Tuesday, July 28, 2015

Vain Words

Exodus 5:9

“Make the work harder for the people so that they keep working and pay no attention to these vain words (lies).”

Here Pharaoh referred to Moses’ request to worship (in verse 8) as vain words, or lies. That Moses and Aaron falsely pretended that their God had commanded them to go and worship, when it was only a crafty design of their own to advance themselves in the eyes of the people.

Pharaoh treated all he had heard with contempt. He had no knowledge of Jehovah, no fear of him, no love to him, and therefore refused to obey Him. Thus Pharaoh's pride, ambition, covetousness, and political knowledge, hardened him to his own destruction.

What Moses and Aaron asked was very reasonable, to go three days' journey into the desert, and that on a good errand. Yet Pharaoh’s response was very unreasonable, “make the work harder so they will pay no attention to these 'vain words'”, or to the things of God.

Today, there are many different activities that can seem more important than spending time with God but I can assure you, there is no greater use of time in these last days than seeking Him.

The Truth

“Seek the Lord while He may be found, Call upon Him while He is near.” (Isaiah 55:6)

Friday, July 24, 2015

Moses Is Called

Exodus 3:10

"Therefore, come now, and I will send you to Pharaoh, so that you may bring My people, the sons of Israel, out of Egypt."

During the early decades of Moses' life, he decided to his pleasure that he was being prepared to deliver Israel out of bondage. It seemed logical—the circumstances of his birth and subsequent adoption by the house of Pharaoh, his education, mental abilities, oratorical skills—it all fit! But then he was forced out of Egypt in disgrace and became a mere sheepherder, an occupation loathed by the Egyptians (Genesis 46:34). And now four decades had passed and his pride was trampled in the dust of Midian.

Moses then shows his doubts to be used of God (in Verse 11) when he asks, 'Who am I, that I should go to Pharaoh, and that I should bring the sons of Israel out of Egypt?'" Ah, humility, he is finally ready.

Truth be told who are any of us, that we should do or say anything on behalf of God? ALL of us are disqualified for ministry, but when we are called we should go because He will do the work in and through us. His strength is perfected in our weakness. We can't do it, but He can - So send I you.

The Truth

‘And He said to me, “My grace is sufficient for you, for My strength is made perfect in weakness.” Therefore most gladly I will rather boast in my infirmities, that the power of Christ may rest upon me.’ (2 Corinthians 12:9)

Tuesday, July 21, 2015

Contend For The Faith

Jude 1:3

"Beloved, while I was making every effort to write you about our common salvation, I felt the necessity to write to you appealing that you contend earnestly for the faith which was once for all handed down to the saints."

Here Jude, the younger brother of Jesus, is encouraging the believers to be passionate in the faith that has been handed down through the centuries and to share that faith with utter conviction as led by God.

Why would Jude feel led to say this? And, is this relevant in the Church today?

Well, for one thing, just like a hospital is full of sick people looking for health, churches are full of sinners who need healing from sin. Another reason is that not all who attend and participate in church really belong to the Lord – some being false teachers, leading the less mature astray.

There are times when all of us stumble in one way or another, and it is wonderful to know that God Himself is keeping us from falling. The Lord is, as Hebrews 12:2 states, "the author and finisher of our faith." He is faithful and does His part, even when we fall flat on our faces, and He is the One who, by His cross and through His love, will bring us safely into eternity by God's grace.

So, share your faith with conviction, knowledge and passion - for even in the church, there are many in need.

The Truth

“Faithful are the wounds of a friend, But the kisses of an enemy are deceitful.” (Proverbs 27:6)

Monday, July 20, 2015

Given To Hospitality

3 John 1:5

"Beloved, you are acting faithfully in whatever you accomplish for the brethren, and especially when they are strangers;”

It's risky to help others, especially strangers you don't know. They might turn on you or take what you have. But Gaius acted in faith, helping them anyway. As the Holy Spirit led him, he treated them kindly, then helped them on their way.

Not every person standing on a street corner with a sign asking for help is honest but if your eyes and your heart are speaking to you to help someone, do it. If you see a need in your neighborhood, at work, in the church and the Spirit is tugging at you, follow the leading.

"Do not forget to entertain strangers, for by so doing some have unwittingly entertained angels." (Hebrews 13:2)

The Truth

“Give, and it will be given to you: good measure, pressed down, shaken together, and running over will be put into your bosom. For with the same measure that you use, it will be measured back to you.” (Luke 6:38)

Saturday, July 18, 2015

Walking In Truth

2 John 1:4

“I rejoiced greatly that I found of your children walking in truth, as we have received a commandment from the Father.”

Children are very impressionable. They see and hear everything. Therefore, parents must make sure they model absolute integrity and not have double standards. Setting a good example may mean not exercising your liberty in front of your children.

The old cliché, “Do as I say not as I do”, just doesn’t cut it. There is no quicker way to lose your integrity with young people than to do the very thing your asking them not to do.

Never let your children see you compromise truth even in little, insignificant ways, for such actions will plant seeds in their hearts that will take root, causing them to be people who do not walk in integrity or deal with others honestly.

As parents we have a responsibility to raise our children in the fear and admonition of the LORD, to set the Godly example for them to follow and not give cause for them to stumble. Even then, God has given them a free will to choose; you can’t force your will on them but you can pray for them.

The Truth

“Train up a child in the way he should go, And when he is old he will not depart from it.” (Proverbs 22:6)

“And you, fathers, do not provoke your children to wrath, but bring them up in the training and admonition of the Lord.” (Ephesians 6:4)

Thursday, July 16, 2015

Etrtnal Life

1 John 5:12

“He that has the Son has life; and he that has not the Son of God has not life.”

Here the Apostle John is referring to “eternal life”. Eternal life is not granted to the whole world, or even to all Christians; it is given to individuals, soul by soul, according as each does or does not accept the Son of God. He that does not believe on the Son will not attain to eternal life (John 3:36).

Kinder, party of four LORD.

The Truth

"Very truly I tell you, whoever hears My word and believes Him who sent Me has eternal life and will not be judged but has crossed over from death to life.” (John 5:24)

Wednesday, July 15, 2015

Perfect Love Drives Out Fear

1 John 4:18

“There is no fear in love. But perfect love drives out fear, because fear has to do with punishment. The one who fears is not made perfect in love.”

If we understand that by love, we are in God, and God in us, that we are His sons and daughters, that we know God, and that everlasting life is in us: John rightly concludes here that we may well gather peace and contentment from this perfect love and fear not.

The Truth

“So do not fear, for I am with you; do not be dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you; I will uphold you with my righteous right hand.” (Isaiah 41:10)

Tuesday, July 14, 2015

A Purifying Hope

1 John 3:2a-3

“But we know that when Christ appears, we shall be like Him, for we shall see Him as He is. All who have this hope in Him purify themselves, just as He is pure.”

Living in a constant awareness that the LORD’s coming is at hand, should have a definite effect on the way the Christians live their lives. Everyone one who looks for His coming walks with a greater degree of purity than they might otherwise walk to be sure.

When you read Jesus’ words concerning the end times it becomes very clear He wants us living each day looking for His return: “No man knows the day or the hour” – “He will come as a thief in the night.” One might not want to be found doing evil.

Therefore, live in expectation of His return, purify your walk and when He does return, the promise is we shall be like Him.

The Truth

“And as we live in God, our love grows more perfect. So we will not be afraid on the “day of judgment”, but we can face Him with confidence because we live like Jesus here in this world.” (1 John 4:17)

Monday, July 13, 2015

Our Advocate

1 John 2:1-2

“My little children, I am writing these things to you so that you may not sin. And if anyone sins, we have an Advocate with the Father, Jesus Christ the righteous"

Here the Apostle John is telling us that Jesus is our "Advocate", (Attorney, Proxy and Friend) who presents the key evidence for our defense against sin, which is His blood.

Because Christ, is the only blameless example of human nature, He alone can intercede on our behalf with God. He is the propitiation (v.2) for our sins; and those of the entire world. All men, in every land, and through successive generations, are invited to come to God through this all-sufficient atonement, and by this new and living way.

The Truth

“Christ suffered for our sins once for all time. He never sinned, but he died for sinners to bring you safely home to God. He suffered physical death, but he was raised to life in the Spirit.” (1 Peter 3:18)

Saturday, July 11, 2015

God Is Light

1 John 1:5

"This is the message we have heard from Him and announce to you, that God is Light, and in Him there is no darkness at all."

The statement "God is light" in this verse is more than just seeing with our eyes—He is the Light that enables us to understand. He is "light" in who He is...and those who have faith in the Lord become like Him...open, honest, nothing hidden...light!

When Jesus said in Matthew 5:19, "You are the light of the world," He meant we would shine our light of honesty into a dark world to show the way into His glorious light.

The Truth

“God, the blessed and only Ruler, the King of kings and Lord of lords, who alone is immortal and who lives in unapproachable light, whom no one has seen or can see. To him be honor and might forever. Amen.” (1Timothy 6:15-16)

Friday, July 10, 2015

Our LORD Is Longsuffering

2 Peter 3:9

“The Lord is not slack concerning his promise, as some men count slackness; but is long-suffering to us-ward, not willing that any should perish, but that all should come to repentance.”

This passage refers to Christ’s promised return. The fact that He has not yet returned, does not mean He won’t – oh, He will.

He waits (longsuffering) but He is never slow. He waits but is never lacking in His promise. He is waiting, until the full number of those appointed to “salvation” (2 Peter 3:15), repent and defers the “day of judgment “until then.

The Truth

“Do I take any pleasure in the death of the wicked? declares the Sovereign LORD. Rather, am I not pleased when they turn from their ways and live?” (Ezekiel 18:32)

Wednesday, July 8, 2015

False Teachers

2 Peter 2:19

“While they promise them liberty, they themselves are the servants of corruption: for of whom a man is overcome, of the same is he brought in bondage.”

This passage describes false teachers as servants of corruption who promised a carnal liberty from the law of God. One who is in a state of bondage and wholly under the dominion of sin. Such a man is neither a free man himself, nor can he give liberty to others.

Satisfying "fleshly desires" may provide a moment of escape from the cares of this world, but who wants to be "enslaved" by "corruption?" You might think you do, but that path leads to regret and remorse, unhappiness and destruction will surely follow.

The only true freedom offered to us is found in Jesus Christ. His liberty lies in a freedom from sin, its dominion, guilt, and condemnation.

The Truth

“Stand fast therefore in the liberty by which Christ has made us free, and do not be entangled again with a yoke of bondage.” (Galatians 5:1)

“So if the Son sets you free, you will be free indeed.” (John 8:36)

Prophecy Is Inspired

2 Peter 1:20-21

"Know this first of all, that no prophecy of Scripture is a matter of one’s own interpretation, for no prophecy was ever made by an act of human will, but men moved by the Holy Spirit spoke from God."

All prophecy in scripture comes from God. Thus, the Bible is infinitely more than the words of men, it is the Word of God expressed through them as moved by the Holy Spirit spoken from God.

The Truth

“All scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness, that the man of God may be completely, thoroughly equipped for every good work.” (2 Timothy 3:16)

Monday, July 6, 2015

God Cares For You

1 Peter 5:7

“Casting all your care on him; for he cares for you.”

The meaning here is, that we are to commit our whole cause to him.

If we suffer heavy trials; if we lose our friends, health, or property; if we have arduous and responsible duties to perform; if we feel that we have no strength, and are in danger of being crushed by what is laid upon us, we may go and cast all upon the Lord; that is, we may look to him for grace and strength, and feel assured that he will enable us to sustain all that is laid upon us.

He will enable us to bear with ease what we supposed we could never have done; and the burden which he lays upon us will be light, Matthew 11:30.

The Truth

“Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God.” (Philippians 4:6)

Saturday, July 4, 2015

Use Your Gift

1 Peter 4:10

“As every man has received the gift, even so minister the same one to another, as good stewards of the manifold grace of God.”

Everything we have (spiritual, temporal) is a gift from God. The exhortation here is share those gifts with the body, to distribute back what was given to us as good stewards to bless others.

The Truth

“We have different gifts, according to the grace given to each of us. If your gift is prophesying, then prophesy in accordance with your faith; if it is serving, then serve; if it is teaching, then teach; if it is to encourage, then give encouragement; if it is giving, then give generously; if it is to lead, do it diligently; if it is to show mercy, do it cheerfully.” (Romans 12:6-8)

The Eyes Of God

1 Peter 3:12

“For the eyes of the Lord are over the righteous, and his ears are open to their prayers: but the face of the Lord is against them that do evil.”

God is our protector, He hears our prayers, and stands against evil.

The Truth

“The eyes of the LORD are toward the righteous and His ears are open to their cry. The face of the LORD is against evildoers, to cut off the memory of them from the earth.” (Psalm 34:15-16)

Friday, July 3, 2015

Be A Godly Example

1 Peter 2:13-14

“Submit yourselves to every ordinance of man for the Lord's sake: whether it be to the king, as supreme; Or to governors, as to them that are sent by him for the punishment of evildoers, and for the praise of them that do well.”

This means as citizens, we must submit to mans laws, “Give unto Caesar the things which are Caesars” but as Christians we are not to break God’s laws,“ and to God the things that are God’s.” (Matthew 22:21)

We are to walk through this life in purity and humility as much as humanly possible. Not whining, complaining, sniveling or grumbling but submitting, obeying, and being a Godly example.

Be thankful for that job (and anything else you are blessed with) especially to those who are watching and would see you fail. Take the higher ground for His sake and yours and be that Godly example.

Lord help us all to be more positive and less negative as we walk through this life even when we do not agree with those placed in positions over us. Amen.

The Truth

“Let everyone be subject to the governing authorities, for there is no authority except that which God has established. The authorities that exist have been established by God.” (Romans 13:1)