Resource Manager Posted November 1, 2017 Report Share Posted November 1, 2017 01 November 2017 2 Chronicles 30Daniel 10Acts 10 THREE WHO DID GOD'S WILL All three of our Bible readings this morning provide inspiration in their accounts of dramatic events showing God at work among human beings whom he called to serve him – despite their frailties. But God only reaches out to involve humans in serving him in some capacity when he sees they have the right kind of attitude of heart. In the Book of Acts we read of the Roman Centurion Cornelius who had an encounter with an angel! This resulted in the Apostle Peter's personal interaction with the Lord in a vision he was given on the rooftop. The climax was when Peter baptised a whole group of people who were Gentiles whom he met in the home of Cornelius. The Holy Spirit came upon them to remove any reservations Peter would have had. The "holier than thou" Jewish attitude then became a thing of the past for those who believed in Jesus. In our Chronicles reading yesterday we had the dramatic account of what happened when Hezekiah came to the throne. This God fearing King immediately set about to change the mood of the nation after several bad kings. In the very first month of his reign he opened up the Temple and organised for it to be cleaned out and the holy vessels used in worship to be restored. Today we have read of a Great Passover that was celebrated with invitations going out to all 12 tribes: tragically many responded to those who brought the invitations by laughing at them, pouring "scorn and mocking them." [2 Chronicles 30:10] This made us think of the attitude of some today when they encounter those who believe in the Bible. Finally, in Daniel we have this aged prophet, maybe in his 90's, having his final encounter with the angel of God with a vision of "the latter days." The "vision is for days yet to come" [Daniel 10:14]. He is told, "Fear not Daniel for from the first day that you set your heart to understand and humbled yourself before your God your words have been heard" [Daniel 10:12]. Let us set our hearts to understand and sense that God is saying to us the same words that he said to Daniel, "fear not, peace be with you, be strong and of good courage" [Daniel 10:19]. -------- DC Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Resource Manager Posted November 2, 2017 Author Report Share Posted November 2, 2017 02 November 2017 2 Chronicles 31Daniel 11Acts 11; 12 "HE DID WITH ALL HIS HEART" In reading the next chapter 2 Chronicles 31, we saw what an example of true kingship Hezekiah displayed. If we can grasp and keep in mind the last 2 verses in that chapter we will more fully see the POWER of positive thinking and doing – in contrast to the leaders of the nations today. These verses tell us that Hezekiah "did what was good and right and faithful before the LORD his God. And every work that he undertook in the house of God and in accordance with the law and the commandments, seeking his God, he did with all his heart, and prospered." There should be no "half measures" in living in a way which shows that our Lord takes a primary place in our thinking and the aims we have in life. Our thoughts went forward to the time when true believers in Christ take significant roles in "the kingdom of God" that will be established over all the earth. In that day God's laws will be proclaimed and will be expected to be kept throughout all the earth, "for out of Zion shall go the law, and the word of the LORD from Jerusalem. He shall judge between the nations, and shall decide disputes …" [isaiah 2:3-4]. We linked these words with those of Jesus in his last message to those who bear his name, "…. Hold fast what you have until I come. The one who conquers and keeps my works until the end, to him I will give authority over the nations" [Revelation 2:25-26]. In a significant way, Hezekiah sets an example of what is to ultimately happen. But he was a mortal king so his work did not last, but in the kingdom to come, those Christ puts in authority "will not be hurt by the second death" [Revelation 2:11]. Let us follow Hezekiah's example now, seeking to follow our Master with all our heart.-------- DC Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Resource Manager Posted November 5, 2017 Author Report Share Posted November 5, 2017 03 November 2017 2 Chronicles 32Daniel 12Acts 13 "LOOK OUT ..." Our chapter in Acts today, Acts 13, is full of drama! One of the lessons we learn is the way Paul, in his preaching, made use of what we call, the Old Testament. He uses no less than 7 quotations from 5 books of the Old Testament as he taught a large audience at Antioch in Pisidia (today this is south eastern Turkey). It is disappointing that today so many who claim to believe in Christ rarely read the Old Testament. It is also sad to see, but this in God’s wisdom just has to be, that there were “scoffers” in Paul’s audience. He told such to “Look out” and in giving such a warning he was quoting from the prophet Habakkuk whom God caused to write, “Look you scoffers, be astounded and perish; for I am doing a work in your days, a work which you will not believe, even if one tells you of it.” [Acts 13:41 and Habakkuk 1:5]. History is full of examples of scoffers and today we have those who scoff at any belief in God and his creative work. Paul encountered scoffers at Athens who “mocked” [Acts 17:32] when “they heard about the resurrection of the dead.” These scoffers had convinced themselves by their own reasoning that they had an immortal soul and that bodily resurrection was unthinkable. We do not find the phrase “immoral soul” in God’s word and for good reason. Actually we read today Paul’s reference to David who “after he had served the purpose of God in his own generation, fell asleep and was laid with his fathers and saw corruption.” [Acts 13:36] David concluded Psalm 17, actually a prayer, with these words, “As for me, I shall behold your face in righteousness; when I awake, I shall be satisfied with your likeness.” We mentioned Daniel’s reference to resurrection in yesterday’s thoughts, but notice God’s final words to him in the last verse of his book, “… you shall rest and stand in your allotted place at the end of the days.” Let us not scoff at anything that God has caused to be written and preserved for our enlightenment. Sadly, so many do not want to be enlightened. -------- DC Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Resource Manager Posted November 5, 2017 Author Report Share Posted November 5, 2017 04 November 2017 2 Chronicles 33Hosea 1Acts 14; 15 "THE WORD OF HIS GRACE" The drama of the spread of the Gospel is now opening up more fully as we read Acts 14;15. Paul is full of zeal to spread the teaching of Jesus. He begins in each place (except in Athens) by going into the Jewish synagogue and it soon becomes apparent to his Jewish audience that his message does not include advocating keeping the regulations of the Mosaic Law and so some of the Jews start to strongly oppose him. We read in Acts 14 how this happened at Iconium. Paul and Barnabas were “speaking boldly for the Lord, who bore witness to the word of his grace” [Acts 14:3], but the “unbelieving Jews” [Acts 14:2] stirred up trouble. There is special drama when they visit Lystra when, following a healing with some dramatic reactions by the idol worshippers, Paul gives a basic message [Acts 14:15-17] similar to that he was to give later at Athens. Again jealous Jews arrive and create trouble and Paul is stoned and at first seems to be dead. So often, such is human nature, trouble arises out of envy of another person’s success. The truth of any matter is irrelevant in such situations – it is forever the case on the political scene these days. Paul and Barnabas eventually return to Antioch being “commended to the grace of God for the work they have fulfilled.” [Acts 14:26] Trouble is now caused by converted Jews in Jerusalem, some of these remain obsessed by the old Law and they advocate that “it is necessary to circumcise them (the Gentile converts) and to order them to keep the Law of Moses.” [Acts 15:5] Peter stands up [Acts 15:7] and reminds them of his experiences in the conversion of Cornelius and states, “we believe that we will be saved through the grace of the Lord Jesus, just as they will.” [Acts 15:11] It is a pity that some take “saved through the grace of the Lord Jesus” as a stand alone principle. It is indeed a vital principle for no one can earn salvation. “By grace you have been saved through faith” as Paul puts it in the oft quoted Ephesians 2:8. But put this verse alongside Galatians 3:27 that “as many as were baptised into Christ have put on Christ.” Baptism shows our acceptance of his grace and we experience ‘the wonder of his grace’ for the rest of our lives, a wonderment that should cause us to do our utmost in his service, as Paul did! -------- DC Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Resource Manager Posted November 5, 2017 Author Report Share Posted November 5, 2017 05 November 2017 2 Chronicles 34Hosea 2Acts 16; 17 "HE BEGAN TO SEEK THE GOD OF HIS FATHERS ..." There is only one book that can transform lives – and when that ‘book’ was discovered as they cleared out the temple in the reign of the young king Josiah [2 Chronicles 34:1-3], life in the Holy Land was transformed. But that only happened because the king, from a young age, only 16 [2 Chronicles 34:1-3] “began to seek the God of his fathers”. What an effect the discovery of that book had! But we must realize that it only had that effect because they read and saw that its words had a divine source. It was more than a human book: they believed what they read and acted to show their belief. They also realized that God had been in action to bring (or allow) their troubled situation to arise, “because our fathers have not kept the word of the LORD, to do according to all that is written in this book.” [2 Chronicles 34:21] This principle of life in the sight of God has not changed – as we see in the readings in Acts. The Apostle Paul, preaching in Thessalonica “went in, as his custom was, and on three Sabbath days reasoned with them out of the Scriptures.” [Acts 17:2] Those who did not want to open their minds to what the Scriptures really mean, opposed Paul’s reasoning – and friction followed. But out of it all “some of them were persuaded and joined Paul and Silas” [Acts 17:4] What lessons can we take from the attitudes around us today? Sadly, so many are so enjoying all the diversions this life offers, they do not give themselves a chance to be persuaded. Let’s return to Acts 2 and imagine the spirit that existed after Peter’s speech at Pentecost! They had been “cut to the heart” and said – and imagine the state of mind as they said this, “Brothers, what shall we do?” [Acts 2:37] What a special time followed. We cannot hear Peter – or Paul – today – but we all have the opportunity to read “all that” God has caused to be “written” and preserved – and is now freely available in just about every language! It alone provides genuine inspiration for our lives – and to believe our world has a wondrous future. The developments in God’s Holy Land over the last 100 years are a remarkable sign for us – as an example, look at what “is written” in tomorrow’s second portion of our readings, Hosea 3. It ends, “Afterward the children of Israel shall return and seek the LORD their God … and they shall come in fear to the LORD and to his goodness in the latter days.” -------- DC Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Resource Manager Posted November 5, 2017 Author Report Share Posted November 5, 2017 06 November 2017 2 Chronicles 35Hosea 3Acts 18; 19 "I AM INNOCENT. FROM NOW ON …" Today we read two very stirring chapters about the total commitment of the Apostle Paul to preach – to witnesses to as many as possible about the eternal life giving message of our Lord Jesus Christ. It is the only message that matters (eternally). These chapters give some indication of the dangers that surrounded the Apostle. At Corinth the Lord said to Paul one night in a vision, "Do not be afraid, but go on speaking and do not be silent …" [Acts 18:9]. In his 2nd letter to the Corinthians Paul commented on the "affliction we experienced in Asia. For we were so utterly burdened beyond our strength that we despaired of life itself. Indeed, we felt we had received the sentence of death. But that was to make us rely not on ourselves but on God who raises the dead. He delivered us from such a deadly peril, and he will deliver us. On him we have set our hope that he will deliver us again. You also must help us by prayer, so that many will give thanks …" [2 Corinthians 1:8-11]. Returning to Acts we notice how Paul "when they (the Jews) opposed and reviled him, he shook out his garments and said to them, 'Your blood be on your own heads! I am innocent. From now on I will go to the Gentiles'." [Acts 18:6] Let our understanding be clear as to his meaning – "I am innocent"? He means he has fulfilled his responsibility before God to witness to his own countrymen! These words have a lesson for us: first to witness to those among whom we live – and then – after wr we have done that and become "innocent" – we have a clear conscience in having carried out our responsibility in this situation in the service of God, we should seek to make opportunities to go further afield seeking places where people are prepared to listen – as Paull did. And there are certainly countries today where people are prepared to listen. If it is physically impossible for us to do this then the next best thing is to support those who can and so be "innocent" in the sight of God and our Saviour. -------- DC Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Resource Manager Posted November 7, 2017 Author Report Share Posted November 7, 2017 07 November 2017 2 Chronicles 36Hosea 4Acts 20 "THE WHOLE COUNSEL OF GOD" In these days when "knowledge has been increased" and many "run (travel) to and fro" (as we read in Daniel 12:4) we think of the dedication of the Apostle Paul, as we read today in Acts 20, who "did not shrink from declaring to you the whole counsel of God." [Acts 20:27] Paul was speaking to the elders from Ephesus who were then "sorrowful most of all because of the word he had spoken, that they would not see his face again. And they accompanied him to the ship." [Acts 20:38] to set him on his way to return to Jerusalem. It is Paul's words to them, we read in Acts 20:32 that we should also take to ourselves. "I commend you to God and to the word of his grace, which is able to build you up and to give you the inheritance among all those who are sanctified." What an example Paul had set them – and everyone else, "I did not shrink from declaring to you anything that was profitable … of repentance toward God and faith in our Lord Jesus Christ." [Acts 20:21] Let us fill our minds with "the whole counsel of God" and "things" that are "profitable." All around us people only think of profit in monetary terms, we must think of it in spiritual terms and of the "inheritance" which those who embrace in their minds, "the whole counsel of God" will receive – and how soon now!? In contrast to our Acts reading the final chapter of 2nd Chronicles tells us of the dismal end of the Jewish nation and of Jerusalem when "all the officers of the priests and the people likewise were exceedingly unfaithful, following all the abominations of the nations" [2 Chronicles 36:14]. Our Hosea reading paints a similarly distressing picture – and without any difficulty at all we can see the parallel to life today. He declares, "the LORD has a controversy with the inhabitants …. There is no faithfulness or steadfast love, and no knowledge of God …there is swearing, lying, murder, stealing, and committing adultery; they break all bounds …" [Hosea 4:1-2] What a privilege to know "the whole counsel of God" – let us embrace it with all our heart, especially as the promised "inheritance" now appears to be so near.-------- DC Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Resource Manager Posted November 11, 2017 Author Report Share Posted November 11, 2017 08 November 2017 Ezra 1; 2Hosea 5Acts 21; 22 "RISE AND BE BAPTISED" The circumstances vary greatly, that lead to decisions to be baptised and take on the name of Jesus Christ so that he is our spiritual elder brother and God is truly our Father. In a very real sense we must feel we have become or are becoming part of a new family, a spiritual family. Our thoughts on this were prompted by today's reading of Acts 22 in which describes Paul's experiences in returning to Jerusalem. There is uproar in the Temple and a Roman tribune sends soldiers to rescue him. Paul obtains permission to speak to the crowd and he says, "... hear the defence that I now make before you" [Acts 22:1]. He states how he was "zealous for God as all of you are this day" [Acts 22:3]. But it was a zeal for the old law that came to an end when Christ was crucified as the "sacrifice" (see 1 Corinthians 5:7) that fulfilled the old law. In his zeal for the old law Paul (then called Saul) says how he persecuted the followers of Christ until he was humbled on the road to Damascus and led into the city - blind [Acts 22:6-12]. Ananias, a devout believer and convert in Damascus comes to him with a divine message, "The God of our fathers appointed you to know his will" [Acts 22:14] Today, if we are motivated to seek the real meaning of life , we too can "know his will" - and should know it - if we have been baptised as Paul then was. Paul describes how he was told by Ananias "…why do you wait? Rise and be baptised and wash away your sins, calling on his name" [Acts 22:16]. Baptism washes away the past and gives us a wonderful new start in life, to real life! Until we made (or make) that decision we were (or are) "dead in trespasses and sins" (see Ephesians 2:2,5 ). For each one of us the circumstances at the point of that decision were (or will be) different – but the result is the same! Paul told the Galatians that "God has sent the Spirit of his Son into our hearts" and they had become "an heir through God" [Galatians 4:6-7] and "a new creation" [Galatians 6:15]. Let us be faithful so that we may receive "the inheritance" we are now heir to – remembering Paul's words to the Ephesian elders, we read 2 days ago in Acts 20:32, making them personal to ourselves, "I commend you to God and the word of his grace, which is able to build you up and to give you the inheritance …" [Acts 20:32] That is why we must read God's word every day.-------- DC Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Resource Manager Posted November 11, 2017 Author Report Share Posted November 11, 2017 09 November 2017 Ezra 3; 4Hosea 6Acts 23; 24 "WITH RESPECT TO THE HOPE OF THE RESURRECTION ..." Today we read of Paul's arrest in Jerusalem and the drama that followed with an attempt by factions of the Jewish leaders to kill him. But the Jewish leadership was not united and Paul caused a dispute among them by crying out, when brought before their council, "It is with respect to the hope and the resurrection of the dead that I am on trial" [Acts 23:6]. This statement caused friction between the Sadducees and the Pharisees, the former did not believe in the resurrection and we recall how Jesus confronted them on this issue (see Matthew 22:23-33). Taken to Caesarea because some were plotting to kill him Paul, before Felix the governor, makes the same point in his defence when his accusers come there, "let these men themselves say what wrong doing they found when I stood before the council, other than this one thing that I cried out … It is with respect to the resurrection of the dead that I am on trial" [Acts 24:20-21]. This very same hope is a sensitive one in most churches today, it is rarely talked about. Why? Church history shows that as Christianity spread in the early centuries and especially when it became the official religion of the Roman Empire in the 4th Century when the masses were obliged or even forced to convert; but they still held on to the pagan belief of having a soul or spirit that continued to exist after death - and the church adapted that into its teaching. Paul had declared, when Christ comes "there will be a resurrection of the just and unjust" [Acts 24:15] and wrote that "we all must appear before the judgement seat of Christ, so that each one may receive what is due for what he has done in the body, whether good or evil." [2 Corinthians 5:10]. The church teaching that developed about going to heaven or some place of torment at death is impossible to reconcile with what Paul, Jesus and all the apostles taught. The Pagan teaching means judgement take place at death! But this is a "different gospel" to what Paul taught (see Galatians 1:6-9), let us believe and live a life that reflects our belief and embrace "the hope of the resurrection".-------- DC Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Resource Manager Posted November 11, 2017 Author Report Share Posted November 11, 2017 10 November 2017 Ezra 5; 6Hosea 7Acts 25; 26 "THE HELP THAT COMES FROM GOD" It is Luke "the beloved physician" [Colossians 4:14] who travelled with Paul in the later years of his preaching – for it is evident he was with him when he returned to Jerusalem [Acts 21:17] and Paul was arrested. The detailed account we are reading is therefore an eye witness account, and Luke shows himself in many ways to be a diligent historian as sceptics trying to prove otherwise have had to admit. We read the 3 fascinating speeches Paul gave in his defense in which he stresses how his life was turned around on the road to Damascus to cause him to preach the message of Jesus "to open their eyes so that they may turn from darkness to light … that they may receive forgiveness of sins and a place among those who are sanctified by faith in me" [Acts 26:18]. Genuine faith brings us into a position of "holiness". Read Hebrews 12:14. The "darkness" in the world was dramatically pierced by that light, indeed only 300 years later Christianity became the official religion of the Roman Empire. However history shows how the teaching of Jesus and the Apostles had become seriously corrupted by that time. Nevertheless God's word endures in written form, and now brings "light" into the minds of those who will take its message seriously and respond to what they read. Paul is one of the outstanding examples for them to follow. We noted today how Paul said to King Agrippa, "to this day I have had the help that comes from God" [Acts 26:22] and his letters and what Luke has written illustrate this. Paul is ready to appeal and challenge everyone, great or small, as to what they believe about the meaning and purpose of their lives. He says to the king, "Do you believe the prophets? I know that you believe." [Acts 26:27] to which the king responds, "In a short time would you persuade me to be a Christian?" Maybe some have too much time! Many are not sufficiently conscious of "the help that comes from God" and fail to read the scriptures daily and allow God's word to live in their hearts and minds. For ourselves, and we know it is the case with others, it is only when we look back on the varied pathways of life one fully realizes the help that has come from God. Do you want that help? Do you need that help? Can you sense that help in the pathways of life you have travelled? Key questions to meditate on today.-------- DC Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Resource Manager Posted November 11, 2017 Author Report Share Posted November 11, 2017 11 November 2017 Ezra 7Hosea 8Acts 27 "… FOR I HAVE FAITH" We read today of two outstanding characters, believers who had an active faith with whom God could work to perform his will, they are great examples for us. First we have Ezra who is a direct descendent of Aaron [Ezra 7:5] "who had set his heart to study the Law of the LORD, and to do it and to teach ..." [Ezra 7:10] The "king of Persia ... granted him all that he asked, for the hand of the LORD his God was on him. " [Ezra 7:1,6] May that be true of you and I because of our commitment to serve our king, and, as we develop our faith, to see him ever more clearly as we gain "a true heart in full assurance of faith" [Hebrews 10:22]. The attitude of Ezra convinced the Persian king and so, says Ezra, "I took courage, for the hand of the LORD my God was on me" [Ezra 7:28] God's message through Hosea is one that applies to our world today and its total lack of faith and ignorance of God. He tells his prophet, "My anger burns against them ... they sow the wind, and they shall reap the whirlwind" [Hosea 8:5,7] And they, the northern nation of Israel to whom he was a prophet, were soon no more. The whirlwind for our world is developing more and more - and is looking increasingly fearsome, especially in the long term, as the people of the world convince themselves there is no Creator who watches over them and sees all that they do. In our chapter in Acts, Acts 27, the ship sailing to Rome reaped "the whirlwind," but wonderfully Christ was watching over Paul and he was able to tell those with him that "this very night there stood before me an angel of the God to whom I belong and whom I worship, and he said, 'Do not be afraid, Paul; you must stand before Caesar. And behold, God has granted you all those who sail with you.' So take heart, men, for I have faith in God that it will be exactly as I have been told." [Acts 27:23-25] Paul's faith was supreme in the crisis - and our faith? How have we "set" our heart? Ezra is an example. God's word reveals to us the extremity of the crisis that faces our world - and which it deserves. But, as Paul wrote, let us make sure "we are not of those who shrink back and are destroyed, but of those who have faith and preserve their souls" [Hebrews 10:39].-------- DC Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Resource Manager Posted November 19, 2017 Author Report Share Posted November 19, 2017 12 November 2017 Ezra 8Hosea 9Acts 28 "THEY HAVE DEEPLY CORRUPTED THEMSELVES" We are naturally inclined toward the positive and encouraging matters we read in God's word – and so it has been encouraging today to read of the faith and commitment of Ezra in leading many of God's people back from captivity to Jerusalem. We also read of Paul's arrival in Rome and how "he lived there two whole years … and welcomed all who came to him, proclaiming the Kingdom of God and teaching about the Lord Jesus Christ with all boldness and without hindrance." This is how Luke's account of the Acts of the Apostles ends and we have no certain information from other sources as to what happened after that. We see, however, the essential thrust of his teaching – "proclaiming the kingdom of God" and lament that such a message is just about totally absent among "Christians" today. This brings us to see how Hosea 9, today's second portion, records many things that are equally appropriate to today's situation. The chapter starts, "Rejoice not, O Israel! Exult not like the peoples." We are approaching the silly season of Christmas, how spiritually meaningless it is! God's son was certainly not born on Christmas Day! That is not a day to particularly remember, the early church didn't! The one thing we should remember about Christ is his death and resurrection – a weekly inspiration for genuine believers. The prophet challenges the people, "What will you do on the day of the appointed festival?" [Hosea 9:5] Then he tells them, "the days of punishment have come." [Hosea 9:7] Hosea as the true "prophet - is the watchman of Ephraim (the northern kingdom) with my God" [Hosea 9:8] What is a "watchman"? One who sees the situation from God's perspective – and warns when there is a need, as God guides him. Hosea is aware "they have deeply corrupted themselves" and God "will remember their iniquity, he will punish their sins" [Hosea 9:9] God then says, through Hosea, "Woe to them when I depart from them" [Hosea 9:12]. They will wake up too late, just like our world will – maybe very soon! In his final verse Hosea writes, "My God will reject them because they have not listened to him". Today, what would a true prophet say? Would anyone listen? Can you imagine what he would say? More important – is to imagine what you would say? Will you even try to say anything?-------- DC Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Resource Manager Posted November 19, 2017 Author Report Share Posted November 19, 2017 13 November 2017 Ezra 9Hosea 10Colossians 1 "INCREASING IN THE KNOWLEDGE OF GOD" What a powerful and positive letter Paul wrote to the Colossians – let us take it as a letter to us in these last days. May we "may be filled with the knowledge of his will in all spiritual wisdom and understanding, so as to walk in a manner worthy of the Lord, fully pleasing to him, bearing fruit in every good work and increasing in the knowledge of God" [Colossians 1:9-10]. Reading God's word every day is the essential foundation for us to do this. Paul told them that God "has delivered us from the domain of darkness …" [Colossians 1:13] Let us recognise more and more how we live in "the domain of darkness" and it is only by reading – and then absorbing into our hearts and minds – the inspiring words God's message to us contains that we can be delivered from "the domain of darkness …" that surrounds us on nearly every hand. Let us not neglect to do this every day – and do it with all our hearts. Let us remember what we read 3 days ago in acts, the words that Paul said Jesus spoke to him on the road to Damascus: that he was sending Paul to the Gentiles "to whom I am sending you to open their eyes, so that they may turn from darkness to light" [Acts 26:18]. As we read God's word more and more, the eyes of our hearts (see ) are seeing more clearly, we are "increasing in the knowledge of God." How tragic is the kind of "knowledge" that surrounds us! It is full of unbelievers – those who imagine that all the marvels and beauty that surround us – all developed by pure chance! They "worship" a god of their own imagination and this reminds us of Paul's words in 2 Corinthians 4 "…the god of this world has blinded the minds of the unbelievers, to keep them from seeing the light of the gospel of the glory of Christ, who is the image of God" [2 Corinthians 4:4] Let us make sure our minds are not "blinded." -------- DC Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Resource Manager Posted November 19, 2017 Author Report Share Posted November 19, 2017 14 November 2017 Ezra 10Hosea 11Colossians 2 "THE RICHES OF FULL ASSURANCE" Today we completed reading the book of Ezra. Only the last 4 chapters were written by or for him, the first 6 are to be seen as a continuation of 2 Chronicles. Before Ezra came, the people - led by Zerubbabel, and encouraged by the prophets Haggai and Zechariah [Ezra 5:1-2] had rebuilt the Temple. When Ezra arrived it became plain many had not, however, regained the spiritual vision of a true relationship with their God. We can see some comparisons with today's Christianity – and also with the nation of Israel. Churches continue to exist and be built and a few flourish – but mainly in an emotional way. The nation of Israel has now sustained its existence for more than 60 years, but these achievements are physical, they are not an end in themselves. The nation to which Ezra came had compromised their separation from unbelievers. They lived among people who had some knowledge of God, especially those who came to be known as Samaritans [Ezra 4:2] but also among idol worshipers. When Ezra realized many had taken wives from among them, including some of the priests; Ezra proved himself to be the strong minded God fearing man needed to inspire them to correct this situation. We read Ezra's confession of great concern in yesterday's chapter [Ezra 9] "O my God, I am ashamed and blush to lift up my face to you for our iniquities have risen higher than our heads, and our guilt has mounted up …" [Ezra 9:6]. Today's chapter starts, "… Ezra prayed and made confession, weeping and casting himself down before the house of God, a very great assembly of men, women, and children, gathered to him out of Israel, for the people wept bitterly." Shecaniah, one of the leaders, addressed Ezra, "we have broken faith with our God … but even now there is hope for Israel in spite of this. Therefore let us make a covenant with our God and put away all these wives and their children, according to the counsel of my lord and of those who tremble at the commandment of our God" [Ezra 10:2-3]. How many "tremble" today? Do we need to? His final words to Ezra are an inspiration to all who have fallen away – or who are in the process of doing so – to turn back and serve God and his Son in the way that was established in the First Century as we read today in Colossians: many verses illustrate this point. Paul encourages them that "being knit together in love, to reach all the riches of full assurance of understanding …" [Colossians 2:2] Truly, God is a "mystery" to those who do not search the Scriptures he inspired to be written. let us not be guilty of that. Paul feared that some "may delude you with plausible arguments" [Colossians 2:4]. and so it has happened more and more through the centuries. Let us gain and maintain a "full assurance" - and what "riches" will be seen and experienced when Christ returns! And how soon now!-------- DC Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Resource Manager Posted November 19, 2017 Author Report Share Posted November 19, 2017 15 November 2017 Nehemiah 1; 2Hosea 12Colossians 3; 4 "THEN I WAS VERY MUCH AFRAID" Today we started to read the book of Nehemiah who was in exile in Susa, the capital of the empire of the Medes and Persians. He is obviously a very special personality for he had become cupbearer to King Artaxerxes – a very responsible and trusteed position to ensure the king was not poisoned. Nehemiah records that "… my brothers came … from Judah. And I asked them … concerning Jerusalem. And they said to me, "The remnant there in the province that survived the exile is in great trouble and shame. The wall of Jerusalem is broken down, and its gates are destroyed …" [Nehemiah 1:2-3] The Temple had been rebuilt, as we have just read in Ezra, but nothing else. In reacting to this news, "I sat down and mourned and wept for days …" [Nehemiah 1:4]. He is then "praying before the God of heaven, the great and awesome God who keeps covenant and steadfast love with those who love him and keep his commandments" [Nehemiah 1:4-5]. We prove we mean what we say, especially in loving God, by what we then do. The climax of his prayer is in Nehemiah 1:11, "O Lord, let your ear be attentive to the prayer of your servant, and to the prayers of your servants who delight to fear your name." Do we "delight" in fearing God? By "name," we primarily mean – his "reputation" toward those who love and therefore serve him truly. We need to get our minds around this. Nehemiah 2 tells us that "in the month of Nisan" (4 months later) in serving the king as his cupbearer, but having continuing great sadness about the plight of Jerusalem that "the king said to me, 'Why is your face sad, seeing you are not sick? This is nothing but sadness of the heart.' I was then very much afraid" [Nehemiah 2:2]. What should we do when we are "very much afraid"? If we are truly godly, as Nehemiah was, we should instantly pray. Nehemiah tells the king the cause of his sadness, saying, "Why should not my face be sad when the city, the place of my father's graves, lies in ruins" [Nehemiah 2:3]. Then the king said to me, "'what are you requesting?' So I prayed to the God of heaven …" [Nehemiah 2:4]. What instant and urgent prayer was involved here! Imagine it! Nehemiah then asks, "If it please the king, and if your servant has found favour in your sight, that you send me to Judah, to the city of my father's graves that I may rebuild it" [Nehemiah 2:5]. The request is granted – because he responded in a godly way although in great fear –– there arose a challenging and wondrous opportunity. The account that unfolds in this book from hereon is an inspiration to all who are fully committed to serve God at every opportunity. Do you have that sense of commitment? How much will such be needed as life in this world becomes ever more uncertain – so let us all set our minds on developing that commitment more and more – and the foundation for this is to "feed" on God's word every day.-------- DC Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Resource Manager Posted November 19, 2017 Author Report Share Posted November 19, 2017 16 November 2017 Nehemiah 3Hosea 131 Thessalonians 1; 2 "TO PLEASE GOD WHO TESTS OUR HEARTS" As Paul and his companions travelled to bring the message of Christ their reception was different in each place. We have had the same experience ourselves. What is very pleasing is that in countries in which we did not expect to have much if any success in teaching the truth about the Bible, some progress has, most remarkably been made. We think of Nepal, then of Bangladesh, then Cambodia and now there is some response to our efforts to spread the truth of God's word, even in Iran, time will tell, how much. Today we are reading Paul's letters to the believers in Thessalonica and noted his comments in the first chapter that "they received the word in much affliction" [1 Thessalonians 1:6], also how they "became an example … for not only has the word of the Lord sounded forth from you in Macedonia and Achaia, but your faith in God has gone forth everywhere" [1 Thessalonians 1:7-8]. No wonder Paul is so enthusiastic in what he writes! In 1 Thessalonians 2 he recalls; "we had boldness in our God to declare to you the gospel of God in the midst of much conflict … we speak, not to please man, but to please God who tests our hearts. For we never came with words of flattery … nor with a pretext for greed …" [1 Thessalonians 2:2,4,5]. It is tragic that so often the motive in preaching has been wrong and those with the wrong motive God will judge. Those with the right motive accept Paul's call to "walk in a manner worthy of God, who calls you into his own kingdom and glory" [1 Thessalonians 2:12] Finally, we noted the point he made at the end of the 1 Thessalonians 1 – that we "wait for his son from heaven … Jesus who delivers us from the wrath to come" [1 Thessalonians 1:10]. This reminded us of what we read in Hosea today, the fate of those who have no time for God, "they shall be like the morning mist or like the dew that goes early away or like smoke from a window" [Hosea 13:3] to become no more, not even to know they ever existed. We must each ask ourselves, "What does God find when he tests my heart?"-------- DC Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Resource Manager Posted November 19, 2017 Author Report Share Posted November 19, 2017 17 November 2017 Nehemiah 4Hosea 141 Thessalonians 3; 4 "WHOEVER IS WISE, LET HIM UNDERSTAND" The above words are to be found in today's last verse at the end of Hosea. What is he (or she) to understand? The complete verse reads, "Whoever is wise, let him understand these things; whoever is discerning, let him know them; for the ways of the LORD are right, and the upright walk in them, but transgressors stumble in them." This has ever been true, but how few are wise in the ways of God these days? Today is like the final days of the northern kingdom to whom Hosea was bringing God's final appeal. The appeal in the previous verse, after lamenting their passion for idols was, "It is I who answer and look after you" and they were blind to this fact, just as the world today is blind. Now we specially note how God, through the prophet includes, in this last chapter, a vision of his ultimate purpose for his people, "I will heal their apostasy; I will love them freely … I will be like the dew to Israel; he shall blossom like the lily; he shall take root like the trees of Lebanon; his shoots shall spread out. They shall return and dwell beneath my shadow … they shall blossom like the vine" [Hosea 14:4-7] Who will blossom? "Whoever is wise" in the ways of God and seeks his mercy! The same message is in the words we read today in Paul's 1 Thessalonians. He told them "not to grieve as others do who have no hope for the time will come when the Lord himself will descend from heaven with a cry of command with the voice of the archangel, and with the sound of the trumpet of God. And the dead in Christ will rise first. Then we who are alive, who are left, will be caught up together with them in the clouds to meet the Lord in the air, and so we will always be with the Lord" [1 Thessalonians 4:13,16,17]. And where will the Lord be? Reigning from Jerusalem of course [isaiah 24:23; Micah 4:7]. And the final words in Thessalonians 4! "Therefore encourage one another with these words."-------- DC Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Resource Manager Posted November 19, 2017 Author Report Share Posted November 19, 2017 18 November 2017 Nehemiah 5; 6Joel 11 Thessalonians 5 "MAY YOUR WHOLE SPIRIT AND SOUL AND BODY BE KEPT BLAMELESS" Every generation has thought it possible for "the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ." [1 Thessalonians 5:23] to occur in their lifetime. Now what does the first part of the verse we have quoted above (and the 2 previous) say? "test everything; hold fast what is good. Abstain from every form of evil. Now may the God of peace himself sanctify you completely, and may your whole spirit and soul and body be kept blameless at the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ". Uncommon word "sanctify" – it is a word rarely used today – it means make yourself holy - in contrast to unholy! There is nothing in between – there is a narrow way – or a broad way! The opening verses of today's chapter cause heart-numbing meditation! "You yourselves are fully aware", writes Paul, "that the day of the Lord will come like a thief in the night; when people are saying 'there is peace and security' then sudden destruction will come …" [1 Thessalonians 5:2-3] A big example of this occurred when I was just a child. The British PM returned from an urgent meeting with the German leader Adolf Hitler. They had made a peace treaty and he returned waving the treaty and saying "It is peace in our time." Within months Hitler broke the agreement and there was all out war in Europe for the next 6 years and something like 12 million died – and probably as many or more than that were injured, maimed for life! Today the powerful nations constantly act to try to keep the troublesome nations, such as North Korea, under control. The masses of the people in just about all nations think there is no threat of major war between nations. The result is that they think the only threats are car and plane accidents and burglaries! Therefore they pursue every form of "enjoyment" oblivious to the wonder that there is a God who, by his Spirit sees and knows all! Let us remember that most meaningful Psalm of David [Psalm 23] – what a relationship he had with God! "He leads me in paths of righteousness for his name's sake … I will fear no evil, for you are with me … Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life, and I shall dwell in the house of the LORD forever." David learnt, after his sin with Bathsheba how "goodness and mercy…(would) follow me all the days of my life". These are words that express his faith! May be follow his example so that "(y)our whole spirit and soul and body (is) kept blameless until and at the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ". And how soon now – we are a significant 70 years on from when Israel miraculously became a nation again in 1947-48!-------- DC Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Resource Manager Posted November 19, 2017 Author Report Share Posted November 19, 2017 19 November 2017 Nehemiah 7Joel 22 Thessalonians 1; 2 "TO BE MARVELLED AT AMONG ALL WHO HAVE BELIEVED" Today we read two of the most dramatic passages in Scripture - in Joel and Thessalonians. It is far from easy to fit together some of the jigsaw pieces they present to us about the last days of human rule. It is clear the return of Christ will be the most incredible event the world has ever witnessed when "the Lord Jesus is revealed from heaven with his mighty angels in flaming fire, inflicting vengeance on those who do not know God and on those who do not obey the gospel of our Lord Jesus. They will suffer the punishment of eternal destruction, (put) away from the presence of the Lord and the glory of his might, when he comes on that day to be glorified in his saints, and to be marvelled at among all who have believed." [2 Thessalonians 1:7-10] Let us be among those "who have believed." What overwhelming awe the experience of that time will create in our hearts! It is also clear from the next chapter that there has to be a particular "lawless one" (A.V. "man of sin") "whom the Lord Jesus will kill with the breath of his mouth and bring to nothing by the brightness of his coming" [2 Thessalonians 1:8]. This "lawless one" has been responsible for "false signs and wonders, and with all wicked deception for those who are perishing, because they refuse to love the truth and so be saved. Therefore God sends them a strong delusion, so that they may believe what is false, in order that all may be condemned who did not believe the truth but had pleasure in unrighteousness." [2 Thessalonians 2:9-12] This "lawless one" is associated with a false religion and deceives people attracting them by encouraging "unrighteousness" - some unrighteousness has been exposed in the RC in our country in recent years; we note there is no Scripture demanding "celibacy" as a "law" among God's servants. When Jesus came the first time, the religious leaders all had a wrong understanding of the prophets' causing them to fail to recognize their Messiah. As God's "last days" judgements unfold it will become clearer to those who really "know" God's word what the "signs" mean and how they will be fulfilled. What is most vital is that we take no "pleasure in unrighteousness." Looking at Joel; he tells us of the drama of that day when "the earth quakes … the sun and the moon are darkened, and the stars withdraw their shining. The LORD utters his voice … he who executes his word is powerful. For the day of the LORD is great and very awesome; who can endure it?" [Joel 2:10-11] Yes, who will endure it? The answer is - those whose "faith is growing abundantly" [2 Thessalonians1:3]. Is that true of you and I?-------- DC Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Resource Manager Posted November 20, 2017 Author Report Share Posted November 20, 2017 20 November 2017 Nehemiah 8Joel 32 Thessalonians 3 "JUDGE THE SURROUNDING NATIONS" The final chapter of Joel's prophecy always intrigues us. It's opening verse is plain – "For behold in those days and at that time, when I restore the fortunes of Judah and Jerusalem. I will …" The fortunes of God's nation of Israel have been dramatically restored in the last 100 years. How long, we ask ourselves, before "the LORD roars from Zion and utters his voice from Jerusalem and the heavens and the earth quake" [Joel 3:16]. Very pertinent questions arise from God's words in Joel 3:12-13, "I will sit to judge the surrounding nations … for their evil is great." The next verse says, "multitudes" are involved – and yesterday's chapter indicated a particular "northerner" is involved who is destroyed after "he has done great things" [Joel 2:20]. In today's chapter the question is asked, 'What are you to me O Tyre and Sidon?" [Joel 3:4] Today this is the nation of Lebanon, "the region of Philistia" is also involved, which is now known as "the Gaza strip." The answer of the question us clear – they are counted as nothing in God's eyes. A wider challenge is made; "Proclaim this among the nations: consecrate for war; stir up the mighty men. Let all the men of war draw near; let them come up … let the weak say, I am a warrior." [Joel 3:9-10] All this has happened – is that happening complete? Joel 3:16-17 indicates a final climax when "The Lord roars from Zion, and utters his voice from Jerusalem, and the heavens and the earth quake. But the LORD is a refuge to his people, a stronghold to the people of Israel. So you shall know that I am the LORD your God …" The world at that time will at last know – but those who diligently read God's word should "know" now! What a blessing such knowledge will prove to be when the LORD "roars" and the nations are in great alarm. Those who "know" will have a special "peace of mind" – and they should have it now – they need to have it now. Finally, take heart-felt note of the point Paul makes we also read today as he completed his second letter to the Thessalonians. "Now may the God of peace himself give you peace at all times and in every way" [2 Thessalonians 3:16]. Is your heart feeling receptive to that peace? It should be if you are fully absorbing God's word.-------- DC Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Resource Manager Posted November 25, 2017 Author Report Share Posted November 25, 2017 21 November 2017 Nehemiah 9Amos 11 Timothy 1; 2; 3 "GODLY AND DIGNIFIED IN EVERY WAY" We live in a world where those in authority are constantly being challenged. Elections are confrontations that make news headlines; reasoned discussion is at a minimum: slogans are bandied around. An earnest and committed Bible believer is increasingly dismayed by the various environments that surround them. What attitudes should such believers take, especially when some specific attitude is expected of them? Dedicated believers were confronted by a critical problem 150 years ago in the USA by the Civil War; it was a testing time as these pioneers realized they had a higher citizenship. Paul wrote, "our citizenship is in heaven" [Philippians 3:20]. There is a parallel between a war of swords and a war of words, those who truly believe and fear God can engage in neither. The "soft answer" [Proverbs 15:1] is rarely practiced today. Our God and Saviour are the highest authority; we will read next week in Hebrews, that the divine authority functions by "discerning the thoughts and intentions of the heart … (and) … no creature is hidden from his sight" [Hebrews 4:12-13]. Today's chapters in 1 Timothy includes some valuable principles for our lives for these days. Timothy has been left at Ephesus to help the converts there grow spiritually [1 Timothy 1:3] and the advice in Paul's letter to him highlights that our foremost allegiance is to "the king of the ages, immortal, the only God, to whom be honour and glory for ever and ever" [1 Timothy 1:17]. This allegiance leads to a different kind of warfare! Timothy is told to "wage the good warfare, holding faith and a good conscience." [1 Timothy 1:18-19] In contrast those who fight in human wars hand over their conscience to their commanders. A true believers' relationship with human authorities is not one of rebelliously campaigning against such authority however justified than might sometimes appear. History shows that some believers have destroyed their faith and service before God by doing this. Paul tells Timothy, "First of all, then, I urge that supplications, prayers, intercessions and thanksgivings be made for all people, for kings and all who are in high positions that we may lead a quiet and peaceable life, godly and dignified in every way" [1 Timothy 2:1-2]. What a challenge this was to Paul in his own life, such was the nature of the opposition he encountered, yet he was "godly and dignified" in all the confrontations that were forced upon him. It becomes increasingly evident that the true believer cannot in conscience take part, or take sides, in the confrontations between factions in elections because he (or she) serves a higher authority. For those who will, by their Master's grace, be in a position of exercising remarkable authority in God's coming kingdom; life now is a valuable period of training. How is your training progressing?-------- DC Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Resource Manager Posted November 25, 2017 Author Report Share Posted November 25, 2017 22 November 2017 Nehemiah 10Amos 21 Timothy 4; 5 "I WOULD RATHER BE A DOORKEEPER ...” Paul’s letters to Timothy are very personal in parts and contain much sound advice, especially for those in a position of responsibility among believers. True believers always need to look to the future: solving problems effectively is not achieved through emergency stop gap measures; the council in Jerusalem [Acts 15] is an example of how things should be done. God revealed to Paul that “the Spirit expressly says that in later times some will depart from the faith by devoting themselves to deceitful spirits and teachings of demons, through the insincerity of liars whose consciences are seared, who forbid marriage and require abstinence from foods …” [1 Timothy 4:1-3] Timothy had many things to try to correct at Ephesus and also needed to anticipate problems the spirit’s guidance foretold. Problems like these were evident among believers down through the centuries and some are evident today. The reference to some forbidding marriage brought to mind the unnatural and unscriptural practice of the Catholic Church in requiring its priests to be celibate. It is evident that their alleged first Pope, Peter, was married! [Matthew 8:14] In today’s very ‘open’ world it is increasingly hard to keep anything hidden from public view, and it is now clear what celibacy has led to in some cases. Paul and Barnabas did not marry [1 Corinthians 9:5-6] but this was their personal decision in giving their all in the service of Christ. Timothy is advised to “train yourself for godliness; for while bodily training is of some value, godliness is of value in every way, as it holds promise for the present life and also for the life to come.” [1 Timothy 4:7-8] This implies that the degree of godliness we attain now will be reflected in responsibilities in the life to come as some of Jesus’ parables indicate [Luke 19:17-19]. A psalmist wrote, “I would rather be a doorkeeper in the house of my God …” [Psalm 84:10] Timothy is to “set the believers an example in speech, in conduct, in love, in faith, in purity … devote yourself to the public reading of scripture …” [1 Timothy 4:12-13] None would have had their own Bibles so public reading was very important. Paul emphasizes; “Practice these things, devote yourself to them, so that all may see your progress. Keep a close watch on yourself and the teaching. Persist in this …” [1 Timothy 4:15-16] In the “race that is set before us” [Hebrews 12:1] let us “persist in this” – for the race is not over until the finishing line is reached – and how tragic it will be to “have run in vain” [Philippians 2:16]-------- DC Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Resource Manager Posted November 25, 2017 Author Report Share Posted November 25, 2017 23 November 2017 Nehemiah 11Amos 31 Timothy 6 "SO THAT MY HOLY NAME IS PROFANED" How is God's name profaned? Two days ago we started reading the prophecy of Amos, he ministered at about the same time of Hosea, about 30 years before the collapse and captivity of the northern kingdom, and the seeds of godlessness that Ahab and Jezebel had sown were bearing evil fruit. Israel and Judah both claimed to know and serve the living God, the only God. Amos gives details of their bad behaviour, his comment on their sexual misconduct made us think of the way of life today in so many countries that were formerly, to some degree, Christian and still profess a form of Christianity. He says, "a man and his father go into the same girl so that my holy name is profaned" [Amos 2:7] and "in the house of their God they drink … wine" [Amos 2:8] instead of going there to worship. God's name, i.e. his good name, his reputation, is profaned, by the bad behaviour of those who claim to serve him. When Priests on both sides of the first World War blessed and prayed to apparently the same God for his help to the soldiers going into battle against each other, God's name was profaned – and many turned away from Christianity and churches have become increasingly empty over the last 100 years. Today's chapter tells us of "this word that the LORD has spoken against you … against the whole family that I brought up out of the land of Egypt: you only have I known of all the families of the earth" [Amos 3:1-2] God had "known" them and had made a covenant with them giving them the 10 Commandments and other laws. Their special standing in his sight should have been reflected in their behaviour. Then, because it didn't, God causes the prophet to say "therefore I will punish you for all your iniquities" [Amos 3:2]. Special blessings and privileges should so lift up our minds and aims in life that we joyfully live at a high spiritual level – and this gives glory to God's name. How little is this happening today! Depravity is seen on every side. How long before Amos's message applies to this age? It already has, but it will apply more and more – for he said, "Does disaster come to a city unless the LORD has done it?" [Amos 3:6]. We need to reflect more on the words of God's prophets, "For the Lord GOD does nothing without revealing his secret to his servants the prophets" [Amos 3:7].-------- DC Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Resource Manager Posted November 25, 2017 Author Report Share Posted November 25, 2017 24 November 2017 Nehemiah 12Amos 42 Timothy 1 "NOT BECAUSE OF OUR WORKS, BUT ..." We started reading Paul's final letter today; "the time of my departure" from this life "has come" [2 Timothy 4:6] he tells Timothy. Since his dramatic conversion his life had been filled with doing a great many works in carrying his saviour's name to a great many places. But his ultimate salvation will not be because of this! We cannot "earn" salvation through "works" - rather we are "working together with him" [2 Corinthians 6:1] "for," as Paul told the Philippians, "it is God who works in you, both to will and to work for his good pleasure." Our "works" should be the result of our totally committed love for Christ, the result of realizing that this life, although remarkable in so many ways, is a preparation for the transition to the 'real' endless life that is to come. There are 'burdens' in this life, and Paul fully experienced these, but, as he told the Corinthians, "this light momentary affliction is preparing for us an eternal weight of glory beyond all comparison, as we look not to the things that are seen but to the things that are unseen. For the things that are seen are transient, but the things that are unseen are eternal." [2 Corinthians 4:17-18] Paul reminds Timothy in his last letter to him (and us) of the 'spirit' of mind they shared together in serving Christ. We should notice and try to absorb into our own thinking the point he makes, "God gave us a spirit not of fear but of power and love and self-control." [2 Timothy 1:7] This is the end result of developing a genuine relationship with God, fully sensing that "in him we live and move and have our being." [Acts 17:28] With this wonderful relationship, which is impossible to fully comprehend, we are motivated to work in his vineyard, Paul being an outstanding example for us in doing this. And yet, may we all fully realize, as Paul tells Timothy [2 Timothy 1:9] it is "not because of our works but because of his own purpose and grace, which he gave us in Christ Jesus ..." It is a challenge for us to comprehend how Paul had become so conscious of the eternal timeless nature of the Creator for which the word, 'omniscience' has been created by men. Paul perceives that, in God's consciousness, this "holy calling" was given "us in Christ Jesus before the ages began" but "has now has been manifested through the appearing of our Saviour Christ Jesus, who abolished death and brought life and immortality to light through the gospel" [2 Timothy 1:9-10]. It is God alone who "knows the end from the beginning" [isaiah 46:10]. In Revelation 21:5-6, the one on the throne says, he is "the beginning and the end." So he has, already in his all-seeing "knowing" seen death as being "abolished." This is far beyond normal understanding and provokes thought challenging meditation on the infinite nature of the Creator we serve. Let us join with Paul in saying, as he told Timothy, "I know whom I have believed, and I am convinced that he is able to guard until that Day what has been entrusted to me" [2 Timothy 1:12]. May we use our minds to "follow the pattern of the sound words" [2 Timothy 1:13] that can only be found in the scriptures "which is (are) at work in you believers." [1 Thessalonians 2:13] - but only if we continue to feed our minds on them every day.-------- DC Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Resource Manager Posted November 25, 2017 Author Report Share Posted November 25, 2017 25 November 2017 Nehemiah 13Amos 52 Timothy 2 "DO NOT WIPE OUT MY GOOD DEEDS" Today we completed reading the book of Nehemiah. For some reason [Nehemiah 13:6] the Persian King had caused Nehemiah to leave Jerusalem. This happened "in the thirty second year of Artaxerxes (12 years after Nehemiah first came)… and after some time I asked leave of the king and came to Jerusalem, and I then discovered the evil that Eliashib ("the priest" Nehemiah 13:4) had done for Tobiah, in preparing for him a chamber in the courts of the house of God. "And I was very angry and threw out all the household furniture of Tobiah …" [Nehemiah 13:6-8] Nehemiah's good work was being undone through a failure to obey God's decrees. They had previously "found written in the book of Moses … that no Ammonite … should ever enter the assembly of God" [Nehemiah 13:1] and Tobiah was an Ammonite [Nehemiah 2:10]. This is a lesson in the need for faithfulness in correctly following what God has decreed. Following this Nehemiah makes the plea, "Remember me, O my God, concerning this, and do not wipe out my good deeds that I have done for the house of my God and for his service" [Nehemiah 13:14] Nehemiah then finds they are "profaning the Sabbath day" Nehemiah warns them [Nehemiah 13:15]. Tyrians, "who lived in the city brought in fish and all kinds of goods and sold them on the Sabbath" [Nehemiah 13:16] Nehemiah "confronts the elders of Judah" [Nehemiah 13:17] over allowing this. A day of "rest", which is what the word Sabbath means, has been a valuable practice in human life. When we were young no sport was played on Sunday and none of the shopping centres opened. Sunday was observed as the Christian day of rest; it was the day when Christ rose from the dead. Nehemiah then asks, "Remember this also in my favour, O my God, and spare me according to the greatness of your steadfast love" [Nehemiah 13:22]. Each generation must learn the true ways of living and believing for God will "remember." His word abounds with examples of failures, especially among following generations. Paul is anxious at the end his life to train Timothy to carry on his work for the Lord, so that his achievements are not wiped out. We read today his words to Timothy, "Do your best to present yourself to God as one approved, a worker who has no need to be ashamed, rightly handling the word of truth" [2 Timothy 2:15]. Let us follow Paul's advice today, and then the Lord will remember this in our favour.-------- DC Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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