As we continue thinking about 'The Lord's Prayer, after addressing our Father, we should then praise Him. In the Psalms we have excellent examples of how to begin a prayer with praise and worship. In Psalm 8 it begins with "O Lord, our Lord, how excellent (majestic and glorious) is your name in all the earth!" Psalm 19 states "The heavens declare the Glory of God"; and in Psalm 27: "The Lord is my Light and my salvation." Psalm 33 begins with "Rejoice in the Lord", and Psalm 103 begins with "Bless the Lord, O my soul". And on it goes throughout the Psalms.
In our Lord's Prayer we cry out to His Holiness: "Hallowed be thy Name!" The word 'hallowed' means 'Holy' and 'Holy' means pure loving nature of God with the absence of evil. Holy is the way God is. He is holy with an infinite, beyond our imagination, fullness of purity. We in our finite beings know nothing like His divine holiness.
Yet it is to His holy name we are taught to pray. He is our Father, and His Name is complete Holiness. In Exodus 15:11 Moses and the Israelites say, "who is like You, O Lord, among the gods? Who is like You, glorious in holiness, fearful in praises, doing wonders?" In Revelation 4:8 the Seraphim sang, "Holy holy, holy, Lord God Almighty."
My Prayer to my Holy Father:
There is none like You, O my Lord! When I think of Your holiness and I see myself in the light of Your holiness, I cry "O woe is me!", as did Isaiah; and as Job: "I abhor myself." You are Holy and full of Glory! Yet you are mindful of me! Through the blood of Jesus I can come boldly into Your throne room, entering into the Holy of Holies to praise You and worship You and to seek Your face. You are majesty! I could search through all eternity and find no one like you! You are holy, holy, holy! There is none like You! 'Hallowed be thy Name' Amen
Monday, December 28, 2009
Monday, December 21, 2009
Our Father Who is in Heaven---
For the next few weeks over the Christmas Season and the New Year's Holidays, we will discuss the prayer our Lord taught His disciples. It is better known as "The Lord's Prayer." This well known prayer is found in Matthew 6:9-13.
Jesus told his disciples that they should pray like this: "Our Father Who is in heaven...". In John 20:17, he referred to His Father as "My Father and your Father", showing that He was not only the Father of Jesus, but also of His disciples and followers and even including me. In Romans 8:15 & 16 Paul says that "...you have received the Spirit of adoption (the Spirit producing sonship) in (the bliss of) which we cry, Abba (Father)! Father! The Spirit Himself (thus) testifies together with our own spirit, (assuring us) that we are children of God." This is quoted from the Amplified translation, giving some added meaning to the verses.
My prayer to my Father: Father, Father, my very own Father! You are Holy! Hallowed and Holy is Your name! And You have accepted me as Your child, a joint heir with Christ. This is all so very incomprehensible to me. Because I am unable to believe this in my finite state, You have given me Your Spirit to give witness to my spirit, and He assures me I am Your child. You are the Living God and You are my Father. Therefore I can cry out to You 'Father, my Father Who is in Heaven!" Amen
Jesus told his disciples that they should pray like this: "Our Father Who is in heaven...". In John 20:17, he referred to His Father as "My Father and your Father", showing that He was not only the Father of Jesus, but also of His disciples and followers and even including me. In Romans 8:15 & 16 Paul says that "...you have received the Spirit of adoption (the Spirit producing sonship) in (the bliss of) which we cry, Abba (Father)! Father! The Spirit Himself (thus) testifies together with our own spirit, (assuring us) that we are children of God." This is quoted from the Amplified translation, giving some added meaning to the verses.
My prayer to my Father: Father, Father, my very own Father! You are Holy! Hallowed and Holy is Your name! And You have accepted me as Your child, a joint heir with Christ. This is all so very incomprehensible to me. Because I am unable to believe this in my finite state, You have given me Your Spirit to give witness to my spirit, and He assures me I am Your child. You are the Living God and You are my Father. Therefore I can cry out to You 'Father, my Father Who is in Heaven!" Amen
Monday, December 14, 2009
GOD IS OMNIPRESENT
Again we have an attribute of God beginning with the prefix 'omni'. Omni gives a universality to the word, a completeness, all inclusive. The word 'present' means right here, close, next to.
God says of Himself in Jeremiah 23:24: "Do I not fill heaven and earth?" He is present in all places.
We have already learned that God is infinite, He is limitless. Therefore we cannot limit His presence. He surrounds and fills all that exists. Hildebart of Lavardin wrote "God is over all things, under all things, outside of all things, within but not enclosed; without but not excluded, above but not raised up, below but not depressed; wholly above presiding; wholly beneath, sustaining, wholly within, filling.
David understood the omnipresence of God as he stated in Psalm 139, "...if I ascend into heaven thou art there; if I make my bed in hell, behold, thou art there. If I take the wings of the morning, and dwell in the uttermost parts of the sea; even there shall thy hand lead me, and thy right hand shall hold me." (vs.7-10)
The thought of the omnipresence of our God should bring the believer a real joy. Perhaps this is what Paul meant when he said "sorrowful yet always rejoicing." Even though the going is rough, the believer will have comfort and therefore a joy knowing our God is present. It is as a child may cry out in pain, even when sheltered in the comfort of its mother's arms. We still may suffer, yet we know we are not alone. God is ever present with us. This precious thought should calm troubled hearts and speak peace to our souls.
1. Truth for Today online: God is Everywhere Present
2. Knowledge of the Holy by A.W.Tozer
3. The heart of CC
God says of Himself in Jeremiah 23:24: "Do I not fill heaven and earth?" He is present in all places.
We have already learned that God is infinite, He is limitless. Therefore we cannot limit His presence. He surrounds and fills all that exists. Hildebart of Lavardin wrote "God is over all things, under all things, outside of all things, within but not enclosed; without but not excluded, above but not raised up, below but not depressed; wholly above presiding; wholly beneath, sustaining, wholly within, filling.
David understood the omnipresence of God as he stated in Psalm 139, "...if I ascend into heaven thou art there; if I make my bed in hell, behold, thou art there. If I take the wings of the morning, and dwell in the uttermost parts of the sea; even there shall thy hand lead me, and thy right hand shall hold me." (vs.7-10)
The thought of the omnipresence of our God should bring the believer a real joy. Perhaps this is what Paul meant when he said "sorrowful yet always rejoicing." Even though the going is rough, the believer will have comfort and therefore a joy knowing our God is present. It is as a child may cry out in pain, even when sheltered in the comfort of its mother's arms. We still may suffer, yet we know we are not alone. God is ever present with us. This precious thought should calm troubled hearts and speak peace to our souls.
1. Truth for Today online: God is Everywhere Present
2. Knowledge of the Holy by A.W.Tozer
3. The heart of CC
Monday, December 7, 2009
GOD IS OMNISCIENT
Of the two words making up the word 'omniscient', we have 'omni' which means "all", and the word 'sciens' which refers to knowing, and also gives us our word in English for 'science'. By putting these two words together we have the word 'omniscient' meaning infinite knowledge, or knowing all things. This can only refer to God, as He only knows all things. He alone possesses perfect knowledge and therefore has no need to learn.
To give some understanding to our Almighty God, we can give the negatives approach by saying what He is not. In the case of omniscience, we would say God has never learned, and He cannot learn. In other attributes, we can say He suffers no change, He cannot lie, He had no beginning, He needs no help, He has no limitations.
God knows all: all thoughts, all creatures, all secrets, all things visible and invisible in heaven and earth. He knows no one thing better than another, but all things equally.
This all knowing, Almighty God, knew each one of us before He created time. He knows all about each of us, our thoughts, our secrets, our infirmities. He is never surprised or amazed.
This fact that God knows each one through and through should cause man to fear God, since He knows all our hidden sins and thoughts. David stated "whither shall I go from thy Spirit? or whither shall I flee from thy presence?...If I say, Surely the darkness shall cover me; even the night shall be light about me. Yea the darkness hideth not from thee; but the night shineth as the day." (Psalm 139:7,11,12)
Our Father in heaven knows our frame that it is dust. Jesus took on a human body, and felt the same pain and sorrow we do. His knowledge of us is even more than the fact that He is all knowing, He actually has experienced it and has compassion. Whatever comes our way, or happens to us, God knows all about it and cares for each of us as no one else can.
1. Websters New World Dictionary
2. The Holy Bible
3. The Knowledge of the Holy by A.W.Tozer
4. From the heart of CC
To give some understanding to our Almighty God, we can give the negatives approach by saying what He is not. In the case of omniscience, we would say God has never learned, and He cannot learn. In other attributes, we can say He suffers no change, He cannot lie, He had no beginning, He needs no help, He has no limitations.
God knows all: all thoughts, all creatures, all secrets, all things visible and invisible in heaven and earth. He knows no one thing better than another, but all things equally.
This all knowing, Almighty God, knew each one of us before He created time. He knows all about each of us, our thoughts, our secrets, our infirmities. He is never surprised or amazed.
This fact that God knows each one through and through should cause man to fear God, since He knows all our hidden sins and thoughts. David stated "whither shall I go from thy Spirit? or whither shall I flee from thy presence?...If I say, Surely the darkness shall cover me; even the night shall be light about me. Yea the darkness hideth not from thee; but the night shineth as the day." (Psalm 139:7,11,12)
Our Father in heaven knows our frame that it is dust. Jesus took on a human body, and felt the same pain and sorrow we do. His knowledge of us is even more than the fact that He is all knowing, He actually has experienced it and has compassion. Whatever comes our way, or happens to us, God knows all about it and cares for each of us as no one else can.
1. Websters New World Dictionary
2. The Holy Bible
3. The Knowledge of the Holy by A.W.Tozer
4. From the heart of CC
Monday, November 30, 2009
GOD IS OMNIPOTENT
The word Omnipotent means 'having all power'. The word is derived from the Latin words of 'Omni' meaning 'all', and 'potens' meaning 'power'. This word is identical in its meaning with the more common word of 'Almighty'. If one likes statistics, it is interesting to find that this word 'almighty' occurs fifty-six times in the English Bible and only does refer to God. He alone is Almighty, Omnipotent. In Revelation 4:6 John says "Alleluia! For the Lord God omnipotent reigneth."
Omnipotence is not a name given to the sum of all power, but it is an attribute of a very personal God, and a God who is infinite. Whatever He does is without limit; therefore He has limitless power, He is 'omnipotent'. He has no less power at one time than at another time; He is 'all power' all of the time.
With God having all power, He created this world and everything in it by speaking it into existence. In Psalm 33:6 it states that all came into being by the 'breath of His mouth'; just a mere thought or sigh. Paul states in Romans 1:20 that nature itself gives evidence of the eternal power of God.
This is the God we worship and this is the God who with all His power, with all His creation, is mindful of me, of you; and cares for each one of us with love, compassion and mercy. This is the God who provided a way for our salvation that we will be able to spend all of eternity with Him as His child. Thank you, Almighty Father, You are so good!
1. The Knowledge of the Holy by A.W.Tozer
2. The Holy Bible
3. The Attribute of God/ online
4. The heart of CC
Omnipotence is not a name given to the sum of all power, but it is an attribute of a very personal God, and a God who is infinite. Whatever He does is without limit; therefore He has limitless power, He is 'omnipotent'. He has no less power at one time than at another time; He is 'all power' all of the time.
With God having all power, He created this world and everything in it by speaking it into existence. In Psalm 33:6 it states that all came into being by the 'breath of His mouth'; just a mere thought or sigh. Paul states in Romans 1:20 that nature itself gives evidence of the eternal power of God.
This is the God we worship and this is the God who with all His power, with all His creation, is mindful of me, of you; and cares for each one of us with love, compassion and mercy. This is the God who provided a way for our salvation that we will be able to spend all of eternity with Him as His child. Thank you, Almighty Father, You are so good!
1. The Knowledge of the Holy by A.W.Tozer
2. The Holy Bible
3. The Attribute of God/ online
4. The heart of CC
Monday, November 23, 2009
GOD IS 'HOLY'
Divine holiness stands apart. It is unique, unapproachable, unattainable, and even beyond our understanding. Holy is the way God is. He is pure, with absolute moral perfection. And because He is Holy, all of His attributes are Holy.
We cannot appreciate the holiness of God by putting it to any comparisons that we know. It is simply beyond us as mere man, incomprehensible to our finite minds. Only through the Spirit of the Holy One Himself can we be given a glimpse of His holiness.
Psalm 145:17 says: "The Lord is righteous in all his ways, and holy in all his works." The holiness of God is directly related to His righteousness and completely separate from evil. In I Samuel 2:2 it says: "There is none holy as the Lord; for there is no one beside thee; neither is there any rock like our God." In Leviticus 11:45 and in I peter 1:16 it tells us that we shall be holy for God is holy.
In Isaiah 6, Isaiah had a vision of seeing the Lord sitting upon His throne with the seraphim crying to one another: "holy, holy, holy is the Lord of hosts." Isaiah suddenly realized his personal depravity and cried out "woe is me! for I am undone!...for mine eyes have seen the King, the Lord of hosts." After Job saw the Lord with his spiritual eyes (Job 42:5) he states in verse 6: "I loathe and abhor myself and repent in dust and ashes."
When we see ourselves as God does, we know that we are not holy, and can never be holy as God is; yet He will never tell us to do something we are unable to do. When we receive Jesus Christ, we receive all that God is, and we know we can trust the Holy Spirit to enable us to be holy. We are put right with God, and Christ is our holiness.
We cannot appreciate the holiness of God by putting it to any comparisons that we know. It is simply beyond us as mere man, incomprehensible to our finite minds. Only through the Spirit of the Holy One Himself can we be given a glimpse of His holiness.
Psalm 145:17 says: "The Lord is righteous in all his ways, and holy in all his works." The holiness of God is directly related to His righteousness and completely separate from evil. In I Samuel 2:2 it says: "There is none holy as the Lord; for there is no one beside thee; neither is there any rock like our God." In Leviticus 11:45 and in I peter 1:16 it tells us that we shall be holy for God is holy.
In Isaiah 6, Isaiah had a vision of seeing the Lord sitting upon His throne with the seraphim crying to one another: "holy, holy, holy is the Lord of hosts." Isaiah suddenly realized his personal depravity and cried out "woe is me! for I am undone!...for mine eyes have seen the King, the Lord of hosts." After Job saw the Lord with his spiritual eyes (Job 42:5) he states in verse 6: "I loathe and abhor myself and repent in dust and ashes."
When we see ourselves as God does, we know that we are not holy, and can never be holy as God is; yet He will never tell us to do something we are unable to do. When we receive Jesus Christ, we receive all that God is, and we know we can trust the Holy Spirit to enable us to be holy. We are put right with God, and Christ is our holiness.
Holy, holy holy! Lord God Almighty!
All Thy works shall praise Thy name in earth and sky and sea.
Holy, holy, holy! merciful and mighty!
God in three persons, blessed Trinity! Amen
by Reginal Heber
1. The Knowledge of the Holy by A.W.Tozer
2. The Holy Bible
3. The Attributes of God (online)
4. The heart of CC
Monday, November 16, 2009
GOD IS 'JUST'
"He is the Rock. His work is perfect, for all His ways are law and justice. A God of faithfulness without breach or deviation, just and right is He."
(Deuteronomy 31:4)
According to A.W.Tozer, in the Scriptures Justice and Righteousness are almost synonymous; they can scarcely be distinguished from each other. He is righteous in all His ways; He is Holy and cannot tolerate sin. The just penalty for sin according to Romans 6:23 is 'death'.
God, who is just and righteous, could not spare the sinner; yet in His goodness He can still justify the sinner. This is done through the work of Christ on the Cross. The penalty for sin was paid when Christ became our substitute. Now when a sinner casts himself on Christ for salvation, justice is done and the sinner is made Just by a Just God.
But if one does not accept Christ as His substitute, God's justice still stands against the sinner. He is Just and He has provided a substitute for our death penalty. We dare not ignore this.
His Justice needed to be satisfied, but He took care of it for all who will believe and accept.
Prayer: "We live, O Lord, because thou art just and merciful. Holy, holy, holy, Lord God Almighty, righteous in all Thy ways and Holy in all thy works. Amen"
1. The Holy Bible (Amplified Version)
2. The Knowledge of the Holy by A.W.Tozer
3. The heart of CC
(Deuteronomy 31:4)
According to A.W.Tozer, in the Scriptures Justice and Righteousness are almost synonymous; they can scarcely be distinguished from each other. He is righteous in all His ways; He is Holy and cannot tolerate sin. The just penalty for sin according to Romans 6:23 is 'death'.
God, who is just and righteous, could not spare the sinner; yet in His goodness He can still justify the sinner. This is done through the work of Christ on the Cross. The penalty for sin was paid when Christ became our substitute. Now when a sinner casts himself on Christ for salvation, justice is done and the sinner is made Just by a Just God.
But if one does not accept Christ as His substitute, God's justice still stands against the sinner. He is Just and He has provided a substitute for our death penalty. We dare not ignore this.
His Justice needed to be satisfied, but He took care of it for all who will believe and accept.
Prayer: "We live, O Lord, because thou art just and merciful. Holy, holy, holy, Lord God Almighty, righteous in all Thy ways and Holy in all thy works. Amen"
1. The Holy Bible (Amplified Version)
2. The Knowledge of the Holy by A.W.Tozer
3. The heart of CC
Monday, November 9, 2009
GOD IS 'IMMUTABLE'
According to the Merriam-Webster Online Dictionary, the word "Immutable" means 'not capable of or susceptible to change'. However, all of creation is forever changing; it is impossible to escape this fact. The mountains with snowy tops in winter, lose this in summer as rivers melt down their sides, taking with it dirt and causing erosion, thus constantly changing the mountain. The ocean gives up water as the sun draws from it, forming storm clouds in the heavens. Man especially is in change as his body goes from youth to old age in a matter of a few years. Man will move from worse to better, or even better to worse; he can go from immature to mature.
All of creation is in constant change, but God remains the same. He is incapable of change; He is perfect and has always been perfect. He is Holy and has never been any less Holy. God is not a substance as we are, but a spirit--pure, essential, and ethereal Spirit--and therefore He is immutable.
Since God never changes, His Attributes never change. What He was in the beginning, He is just the same now. He is unchanged in His love, in His Faithfulness, in His power, in His Justice. Malachi 3:6 states: "I am the Lord; I change not..."
If there is any change in our relationship with God, it is on our part, not God's. God Himself is outside of mutation and thereby unaffected by any of the changes occurring in our world. Charles Wesley stated:
This should bring peace to our hearts, as we know we can come to our God at any time and know He is always receptive to our needs. His attitude toward sin is the same as it was when He drove Adam and Eve from the Garden; and His attitude toward sinful man has never changed as He reaches out to him and says "come unto me..."
1. Merriam-Webster Online Dictionary
2. Sermons by Charles Spurgeon
3. The Knowledge of the Holy by A.W.Tozer
4. The Heart of CC
All of creation is in constant change, but God remains the same. He is incapable of change; He is perfect and has always been perfect. He is Holy and has never been any less Holy. God is not a substance as we are, but a spirit--pure, essential, and ethereal Spirit--and therefore He is immutable.
Since God never changes, His Attributes never change. What He was in the beginning, He is just the same now. He is unchanged in His love, in His Faithfulness, in His power, in His Justice. Malachi 3:6 states: "I am the Lord; I change not..."
If there is any change in our relationship with God, it is on our part, not God's. God Himself is outside of mutation and thereby unaffected by any of the changes occurring in our world. Charles Wesley stated:
"And all things as they change proclaim
The Lord eternally the same."
This should bring peace to our hearts, as we know we can come to our God at any time and know He is always receptive to our needs. His attitude toward sin is the same as it was when He drove Adam and Eve from the Garden; and His attitude toward sinful man has never changed as He reaches out to him and says "come unto me..."
1. Merriam-Webster Online Dictionary
2. Sermons by Charles Spurgeon
3. The Knowledge of the Holy by A.W.Tozer
4. The Heart of CC
Monday, November 2, 2009
GOD IS 'FAITHFUL'
We have been considering God's Attributes these past few weeks as we seek to have a small understanding of 'Who God Is'. As we consider each Attribute separately, we must keep in mind these are not separate qualities of God, but merely facets of His Unitary Whole.
God, being self-existent, is also self-sufficient, and being infinite, He must be ALL of each of His Attributes. Therefore, He is not just part love, part power, or part Faithful, but He is ALL of each one. He is ALL Faithful and He never changes, so therefore He cannot be unfaithful--Ever! It is God's Faithfulness that saves us, and it is His Faithfulness that keeps us. Galatians 2:20 in the King James Version states: "...and the life which I now live in the flesh, I live by the faith of the Son of God..." I believe this is the proper translation, and it shows that our salvation is sure because He is Faithful.
It is only by having complete assurance in His Faithfulness that we can have 'peace' when we come to a bend in the road, or the way becomes rocky, or storm clouds blow into our lives. And it is only by having assurance in His Faithfulness that we can look forward to the life to come.
The Old Testament talks about the Faithfulness of God in Deuteronomy 7:9: "Therefore know that the Lord your God, He is God, the faithful God who keeps covenant and mercy for a thousand generations with those who love Him and keep His commandments." And In Psalm 92:1,2 we read: "It is good to give thanks to the Lord, and to sing praises to Your name, O Most High; to declare Your lovingkindness in the morning, and Your Faithfulness every night."
Our Lord who was Faithful to His Heavenly Father while on earth, is now Faithful to us; so we can press on with assurance in His Faithfulness for years and centuries to come.
Isaac Watts wrote a poem showing that God's Faithfulness will never fail:
1. The Knowledge of the Holy by A.W.Tozer
2. The Holy Bible
3. The heart of CC
God, being self-existent, is also self-sufficient, and being infinite, He must be ALL of each of His Attributes. Therefore, He is not just part love, part power, or part Faithful, but He is ALL of each one. He is ALL Faithful and He never changes, so therefore He cannot be unfaithful--Ever! It is God's Faithfulness that saves us, and it is His Faithfulness that keeps us. Galatians 2:20 in the King James Version states: "...and the life which I now live in the flesh, I live by the faith of the Son of God..." I believe this is the proper translation, and it shows that our salvation is sure because He is Faithful.
It is only by having complete assurance in His Faithfulness that we can have 'peace' when we come to a bend in the road, or the way becomes rocky, or storm clouds blow into our lives. And it is only by having assurance in His Faithfulness that we can look forward to the life to come.
The Old Testament talks about the Faithfulness of God in Deuteronomy 7:9: "Therefore know that the Lord your God, He is God, the faithful God who keeps covenant and mercy for a thousand generations with those who love Him and keep His commandments." And In Psalm 92:1,2 we read: "It is good to give thanks to the Lord, and to sing praises to Your name, O Most High; to declare Your lovingkindness in the morning, and Your Faithfulness every night."
Our Lord who was Faithful to His Heavenly Father while on earth, is now Faithful to us; so we can press on with assurance in His Faithfulness for years and centuries to come.
Isaac Watts wrote a poem showing that God's Faithfulness will never fail:
"Happy the man whose hopes rely
On Israel's God; He made the sky,
And earth and seas, with all their train;
His truth forever stands secure.
He saves the oppressed; He feeds the poor,
And none shall find His promise vain."
1. The Knowledge of the Holy by A.W.Tozer
2. The Holy Bible
3. The heart of CC
Monday, October 26, 2009
GOD IS 'LOVE'
When we say 'God is Love' this is not giving a definition of God. To say, 'God is Love' means that this is an Attribute of God, a fact about Him just as the facts that He is Good, Holy and Faithful. His love had no beginning and will have no end. He loves as much at one moment as He does another, because as God He does not change. Because He is God and without limits, His love has no limits.
We cannot really define 'Love', but we know about love by how it is revealed to the one that is loved. I Corinthians 13 is a chapter from the Bible given entirely to an attempt to define 'love'. Specifically: Love is patient, love is kind; not envious, not boastful or haughty; love is not self-seeking or resentful. Love never fails. Love is uncaused and undeserved.
Love shows itself by how it takes pleasure in what is loved, and God enjoys and loves us as His own creation. John 3:16 states that God loved us so much that He gave His only begotten Son to die for us. And here is a wonderful thing about God's love: when we become His children, nothing can separate us from that love. Paul states in Romans 8:38 and 39 (from the Amplified Version):
We cannot really define 'Love', but we know about love by how it is revealed to the one that is loved. I Corinthians 13 is a chapter from the Bible given entirely to an attempt to define 'love'. Specifically: Love is patient, love is kind; not envious, not boastful or haughty; love is not self-seeking or resentful. Love never fails. Love is uncaused and undeserved.
Love shows itself by how it takes pleasure in what is loved, and God enjoys and loves us as His own creation. John 3:16 states that God loved us so much that He gave His only begotten Son to die for us. And here is a wonderful thing about God's love: when we become His children, nothing can separate us from that love. Paul states in Romans 8:38 and 39 (from the Amplified Version):
"For I am persuaded beyond doubt (am sure) that neither death nor life,
nor angels, nor principalities, nor things impending or threatening;
nor things to come, nor powers, nor height nor depth,
nor anything else in all creation will be able to separate us
from the Love of God which is in Christ Jesus our Lord."
There is so much to learn about God's Love; it is so vast and we can never understand it, any more than we can understand God. Ephesians 2:4-5 gives a small view of how God expresses His love to us:
"But God--so rich in His mercy! Because of and in order to
satisfy the great and wonderful and intense love with which He loved us,
Even when we were dead (slain) by (our own) shortcomings
and trespasses, He made us alive together in fellowship and in union
with Christ; [He gave us the very life of Christ Himself, the same
new life with which He quickened Him, for] it is by grace
(His favor and mercy which you did not deserve) that you are saved
(delivered from judgment and made partakers of Christ's salvation).
The love of God is measureless, and we cannot be separated from it! Praise God!
1. From the Holy Bible (Amplified)
2. The Knowledge of the Holy by A.W.Tozer
3. The heart of CC
Monday, October 19, 2009
GOD IS GOOD
"For the Lord is good; his mercy and loving-kindness are everlasting; and his faithfulness and truth endure in all generations." (Psalm 100:5 Amplified)
"O Give thanks to the Lord, for His is good; for his mercy and loving-kindness endure forever." (Psalm 107:1 Amplified)
God's Goodness is one of His 'attributes', and because He is God His goodness is self-caused, infinite, perfect and eternal. As an attribute of an unchangeable God, He never varies in His intensity of His goodness. His goodness is what causes Him to be kind, cordial, and full of good toward all man.
God's Goodness is different than human goodness, because God is perfect. A.W. Tozer states that "the Goodness of God is the drive behind all the blessings He daily bestows upon us. God created us because He felt Good in His heart, and He redeemed us for the same reason."
Charles Wesley had this to say of the Goodness of God:
"O Give thanks to the Lord, for His is good; for his mercy and loving-kindness endure forever." (Psalm 107:1 Amplified)
God's Goodness is one of His 'attributes', and because He is God His goodness is self-caused, infinite, perfect and eternal. As an attribute of an unchangeable God, He never varies in His intensity of His goodness. His goodness is what causes Him to be kind, cordial, and full of good toward all man.
God's Goodness is different than human goodness, because God is perfect. A.W. Tozer states that "the Goodness of God is the drive behind all the blessings He daily bestows upon us. God created us because He felt Good in His heart, and He redeemed us for the same reason."
Charles Wesley had this to say of the Goodness of God:
Before my faith's enlightened eyes
Make all Thy gracious goodness pass;
Thy goodness is the sight I prize:
O might I see thy smiling face;
Thy nature in my soul proclaim
Reveal thy love, Thy glorious name.
"O Taste and see that the Lord is Good!" (Psalm 34:8)
1. God's Holy Word
2. Knowledge of the Holy by AW Tozer
3. The Heart of CC
Monday, October 12, 2009
Who is God?
When we think about God, we have a tendency to place Him in a box of our making. We think limited thoughts about Him when in fact He is unlimited.
Our minds simply cannot contain Him as He is infinite; He is endless; He is limitless. In I Kings 8:29 Solomon stated "...Behold, heaven and the heaven of heavens cannot contain You. How much less this temple which I have built."
In Psalm 145:5 the psalmist says: "I will meditate on the glorious splendor of Your Majesty, and on Your wondrous works."
We say God is a mystery because we cannot understand His infinity. We must accept the things we do not understand by Faith. God has given us His Word to help us learn about God, and by searching God's Word we can find true facts about God called 'attributes'. An 'attribute' is a characteristic that is true about God and how He reveals Himself to us. Love, for instance is not a quality that may grow or diminish, but it is the way He is, as with all of His attributes. He IS Faithful; He IS Merciful; He IS immutable; He IS Holy.
A.W.Tozer, a noted Christian Author of some 50 or 60 years ago, states in his book "Knowledge of the Holy", that "The God we must learn to know is the Majesty in the heavens, God the Almighty Father, Maker of heaven and earth, the only wise God our Saviour. He it is that sitteth upon the circle of the earth, who stretcheth out the heavens as a curtain and spreadeth them out like a tent to dwell in..."
For the next few weeks I am going to meditate on God's attributes and perhaps by thinking about His attributes we can have a better concept of "Who God is".
1. Knowledge of the Holy by A.W.Tozer
2. God's Holy Word
3. From the heart of CC
Our minds simply cannot contain Him as He is infinite; He is endless; He is limitless. In I Kings 8:29 Solomon stated "...Behold, heaven and the heaven of heavens cannot contain You. How much less this temple which I have built."
In Psalm 145:5 the psalmist says: "I will meditate on the glorious splendor of Your Majesty, and on Your wondrous works."
We say God is a mystery because we cannot understand His infinity. We must accept the things we do not understand by Faith. God has given us His Word to help us learn about God, and by searching God's Word we can find true facts about God called 'attributes'. An 'attribute' is a characteristic that is true about God and how He reveals Himself to us. Love, for instance is not a quality that may grow or diminish, but it is the way He is, as with all of His attributes. He IS Faithful; He IS Merciful; He IS immutable; He IS Holy.
A.W.Tozer, a noted Christian Author of some 50 or 60 years ago, states in his book "Knowledge of the Holy", that "The God we must learn to know is the Majesty in the heavens, God the Almighty Father, Maker of heaven and earth, the only wise God our Saviour. He it is that sitteth upon the circle of the earth, who stretcheth out the heavens as a curtain and spreadeth them out like a tent to dwell in..."
For the next few weeks I am going to meditate on God's attributes and perhaps by thinking about His attributes we can have a better concept of "Who God is".
1. Knowledge of the Holy by A.W.Tozer
2. God's Holy Word
3. From the heart of CC
Monday, October 5, 2009
Psalm 37
Last week I endeavored to encourage all to get into the Bible and to study God's Word. When Jesus was tempted by Satan in the Wilderness He quoted each time from God's Word: "It is written....It is written...It is written." Knowing God's Word is the quickest way to resist Satan and cause him to 'run'.
Psalm 37 is a wonderful example for getting to know God's Word. In Psalm 37:1 we are told:"Fret Not Thyself..." But by going deeper into the Psalm, we find that when God gives us a command, He will also show how it is to be done.
In verse 3, 4, and 5 we are told to:
1. Trust in God
2. Delight myself in Him
3. Commit my way to Him
4. Then to Rest in Him.
As we study the rest of the Psalm, God reminds us that He will Sustain us (vs. 17) and that He knows each day we have. Verse 23 shows us that our steps are established by Him, and verse 24 tells us that He holds us by the hand. Verse 25 is a reminder that though I have been young and now am old, He has never let me down. Verse 28 states that He 'does not forsake His righteous ones'.
In verses 39 and 40 He tells each one of us that He is our salvation, our strength, and we can take refuge in Him. It is easy to not fret when our God shows us how it can be done.
Oh Lord, I will keep Your law in my heart (vs. 31). Amen
1. Psalm 37
2. From the heart of CC
Psalm 37 is a wonderful example for getting to know God's Word. In Psalm 37:1 we are told:"Fret Not Thyself..." But by going deeper into the Psalm, we find that when God gives us a command, He will also show how it is to be done.
In verse 3, 4, and 5 we are told to:
1. Trust in God
2. Delight myself in Him
3. Commit my way to Him
4. Then to Rest in Him.
As we study the rest of the Psalm, God reminds us that He will Sustain us (vs. 17) and that He knows each day we have. Verse 23 shows us that our steps are established by Him, and verse 24 tells us that He holds us by the hand. Verse 25 is a reminder that though I have been young and now am old, He has never let me down. Verse 28 states that He 'does not forsake His righteous ones'.
In verses 39 and 40 He tells each one of us that He is our salvation, our strength, and we can take refuge in Him. It is easy to not fret when our God shows us how it can be done.
Oh Lord, I will keep Your law in my heart (vs. 31). Amen
1. Psalm 37
2. From the heart of CC
Monday, September 28, 2009
Why Study the Bible?
Paul the Apostle was the mentor for young Timothy, and in II Timothy 2:15 he admonishes Timothy to "Study to show thyself approved unto God, a workman that needeth not to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth." This verse is reason enough to show us the importance of studying God's Word, but we can even go to the Old Testament and find more reasons.
We have a gold mine in Psalm 119. Last week I used verses from this Psalm to go parallel with the Prayer of Jabez. This week I will give some verses to show why we must study God's Word.
In Verse 9 the question is asked: "How can a young man keep his way pure?" and it is answered in the same verse "By living according to Your Word." If we want to live righteously, we need to know what God's Word says and live by it.
Verse 11 states: "Thy word have I hidden in mine heart, that I might not sin against thee." We need to have God's Word in our hearts to help us keep from falling into sinful ways.
In verse 72 it tells us that "the law of thy mouth (His Word) is better unto me than thousands of gold and silver". God's Word is more precious to me than all the riches available to man.
Verse 104 tells us that we will gain understanding through His words. How can one say they do not understand God's Word when it is not even read.
It is very beneficial to get into a Bible study, perhaps in one's neighborhood, or in the church. It is also important to take a few minutes each day and read the Word. Just a few verses at a time, starting with 15 minutes and gradually increasing it. Take a chapter such as Psalm 119 and see what instruction you can glean from it that can be useful to your own life.
You will find in no time at all, you will have a deeper understanding of God's Word, and you will find that like Jabez (talked about in last week's blog) you will have enlarged your territory of wisdom and understanding in the ways of the Lord.
It has been said "God's Word will keep you from sin; Sin will keep you from God's Word."
1. Psalm 119
2. From the heart of CC
We have a gold mine in Psalm 119. Last week I used verses from this Psalm to go parallel with the Prayer of Jabez. This week I will give some verses to show why we must study God's Word.
In Verse 9 the question is asked: "How can a young man keep his way pure?" and it is answered in the same verse "By living according to Your Word." If we want to live righteously, we need to know what God's Word says and live by it.
Verse 11 states: "Thy word have I hidden in mine heart, that I might not sin against thee." We need to have God's Word in our hearts to help us keep from falling into sinful ways.
In verse 72 it tells us that "the law of thy mouth (His Word) is better unto me than thousands of gold and silver". God's Word is more precious to me than all the riches available to man.
Verse 104 tells us that we will gain understanding through His words. How can one say they do not understand God's Word when it is not even read.
It is very beneficial to get into a Bible study, perhaps in one's neighborhood, or in the church. It is also important to take a few minutes each day and read the Word. Just a few verses at a time, starting with 15 minutes and gradually increasing it. Take a chapter such as Psalm 119 and see what instruction you can glean from it that can be useful to your own life.
You will find in no time at all, you will have a deeper understanding of God's Word, and you will find that like Jabez (talked about in last week's blog) you will have enlarged your territory of wisdom and understanding in the ways of the Lord.
It has been said "God's Word will keep you from sin; Sin will keep you from God's Word."
1. Psalm 119
2. From the heart of CC
Monday, September 21, 2009
The Prayer of Jabez
A few years ago there was a lot of talk about the 'Prayer of Jabez'. This prayer is a little verse, actually two verses in the middle of a chapter of boring genealogy. This is how it reads from the Amplified version of I Chronicles 4:10: "Jabez cried to the God of Israel, saying, Oh, that You would bless me and enlarge my border, and that Your hand might be with me, and You would keep me from evil so it might not hurt me! And God granted his request."
Wow! What a strange little verse, but a simple prayer, and it says "God granted his request." As I was reading Psalm 119, I thought it interesting that one could take this little verse from I Chronicles and compare it to many verses in Psalm 119.
Jabez' first request: "O would You bless me".
In Psalm 119:17 the Psalmist asks God to "deal bountifully with Your Servant."
The second request was: "enlarge my borders". ( Now some think this is to expand the territory he works in, or owns, or any number of things. I think it could mean he wanted to expand his mind, have more wisdom and understanding.)
In Psalm 119:33 the Lord is asked to "teach me thy way", and in verse 34 it says "give me understanding."
The third request is that "Your hand might be with me".
In Psalm 119:35 the Psalmist asks that the Lord "make me go in the path of Your commandments"; asking for God's guidance.
The last request is that "You would keep me from evil so it might not hurt me."
In Psalm 119:37 the Psalmist asks the Lord to turn away his eyes from beholding that which is not good and turn away reproach. In verse 101 it state: "I have restrained my feet from every evil way."
So I am going to take the liberty of using these verses and thoughts from Psalm 119 and write my prayer:
"O Lord, deal bountifully with Your servant, helping me to increase my wisdom and understanding, guiding me in the way I should go to follow Your commandments. Keep my eyes from looking on evil and keep me from going in to evil places. And I thank You for hearing my Prayer. Amen"
1. I Chronicles 4:10
2. Psalm 119:17,33,34,35,37,101
3. From the heart of CC
Wow! What a strange little verse, but a simple prayer, and it says "God granted his request." As I was reading Psalm 119, I thought it interesting that one could take this little verse from I Chronicles and compare it to many verses in Psalm 119.
Jabez' first request: "O would You bless me".
In Psalm 119:17 the Psalmist asks God to "deal bountifully with Your Servant."
The second request was: "enlarge my borders". ( Now some think this is to expand the territory he works in, or owns, or any number of things. I think it could mean he wanted to expand his mind, have more wisdom and understanding.)
In Psalm 119:33 the Lord is asked to "teach me thy way", and in verse 34 it says "give me understanding."
The third request is that "Your hand might be with me".
In Psalm 119:35 the Psalmist asks that the Lord "make me go in the path of Your commandments"; asking for God's guidance.
The last request is that "You would keep me from evil so it might not hurt me."
In Psalm 119:37 the Psalmist asks the Lord to turn away his eyes from beholding that which is not good and turn away reproach. In verse 101 it state: "I have restrained my feet from every evil way."
So I am going to take the liberty of using these verses and thoughts from Psalm 119 and write my prayer:
"O Lord, deal bountifully with Your servant, helping me to increase my wisdom and understanding, guiding me in the way I should go to follow Your commandments. Keep my eyes from looking on evil and keep me from going in to evil places. And I thank You for hearing my Prayer. Amen"
1. I Chronicles 4:10
2. Psalm 119:17,33,34,35,37,101
3. From the heart of CC
Monday, September 14, 2009
The Dove of Faith
The past 4 weeks I have given my thoughts and reasons on "Why Christians Suffer". This past week one of my daily devotionals had an article by Arthur Christopher Bacon, which to me seemed to sum up everything I have been trying to say. The verse that is given is Matthew 6:32, "Your heavenly Father knoweth." (This was written over 100 years ago, so some of the words used may not be considered 'politically correct' today, but was written in love.)
"A visitor at a school for the deaf and dumb was writing questions on the blackboard for the children. By and by he wrote this sentence: "Why has God made me to hear and speak, and made you deaf and dumb?"
The awful sentence fell upon the little ones like a fierce blow in the face They sat palsied before that dreadful "Why?" And then a little girl arose.
Her lip was trembling. Her eyes were swimming with tears. Straight to the board she walked, and, picking up the crayon, wrote with firm hand these precious words: "Even so, Father: for so it seemed good in thy sight" (Matthew 11:26). What a reply! It reaches up and lays hold of an eternal truth upon which the maturest believer as well as the youngest child of God may alike securely rest--the truth that God is your Father.
Do you mean that? Do you really and fully believe that? When you do, then your dove of faith will no longer wander in weary unrest, but will settle down forever in its eternal resting place of peace. "Your Father!"
I can still believe that a day comes for all of us, however far off it may be, when we shall understand; when these tragedies that now blacken and darken the very air of heaven for us, will sink into their places in a scheme so august, so magnificent, so joyful, that we shall laugh for wonder and delight."
1. Article by Arthur Christopher Bacon
2. From the heart of CC
"A visitor at a school for the deaf and dumb was writing questions on the blackboard for the children. By and by he wrote this sentence: "Why has God made me to hear and speak, and made you deaf and dumb?"
The awful sentence fell upon the little ones like a fierce blow in the face They sat palsied before that dreadful "Why?" And then a little girl arose.
Her lip was trembling. Her eyes were swimming with tears. Straight to the board she walked, and, picking up the crayon, wrote with firm hand these precious words: "Even so, Father: for so it seemed good in thy sight" (Matthew 11:26). What a reply! It reaches up and lays hold of an eternal truth upon which the maturest believer as well as the youngest child of God may alike securely rest--the truth that God is your Father.
Do you mean that? Do you really and fully believe that? When you do, then your dove of faith will no longer wander in weary unrest, but will settle down forever in its eternal resting place of peace. "Your Father!"
I can still believe that a day comes for all of us, however far off it may be, when we shall understand; when these tragedies that now blacken and darken the very air of heaven for us, will sink into their places in a scheme so august, so magnificent, so joyful, that we shall laugh for wonder and delight."
1. Article by Arthur Christopher Bacon
2. From the heart of CC
Monday, September 7, 2009
Why Do Christians Suffer? (Part IV)
These past 4 weeks I have given my reasons for "Why Christians Suffer". The first reason, and one that we cannot get away from, is that we live in this world of sin. The Bible says that it rains on the just as well as the unjust, so we can just expect suffering as we live this life on earth.
The second reason is that all sin has its consequences. This is the suffering that one might say we bring upon ourselves. The sad part of it is, whatever suffering comes as a consequence of our sin, it often causes suffering to others as well, and can be far reaching.
A third reason would be that some suffering is allowed by God to Glorify Him. Though we may not understand it, we know that He knows all things, and His Grace is Sufficient.
Reason #4 that answers the question of "Why Christians Suffer" is that it is used for discipline. Nearly 2000 years ago a Chinese sage wrote "when heaven is about to confer a great office on a man (or woman) it always first exercises his mind and soul with suffering and his body with hunger, and exposes him to extreme poverty and boggles all his undertakings. By these means it stimulates his mind, hardens his nature and enables him to acts otherwise not possible to him." These things of themselves cannot do anything but cause confusion, but with God's Hand in it, iron comes into the soul, and one sees all things working together, bringing wisdom and understanding.
Jeremiah 29:11 states "For I know the thoughts that I think toward you saith the Lord, thoughts of peace and not of evil, to give you an expected end." Our heavenly Father often allows suffering as a form of discipline to bring the expected end.
An example of discipline would be an Olympic athlete. The precision and skill that goes into a sport, whether it be ice skating, gymnastics, skiing, or some other fete, is not something that one picked up just by chance. It has taken years of discipline, self-denial, aching bodies, and even broken bones, to learn to perform a fete otherwise impossible.
In Hebrews 12:7 it states: "You must submit to and endure for discipline; God is dealing with you as sons. For what son is there whom his father does not train and correct and discipline?" So, do not despair when suffering or trials come your way. Whatever it is for, you know it cannot reach you unless it has first gone through our Master's hand, because we are held in the palm of his hand.
My prayer:
O Lord, You have not promised a way free of stones and thorns, but I know You will go with me all the way. You have not promised me riches, but You have said You will provide all my needs. You have promised strength for each day, Your comfort to go with me; and You will carry me on Eagle's wings. You are my God and my King. You are my Lord God Jehovah; in thee will I trust!
Amen
1. Mencius, the Chinese sage
2. The Holy Bible
3. From the heart of CC
The second reason is that all sin has its consequences. This is the suffering that one might say we bring upon ourselves. The sad part of it is, whatever suffering comes as a consequence of our sin, it often causes suffering to others as well, and can be far reaching.
A third reason would be that some suffering is allowed by God to Glorify Him. Though we may not understand it, we know that He knows all things, and His Grace is Sufficient.
Reason #4 that answers the question of "Why Christians Suffer" is that it is used for discipline. Nearly 2000 years ago a Chinese sage wrote "when heaven is about to confer a great office on a man (or woman) it always first exercises his mind and soul with suffering and his body with hunger, and exposes him to extreme poverty and boggles all his undertakings. By these means it stimulates his mind, hardens his nature and enables him to acts otherwise not possible to him." These things of themselves cannot do anything but cause confusion, but with God's Hand in it, iron comes into the soul, and one sees all things working together, bringing wisdom and understanding.
Jeremiah 29:11 states "For I know the thoughts that I think toward you saith the Lord, thoughts of peace and not of evil, to give you an expected end." Our heavenly Father often allows suffering as a form of discipline to bring the expected end.
An example of discipline would be an Olympic athlete. The precision and skill that goes into a sport, whether it be ice skating, gymnastics, skiing, or some other fete, is not something that one picked up just by chance. It has taken years of discipline, self-denial, aching bodies, and even broken bones, to learn to perform a fete otherwise impossible.
In Hebrews 12:7 it states: "You must submit to and endure for discipline; God is dealing with you as sons. For what son is there whom his father does not train and correct and discipline?" So, do not despair when suffering or trials come your way. Whatever it is for, you know it cannot reach you unless it has first gone through our Master's hand, because we are held in the palm of his hand.
My prayer:
O Lord, You have not promised a way free of stones and thorns, but I know You will go with me all the way. You have not promised me riches, but You have said You will provide all my needs. You have promised strength for each day, Your comfort to go with me; and You will carry me on Eagle's wings. You are my God and my King. You are my Lord God Jehovah; in thee will I trust!
Amen
1. Mencius, the Chinese sage
2. The Holy Bible
3. From the heart of CC
Monday, August 31, 2009
Why Do Christians Suffer? (Part III)
We have been considering reasons why Christians suffer. Often one hears that as a Christian, we should be exempt from suffering. Doesn't God really care?
Why me? The last two weeks we have had as reason for suffering simply because we live in this world of sin. A second reason is that all sin has its consequences, and just because one is a Christian, does not mean the consequences of sin committed do not have to be paid. As a Christian who is suffering, we have something an unbeliever does not have. We have our Lord, staying with us, going through whatever we go through, and giving us strength and comfort.
Reason #3 for why a Christian suffers is that God has allowed the suffering to glorify Him. In John 11:4 we read of an example of this. Jesus was told that His good friend Lazarus was sick. Everyone thought Jesus would immediately go to him, but He tarried and He told his disciples it was to honor God, to promote His glory, that the Son of God may be glorified. He waited another couple of days, and when He went to Bethany, Lazarus had been dead 4 days. Again in verse 40 He said to Mary, "Did I not say to you that if you believe, you will see the glory of God?" And then, after thanking the Father for hearing Him, He called Lazarus forth from the grave.
In II Corinthians 11:9 we have the story of Paul with what he called 'a thorn' in the flesh. Whether this was a physical, mental or spiritual 'thorn' we are not told. We only know that Paul prayed, even begged the Lord to have it removed. The Lord's answer to Paul was that His Grace was sufficient. Down through the centuries, this reply to Paul has helped many Christians accept their suffering as unto the Lord, and lean on Him, finding His Grace sufficient. I have a dear friend who is wheelchair bound from M.S. She also suffers from other maladies, and is in constant pain. Yet she is always cheerful. When asked how she is, she says "I am blessed". Whenever she is in a doctors office, or rushed to emergency for some reason, whatever is going on, she is praising the Lord and witnessing for Him. I think that when she gets to heaven she will be greeted by a crowd of folks who would not have been there except for her praising the Lord in word and song and smile as she does even through her suffering.
Another example from the Bible is found in John 9, with the healing of the blind man. Jesus disciples asked who had sinned, the man or his parents. Jesus reply was: "Neither hath this man sinned, nor his parents, but that the works of God should be made manifest in him."
In II Corinthians 1 we read that God is our God of all comfort. Verse 4 states "...who comforts us in all our affliction so that we will be able to comfort those who are in any affliction with the comfort with which we ourselves are comforted by God." Here we see that God teaches us how to comfort others, by allowing us to suffer afflictions whereby we experience His great comfort.
In Psalm 34:19 we are told that we are delivered 'out' of our afflictions, not 'from' them, and our Lord is with us all the way, to give strength, peace and comfort. We may wish we could fly away from all, but then we would miss the special blessings He gives us, the peace that passes all understanding. So dear Christian, instead of our asking "why me, Lord?", instead we should say "Lord, why NOT me?"
Next week will be the fourth reason, which I believe is that of discipline. What loving parent does not discipline their children in order to give them maturity and iron in their soul? Discipline is necessary to help us grow.
1. From God's Holy Word
2. From the heart of CC
Why me? The last two weeks we have had as reason for suffering simply because we live in this world of sin. A second reason is that all sin has its consequences, and just because one is a Christian, does not mean the consequences of sin committed do not have to be paid. As a Christian who is suffering, we have something an unbeliever does not have. We have our Lord, staying with us, going through whatever we go through, and giving us strength and comfort.
Reason #3 for why a Christian suffers is that God has allowed the suffering to glorify Him. In John 11:4 we read of an example of this. Jesus was told that His good friend Lazarus was sick. Everyone thought Jesus would immediately go to him, but He tarried and He told his disciples it was to honor God, to promote His glory, that the Son of God may be glorified. He waited another couple of days, and when He went to Bethany, Lazarus had been dead 4 days. Again in verse 40 He said to Mary, "Did I not say to you that if you believe, you will see the glory of God?" And then, after thanking the Father for hearing Him, He called Lazarus forth from the grave.
In II Corinthians 11:9 we have the story of Paul with what he called 'a thorn' in the flesh. Whether this was a physical, mental or spiritual 'thorn' we are not told. We only know that Paul prayed, even begged the Lord to have it removed. The Lord's answer to Paul was that His Grace was sufficient. Down through the centuries, this reply to Paul has helped many Christians accept their suffering as unto the Lord, and lean on Him, finding His Grace sufficient. I have a dear friend who is wheelchair bound from M.S. She also suffers from other maladies, and is in constant pain. Yet she is always cheerful. When asked how she is, she says "I am blessed". Whenever she is in a doctors office, or rushed to emergency for some reason, whatever is going on, she is praising the Lord and witnessing for Him. I think that when she gets to heaven she will be greeted by a crowd of folks who would not have been there except for her praising the Lord in word and song and smile as she does even through her suffering.
Another example from the Bible is found in John 9, with the healing of the blind man. Jesus disciples asked who had sinned, the man or his parents. Jesus reply was: "Neither hath this man sinned, nor his parents, but that the works of God should be made manifest in him."
In II Corinthians 1 we read that God is our God of all comfort. Verse 4 states "...who comforts us in all our affliction so that we will be able to comfort those who are in any affliction with the comfort with which we ourselves are comforted by God." Here we see that God teaches us how to comfort others, by allowing us to suffer afflictions whereby we experience His great comfort.
In Psalm 34:19 we are told that we are delivered 'out' of our afflictions, not 'from' them, and our Lord is with us all the way, to give strength, peace and comfort. We may wish we could fly away from all, but then we would miss the special blessings He gives us, the peace that passes all understanding. So dear Christian, instead of our asking "why me, Lord?", instead we should say "Lord, why NOT me?"
Next week will be the fourth reason, which I believe is that of discipline. What loving parent does not discipline their children in order to give them maturity and iron in their soul? Discipline is necessary to help us grow.
1. From God's Holy Word
2. From the heart of CC
Monday, August 24, 2009
Why Do Christians Suffer?(Part II)
The question is often asked, "Why do Christians have to suffer?" "As a Christian, shouldn't we be exempt? " "Doesn't God care?"
Last week I gave a reason for Christians suffering because we live in this world of sin. As long as we are alive in this world, marred by sin, we will experience what comes to all mankind. The Bible states that it rains on the just and on the unjust (Matthew 5:45). But the difference for a Christian is that we have the Lord, and He is always with us.
Reason # 2 for a Christian suffering, is that all sin has its consequences, whether one is a believer or an unbeliever. These consequences seldom only effect that one person who may have sinned. If one is a spiritual leader who wanders from the things of God, these consequences may be far-reaching, and cause suffering to many people. Just because one may become more mature in years, or has walked with the Lord many years, does not make that one immune to the old sin nature.
Let me use an example from II Samuel 12, when Nathan the prophet confronted David of his sin with Bathsheba, and against Uriah. David repented, yet he had to live with the consequences for the rest of his life. His baby died, misery was brought to many people, and his own children turned against each other so that his household had no peace.
In II Samuel 24, David again sinned when he ordered a census to be taken without God's leading, his greatest sin being pride. He again repented and was forgiven, but he had to pay the consequences, and as a result 70,000 souls died. Just think of all the many families who suffered, because of one man's sin. No man is 'an island', and what may seem a small hidden sin, can have far-reaching consequences, bringing suffering to oneself and others.
Even if our suffering is due to the consequences of sin committed, we still have a merciful, forgiving God. Whatever suffering follows as a consequence to sin, our Lord stays right beside us; He never leaves us. He suffers right along with us.
Sin often has to pay an awful price. The Old Testament is full of examples of man having to pay the consequences of sin. But in the New Testament we are shown God's Grace. Jesus paid the price, and through His Grace He forgives and stays with us through the consequences. He never leaves us. Oh What a God!
Next week we will discuss a third reason for a Christian to suffer. This one is that I believe God allows suffering when it will glorify Him.
1. Scripture from The Holy Bible
2. From the heart of CC
Last week I gave a reason for Christians suffering because we live in this world of sin. As long as we are alive in this world, marred by sin, we will experience what comes to all mankind. The Bible states that it rains on the just and on the unjust (Matthew 5:45). But the difference for a Christian is that we have the Lord, and He is always with us.
Reason # 2 for a Christian suffering, is that all sin has its consequences, whether one is a believer or an unbeliever. These consequences seldom only effect that one person who may have sinned. If one is a spiritual leader who wanders from the things of God, these consequences may be far-reaching, and cause suffering to many people. Just because one may become more mature in years, or has walked with the Lord many years, does not make that one immune to the old sin nature.
Let me use an example from II Samuel 12, when Nathan the prophet confronted David of his sin with Bathsheba, and against Uriah. David repented, yet he had to live with the consequences for the rest of his life. His baby died, misery was brought to many people, and his own children turned against each other so that his household had no peace.
In II Samuel 24, David again sinned when he ordered a census to be taken without God's leading, his greatest sin being pride. He again repented and was forgiven, but he had to pay the consequences, and as a result 70,000 souls died. Just think of all the many families who suffered, because of one man's sin. No man is 'an island', and what may seem a small hidden sin, can have far-reaching consequences, bringing suffering to oneself and others.
Even if our suffering is due to the consequences of sin committed, we still have a merciful, forgiving God. Whatever suffering follows as a consequence to sin, our Lord stays right beside us; He never leaves us. He suffers right along with us.
Sin often has to pay an awful price. The Old Testament is full of examples of man having to pay the consequences of sin. But in the New Testament we are shown God's Grace. Jesus paid the price, and through His Grace He forgives and stays with us through the consequences. He never leaves us. Oh What a God!
Next week we will discuss a third reason for a Christian to suffer. This one is that I believe God allows suffering when it will glorify Him.
1. Scripture from The Holy Bible
2. From the heart of CC
Monday, August 17, 2009
Why Do Christians Suffer?(Part I)
For the next 4 weeks I plan to cover this question: Why do Christians Suffer?
If we are God's children, why aren't we excmpt? Or you may have heard: It sure doesn't seem like God cares, what has He done for me? Why am I sick? Why is my child sick? I have come up with four reasons why I feel Christians suffer and will discuss one a week. If you have comments or have other reasons, I would appreciate hearing from You.
Reason # One: Christians suffer just because we live in this world which became imperfect when man sinned. Not only did man have to pay the consequences for that sin, but all of creation did too, from the smallest, tiniest organism, to the largest mountain. So much of our suffering comes just because we live in this world of 'sin'.
Oh yes, God could cause those Cancer causing molecules to change back to normal, He could reach down and give life to a dying saint; He is still a miracle working God. But He does not always intervene with the natural course of nature. Some of His children may be caught in a hurricane, or be lost in a blizzard, or have a terrible accident. These are catastrophes that come because we live in this world that is no longer perfect. But instead of always stepping in and saving us from disasters and illnesses, He has promised to go with us through it all.
Matthew 5:45 states: "...He causes His sun to rise on the evil and the good, and sends rain on the righteous and the unrighteous." The difference is that we are not alone when we go through a storm, or when the shadows fall. He promises that even when we come to the 'valley of the shadow of death' He is with me.
We gain our strength from the one who went all the way to Calvary for me and for you, and He had to die alone so we would not have to.
So yes, Jesus cares. He cared enough to give His life for us. The days may be dark and long on this earth, but we have a future, this world is only temporary for a Christian, and our blessed Hope is in the Lord.
Remember, you are NOT left alone. You will have the help you need for any circumstance. "My God will supply every need of yours..." (Phillipians 4:19)
Next week: All sin has consequences.
1. God's Holy Word
2. From the heart of CC
If we are God's children, why aren't we excmpt? Or you may have heard: It sure doesn't seem like God cares, what has He done for me? Why am I sick? Why is my child sick? I have come up with four reasons why I feel Christians suffer and will discuss one a week. If you have comments or have other reasons, I would appreciate hearing from You.
Reason # One: Christians suffer just because we live in this world which became imperfect when man sinned. Not only did man have to pay the consequences for that sin, but all of creation did too, from the smallest, tiniest organism, to the largest mountain. So much of our suffering comes just because we live in this world of 'sin'.
Oh yes, God could cause those Cancer causing molecules to change back to normal, He could reach down and give life to a dying saint; He is still a miracle working God. But He does not always intervene with the natural course of nature. Some of His children may be caught in a hurricane, or be lost in a blizzard, or have a terrible accident. These are catastrophes that come because we live in this world that is no longer perfect. But instead of always stepping in and saving us from disasters and illnesses, He has promised to go with us through it all.
Matthew 5:45 states: "...He causes His sun to rise on the evil and the good, and sends rain on the righteous and the unrighteous." The difference is that we are not alone when we go through a storm, or when the shadows fall. He promises that even when we come to the 'valley of the shadow of death' He is with me.
We gain our strength from the one who went all the way to Calvary for me and for you, and He had to die alone so we would not have to.
So yes, Jesus cares. He cared enough to give His life for us. The days may be dark and long on this earth, but we have a future, this world is only temporary for a Christian, and our blessed Hope is in the Lord.
Remember, you are NOT left alone. You will have the help you need for any circumstance. "My God will supply every need of yours..." (Phillipians 4:19)
Next week: All sin has consequences.
1. God's Holy Word
2. From the heart of CC
Monday, August 10, 2009
Praise to the Holy Spirit
In John 14:16 we read: "And I will pray the Father and he shall give you another comforter." Just who is this comforter? This comforter is none other than the Holy Spirit. Anne Graham Lotz refers to Him as "another Jesus". In a sense this is a good description as He is the 'Spirit of Christ'. His job is to show us Jesus, to manifest Jesus, and to help us have the 'Mind of Christ'. The Nicene creed pays tribute to the Holy Spirit as being Himself God and equal to the Father and to the Son:
I believe in the Holy Spirit
The Lord and giver of life,
Which proceedeth from the Father and the Son,
Who with the Father and Son together
Is worshipped and glorified.
My Prayer of Praise:
Spirit of the Living God, Sweet Heavenly Dove, Spirit of Truth, Spirit of Glory, fall fresh on me today. Teach me, melt me, mold me, and give me the 'mind of Christ'. Thank You for giving me a new life. Take over my whole being, fill me with Your love and comfort. Fill every nook and cranny of my heart, fill every cell of my body. Spirit of Prayer, teach me to pray. Thank You for presenting my prayers before the Father according to His will. Thank You for giving me the Spirit of Adoption, so that I may say "Abba, Father".
Amen
Monday, August 3, 2009
Praise to the Son
In Colossians 1:15 we find out who Jesus is: "He is the visible likeness of the unseen God (the visible representation of the invisible." When Jesus was on earth in human form, He did not hesitate to use a plural form when speaking of Himself along with the Father and the Spirit, yet He states that He and the Father are One (John 10:30). Mark 1:10,11 gives us a picture of the plural Godhead. "And when He (Jesus) came up out of the water, at once he (John) saw the heavens torn open and the (Holy) Spirit like a dove coming down (to enter) into Him. And there came a voice out from within heaven, You are My Beloved Son; in You I am well pleased."
John 1:14 states "The Word became flesh, and dwelt among us, and we saw His glory as of the only begotten from the Father, full of Grace and Truth."
When the Nicene Creed was written it was to give a Statement of Faith honoring Christ's Deity and His claim to equality with God:
John 1:14 states "The Word became flesh, and dwelt among us, and we saw His glory as of the only begotten from the Father, full of Grace and Truth."
When the Nicene Creed was written it was to give a Statement of Faith honoring Christ's Deity and His claim to equality with God:
I believe in one Lord Jesus Christ,
The only begotten Son of God,
Begotten of Him before all ages,
God of God, Light of Light,
Very God of Very God,
Begotten, not made,
Being of one Substance with the Father,
By whom all things were made.
My Prayer:
Jesus, Lord, Raboni, Begotten of the Father, Our Bright and Morning Star, Immanuel--God with us! You are the Lamb that was slain! You are the King of Kings! I bow before you, Lord; I am not worthy to touch the hem of Your garments--yet You have made me clean, You have covered me with Your righteousness. Without You I am nothing; without You I cannot do anything. Without You how lost I would be! I worship You and I adore You! "Jesus", what a beautiful Name! Amen
1. The Knowledge of the Holy by Tozer
2. The Holy Bible (Amplified Version)
3. The heart of CC
Monday, July 27, 2009
Praise to the Father
'I Lift My Hands in Praise' for the next three weeks, giving praise to each "Person" of our Triune God, along with verses from the Bible, giving praise and honor to the One we worship and adore.
In awe we worship the Father and say with Moses in Exodus 15:11:
Who is like unto thee, O Lord, among the gods? who is like thee, glorious in holiness, fearful in praises, doing wonder?
From Revelation 15:4 we join the Revelator with: Who shall not fear thee, O Lord, and glorify thy name? for thou art Holy.
Hallowed be thy Name! Matthew 6:9
O Father, in the words of Daniel "Thou art a great and awesome God". I praise You and humbly bow before You. You are Holy, yet You love me so much You allowed Your Son Jesus to be my sacrifice. You are so Holy, You had to turn away from You precious Son when He took my sin on Himself. You left Him alone as You could not look on MY sin. And now, because of His sacrifice, You look at me and see His reflection. You see me as righteous. You see me as without sin, and I praise You. I Adore You! Abba, Father! Amen
1. The Holy Bible
2. From the heart of CC
In awe we worship the Father and say with Moses in Exodus 15:11:
Who is like unto thee, O Lord, among the gods? who is like thee, glorious in holiness, fearful in praises, doing wonder?
From Revelation 15:4 we join the Revelator with: Who shall not fear thee, O Lord, and glorify thy name? for thou art Holy.
Hallowed be thy Name! Matthew 6:9
O Father, in the words of Daniel "Thou art a great and awesome God". I praise You and humbly bow before You. You are Holy, yet You love me so much You allowed Your Son Jesus to be my sacrifice. You are so Holy, You had to turn away from You precious Son when He took my sin on Himself. You left Him alone as You could not look on MY sin. And now, because of His sacrifice, You look at me and see His reflection. You see me as righteous. You see me as without sin, and I praise You. I Adore You! Abba, Father! Amen
1. The Holy Bible
2. From the heart of CC
Monday, July 20, 2009
God Meant It For Good!
And we know that all things work together
For good to them that love God. Romans 8:28
The term "all things" does not mean 'most things', or 'good things' or even 'joyous things', but it means "ALL THINGS'. God can use my sins, my mistakes, my wrong choices, and even my rebellion, all to work for my good.
God has a purpose for each one of us, and that purpose is that we learn to be loving, joyful, gentle, patient and kind. There may even be a special job for us thrown into the mix, but the main thing is that He wants us to learn to have the mind of Christ, and learn to have 'iron' in our soul. An example would be from Genesis and the story of Joseph. Joseph was sold into slavery by his brothers, and no doubt felt God had forgotten him. To make matters even worse, he was in prison for years through no fault of his, yet all the time God was working. He was later made a ruler and he was able to save many, many peoples throughout the world. In a poem by Freda Hanbury Allen, based on Genesis 50:20, Joseph tells his brothers it was a 'God thing'. Here are some of the verses from that poem, showing how God can use "all things":
For good to them that love God. Romans 8:28
The term "all things" does not mean 'most things', or 'good things' or even 'joyous things', but it means "ALL THINGS'. God can use my sins, my mistakes, my wrong choices, and even my rebellion, all to work for my good.
God has a purpose for each one of us, and that purpose is that we learn to be loving, joyful, gentle, patient and kind. There may even be a special job for us thrown into the mix, but the main thing is that He wants us to learn to have the mind of Christ, and learn to have 'iron' in our soul. An example would be from Genesis and the story of Joseph. Joseph was sold into slavery by his brothers, and no doubt felt God had forgotten him. To make matters even worse, he was in prison for years through no fault of his, yet all the time God was working. He was later made a ruler and he was able to save many, many peoples throughout the world. In a poem by Freda Hanbury Allen, based on Genesis 50:20, Joseph tells his brothers it was a 'God thing'. Here are some of the verses from that poem, showing how God can use "all things":
"It was not you but God, that sent me hither."
Witnessed triumphant faith in after days;
"God meant it unto good," no "second causes"
Mingled their discord with his song of praise.
"God means it unto good" for thee, beloved,
The God of Joseph is the same today;
His love permits afflictions strange and bitter,
His hand is guiding through the unknown way.
The Lord, who sees the end from the beginning,
Hath purposes for thee of love untold.
Then place thy hand in His and follow fearless,
Till thou the riches of His grace behold.
There, when thou standest in the Home of Glory,
And all life's path lies open to thy gaze,
Thine eyes shall SEE the hand which now thou trustest,
And magnify His love through endless days.
George Mueller once said:
"In one thousand trials it is not five hundred of them that work for the believer's good, but nine hundred and ninety-nine of them, and one beside."
"What I do thou knowest not now, but thou shalt know hereafter." (John 13:7)
1. Streams in the Desert, June 10
2. The Holy Bible
3. From the heart of CC
Monday, July 13, 2009
Place of Help
THE PLACE OF HELP by Oswald Chambers
The Holy Spirit in me makes me a passionate, devoted, absorbed lover of the Lord Jesus Christ. Lives are changed, not by 'baptism' of the Holy Spirit, but power of the ascended Christ coming into men's lives by the Holy Spirit.
Paul (as we should be) is so absorbed with Jesus that he does not think of himself apart from this marvellous identification with Jesus Christ. It is closer than a union, it is a oneness illustrated by the vine and the branches.
John 15:4 and 5
". . .As the branch cannot bear fruit of itself, except it abide in the vine, no more can ye, except ye abide in me.
I am the vine, ye are the branches. He that abideth in me, and I in him, the same bringeth forth much fruit; for without me ye can do nothing."
1. "My Utmost for His Highest"
2. The New Scofield Reference Bible
3. The heart of CC
The Holy Spirit in me makes me a passionate, devoted, absorbed lover of the Lord Jesus Christ. Lives are changed, not by 'baptism' of the Holy Spirit, but power of the ascended Christ coming into men's lives by the Holy Spirit.
Paul (as we should be) is so absorbed with Jesus that he does not think of himself apart from this marvellous identification with Jesus Christ. It is closer than a union, it is a oneness illustrated by the vine and the branches.
John 15:4 and 5
". . .As the branch cannot bear fruit of itself, except it abide in the vine, no more can ye, except ye abide in me.
I am the vine, ye are the branches. He that abideth in me, and I in him, the same bringeth forth much fruit; for without me ye can do nothing."
1. "My Utmost for His Highest"
2. The New Scofield Reference Bible
3. The heart of CC
Monday, July 6, 2009
Freedom
"Let Freedom Ring!" We lustily sing at this time of year. But do we really know what Freedom is?
One dictionary meaning is: 'a being able to act, move, use without hindrance or restraint'. Synonymous with the word 'Freedom' is the word 'liberty'. The dictionary states that 'liberty' connotes past restriction, or repression. When our founding Father's signed the declaration of Independence, they were stating we were no longer repressed or restricted by another governing ruler. We were setting up our new nation to be free and independent of England or any other nation. To have the Freedom to pursue Life, Liberty and Happiness.
So it is with our Spiritual life. We are repressed, dominated, controlled by sin and the father of lies, Satan. But John 12:36 states "if the Son sets you free, you will be free indeed". Jesus declaration to us is from John 3:16, "Whoever believes in Him will not perish, but will have Eternal Life." Jesus said "I am come that you might have Life, and have it more abundantly." This is our Declaration of Independence that gives us True Freedom!
From the heart of CC
One dictionary meaning is: 'a being able to act, move, use without hindrance or restraint'. Synonymous with the word 'Freedom' is the word 'liberty'. The dictionary states that 'liberty' connotes past restriction, or repression. When our founding Father's signed the declaration of Independence, they were stating we were no longer repressed or restricted by another governing ruler. We were setting up our new nation to be free and independent of England or any other nation. To have the Freedom to pursue Life, Liberty and Happiness.
So it is with our Spiritual life. We are repressed, dominated, controlled by sin and the father of lies, Satan. But John 12:36 states "if the Son sets you free, you will be free indeed". Jesus declaration to us is from John 3:16, "Whoever believes in Him will not perish, but will have Eternal Life." Jesus said "I am come that you might have Life, and have it more abundantly." This is our Declaration of Independence that gives us True Freedom!
From the heart of CC
Monday, June 29, 2009
The Name of Jehovah- Part II
Jehovah-rapha is the name for the Lord in Exodus 15:26, meaning "the Lord who healeth". Though physical healing is suggested here, it also implies He heals our souls. An example of the Lord's healing in Psalm 6:2,3 with David's cry for mercy: "O Lord heal me; for my bones are vexed. My soul is also vexed" and vs. 4 "deliver my soul", vs. 8 and 9: "the Lord hath heard the voice of my weeping. The Lord hath heard my supplication."
Moses was the leader who first used the name Jehovah-Nissi: "The Lord is my banner." According to Scofields' notes, this name is interpreted by the context found in Exodus 17:8-16 when the Israelites were fighting the Amelikites. As long as Moses held his arms high, the Israelites were winning. In Galatians 5:17 we also have a warfare going on within our hearts, the war of the Spirit against the flesh. "For the flesh lusteth against the Spirit, and the Spirit against the flesh." And in Vs. 18 "But if ye be led by the Spirit, ye are not under the law." Just as Moses held high his arms as a banner to the Lord, thus giving victory to the Israelites over the Amelikites, so we hold to the control of the Spirit and we will have victory over the flesh.
In Judges 6:24 Jehovah Shalom was the name given to an altar erected by Gideon after Jehovah delivered Israel from the Midianites, and confirmed by miracles and messages of peace. The word 'Shalom' means 'Peace' and is used as a traditional Jewish greeting or farewell.
Another name referred to for our Lord is in Jeremiah 23:6, "whereby He shall be called 'The Lord our righteousness'" or Jehovah-tsidkenu. The prophecy in Jeremiah is referring to the future restoration and conversion of Israel, where they will claim Him as their true Shepherd.
Jehovah Shammah, "The Lord is Present", is a figurative name in Ezekiel 48:35. This was given to the millennial Jerusalem that Ezekiel saw in his vision signifying Jehovah's abiding presence with His people. He also promises His abiding presence with us in Hebrews 13:5 "I will never leave thee nor forsake thee."
Exodus 34:6 summarizes it all: "The Lord, Lord God, merciful and gracious, long suffering, and abundant in goodness and truth."
Jehovah--Lord. Amen
1. notes from Pastor Charlie Hornick, June 13, 2004
2. Ungers Bible Dictionary
3. New Scofield Reference Bible
4. From the heart of CC
Moses was the leader who first used the name Jehovah-Nissi: "The Lord is my banner." According to Scofields' notes, this name is interpreted by the context found in Exodus 17:8-16 when the Israelites were fighting the Amelikites. As long as Moses held his arms high, the Israelites were winning. In Galatians 5:17 we also have a warfare going on within our hearts, the war of the Spirit against the flesh. "For the flesh lusteth against the Spirit, and the Spirit against the flesh." And in Vs. 18 "But if ye be led by the Spirit, ye are not under the law." Just as Moses held high his arms as a banner to the Lord, thus giving victory to the Israelites over the Amelikites, so we hold to the control of the Spirit and we will have victory over the flesh.
In Judges 6:24 Jehovah Shalom was the name given to an altar erected by Gideon after Jehovah delivered Israel from the Midianites, and confirmed by miracles and messages of peace. The word 'Shalom' means 'Peace' and is used as a traditional Jewish greeting or farewell.
Another name referred to for our Lord is in Jeremiah 23:6, "whereby He shall be called 'The Lord our righteousness'" or Jehovah-tsidkenu. The prophecy in Jeremiah is referring to the future restoration and conversion of Israel, where they will claim Him as their true Shepherd.
Jehovah Shammah, "The Lord is Present", is a figurative name in Ezekiel 48:35. This was given to the millennial Jerusalem that Ezekiel saw in his vision signifying Jehovah's abiding presence with His people. He also promises His abiding presence with us in Hebrews 13:5 "I will never leave thee nor forsake thee."
Exodus 34:6 summarizes it all: "The Lord, Lord God, merciful and gracious, long suffering, and abundant in goodness and truth."
Jehovah--Lord. Amen
1. notes from Pastor Charlie Hornick, June 13, 2004
2. Ungers Bible Dictionary
3. New Scofield Reference Bible
4. From the heart of CC
Monday, June 22, 2009
The Name of Jehovah- Part I
There are three primary names of God in the Old Testament which are:
Elohim - God. The Strong Creator (Genesis 1:1) (this is a plural word)
YHWH - LORD. The Self-existing One (Gen. 2:4) (German word is Jehovah)
Adonai - Lord/Master. The Headship Name (Gen. 15:2)
The Hebrew for Jehovah is YHWH, pronounced 'yahweh' or 'Yah-Ve'.
The Primary meaning is "self-existent One." He is a Personal and Present God--the eternal "I AM".
Exodus 3:14 God referred to Himself as "I AM that I AM". He told Moses to say "I AM hath sent me unto you." The eternal, yet personal and present God had sent Moses. He is because He Is--the cause of His being is in Himself. The root idea is that of underived existence.
Jesus uses this expression in John 8:58 when He tells the Jews "Before Abraham was 'I AM'". Revelation 1:8 further enlarges upon the name: "I am the Alpha & Omega, the beginning and the ending...Who is, and Who was and Who is to come, the Almighty."
Jehovah is used as a compound with words which further reveal His meeting all of our needs. The first to be used is Lord God, or Jehovah Elohim, found in Genesis 2:4. Elohim is translated in English simply "God". The word itself is a plural noun in form (suggesting the triune God) but singular in its meaning, suggesting unity--as One. Elohim is a general term used for God until Genesis 2:4 when the word Jehovah (Lord) is used. Jehovah Elohim suggests a special relation of Deity to Man. According to Ungers Bible Dictionary, Jehovah represents God in His relation to His chosen people, and Elohim represents God to the world at large.
In Genesis 22:14 Abraham uses the name Jehovah-Jireh meaning, "the Lord will provide". This is a promise we have had down through the ages. He not only provides for all our needs, He also provided the sacrifice for our sin through Jesus.
...................................................................................................................................
Elohim - God. The Strong Creator (Genesis 1:1) (this is a plural word)
YHWH - LORD. The Self-existing One (Gen. 2:4) (German word is Jehovah)
Adonai - Lord/Master. The Headship Name (Gen. 15:2)
The Hebrew for Jehovah is YHWH, pronounced 'yahweh' or 'Yah-Ve'.
The Primary meaning is "self-existent One." He is a Personal and Present God--the eternal "I AM".
Exodus 3:14 God referred to Himself as "I AM that I AM". He told Moses to say "I AM hath sent me unto you." The eternal, yet personal and present God had sent Moses. He is because He Is--the cause of His being is in Himself. The root idea is that of underived existence.
Jesus uses this expression in John 8:58 when He tells the Jews "Before Abraham was 'I AM'". Revelation 1:8 further enlarges upon the name: "I am the Alpha & Omega, the beginning and the ending...Who is, and Who was and Who is to come, the Almighty."
Jehovah is used as a compound with words which further reveal His meeting all of our needs. The first to be used is Lord God, or Jehovah Elohim, found in Genesis 2:4. Elohim is translated in English simply "God". The word itself is a plural noun in form (suggesting the triune God) but singular in its meaning, suggesting unity--as One. Elohim is a general term used for God until Genesis 2:4 when the word Jehovah (Lord) is used. Jehovah Elohim suggests a special relation of Deity to Man. According to Ungers Bible Dictionary, Jehovah represents God in His relation to His chosen people, and Elohim represents God to the world at large.
In Genesis 22:14 Abraham uses the name Jehovah-Jireh meaning, "the Lord will provide". This is a promise we have had down through the ages. He not only provides for all our needs, He also provided the sacrifice for our sin through Jesus.
...................................................................................................................................
Monday, June 15, 2009
Do You Know Me?
There was a time when I felt I was only one of a large assembly to the Lord. Though I knew Him and accepted His payment for my sin, yet I saw myself as a 'face in the crowd', probably on the back row. How could God know me individually?
This is not how it is, however. I have found many verses to show me that I am very significant to God. He even knows me by name! We can take comfort in knowing that He knows my frame. He knows I am dust (Psalm 103:14). In Genesis 2:7 it is stated that "The Lord God formed man of the dust of the ground and breathed into his nostrils the 'breath of life'..." Psalm 139 states that "my frame was not hidden from You, when I was made in secret. Your eyes saw my substance being yet unformed." Acts 7:28 states that "In Him we live and move and have our being." My life exists and continues existing because of the Lord.
In John, when Jesus likens Himself to the Shepherd, and we as His sheep, He states that "He calls His sheep by name...(10:3). I really like Isaiah 46:3 & 4 where it says "You have been borne by Me from birth...even to your old age..." Isaiah 49:16 states "I have inscribed you on the palms of My hands."
You see, I am special to the Lord, and You are special to Him, too! He loves each of us individually with an 'everlasting love'. And here is the marvelous thing from I john 4:15, "...God abides in him (her) and he(she) abides in Him!"
There is none like You, O Lord. You are such an awesome God! Amen
From the heart of CC
This is not how it is, however. I have found many verses to show me that I am very significant to God. He even knows me by name! We can take comfort in knowing that He knows my frame. He knows I am dust (Psalm 103:14). In Genesis 2:7 it is stated that "The Lord God formed man of the dust of the ground and breathed into his nostrils the 'breath of life'..." Psalm 139 states that "my frame was not hidden from You, when I was made in secret. Your eyes saw my substance being yet unformed." Acts 7:28 states that "In Him we live and move and have our being." My life exists and continues existing because of the Lord.
In John, when Jesus likens Himself to the Shepherd, and we as His sheep, He states that "He calls His sheep by name...(10:3). I really like Isaiah 46:3 & 4 where it says "You have been borne by Me from birth...even to your old age..." Isaiah 49:16 states "I have inscribed you on the palms of My hands."
You see, I am special to the Lord, and You are special to Him, too! He loves each of us individually with an 'everlasting love'. And here is the marvelous thing from I john 4:15, "...God abides in him (her) and he(she) abides in Him!"
There is none like You, O Lord. You are such an awesome God! Amen
From the heart of CC
Monday, June 8, 2009
A Deep Darkness
Genesis 15:12 "Lo, an horror of great darkness fell upon him."
Abraham was experiencing a weariness of soul, a deep sorrow and fell into a sleep of a deep darkness. Have you ever been in this place where you have such deep sorrow of a loss of a loved one, a turning away of a beloved child, or perhaps a cruelty almost too hard to bear? You wonder how a loving God can allow this to happen? You even feel you do not know what to pray or how to pray. I have a dear friend who experienced this when she heard of the death of her granddaughter. She could not pray. She could only groan--a sound from deep within. Scripture tells us that when we do not know how or what to pray, the Spirit takes this sorrow, this hurt, to the Father in groaning we cannot fathom. I have had times when I was numb, and could only sit and stare. Now I know that at times like these I can lean on Jesus and in quiet trust the Spirit takes the cry of my heart to the Father.
When Jesus died, the disciples clung together as they mourned their friend, probably feeling a total darkness of their souls. They no doubt wondered how a night could be so long and dark. Yet, even in the darkest night, morning comes. Death and darkness will flee and life and light will come again.
So cling to Jesus, dear one, when the darkness falls, and feel the peace that passes all understanding. Remember when you do not know what to pray, the Spirit prays for you.
The most exquisite work and greatest blessings may come out of this darkness. Isaiah 45:3 states "I will give thee the treasures of darkness."
Diamonds are formed in the darkness of the earth. A butterfly is formed in the darkness of its cocoon. A baby is formed in the darkness of his mother's womb.
When our Lord took on the form of man, His earthly life began in the darkness of His mother's womb, and it ended in the dark tomb from which He rose to light and glory. So if shadows come and darkness falls for me, for you, give it to Jesus. He can change the ashes into something beautiful. He can bring good and beauty out of pain and darkness.
From the heart of CC
Abraham was experiencing a weariness of soul, a deep sorrow and fell into a sleep of a deep darkness. Have you ever been in this place where you have such deep sorrow of a loss of a loved one, a turning away of a beloved child, or perhaps a cruelty almost too hard to bear? You wonder how a loving God can allow this to happen? You even feel you do not know what to pray or how to pray. I have a dear friend who experienced this when she heard of the death of her granddaughter. She could not pray. She could only groan--a sound from deep within. Scripture tells us that when we do not know how or what to pray, the Spirit takes this sorrow, this hurt, to the Father in groaning we cannot fathom. I have had times when I was numb, and could only sit and stare. Now I know that at times like these I can lean on Jesus and in quiet trust the Spirit takes the cry of my heart to the Father.
When Jesus died, the disciples clung together as they mourned their friend, probably feeling a total darkness of their souls. They no doubt wondered how a night could be so long and dark. Yet, even in the darkest night, morning comes. Death and darkness will flee and life and light will come again.
So cling to Jesus, dear one, when the darkness falls, and feel the peace that passes all understanding. Remember when you do not know what to pray, the Spirit prays for you.
The most exquisite work and greatest blessings may come out of this darkness. Isaiah 45:3 states "I will give thee the treasures of darkness."
Diamonds are formed in the darkness of the earth. A butterfly is formed in the darkness of its cocoon. A baby is formed in the darkness of his mother's womb.
When our Lord took on the form of man, His earthly life began in the darkness of His mother's womb, and it ended in the dark tomb from which He rose to light and glory. So if shadows come and darkness falls for me, for you, give it to Jesus. He can change the ashes into something beautiful. He can bring good and beauty out of pain and darkness.
From the heart of CC
Saturday, May 30, 2009
Common Sense
Recently I received an e-mail about an OBIT of the late 'Mr. Common Sense'. I will give some of it here so you can get the gist of it.
'Today we mourn the passing of a beloved old friend, Common Sense, who has been with us for many years. ...He will be remembered as having cultivated such valuable lessons as: Knowing when to come in out of the rain; Life isn't always fair; and maybe it was my fault...His health began to deteriorate rapidly when well-intentioned but overbearing regulations were set in place. i.e.: A 6-year-old boy charged with sexual harassment for kissing a classmate; teacher fired for reprimanding an unruly student. It declined further when schools were required to get parental consent to administer sun lotion or Aspirin to a student, but could not inform parents when a student became pregnant and wanted to have an abortion.
Common sense lost the will to live as the churches became businesses...Common Sense finally gave up the will to live, after a woman failed to realize that a steaming cup of coffee was hot. She spilled a little in her lap, and was promptly awarded a huge settlement.
Not many attended his funeral because so few realized he was gone.'
Just what is Common Sense that it could so easily slip away and so few notice? Webster's Dictionary definition is:"ordinary good sense or sound practical judgment."
Here is what the Bible says about it, found in Jeremiah 10:23: "...It is not in man who walks to direct his own steps." To me this is saying it is just not in us to have sound practical judgment or 'Common Sense'. Proverbs 16:3 gives us instructions on how to have this 'Common Sense' however: "Commit your works to the Lord, and your thoughts will be established." So when one stays close to the Lord, He will help our thoughts to be as with 'Common Sense." If we will stay tuned in to the Lord, we will hear a word behind us say 'this is the way, walk in it'. (Isaiah 30:21).
Our Lord will guide our steps, direct our path, protect us from harm when we establish our thoughts on Him, and He will give us ordinary good sense known as 'Common Sense'.
1. From the heart of CC
2. Webster New World Dictionary
3. The Holy Bible
'Today we mourn the passing of a beloved old friend, Common Sense, who has been with us for many years. ...He will be remembered as having cultivated such valuable lessons as: Knowing when to come in out of the rain; Life isn't always fair; and maybe it was my fault...His health began to deteriorate rapidly when well-intentioned but overbearing regulations were set in place. i.e.: A 6-year-old boy charged with sexual harassment for kissing a classmate; teacher fired for reprimanding an unruly student. It declined further when schools were required to get parental consent to administer sun lotion or Aspirin to a student, but could not inform parents when a student became pregnant and wanted to have an abortion.
Common sense lost the will to live as the churches became businesses...Common Sense finally gave up the will to live, after a woman failed to realize that a steaming cup of coffee was hot. She spilled a little in her lap, and was promptly awarded a huge settlement.
Not many attended his funeral because so few realized he was gone.'
Just what is Common Sense that it could so easily slip away and so few notice? Webster's Dictionary definition is:"ordinary good sense or sound practical judgment."
Here is what the Bible says about it, found in Jeremiah 10:23: "...It is not in man who walks to direct his own steps." To me this is saying it is just not in us to have sound practical judgment or 'Common Sense'. Proverbs 16:3 gives us instructions on how to have this 'Common Sense' however: "Commit your works to the Lord, and your thoughts will be established." So when one stays close to the Lord, He will help our thoughts to be as with 'Common Sense." If we will stay tuned in to the Lord, we will hear a word behind us say 'this is the way, walk in it'. (Isaiah 30:21).
Our Lord will guide our steps, direct our path, protect us from harm when we establish our thoughts on Him, and He will give us ordinary good sense known as 'Common Sense'.
1. From the heart of CC
2. Webster New World Dictionary
3. The Holy Bible
Monday, May 25, 2009
His Grace
II Cor. 12:9 states:"My Grace is sufficient for thee." These words are so precious to me that to better understand the complete meaning I will take each word and think about its application.
The first word is 'MY' which is the Lord himself saying that it is His Grace. It is His Grace to give, and all I need do is to take from it.
"MY Grace is sufficient for thee."
The next word is 'GRACE'. It is by God's Grace that I have been saved, and this Grace is unmerited favor given to me. God has blessed me in so many ways, with His Power and Love, and most of all with His Grace. First and foremost is Grace! "My GRACE is sufficient for thee."
'IS' can be very important, even though it is a very small word. It shows that at this very moment God's Grace IS available and sufficient. Not yesterday, as yesterday is now gone. Not tomorrow, as tomorrow may never come, but right now! 'IS' is present tense. "My Grace IS sufficient for thee."
The word 'SUFFICIENT' means that this is all I need. Absolutely nothing else is needed. It would be as if the ocean would say to a little fish to 'drink away, my waters are sufficient for you'. Or Joseph of old, telling the little mouse in his granary to eat up, there is sufficient grain.
"My Grace is SUFFICIENT for thee."
And last but not least is the word 'THEE'. God's Grace is available and sufficient for me at anytime. I just need to lean on Jesus, and the Grace that saved me, will also be sufficient for me and will keep me in the straight path.
"My Grace is sufficient for THEE."
And Lord I thank you that your Grace, Your Amazing Grace, is all I need.
a. From the heart of CC
b. II Corinthians 12:9
The first word is 'MY' which is the Lord himself saying that it is His Grace. It is His Grace to give, and all I need do is to take from it.
"MY Grace is sufficient for thee."
The next word is 'GRACE'. It is by God's Grace that I have been saved, and this Grace is unmerited favor given to me. God has blessed me in so many ways, with His Power and Love, and most of all with His Grace. First and foremost is Grace! "My GRACE is sufficient for thee."
'IS' can be very important, even though it is a very small word. It shows that at this very moment God's Grace IS available and sufficient. Not yesterday, as yesterday is now gone. Not tomorrow, as tomorrow may never come, but right now! 'IS' is present tense. "My Grace IS sufficient for thee."
The word 'SUFFICIENT' means that this is all I need. Absolutely nothing else is needed. It would be as if the ocean would say to a little fish to 'drink away, my waters are sufficient for you'. Or Joseph of old, telling the little mouse in his granary to eat up, there is sufficient grain.
"My Grace is SUFFICIENT for thee."
And last but not least is the word 'THEE'. God's Grace is available and sufficient for me at anytime. I just need to lean on Jesus, and the Grace that saved me, will also be sufficient for me and will keep me in the straight path.
"My Grace is sufficient for THEE."
And Lord I thank you that your Grace, Your Amazing Grace, is all I need.
a. From the heart of CC
b. II Corinthians 12:9
Monday, May 18, 2009
Angels - Part III
God uses Angels to work on the behalf of His children. They are sent to comfort and strengthen us. When Jesus was in the garden praying, before His arrest, Luke 22:43 states "there appeared an angel unto him from heaven, strengthening him." Hebrews 1:14 tells us they are "sent forth to minister (comfort) for them who shall be heirs of salvation." I Kings 19:5 and also 7 tells us about the angel coming to Elijah on two occasions, touching him and telling him to "arise and eat", thus nurturing and ministering to Elijah in his time of need.
Scripture also tells us that the angels watch us. I Cor. 4:9 says that the apostles were made a "spectacle unto the world, and to angels". Ephesians 3:10 (NIV) says "through the church, the manifold (or displaying) wisdom of God should be made known to the rulers and authorities in the heavenly realms." It should be a sobering thought that the church on earth is observed, so to speak, by spiritual powers.
During the time of Tribulation, God will use His angels to execute most of the judgments. It will be the army of God's angels that will defeat Satan and his fallen angels and cast them forever out of Heaven, and at the end an angel will seize Satan and bind him and cast him into the bottomless pit for a thousand years.
God created the angels sometime before He created the universe, as they were there according to Job 38:4-7. And we know they will be entrusted with guarding the New Jerusalem in eternity as Rev. 21:12 describes this beautiful place as having a "great, high wall with twelve gates, and with twelve angels at the gates."
As powerful and beautiful as these angels are, and as overwhelming as it might be should we actually see an angel, we are not to worship them. When John was overcome at the sight of the angel, the angel told him "do not do it! I am a fellow servant with you and with your brothers who hold to the testimony of Jesus. Worship God!" (Rev. 19:10, NIV) Also in Rev. 22:9 he again says, "Do not do it! I am a fellow servant...Worship God!"
Scripture also tells us that the angels watch us. I Cor. 4:9 says that the apostles were made a "spectacle unto the world, and to angels". Ephesians 3:10 (NIV) says "through the church, the manifold (or displaying) wisdom of God should be made known to the rulers and authorities in the heavenly realms." It should be a sobering thought that the church on earth is observed, so to speak, by spiritual powers.
During the time of Tribulation, God will use His angels to execute most of the judgments. It will be the army of God's angels that will defeat Satan and his fallen angels and cast them forever out of Heaven, and at the end an angel will seize Satan and bind him and cast him into the bottomless pit for a thousand years.
God created the angels sometime before He created the universe, as they were there according to Job 38:4-7. And we know they will be entrusted with guarding the New Jerusalem in eternity as Rev. 21:12 describes this beautiful place as having a "great, high wall with twelve gates, and with twelve angels at the gates."
As powerful and beautiful as these angels are, and as overwhelming as it might be should we actually see an angel, we are not to worship them. When John was overcome at the sight of the angel, the angel told him "do not do it! I am a fellow servant with you and with your brothers who hold to the testimony of Jesus. Worship God!" (Rev. 19:10, NIV) Also in Rev. 22:9 he again says, "Do not do it! I am a fellow servant...Worship God!"
Monday, May 11, 2009
Angels - Part II
God used His angels throughout Scripture as special messengers. In Daniel 10 there is an interesting story about the angel who states in vs. 11 "For unto thee am I now sent." Then the angel goes on to tell Daniel that he was bringing Daniel the answer to his prayers but was held back by the forces of Satan, referred to as "the prince of the kingdom of Persia". This brings real meaning to the verse in Ephesians 6:12 where it tells us to put on the whole armor of God "for our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of this dark world and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms."
In Daniel 8:15 after Daniel had seen the vision of the 'little horn', a specific angel, Gabrial, came to explain to Daniel the meaning of the vision. Gabrial is used often in Scripture to deliver messages to God's servants.
In Matthew 1:20, and 2:13 the angel appeared to Joseph on two different occasions giving him messages. The first one assuring him that he should take Mary for his wife, that she had conceived of the Holy Spirit; and the second time to warn him to take his family and flee into Egypt. In Luke 1:11 the angel came to Zacharias when he had gone into the temple, and told him that his prayer had been heard and he and Elizabeth would have a son, whose name would be called "John". In Luke 1:25-33 the angel came to Mary and gave her the message that she would bring forth a son, the Son of the Highest.
Luke 2:9-14 gives us the story of the angel that came to the shepherds with the message that Jesus had been born, and this angel was joined by a multitude of heavenly hosts. They were so excited that all the angels wanted to be a part of this glorious and awesome message.
In Matthew 28:5 an angel rolls the stone away from the grave, and meets the women with the message that Jesus was no longer there, but He had risen. The angel gave the women a special message from Jesus for them to take back to his disciples.
All through Scripture we find that God used His angels to make His will known to man and to communicate His decisions to him.
Next week we will see how angels touch our very lives. . .
.....................................................................................................................................
In Daniel 8:15 after Daniel had seen the vision of the 'little horn', a specific angel, Gabrial, came to explain to Daniel the meaning of the vision. Gabrial is used often in Scripture to deliver messages to God's servants.
In Matthew 1:20, and 2:13 the angel appeared to Joseph on two different occasions giving him messages. The first one assuring him that he should take Mary for his wife, that she had conceived of the Holy Spirit; and the second time to warn him to take his family and flee into Egypt. In Luke 1:11 the angel came to Zacharias when he had gone into the temple, and told him that his prayer had been heard and he and Elizabeth would have a son, whose name would be called "John". In Luke 1:25-33 the angel came to Mary and gave her the message that she would bring forth a son, the Son of the Highest.
Luke 2:9-14 gives us the story of the angel that came to the shepherds with the message that Jesus had been born, and this angel was joined by a multitude of heavenly hosts. They were so excited that all the angels wanted to be a part of this glorious and awesome message.
In Matthew 28:5 an angel rolls the stone away from the grave, and meets the women with the message that Jesus was no longer there, but He had risen. The angel gave the women a special message from Jesus for them to take back to his disciples.
All through Scripture we find that God used His angels to make His will known to man and to communicate His decisions to him.
Next week we will see how angels touch our very lives. . .
.....................................................................................................................................
Monday, May 4, 2009
Angels - Part I
For the next three weeks I am going to give you some of the interesting facts I have found about angels. Though many have written books about them, I find that God's Word is the best source of knowledge.
A lot has been said about angels in recent years from TV shows to movies, to figurines both cute and majestic. Is an 'angel' just a figment of our imagination, or are angels real beings? To better define an 'angel' we turn to the Word of God in which we find angels mentioned quite frequently. We also find that angels are 'spirits', yet are often given a form of man to perform specific services. Angels are referred to in the masculine gender, as 'he', though a male or female sex in the human sense is never given to angels. Neither are angels given in marriage according to Matthew 22:30 and Mark 12:25. Their power is greater than that of any man, and their place of being is around the throne of God. In Revelation 5:11 it states "And I beheld, and I heard the voice of many angels round about the throne..." and "And all the angels stood round about the throne."
As to their relation to the believers, they are said to be ministering spirits, and to give us physical safety and well being for the children of God. These guardian angels have constant access to "see the face of God" (Matthew 18:10).
We find that angels are given for our protection, to fight for us, to comfort us, as messengers sent by God, and that the angels watch man--they observe what we do. Psalm 34:7 states "The angel of the Lord encamps round about those who fear him, and delivers them." Psalm 91:11 tells us "For he shall give his angels charge over thee, to keep thee in all thy ways." We also find in Daniel 6:22 that Daniel told the king "My God hath sent his angel, and hath shut the lions' mouths...". In Daniel 3:28 the king acknowledges that God had "sent his angel and delivered his servants who trusted in him." Psalm 35:5 & 6 tells us "the angel of the Lord chase them"...and "the angel of the Lord persecutes them" (meaning our enemies), and in II Kings 19:35 the angel slew a whole army.
In Acts we find the angel is sent often to the early saints. In Acts 12:7-10 the angel woke Peter up, loosed his chains and led him out of the prison. Once he was safely in the street the angel departed. In Acts 5:19 we have another time with the apostles were brought out of prison by the angel.
(Next week more on angels as God's messengers.)
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
A lot has been said about angels in recent years from TV shows to movies, to figurines both cute and majestic. Is an 'angel' just a figment of our imagination, or are angels real beings? To better define an 'angel' we turn to the Word of God in which we find angels mentioned quite frequently. We also find that angels are 'spirits', yet are often given a form of man to perform specific services. Angels are referred to in the masculine gender, as 'he', though a male or female sex in the human sense is never given to angels. Neither are angels given in marriage according to Matthew 22:30 and Mark 12:25. Their power is greater than that of any man, and their place of being is around the throne of God. In Revelation 5:11 it states "And I beheld, and I heard the voice of many angels round about the throne..." and "And all the angels stood round about the throne."
As to their relation to the believers, they are said to be ministering spirits, and to give us physical safety and well being for the children of God. These guardian angels have constant access to "see the face of God" (Matthew 18:10).
We find that angels are given for our protection, to fight for us, to comfort us, as messengers sent by God, and that the angels watch man--they observe what we do. Psalm 34:7 states "The angel of the Lord encamps round about those who fear him, and delivers them." Psalm 91:11 tells us "For he shall give his angels charge over thee, to keep thee in all thy ways." We also find in Daniel 6:22 that Daniel told the king "My God hath sent his angel, and hath shut the lions' mouths...". In Daniel 3:28 the king acknowledges that God had "sent his angel and delivered his servants who trusted in him." Psalm 35:5 & 6 tells us "the angel of the Lord chase them"...and "the angel of the Lord persecutes them" (meaning our enemies), and in II Kings 19:35 the angel slew a whole army.
In Acts we find the angel is sent often to the early saints. In Acts 12:7-10 the angel woke Peter up, loosed his chains and led him out of the prison. Once he was safely in the street the angel departed. In Acts 5:19 we have another time with the apostles were brought out of prison by the angel.
(Next week more on angels as God's messengers.)
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Monday, April 27, 2009
The Touch of Jesus
When Jesus lived on earth he was very much flesh, blood and bone. A totally physical body. I sometimes envy those who experienced that life with Him. Though I know He is now with me every day of my mortal life, as real as the air I breath yet cannot see, I would like to feel with physical feeling the touch of His hand.
In Matthew 8 and 9 we are given several examples of "the touch of Jesus". Each example shows us how His touch speaks of sympathy, love and power. And here is the amazing thing: each example we are given is a situation where it would be considered 'unclean' to touch the person. Yet He was willing to touch, just as He is willing to touch our lives which are dirty and filthy with sin, and make us whole and clean.
Matthew 8:2 tells of a leper who came and worshipped Jesus saying, "Lord, if you will, you can make me clean." Leviticus 13 tells about all types of skin diseases, and calls these diseases leprosy, with the person being pronounced unclean. In II Cor. 6:17 it says "touch not the unclean thing". A leper in the Old Testament was put outside the camp and was to stay away from others. Jesus knew this, yet Matthew 8:3 states "He stretched forth His hand, and touched him." Jesus could have made the leper clean without touching him, but He chose to show His love by the comfort of a touch.
Matthew 9:20 is the story about the woman who was diseased with an issue of blood for 12 years. She came behind him and 'touched' his garment. In Leviticus 15, a woman is considered 'unclean' during her monthly cycle, or a drainage of blood. The woman who came to Jesus had been bleeding from an illness for 12 years, yet Jesus turned and told her to be 'of good comfort, thy faith hath made thee well.' He allowed her to touch Him and He did not rebuke her or draw away from her in disgust, but comforted her and healed her.
In this same chapter of Matthew He went to the home of a certain ruler whose daughter was ill, and in fact she died before they reached the home. According to the Law in Numbers 19:11 it states: "he who touches the dead body of any man shall be unclean seven days." Jesus could have healed the little girl before she died, or He even could have given the word and brought her back to life, but instead He went to the girl's room and took the hand of the child who was dead. She arose, well and whole and just as though she had never been ill.
Matthew 8:14,15 gives us a short example of Jesus touch when He went to Peter's house and Peter's mother-in-law was sick with a fever. Instead of leaving her alone lest He catch a disease, He 'touched her hand', and the fever left her. She felt so well afterwords, it says she "arose, and ministered unto them."
Today we find countless hearts and lives soothed by the healing touch of Jesus, as He takes what is 'unclean', our dirty filthy rags of sin, and turns us into something beautiful.
Bill and Gloria Gaither have written this beautiful song of Jesus 'Touch':
(This article from the heart of CC)
In Matthew 8 and 9 we are given several examples of "the touch of Jesus". Each example shows us how His touch speaks of sympathy, love and power. And here is the amazing thing: each example we are given is a situation where it would be considered 'unclean' to touch the person. Yet He was willing to touch, just as He is willing to touch our lives which are dirty and filthy with sin, and make us whole and clean.
Matthew 8:2 tells of a leper who came and worshipped Jesus saying, "Lord, if you will, you can make me clean." Leviticus 13 tells about all types of skin diseases, and calls these diseases leprosy, with the person being pronounced unclean. In II Cor. 6:17 it says "touch not the unclean thing". A leper in the Old Testament was put outside the camp and was to stay away from others. Jesus knew this, yet Matthew 8:3 states "He stretched forth His hand, and touched him." Jesus could have made the leper clean without touching him, but He chose to show His love by the comfort of a touch.
Matthew 9:20 is the story about the woman who was diseased with an issue of blood for 12 years. She came behind him and 'touched' his garment. In Leviticus 15, a woman is considered 'unclean' during her monthly cycle, or a drainage of blood. The woman who came to Jesus had been bleeding from an illness for 12 years, yet Jesus turned and told her to be 'of good comfort, thy faith hath made thee well.' He allowed her to touch Him and He did not rebuke her or draw away from her in disgust, but comforted her and healed her.
In this same chapter of Matthew He went to the home of a certain ruler whose daughter was ill, and in fact she died before they reached the home. According to the Law in Numbers 19:11 it states: "he who touches the dead body of any man shall be unclean seven days." Jesus could have healed the little girl before she died, or He even could have given the word and brought her back to life, but instead He went to the girl's room and took the hand of the child who was dead. She arose, well and whole and just as though she had never been ill.
Matthew 8:14,15 gives us a short example of Jesus touch when He went to Peter's house and Peter's mother-in-law was sick with a fever. Instead of leaving her alone lest He catch a disease, He 'touched her hand', and the fever left her. She felt so well afterwords, it says she "arose, and ministered unto them."
Today we find countless hearts and lives soothed by the healing touch of Jesus, as He takes what is 'unclean', our dirty filthy rags of sin, and turns us into something beautiful.
Bill and Gloria Gaither have written this beautiful song of Jesus 'Touch':
Shackled by a heavy burden,
'Neath a load of guilt and shame--
Then the hand of Jesus touched me,
And now I am no longer the same.
He touched me,
O He touched me,
And O the joy that floods my soul;
Something happened, and now I know,
He touched me and made me whole.
(This article from the heart of CC)
Monday, April 20, 2009
A Paradox
"Let this mind be in you which is also in Christ Jesus, who being in the form of God, did not consider it robbery to be equal with God, but made Himself of no reputation, taking the form of a bondservant and coming in the likeness of men. And being found in appearance as a man, He humbled Himself and became obedient to the point of death, even the death of the Cross." (Phil. 2:5-8)
The way of the Lord is definitely a paradox. In these verses we have Jesus, equal to God the Father, yet He became as a bondservant with no reputation. He is Creator of all, Ruler of all, yet He humbled Himself even to death. We who are followers of Jesus are told to 'love' our enemies; we are to be gentle, yet strong. The rich are told they will become poor, and the poor will become rich. The first shall be last and the last shall be first. Jesus is our ultimate example to show us how to love those who despitefully use us. None of this life is about me, it is all about Him. It should be "not I, but Christ." John 3:30 states "He must Increase, but I must decrease." This is the Jesus way. So be it.
The way of the Lord is definitely a paradox. In these verses we have Jesus, equal to God the Father, yet He became as a bondservant with no reputation. He is Creator of all, Ruler of all, yet He humbled Himself even to death. We who are followers of Jesus are told to 'love' our enemies; we are to be gentle, yet strong. The rich are told they will become poor, and the poor will become rich. The first shall be last and the last shall be first. Jesus is our ultimate example to show us how to love those who despitefully use us. None of this life is about me, it is all about Him. It should be "not I, but Christ." John 3:30 states "He must Increase, but I must decrease." This is the Jesus way. So be it.
Sunday, April 12, 2009
One Look at the Cross-The Curse
The Curse
The Jews did not accept the flogging as enough punishment, and insisted on the crucifixion. In Bible days the act of nailing or binding a person to a cross or tree was considered the cruelest and most shameful method of capital punishment. Anyone hanging on a tree according to Deut 21:23 is cursed by God. Because of the stigma and curse on anyone 'hanged on a tree' the idea of a crucified savior was foolishness to Greeks and offensive to the Jews. Yet Jesus willingly took the curse and humiliation of the law and as Galations 3:13 tells us "Christ has redeemed us from the curse of the law, being made a curse for us." Thus He became the means of freeing people from the curse of Sin.
Jesus did not just 'die' in our place--He became a "Curse" of the worst kind, for you and for me. He received the total rejection by the Father so that we could be "accepted" in the beloved. He bore the utter darkness and was alone as the Father had to turn His back on His beloved and only Begotten Son, so that we would not have to die alone.
"Because Jesus Christ did what God wanted Him to do, we are all purified from sin by the offering that he made of His own body once and for all. Every Jewish priest performs his services every day and offers the same sacrifices many times; but these sacrifices can never take away sins. Christ however, offered one sacrifice for sins, and offering that is effective forever, and then he sat down at the right side of God. There He now waits until God puts His enemies as a footstool under his feet. With one sacrifice, then, He has made perfect forever those who are purified from sin." Hebrews 10:10-14 (Good News New Testament).
The work of the Cross was to atone for the sin of the world, our sin. Atonement itself is life changing. Yet redemption is free through the atoning sacrifice of the Lord Jesus. All who accept His payment for their redemption become new creatures in Christ. This is the Glory of the Cross! Lives are altered and redirected by it!
But we cannot however leave our Savior on the Cross. On the third day He rose, triumphant over sin, hell and death. Death has lost and Life has won! He lives, our Savior lives!
Have a Glorious Resurrection Day knowing we serve a Risen Savior! Praise God, He Lives!
1. From the heart of CC
2. The Prayer life, Andrew Murray, Zondervan Pub.Hse.Grand Rapids,MI
3. International Standard Bible Enc. Vol 2
International Standard Bible Enc. Vol 1
4 The Oxford Companion to the Bible, Pg 141
5. The Mind of Christ, T.W.Hunt, Broadman & Holman 1995
Monday, April 6, 2009
One Look at the Cross-The Trials
THE TRIALS
Years ago I saw a picture of Jesus, standing before Pilate. A robe had been placed around his shoulders, a crown made of thorns was on his head, but He really looked quite serene. There were a few drops of blood showing on his forehead caused by the thorns, but otherwise He looked very kingly and unmarred. This is not according to the prophecy in Isaiah 52:14. Here it states that "His visage was so marred more than any man, and his form more than the sons of men." To me, this is saying that He was so beaten up He did not look human. This is the effect the brutalities described in Matthew 26:67,68 and 27:27-30 had done to Him.
The first stop made after He was arrested, was before Annas, the old 'political' boss and father-in-law of the present High Priest. It was here Jesus received the first recorded "slap". One of the meanings for "slap" is Webster's dictionary is "to hit with force." On His already sensitized skin, it no doubt caused severe pain and even bruising; may have even been with the fist.
Jesus second stop was before Caiaphas, the current reigning High Priest. While Jesus was here, it is recorded in Matthew 26:67 that they spat on His face and buffeted Him, while some 'smote' Him with the palms of their hands. According to Webster's dictionary, to 'buffet' is to "hit with the fist". Luke 22:63-65 states that they "mocked him and smote him". Webster gives the word for 'smote' or smite' as meaning to strike or attack with powerful or disastrous effect. They even blindfolded Him and then struck Him.
He was then taken to a mock trial before the Sanhedrin, the 'lawyers' of the day. Following the trial before the Sanhedrin, He was taken to Pilate, the Roman Governor. By the time Jesus reached Pilate's courtyard, He was exhausted, dehydrated, beaten and bruised. Pilate did not find any reason for sentencing Jesus, and sent Him to Herod Antipas. (This was the Herod who had kept Jesus cousin, John the Baptist, in prison for months, and then had him beheaded at the request of his wife's daughter.) Herod did not want the final decision, but before sending Him back to Pilate, Jesus was turned over to the soldiers. The soldiers tried to make a mockery and spectacle of Jesus by putting a fine robe on Him and clamping a crown made of thorns on His head. These thorns are from a bush found in Israel with thorns at least an inch long. This was forced down on Jesus head, and with the head being a very vascular area, not only would a few drops of blood show, but blood no doubt was streaming down His face, running into His eyes and mouth.
Luke 23:22 tells about going back to Pilate, and Pilate still did not feel Jesus had done anything to warrant death, so he thought the Jews would be content to just punish Him by having His flogged. A 'flogging' by the Romans was commonly done prior to their crucifixions to help 'speed' up death. It was administered by a whip made of calfskin, using several cords or thongs weighted with jagged pieced of bone or metal, and then applied to the bare upper body. The Romans tied their victim to a post and the blows were applied to the back and loins and at times even struck the face and bowel areas. This is the flogging which Christ received according to Matthew 27:36. In was not merely 39 stripes as the Jewish law give, but by Roman standards, it was indefinite--until the one doing the flogging decided to quit, or the victim died.
At any point Jesus could have called on 10,000 angels to save Him and avenge His enemies, but He came as the perfect Lamb of God, willing to take the curse and humiliation that we might be free from the curse of Sin. Next week we will think about "The Curse".
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Monday, March 30, 2009
One Look at the Cross
In Billy Graham's autobiography, he made the statement that early in his ministry he and his team agreed that every message would tell about the Cross. The Cross is where lives are changed! One look at the Cross and one is never the same again!
At this time of the year, we especially turn our thoughts to the Cross. I plan to cover three aspects of the Cross in the next three blogs, beginning with this week as:
At this time of the year, we especially turn our thoughts to the Cross. I plan to cover three aspects of the Cross in the next three blogs, beginning with this week as:
GETHSEMANE
In the Garden of Gethsemane, (Matthew 26:39) Jesus prayed "O my Father, if it be possible, let this cup pass from me...". I know in His humanism He feared the pain and physical agony He was to face, but I do not believe this was the 'cup'. The worst agony He had to face was that point in God's time frame when God and sin would clash on the Cross. Because God cannot look on sin, God the Father would have to hide His face from His beloved Son. Andrew Murray states in like this: "so terrible was the aversion and anger of God against our sin that Christ was left in the thick darkness, because God, when sin was laid upon Him, had to hide His face from Him." Not only did the Father hide His face, but because of our sin, our Lord would have to go into the 'lower parts of the earth' (Eph. 4:9) which no doubt was 'hell'. Acts 2:27 and Psalm 16:10 both state: "thou wilt not leave my soul in Hades (or hell)." The horrors of that moment would be greater than any physical horror facing Him. He cried from the Cross, "My God, My God, Why hast thou forsaken me?" He knew, yet oh, the agony He must have felt. Even we who are believers do not have to face our dying moments alone. Jesus will be there with us as it says in Psalm 23, "Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil for THOU art with me."
In Luke 22:44 it tells us that while praying in the Garden, He literally sweat drops of blood. Sweating blood has a medical term, called "hematidrosis". The blood comes to the surface of the skin via the capillaries, as in blushing, and with intense emotion it is forced through the sweat glands of the skin. The medical dictionary defines it as 'excretion of bloody sweat'. With this phenomenon, the skin is greatly sensitized and the body is weakened.
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(Next week will be -The Trials)
Monday, March 23, 2009
Sevenfold Spirit of God
First we must understand (at least in part as is possible with our finite minds), what the job of the Holy Spirit is. He is the Executive Director of the works of God in behalf of man. He is the Divine Administrator (so to speak). What God the Father and God the Son purpose and plan, God the Holy Spirit brings it to pass. He is the Helper of the believer, and the one Jesus sent in His place to dwell among man.
In Revelation 1:4, John is sending salutations to the seven churches. The salutation comes in part from the ‘seven Spirits who are before the throne.’ This passage is speaking of the Holy Spirit in His completeness and perfection. Isaiah 11:2 lists for us the sevenfold Spirit of God: "And the spirit of the Lord shall rest upon him (Christ), the spirit of wisdom and understanding (we cannot understand of ourselves but He helps us understand), the spirit of counsel (He will counsel us so that we can help others) and might (the power of diety in Christ who is our power), the spirit of knowledge (knowing and understanding the things of God) and the fear of the Lord (through Him we learn to reverence the Lord)." This Spirit in all His perfection is now at work in the body of believers, and known as the ‘Church’. God in His gracious kindness and infinite wisdom works in each individual believer through the Holy Spirit.
It is so awesome to think that this very same perfect and complete person of the Holy Spirit actually indwells me. This is the gift, given to each believer, with no strings attached. This is GRACE.
1.From the heart of CC
2. From Notes by John I Paton (my father)
3. Practical Studies in Revelation by Theo. H. Epp
In Revelation 1:4, John is sending salutations to the seven churches. The salutation comes in part from the ‘seven Spirits who are before the throne.’ This passage is speaking of the Holy Spirit in His completeness and perfection. Isaiah 11:2 lists for us the sevenfold Spirit of God: "And the spirit of the Lord shall rest upon him (Christ), the spirit of wisdom and understanding (we cannot understand of ourselves but He helps us understand), the spirit of counsel (He will counsel us so that we can help others) and might (the power of diety in Christ who is our power), the spirit of knowledge (knowing and understanding the things of God) and the fear of the Lord (through Him we learn to reverence the Lord)." This Spirit in all His perfection is now at work in the body of believers, and known as the ‘Church’. God in His gracious kindness and infinite wisdom works in each individual believer through the Holy Spirit.
It is so awesome to think that this very same perfect and complete person of the Holy Spirit actually indwells me. This is the gift, given to each believer, with no strings attached. This is GRACE.
1.From the heart of CC
2. From Notes by John I Paton (my father)
3. Practical Studies in Revelation by Theo. H. Epp
Monday, March 16, 2009
Spirit of Truth (Part II)
Jesus told His disciples that He would send to them another, just like Himself, who would be the Holy Spirit. The Holy Spirit is God, equal with the Father, and equal to the Son, third person of the trinity. It is the Holy Spirit that reveals to us the truth of the Living Word of God, Jesus. John 1:1 from the Amplified New Testament: "In the beginning (before all time) was the Word (Christ) and the Word was with God, and the Word was God Himself." In Revelation 19:13, in John's vision he sees Christ returning as our King "and the title by which he is called is The Word of God." The Holy Spirit will also reveal to us the written Word, which is the Bible.
The Holy Spirit wrote the Bible through men who loved God. And the prophesies of the Old Testament were verified through Jesus as many verses in the New Testament state with phrases such as 'to fulfill what is written' or that 'the Scripture might be fulfilled.' Everything that was written was inspired by the Holy Spirit and was the TRUTH. II Timothy 3:16 states: "All Scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness..."
In the book Knowledge of the Holy, A. W. Tozer defines the attributes of God as being whatever God has in any way revealed as being TRUE of Himself. And Who is it that reveals these truths to us? None other than the Holy Spirit, The Spirit of Truth.
From the heart of Carol Coblentz
The Holy Spirit wrote the Bible through men who loved God. And the prophesies of the Old Testament were verified through Jesus as many verses in the New Testament state with phrases such as 'to fulfill what is written' or that 'the Scripture might be fulfilled.' Everything that was written was inspired by the Holy Spirit and was the TRUTH. II Timothy 3:16 states: "All Scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness..."
In the book Knowledge of the Holy, A. W. Tozer defines the attributes of God as being whatever God has in any way revealed as being TRUE of Himself. And Who is it that reveals these truths to us? None other than the Holy Spirit, The Spirit of Truth.
From the heart of Carol Coblentz
Monday, March 9, 2009
Spirit of Truth (Part I)
The Holy Spirit is referred to in Scripture as the 'Spirit of Truth'. John 14:17 states: "Even the Spirit of Truth; whom the world cannot receive because it seeth him not, neither knoweth him: but ye know him; for he dwelleth with you, and shall be in you." And from John 15:36: "but when the Comforter is come, whom I will send unto you from the Father, even the Spirit of Truth, which proceedeth from the Father, he shall testify of me." Another one is John 16:13: "Howbeit when he, the Spirit of Truth, is come, he will guide you into all truth."
What does the term "truth" really mean? How does this actually refer to the Holy Spirit?
The Merriam-Webster Dictionary gives the old English meaning as 'faithful'. Also the archaic meaning as 'constancy, sincerity in action, character and utterance.' The American Heritage Dictionary gives 'truth' as: "exact accordance with that which is, or has been or shall be." From the WorldNet, 1997 Princeton University, 'truth' is: (1) A fact that has been verified, and (2)The quality of being accurate and without error.
In the verse given in John 16:13, Jesus was telling his disciples that they were not ready to understand all He wanted to tell them at that time, but the "Spirit of Truth" would guide them and tell them. The Spirit of Truth would tell them whatever God the Father wished them to hear, and it would all be TRUTH.
What does the term "truth" really mean? How does this actually refer to the Holy Spirit?
The Merriam-Webster Dictionary gives the old English meaning as 'faithful'. Also the archaic meaning as 'constancy, sincerity in action, character and utterance.' The American Heritage Dictionary gives 'truth' as: "exact accordance with that which is, or has been or shall be." From the WorldNet, 1997 Princeton University, 'truth' is: (1) A fact that has been verified, and (2)The quality of being accurate and without error.
In the verse given in John 16:13, Jesus was telling his disciples that they were not ready to understand all He wanted to tell them at that time, but the "Spirit of Truth" would guide them and tell them. The Spirit of Truth would tell them whatever God the Father wished them to hear, and it would all be TRUTH.
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