THE CHRISTIAN ROAD

THE CHRISTIAN ROAD

The Christian road is not for weak and vacillating souls.
Each day we need to boldly speak
of Christ and how His will we seek
to help set Godly goals.

While that we do, the devil tries to throw us off our course.
But by God's help we realise
that we must always keep our eyes
on Jesus, our Resource.

For He supplies all that we need to run the Christian race;
and if His Word we always heed
and let His Spirit take the lead,
we'll see Him face to face!

So do not be disheartened by the trials you undergo,
for they will strengthen you to run
the Christian road with God's own Son
while living here below.

Then one day we will hear Him say, 'Well done, my faithful one!
Come up above and sit with Me
in heaven for eternity;
and wear the crown you've won!'

Edward John Kidgell
April 2011

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Devotion Thoughts - 25/04/2011

Judges 4:1-24. Judges 5:1-31


There is a TV programme titled 'Street Court' that is currently enjoying popularity. This was not, however, the first 'street court'. That honour belongs to Deborah, Lapidoth's wife, one of Israel's judges whom God also used to rescue them from Canaanite oppressors (Judges 4:4-5). Note: she was a recognised prophetess, indicating that God uses women in spiritual leadership positions. By following instructions Deborah received from God (v.14). Israel defeated the Canaanites.


Those who refuse to accept women in preaching and teaching in the church do so contrary to these precedents set by God. Their reasoning is probably based on Paul's
clearly stated personal view
(1 Timothy 2:12), that is, his way of doing things;
not an instruction to the whole church
. Priscilla, with her husband Aquila, helped to teach Apollos, a man mighty in scripture, the 'way of God more perfectly' (Acts 18:26). He probably convinced himself that with his knowledge of the scriptures (Old Testament) he could correct Peter (Galatians 2:11).

Luke 22:35-54


Sometimes the call of God is to a ministry that will bring suffering (v.42). Like Jesus, we can request, but cannot demand, to be relieved of the responsibility. If God insists we should accept it without demurring.


I have long believed that the extent to which we are prepared to suffer for Jesus determines our reward in heaven. Much suffering, much reward; little suffering, little reward. I base this on the principle of what we sow we reap.

Psalm 94:1-23


When it seems that the wicked are getting on top, we must remember that God is always ready to defend us (v.22-23), and think on the many blessings that the Lord has already given us (vv.18-19). Paul probably had this in mind when he suggested that it is a good idea to always think good and positive thoughts (Philippians 4:8).

Proverbs 14:3-4


We will do well in life if we use common sense. Common sense is aware that idleness will not produce an income. We should be prepared to do all the hard work necessary to creating an income, be it an ox, a machine, or a career.


If our spiritual lives are neglected there will be no challenges, nor will there be blessings!

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Devotion Thoughts - 19/04/2011

Joshua 19:1-51


Last, but not least! When Joshua had completed his mission - leading the people into Canaan, conquering the inhabitants and settling the tribes in their conquered territories, he was given his reward- Timnath-serah, his own city.


God will reward us for our service to Him. Some Christians enjoy better material blessings in this life than others. However, our real reward is not here on earth (John 14:2). Just as Joshua trusted God and was faithful in service, so must we continue to be faithful believers. Finally, in Glory, we will have a wonderful home - forever!


Joshua 20:1-9


At present provision has to be made on earth for the sins that men commit. The cities of refuge were one such provision . There will not be any need for such provisions in heaven. Revelation 21:4 gives the reason: there will never be any tears in heaven because death, sorrow, crying, pain and other undesirable ills that we have on earth do not exist there! Hallelujah!


Luke 19:28-48


Jesus, as prophesied, rode into Jerusalem sitting on a donkey, to the adulation of the people, including a 'multitude of His disciples' (v.37). Some Christians believe that the crowd that praised Him as He rode into Jerusalem was the same crowd baying for His blood at His trial. I question that a crowd that included many of His disciples could be so fickle. If His disciples ran away at His arrest then, logically, the 'multitude' did likewise. It was a crowd that followed the priests that clamoured for Him to die.


My Point: I have heard preachers say it was the same crowd. We need to read the Scriptures with care! The priests who studied the scriptures misread them, ending up by crucifying the Messiah!


Psalm 88:1-18


This is another prayer uttered in desperation. I'm sure that, at one time or another, whether for healing of someone in spiritual, physical or mental danger, we have felt the same way as the psalmist. It takes much seeking after God (Matthew 6:33) to reach the point where we trust Him so completely that, no matter what happens to us or our loved ones, we believe He is doing what is best for us. It is an objective worth pursuing.


Proverbs 13:12-14


Here's a kind of paraphrase:

• v.12: it gives a good feeling when we achieve goals. However,


• v.13: some goals, for example the pursuit of wealth, do not bring happiness; those who believe God's Word will know this.


• v.14. Good teaching about God's Word, for example that He wants to save us, will help us to find God and the joy He gives.
  
  
  

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Devotion Thoughts - 18/04/2011

Joshua 17:1-18


Neither of the tribes of Joseph, Ephraim and Manasseh, drove the Canaanites completely out of their land. Although they served the Israelites, the Canaanites' worship of idols affected the Israelites adversely. An analogy: if Canaan represents our spirit, and the Canaanites the carnal nature within us that drive us to sin, vigilance is needed against that ever-present, sinful nature. If not kept under control it will cause us to sin.


By God's command (Joshua 17:4) the daughters of Zelophehad were given equal status with the men, indicating that women should have equality with men in Christian (or any other) society. Although there are verses in the Bible that could be construed as teaching that women are inferior to men (as well as verses that imply the opposite!), we should never confuse function and status. Women had equal opportunity in Israelite society. That is why married females could be judges in Israel (Judges 4:4; 2Chronicles 34:22) and prophetesses (Acts 21:9) in the early church.


That some societies treat women as inferior points to a lack of obedience to what God intended. He is consistent, so there is no way He would agree to differing treatment for women in different societies.


Joshua 18:1-28


The first worship centre for the Tabernacle was Shiloh. The remaining division of Israel was by lot. Many believe in 'chance' or 'luck'. But when it comes to the lot by which many matters were decided in Israel, I believe that God 'spoke' through the lot. That is how Achan was caught (Joshua 7:14). So the division of the land was by a lot influenced by God, as is the great events in history (for example Jeremiah51:11). That is why I don't believe gambling is a 'chance' thing. God uses them to direct or test us.


Luke 19:1-27


Zacchaeus, a sinner, went out of his way to meet Jesus. Because of his determination he succeeded and became a changed person, as do all who sincerely seek after God. He was a Jew, but that does not mean automatic salvation. Convicted of sin, part of which was stealing (taken by false accusation - v.8), and realising that money was neither the key to happiness nor a sign of God's favour, he was ready to make restitution. Jesus said of him that he was now a saved man (v.9). That is how to get right with God!


Then Jesus follows up with a parable that contains the message that God gives His servants the necessary abilities to honour Him with diligent service. When they apply themselves He is ready to reward them. For those who don't apply themselves there will be no reward.


Psalm 87:1-7


Nothing escapes the notice of God; He knows everything about each one of us from before we were born; in fact, from before He made the universe! Think about it. Given that God does not waste His time, the fact that He chooses to take notice of us has to be very encouraging. Say 'Hallelujah'!


Proverbs 13:11


'Wealth gathered by vanity' could refer to money made through any special employment, such as the entertainment industry. The huge wealth earned by some singers virtually overnight can be frittered away in drugs and alcohol.


Living for self is a vanity choice, and none of the wealth gained will follow into the next life.


Following the Lord will mean a lifetime of daily service, but the rewards that will definitely be gained are heavenly and out of this world!

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Devotion Thoughts - 02/04/2011

Deut 21:1-23

More rules given with regard to social responsibilities. Those who were crucified were to be buried that same evening, so it was necessary that they die before nightfall. So it was that the legs of the two thieves crucified with Jesus were broken to hasten their death. Jesus, however, was dead already. This was to fulfil the prophesy that His bones were not broken, making Him an acceptable sacrifice for God.


Deut 22:1-30

Social responsibilty included taking care of someone's stray animal if necessary, even if bad blood existed between finder and owner. There was to be no avoiding this responsibility.


Men's and women's clothing differ according to style and cut. Thus both male and female garments can have trouser legs but it is obvious which were designed for men and which for women. A problem arises when men and women deliberately choose to wear clothing obviously designed for the opposite sex.


Lessons in conservation were also taught, so that there was an awareness of the importance of taking care of the future.


Protection was afforded to married women such that if her husband no longer wanted her he could not simply malign her and get away with it; proof of bad character was necessary. Sexual sins were also treated according to strict rules.


Luke 9:51-62


That Jesus 'set His face to go to Jerusalem' shows how determined He was to obey His Father in the matter of sacrificing Himself on the cross. But because He was obviously on a pilgrimage to Jeruslem the Samaritans, who worshipped at Mt. Gerizem, would not help Him on His way.


Notice that James and John asked Jesus if THEY could call fire down from heaven to wipe out the Samaritan village. This indicates a growing awareness of the power that they had from Jesus and the confidence to use it. If the Lord empowers us in any way we should also be ready to use the gifts He gives us. But the gifts must not be used to impress other, but for the good of others. So Jesus rebuked them; it is no wonder He called them 'Sons of Thunder' (Mark 3:17).


To those He called, Jesus offered no great rewards; but the cross His disciples carry will become a crown in Glory, in the same way as Jesus carried His cross and is now seated at the right hand of the Father in Glory.


Luke 10:1-12


The group of followers with Jesus must have been larger than we usually think of, for seventy (seventy-two according to some mss.) were sent out into the country to preach; their support coming from the people they ministered to. We can be sure that if Jesus calls us to a particular ministry and we obey then we will be provided for.


Psalm 74:1-23


Another of Asaph's psalms. Like most believers have done at one time or another, he asks God why He has rejected His own people, why He has allowed those who do not worship Him to destroy the Temple, the symbol of God's Presence. Things are so bad that there is not even a prophet around. The psalmist cannot understand why God has not stepped in to sort out the enemy and to deliver His people. After all, God has the power, having shown His might in the past. He pleads for the Lord to remember the covenant He made with His people, and prays that God will deliver them from defeat and shame. After all, the foes of Israel are also the foes of God. There is no record of a divine deliverance at the end of the psalm. Presumably Asaph would have to wait on God's timing and His planning. That is the same for believers today. We see the enemy - Satan and his demons - spurring anti-Christian and anti-Jewish nations on. It seems that throughout the world God's people are losing out spiritually as fewer people worship in churches. The non-Christian religions are on the march, claiming great gains everywhere. Has God given up on His people?


There is no way that the Omniscient God can ever forget what His people are up against; there is no enemy threat that can ever make the Omnipotent God nervous; and His children - believers who wait on Him for deliverance from their situational difficulties - will never be abandoned by the Omnipresent God.


This is the reality when we read the New Testament, especially the book of Revelation, where we see a picture of the end times. In it, God is victorious over all His and His people's enemies and is sitting on His glorious throne, being worshipped by believers forever.


I have condensed these thoughts into this verse:


'The Lord shall reign forever and ever!


We'll praise His name forever and ever!


Lift up this strain forever and ever:


Jesus Christ is my Lord and King!'

Prov 12:11


This verse reminds me of the one that says: '...if any would not work, neither should he eat ...' (2 Thess 3:10). God laboured for six days to Create the universe and all the life that is in it. Since then He has not stopped serving mankind, or His chosen people. He neither slumbers nor sleeps (Psalm 121:4). We can understand, then, that God is not prepared to help someone who does not want to work.

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