Prowess: Bravery in Battle

As the Philistine moved closer to attack him, David ran quickly toward the battle line to meet him. Reaching into his bag and taking out a stone, he slung it and struck the Philistine on the forehead. The stone sank into his forehead, and he fell facedown on the ground. So David triumphed over the Philistine with a sling and a stone; without a sword in his hand he struck down the Philistine and killed him. (1 Samuel 17:48-50)

Many of us are familiar with the story of David and Goliath. If you are not, read all of 1 Samuel 17, it’s incredible! I just want to briefly point out that the prowess David showed is the same prowess given to all believers!

Matthew Henry says this: David did his business effectually, without any parade: he slang a stone which hit him in the forehead, and, in the twinkling of an eye, fetched him to the ground…

The word of God says this: When you go to war against your enemies and see horses and chariots and an army greater than yours, do not be afraid of them, because the Lord your God, who brought you up out of Egypt, will be with you. For the Lord your God is the one who goes with you to fight for you against your enemies to give you victory.” (Deuteronomy 20:1&4)

but thanks be to God, who gives us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ. (1 Corinthians 15:57)

For by their own sword they did not possess the land, And their own arm did not save them, But Your right hand and Your arm and the light of Your presence, For You favored them. You are my King, O God; Command victories for Jacob. Through You we will push back our adversaries; Through Your name we will trample down those who rise up against us.  (Psalm 44:3-7)

O give us help against the adversary, For deliverance by man is in vain. Through God we shall do valiantly, And it is He who will tread down our adversaries. (Psalm 60:11&12)

For though we live in the world, we do not wage war as the world does. The weapons we fight with are not the weapons of the world. On the contrary, they have divine power to demolish strongholds. (2 Corinthians 10:3&4)

Remember, the battles that we engage in this world are truly spiritual in nature. When we fight with the weapons the Lord provides, we will see victory!

The Wondrous Love of God

Dear one, do you know that the Father’s love for you is immutable, unending, extravagant, powerful, restorative, abundant, unconditional, tender, and…….so much more? Our words fail to fully summarize God’s love.

Paul reminds us that this love is irrevocable:

I am convinced that nothing can ever separate us from God’s love which Christ Jesus our Lord shows us. We can’t be separated by death or life, by angels or rulers, by anything in the present or anything in the future, by forces or powers in the world above or in the world below, or by anything else in creation. (Romans 8:38&39)

And in the gospel according to Luke, Christ tells the parable of the lost son who left his father in haste and rebellion but when he eventually “came to his senses” and decided to humbly return to his father, the father behaved like this:

But while he was still a long way off, his father saw him and was filled with compassion for him; he ran to his son, threw his arms around him and kissed him…But the father said to his servants, ‘Quick! Bring the best robe and put it on him. Put a ring on his finger and sandals on his feet.  Bring the fattened calf and kill it. Let’s have a feast and celebrate. For this son of mine was dead and is alive again; he was lost and is found.’ (Luke 15:20, 22-24)

And the whole household celebrated! This is a picture of our heavenly Father. He loves us with an extravagant, gracious, and compassionate love! No matter what you have done – your involvement in deadly things or a wretched life…no matter what rulers of darkness try to do…no matter what your current circumstances are or what is to come…no matter how man on this earth or spirits inspired by satan launch an attack upon you – nothing can separate you from the love of your heavenly Father. He loves you. Even if you have been an opponent of His...even if you are not interested in a relationship with Him...even if you have made a clear choice to live in opposition to Him  - you need to know that He loves you. Check this out:

Look at it this way: At the right time, while we were still helpless, Christ died for ungodly people. Finding someone who would die for a godly person is rare. Maybe someone would have the courage to die for a good person. Christ died for us while we were still sinners. This demonstrates God’s love for us. Since Christ’s blood has now given us God’s approval, we are even more certain that Christ will save us from God’s anger. If the death of his Son restored our relationship with God while we were still his enemies, we are even more certain that, because of this restored relationship, the life of his Son will save us. (Romans 5:6-10)

So this love God has for you…never ending. And, in fact, through Christ, He made sure that when you are ready, you could come to Him and live eternally in heaven with Him. Accepting the sacrifice of Christ is the key to living in this restored relationship.

So! If you’re living a rebellious life and don’t think that God wants anything to do with you, you’re wrong. He loves you and if you come to Him, He will welcome you with open arms and He, along with all of heaven, will celebrate.

If you are not living a rebellious life, and have accepted Christ as your Savior, but have deviated and gotten off track. God loves you too and will welcome you back with open arms and a celebration!

He who created us knows us! He knows every sin of our past, present, and future. And He sent Christ to pay the price for that sin (the death penalty) on our behalf so that we may freely accept His sacrifice and live the abundant life that He desires for us.

The thief does not come except to steal, and to kill, and to destroy. I have come that they may have life, and that they may have it more abundantly. (John 10:10)

No matter where you are in life, the Father, with abounding love, desires to be in restored relationship with you. Don’t worry about “getting it together” first. Come to Him and He’ll do the work of “getting it together”.

And I am sure that God who began the good work within you will keep right on helping you grow in his grace until his task within you is finally finished on that day when Jesus Christ returns. (Philippians 1:6)

Thank You Lord for Your wondrous love!

A Word of Strength

Many of us may be familiar with this verse but I especially love it in the Amplified version and hope that it will encourage you today.

The Lord God is my Strength, my personal bravery, and my invincible army; He makes my feet like hinds’ feet and will make me to walk [not to stand still in terror, but to walk] and make [spiritual] progress upon my high places [of trouble, suffering, or responsibility]! (Habakkuk 3:19)

Loving God's Law

Studying Psalm 119 reveals a few themes but one of the sweetest is the psalmist’s absolute love for God’s law. It is wonderful how he reverences and values the precepts of the Lord and, in my opinion, it is a great example of how we too should hold the teachings of our Father in high esteem.

Vs 16 - I delight in your decrees; I will not neglect your word.

Vs 20 - My soul is consumed with longing for your laws at all times.

Vs 27 - Cause me to understand the way of your precepts, that I may meditate on your wonderful deeds.

Vs 30 - I have chosen the way of faithfulness; I have set my heart on your laws.

Vss 46-48 - I will speak of your statutes before kings and will not be put to shame, for I delight in your commands because I love them. I reach out for your commands, which I love, that I may meditate on your decrees.

Vs 62 - At midnight I rise to give you thanks for your righteous laws.

Vss 69-72 - Though the arrogant have smeared me with lies, I keep your precepts with all my heart. Their hearts are callous and unfeeling, but I delight in your law. It was good for me to be afflicted so that I might learn your decrees. The law from your mouth is more precious to me     than thousands of pieces of silver and gold.

Vs 97 - Oh, how I love your law! I meditate on it all day long.

Vs 103 - How sweet are your words to my taste, sweeter than honey to my mouth!

Vs 111 - Your statutes are my heritage forever; they are the joy of my heart.

Vs 113 - I hate double-minded people, but I love your law.

Vss 127&128 - Because I love your commands more than gold, more than pure gold, and because I consider all your precepts right, I hate every wrong path.

Vs 129 - Your statutes are wonderful; therefore I obey them.

Vss 162-164 - I rejoice in your promise like one who finds great spoil. I hate and detest falsehood but I love your law. Seven times a day I praise you for your righteous laws.

Vs 167 - I obey your statutes, for I love them greatly.

Vs 174 - I long for your salvation, Lord, and your law gives me delight.

As believers, we are often very occupied with obeying the Word of the Lord but we would do well to not just obey; but to love it. And from that perspective, our desire to live according to the Word of God will flow freely.

No Judgment…

1 Corinthians 5:9-13 - I wrote to you in my letter not to associate with sexually immoral people—not at all meaning the people of this world who are immoral, or the greedy and swindlers, or idolaters. In that case you would have to leave this world. But now I am writing to you that you must not associate with anyone who claims to be a brother or sister but is sexually immoral or greedy, an idolater or slanderer, a drunkard or swindler. Do not even eat with such people. What business is it of mine to judge those outside the church? Are you not to judge those inside? God will judge those outside. “Expel the wicked person from among you.”

…but accountability.

As we live within the Christian community with our brothers and sisters, part of our charge is to care for one another. We are accountable to one another: to be agents of restoration, to bear one another’s burdens, praying for each other, to rebuke, to stimulate one another to good deeds, to keep watch over one another, to build one another up, to sharpen each other, to teach, and to live in peace.

Paul, in his letter to the Corinthian believers, informed them that if a brother or sister was given to a life of sin, they were not to be associating with that person. This is after they have diligently tried to lovingly restore that brother or sister to the truth of God WITH HUMILITY - understanding that they themselves could just as easily get caught up in sin!

Paul warns against allowing those who are caught up in sin to be our intimate associates. Later in this same letter to the Corinthians, he will remind them that bad company corrupts good character.

So believers, we need to be diligent to love our brothers and sisters into abundant living with our Father. With humility, we need to support one another in living life with integrity and honoring the Father. This is a challenge in this world where there is great competition for our affections and attention – and not all of this draw is for our good!

Let’s be diligent to support one another, to hold one another accountable, and to subject ourselves to loving accountability. Sound like a plan?

Being Up When You’re Down

Paul writes:  To this very hour we go hungry and thirsty, we are in rags, we are brutally treated, we are homeless. We work hard with our own hands. When we are cursed, we bless; when we are persecuted, we endure it; when we are slandered, we answer kindly. We have become the scum of the earth, the garbage of the world—right up to this moment. (1 Corinthians 4:11-13)

We pray: Father, may we work hard with our hands. When we are cursed, may we, by Your Spirit, bless. When we are persecuted, may we endure triumphantly! And when we are slandered, may we respond with kindness. Lord, no matter what, may our hearts be filled with and focused upon You.

Trust in God

Psalm 107:24-25, 28-30 - They saw the works of the LORD, his wonderful deeds in the deep. For he spoke and stirred up a tempest that lifted high the waves. Then they cried out to the LORD in their trouble, and he brought them out of their distress. He stilled the storm to a whisper; the waves of the sea were hushed. They were glad when it grew calm, and he guided them to their desired haven.

Why would God cause a storm and then wait for us to call on Him to relieve it? Is He an arrogant God who flexes His muscles and causes these circumstances just to solicit our praise when He delivers us? Is He some callous, hurtful spirit that derives pleasure in seeing us squirm? Is this His way of making sure we never forget who is really in charge? I say no to each of those theories.

Rather, I believe His word would support two things: 1) He allows and even creates circumstances which will serve to grow us and teach us. 2) He seizes these opportunities to show Himself strong on our behalf.

1 Peter 5:10 - And after you have suffered a little while, the God of all grace, who has called you to his eternal glory in Christ, will himself restore, confirm, strengthen, and establish you.

Romans 5:3-5 - Not only so, but we also glory in our sufferings, because we know that suffering produces perseverance; perseverance, character; and character, hope. And hope does not put us to shame, because God’s love has been poured out into our hearts through the Holy Spirit, who has been given to us.

2 Corinthians 1:9a - But he said to me, “My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.”

2 Chronicles 16:9a - For the eyes of the Lord run to and fro throughout the whole earth, to show Himself strong on behalf of those whose heart is loyal to Him.

Our precious Savior assures us that we will face trials while on this earth but that we can rejoice because He’s overcome the world! Yes, there are trials but God’s plans for us – even in the midst of trials – are to prosper us and to give us a future and a hope!

Further, how deep would our faith and trust go in the Lord without experiencing Him in a personal way? How do we know if He is faithful or trust worthy if we’ve never experience Him keeping His word? Yes, reading the Word is very useful and should be our regular practice but we do not grow in intimacy with the Lord by just reading about Him. We can “touch” this concept by thinking about our earthly relationships: simply reading about your spouse on a daily basis could only take you so far! You need one-on-one time with him or her in order to truly learn about them and to understand them.

I love how Andrae Crouch expresses these sentiments:

“I thank God for the mountains,

and I thank Him for the valleys,

I thank Him for the storms He brought me through.

For if I’d never had a problem,

I wouldn’t know God could solve them,

I’d never know what faith in God could do.”

 

So, precious one, through it all, trust in God.

What Psalm 109 Reveals About How the Father Views Sin

God HATES sin. The Psalmists write things like: please destroy my enemies – may their children be fatherless and their wives be widows and may no one extend kindness to them! May the sins of their parents always be before the Lord, may they be cursed….and whatnot…because they are reflecting exactly how much God hates iniquity. I am not saying it is the Lord’s desire for our destruction. I am saying that His disdain for sin is exemplified in the very strong words of the Psalmists. HE HATES SIN. He hates the act of sin…the effects of sin. 

We explored the concept of why sin is so bad just a couple of months ago, but I felt compelled to revisit this issue.  And while we will never, on this earth, be able to fully conceptualize how deeply the Lord views sin, I do like how S. Michael Houdmann compiles his thoughts about the matter. In summary, Houdmann says that sin is the exact opposite of God’s nature, sin separates us from Him. Sin is a disgusting, filthy burden that binds us. God HATES it with hostility. Sin is deceitful and tricks us into focusing on the enticing things of this world instead of God’s ways. Sin blinds us to the truth. Sin will enslave and eventually destroy us (just ask Samson). Sin lessens our love for God.

Because of these things, we should hate sin as much as God does. I believe that the strength of the Psalmists’ words or pleas for justice/retaliation reflects God’s utter hatred toward sin. Sin in our lives is not just to be viewed as something we shouldn’t do; it is something that we fall victim to! As Houdmann says, it is deceitful, will trick us, will blind us, will enslave us, and eventually it will destroy us.

Because the Father loves us so deeply and because of the consequences of eternal life separated from Him, He sent His precious son Jesus Christ to be a Savior for us! (see John 3:16) It is not His desire that anyone would be separated from Him! (see 2 Peter 3:8&9)

Sin is no one’s friend. While there may be some sinful things that we’ve attached to that we find enjoyable, that is temporary. The end of that sin journey is destruction. Our compassionate Father has given us a way of escape. I encourage you, if you have not already done so, to seek the salvation of the Father. If you don’t know how to do that, check out the video I’ve attached and/or feel free to inbox me!

Blessings to you!!!

http://www.intouch.org/you/all-things-are-new/content/topic/how_do_i_accept_jesus_as_my_savior_all_things

5 Bible Verses That Will Help Strengthen Your Marriage by John Callahan

1. "Above all, love each other deeply, because love covers over a multitude of sins."- 1 Peter 4:8

This is a very important life verse for marriage because marriage is a unification of two sinners. No one is perfect in a marriage. There will be times that a husband or wife may fail each other, mess up, or do something hurtful. It is important to remember God's definition of love and know that loving each other deeply can cover all those sins. This verse reminds us the true power of love!

2. "Though one may be overpowered, two can defend themselves. A cord of three strands is not quickly broken." - Ecclesiastes 4:12

Understanding that two is strong than one is one thing. But, understanding two together united with one God is even stronger! The three cords represent a husband, a wife, and God. These three form a close relationship that is not easily broken.

3. "Be completely humble and gentle; Be patient, bearing with one another in love. Make every effort to keep the unity of the spirit through the bond of peace."- Ephesians 4:2-3

If a husband and wife are humble, patient, gentle, and selfless in a relationship this will cause less confrontation and arguments. This verse reminds us to keep calm and do as Jesus would do.

4. "For I know the plans I have for you, 'Declare The Lord,' plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future."- Jeremiah 29:11

These words fill our hearts with hope and faithfulness. This verse shows us the heart of God towards humanity. We do not know all the plans God has for our future, but we must trust that He will strengthen us each day.

5. "Therefore what God has joined together, let no one separate."- Mark 10:9

When you first enter into marriage, the last thing you are thinking about is divorce! But, through the years of being together, you may enter times of hardship and trails that threaten your relationship. If this is ever the case, allow God's word come into play. You have been joined together under God, don't let anyone or anything separate your love for each other.

A Peculiar Occurrence

2 Kings 7:5-7 - At dusk [four men with leprosy] got up and went to the camp of the Arameans. When they reached the edge of the camp, no one was there, for the Lord had caused the Arameans to hear the sound of chariots and horses and a great army, so that they said to one another, “Look, the king of Israel has hired the Hittite and Egyptian kings to attack us!” So they got up and fled in the dusk and abandoned their tents and their horses and donkeys. They left the camp as it was and ran for their lives.

The Israelites in Samaria were in the midst of a famine as a result of the siege of the Arameans. Some of the people began to resort to extreme measures to deal with their hunger. At the Lord’s appointed time, He performed the above recorded miracle and the Israelites were able to go into the land to take hold of food and other provisions. 2 Kings 6 and 7 are very interesting (and somewhat bizarre) chapters to read and I encourage you to do so. But for today, I just wanted to encourage you again and remind you that the Lord our God is able to do not just abundantly, but EXCEEDINGLY abundantly above all that we ask or think. And because His ways are not our ways and His thoughts are not our thoughts, sometimes these things happen in an inconceivable manner! But it is a comfort and a joy to know that nothing is beyond His ability. Nothing is too hard for God. There is nothing He cannot accomplish! And sometimes we get to see these peculiar occurrences. How fun is that!?!?! 

Just a Word of Encouragement

Isaiah 43:1&2 - But now, thus says the Lord, who created you, O Jacob, and He who formed you, O Israel: “Fear not, for I have redeemed you; I have called you by your name; you are Mine. When you pass through the waters, I will be with you; and through the rivers, they shall not overflow you. When you walk through the fire, you shall not be burned, nor shall the flame scorch you.”

Praise God!!!

Discipline, Correction, and Hardship

Job 5:17 - Blessed is the person whom God corrects. That person should not despise discipline from the Almighty.

Amen! It is evidence of God’s love when He corrects His children. However, sometimes that discipline can be tough to handle. These words recorded in Job are from Eliphaz - one of Job’s friends who came to speak with him after all of the tragedy he endured. Eliphaz’s insinuation was that Job had sinned and the death of his children and loss of servants and property was the Lord’s discipline. Eliphaz, therefore, advised Job not to despise it, but to willingly and happily receive it.

Although I believe Eliphaz missed the mark with Job, it is still true that those whom the Lord corrects are blessed. Matthew Henry notes a couple of things to consider:

1. When the Lord corrects us, we ought not become bitter and resentful. Instead, we can recognize and appreciate the love of a Father that desires only our best. Because the Father loves us, His will is for our good. This means that He will correct us when we go astray.

Proverbs 3:11&12 - My son, do not despise the chastening of the Lord, nor detest His correction; for whom the Lord loves He corrects, just as a father the son in whom he delights.

Jeremiah 29:11 – “For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the Lord, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.”

2. Take note of the circumstances under which you find yourself receiving correction. Pay attention and respond appropriately. In doing so, we honor the work of our Father.

Henry puts it this way: “Submit to the chastening, and study to answer the call, to answer the end of it, and then you reverence it.”

Hebrews 12: 7, 8&11 - Endure hardship as discipline; God is treating you as his children. For what children are not disciplined by their father? If you are not disciplined—and everyone undergoes discipline—then you are not legitimate, not true sons and daughters at all. No discipline seems pleasant at the time, but painful. Later on, however, it produces a harvest of righteousness and peace for those who have been trained by it.

When we endure hardship, we deepen in our relationship with the Lord. Not all hardship is correction from the Father, but it is used by Him to grow us. As we endure, we also begin to look more like the Father; reflecting His ways in our words and actions. So endure that hardship as a good soldier of Jesus Christ!

God's Anointing

“The origin of anointing was from a practice of shepherds. Lice and other insects would often get into the wool of sheep, and when they got near the sheep's head, they could burrow into the sheep's ears and kill the sheep. So, ancient shepherds poured oil on the sheep's head. This made the wool slippery, making it impossible for insects to get near the sheep's ears because the insects would slide off. From this, anointing became symbolic of blessing, protection, and empowerment.” - S. Michael Houdmann

Yesterday we read that Samuel anointed Saul with oil and declared that he would be ruler. The process of actually anointing with oil was not the most significant part; it was that the Father had already chosen Saul – the act of anointing was symbolic of what the Lord had already decreed. Christians today must understand that we too have been anointed by God. We are anointed by Him for a specific purpose. We are his workmanship and have been created for good works…to advance His kingdom. Dr. William Smith reminds us “‘Anointing’ expresses the sanctifying influences of the Holy Spirit upon Christians who are priests and kings unto God.”

Do you recognize your anointing? If so, are you walking in it? If you do not see it now, are you willing to spend some time with the Lord and allow Him to reveal His calling on your life? All of us are called. All of us are anointed. We have been formed and fashioned for a specific purpose on this earth and the Good Shepherd will bless, protect, and empower us as we move forward in that call. May you eagerly move forward under the anointing of our precious Shepherd!

2 Corinthians 1:21&22 - Now it is God who makes both us and you stand firm in Christ. He anointed us, set his seal of ownership on us, and put his Spirit in our hearts as a deposit, guaranteeing what is to come.

1 John 2:20&27 - But you have been anointed by the Holy One, and you all have knowledge. As for you, the anointing you received from him remains in you, and you do not need anyone to teach you. But as his anointing teaches you about all things and as that anointing is real, not counterfeit—just as it has taught you, remain in him.

Joel 2:28 - And it shall come to pass afterward, that I will pour out my Spirit on all flesh; your sons and your daughters shall prophesy, your old men shall dream dreams, and your young men shall see visions.

Hiding From Your Calling

In 1 Samuel 10:22, we read of a peculiar behavior: They asked the Lord again, “Has he arrived here yet?” The Lord answered, “He’s hiding among the baggage.”

The “he” the Lord is speaking of is the newly anointed Saul! Samuel had just spoken over Saul God’s word that Saul should be king. After the anointing, the Lord proceeded to perform the extraordinary signs of confirmation that Samuel foretold. In verses 17-21 of this chapter, we see how Saul’s kingship is revealed, but when the convocation of elders and tribe representatives went to recognize Saul, he was nowhere to be found! So we see the exchange between them and the Lord in verse 22. I can relate to hiding behind and among my baggage – my past, my fears, my failures, my perceived weaknesses, etc.

Matthew Henry identifies 4 areas of “baggage” for Saul: 1) He was aware of his “unfitness” to be king and feared that he would mess up royally (pun intended), 2) He’d be putting himself “out there” to be hated, 3) He understood, by Samuel’s words, that in anger the Lord granted the request of the people for a King, so he questioned if he wanted to be “that guy” and 4) The affairs of Israel, at that time, were a shambles. So, to take on the leadership role, at that time, was audacious and possibly imprudent.

Saul questioned his ability, wanted to be liked, feared being the object of God’s anger, and didn’t particularly want to take on a seemingly hopeless situation AND BE IN CHARGE! How about you? Do you have any baggage you hide behind? You should know that if you are God’s child, you have been anointed and appointed to a particular call – just like Saul. So “in the baggage” is no place for you.

Jeremiah 1:5 (MSG) - Before I shaped you in the womb, I knew all about you. Before you saw the light of day, I had holy plans for you: A prophet to the nations— that’s what I had in mind for you.

Psalm 139:13&14 (NKJ) - For You formed my inward parts; You covered me in my mother’s womb. I will praise You, for I am fearfully and wonderfully made; marvelous are Your works, and that my soul knows very well.

Does your soul know it? God knew you before you were even formed. He carefully and wonderfully made you. You are the marvelous work of God! And He determined your call before you were in your mother’s womb or anyone ever knew you were going to exist. 

Additionally, you should know that “It is He who reveals the profound and hidden things; He knows what is in the darkness, and the light dwells with Him.” (Daniel 2:22)

As with Saul, the Lord reveals the hidden things within you. He knows the plans He has for you. He knows what’s up with you! He knows all that we don’t know. Saul questioned his abilities because he discounted God’s anointing. It was God’s plan that was being revealed. It was by God’s design that Saul should be king.

So precious one, get out of that baggage! Let it go! Do not ever pick it up again! And go be the you that God has anointed and appointed!

Psalm Week: Show Me Your Ways (Russell Fragar)

Show me Your ways

That I may walk with You.

Show me Your ways.

I put my hope in You.

 

The cry of my heart is to love You more,

To live with the touch of Your hand.

Stronger each day.

Show me Your ways.

----

Some scriptural concepts references: Isaiah 55:8, Psalm 18:30, Matthew 11:28&29, Psalm 128:1, Psalm 147:11, Job 11:18&19, Isaiah 40:29, Phil 4:13

Psalm Week: "Just For Me" (Donnie McClurkin)

What does the cross of Jesus mean?

 It's more than songs we sing,

 Much more than that emblem on your chain.

 But it means I'm free from the chains of slavery.

 And the blood it shed won't let my sins remain.

 

 Upon the cross my Savior died; the Lamb was crucified.

 Showed us love that this world had never known.

 Oh what love divine, truer love you'll never find.

 So that we might live, Love came and died alone.

 

 Well the cross will always represent the love God had for me.

 When the Lord of glory, heaven sent, gave all on Calvary

 He did it just for me, just for me.

 Jesus came and did it just for me.

---

 

PRAISE GOD!

Psalm Week: Take My Life And Let It Be (Frances Havergal)

I remember singing this as a young girl. What a beautiful declaration of self-sacrifice!

Take my life, and let it be consecrated, Lord, to Thee.

Take my moments and my days; let them flow in ceaseless praise.

Take my hands, and let them move at the impulse of Thy love.

Take my feet, and let them be swift and beautiful for Thee.

 

Take my voice, and let me sing always, only, for my King.

Take my lips, and let them be filled with messages from Thee.

Take my silver and my gold; not a mite would I withhold.

Take my intellect, and use every power as Thou shalt choose.

 

Take my will, and make it Thine; it shall be no longer mine.

Take my heart, it is Thine own; it shall be Thy royal throne.

Take my love, my Lord, I pour at Thy feet its treasure store.

Take myself, and I will be ever, only, all for Thee.

---- 

The psalmist says, Lord, take my life, my days, my hands, my feet, my voice, my lips, my riches, my intellect, my will, my heart, my love…all of me! This is the very epitome of presenting yourself as a living sacrifice.

Father, may this be the posture of our hearts.

Psalm Week: Oh Lord, You're Beautiful (Keith Green)

Oh Lord, You’re beautiful.

Your face is all I seek.

For when Your eyes are on this child

Your grace abounds to me.

 

I want to take Your word and shine it all around

But first help me just to live it, Lord.

And when I’m doing well, help me to never seek a crown

For my reward is giving glory to You.

 

Oh Lord, please light the fire

That once burned bright and clear.

Replace the lamp of my first love

That burns with holy fear.

---

Some scriptural concepts references: Psalm 27:4, Psalm 27:8, 1 Chronicles 16:11. 2 Corinthians 9:8, Matthew 5:14-16, Psalm 103:2-5, 1 John 4:19

Psalm Week: Dear Jesus, I Love You (Walter Hawkins)

Dear Jesus, I love You.

You’re a friend of mine.

You supply my every need.

My hungry soul You feed.

I’m aware You are my Source

From which all blessings flow.

And with this thought in mind

I know just where, where to go.

 

Some scriptural concepts references: John 15:14&15, Philippians 4:19, 1 Peter 2:25, James 1:17, Hebrews 4:16

IT'S PSALM WEEK!

A psalm is a song or poem used in worship. This week we will look at six different psalms written by contemporary or historic Christians.

Today we look at a beautiful psalm written by Anne Herring and performed by the group 2^nd Chapter of Acts (which Anne was a member of).

Mansion Builder (2^nd Chapter of Acts)

I've been told that there are those

Who will learn how to fly.

And I've been told that there are those

Who will never die.

And I've been told that there are stars

That will never lose their shine.

And that there is a Morning Star

Who knows my mind.

 

So why should I worry?

Why should I fret?

'Cause I've got a Mansion Builder

Who ain't through with me yet.

 

And I've been told that there's a

Crystal lake in the sky

And every tear from my eyes

Is saved when I cry.

And I've been told there'll come a time

When the sun will cease to shine

And that there is a Morning Star

Who knows my mind.

 

So why should I worry?

Why should I fret?

'Cause I've got a Mansion Builder

Who ain't through with me yet.

---

Some scriptural concepts references: Revelation 22:16, John 144:2, Revelation 4:6, Matthew 6:25, 1 Corinthians 15:51, Daniel 12:3, Jeremiah 17:10, Philippians 1:6

The Significance of Milk & Honey

Exodus 3:8  - And I have come down to deliver them out of the hand of the Egyptians and to bring them up out of that land to a good and broad land, a land flowing with milk and honey, to the place of the Canaanites, the Hittites, the Amorites, the Perizzites, the Hivites, and the Jebusites.

It has been interesting to research the significance of milk & honey and what that promise reveals about the nature of God. Study has revealed two major themes: 1) rich blessings of supernatural proportion and 2) God’s revelation of Himself through scripture.

Regarding this specific blessing of a land flowing with milk and honey, Matthew Henry notes God’s intention to come down to the children of Israel “so that it should be done speedily and effectually, and by methods out of the common road of providence.” This is how the blessings of God occur in our lives.

Rabbi Samson Raphael Hirsch, regarding the meaning of the Hebrew word for flowing, wrote: “In Tanakh [the canon of the Hebrew Bible], the word zov never means overflowing. It occurs mainly to describe a human pathological condition, and otherwise as a flowing forth caused by miraculous power. It does not seem to describe a land that develops the abundance in accordance with its natural fertility, but a land that only does this under special conditions.”

A land flowing with milk & honey can be understood, for believers today, as perfect abundance and blessing that are only understandable in the context of the inexplicable movement of God, on our behalf – not luck or chance or natural occurrences or our good planning. God blesses us uniquely and in uncommon ways.  

The second meaning, God’s revelation of Himself, is equally intriguing.

“The "milk" of God's word refers to things that are literally understood, which require no interpretation, and it is the nourishment intended for babes. The apostle Peter said: 1 Peter 2:2 - As newborn babes, desire the sincere milk of the word, that ye may grow thereby:

Taking the scriptures literally, is viewing them as if they consist only of "milk," which can be swallowed without any chewing, and so is suitable for infants lacking teeth. The scriptures can be read in a literal fashion, but they have a deeper spiritual significance, that requires some thoughtful interpretation, analogous to "chewing" solid food.

The Psalmist wrote: Psalm 119:103 - How sweet are thy words unto my taste! Yea, sweeter than honey to my mouth! And in Proverbs, we read: Proverbs 16:24 - Pleasant words are as a honeycomb, sweet to the soul, and health to the bones.  The true meaning of the land of Canaan that was promised to Abraham is that it represents the revelations of God intended for the saints.”

According to this understanding of milk & honey, we may understand that God reveals Himself quite literally and simply. Reflect on Christ’s words recorded in John 4:9 – “Jesus answered: ‘Don’t you know me, Philip, even after I have been among you such a long time? Anyone who has seen me has seen the Father. How can you say, ‘Show us the Father’?” Because Christ (the Living Word) came to earth, God is clearly revealed! But there is also a level of sweet revelation that is not palatable to the “infant”; it is to be consumed as we grow and mature in our spiritual journey. The Psalmist wrote: Planted in the house of the Lord, they shall flourish in the courts of our God. (Psalm 92:13) When we plant ourselves in the house of the Lord – reading and meditating upon His word, in prayer, in fellowship with wise believers, and through submission to Him, we will grow and mature – the Father is able to reveal to us those things which require deeper understanding – and we will flourish!

Praise God for His great abundance and His precious revelations!

Refining

Psalm 66:8-12 - Praise our God, all peoples, let the sound of his praise be heard; he has preserved our lives and kept our feet from slipping. For you, God, tested us; you refined us like silver. You brought us into prison and laid burdens on our backs. You let people ride over our heads; we went through fire and water, but you brought us to a place of abundance.

This is just a portion of a psalm of praise. I love how the author acknowledges how the Father can refine us: bringing us into prison, laying burdens on our backs, letting people ride over our heads, and taking us through fire and water! But he concludes with “but You brought us to a place of abundance.” Hallelujah!

The process of removing impurities from our lives can be painful! Whew! It can get real tough! But the Father does this and then brings us to a place of abundance. And the place of abundance is well worth the journey! And the purpose? Well take a look at 2 Corinthians 9:8 - And God is able to bless you abundantly, so that in all things at all times, having all that you need, you will abound in every good work.

I want to abound in every good work! How about you? Our precious Father, who never leaves nor forsakes us, by the way, walks with us through the sometimes grueling refining process so that we may thrive, flourish, and overflow in good work. Whatever work God has called you to, I dare you to ask Him to refine you! And then watch Him bless you abundantly so that in all things at all times and having all you need, you can go forth and kick some devil butt as you abound in every good work!

The Lord...Alone

Deuteronomy 6:4 - Hear, O Israel: The Lord our God, the Lord is one

This scripture can be read as The Lord our God is one Lord; or The Lord is our God, the Lord is one; or The Lord is our God, the Lord alone.

These words we read in Deuteronomy 6:4 are the core part of a prayer called the Shema. I did not know a lot about this prayer but research has been enlightening. I will not dive into this revered prayer but, interestingly, biblical scholars point out that there is more than one way to “translate” the Hebrew passage. There is no difference in meaning; only different nuances. My heart was stirred when I read “The Lord is our God, the Lord alone” because I appreciate that there is to be no other Lord of our lives besides the one true God. He is to be our Lord alone; no partners, no sharing of the throne – ALONE. Moses, in this passage (and the Lord, in actuality) addresses the children of Israel; He urges them to “hear”. I’d like to urge you to “hear” and take to heart the truth that the Lord God is to be the only Lord of your life - alone. No one and nothing else should be allowed to share the throne with Him. There is only one Lord, do not allow anything else in your life to be elevated to that position…family, friends, career, finances, ambitions, etc… For the Lord is our God – the Lord alone. Amen.

Why Praise and Worship?

Praise: to express thanks to or love and respect for

Etymology: to prize (value highly) "to laud, commend, flatter,"

Worship: reverence offered a divine being or supernatural power; also: an act of expressing such reverence

Etymology: worthship. "condition of being worthy, dignity, glory, distinction, honor, renown,"

Often we see praise and worship tied together. Many of us have a “praise and worship” time at the beginning of our worship services. We listen to “praise and worship” music. And we see the following in scripture:

Ps 95:1-6 - Oh come, let us sing to the Lord; let us make a joyful noise to the rock of our salvation! Let us come into his presence with thanksgiving; let us make a joyful noise to him with songs of praise! For the Lord is a great God, and a great King above all gods. In his hand are the depths of the earth; the heights of the mountains are his also. The sea is his, for he made it, and his hands formed the dry land.

Ps 149:3 - Let them praise his name with dancing, making melody to him with tambourine and lyre!

1 Chronicles 16:29 - Ascribe to the Lord the glory due his name; bring an offering and come before him! Worship the Lord in the splendor of holiness;

The combination of praise and worship is significant because we are not only recognizing who God is but also ascribing worth to Him from our hearts. All spiritual beings recognize that God is the true God. They know that! However, not all spiritual beings praise and worship God – glorifying, revering and honoring Him. Scripture tells us that Satan and 1/3 of the angels were cast out of heaven. They knew who God was – the holy creator of the universe - but they were unwilling to praise Him or respect Him.  They were rebellious. In contrast, when we worship, we are humbling ourselves; recognizing our position in relation to the God of the universe and declaring His wonderful worth!

Praise AND worship are important to our spiritual journey because in recognizing who God is, we better understand who we are. And as we explored last week, when we proclaim our praise, we are fighting the enemy of our souls. Further, as we ascribe worth to the Lord, as we understand the importance of His hand in our lives, we position ourselves to realize the abundant life that Jesus spoke of (see John 10:1-10). If we do not see God as worthy of reverence, glory, and honor, we are not truly realizing the fullness of who He is. And in that state, we are prone to lean on our own understanding of this world, which means we will always come up short on understanding and wisdom. Our God is worthy of praise because He is the only true God! He is holy, perfect, benevolent, just, loving, merciful, tender, all-powerful…. And He is also worthy to be worshipped because of how He loves us, how He provides for us, how He protects and strengthens us, how He opens doors that no man can shut, how He chooses the foolish things to put to shame the wise and chooses the weak things to shame the strong... He is the only wise God and even our most adept and astute earthly thinking is nothing in comparison to His.

Our wondrous God is the only One who is truly worthy of all our praise and all worship!

Showers of Blessing

In 1860 Elizabeth Codner wrote the following words: Lord, I hear of showers of blessing, thou art scattering full and free; showers the thirsty land refreshing; let some drops now fall on me; even me, even me, let some drops now fall on me.

I say YES LORD! I too want to feel some drops – I don’t even need showers of blessings! Following is some of the evidence of God’s full and free scattering of blessings. I encourage you to read His word slowly and allow the Spirit to minister to you.

Ephesians 1:3-6 - Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who has blessed us in the heavenly realms with every spiritual blessing in Christ. For he chose us in him before the creation of the world to be holy and blameless in his sight. In love he predestined us for adoption to sonship through Jesus Christ, in accordance with his pleasure and will— to the praise of his glorious grace, which he has freely given us in the One he loves.

Luke 12:22-24 - And he said to his disciples, “Therefore I tell you, do not be anxious about your life, what you will eat, nor about your body, what you will put on. For life is more than food, and the body more than clothing. Consider the ravens: they neither sow nor reap, they have neither storehouse nor barn, and yet God feeds them. Of how much more value are you than the birds!

2 Corinthians 9:8-10 - And God is able to make all grace abound to you, so that having all sufficiency in all things at all times, you may abound in every good work. As it is written, “He has distributed freely, he has given to the poor; his righteousness endures forever.” He who supplies seed to the sower and bread for food will supply and multiply your seed for sowing and increase the harvest of your righteousness.

Deuteronomy 28:1-8 - If you fully obey the Lord your God and carefully follow all his commands I give you today, the Lord your God will set you high above all the nations on earth. All these blessings will come on you and accompany you if you obey the Lord your God: You will be blessed in the city and blessed in the country. The fruit of your womb will be blessed, and the crops of your land and the young of your livestock—the calves of your herds and the lambs of your flocks. Your basket and your kneading bowls will be blessed. You will be blessed when you come in and blessed when you go out. The Lord will grant that the enemies who rise up against you will be defeated before you. They will come at you from one direction but flee from you in seven. The Lord will send a blessing on your barns and on everything you put your hand to. The Lord your God will bless you in the land he is giving you.

Malachi 3:10-11 - Bring the full tithe into the storehouse, that there may be food in my house. And thereby put me to the test, says the Lord of hosts, if I will not open the windows of heaven for you and pour down for you a blessing until there is no more need. I will rebuke the devourer for you, so that it will not destroy the fruits of your soil, and your vine in the field shall not fail to bear, says the Lord of hosts.

Joel 2:26 - “You shall eat in plenty and be satisfied, and praise the name of the Lord your God, who has dealt wondrously with you. And my people shall never again be put to shame.

Psalm 92:12-14 - The righteous flourish like the palm tree and grow like a cedar in Lebanon. They are planted in the house of the Lord; they flourish in the courts of our God. They still bear fruit in old age; they are ever full of sap and green,

Thank You Father for the showers of blessings which You scatter full and free upon Your children!