Deut 29:1-29
In this additional covenant with the Israelites when at Moab (the first was at Horeb), Moses starts off by reminding them of God's great deliverance from Egypt, providing for them through the forty years of wandering, victory in battles and their imminent crossing over into the Promised Land. Now he tells them that they must enter into a 'sworn covenant' (v.12) with God. This is a one-sided covenant in that, while there is a higher power (God) that we can swear by, there is no higher power than God, Who must swear by Himself! And, although the covenant is 'one-sided' it is a covenant that will benefit Israel in every way with the usual proviso that they honour God, not just overtly, but also covertly.
In the New Testament we find that God has made just such a covenant with every person who will take advantage of it with heart and soul and mind and strength and become one of His obedient believers whose sins have been washed in the blood of Jesus Christ. It is not only in one verse but in many, but I have selected just two to show what I mean. Bearing in mind that God is Almighty, and nothing is impossible for Him; He therefore has the power to do far more than we could ever ask or think (Ephesians 3:20). So here's one of the verses of the, again one-sided, covenant God has made with us:
'Seek first the Kingdom of God and His righteousness, then everything you have NEED of in life [including everlasting life] will be given to you'
That's a great promise! Here's my favourite:
'For God loved the world [man] so much that He gave His only Son [to die on the cross for our sins] so that whoever believes in Him shall not die [spiritually] but shall enjoy everlasting life [in God's Kingdom]'
You can't ask for better than that ... ever!
Deut 30:1-20
What if Israel screwed up and God had to punish them, even to the point of sending them into captivity in other nations (which did happen)? Well, there is a way back to God: they had to confess that they had sinned and turn away from a life of sin (very important). God would then forgive them and restore them to fellowship with him again. As always, the key to receiving God's blessings is to do what He wants, which translates into living a holy life.
The Apostle John wrote a verse that sums up what God wanted of Israel. The verse is found in his first letter, chapter one, and verse 9:
'If we confess our sins, He [God] is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness'.
Note the 'all'. Think about this: far from being a nasty accuser (that's Satan's job) our Father God WANTS to forgive all who sincerely repent of their sins and want to sin no more!
Why wait? Fellowship with God can be yours - the sooner the better!
Luke 11:37-54
Jesus was never one for tokenism. The basic lesson He teaches here is that having a clean body externally will never get us into heaven if we are full of vileness in our spirits. Also, doing visible acts that give others the impression that we live holy lives will not fool God, Who looks upon what is in our hearts; bad attitudes will not get past Him.
The scribes and Pharisees refused to view themselves in the light of what Jesus said about them; what He said was, in any case, based on the laws from Moses which they were supposed to live by.
Nowadays, with a better understanding of God's commandments, I am only too willing to have the Holy Spirit (and friends and family) point out spiritual shortcomings in me. There is no way I want to fall short of what He wants of me. Besides, He has offered to help me get it right.
Luke 12:1-7
Jesus tells the disciples that one day (Judgment) everything - good, bad, and ugly - about every person who ever lived will be revealed. On that day the wrath of God will be poured out on those who rejected Him and His Son, Jesus. Man cannot hurt a dead body, but God can throw that same dead person into hell. Jesus then portrays the loving side of His Father in verses 6 and 7, encouraging His hearers to fear God and be blessed by Him, rather than be rejected by Him forever. That makes a whole lot of sense!
Psalm 78:1-31
Asaph states that he is sharing matters that will help coming generations in Israel to know about God, His mighty deeds, His covenant with Jacob, and why they should set their hopes in Him. As always, he stresses that it is vital to keep the commandments of God in order to enjoy His blessings. He reminds the people that those who rebelled in the desert journeyings, who did not obey God, who doubted Him despite seeing His great miracles, were punished.
If we believe the Bible is God's word to us then we must take it to heart and obey whatever God says we must do. That is His way of blessing.
Prov 12:19-20
Here is a hint of what will happen at the Judgment. Those who choose to lie and deceive will be cast into the Lake of Fire (Rev 20:15) where they will never again be heard by those dwelling in God's Kingdom. As for the righteous who always speak truth and seek after peace, they will be using their lips in Glory to praise God. They will 'endure forever', sharing the joy of all believers as they glorify Him forever. (Rev 7:15-17).
Tuesday, April 12, 2011
Devotion Thoughts - 06/04/2011
Devotion Thoughts - 05/04/2011
Deut 28:1-68
If Israel rose to the challenge and honoured the Lord in every way, then He will honour them by raising them above every other nation in the world. I believe Satan sees this as an affront; he is determined to bring Israel down so that God will have 'failed'. I see the Muslim nations as pawns of Satan in the way they wage a constant war (jihad) against Israel. (The Muslim war against Christians is also inspired by Satan who wants to derail the worship of Jesus). Satan knows that God plans to bless Israel, His chosen people (and born again Christians who will be praising God in glory. I differentiate between the true, 'born again' Christians and those who are Christians in name only). Knowing that he is going to be cast into the Lake of Fire when his time is up, Satan is currently doing his utmost to discredit God.
The blessings on Israel will continue as long as they obey God (vv. 13,14), whereas disobedience will result in Israel losing out (v.15ff.). This applies to Christians, too!
Luke 11:14-36
I have had many encounters with those who, with a limited or no knowledge and understanding of the Bible, have the cheek to present arguments about the Bible as if they know it all. Here Jesus encounters a group of such. Plain common sense makes it clear that their argument- that Satan is casting out (his own) demons - is nonsensical. Jesus points out that either we are for Him, or we are against Him. To put it bluntly (v.23), if our actions and words convince people around us that we are born again believers, then we are serving God; otherwise, we are not!
In the mid-sixties I became a backslider. It started when I began to slow down in my witnessing for Jesus. One morning I woke up feeling as if I had lost out completely. It was to be six years before I was revived. Since then I have not wavered in my witnessing for Jesus. I received no special signs to keep me going; just the presence of the Lord within me, assuring me of the trustworthiness of the Bible. That is enough; I gladly tell others that Jesus was serious when He said that the only sign we will have will be that of the prophet Jonah (v.29). Just as he was in the belly of the big fish, technically 'dead', so Jesus lay dead in the grave for three days before rising to life again. Those who, by their faith, believe that He died for their sins and rose from the dead, and accept Him as Lord and Saviour are justified by God.
Psalm 77:1-20
One can sympathise with Asaph as he feels the need to shout aloud to get God to 'hear' him. I sometimes feel like that myself, when answers are long in coming. But I am aware that God hears 'the faintest whisper of my heart'. Those who cannot speak aloud but can lift up their hearts in adoration or supplication will be 'heard' by God.
When it seems that God is not listening, we need to do as Asaph did: remember the many blessings the Lord has given in the past, not only to us, but to friends and family, and to those mentioned in the Bible. By His great power, God can heal the sick, raise the dead, breathe new life into our spirits, and revive us. But His main purpose in His dealings with us is to prepare us to spend eternity with Him. If this requires that He thump us around until we get rid of certain bad habits, so be it. He knows what He is doing for us; trust Him! All will eventually be made clear!
Prov 12:18
I have a choice. I can say 'what I like' and cause pain, or I can use carefully chosen words that are helpful to the hearer, whatever his attitude towards me. The choice, as I said earlier, is mine. Which choice will please God more?
Personal note
Woke up feeling out of sorts. For the first time in months I am feeling dizzy. I must accept that I am no longer 21 - that was 50 years ago! But I am thankful that I can still move around, have no real ailments to be concerned about or that cause major problems. 'These things are sent to try us' is true; we face daily tests to see if we will praise God no matter what. And I certainly do praise God for daily provision of all my needs (for Merle and self). I do not have the broad perspective that God operates in: seeing Past, Present and Future simultaneously and integrating all that must happen between man and man, and between nation and nation. But I do know one thing: God teaches us in His Word that all 'these calamities' will one day pass, and I will then, as a born-again believer, 'dwell in the house of the Lord forever'. Therefore, whatever happens to me today must be seen against the backdrop of eternity. That way, I certainly can live out the words of 1 Thessalonians 5:16-18 to 'Rejoice evermore; pray without ceasing; in all things give thanks', knowing that this is what God wants me to do in spite of the trials and temptations that might come my way today.
Devotion Thoughts - 04/04/2011
Deut 26:1-19
Instruction is given as to what to do about the first fruits that will be harvested in the land they are about to enter. It includes praise to God for having built up Israel from one small family into a great nation while in Egypt, and how God delivered them from slavery. Praise and thanks were to be given to God for bringing them into such a wonderful land. It was important that all such praise and thanks be given with a good heart. In return God is going to bless them above all other nations.
Deut 27:1-26
Moses (through the elders) gave God's instructions on how the people were to build an altar and make sacrifices on it to God. Then Moses (through the Levitical priests) gave the good news that the people of Israel were now the people of God. They were set apart for God - unlike all other nations - and were to obey all His laws. Once again the people are reminded of the sort of laws that must be kept.
Lesson: I believe that through His dealings with Israel God planned to teach all other nations about Himself. Thinking about it logically: it is far easier to concentrate new teaching on an individual or small group, and for them to teach other small groups, than it is to try to teach everyone at once. That is also how 'through Abraham' shall all nations be blessed.
Luke 10:38-42
For me the lesson is: seize every opportunity to spend time with the Lord, letting Him speak to me through His word, through meditation on His wonderful love.
Luke 11:1-13
I see the lesson as: if God lays on your heart a specific matter to pray for, don't stop praying for it. Sooner or later answers will come. I know I have 'failed' at times, giving up praying for such specific things, only to find them laid on my heart again. For those who earnestly seek to have the Holy Spirit indwell them God will give it.
Psalm 76:1-12
Asaph writes this song in which he marvels at how God, the Almighty God, chose to live in Jerusalem; that they, of all the nations, should have a real, powerful God amongst them, unlike other nations where useless idols are worshipped. He ends this song with a recommendation that all men should bring gifts to Him and praise Him Who is to be feared by the mightiest of men.
Prov 12:15-17
Quite correctly, the writer sees that fools always think they know better than others; a wise man, however, will take advice. Fools are lacking in tolerance and react instantly to opposition, whereas a thoughtful man responds with careful deliberation. A truthful man is reliable, but a liar cannot be trusted. The lesson for us is to choose carefully the company we keep.
Monday, April 11, 2011
Devotion Thoughts - 03/04/2011
Deut 23:1-25
These rules seem harsh, applying up to the tenth generation. God must have felt very strongly against the Ammonites and Moabites if they were not to be prayed for. As for Edomites and Egyptians, only from their third generation were descendants allowed to worship with the Israelites. There were also special wartime hygiene rules to observe so that the camp of the Israelites remained holy, allowing God to walk in their midst and fight for them against their enemies. A close look at the rules given for social practices reveals that they are an amplification of the Ten Commandments, the basis for sound community living in Israel. For example: worshipping God leaves no place for cult practices.
Thankfully, it's a wonderful new world! Since Jesus sacrificed Himself on the cross for mankind, anyone who confesses to being a sinner, even the most wicked amongst us, and receives Him as Saviour is acceptable to the Father!
Deut 24:1-22
Further rules, that have a basic foundation in the Ten Commandments, are enumerated, all intended to make for common decency in the community lifestyles. Thinking of the well-being of others plays a significant part in their interpretation of the commandments.
Deut 25:1-19
Humane and decent practices that encourage good social relationships are emphasised. Nations like Amalek that refused to subscribe to such decent practices were to be wiped out.
Luke 10:13-37
Jesus pronounces the end for those that reject His ministry. When the disciples return and tell Him about their successes, He tells them about God's victory over Satan and how His disciples will have even greater power. But they were not to become arrogant or complacent about having such power. Instead, they were to always be grateful that their names were written down in God's Book of Life.
As for who our neighbour is, Jesus gives a parable in which it becomes clear that anyone in need is our neighbour. Those who thought themselves righteous and not in need of help (Matthew 9:13) are not our 'neighbours' in the sense conveyed by the parable.
Psalm 75:1-10
A song written by Asaph.
He starts by praising God, then says what he imagines what God would say about not being proud or arrogant. He then tells how only God has the power to pass judgment. For this reason He alone is worthy of our praise.
Prov 12:12-1
Again the theme is about the blessings of God that will be upon those who practice an industrious and righteous lifestyle, as opposed to the troubles that will overtake the wicked.
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.
Devotion Thoughts - 01/04/2011
Deut 18:1-22
In spite of not having any land, the Levitical priests would have all their needs met, for they would receive from the offerings of the people. Again comes the reminder to not follow the sinful practices of the inhabitants of Canaan; such practices were an abomination to the Lord, which is why He was driving them out of the Promised Land. Holiness (blamelessness) is required of us.
Deut 19:1-21
Having previously set up three cities of refuge in the Israelite lands east of the Jordan, the Lord now appointed three cities of refuge in Canaan. They would benefit only those with a genuine case of accidental killing.
Luke 9:28-50
Peter, James and John were given an opportunity to see something of Jesus' glory when He was visited by Moses and Elijah. God spoke from heaven, saying how pleased He was with His Son, and that the disciples were to pay attention to what He said. Men are still required to 'pay attention' today. If they choose not to listen to Jesus they will lose out, for there is no other way to please God and make it into heaven.
That Jesus expected his disciples to be able to heal is clear. When the disciples were sent out they preached the Kingdom and healed the sick as in v.2. It seems we should all be used for healing, but somehow we don't try to. But it is not by our own power that we minister; God's power works through us. We surely can allow God to bring healing through us - if we have the faith!
We should never argue against those who serve Jesus according to His Word, even if they are not 'with us'. If God chooses to use them, so be it! I have only one question by which I can know whether or not a person is saved: 'Has that person trusted in Jesus alone for salvation?' If so, then he or she is a born again believer like me!
Psalm 73:1-28
Asaph begins by writing in appreciation about the goodness of God while very aware of his own tendency to sin. He confesses to being envious of those who are prosperous; describing their sins in graphic terms, especially of how they despise God by their attitude. He compares himself to them; of his thinking that to honour God seems futile. But then he spends some time in God's sanctuary. There, in the quietness he has time to reflect and to meet with God. It is then that he becomes aware that the prosperous people who have no time for God will lose out in the end because they have despised One Who can, and will, wipe them out. He then realises that his own thinking about wasting time in worship was ridiculous and ignorant. Once again he acknowledges that God is his all-sufficiency, and will look after him until he goes to heaven.
We are often tempted to think wrong thoughts about God over such earthly issues as material blessings. The trick is to remember that we are passing through this world, and will not be able to take anything from it when we go to heaven.
Prov 12:10
The wicked have no love for their fellow men. The evil leaders of many nations are not slow to torture and kill those who oppose them. As for the righteous, not only do they care for their fellow men but they are also thoughtful towards their animals.