Resource Manager Posted November 1, 2011 Report Share Posted November 1, 2011 01 November 2011 2 Chronicles 30Daniel 10Acts 10 "IN THE PRESENCE OF GOD" When are we in the presence of God? We do not have a temple to enter as the Jews did in the time of Jesus. We also thought of Hezekiah as we read 2 Chronicles 30 today. The new king had cleansed the temple after the evil reign of his father Ahaz. There was much worship and rejoicing as they offered sacrifices in the cleansed Temple, and “there was great joy in Jerusalem, for since the time of Solomon the son of David king of Israel there had been nothing like this in Jerusalem. Then the priests and the Levites arose and blessed the people, and their voice was heard, and their prayer came to his holy habitation in heaven.” [2 Chronicles 30:26,27] In our reading today in Acts 10, Peter has a remarkable vision that turns right around how he had been trained to think about associating with the Gentiles. Most would know of Peter’s encounter with the centurion Cornelius and its outcome. The words that we particularly noticed was the opening greeting from the Roman, “Now therefore we are all here in the presence of God to hear all that you have been commanded by the Lord.” [Acts 10:33] When believers – and seekers – come together, there is also an unseen spiritual presence! The Gospel of Matthew ends with the words, “Go therefore and make disciples of all nations, baptising them … teaching them … and behold I am with you always to the end of the age.” Jesus had earlier said, “where two or three are gathered in my name, there am I among them.” [Matthew 18:20]. The fascinating sequel to the visit to Cornelius and “the many persons gathered” [Acts 10:27] with him is that “the Holy Spirit fell on all those who heard the word” [Acts 10:44] making clear their acceptance by God. Peter then declares, “Can anyone withhold water for baptizing these people … and he commanded them to be baptised in the name of Jesus Christ” [Acts 10:47,48] It is disturbing that many today who claim conversion in a spiritual sense – in their hearts – but see no need to follow such examples that show that water baptism should also take place. -------- DC Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Resource Manager Posted November 2, 2011 Author Report Share Posted November 2, 2011 02 November 2011 2 Chronicles 31Daniel 11Acts 11; 12 "AT THE TIME OF THE END" Daniel 11 is a challenging chapter; actually the last 3 chapters of Daniel’s book form a continuous vision he experiences that is so awesome he says, “by reason of the vision … I retain no strength … no breath is left in me” [Daniel 10:16,17] The main part of Daniel 11 is taken to relate to events in the following centuries and before the coming of Christ. The apocryphal book of Maccabees covers much of this period. Then the vision moves forward toward “the time of the end” [Daniel 11:35]. It is unwise to come to dogmatic conclusions as to the identity of the king of the north and the king of the south as far as the last days scenario is concerned. Throughout history the Holy Land has had problems with enemies to the north and south. One thing that stands out as far as the last days era is concerned is that there emerges [Daniel 11:36-40] a northern power that “shall pay no attention to the gods of his fathers or … to any other god, he shall magnify himself above all. He shall honour the god of fortresses ...” [Daniel 11:37,38] This is so like the godless Communist attitude. Then, “at the time of the end, the king of the south shall attack him” [Daniel 11:40]. Who this power is we will not attempt to guess, it is wise to await events to see where the jigsaw piece fits. The southern force is overwhelmed and the northerner “shall come into the glorious land” [Daniel 11:41]. Surely this is the Holy Land, the coastal plain down through Tel Aviv is the most obvious path for an army. But the countries to the east (Jordan, etc?) are left untouched, “but the land of Egypt shall not escape” [Daniel 11:42] “The Libyans and the Cushites (Sudan) shall follow in his train” [Daniel 11:43]. This prompts us to watch current developments. Sudan, now separated from the more Christian south, is militantly Islamist and what kind of new Libya is now developing? The climax comes when “news from the east and the north alarm” [Daniel 11:44] the invading northerner and he goes “with great fury to destroy … yet he shall come to his end, with none to help him” [Daniel 11:44,45] The vision flows straight into tomorrow’s chapter and “a time of trouble such as there has never been” [Daniel 12:1] But our closing thought is from the words of Jesus. Older Bible versions translate him as saying “Watch therefore” and we might think he is telling us to watch world events. But the more vital message is, as now translated in Matthew 24:42-44, “Therefore, stay awake … be ready, for the Son of Man is coming at an hour you do not expect.” We need to watch ourselves to make sure we are awake and spiritually ready.-------- DC Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Resource Manager Posted November 4, 2011 Author Report Share Posted November 4, 2011 03 November 2011 2 Chronicles 32Daniel 12Acts 13 "GOD LEFT HIM TO HIMSELF ... TO TEST HIM" The account of the life of King Hezekiah has some significant lessons for us. He was a man of great faith when opposed by godless men – and the proud king of Assyria would have frightened any man of lesser godliness into submission. Hezekiah had been so industrious in strengthening the defences of Jerusalem; he enlarged the city by building extra walls and cutting off the access of its enemies to the water supply. So the Assyrians tried to use words to frighten the king and the people. We read in 2 Chronicles 32 that “they spoke of the God of Jerusalem as they spoke of the gods of the peoples of the earth, which are the works of men’s hands.” [2 Chronicles 32:19]. Then “the king and Isaiah the prophet … prayed because of this and cried to the God of heaven. And the LORD sent an angel who cut off all the mighty warriors and commanders and officers … So he returned with shame of face to his own land.” [2 Chronicles 32:20-21] As a result of this God given triumph “many brought gifts to the LORD in Jerusalem and precious things to Hezekiah King of Judah, so that he was exalted in the sight of all nations from that time onward” [2 Chronicles 32:23]. The lesson we then specially noted was that “Hezekiah did not make return according to the benefit done to him, for his heart was proud” [2 Chronicles 32:23]. God’s wrath came leading Hezekiah to “humble himself for the pride that was in his heart” [2 Chronicles 32:26] 2 Chronicles 32:31 is significant “in the matter of the envoys from the princes of Babylon … God left him to himself, in order to test him and to know all that was in his heart.” [2 Chronicles 32:31] What does it mean “God left him”? Was not this to see if he would, of himself, demonstrate whether he had really learnt the extent to which God was involved in his life as a result of his prayers for deliverance from the Assyrian king? A lesson for us to realize, as Paul did, was that “we are working together with God” [2 Corinthians 6:1], that “we are God’s fellow workers” [1 Corinthians 3:9] and we, like Paul said of his experience “I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me.” [Philippians 4:13] In this climax of the last days, as we have read today in Daniel 12, need to be totally conscious how much we need that strength to “endure to the end.”-------- DC Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Resource Manager Posted November 4, 2011 Author Report Share Posted November 4, 2011 04 November 2011 2 Chronicles 33Hosea 1Acts 14; 15 "SAVED THROUGH THE GRACE OF THE LORD JESUS" 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, 2011 Author Report Share Posted November 5, 2011 05 November 2011 2 Chronicles 34Hosea 2Acts 16; 17 “WHILE HE WAS YET A BOY" The reigns of the son and grandson of Hezekiah were disastrous and the Jewish nation went into 57 years of steep spiritual decline. The 10 tribe northern nation went to captivity into Assyria. Then the final good king in Jerusalem comes on the scene. There was chaos in the land when his father was murdered and then the murderers were killed and Josiah was made king when he was only 8 years old. “And in the eighth year of his reign, while he was yet a boy, he began to seek the God of David his father (ancestor) and in the twelfth year he began to purge Judah and Jerusalem …” [2 Chronicles 34:3]. Do we sense that some teenagers today delay making their commitment to God? Do some think they can indulge in worldly pursuits first for awhile? How foolish – all that we feed our minds on makes a mark of some kind on us. Josiah is an example of this, as was Joseph and other young men - and women, such as Mary. Josiah grows up to be a man of action from the age of 20. His reign is the final good reign in this era of God’s kingdom. At this time Jeremiah and Ezekiel had their youthful preparation for their later service of God. We also noted that although the northern kingdom had gone into captivity, Josiah also had zeal to act in breaking down the objects of false worship that remained in that area, see verses 2 Chronicles 34:6, 7. In our Acts reading there is the first mention of Timothy; it is obvious he was fairly young but “Paul wanted Timothy to accompany him … as they went on their way through the cities” [Acts 16:3,4] The rest of the chapter is about the journeys of Paul and Silas, but later, when Paul goes and stays in Athens after their adventures in Phrygia, Galatia, Troas, Philippi, Thessalonica and Berea, brethren “conducted Paul as far as Athens” [Acts 17:15] and at that time Paul gave a command “for Silas and Timothy to come to him as soon as possible.” So this had been a training time for young Timothy who, it seems most likely, was with them in all these experiences “while he was yet a boy” or a very young man: an example for the youth of today and how they can and should seek for opportunities to develop their lives in Christ. -------- DC Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Resource Manager Posted November 6, 2011 Author Report Share Posted November 6, 2011 06 November 2011 2 Chronicles 35Hosea 3Acts 18; 19 “JEREMIAH ALSO UTTERED A LAMENT FOR JOSIAH” Following on from our thoughts yesterday about the spiritual initiatives of the “boy” king Josiah, our reading today tells us of how a great Passover celebration was organised by him when he was 26 and that “No Passover like it had been kept in Israel since the days of Samuel the prophet” [2 Chronicles 35:18] Josiah was highly thought of, but 13 years later he got unwisely involved in a conflict between Assyria and Egypt and was fatally wounded. There was great sadness, but this must have been “God’s will”, the people did not deserve such a good king. The prophet Jeremiah now starts his ministry. The foundation to his faith and dedication being laid during Josiah’s years. We read “Jeremiah also uttered a lament for Josiah” [2 Chronicles 35:25] just as those in our age lament the passing of the greater levels of spirituality during our youth. After Josiah’s death it took less than 23 years and the reigns of 4 weak and unspiritual kings before Jerusalem and the temple were utterly destroyed. Is there an underlying reason for this collapse of spirituality? The nation and the people had appeared to reach such spiritual heights with such a Passover in Josiah’s reign. The probable answer lies in the detail of today’s chapter. In keeping that impressive Passover, it was the King, the priests and the Levites who provided the sacrificial offerings which totalled 37,000 lambs and 3,800 bulls, Josiah himself providing most of them “from the king’s possessions.” [2 Chronicles 35:7] So this great Passover did not cost the ordinary people anything! Was it no more than a great free feast for most of them? Prophets, led by Isaiah had repeatedly warned the people that they must have the right attitude in approaching God, “You meet him who joyfully works righteousness (as Josiah did), those who remember you in your ways. Behold … all our righteous deeds are like a polluted garment,” wrote Isaiah. [isaiah 64:5,6] After Josiah’s death all the kings “did evil in the sight of the Lord” [2 Chronicles 36:5,9,13] “and the people likewise were exceedingly unfaithful.” [2 Chronicles 36:14] God provided his son Jesus as a sacrifice for us – do we fully appreciate this? Does it affect our conscience, our hearts? If our appreciation is only intellectual, a ritual in which our heart is not meaningfully involved, the final outcome will be as great a disaster as it was in those days.-------- DC Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Resource Manager Posted November 7, 2011 Author Report Share Posted November 7, 2011 07 November 2011 2 Chronicles 36Hosea 4Acts 20 “THEY SHALL FEAR … IN THE LATTER DAYS” Hosea, whose prophecy we are presently reading, prophesied in the tragic final days of the northern kingdom. It was a time when God’s people were pursuing fleshly activities and, at best, giving him only nominal worship. Because the idols of the surrounding nations encouraged immorality they were attracted to worship them. Look at the stern messages God caused him to speak and consider how much they apply to life today! “The LORD has a controversy with the inhabitants of the land. There is no faithfulness or steadfast love and no knowledge of God in the land; there is swearing, lying, murder, stealing and committing adultery” [Hosea 4:1,2] He continues, “My people are destroyed for lack of knowledge (of God)… I will change their glory into shame … because they have forsaken the LORD to cherish whoredom (immoral sexual acts), wine and new wine which take away understanding” [Hosea 4:6,7,10] But in Hosea 3 we read a remarkable prophecy, “The children (children means the people, they were God’s children) of Israel shall dwell many days without a king or prince, without sacrifice … afterward the children of Israel shall return and seek the LORD their God and David their king, and they shall fear (be in awe of) the LORD and his goodness in the latter days.” [Hosea 3:4,5] The last part of that message would put joy into the prophet’s heart. This time is surely about to begin! The people of Israel are back in their land but they are yet to have their king, a temple and offer sacrifice. God reveals the end long before it happens (as we count time). Will we be part of that “end”? Or are we simply going to live blind to Gods’ awareness of our lives, as Israel did in Hosea’s time? A final time of great trouble is very near and we will need clearness of vision and faith in God. There will be no neutral position, Jesus said, “Whoever is not with me is against me” [Matthew 12:30] The Kings of Israel and Judah are described as either “good” or “evil” To be “lukewarm” spells disaster, look at Revelation 3:16.-------- DC Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Resource Manager Posted November 8, 2011 Author Report Share Posted November 8, 2011 08 November 2011 Ezra 1; 2Hosea 5Acts 21; 22 " ... DAUGHTERS, WHO PROPHESIED" Our reading in Acts today is about Paul and his journey back to Jerusalem and the events there. Luke, who was with him, records that when they “came to Caesarea … we entered the house of Philip the evangelist, who was one of the seven (see Acts 6:3) and stayed with him. He had four unmarried daughters who prophesied” [Acts 21:8,9] This is one of the few verses which are sometimes appealed to as they appear to show to the minds of some that the Lord gives women an equal speaking role to men in serving him. To say they ‘prophesied’ does not mean they predicted the future. In the verses which follow we see that “a prophet named Agabus came down from Judea” [v.10] and did that. In 1 Corinthians 14, reading from 1 Corinthians 14:26 we see a list of the different activities that take place when “believers come together.” These include “a lesson, a revelation, a tongue, or an interpretation. Let all things be done for building up” [1 Corinthians 14:26]. Paul adds, “Let two or three prophets speak, and let the others weigh what is said’ [1 Corinthians 14:29], they are to “prophecy one by one, so that all may learn.” [1 Corinthians 14:31] Learn what? It is clear that this is not prophesying in the sense of predicting the future, but of forth-telling the will of God. The Old Testament prophets spent far more of their time addressing the spiritual issues around them as our present readings in Hosea illustrate. To the Romans Paul wrote, “For whatever was written in former days was written for our instruction that … through the encouragement of the Scriptures we might have hope.” [Romans 15:4] So looking at prophets such as Hosea would be a source of instruction. Now in the next verses in 1 Corinthians 14 Paul makes the point, “As in all the churches of the saints, the women should keep silent … they are not permitted to speak” [1 Corinthians 14:33,34] Now Phillip, as an evangelist would almost certainly have access to “the scriptures … written in former days”. Such scriptures would be scarce since they were all hand copied onto valuable vellum. It seems most probable that his daughters would also see and keenly read them. So we conclude, when they “prophesied” these were the inspiration and source of much of what they said - but this would not be when the believers came together in worship. We live in a world full of competition between individuals, but the life of believers should be one of teamwork; this was illustrated in our reading in Acts 18 two days ago in the actions of a husband and wife team. When they, “Priscilla and Aquila heard him, (Apollos) they took him and explained to him the way of God more accurately” [Acts 18:26]. The fact that Priscilla is mentioned first probably indicates she had the greater ability to do this. In 1 Peter 3:7, he comments that husbands and wives should pray together; it is teamwork in all situations that bring us closer to God – and how much we need that in these last days.. -------- DC Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Resource Manager Posted November 9, 2011 Author Report Share Posted November 9, 2011 09 November 2011 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 10, 2011 Author Report Share Posted November 10, 2011 10 November 2011 Ezra 5; 6Hosea 7Acts 25; 26 "FOR THIS HAS NOT BEEN DONE IN A CORNER" When Paul testifies to his faith and actions before King Agrippa he said some particularly interesting things. Luke who records these, was evidently an eyewitness to these events and all that was said - for the first verse of Acts 27 continues to use the word “we”. Paul reflects back on the events following the resurrection of Jesus and his own conversion when Festus interrupts him, “Paul you are out of your mind” [Acts 26:24] to which Paul responds, “”I am not out of my mind, most noble Festus, but I am speaking true and rational words. For the king knows about these things, and to him I speak boldly. For I am persuaded that none of these things has escaped his notice, for this has not been done in a corner” [Acts 26:25,26] That last phrase means that these events attracted a lot of attention, they became widely known. Many records outside the Bible illustrate the impact that the Christian message had on the ancient world. The message spread with so much rapidity that there were so many Christians in Rome 35 years after Christ’s resurrection that the evil Emperor Nero persecuted them ferociously in trying to pin the blame on them for the great fire in Rome in AD64. This is testified by the Roman historians Tacitus and Suetonius. Truly the events in Jerusalem at the climax of the life on earth of Jesus Christ “had not been done in a corner.” The world was forever changed as a result as the message and significance of those events spread; the religious attitudes in the world were turned upside down. [Acts 17:6] Tragically, in following centuries, there were increasing efforts to change the message by Greeks and others to fit in with their own religious beliefs, such as their belief that the human soul is immortal. But the original true message is still known by those who read their Bible’s diligently; but the lack of such today shows we are in the predicted era when “scoffers will come in the last days with scoffing, following their own sinful desires” [2 Peter 3:3]. Human beings are at last succeeding in persuading themselves that these things were “done in a corner” and can be ignored! What a shock they are in for – the “eleventh hour” is here! May we all be aware and awake to that fact!-------- DC Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Resource Manager Posted November 11, 2011 Author Report Share Posted November 11, 2011 11 November 2011 Ezra 7Hosea 8Acts 27 "WE WERE VIOLENTLY STORM TOSSED" Today we have Luke’s account in Acts 27 of the epic voyage to Rome he made with Paul. The dangers of sea voyages in those days are graphically illustrated in this account. Those exploring the Mediterranean seabed with today’s modern equipment have located the remains of many ancient wrecks. Paul’s journey was made on 2 different ships and as they sailed on the second ship the pilot and owner of the ship decide to take the risk of sailing on although winter is approaching; they ignore a warning by Paul. The ship is caught by “a tempestuous wind … they were driven along … we were violently storm tossed … all hope of our being saved was at last abandoned.” [Acts 27:15,17,18,20] There is a spiritual parallel to this most fearful experience. Jesus speaks of this world’s ‘voyage’ in the last days as being when there will be “on the earth distress of nations in perplexity because of the roaring of the sea and the waves, people fainting with fear and foreboding of what is coming on the world.” [Luke 21:25,26] Our world is becoming increasingly “storm tossed” with greater fears about the future; especially about climate change, also the world’s financial mess which has no apparent solution and now emerging nuclear fears in connection with Iran and a potential Middle East war. We sometimes sing a hymn with the words, ‘With Christ in the vessel we’ll smile at the storm.’ How strong is our faith that we are really in the vessel that has Christ in command? We note that such was Paul’s strength of faith that those on board were “encouraged” [Acts 27:36] and finally put their confidence in what he was saying. But in these last days there is no Paul and those who look to the Bible now do they have real confidence in it? Let us build up our confidence by feeding our minds on it daily so that when this world becomes really “storm tossed” we will possess the “full assurance of faith” [Hebrews 10:22] One final thought today’s date is 11/11/11 and the “peace” at the end of the World War 1 was signed on this day 93 years ago at the eleventh hour. Now there is only one place in the Bible that refers to “the eleventh hour”! It is in Matthew 20:1-9, have a look at it and see if it applies to you. -------- DC Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Resource Manager Posted November 12, 2011 Author Report Share Posted November 12, 2011 12 November 2011 Ezra 8Hosea 9Acts 28 "DISAGREEING AMONG THEMSELVES" Our world is full of those who disagree with each other. One example is the financial crisis and the resulting “blame game.” However, the conflict of views among the Jews was most serious and their disagreement had eternal consequences. We have reached the end of the book of Acts with its account of Paul’s arrival in Rome. Disagreement arose among the Jews as Paul revealed the disagreements in Jerusalem that led to him being there. “From morning till evening he expounded to them, testifying to the kingdom of God and trying to convince them about Jesus both from the Law of Moses and from the prophets” [Acts 28:23]. Throughout history, and especially in that era, people were challenged by God’s word. How many are prepared to diligently examine it on its merits? How many look at it from the perspective of their pre-disposed ways of thinking? Far too many! Paul went to what God had inspired others to write to prove his points. He told Timothy, “Do your best to (be)… a worker who has no need to be ashamed, rightly handling the word of truth.” [2 Timothy 2:15] What reaction did Paul get? “Some were convinced by what he said, but others disbelieved. And disagreeing among themselves they departed after Paul had made one statement. ‘The Holy Spirit was right in saying to your fathers through Isaiah …” [Acts 28:25] And what had Isaiah written? “Go to this people and say, ‘You will indeed hear but never understand, you will indeed see but never perceive. For this people’s heart has grown dull.’ ” [Acts 28:26,27] Grown dull? The NIV translation puts it this way, “this people’s heart has become calloused”. That is as true as ever in this 21st Century! The book of Acts ends by telling us that Paul “lived there two whole years … and welcomed all who came … proclaiming the kingdom of God and teaching about the Lord Jesus Christ” This has been the case right up to the 21st Century – and so many of those who hear still respond by “disagreeing among themselves”. Let us all prayerfully read God’s word every day and then we will find agreement and our hearts will not “grow dull” or “calloused.”-------- DC Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Resource Manager Posted November 13, 2011 Author Report Share Posted November 13, 2011 13 November 2011 Ezra 9Hosea 10Colossians 1 "FILLED WITH THE KNOWLEDGE OF HIS WILL" Today we started to read Paul’s epistle to the Colossians. Paul tells them that when Epaphras, “a faithful minister of Christ on your behalf … made known to us your love in the Spirit … we have not ceased to pray for you” [1 Corinthians 1:7-9] We particularly noticed what Paul was asking! He was “asking (in prayer) that you may be filled with the knowledge of His will” How can we know God’s will? Is this only a matter of reading the Bible and that will reveal to us the will of God; what he wills to happen on the earth? We notice that the first verse says, “Paul, an apostle of Christ Jesus by the will of God.” We know well how God, through Christ, acted to make him an apostle, although Paul was to see himself as “the very least of all” [Ephesians 3:8]. When we come to Colossians 4 we will read that Epaphras not only sends his greetings but is “always struggling on your behalf in his prayers, that you may stand mature and fully matured in all the will of God.” [Colossians 4:12] It seems clear that Paul is not writing of “the will of God” in a general sense, but in the specific sense of knowing God’s will towards them in their lives, as it had been toward Paul in bringing about his conversion. Now this is only seen as we look back and consider the nature of the pathway he has caused us to travel. Then we notice that this “will” was not in the sense of a knowledge of facts about God’s plans - because Paul goes on to state that this awareness of God’s will was to be “in all spiritual wisdom and understanding.” This is not human knowledge and wisdom such when we go to school and do courses in an effort to gain sufficient knowledge to pursue a career path. Paul’s awareness of God’s will was his desire for them (and us) “to walk in a manner worthy of the Lord, fully pleasing to him.” [1 Corinthians 1:10]. True believers, Paul is saying, inevitably have a life changing experience; otherwise they are not true believers. The result of being true believers is that they are “bearing fruit in every good work” – this “fruit” is their present wages. Now note how the verse ends! “and increasing in the knowledge of God.” Again, we meditate on the nature of that “knowledge” and remember Job’s encounter with God and how God “answered Job out of the whirlwind and said: Who is this that darkens counsel by words without knowledge” [Job 38:1] Job comes to realize and admit to God, “I had heard of you by the hearing of the ear, but now my eye sees you.” [Job 42:5] What kind of “eye” is this? This reminds us of Paul words about gaining, as the result of a committed prayerful attitude, “the spirit of wisdom and of revelation in the knowledge of him, having the eyes of your heart enlightened” [Ephesians 1:17,18] We must each ask ourselves, are the eyes of my heart enlightened so that I can see God’s will for me?-------- DC Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Resource Manager Posted November 14, 2011 Author Report Share Posted November 14, 2011 14 November 2011 Ezra 10Hosea 11Colossians 2 WHY EZRA IS HEART BROKEN Today we completed our reading of Ezra, a book which has several lessons for us in these days. The Jews had returned from captivity in Babylon and their first task had been to rebuild the Temple, which, after some hindrances, they did, and true worship resumed. Yesterday we learnt that the lack of walls to Jerusalem, which the Babylonians had broken down, that this lack had allowed easy access to another kind of enemy – and Ezra is heart broken when he realizes this and makes an impassioned prayer to God about the damage this enemy had done. But it is not physical damage. “I rose from fasting” he writes, “with my garment and cloak torn, and fell upon my knees and spread out my hands to the Lord my God saying, O my God, I am ashamed and blush to lift my face to you …” [Ezra 9:5,6] It is evident his actions are in public and we read today, “While Ezra prayed and made confession, weeping and casting himself down before the house of God, a very great assembly of men and women gathered to him out of Israel, for the people wept bitterly” [Ezra 10:1]. Ezra appeals to them, “Even now there is hope … let us make a covenant with our God” [Ezra 10:2,3]. Their reaction to Ezra’s appeal is positive, they say, “we are with you: be strong and do it” [Ezra 10:4] It is clear that the exiles that had returned had freely mixed with the idol worshipping people of the land and many marriages with them had recently taken place. Their spiritual integrity was seriously compromised. This final chapter reveals a great effort to change this. Now we do not lament the lack of city walls, but we can and should lament the fact that worldly values and attitudes are now penetrating far too easily into our lives. We need the spiritual awareness Ezra had. We must also have the spiritual defences that we are now reading in Paul’s letter to the Colossians, for the believers there were faltering in their spiritual commitment. The point is summed up in his words, “Therefore, as you received Christ Jesus the Lord, so walk in him, rooted and built up in him and established in the faith … see to it that no one takes you captive by philosophy and empty deceit, according to human tradition” [Colossians 2:6-8]. Let us put down deeper roots and become more firmly established in our faith and avoid the humanistic attitudes that so many churches are adopting as well as the worldly values that will destroy the spiritual “walls” in our minds.-------- DC Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Resource Manager Posted November 15, 2011 Author Report Share Posted November 15, 2011 15 November 2011 Nehemiah 1; 2Hosea 12Colossians 3; 4 "SO I PRAYED TO THE GOD OF HEAVEN" The book Nehemiah wrote is one of the most stimulating in the Bible. It is his intimate account of his relationship with God and his deep concern for the city of God: so when he receives news that the people are “in great trouble and shame” and “the wall of Jerusalem is broken down, and its gates are destroyed by fire” [Nehemiah 1:3] he “sat down and wept and mourned for days” [Nehemiah 1:4] and prays. “O LORD God of heaven, the great and awesome God who keeps covenant and steadfast love with those who love him and keep his commandments. Let your ear be attentive and your eyes open, to hear the prayer of your servant” [Nehemiah 1:5,6] Nehemiah was the cupbearer to the Persian King, a very trusted role. The King senses his depression and says, “Why is your face sad, seeing you are not sick? This is nothing but sadness of heart.” [Nehemiah 2:2] Nehemiah then reacts within himself, “Then I was very much afraid” - the King was all powerful, what should he say? He tells the king, “Why should not my face be sad, when the city, the place of my fathers’ graves lies in ruins…” [Nehemiah 2:3] Then the king says, “What are you requesting?” The next words in the text are, “so I prayed to the God of heaven” [Nehemiah 2:4]. This is a moment of instant prayer, a moment at the crossroads in the course of one’s life. Because Nehemiah was already a most prayerful man his prayer was answered, he was, in a sense, given the words to say to the king. This led to him being sent to Jerusalem with letters from him [Nehemiah 2:7,8] for “the king granted me what I asked, for the good hand of my God was upon me.” There is opposition from the non-Jews in Jerusalem, but Nehemiah “replied to them, ‘The God of heaven will make us prosper, and we his servants will arise and build …” [Nehemiah 2:20]. The next few chapters are especially inspiring. How prayerful are we? Our prayers to God prove whether we have a real relationship with heaven so that we “can with confidence draw near to the throne of grace, that we may receive mercy and find grace to help in time of need.” [Hebrews 4:16] ------- DC Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Resource Manager Posted November 16, 2011 Author Report Share Posted November 16, 2011 16 November 2011 Nehemiah 3Hosea 131 Thessalonians 1; 2 "AND NEXT TO HIM ... AND AFTER HIM" Our thoughts yesterday finished with Nehemiah rebuking those who opposed the rebuilding of the walls of Jerusalem; these were an Ammonite and an Arab [Nehemiah 2:19], they did not want the Jews to be able to defend themselves. But the Jews set to work – and it was a most remarkable team effort! As we read Nehemiah 3 today we counted 33 individuals and groups who each did their part in rebuilding parts of the wall, noting the words, “and next to him … and after him.” We read, for example, “Jedaiah … repaired the wall opposite his home” [Nehemiah 3:10] Then Shallum, “ruler of half the district of Jerusalem, repaired, he and his daughters” [Nehemiah 3:12]; so it was an all out effort with the women helping too! The gates also had to be repaired and put in place [Nehemiah 3:14,15] The priests also were involved [Nehemiah 3:22], no one was exempt – and is not this the same in building up the “body of Christ”? Nehemiah inspired in them with such a will to work that they completed the work “in fifty two days” [Nehemiah 6:15] despite increasing opposition as we will read tomorrow. Lets consider the spiritual counterpart to all this, we do not have a human Nehemiah urging us on, instead we have our Lord Jesus. In Hebrews 12 believers are urged to “run with endurance the race that is set before us, looking to Jesus, the founder and perfector of our faith …” [Hebrews 12:1,2] In Ephesians 2:21,22 we see that believers are building on the foundation the prophets and Apostles laid - and Jesus is the “cornerstone, in whom the whole structure, being joined together, grows into a holy temple in the Lord. In him you also are being built together …” Paul told the Corinthians, “Let each one take care how he builds upon it” [1 Corinthians 3:10] and in I Thessalonians which we started reading today, we will read that “since we belong to the day” and not the darkness of this world, “therefore encourage one another and build one another up” [1 Corinthians 5:8,11] Followers of Christ are a team and teamwork is vital! We have no head but Christ. Sadly those who have strayed from the way the church was ‘built’ in the first Centuries resort to having leaders. We note that Peter stood up on the day of Pentecost after the Holy Spirit was poured out - and he said “these men are not drunk as you suppose” [Acts 2:15] showing that the other 11 were with him and probably also standing up. Peter, although the spokesman at Pentecost, is rarely named alone (see Acts 3:1; 4:13,19). When Peter wrote his epistle he said “I exhort the elders among you, as a fellow elder” [1 Peter 5:1 – and read the following verses]. So the example of teamwork in Nehemiah is an example for true believers of all ages. -------- DC Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Resource Manager Posted November 17, 2011 Author Report Share Posted November 17, 2011 17 November 2011 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 1st letter to the Thessalonians. He told them “not to grieve as others do who have no hope” [1 Thessalonians 4:13] 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 our Thessalonians chapter!? “Therefore encourage one another with these words.” -------- DC Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Resource Manager Posted November 18, 2011 Author Report Share Posted November 18, 2011 18 November 2011 Nehemiah 5; 6Joel 11 Thessalonians 5 "FOR GOD HAS NOT DESTINED US TO WRATH" Can anyone be in any doubt that our world is facing a bleak future? No! Man made problems are piling up! The leaders of the nations are on edge and most people do not trust their leaders. Added to this we have seen how God has caused fearsome weather events and, most of all, powerful earthquakes. Our reading today of the last chapter of 1 Thessalonians tells us that “the day of the Lord will come like a thief in the night” [1 Thessalonians 5:2]. This has its real application to our days. The last verses of yesterday’s chapter were about the resurrection and the incredible dramas at the return of Christ. Now we read, “while people are saying ‘There is peace and security, then sudden destruction will come … ” [1 Thessalonians 5:3]. The United Nations is a centre for talking, for saying what the majority of nations would like to see happen, but there is no cohesion and they have no ability to make it happen – whether it is good for the world or not. Next we noted Paul’s words to genuine believers, “you are not in darkness brothers (and sisters), for that day to surprise you like a thief in the night. For you are all children of light, children of the day.” Let us make sure we are living, believing that “we belong to the day” [1 Thessalonians 5:8]. Paul continues; “put on the breastplate of faith and love, and for a helmet the hope of salvation. For God has not destined us to wrath, but to obtain salvation …” [1 Thessalonians 5:8,9] Paul’s further advice is, “pray without ceasing, give thanks in all circumstances; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you.” [1 Thessalonians 5:17, 18] We noted that phrase, “in all circumstances.” It is easy to give thanks and show love when everything is going well – but the future facing the world is the opposite! So let us make sure our “breastplate of faith” is firmly in place and “the hope of salvation” is vivid and real as a “helmet” to both protect and inspire our thinking, giving us a clear vision of the divinely ordained future and our part in it.-------- DC Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Resource Manager Posted November 19, 2011 Author Report Share Posted November 19, 2011 19 November 2011 Nehemiah 7Joel 22 Thessalonians 1; 2 "TO BE MARVELLED AT AMONG ALL WHO HAVE BELIEVED" Today we have two most dramatic passages to read in Joel and Thessalonians and it is far from easy to fit together some of the jigsaw pieces they present. It is clear that 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] It is also clear from the next chapter that there has been a particular “lawless one” (AV. ‘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 2:8]. 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.” Now seeing how, when Jesus came the first time, virtually all had a particular expectation which caused them to fail to recognize their Messiah, we would do well to not dogmatically decide precisely how these Scriptures apply. As God’s “last days” judgements unfold that will become clear. What is most vital is that we take no “pleasure in unrighteousness.” Joel also 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? Those whose “faith is growing abundantly” [2 Thessalonians 1:3]-------- DC Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Resource Manager Posted November 20, 2011 Author Report Share Posted November 20, 2011 20 November 2011 Nehemiah 8Joel 32 Thessalonians 3 "AND THEY TOLD EZRA THE SCRIBE TO ... " It never ceases to surprise us when doing the daily Bible readings to notice things we had never really noticed before. Our chapter in Nehemiah describes the events after the Temple had been rebuilt and the city walls and gates made secure. We noted in Nehemiah 4:6 that “the people had a mind to work.” Today’s chapter [Nehemiah 8] starts by telling us how “all the people gathered as one man into the square below the Water Gate. So they told Ezra the scribe to bring the Book of the Law of Moses that the LORD had commanded … ” [Nehemiah 8:1] The initiative came from the people! Now don’t let us think of the 5 books of Moses as purely a set of commandments to be observed like the laws of our country. The Jews call these books the Torah – the Hebrew word for Law. Look at Psalm 119 where David uses the word Torah 25 times. “Let your mercy come to me that I may live, for your law is my delight” [Psalm 119:77], “Great peace have those who love thy law; nothing can make them stumble.” [Psalm 119:165] Ezra’s generation were learning about their entire heritage and these included the powerful exhortations of Moses just before his death which is the substance of the book of Deuteronomy. As a result of the peoples’ request Ezra “read from it … from early morning until midday, in the presence of the men and women and all who could understand what they heard …” [Nehemiah 8:3] There is a list of 14 Levites [Nehemiah 8:7] who helped the people to understand. “They read … clearly, and they gave the sense, so that the people understood the reading” [Nehemiah 8:8]. We are told “all the people wept as they heard the words of the Law” - but they were told by Nehemiah, Ezra and the Levites, “This day is holy to the LORD your God; do not mourn or weep.” [Nehemiah 8:9] Reading God’s word should challenge our thinking and our emotions. It should challenge us to think about our own personal relationship with God and with his Son, our Saviour. So they “calmed all people, saying ‘Be quiet, for this day is holy, do not be grieved.’ And all the people went their way to eat and drink … and to make great rejoicing, because they had understood the words that were declared to them.” [Nehemiah 8:11,12] Understanding the word of God should cause us great rejoicing. Does it?-------- DC Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Resource Manager Posted November 21, 2011 Author Report Share Posted November 21, 2011 21 November 2011 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 experiences feelings of dismay. What attitudes should they 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 contain some valuable principles. 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 results in a different kind of warfare! Timothy is told to “wage the good warfare, holding faith and a good conscience.” [1 Timothy 1:18,19] 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 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. -------- DC Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Resource Manager Posted November 22, 2011 Author Report Share Posted November 22, 2011 22 November 2011 Nehemiah 10Amos 21 Timothy 4; 5 "KEEP A CLOSE WATCH ON YOURSELF" Paul’s letter of advice to Timothy whom he calls “my true child in the faith” [1 Timothy 1:2], is a source of much valuable guidance to all those who are sincerely trying to live in a Christ like way in this ever more evil world. Paul reminds him how he has been “trained in the words of the faith” [1 Timothy 4:6] - but training is only the start. Paul continues, “have nothing to do with irreverent silly myths. Rather train yourself for godliness, for … godliness is of value in every way, as it holds promise for the present life and also for the life that is to come.” [1 Timothy 4:7,8] Godliness is not something which happens automatically. Paul draws a comparison with “bodily training” which is of “some value” [1 Timothy 4:8]. How much effort do some put into “bodily training”! Winning is the only reward they aim for! How little attention do some put into training for godliness! When we read God’s word regularly, does godliness follow automatically? Timothy is a young man who was left at Ephesus to guide the new believers, Paul tells him, “command and teach these things. Let no one despise you for your youth, but set the believers (both men and women) an example in speech, in conduct, in love, in faith, in purity.” [1 Timothy 4:11,12] Do you have a Timothy setting you an example in all these different things? It is important for those who realize it is their responsibility to set an example to note Paul’s advice to Timothy to “practice these things, devote yourself to them, so that all may see your progress. Keep a close watch on yourself and on the teaching. Persist in this, for by so doing you will save both yourself and your hearers.” [1 Timothy 4:15,16]. Notice the words, train yourself, practice, devote and persist! Finally, did you notice how the chapter started? “Now the Spirit expressly says that in later times some will depart from the faith” [1 Timothy 4:1]. Surely we are now living in the ultimate later times. -------- DC Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Resource Manager Posted November 23, 2011 Author Report Share Posted November 23, 2011 23 November 2011 Nehemiah 11Amos 31 Timothy 6 "DOES DISASTER COME ... UNLESS THE LORD HAS DONE IT?" Our reading in Amos [Amos 3] starts with a challenging statement and a series of questions. Amos is giving the LORD’s message to people who were becoming more and more ungodly. “Hear this word that the LORD has spoken against you, O people of Israel, 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; therefore I will punish you for all your iniquities.” [Amos 3:1,2] There is a most important principle here which applies to all those who have committed their lives to believe in and serve God. This Israel had done. God had a special relationship with the people, who had become his people, when he brought them up out of the land of Egypt, they were “known” by him, they had made a covenant with him [Exodus 19:5]. So God causes Amos to ask, “Do two walk together unless they have agreed … ?” [Amos 3:3] There were increasing problems for God’s nation because of their failure to walk as “one” with him, the only true God. Verses 4 to 6 contain a series of questions and statements about natural situations of cause and effect, these lead to the statement, “Does disaster come to a city unless the LORD has done it?” [Amos 3:6] Israel had a unique relationship with God, as a result they were “known” by him, so events in the nation have to be seen from that perspective. Their disasters had a divine cause – as did their blessings. Consider all that is involved in being “known” by the Almighty! Committed believers are walking and working together with God [1 Corinthians 3:9; 2 Corinthians 6:1] as Israel had been. So believers can also perceive situations of cause and effect – but a clear perception of this, in our experience, can only be gained when one looks back on some of the events on the course of one’s life. Paul was seeing this in his life as he explained to Timothy [1 Timothy 1:12-16] – and we will see this in a profound and eternal sense tomorrow when we come to read the 1st chapter of his 2nd Epistle.-------- DC Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Resource Manager Posted November 24, 2011 Author Report Share Posted November 24, 2011 24 November 2011 Nehemiah 12Amos 42 Timothy 1 "BEFORE THE AGES BEGAN" Paul’s second letter to Timothy is the last letter he wrote; he knows he is nearing the end of his life and writes, “I have finished the race, I have kept the faith. Henceforth there is laid up for me the crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous judge, will award me on that Day, and not only to me, but also to all who have loved his appearing” [2 Timothy 4:7,8] What a wonderful state of peace of mind which all true believers should aim to emulate. Paul’s perception of that which is eternal is an inspiration to us. Paul is able to see life from God’s eternal perspective. He perceives that for God the passage of time does not occur. It is a struggle for us to get this into focus. In his first chapter (today’s reading) Paul writes of “the power of God, who saved us and called us to a holy calling, not because of our works, but because of his own purpose and grace, which he gave us in Christ Jesus before the ages began.” [2 Timothy 1:8,9] He then says that this calling “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 1:10]. For us the abolition of death is now a certain prospect for the future. This reminds us of Paul’s words to the Romans, that “the faith of Abraham” enabled him to see, from God’s perspective the, sense of the present tense in God’s word’s “I have made you a father of many nations” and how “God gives life to the dead and calls into existence the things that do not exist” [Romans 4:16,17] except in the foreknowledge of God. (see 1 Peter 1:20) We read in Revelation that Jesus was “the Lamb that was slain from the creation of the world” [Revelation 23:8 NIV] and, in God’s perception of time, he was slain! From the moment that Adam sinned and mortality became a fact of human life, in God’s foreknowledge he was slain. But this is not easy for us to grasp. But God is at work in believers today, as we commented yesterday. Some of us, as we look back on the course of our own lives, can see a chain of cause and affect that are remarkable. These are things we could never have planned ahead but, in retrospect, we see God at work in us for he knows the end from the beginning for those he can use in some part of his purpose. Meditate on Romans 4:15,16. -------- DC Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Resource Manager Posted November 25, 2011 Author Report Share Posted November 25, 2011 25 November 2011 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]---------- DC Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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