Jdg 2:8-13
And Joshua the son of Nun, the servant of the LORD, died, being an hundred and ten years old. (9) And they buried him in the border of his inheritance in Timnathheres, in the mount of Ephraim, on the north side of the hill Gaash. (10) And also all that generation were gathered unto their fathers: and there arose another generation after them, which knew not the LORD, nor yet the works which he had done for Israel. (11) And the children of Israel did evil in the sight of the LORD, and served Baalim: (12) And they forsook the LORD God of their fathers, which brought them out of the land of Egypt, and followed other gods, of the gods of the people that were round about them, and bowed themselves unto them, and provoked the LORD to anger. (13) And they forsook the LORD, and served Baal and Ashtaroth.
A relay race is typically a series of short sprints conducted by generally four runners on a team that are competing for the fastest time with other teams. Each runner carries a baton that must be handed off to the next runner on the team before that person can begin his or her sprint. There is a short window of opportunity where the runner with the baton can pass it on to the next runner. Within this window the person taking the baton is also running, and extends his hand backwards to receive the baton from his team mate. The challenge is that the baton must be passed before the new runner crosses a certain point.
The Christian life is often compared to a race (1Cor. 9:24-26, Gal. 2:2, Gal. 5:7, Php. 2:16, Heb. 12:1) and we have a responsibility to train our children to run in this race. Not only train them, but prepare them (Deu 4:9-14; 6:1-7, Pr. 22:6, Eph. 6:4). Because of these two truths, preparing our children for the race they must run has been compared to the passing of the baton between runners. I believe following this analogy in life to be detrimental to the spiritual well being of our children.
There arose a generation that knew not the Lord. That reminds of another passage. Exo. 1:8, "Now there arose up a new king over Egypt, which knew not Joseph." This king knew who Joseph was. Everyone who lived in Egypt knew who Joseph was for they all had to come to him in order to live. Further, there would have been stories for generations beyond of this time in Egypt's history. Not only would he have known who Joseph was, he would have also known what Joseph did, but he knew not Joseph. He knew of Him, but did not know him. He did not experience in his heart the things that had occurred. He may have gone with his parents to get food from Joseph, but he did not credit him for sustaining them. He refused to accept Joseph and his works.
This new generation of Israel would have known of God. Their parents, who walked in the law of God would have been careful to teach them about the things God had done in their lives. They would have been careful to take them to the feasts and times of worship and explain to them why they do what they do. The would have taken them to the pillars of stone erected in remembrance of crossing the Jordan river. They would have taken them to Jericho and shown them the walls that fell down and explained to them how God had caused them to simply fall down flat. They would have taught them the Bible and would have made sure that they only played with and fellowshipped with other Israelites. So what went wrong?
The baton was passed. It had no meaning to new runners and was therefore, discarded.
In a relay race, the next runner in line watches as his team mate approaches him. At the right time he begins to run, attempting to time his running so that he is almost at full speed at the time the baton is handed to him. The baton represents faith. We can't transfer our faith in one "hand off" to our children. It can't happen in an instant, and it can't happen with just one method. In order for our children to continue in this race, they must run it with us, not simply watch us and when it's their turn take off. This is much harder.
Initially we must carry them with us as we run. Explaining to them what we're doing, why we're doing it. As we see God's hand in our life we must do our best to cause them to see it also. As kids we're naturally inquisitive and filled with awe at everything we see. This is the time to lock into their minds that all this was done at the hand of a wonderful Creator. Here they begin to experience what HAS been done.
Eventually they learn to walk, then begin to run on their own. Not as well as we, so we must stop, run backward, hold them up, and bandage a skinned knee from time to time. We can not pick them up and carry them through this time. It is here that they learn to experience God for themselves. It is during this time that they begin to understand and to see His hand in their lives. It is here that they begin to KNOW the Lord. Bringing them to church, having family devotions, putting them in Christian schools, all this is great, but it does not give them the experience with God. How do we run with them?
Teach them to carry their cross. We can't just hand it off to them. They can't handle the full load of it in one shot regardless of their age. No wonder so many teenagers get away from Mom and Dad, graduate school, move on to another area, and shake off the weight we "handed" off to them. HEY, the world is so much more fun and a whole lot less weight! At least as far as they have experienced.
Run with them. Shoulder the weight of their cross as Jesus does ours. His yoke is EASY His burden is LIGHT. Do they have a tough decision to make? Don't answer it. Guide them in it. Give them a little weight, let them feel the cross, touch the baton as it were. "Let's see what God says about that, Junior." Take them to the Bible, have them read the passage, have them interpret it (with your guidance), have them make the decision (with your guidance). Watch as they implement the decision, see what God does. Initially they will need you to show them, point it out to them. As they learn this process, they will learn to see God in their lives; they will begin to know God.
This observing God in their lives begins with an observing Him in our lives. They won't see Him if we don't explain, "Guess what God did today!" or "I know things are tough right now for our family. It's because God is transitioning us from where we are now, to where He wants us to be. It will be a much better place."
This topic deserves far more time and attention than I have here. I fear I have not done enough of this with my children. It's time for my son to run his race.
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Tuesday, March 31, 2009
Monday, March 30, 2009
When I am Strong
Jdg 1:28
And it came to pass, when Israel was strong, that they put the Canaanites to tribute, and did not utterly drive them out.
When I am strong I feel like I can conquer the world. Strength comes in several different forms. I can be mentally strong and strive toward a goal no matter the opposition I encounter on the way. I can be emotionally strong and over come one loss after another, never being adversely affected or brought down by the outward circumstances that weigh so heavily on others. I can be physically strong and be able to lift and carry hundreds of pounds over great distances, or run several miles in short amounts of time. These are all good things. I can be spiritually strong so that no temptation can affect me, no doubt can sway me, no false teaching can influence me, and I can conquer all sin. Strength is a welcomed gift. It is also a fleeting gift. Strength will fail at some point. It may not fail permanently, but it will fail. If I have not used the strength God has given me when He has given it to me for the purpose He has given it to me, not only will I lose the strength I once had, but I will suffer great losses of other things along with it.
I think about an alcoholic who believes he can control the booze. "I don't have to drink," he says. "I can quite anytime I want to." Okay, quit now. "I don't want to." The sad thing is, initially I could quit anytime I wanted to. I was truly strong enough to do it. Initially I could control when I drank and for a very brief period, how much I drank. It's the same with any addiction. Nicotine, alcohol, drugs, sex, anger, violence, gossip, greed, power, they're all the same. There is a very brief time that I am strong and truly can conquer these things. If I choose to make these or any sin serve me, I am setting myself up for failure. When I am strong, God has given me that strength to rid the land of the inhabitants thereof. When I am strong God has given me that strength to redeem the time. When I am strong God has given me that strength to fully break the bonds. If I don't, when I am weak I will be enslaved.
Allowing the inhabitants of the land to stay in the land was the beginning of Israel's down fall. Sin does not serve anyone. It acts like it for a while. As it appears to serve me and bring me pleasure, and ease; as it seems to satisfy my desires and fulfill my wishes and wants, it is deeply embedding it's roots into me. It starts to take my strength and turn it into dependence. The roots of that thing get so deeply embedded and so closely intermingled with me that it becomes impossible to separate me from it without a great deal of pain. I begin to take on the characteristics of this one time servant and the affects of it's presence in me begin to show. Broken relationships, loneliness, health problems, instability, and unmet needs are just a few of the outward manifestations. I can cover it up for a while, but that only prevents others from seeing it, adds to the lie that I am in control, and strengthens the grip it has on me.
Is there a "racy" magazine in my house? Is there a certain billboard, television show, book, or other Canaanite that dwells in my land? It won't serve me. Is there a secret stash of booze, a certain pill, a can of chemicals, that "helps" me get through a difficult time? It won't serve me. Is their a certain person, a questionable relationship, a secret conversation that makes me feel good? It won't serve me. The real problem is there's a hold on my heart and I must remove it from the land that God has given me lest He send and angel and I realize too late the consequences.
Jdg 2:1-3
(1) And an angel of the LORD came up from Gilgal to Bochim, and said, I made you to go up out of Egypt, and have brought you unto the land which I sware unto your fathers; and I said, I will never break my covenant with you.
(2) And ye shall make no league with the inhabitants of this land; ye shall throw down their altars: but ye have not obeyed my voice: why have ye done this?
(3) Wherefore I also said, I will not drive them out from before you; but they shall be as thorns in your sides, and their gods shall be a snare unto you.
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And it came to pass, when Israel was strong, that they put the Canaanites to tribute, and did not utterly drive them out.
When I am strong I feel like I can conquer the world. Strength comes in several different forms. I can be mentally strong and strive toward a goal no matter the opposition I encounter on the way. I can be emotionally strong and over come one loss after another, never being adversely affected or brought down by the outward circumstances that weigh so heavily on others. I can be physically strong and be able to lift and carry hundreds of pounds over great distances, or run several miles in short amounts of time. These are all good things. I can be spiritually strong so that no temptation can affect me, no doubt can sway me, no false teaching can influence me, and I can conquer all sin. Strength is a welcomed gift. It is also a fleeting gift. Strength will fail at some point. It may not fail permanently, but it will fail. If I have not used the strength God has given me when He has given it to me for the purpose He has given it to me, not only will I lose the strength I once had, but I will suffer great losses of other things along with it.
I think about an alcoholic who believes he can control the booze. "I don't have to drink," he says. "I can quite anytime I want to." Okay, quit now. "I don't want to." The sad thing is, initially I could quit anytime I wanted to. I was truly strong enough to do it. Initially I could control when I drank and for a very brief period, how much I drank. It's the same with any addiction. Nicotine, alcohol, drugs, sex, anger, violence, gossip, greed, power, they're all the same. There is a very brief time that I am strong and truly can conquer these things. If I choose to make these or any sin serve me, I am setting myself up for failure. When I am strong, God has given me that strength to rid the land of the inhabitants thereof. When I am strong God has given me that strength to redeem the time. When I am strong God has given me that strength to fully break the bonds. If I don't, when I am weak I will be enslaved.
Allowing the inhabitants of the land to stay in the land was the beginning of Israel's down fall. Sin does not serve anyone. It acts like it for a while. As it appears to serve me and bring me pleasure, and ease; as it seems to satisfy my desires and fulfill my wishes and wants, it is deeply embedding it's roots into me. It starts to take my strength and turn it into dependence. The roots of that thing get so deeply embedded and so closely intermingled with me that it becomes impossible to separate me from it without a great deal of pain. I begin to take on the characteristics of this one time servant and the affects of it's presence in me begin to show. Broken relationships, loneliness, health problems, instability, and unmet needs are just a few of the outward manifestations. I can cover it up for a while, but that only prevents others from seeing it, adds to the lie that I am in control, and strengthens the grip it has on me.
Is there a "racy" magazine in my house? Is there a certain billboard, television show, book, or other Canaanite that dwells in my land? It won't serve me. Is there a secret stash of booze, a certain pill, a can of chemicals, that "helps" me get through a difficult time? It won't serve me. Is their a certain person, a questionable relationship, a secret conversation that makes me feel good? It won't serve me. The real problem is there's a hold on my heart and I must remove it from the land that God has given me lest He send and angel and I realize too late the consequences.
Jdg 2:1-3
(1) And an angel of the LORD came up from Gilgal to Bochim, and said, I made you to go up out of Egypt, and have brought you unto the land which I sware unto your fathers; and I said, I will never break my covenant with you.
(2) And ye shall make no league with the inhabitants of this land; ye shall throw down their altars: but ye have not obeyed my voice: why have ye done this?
(3) Wherefore I also said, I will not drive them out from before you; but they shall be as thorns in your sides, and their gods shall be a snare unto you.
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Sunday, March 29, 2009
Empty
Jn. 20:11-1
(11) But Mary stood without at the sepulchre weeping: and as she wept, she stooped down, and looked into the sepulchre,
(12) And seeth two angels in white sitting, the one at the head, and the other at the feet, where the body of Jesus had lain.
(13) And they say unto her, Woman, why weepest thou? She saith unto them, Because they have taken away my Lord, and I know not where they have laid him.
(14) And when she had thus said, she turned herself back, and saw Jesus standing, and knew not that it was Jesus.
(15) Jesus saith unto her, Woman, why weepest thou? whom seekest thou? She, supposing him to be the gardener, saith unto him, Sir, if thou have borne him hence, tell me where thou hast laid him, and I will take him away.
(16) Jesus saith unto her, Mary. She turned herself, and saith unto him, Rabboni; which is to say, Master.
I have often told the story of the little girl who received a precious gift from her father. He had been away on a trip and while he was gone he bought his wife a beautiful pearl necklace. She wore the necklace at every possible occasion and when someone remarked of their beauty, she would happily tell of the love her husband had for her. Their daughter observed all of this and wanted a set of pearls of her own so she could brag on her Daddy. One day he returned from work with a a fake set of pearls of the little girl. She loved them like they were real. She wore them everywhere and if no one noticed or said anything about them, she pointed them out. She only took them off before going to bed because her mom made her do it.
One day her dad returned from work and after dinner asked his daughter to give the pearls back to him. She refused. "No Daddy. You gave these to me and I love them. I'll never give them away to anyone." This went on with varying responses from the little girl for several weeks. The only explanation she received from her dad for the request was, "Because I want you to give them back to me." Each day he would ask only once, each day she refused, each day she wondered, and each day she grew a little more sad at her selfishness. One day her father's plea seemed to be a little more urgent, and his expression a little more painful when his daughter refused yet again to give up her most cherished possession. She went to her room and began to sob deeply. How could she continually refuse her dad? He gave them to her because he loved her. She now understood the love she was showing her daddy. What did she love more?
Having made up her mind, she went back downstairs and gave the pearls to her dad. "I'm sorry I made you sad," she said. "I love these pearls because you gave them to me, but I love you more." Very pleased with his daughter's decision the dad told her to hold out her hands and in them he placed a brand new, real set of pearls. "I've had these to give you from the very first day I asked you to give me your fake set," he said. "But I couldn't give them to you until your hands were empty and your heart was free to care for these as you did the first ones."
Mary did not want to lose the body of Jesus. She loved him in life, and continued to do so in death. He was taken away from her and all she had was His body, and now it too was gone. To us it seems strange that she would weep at the empty tomb, we know the whole story. Mary didn't. She grieved this additional loss and sought to be restored from it. If she had been granted the body of Christ in the tomb, we would not have the great gift of eternal life He has given us.
What is the good thing that I need to let go of today in order to gain the great thing that God has for me? What loss have I endured and sorrow after that I must endure to receive the better gift God has for me? If Mary would have been so wrapped up in her sorrow as not to here the Lord, she would have missed seeing Him. What God gives us to help in one part of our journey, only hinders us at the next. If I look for God in the midst of a loss, I'll find He has something much better for me.
Visit Revival Baptist Church - Scranton, PA
(11) But Mary stood without at the sepulchre weeping: and as she wept, she stooped down, and looked into the sepulchre,
(12) And seeth two angels in white sitting, the one at the head, and the other at the feet, where the body of Jesus had lain.
(13) And they say unto her, Woman, why weepest thou? She saith unto them, Because they have taken away my Lord, and I know not where they have laid him.
(14) And when she had thus said, she turned herself back, and saw Jesus standing, and knew not that it was Jesus.
(15) Jesus saith unto her, Woman, why weepest thou? whom seekest thou? She, supposing him to be the gardener, saith unto him, Sir, if thou have borne him hence, tell me where thou hast laid him, and I will take him away.
(16) Jesus saith unto her, Mary. She turned herself, and saith unto him, Rabboni; which is to say, Master.
I have often told the story of the little girl who received a precious gift from her father. He had been away on a trip and while he was gone he bought his wife a beautiful pearl necklace. She wore the necklace at every possible occasion and when someone remarked of their beauty, she would happily tell of the love her husband had for her. Their daughter observed all of this and wanted a set of pearls of her own so she could brag on her Daddy. One day he returned from work with a a fake set of pearls of the little girl. She loved them like they were real. She wore them everywhere and if no one noticed or said anything about them, she pointed them out. She only took them off before going to bed because her mom made her do it.
One day her dad returned from work and after dinner asked his daughter to give the pearls back to him. She refused. "No Daddy. You gave these to me and I love them. I'll never give them away to anyone." This went on with varying responses from the little girl for several weeks. The only explanation she received from her dad for the request was, "Because I want you to give them back to me." Each day he would ask only once, each day she refused, each day she wondered, and each day she grew a little more sad at her selfishness. One day her father's plea seemed to be a little more urgent, and his expression a little more painful when his daughter refused yet again to give up her most cherished possession. She went to her room and began to sob deeply. How could she continually refuse her dad? He gave them to her because he loved her. She now understood the love she was showing her daddy. What did she love more?
Having made up her mind, she went back downstairs and gave the pearls to her dad. "I'm sorry I made you sad," she said. "I love these pearls because you gave them to me, but I love you more." Very pleased with his daughter's decision the dad told her to hold out her hands and in them he placed a brand new, real set of pearls. "I've had these to give you from the very first day I asked you to give me your fake set," he said. "But I couldn't give them to you until your hands were empty and your heart was free to care for these as you did the first ones."
Mary did not want to lose the body of Jesus. She loved him in life, and continued to do so in death. He was taken away from her and all she had was His body, and now it too was gone. To us it seems strange that she would weep at the empty tomb, we know the whole story. Mary didn't. She grieved this additional loss and sought to be restored from it. If she had been granted the body of Christ in the tomb, we would not have the great gift of eternal life He has given us.
What is the good thing that I need to let go of today in order to gain the great thing that God has for me? What loss have I endured and sorrow after that I must endure to receive the better gift God has for me? If Mary would have been so wrapped up in her sorrow as not to here the Lord, she would have missed seeing Him. What God gives us to help in one part of our journey, only hinders us at the next. If I look for God in the midst of a loss, I'll find He has something much better for me.
Visit Revival Baptist Church - Scranton, PA
Wednesday, March 25, 2009
I Got a Rock
Jos. 13:33
But unto the tribe of Levi Moses gave not any inheritance: the LORD God of Israel was their inheritance, as he said unto them. I'm not a fan of halloween by any stretch of the imagination. It is a putrid event set aside to do all things but honor God. None-the-less, before salvation I would participate in some of the events. I remember sitting in front of the mind numbing television set and watching the Peanuts halloween special. I don't remember many details of the show, I don't even recall the plot (was there one?), but I do remember that Charlie Brown never got anything at the doors the group of kids begged for candy at.
Door after door, the scene was the same, "Trick or Treat!" the gang would yell. Into the bags went whatever goodies the person was giving out. After leaving each door the kids stopped to inspect their haul. "I got a sucker," one would say, "I got gum," said another. On and on it went with each child proclaiming the treat they got. Charlie was always last. I guess it's hard to be excited when you're only looking for doom and gloom. He'd look into his bag and in a dry, monotone, depressed voice he would say, "I got a rock." I used to feel so sorry for Charlie. I wondered why he even went to the doors. Blocks and blocks of houses they would cover, and at each one poor 'ol Charlie would look into his bag and say, "I got a rock." How could he continue to go on like that? How could he continue to carry that bag full of rocks! it must have been extremely heavy. Yet he carried it one handed with no difficulty at all. One thing about Charlie, he was plenty strong.
All around the Levites, everyone was getting an inheritance in the promised land. They looked into their bag of goodies and proclaimed, "I got a Rock!" They had no inheritance in this world. The best blessing of all was theirs to claim. I wonder if some of them were like me at times and got depressed and feeling dejected because they had no earthly possession, or are not as "blessed" as others. Hey! What good are the things of the world to me? I GOT A ROCK!!! Praise God!
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Tuesday, March 24, 2009
Twelve Stones
Jos 4:1-7
(1) And it came to pass, when all the people were clean passed over Jordan, that the LORD spake unto Joshua, saying,
(2) Take you twelve men out of the people, out of every tribe a man,
(3) And command ye them, saying, Take you hence out of the midst of Jordan, out of the place where the priests' feet stood firm, twelve stones, and ye shall carry them over with you, and leave them in the lodging place, where ye shall lodge this night.
(4) Then Joshua called the twelve men, whom he had prepared of the children of Israel, out of every tribe a man:
(5) And Joshua said unto them, Pass over before the ark of the LORD your God into the midst of Jordan, and take ye up every man of you a stone upon his shoulder, according unto the number of the tribes of the children of Israel:
(6) That this may be a sign among you, that when your children ask their fathers in time to come, saying, What mean ye by these stones?
(7) Then ye shall answer them, That the waters of Jordan were cut off before the ark of the covenant of the LORD; when it passed over Jordan, the waters of Jordan were cut off: and these stones shall be for a memorial unto the children of Israel for ever.
I've got to start this entry with an acknowledgement of the incredible peace that I have in reading God's wonderful word.
Program: Twelve stones carried by twelve men; one from each tribe. Each stone taken from the place the priest's feet had walked in the way which the Lord had brought them. they didn't just hear the word of the Lord, they stepped out in faith; trusting God to do something to bring them across the river. They had only heard from their parents of a time before when this had happened, and their parents were pushed through the water by their enemy. Pass over and as you go, pick up.
Place: Leave them right there where you spend the night after passing over Jordan. don't lug them around where ever you go. Leave them there and go on. Don't burden yourself with the past. Leave those things which are behind and press on toward the prize. Remember, sure, but don't attempt to live on it. It will only be a heavy weight that will slow you down.
Purpose: It would appear that the telling of the Gospel will skip a generation for this heap of stones was not for the children, but for the generations that will come after. Many of the children saw the event take place first hand, the following generation would not have that benefit. The accounts of God's grace must be told, the evidence must be presented, the memory must be preserved. What have my children seen as evidence of what God has done in my life? Is there evidence that God is my God? Is there any record for them to see?
Visit Revival Baptist Church - Scranton, PA
(1) And it came to pass, when all the people were clean passed over Jordan, that the LORD spake unto Joshua, saying,
(2) Take you twelve men out of the people, out of every tribe a man,
(3) And command ye them, saying, Take you hence out of the midst of Jordan, out of the place where the priests' feet stood firm, twelve stones, and ye shall carry them over with you, and leave them in the lodging place, where ye shall lodge this night.
(4) Then Joshua called the twelve men, whom he had prepared of the children of Israel, out of every tribe a man:
(5) And Joshua said unto them, Pass over before the ark of the LORD your God into the midst of Jordan, and take ye up every man of you a stone upon his shoulder, according unto the number of the tribes of the children of Israel:
(6) That this may be a sign among you, that when your children ask their fathers in time to come, saying, What mean ye by these stones?
(7) Then ye shall answer them, That the waters of Jordan were cut off before the ark of the covenant of the LORD; when it passed over Jordan, the waters of Jordan were cut off: and these stones shall be for a memorial unto the children of Israel for ever.
I've got to start this entry with an acknowledgement of the incredible peace that I have in reading God's wonderful word.
Program: Twelve stones carried by twelve men; one from each tribe. Each stone taken from the place the priest's feet had walked in the way which the Lord had brought them. they didn't just hear the word of the Lord, they stepped out in faith; trusting God to do something to bring them across the river. They had only heard from their parents of a time before when this had happened, and their parents were pushed through the water by their enemy. Pass over and as you go, pick up.
Place: Leave them right there where you spend the night after passing over Jordan. don't lug them around where ever you go. Leave them there and go on. Don't burden yourself with the past. Leave those things which are behind and press on toward the prize. Remember, sure, but don't attempt to live on it. It will only be a heavy weight that will slow you down.
Purpose: It would appear that the telling of the Gospel will skip a generation for this heap of stones was not for the children, but for the generations that will come after. Many of the children saw the event take place first hand, the following generation would not have that benefit. The accounts of God's grace must be told, the evidence must be presented, the memory must be preserved. What have my children seen as evidence of what God has done in my life? Is there evidence that God is my God? Is there any record for them to see?
Visit Revival Baptist Church - Scranton, PA
Inconvenient Blessings
Josh. 10:6-8
(6) And the men of Gibeon sent unto Joshua to the camp to Gilgal, saying, Slack not thy hand from thy servants; come up to us quickly, and save us, and help us: for all the kings of the Amorites that dwell in the mountains are gathered together against us.
(7) So Joshua ascended from Gilgal, he, and all the people of war with him, and all the mighty men of valour.
(8) And the LORD said unto Joshua, Fear them not: for I have delivered them into thine hand; there shall not a man of them stand before thee.
People can make life so difficult at times. It's best to do things for folks out of love, but it's not always the attitude that I have. Many times my priorities get turned around and being redirected by a request from those closest to me appears to be a major inconvenience. I imagine the request the Gibeonites have made of Joshua was highly inconvenient and difficult to receive. They tricked Israel into making a league with them and were now supposed to be Israel's servants. In that situation it is very possible that I would have thought God's purpose in this is to wipe them out by this enemy so that I would no longer be bound by that covenant (Rom. 7:1-4; 1Cor 7:39). That would have been the easiest thing to do, and in my mind would have solved a lot of problems.
But Joshua went. It was a 20 mile trek and no doubt he had other plans in the making. Returning to Gibeon was probably not high on his priority list. Rather than fight one king, one city, on people at a time, he would be taking on five. At what peril to his own men and himself would he provide this help? What is the cost, beyond the inconvenience of helping another person? What is the potential cost? Still Joshua went to help the liars and undeserving people of Gibeon. What a picture of the trek Jesus made with the cross on his back; beaten, bloody, bruised from the night of questioning he had endured. A nation of His own choosing who acted as if they were friends of God and were not. He went on in love for them, and for me. The cost was high, yet He considered I was worth it.
The events in this life including the requests that are made of us from another person are not randomly put there. God orchestrated the entire thing with the purpose of giving the five kings and their cities to Israel. Not all inconveniences are from a request that another makes. It could be the flat tire on my car, the dog that just ran off and must be caught, the spilt food on my clothes that I must now change, the computer that locks up in the middle of my work (which, of course, I haven't saved) and hundreds of other "little" things that drive me crazy and cause my blood pressure to rise. God has a purpose in these, and it's always to give me more than I have. More peace, more faith, more love, more understanding, more strength, more patience, more temperance, more fruit. Why complain about that? 1Th 5:18; Php. 4:4
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(6) And the men of Gibeon sent unto Joshua to the camp to Gilgal, saying, Slack not thy hand from thy servants; come up to us quickly, and save us, and help us: for all the kings of the Amorites that dwell in the mountains are gathered together against us.
(7) So Joshua ascended from Gilgal, he, and all the people of war with him, and all the mighty men of valour.
(8) And the LORD said unto Joshua, Fear them not: for I have delivered them into thine hand; there shall not a man of them stand before thee.
People can make life so difficult at times. It's best to do things for folks out of love, but it's not always the attitude that I have. Many times my priorities get turned around and being redirected by a request from those closest to me appears to be a major inconvenience. I imagine the request the Gibeonites have made of Joshua was highly inconvenient and difficult to receive. They tricked Israel into making a league with them and were now supposed to be Israel's servants. In that situation it is very possible that I would have thought God's purpose in this is to wipe them out by this enemy so that I would no longer be bound by that covenant (Rom. 7:1-4; 1Cor 7:39). That would have been the easiest thing to do, and in my mind would have solved a lot of problems.
But Joshua went. It was a 20 mile trek and no doubt he had other plans in the making. Returning to Gibeon was probably not high on his priority list. Rather than fight one king, one city, on people at a time, he would be taking on five. At what peril to his own men and himself would he provide this help? What is the cost, beyond the inconvenience of helping another person? What is the potential cost? Still Joshua went to help the liars and undeserving people of Gibeon. What a picture of the trek Jesus made with the cross on his back; beaten, bloody, bruised from the night of questioning he had endured. A nation of His own choosing who acted as if they were friends of God and were not. He went on in love for them, and for me. The cost was high, yet He considered I was worth it.
The events in this life including the requests that are made of us from another person are not randomly put there. God orchestrated the entire thing with the purpose of giving the five kings and their cities to Israel. Not all inconveniences are from a request that another makes. It could be the flat tire on my car, the dog that just ran off and must be caught, the spilt food on my clothes that I must now change, the computer that locks up in the middle of my work (which, of course, I haven't saved) and hundreds of other "little" things that drive me crazy and cause my blood pressure to rise. God has a purpose in these, and it's always to give me more than I have. More peace, more faith, more love, more understanding, more strength, more patience, more temperance, more fruit. Why complain about that? 1Th 5:18; Php. 4:4
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Monday, March 23, 2009
Scarlet Thread
Josh. 2:1-21
Jos 2:1-21
(1) And Joshua the son of Nun sent out of Shittim two men to spy secretly, saying, Go view the land, even Jericho. And they went, and came into an harlot's house, named Rahab, and lodged there.
(2) And it was told the king of Jericho, saying, Behold, there came men in hither to night of the children of Israel to search out the country.
(3) And the king of Jericho sent unto Rahab, saying, Bring forth the men that are come to thee, which are entered into thine house: for they be come to search out all the country.
(4) And the woman took the two men, and hid them, and said thus, There came men unto me, but I wist not whence they were:
(5) And it came to pass about the time of shutting of the gate, when it was dark, that the men went out: whither the men went I wot not: pursue after them quickly; for ye shall overtake them.
(6) But she had brought them up to the roof of the house, and hid them with the stalks of flax, which she had laid in order upon the roof.
(7) And the men pursued after them the way to Jordan unto the fords: and as soon as they which pursued after them were gone out, they shut the gate.
(8) And before they were laid down, she came up unto them upon the roof;
(9) And she said unto the men, I know that the LORD hath given you the land, and that your terror is fallen upon us, and that all the inhabitants of the land faint because of you.
(10) For we have heard how the LORD dried up the water of the Red sea for you, when ye came out of Egypt; and what ye did unto the two kings of the Amorites, that were on the other side Jordan, Sihon and Og, whom ye utterly destroyed.
(11) And as soon as we had heard these things, our hearts did melt, neither did there remain any more courage in any man, because of you: for the LORD your God, he is God in heaven above, and in earth beneath.
(12) Now therefore, I pray you, swear unto me by the LORD, since I have shewed you kindness, that ye will also shew kindness unto my father's house, and give me a true token:
(13) And that ye will save alive my father, and my mother, and my brethren, and my sisters, and all that they have, and deliver our lives from death.
(14) And the men answered her, Our life for yours, if ye utter not this our business. And it shall be, when the LORD hath given us the land, that we will deal kindly and truly with thee.
(15) Then she let them down by a cord through the window: for her house was upon the town wall, and she dwelt upon the wall.
(16) And she said unto them, Get you to the mountain, lest the pursuers meet you; and hide yourselves there three days, until the pursuers be returned: and afterward may ye go your way.
(17) And the men said unto her, We will be blameless of this thine oath which thou hast made us swear.
(18) Behold, when we come into the land, thou shalt bind this line of scarlet thread in the window which thou didst let us down by: and thou shalt bring thy father, and thy mother, and thy brethren, and all thy father's household, home unto thee.
(19) And it shall be, that whosoever shall go out of the doors of thy house into the street, his blood shall be upon his head, and we will be guiltless: and whosoever shall be with thee in the house, his blood shall be on our head, if any hand be upon him.
(20) And if thou utter this our business, then we will be quit of thine oath which thou hast made us to swear.
(21) And she said, According unto your words, so be it. And she sent them away, and they departed: and she bound the scarlet line in the window.
Faith in action. Rahab had several courses of action to take. She could have easily told the authorities, she may have attempted to kill the spies and been a hero in her city if she had believed she could have prevented the destruction of the city by doing so. She could have refused the spies entry to her home, she could have sent them on their way and never said a word. I wonder why she didn't ask to go with them? She and all the people of Jericho knew they would not win. the king believed detaining the spies may help them gain the victory. Rahab believed the city was doomed regardless of what happened with the spies. She saved the spies alive and believed they would save her and her family. Her faith caused her to make the decisions she did.
She told her family fo the safety found in her house. Apparently she had no idea when the attack would come as she immediately hung the scarlet thread in the window. She told her family to abide there. Trusting they would not tell the authorities and knowing not when the appointed day would come. To be safe they must stay in the house covered by the thread. Going outside was dangerous. Did they get hungry? Was there enough to eat for two weeks? Stay in the will of God regardless of how difficult it may get.
Israel's armies were gathered around the city. As they marched around the city on the first day, the citizens of Jericho must have felt panic raising up in their hearts. How did they sleep knowing they were about to be destroyed? Six days go by and the daily marching continues. The daily reminder that destruction is near. Unable to flee in any direction for the city was shut up tight and there was nowhere to run. Even attempting to flee the city meant leaving what little protection it offered and possibly walking right into the waiting arms of Israel. Panic, anxiety, pressure, both mental and emotional anguish bringing on the harsh physical side effects that come with it. In Rahab's house there is peace. Where do I dwell on a daily basis?
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Jos 2:1-21
(1) And Joshua the son of Nun sent out of Shittim two men to spy secretly, saying, Go view the land, even Jericho. And they went, and came into an harlot's house, named Rahab, and lodged there.
(2) And it was told the king of Jericho, saying, Behold, there came men in hither to night of the children of Israel to search out the country.
(3) And the king of Jericho sent unto Rahab, saying, Bring forth the men that are come to thee, which are entered into thine house: for they be come to search out all the country.
(4) And the woman took the two men, and hid them, and said thus, There came men unto me, but I wist not whence they were:
(5) And it came to pass about the time of shutting of the gate, when it was dark, that the men went out: whither the men went I wot not: pursue after them quickly; for ye shall overtake them.
(6) But she had brought them up to the roof of the house, and hid them with the stalks of flax, which she had laid in order upon the roof.
(7) And the men pursued after them the way to Jordan unto the fords: and as soon as they which pursued after them were gone out, they shut the gate.
(8) And before they were laid down, she came up unto them upon the roof;
(9) And she said unto the men, I know that the LORD hath given you the land, and that your terror is fallen upon us, and that all the inhabitants of the land faint because of you.
(10) For we have heard how the LORD dried up the water of the Red sea for you, when ye came out of Egypt; and what ye did unto the two kings of the Amorites, that were on the other side Jordan, Sihon and Og, whom ye utterly destroyed.
(11) And as soon as we had heard these things, our hearts did melt, neither did there remain any more courage in any man, because of you: for the LORD your God, he is God in heaven above, and in earth beneath.
(12) Now therefore, I pray you, swear unto me by the LORD, since I have shewed you kindness, that ye will also shew kindness unto my father's house, and give me a true token:
(13) And that ye will save alive my father, and my mother, and my brethren, and my sisters, and all that they have, and deliver our lives from death.
(14) And the men answered her, Our life for yours, if ye utter not this our business. And it shall be, when the LORD hath given us the land, that we will deal kindly and truly with thee.
(15) Then she let them down by a cord through the window: for her house was upon the town wall, and she dwelt upon the wall.
(16) And she said unto them, Get you to the mountain, lest the pursuers meet you; and hide yourselves there three days, until the pursuers be returned: and afterward may ye go your way.
(17) And the men said unto her, We will be blameless of this thine oath which thou hast made us swear.
(18) Behold, when we come into the land, thou shalt bind this line of scarlet thread in the window which thou didst let us down by: and thou shalt bring thy father, and thy mother, and thy brethren, and all thy father's household, home unto thee.
(19) And it shall be, that whosoever shall go out of the doors of thy house into the street, his blood shall be upon his head, and we will be guiltless: and whosoever shall be with thee in the house, his blood shall be on our head, if any hand be upon him.
(20) And if thou utter this our business, then we will be quit of thine oath which thou hast made us to swear.
(21) And she said, According unto your words, so be it. And she sent them away, and they departed: and she bound the scarlet line in the window.
Faith in action. Rahab had several courses of action to take. She could have easily told the authorities, she may have attempted to kill the spies and been a hero in her city if she had believed she could have prevented the destruction of the city by doing so. She could have refused the spies entry to her home, she could have sent them on their way and never said a word. I wonder why she didn't ask to go with them? She and all the people of Jericho knew they would not win. the king believed detaining the spies may help them gain the victory. Rahab believed the city was doomed regardless of what happened with the spies. She saved the spies alive and believed they would save her and her family. Her faith caused her to make the decisions she did.
She told her family fo the safety found in her house. Apparently she had no idea when the attack would come as she immediately hung the scarlet thread in the window. She told her family to abide there. Trusting they would not tell the authorities and knowing not when the appointed day would come. To be safe they must stay in the house covered by the thread. Going outside was dangerous. Did they get hungry? Was there enough to eat for two weeks? Stay in the will of God regardless of how difficult it may get.
Israel's armies were gathered around the city. As they marched around the city on the first day, the citizens of Jericho must have felt panic raising up in their hearts. How did they sleep knowing they were about to be destroyed? Six days go by and the daily marching continues. The daily reminder that destruction is near. Unable to flee in any direction for the city was shut up tight and there was nowhere to run. Even attempting to flee the city meant leaving what little protection it offered and possibly walking right into the waiting arms of Israel. Panic, anxiety, pressure, both mental and emotional anguish bringing on the harsh physical side effects that come with it. In Rahab's house there is peace. Where do I dwell on a daily basis?
Visit Revival Baptist Church - Scranton, PA
Set Heart
Deut. 32:46-47
(Deu 32:46) And he said unto them, Set your hearts unto all the words which I testify among you this day, which ye shall command your children to observe to do, all the words of this law.
(Deu 32:47) For it is not a vain thing for you; because it is your life: and through this thing ye shall prolong your days in the land, whither ye go over Jordan to possess it.
As I learn about the way God has made me, I realize that His appeals to me, His call to me, the place of my problems is in that which I have control of. Set my heart to His words - "Hear, oh Israel;" - apply thine heart unto wisdom, all these are a call for me to seek the wisdom, the law, the path, the ways of the Lord. Yet I struggle with the ability to understand. I know how to seek and search. It just seems that I miss much that others have gotten.
Set my hear. Not just hearing, observing, and understanding, but it is also doing. it is not enough to know the way, I have no benefit if I don't go the way as well. What profit is there if I know investing in a stock will return a large profit and i don't do it? The satisfaction of being right? There is no benefit in that other than building my pride and puffing me up.
Of course doing can not be the end of the matter. how much good is it to live in the fullness of life and not tell others how to do so? I can not really be walking in the law of God if I'm not telling others how they can escape the bondage of this life also. The command was not just to the Levites, the priests; but to the entire congregation. It has not changed.
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(Deu 32:46) And he said unto them, Set your hearts unto all the words which I testify among you this day, which ye shall command your children to observe to do, all the words of this law.
(Deu 32:47) For it is not a vain thing for you; because it is your life: and through this thing ye shall prolong your days in the land, whither ye go over Jordan to possess it.
As I learn about the way God has made me, I realize that His appeals to me, His call to me, the place of my problems is in that which I have control of. Set my heart to His words - "Hear, oh Israel;" - apply thine heart unto wisdom, all these are a call for me to seek the wisdom, the law, the path, the ways of the Lord. Yet I struggle with the ability to understand. I know how to seek and search. It just seems that I miss much that others have gotten.
Set my hear. Not just hearing, observing, and understanding, but it is also doing. it is not enough to know the way, I have no benefit if I don't go the way as well. What profit is there if I know investing in a stock will return a large profit and i don't do it? The satisfaction of being right? There is no benefit in that other than building my pride and puffing me up.
Of course doing can not be the end of the matter. how much good is it to live in the fullness of life and not tell others how to do so? I can not really be walking in the law of God if I'm not telling others how they can escape the bondage of this life also. The command was not just to the Levites, the priests; but to the entire congregation. It has not changed.
Visit Revival Baptist Church - Scranton, PA
Sunday, March 22, 2009
Overtaken
Deu 28:2
And all these blessings shall come on thee, and overtake thee, if thou shalt hearken unto the voice of the LORD thy God.
We heard a message yesterday that concluded with the speaker talking about goodness and mercy following us all the days of our lives and how God occasionally causes them to catch us. I thought about how occasionally when we fall, stumble, or get knocked down, slowed down, brought down, that goodness and mercy are right there, not far behind, and immediately we are ministered to by that which we need.
the Bible speaks of those who are overtaken in a fault and the fact that we can be overcome with sorrow. The enemy may do these things, or may want to do these things, but there is more for us. Normally being overtaken is a bad thing: like a warrior being overtaken by his enemy and destroyed. Here God says we will be overtaken by His blessings. What a joyous message that is!
To overtake means to catch in a pursuit and to come upon, fall upon (to destruction) after catching. All the blessings previously mentioned in chapter 27 would overtake the Jews IF they hearkened to the voice of the Lord God. The blessings would pursue them, catch them, and fall upon them. I've never seen a blessing destroy somebody. As great as destruction is when an enemy overtakes his foe, so much the more is the building up, the rejoicing, and the gain of the person who is overtaken with the blessings of God. I must be careful to remember where that blessing came from and to acknowledge Him in everything lest I think that my own arm has gotten it, become vain in my imagination, and be the recipient of chastisement instead. My aim then, should be to follow my Lord, even to the picking up of my cross, taking His yoke upon me, and endure that His blessings may overtake me. I know from personal experience that He will cause them to do so.
Visit Revival Baptist Church - Scranton, PA
And all these blessings shall come on thee, and overtake thee, if thou shalt hearken unto the voice of the LORD thy God.
We heard a message yesterday that concluded with the speaker talking about goodness and mercy following us all the days of our lives and how God occasionally causes them to catch us. I thought about how occasionally when we fall, stumble, or get knocked down, slowed down, brought down, that goodness and mercy are right there, not far behind, and immediately we are ministered to by that which we need.
the Bible speaks of those who are overtaken in a fault and the fact that we can be overcome with sorrow. The enemy may do these things, or may want to do these things, but there is more for us. Normally being overtaken is a bad thing: like a warrior being overtaken by his enemy and destroyed. Here God says we will be overtaken by His blessings. What a joyous message that is!
To overtake means to catch in a pursuit and to come upon, fall upon (to destruction) after catching. All the blessings previously mentioned in chapter 27 would overtake the Jews IF they hearkened to the voice of the Lord God. The blessings would pursue them, catch them, and fall upon them. I've never seen a blessing destroy somebody. As great as destruction is when an enemy overtakes his foe, so much the more is the building up, the rejoicing, and the gain of the person who is overtaken with the blessings of God. I must be careful to remember where that blessing came from and to acknowledge Him in everything lest I think that my own arm has gotten it, become vain in my imagination, and be the recipient of chastisement instead. My aim then, should be to follow my Lord, even to the picking up of my cross, taking His yoke upon me, and endure that His blessings may overtake me. I know from personal experience that He will cause them to do so.
Visit Revival Baptist Church - Scranton, PA
Thursday, March 12, 2009
Rejoice In This Also
Deut. 12:7, 18
"Ye shall rejoice in all that you put your hand unto,". Is that a promise or a command? A promise, I believe. Initially I thought it was a command to be followed. To a degree it is. I can choose to quench the Spirit and walk around mumbling and grumbling about the situation and circumstances I find myself in. Why? Who wants to be miserable. God's mercies are new every morning. Every morning is full of light and fresh air! Sound like paradise? It is. Sound like a fantasy land? It is. Sound like I'm a dreamer? I am. So was Joseph. I believe God will do what He said He will do.
I am guilty of grieving the Spirit. I am guilty at looking things from the eyes of my flesh and my selfishness said it is a bad thing. That's where frustration, anger, discontentment, and depression begin to set in. I was frustrated last week over the circumstance I was in. None of it my own doing, so my discontentment couldn't have been with me. It wasn't my bosses doing, he assigned the location to me, but had no idea what would develop. It was no person's doing, so my discontentment, anger, frustration although at the time I would've denied it, could only be directed at God. I blamed others, but God's interpretation could only be that I think He messed up.
When I read this passage I think mainly of working in a vocation. If I find myself unable to rejoice in my vocation it is possible I have the wrong one. That I'm working in a vocation that is outside of God's will and I need to change it. However, its also possible that I'm right where God has put me and I'm simply finding fault where I should be giving thanks. What I put my hand unto vocationally is what allows me to bring the tithe and offerings into the storehouse. It is what provides my meat, shelter, and clothing. More accurately it is the vessel through which God has chosen to provide those things for me. Why in the world would I do anything but rejoice? What a slap in God's face!
There are other things that I put my hand unto. There are things that I need to do around the house, we typically call them chores. Teenagers are famous for grumbling about those. I know how unappreciative that makes me think they are to be eating the food God has provided them through me. I know how unappreciative that makes me feel they are for the house, the bed, the clothes, the cars, the sofa, all the things God has provided for us that they enjoy. I often take it as a personal insult. How much more must God take it? He's the one who really has provided, with holding not His only begotten Son.
My chores around the house are opportunities. All for different things, but in my case in particular to show God's provision for us. The things that need to be done around the church, cleaning, bus ministry, Sunday School, unplugging toilets, fixing sewage lines, changing light bulbs, some seeming to be grand and glorious, some lousy and laborious (there go the rhymes again) are all opportunities and reasons to rejoice. God provides for me and others in all that I do. Complaining about it whether out loud or not, is complaining against God. Lord help me to confess this and be cleansed by the blood of Jesus Christ. You are awesome and faithful to keep your promises. I love You!
Visit Revival Baptist Church - Scranton, PA
"Ye shall rejoice in all that you put your hand unto,". Is that a promise or a command? A promise, I believe. Initially I thought it was a command to be followed. To a degree it is. I can choose to quench the Spirit and walk around mumbling and grumbling about the situation and circumstances I find myself in. Why? Who wants to be miserable. God's mercies are new every morning. Every morning is full of light and fresh air! Sound like paradise? It is. Sound like a fantasy land? It is. Sound like I'm a dreamer? I am. So was Joseph. I believe God will do what He said He will do.
I am guilty of grieving the Spirit. I am guilty at looking things from the eyes of my flesh and my selfishness said it is a bad thing. That's where frustration, anger, discontentment, and depression begin to set in. I was frustrated last week over the circumstance I was in. None of it my own doing, so my discontentment couldn't have been with me. It wasn't my bosses doing, he assigned the location to me, but had no idea what would develop. It was no person's doing, so my discontentment, anger, frustration although at the time I would've denied it, could only be directed at God. I blamed others, but God's interpretation could only be that I think He messed up.
When I read this passage I think mainly of working in a vocation. If I find myself unable to rejoice in my vocation it is possible I have the wrong one. That I'm working in a vocation that is outside of God's will and I need to change it. However, its also possible that I'm right where God has put me and I'm simply finding fault where I should be giving thanks. What I put my hand unto vocationally is what allows me to bring the tithe and offerings into the storehouse. It is what provides my meat, shelter, and clothing. More accurately it is the vessel through which God has chosen to provide those things for me. Why in the world would I do anything but rejoice? What a slap in God's face!
There are other things that I put my hand unto. There are things that I need to do around the house, we typically call them chores. Teenagers are famous for grumbling about those. I know how unappreciative that makes me think they are to be eating the food God has provided them through me. I know how unappreciative that makes me feel they are for the house, the bed, the clothes, the cars, the sofa, all the things God has provided for us that they enjoy. I often take it as a personal insult. How much more must God take it? He's the one who really has provided, with holding not His only begotten Son.
My chores around the house are opportunities. All for different things, but in my case in particular to show God's provision for us. The things that need to be done around the church, cleaning, bus ministry, Sunday School, unplugging toilets, fixing sewage lines, changing light bulbs, some seeming to be grand and glorious, some lousy and laborious (there go the rhymes again) are all opportunities and reasons to rejoice. God provides for me and others in all that I do. Complaining about it whether out loud or not, is complaining against God. Lord help me to confess this and be cleansed by the blood of Jesus Christ. You are awesome and faithful to keep your promises. I love You!
Visit Revival Baptist Church - Scranton, PA
Wednesday, March 11, 2009
Do
Deut. 6:3
There was a certain man who was given a large parcel of land decided try his hand at farming. Wait a minute, that's the start of yet another poem.
There was a certain man,
who was given a parcel of land,
and decided to try his hand
at farming.
That's just plain scary. Anyway, He didn't know how to start, but his dream was set in his heart, "praying," he thought, "would be smart." After all, it couldn't hurt anything. Oh, oh; Not again:
He didn't know just how to start,
but the dream was in his heart.
"Praying," he thought, "would be smart,
not harming."
Oh boy. I could be in trouble here.
He prayed that God would seed,
plant, water, and also feed,
providing always for all his need.
How charming.
He didn't get out and till the land,
He never even lifted a hand
Praying, it seemed was all his plan.
Alarming.
Somehow it had all worked out.
A crop one day began to sprout.
the man laughing said, "I had no doubt."
Disarming.
Now its time to harvest the crop,
his refusal to work just wouldn't stop,
It withered and died right in the stock.
No farming.
Oh well, like it or not that little story is meant to illustrate the fact that hearing the word of God and not doing anything as a result is a lot like the would be farmer. Everything he needed was there. He did nothing to cause the crop to grow, God made it happen and all the fruit of the crop was there for the taking. The riches of God's word is here for me to take as well. The blessings of harvesting the crop are right there. I did nothing to deserve them, all I need to do to claim them is do. I can believe that they are there, just as the man in the story could look out his window and believe the crop was there for him, but if I don't get out and do the things necessary to harvest it, I won't receive it.
Faith without works is dead. James 2:20
Visit Revival Baptist Church - Scranton, PA
There was a certain man who was given a large parcel of land decided try his hand at farming. Wait a minute, that's the start of yet another poem.
There was a certain man,
who was given a parcel of land,
and decided to try his hand
at farming.
That's just plain scary. Anyway, He didn't know how to start, but his dream was set in his heart, "praying," he thought, "would be smart." After all, it couldn't hurt anything. Oh, oh; Not again:
He didn't know just how to start,
but the dream was in his heart.
"Praying," he thought, "would be smart,
not harming."
Oh boy. I could be in trouble here.
He prayed that God would seed,
plant, water, and also feed,
providing always for all his need.
How charming.
He didn't get out and till the land,
He never even lifted a hand
Praying, it seemed was all his plan.
Alarming.
Somehow it had all worked out.
A crop one day began to sprout.
the man laughing said, "I had no doubt."
Disarming.
Now its time to harvest the crop,
his refusal to work just wouldn't stop,
It withered and died right in the stock.
No farming.
Oh well, like it or not that little story is meant to illustrate the fact that hearing the word of God and not doing anything as a result is a lot like the would be farmer. Everything he needed was there. He did nothing to cause the crop to grow, God made it happen and all the fruit of the crop was there for the taking. The riches of God's word is here for me to take as well. The blessings of harvesting the crop are right there. I did nothing to deserve them, all I need to do to claim them is do. I can believe that they are there, just as the man in the story could look out his window and believe the crop was there for him, but if I don't get out and do the things necessary to harvest it, I won't receive it.
Faith without works is dead. James 2:20
Visit Revival Baptist Church - Scranton, PA
Tuesday, March 10, 2009
Hear
Deut. 6:3
I sometimes struggle with my memory. It's not a difficult struggle as there's not much there to struggle with. Think about it for a second, you'll get it eventually.
At any rate, I remember a joke we used to tell in elementary school when making fun of someone for an act of stupidity. It went like this: "When God was handing out brains, Johnny thought He said 'rain' and said he didn't want any" Look, its not the meanest thing I've ever said, and I was in elementary school. Maybe Johnny should have listened a little closer.
Hear. It takes more than just being in the same room or vicinity of a speaker. Hearing is more than the automatic function of the ears God has given us. It involves the brain as well. In order for me to hear God's commands, instructions, guidance, chastisement, or encouragement I must engage my mind in the process.
Its possible to listen to someone speak and not hear them at all. I do it all the time. Just ask my wife. When she wants to talk to me, I have to make her shut the television off because, although I'll listen to what she's saying, I'll hear the TV. I love my wife, I really dislike TV, but the path of least resistance is mindlessly listening to the TV.
When I listen to a sermon, what's my mind paying attention to? When I read the word of God, what am I thinking about? Do I actively engage in receiving what God is trying to give me or am I doing something for the sake of doing it? "I did my duty for the week, I went to church." Oh, its ease to believe that I'd never adopt that attitude, but have I already? What about Bible reading. I want to read through my Bible twice this year in an effort to be washed, my mind cleansed by the word of God. I often find myself reading at the speed of light just so I can get through it and stay on course. It's like taking a shower a with a rain coat on.
I remember when I was first saved. I read through the Bible, cover to cover in just 3 months. I was hungry for the word of God. Like a new born babe desiring the sincere milk of the word. As I read I was searching for what God would show me. My appetite for the word of God was nothing short of voracious, ravenous, insatiable. That's what I need to get back to in my personal time. It's personal, I need to get it there again.
Faith comes by HEARING (Rom. 10:17) . Actively involving my soul in the process. I am to love the Lord my God with all my heart, soul, and mind (Matt. 22:37) and that's what it takes to really hear. Maybe I need to slow down sometimes. Maybe I need to stop sometimes. Maybe I just need to be still and know that He is God (Ps. 46:10)
Visit Revival Baptist Church - Scranton, PA
I sometimes struggle with my memory. It's not a difficult struggle as there's not much there to struggle with. Think about it for a second, you'll get it eventually.
At any rate, I remember a joke we used to tell in elementary school when making fun of someone for an act of stupidity. It went like this: "When God was handing out brains, Johnny thought He said 'rain' and said he didn't want any" Look, its not the meanest thing I've ever said, and I was in elementary school. Maybe Johnny should have listened a little closer.
Hear. It takes more than just being in the same room or vicinity of a speaker. Hearing is more than the automatic function of the ears God has given us. It involves the brain as well. In order for me to hear God's commands, instructions, guidance, chastisement, or encouragement I must engage my mind in the process.
Its possible to listen to someone speak and not hear them at all. I do it all the time. Just ask my wife. When she wants to talk to me, I have to make her shut the television off because, although I'll listen to what she's saying, I'll hear the TV. I love my wife, I really dislike TV, but the path of least resistance is mindlessly listening to the TV.
When I listen to a sermon, what's my mind paying attention to? When I read the word of God, what am I thinking about? Do I actively engage in receiving what God is trying to give me or am I doing something for the sake of doing it? "I did my duty for the week, I went to church." Oh, its ease to believe that I'd never adopt that attitude, but have I already? What about Bible reading. I want to read through my Bible twice this year in an effort to be washed, my mind cleansed by the word of God. I often find myself reading at the speed of light just so I can get through it and stay on course. It's like taking a shower a with a rain coat on.
I remember when I was first saved. I read through the Bible, cover to cover in just 3 months. I was hungry for the word of God. Like a new born babe desiring the sincere milk of the word. As I read I was searching for what God would show me. My appetite for the word of God was nothing short of voracious, ravenous, insatiable. That's what I need to get back to in my personal time. It's personal, I need to get it there again.
Faith comes by HEARING (Rom. 10:17) . Actively involving my soul in the process. I am to love the Lord my God with all my heart, soul, and mind (Matt. 22:37) and that's what it takes to really hear. Maybe I need to slow down sometimes. Maybe I need to stop sometimes. Maybe I just need to be still and know that He is God (Ps. 46:10)
Visit Revival Baptist Church - Scranton, PA
Sunday, March 8, 2009
On a More Personal Note
This last week seemed unusually difficult. I'm not sure why. I became depressed. I didn't realize the problem until tonight as I sat in our church services wondering why it seemed that I was so far away from God. I realized that I was depressed. I then thought about how I was going to deal with it. I reviewed some options, but the only one I really liked was to see God crush it. I mean, no one can conquer like He can conquer. Satisfied I had the answer, I turned back to listening to the sermon. It couldn't have been more than a few minutes later when I tried to remember my previous thoughts and found that I struggled to do so. When God finally gave them back to me, I decided I'd better write them down. I tried not to do it, but the words came out as a poem.
I have no Bible study to offer today, but perhaps this will help someone as it did me. May you find the love, peace, joy, strength, mercy, and grace of God through Jesus Christ our Lord to be sufficient for you.
Wow! Don't you just love God? Makes me want to shout; "PRAISE GOD!!"
Visit Revival Baptist Church - Scranton, PA
I have no Bible study to offer today, but perhaps this will help someone as it did me. May you find the love, peace, joy, strength, mercy, and grace of God through Jesus Christ our Lord to be sufficient for you.
Depression comes from all around.
Attacks, it seems to bring me down.
I could fight and for a time,
perhaps some victory be mine.
Alas I fear that though I win,
the same strong foe would come again.
Repeatedly the darts are tossed,
until exhausted I have lost.
'Tis far better to turn to Christ;
who for my victory sacrificed,
so then in Him I conquer all,
and in His strength shall never fall.
Attacks, it seems to bring me down.
I could fight and for a time,
perhaps some victory be mine.
Alas I fear that though I win,
the same strong foe would come again.
Repeatedly the darts are tossed,
until exhausted I have lost.
'Tis far better to turn to Christ;
who for my victory sacrificed,
so then in Him I conquer all,
and in His strength shall never fall.
Wow! Don't you just love God? Makes me want to shout; "PRAISE GOD!!"
Visit Revival Baptist Church - Scranton, PA
Friday, March 6, 2009
Drive 'em Out
Num. 33:52-55
I have been given a new life in Christ (2Cor. 5:17). In order to fully inhabit this life, to receive the full benefits of it, to be completely free from the bondage that destroys, I must drive out the former inhabitants of my life. In order for me to have full victory I must drive out all the inhabitants. I must purge myself of the things that would hold me back from the fullness of freedom God has for me. Destroy all their pictures. These are the things that cause me to lust after what is pictured in it. Alcohol problem? Pictures spark that thought in my mind. Nicotine addiction? A picture will bring that desire back. Pornography, even a mild hint from a clothing advertisement can set it off. Drug addiction, romance, riches, possessions, leading you astray? Destroy all their pictures. Remove them from my land, my heart, my sight, my mind. This includes moving pictures. Television, movies, whatsoever brings that lust or desire back up I need to remove from my presence, or myself from it. What about old photo albums? Yes, anything that contributes to my bondage. Look away if it's all I can do, but be separated from it as soon as possible.
Destroy all their molten images. All shrines, all statues, all paraphernalia, all reminders of the old life. Remove them from my presence where I may legally do so. Get rid of lighters, shirts, mirrors, lights, and all the garbage that goes with the addiction.
Their high places. Where did I go to fellowship with that thing which is now my enemy? Where do those who commit the same go? Get away from it. Remove it from my life, from my routine. Was it a store, a corner, a street, a house? Destroy it from my heart, my mind, my routine, my life. Keep it from me, and me from it. I will have enough of a struggle just from my flesh without inviting in those people or things that will tempt me to an even greater degree.
If I don't do so, I will constantly be drug back down. I will constantly be hurt by the former things, I will constantly have to battle. God will only give me victory if I am willing to utterly destroy the things in my land. Without Him I can not win. I will be left to fight in my flesh and I will fair no better now than I did then. The deeper I go back into the bondage that God had set me free from, the harsher His dealing and chastisement.
Visit Revival Baptist Church - Scranton, PA
I have been given a new life in Christ (2Cor. 5:17). In order to fully inhabit this life, to receive the full benefits of it, to be completely free from the bondage that destroys, I must drive out the former inhabitants of my life. In order for me to have full victory I must drive out all the inhabitants. I must purge myself of the things that would hold me back from the fullness of freedom God has for me. Destroy all their pictures. These are the things that cause me to lust after what is pictured in it. Alcohol problem? Pictures spark that thought in my mind. Nicotine addiction? A picture will bring that desire back. Pornography, even a mild hint from a clothing advertisement can set it off. Drug addiction, romance, riches, possessions, leading you astray? Destroy all their pictures. Remove them from my land, my heart, my sight, my mind. This includes moving pictures. Television, movies, whatsoever brings that lust or desire back up I need to remove from my presence, or myself from it. What about old photo albums? Yes, anything that contributes to my bondage. Look away if it's all I can do, but be separated from it as soon as possible.
Destroy all their molten images. All shrines, all statues, all paraphernalia, all reminders of the old life. Remove them from my presence where I may legally do so. Get rid of lighters, shirts, mirrors, lights, and all the garbage that goes with the addiction.
Their high places. Where did I go to fellowship with that thing which is now my enemy? Where do those who commit the same go? Get away from it. Remove it from my life, from my routine. Was it a store, a corner, a street, a house? Destroy it from my heart, my mind, my routine, my life. Keep it from me, and me from it. I will have enough of a struggle just from my flesh without inviting in those people or things that will tempt me to an even greater degree.
If I don't do so, I will constantly be drug back down. I will constantly be hurt by the former things, I will constantly have to battle. God will only give me victory if I am willing to utterly destroy the things in my land. Without Him I can not win. I will be left to fight in my flesh and I will fair no better now than I did then. The deeper I go back into the bondage that God had set me free from, the harsher His dealing and chastisement.
Visit Revival Baptist Church - Scranton, PA
Thursday, March 5, 2009
Fight!
Jude 3
I didn't notice before how the book of Jude is all about a very fierce battle with an opponent. This is a real, physical, opponent. Men (and I'm sure women) who creep into the church for the purpose of overthrowing the faith of many and denying the only Lord God. It's a slow process. A little misdirection here, a little there, and slowly, methodically, determinedly, they lead people astray. Not that their salvation may be lost, but that their testimony becomes completely ineffective, they lose rewards in heaven, and even more destructively many who could have been lead to salvation in Christ are missed. It is a deliberate attack on the Jesus Christ through His church.
Although the enemy is manifest in physical form, it is still not a physical battle. It is a mental one. The only way we can win is to renew our minds daily (Rom. 12:2). The psychology of this world is strong. It appeals to human reason in such a way as to make it impossible to resist through our own logic. When I contemplate the logic, the reasoning, the arguments that the world presents I can find no reason on earth to disagree. If I allow myself to dwell on these for long I will be swayed. Learn not the way of the heathen (Jer. 10:2). Don't study them, don't look to them, don't attempt to get an understanding of them in order to win them over or present a winning argument, don't start down that path. God's foolishness is wiser than the wisdom of this world. There are some ways of the heathen I see and observe as I walk through this world. Don't meditate on them. Don't consider them. Consider the end thereof, but not the ways. There is a way that seemeth right unto a man, but the end thereof are the ways of death (Pr. 14:12). Renew my mind in the Holy Word of God my Saviour!
FAITH is based on evidence, but the object of it can not be proven else faith is not faith but sight! Get Real! Will I live by faith or sight? FAITH! It is the only way victory can be had. Will I be vindicated, proven right, while on this earth? Maybe not. Should it matter? No! The rich and the poor meet together (death), as it happens to the fool, so it also happens to the wise (Ecc. 2:14-15). No man can escape death, and no man can take the earthly fruits of his labor with him through death into eternity. Only the judgment remains. It is here that I will most assuredly be vindicated as I walk in faith. My flesh wants to follow the world's ways.
RECKLESS ABANDON. That's what the world would say of a man who is completely given over to Christ. Not irresponsible, but unconcerned about worldly wealth, and welfare. Here is the fight. Watch, Stand fast, quit like men, be strong (1Cor 16:13), gird up the loins of your mind, be sober (1Pet 1:13), be vigilant, because your adversary the devil, as a roaring lion walketh about seeking whom he may devour (1Pet. 5:8)
Visit Revival Baptist Church - Scranton, PA
I didn't notice before how the book of Jude is all about a very fierce battle with an opponent. This is a real, physical, opponent. Men (and I'm sure women) who creep into the church for the purpose of overthrowing the faith of many and denying the only Lord God. It's a slow process. A little misdirection here, a little there, and slowly, methodically, determinedly, they lead people astray. Not that their salvation may be lost, but that their testimony becomes completely ineffective, they lose rewards in heaven, and even more destructively many who could have been lead to salvation in Christ are missed. It is a deliberate attack on the Jesus Christ through His church.
Although the enemy is manifest in physical form, it is still not a physical battle. It is a mental one. The only way we can win is to renew our minds daily (Rom. 12:2). The psychology of this world is strong. It appeals to human reason in such a way as to make it impossible to resist through our own logic. When I contemplate the logic, the reasoning, the arguments that the world presents I can find no reason on earth to disagree. If I allow myself to dwell on these for long I will be swayed. Learn not the way of the heathen (Jer. 10:2). Don't study them, don't look to them, don't attempt to get an understanding of them in order to win them over or present a winning argument, don't start down that path. God's foolishness is wiser than the wisdom of this world. There are some ways of the heathen I see and observe as I walk through this world. Don't meditate on them. Don't consider them. Consider the end thereof, but not the ways. There is a way that seemeth right unto a man, but the end thereof are the ways of death (Pr. 14:12). Renew my mind in the Holy Word of God my Saviour!
FAITH is based on evidence, but the object of it can not be proven else faith is not faith but sight! Get Real! Will I live by faith or sight? FAITH! It is the only way victory can be had. Will I be vindicated, proven right, while on this earth? Maybe not. Should it matter? No! The rich and the poor meet together (death), as it happens to the fool, so it also happens to the wise (Ecc. 2:14-15). No man can escape death, and no man can take the earthly fruits of his labor with him through death into eternity. Only the judgment remains. It is here that I will most assuredly be vindicated as I walk in faith. My flesh wants to follow the world's ways.
RECKLESS ABANDON. That's what the world would say of a man who is completely given over to Christ. Not irresponsible, but unconcerned about worldly wealth, and welfare. Here is the fight. Watch, Stand fast, quit like men, be strong (1Cor 16:13), gird up the loins of your mind, be sober (1Pet 1:13), be vigilant, because your adversary the devil, as a roaring lion walketh about seeking whom he may devour (1Pet. 5:8)
Visit Revival Baptist Church - Scranton, PA
Wednesday, March 4, 2009
Safety In Shadows?
Ps. 57:1
When trouble comes, where do I hide? When difficulty, distress, doubt and discouragement are all I can see and protection, shelter, covering, are needed, where will I find it? A shadow is such a odd thing to find protection, assurance, shelter. It's not tangible, it's not physical, it has no substance whatsoever. Nor can a shadow completely hide me. Would I turn there?
David did. A shadow an indication of something tangible, real, and able to provide the protection, shelter, and comfort that I need. A shadow is truly evidence that all can see. Although many may intentionally misinterpret that evidence, they can see it. My enemy may not believe the evidence is pointing to God, but that does not matter. What matters is truth. Whether I believe it or anyone believes it, truth will triumph over error always.
It's not the shadow that protects me. The shadow is only evidence of Him in whom I trust. Can I find that evidence? Yes, the earth is full of the glory of God (Isa. 6:3). The question is, will I be able to recognize it, to rightly understand it, to believe? If I live in the good times thinking that by my own hand I have gotten the things I have, both needs and wants, I will find it very difficult to find the shadow of God's wing. If I have failed to praise Him for His infinite mercy and grace, for His answering my prayers, for His supply of my needs and desires, I will have a very difficult time making my refuge in the shadow of His wings. If I credit myself, my circumstances, my friends, my relatives, or even my enemies for where I am today, I will struggle to find the shadow of the wings of God. Prepare now.
Some trust in chariots, and some in horses: but we will remember the name of the Lord our God. Ps. 20:7
Visit Revival Baptist Church - Scranton, PA
When trouble comes, where do I hide? When difficulty, distress, doubt and discouragement are all I can see and protection, shelter, covering, are needed, where will I find it? A shadow is such a odd thing to find protection, assurance, shelter. It's not tangible, it's not physical, it has no substance whatsoever. Nor can a shadow completely hide me. Would I turn there?
David did. A shadow an indication of something tangible, real, and able to provide the protection, shelter, and comfort that I need. A shadow is truly evidence that all can see. Although many may intentionally misinterpret that evidence, they can see it. My enemy may not believe the evidence is pointing to God, but that does not matter. What matters is truth. Whether I believe it or anyone believes it, truth will triumph over error always.
It's not the shadow that protects me. The shadow is only evidence of Him in whom I trust. Can I find that evidence? Yes, the earth is full of the glory of God (Isa. 6:3). The question is, will I be able to recognize it, to rightly understand it, to believe? If I live in the good times thinking that by my own hand I have gotten the things I have, both needs and wants, I will find it very difficult to find the shadow of God's wing. If I have failed to praise Him for His infinite mercy and grace, for His answering my prayers, for His supply of my needs and desires, I will have a very difficult time making my refuge in the shadow of His wings. If I credit myself, my circumstances, my friends, my relatives, or even my enemies for where I am today, I will struggle to find the shadow of the wings of God. Prepare now.
Some trust in chariots, and some in horses: but we will remember the name of the Lord our God. Ps. 20:7
Visit Revival Baptist Church - Scranton, PA
Tuesday, March 3, 2009
Let
Col. 3:15-16
Why is it that I am constantly trying to make things happen? I have to work, I have to accomplish tasks that contribute to the achieving of a goal. I have to if I want to achieve the goal anyway. I've become so accustomed to trying to make things happen that I make the mistake of thinking without my effort, nothing good will happen in my life.
"If ye then be risen with Christ," am I? Of course, there is no doubt. Seek: there's an action word. A word that tells me to do something and suggests that unless I do it, I won't get the rewards or things I am to seek out. Jesus said that if I seek I will find (Matt. 7:7), suggesting that if I don't seek I won't find. So, if I want to find something, I must seek it out. That reminds of the expression, "If you go looking for trouble, it'll find you." It's not trouble I'm looking for anymore. I'm looking for peace, security, health, strength, freedom, happiness, holiness. I want to be transformed in to the image of Christ.
Set (vs. 2) is another action word. Something I am to do. In this case it is my affections I am to set in a certain place. I will set my affections, the question is where. Mostly they are set on the things above, but sometimes... Mortify in vs 5, put off vs 8, lie not-vs. 9, put on-vs. 10, 12, and 14. All these things I am to do because I am saved, dead to the world and the lusts thereof that I should no longer walk in them.
Doing these is a fight. It is tiring. I face a lot of opposition from my flesh mostly, but from the world as well. It is tiring, it is draining. It requires diligence, alertness, effort. There things I must do.
LET- that's an effortless thing to do. It is someone else doing something and my ceasing to do it or to stop it. Let; is a very relaxing thing as long what I'm letting happen is good. When I was in Marine Corps Boot Camp we learned how to properly use a gas mask. Part of that learning meant entering into a gas chamber filled with tear gas. We entered with our gas masks on, but had to take them off while in the chamber. Holding our breath, waiting for the command to don the masks again, the gas began to sting our eyes, noses, and mouths. Once we had the masks on they had to be cleared of the gas that was in them. A couple of guys didn't do this right so their first breath with the mask on sent them running out coughing and choking on phlegm.
Regardless of how well we did clearing the mask, or how it did filtering out the gas, the air we were breathing was tainted. We couldn't wait to get outside and breath fresh air. Taking that mask off and getting my first breath of clean air was elation at it's peak. Letting that air clean out the gas that had gotten in my nose, mouth, and lungs felt great. I could have held my breath when I got outside, refusing to breath fresh air and be cleansed. I could have refused to exit the gas chamber (that would've been interesting), or I could have stayed close enough to the chamber (a tent really) that I couldn't get clean air when I breathed. That would be stupid. Not any more so than hanging on to anger, doubt, fear, stress, strife, tension, and the like when I could be free from it and let the peace of God rule in my heart.
I had to breath the clean air in order to let it work it's benefits in me. I must also take in the word of God to let it dwell in me richly. What does that mean? It means the crazy things I learn while studying the word of God, like give freely, preach the gospel in the face of adversity, deny the lusts of my flesh, live by faith, not sight. be lived out in me. It means not fighting against God in these things. Let His word dwell in me, read, study, let it in. Dwelling richly, giving the Word of God free rein in my life. That's richness. Total control. That's richness.
Visit Revival Baptist Church - Scranton, PA
Why is it that I am constantly trying to make things happen? I have to work, I have to accomplish tasks that contribute to the achieving of a goal. I have to if I want to achieve the goal anyway. I've become so accustomed to trying to make things happen that I make the mistake of thinking without my effort, nothing good will happen in my life.
"If ye then be risen with Christ," am I? Of course, there is no doubt. Seek: there's an action word. A word that tells me to do something and suggests that unless I do it, I won't get the rewards or things I am to seek out. Jesus said that if I seek I will find (Matt. 7:7), suggesting that if I don't seek I won't find. So, if I want to find something, I must seek it out. That reminds of the expression, "If you go looking for trouble, it'll find you." It's not trouble I'm looking for anymore. I'm looking for peace, security, health, strength, freedom, happiness, holiness. I want to be transformed in to the image of Christ.
Set (vs. 2) is another action word. Something I am to do. In this case it is my affections I am to set in a certain place. I will set my affections, the question is where. Mostly they are set on the things above, but sometimes... Mortify in vs 5, put off vs 8, lie not-vs. 9, put on-vs. 10, 12, and 14. All these things I am to do because I am saved, dead to the world and the lusts thereof that I should no longer walk in them.
Doing these is a fight. It is tiring. I face a lot of opposition from my flesh mostly, but from the world as well. It is tiring, it is draining. It requires diligence, alertness, effort. There things I must do.
LET- that's an effortless thing to do. It is someone else doing something and my ceasing to do it or to stop it. Let; is a very relaxing thing as long what I'm letting happen is good. When I was in Marine Corps Boot Camp we learned how to properly use a gas mask. Part of that learning meant entering into a gas chamber filled with tear gas. We entered with our gas masks on, but had to take them off while in the chamber. Holding our breath, waiting for the command to don the masks again, the gas began to sting our eyes, noses, and mouths. Once we had the masks on they had to be cleared of the gas that was in them. A couple of guys didn't do this right so their first breath with the mask on sent them running out coughing and choking on phlegm.
Regardless of how well we did clearing the mask, or how it did filtering out the gas, the air we were breathing was tainted. We couldn't wait to get outside and breath fresh air. Taking that mask off and getting my first breath of clean air was elation at it's peak. Letting that air clean out the gas that had gotten in my nose, mouth, and lungs felt great. I could have held my breath when I got outside, refusing to breath fresh air and be cleansed. I could have refused to exit the gas chamber (that would've been interesting), or I could have stayed close enough to the chamber (a tent really) that I couldn't get clean air when I breathed. That would be stupid. Not any more so than hanging on to anger, doubt, fear, stress, strife, tension, and the like when I could be free from it and let the peace of God rule in my heart.
I had to breath the clean air in order to let it work it's benefits in me. I must also take in the word of God to let it dwell in me richly. What does that mean? It means the crazy things I learn while studying the word of God, like give freely, preach the gospel in the face of adversity, deny the lusts of my flesh, live by faith, not sight. be lived out in me. It means not fighting against God in these things. Let His word dwell in me, read, study, let it in. Dwelling richly, giving the Word of God free rein in my life. That's richness. Total control. That's richness.
Visit Revival Baptist Church - Scranton, PA
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