Honesty versus Mediocrity

I have mentioned before the little book “77 habits of highly ineffective Christians” and if you are only interested in being a mediocre Christian, perhaps you should not read today’s message! No 45 of the 77 habits tells you that to be ineffective you should not be real with God. The author, Chris Fabry, noted from his surveys of mediocre Christians that almost 100% of them avoid any sense of reality with God. They make sure that in their moments of prayer no mention is made of struggles or disappointments. They do not tell Him about debt, or dissatisfaction in any area of their lives, and they keep Him at a distance by not acknowledging their real feelings or emotions. This helps them believe that they can hide things from God, and that they can live the same double life with him as they do with the world.

If they were to see my reading of this morning they would hastily close the Bible and rather turn to the newspaper to see what Madam & Eve, or Andy and Flo Capp are getting up to.

O Lord, You have searched me and You know me. You know when I sit and when I rise; You perceive my thoughts from afar. You discern my going out and my lying down; You are familiar with all my ways. Before a word is on my tongue You know it completely, O Lord.

You hem me in, behind and before; You have laid Your hand upon me. Such knowledge is too wonderful for me, too lofty for me to attain.

Where can I go from Your Spirit? Where can I flee from Your Presence? If I go up to the heavens, You are there; if I make my bed in the depths, You are there. If I rise on the wings of the dawn, if I settle on the far side of the sea, even there Your hand will guide me, Your right hand will hold me fast.

If I say, “Surely the darkness will hide me and the light become night around me,” even the darkness will not be dark to You; the night will shine like the day, for darkness is as light toYou. (Psalm 139:1-12)

What is more, He knows my history better than I do. He goes further back into my past than I can remember, and He knows what lies ahead around every corner.

For You created my inmost being; You knit me together in my mother’s womb. I praise You because I am fearfully and wonderfully made; Your works are wonderful, I know that full well. My frame was not hidden from You when I was made in the secret place. When I was woven together in the depths of the earth, Your eyes saw my unformed body. All the days ordained for me were written in Your book before one of them came to be. (V 13-16)

Going back to Proverbs 5:21 I see that a man’s ways are in full view of the Lord and in Proverbs 15:3 The eyes of the Lord are everywhere, keeping watch on the wicked and the good.

What is more, He knows my heart and watches over it.

The eyes of the Lord range throughout the earth to strengthen those whose hearts are fully committed to Him. (2 Chronicles 16:9)

There is no way I can escape His view of me, so it doesn’t help to be anything other than wholly honest with Him, trusting Him with my every thought and action.

Awesome!

Do Not Worry About Tomorrow.

My reading this morning included the passage, Do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about itself. Each day has enough troubles of its own. (Matthew 6:34)

This started a whole train of thought that has spanned many years. In an effort not to worry, I often use the term “concern” instead.

I am concerned about the Nation of Israel, and consider the Biblical Prophecies regarding that beleaguered country.

I am concerned about the welfare and conditions, not only in my own country, but in the world.

I am concerned about my family, and particularly for those who do not have a living relationship with the Lord Jesus Christ.

I am concerned about the health of loved ones, and could continue with all my “concerns” which I hasten to add are not “worries” as such, but they can sometimes be overwhelming. Sometimes I can be tempted into a little questioning, a little doubt, and even a little depression. At such times I have to resort to “The Cure.” It is a road much travelled, and its direction starts with a gentle reminder when I ask, “Where is God in this?”

I sought the Lord and He answered me; He delivered me from all my fears. (Psalm 34:4)

Years ago, at a really deep and dark place in my life, I decided that God could not actually care about me and my worries. After all, if He did, He would answer my prayers as I had asked. Instead of His meeting my requests, things went from bad to worse. I didn’t recognise it at the time, but I was praying Psalm 4, verse 1.

Answer me when I call to You, O my righteous God. Give me relief from my distress; be merciful to me and hear my prayer.

I can testify wholeheartedly that The Lord is close to the broken hearted and saves those who are crushed in spirit. (Psalm 34:18)

The years have rolled on, and I have repeated another verse from that Psalm which may help you realise why it is so special to me. V2,  My soul will boast in the Lord; let the afflicted hear and rejoice.

I have learned that taking my problems to Him, with praise and thanksgiving, brings me peace.

During the day I have reflected on the many times when my concerns have been relieved and often proved unfounded. Even ongoing concerns receive His gentle reminders that He is at work, my God in whom I trust.

I wear an anchor, not a cross, and often say that it symbolises my Lord being my Anchor, but also the Rock to which I am anchored. The sea fascinates me, and therapeutic blessings can always be found along the shore, watching the waves, thinking of an old favourite hymn, “Eternal Father, strong to save, whose arm doth bind the restless wave …”

I have just received an e mail that blesses my spirit, and which will surely be an encouragement to anyone who has given in to doubts or fear, or who needs a reminder that there is One waiting to help. The following comes from the words of a hymn by Mary A Baker, “Master, The Tempest Is Raging.”

2^nd verse

Master, with anguish of spirit
I bow in my grief today
The depths of my sad heart are troubled
Oh, waken and save, I pray!
Torrents of sin and of anguish
Sweep o’er my sinking soul
And I perish! I perish! dear Master
Oh, hasten, and take control.

Have you felt this way? Cried out to be rescued from whatever storm has threatened to engulf you? The chorus reads:

The winds and the waves obey Thy will
Peace, be still!
Whether the wrath of the storm tossed sea
Or demons or men, or whatever it be
No waters can swallow the ship where lies
The Master of ocean, and earth, and skies
They all shall sweetly obey Thy will
Peace, be still! Peace, be still!
They all shall sweetly obey Thy will
Peace, peace, be still!

The Lord redeems His servants; no-one will be condemned who takes refuge in Him. (Psalm 34:22)

He who holds the future has proved Himself faithful, so rest in Him.

Your Word is a Lamp to my Feet and a Light for my Path. Psalm 119:105

Your Word is a Lamp to my Feet and a Light for my Path. Psalm 119:105

I was reading Psalm 119 today and am, as always, challenged by its length and breadth. As the longest psalm, in its original text utilising every letter of the Hebrew alphabet, it brings out so many truths and lessons on which to ponder that I am considering doing with it as I have done with Proverbs this month, sharing a little each day. I am sure that much help, hope and comfort can be drawn from it.

While I love sharing the Word of God with those of like mind, loving and wanting to live by it, it is also my heart’s hope that others who may be searching for help may stumble across it and be encouraged. The first three verses show graphically what can only be consolidated by experience.

 ¹ Blessed are those whose ways are blameless,
   who walk according to the law of the LORD. ² Blessed are those who keep his statutes
   and seek him with all their heart— ³ they do no wrong
   but follow his ways.

None of us are perfect, and wholly blameless, but living in the Light of God’s Word brings us closer, because we are giving God the opportunity to work in us, making us more of what He wants us to be. He loves us as we are, sinners, weak and wilful, wanting our own way and self comfort. He watches us as we strive in our own strength to achieve success as we see it, and I think He smiles, just as we do watching the antics of our children. We watch them get up to mischief, sometimes having to punish them when the mischief gets out of hand, but as they grow in knowledge and understanding, we proudly acknowledge the characteristics that please us.

Living honest and true lives is not easy – avoiding compromise in the work place, or condoning sin by looking the other way, can cause difficulties -  but this psalm says it’s worth it, and brings blessings. Yes, it may also bring problems, because a life that pushes against the stream takes effort. It is tiring, taxing and troublesome, for standing out in a crowd makes you the focus of attention and confrontation, but it also builds a strength gained from exertion. Remember that a butterfly dies if it is not left to fight its own way out of the chrysalis.

Some years ago, in the workplace of the time, a blasphemous verse kept appearing on the office notice board, and as overseer, I kept removing it. The person who placed it there complained bitterly about my lack of humour, and demanded that I should not be allowed to impose my dogmatic ideas on others. Fortunately, the one higher in the chain of authority was also a Christian, and the offending literature was permanently removed, while I became the scapegoat. There were times when prayer and the support of friends were all that kept me going, but God was gracious. The “cheerleader” of the opposition received promotion, to a position similar to mine! A taste of the troubles involved in being the head of a department brought requests for advice, and eventually we became great friends. That is the power of prayer!

Use it! And receive the blessings of a life lived under the directions of the Word.

An Unforgiving Scripture!

Reading through the Book of Psalms regularly, I always have a problem with Psalm 109, so today I sit down to examine it more thoroughly – to dig a little deeper.

I know it is a psalm of David that would have been written when his life was in danger. It involves prophesy, and in most of his writings we can come to understand why he was a “man after God’s heart.” Yes, we recognise his faults as well as his strengths, with his desire to be on the right side of his God. Even here, in the last two verses, we can echo his words, “With my mouth I will greatly extol the Lord; in the great throng I will praise Him. For He stands at the right hand of the needy one, to save his life from those who condemn him.”

Where my problem comes in, is the complete lack of desire to find any place of forgiveness, or any hint of intercession for the perpetrators of the evil he is complaining about.

In v4 David shows his desire for reconciliation – In return for my friendship they accuse me, but I am a man of prayer. They repay me evil for good and hatred for my friendship.

If we go further back in the Old Testament, to Deuteronomy for example, we see the principle of an eye for an eye, tooth for tooth, hand for hand, foot for foot (Deut 19:16-21)and I recognise that these are the Scriptures David would know and understand.

My problem continues as a New Testament reader aware of the ministry of Jesus Christ.

Peter, in Acts 1:20 sees verse 8 of the psalm as being fulfilled by Judas Iscariot. May his days be few, may another take his place of leadership, and this brings a certain amount of understanding as a prophetic piece of writing.

David complains that these evil-doers attack him without cause, (v3) but I wonder about their perception of him and whether there was any was misunderstanding, taking into account the differences in belief. David was a follower of the Great unseen God, while they were most likely unbelievers. We cannot take a leaf out of his book if unbelievers of today attack us “without cause” as is happening with great impact in the world today. Misunderstanding followers of Allah attack Christians with impunity, but are we to rain down curses upon them, or pray for their salvation?

In Matthew 5:11-12 Jesus says, Blessed are you when people insult you, persecute you, and falsely say all kinds of eveil against you because of me. Rejoice and be glad, because great is your reward in heaven, for in the same way they persecuted the prophets who were before you.

In Numbers 5:23-31, we read of the test for an unfaithful wife who is made by the priest to drink bitter water that brings a curse, and in verse 8 of the psalm we read that cursing entered David’s opponent like water – showing the cultural aspect of David’s pleas.

Psalm 109 highlights the differences between the Old and the New Covenants, and I doubt I will ever use it in prayer as I do with many others, except for those final two verses. My understanding may still be dim, so I will save my questions with the others that await the meeting with my Lord face to face.

What joy awaits the believer!

JEHOVAH NISSI. Jehovah our banner.

Jehovah our banner.

What does it mean to say Jehovah, our Banner?

God’s instruction to the 10 tribes of Israel was that each would make a banner, or raise a standard, to identify them. In a war situation, each of the opposing sides identifies themselves by their banner, raised up at the head of the battle lines.

We are engaged in battle, a battle to the death, and our enemy prowls about like a lion, seeking to devour us. We need to raise our banner, and proclaim our victory in Jesus Christ who has fought and won.

Have you noticed the stealth of a lion, stalking his prey? He hides his evil intent in whatever camouflage he can make use of. He scans the scenery, knows the habitat, and has checked out the lifestyle of his target.

Psalm 34:10 tells us, The lions may grow weak and hungry, but those who seek the Lord lack no good thing.

Some time ago I wrote to a beloved son, fighting one of the favourite tools of satan, alcohol. Proverbs 23 gives wise words on the subject, and I continue to lift my hands before the Lord, and proclaim victory in Jesus.

Whatever our weakness, the “Achilles heel” that satan will use to try and take us off track, it can be negated by our raising of the banner.

Psalm 34:17 gives a promise we can rest in. The righteous cry out, and the Lord hears them; He delivers them from all their troubles.

We need to be found in His righteousness by allowing Him control in our lives, and He will be our Banner!

Be blessed!

Paul's Ministry

I was reading 2 Corinthians 3, and the start of this chapter challenged me.

v1-6 Are we beginning to commend ourselves again? Or do we need, like some people, letters of recommendation to you or from you? You yourselves are our letter, written on our hearts, known and read by everybody. You show that you are a letter from Christ, the result of our ministry, written not with ink but with the Spirit of the Living God, not on tablets of stone but on tablets of human hearts.
Such confidence as this is ours through Christ before God. Not that we are competent in ourselves to claim anything for ourselves, but our competence comes from God. He has made us competent as ministers of a new covenant - not of the letter but of the Spirit; for the letter kills, but the Spirit gives life.

Paul, the great disciple who saw Christ on the Damascus Road, was first mentioned as Saul, who watched the martyrdom of Stephen, giving approval to his death, (Acts 7:60)
He became the greatest missionary example, and his travels and ministry are well documented in the Book of Acts.
Boldly and without hindrance he preached the kingdom of God and taught about the Lord Jesus Christ. (Acts 28:31)

I pray that I too, may be numbered amongst the "letters of Christ" and that through the Word of God others may come to know Him and worship with me!

The Price was Paid.

1 Corinthians 6:19-20 Do you not know that your body is a temple of the Holy Spirit, who is in you, whom you have received from God? You are not your own; you were bought at a price. Therefore honour God with your body.
1 Corinthins 7:23
You were bought at a price; do not become slaves of men.

Some years ago we bought a most adorable puppy, As a pedigree, he was quite a price, as you can imagine, and we had to travel some considerable distance to collect him. His character was such that even before we got him home, his name was secure and suited his personality. We gave him of the best, and ensured his health by paying for all the necessary injections, and all that he needed to keep him happy. He was well fed, had a lovely kennel, which was carpeted, painted, complete with waterproof roof, and in a prime position in the garden.

Much as he loved us, though, he was a wanderer. He was often tempted to seek green fields and pastures new, and this necessitated his unruly habit of breaking through the fence. What else – he was a staffie! A “people” dog. He not only loved us, but he loved the world outside, and thought all people were friends. Often the neighborhood was explored, first by him, and then by us, as we called his name. He had an SPCA disc on his collar to show that he had already been through their books, but that did not prevent his ultimate disappearance.

Somehow he was distracted, misled or captured.

We bought him. We paid a price for him, but we don’t have him now.

 

A price was paid for us, too. A price etched in blood, pain, and utmost love. A price paid by God Himself.

Tell me, does God have what He paid for?

Patience!

Patience! Who amongst us dares to ask for patience? I well remember my mother with her frustrated “Oh, give me patience,” theme, as we children battled through our role seeking years, trying to find out who we were without being told into which mould we were expected to fit. She was given many opportunities to develop that patience, when she would have chosen less! We taxed her to the uttermost, and I, as the eldest, was the greatest culprit, so that my young brother gained in countless ways as he floated through adolescence in my wake, often scoring from my earlier misconduct.

How would my mother have handled the dilemma of Moses, with countless numbers of the Children of Israel taxing his patience as they whined and moaned their way through the wilderness?  Immaterial to them was the reality that they had brought their condition on themselves through their disobedience and unfaithfulness to the Lord God who had brought them safely out of captivity in Egypt. No doubt, as Moses cried out for patience, the Lord smiled as he allowed the problems of his charges to teach many lessons. Inevitably, wrong choices brought consequences and the connotations were far reaching even to death!

Did Moses gain insight into a mother’s heart, I wonder, as he led those recalcitrant children deeper into the desert and their final destiny. Many perished after each further bout of insubordination. Surely many repented and regretted their role in the waywardness, but it was too late, with their only option being to await their time to die. They would not see the Promised Land, the light that would have been at the end of their tunnel if they had remained faithful.

In Numbers 11:12, Moses asked God, (Paraphrase) “Am I their mother? Did I give birth to them? Are you really asking me to carry them in my arms - as a nurse carries a baby – all the way to the land promised their ancestors with an oath?”

 His patience was understandably wearing thin. His frustrated cry was also, perhaps, "Lord, give me patience." He had to learn it through hard lessons, and so must we! 

In His Hands!

John 3:35.

The Father loves the Son, and has placed everything in His hands.

Life-giving hands

Competent hands

Work-worn hands

Scarred hands

Strong hands

Gentle hands

Healing hands

Giving hands

Receiving hands

Beckoning hands

Shepherd’s hands

Creative hands

Hands that flung stars into space

Hands that reach out to you in all encompassing love.

John 3:36

Whoever believes in the Son has eternal life, but whoever rejects the Son will not see life, for God’s wrath remains on him.

Learning, and teaching, from our past.

Psalm 78. A psalm of Asaph. NLT.

Verses 1-8

O, my people, listen to my teaching.

Open your ears to what I am saying, for I will speak to you in a parable.

I will teach you hidden lessons from our past – stories we have heard and know, stories our ancestors handed down to us.

We will not hide these truths from our children but will tell the next generation about the glorious deeds of the Lord.

We will tell of His power and the mighty miracles He did.

For He issued His decree to Jacob, He gave His law to Israel.

He commanded our ancestors to teach them to their children, so the next generation might know them – even the children not yet born – that they in turn might teach their children.

So each generation can set its hope anew on God, remembering His glorious miracles and obeying His commands.

Then they will not be like their ancestors – stubborn, rebellious and unfaithful, refusing to give their hearts to God.

How dangerous it is to live without the knowledge of God, and  not allowing Him to work out His plans through us. We can’t foil His plans, but there are consequences to our disobedience which can impact on the lives of others.

I am thinking of the verses of Mark 1:40-45, when Jesus freely healed a man of leprosy, but gave him a warning, - or was it a request? “Don’t tell anyone about this. Show yourself to the priests, and give the due sacrifices to prove you are clean.”

V 45. But the man disobeyed and told everyone. The consequences fell on Jesus; it meant He was mobbed wherever He went, and could not continue His ministry freely.

People who would have heard Him, or even perhaps been healed by Him, were denied the privilege because one man, however well meaning, disobeyed.

We need to listen, and obey, without rushing ahead doing things our way.

Psalm 40:4

I received a text message today, one that I deleted and whose "instructions" I ignored. I am sure you have all received, and maybe even sent one or two, just in case it might work! They ask you not to break the prayer chain. They give words of blessing, and say you will be blessed by good fortune of one kind or another if you respond within 4 minutes, or 24 hours, or whatever. They tell you to forward to 4 or 10 or 12 others, in order that you will receive your blessing.
What utter balderdash!
Blessed is the man who makes the Lord his trust, who does not look to the proud, to those who turn aside to false gods.
My God blesses me every single moment of every single day, and gives no instructions regarding my response. Him, and Him only will I worship and trust.

The Lord Speaks.

I prayed, “Please, Lord, give me words of peace today.”

I was feeling the normal stress of things to do, but not knowing when and how etc. Distractions, demands and expectations, all were crowding to be met.

From the Light of the Word: Isaiah 26:3 You will keep in perfect peace him whose mind is steadfast, because he trusts in You.

My mind fixed in Him, the Light continued to shine! Cast your cares on the Lord and He will sustain you: He will never let the righteous fall.(Psalm 55:22)

Only one problem – can I call myself righteous? I have already been irritated and impatient. Then I am reminded, I am clothed in His righteousness. Isaiah 12:2 I will trust and not be afraid. The Lord, the Lord, is my strength and my song; He has become my salvation.

Why, oh why do I stress so much? Why do I open the way for pressures and tribulations, when Matthew 8:26 tells me, Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and minds in Christ Jesus.

In quietness and strength, grace and peace, the day flowed. How wonderful is our God. I had asked for words, but He gave encouragement as well as peace, and now, a phone call from a dear friend and prayer partner, with more words from Isaiah to crown this day.

I delight greatly in the Lord; my soul rejoices in my God. For He has clothed me with garments of salvation and arrayed me in a robe of righteousness, as a bridegroom adorns his head like a priest, and as a bride adorns herself with her jewels.

For as the soil makes the sprout come up and a garden causes seeds to grow, so the Sovereign Lord will make righteousness and praise spring up before all nations. (Isaiah 61:10,11)

This is my God! Even before |I have finished asking, He is answering! He is my refuge and strength. Peace, perfect peace, prevails.

Serendipity Questions on Proverbs 13

I have some questions relating to Proverbs 13, taken from my Serendipity (NIV) Bible, which would be interesting in a discussion group. Perhaps what would make it more interesting would be to compare the answers as taken from a three-generation mix.

1.       Why do rich and poor alike pretend to be what they are not? (v7)

2.       Judging by the people you spent time with last month, what kind of company do you keep? Has it changed in any way from friends and acquaintances of the past?

3.       Parents, if you could pick friends for your kids, who would you choose, and why?

4.       Children, how does your choice of friends vary from your parent’s choice, and why?

5.       How does the company you keep affect you, and why?

6.       What happens to the “get rich quick” scheme or the unjust person, (v11) and what profit do diligence and discipline bring?

7.       What do you believe about leaving large inheritances for your children or grandchildren?

8.       Would your view on inheritance differ if you were the recipient?

9.       What are your views on spanking children?

I hope you enjoy some thinking time!
In His Love.

Mystery revealed.

So many teachings and words of advice come from the heart of man, rather than the Spirit of God. Job’s comforters are an example, who, with good will, thought they were helping Job with their comments on his plight. Amongst the weeds of most of their observations and opinions though, lie bouquets of beauty and wisdom.

Can you fathom the mysteries of God? Can you probe the limits of the Almighty? They are higher than the heavens – what can you do?

They are deeper than the depths of the grave – what can you know?

Their measure is longer than the earth and wider than the sea.  (Job 11:7-9)

Rhetoric on Zophar’s part, but giving questions to be explored in the light of the New Covenant to which we have access!

The doxology from Romans 16:25-27 is an example of knowledge revealed in the New Testament – Now to Him who is able to establish you by my gospel and the proclamation of Jesus Christ, according to the revelation of the mystery hidden for long ages past, but now revealed and made known through the prophetic writings by the command of the eternal God, so that all nations may believe and obey Him – to the only wise God be glory forever through Jesus Christ. Amen.

In Job’s day, the full revelation of God’s character and plan for His people was not known. The Bible tells us that only in the End Times, as all the prophecies are fulfilled, will the mystery be fully understood. Unfortunately, for many it will be too late!

It is easy to be confused as we watch the News, and see evidences of war, disasters, man’s striving for self-fulfilment, for power and acclaim. We see the suffering of Israel and the plans of Islam, and we want to know truth, answers to the mysteries.

1 Corinthians 2:6 We do, however, speak a message of wisdom among the mature, but not the wisdom of this age or of the rulers of this age, who are coming to nothing. No, we speak of God’s secret wisdom, a wisdom that has been hidden and that God destined for our glory before time began. None of the rulers of this age understood it, for if they had they would not have crucified the Lord of glory. However, as it is written:

“No eye has seen,

No ear has heard,

No mind has conceived

What God has prepared for those who love Him.” –

But God has revealed it to us by His Spirit.

Even in the times of Jesus, the mystery being unveiled was yet not understood by many.

In Paul’s letter to the Ephesians, he told his readers that by God’s grace he was given insight that had not been shown to men in previous ages, but that by the Holy Spirit he was given the mandate to preach and teach. This mystery is that through the gospel the Gentiles are heirs together with Israel, members together of one body, and sharers together in the promise in Christ Jesus. (Ephesians 3:6) – and to make plain to everyone the administration of this mystery, which for ages past was kept hidden in God, who created all things. (v9)

The mystery was being made known to those who would believe, Christ in you, the hope of glory. (Colossians 1:27)

Yes, the mysteries of God merit exploration, and my prayer for those who consider it worth the effort is as Paul’s: that you, being rooted and established in love, may have power, together with all the saints, to grasp how wide and long and high and deep is the love of Christ, and to know this love that surpasses knowledge – that you may be filled  to the measure of all the fullness of God. (Ephesians 3:18,19)

What on earth are you doing?

What is God doing in and around your life today? He is at work, for He neither slumbers nor sleeps!

If He is indeed our God, the one we praise and worship, then we need to be looking to what He is busy with, and to discover whether He wants to use us as a tool, or instrument in that work.

There is only one God, the Father. Everything came from Him, and we live for Him.

There is only one Lord, Jesus Christ.

Everything came into being through Him, and we live because of Him. (! Corinthians 8:6) God’s Word. (Emphasis mine)

The 5^th Commandment in Exodus 20, instructs that we should honour our father and mother… What does honour mean? Surely it includes respect, attention to their ground rules for they are our role models, and obedience. How much more then do we owe to our Heavenly Father?

Jesus says, as reported in John 5:22-23, “The Father judges no one, but has entrusted all judgment to the Son, that all may honour the Son just as they honour the Father. He who does not honour the Son, does not honour the Father who sent Him.” (NIV)

Distraction? Or Interruption?

Today had a course different from my plans, so I was reminded of a key lesson from the Experiencing God teachings.

GOD HAS A RIGHT TO INTERRUPT MY LIFE.
HE IS LORD.
WHEN I ACCEPTED HIM AS LORD I GAVE HIM THE RIGHT TO HELP HIMSELF TO MY LIFE ANYTIME HE WANTS.

That sure makes life interesting!!

Blessings, and remember, He who has begun a good work in you, will bring it to completion.

I am the Lord your God, who teaches you what is best for you, who directs you in the way you should go. (Isaiah 48:17)

Echoes of Wisdom

Church services today echoed the need for wisdom. Whether it be for setting goals, (or keeping New Year Resolutions) overcoming sin, or discovering God’s special plan and purpose for our lives, wisdom is paramount.

It is all highly challenging, but I need wisdom for the simple things in life. How to juggle all the so called priorities of life; which should be more prior than others, and how to grade the calls made upon us in order not to be accused of negligence, indifference, carelessness or selfishness. In short, I can’t afford to take my eyes of Jesus!

Forgiven!

A recent acquisition is an “Experiencing God” calendar, and having shared in this course within the church fellowship some time ago, it is good to be reminded of its key teachings. Henry Blackaby, the author, followed by his sons, has brought out many related books that I would highly recommend for anyone wanting a closer walk with God.

This morning’s verse was Genesis 4:11, which brought an important aspect on forgiveness.

Cain had killed his brother, Abel, and God asked him, “Where is your brother, Abel?”

Cain replied, “I don’t know. Am I my brother’s keeper?”

The Lord said, “What have you done? Listen! Your brother’s blood cries out to me from the ground.

V11. Now you are under a curse and driven from the ground, which opened its mouth to receive your brother’s blood from your hand.

When you work the ground, it will no longer yield its crops for you. You will be a restless wanderer on the earth.”(Genesis 4:9-12)

What condemnation! What consequences to sin! Who can live under such conviction? Then comes verse 15. “If anyone kills Cain, he will suffer vengeance seven times over.” Then the Lord put a mark on Cain so that no-one who found him would kill him.

Henry Blackaby notes that God works amidst evil! Cain thought his sin and the life adjustment God called him to meant the end of a relationship with God. Lovingly, God worked with Cain to protect him and show him new life possibilities. Because you once raised Cain does not mean you can no longer experience God.

The Seven Realities of Experiencing God are:

1.       God is always at work around you.

2.       God pursues a continuing love relationship with you that is real and personal.

3.       God invites you to become involved with Him in His work.

4.       God speaks by the Holy Spirit through the Bible, prayer, circumstances, and the church to reveal Himself, His purposes and his ways.

5.       God’s invitation for you to work with Him always leads you to a crisis of belief that requires faith and action.

6.       You must make major adjustments in your life to join God in what He is doing.

7.       You come to know God by experience as you obey Him and He accomplishes His work through you.

The prayer for anyone who, like Cain, has sinned, is: - Understanding Father, You know I have sinned and failed You. Make clear to me once more that You are at work and still inviting me to join in. Forgive my sin. Amen.

Remember, you need to be in a relationship with Him before you can join Him in His work!

Watch Out!

Proverbs 7.

‘Nuff said! And that goes for pornography, and all those films with SNVNL added to their blurb! And the magazines exploiting women who don’t know better than to show lack of respect for their bodies.

“You have heard that it was said, ‘Do not commit adultery.’ But I tell you that anyone who looks at a woman lustfully has already committed adultery with her in his heart.” Words of Jesus. Matthew 5:27,28.

Read Romans 1:18-32.

When someone asks how you are, do you reply, "Fine, thanks, and you?" And everyone is "Fine." But society is not fine! In fact, the "un-fineness" is now to be tolerated, even admired, and if condemned we are considered to be "politically incorrect" or "bigoted" or "intolerant."

This passage in the book of Romans warns of the wrath of God being revealed. We would do well to take heed.

Warnings.

Proverbs 5,6 & 7 are full of warnings. Warnings against disaster, folly, adultery, laziness are all so applicable to our day. I think back to history in Europe, and see the conditions in which people lived, and always, it seems, there were those who worked to rise above. Inventions abound to make life easier, but now, with all our labour saving gadgets we have embarked on a period when crime, violence, fraud, and any dishonest way to survive is becoming the order of the day,

Matthew 24:12-13 tells us, Because of the increase of wickedness, the love of most will grow cold, but he who stands firm to the end will be saved.

As it was in the days of Noah, so it will be at the coming of (Jesus) the Son of Man. For in the days before the flood, people were eating and drinking, marrying and giving in marriage, up to the day Noah entered the ark; and they knew nothing about what would happen until the flood came and took them away. That is how it will be at the coming of the Son of Man. (Matthew 24:37 - 39 Words of Jesus Christ to His disciples.)

I want to be found ready when He comes. Those who think His words are fantasy would do well to examine more of the prophecies of the Bible.
Most have been fulfilled!
What next?

Seek Wisdom, Listen to Words of Insight.

Proverbs 5:21-23

For a man’s ways are in full view of the Lord, and he examines all his paths. The evil deeds of a wicked man ensnare him; the cords of sin hold him fast. He will die for lack of discipline, led astray by his own great folly. (NIV)

A good friend was brought to a saving knowledge of the Lord through Proverbs 5. He told me of swimming far out to sea one day, and crying out, “God, if you are real, show me.” Nothing happened that he could recognise, but some time later, a Bible was given to him. Reading the Book of Matthew he gave it back and said, “Is there no wisdom in this book. It is just genealogy here.” The man returned the Bible to him and asked him to read the Book of Proverbs, He got to Chapter 5 and said, “This is a God I can follow!”

In Sweden, a secular country, I met a professor of Muslim background, who told me of his conversion through the Book of Proverbs. He said that the wisdom he found there led him to read the whole Bible, and he had to believe what it taught. I have since spoken to several others who have been challenged by this book, and been led to learn more.

Billy Graham is quoted as saying he reads a chapter of the Book of Proverbs every day, and for many months I have done the same. I challenge YOU to try it, and see if the knowledge you gain will lead you to a closer walk with the Lord. 31 chapters are easy to keep track of!

Be blessed by wisdom!

Colossians 2:2-4 (Paraphrased from NIV)

My purpose is that (you) may be encouraged in heart and united in love, so that (you) might have the full riches of complete understanding, in order that (you) may know the mystery of God, namely, Christ, in whom are hidden all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge. I tell you this so that no-one may deceive you by fine-sounding arguments.

Many books on my shelves are written by those who have found God, or discovered their need of Him in strange ways.

I was reading the testimony of Eric Barrett, the compiler of two books, Scientists Who Believe, and Scientists Who Find God. Both contain stories and interviews with prior Sceptics, atheists or agnostics, all of whom experienced an awareness that brain power is not enough to absorb True knowledge.

Eric, himself a believer from an early age, has suffered one of my greatest dreads, the loss of eye-sight. Through the unfortunate genetic propensity to develop defects in the retinas of both eyes, he has undergone much trauma. Years of ongoing treatments have preserved limited sight, but Eric, in his belief that we can all learn from experience, has developed his own positive insights. “In the Biblical Gospels,” he says, “it is reported on several occasions that Jesus gave new sight to the blind. There and elsewhere in the New Testament, blindness is used as a picture of the spiritual state of people separated from God by sin: people who have neglected or rejected God, who have lived lives ignoring Him and His laws, and people who have lacked proper love and regard for others. “

He goes on to say that just as, by nature, we all sin in one or more of those ways, so he inherited  the weakness that caused the disease in his eyes. We are all born with the inclination to sin in us. Look at any child and see the desire for his or her own way, now. The Bible tells us that if sin is not treated, or should I say recognised for what it is, rebellion, and left to develop further, so that we die with our sins unforgiven, we have no hope of experiencing the joys of heaven. How can we expect, asks Eric, if we have never acknowledged God in our lives, to be admitted to His home in heaven?

The unbeliever will say, “So what?” He doesn’t believe there is a heaven, so, why worry? Well, I may believe it will not rain tomorrow, and judging by our weather recently, that would be a pretty poor belief, but if I believe it, perhaps it will oblige with its absence. The trouble is that in my heart is a doubt, so I will rather take an umbrella with me, just in case it does rain. Unbeliever, you need an umbrella. Rather examine the Good News that is available, just as Eric explains how he found the right physicians to help him retain some eyesight.

There is a Great Physician, who, if you invite Him, will heal your spiritual blindness. He lived on earth as the God-man, Jesus Christ, and showed His love more clearly than He had ever done before.  Eric goes on to say, “We noted earlier that, on more than one occasion, Jesus performed the miracle of curing physical blindness: something modern medicine can sometimes do today. But no-one other than God Himself can cure spiritual blindness, and so enable us to see Himself, ourselves, and others in new, true, and wonderful ways.”

The folk featured in his books have all received spiritual sight restored through faith in God. Their own personal experiences have thrown light on questions such as:

·         Can Scientists honestly and justifiable believe in a Creator?

·         Is it possible to pursue a career in Science, and practice Christianity, without compromising either?

·         How can finding God lead to fulfilment and satisfaction far greater than any scientific discovery?

Please do not delay. Eric’s condition would have been far worse had he delayed in seeking expert help. The longer our spiritual condition is left, the higher the risk that it may become terminal. Seek help NOW.

Eric sums up with salient points from Paul’s letter to the Colossians, chapter 2, verse 3.

                FIND GOD and all other discoveries will make more sense than before.

                FIND GOD and all other discoveries will seem much less important than they did before.

                FIND GOD and He will lead you into new areas of truth and experience beyond any you ever

                Imagined before.

                FIND GOD and you will want to share this supreme discovery with others too!

Psalm 12 and Lying Lips

Help, O Lord. No godly person is left. Faithful people have vanished from among Adam’s descendants! All people speak foolishly. They speak with flattering lips. They say one thing but mean another.

May the Lord cut off every flattering lip and every bragging tongue that has said, “We will overcome with our tongues. With lips such as ours, who can be our master?”

Because oppressed people and needy people groan, “I will now arise,” says the Lord. “I will provide safety for those who long for it.”

The promises of the Lord are pure, like silver refined in a furnace and purified seven times. O Lord, You will protect them. You will keep each one safe from those people forever. Wicked people parade around when immorality increases among Adam’s descendants.

I was reading Psalm 12 this morning, and wondering about the attitude of those who say the Bible is meaningless, and written by man. This Psalm, indeed written by the man, King David, and so important and meaningful to him that he had it set to music, could be written to the people of our times. I wondered why he zoned in on the “lying tongues” of those around him. History repeats itself yet we do not seem to learn from the mistakes of the past. Look around and see if what David recognised around him is not around us today. People boast about their abilities to over-ride Truth and Honesty. Looking at the cycle of God’s promises being fulfilled, and people’s’ continued rebellion through the ages, I have no doubt that to-days culprits will also be found wanting.

In verse 6 we are told that the promises of the Lord are pure, like silver refined in a furnace and purified seven times. What does that mean to us?

In the days from Adam to Abraham silver had become the chosen substance for monetary purposes, jewellery, decoration and implements. Mined more easily but less valuable than gold, the process of refining it required master craftsmen, and to compare it to the purity of the promises of the Lord was extremely meaningful to the people of David’s day.

What are those promises regarding lying tongues? Most people prefer not to think of the wrath of God and even Christians tend to hope that it is not applicable to them, and is an attitude of the past, before Christ’s saving payment. Yet the Scriptures show that God has made no attempt to conceal that part of His character. He makes it known that vengeance and fury are His prerogative.

Proverbs 6:16-19

There are six things the Lord hates:

Haughty eyes

A lying tongue

Hands that shed innocent blood

Feet that are quick to rush into evil

A false witness who pours out lies and a man who stirs up dissension among brothers.

Proverbs 19:5 & 9

A false witness will not go unpunished, and he whom pours out lies will not go free.

A W Pink (1865-1952, a student of the attributes of God and an evangelist), wrote:                      The wrath of God is an attribute of God as much a part of God as any other attribute, an attribute without which God would be less than God:

Now the wrath of God is as much a Divine perfection as is His faithfulness, power, or mercy. It must be so, for there is no blemish whatever, not the slightest defect in the character of God; yet there would be if ‘wrath’ were absent from Him!

He defines wrath as follows:

The wrath of God is His eternal detestation of all unrighteousness. It is the displeasure and indignation of Divine equity against evil. It is the holiness of God stirred into activity against sin. It is the moving cause of that just sentence which He passes upon evil-doers. God is angry against sin because it is a rebelling against His authority, a wrong done to His inviolable sovereignty. Insurrectionists against God’s government shall be made to know that God is the Lord. They shall be made to feel how great that Majesty is which they despise, and how dreadful is that threatened wrath which they so little regarded. Not that God’s anger is a malignant and malicious retaliation, inflicting injury for the sake of it, or in return for injury received. No; while God will vindicate His dominion as Governor of the universe, He will not be vindictive.

Yes, this was written by man, but expounds on the written Word of God, through His servants. I would rather not play around it! I think the dishonesty and hypocrisy of mankind today will indeed be visited by the wrath of God;  mankind needs to beware. A short reading this morning has led me on a journey of discovery which I trust will challenge every reader.