Psalm 67
If a person has known the Lord for any time, they know that the blessings that come down from the Lord are to be desired. But how do those blessings come? The Spirit of the Lord reveals one way to us through this Psalm. The Scriptures here reveal to us a circle, if you would, of blessing. This circle repeats itself over and over in the life of a child of God.
In verse 1-2, we see the grace of God. This is truly the only way blessings begin. We wouldn’t know anything about God, Who He is, or what His love desires to extend to us if it weren’t for His grace. He is Spirit and we are flesh. He is supernatural and we are natural. He is so far above us. The flow of blessing begins one way. It has to begin with God. And not just with Him, but specifically, it begins with His grace. We are not deserving of His blessings nor could we ever earn them. God’s act of blessing His children is purely on love and unmerited favor. He reveals Himself to us, and with that revelation comes blessing.
As blessing comes from His grace, its purpose is to reveal to this world the character and ways of God. The only way that mankind will know the blessings of God is if God reveals His blessings to them.
In verses 3-5, we see the results of these blessings of grace—the people and the nations break forth in praise and worship back to the King Who rendered the blessings of grace. As Scripture tells us that we love Him because He first loved us, so too we bless Him with praise and worship because He has first blessed us.
In verse 4-5, we see an upward spiral effect in fact to blessing God. So what actually happens when we bless God? He in turn pours out greater blessing on us. Our land will yield a harvest and God blesses us. From there, we in turn bless God again and the Circle of Blessing continues. Praise God for opening the door of His blessing to us.
"Concentrated Capsules"
1 Kings 1:41-2:18
What would you say if you were in the final moments of your life and you knew it? As your life flashes before you, and you relive all that has been accomplished, what would you pull out of your life as a “concentrated capsule” to give to those around you that you have gleaned from your life?
King David, considered by many to be Israel’s greatest king, is laying on his bed entering the final days, perhaps even the final hours of his life. His decision was to entrust in his son, now the new king of Israel, his “concentrated capsules” gleaned from a very active life for God. He had great success and great failure and both had been used of God to forge him into a man after God’s own heart (Acts 13:22). Now he wanted these lessons of life to be passed on to the next generation. What would he say? What would he consider important? What does a man of God say on his death bed? David considered this thought his most important:
“And keep the charge of the Lord your God: to walk in His ways, to keep His statutes, His commandments, His judgments, and His testimonies, as it is written in the Law of Moses…”
(1 Kings 2:3)
What David was saying was this: “If there is anything I have learned in my lifetime, it is simply…God’s Word works. Be sure to do everything the Word of God directs you to do. It will prove to be most beneficial to you. His statutes, commandments, judgments and testimonies are the most important things you will need to live this life.
Now think that through. David wasn’t a perfect man by any stretch of the imagination. Yet in the end, he proved himself truly successful and this “concentrated capsule” was the secret to his success. God was the secret to his success. And God can be the secret to our success as well.
David gives his son a second. This capsule wasn’t a charge, it was a promise. A promise from God:
“And keep the charge of the Lord your God…that you may prosper in all that you do and wherever you turn…”
This should get our attention. There is not a sane person alive that doesn’t want to prosper or be successful. Mind you, this success is not measured by the world’s standards but by God’s standards. And in the end, His way of success truly proves to be the greatest.
This is a promise from God. As we put Him first in our life, and seek to obey Him with all our heart, He will make our way prosper in everything we do and wherever we turn. And even in those days when hardship and tragedy strike, God will turn those things around for the forging of our good.
We need this! Who would want to waste their life on purpose when they have the opportunity to be eternally successful in the hands of a gracious and mighty God?
David then served up his last capsule:
And keep the charge of the Lord your God…4that the Lord may fulfill His word which He spoke concerning me, saying, ‘If your sons take heed to their way, to walk before Me in truth with all their heart and with all their soul,’ He said, ‘you shall not lack a man on the throne of Israel.’
Now obviously this specific promise isn’t for us. Our posterity isn’t going to sit on a throne ruling a nation. However, the Lord does have a destiny for each of us—that special purpose in which we were created. For each one of us, that destiny is different, but for every one of us, that purpose is very special. God gives us today the promise that if we will keep His Word, He will fulfill in us the purpose in which we were made. For each of us, when we fulfill the destiny of our lives, our lives will be most rewarding.
God has some “concentrated capsules” in His Word for each of us today just waiting to be discovered. And as we apply our lives to His Word, we will find that the words of a godly man on his death bed still ring true today.
What would you say if you were in the final moments of your life and you knew it? As your life flashes before you, and you relive all that has been accomplished, what would you pull out of your life as a “concentrated capsule” to give to those around you that you have gleaned from your life?
King David, considered by many to be Israel’s greatest king, is laying on his bed entering the final days, perhaps even the final hours of his life. His decision was to entrust in his son, now the new king of Israel, his “concentrated capsules” gleaned from a very active life for God. He had great success and great failure and both had been used of God to forge him into a man after God’s own heart (Acts 13:22). Now he wanted these lessons of life to be passed on to the next generation. What would he say? What would he consider important? What does a man of God say on his death bed? David considered this thought his most important:
“And keep the charge of the Lord your God: to walk in His ways, to keep His statutes, His commandments, His judgments, and His testimonies, as it is written in the Law of Moses…”
(1 Kings 2:3)
What David was saying was this: “If there is anything I have learned in my lifetime, it is simply…God’s Word works. Be sure to do everything the Word of God directs you to do. It will prove to be most beneficial to you. His statutes, commandments, judgments and testimonies are the most important things you will need to live this life.
Now think that through. David wasn’t a perfect man by any stretch of the imagination. Yet in the end, he proved himself truly successful and this “concentrated capsule” was the secret to his success. God was the secret to his success. And God can be the secret to our success as well.
David gives his son a second. This capsule wasn’t a charge, it was a promise. A promise from God:
“And keep the charge of the Lord your God…that you may prosper in all that you do and wherever you turn…”
This should get our attention. There is not a sane person alive that doesn’t want to prosper or be successful. Mind you, this success is not measured by the world’s standards but by God’s standards. And in the end, His way of success truly proves to be the greatest.
This is a promise from God. As we put Him first in our life, and seek to obey Him with all our heart, He will make our way prosper in everything we do and wherever we turn. And even in those days when hardship and tragedy strike, God will turn those things around for the forging of our good.
We need this! Who would want to waste their life on purpose when they have the opportunity to be eternally successful in the hands of a gracious and mighty God?
David then served up his last capsule:
And keep the charge of the Lord your God…4that the Lord may fulfill His word which He spoke concerning me, saying, ‘If your sons take heed to their way, to walk before Me in truth with all their heart and with all their soul,’ He said, ‘you shall not lack a man on the throne of Israel.’
Now obviously this specific promise isn’t for us. Our posterity isn’t going to sit on a throne ruling a nation. However, the Lord does have a destiny for each of us—that special purpose in which we were created. For each one of us, that destiny is different, but for every one of us, that purpose is very special. God gives us today the promise that if we will keep His Word, He will fulfill in us the purpose in which we were made. For each of us, when we fulfill the destiny of our lives, our lives will be most rewarding.
God has some “concentrated capsules” in His Word for each of us today just waiting to be discovered. And as we apply our lives to His Word, we will find that the words of a godly man on his death bed still ring true today.
"It's All Worth It"
Merry Christmas to everyone! This month for Cyberspace Bread I am going to bring you some thoughts for the season we are in. "The Most Wonderful Time of the Year" is truly that when we reflect on the "reason for the season." In our services here at First Assembly we are taking a different approach to Christmas. We are striving to slow down and do somethings differently reflecting on the real reason for Christmas...JESUS! So as you walk with me each week may God bless you with His Spirit.
Throw yourselves into the work of the Master, confident that nothing you do for him is a waste of time or effort.
1 Cor 15:58 (MSG)
Bah! Humbug! You may not have voiced those exact words, but perhaps you have felt that way regarding the Christmas season.
Perhaps it was the thought of having to buy presents. Perhaps having to deal with a difficult relative that you have a hard time being with. Perhaps it is the hectic schedule of shopping, work, programs, and parties. What's a child of God supposed to do during the Christmas season? Let's pause for a moment and allow God to answer the question:
With all this going for us, my dear, dear friends, stand your ground. And don't hold back. Throw yourselves into the work of the Master, confident that nothing you do for him is a waste of time or effort.
1 Cor 15:58 (MSG)
Camp for just a moment on that phrase "nothing you do for Him is a waste of time or effort." The KJV uses the word "vain." It means "empty" or "waste." It's interesting that the Apostle Paul uses the same word when He speaks of Christ Himself in a great Christmas passage:
[Christ] made himself nothing, taking the very nature of a servant, being made in human likeness.
Phil 2:7 (NIV)
This does not mean that Christ or His work was useless, but it means that Christ chose to set aside the use of His glory and power for His own advantage and submit Himself to the humiliation of becoming one of us--a human being. And when He was here, He followed the very pattern the Scriptures are challenging us with today. He threw Himself into the work of His Father confident that it was not useless or empty.
So what are we to do this Christmas? Continue to serve the Father the way that Christ did. Serve Him in the same spirit and strength that Christ did--the Holy Spirit. Know that while you are doing that NOTHING we do as we are being led by the Spirit is a waste and empty. God's hand is upon it and He will use it for His glory.
Throw yourselves into the work of the Master, confident that nothing you do for him is a waste of time or effort.
1 Cor 15:58 (MSG)
Bah! Humbug! You may not have voiced those exact words, but perhaps you have felt that way regarding the Christmas season.
Perhaps it was the thought of having to buy presents. Perhaps having to deal with a difficult relative that you have a hard time being with. Perhaps it is the hectic schedule of shopping, work, programs, and parties. What's a child of God supposed to do during the Christmas season? Let's pause for a moment and allow God to answer the question:
With all this going for us, my dear, dear friends, stand your ground. And don't hold back. Throw yourselves into the work of the Master, confident that nothing you do for him is a waste of time or effort.
1 Cor 15:58 (MSG)
Camp for just a moment on that phrase "nothing you do for Him is a waste of time or effort." The KJV uses the word "vain." It means "empty" or "waste." It's interesting that the Apostle Paul uses the same word when He speaks of Christ Himself in a great Christmas passage:
[Christ] made himself nothing, taking the very nature of a servant, being made in human likeness.
Phil 2:7 (NIV)
This does not mean that Christ or His work was useless, but it means that Christ chose to set aside the use of His glory and power for His own advantage and submit Himself to the humiliation of becoming one of us--a human being. And when He was here, He followed the very pattern the Scriptures are challenging us with today. He threw Himself into the work of His Father confident that it was not useless or empty.
So what are we to do this Christmas? Continue to serve the Father the way that Christ did. Serve Him in the same spirit and strength that Christ did--the Holy Spirit. Know that while you are doing that NOTHING we do as we are being led by the Spirit is a waste and empty. God's hand is upon it and He will use it for His glory.
"Recipients of Favor"
2 Kings 13:22-23
You and I have inherited the glorious blessings of God in part by those who have gone before us. Whether it is material blessings that have been passed on by our parents or grandparents, or it is the spiritual blessings of those who have blazed the trail of God’s Word before us, we are blessed today by the way others have lived before us.
I have a guitar that has been passed down to me from my father who received it from my grandfather. It was actually handcrafted by him. He made 5 or 6 of them in his lifetime so one can only imagine how precious it is to me. As I learn to play the instrument, the investment of my grandfather becomes an even further blessing to me.
In the times of the kings in which we read today, we see this powerful statement come forth boldly:
And Hazael king of Syria oppressed Israel all the days of Jehoahaz. 23But the Lord was gracious to them, had compassion on them, and regarded them, because of His covenant with Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob, and would not yet destroy them or cast them from His presence.
2 Kings 13:22-23 (NIV)
God demonstrated favor for His people Israel even though Israel was not living like it should have been before God. In three distinct ways, God demonstrated this favor:
• His grace.
• His compassion.
• His regard.
They did not earn this favor of God; rather, they were receiving it because of those who had gone before them—namely, Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob.
God still functions this way today. Even for those who are not living for the Lord, but perhaps come from a family that has invested much in this world for the Kingdom of God. No, heaven is not their guarantee, but they have received God’s blessings because of those who have gone before them. May their eyes be opened to the spiritual blessing God has brought because of godly people before them. And for those who are living for the Lord, how much more a blessing it is to be a recipient of God’s favor from your ancestry who have blazed a strong spiritual trail for you.
This leads us into a challenge for our own lives. What type of spiritual heritage will we leave behind for those who are following us? For my son, I will more than likely pass on my grandfather’s guitar to him. He is learning to play guitar and so this will be an even greater blessing. He doesn’t have to do anything to earn it, but it will be a gift from my life to his. In the same sense, he doesn’t have to do anything spiritually but my living for the Lord can be a blessing for Him. It won’t save his soul, but he will receive certain spiritual blessings because of what I have allowed the Lord to do through my life. He will be shown the example of Christ. He will learn right from wrong. Solomon received these blessings of David. You and I have received blessing from spiritual giants before us. And today it has come down to us. Our decisions today will have an effect on those who live tomorrow. And may we not only live in such a way that we allow them to be recipients of God’s favor, but may we teach them to live for the Lord under this same principle. May we teach them to be a blessing to those who will come after them.
You and I have inherited the glorious blessings of God in part by those who have gone before us. Whether it is material blessings that have been passed on by our parents or grandparents, or it is the spiritual blessings of those who have blazed the trail of God’s Word before us, we are blessed today by the way others have lived before us.
I have a guitar that has been passed down to me from my father who received it from my grandfather. It was actually handcrafted by him. He made 5 or 6 of them in his lifetime so one can only imagine how precious it is to me. As I learn to play the instrument, the investment of my grandfather becomes an even further blessing to me.
In the times of the kings in which we read today, we see this powerful statement come forth boldly:
And Hazael king of Syria oppressed Israel all the days of Jehoahaz. 23But the Lord was gracious to them, had compassion on them, and regarded them, because of His covenant with Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob, and would not yet destroy them or cast them from His presence.
2 Kings 13:22-23 (NIV)
God demonstrated favor for His people Israel even though Israel was not living like it should have been before God. In three distinct ways, God demonstrated this favor:
• His grace.
• His compassion.
• His regard.
They did not earn this favor of God; rather, they were receiving it because of those who had gone before them—namely, Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob.
God still functions this way today. Even for those who are not living for the Lord, but perhaps come from a family that has invested much in this world for the Kingdom of God. No, heaven is not their guarantee, but they have received God’s blessings because of those who have gone before them. May their eyes be opened to the spiritual blessing God has brought because of godly people before them. And for those who are living for the Lord, how much more a blessing it is to be a recipient of God’s favor from your ancestry who have blazed a strong spiritual trail for you.
This leads us into a challenge for our own lives. What type of spiritual heritage will we leave behind for those who are following us? For my son, I will more than likely pass on my grandfather’s guitar to him. He is learning to play guitar and so this will be an even greater blessing. He doesn’t have to do anything to earn it, but it will be a gift from my life to his. In the same sense, he doesn’t have to do anything spiritually but my living for the Lord can be a blessing for Him. It won’t save his soul, but he will receive certain spiritual blessings because of what I have allowed the Lord to do through my life. He will be shown the example of Christ. He will learn right from wrong. Solomon received these blessings of David. You and I have received blessing from spiritual giants before us. And today it has come down to us. Our decisions today will have an effect on those who live tomorrow. And may we not only live in such a way that we allow them to be recipients of God’s favor, but may we teach them to live for the Lord under this same principle. May we teach them to be a blessing to those who will come after them.
God's Search
“God’s Search
So I will take you, and you shall reign over all your heart desires, and you shall be king over Israel. 38Then it shall be, if you heed all that I command you, walk in My ways, and do what is right in My sight, to keep My statutes and My commandments, as My servant David did, then I will be with you and build for you an enduring house, as I built for David, and will give Israel to you. 39And I will afflict the descendants of David because of this, but not forever.’”
--1 Kings 11:37-39
We must realize that God is on a search. He has a mission of taking the message of Jesus Christ to a lost and dying world. He is also looking for humanity that is willing to accept His offer of adoption. Adoption into the most amazing family on the planet—the family of God. God is looking to take His children and bless them. He is looking to flow blessings into them and blessings out of them.
Someone reading this may say, “I want to be a part of this, but what must I do.” God speaks to us in His Word:
For the eyes of the Lord run to and fro throughout the whole earth to show Himself strong in behalf of those whose hearts are blameless toward Him.
2 Chronicles 16:9 (AMP)
In a period of time when Solomon was falling from God’s favor, God was looking for a man in which would be willing to serve Him. And God directed the prophet Ahijah to a man by the name of Jeroboam. This demonstrates that God was as He is today looking for men and women who are willing to yield to God and be used of Him. This principle speaks to us clearly just who God is looking for:
God is not looking for social status, He is looking for surrender.
A servant of the king was outranking all of the kings sons in selection. Hadassah outranked all of the beautiful women of Persia. Why? Because man looks on the outward appearance but God is looking today at our hearts. In His search, among other things, God is looking for a heart that is willing to yield. And not just willing when we are asked to do something great, but even when we are willing to do something small.
God is not looking for ability, He is looking for obedience.
Yes, obedience is better than sacrifice. In fact, it is better than a lot of other things in the eyes of God—including ability. One may not be naturally gifted, or one may not be as talented as others, but our God has the ability to take the common one and raise them up. But not just anyone will be able to enjoy this. God displays this toward those who are obedient to His will for their life. Their obedience opens their life up to His power and His ability. And when God gets a hold of a life, Saul becomes Paul; Joshua becomes conqueror; and Jereboam becomes king.
God is not looking for slaves to command, He is looking for children to bless.
I do not call you servants (slaves) any longer, for the servant does not know what his master is doing (working out). But I have called you My friends, because I have made known to you everything that I have heard from My Father. [I have revealed to you everything that I have learned from Him.]
John 15:15 (AMP)
The heart of our Father is to bring us the best life out there. God is love. It’s His nature. And in that love, God is looking to pour out His blessing upon those He loves.
We can be assured today that no matter where we may stand in this life, God can use us if we set ourselves to be used by Him. God is searching, and now the choice is up to us whether or not we are useable.
So I will take you, and you shall reign over all your heart desires, and you shall be king over Israel. 38Then it shall be, if you heed all that I command you, walk in My ways, and do what is right in My sight, to keep My statutes and My commandments, as My servant David did, then I will be with you and build for you an enduring house, as I built for David, and will give Israel to you. 39And I will afflict the descendants of David because of this, but not forever.’”
--1 Kings 11:37-39
We must realize that God is on a search. He has a mission of taking the message of Jesus Christ to a lost and dying world. He is also looking for humanity that is willing to accept His offer of adoption. Adoption into the most amazing family on the planet—the family of God. God is looking to take His children and bless them. He is looking to flow blessings into them and blessings out of them.
Someone reading this may say, “I want to be a part of this, but what must I do.” God speaks to us in His Word:
For the eyes of the Lord run to and fro throughout the whole earth to show Himself strong in behalf of those whose hearts are blameless toward Him.
2 Chronicles 16:9 (AMP)
In a period of time when Solomon was falling from God’s favor, God was looking for a man in which would be willing to serve Him. And God directed the prophet Ahijah to a man by the name of Jeroboam. This demonstrates that God was as He is today looking for men and women who are willing to yield to God and be used of Him. This principle speaks to us clearly just who God is looking for:
God is not looking for social status, He is looking for surrender.
A servant of the king was outranking all of the kings sons in selection. Hadassah outranked all of the beautiful women of Persia. Why? Because man looks on the outward appearance but God is looking today at our hearts. In His search, among other things, God is looking for a heart that is willing to yield. And not just willing when we are asked to do something great, but even when we are willing to do something small.
God is not looking for ability, He is looking for obedience.
Yes, obedience is better than sacrifice. In fact, it is better than a lot of other things in the eyes of God—including ability. One may not be naturally gifted, or one may not be as talented as others, but our God has the ability to take the common one and raise them up. But not just anyone will be able to enjoy this. God displays this toward those who are obedient to His will for their life. Their obedience opens their life up to His power and His ability. And when God gets a hold of a life, Saul becomes Paul; Joshua becomes conqueror; and Jereboam becomes king.
God is not looking for slaves to command, He is looking for children to bless.
I do not call you servants (slaves) any longer, for the servant does not know what his master is doing (working out). But I have called you My friends, because I have made known to you everything that I have heard from My Father. [I have revealed to you everything that I have learned from Him.]
John 15:15 (AMP)
The heart of our Father is to bring us the best life out there. God is love. It’s His nature. And in that love, God is looking to pour out His blessing upon those He loves.
We can be assured today that no matter where we may stand in this life, God can use us if we set ourselves to be used by Him. God is searching, and now the choice is up to us whether or not we are useable.
"Whatever you do...do well."
1 Kings 8:51-9:15
“Whatever You Do...Do Well”
Ford Motor Company, over the years, has made the boast that “Quality is job one.” Now whether one is a Ford fan or
not they still look for Ford to maintain that quality (whether they do or not). Everyone looks for quality in what they purchase.
The question this morning for us is: “Do we look for quality in what we do like we look for quality in what we buy.” No one wants to waste their money on a “lemon.” Everyone wants the most bang for their buck. The same should hold true in what we do. We should desire to serve the Lord and please Him in everything we do. This is part of becoming that “living sacrifice” (Romans 12:1) that God calls us be. We should strive to make quality a high priority on our list of living. Solomon teaches us that in his actions today. Here are some examples of how we can live:
• Whenever we dedicate ourselves to the Lord, dedicate well. Don’t give Him a half-baked, half-surrendered life. Whatever you do…do well.
When Solomon dedicated this temple, he sacrificed greatly to the Lord. He gave of his best. The Lord deserved his best, 22,000 bulls and 120,000 sheep. And even greater than outside sacrifices of dedication should be inward sacrifices of dedication. May we bring ourselves to Him wholeheartedly to Him.
“Whatever You Do...Do Well”
Ford Motor Company, over the years, has made the boast that “Quality is job one.” Now whether one is a Ford fan or
not they still look for Ford to maintain that quality (whether they do or not). Everyone looks for quality in what they purchase.
The question this morning for us is: “Do we look for quality in what we do like we look for quality in what we buy.” No one wants to waste their money on a “lemon.” Everyone wants the most bang for their buck. The same should hold true in what we do. We should desire to serve the Lord and please Him in everything we do. This is part of becoming that “living sacrifice” (Romans 12:1) that God calls us be. We should strive to make quality a high priority on our list of living. Solomon teaches us that in his actions today. Here are some examples of how we can live:
• Whenever we dedicate ourselves to the Lord, dedicate well. Don’t give Him a half-baked, half-surrendered life. Whatever you do…do well.
When Solomon dedicated this temple, he sacrificed greatly to the Lord. He gave of his best. The Lord deserved his best, 22,000 bulls and 120,000 sheep. And even greater than outside sacrifices of dedication should be inward sacrifices of dedication. May we bring ourselves to Him wholeheartedly to Him.
"Unnecessary Trials"
1 Samuel 8
“Unnecessary Trials”
Trials are a part of life. We face trials many times because they serve as tools at the hand of the Lord to strengthen and improve our lives. Just like exercise to the physical muscles, trials are the resistance that strengthens our faith.
Some trials can be avoided though. These could be called the unnecessary ones. These are the ones that are self-inflicted. When these come, they have a tendency to reek havoc and devastation. These trials come as a result of turning aside from the ways of the Lord.
Israel, in our text, wanted a king. However, their motivation for wanting one came for some unrighteous reasons. Their decisions if left unchanged clearly were going to spell out trials they would face that were unnecessary. But what was it that was leading them down this path. As God’s children today, we can learn from their decisions and avoid “unnecessary trials” in our lives today:
• Israel began by rejecting the Lord as their King.
This is usually the beginning of the slippery slope. In their hearts, before it was evident in their actions, they were choosing to remove their commitment of heart to the Lord and was placing it on other things to lead them. This is where many invite unnecessary trials into their lives. However, pause for a moment and understand why this decision was so dangerous: turning our hearts to other kings removes us out from under the care, the leadership, and the protection of the Almighty. In the spiritual world, that is a dangerous place to be.
Much can be avoided in life by keeping ourselves “true in heart” to our King of kings. Restlessness of heart occurs when we begin to doubt His ability to care for us and lead us. Doubt is usually behind this restlessness. By keeping our faith in the Lord, and not allowing this temptation of doubt to take residence in us we can overcome the tactic of the enemy to look for other kings in our lives.
• Israel continued by rejecting the Word of the Lord.
God gave them clear warning what was going to happen if they went down this path. In His love, God wanted them to understand their actions. In doing so, God’s Word also was to expose the motivation of their hearts so they could see them.
For the word of God is living and active. Sharper than any double-edged sword, it penetrates even to dividing soul and spirit, joints and marrow; it judges the thoughts and attitudes of the heart.
Heb 4:12 (NIV)
And what was their motivation? Verses 19-20 show us that their motivation was so they could be like every other nation. Why was this dangerous? God hadn’t called them to be like every other nation. He had called them to lead the way for every other nation by their example of living for the Lord.
As God’s children, we are not called to live the normal life that our world and culture is living around us. We weren’t redeemed so we could live like everyone else. The Lord calls us to lead the way in the Christian way of life. He asks us to set the example of real living in Christ. Serving our King is going to be different than the way others serve theirs. And doing so can avoid many of the trials that others bring on themselves because Christ is not leading their way.
Stubbornness and pride can keep one from choosing the clear path just as the Israelites allowed or our hearts can be humbled and we can thank our King for protecting us from unnecessary trials. No, God is not in our life to try to make it miserable as some suppose. Instead, He is trying to lead us in a path that benefits us the most and help us to avoid “unnecessary trials.”
“Unnecessary Trials”
Trials are a part of life. We face trials many times because they serve as tools at the hand of the Lord to strengthen and improve our lives. Just like exercise to the physical muscles, trials are the resistance that strengthens our faith.
Some trials can be avoided though. These could be called the unnecessary ones. These are the ones that are self-inflicted. When these come, they have a tendency to reek havoc and devastation. These trials come as a result of turning aside from the ways of the Lord.
Israel, in our text, wanted a king. However, their motivation for wanting one came for some unrighteous reasons. Their decisions if left unchanged clearly were going to spell out trials they would face that were unnecessary. But what was it that was leading them down this path. As God’s children today, we can learn from their decisions and avoid “unnecessary trials” in our lives today:
• Israel began by rejecting the Lord as their King.
This is usually the beginning of the slippery slope. In their hearts, before it was evident in their actions, they were choosing to remove their commitment of heart to the Lord and was placing it on other things to lead them. This is where many invite unnecessary trials into their lives. However, pause for a moment and understand why this decision was so dangerous: turning our hearts to other kings removes us out from under the care, the leadership, and the protection of the Almighty. In the spiritual world, that is a dangerous place to be.
Much can be avoided in life by keeping ourselves “true in heart” to our King of kings. Restlessness of heart occurs when we begin to doubt His ability to care for us and lead us. Doubt is usually behind this restlessness. By keeping our faith in the Lord, and not allowing this temptation of doubt to take residence in us we can overcome the tactic of the enemy to look for other kings in our lives.
• Israel continued by rejecting the Word of the Lord.
God gave them clear warning what was going to happen if they went down this path. In His love, God wanted them to understand their actions. In doing so, God’s Word also was to expose the motivation of their hearts so they could see them.
For the word of God is living and active. Sharper than any double-edged sword, it penetrates even to dividing soul and spirit, joints and marrow; it judges the thoughts and attitudes of the heart.
Heb 4:12 (NIV)
And what was their motivation? Verses 19-20 show us that their motivation was so they could be like every other nation. Why was this dangerous? God hadn’t called them to be like every other nation. He had called them to lead the way for every other nation by their example of living for the Lord.
As God’s children, we are not called to live the normal life that our world and culture is living around us. We weren’t redeemed so we could live like everyone else. The Lord calls us to lead the way in the Christian way of life. He asks us to set the example of real living in Christ. Serving our King is going to be different than the way others serve theirs. And doing so can avoid many of the trials that others bring on themselves because Christ is not leading their way.
Stubbornness and pride can keep one from choosing the clear path just as the Israelites allowed or our hearts can be humbled and we can thank our King for protecting us from unnecessary trials. No, God is not in our life to try to make it miserable as some suppose. Instead, He is trying to lead us in a path that benefits us the most and help us to avoid “unnecessary trials.”
The Heart of the Call
1 Samuel 9:7-10:10
“The Heart of the Call”
We see that Saul was looking for donkeys, but God was looking for a man to lead His people. From the unfolding of the events we see these things at the heart of the call of God for our own lives.
1. Humility.
In verse 21, Saul listed himself as the least among his family and among his tribe. This was a genuine humility: a key ingredient that God looks for in calling us for His purposes. We must be empty of ourselves so we can become full of Him.
2. Anointing.
In chapter 2 verse 1, we see God placing His anointing upon Saul for the task at hand. This is because the task is always too great for us on our own. However, this is also a sign that the Lord is with us and is calling us for His purposes.
3. Another heart.
Verse 9 shows us of a God-given transition that happens in the heart of Saul. God gives Him a heart for the call. This speaks of all the elements that are needed to successfully carry out the call God places on our life: the burden for the people, the courage to step forth, the faith, and the direction. God gave him His heart for the kingship. God does the same for His people.
4. The demonstration of the Spirit.
Saul prophesied. This was nothing short of the Spirit of God flowing through his life. The same is true for us in regards to the Holy Spirit flowing through us. We will operate in the Gifts of the Spirit. This is God’s assurance that He is with us.
It's Your Faith...Not Feelings
As believer, "we live by faith, not by sight (2 Corinthians 5:7)"--God never wants us to live by our feelings. Our inner self may want to live by feelings, and Satan may want us to, but God wants us to face the facts, not feelings. He wants us to face the facts of Christ and His finished and perfect work for us. And once we face these precious facts, and believe them simply because God says they are facts, He will take care of our feelings. God...gives us feelings...and these feelings that can only come from Him will be given at such a time and to such a degree as His love sees best for each individual circumstance.
--L.B. Cowman
"How Well You Ride"
Matthew 14:1-12; Mark 6:14-29; Luke 9:7-9
I was reminded today of a Billy Graham film I once saw entitle The Ride. In this film, a burned-out rodeo star, is placed in a home for wayward boys to teach a young boy named Danny how to ride bull (all of this is because of community service he is forced to give because of his own ill-doing). Instead of being the great teacher, he becomes the student as Danny teaches him about life. In spite of his leukemia, and in spite of having no family, Danny is a Christian. While the rodeo star is all about winning and making a name for himself, Danny puts it all into perspective with his words and with his life as he says, “It’s not in how long your on…it’s how well you ride.” Danny eventually is overcome with his disease, but leaves a lasting impression on his teacher, who gives his life to Christ. As short as his life was, this young boy named Danny rode the ride of life well.
Such is the case with John the Baptist. A cousin to Jesus and only about 6 months older, John the Baptist’s life is cut short by the selfish, egotistical dealings of Herod, Herodias, and her daughter. What may initially seem like such a tragedy is in reality an incredible statement by a man who never forgot the ride of life.
- Even though John’s life was short—he “rode well.”
Three Hours of Proof
Blessings Under Disguise
Luke 2:21-38; Matthew 1:18-25
What must it have been like to raise up Jesus? It must have been an unusual parenting task that was full of surprises. In both of our scripture passages, we see what would seem to be interruptions to the "normal" family life of the typical family.
You take your new son to church for dedication and a man you have never seen asks to see your child. He goes on to say that he has been waiting all his life for your son to be born because of the greatness he is going to bring and then he proclaims that he can die in peace.
He is immediately followed by a woman who hasn't left the church house since her husband died but remained their continuously fasting and praying. Upon seeing your son, she begins to rejoice going around telling others about your son.
If all that wasn't enough, some time later, three distinguished dignitaries from a foreign country show up at your dootstep proclaiming that they were led to you after seeing a star over a year ago. In their hands were royal gifts of gold frankincense and myrrh.
Yes being the parents of the Savior must have proved to have its strange interruptions. However, notice that these interruptions of the routine proved to carry with them blessings in disguise.
Now we may not be parents of the Savior. Some of us may be single and not even have children, but we do have something in common--We too are bearers of Jesus. We bear the Spirit of the living Savior of the world inside of us. As a result, we to receive interruptions to normal life because of Him. So how do we react? Are we bothered or do we look for the disguised blessings?
God allows interruptions to our normal life so that we can share Jesus with others much like Mary and Joseph shared Jesus with Simeon, Anna, and the Magi.
As we do, we will find that if were are willing to submit to the Holy Spirit's placing of our lives with whomever we meet, we will find that God will have a disguised blessing for us as well. Luke 2:33 says, "The child's father and mother marvelled at what was said about Him."
What must it have been like to raise up Jesus? It must have been an unusual parenting task that was full of surprises. In both of our scripture passages, we see what would seem to be interruptions to the "normal" family life of the typical family.
You take your new son to church for dedication and a man you have never seen asks to see your child. He goes on to say that he has been waiting all his life for your son to be born because of the greatness he is going to bring and then he proclaims that he can die in peace.
He is immediately followed by a woman who hasn't left the church house since her husband died but remained their continuously fasting and praying. Upon seeing your son, she begins to rejoice going around telling others about your son.
If all that wasn't enough, some time later, three distinguished dignitaries from a foreign country show up at your dootstep proclaiming that they were led to you after seeing a star over a year ago. In their hands were royal gifts of gold frankincense and myrrh.
Yes being the parents of the Savior must have proved to have its strange interruptions. However, notice that these interruptions of the routine proved to carry with them blessings in disguise.
Now we may not be parents of the Savior. Some of us may be single and not even have children, but we do have something in common--We too are bearers of Jesus. We bear the Spirit of the living Savior of the world inside of us. As a result, we to receive interruptions to normal life because of Him. So how do we react? Are we bothered or do we look for the disguised blessings?
God allows interruptions to our normal life so that we can share Jesus with others much like Mary and Joseph shared Jesus with Simeon, Anna, and the Magi.
As we do, we will find that if were are willing to submit to the Holy Spirit's placing of our lives with whomever we meet, we will find that God will have a disguised blessing for us as well. Luke 2:33 says, "The child's father and mother marvelled at what was said about Him."
Accepting God's Dreams
“Accepting God’s Dreams”
As we get older, dreams take on more and more shape. Realities begin to give possibilities to our dreams—graduations happen, colleges are attended, and the car is purchased.
But what about God’s dreams for you? Jeremiah 1:4-5 declares:
“Now the word of the Lord came to me saying, 5 ‘Before I formed you in the womb I knew you, and before you were born I consecrated you; I appointed you a prophet to the nations.’”[1]
God too has dreams for us. His Word and His history have shown that His dreams are far greater than our dreams. They take us higher than we could ever go ourselves.
Take Zechariah and Elizabeth for example. Here is a couple that the Bible says were serving God “blamelessly.” All of their life they had a dream—they wanted to have a child of their own. No doubt there were visions of raising children that would carry on the family name or business. Perhaps dreams of laughing together and sharing memories together. However, all of those dreams were unfulfilled.
First, God’s dreams will most often take our dreams and infuse them supernaturally.
Psalm 37:5 states:
Take delight in the Lord, and he will give you your heart’s desires.[2]
God’s dreams for our lives are often “better” dreams that we have for ourselves. This is often because the dreams we have for our lives are a result of how He has created us—our talents, our interests, and our passion. Even those times that God steers us in an entirely different direction than what we saw coming, we later find that the building blocks of those dreams were put there by God and they have been there for a long time.
Also, we find that His dreams are not able to be accomplished by us alone. It has been said that something that we can accomplish on our own is not vision…it’s a daydream. However, if we feel a sense of awe and intimidation at the dream that stands before us knowing that unless God helps us there is no way we can accomplish it, there’s a really good chance that we are walking towards the vision God has for us.
Zechariah and Elizabeth teach us the key to fulfilling God’s dreams in our lives—faith. All God asked for them to do was believe that the dream He had for them COULD be accomplished. Many have looked at Zechariah’s nine months of silence as a judgment from God. But if you look closer, you will see instead that it was a helpful sign from God that He was with them and that He could accomplish His dream through them.
Today, will we relinquish our dreams and embrace the larger and more fulfilling dreams of God for our lives. If so, know that God is not looking for ability; He is not looking for suggestions. God is looking for your availability and He is looking for your faith. Trust Him to make His dreams a reality in your life.
"The God of Our Beginnings"
John 1:1-14
Each of us have experienced beginnings. We have many terms in our vocabulary for these beginnings. We say “we are turning over a new leaf.” “We are starting a new chapter” or “we are getting a fresh start” just to name a few. We take up a diet or start a workout routine because of beginnings. Every new year many make resolutions to begin something new. Even now as you read the words of this page, you have began a new journey reading through the New Testament in a year.
For some, perhaps you will face new beginnings at the job place with a promotion, a career change, or a pay adjustment. For others, new beginnings in family unfold this year for you perhaps as you are expecting a new member of the family. For some student, new beginnings are unfolding as you have come to a new school or college.
So as we begin this journey there is one challenge that we can take with us as we face the unknown of what lies ahead: God desires to lead us through our beginnings. The Word of God shows us that God is more than qualified to lead us in our beginnings.
First, our God is God over the beginning of our human race. God the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit were all there at the creation of the world and mankind. Man’s first breath was a result of God lending Him “the breath of life” (Genesis 2:7). Our beginning as the human race is because of God.
We also see that He is the One who began the way for our salvation. Man sinned and fell out with God and His holiness when Eve then Adam disobeyed in the Garden. But God began something new. John declares to us that God became like one of us—flesh—so that we could experience a new relationship, a new beginning, with God.
Lastly, God looks at us individually and desires to be the God of new beginnings in our life. Whether it is beginnings that we plan and take on, or unexpected events, God desires to be the God of our beginnings. His qualifications demonstrate that He is more than able.
So what do we have to do? Listen to verses 12-13:
But to all who believed him and accepted him, he gave the right to become children of God. 13 They are reborn![1]
The God of new beginnings can take this year in your life and even your new beginnings and demonstrate in them His awesome power. When we believe in Him, He gives us a new beginning as a child of God, but then He keeps on bringing new beginnings as we grow and mature in Him.
Let God be God in your life today. Allow Him to have your new beginnings this year and be God in them bringing about a life in you that you have never experienced before.
[1]Holy Bible, New Living Translation, (
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)