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TFTBR - February 2016


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01 February 2016

 

Exodus 5; 6

Psalms 58; 59

Romans 10; 11

 

"DO NOT BECOME PROUD BUT FEAR"

 

Romans 10; 11 contain some of the most thought challenging words in the whole of God’s word.  The early chapters of Acts show us how belief in salvation through Christ first started in Jerusalem and then spread to Samaria: then when Saul/Paul was miraculously converted, it spread largely to non-Jews, i.e. Gentiles. 

 

Our chapters in Romans which are in a sense, a letter to the Gentiles, they open out our understanding of this – from God’s perspective. Although “Israel failed to obtain what it was seeking. The elect obtained it, but the rest were hardened" [Romans 11:7].  Romans 11:11 challenges our understanding, "So I ask, "writes Paul. "did they stumble in order that they might fall? By no means!"  Is it clear what he means? 

 

Paul sees the 'big picture' of the plan and purpose of God; he says, "salvation has come to the Gentiles, so as to make Israel jealous, and thus save some of them." [Romans 11:14]  Paul is mainly looking beyond his generation - he asks a question which is very relevant today. "For if their rejection means the reconciliation of the world, what will their acceptance mean but life from the dead?" [Romans 11:15]

 

We believe we are living in the era when we can anticipate their "acceptance."  Paul’s point is that Jewish branches were "broken off" so that "you (Gentiles), although "a wild olive shoot, were grafted in among the others and now share in the nourishing root of the olive tree..." [Romans 11:17]

 

Romans 11:20 Paul makes a significant point, "They were broken off because of their unbelief, but you stand fast through faith. So do not become proud, but fear."  We should "fear," that is, be in awe of the work and purpose of God and the privilege of being related to it, making sure we heed the warning in the next verse, "For if God did not spare the natural branches, neither will he spare you." 

 

If we "become proud" of our knowledge, we "too will be cut off." [Romans 11:22]

 

We sadly see the decline of true belief in the Creator's message, indeed, that he even exists, over the last 100 years, especially the last 50!   But the miracle of the Jewish regathering, as prophesied, should be a stimulus to our faith - and we note Paul's point that "God has the power to graft them in again." [Romans 11:23] 

 

We watch to see this happen - and in seeing it - we should become 'humble' and "not become proud" - for, as we will read in the Psalms next Sunday, "When the humble see it they will be glad; you who seek God, let your hearts revive ... For God will save Zion and build up the cities of Judah, and people shall dwell there and possess it ... and those who love his name shall dwell in it. " [Psalm 69:32,35,36] Let us love “his name” heeding the lessons we learnt from our readings yesterday - and see with our own eyes - the wonder that Zion will become.   

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- DC

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02 February 2016

 

Exodus 7; 8

Psalms 60; 61

Romans 12

 

"BE PATIENT IN TRIBULATION"

 

As the spiritual darkness in our world increases the prospect of times of great difficulty also increase.  As a result, our faith, our conviction of "things that are unseen" [2 Corinthians 4:18] must also increase.  A vital factor in this is our prayerful reading and meditation on God's word - it is not sufficient to develop our intellectual knowledge of what is written - it is vital to become so conscious of the wonder of the fact that "In him we live and move and have our being" [Acts 17:28]  that our minds come more and more 'alive' to the awesomeness of eternal realities: this is the outcome of having genuine faith.. 

 

With this spirit in our minds we can "be patient in tribulation" when others are overwhelmed by anxieties.  Paul has many valuable points to make in writing to the Romans about this need.  After his exposition about God's work and plans for both Jews and Gentiles in chapters 9 to 11 - the 'power' of his appeal to all believers in chapter 12 needs to be fully absorbed into our minds.  

 

There are soul stirring words of exhortation on Christ-like daily living in the first 11 verses: these are the foundation on which all must live and team together.  Do they stir us? It sounds simple to say, "Let love be genuine." [Romans 12:9] - but 'love' has to be demonstrated by actions, not just talk.  John in his epistles, the last to be written, stresses this so pointedly. "Little children, let us not love in word or talk but in deed and in truth. By this we shall know that we are of the truth and reassure our heart before him" [1 John 3:18-19]  This spirit is even more vital in times of "tribulation" - how valuable is loving support for each other going to be when our world is experiencing really great world-wide "tribulation" – will the experience threaten to overwhelm us?   

 

A final time of potentially intense "tribulation" appears to be facing our world - and panic may well be the reaction of the "godless." Paul told the Romans (and us) to "rejoice in hope, be patient in tribulation, be constant in prayer." [Romans 12:12]   May those words find a firm place in our hearts. 

 

Finally and most importantly, note the final words in today's chapter, " Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good."  May that be our ‘motto’ for the rest of our lives. 

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- DC

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03 February 2016

 

Exodus 9

Psalms 62; 63

Romans 13; 14

 

“NOT A TERROR TO GOOD CONDUCT …”                                                                                             

 

The first part of Romans 13 needs to be understood in the context of the whole Bible.  Paul tells his readers, “Let every person be subject to the governing authorities … those that exist have been instituted by God.  Whoever resists the authorities resists what God has appointed … for rulers are not a terror to good conduct, but to bad.”  [Romans 13:1-3]  Was this written because some Christians thought they could ignore the laws of the land in some situations?  

            

Some see a problem with this when there are bad rulers.  That is a fair question and the answer is seen to some degree when we look for examples of this.  The end result of bad situations, if God’s will is involved, is good for the spreading of the Gospel.  Paul and Silas were thrown into jail in Philippi and sang hymns and God caused an earthquake and the jailer and his family were baptised. Think of other bad situations like the times Paul spent a couple of years or more in detention, but we notice that several of Paul’s letters were written from prison demonstrating there are opportunities in every situation.   

            

Religious authorities are regarded differently.  When Peter and John were told by the religious authorities “to speak no more to anyone in this name”, they replied “Whether it is right in the sight of God to listen to you rather than God, you must judge, for we cannot but speak of the things we have seen and heard.” [Acts 4:18-20]  And today we cannot we must follow and teach godly principles – and note the things that are written that condemn things, such as homosexuality. (note 1 Corinthians 6:9 and 1 Timothy 1:10)  Jesus said, “the word that I have spoken will judge … on the last day.” [John 12:48]

            

Our Exodus reading today is most interesting in what the LORD tells Moses to say to Pharaoh in warning him of the plague of hail, “for this purpose I have raised you (i.e. Pharaoh) up to show you my power, so that my name (reputation) may be proclaimed in all the earth” [Exodus 9:16]   

 

So God brings bad people and nations into positions that influence the course of events so that his will is done. He raised up enemies for Israel for this purpose, he is working out his purpose with Israel today.  We must always seek to see situations from God’s perspective, making sure we maintain “good conduct” – in the light of God’s word.  God’s purpose is often not seen - until believers look back on events and see the chain reaction of situations that they set in motion – to fulfil his will – and challenge the hearers (and readers) to obey.    

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- DC

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04 February 2016

 

Exodus 10

Psalms 64; 65

Romans 15; 16

 

"INNOCENT AS TO WHAT IS EVIL"

 

Today we completed reading Paul’s letter to the Romans and his final chapter includes an “appeal” [Romans 16:17-20] that has a great deal of relevance to the situations that challenge the steadfastness of believers today.   

 

Paul warned "watch out for those who cause divisions."   Sadly that problem continued and multiplied and that is why there are so many different kinds of churches today - but the fountain and source of the original and real truth has been freely available to all for many centuries.

 

But as in those days there is a human inclination to "serve ... their own appetites" [Romans 16:18]. This is the same self-serving attitude of mind as was evident in the scribes and Pharisees.  Such, said Paul, "deceive the hearts of the naïve." Jesus told the Pharisees that "You search the Scriptures because you think that in them you have eternal life" [John 5:39]  They searched them with the wrong motive - as an aid to promote their own self-importance. 

 

Paul told the Romans, "I rejoice over you, but I want you to be wise as to what is good and innocent as to what is evil." [Romans 16:19]   We are surrounded today by so much that "is evil."  

            

Some of it may not be totally ungodly - but there is no spiritual quality to it so we must try even harder "to be wise as to what is good" – this is essential in helping us to come closer to God and to Christ so that we are ready when we hear the "cry, 'Here is the bridegroom! Come out to meet him.' " [Matthew 25:6] May we all go out as “innocent” virgins.

            

Paul boldly stated, "The God of peace will soon crush Satan under your feet." [Romans 16:20] Our world is full of 'Satan' characters, for most, their character is evident, but we must remember that Jesus said to Peter,  "Get behind me, Satan! You are a hindrance to me. For you are not setting your mind on the things of God, but on the things of man." [Matthew 16:23]  We must set our minds on the things of God - and the daily feeding of our minds on God's word is the essential foundation for doing that – so that we become truly "innocent as to what is evil" in the face of the many influences of the godless world that surrounds us on every side.

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- DC

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05 February 2016

 

Exodus 11; 12

Psalms 66; 67

Mark 1

 

“AS ONE WHO HAD AUTHORITY”

 

Today we started reading the gospel of Mark: it is more of a summary of the work and teaching of Jesus than the other gospels, but the 4 gospels have been inspired and preserved so that together we possess a comprehensive picture of all that Jesus did and taught – and what an impact he had, for he taught them “as one who had authority” [Mark 1:22] "They were all amazed, so that they questioned among themselves, saying, "What is this? A new teaching with authority!" [Mark 1:27] His miracles gave a special sense of "authority" to his teaching. 

            

That sense – and challenge of – authority is missing among a great many ‘christians’ today, so many fail to use the Bible as a foundation for teaching with "authority."   

            

There is a fascinating comparison with this point in today's chapters in Exodus [Exodus 11; 12] - and the "authority" Moses and Aaron achieved through the plagues they were empowered to bring on Egypt.  Some Egyptians responded to Moses words and acted wisely [Exodus 9:21; 11:3] but Pharaoh and those in power ignored his warnings, despite the authority he displayed in bringing the plagues.

            

We can see comparisons with today - when so few are heeding the "authority" of the Bible and its' warnings of the coming judgements of God in these "last days." This thought brings us to today's two Psalms [Psalm 66; 67]. Psalm 66 reflects back to the lessons of the events recorded in Exodus! "Say to God, "How awesome are your deeds! ... Come and see what God has done ... He turned the sea into dry land ..." [Psalm 66:3,5,6].

            

Then Psalm 67 looks to the future, "May God ... make his face to shine upon us ... that your way may be known on earth, your saving power among all nations.... judge the peoples with equity and guide the nations ... let all the ends of the earth fear him!" [Psalm 67:1,2,4,7]  This is truly a vision of the nations when Jesus reigns and is the "one who has (all) authority." 

            

May we be among those who praise him, indeed who, as Paul challenges us – and writes – as to our way of life today – may it be true of each of us: "if we endure, we will also reign with him" [2 Timothy 2:12.] 

           

How awesome is Jesus’ promise in Revelation, "The one who conquers and who keeps my works until the end, to him I will give authority over the nations." [Revelation 2:26]  What an awesome and humbling prospect for us. Let us always have in mind Jesus' words, "whoever humbles himself will be exalted." [Matthew 23:12]  

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- DC

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06 February 2016

 

Exodus 13; 14

Psalms 68

Mark 2

 

"THE LORD WHO DAILY BEARS US UP"

 

Our first reading is the dramatic account by Moses of the of the overriding care and guidance of God as the people of Israel left Egypt and crossed some portion of the Red Sea - and how - when Egyptian forces tried to follow them - they were drowned. The news of this awesome drama spread far and wide and, as we will read in our first portion readings in coming months preceded them as they entered the promised land. Rahab, who hid the spies at Jericho, said, "we have heard how the LORD dried up the water of the Red Sea before you ..." [Joshua 2:10]

            

Our reading of David's Psalm 68 which was written at a time when they needed reminding of the LORD's past deliverances, includes some verses which inspire us; lessons which they should have learnt and had in mind as a result of past deliverances, especially their escape from Egypt.  In Psalm 68:7-8 they would have sung, "O God, when you went out before your people, when you marched through the wilderness ... the earth quaked ... ... before God the one of Sinai ... the God of Israel."    

            

David, in this Psalm is inspired to see this as a foretaste of a much greater deliverance!  The Psalm starts, "God shall arise, his enemies shall be scattered; and those who hate him shall flee before him ... the wicked shall perish before God!"  This is about the enemies of God - not just the enemies of Israel!   How many "hate" him today - they do not want to believe he exists; God is about to “arise” – and how many “will perish” before him!?. 

            

From Psalm 68:19 God gives David (and us) an inspiring personal message, "Blessed be the Lord, who daily bears us up; God is our salvation.  Psalm 68:20 repeats this for emphasis! "Our God is a God of salvation, and to GOD, the Lord, belong deliverances from death."

            

The next verse declares, "But God will strike the heads of his enemies ... him who walks in his guilty ways."  This is not just the enemies of his people - our world is full of God’s “enemies," today they deny he exists. Remember what Isaiah was caused to prophecy, “the LORD is coming out from his place to punish the inhabitants of the earth for their iniquity” (Isaiah 26:21 – see also Isaiah 66:16).

            

But we can say with David, ""Blessed be the Lord, who daily bears us up"  As God deals with "his enemies" in today’s godless evil world, may we all, because we have developed real faith, each say, "The LORD ... daily bears us up."  

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- DC

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07 February 2016

 

Exodus 15

Psalms 69

Mark 3

 

“I WILL SING TO THE LORD”                                                                                                                    

 

“Then Moses and the people of Israel sang this song to the LORD”  This is the way that Exodus 15 starts today.  It is a song about what had just happened.  “I will sing to the LORD, for he has triumphed gloriously; the horse and his rider he has thrown into the sea.  The LORD is my strength and my song, and he has become my salvation” [Exodus 15:1-2]  

 

What we may not realize is no that no one, except a select few, had the ability and opportunity to write at this stage of history some 4,000 years ago.  It was popular among sceptics 150 years ago to claim that writing was unknown in the time of Moses, that early books of the Bible were all legends written much later than the events they report.  

 

This scepticism was demolished by archaeological discoveries, but the point for us to realize and imagine is that all these people that came out of Egypt needed to have songs that they could learn off by heart - since there was nothing available for the masses of the people to read – even if they could read.      

 

So the chapter today was the ‘hit song’ of that generation! Imagine the scene painted for us in Exodus 15:20-21. “Then Miriam the prophetess, the sister of Aaron, took a tambourine in her hand, and all the women went out after her with tambourines and dancing. And Miriam sang to them: Sing to the LORD, for he has triumphed gloriously; the horse and his rider he has thrown into the sea.” 

 

As we read the detail of the song, consider what they sang about!  “Your right hand, O LORD, glorious in power … shatters the enemy… You have led in your steadfast love the people whom you have redeemed; you have guided them by your strength” [Exodus 15:6,13] 

            

But there is a lesson for us in what then happened!  We will read in coming weeks of their failure to maintain their faith in the abilities of their God that they were singing so joyously about.  Were the things they were singing, just words!  Sadly, the wonder of them failed to find a permanent lodgement in their hearts.  

            

Switch the scene to today – a very popular hymn is “Amazing Grace” – does the meaning of the words that are sung or heard really impact on the core attitudes to the life they live, is there a heartfelt appreciation of God’s grace?

        

There is an imperative need for us to turn the question over examine the real and true attitude of our own hearts!  Our world is more than ever a spiritual wilderness.  Are we going to be able to do any better than the Israelites did 4,000 years ago? We make the answer now!  Let us say, “I will sing to the LORD” with real meaning – in my heart – today – and every day – until my faith is turned to sight!  And how soon now!?

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- DC

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08 February 2016

 

Exodus 16

Psalms 70; 71

Mark 4 

 

“MY MOUTH IS FILLED WITH …”  

 

We have a particularly inspiring set of readings today – in that they challenge our personal attitudes and ways of living in our godless world.  Mark’s gospel has several of the challenging parables of our Lord: does our familiarity with them reduce their challenge to our hearts? 

            

Let’s look carefully at Exodus. In Exodus 16 we read of the complaints of the people, now travelling in the wilderness, at the lack of food. Their miraculous deliverance from Egypt should have stimulated their faith!  What is stimulating our faith?  Can we give a specific answer?

            

We read of the miraculous provision of manna. Before it is provided they are told "in the morning you shall see the glory of the LORD" [Exodus 16:7]  We ourselves are travelling in a desert, but it is 'food' for the mind that is lacking - people are looking in the wrong places in their search to know the meaning and their lives. They do not see “the glory of the LORD” as we do – for it is revealed in His word. 

            

They will not "see” it until "the morning" of Christ's return - and how utterly terrified they will be!!  We read in Isaiah 2:21 that people will "enter the caverns of the rocks and the clefts of the cliffs, from before the terror of the LORD, and from the splendour of his majesty …."  And ourselves? We will be eagerly (desperately?) looking for the angels to come “and gather his elect” as we will soon read in Mark 13:27.

            

In Psalm 71 we have the final Psalm of the large group attributed to David: he sets us an example by declaring, "My mouth is filled with your praise, and with your glory all the day" [Psalm 71:8]  May we do the same - but this is not just seen in words, but in the attitudes our words lead us develop so that we constantly sense that "In him we live and move and have our being" [Acts 17:28].  We must constantly act and speak in ways which show this.  

            

The next verse in our Psalm can be a personal prayer and petition for many of us - indeed it will apply to all - unless Jesus returns in their (our) lifetime.  David says to the Lord, "Do not cast me off in the time of old age; forsake me not when my strength is spent." 

            

May we follow the example of David and say, "I will hope continually and will praise you yet more and more.  My mouth will tell of your righteous acts, of your deeds of salvation all the day ..."  [Psalm 71:15]  Many of us have facilities for doing this that previous generations never had. However, we can only really "tell" of God's deeds if we are reading and absorbing God's word every day - and then it will be fully true when we say, "My mouth is filled with your praise, and with your glory all the day." 

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- DC

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09 February 2016

 

Exodus 17; 18

Psalms 72

Mark 5 

 

“MAY THE WHOLE EARTH BE FILLED WITH …” 

 

Today, we read the inspiring vision of the future contained in Psalm 72. Now, David's primary vision in writing it, was for his son Solomon's' reign.  It starts, “Give the king your justice, O God."  We can read this Psalm - and see both a short range and a long range, even eternal application in it – to when human justice - or rather, injustice, will be a thing of the past, it will fade from the memory of those privileged to live under this kings' justice and take part in administering it.

 

This Psalm is a wonderful vision of the reign of Christ. As king he will "have dominion from sea to sea, and from the River to the ends of the earth!" [Psalm 72:8]  "May all kings fall down before him, all nations serve him!" [Psalm 72:11] He will have “pity on the weak and the needy" [Psalm 72:13], which our world struggles, most ineffectually, to do today.

 

We will read words which fascinate us - of God's vision for the future - tomorrow  - in Exodus 19.  This was God's initial vision for Israel's role, Moses told them; "if you will indeed obey my voice and keep my covenant, you shall be my treasured possession among all peoples, for all the earth is mine; and you shall be to me a kingdom of priests..." [Exodus 19:5-6] 

 

Natural Israel failed, but Peter wrote, describing the future of spiritual Israel, our future if we are faithful members!  "You ... are being built up as a spiritual house, to be a holy priesthood ... a holy nation, a people for his own possession, that you may proclaim the excellencies of him who called you out of darkness into his marvellous light." [1 Peter 2:5,9]  Do we feel the building up process going on now?  We should!  Can we visualise proclaiming “the excellencies” of our king!?

 

Back in Psalm 72, let us spiritually marvel at David's prayer and vision about the climax of the kingdom, "May his name endure forever, his fame continue as long as the sun! May people be blessed in him, all nations call him blessed! .... Blessed be his glorious name forever; may the whole earth be filled with his glory! Amen and Amen!" [Psalm 72:17,19]

 

Surely this was God's vision of the ultimate future at the beginning of his creation, may we seek to share his vision – can we begin to imagine the whole earth … filled with his glory? May we pray every day - ever more earnestly – that, by his grace, we will be there and take an eternal part in it. 

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- DC

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10 February 2016

 

Exodus 19; 20

Psalms 73

Mark 6  

 

"... GOD HAS COME TO TEST YOU”

 

Our 2 chapters in Exodus are especially ‘heart-challenging’ in our situation today!  It was “the third new moon after the people of Israel had gone out of the land of Egypt" [Exodus 19:1]  They had experienced the miracle of crossing the Red Sea and seeing the fate of the pursuing Egyptians, then fresh water had been miraculously provided, and then manna!  They now come to Mount Sinai and experience "thunders and lightnings and a thick cloud on the mountain and a very loud trumpet blast, so that all the people in the camp trembled." [Exodus 19:16] Our next chapter [Exodus 20] describes how "God spoke" and they hear the 10 commandments. 

 

"Now when all the people saw the thunder and the flashes of lightning ... the people were afraid and trembled..." [Exodus 20:18] We then read how "Moses said to the people, 'Do not fear, for God has come to test you, that the fear of him may be before you, that you may not sin.'" [Exodus 20:20]

 

What a challenging exhortation for us here!  What experiences face us?  It is difficult, if not beyond our imagination, to visually anticipate the angels coming to gather the elect!  Next week we will read in Mark that "the powers in the heavens will be shaken … then they ... see the Son of Man coming in clouds with great power and glory ... (and) he will send out the angels and gather his elect ..." [Mark 13:25-27] 

          

What an awesome scene!  Imagine it!?  There are comparisons with the people arriving at Mount Sinai!  It is made more awesome - and challenging for us to visualize - when we read the preceding verses in Mark!   Just previous to the angels coming - there is "tribulation" and "the sun will be darkened, and the moon will not give its light, and the stars will be falling ..."  

 

Can we empathize with the people in the wilderness arriving at Mount Sinai!?  Moses words to the people - we can and should apply to ourselves - at this soon coming time! 'Do not fear, for God has come to test you, that the fear of him may be before you, that you may not sin.'"  

 

We also remember what Jesus said, as recorded in Luke 17:30-34 about "the day when the Son of Man is revealed ... Remember Lot's wife. Whoever seeks to preserve his life will lose it, but whoever loses his life will keep it.... One will be taken and the other left." 

            

We are nearing our destination in the wilderness of this world, the final testing time for our faith!  Let us be ready for when "God ... come(s) to test you" and me – and do our best to make sure we are the reason there is a positive answer to question in the next chapter [Luke 18:8] "... when the Son of Man comes, will he find faith on earth?"

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- DC
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11 February 2016

 

Exodus 21

Psalms 74

Mark 7 

 

"IN VAIN DO THEY WORSHIP ME"

 

There are many different kinds of worship in our world, many beliefs as to what God is – so many gods of human imagination!  We know from experience that some/many of the young generation in India , treat the ‘gods’ in the Temples as a ‘joke’ – and the feasts, especially ‘Puja’ as just a fun time – comparable to our Xmas!

            

As we reflect on this and how it is all very sad – we recall what the one true God, the Creator, said through Jeremiah! "The prophets prophesy falsely, and the priests rule at their direction; my people love to have it so, but what will you do when the end comes?" [Jeremiah 5:31] 

            

The most tragic situation to be seen at the present to - is the effect of their beliefs on the minds of the adherents' of Islam! Their “prophets “prophesy falsely” that they will gain immediate entry into paradise when they undertake suicide missions that kill the enemies of Islam, as they see them. Our thoughts 'wandered' along these lines after we read the words of Jesus in Mark 7.  We noted the attitude of the Pharisees when "they saw that some of his disciples ate with hands that were defiled, that is, unwashed." [Mark 7:2]  Jesus said that their attitude was a fulfilment of Isaiah's prophecy, "it is written, "'This people honours me with their lips, but their heart is far from me; in vain do they worship me, teaching as doctrines the commandments of men.'" [Mark 7:6-7]

            

This perception is so applicable to today "In vain do they worship" God as they imagine him to be! This applies, sadly, to a whole range of situations in our world - it is a distorted view of God - one largely - or entirely - of their own imagination.  It is so parallel to what Jesus told the Pharisees, "You have a fine way of rejecting the commandment of God in order to establish your tradition!" [Mark 7:9]

            

The verses which follow indicate Jesus' criticism of the way the Pharisees manipulated the application of the Mosaic law in order to avoid their responsibility toward their parents in their old age.  Most of us are blessed to live in countries in which the Government largely provides accommodation and support for the elderly and those genuinely in need.  

            

But so many people take this for granted – there is no faith or belief involved!  But we can say "in vain do they" believe there is NO God!  We must not let this influence us.  It is, as Paul told the Thessalonians, "all wicked deception for those who are perishing, because they refused to love the truth and so be saved." [2 Thessalonians 2:10]  Let us make sure we do not "worship" our Creator "in vain."  Let us read his Scriptures daily and, as a result, “know that we are of the truth and reassure our hearts before him.” [1 John 3:19].

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- DC

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12 February 2016

 

Exodus 22

Psalms 75; 76

Mark 8  

 

"BUT WHOEVER LOSES HIS LIFE FOR ..."

 

Today, our chapters, provide abundant ‘food for thought’.  In Exodus 22 we read a range of laws on how the escaped Israelites were to deal with any dishonesty and cheating among them. We understand that when the Bible was available in English 4 to 500 years ago, these laws greatly influenced the formation of English law.  

 

The people were told [Exodus 22:20]  "Whoever sacrifices to any god, other than the LORD alone, shall be devoted to destruction." [Exodus 22:20]  There was no 'in-between' position in this, because there was only one true God - and they were his nation!  We should see ourselves as his spiritual nation – Peter wrote, “you are … a holy nation, a people for his own possession” [1 Peter 2:9]

 

Who - or what - is 'god' today?   Jesus bluntly taught, "You cannot serve God and money." [Matthew 6:24]  He told them bluntly, you "will be devoted to the one and despise the other."  Nearly all today make a 'god' of money! Either one thing or the other dominates human thinking - and therefore – how they (and ourselves) live.

 

In the Psalm 76, the worshippers sing to God, "....you are to be feared! Who can stand before you when once your anger is roused? .... the earth feared ... when God arose to establish judgment, to save all the humble of the earth." [Psalm 76:7-9]  These words looked forward to an ultimate time, but is not that time now almost upon us!  Surely God will very soon “establish judgement.”

 

Our New Testament chapter today, Mark 8, ends with some very straightforward questions Jesus puts to his disciples – they are also questions for you and me!  He challenges them, " whoever would save his life will lose it, but whoever loses his life for my sake and the gospel's will save it." [Mark 8:35]   Is it clear what he means?  It is eternal life that we save – because we put no real value, to dominate our thinking, on our mode of living today!

 

Jesus is asking them (and us) what their priorities were in their lives?  What does the gospel really mean to us?  Is it just interesting to know about it - and nothing more?  Do we talk about it?  Do we keep it to ourselves, because the reaction of others is negative - or worse!  

 

It is challenging when we read what Jesus said his followers would be "blessed" for!  "Blessed are you when people hate you and when they exclude you and revile you and spurn your name as evil, on account of the Son of Man!" [Luke 6:22] This can be the result of our showing we believe and serve him – and believe his return is very near. True committed followers of Jesus can be involved in situations today in which scoffers "revile you and spurn your name as evil" This is parallel to what we read in Mark, "... whoever loses his life for my sake and the gospel's will save it." One way this can happen today – is to lose our ‘reputation’ in the in the eyes of those ‘serve’ money. 

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- DC

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13 February 2016

 

Exodus 23

Psalms 77

Mark 9  

 

"PAY CAREFUL ATTENTION ... AND OBEY ..."

 

Today we have 3 more chapters that stir our thinking and – in some parts – challenge our understanding. In Exodus we read more of the words of God that were given to inspire his emerging chosen nation to travel safely through the wilderness to his promised land.  For us, the whole of God's word is readily available today - so that we can travel safely through the godless wilderness of our world.

 

In Exodus 23 (from Exodus 23:20) God tells them (through Moses) "Behold, I send an angel before you to guard you on the way and to bring you to the place that I have prepared.  Pay careful attention to him and obey ..."  Then comes God's promise, "if you carefully obey, then I will be an enemy to your enemies ..."  

 

We can take this as a challenge to us to "carefully obey" God's word – as this world confronts us with "enemies" of many different kinds that entice us to get lost in the wilderness that surrounds us on every side.

 

The Psalmist declares, "In the day of my trouble I seek the Lord ..." [Psalm 77:2] and the foundation on which this seeking is built is to "remember the deeds of the LORD ... your wonders of old," and to "... ponder all your work, and meditate on your mighty deeds." [Psalm 77:11-12]  We can also ponder the wonders of God’s incredible creation; we have learnt so many of its’ “wonders” in these days. 

 

Let us read and absorb into our hearts more of God's word – every day – and all the more as we see “people fainting with fear and with foreboding of what is coming on the world.” [Luke 21:26] – although there is a danger that such is the state of life that has developed around us, it will be too late to do this and some of us could be like the foolish virgins with too little of the oil (of faith) in our lamps (hearts)!

            

In Mark's gospel [Mark 9] we read of how Jesus told his disciples; "The Son of Man is going to be delivered into the hands of men, and they will kill him. And when he is killed, after three days he will rise." [Mark 9:31]  This was totally against all they were expecting and their minds "did not understand the saying."  

            

In the apparently parallel account in Luke's gospel Jesus said to them, "Let these words sink into your ears: The Son of Man is about to be delivered into the hands of men." [Luke 9:44] Do we let God’s words sink genuinely into our ears – and therefore our hearts? There is surely a parallel between 'the time of trouble' the disciples went through and "the time of trouble" unfolding before our world today.  More than ever we must "pay careful attention ... and obey"  or we will find ourselves among the “foolish virgins.”

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- DC

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14 February 2016

 

Exodus 24; 25

Psalms 78

Mark 10

 

“THEY FLATTERED … THEY LIED”

 

Scanning our eyes through today’s reading of Psalm 78, our attention was arrested by the many references to God’s people Israel that – they did this, and they did that – the word “they” occurs 27 times! This was things they did – or did not do. Let us meditate on this.  

 

God’s eyes are on Israel because they are his chosen people!  So what did his angels see as they looked into their hearts. There were times, we read, when “they sought him; they repented and sought God earnestly. They remembered that God was their rock, the most High God, their redeemer” [Psalm 78:34-35]. That is all to their credit and the same can be said of followers of Christ in all ages, when they started to follow him. 

 

However, are the next 2 verses equally true of Jews and Christians? We read – “But they flattered him with their mouths; they lied to him with their tongues.  Their heart was not faithful toward him; they were not faithful …” [Psalm 78:36-37]

 

How would you expect God to react to this behaviour?  We read on ... “Yet he, being compassionate … did not destroy them; he restrained his anger often …" [Psalm 78:38] This is evidence of the ‘God of love’ that many Christian leaders talk about, portraying him as ever merciful, that believers ‘once saved are always saved’! The slogan is – you don’t have to worry about sin!  But isn’t it human nature, the more you get away with something, the more you do it!

 

It seems clear that is how human nature worked with the Jewish religious leaders, they even killed their Messiah!  

 

But back to the Psalm, ultimately the time came, the Psalmist has to say, when God “was full of wrath, and he utterly rejected Israel” [Psalm 78:59].  Here is a very sober warning for believers today. Could worship be just “flattery” from a heart that is not genuinely “steadfast”?   

 

We read in Hebrews 3:13, "exhort one another every day, as long as it is called ‘today’, that none of you may be hardened by the deceitfulness of sin. For we share in Christ if …" [Hebrews 3:13-14] Turn it up and read the rest.  It seems clear that the world of ‘today” is not going to last much longer, let us be genuine believers – from our hearts – and then we will not be swept away with the world.

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- DC

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15 February 2016

 

Exodus 26

Psalms 79; 80

Mark 11  

 

“DO NOT REMEMBER AGAINST US …”

            

Our first reading of Exodus 26 today goes into great detail about the construction of the Tabernacle.  The great and wondrous Creator of all things, no doubt with his angels, had every detail ‘mapped’ out.  After giving all the details of the “fine twined linen and blue and purple and scarlet yarns” [Exodus 26:1] and its' use  in the curtains with "fifty clasps of gold" to couple it all together - Moses is told to "erect the tabernacle according to the plan for it that you were shown on the mountain." [Exodus 26:30]

            

Our minds are provoked into feeling over-awed in reflecting on the work of the Creator and the angels, as they planned out the detail of the Tabernacle, before it was revealed to Moses. We have just read in the Psalms reference to the wilderness journey when "man ate of the bread of the angels" [Psalms 78:25]. We are in humbled awe of this unseen spirit world.  We now read today's Psalm 79 how a contrasting scene unfolds.  It tells how the "holy temple" has been "defiled" and enemies have "laid Jerusalem in ruins." [Psalm 79:1] 

            

The Psalmists prayer then is "How long, O LORD? Will you be angry forever?" [Psalm 79:5]  Today we sense that the Lord's anger is turning again other nations - those who have no belief in God, especially those around Israel.  The Psalmist's prayer is, "Pour out your anger on the nations that do not know you, and on the kingdoms that do not call upon your name!" [Psalm 79:6]  This describes our world today!  Our world did, to some degree "know" God when the Bible was first translated into all languages and many eagerly read it and believed it; but that is no longer the case.  

            

The Psalmists prayer is for Israel, "Do not remember against us our former iniquities; let your compassion come speedily to meet us ..." [Psalm 79:8] That surely is a prayer, written so long ago, that anticipates the situation unfolding before us today.  May it soon - very soon - be answered.  

            

The last verse declares, "we your people, the sheep of your pasture, will give thanks to you forever ..."And may we be truly spiritual 'Israel' and so also be "the sheep of your pasture" O Lord - today - and forever - in your kingdom - because our Lord does “not remember” anything “against us”.  

            

Finally, when we read Mark 11 we saw an ultimate application of the voices that shouted on that occasion! May our voices join in shouting one day – and very soon “Hosanna!  Blessed is he who comes in the name of the Lord.” [Mark 11:9]

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- DC 

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16 February 2016

 

Exodus 27

Psalms 81; 82

Mark 12 

 

"IS MUCH MORE THAN ALL ... SACRIFICES"

 

Exodus 17 gives us further details of all the things the nation being formed in the wilderness, had to make for use in the tabernacle - it was to be the centre of their lives: they were to be camped all around it.  The “sacrifices” at the bronze altar, outside the Tabernacle, would be constantly visible,  the centre of their attention.  Sadly, because of their lack of faith in going up to conquer the land they “wandered” for 40 years. 

            

Our reading of Psalm 81 relates to their failure in the wilderness. We read the challenging declaration, "I am the LORD your God, who brought you up out of the land of Egypt ... But my people did not listen to my voice ... So I gave them over to their stubborn hearts..." [Psalm 81:10-12]   Moses was the mouthpiece for God, but, although they heard his words, they did not take them into their hearts. 

            

Today we can read God's word - and hear it read, but how well do we take what we read and hear into our hearts – with the result - its meaning motivates our thinking and resultant actions!?  A question we must answer!

            

Our reading in Mark 12 details the answer Jesus gave when a scribe came and "asked him, 'Which commandment is the most important of all?'" [Mark 12:28] Jesus answered, "The most important is, 'Hear, O Israel: The Lord our God, the Lord is one.  And you shall love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind and with all your strength.'" [Mark 12:29-30]

            

The scribe agrees, "You are right, Teacher. You have truly said that he is one ... And to love him with all the heart and with all the understanding and with all the strength, and to love one's neighbour as oneself, is much more than all whole burnt offerings and sacrifices." [Mark 12:32-33]

            

The altar they made in the wilderness failed in its' purpose - they could not 'see' and therefore failed to love their God - the sacrifices they made on it did not 'move' their hearts.   But this scribe is an example of one who did 'see' and "when Jesus saw that he answered wisely, he said to him, "You are not far from the kingdom of God." [Mark 12:34]  Are we thinking "wisely"?  It depends on the way we read the Scriptures - and absorb them.  

            

The writer to the Hebrews addressed the Jews who had become believers in Christ. Wonderfully they now "have an altar from which those who serve the tent (i.e. tabernacle) have no right to eat." (see Hebrews 13:10) Jesus had become their altar. There are times when believers come to him in the spirit David showed after his sin, "The sacrifices of God are a broken spirit; a broken and contrite heart, O God, you will not despise." [Psalm 51:17]    

           

 May we come to our "altar" in the spirit the scribe revealed – a total spirit of "love" which " is much more than all ... sacrifices", then we will feel our Master saying to us "You are not far from the kingdom of God."   

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- DC

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17 February 2016

 

Exodus 28

Psalms 83; 84

Mark 13

 

"NO GOOD THING DOES HE WITHHOLD FROM ..."

            

Once again we have a thought provoking selection of readings.  In Exodus 28 there is a detailed description of the garments the Priests are to wear in the newly constructed Tabernacle.  Aaron, as High Priest, is to “bear the names of the sons of Israel in the breastpiece of judgement on his heart, when he goes into the Holy Place to bring them to regular remembrance before the LORD”. [Exodus 28:29]  This is not that the LORD forgets, but to emphasise that he represents them in serving the LORD.

            

Worship is the most solemn action  we engage in and, and, while creating our own rituals would be counter-productive for us, but to do the opposite – and be casual in our approach in remembering our Lord – could be just as bad.  

            

Mark 13 contains that dramatic prophecy by Jesus of the coming collapse of the ”wonderful buildings” of the Temple.  The 3 disciples closest to Jesus anxiously questioned him on this as they “sat on the Mount of Olives opposite the Temple” [Mark 13:3].   He responds to their questions,  but then moved forward to speak of his return, saying “After … tribulation...then they will see the Son of Man coming in clouds with great power and glory. And then he  will send out the angels and gather his elect …” [Mark 13:24,26,27].   How great the need to  “stay awake…lest he come suddenly and find (us) asleep.” [Mark 13:36-37]

            

We can relate the exhortation here to what we read in Psalm 84.  “My soul longs, yes, faints for the courts of the LORD” [Psalm 84:2].  As we “stay awake“ today isn‘t this what we ultimately long for!   In the Kingdom we will surely say, “Blessed are those that dwell in your house, ever singing your praise!” [Psalm 84:4]   The next verse applies to us today!  “Blessed are those whose strength is in you, in whose heart are the highways to Zion”.

            

May we have a clear vision of our journey along “the highways” every day.   If we do, we will “go from strength to strength” and so “each one (of us will) appear before God in Zion” [Psalm 84:7].  Like the Psalmist we “would rather (like to) be a doorkeeper in the house of my God” [Psalm 84:10].   Imagine the experiences!  Imagine who we would meet!  Truly “no good thing does he withhold from those who walk uprightly…blessed is the one who trusts in you” [Psalm 84:11-12].   What “good things” are in store!  Let us trust in  our Saviour and the LORD with all our heart.

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- DC

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18 February 2016

 

Exodus 29

Psalms 85; 86

Mark 14  

 

"ABOUNDING IN STEADFAST LOVE TO ..."                                                       

            

We read in Exodus 29 of the elaborate ritual needed to consecrate the High Priest Aaron - and also his sons.  We read a lot of detail about the elaborate garments and head covering they needed to wear and the ritual involved in sacrificing a ram and the use of its different body parts.  We also read of the anointing oil and how it should be used.  All this combined to make “a pleasing aroma before the LORD” [Exodus 29:25].  There is also “one loaf of bread … and one wafer out of the basket of unleavened bread that is before the LORD.” [Exodus 29:23].  If any of it “remains until morning then you shall burn the remainder of it with fire … because it is holy” [Exodus 29:34]

            

There is a big contrast between this and our reading in Mark 14 of the simple, but most significant, actions of Jesus -  “as they were eating” Jesus simply “took bread and after blessing it broke it and gave it to them” saying “This is my body”.  Next “he took the cup” and after giving thanks said “this is my blood of the covenant which is poured out for many” [Mark 14:22-24] 

            

A simple act as part of a meal, no special dress or ceremony!  This became a feature in the lives of the first believers, probably “on the first day of the week” [Acts 20:7], but there is no command as to which day, laws of this nature were entirely absent among the first believers.  Paul simply details what “I received from the Lord” in 1 Corinthians 11:23-27, but it must not be done “in an unworthy manner” [1 Corinthians 11:27] there must be self-examination. 

             

This thought takes our minds to our reading today of David’s Psalm 86. “Incline your ear, O LORD, and answer me, for I am poor and needy. Preserve my life, for I am godly; save your servant who trusts in you – you are my God … For you, O Lord, are good and forgiving, abounding in steadfast love to all who call upon you.” [Psalm 86:1,2,5]

            

Then David, in this prayer, looks to a wondrous future time!  Let us do the same.  How close is the time today, when “all nations you have made shall come and worship before you O Lord, and glorify your name.” [Psalm 86:9]. May we be there to “come and worship” – in a way that glorifies God’s eternal name.  

            

Finally, note David’s intimate personal  thoughts of his relationship with God, they are a challenging example for us today, this week, this month, this year – indeed, until he come. 

            

“Teach me your way, O LORD, that I may walk in your truth; unite my heart to fear thy name. I give thanks to you, O Lord my God, with my whole heart” [Psalm 86:11-12]  

            

Is your heart feeling ‘dis-united’?  Prayerfully read God’s word every day – and with a united heart feel increasing spiritual strength to “walk in” God’s “truth” and so abound in God’s “steadfast love.”

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- DC

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19 February 2016

 

Exodus 30

Psalms 87; 88

Mark 15; 16 

 

“DO NOT BE ALARMED … TREMBLING AND ASTONISHMENT”

 

Today we completed reading the gospel of Mark. As with all the gospels, the death and resurrection of our Lord is its’ crowning message.  While he is on the cross there are mockers, in particular “the chief priests with the scribes mocked him to one another, saying, "He saved others; he cannot save himself.  Let the Christ, the King of Israel, come down now from the cross that we may see and believe." [Mark 15:31-32] 

            

We can see a comparison with today – there are many who mock at any suggestion that Christ will return. One of the facts of history that provides one of the rocks on which we base our faith is how Roman historians of the 2nd century reflect the impact of original Christianity on their culture and it "turned the(ir) world upside down. " [Acts 17:6]  Sadly succeeding generations, in the centuries that followed, corrupted the message - but then when printing was invented and gospels such as Mark's became available for all to read - a 'reformation' led to the original gospel being rediscovered - although there were 'inquisitions' that tried to destroy those accepting it. 

            

Sadly, today, this has been largely swamped by modern attitudes and pride in human inventions and  'knowledge.' But this shows the significance of the question Jesus posed, "when the Son of Man comes, will he find faith on earth?" [Luke 18:8] Let us make every effort to build up our understanding and resultant faith - so that He will "find faith"!

            

Looking into the last chapter of Mark's gospel, we try to imagine the scene  - and the heart challenging feelings of those who came first to the tomb.  This, we suggest, has a comparison with feelings we, if we are still alive, and fellow believers will have - when it is evident Jesus is returning!  

            

"And entering the tomb, they saw a young man" (Matthew's gospel says "an angel")  who says, ""Do not be alarmed. You seek Jesus of Nazareth, who was crucified. He has risen; he is not here. See the place where they laid him." [Mark 16:5-6] But, "they went out and fled ... for trembling and astonishment had seized them ..." [Mark 16:8]  

            

What kind of reaction will "seize" us when it is evident Jesus is returning - and - as we read in Mark 13, "the powers in the heavens (are)… shaken ... And then he will send out the angels and gather his elect ..." [Mark 13:25,27]  Is it not likely we will also be "trembling" but will then hear a voice saying, "Do not be alarmed." 

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- DC

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20 February 2016

 

Exodus 31; 32

Psalms 89

1 Corinthians 1; 2

 

"NO EYE HAS SEEN ..."

 

Today we began reading Paul’s letters to the Corinthians. Corinth was a centre of Greek learning and Greek wisdom. Winning converts was a challenge - a quite different kind of challenge to winning converts among the Jews. Today’s world with its atheism and humanism is yet another kind of challenge – yet there are parallels – and what Paul wrote applies just as much. “The word of the cross is folly to those who are perishing, but to us who are being saved it is the power of God.” [1 Corinthians 1:18] – this applies in every situation. The meaning of the cross, once grasped, creates the power of thought to change lives!

 

The sacrifice of Christ is senseless in the minds of those who are not seeking real spirituality in their outlook on life. In 1 Corinthians 1:19 Paul quotes God’s words through Isaiah (in Isaiah 29:14) “I will destroy the wisdom of the wise, and the discernment of the discerning I will thwart.” Human wisdom has been thwarted by God, in every age and every culture, the 21st Century is not going to be any different..

 

Paul asks, “Where is the one who is wise?” and then makes the point, “Since, in the wisdom of God, the world did not know God through (its’) wisdom, it pleased God through the folly of what we preach to save those who believe. For Jews demand signs and Greeks seek wisdom, but …” And what a vital ‘but’ that little word is! “but to those who are called, both Jews and Greeks, Christ the power of God and the wisdom of God.” [1 Corinthians 1:24]

 

What wisdom we can read in Matthew’s gospel of the teaching of Christ – what a challenge to practice what he taught, as recorded in Matthew 5; 6; 7 – generally called ‘The Sermon on the Mount.’ No human author could have invented Christ as a fictional character and put such teaching in his mouth. Those who are “called” show their ‘calling’ by whole heartedly responding to such teaching.

 

Paul tells the Corinthians “I decided to know nothing among you except Jesus Christ and him crucified.” [1 Corinthians 2:2] He then makes the point, “among the mature we do impart wisdom, although it is not a wisdom of this age … but we impart a secret and hidden wisdom of God, which God decreed before the ages for our glory. None of the rulers of this age understood this, for if they had, they would not have crucified the Lord of glory.” [1 Corinthians 2:6-8] The Old Testament is the repository of such wisdom..

 

Let us search out – more and more - the “wisdom of God” and develop more and more a genuine love for God, Paul says, “it is written, ‘… no eye has seen, nor ear heard, nor the heart of man imagined, what God has prepared for those who love him’” [1 Corinthians 2:9] True wisdom is the outcome of a genuine love for God; may we be filled with wisdom – and daily feed on “the wisdom of God.”

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- DC 

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21 February 2016

 

Exodus 33; 34

Psalms 90; 91

1 Corinthians 3  

 

"LET EACH ONE TAKE CARE HOW …"

 

Believers are “God’s building” Paul tells the Corinthians. [1 Corinthians 3:9]  What does he mean?   Let us consider carefully what he next writes;  “… like a skilled Master builder I laid the foundation and someone else is building upon it. Let each one take care how he builds upon it.  For no one can lay a foundation other than that which is laid, which is Jesus Christ.” [1 Corinthians 3:10-12]   We must become totally conscious of the foundation on which we are building, all our actions of ‘service in Christ’ must relate to it, to our relationship with Christ.  

            

We encounter the concept of a spiritual building several times in the New Testament.  Believers become a spiritual temple – how is our ecclesia shaping up – let us make sure we are doing our part.

 

Now consider what we have been reading in Exodus, there is a comparison – and a contrast.  God was building Israel into a nation and instructing them to make a physical place in which they could meet with him. The Tabernacle was going to be a wondrous place of worship.   Incense was burnt in the tabernacle every evening, and the counterpart, are the prayers of believers today, see Revelation 5:8; think of that as you pray.

 

It is unfortunate that there is a chapter break between yesterday’s Corinthians reading and today’s.  The reasoning in 1 Corinthians 2 flows straight on into 1 Corinthians 3.   Let’s pick up the thought from 1 Corinthians 2:12 "Now we have received not the spirit of the world, but the spirit … (which) is from God, that we might understand the things freely given us by God … interpreting spiritual truths to those who are spiritual.  The natural person does not accept the things of the Spirit of God … he is not able to discern them because they are spiritually discerned … but I brothers could not address you as spiritual people, but as people of the flesh, as infants in Christ.  I fed you with milk, not solid food, for you were not ready to receive it. And even now you are not yet ready …"  

            

Those quotations have taken us as far as 1 Corinthians 3:2.  The believers in Corinth had not grasped the picture of God’s building and their part in it.  They were still babes, they were reluctant to grow up. It was the situation Moses encountered with the Israelites in the wilderness, it was happening all over again.  

            

This is the lesson the past teaches us. Those who genuinely desire to be true believers today and be part of God’s building must do much soul searching to make sure they are growing up – and are no longer largely natural minded people constantly influenced by the spirit in the world around them. Are you succeeding in this?

            

“Let each one take care how” he or she builds up and develops a character that is more and more  Christ-like.  Meditate deeply on the words in 1 Corinthians 2:9 “… no eye has seen, nor ear heard, nor the heart of man imagined, what God has prepared for those who love him”  Do we really love God with all our heart? Let us strive more and more to really feel we are part of God’s building – and marvel in our hearts at the incredible wonder of being so – making sure our character is becoming more and more useful to our Saviour. 

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- DC

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22 February 2016

 

Exodus 35

Psalms 92; 93

1 Corinthians 4; 5  

 

"WILL BRING TO LIGHT ..."

 

The purposes of our hearts is the REAL us! In what context does this statement occur in our readings today? Paul is so concerned about many things in Corinth in his letters to them. The Acts of the Apostles tells us that he came to Corinth after a largely unsuccessful visit to Athens [Acts 17:16-34]. Acts 18 indicates he aroused much opposition there and his letter to Corinth admits “I was with you in weakness and in fear and much trembling” [1 Corinthians 2:3]. The Acts record tells us the Lord said “one night in a vision, “Do not be afraid but go on speaking and do not be silent for I am with you … for I have many in this city who are my people.” [Acts 18:9-10]

 

Corinth, we gather, had a bad reputation in the Greek world, it was worse than Athens. Maybe it was the extreme immorality that caused some people to look for something better in their lives! Could that happen today in the final ingathering before Christ comes? Yet the letter we are reading shows that ungodliness in Corinth was influencing the believers there. Paul is forced to bluntly state, “I am writing to you not to associate with anyone who bears the name of brother if he is guilty of sexual immortality or greed, or is an idolater, reviler, drunkard, or swindler – not even to eat with such a one.” [1 Corinthians 5:11]

 

That is a blunt way of writing, but Paul knows how much humans can influence each other, probably he has memories of when he was a Pharisee and the way they influenced each other in causing their blindness to the true ways of God. A sort of buzz word today is the word “toleration” – the Government wrestles to implement laws to allow a whole lot of ways of living to be tolerated. This can and did happen in Corinth, even among believers, so that they tolerated a man living with “his father’s wife” [1 Corinthians 5:1]. He does not say his mother, so maybe his father had been widowed and had married again.

 

We humans usually conceal from each other the purposes, the real motives of our hearts! It is clear that this happened in Corinth, they were a chaotic bunch of believers, but Paul was not giving up on them. His 2nd letter shows the situation had improved, things which were openly happening had been dealt with, but as for the hidden things, well, when “the Lord comes” he “will bring to light the things now hidden in darkness and will disclose the purposes of the heart. Then each one will receive his commendation (or condemnation) from God.” [1 Corinthians 4:5]. Now notice again the first sentence in today’s thoughts.

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- DC  

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23 February 2016

 

Exodus 36

Psalms 94; 95

1 Corinthians 6 

 

"HE WHO IS JOINED TO THE LORD BECOMES ..."

 

We have an intensely thought provoking set of readings today.  In Exodus we read how they start to construct the tabernacle and they are to “work in accordance with all that the LORD has commanded." [Exodus 36:1] The Creator had detailed every part of its’ construction to Moses on the Mount – it would be God’s Tabernacle. Our world is a wilderness! We must meditate on the challenge of making the spiritual Temple that Paul writes about as we read on Sunday [1 Corinthians 3:16-17] – and our role in constructing this tabernacle for our Lord to dwell in - in today’s wilderness. 

 

How great to be “the people of his pasture” today! This is the phrase that occurs in today’s Psalm 95:7-8 “… he is our God, and we are the people of his pasture, and the sheep of his hand. Today, if you hear his voice,  do not harden your hearts ..." 

 

How clearly are we hearing his voice as we read his word in today's wilderness?  As the 'desert' of ungodliness around us increases - let us increase our consciousness and commitment to becoming a dependable part of God's spiritual Temple.

 

In Corinth some believers were being influenced by the sexual immorality that surrounded them – and it surrounds us today - and we have the addition of the Internet to distract us - and if we are weak spiritually - we can do this in private – and become weaker. 

 

Paul puts before them a challenging vision of the spiritual realities their minds needed to grasp - that they must grasp! "Do you not know that your bodies are members of Christ? Shall I then take the members of Christ and make them members of a prostitute? Never!" [1 Corinthians 6:15]  1 Corinthians 6:17 should be highlighted and memorised in our minds! “he who is joined to the Lord becomes one spirit with him.” 

 

We were bought with a price - and what a price!  The "blood" of our Lord!  We will read in Corinthians on Saturday how believers can "be guilty concerning the body and blood of the Lord." [1 Corinthians 11:27]  Think of his agony of mind in the garden of Gethsemane!  Then meditate deeply on Paul's words that we should aim to be "a living sacrifice, holy and acceptable to God, which is your spiritual worship." [Romans 12:1]  

 

Let us be conscious - every day - indeed, every hour - that we "are joined to the Lord" and become more and more "one spirit with him" [1 Corinthians 6:17] And with this consciousness we will also live in ways in which, as the last verse of today's chapter says we should, that we "glorify God in (y)our body." 

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- DC

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24 February 2016

 

Exodus 37

Psalms 96; 97; 98; 99

1 Corinthians 7

 

"TO SECURE YOUR UNDIVIDED DEVOTION TO THE LORD"                                                     

 

Today’s chapter in Paul’s letter to the Corinthians gives his views about specific situations occurring there.  However, it contains principles which apply to believers of all ages. He is responding to “matters about which you wrote” [1 Corinthians 7:1] and his words are like hearing one side of a conversation. Corinth was a very immoral city and its idolatry and fleshly living created many problems and has many parallels with today.  The believers had been actively part of all this until they committed themselves to follow the way of Christ.

 

They are commended to be faithful in their marriages, to avoid divorce and to be content with their situation in life, even if they were still slaves. [1 Corinthians 7:20-21]  “I want you to be free from anxieties,” he writes, “to promote good order and to secure your undivided devotion to the Lord.” [1 Corinthians 7:35].

 

Maintaining marriage relationships are most important says Paul and he makes the point, “because of temptations to sexual immorality, each man should have his own wife and each woman her own husband  … do not deprive one another, except perhaps by agreement for a limited time, that you may devote yourselves to prayer; but then come together again, so that Satan may not tempt you because of your lack of self-control” [1 Corinthians 7:2,5]  

 

This reference to a Satan is to human tempters, just as, at one stage, Peter was a Satan to Jesus, as we read earlier this month in Mark 8:33.  At that stage Peter’s attitude was all wrong, similarly, many of the converts in Corinth would have contact with individuals whose values were all wrong and could prompt ungodly thoughts in them.  So it is with us today – indeed - more and more – we are surrounded by satans.  We have to say, at least in thought, “Get behind me Satan.”

 

Today some criticise Paul, suggesting he is against marriage, even a woman hater! This is most unfair; he writes, “I wish that all were as I myself am. But each has his own gift from God, one of one kind, one of another … it is better to marry than to be aflame with passion.” [1 Corinthians 7:7,9]  There were problems because some who had accepted Christ were married to unbelieving partners. The believer should not seek a divorce. The believer should seek to influence the unbeliever to accept Christ, “but if the unbelieving partner separates, let it be so.” [1 Corinthians 7:15] writes Paul.

 

Paul sensed that Corinth was facing an imminent crisis, just as we sense that this world is heading downhill with increasing rapidity - for that reason there are many points in this chapter which have special relevance to today and the need for us all “to secure” our “undivided devotion to the Lord.”  

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- DC

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25 February 2016 

 

Exodus 38

Psalms 100; 101

1 Corinthians 8; 9

 

"IF ANYONE LOVES GOD, HE IS KNOWN BY GOD”

 

First, our reading of Psalm 100 caught our attention, Psalm 100:3 declares, “Know that the LORD, he is God!  It is he who made us, and we are his; we are his people: and the sheep of his pasture.”  That last phrase in particular should cause us to deeply meditate!  “The sheep of his pasture!”  Our God (and surely his Son) have a “pasture” - this is an area where domestic animals graze!  When we are his – he puts us, spiritually, in his pasture.”  Let us meditate on the wonder of this – the reality of this.                              

 

This thought leads into what we read in 1 Corinthians 8:3. “But if anyone loves God , he (or she) is known by God.”  Love is, above all, an active quality; genuine love causes us to do things: it motivates our heart, and, above all thing brings us into a relationship – and that – awesomely – is a ‘two-way’ relationship..

 

When God, who sees all things through his spirit [Psalm 139:1-6] knows that our professions of love for him come right from our hearts - we are “known by God.”   But this is more than a one sided sense of knowing, to truly know God results in a two-way relationship - as in the Psalm we quoted at the beginning.

 

A few days ago we read in Exodus, “Moses said to the LORD … you have said, ‘I know you by name … therefore if I have found favour in your sight, please show me now your ways, that I may know you …” [Exodus 33:12-13]     Knowing God comes through knowing his ways; leading to the realization that we are “working together with him” [2 Corinthians 6:1].  One of the wonders of this, as we will see in tomorrow’s chapter, is to realize that “God is faithful, and he will not let you be tempted beyond your ability, but with the temptation he will also provide the way of escape, that you may be able to endure it.” [1 Corinthians 10:13]  

 

Many believers in Corinth were experiencing temptations to continue to enjoy the fleshly advantages of attending idol temples and feasting there on the food that had been offered to the idols.  The idol worshippers saw this food as special because it had been blessed by Temple priests: we have seen this happening in Indian temples.

 

It is not difficult to see the modern equivalents, especially in prosperous countries in the things that the masses idolize.  In Corinth athletic sports were idolized, it is no different today – people call them ‘Stars’ – reflect on how much idolizing happens - virtually daily!   

 

Finally we noted Paul’s point – “Every athlete exercises self-control … they do it to receive a perishable wreath, but we an imperishable” [1 Corinthians 9:25]  Paul tells the believers, “So run that you may obtain it … I discipline my body and keep it under control, lest after preaching to others I myself should be disqualified.” [1 Corinthians 9:24,27] 

 

Disqualified! Can we imagine Paul being disqualified!  Obviously he could!  How can we safeguard against this ourselves?  The ‘oil’ which ‘lubricates’ all our understanding and ways of thinking – should result in success for our efforts to “run” effectively!  This is the reality of our love for God: fuelled by our reading of God’s word – and this provides the ‘lubricating oil’!: As a result we become more and more aware that we are “known by God.” Loving God creates our inner strength. How “real” is your love?   God knows!  Do we truly know ourselves?  

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- DC

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