http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=1%20Kings%2020-21&version=ESV
In 1 Kings chapter 20, we see that Israel is being attacked by Ben-hadad, the king of Syria.
Although King Ahab of Israel is an evil king, we see how gracious the Lord is in this chapter. The Lord enabled Ahab and Israel to defeat Ben-hadad, not once, but twice. And the way in which Israel defeated Syria, was from the Lord.
1 Kings 20:28 "And a man of God came near and said to the king of Israel, "Thus says the LORD, 'Because the Syrians have said, "The LORD is a god of the hills but he is not a god of the valleys," therefore I will give all this great multitude into your hand, and you shall know that I am the LORD.'"
Someone might say why would the Lord help out someone who is evil? I would say he still does that to day.
Romans 5:8-10 "but God shows his love for us in that while we were still sinners, Christ died for us. Since, therefore, we have now been justified by his blood, much more shall we be saved by him from the wrath of God. For if while we were enemies we were reconciled to God by the death of his Son, much more, now that we are reconciled, shall we be saved by his life."
So all of us at some point in our lives were enemies of God. And if you have not placed your faith in Christ, you are still an enemy of His today.
In Ahab's case, he was a recipient of such grace, yet he did not finish the job. He let Ben-hadad live. This is reminiscent of the incident with Saul and Amalek in which Saul let him live (see 1 Sam. ch. 15), and because of this Saul's kingdom was eventually taken away from him. In this instance, because of Ahab's disobedience, his life would be taken away from him in the future.
For many of us today, we have been recipients of a much greater grace than that which Ahab received. We have been chosen by God, saved by His son, and sealed by the Holy Spirit as a down payment of the things to come.
Yet, we cling to things of this world. We still give in to habitual sins. I know that we are not perfect, but the disposition of our lives should be so much towards the Lord that we should seek Him out in all we do. If we did this, I believe we would live more obedient and Christ-like lives, and fall to these sins less and less.
There are certain areas in my life that I know that I am weak in. The Lord has enabled me to become stronger through His Holy Spirit indwelling in me in these areas. But it was not until I submitted all of myself to Him.
Each day I am so thankful for the gift of my salvation. By constantly living a life of thanksgiving, I want to live a life that is pleasing to Him. When you are thankful, and your heart is full with His joy, you are less apt to fall into areas of sin in which you stumble. However, I have done the hard things. I restrict myself from doing certain things. To some this may seem legalistic. But legalism is adding to the Word of God. Trying to live a holy life that is pleasing to the Lord entails separation from the world, in some senses. It takes a while to get used to living this way, but as you grow in the grace and knowledge of the Lord, you see how much more fulfilling a life in the Lord is than a life in the world is.
Since I have been talking about the gift of salvation and thanksgiving. I would like to close with some of the greatest verses in the Bible. They describe our salvation as a gift and illustrate how we should live based on our new standing in Christ.
Reflect deeply on these verses today. Grow in God's grace, and as you do the tentacles of worldliness and sin that so easily entangle will loosen in your life. I'm praying for y'all in this and ask that you pray for me in this as well.
Ephesians 2:8-10: "For by grace you have been saved through faith. And this is not your own doing; it is the gift of God, not a result of works, so that no one may boast. For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand, that we should walk in them."
Soli Deo Gloria.
Today's post was submitted by Russ Shellhamer.
Wednesday, June 30, 2010
'How long will you hesitate?'
1 Kings 17-19
As I took time to ponder all that's in today's three Old Testament chapters, it struck me what a blessing it is to have an unshakable belief in one of the foundational truths of the New Testament: the resurrection from the dead of Jesus Christ.
It would be nice if life were so simple that we could say God's people will experience nothing but joy and that only non-believers will have to deal with unpleasantness, particularly death and the fear of it. But 1 Kings 17-19 illustrates that death -- sometimes swift, sudden death -- is a reality on both sides of the spiritual line.
As chapter 17 begins, the worship of Baal in Israel has reached the point that the prophet Elijah (whose name means "Yahweh is God'') confronts King Ahab by telling him drought, which will lead to famine, is coming. Elijah then makes himself scarce for a couple years, and we learn that many prophets of the Lord are eventually killed under the authority of Ahab and his wife Jezebel (18:4, 18:13, 19:10, 19:14).
After Elijah later is told by the Lord to show himself to Ahab, one of the great Biblical showdowns occurs (18:17-40). With the people of Israel gathered at Mount Carmel, Elijah, alone as a prophet of the Lord, issues a challenge to 450 prophets of Baal. Basically, he says to arrange some wood and let the prophets of Baal call on Baal to set it afire. Elijah, in turn will call on the name of the Lord, and "the God who answers by fire, He is God.'' The people see this as a good idea, and as you might guess, the cries to Baal go unanswered, while Elijah's cry to the God of Abraham, Isaac and Israel (Jacob) gets results. Elijah then tells the people to seize Baal's prophets, whom he proceeds to slay.
So now it has come to pass that prophets of God and prophets of Baal have met with death. And the truth is, in 2010, not a day goes by when Christians and non-Christians don't die. And in countless cases, they had no inkling their time was at hand. Which leads to the question posed by Elijah in 1 Kings 18:21: "How long will you hesitate between two opinions? If the Lord is God, follow Him; but if Baal, follow him.''
I maintain that because of the resurrection of Jesus Christ, those who believe in Him have no need to worry about death or its timing. Because we, too, will conquer the grave and partake in eternal life with imperishable bodies (see 1 Corinthians 15:42).
(And note that God didn't suddenly acquire the ability to revive the dead at the Garden Tomb. In chapter 17 of 1 Kings, we read how the Lord returned life to a child in whose household Elijah had been residing. Our unchanging God's traits are eternal.)
The key to such peace of mind is making an actual decision for Christ. I can't imagine how non-Christians wouldn't find the prospect of death at least a little unsettling, particularly if they've heard the gospel message. Can they really believe there are no eternal consequences for unforgiven sin? Do they sincerely think all roads lead to heaven? And do they honestly suppose they can start following Jesus at any time in the future? (Certainly, it's quite possible a person could come to Christ after years, even decades, of rejecting the truth. But because no life span is guaranteed, such an approach is, to be sure, a gamble.)
It is my prayer that if you have hesitated in following God and accepting Jesus as Lord, you will hesitate no more. Then you too can say, "O Death, where is your sting?''
Today's guest post was submitted by Steve Schaeffer
As I took time to ponder all that's in today's three Old Testament chapters, it struck me what a blessing it is to have an unshakable belief in one of the foundational truths of the New Testament: the resurrection from the dead of Jesus Christ.
It would be nice if life were so simple that we could say God's people will experience nothing but joy and that only non-believers will have to deal with unpleasantness, particularly death and the fear of it. But 1 Kings 17-19 illustrates that death -- sometimes swift, sudden death -- is a reality on both sides of the spiritual line.
As chapter 17 begins, the worship of Baal in Israel has reached the point that the prophet Elijah (whose name means "Yahweh is God'') confronts King Ahab by telling him drought, which will lead to famine, is coming. Elijah then makes himself scarce for a couple years, and we learn that many prophets of the Lord are eventually killed under the authority of Ahab and his wife Jezebel (18:4, 18:13, 19:10, 19:14).
After Elijah later is told by the Lord to show himself to Ahab, one of the great Biblical showdowns occurs (18:17-40). With the people of Israel gathered at Mount Carmel, Elijah, alone as a prophet of the Lord, issues a challenge to 450 prophets of Baal. Basically, he says to arrange some wood and let the prophets of Baal call on Baal to set it afire. Elijah, in turn will call on the name of the Lord, and "the God who answers by fire, He is God.'' The people see this as a good idea, and as you might guess, the cries to Baal go unanswered, while Elijah's cry to the God of Abraham, Isaac and Israel (Jacob) gets results. Elijah then tells the people to seize Baal's prophets, whom he proceeds to slay.
So now it has come to pass that prophets of God and prophets of Baal have met with death. And the truth is, in 2010, not a day goes by when Christians and non-Christians don't die. And in countless cases, they had no inkling their time was at hand. Which leads to the question posed by Elijah in 1 Kings 18:21: "How long will you hesitate between two opinions? If the Lord is God, follow Him; but if Baal, follow him.''
I maintain that because of the resurrection of Jesus Christ, those who believe in Him have no need to worry about death or its timing. Because we, too, will conquer the grave and partake in eternal life with imperishable bodies (see 1 Corinthians 15:42).
(And note that God didn't suddenly acquire the ability to revive the dead at the Garden Tomb. In chapter 17 of 1 Kings, we read how the Lord returned life to a child in whose household Elijah had been residing. Our unchanging God's traits are eternal.)
The key to such peace of mind is making an actual decision for Christ. I can't imagine how non-Christians wouldn't find the prospect of death at least a little unsettling, particularly if they've heard the gospel message. Can they really believe there are no eternal consequences for unforgiven sin? Do they sincerely think all roads lead to heaven? And do they honestly suppose they can start following Jesus at any time in the future? (Certainly, it's quite possible a person could come to Christ after years, even decades, of rejecting the truth. But because no life span is guaranteed, such an approach is, to be sure, a gamble.)
It is my prayer that if you have hesitated in following God and accepting Jesus as Lord, you will hesitate no more. Then you too can say, "O Death, where is your sting?''
Today's guest post was submitted by Steve Schaeffer
Tuesday, June 29, 2010
Under the influence
1 Kings 16
2 Chronicles 17
http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=2%20Chronicles%2017&version=NASB
A close examination of these chapters offers insight into the influence wielded by parents on their children and by leaders on those under their authority.
The 16th chapter of 1 Kings spotlights the five rulers in the kingdom of Israel from 909-853 B.C. They were Baasha and his son Elah; Zimri; and Omni and his son Ahab. It helps to know that Baasha was preceded on the throne by his father Nadab and grandfather Jeroboam, both of whom had done evil in the sight of the Lord and caused their subjects to sin.
Through the prophet Jehu, God tells Baasha that He will consume his house because of his disgraceful reign, during which Baasha perpetuated the idol worship that had been practiced by his father and grandfather. Elah was no better when he assumed the throne. We're told he, like Baasha, provoked God to anger with idol worship.
It was Zimri, one of Elah's chariot commanders, who slayed Elah as well as all of Elah's male relatives and friends. But because of his conspiracy, Zimri reigned for a mere seven days before meeting a fiery death, and Omri, who had been an army commander, was made king. But did things get better? Hardly. Omri "did evil in the sight of the Lord and acted more wickedly than all who were before him." And after Omri died, his son Ahab "did evil in the sight of the Lord more than all who were before him.'' Do you see a pattern emerging? (It was Ahab, incidentally, who married Jezebel and advanced Baal worship into Israel.)
Contrast the quintet of 1 Kings 16 with the two men -- Asa and Jehoshaphat -- who reigned over Judah during this time. Jehoshaphat is the focus of 2 Chronicles 17, and we are told of the riches and honor that marked his life and how, because of the dread of the Lord that was upon them, none of the kingdoms surrounding Judah made war with Jehoshaphat.
Two keys to the makeup of Jehoshaphat are revealed. He followed God's commandments (2 Chronicles 17:4) and took great pride in the ways of the Lord (17:6). But this doesn't come as a surprise when we recall what was said of Jehoshaphat's father: Asa did what was right in the sight of the Lord (1 Kings 15:11) and was wholly devoted to the Lord all his days (1 Kings 15:14).
The first conclusion we can draw is this: There will be no greater influence on a person's life and values than his parents. The kings of Israel who provoked their people to sin and who left tarnished legacies were merely modeling the behavior they'd observed in their dads. And Jehoshaphat, who gave the Lord honor and glory, was mimicking -- for all of Judah to see -- the example set by his father.
Secondly, people in positions of leadership also can exert a powerful and lasting influence. Asa wasn't perfect (who is?) but his acknowledgment of the one true God reverberated to his people. Likewise, the sinfulness of the rulers in Judea trickled down (perhaps gushed would be better) into the lives of their followers. And when sinful patterns, formerly thought to be taboo, are established, they can not only become accepted but embraced. And from there, it's tough to turn back.
If Christians, whether we're parents now or aspire to be in the future, want our children to live lives pleasing to God, we must be aware that they will, as a rule, follow our lead and do as we do. This doesn't mean our behavior can ensure they'll never slip up -- despite godly parents, there are Christians who've had their share of stumbles -- but Solomon knew what he was talking about when he wrote (in Proverbs 22:6): "Train up a child in the way he should go. Even when he is old he will not depart from it.''
Today's guest post was submitted by Steve Schaeffer
2 Chronicles 17
http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=2%20Chronicles%2017&version=NASB
A close examination of these chapters offers insight into the influence wielded by parents on their children and by leaders on those under their authority.
The 16th chapter of 1 Kings spotlights the five rulers in the kingdom of Israel from 909-853 B.C. They were Baasha and his son Elah; Zimri; and Omni and his son Ahab. It helps to know that Baasha was preceded on the throne by his father Nadab and grandfather Jeroboam, both of whom had done evil in the sight of the Lord and caused their subjects to sin.
Through the prophet Jehu, God tells Baasha that He will consume his house because of his disgraceful reign, during which Baasha perpetuated the idol worship that had been practiced by his father and grandfather. Elah was no better when he assumed the throne. We're told he, like Baasha, provoked God to anger with idol worship.
It was Zimri, one of Elah's chariot commanders, who slayed Elah as well as all of Elah's male relatives and friends. But because of his conspiracy, Zimri reigned for a mere seven days before meeting a fiery death, and Omri, who had been an army commander, was made king. But did things get better? Hardly. Omri "did evil in the sight of the Lord and acted more wickedly than all who were before him." And after Omri died, his son Ahab "did evil in the sight of the Lord more than all who were before him.'' Do you see a pattern emerging? (It was Ahab, incidentally, who married Jezebel and advanced Baal worship into Israel.)
Contrast the quintet of 1 Kings 16 with the two men -- Asa and Jehoshaphat -- who reigned over Judah during this time. Jehoshaphat is the focus of 2 Chronicles 17, and we are told of the riches and honor that marked his life and how, because of the dread of the Lord that was upon them, none of the kingdoms surrounding Judah made war with Jehoshaphat.
Two keys to the makeup of Jehoshaphat are revealed. He followed God's commandments (2 Chronicles 17:4) and took great pride in the ways of the Lord (17:6). But this doesn't come as a surprise when we recall what was said of Jehoshaphat's father: Asa did what was right in the sight of the Lord (1 Kings 15:11) and was wholly devoted to the Lord all his days (1 Kings 15:14).
The first conclusion we can draw is this: There will be no greater influence on a person's life and values than his parents. The kings of Israel who provoked their people to sin and who left tarnished legacies were merely modeling the behavior they'd observed in their dads. And Jehoshaphat, who gave the Lord honor and glory, was mimicking -- for all of Judah to see -- the example set by his father.
Secondly, people in positions of leadership also can exert a powerful and lasting influence. Asa wasn't perfect (who is?) but his acknowledgment of the one true God reverberated to his people. Likewise, the sinfulness of the rulers in Judea trickled down (perhaps gushed would be better) into the lives of their followers. And when sinful patterns, formerly thought to be taboo, are established, they can not only become accepted but embraced. And from there, it's tough to turn back.
If Christians, whether we're parents now or aspire to be in the future, want our children to live lives pleasing to God, we must be aware that they will, as a rule, follow our lead and do as we do. This doesn't mean our behavior can ensure they'll never slip up -- despite godly parents, there are Christians who've had their share of stumbles -- but Solomon knew what he was talking about when he wrote (in Proverbs 22:6): "Train up a child in the way he should go. Even when he is old he will not depart from it.''
Today's guest post was submitted by Steve Schaeffer
Monday, June 28, 2010
He's with you!
http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=1%20Kings15;%202%20Chronicles%2013-16&version=NIV
There a simple, yet foundational truth to be share in 2 Chronicles 15:2:
"The Lord is with you when you are with him. If you seek him, he will be found by you, but if you forsake him, he will forsake you."
Does the idea of being foresaken by God shake you to the core. It should. But how, you might ask, does this line up with the promise, "Never will I leave you, never will I foresake you" in Joshua 1:5? Friends - God, like us, desires to be loved because we choose to love him. He desires to be known because we choose to know him. He desires to be pursued because we choose to pursue him. He will not force himself into your life. When we choose to do things our own way, or decide we don't need God is any area of our lives, he will removed himself.
But, here's the beautiful thing about God that makes him unlike a human relationship. The minute we turn back to God, he returns to us. The minute we call out, he answers. The minute we open the door, he comes in. He isn't like man - he doesn't hold a grudge. He doesn't cautiously allow himself back into our lives just a little, watching and waiting to see if we really are serious, nor does he watch for signs of whether we'll walk away again. Instead, he offers his abundant mercy and grace and brings himself - his whole self - into our lives. He will not leave us or forsakes us as long as we want and allow him to be part of our lives. The choice is our, the mercy is His.
If you feel forsaken, I would encourage you to ask yourself several questions. First, could it be that you have forsaken God in this area of your life? Perhaps without being willing to admit it or without fully realizing it, you are going your own way. If the answer is yes to this question - simply return to him and he will return to you. Invite him back into this area of your life.
Second, could it be that you feel forsaken because God hasn't moved in the way or time that you wanted or expected? In that case, look around and I imagine you'll find he's still there. Ask him to give you eyes to see that he is with you. Remember - just because we can't see him working doesn't mean that he isn't. And perhaps the answer you wanted wasn't for your good. God has a picture of your life from beginning to end and knows you better than you know yourself. God is not forsaking you or holding out on you - he is holding out FOR you!
Lastly, could it be that he has you in a trial that is a refining fire for you? If so, then I suggest you look next to you and you'll see that he's there walking beside you. Ask him to wrap you in his loving arms, so that even though you struggle, you feel his peace and his presence. Let God write the truth of Psalm 66:10 on your heart: "For you, O God, tested us; you refined us like silver. you brought us into prison and laid burdens on our backs. You let men ride over our heads; we went trhough fire and water, but you have brought us to a place of abundance." Hold on, my friend who is in the fire, for God has not forsaken you - press on until he brings you to the place of abundance. Press on - you will have rest. He promises that he will, and he is faithful to all his promises and loving towards all he has made.
They sought God eagerly, and he was found by them. So the Lord gave them rest on every side. - 2 Chronicles 15:15
Today's post was submitted by Carol Bartels
There a simple, yet foundational truth to be share in 2 Chronicles 15:2:
"The Lord is with you when you are with him. If you seek him, he will be found by you, but if you forsake him, he will forsake you."
Does the idea of being foresaken by God shake you to the core. It should. But how, you might ask, does this line up with the promise, "Never will I leave you, never will I foresake you" in Joshua 1:5? Friends - God, like us, desires to be loved because we choose to love him. He desires to be known because we choose to know him. He desires to be pursued because we choose to pursue him. He will not force himself into your life. When we choose to do things our own way, or decide we don't need God is any area of our lives, he will removed himself.
But, here's the beautiful thing about God that makes him unlike a human relationship. The minute we turn back to God, he returns to us. The minute we call out, he answers. The minute we open the door, he comes in. He isn't like man - he doesn't hold a grudge. He doesn't cautiously allow himself back into our lives just a little, watching and waiting to see if we really are serious, nor does he watch for signs of whether we'll walk away again. Instead, he offers his abundant mercy and grace and brings himself - his whole self - into our lives. He will not leave us or forsakes us as long as we want and allow him to be part of our lives. The choice is our, the mercy is His.
If you feel forsaken, I would encourage you to ask yourself several questions. First, could it be that you have forsaken God in this area of your life? Perhaps without being willing to admit it or without fully realizing it, you are going your own way. If the answer is yes to this question - simply return to him and he will return to you. Invite him back into this area of your life.
Second, could it be that you feel forsaken because God hasn't moved in the way or time that you wanted or expected? In that case, look around and I imagine you'll find he's still there. Ask him to give you eyes to see that he is with you. Remember - just because we can't see him working doesn't mean that he isn't. And perhaps the answer you wanted wasn't for your good. God has a picture of your life from beginning to end and knows you better than you know yourself. God is not forsaking you or holding out on you - he is holding out FOR you!
Lastly, could it be that he has you in a trial that is a refining fire for you? If so, then I suggest you look next to you and you'll see that he's there walking beside you. Ask him to wrap you in his loving arms, so that even though you struggle, you feel his peace and his presence. Let God write the truth of Psalm 66:10 on your heart: "For you, O God, tested us; you refined us like silver. you brought us into prison and laid burdens on our backs. You let men ride over our heads; we went trhough fire and water, but you have brought us to a place of abundance." Hold on, my friend who is in the fire, for God has not forsaken you - press on until he brings you to the place of abundance. Press on - you will have rest. He promises that he will, and he is faithful to all his promises and loving towards all he has made.
They sought God eagerly, and he was found by them. So the Lord gave them rest on every side. - 2 Chronicles 15:15
Today's post was submitted by Carol Bartels
Saturday, June 26, 2010
How close to the edge are we?
http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=2%20Chronicles%2010-12&version=NIV
We learned from Saturday's passage that Rehoboam had a bit of a pride problem. That's a scary characteristic for a leader to have. It (as he know) can lead him from accepting wise counsel. It can lead to oppression of the people. And since where you lead, people will follow, it can lead a whole nation in a very wrong direction.
In chapter 12 we read that after his position was established and he had become strong, Rehoboam abandoned the law of the Lord - and all Israel with him. As a result, God's hand of protection is removed and the nation is attacked.
Reading this made me wonder about our own nation - a nation established on the principals of the law of the Lord. A nation who calls itself, "One nation under God" and prints on it's money "In God we trust". Yet it seems over time that the the stronger this nation became, the more it abandoned the law of the Lord. It made me wonder how far we are from having God completely removed his hand of protection from us. I wonder if we aren't just teetering on the edge of that cliff. And I'm grateful there is still a remnant in our nations that stands on the law of the Lord.
I'm proud to be part of that remnant. But I also realize that this is not a time for the church to become prideful in the fact that they still stand on God's laws, and expect to continue to live under his protection. I believe we are being called, in complete and total humility and submission to God to take a stand, to rise up, to boldly call for our leaders to return to following the laws of the Lord. I believe we are also being called to be on our knees with faces to the ground in intercession for our Nation. I pray that each of us make a renewed commitment to pray for our land, the leaders, and all the people. May we join together in leading the way back to following the law of the Lord.
Today's post was submitted by Carol Bartels
We learned from Saturday's passage that Rehoboam had a bit of a pride problem. That's a scary characteristic for a leader to have. It (as he know) can lead him from accepting wise counsel. It can lead to oppression of the people. And since where you lead, people will follow, it can lead a whole nation in a very wrong direction.
In chapter 12 we read that after his position was established and he had become strong, Rehoboam abandoned the law of the Lord - and all Israel with him. As a result, God's hand of protection is removed and the nation is attacked.
Reading this made me wonder about our own nation - a nation established on the principals of the law of the Lord. A nation who calls itself, "One nation under God" and prints on it's money "In God we trust". Yet it seems over time that the the stronger this nation became, the more it abandoned the law of the Lord. It made me wonder how far we are from having God completely removed his hand of protection from us. I wonder if we aren't just teetering on the edge of that cliff. And I'm grateful there is still a remnant in our nations that stands on the law of the Lord.
I'm proud to be part of that remnant. But I also realize that this is not a time for the church to become prideful in the fact that they still stand on God's laws, and expect to continue to live under his protection. I believe we are being called, in complete and total humility and submission to God to take a stand, to rise up, to boldly call for our leaders to return to following the laws of the Lord. I believe we are also being called to be on our knees with faces to the ground in intercession for our Nation. I pray that each of us make a renewed commitment to pray for our land, the leaders, and all the people. May we join together in leading the way back to following the law of the Lord.
Today's post was submitted by Carol Bartels
Who are your advisors?
http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=1%20Kings%2012-14&version=NIV
Today we read about Rehoboam, son and successor to Solomon. I'm focusing specifically on chapter 12:1-24. By the end of Solomon's reign, we had placed heavy amounts of taxation and forced labor upon the people. So when Rehoboam takes the thrown, the people asked him to 'lighten the yoke' that was placed on them by Solomon. Rehoboam sends them away and considers their request.
As he considered the request, he started out right by seeking wise counsel from the elders that served during his father's reign. In their wisdom, they advised he grant the request of the people and in doing so he would gain their loyalty. Their answer indicates their wisdom in understanding that, as my Study Bible explains, "Authority in the kingdom of God is for service, not for personal aggrandizement."
It appears that he didn't like their answer - I'm guessing there was pride and power-hunger involved. I'm thinking he wanted a little bit of personal aggrandizement, because scripture says he rejected their advice. By all appearances, he sought out the 'advice' of those who would tell him what he wanted to hear. He went to his friends, his peers, and people he had moved into administrative positions. Their advice lacked the wisdom and experience of the elders, but fed the ego of the power-hungry king. In fact, I imagine they themselves where just a tad prideful and power-hungry. They suggested, and he agreed, to increase the yoke on the people.
Needless to say, the results where less than ideal. The rejection of the people's request and the decision to more heavily oppress them lead to rebellion against him. Sure, he heard what he wanted to hear from his friends, he got the 'advice' he wanted - and it ended in disaster.
So my question for you today is from whom do you seek advice? Do you have a wise person - a spiritual mentor and truth-speaker in your life who will advise with wisdom and discernment? Are you willing to place yourself under the authority of someone who will sometimes tell you what you really don't want to hear? Someone who is willing to 'step on your toes' a bit to guide and lead you in a good and godly direction? Or do you tend to see out those who will tell you what you want to hear?
May I make some suggestions today? First, be willing to be humble enough, as Thomas a Kempis says, " to hear the judgement of others". Secondly, I suggest that you find one of two godly people in your life who can serve as advisers to you. Next, limit the number of people from who you seek advice. One of two wise people can provide much clearly direction than many. Too many opinions lead to confusion, not direction. Lastly, I suggest that you use the following guidelines to wisely and carefully choose someone who will be your guide and/or mentor:
Choose someone who is humble,older, wiser, more experienced or spiritually mature than you. Gary Thomas says that 'Someone who has a problem with power or control, incorrect theology, or lack of maturity can do more harm than good'.
Choose someone who is spirit-filled and is willing to seek God before they give you an answer. I have reached a point in my life that I don't want to know what people who are not spirit-filled have to say about my situation. Those who aren't filled with the spirit and seeking God see the problem or issue from a human perspective and will give you answers based on human wisdom. I want Godly wisdom! I have one friend who often will say to me, "Carol, let me pray about that and get back to you." I find great comfort and security in receiving an advice from a friend such as that.
Seek out someone who willing to speak strongly to you and is comfortable with confronting a problems or an issue - one who will speak truth even when it's painful. Then, be willing to hear and accept the truth. Some of the largest changes and turning points in my life came about because I precious friend told me something they noticed about me that I did not want to hear. But, by the grace of God, I was willing to listen. Today, I am SO very grateful for those friends who loved me enough to speak bold truths to me. I am grateful for friends that where more concerned about leading me in the right direction than they were about whether or not I'd be upset with them.
Choose people who are both in your same station/place in life, and those who are not. I need wise, single friends because there are things in singleness that they understand better than those who are not single. But at the same time, I also need friends who aren't so close to the issue sometimes. There are times when I need someone who is removed from the situation, doesn't have their own prejudices, and can give me a completely objective opinion.
Finally, pray that God would lead you in the process - that he would place people in your life to be mentors and guides. Francis de Sales urges that we "Beseech God, with the greatest importunity, to furnish you with one who may be according to His own heart; and be assured that he will rather send you an angel from heaven than fail to grant your request." It is God's will that we have Spiritual mentors and advisers in our lives, and if we pray for them and wisely seek them, we will find them!
Today's post was submitted by Carol Bartels
Today we read about Rehoboam, son and successor to Solomon. I'm focusing specifically on chapter 12:1-24. By the end of Solomon's reign, we had placed heavy amounts of taxation and forced labor upon the people. So when Rehoboam takes the thrown, the people asked him to 'lighten the yoke' that was placed on them by Solomon. Rehoboam sends them away and considers their request.
As he considered the request, he started out right by seeking wise counsel from the elders that served during his father's reign. In their wisdom, they advised he grant the request of the people and in doing so he would gain their loyalty. Their answer indicates their wisdom in understanding that, as my Study Bible explains, "Authority in the kingdom of God is for service, not for personal aggrandizement."
It appears that he didn't like their answer - I'm guessing there was pride and power-hunger involved. I'm thinking he wanted a little bit of personal aggrandizement, because scripture says he rejected their advice. By all appearances, he sought out the 'advice' of those who would tell him what he wanted to hear. He went to his friends, his peers, and people he had moved into administrative positions. Their advice lacked the wisdom and experience of the elders, but fed the ego of the power-hungry king. In fact, I imagine they themselves where just a tad prideful and power-hungry. They suggested, and he agreed, to increase the yoke on the people.
Needless to say, the results where less than ideal. The rejection of the people's request and the decision to more heavily oppress them lead to rebellion against him. Sure, he heard what he wanted to hear from his friends, he got the 'advice' he wanted - and it ended in disaster.
So my question for you today is from whom do you seek advice? Do you have a wise person - a spiritual mentor and truth-speaker in your life who will advise with wisdom and discernment? Are you willing to place yourself under the authority of someone who will sometimes tell you what you really don't want to hear? Someone who is willing to 'step on your toes' a bit to guide and lead you in a good and godly direction? Or do you tend to see out those who will tell you what you want to hear?
May I make some suggestions today? First, be willing to be humble enough, as Thomas a Kempis says, " to hear the judgement of others". Secondly, I suggest that you find one of two godly people in your life who can serve as advisers to you. Next, limit the number of people from who you seek advice. One of two wise people can provide much clearly direction than many. Too many opinions lead to confusion, not direction. Lastly, I suggest that you use the following guidelines to wisely and carefully choose someone who will be your guide and/or mentor:
Choose someone who is humble,older, wiser, more experienced or spiritually mature than you. Gary Thomas says that 'Someone who has a problem with power or control, incorrect theology, or lack of maturity can do more harm than good'.
Choose someone who is spirit-filled and is willing to seek God before they give you an answer. I have reached a point in my life that I don't want to know what people who are not spirit-filled have to say about my situation. Those who aren't filled with the spirit and seeking God see the problem or issue from a human perspective and will give you answers based on human wisdom. I want Godly wisdom! I have one friend who often will say to me, "Carol, let me pray about that and get back to you." I find great comfort and security in receiving an advice from a friend such as that.
Seek out someone who willing to speak strongly to you and is comfortable with confronting a problems or an issue - one who will speak truth even when it's painful. Then, be willing to hear and accept the truth. Some of the largest changes and turning points in my life came about because I precious friend told me something they noticed about me that I did not want to hear. But, by the grace of God, I was willing to listen. Today, I am SO very grateful for those friends who loved me enough to speak bold truths to me. I am grateful for friends that where more concerned about leading me in the right direction than they were about whether or not I'd be upset with them.
Choose people who are both in your same station/place in life, and those who are not. I need wise, single friends because there are things in singleness that they understand better than those who are not single. But at the same time, I also need friends who aren't so close to the issue sometimes. There are times when I need someone who is removed from the situation, doesn't have their own prejudices, and can give me a completely objective opinion.
Finally, pray that God would lead you in the process - that he would place people in your life to be mentors and guides. Francis de Sales urges that we "Beseech God, with the greatest importunity, to furnish you with one who may be according to His own heart; and be assured that he will rather send you an angel from heaven than fail to grant your request." It is God's will that we have Spiritual mentors and advisers in our lives, and if we pray for them and wisely seek them, we will find them!
Today's post was submitted by Carol Bartels
Friday, June 25, 2010
Proverbs 30-31
http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Proverbs%2030-31&version=ESV
Proverbs 31:30: "Charm is deceitful, and beauty is vain, but a woman who fears the LORD is to be praised."
You know I have to laugh about how God works. He is truly amazing!! Back on Day 21 of this blog, I kidded Carol that I was going to talk about Jacob and Rachel. In Genesis 29:16, the Word says,
"Leah's eyes were weak, but Rachel was beautiful in form and appearance."
I kidded with Carol that I would talk about this in the blog, and describe what a Godly woman looks like. Well, I chose to write on Jacob's ladder instead. And wouldn't you know it - almost 6 months later, and I am assigned to write on Proverbs 31!!! So I didn't get off the hook after all, however, I am glad and honored that I will be able to write about the traits of a Godly woman today.
Proverbs 31:10-31 details the traits of a woman who fears the Lord, or a godly woman. I would like to just list out some of the verses that really hit home to me when reading this great piece of Scripture.
Proverbs 31:10-12: "An excellent wife who can find? She is far more precious than jewels. The heart of her husband trusts in her, and he will have no lack of gain. She does him good, and not harm, all the days of her life."
Does not every man want for the above? A woman who does him good all the days of his life. Wow!!! That would be an unfathomable blessing to any Christian man.
Proverbs 31:20: "She opens her hand to the poor and reaches out her hands to the needy."
A godly woman is a compassionate woman who cares for her family and for others.
Proverbs 31:25: "Strength and dignity are her clothing, and she laughs at the time to come."
A godly woman is a strong woman. Not in her own strength, but in the strength of the Lord. She does not worry about the future, because she trusts in God and knows that He is sovereign and just and loving.
Proverbs 31:26: "She opens her mouth with wisdom, and the teaching of kindness is on her tongue."
A godly woman is wise and speaks words of kindness and compassion.
Proverbs 31:30: "Charm is deceitful, and beauty is vain, but a woman who fears the LORD is to be praised."
Now I am a guy. Like all guys, or I should say most, we are visually stimulated. And while physical attraction and charm are important to most of us, this proverb tells us that they are secondary traits to be desired. The first trait a guy should look for in a woman to be his wife is someone that fears the Lord.
That brings me to two special women in my life. I have been blessed with a tremendous godly mother. She spoke words of wisdom to me and still does. She modeled a Christ-like lifestyle to me every day and she gave to those in need. I have been so blessed and continued to be blessed by my mother. She introduced the teachings of Christianity to me and she lived out Christianity and still does on a daily basis. She is not perfect, but in my book, she is real close.
The second woman I would like to tell y'all of is a women who I have recently begun dating. She truly loves the Lord. I can not believe how the Lord has blessed me with knowing such a sweet and godly woman. She is a woman who fears the Lord and yet she is beautiful and charming. I am praying for God's will in our relationship. But whatever the outcome, I am a better Christian man for knowing her.
Men, as I close today's blog, I would like to address this to you. Every guy I know, or almost every guy I know in the Bridge wants a godly wife, or they say they do. But do you really?
Men are you praying each day for a Godly wife? Are you praying that the Lord enables you to lead a God glorifying and holy life that is pleasing to him by the power of the Holy Spirit? How is your prayer life? Are you showing love to your brethren? Are you immersing your mind in the Word and seeking to distance yourselves to from the evils and trivialities of this world, and instead focusing on the things above, not on the things below?
I, myself for so long,was not doing these things. Men you have to ask yourselves: If you are not seeking to live a life for Christ now and obey and honor him with your life, why would He want to mess up a godly woman's life when He pairs you with her? The man would drag the woman down.
I am in no way saying that I have arrived. But I have begun to try to really seek the Lord with all my heart, soul, mind, and strength. He has given me clarity of mind and discernment. He has given me many opportunities to serve him. He has enabled me to grow in prayer and in the study of His Word. And now, He is enabling me to date a woman who loves Christ and others. She is beautiful in appearance to me, but more important than that, her heart for God just awes me.
Over the last year, I have prayed daily that I might become the man of God He desires me to be. He has really changed my heart. In fact it is not just a change, it has been a transformation. (See Romans 12:1-2) I have also prayed this for many of my friends, that they might become the men of God that He desires for Himself. And I have prayed for myself and my friends that God would bring Godly women to our lives, so that we might enjoy the blessings of Christian marriage.
Men, run hard after Christ. Submit your entire life and being to him. Ask the Lord to cultivate and grow the fruit of the Spirit in your lives. And, unless you have been given the gift of singleness, strive to become the godly man that God wants and needs you to be in order to be the godly husband that a godly woman desires and needs.
Soli Deo Gloria.
Today's post was submitted by Russ Shellhamer.
Proverbs 31:30: "Charm is deceitful, and beauty is vain, but a woman who fears the LORD is to be praised."
You know I have to laugh about how God works. He is truly amazing!! Back on Day 21 of this blog, I kidded Carol that I was going to talk about Jacob and Rachel. In Genesis 29:16, the Word says,
"Leah's eyes were weak, but Rachel was beautiful in form and appearance."
I kidded with Carol that I would talk about this in the blog, and describe what a Godly woman looks like. Well, I chose to write on Jacob's ladder instead. And wouldn't you know it - almost 6 months later, and I am assigned to write on Proverbs 31!!! So I didn't get off the hook after all, however, I am glad and honored that I will be able to write about the traits of a Godly woman today.
Proverbs 31:10-31 details the traits of a woman who fears the Lord, or a godly woman. I would like to just list out some of the verses that really hit home to me when reading this great piece of Scripture.
Proverbs 31:10-12: "An excellent wife who can find? She is far more precious than jewels. The heart of her husband trusts in her, and he will have no lack of gain. She does him good, and not harm, all the days of her life."
Does not every man want for the above? A woman who does him good all the days of his life. Wow!!! That would be an unfathomable blessing to any Christian man.
Proverbs 31:20: "She opens her hand to the poor and reaches out her hands to the needy."
A godly woman is a compassionate woman who cares for her family and for others.
Proverbs 31:25: "Strength and dignity are her clothing, and she laughs at the time to come."
A godly woman is a strong woman. Not in her own strength, but in the strength of the Lord. She does not worry about the future, because she trusts in God and knows that He is sovereign and just and loving.
Proverbs 31:26: "She opens her mouth with wisdom, and the teaching of kindness is on her tongue."
A godly woman is wise and speaks words of kindness and compassion.
Proverbs 31:30: "Charm is deceitful, and beauty is vain, but a woman who fears the LORD is to be praised."
Now I am a guy. Like all guys, or I should say most, we are visually stimulated. And while physical attraction and charm are important to most of us, this proverb tells us that they are secondary traits to be desired. The first trait a guy should look for in a woman to be his wife is someone that fears the Lord.
That brings me to two special women in my life. I have been blessed with a tremendous godly mother. She spoke words of wisdom to me and still does. She modeled a Christ-like lifestyle to me every day and she gave to those in need. I have been so blessed and continued to be blessed by my mother. She introduced the teachings of Christianity to me and she lived out Christianity and still does on a daily basis. She is not perfect, but in my book, she is real close.
The second woman I would like to tell y'all of is a women who I have recently begun dating. She truly loves the Lord. I can not believe how the Lord has blessed me with knowing such a sweet and godly woman. She is a woman who fears the Lord and yet she is beautiful and charming. I am praying for God's will in our relationship. But whatever the outcome, I am a better Christian man for knowing her.
Men, as I close today's blog, I would like to address this to you. Every guy I know, or almost every guy I know in the Bridge wants a godly wife, or they say they do. But do you really?
Men are you praying each day for a Godly wife? Are you praying that the Lord enables you to lead a God glorifying and holy life that is pleasing to him by the power of the Holy Spirit? How is your prayer life? Are you showing love to your brethren? Are you immersing your mind in the Word and seeking to distance yourselves to from the evils and trivialities of this world, and instead focusing on the things above, not on the things below?
I, myself for so long,was not doing these things. Men you have to ask yourselves: If you are not seeking to live a life for Christ now and obey and honor him with your life, why would He want to mess up a godly woman's life when He pairs you with her? The man would drag the woman down.
I am in no way saying that I have arrived. But I have begun to try to really seek the Lord with all my heart, soul, mind, and strength. He has given me clarity of mind and discernment. He has given me many opportunities to serve him. He has enabled me to grow in prayer and in the study of His Word. And now, He is enabling me to date a woman who loves Christ and others. She is beautiful in appearance to me, but more important than that, her heart for God just awes me.
Over the last year, I have prayed daily that I might become the man of God He desires me to be. He has really changed my heart. In fact it is not just a change, it has been a transformation. (See Romans 12:1-2) I have also prayed this for many of my friends, that they might become the men of God that He desires for Himself. And I have prayed for myself and my friends that God would bring Godly women to our lives, so that we might enjoy the blessings of Christian marriage.
Men, run hard after Christ. Submit your entire life and being to him. Ask the Lord to cultivate and grow the fruit of the Spirit in your lives. And, unless you have been given the gift of singleness, strive to become the godly man that God wants and needs you to be in order to be the godly husband that a godly woman desires and needs.
Soli Deo Gloria.
Today's post was submitted by Russ Shellhamer.
Wednesday, June 23, 2010
1 Kings 10-11, 2 Chronicles 9
http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=1%20Kings%2010-11,%202%20Chronicles%209&version=ESV
In 1 Kings chapter 11, we see that Solomon turns from the Lord. The Lord back in the Exodus had spoken to the people of Israel and told them the following: "You shall not enter into marriage with them, neither shall they with you, for surely they will turn away your heart after their gods."
Yet, Solomon did this. The end of verse 2 says he clung to these in love. He clung, held fast to them. Instead of holding fast to the Lord, he is holding fast to 700 wives and 300 concubines.
Solomon has always been an enigma to me. He was the wisest man in the world, yet he turned from the Lord. How can this be?
I can not be certain. But, I believe Solomon turned from the Lord because he was operating in the flesh.
Romans 8:8 states, "Those who are in the flesh cannot please God. "
Solomon used his wisdom to further his earthly interests. Some of the marriages were for political expediency and some no doubt were for physical pleasure.
The flesh entails our whole being. It is not just related to sexual desires. When one is greedy, one is acting in the flesh. When one desires to obtain worldly goods at the expense of others, that is acting in the flesh.
So acting in the flesh does not always involve sexual desires. In Solomon's case it did, and it also included ambitious, individualistic, and material desires.
We all are fleshly in some sense. None of us is without sin. But what are we to do about this?
Romans 8:12-13 provides us the answer: "So then, brothers, we are debtors, not to the flesh, to live according to the flesh. For if you live according to the flesh you will die, but if by the Spirit you put to death the deeds of the body, you will live."
Live a life that is a Spirit-filled life. A life in which one prays that the Holy Spirit will let one's love be genuine, to abhor what is evil and hold fast to what is good. (Romans 12:9)
Solomon is an excellent example to us of misusing the gifts that God gave him. Solomon did many great things, yet he sullied his witness by acting fleshly and desiring what he wanted more than what the Lord wanted.
Pray to the Lord that you might live a Spirit filled life that uses the gifts which the Lord has given you properly and faithfully.
After all, the reason we were created was, as Isaiah writes: "everyone who is called by my name, whom I created for my glory, whom I formed and made.”
Soli Deo Gloria. (To God Alone be the Glory)
Today's post was submitted by Russ Shellhamer.
In 1 Kings chapter 11, we see that Solomon turns from the Lord. The Lord back in the Exodus had spoken to the people of Israel and told them the following: "You shall not enter into marriage with them, neither shall they with you, for surely they will turn away your heart after their gods."
Yet, Solomon did this. The end of verse 2 says he clung to these in love. He clung, held fast to them. Instead of holding fast to the Lord, he is holding fast to 700 wives and 300 concubines.
Solomon has always been an enigma to me. He was the wisest man in the world, yet he turned from the Lord. How can this be?
I can not be certain. But, I believe Solomon turned from the Lord because he was operating in the flesh.
Romans 8:8 states, "Those who are in the flesh cannot please God. "
Solomon used his wisdom to further his earthly interests. Some of the marriages were for political expediency and some no doubt were for physical pleasure.
The flesh entails our whole being. It is not just related to sexual desires. When one is greedy, one is acting in the flesh. When one desires to obtain worldly goods at the expense of others, that is acting in the flesh.
So acting in the flesh does not always involve sexual desires. In Solomon's case it did, and it also included ambitious, individualistic, and material desires.
We all are fleshly in some sense. None of us is without sin. But what are we to do about this?
Romans 8:12-13 provides us the answer: "So then, brothers, we are debtors, not to the flesh, to live according to the flesh. For if you live according to the flesh you will die, but if by the Spirit you put to death the deeds of the body, you will live."
Live a life that is a Spirit-filled life. A life in which one prays that the Holy Spirit will let one's love be genuine, to abhor what is evil and hold fast to what is good. (Romans 12:9)
Solomon is an excellent example to us of misusing the gifts that God gave him. Solomon did many great things, yet he sullied his witness by acting fleshly and desiring what he wanted more than what the Lord wanted.
Pray to the Lord that you might live a Spirit filled life that uses the gifts which the Lord has given you properly and faithfully.
After all, the reason we were created was, as Isaiah writes: "everyone who is called by my name, whom I created for my glory, whom I formed and made.”
Soli Deo Gloria. (To God Alone be the Glory)
Today's post was submitted by Russ Shellhamer.
Ecclesiastes 7-12
Today's passage: http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=ecclesiastes%207-12&version=NIV
I’m going under the assumption that Solomon did in fact write the book of Ecclesiastes. The guy had it all. He build the temple, had the palace, the army, the chariots, the women, the money, the power…by the standards of American culture, he had it all. But he begins the book of Ecclesiastes saying that everything is meaningless:
If you haven’t given your life to Jesus and you'd like to experience for yourself this awesome love, this awesome plan of God, I'd urge you to tell Jesus this very day, "Jesus, I'm Yours. I give up the control - the steering wheel of my life. I'm putting all my trust in what You did on the cross to pay for what I have done against You. Right now, I'm giving all of me to You."
Today's post submitted by Kelly Coxe
I’m going under the assumption that Solomon did in fact write the book of Ecclesiastes. The guy had it all. He build the temple, had the palace, the army, the chariots, the women, the money, the power…by the standards of American culture, he had it all. But he begins the book of Ecclesiastes saying that everything is meaningless:
- Ecclesiastes 1:2 “Meaningless! Meaningless!" says the Teacher. "Utterly meaningless! Everything is meaningless."
- Ecclesiastes 12:13 says “Now all has been heard; here is the conclusion of the matter: Fear God and keep his commandments, for this is the whole duty of man.”
- “Let those who fear the Lord say, ‘His love endures forever’" (Psalm 118:4).
- “But the eyes of the LORD are on those who fear him, on those whose hope is in his unfailing love” (Psalm 33:18)
If you haven’t given your life to Jesus and you'd like to experience for yourself this awesome love, this awesome plan of God, I'd urge you to tell Jesus this very day, "Jesus, I'm Yours. I give up the control - the steering wheel of my life. I'm putting all my trust in what You did on the cross to pay for what I have done against You. Right now, I'm giving all of me to You."
Today's post submitted by Kelly Coxe
Tuesday, June 22, 2010
Ecclesiastes 1-6
Today's passage: http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=ecclesiastes%201-6&version=NASB
We have a Big and Amazing God don’t we. And some things about Him are so big and amazing that we will never fully understand. We see the author of Ecclesiastes contemplate some pretty heavy themes in this book of wisdom - much more complex than the previous books of wisdom.
My favorite part of this book is probably chapter 3:1-15 – a time for all seasons. This passage allows us to rest in the knowledge that God is in control, no matter what season we are sitting in at a particular time in our lives. Sometimes we may doubt that, as we look around our fallen world and see crime, abortion, infidelity, and homosexuality running rampant. Married men are matched on the internet with married women who want to have an affair, the largest abortion clinic in the world is going to built here in Houston in our own back yard, families in our border towns live in fear as drug crimes increase and our beautiful Gulf Coast is being utterly destroyed due to the greed and irresponsibility of a few men in control of an oil well. Doesn’t seem like God is in control here does it? Ecclesiastes 3:1-15 assures us He is. Verse 1 in the New American Standard Bible says “There is an appointed time for everything. And there is a time for every event under heaven.” God, the architect of the universe, is the one who appoints a time for everything and we can rest in the knowledge that “God causes all things to work together for good to those who love God, to those who are called according to His purpose (Romans 8:28)." Every season we enter has a purpose that will sooner or later work for our good.
The thing is, change is inevitable. In our personal lives, we will move in and out of different seasons, but one thing will always remain the same. Our God. He is unchangeable and unshakeable and he will never leave you or forsake you. He will never disappoint us. We will always be able to go to him in prayer and for forgiveness. He will always love us. His word will always be the same and his promises will always be fulfilled and He will always have room at the foot of the cross for us.
I feel like we are just racing through the Bible, don’t you? There is so much depth in the book of Ecclesiastes (as with all the books we’ve read). Since we are reading the entire book so quickly, I though I would share a summary of the key themes discussed from my ESV study bible. We will continue with the final 6 chapters tomorrow. Please feel free to comment on one of these key themes or anything else that’s on your mind. Looking forward to hearing your thoughts.
1. The tragic reality of the fall. The Preacher is painfully aware that the creation has been “subjected to futility” and is “groaning . . . in the pains of childbirth” and his more troubled musings are to be viewed as the cry of the heart of one who likewise is “groaning inwardly” as he eagerly awaits the resurrection age.
2. The “vanity” of life. The book begins and ends with the exclamation, “Vanity of vanities! All is vanity. Literally the word means “vapor” and conjures up a picture of something fleeting, ephemeral, and elusive, with different nuances to be ascertained from each context.
3. Sin and death. Human beings forfeited the righteousness they originally possessed before God, and thus all people are sinners. Death was a result of the fall and the Preacher is only too aware of this dreadful reality that affects everyone.
4. The joy and the frustration of work. God gave Adam work to accomplish prior to the fall, but part of the punishment of his sin was that it would become painful toil. Both realities are borne out in the Preacher's experience, as he finds his work to be both satisfying as well as aggravating.
5. The grateful enjoyment of God's good gifts. The twisted realities of a fallen world do not blind The Preacher to the beauty of the world God created or cause him to despise God's good gifts of human relationships, food, drink, and satisfying labor. These are to be received humbly and enjoyed fully as blessings from God.
6. The fear of God. The fact that “all is vanity” should drive people to take refuge in God, whose work endures forever and who is a “rock” for those who take shelter in him. In other words, it summons people to “fear” or “revere” God.
today's post submitted by Kelly Coxe
We have a Big and Amazing God don’t we. And some things about Him are so big and amazing that we will never fully understand. We see the author of Ecclesiastes contemplate some pretty heavy themes in this book of wisdom - much more complex than the previous books of wisdom.
My favorite part of this book is probably chapter 3:1-15 – a time for all seasons. This passage allows us to rest in the knowledge that God is in control, no matter what season we are sitting in at a particular time in our lives. Sometimes we may doubt that, as we look around our fallen world and see crime, abortion, infidelity, and homosexuality running rampant. Married men are matched on the internet with married women who want to have an affair, the largest abortion clinic in the world is going to built here in Houston in our own back yard, families in our border towns live in fear as drug crimes increase and our beautiful Gulf Coast is being utterly destroyed due to the greed and irresponsibility of a few men in control of an oil well. Doesn’t seem like God is in control here does it? Ecclesiastes 3:1-15 assures us He is. Verse 1 in the New American Standard Bible says “There is an appointed time for everything. And there is a time for every event under heaven.” God, the architect of the universe, is the one who appoints a time for everything and we can rest in the knowledge that “God causes all things to work together for good to those who love God, to those who are called according to His purpose (Romans 8:28)." Every season we enter has a purpose that will sooner or later work for our good.
The thing is, change is inevitable. In our personal lives, we will move in and out of different seasons, but one thing will always remain the same. Our God. He is unchangeable and unshakeable and he will never leave you or forsake you. He will never disappoint us. We will always be able to go to him in prayer and for forgiveness. He will always love us. His word will always be the same and his promises will always be fulfilled and He will always have room at the foot of the cross for us.
I feel like we are just racing through the Bible, don’t you? There is so much depth in the book of Ecclesiastes (as with all the books we’ve read). Since we are reading the entire book so quickly, I though I would share a summary of the key themes discussed from my ESV study bible. We will continue with the final 6 chapters tomorrow. Please feel free to comment on one of these key themes or anything else that’s on your mind. Looking forward to hearing your thoughts.
1. The tragic reality of the fall. The Preacher is painfully aware that the creation has been “subjected to futility” and is “groaning . . . in the pains of childbirth” and his more troubled musings are to be viewed as the cry of the heart of one who likewise is “groaning inwardly” as he eagerly awaits the resurrection age.
2. The “vanity” of life. The book begins and ends with the exclamation, “Vanity of vanities! All is vanity. Literally the word means “vapor” and conjures up a picture of something fleeting, ephemeral, and elusive, with different nuances to be ascertained from each context.
3. Sin and death. Human beings forfeited the righteousness they originally possessed before God, and thus all people are sinners. Death was a result of the fall and the Preacher is only too aware of this dreadful reality that affects everyone.
4. The joy and the frustration of work. God gave Adam work to accomplish prior to the fall, but part of the punishment of his sin was that it would become painful toil. Both realities are borne out in the Preacher's experience, as he finds his work to be both satisfying as well as aggravating.
5. The grateful enjoyment of God's good gifts. The twisted realities of a fallen world do not blind The Preacher to the beauty of the world God created or cause him to despise God's good gifts of human relationships, food, drink, and satisfying labor. These are to be received humbly and enjoyed fully as blessings from God.
6. The fear of God. The fact that “all is vanity” should drive people to take refuge in God, whose work endures forever and who is a “rock” for those who take shelter in him. In other words, it summons people to “fear” or “revere” God.
today's post submitted by Kelly Coxe
Sunday, June 20, 2010
Ick!
http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Proverbs%2025-26&version=NIV
As a dog returns to its vomit, so a fool repeats his folly. - Proverbs 26:11
Here's a quiz - where else in scripture do we find the above verse referenced?
Proverbs 26:11 is one of those verses in scripture that makes me giggle and cringe at the same time. Yet it is such an accurate description of human behavior and our inaccuracy or unwillingness to look at our own depravity. One commentary says that "the dog is a loathsome emblem of sinners who return to their vices. This describes one who thinks their spiritual state is good, when it is really bad."
How often does this describe people in the church - perhaps even ourselves. The over-estimation of one's spiritual state can lead them straight into the mess God just expelled from their lives. For example, the alcoholic, believing they have recovered enough, goes back to their former friends and hang-outs. The pornography user believes they don't need an accountability systems because they are now strong enough to resist the temptation on the Internet. The couple in relationship struggling with premarital sex does not wisely put safeguards in place that would keep them from falling into the same temptation. The over-spender doesn't cut up their credit cards. The person with anger issues doesn't deal with the underlying causes. The person who God just pulled out of a damaging relationship jumps right back into another without exploring the pattern of relationships that have ended badly. The over-achiever, after recovering from illness caused by exhaustion, goes straight back into their same patterns of work. The list goes on and on.
The other reference to this verse is in 2 Peter 2:22. Peter adds another analogy that is just as descriptive as the dog. He also says these people are like "A sow that is washed and goes back to her wallowing in the mud."
How sad it is that people in the church are so like the dog and the sow. In both cases the nature of the animal is not changed. The sow returns to the mud because by nature it is still a sow. The change was merely cosmetic. The preceding verse (2 Peter 2:21) says of the proverbial dogs and sow that "It would have been better for them not to have known the say of righteousness, than to have known it and then to turn their backs on the sacred command that was passed on to them".
I think at this point there are three questions that need to be asked: Am I a dog or a sow in any area of my life? Why do I keep going back to my old nature instead of allowing God to change me from the inside out? and How can I change?
It begins, I believe, with two things. The first is a prayer similar to that found is Psalm 139:23-23 - "Search me, O God, and know my heart; test me and know my anxious thoughts. See if there is any offensive way in me, and lead me to the way everlasting." The first step is to allow the Holy Spirit to begin the changing process in you by getting before God and waiting and listening in silence for him to show you where you need to change and then begin working that change in you.
Secondly, it takes the willingness to be humbly and honestly self-aware. Many people don't see their own junk because they don't want to face their own depravity. Perhaps it's because of pride that they don't see it. Perhaps it is because looking at the patterns of behavior in their lives means dealing some pain - maybe a lot of pain. But dealing with pain now means that future pain can be avoided.
Thirdly, I believe it takes the willingness to recognize one's own weakness and depravity before God. Ask God to get the pride out and give you an accurate picture of your own weakness and your own Spiritual state - an accurate reading of your own spiritual temperature. Rather than not liking what you see and being unwilling to admit that this is a true picture of you, accept it, embrace it as the condition of every human without the power of God. Then start the process of allowing him to change you from the inside out so your nature changes, not the just mud washed from the outside.
How does this changing process (called sanctification) look? It looks like the person who dives into the word of God - not for a season, but for life. It looks the the individual who finds and connects with authentic Christian community - and then is willing to be authentic with this community. It looks like listening to the wisdom of spiritual mentors and being willing to accept conviction as conviction, and not transfer it onto others as condemnation. It looks like those who are willing to admit their weakness and seek accountability partners. It looks like being willing to give up those things in your life that will drag you back to the vomit and the mud if it means permanent victory over that area of your life. It looks like making God your life instead of your Sunday diversion.
Sound hard? Remember, you aren't operating on your own power. God will help you, show you the way, walk with you through it and work the change in you. Your job is being willing to admit truth and participate in the process. Are you ready? You will no longer be a dog or a sow. Instead, you "will be called oaks of righteousness, a planting of the Lord for the display of his splendor.
Today's post was submitted by Carol Bartels
As a dog returns to its vomit, so a fool repeats his folly. - Proverbs 26:11
Here's a quiz - where else in scripture do we find the above verse referenced?
Proverbs 26:11 is one of those verses in scripture that makes me giggle and cringe at the same time. Yet it is such an accurate description of human behavior and our inaccuracy or unwillingness to look at our own depravity. One commentary says that "the dog is a loathsome emblem of sinners who return to their vices. This describes one who thinks their spiritual state is good, when it is really bad."
How often does this describe people in the church - perhaps even ourselves. The over-estimation of one's spiritual state can lead them straight into the mess God just expelled from their lives. For example, the alcoholic, believing they have recovered enough, goes back to their former friends and hang-outs. The pornography user believes they don't need an accountability systems because they are now strong enough to resist the temptation on the Internet. The couple in relationship struggling with premarital sex does not wisely put safeguards in place that would keep them from falling into the same temptation. The over-spender doesn't cut up their credit cards. The person with anger issues doesn't deal with the underlying causes. The person who God just pulled out of a damaging relationship jumps right back into another without exploring the pattern of relationships that have ended badly. The over-achiever, after recovering from illness caused by exhaustion, goes straight back into their same patterns of work. The list goes on and on.
The other reference to this verse is in 2 Peter 2:22. Peter adds another analogy that is just as descriptive as the dog. He also says these people are like "A sow that is washed and goes back to her wallowing in the mud."
How sad it is that people in the church are so like the dog and the sow. In both cases the nature of the animal is not changed. The sow returns to the mud because by nature it is still a sow. The change was merely cosmetic. The preceding verse (2 Peter 2:21) says of the proverbial dogs and sow that "It would have been better for them not to have known the say of righteousness, than to have known it and then to turn their backs on the sacred command that was passed on to them".
I think at this point there are three questions that need to be asked: Am I a dog or a sow in any area of my life? Why do I keep going back to my old nature instead of allowing God to change me from the inside out? and How can I change?
It begins, I believe, with two things. The first is a prayer similar to that found is Psalm 139:23-23 - "Search me, O God, and know my heart; test me and know my anxious thoughts. See if there is any offensive way in me, and lead me to the way everlasting." The first step is to allow the Holy Spirit to begin the changing process in you by getting before God and waiting and listening in silence for him to show you where you need to change and then begin working that change in you.
Secondly, it takes the willingness to be humbly and honestly self-aware. Many people don't see their own junk because they don't want to face their own depravity. Perhaps it's because of pride that they don't see it. Perhaps it is because looking at the patterns of behavior in their lives means dealing some pain - maybe a lot of pain. But dealing with pain now means that future pain can be avoided.
Thirdly, I believe it takes the willingness to recognize one's own weakness and depravity before God. Ask God to get the pride out and give you an accurate picture of your own weakness and your own Spiritual state - an accurate reading of your own spiritual temperature. Rather than not liking what you see and being unwilling to admit that this is a true picture of you, accept it, embrace it as the condition of every human without the power of God. Then start the process of allowing him to change you from the inside out so your nature changes, not the just mud washed from the outside.
How does this changing process (called sanctification) look? It looks like the person who dives into the word of God - not for a season, but for life. It looks the the individual who finds and connects with authentic Christian community - and then is willing to be authentic with this community. It looks like listening to the wisdom of spiritual mentors and being willing to accept conviction as conviction, and not transfer it onto others as condemnation. It looks like those who are willing to admit their weakness and seek accountability partners. It looks like being willing to give up those things in your life that will drag you back to the vomit and the mud if it means permanent victory over that area of your life. It looks like making God your life instead of your Sunday diversion.
Sound hard? Remember, you aren't operating on your own power. God will help you, show you the way, walk with you through it and work the change in you. Your job is being willing to admit truth and participate in the process. Are you ready? You will no longer be a dog or a sow. Instead, you "will be called oaks of righteousness, a planting of the Lord for the display of his splendor.
Today's post was submitted by Carol Bartels
Friday, June 18, 2010
Relevant
http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=1%20Kings%209;%202%20Chronicles%208&version=NIV
Sunday's lesson in Bible Study will cover 1 Corinthians 6, including this passage in vs. 19-20:
Do you not know that your body is a temple of the Holy Spirit, who is in you, whom you have received from God? You are not your own; you were bought at a price. Therefore honor God with your body.
I mention this because as I read 1 Kings 9, I realized how relevant God's words to Solomon are to us today - not just in the context of our nation, or our church, but in the context of each of us individually. Why? Because God's dwelling place - God's temple today, this very moment, is you. Through the blood of Christ God no longer dwells among his people in a temple, but in his people as His temple. In light of the passage above, apply God's words in 1 Kings 9 to yourself as the temple, and suddenly the words are not longer those spoken to Solomon centuries ago. Rather, they are so very relevant to your life today.
Try this on for application and see how it fits as we move through verses 3-9:
God has heard your prayers.
He (through the blood of Christ) has consecrated you.
His name is on you, as are his eyes and his heart.
When you walk with integrity in your heart, upright, in obedience, then Christ will rule on the thrown of your life.
However:
If you turn away and walk in disobedience, serving other things in your life more than God, then he will remove his hand of protection from this area of your life.
That area of your life will show evidence of God's absence from it.
Those who see you will wonder why you are living your life as though God is not in it, even though you claim God's name is on it.
An accurate interpretation/application of how this applies to our lives today and every day? I'll let you decide. However, I do know this: When you walk closely with God, seeking the guidance of His Word and His Spirit daily, seeking to walk in obedience, then God's hand will be on you and guiding you. If you seek your own will or desires and put other people and things above God, it often occurs that this area of life end up in ruins. The beauty of God's grace is that when we return to God, the temple is restored.
So the question, perhaps, to lay before God is this: Lord - from what area of my life have I removed your name? Where am I turning from you and your commands and chasing after other things? Where have I decided I know best and taken control of my life? Show me, Lord, so that I might return to you. Show me the way Lord, to make the changes that I need to make so that I might be a temple that brings glory to your Name.
Today's post was submitted by Carol Bartels
Sunday's lesson in Bible Study will cover 1 Corinthians 6, including this passage in vs. 19-20:
Do you not know that your body is a temple of the Holy Spirit, who is in you, whom you have received from God? You are not your own; you were bought at a price. Therefore honor God with your body.
I mention this because as I read 1 Kings 9, I realized how relevant God's words to Solomon are to us today - not just in the context of our nation, or our church, but in the context of each of us individually. Why? Because God's dwelling place - God's temple today, this very moment, is you. Through the blood of Christ God no longer dwells among his people in a temple, but in his people as His temple. In light of the passage above, apply God's words in 1 Kings 9 to yourself as the temple, and suddenly the words are not longer those spoken to Solomon centuries ago. Rather, they are so very relevant to your life today.
Try this on for application and see how it fits as we move through verses 3-9:
God has heard your prayers.
He (through the blood of Christ) has consecrated you.
His name is on you, as are his eyes and his heart.
When you walk with integrity in your heart, upright, in obedience, then Christ will rule on the thrown of your life.
However:
If you turn away and walk in disobedience, serving other things in your life more than God, then he will remove his hand of protection from this area of your life.
That area of your life will show evidence of God's absence from it.
Those who see you will wonder why you are living your life as though God is not in it, even though you claim God's name is on it.
An accurate interpretation/application of how this applies to our lives today and every day? I'll let you decide. However, I do know this: When you walk closely with God, seeking the guidance of His Word and His Spirit daily, seeking to walk in obedience, then God's hand will be on you and guiding you. If you seek your own will or desires and put other people and things above God, it often occurs that this area of life end up in ruins. The beauty of God's grace is that when we return to God, the temple is restored.
So the question, perhaps, to lay before God is this: Lord - from what area of my life have I removed your name? Where am I turning from you and your commands and chasing after other things? Where have I decided I know best and taken control of my life? Show me, Lord, so that I might return to you. Show me the way Lord, to make the changes that I need to make so that I might be a temple that brings glory to your Name.
Today's post was submitted by Carol Bartels
Psalm 134, Psalm 146-150
http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Psalm%20134,%20Psalm%20146-150&version=ESV
Psalms 146 to 150 focus on praising the Lord. It is fitting that the last five Psalms would focus on the praise of the Lord.
We were made in the image of God, to glorify God, and to praise God.
Meeting weekly at church is one way we can praise the Lord. Living faithful and holy lives to the Lord is another. Doing a good job in your profession is another way to praise the Lord.
There are many ways we can praise the Lord. Through the reading of God's Word we can praise the Lord. Through prayer and praise, as the Bridge and other classes have done corporately, is a way we can praise the Lord.
Serving in the Bridge in a leadership capacity or just serving and helping the class out is a way to praise the Lord.
Why am I emphasizing praising the Lord so much today?
Because we need to keep what the Lord has done for us in our lives, in the forefront of our thoughts each and every day.
Salvation is such a blessing. And that the Lord would choose us, sinners, to be with Him in eternity is such a great honor, that we can't even begin to fathom it.
Paul writes in 1 Thessalonians 5:9-10:
"For God has not destined us for wrath, but to obtain salvation through our Lord Jesus Christ, who died for us so that whether we are awake or asleep we might live with him."
That is pure Gospel. That is such good news!!!
So as the book of Psalm concludes, let us exhort one another as the Psalmist did by proclaiming,
"Let everything that has breath praise the LORD! Praise the LORD!" (Psalm 150:6)
Soli Deo Gloria.
Today's post was submitted by Russ Shellhamer.
Psalms 146 to 150 focus on praising the Lord. It is fitting that the last five Psalms would focus on the praise of the Lord.
We were made in the image of God, to glorify God, and to praise God.
Meeting weekly at church is one way we can praise the Lord. Living faithful and holy lives to the Lord is another. Doing a good job in your profession is another way to praise the Lord.
There are many ways we can praise the Lord. Through the reading of God's Word we can praise the Lord. Through prayer and praise, as the Bridge and other classes have done corporately, is a way we can praise the Lord.
Serving in the Bridge in a leadership capacity or just serving and helping the class out is a way to praise the Lord.
Why am I emphasizing praising the Lord so much today?
Because we need to keep what the Lord has done for us in our lives, in the forefront of our thoughts each and every day.
Salvation is such a blessing. And that the Lord would choose us, sinners, to be with Him in eternity is such a great honor, that we can't even begin to fathom it.
Paul writes in 1 Thessalonians 5:9-10:
"For God has not destined us for wrath, but to obtain salvation through our Lord Jesus Christ, who died for us so that whether we are awake or asleep we might live with him."
That is pure Gospel. That is such good news!!!
So as the book of Psalm concludes, let us exhort one another as the Psalmist did by proclaiming,
"Let everything that has breath praise the LORD! Praise the LORD!" (Psalm 150:6)
Soli Deo Gloria.
Today's post was submitted by Russ Shellhamer.
Thursday, June 17, 2010
2 Chronicles 6-7; Psalm 136
http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=2%20Chronicles%206-7;%20Psalm%20136&version=ESV
2 Chronicles 7:14 "if my people who are called by my name 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."
The above verse is a very famous verse that is often claimed during our time today by the universal church. They claim that this verse is the remedy for our ailing nation.
But is this verse to be interpreted in this way? I would say no. This verse, while it has application for us in a great degree, is not meant for us. It was meant for Solomon and the people of Israel.
In the Bible, there is a difference between Israel and the church. Some do not believe this to be, but I do, and I will go ahead and tell you that this in one of the tenets of dispensationalism, that Israel and the church are not the same. I do not hold to all of the tenets of dispensationalism, but on this tenet I do.
Even if you do not hold that Israel and the church are not different, and that they are the same, look at the context of the verse. The Lord is speaking to Solomon and in the next verse, verse 15 the Lord says, "Now my eyes will be open and my ears attentive to the prayer that is made in this place."
The place is the temple. This is not possible today as Solomon's temple was destroyed in 586 B.C. by the Babylonians and Herod's temple was destroyed by the Romans in 70 A.D.
Now, this verse does apply to us today in that if we humble ourselves, pray, seek God's face, turn from our sins - then the Lord will forgive us. But the last part of the verse is not for us today.
J, Veron Mcgee writes, " That does not apply to us. I can't find anywhere in the New Testament where the Lord has promised to bless a piece of real estate....Nowhere does God promise material blessing to us. We are blessed with all spiritual blessing in Christ Jesus. (See Ephesians 1:3) ... I don't know why folk will lift out of context one verse of Scripture and claim it for themselves. It was never intended that way. This promise was given to Israel at the dedication of the temple. Although it has application for us, it is better to go to the New Testament and find God's promises to us directly."
I am not saying the Old Testament is not applicable for us today. It most definitely is. However, as the old adage goes "All Scripture is written for us, but not all Scripture was written to us." Part of interpreting the Bible correctly is by knowing when the Lord is writing to us and when He is not.
Try this out. When you read a verse, read the verse above it and then below it. Then read the whole chapter. If you have time, read the whole Book and then consider what kind of genre of literature the book is, i.e. is it a Gospel, a Historical narrative (book of Joshua), an epistle (Romans), Wisdom literature (Psalms and Proverbs), or is it Apocalyptic literature (i.e. the book of Revelation), or a Prophetic book (the book of Jeremiah)? By doing the above, and finding out the basic rules of interpreting these types of genres in the Bible, this will go along way in helping you not interpret verses out of context and to interpret them properly to ascertain the proper meaning of the verse.
For those who would like to get an overview of this process, see the following article from Bible.org: http://bible.org/seriespage/interpreting-bible
Just for fun, do this on another famous verse, Jeremiah 29:11. Next read the whole chapter 29 of Jeremiah. Then focus on verses 10 to 14. Who is the Lord speaking to hear? I will let you decide.
I hope you do not think I am trying to take away from you a favorite verse. For many, this verse has great meaning. Yet, they in all likelihood, are misinterpreting the verse.
Here is another verse that I think captures all of what so many want Jeremiah 29:11 to mean to them.
" The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy. I came that they may have life and have it abundantly."
(John 10:10)
Soli Deo Gloria.
Today's post was submitted by Russ Shellhamer.
2 Chronicles 7:14 "if my people who are called by my name 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."
The above verse is a very famous verse that is often claimed during our time today by the universal church. They claim that this verse is the remedy for our ailing nation.
But is this verse to be interpreted in this way? I would say no. This verse, while it has application for us in a great degree, is not meant for us. It was meant for Solomon and the people of Israel.
In the Bible, there is a difference between Israel and the church. Some do not believe this to be, but I do, and I will go ahead and tell you that this in one of the tenets of dispensationalism, that Israel and the church are not the same. I do not hold to all of the tenets of dispensationalism, but on this tenet I do.
Even if you do not hold that Israel and the church are not different, and that they are the same, look at the context of the verse. The Lord is speaking to Solomon and in the next verse, verse 15 the Lord says, "Now my eyes will be open and my ears attentive to the prayer that is made in this place."
The place is the temple. This is not possible today as Solomon's temple was destroyed in 586 B.C. by the Babylonians and Herod's temple was destroyed by the Romans in 70 A.D.
Now, this verse does apply to us today in that if we humble ourselves, pray, seek God's face, turn from our sins - then the Lord will forgive us. But the last part of the verse is not for us today.
J, Veron Mcgee writes, " That does not apply to us. I can't find anywhere in the New Testament where the Lord has promised to bless a piece of real estate....Nowhere does God promise material blessing to us. We are blessed with all spiritual blessing in Christ Jesus. (See Ephesians 1:3) ... I don't know why folk will lift out of context one verse of Scripture and claim it for themselves. It was never intended that way. This promise was given to Israel at the dedication of the temple. Although it has application for us, it is better to go to the New Testament and find God's promises to us directly."
I am not saying the Old Testament is not applicable for us today. It most definitely is. However, as the old adage goes "All Scripture is written for us, but not all Scripture was written to us." Part of interpreting the Bible correctly is by knowing when the Lord is writing to us and when He is not.
Try this out. When you read a verse, read the verse above it and then below it. Then read the whole chapter. If you have time, read the whole Book and then consider what kind of genre of literature the book is, i.e. is it a Gospel, a Historical narrative (book of Joshua), an epistle (Romans), Wisdom literature (Psalms and Proverbs), or is it Apocalyptic literature (i.e. the book of Revelation), or a Prophetic book (the book of Jeremiah)? By doing the above, and finding out the basic rules of interpreting these types of genres in the Bible, this will go along way in helping you not interpret verses out of context and to interpret them properly to ascertain the proper meaning of the verse.
For those who would like to get an overview of this process, see the following article from Bible.org: http://bible.org/seriespage/interpreting-bible
Just for fun, do this on another famous verse, Jeremiah 29:11. Next read the whole chapter 29 of Jeremiah. Then focus on verses 10 to 14. Who is the Lord speaking to hear? I will let you decide.
I hope you do not think I am trying to take away from you a favorite verse. For many, this verse has great meaning. Yet, they in all likelihood, are misinterpreting the verse.
Here is another verse that I think captures all of what so many want Jeremiah 29:11 to mean to them.
" The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy. I came that they may have life and have it abundantly."
(John 10:10)
Soli Deo Gloria.
Today's post was submitted by Russ Shellhamer.
Wednesday, June 16, 2010
1 Kings 8; 2 Chron 5
Today's passage: http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=1%20Kings%208,%202%20Chron%205&version=NIV
Promises, Promises
As I high school teacher, I am familiar with broken promises. “Miss Coxe, I promise I’ll be there for tutorials, just please give me another chance.” I can’t tell you how many times I’ve fallen for it. I bust my tail to get to school an hour early, only to sit in my room alone (and I really don’t like to get up early). I give up lunch with my team and sit in my room waiting. I’ve skipped after school socials to sit and wait…only to be disappointed. Over the years, I’ve learned my lesson. I’ve learned that when a high school student says, “I promise”, I just might be disappointed.
In todays’ passage, we see the word promise a lot. But we don’t read about any broken promises here. Solomon and the Israelites are not disappointed. Solomon makes so many sacrifices that they can’t even keep count. He is truly overwhelmed. In his address to the people he is not just filled with praise and thanksgiving for the promises past, but he also confidently claims the promises that are yet to come. Because God has been faithful, the Israelites can be confident that God will continue to fulfill his promises.
One of my favorite things that I’ve seen as we’ve been reading the Old Testament, is that our God truly is a God who keeps his covenants. The Israelites could depend on him and we can too, because he is the same God. The Great I AM, the Alpha & Omega.
There are so many promises in the Bible, that it would be hard to count them all. Some who have tried have come up with over 3000 promises. There are promises for peace, healing, forgiveness, love, provision, blessings for obedience…the list goes on. We can count on him to fulfill these promises. WE can anchor our hope in him for the ultimate promise…to rest with him in eternity. These promises may not be fulfilled on our timeline, or exactly in the way that we expect, but they will be fulfilled if our hearts are fully committed to the Lord.
Todays post submitted by Kelly Coxe
Promises, Promises
As I high school teacher, I am familiar with broken promises. “Miss Coxe, I promise I’ll be there for tutorials, just please give me another chance.” I can’t tell you how many times I’ve fallen for it. I bust my tail to get to school an hour early, only to sit in my room alone (and I really don’t like to get up early). I give up lunch with my team and sit in my room waiting. I’ve skipped after school socials to sit and wait…only to be disappointed. Over the years, I’ve learned my lesson. I’ve learned that when a high school student says, “I promise”, I just might be disappointed.
In todays’ passage, we see the word promise a lot. But we don’t read about any broken promises here. Solomon and the Israelites are not disappointed. Solomon makes so many sacrifices that they can’t even keep count. He is truly overwhelmed. In his address to the people he is not just filled with praise and thanksgiving for the promises past, but he also confidently claims the promises that are yet to come. Because God has been faithful, the Israelites can be confident that God will continue to fulfill his promises.
One of my favorite things that I’ve seen as we’ve been reading the Old Testament, is that our God truly is a God who keeps his covenants. The Israelites could depend on him and we can too, because he is the same God. The Great I AM, the Alpha & Omega.
There are so many promises in the Bible, that it would be hard to count them all. Some who have tried have come up with over 3000 promises. There are promises for peace, healing, forgiveness, love, provision, blessings for obedience…the list goes on. We can count on him to fulfill these promises. WE can anchor our hope in him for the ultimate promise…to rest with him in eternity. These promises may not be fulfilled on our timeline, or exactly in the way that we expect, but they will be fulfilled if our hearts are fully committed to the Lord.
Todays post submitted by Kelly Coxe
Tuesday, June 15, 2010
Still Building
http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=1%20Kings%207;2%20Chronicles%204&version=NIV
Today we read in 1 Kings 7 that it took Solomon thirteen years to complete the construction of his palace. He spent only seven years building the temple – that’s almost twice as long spent building his own house as was spent building the Lord’s house. I wondered about that when I read it – perhaps you did to. I wondered why it took Solomon longer to build his own house. My thoughts were that perhaps he put more into his own palace – perhaps he made it more important, larger, more beautiful. It seems to be human nature, after all, to spend more time building our own lives then building a place for God in our lives. Yet, given Solomon’s wisdom, that didn’t seem to make sense.
So, as I often do when I’m not quite sure what the answer is, I went to the commentaries (there are several great ones that you can access on crosswalk.com for your own future reference). Here is what I found in Matthew Henry’s Concise Bible Commentary. I have to admit, I really like the answer, especially the part highlight in bold:
Never had any man so much of the spirit of building as Solomon had, nor to better purpose; he began with the temple, built for God first, and then all his other buildings were comfortable. The surest foundations of lasting prosperity are those which are laid in an early piety, Mt. 6:33. 1. He built a house for himself (v. 1), where he dwelt, v. 8. His father had built a good house; but it was no reflection upon his father for him to build a better, in proportion to the estate wherewith God had blessed him. Much of the comfort of this life is connected with an agreeable house. He was thirteen years building this house, whereas he built the temple in little more than seven years; not that he was more exact, but less eager and intent, in building his own house than in building God’s. He was in no haste for his own palace, but impatient till the temple was finished and fit for use. Thus we ought to prefer God’s honour before our own ease and satisfaction.
I pray, my friends, that in my own life and in yours, we would be more intent on building God’s house than building our own. I pray that we would make haste and be impatient to be built into a temple that is finished and fit for God’s use rather than impatient to build our lives into the vision we have for ourselves. I pray that becoming a sanctuary for the display of God’s glory will come before our own ease and satisfaction, and that being intent in that pursuit, we would let God have his way in our lives. I pray this standing on the promises of God that when we seek first Him, His Kingdom and His righteousness, we will be given all that we need – both supplies and plans - for the construction of our own lives. In fact, I pray this standing on the promise that God also will provide the labor for the building of our lives – our job is simply to focus on building for Him!
Today's post was submitted by Carol Bartels
Today we read in 1 Kings 7 that it took Solomon thirteen years to complete the construction of his palace. He spent only seven years building the temple – that’s almost twice as long spent building his own house as was spent building the Lord’s house. I wondered about that when I read it – perhaps you did to. I wondered why it took Solomon longer to build his own house. My thoughts were that perhaps he put more into his own palace – perhaps he made it more important, larger, more beautiful. It seems to be human nature, after all, to spend more time building our own lives then building a place for God in our lives. Yet, given Solomon’s wisdom, that didn’t seem to make sense.
So, as I often do when I’m not quite sure what the answer is, I went to the commentaries (there are several great ones that you can access on crosswalk.com for your own future reference). Here is what I found in Matthew Henry’s Concise Bible Commentary. I have to admit, I really like the answer, especially the part highlight in bold:
Never had any man so much of the spirit of building as Solomon had, nor to better purpose; he began with the temple, built for God first, and then all his other buildings were comfortable. The surest foundations of lasting prosperity are those which are laid in an early piety, Mt. 6:33. 1. He built a house for himself (v. 1), where he dwelt, v. 8. His father had built a good house; but it was no reflection upon his father for him to build a better, in proportion to the estate wherewith God had blessed him. Much of the comfort of this life is connected with an agreeable house. He was thirteen years building this house, whereas he built the temple in little more than seven years; not that he was more exact, but less eager and intent, in building his own house than in building God’s. He was in no haste for his own palace, but impatient till the temple was finished and fit for use. Thus we ought to prefer God’s honour before our own ease and satisfaction.
I pray, my friends, that in my own life and in yours, we would be more intent on building God’s house than building our own. I pray that we would make haste and be impatient to be built into a temple that is finished and fit for God’s use rather than impatient to build our lives into the vision we have for ourselves. I pray that becoming a sanctuary for the display of God’s glory will come before our own ease and satisfaction, and that being intent in that pursuit, we would let God have his way in our lives. I pray this standing on the promises of God that when we seek first Him, His Kingdom and His righteousness, we will be given all that we need – both supplies and plans - for the construction of our own lives. In fact, I pray this standing on the promise that God also will provide the labor for the building of our lives – our job is simply to focus on building for Him!
Today's post was submitted by Carol Bartels
Monday, June 14, 2010
1 Kings 5-6; 2 Chron 2-3
http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=1%20Kings%205-6;%202%20Chron%202-3&version=ESVWe hear so much about Solomon's temple in the Bible. The image in today's post is what scholars who contributed to the ESV Study Bible think the temple may have looked like. (If you are getting this blog post via email and do not see the image, please click on the link at the bottom of the email to go to the blog and you will see the image there.)
Click on the picture to zoom in. Read the captions, and get familiar with the temple and all of its majesty.
But let us remember,
"They serve a copy and shadow of the heavenly things. For when Moses was about to erect the tent, he was instructed by God, saying, "See that you make everything according to the pattern that was shown you on the mountain." But as it is, Christ has obtained a ministry that is as much more excellent than the old as the covenant he mediates is better, since it is enacted on better promises. For if that first covenant had been faultless, there would have been no occasion to look for a second.
For he finds fault with them when he says:
"Behold, the days are coming, declares the Lord,
when I will establish a new covenant with the house of Israel
and with the house of Judah,
not like the covenant that I made with their fathers
on the day when I took them by the hand to bring them out of the land of Egypt.
For they did not continue in my covenant,
and so I showed no concern for them, declares the Lord.
For this is the covenant that I will make with the house of Israel
after those days, declares the Lord:
I will put my laws into their minds,
and write them on their hearts,
and I will be their God,
and they shall be my people.
And they shall not teach, each one his neighbor
and each one his brother, saying, 'Know the Lord,'
for they shall all know me,
from the least of them to the greatest.
For I will be merciful toward their iniquities,
and I will remember their sins no more."
In speaking of a new covenant, he makes the first one obsolete. And what is becoming obsolete and growing old is ready to vanish away."
(Hebrews 8:5-13)
Soli Deo Gloria.
Today's post was submitted by Russ Shellhamer.
Sunday, June 13, 2010
http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Proverbs%2022-24&version=NIV
By wisdom a house is built, and through understanding it is established; through knowledge its rooms are filled with rare and beautiful treasures. – Proverbs 24:3-4
I don’t think I could ever be involved in building a house from the ground up. There are simply too many decisions to be made and I’d get lost in trying to make the right choices. Nor would I want to do a major remodeling project – I simply don’t have the knowledge, the time, or the patience to do it. Nope – no home improvement projects for me. I have one word when it comes to things like that – CONTRACTOR.
I’m thinking Solomon agreed. I don’t think he spent time wondering the aisles of the spiritual Home Depot, trying to figure out how to do this whole Spirituality thing. He didn’t wander through the store trying to find a book that would tell him house to build his Spiritual House. He didn’t wander around looking for the right aisle to walk down. He didn’t gather all the materials he could, begin building his Spiritual house himself and end up exhausted. He simply got himself the best contractor and supplier he could find. He found himself a contractor that is in business with the Master Builder. Sounds costly, I know. Seems like it would be hard to get this contractor to work Him into what must be an overly busy schedule. But not so – this guy works for free and is available 24-7. It is simply a matter of asking for his help – and Solomon did just that. When God asked him what he wanted, he asked for building materials – wisdom – from the Master Builder.
I’m certain you have a pretty good idea who he has working for him – but just in case you don’t, the following verse should help you figure it out.
"The Spirit of the Lord will rest on him – the Spirit of wisdom and of understanding, the Spirit of counsel and power, the Spirit of knowledge and fear of the Lord.” - Isaiah 11:2
Notice the parallels – Solomon says a house is built through wisdom, knowledge, and understanding. And Isaiah tells us the name of the contractor and supplier of the building materials – the Spirit of the Lord. The thing I like best about the parallel between the above verses is that there where written by two guys who lived centuries apart – but both under the Inspiration of that very Spirit. That same Spirit rested on Christ (Luke 4:18) and is promised to us (John 14:15-27). All we have to do is ask.
So I urge you again today – and every day – to ask that the Spirit would rest on you. I’m certain I’ve mentioned this several times before, but it is so foundational to the building of your Spiritual House. I pray for it every day – a practice that I intend to keep for the rest of my life. Without it my Spiritual House crumbles. With it, it stands through any storm. I pray that God would fill from the top of my head to the tips of my toes with his Spirit. I pray for the Spirit of power and love and then I pray Isaiah 11:2 over myself. Then I leave the supplying and the building up to the Master Builder.
Today's post was submitted by Carol Bartels
By wisdom a house is built, and through understanding it is established; through knowledge its rooms are filled with rare and beautiful treasures. – Proverbs 24:3-4
I don’t think I could ever be involved in building a house from the ground up. There are simply too many decisions to be made and I’d get lost in trying to make the right choices. Nor would I want to do a major remodeling project – I simply don’t have the knowledge, the time, or the patience to do it. Nope – no home improvement projects for me. I have one word when it comes to things like that – CONTRACTOR.
I’m thinking Solomon agreed. I don’t think he spent time wondering the aisles of the spiritual Home Depot, trying to figure out how to do this whole Spirituality thing. He didn’t wander through the store trying to find a book that would tell him house to build his Spiritual House. He didn’t wander around looking for the right aisle to walk down. He didn’t gather all the materials he could, begin building his Spiritual house himself and end up exhausted. He simply got himself the best contractor and supplier he could find. He found himself a contractor that is in business with the Master Builder. Sounds costly, I know. Seems like it would be hard to get this contractor to work Him into what must be an overly busy schedule. But not so – this guy works for free and is available 24-7. It is simply a matter of asking for his help – and Solomon did just that. When God asked him what he wanted, he asked for building materials – wisdom – from the Master Builder.
I’m certain you have a pretty good idea who he has working for him – but just in case you don’t, the following verse should help you figure it out.
"The Spirit of the Lord will rest on him – the Spirit of wisdom and of understanding, the Spirit of counsel and power, the Spirit of knowledge and fear of the Lord.” - Isaiah 11:2
Notice the parallels – Solomon says a house is built through wisdom, knowledge, and understanding. And Isaiah tells us the name of the contractor and supplier of the building materials – the Spirit of the Lord. The thing I like best about the parallel between the above verses is that there where written by two guys who lived centuries apart – but both under the Inspiration of that very Spirit. That same Spirit rested on Christ (Luke 4:18) and is promised to us (John 14:15-27). All we have to do is ask.
So I urge you again today – and every day – to ask that the Spirit would rest on you. I’m certain I’ve mentioned this several times before, but it is so foundational to the building of your Spiritual House. I pray for it every day – a practice that I intend to keep for the rest of my life. Without it my Spiritual House crumbles. With it, it stands through any storm. I pray that God would fill from the top of my head to the tips of my toes with his Spirit. I pray for the Spirit of power and love and then I pray Isaiah 11:2 over myself. Then I leave the supplying and the building up to the Master Builder.
Today's post was submitted by Carol Bartels
Saturday, June 12, 2010
Proverbs 19-21
Todays' passage: http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=proverbs%2019-21&version=NIV
Proverbs 19:21 "Many are the plans in a man's heart, but it is the LORD's purpose that prevails"
We can make all the plans we want, but God has bigger plans for our lives. His plan is that His purpose will prevail. Whether you’re on board with him or not, He’s in charge. How often I forget this and make plans without consulting Him. How many times have I jumped out of bed to start a day jam packed with plans that I’ve made for myself. My plans are junk if they don’t line up with God’s plans. My agenda is trivial if it’s not created through consultation with my creator. I will stumble down the path of my life if I don’t follow the course that He has set for me.
Here’s what Stephen Trammell, Pastor at Champion Forest Baptist Church has to say about God’s plans:
Take comfort in the God whose purpose prevails. His plan for you is good and it will triumph. Take some time each morning to ask God to author your agenda for the day. Leave room for Him in every moment. Don’t miss any opportunities to see his goodness and his purpose in your day.
Today’s post submitted by Kelly Coxe
Proverbs 19:21 "Many are the plans in a man's heart, but it is the LORD's purpose that prevails"
We can make all the plans we want, but God has bigger plans for our lives. His plan is that His purpose will prevail. Whether you’re on board with him or not, He’s in charge. How often I forget this and make plans without consulting Him. How many times have I jumped out of bed to start a day jam packed with plans that I’ve made for myself. My plans are junk if they don’t line up with God’s plans. My agenda is trivial if it’s not created through consultation with my creator. I will stumble down the path of my life if I don’t follow the course that He has set for me.
Here’s what Stephen Trammell, Pastor at Champion Forest Baptist Church has to say about God’s plans:
God has plans for your life. Where are you currently in relation to God’s plans? Have you had some bumps along the way? Have you experienced any delays or detours? God factored in your response to His plans before you were ever born. God knew how you would navigate the path He has for you. Remember, nothing catches God by surprise.
God sees the totality of your life from beginning to end. He knew when you would be born and where you would live and even the personality you would express. God’s plans always prevail.
“But the plans of the LORD stand firm forever, the purposes of his heart through all generations.” Psalms 33:11 (NIV)
“‘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.’” Jer 29:11 (NIV)
You can anchor your life in God’s plans. His plans are to prosper you, to give you hope and a future. Your future goes beyond this present life. Your future includes eternity. God’s plans stand firm forever. Where Satan puts a period, God puts a comma. God’s purpose prevails.
You may not know what tomorrow holds, but you know who holds tomorrow! Turn this verse into a prayer. “Lord, I know that You know the plans you have for me. Your plans are to prosper me and not to harm me. Thank You precious Lord that Your plans are to give me hope and a future. I entrust my present and my future to Your care. In Jesus’ name, Amen.”
Take comfort in the God whose purpose prevails. His plan for you is good and it will triumph. Take some time each morning to ask God to author your agenda for the day. Leave room for Him in every moment. Don’t miss any opportunities to see his goodness and his purpose in your day.
Today’s post submitted by Kelly Coxe
Friday, June 11, 2010
Proverbs 16-18
http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Proverbs%2016-18&version=ESV
Proverbs 16:32: "Whoever is slow to anger is better than the mighty,and he who rules his spirit than he who takes a city."
Anger and self control. These are areas that a lot of us have issues with.
In the book of James, James writes, "Know this, my beloved brothers: let every person be quick to hear, slow to speak, slow to anger; for the anger of man does not produce the righteousness of God." (James 1:19-20)
So by being angry, unless it is a righteous anger as Jesus displayed when cleansing the temple and as Paul discusses in Ephesians 4:26, should be avoided. When we have anger that is based on situations or when people let us down, we are sinning and being un-Christ like. How often do we let others down and make mistakes and have people shown us mercy? We should strive to do the same.
And how we do this is by self-control. A self-control that is guided by the Holy Spirit. The last part of Proverbs 16:32 means he who rules his spirit is better or superior than he who takes a city.
Later in the book of Proverbs this image of self control and a city is referred to again.
Proverbs 25:28 states, "A man without self-control is like a city broken into and left without walls."
Without self control you are defenseless against the ways of the world, the flesh, and the devil. (See Ephesians 2:1-3) That is not how we are to live!!
Each day I pray Proverbs 25:28. I don't want to be left defenseless in this world that we live in. I pray to the Lord that I would have self control in the use of my tongue, in controlling my anger, controlling my thoughts, and my physical body in terms of living a holy and pure life that is pleasing to God.
Anger is so detrimental in the Christian life. Yet, self control that is guided by the Holy Spirit can help to negate and hopefully eliminate anger in your life that you might otherwise display to your friends, family, the world, and the Body of Christ, that being the universal church.
Today, pray to the Lord to give you self control that you might live a self controlled and pleasing life to the Lord.
Galatians 5:22-23 states "But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control; against such things there is no law."
Soli Deo Gloria.
Today's post was submitted by Russ Shellhamer.
Proverbs 16:32: "Whoever is slow to anger is better than the mighty,and he who rules his spirit than he who takes a city."
Anger and self control. These are areas that a lot of us have issues with.
In the book of James, James writes, "Know this, my beloved brothers: let every person be quick to hear, slow to speak, slow to anger; for the anger of man does not produce the righteousness of God." (James 1:19-20)
So by being angry, unless it is a righteous anger as Jesus displayed when cleansing the temple and as Paul discusses in Ephesians 4:26, should be avoided. When we have anger that is based on situations or when people let us down, we are sinning and being un-Christ like. How often do we let others down and make mistakes and have people shown us mercy? We should strive to do the same.
And how we do this is by self-control. A self-control that is guided by the Holy Spirit. The last part of Proverbs 16:32 means he who rules his spirit is better or superior than he who takes a city.
Later in the book of Proverbs this image of self control and a city is referred to again.
Proverbs 25:28 states, "A man without self-control is like a city broken into and left without walls."
Without self control you are defenseless against the ways of the world, the flesh, and the devil. (See Ephesians 2:1-3) That is not how we are to live!!
Each day I pray Proverbs 25:28. I don't want to be left defenseless in this world that we live in. I pray to the Lord that I would have self control in the use of my tongue, in controlling my anger, controlling my thoughts, and my physical body in terms of living a holy and pure life that is pleasing to God.
Anger is so detrimental in the Christian life. Yet, self control that is guided by the Holy Spirit can help to negate and hopefully eliminate anger in your life that you might otherwise display to your friends, family, the world, and the Body of Christ, that being the universal church.
Today, pray to the Lord to give you self control that you might live a self controlled and pleasing life to the Lord.
Galatians 5:22-23 states "But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control; against such things there is no law."
Soli Deo Gloria.
Today's post was submitted by Russ Shellhamer.
Thursday, June 10, 2010
Proverbs 13-15
http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Proverbs%2013-15&version=ESV
Proverbs 13:13-14 "Whoever despises the word brings destruction on himself, but he who reveres the commandment will be rewarded. The teaching of the wise is a fountain of life, that one may turn away from the snares of death."
How the world needs to hear the message above. And don't we need to hear this message as well?
Have we read the Word as much as we should have? If we did, it would have saved us a lot of grief in the areas of our life in which we are tempted, or have endured trials and hardships.
I am not trying to be legalistic and I will not try to proscribe the amount of time one should spend in the Word. But when I have seen books that say just read 5 minutes of your Bible a day, well, that is pretty close to despising the Word in my opinion. Messages like this seem to treat the reading of the Word as all duty and no delight. And that is not how it is to be!!!
The Word of the Lord should be thought of as a treasure. As the psalmist wrote in Psalm 119:127 "Therefore I love your commandments above gold, above fine gold."
There may be days when you can not spend as much time in the Word as you would like to, or there is a family emergency that interrupts your planned time of study of the Word. God understands these things.
What I am trying to say is that the people of God should have a strong love for the Word of God. And like it or not, the amount of time you spend in the Word is indicative of how much you love the Word.
For some people it may be an hour a day, or maybe 15 minutes. Or maybe you read the Bible throughout the day at morning, noon, and night. The point I am trying to convey is that we need to be intentional and diligent in our studying of the Word. We should not have a checklist and say I read my Bible today and prayed today. That is when our reading becomes mechanical and lifeless. We should ask the Holy Spirit to illuminate our hearts with the great truths of the Word of God.
I love what the Psalmist says about this,
"Open my eyes, that I may behold wondrous things out of your law." (Psalm 119:18)
and
"I will run in the way of your commandments when you enlarge my heart!" (Psalm 119:32)
After all the Word of God is a Word of Life. As Peter said to the Lord,
"Simon Peter answered him, "Lord, to whom shall we go? You have the words of eternal life, and we have believed, and have come to know, that you are the Holy One of God."
(John 6:68-69)
Soli Deo Gloria.
Today's post was submitted by Russ Shellhamer.
Proverbs 13:13-14 "Whoever despises the word brings destruction on himself, but he who reveres the commandment will be rewarded. The teaching of the wise is a fountain of life, that one may turn away from the snares of death."
How the world needs to hear the message above. And don't we need to hear this message as well?
Have we read the Word as much as we should have? If we did, it would have saved us a lot of grief in the areas of our life in which we are tempted, or have endured trials and hardships.
I am not trying to be legalistic and I will not try to proscribe the amount of time one should spend in the Word. But when I have seen books that say just read 5 minutes of your Bible a day, well, that is pretty close to despising the Word in my opinion. Messages like this seem to treat the reading of the Word as all duty and no delight. And that is not how it is to be!!!
The Word of the Lord should be thought of as a treasure. As the psalmist wrote in Psalm 119:127 "Therefore I love your commandments above gold, above fine gold."
There may be days when you can not spend as much time in the Word as you would like to, or there is a family emergency that interrupts your planned time of study of the Word. God understands these things.
What I am trying to say is that the people of God should have a strong love for the Word of God. And like it or not, the amount of time you spend in the Word is indicative of how much you love the Word.
For some people it may be an hour a day, or maybe 15 minutes. Or maybe you read the Bible throughout the day at morning, noon, and night. The point I am trying to convey is that we need to be intentional and diligent in our studying of the Word. We should not have a checklist and say I read my Bible today and prayed today. That is when our reading becomes mechanical and lifeless. We should ask the Holy Spirit to illuminate our hearts with the great truths of the Word of God.
I love what the Psalmist says about this,
"Open my eyes, that I may behold wondrous things out of your law." (Psalm 119:18)
and
"I will run in the way of your commandments when you enlarge my heart!" (Psalm 119:32)
After all the Word of God is a Word of Life. As Peter said to the Lord,
"Simon Peter answered him, "Lord, to whom shall we go? You have the words of eternal life, and we have believed, and have come to know, that you are the Holy One of God."
(John 6:68-69)
Soli Deo Gloria.
Today's post was submitted by Russ Shellhamer.
Wednesday, June 9, 2010
Proverbs 10-12
Today’s passage: http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=proverbs%2010-12&version=NIV
It's your turn to blog. As you go through the proverbs, underline a few that speak to you and share your thoughts on the blog.
I’ll go first – Proverbs 10:11 spoke to me. “The mouth of the righteous is a fountain of life, but violence overwhelms the mouth of the wicked.”
I think we all, at times, have struggled with our mouths. I’ve been known to say stupid or inconsiderate things. At times, I’ve indulged in a little gossip. In fear or anger, I’ve made hurtful comments. And at times when I should have spoken up, I’ve kept quiet. I will be praying daily for a mouth that is a fountain of life. That my fountain will build others up and encourage and strengthen. That it will boldly pour out the words the Holy Spirit places upon my heart. That streams of goodness, kindness, gentleness, faithfulness, love, peace, joy, patience and self control with spill out from the fountain of my mouth (Gal 5:22-23). That no unwholesome talk will come out of my mouth, but only what is helpful for building others up according to their needs, that it may benefit those who listen (Ephesians 4:29). I pray that the Lord will fill me up with his love so that my fountain is truly a fountain of life.
Your turn…click the blue link below to go to the blog. You don’t have to sign up if you don’t want to, you can leave a comment anonymously. You can choose to sign your name at the end or not. Just share whatever you’d like.
Today's post submitted by Kelly Coxe
It's your turn to blog. As you go through the proverbs, underline a few that speak to you and share your thoughts on the blog.
I’ll go first – Proverbs 10:11 spoke to me. “The mouth of the righteous is a fountain of life, but violence overwhelms the mouth of the wicked.”
I think we all, at times, have struggled with our mouths. I’ve been known to say stupid or inconsiderate things. At times, I’ve indulged in a little gossip. In fear or anger, I’ve made hurtful comments. And at times when I should have spoken up, I’ve kept quiet. I will be praying daily for a mouth that is a fountain of life. That my fountain will build others up and encourage and strengthen. That it will boldly pour out the words the Holy Spirit places upon my heart. That streams of goodness, kindness, gentleness, faithfulness, love, peace, joy, patience and self control with spill out from the fountain of my mouth (Gal 5:22-23). That no unwholesome talk will come out of my mouth, but only what is helpful for building others up according to their needs, that it may benefit those who listen (Ephesians 4:29). I pray that the Lord will fill me up with his love so that my fountain is truly a fountain of life.
Your turn…click the blue link below to go to the blog. You don’t have to sign up if you don’t want to, you can leave a comment anonymously. You can choose to sign your name at the end or not. Just share whatever you’d like.
Today's post submitted by Kelly Coxe
Tuesday, June 8, 2010
Proverbs 4-9
http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=proverbs%204-9&version=NIV
Life is about choices. Everyday, we are faced with hundreds of them – what to wear, what to eat, what to do, what to say, how to live. Our place in life is for the most part a result of our choices. We make choices constantly about how to handle the circumstances of our lives. Our society might try to place the blame on the temptress in Proverbs 7. He couldn’t help himself, some might argue; the temptation was too great. But the fact of the matter is, the foolish youth in proverbs 7 made many bad choices that led to his fall.
Bad choice # 1 – He did not purposefully and intentionally resolve to stay away from sin. Instead, he allowed himself to walk right up to it. He got so close to sin that she could whisper in his ear. So close that he could smell her sweet scent. So close that she took hold of him and kissed him. He never should have allowed himself to be in that close proximity to sin under the cover of darkness. He was standing to close to the edge of the cliff that the slightest loss of balance would cause him to fall.
Bad choice # 2 – He allowed himself to be surrounded by fools. No one was with him to hold him accountable. No one was there to whisper a word of caution. No one was there to talk some sense into him. There was no safety net to catch him as he slipped off that cliff. Godly friends are so important in our daily walk. Everybody needs a support group of godly friends who are unafraid to call you out when necessary.
Bad choice # 3 – He didn’t stop to consider the consequences of his actions. All at once he followed her. He didn’t pause to think about how his choice could affect himself and his loved ones. He didn’t hesitate to consider how his actions could affect the woman or her family. He made the choice to follow her impulsively, without hesitation.
Bad choice # 4 – He ignored the obvious. There were plenty of red flags – she was dressed as a prostitute, she was brazen, she was loud and defiant, she was aggressive and scandalous and seductive. She may as well have been wearing a caution sign that said “Run from me”. But the youthful fool chose to ignore these red flags.
The lesson here is not just about bad choices that lead to sexual impurity. We all have different sins that we struggle with, but when we arm ourselves with good choices, the battle is much more easily won. Avoiding temptations, surrounding ourselves with godly friends, considering the consequences and paying attention to the caution signs are four of the many ways to battle temptation. Feel free to share safeguards that you have armed yourself with in your battles with temptation.
Life is about choices. Everyday, we are faced with hundreds of them – what to wear, what to eat, what to do, what to say, how to live. Our place in life is for the most part a result of our choices. We make choices constantly about how to handle the circumstances of our lives. Our society might try to place the blame on the temptress in Proverbs 7. He couldn’t help himself, some might argue; the temptation was too great. But the fact of the matter is, the foolish youth in proverbs 7 made many bad choices that led to his fall.
Bad choice # 1 – He did not purposefully and intentionally resolve to stay away from sin. Instead, he allowed himself to walk right up to it. He got so close to sin that she could whisper in his ear. So close that he could smell her sweet scent. So close that she took hold of him and kissed him. He never should have allowed himself to be in that close proximity to sin under the cover of darkness. He was standing to close to the edge of the cliff that the slightest loss of balance would cause him to fall.
Bad choice # 2 – He allowed himself to be surrounded by fools. No one was with him to hold him accountable. No one was there to whisper a word of caution. No one was there to talk some sense into him. There was no safety net to catch him as he slipped off that cliff. Godly friends are so important in our daily walk. Everybody needs a support group of godly friends who are unafraid to call you out when necessary.
Bad choice # 3 – He didn’t stop to consider the consequences of his actions. All at once he followed her. He didn’t pause to think about how his choice could affect himself and his loved ones. He didn’t hesitate to consider how his actions could affect the woman or her family. He made the choice to follow her impulsively, without hesitation.
Bad choice # 4 – He ignored the obvious. There were plenty of red flags – she was dressed as a prostitute, she was brazen, she was loud and defiant, she was aggressive and scandalous and seductive. She may as well have been wearing a caution sign that said “Run from me”. But the youthful fool chose to ignore these red flags.
The lesson here is not just about bad choices that lead to sexual impurity. We all have different sins that we struggle with, but when we arm ourselves with good choices, the battle is much more easily won. Avoiding temptations, surrounding ourselves with godly friends, considering the consequences and paying attention to the caution signs are four of the many ways to battle temptation. Feel free to share safeguards that you have armed yourself with in your battles with temptation.
Sunday, June 6, 2010
http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Proverbs%201-3&version=NIV
I have to be honest - I'm posting this blog kind of late because I have nothing to say. I'm a little intimidated by Proverbs and the topic of wisdom. I realize I could write a book and still impart less wisdom than what is imparted in one simple verse in the book of Proverbs - or in any part of God's word.
But two things keep coming to my mind. The first is this - there is a HUGE difference between human wisdom and God's wisdom. It's summed up pretty well in 1 Corinthians 1:25-26 - "For the foolishness of God is wiser than man's wisdom, and the weakness of God is stronger than man's strength".
At the same time, there might be a chance that I could offer you some morsel, some tidbit of wisdom, because if you continue reading in 1 Corinthians, vs. 27 says, "But God chose the foolish things of the world to shame the wise; God chose the weak things of the world to shame the strong." And I am certain that I qualify as both foolish and weak, and so it's very possible that God could choose and use me to speak wisdom to you.
What is important to know and remember is this - anything I have to say that is wise is not from me - it comes straight from God through the power of the Holy Spirit. I'm pretty certain he plants it straight into my heart and mind and then forces it out through my fingers as I type. Often I'm unaware that something I do or say will touch someone - I just know I'm compelled. It's a little frightening and very humbling to be allowed by God to speak to others. For that reason, I am SO grateful we have a LIVING GOD who freely gives wisdom to all who cry out for it. How amazing it is that our Lord "gives wisdom, and from his mouth come knowledge and understanding." - Proverbs 2:6
My prayer for each of us is this - I pray that we each would seek out Godly wisdom and Godly counsel for our lives. And I pray that we each would thirst every day for the wisdom that God promises us, that we would drink from his fountain. I pray that we each remember that every day we can pray Isaiah 11:2 over ourselves and walk in confidence that God sends the same Spirit that rested on Christ to rest on us.
"The Spirit of the Lord will rest on him - the Spirit of wisdom and of understanding, the Spirit of counsel and power, the Spirit of knowledge and of the fear of the Lord - and he will delight in the fear of the Lord."
Today's post was submitted by Carol Bartels
I have to be honest - I'm posting this blog kind of late because I have nothing to say. I'm a little intimidated by Proverbs and the topic of wisdom. I realize I could write a book and still impart less wisdom than what is imparted in one simple verse in the book of Proverbs - or in any part of God's word.
But two things keep coming to my mind. The first is this - there is a HUGE difference between human wisdom and God's wisdom. It's summed up pretty well in 1 Corinthians 1:25-26 - "For the foolishness of God is wiser than man's wisdom, and the weakness of God is stronger than man's strength".
At the same time, there might be a chance that I could offer you some morsel, some tidbit of wisdom, because if you continue reading in 1 Corinthians, vs. 27 says, "But God chose the foolish things of the world to shame the wise; God chose the weak things of the world to shame the strong." And I am certain that I qualify as both foolish and weak, and so it's very possible that God could choose and use me to speak wisdom to you.
What is important to know and remember is this - anything I have to say that is wise is not from me - it comes straight from God through the power of the Holy Spirit. I'm pretty certain he plants it straight into my heart and mind and then forces it out through my fingers as I type. Often I'm unaware that something I do or say will touch someone - I just know I'm compelled. It's a little frightening and very humbling to be allowed by God to speak to others. For that reason, I am SO grateful we have a LIVING GOD who freely gives wisdom to all who cry out for it. How amazing it is that our Lord "gives wisdom, and from his mouth come knowledge and understanding." - Proverbs 2:6
My prayer for each of us is this - I pray that we each would seek out Godly wisdom and Godly counsel for our lives. And I pray that we each would thirst every day for the wisdom that God promises us, that we would drink from his fountain. I pray that we each remember that every day we can pray Isaiah 11:2 over ourselves and walk in confidence that God sends the same Spirit that rested on Christ to rest on us.
"The Spirit of the Lord will rest on him - the Spirit of wisdom and of understanding, the Spirit of counsel and power, the Spirit of knowledge and of the fear of the Lord - and he will delight in the fear of the Lord."
Today's post was submitted by Carol Bartels
Saturday, June 5, 2010
Let's Talk About Sex
http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Song+of+Solomon+1&version=NIV
Song of Solomon is clearly a description of an amorous relationship. There's some debate about whether it's an allegory for the love relationship between God and Israel, between Christ and the church, or between Christ and the soul. Still others believe it is a celebration of wisdom and love as God designed love between husband and wife to be. I think tha perhaps it could be a combination of these because often the same scripture is applied by God to different hearts on different occaisions for different purposes.
There is, however, no question that this book is a beautiful, powerful, and even sensuous love poem. Speaking of the sensuality and rather suggestive imagergy from a single person's perspective can be interesting as we face everyday the struggle to remain pure and strive toward keeping with God's design for the sexual relationship. I found this article from Focus on the Family and wanted to share it with you. No matter young single or mature single, it holds truth and wisdom for all of us:
Solomon's Line on Premarital Sex
The first time I read the Song of Songs in the Bible I thought, No. Way. I immediately grabbed a friend's Bible to see if his featured the same book. "Dude, have you read this?! This is unbelievable!"
"What? What is it?"
"Clusters, man! They're talking about climbing palm trees and taking hold of clusters! IN THE BIBLE! It's right here!" I was a teen Christian with active hormones and my grandmother's prayers were finally being answered because I suddenly developed an intense hunger for the Word. Hallelujah!
Over time, of course, I realized that the relationship described in Solomon's Song, including those face-blushing palm tree and cluster verses, occurred within a specific context. In the midst of beautiful, poetic language about the stages of a relationship that start with a glance and eventually lead to the honeymoon, the author charges us three times, "Do not arouse or awaken love until it pleases," or, as paraphrased by Eugene Peterson in The Message, "Don't excite love, don't stir it up, until the time is ripe — and you're ready."
I often point to this book when people, usually young singles, ask me about relationships and pre-marital sex. They want to know, where, exactly, does the Bible talk about pre- or extra-marital sex, when neither partner is married. They know about the adultery prohibitions, and they agree — you shouldn't have sex with someone who is someone else's spouse. But where does it talk about not having sex if there is no spouse involved? You have two consenting adults, and neither has made any vow to any other person, so it's not technically adultery. What's wrong with that? Does the Bible speak to those situations?
I like to start with Solomon's Song, because it celebrates the whole package of the relationship — initial attraction, exciting emotions, longing, and sexual intimacy — and it connects all of this to the proper context or timing, when "it pleases," a timing that is marked by public approval of the relationship, highlighted by a wedding (chapter 3). The whole relationship, including the celebration of the sexual aspects, takes place within the context of community approval — no, more than approval — rejoicing.
I ask these young, unmarried singles, does the community — your friends, family, church — celebrate your private, sexual liaisons? When it appears that a pregnancy might result, is there rejoicing? No, of course not. Why not? The timing is wrong. The context is wrong. A private affair is being forced out into the public and is clouded by shame. You've "aroused love before its time." There will be pain, disappointment and sadness. Compare that to the tone of Solomon's Song. The couples' sexual life in the Song of Solomon takes place within the context of a lifelong commitment of marriage, and the community rejoices. It will produce grandbabies, nieces, nephews, more members of the little platoon of the family. The couples' sex life is ultimately a social benefit. That, I say to my young single friends, is a picture of sex in the proper context.
Keep in mind, I say, that in biblical times there just wasn't a whole lot of sex taking place before marriage, since people married at such young ages, and there just wasn't much time between reaching the age of sexual maturity and marriage. Most of the sex taking place was after marriage, either with your spouse, which was good, or not with your spouse, which was prohibited, and that's why there's more talk about adultery than pre-marital sex. We wrestle with this issue more now because the time span between reaching the age of sexual maturity and marriage has bumped up a decade or two since biblical times.
I also add that we probably wouldn't even be having this conversation were it not for birth control, especially the "pill," and if abortions were not so easy to obtain. Without birth control and abortion, sex would mean a greater likelihood of raising babies, and raising babies would mean commitment, and commitment would mean marriage. That's life in biblical times, so the question itself didn't get much discussion in a world where sex and babies went together much more than they do in our time.
Then I mention Hebrews 13:4, where the author distinguishes two types of sex that are prohibited. The first, moichos, refers to a married person having sex with someone other than his or her spouse and is generally translated adultery. The second, porneia, in this case refers to any other unmarried sex, usually translated fornication or sexual immorality.
Anything else? They say.
How about Ephesians 5:1-3, where we are instructed to have not even a hint of sexual immorality (porneia), or any kind of impurity in or lives. Do you think pre-marital sex might be at least a hint of sexual immorality? I ask.
Maybe, they say. What else do you have?
Well, I say, there is 1 Corinthians 6:12-20, which, among other things, tells us to flee sexual immorality (porneia) because the body is the temple of the Holy Spirit, and we are to honor God with our body.
What else? They say.
Well, I say, 1 Thessalonians 4:3-5 says to avoid sexual immorality (porneia) and learn to control your own body in a way that is holy and honorable to the Lord, not in passionate lust, like the heathen, who do not know God.
Sure, but what else? They say.
What you really want, I say, is a Scripture that goes something like, if Jack and Jill are not married to anyone nor to each other, and not engaged to anyone nor to each other, and have sex with each other, that's wrong, and that they should either stop having sex or get married.
Um, they say, that's in the Bible?
Well, that's my paraphrase, I say. Then I point them to Exodus 22:16-17, a very interesting "case law" scripture in the Old Testament. By "case law," I mean one of those "If ... then ..." commands that provides some underlying principles applicable beyond the example used. For instance, when Scripture says in Exodus 23:4, "if you come across your enemy's ox or donkey wandering off, then take it back to him," the application extends beyond oxen and donkeys, to dogs, children, bicycles, credit cards, etc.
Exodus 22:16-17 gives instruction on what to do if an unmarried, unengaged man has consensual sex with an unmarried, unengaged woman: "If a man seduces (implies consent) a virgin (or a woman of marriageable age) who is not pledged to be married, and sleeps with her, he must pay the bride-price (or marriage present) and she shall be his wife." Most scholars believe the same prohibition is found in Deuteronomy 22:28-29, "If a man happens to meet a virgin who is not pledged to be married and he seizes her and lies with her, and they are discovered ... he must marry the girl...." Most scholars believe that "rape" is not being addressed here, but consensual pre- marital sex (albeit the man's strong initiation), especially given the phrase "and they are discovered."
These might be the clearest disapproval of sex for singles in Scripture. The message couldn't be more obvious: Whether you're engaged or not, don't have sex outside of marriage. Period. If you're unmarried and having sex, legitimize it and get married to the person with whom you are having sex — get the piece of paper and go public.
It's your choice, I say. Public or private. Song of Solomon or hiding in the shadows. God's way or your way.
These singles often come to me hoping to find a loophole, and a few leave frustrated and disappointed. Some, though, leave with strengthened resolve, and for the first time have a vision of love and sex in the right context — a vision of poetry and celebration.
I pray for the disappointed ones, for them to embrace God's vision for their sex lives. I rejoice over the ones with new vision, because I know they will soon discover what really good sex is all about.
Copyright © 2006, John Thomas. All rights reserved. International copyright secured. Used by permission.
Today's post was submitted by Carol Bartels
Song of Solomon is clearly a description of an amorous relationship. There's some debate about whether it's an allegory for the love relationship between God and Israel, between Christ and the church, or between Christ and the soul. Still others believe it is a celebration of wisdom and love as God designed love between husband and wife to be. I think tha perhaps it could be a combination of these because often the same scripture is applied by God to different hearts on different occaisions for different purposes.
There is, however, no question that this book is a beautiful, powerful, and even sensuous love poem. Speaking of the sensuality and rather suggestive imagergy from a single person's perspective can be interesting as we face everyday the struggle to remain pure and strive toward keeping with God's design for the sexual relationship. I found this article from Focus on the Family and wanted to share it with you. No matter young single or mature single, it holds truth and wisdom for all of us:
Solomon's Line on Premarital Sex
The first time I read the Song of Songs in the Bible I thought, No. Way. I immediately grabbed a friend's Bible to see if his featured the same book. "Dude, have you read this?! This is unbelievable!"
"What? What is it?"
"Clusters, man! They're talking about climbing palm trees and taking hold of clusters! IN THE BIBLE! It's right here!" I was a teen Christian with active hormones and my grandmother's prayers were finally being answered because I suddenly developed an intense hunger for the Word. Hallelujah!
Over time, of course, I realized that the relationship described in Solomon's Song, including those face-blushing palm tree and cluster verses, occurred within a specific context. In the midst of beautiful, poetic language about the stages of a relationship that start with a glance and eventually lead to the honeymoon, the author charges us three times, "Do not arouse or awaken love until it pleases," or, as paraphrased by Eugene Peterson in The Message, "Don't excite love, don't stir it up, until the time is ripe — and you're ready."
I often point to this book when people, usually young singles, ask me about relationships and pre-marital sex. They want to know, where, exactly, does the Bible talk about pre- or extra-marital sex, when neither partner is married. They know about the adultery prohibitions, and they agree — you shouldn't have sex with someone who is someone else's spouse. But where does it talk about not having sex if there is no spouse involved? You have two consenting adults, and neither has made any vow to any other person, so it's not technically adultery. What's wrong with that? Does the Bible speak to those situations?
I like to start with Solomon's Song, because it celebrates the whole package of the relationship — initial attraction, exciting emotions, longing, and sexual intimacy — and it connects all of this to the proper context or timing, when "it pleases," a timing that is marked by public approval of the relationship, highlighted by a wedding (chapter 3). The whole relationship, including the celebration of the sexual aspects, takes place within the context of community approval — no, more than approval — rejoicing.
I ask these young, unmarried singles, does the community — your friends, family, church — celebrate your private, sexual liaisons? When it appears that a pregnancy might result, is there rejoicing? No, of course not. Why not? The timing is wrong. The context is wrong. A private affair is being forced out into the public and is clouded by shame. You've "aroused love before its time." There will be pain, disappointment and sadness. Compare that to the tone of Solomon's Song. The couples' sexual life in the Song of Solomon takes place within the context of a lifelong commitment of marriage, and the community rejoices. It will produce grandbabies, nieces, nephews, more members of the little platoon of the family. The couples' sex life is ultimately a social benefit. That, I say to my young single friends, is a picture of sex in the proper context.
Keep in mind, I say, that in biblical times there just wasn't a whole lot of sex taking place before marriage, since people married at such young ages, and there just wasn't much time between reaching the age of sexual maturity and marriage. Most of the sex taking place was after marriage, either with your spouse, which was good, or not with your spouse, which was prohibited, and that's why there's more talk about adultery than pre-marital sex. We wrestle with this issue more now because the time span between reaching the age of sexual maturity and marriage has bumped up a decade or two since biblical times.
I also add that we probably wouldn't even be having this conversation were it not for birth control, especially the "pill," and if abortions were not so easy to obtain. Without birth control and abortion, sex would mean a greater likelihood of raising babies, and raising babies would mean commitment, and commitment would mean marriage. That's life in biblical times, so the question itself didn't get much discussion in a world where sex and babies went together much more than they do in our time.
Then I mention Hebrews 13:4, where the author distinguishes two types of sex that are prohibited. The first, moichos, refers to a married person having sex with someone other than his or her spouse and is generally translated adultery. The second, porneia, in this case refers to any other unmarried sex, usually translated fornication or sexual immorality.
Anything else? They say.
How about Ephesians 5:1-3, where we are instructed to have not even a hint of sexual immorality (porneia), or any kind of impurity in or lives. Do you think pre-marital sex might be at least a hint of sexual immorality? I ask.
Maybe, they say. What else do you have?
Well, I say, there is 1 Corinthians 6:12-20, which, among other things, tells us to flee sexual immorality (porneia) because the body is the temple of the Holy Spirit, and we are to honor God with our body.
What else? They say.
Well, I say, 1 Thessalonians 4:3-5 says to avoid sexual immorality (porneia) and learn to control your own body in a way that is holy and honorable to the Lord, not in passionate lust, like the heathen, who do not know God.
Sure, but what else? They say.
What you really want, I say, is a Scripture that goes something like, if Jack and Jill are not married to anyone nor to each other, and not engaged to anyone nor to each other, and have sex with each other, that's wrong, and that they should either stop having sex or get married.
Um, they say, that's in the Bible?
Well, that's my paraphrase, I say. Then I point them to Exodus 22:16-17, a very interesting "case law" scripture in the Old Testament. By "case law," I mean one of those "If ... then ..." commands that provides some underlying principles applicable beyond the example used. For instance, when Scripture says in Exodus 23:4, "if you come across your enemy's ox or donkey wandering off, then take it back to him," the application extends beyond oxen and donkeys, to dogs, children, bicycles, credit cards, etc.
Exodus 22:16-17 gives instruction on what to do if an unmarried, unengaged man has consensual sex with an unmarried, unengaged woman: "If a man seduces (implies consent) a virgin (or a woman of marriageable age) who is not pledged to be married, and sleeps with her, he must pay the bride-price (or marriage present) and she shall be his wife." Most scholars believe the same prohibition is found in Deuteronomy 22:28-29, "If a man happens to meet a virgin who is not pledged to be married and he seizes her and lies with her, and they are discovered ... he must marry the girl...." Most scholars believe that "rape" is not being addressed here, but consensual pre- marital sex (albeit the man's strong initiation), especially given the phrase "and they are discovered."
These might be the clearest disapproval of sex for singles in Scripture. The message couldn't be more obvious: Whether you're engaged or not, don't have sex outside of marriage. Period. If you're unmarried and having sex, legitimize it and get married to the person with whom you are having sex — get the piece of paper and go public.
It's your choice, I say. Public or private. Song of Solomon or hiding in the shadows. God's way or your way.
These singles often come to me hoping to find a loophole, and a few leave frustrated and disappointed. Some, though, leave with strengthened resolve, and for the first time have a vision of love and sex in the right context — a vision of poetry and celebration.
I pray for the disappointed ones, for them to embrace God's vision for their sex lives. I rejoice over the ones with new vision, because I know they will soon discover what really good sex is all about.
Copyright © 2006, John Thomas. All rights reserved. International copyright secured. Used by permission.
Today's post was submitted by Carol Bartels
2 Chronicles 1, Psalm 72
http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=2%20Chronicles%201,%20Psalm%2072&version=ESV
Psalm 72 is another of the Messianic psalms. It deals primarily with Israel's asking that the Davidic king be faithful to the Lord and to them.
Yet, we can see how the psalm looks forward to the Messiah when it states,
"May they fear you while the sun endures, and as long as the moon, throughout all generations! May he be like rain that falls on the mown grass, like showers that water the earth! In his days may the righteous flourish, and peace abound, till the moon be no more!" (Psalm 72:5-7)
Further evidence that this psalm is looking towards the Messiah comes in verse 8. See the verses below, one of the great prophecies that the Lord Jesus Christ fulfilled in His life.
"Rejoice greatly, O daughter of Zion! Shout aloud, O daughter of Jerusalem! Behold, your king is coming to you; righteous and having salvation is he, humble and mounted on a donkey, on a colt, the foal of a donkey. I will cut off the chariot from Ephraim and the war horse from Jerusalem; and the battle bow shall be cut off, and he shall speak peace to the nations;
his rule shall be from sea to sea, and from the River to the ends of the earth." (Zechariah 9:9-10)
Note that the last part of verse 10 from Zechariah is exactly the same as that of Psalm 72:8.
The rest of the Psalm continues to ask the Lord to provide a Godly king for Israel. However, the psalm ends with a praise to God.
I think this is a model for how we should pray. We should ask for things in His name, and that they re according to His will, but in the midst of our asking, we should always praise God for what He wills for us in this and in all situations.
"Blessed be the LORD, the God of Israel, who alone does wondrous things. Blessed be his glorious name forever; may the whole earth be filled with his glory! Amen and Amen!"
(Psalm 72:18-19)
S0li Deo Gloria.
Today's post was submitted by Russ Shellhamer.
Psalm 72 is another of the Messianic psalms. It deals primarily with Israel's asking that the Davidic king be faithful to the Lord and to them.
Yet, we can see how the psalm looks forward to the Messiah when it states,
"May they fear you while the sun endures, and as long as the moon, throughout all generations! May he be like rain that falls on the mown grass, like showers that water the earth! In his days may the righteous flourish, and peace abound, till the moon be no more!" (Psalm 72:5-7)
Further evidence that this psalm is looking towards the Messiah comes in verse 8. See the verses below, one of the great prophecies that the Lord Jesus Christ fulfilled in His life.
"Rejoice greatly, O daughter of Zion! Shout aloud, O daughter of Jerusalem! Behold, your king is coming to you; righteous and having salvation is he, humble and mounted on a donkey, on a colt, the foal of a donkey. I will cut off the chariot from Ephraim and the war horse from Jerusalem; and the battle bow shall be cut off, and he shall speak peace to the nations;
his rule shall be from sea to sea, and from the River to the ends of the earth." (Zechariah 9:9-10)
Note that the last part of verse 10 from Zechariah is exactly the same as that of Psalm 72:8.
The rest of the Psalm continues to ask the Lord to provide a Godly king for Israel. However, the psalm ends with a praise to God.
I think this is a model for how we should pray. We should ask for things in His name, and that they re according to His will, but in the midst of our asking, we should always praise God for what He wills for us in this and in all situations.
"Blessed be the LORD, the God of Israel, who alone does wondrous things. Blessed be his glorious name forever; may the whole earth be filled with his glory! Amen and Amen!"
(Psalm 72:18-19)
S0li Deo Gloria.
Today's post was submitted by Russ Shellhamer.
Thursday, June 3, 2010
1 Kings 3-4
http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=1%20Kings%203-4&version=ESV
1 Kings chapters 3 and 4 tells is of Solomon's wisdom. We read that after the death of his father, David, Solomon heard from the Lord in a dream at night.
In this dream, the Lord said, “Ask what I shall give you.” In that moment, Solomon could have asked for wealth, power, and prestige. But he did not. He asked for wisdom. And because he asked for wisdom, the Lord gave him the things that Solomon did not ask for.
"And God said to him, “Because you have asked this, and have not asked for yourself long life or riches or the life of your enemies, but have asked for yourself understanding to discern what is right, behold, I now do according to your word. Behold, I give you a wise and discerning mind, so that none like you has been before you and none like you shall arise after you. I give you also what you have not asked, both riches and honor, so that no other king shall compare with you, all your days. And if you will walk in my ways, keeping my statutes and my commandments, as your father David walked, then I will lengthen your days.” (1 Kings 3:11-4)
So we see that God values wisdom. How much do we value wisdom? Do we invest time in God's Word on a daily basis? Do we ask for wisdom from the Lord in our prayers? James writes:
"If any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask God, who gives generously to all without reproach, and it will be given him. But let him ask in faith, with no doubting, for the one who doubts is like a wave of the sea that is driven and tossed by the wind. For that person must not suppose that he will receive anything from the Lord; he is a double-minded man, unstable in all his ways."
(James 1:5-8)
Solomon later wrote: "Buy truth, and do not sell it; buy wisdom, instruction, and understanding."
(Proverbs 23:23)
Are we spending our money on good Christian books? Books that discuss and apply Scripture to our lives, and seek to instill in us a Christian worldview. Or are we focusing on things that are trivial.
John Piper said, "Television is trivial. Radio is trivial. Conversation is trivial. Education is trivial. Christian books are trivial. Worship styles are trivial. ....the human heart, which was made to be staggered with the supremacy of Christ, ...instead is drowning in a sea of banal entertainment..."
We live in an age in which we have the most Bible translations, most access to Christian books, and with the advent of the Internet, a host of free online resources such as sermons, and Christian web sites. Yet, so often we can waste time by watching YouTube videos for hours and hours on end.
Christ came not so that we would be entertained by the trivialities of the world, rather, that we could and would glorify Him with our lives. (Isaiah 43:7)
Paul writes, "And because of him you are in Christ Jesus, who became to us wisdom from God, righteousness and sanctification and redemption, so that, as it is written, “Let the one who boasts, boast in the Lord.” (1 Corinthians 1:30-31)
So Christ is our wisdom. We should strive to know and love Him more each day and to grow in His wisdom.
There are many other things that I could have discussed about Solomon in today's chapters. For example, it is a shame that the wisest man in the world is already breaking the laws of God. (See Deuteronomy 17:6 and Deuteronomy 7:3-4) To me, Solomon started out strong but succumbed to the temptations of life. He did not finish strong.
As we read about Solomon, let us realize that wisdom is not what we should boast of, but we should only boast in God.
"Thus says the Lord: “Let not the wise man boast in his wisdom, let not the mighty man boast in his might, let not the rich man boast in his riches, but let him who boasts boast in this, that he understands and knows me, that I am the Lord who practices steadfast love, justice, and righteousness in the earth. For in these things I delight, declares the Lord.” (Jeremiah 9:23-24)
Soli Deo Gloria.
Today's post was submitted by Russ Shellhamer.
1 Kings chapters 3 and 4 tells is of Solomon's wisdom. We read that after the death of his father, David, Solomon heard from the Lord in a dream at night.
In this dream, the Lord said, “Ask what I shall give you.” In that moment, Solomon could have asked for wealth, power, and prestige. But he did not. He asked for wisdom. And because he asked for wisdom, the Lord gave him the things that Solomon did not ask for.
"And God said to him, “Because you have asked this, and have not asked for yourself long life or riches or the life of your enemies, but have asked for yourself understanding to discern what is right, behold, I now do according to your word. Behold, I give you a wise and discerning mind, so that none like you has been before you and none like you shall arise after you. I give you also what you have not asked, both riches and honor, so that no other king shall compare with you, all your days. And if you will walk in my ways, keeping my statutes and my commandments, as your father David walked, then I will lengthen your days.” (1 Kings 3:11-4)
So we see that God values wisdom. How much do we value wisdom? Do we invest time in God's Word on a daily basis? Do we ask for wisdom from the Lord in our prayers? James writes:
"If any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask God, who gives generously to all without reproach, and it will be given him. But let him ask in faith, with no doubting, for the one who doubts is like a wave of the sea that is driven and tossed by the wind. For that person must not suppose that he will receive anything from the Lord; he is a double-minded man, unstable in all his ways."
(James 1:5-8)
Solomon later wrote: "Buy truth, and do not sell it; buy wisdom, instruction, and understanding."
(Proverbs 23:23)
Are we spending our money on good Christian books? Books that discuss and apply Scripture to our lives, and seek to instill in us a Christian worldview. Or are we focusing on things that are trivial.
John Piper said, "Television is trivial. Radio is trivial. Conversation is trivial. Education is trivial. Christian books are trivial. Worship styles are trivial. ....the human heart, which was made to be staggered with the supremacy of Christ, ...instead is drowning in a sea of banal entertainment..."
We live in an age in which we have the most Bible translations, most access to Christian books, and with the advent of the Internet, a host of free online resources such as sermons, and Christian web sites. Yet, so often we can waste time by watching YouTube videos for hours and hours on end.
Christ came not so that we would be entertained by the trivialities of the world, rather, that we could and would glorify Him with our lives. (Isaiah 43:7)
Paul writes, "And because of him you are in Christ Jesus, who became to us wisdom from God, righteousness and sanctification and redemption, so that, as it is written, “Let the one who boasts, boast in the Lord.” (1 Corinthians 1:30-31)
So Christ is our wisdom. We should strive to know and love Him more each day and to grow in His wisdom.
There are many other things that I could have discussed about Solomon in today's chapters. For example, it is a shame that the wisest man in the world is already breaking the laws of God. (See Deuteronomy 17:6 and Deuteronomy 7:3-4) To me, Solomon started out strong but succumbed to the temptations of life. He did not finish strong.
As we read about Solomon, let us realize that wisdom is not what we should boast of, but we should only boast in God.
"Thus says the Lord: “Let not the wise man boast in his wisdom, let not the mighty man boast in his might, let not the rich man boast in his riches, but let him who boasts boast in this, that he understands and knows me, that I am the Lord who practices steadfast love, justice, and righteousness in the earth. For in these things I delight, declares the Lord.” (Jeremiah 9:23-24)
Soli Deo Gloria.
Today's post was submitted by Russ Shellhamer.
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