Man is made to worship and worship he will. The trouble is that many people do not discriminate as to the object of worship. God warned us, worship of any thing other than Himself is idolatry and ultimately brings death. Humankind's pride, after all, is nothing more than self-worship. John, the Beloved Apostle, should have known better than any that worship belongs only to God! Yet he was overcome by the power and the majesty of the being before him, and yielded to the natural inclination in him. Let's take a moment to look at our own lives. What is the object of our worship; a profession, title, another human being, a goal, an idea, power or money? Anything less than God is idolatry. Beware. And for those under whose authority we sit in our churches, let's not do them the great discourtesy of placing them in that position. God's leaders are called and due double respect; but not due worship. Be sure God Almighty is the only object of your worship.
To begin to know God, you must believe that He exists. One may think of God as the "Force" or some other abstract idea. And as long as an individual thinks this, there shall be no growth in knowing God. This is the great difference between Hebrew and Greek thinking. The Hebrews always believed God exists. The Greeks always questioned, doubted. Doubt remains a keystone of thought based on the Greek example. There is nothing morally superior about doubting. The book of Hebrews tells us, we must believe that God exists and is a rewarder of them that seek Him. Note that the Hebrews didn't start from zero in the acceptance that God is. They had all creation, as well as God's own revelation of Himself, to guide them. Just as we do today. God exists and is faithful to His revelation of Himself. His Word He does. And those who do know Him find Him to be a keeper of His agreements, because they are based on His longsuffering love. Don't doubt Him, get to know Him. He will reward you!
Our personal growth must be based on truth. God has given to us the Spirit of Truth who knows everything. The Holy Spirit is our Counselor. Just as the disciples could stop along the way and ask Jesus their questions about the Scriptures, and life, so can we at any time ask the Counselor who has been given to us. How often we wish we could have walked with Jesus. In a very real way, we do walk with Him today. Though the world doesn't know this Counselor, believers do. Jesus said He wouldn't leave us helpless. When we despair of the "right" answer, let's not forget that Jesus has sent us a Counselor of the same kind He was to the disciples, when He walked the earth in flesh and blood. It is this very Counselor whom Jesus said would teach the disciples all things, enabling them to recall all He had taught. Call on the Lord today, and listen for His Spirit's answer!
What motivates us to serve? It is a true saying, only ourselves and God can know our own particular motives for what we do. And we have to struggle to know, at that. But when we serve, we need to check that it is from love of Jesus, and not for some ostentatious show for others to see. There is indeed a reward for every act we do for Jesus' sake and in His Name. But we replace that heavenly, God-given reward with an earthly one, when our motive is men's attention and approbation. Some people, in Jesus' day, would make a great show to giving a gift to a beggar. It was the show they loved, not the help to the beggar. Jesus called these people hypocrites! The phrase, "good deeds," in our Scripture is broad and includes not only our giving, but also practicing the correctness of our thinking for others to see. When you do a good deed, check to see if your motive is God's glory, or your own.
Paul, in speaking to the Ephesians about the ministry of the gospel of Jesus Christ given to him to give to the Gentiles, expresses a truth we all need to apply in our prayer life. He speaks of the "boldness" we have through Jesus. This can literally be translated as "freedom of speech." Here is the true freedom of speech, and its basis. When we are in accord with God's purposes, then we can speak as we will, to Him. In the United States our freedom of speech is often used to express ideas and other information of an unwholesome nature. But this freedom of speech we have in Jesus is different. There we can tell God our most intimate difficulties, our greatest fears and struggles, and know that He hears and understands. And more than that, we can talk to Him with boldness, bringing to Him our hopes and dreams. Do you have this freedom in prayer with God? Exercise your true "freedom of speech" today!
Sometimes we wonder if friends are really worth it. They take time and patience. Solomon tells us in a very practical way that friends are important. When you work, you accomplish a certain amount. But with a friend, you might double that output and gain a double reward or more. It is not just an economic point Solomon is making here. More importantly, if when you and your friend are together, and you fall, your friend can help you up. This is more than just an application of a physical nature. We can fall by sinning, by doing something contrary to God's will, contrary to His Word. A true friend will not leave you at this time; a true friend also ought not to keep silent. He or she is a true friend when they call us back to God's path, God's way. This is becoming rarer as time passes. We need godly friends who will help in our struggles to live righteously. If you don't have such a friend, ask your Father. He will provide. And be such a friend, yourself.
Enoch, the seventh man from Adam, had lived to be 365 years old when he left this earth. His name means "teacher." Of all people who have ever lived, only two never experienced death, Elijah and Enoch. What kind of a man was Enoch? In Jude we learn that Enoch spoke forth God's judgment against the sin of his age. He was both a prophet (forthteller) and teacher. In Genesis we read that Enoch "walked" with God. Often we talk about our "walk." That is a metaphor for all that makes up a life, how we think, what we do, everything. Enoch's walk was "with God." And that walk, testified to before all those who knew Enoch, brought forth the comment by the writer of Hebrews, "he pleased God." Why did Enoch please God? He spoke God's Word confronting the sin around him; he taught those with a desire to learn of God; and he was dedicated to God. Make this the characteristic you are known by, that YOU please God.
Evangelical worship is to be a spiritual service of worship. Isaiah prophesies that elements of this kind of worship will include praise, delight and joy. What a wonderful thought as we consider the Lord's Day, and go to worship Him. Is God your salvation only one day a week? God forbid! We can trust in Him throughout the week, and not be afraid of anything. He is faithful, and cares for His children. He gives us of His strength and as we are filled with His delight, the knowledge of His presence with us; He even becomes our song. Isaiah tells us Almighty God is a well for us to draw out the waters of His salvation. As you approach God for worship, think of Him as an neverending well of joy, and return in your worship some of that joy to Him, in thanksgiving. Practice this throughout your week, not just on Sunday.
For those of us who know the Lord, this is a rhetorical question - no answer needed! For others, it might not be so clear though. In order to answer, you must know who God is! The Bible tells us that the Lord made all things; He stretched out the heavens; He spread out the earth; He overthrows the learning of the wise, He fulfills the predictions of His messengers; He formed the light and created darkness; He brings prosperity and creates disaster (Psalm 44). Do you know the God of the Bible or have you created your own idea of who God is? If you have discovered the God of the Bible and have understood His many awesome attributes, you will declare, as others have, that nothing is too hard for Him! If you don't know this God, ask Him to reveal Himself to you, and gain a relationship with the One for whom nothing is too hard.
It is wonderful that the Lord has clearly stated that temptations will come to us and that others before and beside us have suffered with them, too. We are not alone in our struggle to live victoriously! It is also wonderful that the Lord has provided a way to walk through the temptation without committing sin. Our problem, then, is to be discerning and obedient: discerning enough to see the way of escape; obedient enough to take it! Do you look for a way to escape when tempted to sin? Do you run to it when you see it? Fleeing may be the escape, but if it isn't, God will show you the escape, as you run. Think about it.
The Bible admonishes over and over not to think more highly of ourselves than we ought. Here is a good example for us. The number of Christians who serve the Lord publicly is relatively small; those who do serve Him publicly might lean towards pride. Paul helps us get it into proper perspective, though. He reminds us that apart from Jesus Christ, we can do nothing! Are you among the pew-sitters? Or are you a planter? A waterer? Remember that while we need to do our part, we must not take the credit for the results. If we boast, let us boast in the Lord!
Deep called unto deep. Those are simple but intriguing words in relationship to prayer. Most of us are probably not satisfied with our prayer life. We long for more but don't quite know what to do to get it. There seems to be a hollowness or shallowness about our communion with the Lord. On the one hand, we guard against emotionalism - because we live by faith and not by feelings; and on the other hand, we desperately need to sense God's presence and His stirring. Deep calleth unto deep. The Bible tells us that the Spirit searches the deep things of God and that no one can know the thoughts of God except the Spirit of God. Could the Holy Spirit within us be calling out to God to reveal His thoughts to us? If our longing is for discovery of the mind of God, and the longing was placed there by Him, we would do well to respond to that longing with reverential fear and perseverance. Be willing to spend your prayer time in the deep, and you will draw nearer to God.
This verse, more than likely, causes most of us to gulp hard! Too often we are not careful, especially when it comes to judging others spiritually. We can only guess what someone else's motives are. But that will not always be the case. There is coming a day when Jesus will bring to light all that was hidden in darkness and will expose the motives of men's hearts. Until then, let us try to give the benefit of the doubt where we can, and remain silent on the other cases. Many of us have been hurt by others; many of us have also hurt others. We need to leave the judging to Jesus and go on as best we can in difficult situations. This is the meaning of "love covers a multitude of sins." When tempted to judge to condemn someone, ask for God's special love, and you will be strengthened.
According to Lockyer's ALL THE WOMEN OF THE BIBLE, Esther is seen as a woman of clear judgment, of great self-control and capable of even greater self-sacrifice. As an historical character, Esther is the ultimate heroine delivering her nation from disaster. She is a rare individual who has a mixture of charm, strength, and courage, and who remained unaffected by wealth, prosperity and power. We can learn much from studying the life of Esther: to seek guidance in times of difficulty; to be ready to renounce self; and to value and seek cooperation between fellow-believers.
There are times when we don't want to go to church. One of those times is when we are frightened and discouraged. We don't want to be in a place where you have to act like everything is really okay. Hezekiah had just received news that the commander of an army besieging Jerusalem had said God would not deliver the Israelites. The announcement had been made in the hearing of the besieged people. Hezekiah was very depressed and frightened. But instead of sitting in self pity and fear, he went to his God, to the temple. Now Christians can communicate with God anywhere. But church is for all Christians, not just the happy ones. When you have a serious problem, go to your church. There you will find fellow believers to encourage you, God's Word to feed on, and an opportunity to offer a sacrifice of praise in worship. Do as Hezekiah did. Don't sit at home feeling sorry for yourself. As you come to worship Him, God will not let you down.
To know God takes life-long effort. Humankind can't sustain this effort; only God's Spirit can. Even so, there must be perseverance. Many people, experiencing times of difficulty, come to God through His Word, just by opening it and reading at that place. They don't direct their thinking. This method of drawing near to God will probably be as valuable as the effort it took. To draw near to God, we should ask His help first and then think through what it is we seek. We can then intelligently go to His Word, and to Him in prayer. He will instruct us; He has promised. Our effort is usually in direct proportion to the value of the undertaking. When we are seeking God, persevering to the point where we receive the answer/help, still we may get discouraged because it seems too difficult. Then He is equally the God of Encouragement. Persevere in your walk, and in your seeking. And when you tire, ask the only true source of encouragement, for encouragement. It will be yours.
This verse is a condensed version of all the instruction necessary for a person to grow in their walk with God. The person who obeys these instructions is said to be blessed. Blessed means spiritually prosperous; it means being consciously aware of God's goodness to you in life. With that in mind, we are told not to "walk" or live by the philosophies of those who reject God Almighty. Their systems may appear powerful, correct, even good. But they are hollow and based on humankind's glory, not God's. Standing in the way of sinners is taking your stand according to the methods of the world, like "the end justifies the means." This is the height of rationalization and is not God's method. God's method is obedience to Him, alone. And last, we are told not to sit with those who scorn and mock God. There are many today, sitting in seats of power, completely denying the only true God and His Son Jesus Christ. Avoid worldly philosophies and follow Jesus instead. This honors God.
James and John had just caused a severe controversy with the other ten disciples, having boldly asked Jesus to grant them places of honor in glory. They were known, these "sons of thunder," for boldness. Jesus took the opportunity to contrast His way with the world's. The natural pride of man asks for self-glory. God's way is to serve. This is one of the most powerful principles in Scripture. Regardless of position, you can always be a servant. That isn't being a doormat. It never includes doing something illegal or immoral. But how often do we take offense if we are asked to do something "below" us. Wisdom must be used, and balance maintained. Even so, much hurt will be avoided, when we take this principle to heart. And having the heart of a servant protects us in a marvelous way because God protects us as we serve Him. Are you a true servant? Whether you are a janitor, teacher or CEO of a great company, believers are all called to "be the willing slave of all."
The Israelites were complaining that God was not hearing their prayers. Many of us have shared the same complaint. Now there may be at least two reasons for the seeming lack of the hearing of our prayers by God. First, it is His privilege to hide Himself in clouds and darkness. These times are designed with our good in mind; silence draws out the question, "What is your measure of faith?" But much more commonly the instruction in our verses is what is at the root of God's silence. Are we oppressing someone? Are we speaking of someone in an ungodly manner? God's ways are marvelous, because they are constructed to help His children see themselves in His light. When we choose to walk in His light, we must consciously shed the dark and dirty clothes of sinful habit. And if we do not so choose, God graciously enables us to see this, as He remains silent to our conversation. Are we habitual in our prayers to the point we can tell when He is silent?
Sometimes children are taken for granted, an automatic product of a biological function. Scripture says children are a blessing from God! Every child holds an eternal soul. As that child is conceived, that soul is made alive; an eternal destiny begun. Consider the child God has given you. What a privilege to raise that child under the instruction of the loving God! Today is an age of great stress for fathers. Powerful forces work to weaken the father as head of the family and a man of God. Fathers, don't give those forces ground in your life. Make your priorities God, family and work in that order. Guard your time in the Word and prayer. Find a godly friend who will help hone your skills as a believer. Don't let the battles in the world carry over to your homelife where they may be released in a destructive way on your children. Empowered by God's Spirit, you will enable your children in Him, and not provoke them to sin. Take advantage of this power.
Gideon is listed in the heroes of the faith in the book of Hebrews. The name Gideon could mean "great warrior," but this passage from Judges certainly shows Gideon didn't start out that way. A winepress below ground level, a hiding place is where we first find Gideon. Now it is true, he was hiding the grain, but so too he was hiding himself! But the angel called him "mighty warrior" and that's what he became. He listened to God and finally also acted on what the Lord told him to do. Gideon is a great encouragement when you realize that the odds against him were vast. At the final battle, the Midianites had something like 400,000 against Gideon's 300! But those 300 all listened to Gideon, and obeyed God. When the forces against you seem overwhelming, remember Gideon. Just as Gideon obeyed God, even doing seemingly foolish things, so can we obey God, and trust that He will deliver us.
When you were invited to your bosses' home, or to something hosted by a very prominent person, it felt pretty good, didn't it? As a Christian, a child of God's, we have been invited to partake of His own glory, His own excellence. These are mere words on paper, worth little more than the ink it took to print them, until we hear that invitation, receive and act on it. Jesus came that we might not just live, but live gloriously, abundantly, joyously! And God has already provided for this living, by inviting us to partake of His own honor and power. This is what provides for a godly life, and a godly life is lived in worship of the Father every day. True piety is true worship, and it happens every minute of the day. We are called to worship our God corporately, on the sabbath. But we are also called to worship God each and every day. Plan today to live according to the godliness your Father in heaven has already provided for you.
Everything in our world is in a stage of transition. It has been said that the day a person is born, is the day that person begins to die. Now, think about the first chapter of John's Gospel where John says that in the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. Jesus Christ, the Word, is the eternal expression of God to man. He is the great I Am - who always was, always is, and who always will be. This is hard to fully comprehend. To the degree we can grasp the significance of eternity, we should prioritize the elements of our lives to that same degree. If the material and natural are at best transitory but the spiritual is eternal, what should be of utmost importance to us? How can we be so susceptible to the world's propaganda in ordering our lives by its ungodly values? Wake up and order your life on what is really important.
To commit is to place something in someone else's trust. The question arises as to what I have committed to God. If you truly know God in the fullest way possible at this time in your life; and if, because of who He is, you are convinced that He is all powerful, then you would do well to do inventory on all things pertaining to your life to discover what things you have and have not, committed. Have you committed your career to Him? If you have, He promises to guard it or keep it safe. Have you committed your family relationships to Him? Your finances? Your dreams? Your health? Spend some time today and list the essential areas of your life. Check each one to see if you have truly committed each area to God. Then spend some time in prayer, either re-committing or deepening the commitment. These steps will lead you toward absolute surrender and complete commitment!
The Bible is full of exhortation regarding the believer's responsibility towards the poor, but not much is heard about that today. Instead, our focus is on self. Much consideration is given to self-realization, self-actualization, self-improvement. Our calendars are full of classes and conferences to help the self. As we proceed toward the Lord's return, we can expect the world's ways and the Lord's ways to become greater in contrast. The Word doesn't say, "blessed is he who considers himself," but "blessed" or "approved of God" is he that considers the poor! Check your calendar: are you scheduled to prepare and serve meals to the hungry? Are you signed up to help the homeless find shelter? Are you busy making sure children in your city don't go off to school cold and hungry? Consider the poor!
Prayer is so much more than asking God to do what we want done. Prayer is trusting Him enough, and in all situations and conditions of life, to do as this verse tells us to do and pour out our hearts to Him! Our hearts are often full: full of pain or anger; of bitterness or resentment; of fear and confusion. How wonderful it would be to pour all of these out before Him who loves us and cares for us. We can do this "pouring out" through prayer. And we need to. When is the last time you did a heart-inventory? Did you find your heart full of anguish from some of the things listed above? Why not stop right now and pour it all out before Him; then commit to doing it weekly, at least. You can trust Him in this!
Moses made a life-changing decision on that day he renounced his old life and identified with God's family. His environment changed; his circle of friends changed; his life-style changed; his opportunities changed; and his future changed - forever. Not many of us realized that, at the time of our conversion, all of these same things changed for us, too. Or did they? What difference has accepting Christ really made in your life? Can you list any sacrifices that resulted? Have you suffered at all, in any area? Have relationships changed since that time? If nothing has changed in your life, then it is likely that what you experienced was not a conversion experience. Think about it.
Paul wrote these words to his young protege, Timothy. The value of a mother's influence upon her children should not be underestimated. Timothy became one of the New Testament's notable evangelists. Eunice and Lois followed God's command in Proverbs 22:6 and trained Timothy in the way he should go. When Timothy grew up, he did not depart from it. We can be sure that Timothy thanked God for his Christian home. But not all children have this opportunity. Do yours? If the New Testament was still being written today, would your name be noted as "one like Eunice?" If it wouldn't, you can change that today!
Solomon's Colonnade was a part of Herod's, or the second, Temple. The first temple had been leveled, although the Colonnade may have partially survived. Solomon's Colonnade has been called the Portico, Porch or Hall. It opened into the Court of the Gentiles where both Jews and Gentiles could meet. Here was where Mary and Joseph found young Jesus, discoursing with Rabbis. Here, during the Feast of Dedication, Jesus told the Jews, "I and the Father are one." Our verse indicates this was where Jesus' disciples met regularly to preach and demonstrate the truth of their message through miracles. The discouraged could come and be renewed by encouragement from the preaching and/or the actions of the apostles. Victories were reported to the new church. "Solomon's Colonnade" today is your church. Go there. Tell of Jesus and His power. Encourage and be encouraged. It is a place to meet Jesus and other believers from many different backgrounds and places.
We need a high view of our God. He is absolutely sovereign. No one can change his mind or make Him do what He is not pleased to do. And so He tells His creatures, there is no god beside Him. It is God that ultimately brings both life and death. Sometimes we are tempted to think that the adversary, the devil, is a sort of equivalent to God, but evil. This is not true. The devil is evil, but he is no comparison to God. There is nothing to compare God to, because He is absolutely unique. He has told His creation how life works. We have it all in our owner's manual, the Bible. Just as a rock will never float in the air on earth, so too, if we obey God we are blessed, and if we disobey, we suffer the consequences. Absolutely. Do not demean God when things get difficult, by thinking He is not in complete control. He is God, and there is no one beside Him, and He will accomplish His will.
