (Psalm 30:5). David was a bold, open man, who sinned, regretted it deeply, and returned to the Lord. The trouble that inevitably came to him, only lasted until he saw his need for repentance; then he was FORGIVEN, and joy filled his life once more.
Like David, if you will turn to Him and to His ways today, you will abundantly LIVE in the sight of God.
The Truth
“If we confess our sin, He is faithful and just to forgive us our sin and to cleans us from all unrighteousness.” (1 John 1:9)
Saturday, September 20, 2014
Do Not Forsake Me
Hosea Ch.13:6
“As they had their pasture, they became satisfied, and being satisfied, their heart became proud; therefore they forgot Me.”
In Deuteronomy, God said to Israel, "when the Lord your God brings you into the land of which He swore to your fathers, to Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob, to give you large and beautiful cities which you did not build, houses full of all good things, which you did not fill, hewn-out wells which you did not dig, vineyards and olive trees which you did not plant – when you have eaten and are full – then beware, lest you forget the Lord who brought you out of the land of Egypt, from the house of bondage" (Deuteronomy 6:10-12).
This is warning for us, as well. We have been given much, and our tendency is to receive FROM God, and then turn AWAY from the very One who gave it all to us. To be successful in something is very satisfying, and therein lies the danger. Because pride lurks and can draws us away from the One who gave us everything.
Lord, help us to not think more highly of ourselves than we should. And help us to give You the glory for our daily bread and whatever else You see fit to bestow on us. Amen.
The Truth
“I will sing of the mercies of the Lord forever; With my mouth will I make known Your faithfulness to all generations.” (Psalm 89:1)
“As they had their pasture, they became satisfied, and being satisfied, their heart became proud; therefore they forgot Me.”
In Deuteronomy, God said to Israel, "when the Lord your God brings you into the land of which He swore to your fathers, to Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob, to give you large and beautiful cities which you did not build, houses full of all good things, which you did not fill, hewn-out wells which you did not dig, vineyards and olive trees which you did not plant – when you have eaten and are full – then beware, lest you forget the Lord who brought you out of the land of Egypt, from the house of bondage" (Deuteronomy 6:10-12).
This is warning for us, as well. We have been given much, and our tendency is to receive FROM God, and then turn AWAY from the very One who gave it all to us. To be successful in something is very satisfying, and therein lies the danger. Because pride lurks and can draws us away from the One who gave us everything.
Lord, help us to not think more highly of ourselves than we should. And help us to give You the glory for our daily bread and whatever else You see fit to bestow on us. Amen.
The Truth
“I will sing of the mercies of the Lord forever; With my mouth will I make known Your faithfulness to all generations.” (Psalm 89:1)
Thursday, September 18, 2014
Return To The Lord
Hosea Ch.12:6
“Therefore, return to your God, observe kindness and justice, and wait on Him continually.”
How honest are you? God sees your heart and He knows your ways. He knows your likes and dislikes, your propensities, He knows all about it.
In this verse is God’s prescription for all who fall into sin: Turn to Him, the Great Physician, and with His help your heart will be healed and you may return to the One who created you and loves you. And when you do, he will bring kindness and justice to those who wait on Him.
Thank you Lord for your love and restoration for our lives. Help us to return to You and abide in You continually. Amen.
The Truth
“So rend your heart, and not your garments; Return to the Lord your God, For He is gracious and merciful, Slow to anger, and of great kindness; And He relents from doing harm.” (Joel 2:13)
“Therefore, return to your God, observe kindness and justice, and wait on Him continually.”
How honest are you? God sees your heart and He knows your ways. He knows your likes and dislikes, your propensities, He knows all about it.
In this verse is God’s prescription for all who fall into sin: Turn to Him, the Great Physician, and with His help your heart will be healed and you may return to the One who created you and loves you. And when you do, he will bring kindness and justice to those who wait on Him.
Thank you Lord for your love and restoration for our lives. Help us to return to You and abide in You continually. Amen.
The Truth
“So rend your heart, and not your garments; Return to the Lord your God, For He is gracious and merciful, Slow to anger, and of great kindness; And He relents from doing harm.” (Joel 2:13)
Wednesday, September 17, 2014
Willing To Save
Hosea 11:8
“How can I give you up, Oh Ephraim? How can I surrender you, O Israel? How can I make you like Admath? How can I treat you like Zebolim? My heart is turned over within Me, all My compassions are kindled.”
In this scripture we truly see the heart of a loving Father, struggling to punish his child. To the point that, He questions how the judgment should be carried out.
God hates judgment and longs that His people might be rescued from sin. And, just as He was willing to rescue Israel (a polluted and idolatrous people) so He is also willing to save us, if we will just recognize our sin.
Thank you Lord for your patience and long suffering with us. Thank you that you are willing to seek and to save those, which are lost.
The Truth
"If we confess our sins, He is faithful and just to forgive us our sins, and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness." (1 John 1:9)
“How can I give you up, Oh Ephraim? How can I surrender you, O Israel? How can I make you like Admath? How can I treat you like Zebolim? My heart is turned over within Me, all My compassions are kindled.”
In this scripture we truly see the heart of a loving Father, struggling to punish his child. To the point that, He questions how the judgment should be carried out.
God hates judgment and longs that His people might be rescued from sin. And, just as He was willing to rescue Israel (a polluted and idolatrous people) so He is also willing to save us, if we will just recognize our sin.
Thank you Lord for your patience and long suffering with us. Thank you that you are willing to seek and to save those, which are lost.
The Truth
"If we confess our sins, He is faithful and just to forgive us our sins, and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness." (1 John 1:9)
Tuesday, September 16, 2014
Do Not Rejoice
Hosea Ch.9:1
“Do not rejoice, O Israel, with joy like other nations, For you have played the harlot, forsaking your God.”
This does not simply refer to the physical act of adultery – it goes much deeper, into the spiritual realm of their heart and mind. Israel, like America, Britain and other nations today, went her own way, seeking after the "gods" of wealth, materialism, and power – sacrificing God’s laws at the alter of their own desires, even after repeated warnings. Like Gibeah (Israel), our nation will be punished because of its sin as well, if we will not change our depraved direction and return to our Christian roots.
Lord bring a great revival to this country and return us to your leadership once again. Amen.
The Truth
“The hand of our God is upon all those for good who seek Him, but His power and His wrath are against all those who forsake Him.” (Ezra 8:22b)
“Do not rejoice, O Israel, with joy like other nations, For you have played the harlot, forsaking your God.”
This does not simply refer to the physical act of adultery – it goes much deeper, into the spiritual realm of their heart and mind. Israel, like America, Britain and other nations today, went her own way, seeking after the "gods" of wealth, materialism, and power – sacrificing God’s laws at the alter of their own desires, even after repeated warnings. Like Gibeah (Israel), our nation will be punished because of its sin as well, if we will not change our depraved direction and return to our Christian roots.
Lord bring a great revival to this country and return us to your leadership once again. Amen.
The Truth
“The hand of our God is upon all those for good who seek Him, but His power and His wrath are against all those who forsake Him.” (Ezra 8:22b)
Saturday, September 13, 2014
I Never Knew You
Hosea Ch.8:2 "Israel shall cry unto Me, My God, we knew thee."
Israel will discover, like those who will stand before Jesus in the day of judgment, going through the motions of serving Him will not be enough. God will say to them, I never knew you and they would receive punishment as a nation. Nations can't be punished in the next world for their sins, so they must be held accountable in this one.
God’s holy anger burned against the nation Israel. He said, through the prophet Hosea, that He REJECTED their false worship (the idols of verse 4, and especially the despicable golden "calf" of verses 5 and 6). God’s commandments to them were simple, to love Him and love one another (Matthew 22:37-40), yet they could not keep them.
Jesus was very clear about the subject matter of this verse as recorded in Matthew’s gospel. He said, "Many will say to Me in that day, ‘Lord, Lord, have we not prophesied in Your Name, cast out demons, and done many wonders in Your Name?’ And then I will declare to them, “ I never knew you; depart from Me, you who practice lawlessness” (Matthew 7:22-23). Something this nation should keep in mind.
Lord, bring this country back to its knees. Amen.
The Truth
“For You are not a God who takes pleasure in wickedness, Nor shall evil dwell with You. The boastful shall not stand in your sight; You hate all workers of iniquity.” (Psalm 5:4-5)
Israel will discover, like those who will stand before Jesus in the day of judgment, going through the motions of serving Him will not be enough. God will say to them, I never knew you and they would receive punishment as a nation. Nations can't be punished in the next world for their sins, so they must be held accountable in this one.
God’s holy anger burned against the nation Israel. He said, through the prophet Hosea, that He REJECTED their false worship (the idols of verse 4, and especially the despicable golden "calf" of verses 5 and 6). God’s commandments to them were simple, to love Him and love one another (Matthew 22:37-40), yet they could not keep them.
Jesus was very clear about the subject matter of this verse as recorded in Matthew’s gospel. He said, "Many will say to Me in that day, ‘Lord, Lord, have we not prophesied in Your Name, cast out demons, and done many wonders in Your Name?’ And then I will declare to them, “ I never knew you; depart from Me, you who practice lawlessness” (Matthew 7:22-23). Something this nation should keep in mind.
Lord, bring this country back to its knees. Amen.
The Truth
“For You are not a God who takes pleasure in wickedness, Nor shall evil dwell with You. The boastful shall not stand in your sight; You hate all workers of iniquity.” (Psalm 5:4-5)
Thursday, September 11, 2014
He Desires To Heal
Hosea Ch.7:1
“When I would have healed Israel, then the iniquity of Ephraim was discovered, and the evil deeds of Samaria, for they deal falsely; the thief enters in, bandits raid outside,”
We see in this verse, God longs to heal, to rescue those who have fallen. However, all too often, like Ephraim and Samaria (as observed by God through Hosea), people want their sin, more than they want God.
From His point of view, they (the religious leaders, politicians, and everybody else) were like thieves, robbers, and those who commit fraud. That’s precisely how He views those who reject the Son of God. He would save us all, but many will not turn.
As Jon Courson puts it, “There was a time in our country when people were embarrassed about their sin. Now it’s flaunted, leaving us to wonder how much healing, how many blessings are averted because of it.”
God had provided, protected and prospered Israel yet Israel rebelled against Him turning to powerless idols and relying on faulty alliances – remind you of any other nation? Yet because the Lord desires to heal, He will break them down, they will suffer the consequences of their choices and eventually see their need for Him.
Lord draw us closer to You every day of our lives and protect us from the evil one who would desire to sift us like wheat. Amen.
The Truth
"If we say we have fellowship with Him, and walk in darkness, we lie and do not practice the truth. But if we walk in the light as He is in the light, we have fellowship with one another, and the blood of Jesus Christ His Son cleanses us from all sin." (1 John 1:6-7)
“When I would have healed Israel, then the iniquity of Ephraim was discovered, and the evil deeds of Samaria, for they deal falsely; the thief enters in, bandits raid outside,”
We see in this verse, God longs to heal, to rescue those who have fallen. However, all too often, like Ephraim and Samaria (as observed by God through Hosea), people want their sin, more than they want God.
From His point of view, they (the religious leaders, politicians, and everybody else) were like thieves, robbers, and those who commit fraud. That’s precisely how He views those who reject the Son of God. He would save us all, but many will not turn.
As Jon Courson puts it, “There was a time in our country when people were embarrassed about their sin. Now it’s flaunted, leaving us to wonder how much healing, how many blessings are averted because of it.”
God had provided, protected and prospered Israel yet Israel rebelled against Him turning to powerless idols and relying on faulty alliances – remind you of any other nation? Yet because the Lord desires to heal, He will break them down, they will suffer the consequences of their choices and eventually see their need for Him.
Lord draw us closer to You every day of our lives and protect us from the evil one who would desire to sift us like wheat. Amen.
The Truth
"If we say we have fellowship with Him, and walk in darkness, we lie and do not practice the truth. But if we walk in the light as He is in the light, we have fellowship with one another, and the blood of Jesus Christ His Son cleanses us from all sin." (1 John 1:6-7)
Tuesday, September 9, 2014
Never Be Lost
Hosea Ch.5:15
“I will go and return to My place, till they acknowledge their offence, and seek My face: in their affliction they will seek Me early.”
When we are in the Lord, we can never be lost. We can lose fellowship with God (who can have no fellowship with sin) but, He will and He does find His lost "sheep" and brings them home.
Our part, as it says in the text, is to acknowledge our sin and seek the Lord while He may still be found. This, being done with a repentitive heart, will bring forgiveness and restoration. (1 John 1:9)
Our text does not mean there will be no consequences for our actions, "for whom the Lord loves He also chastens." Job also tells us, “not to despise the chastening of the Lord. For He bruises, but He binds up; He wounds but His hands make whole.”(Job 5:17-18) Meaning, we can learn through affliction, be restored and brought back into fellowship with Him.
As Christians we will experience tribulation in this world. Some of which will be brought on by the consequences of our own sinful actions. However, as it eventually was with the nation of Israel, so it can be with us if we seek His face – forgiveness and restoration.
Lord please use whatever it takes to bring our unsaved loved ones to a realization of their need for You and return our prodigals home at last. Amen.
The Truth
“If My people who are called by My name will humble themselves, and pray and seek My face, and turn from their wicked ways, then I will hear from heaven, and will forgive their sin and heal their land.” (2 Chronicles 7:14)
“I will go and return to My place, till they acknowledge their offence, and seek My face: in their affliction they will seek Me early.”
When we are in the Lord, we can never be lost. We can lose fellowship with God (who can have no fellowship with sin) but, He will and He does find His lost "sheep" and brings them home.
Our part, as it says in the text, is to acknowledge our sin and seek the Lord while He may still be found. This, being done with a repentitive heart, will bring forgiveness and restoration. (1 John 1:9)
Our text does not mean there will be no consequences for our actions, "for whom the Lord loves He also chastens." Job also tells us, “not to despise the chastening of the Lord. For He bruises, but He binds up; He wounds but His hands make whole.”(Job 5:17-18) Meaning, we can learn through affliction, be restored and brought back into fellowship with Him.
As Christians we will experience tribulation in this world. Some of which will be brought on by the consequences of our own sinful actions. However, as it eventually was with the nation of Israel, so it can be with us if we seek His face – forgiveness and restoration.
Lord please use whatever it takes to bring our unsaved loved ones to a realization of their need for You and return our prodigals home at last. Amen.
The Truth
“If My people who are called by My name will humble themselves, and pray and seek My face, and turn from their wicked ways, then I will hear from heaven, and will forgive their sin and heal their land.” (2 Chronicles 7:14)
Monday, September 8, 2014
Let Him Alone
Hosea 4:17
”Ephraim is joined to idols; Let him alone.”
How tragic it is when God says of a people, “Just let them alone.” Ephraim, the Northern Kingdom, had become stubborn, fascinated with idols and joined to them in worship – refusing God’s love and protection despite His warning that, "My Spirit will not always strive with man" (Genesis 6:3).
This scripture reminds us, there is a line we can cross over and go beyond the limits of God’s grace and protection. Then like Israel, we will be left to the consequences of our own choices and God will not hear our cries from heaven.
Lord, help us that we might learn from history and from the evil of Israel in forsaking You; in allowing other interests, other loves to exceed their love for You. Oh God, keep our hearts pure that we might serve You and worship and follow You. Amen.
The Truth
“If My people who are called by My name will humble themselves, and pray and seek My face, and turn from their wicked ways, then I will hear from heaven, and will forgive their sin and heal their land.” (2 Chronicles 7:14)
”Ephraim is joined to idols; Let him alone.”
How tragic it is when God says of a people, “Just let them alone.” Ephraim, the Northern Kingdom, had become stubborn, fascinated with idols and joined to them in worship – refusing God’s love and protection despite His warning that, "My Spirit will not always strive with man" (Genesis 6:3).
This scripture reminds us, there is a line we can cross over and go beyond the limits of God’s grace and protection. Then like Israel, we will be left to the consequences of our own choices and God will not hear our cries from heaven.
Lord, help us that we might learn from history and from the evil of Israel in forsaking You; in allowing other interests, other loves to exceed their love for You. Oh God, keep our hearts pure that we might serve You and worship and follow You. Amen.
The Truth
“If My people who are called by My name will humble themselves, and pray and seek My face, and turn from their wicked ways, then I will hear from heaven, and will forgive their sin and heal their land.” (2 Chronicles 7:14)
Wednesday, September 3, 2014
Restoration of Israel
Hosea 1:10
“Yet, the number of the children of Israel shall be as the sand of the sea, which can not be measured or numbered. In the place where it was said to them, You are not my people, they will be called children of the living God.”
This is a prophecy of the glorious restoration of God's grace, God's love and God's work on the nation of Israel.
God had promised that the children of Israel should be as the sand of the sea. (Genesis 32:12; Romans 9:27) And though for their iniquities He had thinned and scattered them, the spirit and design of His promise and covenant would still be fulfilled.
Even in the place of the darkest area where God says to Israel, "You are not My people, Loammi: not My people," yet in that place God will say, "You are My people." And God is going to restore His work on Israel.
The Truth
“I will call them My people, who were not My people. And her beloved, who was not my beloved. And it shall come to pass in the place where it was said to them, You are not My people, there they shall be called sons of the living God. (Romans 9:25-26)
Tuesday, September 2, 2014
True Obedience
Romans 16:19a
“For your obedience has become known to all. Therefore I am glad on your behalf.”
Paul is telling the saints in Rome that their obedience to the principles of the Gospel is known everywhere and that gives him joy. (As it would any shepherd) He is speaking here of an obedience that is motivated by love, that flows from a new heart, which now desires and is empowered to be obedient to the Master’s voice and to follow His statutes.
However, Paul also warns them to, “be wise in what is good and simple to what is evil.” (Romans 16:19b)
Meaning, don’t be fooled into another gospel. If we say, “I believe in the gospel of God” and yet continually are disobedient to God, that is not submission. We cannot be truly obedient by developing our own gospel or following another.
Help me Lord to be obedient to your voice and give me the ability to hear that still small voice in this crazy, loud, fast paced world. Amen
The Truth
“I will give you a new heart and put a new spirit within you; and cause you to walk in My statutes, and you will keep My judgments and do them.” (Ezekiel 36:26-27)
“For your obedience has become known to all. Therefore I am glad on your behalf.”
Paul is telling the saints in Rome that their obedience to the principles of the Gospel is known everywhere and that gives him joy. (As it would any shepherd) He is speaking here of an obedience that is motivated by love, that flows from a new heart, which now desires and is empowered to be obedient to the Master’s voice and to follow His statutes.
However, Paul also warns them to, “be wise in what is good and simple to what is evil.” (Romans 16:19b)
Meaning, don’t be fooled into another gospel. If we say, “I believe in the gospel of God” and yet continually are disobedient to God, that is not submission. We cannot be truly obedient by developing our own gospel or following another.
Help me Lord to be obedient to your voice and give me the ability to hear that still small voice in this crazy, loud, fast paced world. Amen
The Truth
“I will give you a new heart and put a new spirit within you; and cause you to walk in My statutes, and you will keep My judgments and do them.” (Ezekiel 36:26-27)
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