According to Lockyer's ALL THE WOMEN OF THE BIBLE, Mary was a humble village woman from the tribe of Judah and line of David. She was a virgin when she bore Christ, the Son of God. Mary is the reality of I Corinthians 1:27-28: But God chose the foolish things of this world to shame the wise; God chose the weak things of the world to shame the strong. He chose the lowly things of this world and the despised thing - and the things that are not - to nullify the things that are. She is blessed among women for being faithful, humble, and godly. Women of today would be wise, in God's eyes, to seek the same characteristics.
The term "face" carries great meaning in Scripture, as it does in oriental society. To "lose face" is to be shamed, humiliated. To "lift up the face" is to make happy again. To have a "cast down face" is to show discouragement. Moses hid his face when God spoke to him. This is the natural human reaction when we confront Almighty God. He is pure, utterly holy; we are not. He is perfect and we are not. He is the Creator and we are the created. Moses' understanding of his Maker was of this nature. Moses also understood that this God was He who shook mountains, brought rain or drought, and saw all the things that humankind did. When we approach our God, we need to hold the highest view possible of Him. Worship begins at this place. God is incomparable. He is high above all we can conceive of as being high. He alone is God and there is no other! In corporate worship, bring the highest view of God possible, and your countenance will be lifted up!
This Scripture does not just leave it that God can do all things. He can! He is all-powerful. But the disciples had just heard a rich young man asking about getting into the kingdom of heaven. And it had become apparent that he didn't want to give up his riches. So Jesus said it was hard for a rich man to get into the kingdom of heaven, and the disciples were dismayed! Jesus compared the difficulty humorously as a camel going through a needle's eye. The point is that a rich man on his own never could get into heaven. But with God, he could. Many rich men, starting with Zacchaeus and going on down through the ages, have dedicated their lives and fortunes to Jesus. If we are so blessed with the world's material goods, let's make sure they are devoted to God's use wholly. After all, they are only on loan. Check today and see how tightly you hold on to what has been given to you by God. It's His, and He may require it of you, soon.
Nothing brings personal growth about faster than what is meant in this proverb. Remember seeing the pharmacy sign showing a bowl with a handle sticking out? That is the mortar (bowl) and pestle (crushing device) pharmacists use to crush pills into powder. Mortar and pestle are still used to crush hard heads of wheat grain, relatively unusable in that form, into flour; a very useful substance indeed! The mortar in our proverb is the world, we're all in it together. The pestle represents the circumstances of life, we all experience them good and bad. The fool goes through difficult, crushing circumstances and doesn't learn from them. Believers go through the same pulverizing details of life, but can choose by God's power to learn and become more useful in His service. Are you being crushed today? Ask the Lord to use those circumstances in your life to make you more useful in His service. It brings glory to God, and benefit to you. Don't play the fool.
How we hate to think another person may be "watching over" us. And yet here is a Scripture that makes it very clear that Christians are to watch over one another. The old Puritans have gotten a lot of bad press in the past few decades. But they were known for their care for one another. They helped each other maintain a holy life and we today are charged by the same Scripture they were. We need to care for each other because we are all aliens in an alien country, and we are at war. Our true home is heaven. But while we are here we need to think about ways to encourage and stimulate one another to exercise God's love, helping others and doing "noble" things. Noble things are "good works." Don't be afraid of paying attention to your Christian brothers and sisters and to encourage them to self-sacrificially love those around them. This is the true path of service, serving and encouraging others to serve.
Have you come to that place, in your walk with God, that where He has led you is too difficult? Moses was in such a place and for the moment he forgot God's power. God gave the Israelites manna, bread from heaven, in the midst of the wilderness. Instead of rejoicing, the people wept and wanted meat. They complained to Moses. Moses' prayer is an excellent example of honesty before God. While we must always be respectful when we pray, still we must be honest. There are times when we just say, "Lord, take me home, this is too much for me." But when we finish saying that, we must remember that His strength is made perfect in our weakness and that He gives us no more than we are able, with His Spirit, to bear. Are you at this place today? Tell your Father in prayer; He will give you aid. He will strengthen you to accomplish all the task He has given you. Ask Him, remember Moses' prayer and the power of your God.
Of the many personal relationships we have, one of the most important is that relationship we have with the leaders of our church. It is these persons whom God, according to Scripture, has ordained to lead His church on earth. They may be called pastors, elders, deacons or other names, but they are the spiritual leaders spoken of as those "who are over you in the Lord...." They will have to give an account to Jesus Christ of their stewardship some day. Whatever their area of responsibility in the church, they will answer to Jesus Christ for the manner in which they carried out that responsibility. Often these leaders are the targets of much dissatisfaction. Be careful! It is no light thing to so serve. The Scripture warns that these people will be under a greater judgment! Our part is to pray for them and to honor, obey and assist them any way we can. Support and uphold your leaders. This finds favor with God.
Nicodemus may mean "Victorious among the People." He knew Jesus had come from God, because of Jesus' miracles. Nicodemus' questions show discernment. God had been silent four hundred years to this point. Nicodemus was a leader, a religious teacher and a member of the Pharisee sect. He came to Jesus at night; either he was concerned with causing arguments with his fellow Pharisees, or else it was the only time he could talk alone with Jesus. Nicodemus was cautious but not a coward. After all, it was the Pharisees especially who wanted Jesus dead. What can we learn from Nicodemus? We can follow his example of seeking out the truth, asking questions and taking the risks which might accompany the discovery of truth. Nicodemus spoke on behalf of Jesus' receiving a fair hearing from the hostile ruling council; he went with Joseph of Arimathea to prepare Jesus' body for entombment. These actions could have condemned him. Be like Nicodemus; when you've found the truth, act on it.
Have you ever looked through a book with photos of the great cathedrals of the world? There is the Cathedral of Mexico City, Chartres in France, St. Peter's in Vatican City, Notre Dame in Paris, and the National Cathedral in Washington, D.C. No matter what your denominational affiliation, these are majestic structures. Many who have seen them in person are awed at their magnificence. They were built to honor God and as places to worship Him. Yet there is another cathedral, another temple, where true worship begins. That cathedral is the believer. It is in the believer where true worship abides. Buildings and things in them will never be more important than the individual. Do you care for this "temple" as the dwelling place of Almighty God? He is with and in you. When you prepare for worship, check God's temple. Is it in need of cleaning? Are there things in it that must be replaced for it to honor God? Check these things as you prepare for true worship.
The Lord doesn't promise that Christians will have an easy time in this world. On the contrary, we can expect to need a safe place to run to in times of opposition, struggle, or warfare. How wonderful it is of the Lord to provide us with constant and complete protection. We have only to speak His name and His power is released like a mighty tower around us! Have you found Him to be faithful to His Word? Have you sensed His mighty power to protect? If you have never trusted Jesus Christ with the crises of your life, begin today!
No one can doubt that the days we are living in are evil: murder, rape, theft, fraud, suicide, slander, abuse, and arrogance abound. The Bible states plainly that we, as Christians, need to live very carefully and very wisely, making the most of every opportunity. Paul, in this 5th chapter of the letter to the Christians at Ephesus, exhorts them to be imitators of God. Jesus obeyed God in order to bring glory and honor to God. We should have no other yardstick by which we measure our life. Jesus was careful and wise and made the most of every opportunity for the glory of God! Are you careful and wise, according to the Scriptures? Do you take every opportunity to say or do something that will bring honor to God? Think about it.
Peter had a keen sense of the real needs of people. The beggar spoken to in this passage was seeking sustenance for his mortal body. Peter looked beyond the temporal into the eternal and spoke to the more important issue of the beggar's life. If our life here on earth is as a vapor, as the Bible teaches us, and if eternal life, which has no end, awaits each of us, should we not address the latter? Peter didn't give the beggar what he wanted - money - but he gave him what he needed - healing. The miraculous healing of his body led to the miraculous healing of his soul. Do you spontaneously respond to the needs of others with the eternal in mind? Are you able to discern between the wants of others and their needs? Talk to God about it.
What a testimony of godliness is found in this verse! Paul and Silas are in prison for preaching the gospel, and yet they are so filled with joy that they sing and pray. While many of us are quick to pray in times of trouble, not many would be found singing and praying. We more likely would be crying and praying! What did Paul and Silas understand about the Lord that we do not? Is our focus on ourselves rather than on God? Do we seek comfort and ease above the will and plan of God? Write down what you pray for and your state of mind while praying. If you are not able to sing with joy, even during difficult times, ask God to show you what Paul and Silas knew about Him!
We need to be careful that we not allow relationships to usurp God's place in our hearts. Paul tells the Christians at Philippi that God, not Paul, is their source. The same is true today. The Lord calls us to be like Him, not to become Him to others. There is a difference! This can be a freeing realization. We cannot meet the needs of others. But what we can do is stand by them, pray for them, guide them to the One who is able to supply everything they need. The stronger the personal relationship we have with the Lord Jesus Christ, the healthier the relationships we will have with each other.
According to Lockyer's ALL THE WOMEN OF THE BIBLE, Mary Magdalene appears as one of the most faithful and beautiful characters of the Bible - after seven demons were cast out of her by the Lord Jesus Christ. Because she was a woman of high standing and comfortable circumstances, she was able to devote herself to ministering to Him. She was at the cross during the crucifixion; she was at the tomb sorrowing with the others; and she was at the resurrection! Two lessons can be learned from Mary Magdalene: there is nothing Christ cannot do for a woman: heal her; restore her; deliver her. What He did for Mary Magdalene, He will do for you. The second lesson is that there should be nothing we wouldn't do for the Lord: surrender to His will; obey His commands; grow in our relationship; sacrifice for His cause.
Here is a profound mystery of our faith. God's Spirit lives IN us! How should we respond? Does God's infinite Spirit really live in us? The Scripture says it is so, and every believer can testify to the power resident in them to accomplish God's will. When we come to corporately worship God, remember to ask His Spirit in you to lead your meditations, your singing, your praying and anything else you do for the sake of your Savior. Especially during the time of the Lord's Table, the Lord's Supper, or communion, remember this fact. His perfect, pure, unblemished Holy Spirit is with you in all you do. And even when you consciously sin, while this grieves and even quenches His power for a time, He never leaves you! Let your heart soar in adoration. His faithfulness is beyond telling, His longsuffering patience our blessing. Let this thought direct your worship. And when tempted, choose not to sin, knowing God's Spirit is with you and in you to help you.
We progress in our walk with the Lord as we learn more of Him. Our Scripture notes two special characteristics of God, goodness and lovingkindness. God didn't have to make us so we could appreciate the smell of a rose. We could have been made so that a flaming sunset meant nothing to us, connoted nothing of the beauty of God's creation. The Word tells us we are made in the image of God. This doesn't refer to physical characteristics, but to spiritual. God is good and part of that goodness is what has been imparted to His creation in virtues such as those mentioned in our verse. Hebrew for the word "lovingkindness" in our Scripture has also been translated mercy, covenant love, and steadfast love. Whichever you choose, understand that this is God's disposition toward His creation. The knowledge of God's character is of little use if we do not reflect these elements ourselves. Progress in your walk with God by reflecting His image in goodness and lovingkindness.
God's Word is His revelation of Himself. If it is just the stories of men, no matter how selfless, how accurate, or what their motive, if that is all Scripture is, it is worthless. But Scripture testifies of itself; it is inspired, literally "God-breathed." Believe this! There is NO writing that compares with the Bible; no writing that has as consistently been proven to be true. But these are human plumb-lines. Prophets wrote much it, for whom one error was death. People have lived and given their lives based on it. They still do. Jesus trusted it. Millions today live lives of supernatural power, feeding upon it. Teach it, so others may understand God's truth; rebuke error with it, for it tells what sin is; correct with it those who will accept correcting; and especially train yourself and others in right acting with it. You can be totally equipped to deal with all the difficulties life throws at you, by feeding on God's Word. Only His Word will accomplish that.
Redeemed means something is severed that has bound you; it is completely cut in half. Jesus Christ's sacrifice redeems, paying the price of our sin completely; severing the penalty of sin we deserved. This redemption took place before ever you were His servant. There is another kind of redemption. Are you a servant, going where your Lord tells you to go; asking His directions and the task to which He would send you, and then doing it? If you are His servant, you know that there are times when indeed you need redeeming. Your serving has taken you into danger, physically, spiritually or both. The wicked hate the righteous; and we have an adversary worse than all the wicked put together. But our Lord provides sanctuary for His servants, a place to hide in Him even as we serve Him. In that place is no condemnation, no judgment, just God's grace and mercy. If you are a servant, take advantage of this place of refuge. If you are not a servant, you had better find out why.
Is your Christian "freedom of speech" restricted? The disciples were in Jerusalem, awaiting the Power Jesus promised just prior to ascending to heaven before their eyes. The disciples had experienced a great emotion, struggling, and exertion. Perhaps you've experienced something like what they were going through. Their prayer was not one of, "Oh Lord, just give us a little place and a small way to serve you." Rather, whatever their words, they prayed with absolute expectation of good. And when that good came, it came with such force that the very building they were in, shook! If you want God's highest glory, pray that you be filled daily, hourly with His Spirit. You will know you are, when the issue of your mouth is the truth of God spoken clearly, without fear and trembling, but in expectant confidence that He who promised is able to deliver. Ask your Father for the power today, and experience true freedom of speech in Him. He will deal with those who would restrict it!
Moses is giving various specific laws about all the details of life. This particular verse has to do with our attitude toward authority. It is growing more popular in the United States of America not to give respect to elected officials, politicians. But listen to what the Word says, "Do not...curse the ruler of your people." And what is more important, God saw fit to link it to blaspheming Him! Our politics allow us great freedom of expression, and that is good. But when the decision is made, the believer needs to pay attention to God's Word, and be careful what is said about the leaders of the country. Scripture instructs us that authority is given by God. We are blessed in this country to have a system which allows us to change the leaders if they are not God-honoring. If you care, act to change what needs to be changed, and don't just sit and badmouth the leadership. Honor that leadership until you can change it. This will win favor with God and man.
Onesiphorus means "one who brings advantage." He is an example of the hospitality and friendship all Christians are called to practice. We are not to wait for a "spiritual gift;" instead we are to follow our Lord's command to show hospitality. Onesiphorus "refreshed" Paul. One can imagine how Paul must have felt at times, fighting unbelief, being beaten, almost killed. Because of his friend, Paul was refreshed and able to return to the battle. Associating with someone "in chains" could be an embarrassment. Not to Onesiphorus! He was not ashamed of Paul's situation. Sometimes we wait for people to come to us, but Onesiphorus "sought Paul out" in Rome. We need to follow this example. While serving our Lord is the highest calling we have, it is often wearying. To be found by a believer desiring to minister to you is a great blessing. As we practice this ministry, we serve Jesus. He said, "I was hungry and you fed me...." Follow Onesiphorus' example.
Worship is the highest act of humankind, to honor God. It is to be done simultaneously from obedience to God's Word and from the soul's acknowledgement that worship is God's right. How remarkable that the created may seek out, and be drawn to, the Creator. To commune with Him, listen to Him, and let Him hear our praise and adoration! In worship the soul bows down and does homage to God. In worship the soul receives from God power and knowledge to live righteously. It is the most wholesome experience a soul will ever have. The next time you go to worship God Almighty, purpose in your mind to bow before Him and bend the knee. It may be done physically, but it is more important that it be done in the heart and mind. If you cannot do this, you cannot worship.
We can know some things about God by observing His creation; but in order to know God, Himself, this verse says that Jesus Christ must reveal Him to us. If you are a born again believer, it is because Jesus Christ revealed Himself to you: He opened your spiritual eyes to see; He unplugged your spiritual ears to hear; He softened your heart to respond. Because we are chosen, we should respond by searching out for ourselves all that is involved in being a child of the Living God. There is so much we do not yet understand about our new life; there is even more that we do not understand about our new Father. Begin today by determining to know Jesus Christ better each day.
The Lord sure knows how to get right to the heart of things! It seems He's trying to let us know that our purpose while on this earth is to bring honor and glory to Him. If that was the desire of our hearts, we would not be concerned with being first. What do you desire? Do you strive to be the best in your field? The most noticed in your neighborhood? The most talked about at your church? How often do you ask yourself, "How does what I am doing bring honor to the Lord?" None of us desire, in the natural, to be last and to serve everyone else - but some will be doing just that some day. It depends on what our heart desires now! Do something about it.
Jesus places mankind in two categories: those who follow Him and those who do not. Those who follow Him are in the minority and must struggle against the current of our time in order to be obedient to Him. The Lord calls His followers to a life of selflessness; the world encourages each to get all that he can. The Lord calls His followers to a life of patient waiting; the world urges immediate gratification. The Lord calls His followers to labor for the kingdom; the world strives for bigger, better, and the most now. What do you do more than others? Are you more selfless or selfish? Are you waiting or striving? Does what you do have eternal or temporal significance? Think about it!
We have a responsibility to support by prayer those who are laboring to spread the gospel. Ideally, that would mean everybody either praying or laboring. Realistically, though, we know that not everyone is obedient in this area. The ones that are obedient, who are out there on the front lines, engaging in spiritual warfare in order to bring others to Christ, need and deserve our prayer support. It would be good to prayerfully consider "adopting" several people who you know, or know of, who are in this position. If you can, contact them for particular needs. Make a list with the date you began praying for them and keep in touch to find out how and when the Lord answered your prayers. You will find, most likely, that not only are the ones you are praying for blessed, but you will be blessed as well. Why not begin today?
There are much better things to do with our time than worry, but we spend so much of it doing just that! The Bible tells us there are two things that are eternal: God's Word and people. We have two kinds of relationships, then, that are important: vertical - our relationship with the Lord; and horizontal - our relationships with others. If we are interested in "time-management," and most of us are, we should not waste our precious time on things that either we can do nothing about or that don't have eternal significance. Rather, we need to redeem the time, use it wisely, to make a difference in either our own spiritual life or in the lives of others. Are you a father? Then spend quality time with your children for their spiritual well-being. Are you a wife? Then devote yourself to your husband and make a difference in his spiritual life. Whose life can you spiritually enrich today?
According to Lockyer's ALL THE WOMEN OF THE BIBLE, Mary, Martha's sister, holds a special place among New Testament women. She won the "golden commendation" from the Lord: she did what she could, by pouring oil on His feet and wiping it with her hair. This outward demonstration reflected her inward character. She was humble, reverent, and hungering for spiritual knowledge. What Mary did, reflected who she was not what she said. Hers was a silent love with power! Is there a gap between who we say we are and what our actions show us to be? Would someone watching you know of your inner character? Let your life's actions shine out from God's Spirit in you.
Ethan the Ezrahite, writing this psalm, is presenting God in the company of the angelic host. The existence of angels is not debated in the Holy Scriptures. It is stated as fact, and as fact we accept it. The book of Hebrews in the New Testament explains that angels are God's ministers of His will. They are powerful and intelligent personalities, and humankind is made a little lower in the order of things, than they. The psalmist is explaining that in this company God is supreme. It has been said that it is foolish ever to say, "God is like this or that," because God is literally incomparable. It is with this thought in mind that we need to approach Him in worship. There is none other. He is the great Uncreated. The mightiest angels, let alone the mightiest men, can never even hope to be compared to Him. Lift your heart in adoration when you come to worship your incomparable God.
