Resource Manager Posted November 1, 2012 Report Share Posted November 1, 2012 01 November 2012 2 Chronicles 30Daniel 10Acts 10 "GOD IS GRACIOUS AND MERCIFUL" "In 2 Chronicles 30 we have a wonderful testimony to the way God shows grace, describing the events which led to this. Hezekiah had come to the throne in Jerusalem; his father Ahaz had been a wicked king. Hezekiah first restores the Temple to make it fit for worship and re-organises and re-consecrates the priests as we read in 2 Chronicles 29 yesterday. A proclamation is made throughout the nation, this is also sent to the largely ungodly northern tribes, inviting them to come to Jerusalem to keep the Passover again. The king’s message is, “O people of Israel, return to the LORD, the God of Abraham, Isaac and Israel, that he may turn again to the remnant of you … Do not be like your fathers, and your brothers, who were faithless to the LORD …. So that he made them a desolation … Do not be now stiff-necked …” [2 Chronicles 30:6-8] His message continues, “… if you return to the LORD your brothers and your children will find compassion … For the LORD your God is gracious and merciful…” [2 Chronicles 30:9] We read that “couriers went from city to city … but they laughed them to scorn and mocked them … however, some … humbled themselves and came to Jerusalem.” [2 Chronicles 30:11] The was particularly the reaction of the godless northern tribes, but “the hand of God was also on Judah to give them one heart to do what the king and the princes commanded by the word of the LORD.” [2 Chronicles 30:12] Very soon after this the northern tribes of the kingdom were taken away to captivity by the Assyrians: actually just 6 years after Hezekiah came on the throne (see 2 Kings 17:6; 18:1) Sadly about 140 years later the nation of Judah also became so godless that it suffered the same fate, this was at the hands of the Babylonians. We can see comparisons with today! It has become common place to scorn and even mock at the message of God in the Bible. Let us make sure we are among the few that so think and live to whom “God is gracious and merciful” because they trust his word as the only source of hope in a world that is increasingly experiencing his “fierce anger” [2 Chronicles 30:8]. It may be that exceptional fierce and destructive events such as in the weather – worse than anything previously experienced - illustrate this. Do we not see “fire and hail, snow and mist, stormy wind fulfilling his word!” [Psalm 148:8]? In this situation may the LORD be “gracious and merciful” to all who turn and humble themselves and seek to serve him in truth and righteousness – knowing that “whoever does not practice righteousness is not of God.” [1 John 3:10]-------- DC Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Resource Manager Posted November 2, 2012 Author Report Share Posted November 2, 2012 02 November 2012 2 Chronicles 31Daniel 11Acts 11; 12 "HE DID WITH ALL HIS HEART" In reading 2 Chronicles 31 today, 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 [2 Chronicles 31:20-21] 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 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 this happening. But he was a mortal king so his work did not last, but in the kingdom, 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 3, 2012 Author Report Share Posted November 3, 2012 03 November 2012 2 Chronicles 32Daniel 12Acts 13 “THE TIME OF THE END” Today we completed reading the challenging book of Daniel. Some of the things we read were plain to understand but the phrase “the time of end” occurs 4 times [Daniel 11:35,40; 12:4,9] and challenges our understanding – and it is hard to know how to answer the challenge. We would love to more fully understand it. On the final occasion Daniel writes, “the words are shut up and sealed until the time of the end”. Are we now about to see what they mean? We can see what some probably mean – Daniel 12:4 says “many shall rush to and fro” – well exactly 63 years ago I was on my way to Australia from England and the trip took 30 days, more recently it took me 24 hours! How long did it take Captain Cook? The same verse also says, “knowledge shall be increased” That is remarkably true within my lifetime, but my grandparents were seeing a considerable increase in knowledge in theirs! Today, we wonder what the world’s scientists and technology wizards will discover and invent next! But what about the references in Daniel 11? The clue in the New Testament is the way the Gospels describe some events then happening as fulfilling the words of the prophets. [eg. Matthew 1:22; 2:15,17,23; 4:14 etc] So the prophecies are not so much given to make us seem clever in knowing events before they happen, but to confirm our faith when we see them happen. Daniel 11 intrigues us. It shows there will be “a king of the north” at the time of the end [Daniel 11:40] who overwhelms a king in the south. The context makes it clear this is north and south of God’s Holy Land. The aggressor goes south into Egypt and the adjoining countries. Today these are both Islamic - he gains their “treasures” (oil?) Then “news from the east and north alarm him” [Daniel 11:44] and he reacts with fury to try to destroy the cause, and starts by establishing himself “between the sea and the glorious Holy mountain” (surely Jerusalem). But then!! The text states, “yet he shall come to his end with none to help him” and “at that time shall arise Michael”. Who is he? He is one of God’s chief angels we read about in Daniel 10 and “he has charge of your (God’s chosen) people. And there shall be a time of trouble such as never has been since there was a nation till that time” [Daniel 12:1] Jesus elaborates on these words (e.g. Luke 21:25-26). Then the resurrection of the good and the bad takes place, the good are identified as having their names written in the book (of life – see Philippians 4:3) but only they receive “everlasting life” We are surely living in “the time of the end” - we can see the outline but not the detail, but coming events will make the clues plainer to those who know God’s scriptures. But the most important thing for us personally is in Daniel 12:10 which ends, “… but those who are wise shall understand.”-------- DC Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Resource Manager Posted November 4, 2012 Author Report Share Posted November 4, 2012 04 November 2012 2 Chronicles 33Hosea 1Acts 14; 15 “THROUGH MANY TRIBULATIONS” No one likes friction, yet it is impossible to totally avoid it. News bulletins are usually dominated by information about troubles, about friction of various kinds, and as the world becomes more ungodly this is increasing many fold. God often uses human friction to test men and women as to whether they will follow what is good and true – or not! It is of great concern when it occurs inside churches between church members, but it serves a purpose. Our readings today, in Acts 14; 15 once again include accounts of friction as the Gospel spread in the First Century. Paul and Barnabas spent a long time in Iconium and a great number believed “but the unbelieving Jews stirred up the Gentiles and poisoned their minds” and “the people of the city were divided” [Acts 14:2,4]. A threat of stoning arose so they fled to other cities and preached and made more converts. Later they made a return journey “strengthening the souls of the disciples, encouraging them to continue in the faith, and saying that through many tribulations we must enter the Kingdom of God.” [Acts 14:22] Very few of us have faced troubles like this! Is that a blessing or not? The last year or two has brought disturbing news about fellow-believers in some countries – and led to many prayers on their behalf.. All previous generations have faced difficulties, often because they would not join the army and train to fight – when I was 19 I had to go to court because I refused to do this. Some of the relatively few believers in Germany were killed by the Nazis; also in Russia (Ukraine) in the 1930’s fellow believers were all killed, today in some countries they find it very difficult, indeed, dangerous to come together in any number for worship. But friction results in greater conviction – you ask yourself whether you are really certain of what you believe. If you are not certain that what you are defending is vitally important, you will not defend it, or only half-heartedly so. The only really convinced people you seem to hear about these days, at least in this country, are those who are certain there is no God and they should be allowed to live whatever lifestyle suits them. What are we really certain about? We have to make sure NOW that we have a clear answer! Check how much oil is in your lamp!-------- DC Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Resource Manager Posted November 5, 2012 Author Report Share Posted November 5, 2012 05 November 2012 2 Chronicles 34Hosea 2Acts 16; 17 “WHILE HE WAS YET A BOY” Reading the context about the one who is described as being “yet a boy” we discover he was 16 years old. Who was he? What did he do at this age? Today we read 2 Chronicles 34 about a really young boy who “was eight years old when he began to reign” [2 Chronicles 34:1]. His father Amon had died after reigning only 2 years but he was a very ungodly king, like his grandfather Manasseh of whom we read [2 Chronicles 33:10] “The LORD spoke to Manasseh and to his people, but they paid no attention.” The LORD speaks to every generation these days through his written word, but so few pay any real attention. Well, we read in today’s chapter how this 16 year old boy, “in the eighth year of his reign , while he was yet a boy, he began to seek the God of David his father” [2 Chronicles 34:3]. When he was 20 he started to take action to destroy all the false places of worship. At his command, “they chopped down the altars of the Baals in his presence” [2 Chronicles 34:4]. When he was 26 he gave orders to repair the Temple and make it fit for use in the worship of the LORD. In the process of doing this, Shaphan the secretary reported to him, “I have found the book of the Law in the house of the LORD” [2 Chronicles 34:15]. After it had been read before him “the king sent and gathered together all the elders” [2 Chronicles 34:29]; then the King himself “read in their hearing all the words of the Book of the covenant” [2 Chronicles 34:30]. The result was a great reformation! What a total difference reading God’s word makes when it is read with intent and purpose by a heart that is seeking to really know God and develop a real relationship with him. How great is the need for such a reformation today. In those days it was initiated by the King as we will read tomorrow. But today it has to start with the individual and God has seen to it that His word is available in all languages. It will be diligently read by those who are mentally awake and see the need to really seek God. Those who are ready to practice the result of such a seeking will make sure they read it. What position are you in? -------- DC Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Resource Manager Posted November 6, 2012 Author Report Share Posted November 6, 2012 06 November 2012 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 witness 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] Is our understanding 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 we have done that and become “innocent” – having a clear conscience having carried out our responsibility there in the service of God, we should seek to make an opportunity to go further afield seeking places where people are prepared to listen – as Paul 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, 2012 Author Report Share Posted November 7, 2012 07 November 2012 2 Chronicles 36Hosea 4Acts 20 “UNTIL THERE WAS NO REMEDY” Today we completed reading 2nd Chronicles, a chapter which describes the final end of the kingdom set up in God given glory in the reigns of David and Solomon. Now it has become a time when “all the officers of the priests and the people were exceedingly unfaithful …” [2 Chronicles 36:14] to God. Despite this, The LORD, the God of their fathers , sent persistently to them by his messengers, because he had compassion on his people …” [2 Chronicles 36:15] We can see parallels with today. There was a resultant awareness and awe of God in the generations following the time the Bible was first printed.- and initially many parts of the world became God fearing. This spirit has now just about all disappeared – yet human beings still benefit from the “compassion” God still shows in holding back from the severe judgment human beings deserve. Let us ask ourselves – are we worthy of God’s calling? We recall Paul’s words, “… we always pray for you that our God may make you worthy of his calling …” [2 Thessalonians 1:11]; yet how can God make us worthy if we take little or no notice of his word? We fearfully note the next verse in Chronicles for it is parallel with what must be about to happen to our world, for the people then were “despising his words and scoffing … until the wrath of God rose … until there was no remedy” [2 Chronicles 36:16] Well, the only remedy was destruction of ungodliness! There is also a clear parallel to this in what we read in Hosea today. This prophet was giving a message in the final years of the northern kingdom saying “the LORD has a controversy with the inhabitants of the land. There is no faithfulness or steadfast love, and no knowledge of God …” [Hosea 4:1] What a contrast with the last verse of the previous chapter and its remarkable vision of the future! This is as much a vision for us as for them! A time will come, says God through the prophet when “the children of Israel shall return and seek the LORD their God, and David their king, and they shall come in fear to the LORD and to his goodness in the latter days.” This verse will be fulfilled when the kingdom of God is established! Today we see that Israel has, at least in part, returned to their land, but are yet to “seek” the LORD. We are in “the latter days” – but how we individually believe and behave will decide whether we experience “the goodness of the LORD” and rejoice in the incredible wonders that are promised to God fearing men and women of all ages and all races.-------- DC Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Resource Manager Posted November 8, 2012 Author Report Share Posted November 8, 2012 08 November 2012 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 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 an 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; 4:5). 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 receive “the inheritance” we are now heir to – remembering Paul’s words to the Ephesian elders we read 2 days ago and 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 9, 2012 Author Report Share Posted November 9, 2012 09 November 2012 Ezra 3; 4Hosea 6Acts 23; 24 "… LIKE A MORNING CLOUD" Today’s chapter in Hosea is a message given when God was about to send the 10 northern tribes into captivity in Assyria. There are several points made by God through this prophet which are helpful for us to think about. Notice the line of thought that starts in Hosea 6:4 - where the chapter break is in the wrong place. “What shall I do with you, O Ephraim? (the leading tribe in the northern kingdom) What shall I do with you Judah? Your love is like a morning cloud, like the dew that goes early away.” How remarkably true this of the course human love so often takes these days! If we live in a rural area and wake to the rising of the sun and see the dew on the ground and the mist hovering above it, we accept it is an altogether peaceful and tranquil scene. But it is also rather like human expressions of love for each other can be like all too often these days. The Jews made a great show of worship and sacrificing in their temple, especially on the appointed feast days – but Jesus saw much self-exaltation in their worship. Two verses further on Hosea states God’s attitude, “I desire steadfast love and not sacrifice, the knowledge of God rather than burnt offerings” There is no difficult in understanding “steadfast love” but it is valuable to realize that sometimes the context in which the word “knowledge” occurs shows it has the sense of ‘knowing’ as in a true relationship between two people. Isaiah 53:11 is an outstanding example. It forecasts the work of Christ, “ … by his knowledge shall the righteous one, my servant, make many to be accounted righteous and he shall bear their iniquities”. Jesus had a total “knowing” relationship with God and with the strength of mind that relationship produced he was able to overcome all the fleshly inclinations of his human nature. Let us aim to follow his example as closely as we can and develop a really ‘knowing’ relationship with God. It is valuable to bear in mind the prayer of our Lord, “… this is eternal life, that they know you the only true God” [John 17:3]-------- DC Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Resource Manager Posted November 10, 2012 Author Report Share Posted November 10, 2012 10 November 2012 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, 2012 Author Report Share Posted November 11, 2012 11 November 2012 Ezra 7Hosea 8Acts 27 “FOR THEY SOW TO THE WIND” You may have heard the proverb about sowing to the wind and reaping the whirlwind? Do you know what it means? Did you know it was taken from the Bible? The farmer in ancient times, sowed seed in his field by carrying a basket and scattering the seed around as he walked. He took care to scatter it as evenly as possible but still some fell in unproductive places as the parable of Jesus tells us; it was very unwise to sow on a windy day. Our reading in Hosea today [Hosea 8] has God, through his prophet telling the nation, “For they sow to the wind, and they shall reap the whirlwind” [Hosea 8:7]. The spiritual application here for them – and for us - is about how we use our life, our intellect, and our energies. When you go to school; you are - or were - “sowing” for your future. Those who sow to the wind blow the seeds of thought and purpose in their minds all over the place. Lots of useless stuff comes into their minds that will not only be of no benefit in the future, but has quite a chance of being destructive. The context in Hosea is that Israel, especially the northern ten tribes, had done just that! We read in the very next verse, “Israel is swallowed up; already they are among the nations as a useless vessel.” They have become a ‘vessel’ sailing they know not where – there are no thoughts about direction- only about their immediate future. Hosea’s contemporary prophet in Judah, Isaiah, was similarly telling them, “…the Lord God … called for weeping … and behold (instead) joy and gladness … drinking wine (and saying) ‘Let us eat and drink, for tomorrow we die” [isaiah 22:13]. This is living totally for the enjoyment of the moment, today, this week, this month … The essential fault, as Hosea puts it is that [Hosea 8:14] “… Israel has forgotten his Maker”. That is exactly the case today, most do not want to believe their Creator even exists! The result of this non-belief – this sowing in the wind, is that our world today is now getting very worried about the whirlwinds looming on the horizon. Some of these are literal as the effects of the apparent climate change become more and more evident and violent. Jeremiah, the final prophet God sent to his nation as it collapsed, said, “I know O LORD, that the way of man is not in himself, that it is not in man who walks to direct his steps” [Jeremiah 10:23] We can only direct our steps, our future in a meaningful way if we direct our minds to the ways of God: daily Bible reading and meditative reflection will lead us to know how to direct our steps, not only preventing us from sowing to the wind, but giving us a totally wonderful eternal future.-------- DC Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Resource Manager Posted November 12, 2012 Author Report Share Posted November 12, 2012 12 November 2012 Ezra 8Hosea 9Acts 28 “I WAS ASHAMED TO ASK” Today’s reading in Ezra [Ezra 8] does not look at first very interesting with all its detail about those returning from captivity in Babylon. It appears that Ezra himself wrote this chapter and the next. He led a company of Levites who were returning to Jerusalem and they had with them a great quantity of gold and silver, as detailed in Ezra 7; this was the what Nebuchadnezzar had plundered from the Temple about 100 years before. The Persian King is motivated to send it back to the Temple that had now been reconstructed. It is just possible that this King was the son of Queen Esther of whom we are going to read in a couple of weeks’ time. Ahasuerus is mentioned Ezra 4:6 and Daniel refers to a king of this name in Daniel 9:1: a connection would explain the action of this king Artaxerxes (see Ezra 7:21) These Levites are carrying a cargo of enormous value, the 20 gold bowls [Ezra 8:27] alone contained 250 ounces of gold! What a target for robbers what a challenge of faith for Ezra and his fellow Levites.. Ezra proclaims a fast [Ezra 8:21] before they set out “that we might humble ourselves”. He then said, “For I was ashamed to ask the king for a band of soldiers and horsemen to protect us against the enemy on our way, since we had told the king, ‘The hand of our God is for good on all those who seek him, and the power of his wrath is against all those who forsake him’.” Scripture shows that sometimes God leads us through the valleys for our ‘long term’ good – that we grow and gain the full assurance of faith: these are times of testing to teach us to even more earnestly commit our lives to God. If we are ‘soldiers for Christ’ there are journeys to be undertaken and tests to be endured; we will read examples of such in Paul’s letters from tomorrow as we have just finished reading in Acts. As we grow spiritually stronger we must not be ashamed of professing our faith. When Ezra reaches Jerusalem he says, “The hand of our God was on us and he delivered us from the hand of the enemy and from ambushes by the way.” [Ezra 8:31] As we complete the journey of our own lives may we say the same – or when it is evident that our Lord is returning and the ‘virgins’ are going forth with their lamps and are seeing “the power of his wrath … against all those who forsake him” [Ezra 8:22]-------- DC Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Resource Manager Posted November 13, 2012 Author Report Share Posted November 13, 2012 13 November 2012 Ezra 9Hosea 10Colossians 1 "THAT YOU MAY BE FILLED WITH ..." The Apostle Paul has some challenging points to make in his letter to believers at Colossae – most of them are really relevant to us today, An very important point is the power of prayer. Paul rejoices that “the word of truth, the gospel which has come to you … is bearing fruit and growing” [Colossians 1:5-6] The gospel is not static – it is a living message, it grows; when we have really embraced it into our hearts and minds it shows its presence within us; this was happening in Colossae and so writes Paul “from the day we heard, we have not ceased to pray for you …” [Colossians 1:9] Now, note what he prays for: it is no general prayer of thanksgiving, but “…asking that you may be filled with the knowledge of his will in all spiritual wisdom and understanding.” How do we read God’s word? For what purpose? What effect does it have on us? We should also ask ourselves, ‘With what spirit, in what frame of mind do I read it? Is it limited to the aim of understanding it a little better? We should reflect on Paul’s words about having “all spiritual wisdom” as a result of our reading and ponder whether there is real evidence of this in us. The next verse [Colossians 1:10] shows the result that comes when our minds are filled in this way, it leads us “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.” Do you, did I, “walk in a manner worthy of the Lord” yesterday? If not, let us aim to do so today that we may be “fully pleasing to him.” -------- DC Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Resource Manager Posted November 14, 2012 Author Report Share Posted November 14, 2012 14 November 2012 Ezra 10Hosea 11Colossians 2 "BE STRONG AND DO IT" 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 some flourish and 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 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 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.” [Ezra 10:1] 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] 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. Finally, we specially note the ‘punch line’ in Ezra of Shecaniah’s final words to him, “we are with you, be strong and do it.” [Ezra 10:4] This is a recipe for action by all who have slipped or are starting to slip away from true belief and service to God in our days. -------- DC Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Resource Manager Posted November 15, 2012 Author Report Share Posted November 15, 2012 15 November 2012 Nehemiah 1; 2Hosea 12Colossians 3; 4 "STRUGGLING ON YOUR BEHALF IN HIS PRAYERS" The wonder and reality of effective prayer confronts us in today’s readings. Paul tells the Colossians to “continue steadfastly in prayer, being watchful in it with thanksgiving ... pray also for us” [Colossians 4:2-3] Paul is imprisoned, he asks them to “remember my chains” [Colossians 4:18] A believer from Colossae is with him “Epaphras, who is one of you, a servant of Christ Jesus, greets you, always struggling on your behalf in his prayers” And what is he praying for with such an earnest struggle? The verse continues, “that you may stand mature and fully assured in all the will of God.” [Colossians 4:12] Are there some we should utter such a prayer for? There could be many! How ‘alive’ with meaning are those words! All prayer is made, or should be, conscience of the will of God – there are times when we implore God that it might be his will that something will – or will not – occur – or cease; that a ‘thorn in the flesh’ might be removed – or understanding given to appreciate God’s will in allowing it. (see 2 Corinthians 12:7-10) . The prayer from the heart of a committed believer is made knowing that God has the oversight of their lives – and God sees that in the lives of “those who love God, all things work together for good” [Romans 8:28], that is for the good of God’s will and purpose, the ultimate example being the mortal life of our Lord. Today we started reading the book of Nehemiah and it has heart stirring lessons for us. “O Lord” he prays “let your ear be attentive to the prayer of your servant, and to the prayer of your servants who delight to fear (be in awe of) your name, and give success to your servant today, and grant him mercy in the sight of this man.” [Nehemiah 1:11] And who is this man? It is Artaxerxes, the king of Persia to whom Nehemiah is cupbearer. Nehemiah has received distressing news about the state of things in Jerusalem and the king asks, “Why is your face so sad?” [Nehemiah 2:2] He tells him why “… the place of my Father’s graves lies in ruins and its gates have been destroyed …” [Nehemiah 2:3] The king responds, “What are you requesting?” How is Nehemiah to answer? “So I prayed to the God of heaven” [Nehemiah 2:4] That was obviously an instant prayer! We are going to read the outcome of that prayer – and of the traumas and successes that follow in Nehemiah’s life. We may well have challenging situations like that especially as this world threatens more and more to fall apart. Some of us could be confronted with awesome situations that cause us to “struggle” in prayer. May we all practice more and more the intimacy and intensity of heart felt prayer to our Maker and Redeemer. -------- DC Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Resource Manager Posted November 16, 2012 Author Report Share Posted November 16, 2012 16 November 2012 Nehemiah 3Hosea 131 Thessalonians 1; 2 “… BUT TO PLEASE GOD” A simple – and maybe obvious point – attracted our attention as we read the first 2 chapters of Paul’s first letter to the Thessalonians. What motivates us to do things? What motivated Paul? Today, it can be; to make money, to create an opportunity for enjoyment, some excitement – and other things which centre on ourselves. Paul makes a simple, yet vital point when he writes, “we have been approved by God to be entrusted with the gospel, so we speak, not to please man, but to please God.” [1 Thessalonians 2:4] Let us be conscious, as Paul was - and states in his next words – that we, “….please God who tests our hearts.” So man, especially those who have no consciousness of the all-seeing eyes of God and his angels, speak and act with different motives. Paul observes this in the verses which follow; we note the contrast between his motives and theirs. He says, “for we never came with words of flattery, as you know, nor with pretext for greed – God is witness. Nor did we seek glory from people, whether from you or from others … ” [1 Thessalonians 2:5-6] The extreme opposite of this is seen in those seeking political positions of high office. Prayerful reading and meditation of God’s word is the antidote for any inclination to do this, notice how Paul was pleased with the believers at Thessalonica over this, writing, “we also thank God constantly … that when you received the word of God which you heard from us, you accepted it not as the word of men, but as what it really is, the word of God , which is at work in you believers.” [1 Thessalonians 2:13] May that be happening among us, but it will only happen when we constantly read and reflect and act upon what we are reading so that the thoughts, God has inspired, become part of our way of thinking. We do this “to please God” and, as a result, it becomes true of us also that “the word of God” is “at work in you believers.” -------- DC Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Resource Manager Posted November 17, 2012 Author Report Share Posted November 17, 2012 17 November 2012 Nehemiah 4Hosea 141 Thessalonians 3; 4 "ESTABLISH YOUR HEARTS BLAMELESS" Several verses in the 2 chapters [1 Thessalonians 3; 4] of our 1 Thessalonians reading today are very meaningful for us as we struggle with influences that can undermine our faith. In many ways it was a better atmosphere a few generations ago (in the western world), not only because moral standards were higher, but because the churches generally, although misunderstanding some of the foundation teaching of Jesus and the Apostles, nevertheless had a measure of influence for good and right living in the world. It is not so today, therefore even greater effort is needed by us individually - it is even more vital to read and meditate on God’s word – at some point each day. We read how Paul was anxious about the state of the faith in the hearts of the believers in Thessalonica and is comforted “now that Timothy has come to us from you, and has brought us the good news of your faith and love … [1 Thessalonians 3:6] adding “in all our distress and affliction we have been comforted about you through your faith. For now we live if you are standing fast in the Lord” [1 Thessalonians 3:7-8]. Committed believers survived then by helping each other, Paul told the Galatians, “Bear one another’s burdens and so fulfill the law of Christ” [Galatians 6:2] Back in Thessalonians we read, “may the Lord make you increase and abound in love for one another … that he may establish your hearts blameless in holiness before our God and father, at the coming of our Lord Jesus with all his saints.” [1 Thessalonians 3:12-13]. The end of 1 Thessalonians 4 gives us more details of his dramatic return. As the troubles being experienced in our world grow greater we will need to “establish” this attitude more and more. Notice, Paul does not say “establish” your minds in the sense of intellectual understanding, although that is important, but “establish your hearts.” In 1 Thessalonians 4 he emphasizes this this, saying “you yourselves have been taught by God to love one another … we urge you brothers, to do this more and more …” [1 Thessalonians 4:9-10] Our chapters in Nehemiah show the tremendous teamwork he inspired among those rebuilding the gates and walls of Jerusalem. Nehemiah 3 lists 33 individuals and groups each working on the part of the wall nearest them. There are enemies trying to stop them, but Nehemiah says, “Do not be afraid of them. Remember the Lord who is great and awesome …” [Nehemiah 4:14] There is a comparison here with what Paul wrote in 2 Corinthians, “…we are not waging war according to the flesh. … the weapons of our warfare are not of the flesh but have divine power to destroy strongholds. We … take every thought captive to obey Christ” [2 Corinthians 10:3-5] - by that means we will “establish (our) hearts blameless.” -------- DC Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Resource Manager Posted November 18, 2012 Author Report Share Posted November 18, 2012 18 November 2012 Nehemiah 5; 6Joel 11 Thessalonians 5 “YOU … ARE FULLY AWARE” Today we complete reading Paul’s First letter to the Thessalonians. The opening verses of 1 Thessalonians 5 have been quoted many times in my lifetime, especially when crises’ erupt in the Middle East involving Israel. “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’ sudden destruction will come … ” [1 Thessalonians 5:2-3] A big example of this occurred when I was a young 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 multi-millions died – not to mention the millions injured and maimed for life! “A thief in the night” is always unexpected although, perhaps less so, when there is a complete breakdown of law and order. Today, the greater part of the world prides itself on its laws and keeping order, but the Middle East has all too often been an exception. War has suddenly broken out several times; “Peace” agreements of a sort have been made and in recent years they have been maintained fairly well.. However, since what is called the ‘Arab Spring’ occurred, the whole area has become far more volatile and uncertain. It is hard to foresee what will happen next. Notice that the opening verses of 1 Thessalonians 5 are not saying when there IS peace, but when they are saying “Peace” – a saying that is always made by others in an effort to maintain or regain peace when faced with much destruction. Many are calling for Peace at the moment but there is presently no obvious way forward.. Paul is pointing forward to a one particular event, a ‘day of the Lord’ a time of ultimate crisis. Several Old Testament prophets are caused by God to also write of this. Today’s reading in Joel 1 has a telling verse. “Alas for the day! For the day of the LORD is near, as destruction from the Almighty it comes” [Joel 1:15] – and the chapters for the next 2 days are awesome in their portrayal of this ultimate “day of the Lord” But we need a personal message, and Paul gives us one, and it is far more valuable to us than watching pictures of rockets and destruction on our TV screens. The key message for us is from 1 Thessalonians 5:4, “We are not of the night or of the darkness brothers for that day to surprise you like a thief … since we belong to the day, let us be sober, having put on the breastplate of faith and love, and for a helmet the hope of salvation. For God has not destined us for wrath but to obtain salvation”. The Bible’s picture is awesome of the “wrath” of the Almighty our world is facing. Let us make sure we “are fully aware” and awake and our “breastplate of faith and love” is firmly in place.-------- DC Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Resource Manager Posted November 19, 2012 Author Report Share Posted November 19, 2012 19 November 2012 Nehemiah 7Joel 22 Thessalonians 1; 2 “THOSE WHO ARE PERISHING BECAUSE …” We are challenged by the way Paul uses the word “truth” 3 times in 2 Thessalonians 2. He also uses it 11 times in his letters to Timothy, which we are just about to read. There is not much “truth” spoken today. No one admits anything they say is a lie, but it is a challenging question to ask ourselves ‘Can we really make a positive statement about something which is neither a “lie” nor “the truth”’? The tactic of deliberately giving a misleading impression is all too common; some refer to such as ‘half-truths’! Let’s consider some of the points Paul makes. He writes of “those who are perishing because they refused to love the truth and so be saved” [2 Thessalonians 2:10] So ‘truth’ is not just something to be spoken – there is a certain “truth” which is something to be loved – and those who do not do this – perish! What is the specific “sense” of the “truth” Paul is referring to here? It is the truth about God and the truth about his ways and the beliefs he is looking for humans to accept and – as a result - then to live their lives in a way that shows they willingly – indeed joyfully – accept this truth as the only meaningful way to live their lives. We are then challenged to understand the character of God when the next 2 verses tell us “therefore God shall send 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 2:11-12] Some pull a curtain across their minds as to the character of God; to simply say ‘God is love’ is an oversimplification. Those who have pleasure in unrighteousness cannot serve God acceptably. God knows our hearts; we can intellectually know – and say we understand what is true – but do we love that which is true? We may believe God is soon going to make his power known in a very dramatic way! Do we “see” in our hearts that God is being “righteous” in doing this - that God is doing the right thing - because the world deserves this! 2 Thessalonians 2:13 says we are chosen by God “to be saved through sanctification (holiness) by the Spirit and belief in the truth”. In contrast, when Jesus returns he will “inflict vengeance on all those who do not know God and on those who do not obey the gospel …” [2 Thessalonians 1:8] But, oh the wonder and joy for those who do! [2 Thessalonians 1:9-12] And you?-------- DC Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Resource Manager Posted November 20, 2012 Author Report Share Posted November 20, 2012 20 November 2012 Nehemiah 8Joel 32 Thessalonians 3 “LET THE WEAK SAY … ” Today we completed reading the short but intensely challenging prophecy of Joel: it contains predictions which, in part, are very appropriate to the present situation in the Middle East. Today’s Joel 3 starts with, “For behold, in those days and at that time, when I restore the fortunes of Judah and Jerusalem, I will gather all nations … and I will enter into judgment with them there on behalf of my people …” [Joel 3:1-2] What nations will he enter into judgment with? Joel 3:4 tells us, “What are you to me, O Tyre and Sidon, all the regions of Philistia?” In the days of Joel, they were the enemies of Israel, but this is spoken of the time God restores “the fortunes of Judah and Jerusalem” [Joel 3:1]. The latter day inhabitants of the Gaza strip which is the heart of where the Philistines dwelt are “men of war (who) draw near” and, says the prophet of them, you will “beat your plowshares into swords, and your pruning hooks into spears; let the weak say, ‘I am a warrior” [Joel 3:9-10] The weak are talking tough, their spears have become rockets and so see themselves as warriors against God’s regathered people whose fortunes have been restored. The prophecy is addressed to “all you surrounding nations” [Joel 3:11] but then “multitudes” [Joel 3:14] get involved and this verse refers to “a valley of decision! For the day of the LORD is near” Is Armageddon meant here? We noted verse 16, “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 the people of Israel” [Joel 3:16] A remarkable result of this awesome climax is that “Jerusalem shall be holy and strangers shall never again pass through it” [Joel 3:17] – the very last words of the chapter being “… for the LORD dwells in Zion.” – it surely pictures the kingdom of God in action with Jesus as king. Now the end of chapter 2 told us that “everyone who calls on the name of the LORD shall be saved” [Joel 2:32], but we need to “know” the LORD, and have a relationship with him in order to call upon him – sadly some will be like the foolish virgins (and half of the waiting virgins were foolish!) whose lamps (of faith) had gone out for lack of oil. In a real sense our own constant reading, meditation and reflection on God’s word is a major source for oil. May you make sure you are among those “who call on the name of the Lord” like the worthies of old who were commended for NOT being “weak in faith” [Romans 14:19] but will among “those whom the LORD calls”. -------- DC Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Resource Manager Posted November 21, 2012 Author Report Share Posted November 21, 2012 21 November 2012 Nehemiah 9Amos 11 Timothy 1; 2; 3 "LOVE THAT ISSUES FROM A PURE HEART" The word “love” is in common usage these days, but the way it is used and the meaning given to it, is so different to its’ use in the Bible! Paul has “urged (Timothy) … remain at Ephesus that you may charge certain persons not to teach any different doctrine” [1 Timothy 1:3]. Paul advises him of the “stewardship from God that is by faith” adding “the aim of our charge is love that issues from a pure heart and a good conscience and a sincere faith” [1 Timothy 1:4-5] Those 3 phrases are the vital components our lives must possess and use if we really desire to live our lives in the service of our Lord Jesus and the Father with the anticipation of an utterly wondrous future in God’s kingdom.. The ‘oil’ that makes the ‘engine’ of our minds function in the way God approves must operate from a “pure heart” – do we understand what kind of heart this is? Is this impossible for normal humans? We notice the Greek word here is quite often translated as ‘clean’ Jesus told his disciples, “You are clean because of the word that I have spoken to you. Abide in me, and I in you.” [John 15:3-4] It is the word of God, rightly and humbly used, which cleanses our hearts to make and keep them pure. We recall David’s impassioned Psalm after his grievous sins; “Create in me a clean heart, O God, and renew a right spirit within me,” [Psalm 51:10] A clean heart is the foundation for a “good conscience” and a faith that is “sincere”. Paul tells Timothy that some at Ephesus “by swerving from these, have wandered away into vain discussion …” [1 Timothy 1:6] We live in a world of much “vain discussion” which lacks the essential foundation of “love that issues from a pure heart” One of the subjects some discuss and debate is the role of women and this was a factor at Ephesus. But notice how Paul advises Timothy to teach them, “Let the women learn quietly and with all submissiveness. I do not permit a woman to teach or to exercise authority over a man” [1 Timothy 2:11-12] When Paul wrote his Epistle to them he emphasized this point – see Ephesians 5:22-24. Paul hopes to come to Ephesus, but says, “I am writing these things to you so that, if I delay, you may know how one ought to behave in the household of God, which is the church of the living God …” [1 Timothy 3:14-15] All who are part of this church (the assemblies of true believers) will be very conscious of Paul’s words and therefore readily work at developing and maintaining the “love that issues from a pure heart.” -------- DC Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Resource Manager Posted November 22, 2012 Author Report Share Posted November 22, 2012 22 November 2012 Nehemiah 10Amos 21 Timothy 4; 5 "PERSIST IN THIS” 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 23, 2012 Author Report Share Posted November 23, 2012 23 November 2012 Nehemiah 11Amos 31 Timothy 6 "THE LORD GOD HAS SPOKEN WHO CAN BUT ..." We are reading the prophecy of Amos at the moment. We realize that the word ‘prophecy’ in many cases does not mean predicting the future, but rather messages from God about his observations and attitude toward the present state of things - with lessons taken from the past. Amos lived in Israel’s northern kingdom and he brought the inhabitants warnings about their increasing ungodliness, Of course these warnings often included predictions as to how God will act “for the Lord GOD does nothing without revealing his secret to his servants the prophets” [Amos 3:7] and the northern kingdom had more and more warnings from the prophets before it was destroyed. Amos makes some blunt statements about his responsibility before God, “the lion has roared who will not fear? The Lord GOD has spoken who can but prophesy?” [Amos 3:8] He parallels God speaking with the fear humans felt when a lion roared nearby – for there were no zoos in those days! But who took notice of messages from God? Who takes notice today of His word? Israel was falling into spiritual darkness like the world is today, “’They do not know how to do right’, declares the LORD” [Amos 3:10] – our world today is just as bad – and getting worse, especially its failure to do ‘right’ as God sees what is ‘right’! The most challenging question in today’s chapter is “Does disaster come to a city unless the LORD has done it? [Amos 3:6] The disasters the Creator particularly brings are the things he controls and not humans – these are seen in earthquakes, plagues, tsunami’s, droughts, floods, fires and massive storms – today we see these things multiplying! Of course the secrets God revealed “to his servants the prophets included specific prophecies such as we looked at in Joel’s prophecy yesterday. The most challenging to us are those about the scattering and regathering of God’s nation - Israel – and above all - the return of Jesus Christ at a time of the world’s greatest trouble [Matthew 24:21-30] with its epicentre in the Middle East, especially around Jerusalem. That will be the time when Moses’ question to the people in the wilderness will be repeated, “Who is on the LORD’s side? Come to me” [Exodus 32:26] And those who really know “The Lord God has spoken” will show that they are – will you?-------- DC Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Resource Manager Posted November 24, 2012 Author Report Share Posted November 24, 2012 24 November 2012 Nehemiah 12Amos 42 Timothy 1 "AND THE JOY OF JERUSALEM WAS HEARD …" We are approaching what some call ‘the silly season’! This time next month the largely foolish frivolity of Christmas will be in full swing! In contrast our readings today in Nehemiah describes an event of true joy. All the efforts to make Jerusalem secure and safe to live in had been completed and Nehemiah and Ezra arrange a great celebration in which the Levites take the leading role because, as the priestly tribe, this is their responsibility. We read on in Nehemiah how he and Ezra “sought the Levites in all their places to bring them to Jerusalem to celebrate the dedication with gladness, with thanksgiving and with singing, with cymbals, harps and lyres.” [Nehemiah 12:27] Nehemiah “appointed two great choirs to give thanks” [Nehemiah 12:31] who went in different directions on the walls after which “both choirs of those who gave thanks stood in the house (Temple) of God” [Nehemiah 12:40] “And they offered great sacrifices that day and rejoiced for God had made them rejoice with great joy; the women and the children also rejoiced. And the joy of Jerusalem was heard far away,” [Nehemiah 12:43] This was a time of re-establishing the practice of the past “for long ago in the days of David and Asaph there were directors of the singers and thanksgiving to God.” [Nehemiah 12:46] But we look forward, only look back to see how some events foreshadow the time to come, and how wonderful to contemplate the future remembering the words of Jesus in the Temple which he called “My Father’s house” [John 2:16] and says, “Is it not written, ‘My house shall be called a house of prayer for all nations” [Mark 11:17] Our minds go forward to the visions of the coming kingdom recorded in the book of Revelation when the redeemed “will be priests of God and of Christ and reign with him for a thousand years” [Revelation 20:6] The singing reflects the joys in the time of Moses. In Revelation we also read, “And they sing the song of Moses, the servant of God, and the song of the Lamb, saying, "Great and amazing are your deeds, O Lord God the Almighty! Just and true are your ways, O King of the nations! Who will not fear, O Lord, and glorify your name? For you alone are holy. All nations will come and worship you, for your righteous acts have been revealed." [Revelation 15:3-4] Do you recall yesterday’s closing thought? Those who “are on the Lord’s side” now – will be there, Make sure you are on his side.-------- DC Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Resource Manager Posted November 25, 2012 Author Report Share Posted November 25, 2012 25 November 2012 Nehemiah 13Amos 52 Timothy 2 “WOE TO YOU WHO DESIRE …” What do you desire? Many children will be starting to have in mind what they desire as Christmas presents! As we continue to read the prophet Amos we note how he states, “Woe to you who desire the day of the LORD! Why would you have the day of the LORD?” [Amos 5:18] This verse provides food for much thought. We desire the Day of the LORD! Why? We long for the day when our Saviour comes when he reigns over all the earth and will control the nations as we will read in Micah next week [Micah 4:1-3]. What kind of people desire the “day of the Lord” – when they should not? They were only hearing half the message of the prophets, and turning a ‘deaf ear’ to the parts they did not like, or did not understand. It is like that today when many churchgoers think God is purely a God of love and only select the Bible verses that appear to tell them that. A contemporary of Amos was Obadiah whose short message we will read on Friday. He prophesied of the time when “the day of the LORD is near upon all nations” [Obadiah 1:15] Some people in Israel were looking for that day to come – so that their enemies would be destroyed, blind to the fact that they deserved destruction too! Only those truly trying to walk righteously in the sight of God should desire the day of the LORD, knowing it will be a time of great distress for the world as a whole. The day of the Lord that was coming on the northern nation of Israel in those days would particularly affect certain classes of people; note what Amos writes, “Woe to those who lie on beds of ivory and stretch themselves out on their couches … who sing idle songs to the sound of the harp … invent for themselves instruments of music, who drink wine in bowls and anoint themselves with the finest oils …” [Amos 6:4-6] Those words of Amos are very appropriate for way many live today, they live for the here and now, they find it impossible to believe in any long term future. Let us make sure we desire the day of the LORD for the right reasons being fully aware of what is to take place on that ultimate day. ‘Day’ does not mean 24 hours – remember our reading of Joel’s prophecy a few days ago. Finally, take to heart the words in Amos 5:14-15 in today’s chapter, “Seek good, and not evil, that you may live; and so the LORD, the God of hosts, will be with you … Hate evil, and love good …” May that we the way we think, live and desire to see happen - knowing that when our Lord comes, he will welcome such people into his kingdom..-------- DC Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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