The Mark

- Ezekiel 9:4 And the Lord said unto him, Go through the midst of the city, through the midst of Jerusalem, and set a mark upon the foreheads of the men that sigh and that cry for all the abominations that be done in the midst thereof.   (KJB)

I love how all Scripture fits together.  Just prior to the thorough judgment of Israel, God sends a messenger to put a mark, or a seal on the foreheads of those who shall escape judgment.  All those without the mark will be destroyed.  Who gets the mark?

Those who hunger and thirst after righteousness.  Look at them sitting at the gates of their homes observing the great abominations being done in the streets of this town.  Just up the street and to the left a little is a man and a woman discussing payment for sex.  Next door is a man and woman living together as husband and wife: they are not married. They're raising four children who are growing up to do worse things than that.  Just across the street lives a man with one of the most vile vocabularies a person could ever hear, and he uses it as loudly as he possibly can as he's normally in a drunken stupor.  Down the street just a little bit are two men defiantly walking hand in hand.  They live together in a homosexual relationship which has recently been condoned by society, but God still hates the abominable act.  One needn't walk to far to find people buying and selling all manner of substances that, when taken make a person feel as if they can do anything, or see incredible things that aren't really there at all, or completely remove them from reality and leave them sitting in a hollow stupor for hours.  These folks are just a shell of the person they used to be, and young children are discovering the power of these things and destroying their future.  Lust and greed are so rampant throughout the city that murders, rapes, robberies, and theft are no longed shocking to hear about.  Kids are raised to kill without feeling through the games they play.  Pornography is everywhere you look and has becomes so commonplace that it is rarely even noticed. Sound a little bit familiar?  There is no escape from the presence and power of sin and these few sigh for the relief from it.  Their loved ones have been taken by it, and they pray for them to be restored and others to be protected.  It is unbearable.

Now the releif is coming.  Sin is going to be removed in judgment, and those who cling to it will receive the judgment as well.  Those who hunger and thirst after righteousness will be marked for protection.  They will receive a seal from God in their foreheads, just like the hundred and forty four thousand in Revelation 7:3.  What will this mark look like?  Is it just a dot, a line, or maybe a word?  How will the men executing the judgment know the difference between that mark, and any other mark that a person may have?  It will be, it must be a unique mark that can not be immitated.  It must be a mark that would be abominable to any but those who sigh and cry over the wickedness of the people.  There is only one such mark that does the job.  It is the name of God (Rev 13:6).  It is the seal of God (Eph. 4:30) placed on and in His own people unto the blessed day of redemption when all sin is judged and cast into the lake of fire, eternally removed from the presence of the city and people of God.  This is how God seals, identifies, marks his people.

Where does the judgment begin?  At house of the Lord.  Those who profess to know Him, to be His: who enter into His house and falsely put on the wedding garments will first be removed from His presence and cast into outer darkness.  Claims and professions won't matter.  Be not decieved, God is not mocked.  The judgment will begin at the house of the Lord and will be executed by man in the form of persecution against the church of God during the 70th week of Daniel, and will grow more intense when that man of sin is revealed and the temple is desecrated with his abominable image.  All those who have not the seal of God will scatter from the church they once claimed to love.  All those who have not the seal of God will even turn against the church they once claimed to love, choosing rather the pleasures of sin for a season, leaving only a shining remnant of those who have been sealed by the Lord Jesus Christ.  These will escape the judgment of God.  These will escape the wrath of the Lamb.  All others will be slaughtered, and have their part in the lake of fire for all eternity where their worm dieth not, and the fire is not quenched, and where will be only weeping and gnashing of teeth.

Ready or not, here it comes!

This Is My Story?

Lamentations 2:15

- This speaks of a life that was once filled with the glory of God, and now brings the question, "Is this the one who once had great joy, peace, victory, and security?  Is this the one who was untouchable by despair?  Is this the end of all those who serve God?" 

Oh let that not be my story!

Its Always the Pride

- Jeremiah 43:2
Then spake Azariah the son of Hoshaiah, and Johanan the son of Kareah, and all the proud men, saying unto Jeremiah, Thou speakest falsely: the Lᴏʀᴅ our God hath not sent thee to say, Go not into Egypt to sojourn there:   (KJV)

Is it a wonder God resists the proud?  Pride resists God.  These men had made up their minds to go to Egypt before Jeremiah came to them with the Word of the Lord telling them to stay put.  It is highly probable that they had already determined to go to Egypt before cnsulting with Jeremiah, and they were only expecting him to tell God to bless the venture.  Then the word of the Lord spoken by Jeremiah, His prophet contradicted those plans.  Because the men were proud, they did not accept the Word of God.

They accused Jeremiah of prophecying falsely; of joining forces with the enemy.  It was not an uncommon accusation.  Jeremiah had been accused of that several times before.  It may be that their pride was such that they did not believe God would have different direction for them.  "Our plans are so good, so solid, so well thought out that there is no way God would not approve of them."  When He did, they honestly did not believe it was the Word of the Lord.  It may be that they did believe it was God's Word (with no more faith than a grain of a mustard seed) but rejected it for their own counsel.  Have I not been guilty of both these?  INDEED!

Sometimes the will of the Lord comes via the preaching of the Word of the Lord.  Sometimes its through the reading of the Word of the Lord.  Sometimes its through prayer that is answered and summarily rejected.  Sometimes its through a person in authority over me.  No matter the method, when I reject the will of God in order to pursue my own will, wants, and desires, I am telling God He is wrong. 

- Not a good move.

NEITHER COUNT I MY LIFE DEAR UNTO MYSELF

As did the apostle Paul, so to Jeremiah does not count his life dear unto himself.  Why did these men have such power over their own bodies?  It could only be because their faith was such that they trusted God with not their soul only, but with their flesh as well. 

Oh, Lord my God!  Would You not be glorified if I had this same faith that I would totally trust Thee with the life that I now live?  Oh my Father in heaven, please cause me to live the life that I now live by the faith of the Son of God; even Thy Holy Son.

- Jeremiah 26:14 (kjvstrongs) - recorded in CadreBible 10/18/11 7:19 AM

Pressing on,

Mark Hebert
Psalm 16:11 - R U in His presence?

Powerful Shame

- Isaiah 30:3 Therefore shall the strength of Pharaoh be your shame, and the trust in the shadow of Egypt your confusion.   (KJV)

Those of us which are called by God unto Himself are obligated to trust in Him for not only those things which are spiritual, but that which is temporal as well.  God allows tribulations into our lives for the purpose of pruning, conforming, growth, and chastisement.  All of this is His design and purpose.  All of this, if we humble ourselves and allow Him to have His will in our lives will bring us closer to Him.  If that is your desire, as it is mine the best thing we can do when faced with the tribulations we will have in this world is to let Him show Himself strong on behalf of those whose heart is perfect toward Him (2Chr 16:9). 

What glorious victory He will have in our lives if we only put our trust in Him!  What powerful rejoicing born of indescribable joy in our hearts we will have if we only trust HIM! 

What theft of joy we commit against our Father in heaven, who loves us so much that he gave His only begotten Son to be tortured, beaten, and die in our place and longs to give us every good gift: promising that He will, with Christ freely give us all things (Rom 8:32), as we rob Him of giving us the joy, faith, strength, peace, and victory in Him.  What theft of glory we commit against Him who gave Himself for us when we turn to someone or something else to remove the tribulations we experience. 

What theft of rejoicing, increased faith, and growth in the knowledge and grace of our Lord, Jesus Christ we commit against ourselves.

And when we do so, our Father is obligated by His love and His word to bring us back to Him.  What chastisement must we endure at His hand before we turn back?

Pressing on,

Mark Hebert
Psalm 16:11 - R U in His presence?

Powerful Communication

- Job 23:6 Will he plead against me with his great power? No; but he would put strength in me.   (kjv)

Here Job desires to plead his case before God.  To plead for God to stay His hand; to plead that what is happening to him is worse than he deserves.  In the end, God does answer him, but that answer does not seem to be what Job was looking for in this passage.  God's answer was much more of a challenge than a strengthening.  It was more of a rebuke, more of a plea against Job than a strengthening of him.

Even so, God did not plead against him with His power.  I should be careful to not plead against people with my power, little as it may be.  There is a certain power in anger, and that is how people normally plead against one another.  Sometimes it is done from a position of power, where the one doing the communicating has power over the other; such as an employer / employee relationship.  What does it mean to plead against someone?   This is what is most often thought of as a confrontation.   When done correctly, it is a communication of opposing ideas, thoughts, and feelings.

I have often found that prior to going into a conversation, or should I say, confrontation, that I have made some presuppositions that are not necessarily true.  I have assumed that the other party only has their best interest at heart.  I have assumed that the other party has somewhere between little to negative regard for me.  I have assumed that the other party will react negatively to my view.  In short, I assume and cause myself to believe that I am going to have to fight to get my view accepted. I set myself up to act exactly the same way I assume the other person will react.

How did God plead against Job? 

First, He plead WITH Job, not against him.  Next time I am about to have a difficult conversation with someone I must remember that real success comes from being WITH that person.  Working WITH someone rather than against them will bring both of us closer to our goals, both collectively and individually.  I do not know the heart of the any person, so I must first find the common ground, the common goal, the common purpose on which I can communicate.

Second, He plead WITH Purpose:  He wanted Job to learn and grow.  He wanted to strengthen Job and prepare him for the next stage of his life. When I am trying to get my view across I would do well to consider the well being of the other party and work in THEIR best interest.

Third, He plead WITH Understanding:  To say God takes the time to know each of us would be a gross understatement.  Psalm 139:17-18 declares that the thoughts of God toward each of us individually are greater in number than the sand.  He constantly thinks of me.  He constantly watches me.  He works in my life, and communicates to me in the same manner that He commands husbands to communicate with their wives: According to knowledge, giving honor unto her as the weaker vessel (1 Peter 3:7).  Communicate according to knowledge, with understanding of the other person.

Fourth, He plead WITH Love:  Love for another person is always acting in their best interest, with no thought of personal gain involved other than a building of the relationship and the joy of drawing closer.  Those two rewards far outshine and outlast any other reward a person could get.  How serious is God about this?  What about people I don't like?  What about people who don't like me?  Love your enemies.  And if I am to love my enemies, who abuse me and take advantage of me, and don't want just their own interests, but also to cause me hurt, how much more those who are not my enemies.  How much more am I to love my neighbor, for instance, or a stranger? How much more am I to love especially those that are of the household of faith?  Ahh, yes; that one thing by which all men may know that I am Jesus' disciple and by which I may know that I have passed from death into eternal life (Jn 13:35; 1Jn 3:14).

Communication is a basic requirement of life.  It's important to do it right.

Pressing on,

Mark Hebert
Psalm 16:11 - R U in His presence?

It's Better to be Poor

- Job 21:13 - 15
(13)  They spend their days in wealth, and in a moment go down to the grave.   (14) Therefore they say unto God, Depart from us; for we desire not the knowledge of thy ways.   (15)  What is the Almighty, that we should serve him? and what profit should we have, if we pray unto him?   (kjv)

I remember one time returning home from church on a hot west Texas afternoon.   The pavement was melting under the tires of my car as I reflected on the message my pastor had preached, and how good it is to be saved.  As I drove by a gas station I noticed a nice shiny truck with a beautiful boat attached to it.  Walking out of the convenient store was a man about my age at the time, and his son.  They both looked quite content as they walked to their truck and boat.  The boy appeared to be excited about how they were going to spend the afternoon.

As I watched them I began to grow sad.  It was obvious that they had not gone to church that day, and in my mind they didn't go on a regular basis.  I believed they spent their Sunday afternoons enjoying all that God's creation had to offer, and never enjoyed God.  I almost started to cry as I thought about this.  My tears were not because I didn't have the opportunity to do what they were doing, but because they didn't have the blessing of doing what I was doing.

The only true joy on this earth comes from knowing God.   The only true joy on this earth is in His presence.  It is one thing to enjoy what God has created, but a much greater thing to enjoy the Creator.  Which is greater, the house, or he who builds it?

Don't seek riches and wealth.  It is a curse.  In the end, though there was happiness, power, security, and satisfaction in the riches; it is limited in both scope and time.  In the end, all will stand before God from whom all the things of life flow, and give an account for or lives.  In the end, all who put their trust in riches, turned their heart to wealth, and rejected the Saviour will perish in eternal damnation. 

As I draw closer to God, I have much more than the things of this world can give me.  Jesus said, "Blessed are the poor in spirit," and, "blessed are they that hunger and thirst after righteousness."  The Bible says, "The love of money is the root of all evil," and, "love not the world, neither the things that are in the world...  the world passeth away, and the lust thereof: but he that doeth the will of God abideth forever."  True gain is found in godliness with contentment.

Seek ye first the kingdom of God, and His righteousness, and all these things shall be added unto you.

Pressing on,

Mark Hebert
Psalm 16:11 - R U in His presence?

Hope for the Hopeless

Job 19:21-22, 25-26
(21) Have pity upon me, have pity upon me, O ye my friends; for the hand of God hath touched me.  (22) Why do ye persecute me as God, and are not satisfied with my flesh?  (25) For I know that my redeemer liveth, and that he shall stand at the latter day upon the earth:  (26) And though after my skin worms destroy this body , yet in my flesh shall I see God:   (kjv)

Job has endured the sudden loss of all he possessed, he has endured the sudden loss of his children, he has endured the forsaking of his wife when she told him to, "Curse God and die," he is enduring a miserable, painful, hideous disease, and now he as endured the accusations of his friends.

All Job is looking for is someone to have pity on him, someone to comfort him, someone to love him.  He is greatly disappointed that none of those closest to him bring that comfort.  Instead, they add to his continuing misery.  In the midst of his despair, he recounts who he has turned to and who have forsaken him.  Realizing that there is none who is willing to give him what he is need of, he looks to God and finds the hope he had lost. 

The tone of his words seems to change as he looks to God and says, "I know that my redeemer liveth," and he boldly affirms his faith that, "though after my skin worms destroy this body, yet in my flesh shall I see God."  I find excitement in that passage.  I can hear Job triumphantly proclaiming that truth.  I can see a great smile come across his lips as he repeats these words of comfort that God almighty reminds him of at this moment!  I can hear his spirit singing, "Rejoice! For the Lord will come!"  Have you never had the great and merciful God shower you with His great love and encouragement in the midst of a hard trial?  It is a moment of intense joy.

No matter how deep the valley, how dark the night season, or how desperate our situation; when we look to God in faith through Jesus Christ (I know that my redeemer liveth) we will discover the hope we need to escape the temptation.  Praise God, my Saviour! 

Pressing on,

Mark Hebert
Psalm 16:11 - R U in His presence?

Bible Note

Bible Note

In Mercy
Exodus 15:15-18

Oh my goodness. He they complained, and fussed, and were dissatisfied while God, in His MERCY lead His people. Even during the plagues of Egypt there was murmuring against Moses and God. Just before He delivered them through the Red Sea they accused Moses, and through him, God of bringing them out to destroy them. Yet here they look back, and rightfully proclaim that even though the going was tough and hard, God led them in mercy.

And He was not done with them, nor is He done with us. Baptism unto Moses in the cloud and in the sea was only the beginning just as our salvation and baptism is only the beginning of our new life. As God led them in His mercy to the promised land and on to His holy Habitation into eternity they faced trials, hardships, difficulties, yeah even impossible situations. Many complained and were destroyed on the way.

God leads me in His mercy. He prunes me in His mercy. He purges me in His mercy. He conforms me in His mercy to my final figure; the image of Christ. While no chastisement is joyous at the time, it does bring forth the peceable fruit of righteousness and while looking forward to the joy that is set before me let me, as Jesus did, endure the cross. 

Pressing on,

Mark Hebert
Psalm 16:11 - R U in His presence?

From "Man Down" to "Man Up"

- I Kings 19:7 And the angel of the LORD came again the second time, and touched him, and said, Arise and eat; because the journey is too great for thee.   (kjv)

God knows what I have need of and how to supply that need.  Elijah had just requested that God take his life. He had a great moment of victory, rather experienced a great victory that God let him participate in.  This victory was three years in the making.  Three years of living by absolute faith.  Food was brought to him daily for part of it.  For the remaining time food was constantly supplied from an almost empty barrel of meal and cruz of oil.  

It takes some strength to live by faith.  It takes strength to experience victory over doubt.  It is a person who is strong in faith to resist the desire to find a way to stock the fridge for an extended period of time so as not to wonder where the next meal is coming from.  I've seen people quit over these faith developing times.  I've seen kids abandon parents and God because they did not want to live from God's hand to their mouths on a daily basis.

It had been a long three years and on mount Carmel Elijah no doubt thought that it was over.  Maybe he was thinking it was time for a vacation.  Time to relax a little, enjoy a little rest from this spiritual warfare he had battled for the last three years.  Then that witch, Jezebel had to come after him.  Why can't I get a break?  Why must I now run for my life?   Why must I remain on gaurd?   God, just take my life.  It is enough.  I have fought long enough.  I am tired.  Just end it now.  It is more than I can handle."

Elijah needed some strength.  Elijah needed some encouragement.  Elijah needed an understanding ear.  Elijah's job was far from over, but even that news was more than he was going to be able to bear at the moment.  Elijah fell asleep with the depressed heart.  Then, an angel came.

I think the angels name must have been Mom.  Moms have a unique ability to understand when their kids need a loving response.  Dads tend to say, "Man up, boy," but Moms are a litter softer, a little gentler.  While there are times when we need to be left to find the strength within ourselves to continue on the path, there are other times that we need to be given the strength from outside ourselves.  Using the wrong technique at either time can ruin the person in need.  God gave children moms and dads for many reasons, this is one of them.  It would do children well for parents to listen to each other and decide how to respond to their children.  If both are focused on the child's godly victory over a struggle (as opposed to allowing them to quit) the methods must be closely considered. 

So Mom comes along, bakes a cake and pours some refreshing water.  After all is lovingly prepared, Mom gently wakes Elijah.  Notice there is no calling his name, but rather a gentle loving touch.  I imagine that Elijah initially responds with a barely perceptible, sleepy moan.  As the touch continues, more like the loving caress of a parent with their child, Elijah sighs as he loses much of his burden.  Still longer and he begins to wake up and hears the loving voice of Mom say, "You've had a long day, Elijah.  I have baked a cake for you and here is some cool, fresh water for you to drink.  You'll feel better after eating."

Mom knows there is more work for Elijah to do, but now is not the time to tell Elijah.  Now is the time to give him the strength to recover.   There is no reasoning with Elijah about how he shouldn't be so depressed.  There is no attempt to remind him of how faithful God has been in the past, and how Elijah needs to trust him now.  There is absolutely no mention of the future, or Elijah's current emotional condition.  There is only the acknowledgement of that condition, understanding that he needs to receive strength rather than find it, and the provision of that strength.   Yeah, I'm pretty sure that angel's name was Mom.

The very method Elijah was awakened gave him the strength to rise and eat.  It was encouraging, loving, caring, and strengthening.  What an Awesome God we serve.
For all of that, Elijah needed more.  Now there is a second cake and more water.  Now Elijah is awakened with a touch and a voice.  There is a little more discipline in the voice.  It's not as soft as the touch was earlier in the night, but Elijah has more strength now and he needs to draw on it.  It's now morning, time for Elijah to get up, and back on the road.  Time to engage in the spiritual battle.  But, he's not quite ready yet.  He needs strengthening yet.  The voice is not rough, it is understanding.  "Elijah, honey.  It's time to wake up.  I've prepared your favorite breakfast for you this morning.  Get dressed and come into the kitchen.  You'll need the strength your breakfast will give you.  There's a lot to do."  I can almost hear Elijah's response, "Awe Mom, do I have to?"  If you've got teens, you know what I'm saying. 

He didn't have strength for the journey he was about to embark on, and I believe God was addressing another journey; the journey of the rest of his life.  Elijah's original plea was that God take his life and let him enter into that eternal rest.  It was not time for rest.  It was time to train a replacement, start a college or two, and equip a new generation for the battles they were going to be called on to fight.  There was much work to do.  God strengthened Elijah first.  Afterwards he met him at a cave and told him to man up. 

Pressing on,

Mark Hebert
Psalm 16:11 - R U in His presence?

Who Did It?

- I Kings 8:20 And the LORD hath performed his word that he spoke, and I am risen up in the room of David my father, and sit on the throne of Israel, as the LORD promised, and have built a house for the name of the LORD God of Israel.   (kjv)

Solomon is about to dedicate the temple that has just been completed.  Before he does, he gives a very brief history of how the building project came to be, stating that David originally intended to build it, but God appointed Solomon. 

Now he states that God did exactly what He said He would do, and Solomon has built the house.  Solomon did not say that because God had proclaimed he build the temple, he was obedient and did so.  He said, "And the Lord hath performed His word that He spake," giving God the glory for the work from start to finish. 

God used Solomon to perform the work, but it is God who performed it.  We must learn to see beyond what appears to be man's accomplishments and understand that it is God who performs it.  Even the great Christians we often put on a pedestal and aspire to be like are nothing, we're nothing and accomplished nothing that God did not perform.  None since the apostle Paul have achieved so much as he did, yet even he stated that it was simply by the grace of God that he was what he was, and did what he did.   It was Paul who said, "I can do all things *through Christ*,  which strengtheneth me."

Is there some great task on the horizon of my life?  Is there some great thing in the past of my life?  Is there something in me people admire, respect, desire?  It is God.

Give God the glory in your life, and in the lives of others.  In all thy ways (as Solomon does here) acknowledge Him, and He shall direct thy paths.

Pressing on,

Mark Hebert
Psalm 16:11 - R U in His presence?

Peculiarly Zealous

- Titus 2:14 Who gave himself for us, that he might redeem us from all iniquity, and purify unto himself a peculiar people, zealous of good works.   (kjv)

People are zealous for many things. Money, power, popularity, ease, comfort, security, peace, sex, health, food and good looks are just a few of the more common things.  What am I zealous for?  Many people are zealous for something. In fact, I know several people who are zealous for more than one thing. A person can be zealous for both money and power. As their money increases, they may become increasingly zealous for security. As they age, health may be added to the list. It is not yet uncommon, or peculiar to be zealous. Part of what makes God's people peculiar is what they are zealous for, and what they are not zealous for.

It is God's design that His people have ZEAL, that we be zealous in our lives. It is becoming increasingly common for people to be lazy.  The "Nanny State" in which we live has produced a nation of laziness. I see it everywhere I go. Yesterday I was speaking with a man who supervised the operation of several stores. He is currently looking to add employees to his staff and was telling me that even in this season of high unemployment, he was having difficulty finding people to fill his open positions. "A man came in to be interviewed who was unemployed."  He said.  "I asked him what he had been doing recently and he said he had been collecting unemployment. I asked him how long he had been on unemployment and he said, 'The full 99 weeks. I wanted to get everything out of it I had put in.'  The interview ended abruptly at that point."  It is more and more common that people lack zeal.

Not only are we to be zealous, but we are to be zealous for Good works. Aahh, here is the separation between man's zeal and the zeal of God's people. Good works are those that are done with no hope of personal benefit. Jesus did many good works while on earth. He healed the sick, fed the hungry, raised the dead, cleansed the leper, gave sight to the blind, caused the lame to walk, gave hearing to the deaf, and speech to the dumb. He did all this with no hope of personal benefit. Then He gave Himself for our sins, took up His life again, and is still offering eternal life to all. It's there for the asking. You want it?  You got it.  Just ask for it.  There are no strings attached.  Soul winning is a good work. Feeding the poor out of your own pocket is a good work.  Giving to missions is a good work. Caring for widows is a good work. Caring for the fatherless is a good work.  Visiting those in prison is a good work.  Clothing the naked is a good work. Intercessory prayer is a good work.  What is it that I am zealous for?

Here's a strange thing. We will be zealous for good WORKS.  Oh my, but don't we really like good things?  Good food, good friends, good feelings, and good fellowship are all desired. Good clothes, good cars, and good careers are often things people are zealous for. Good houses, good health, and good hours are our frequent requests.  None of these things hit the mark.  It is good WORKS that God designed us for, saved us for, and has us here for.  Ephesians 2:10 tells us plainly that we are His WORKMANSHIP, created in Christ Jesus unto good WORKS, which God hath before ordained that we should walk in them.  Yes, we have a job to do. We have sweat to produce, labor to bestow, and effort to put forth.  We are to do all these things for the good of others without thought for ourselves.

CHECK UP:  Am I ZEALOUS in my life or luke warm about everything?  If I am zealous, is it GOOD works in am zealous for, or do I spend my time, effort, and money on muself?  Am I zealous for good WORKS, or am I little more than a slothful man who desires food, but will not so much as roast that which he took in hunting?

Oh, Lord God, my Father in heaven, I pray that You would complete your will in me. Make me a peculiar person, zealous of good works. Make your church a peculiar people that we may be an epistle to the whole world, known and read of all men.  Thank You.  Amen.

Pressing on,

Mark Hebert
Psalm 16:11 - R U in His presence?

Can't Force the Call

- II Timothy 1:9 Who hath saved us, and called us with a holy calling, not according to our works, but according to his own purpose and grace, which was given us in Christ Jesus before the world began,   (kjv)

I have worked much of my Christian life to prove a call from God.  I have spent much time and effort in an effort to be pleasing to Him and that He might use me for some grand and glorious purpose in His plan. It is a wasted thing. God is not impressed with the legs of a man. He is not impressed with what I am capable of, or with what I have done.  I find myself falling into, or maybe more appropriately; rushing into this foolish trap very often.

God calls us according to His purpose. I must learn to be content in His purpose. I must quit trying to forge my own way, be something other than what He has created me for. It must be an insult to God for a person to attempt to be something He has not intended them to be.  The greatest blessing in can have is to be ALL that my Lord has created me to be.  Nothing more, nothing less.  In fact, if I try to be more, I only succeed in being less, and doing less. 

Oh, Lord God, my Father; please grant me the wisdom Thou hast granted to the ocean waters to know my own boundries and to fill them.  For Thou hast said, "this far and no farther."  I love You, Lord.  I want to completely fulfill the purpose Thou hast created me for and experience the great joy of praising You throughout every day of my life.  Oh God, don't let me be foolish.  - II Timothy 1:9 (kjvstrongs) - recorded in CadreBible 5/30/11 9:27 AM

Pressing on,

Mark Hebert
Psalm 16:11 - R U in His presence?

Where Joy Lies

Acts 20:24
But none of these things move me, neither count I my life dear unto myself, so that I might finish my course with joy, and the ministry, which I have received of the Lord Jesus, to testify the gospel of the grace of God.   (kjv)

Do you want to be happy?  Do what Paul did.  "Niether count I my life dear unto myself."  That wasn't something that happened.  That was a choice he made.  He chose what he would love, and what he would not love.  He did not love is life, and because of this, just like Jesus said, he found it.

This wasn't just an all-of-a-sudden revelation either.   He consistently made the choice.  This is the same Paul who said that he dies daily.  This is the same Paul who beseeched us to present our bodies a living sacrifice, and to follow him as he followed the Lord.  Everyday we are faced with the choice of who we will love. Real joy comes in denying ourselves, picking up our cross (isn't it remarkable how similar a cross and a yoke look?) daily and following Him.

JOY LIES WHERE SELF DIES.

God, give me the grace to prove Thy truth in my life.  Amen

Pressing on,

Mark Hebert
Psalm 16:11 - R U in His presence?

Real Science

I Timothy 6:20 O Timothy, keep that which is committed to thy trust, avoiding profane and vain babblings, and oppositions of science falsely so called:   (kjv)

I was emailed a question as to whether or not a true Christian should be involved in anyway in the sciences.  Following is my answer.

A simple "yes," or "no" regarding a Christian's freedom to pursue a career in any science would require the recipient of that answer to rely on my authority. That would be akin to leaning on a broken reed, which if a man leaned on it would pierce his hand. So let's consider some Scripture.

I have found only two places where the word "science" is used in the Bible with the use of my handy dandy complete concordance. I suspect it is accurate, and these are the only two. First in Daniel 1:4, and again in 1Tim 6:20. A serious meditation of the latter of the two verses answers the question your friend has put forth, "Can a true Christian be a biologist or a scientist, because biology follow evolution and it seems a coplete battle against the Bible?"

God, through the Apostle, Paul is here telling Timothy (even pleading with him), to keep that which is committed unto his trust. The letter is a personal letter from Paul to Timothy, but it is more than that. It is also a personal letter from God to us. I believe God is not telling only Timothy, or only preachers, of which class of men Timothy was, to keep that which had been committed unto his trust, but all Christians. That includes you and I. God also listed a couple things we are to do in order to keep that which has been committed to our trust.

First, we are to avoid two types of babblings: profane and vain. Now, it could be argued that if a bablling is profane, it is also vain, and if it is vain, it is also profane. I won't argue with that. In fact I agree with it. However, there are people who would suggest that we are to avoid only those bablings which are both profane and vain, and would make a division between the two definitions. this would have the effect of making it okay to participate in profane babblings that were not vain, and vain babblings that were not profane. In any case, we are to avoid both profane and vain babblings.

The other thing we are to avoid is oppositions of science falsely so called. Here's the meat of the answer to the question. Notice that we are not to avoid all science, rather only that science which is in opposition to something. That something is mentioned earlier in the verse, "that which is committed to thy trust." Ah-ha! Not all science is bad. Only that which is in opposition. What is it that has been committed to our trust? The oracles of God which were first committed to the Jews, and because of their unbelief, to us also. It is the Word of God. It is the whole councel of God from, "In the beginning," to, "Amen," and everything in between. (I just noticed how the word of God starts with the beginning and ends with amen, meaning end. It's very fitting since the word was with God in the beginning, the word was God, and the Word was made flesh, and it is that very same Word of God who said, "I am the Alpha and the Omega, the beginning and the end.") Wow, God is AWESOME!!!!

So, we can see that the only science we are to avoid is that which is in opposition to the holy Word of God; that is, the KJB. As your friend noted in her question, "it seems a complete battle against the Bible." Yet, God is not done speaking about this subject. He goes on to say that any science which is in opposition to the Bible is, "falsely so called." AMEN! There is a true science, and a practice that is called science, but is actually falsely called by that name! Kids that are attending a secular school and go to a science class are actually going to false science, or false biology class. Now, to oppose God is to be in rebellion against Him. A dangerous thing indeed. Moreover, rebellion is as the sin of WITCHCRAFT (1Sam 15:23). I don't have time to fully explore this, but our public school kids are attending classes that teach witchcraft. Is it any wonder that our nation is nigh unto final judgment?

We could stop there, having accomplished what we set out to do, but why? It's so much fun to explore the Word of God, and we have not plummed the depth of riches both of the wisdom and knowledge of God. Nor am I capable of doing so though given all eternity. Praise God! The excitement of hearing, and learning the Word of God will NEVER die! Man, eternity is going to be so much fun!!

What is science. This is really cool. Webster's 1913 dictionary (I don't have access to the 1812) defines it like this: "Accumulated and established knowledge, which has been systematized and formulated with reference to the discovery of general truths or the operation of general laws; knowldege classified and made available in work, life, or the search for truth;; comprehensive, profound, or philisophical knowledge. Especially, such knowledge when it relates to the physical world and its phenomena, the nature, constitution, and forces of matter, the qualities and functions of living tissues, etc.; -- called also natural science, and physical science."

There's more, and all of it proves my next point, but only this is needed. Here's the point, BY DEFINITION SCIENCE IS THE DISCOVERY OF TRUTH. It does not matter if that trut pertains to the natural world, or the supernatural world; the physical world, or the spiritual world. There is no difference in the study of matter, energy, time, space, or any other thing, if it is not truth, it is not science. Of course we already knew that because God said it was, "science falsely so called." I bring that up because even the secular definition of science says the same thing. Those who cling to their lies can not even find solice in their own literature.  

The correct answer to the question is ONLY A TRUE CHRISTIAN CAN BE A SCIENTIST.

I would love to explore more in this, and certainly there is more to explore, but I must leave now and talk to my wife, who a I love deeply. Have a great night!

Pressing on,

Mark Hebert
Psalm 16:11 - R U in His presence?

Sent His Way

Sent His Way
- Acts 9:10-17 And there was a certain disciple at Damascus named Ananias; and to him said the Lord in a vision, Ananias And he said, Behold, I am here , Lord.  (11)  And the Lord said unto him, Arise, and go into the street which is called Straight, and inquire in the house of Judas for one called Saul of Tarsus: for, behold, he prayeth,  (12)  And hath seen in a vision a man named Ananias coming in, and putting his hand on him, that he might receive his sight   (13) Then Ananias answered, Lord, I have heard by many of this man, how much evil he hath done to thy saints at Jerusalem:  (14)  And here he hath authority from the chief priests to bind all that call on thy name.  (15)  But the Lord said unto him, Go thy way: for he is a chosen vessel unto me, to bear my name before the Gentiles, and kings, and the children of Israel:  (16)  For I will show him how great things he must suffer for my name's sake   (17)  And Ananias went his way, and entered into the house; and putting his hands on him said, Brother Saul, the Lord, even Jesus, that appeared unto thee in the way as thou camest, hath sent me, that thou mightest receive thy sight, and be filled with the Holy Ghost.   (kjv)

Ananias played a key role in the ministry of the apostle Paul.  He was used by God to effectively launch what undoubtedly the most effective, most powerful, most lasting, and most beneficial ministry after that of Jesus' the world has ever seen.  The apostle Paul was used by God to write the majority of the New Testament, start all but a few of the early churches, develop the pastoral staff of the churches and set up faith - promise missions.  Paul was used greatly by God, and Ananias was used to kick off that greatness.  Although not much is said about the man, there are some things we can learn from him.

HE DISCERNED THE VOICE OF THE LORD
Jesus came to him in a vision and simply called his name.  It did not startle Ananias.  He was not amazed by it.  The event did not confuse him at all.  His response was not as Sauls, "Who art thou, Lord?"  He knew immediately who it was that spoke his name.  He was not like young Samuel who did not yet know the Lord and thrice went to Eli mistaking the Lord's voice for that of his mentor.

How was it that Ananias was so quickly aware of who had called hm?  How was it possible for him to be so familiar with the voice of the Lord?  Practice.  He simply practiced the presence of God.  He spent time in prayer, and while he prayed he listened for the voice of the Lord to give him direction, comfort, rebuke, or what ever answer he may receive.  He listened for the voice of the Lord when he read the Scriptures and meditated on what God revealed to him.  He listened for the voice of the Lord as he went about his daily routine, daily chores, daily work, daily conversations, and daily rest.

HE DELIGHTED IN THE VOICE OF THE LORD
Ananias knew the voice of the Lord and was accustomed to immediately responding to His wonderful voice.  His response was not tempered with any reservations.  There was no delay in his response as there was with Adam's.  Ananias was not hindered by sin as was Adam.  There was no reservation in his response.  There was no doubt in his response.  There were no regrets on his response as a child who is playing with his friends responds to his mother calling him in for supper, but wishes she hadn't at just that time.

Ananias responded with willing eagerness.  "Behold," he said.  There is no exclamation point after this, but I have know doubt he was excited at the call of God.  I think about the first year Jr. High football player sitting on the bench, wishing his coach would call him up to get in the game.  I think about the many games before that went by, all the times he suited up to play, only to take the uniform off without having put it to use.  Then he heard that voice.  The one he had longed to hear call his name at game time. He's heard it many times before, but only during practice. This time was special.  "HERE I AM COACH," he yelled as loud as he could, "HERE I AM!"

Ananias was accustomed to immediately and eagerly responding to the call of God.  This time was no different.  He recognized the voice of the Lord, and ever eager to be used by God in any capacity, through any risk, he responded immediately, enthusiastically.  He did not want to be passed up.

HE DID THE VOICE OF THE LORD
Initially he questioned the directive. Initially he was not sure whether he had heard correctly.  As Mary was amazed that she would be with child having never known a man, so to was Ananias that he would be sent to answer the prayer of a man who, as of last record hated Jesus,  and was doing all he could to wipe out His church.  "Saul?  The man who is the sworn enemy of You, Lord?  This very same Saul is now praying to You?"

It is Jesus' answer that makes it clear that Ananias had no intention of being disobedient.  "Go THY way."  Ananias would obey God.  It was his habit to.  God's way was Ananias' way.  His habit was to discern the voice of the Lord.  His habit was to delight in the voice of the Lord.  His habit was to do the voice of the Lord.  This was no easy task.  It was not for the weak hearted.  This assignment was not for the doubter.  It would take a modern day Daniel to step into this lion's den and do what God had instructed.  No sir, no ship jumping Jonahs on this one.  This job would take a man who's custom it was to make his way line up with God's.

God now called this way, Ananias' way.  When God had left off speaking with him, it had indeed become Ananias' way for,  "Ananias," the Bible says, "went his way." 

We need to be in the habit of discerning His voice, delighting in His voice, and doing His voice.  The more we do, the more He will be able to use us.  Have you ever wondered why there were four hundred silent years between the end of the old testament and the beginning of the new?  The Jews no longer discerned the voice of the Lord.  They no longer delighted in the voice of the Lord.  They no longer did the voice of the Lord. 

Is God speaking to you?  He wants to. 

Pressing on,

Mark Hebert
Psalm 16:11 - R U in His presence?

Stay Put

Stay Put

- Proverbs 27:8 As a bird that wandereth from her nest, so is a man that wandereth from his place.   (kjv)

There is safety in the nest.  There is fellowship in the nest. There is love in the nest. There is peace in the nest. There is joy in the nest. There is sustenance in the nest. There is life in the nest.

There are all of these things and more when I am in my place. God is in the place He has put me. That's my place. His rewards are in the place He has put me.  That's my place. His benefits are in the place He has put me. That's my place. His love is in the place He has put me. That's my place. The abundance of joy is in the place He has put me. That's my place.

Outside of my place, as the bird outside of her best, the hardship, heartache, and hurts are sure to fill my life. Remember Houston.  -

Pressing on,

Mark Hebert
Psalm 16:11 - R U in His presence?

Continuing Education

Proverbs 24:32 Then I saw, and considered it well: I looked upon it, and received instruction.   (kjv)

God is always willing to teach us.  He is always ready to teach us.  He is always teaching us.  Every circumstance, every situation, every trial, every blessing, are meant to teach us.  Here we see Solomon walking by an unkept field.

He looked upon it.  He was not blond to the condition of it.  He paid attention to it, and considered the state of it.

He looked for the instruction of it.  He looked for the lesson in it.  He did not want his fields to be in the same condition.  How can I prevent it?  What will be the end of the man whose field this is? 

He RECEIVED instruction.  It is there for us.  It is all around us.  God will give it.  The choice of whether or not you receive it is completely up to you. 

See your circumstance, look for the lesson, ingest the instruction.

Pressing on,

Mark Hebert
Psalm 16:11 - R U in His presence?

Useless Bible Reading

Useless Bible Reading - Acts 8:30 And Philip ran thither to him, and heard him read the prophet Isaiah, and said , Understandest thou what thou readest?   (kjv)

I have been asked on several occassions how to study the Bible.  I have been told on several occasions by one individual or another that when they read the Bible, they don't get anything from it.  I have had several people tell me that they only read the Bible because they were told that's what Christians are supposed to do.

There is no value in Bible Reading absent understanding.  How can I understand except some man show me?  The Holy Spirit is here to guide us into all truth and righteousness. 

WE MUST LISTEN.  He usually speaks in a still small voice.  Listen for His voice.   Those who are not saved can not here his voice, for He is not residing in them.  God sends a messenger to them.  The messenger is sent, like Philip was sent, by the Holy Spirit. 

Three questions:
1)  Are you saved?  You absolutely will not understand with your natural mind what the Bible says.

2)  For the saved - Are you going when you are sent?   If you are saved, you know the Spirit of all mighty God has told you to speak to someone, at some point in your life.  Are you obedient to His direction? 

3)  For the unsaved - Are you listening?  That person is standing there, begging you, in Christ's stead, in His place, as if it were Jessie Himself in front of you, be heard reconciled to God!

Eliminate all intrusions, all distractions, all obstacles, and listen for Him.

WE MUST FOLLOW HIS LEAD.  When he points something out in the Bible, that's the time to listen.  That's when the meditation must begin.  The eunuch was at a point in Scripture and the Holy Spirit, through Philip asks,  "understandeth thou what thou readest?"  He does the same with us. 

Most of the Bible studies in have done have been the result of the Holy Spirit calling my attention to a passage and giving just one small thought on that passage; something I had never seen before.  It was just a fleeting thought: small, seemingly insignificant, and like a vapor - quickly vanishing away.  I have tried to "recapture" the thought at a later point.  I was rarely successful.

The eunuch could have sent Philip packing, as many of us do with the Holy Spirit.   "Get away from me, I don't have time to listen right now."  We say it in different ways, but that's the message.  "I have to read all this Scripture, I don't have time to stop and meditate."  By the way, why is it that you have to read all of that Scripture?  If it's not so the Holy Spirit can feed you, it's worthless, and you will soon become no fan of Bible reading. 

Maybe you're not as abrupt.  "I don't have time right now, can you come back a little later?"  He's knocking now.  He's asking now.  He's offering now.  He knows the best time for you.  He only comes at the best time for you.  That time is now.  Seize the moment!

WE MUST ACT ON HIS TEACHING. 
Someone said (it may have been me), "I used to love reading the Bible.  It seemed that each time I did so, God showed me something new.  Now there's nothing.  That excitement is gone."  Well, why not start doing what He has shown you? 

In the parable of the talents (Matt 25:14-30), each servant was given a number of talents according to his ability.  We each get a number of talents according to our ability.  The good news is, as we exercise our abilities, they increase.  We take the talents, apply our ability, and increase those talents.  Our Lord sees that and increases the talents.  In this case the talents are understanding the word of God.   Why would He give us an increase in understanding of His word when we take that talent and bury it in the ground?

Jesus said in John 14:21a, "He that hath my commandments, and keepeth them, he it is that loveth me."  That's a pretty self explanatory statement, but allow me to illustrate. 

I was a rebellious kid from the time my head was graced with the light of day.  I was so bad that the first thing the doctor did when I was born was spank my butt.  My mom even thanked him for it, and my dad just stood there and smiled.  I cried, but it wasn't from pain, it was an expression of rebellious anger. 

Things went from bad to worse.  My mom would try to feed me with a bottle and just to spite her, I would spit some of it back up.  Sometimes I even managed to throw it all up.  It wasn't long before I was being fed solid foods, and instead of putting it in my mouth, I smeared it all over my face, and hands, and arms, and high chair, and walls, and shirt, and diaper, and - well you get the picture.  I advanced from there to throwing the bowl or plate of food right on the floor.  I'm telling you, I was a rebel. 

My parents went back to the spanking doctor and asked him for some help.  He said he would spank me again, but would have to charge them for it.  Attempting to save some money, they decided to put ice skates on my feet, lock me in a big arena with an ice floor where people would knock me down and shoot a hard rubber puck at me.  Eventually I figured out how to out manuever the other people, and even to use their own puck against them.

Frustrated, my dad sat me down after yet another dance with the business side of a belt and said, "Son, you are going to obey me.  You will either do it because you love me, or because you fear me, but you will obey me."  I am sorry to say that speech did not stop the rebellion, but it cut deeply into me. 

To think that I was telling my dad that I did not love him when I disobeyed was frightening.  I loved him, or at least I thought I did.  To think that I demonstrated to him that I didn't was something I had difficulty coming to grips with, even though I knew it was true.  The problem, I have come to understand, is not that I did not love my dad, but that I loved me much more.  Then again, there is the truth that no man can serve two masters.  For he will love one and hate the other.

Who do you love?  Lord God, my Father; please cause me to love Thee with a pure heart that my life would leave no doubt that Thou art my love, and Thou wouldst be glorified.

It is through Holy Spirit led Bible STUDY that this happens.  This is how I may have His commandments, this is how I may keep His commandments, this is how I may love Him.

Pressing on,

Mark Hebert
Psalm 16:11 - R U in His presence?

Mortality

Mortality

- Psalms 39:4 LORD, make me to know mine end, and the measure of my days, what it is; that I may know how frail I am .   (kjv)

As I realize my own frailty; my own mortality; my own certain death more and more, I think of eternity.  What shall it be like for me?

I am past the judgment for sin.  I have a certain home in heaven with my Saviour.  Praise God!  I will not receive the just reward for my iniquities.   Oh, thank You,  LORD!  Yet there is a judgment I will go through: that for rewards.

If God had not told us of the judgment seat of Christ, it would not matter.  There would be an understood judgment that would happen anyway.  The smile of my Saviour's face.  The,  "Welcome home, " that I will get.  The, "Well done thou good and faithful servant," I could get.  How will it go for me in eternity?

I think on these things when the fact of my mortality begins to set in.  I think on these things when the fact of Jesus' return sets in.  I think of these things when the reality of my seeing Jesus hits home.  Will it be with joy or regret?  Certainly I have much to regret.  There are many people to whom I have not given the gospel.  There are many people who's blood is on my hands through simple disobedience.  There are many people who I had the opprtunity to warn of the coming destruction, and refused to do so.  I must correct that.  I must not fear what man can do to me.  I must not be in the fear of man, but place all my trust in God. 

Pressing on,

Mark Hebert
Psalm 16:11 - R U in His presence?

Yet Not I

Yet Not I - Isaiah 10:12 Wherefore it shall come to pass, that when the Lord hath performed his whole work upon mount Zion and on Jerusalem, I will punish the fruit of the stout heart of the king of Assyria, and the glory of his high looks.  10:13 For he saith, By the strength of my hand I have done it , and by my wisdom; for I am prudent: and I have removed the bounds of the people, and have robbed their treasures, and I have put down the inhabitants like a valiant man :  10:14 And my hand hath found as a nest the riches of the people: and as one gathereth eggs that are left, have I gathered all the earth; and there was none that moved the wing, or opened the mouth, or peeped.  10:15 Shall the axe boast itself against him that heweth therewith? or shall the saw magnify itself against him that shaketh it? as if the rod should shake itself against them that lift it up, or as if the staff should lift up itself, as if it were no wood.   (kjv)

Believer or not, but especially the believer; it is not I that doeth it, but Christ.   My blade may be sharp,  the steel strong and clean,  my handle strong,  the axe head firmly attached,  but I have no ability to raise up.  I have no ability to drive into the tree.  I have no ability to come back out of the trunk once embedded in it.  Even the condition of my blade and handle are outside of my control.  God, in His great mercy and graciousness has only given me the ability to praise Him, to rejoice in His using me, and to ask Him to continue to do so.

Oh, my Lord God in heaven,  sharpen this blade,  strengthen this handle, keep me firmly attached,  and purge the steel that I may be used by Thee for the hewing and gathering of wood for Thy house.  To the praise, and honor, and glory of my Lord; Thine only begotten Son, Jesus Christ. 

Pressing on,

Mark Hebert
Psalm 16:11 - R U in His presence?

Hidden Sins -

Hidden Sins -

Genesis 35:4 And they gave unto Jacob all the strange gods which were in their hand, and all their earrings which were in their ears; and Jacob hid them under the oak which was by Shechem.   (kjv)

Jacob hid them?   Why?   Did he plan on allowing his family to come back and pick them up again?   Did he see some value in them that he wanted to claim later and keep protected from others?   Was he unsure of what to do with them and so he hid them until he could decide?

Who was he hiding them from?   Those who originally had them?   God?   Theives?   Everyone?   Certainly not himself.

Why not utterly destroy them?  Why not completely remove the point of temptation from everyone,  including himself?  Why not destroy these treasures on earth,  walk away from them,  and lay up treasures in heaven where moth and rust do not corrupt,  neither do thieves break through and steal?

Forget about Jacob.   Why not do it in my life?

Pressing on,

Mark Hebert
Psalm 16:11 - R U in His presence?

For Or Against?

For Or Against? - II Kings 10:31
But Jehu took no heed to walk in the law of the LORD God of Israel with all his heart: for he departed not from the sins of Jeroboam, which made Israel to sin.   (kjv)

Jehu had a great zeal for the Lord displayed in his complete destruction of Ahab and the house of baal.  Yet the record of him is that he took no head to walk in the law of the Lord, for he would not depart from the sins of Jeroboam.

Really?  He took NO head?  He removed the wickedness of Ahab at God's command, yet took NO head?

The zeal Jehu professed to be for the Lord was really a zeal against Ahab and against baal.  Once that which Ahab was against had been destroyed, he had no more zeal.

Am I for the Lord, or against sin?  What would God say?  What would a casual observer say? - II Kings 10:31 (kjvstrongs) - recorded in CadreBible 1/12/11 2:33 PM

Pressing on,

Mark Hebert
Psalm 16:11 - R U in His presence?