Fallow Ground

Sow to yourselves in righteousness, reap in mercy break up your fallow ground, for it is time to seek the Lord, till he come and rain righteousness upon you”. Hosea 10 v 11

When gardening on clay you soon realise that it is impossible to sow any seed on this rock hard ground without first breaking up the soil. When we come to church to meet with God, we must come in a spirit of expectation, in much prayer and reverence. Will the God of Glory manifest Himself?

Our fellowship is with the Father and with his Son Jesus Christ. If the Lord Jesus were to appear in his resurrected Glory in the meeting, what would we do? Would we not fall on our faces like Saul on the road to Damascus? Fall as one dead like John on the isle of Patmos? Acts 9 v 4. Rev 1 v 17

“But who may abide at his coming? Who shall stand when he appeareth? For he is like a refiner’s fire, and like a fullers soap. Malachi 3 v 2

“Seeing all these things shall be dissolved, what manner of persons ought you to be in all holy conversation and godliness….”

2 Peter 3 v 1

While visiting many churches today what do we find? Do we see holy lives reflecting the Glory of Jesus? Some folks appear to be without a prayer life, a sacrificial life, a victorious life, in fact they are a travesty of Biblical Christianity a facade. Often they portray an outward hardness and much religion, but show little fruit.

“Be astonished Oh ye heavens, at this. and be horribly afraid, be very desolate saith the Lord. For my people have committed two evils; they have forsaken the fountain of living waters, and have hewed them out cisterns, broken cisterns, that can hold no water”. Jer 2 v 12/13

“We have not obeyed the voice of the Lord our God. For among my people are found wicked men. What a declaration from God!

Jer 3 v 25.  Jer 5 v 26

What will God do? “But thou shalt say to them, “This is a nation that obeyeth not the voice of the Lord their God, nor receiveth correction: truth is perished, and is cut off from their mouth”. Jer 7 v 28

“As many as I love I rebuke, and chasten; be zealous therefore and repent”. However bad things are, whatever sin there is in the nation and falling away in the church, God will always call for repentance. He is always merciful and not willing that any should perish. As many as I love, I rebuke.

“And the times of this ignorance God winked at; but now hath commanded all men everywhere to repent. Because he hath appointed a day in which he will judge the world in righteousness by that man whom he hath ordained”. Acts 17 v 30/31

“For if God spare not the natural branches, take heed, lest he also spare not thee”. Rom 11 v 21

The Judge

Jesus said, “I can of mine own self do nothing: as I hear, I judge: and my judgement is just: because I seek not mine own will, but the will of my Father which hath sent me”. John 5 v 30

Today the world is crying out for justice.  The courts have become so lenient that distraught bereaved parents who have had their lovely daughter assaulted, raped and murdered are shocked when the guilty culprit walks free from court on a technicality or a short prison sentence.

“He hath showed thee, O man, what is good; and what doth the Lord require of thee, but to do justly, to love mercy, and walk humbly with thy God”?  Micah 6 v 8

Solomon had to dispense justice. He did so with the case of the two mothers both claiming the baby to be their own. Take a sword and cut it in two and give half to each, was his verdict. The shocked real mother said “No do let him die, give the child to her, thus revealing her love. While the false mother could not care less, having lain on her own child.

But why dost thou judge thy brother? Or why dost thou set at nought thy brother? For we shall all stand before the judgement seat of Christ. For it is written…. every knee shall bow to me, and every tongue shall confess to God. So then everyone of us shall give account of himself to God”.  Rom 14 v 10/11

“For we must all appear before the judgement seat of Christ, that everyone may receive the things done in his body, according to that he hath done,, whether good or bad”.

2 Cor 5 v 10

Paul had to appeal to Cesar’s judgement seat when he was falsely accused on trumped up charges. Jesus when accused could have appealed to His Father for justice, but instead made no reply. Silent, as a sheep before its shearers is dumb so he opened not his mouth”. Isaiah 53 v 7

Paul reminds us that, “He that is spiritual judges all things, yet he himself is judged of no man.

1 Cor 2 v 15.

Abraham, pleading with the mysterious angel addresses him as Lord and says, …”Shall not the Judge of all the earth do right”. Gen 18 v 25

Jesus warned that we should have to give an account. “But I say unto you, that every idle word that men shall speak, they shall give an account    thereof in the day of judgement. For by thy words thou shalt be justified, and by thy words thou shalt be condemned”.            Math 12 v 36/37

“I charge thee therefore before God, and the Lord Jesus Christ, who shall judge the quick and the dead at His appearing and  His kingdom”.

2 Tim 4 v 1

“For they verily for a few days chastened us after their own pleasure; but he for our profit, that we might be partakers of His holiness. Heb 12 v 10

Let us consider what the unjust judge said. “And shall not God avenge his own elect, which cry day and night unto him, though he bear long with them. I tell you he will avenge them speedily”.   Luke 18 v 6/7

Obedient Servant

Abraham had heard from God that his seed should inherit the land and on this basis in obedience to God he instructed his trusted servant  and sent him forth to find a bride for his son Isaac. He had the Word, “Unto thy seed will I give this land, and he shall send his angel before thee, and thou shalt take a wife unto my son from thence.” Gen 24 v 7

Abraham had made his servant swear, but I believe the servant would have obeyed Abraham to the letter anyway. However he did swear to Abraham and set off  with his camels loaded  and with some of his master’s treasure. For everything was entrusted into his care.

How wonderfully does God entrust us with His treasures!  Words of life, the Gospel of peace, the riches of his Grace.

Faithful obedience is shown as the servant stands before the well. A prayer full of confident faith. “Behold, I stand here by the well of water; and the daughters of the men of the city come out to draw water.  “And let it come to pass, that the damsel to whom I shall say, Let down thy pitcher, I pray thee, that I may drink; and she shall say, drink, and I will give thy camels to drink also. Let the same be she that thou hast appointed for thy servant Isaac, and thereby I shall know that thou hast shown kindness unto my master”.

Gen 24 v 13

What an expectant faith, “Let it come to pass”.  Can we pray like that?

He had travelled a long way; he was on an important mission for his master now at this well, tired and in need of rest he puts his faith into action. How quickly God answers  expectant believing prayer!

“And it came to pass, before he had done speaking, that behold, Rebekah, came out and said, ” Drink my Lord and she hasted, and let gave him to drink. And when she had done giving him drink; she said, I will draw water for thy camels also until they have done drinking”.

The servant held his peace wondering if the Lord had prospered his journey or not.

It was not such an easy thing to do, to wonder, to wait and to rest the spirit, to have expectant faith, to look for the hand of God in the tiny circumstances. Yet this was not an ordinary selection of a bride, by the seed of Abraham and of God’s providential choice. God had led the servant to this place at such a time as this. This was a divine appointment. How many divine appointments have we unknowingly missed by our foolish impatience?

When the servant saw how the Lord had prospered his journey, he bowed his head and worshipped the Lord. “And he said, Blessed be the Lord God of my master Abraham,, who hath not left destitute  my master of his mercy and his truth: I being in the way, the Lord led me to the house of my master’s brethren”. Gen 24 v 27

And Samuel said, Hath the Lord as great delight in burnt offerings and sacrifices, as in obeying the voice of the Lord? Behold to obey is better than sacrifices and to hearken than the fat of rams. 1 Sam 15 v 22

Affliction

Is any among you afflicted”?

The world seems to be full of afflicted people. Many also are in the church. I believe in divine healing, I am the Lord that healeth thee. I believe if there are any sick that they should call for the elders of the church and be anointed with oil and prayed for, and the prayer of faith shall save the sick. James 5 v 13

Yet in all God’s dealings with man there is also a place for suffering and affliction for Jesus said, “And he that taketh not his cross, and followeth after Me, is not worthy of Me”. Math 10 v 38

Let us look at the afflictions of Paul. “For out of much affliction and anguish of heart I wrote to you with many tears; not that you should be grieved, but that ye might know the love which I have, more abundantly for you .

2 Cor 2 v 4

Israel was much afflicted. It was of course the result of their sin, “Many times He did deliver them; but they provoked Him with their counsel, and were brought low for their iniquity. Nevertheless he regarded their affliction, when He heard their cry”.

Psalm 106 v 43/44

Is any among you afflicted, let him pray. Here is the antidote for affliction, prayer.

Why does God allow this?

Part of the answer I have found in some of the people I have met in hospital who have been afflicted. In a few folks that I have observed, I found they possessed  a deep peace, despite affliction, born out of a real faith in Jesus Christ. This brings forth a serene acceptance and a victorious glow of love shining from their faces. In affliction I am sure we learn lessons that cannot be learned in any other way. The light that shines from such people can be very bright. The power of humility, and yielding to God’s plan is overwhelming in intensity.  Yes God does have a purpose in affliction.

Job learnt many lessons in his trial and affliction. He poured out his complaint to God. “I am full of confusion, therefore see thou my affliction”. Job 10 v 15

Moses  learnt lesson in self-sacrifice. He chooses the harder path. He could have remained in luxury in Egypt. “By faith Moses, when he was come to years, refused to called the son of Pharaoh’s daughter; Choosing rather to suffer affliction with the people of God, than to enjoy the pleasures of sin for a season”. Heb 11 24/25

In the parable of the sower the Lord Jesus made it plain that some seed would have no root. These people would be offended. “And have no root in themselves, and so endure but for a time; afterward when affliction or persecution arises for the words sake, immediately they are offended”. Mark 4 v 17

In the last days, the Word of  God tells us, “For in those days shall be affliction, such as was not from the beginning of creation, which God created unto this time, neither shall be”.. Mark 13 v 19

The Lord Jesus is our example, “He was oppressed, he was afflicted, yet he opened not his mouth: Isaiah 53 v7

Possession

As a youth I was chosen to be a back in a game of rugby. I was told to   stop the man with the ball from crossing the line and if possible to get that ball up the field to your forwards. Possession of the ball was the important thing. And what a battle there was!

There is a similar battle going on in the unseen spiritual world for possession. The ball, in this case is Gods will. What a battle can ensue over this. The one thing that will be contested in our Christian walk is for God’s plan and purpose in our lives to be done.

The devil will not mind you doing other things. He will attempt to divert you, deflect you, discourage you and dishearten you in many subtle ways from doing Gods will.

The temptation of Jesus in the wilderness and then the battle in the garden of Gethsemane were for Jesus to be deflected. “Father if this cup may not pass away from me, except I drink it, thy will be done. Math 26 v 42

There was a battle over the Promised Land, which continues to rage until this day between the Jews and the Palestinians.

Joshua, with the help of the Captain of the host, the Lord Jesus was able to enter into the land and to defeat the enemy. “I have brought you into the land of the Amorrites, which dwelt on the other, side Jordan, and they fought with you: and I gave them into your hand, that you might possess the land…Joshua 24 v 8

In the First World War thousands of soldiers lost their lives fighting over, a muddy, shell-crated piece of land. First one side had control, then the other. What a high price was paid in blood for possession. “Without the shedding of blood there is no remission for sin” Heb 9 v 22

Jesus sweat as it were drops of blood in agony in the garden. There were no soldiers there, no immediate threat to His life or limb yet as he contemplated the awfulness of the cross He was paying the price for possession. The physical pain the humiliation, His face would be beaten to pulp, His back scourged thirty nine times, He would be crowned with cruel thorns and He would hang naked on a wooden cross, nailed up, with every bone out of place. More than this He contemplated the awfulness of sin.

There at Calvary, He would become sin. He who knew no sin would become the sin of the world. Lk 22 v 42/44

No wonder there was a battle. Jesus our Lord was to win the victory over death, sin, and Satan. He was to purchase with His own shed blood, untold millions, who would be saved by his sacrifice His was the only propitiation acceptable to God for man’s sin.  God’s plan and God’s will be to done. 1 John 2 v 2

Some folks get very angry over a demarcation line such as their garden fence. They will go to court over the exact position of the boundary. It cost them a lot of heartache and money to establish their rights to possession.

Have we won the battle, for the possession of your heart and will?

Hidden Fear

For the thing which I greatly feared is come upon me, and that which I was afraid of is come to me. I was not in safety, neither had I rest, neither was I quiet, yet trouble came”.Job 3 v 25/26

The Lord knew perfectly about Jobs fear, He knows about ours too. My wife was shocked to hear an elderly saint confessing her worry and fear over the non-appearance of the speaker expected at her ladies meeting. A person who usually manifest great faith in other area’s of her life has her Achilles heel, and gets into a frightful state, with fear deep in the heart.

Yet God’s opinion of Job was high. The highest, “Hast thou considered my servant Job, that there is none like him in the earth, a perfect and an upright man, one that feareth God and escheweth evil? And still he holdeth fast his integrety, although thou movest me against him, to destroy him without cause.” Job 3 v 3

He holdest fast his integrity. What a man and what an example?

The question must be asked, was it a godly fear? He feared for his children with the possibility of them falling into sin. How much did he know of the human heart? “…That it was deceitful above all things and desperately wicked”. Jer 17 v 9

There is a revelation also in the discourse between God and Satan with the Satanic challenge, “Put forth thine hand now, and touch his bone and his flesh, and he will curse thee to thy face Job 3 v 5

Satan was wrong. Job, far from cursing God was able to say with much grace, “Naked came I from my mothers womb, and naked shall I return thither: the Lord gave and the Lord has taken away; blessed be the name of the Lord. In all this Job sinned not, nor charged God foolishly”. Job 2 v 21/22

Nevertheless Job did curse his day.” After this Job opened his mouth. And what a lot he had to say, yet at the end of it all, as he sat covered with boils and in sackcloth and ashes, with three unsympathetic friends around him, Job “abhorred himself.

 “Wherefore I abhor myself, and repent in dust and ashes”. Like so many when they meet with the glory of God, they fall as dead before Him. “I have heard of thee by the hearing of the ear: but now my eye seeth thee. Wherefore I repent in dust and ashes”

What are we afraid of? Who shall we fear?

“There is no fear in love; but perfect love casteth out fear: because fear hath torment. He that feareth is not made perfect in love” .I John 4 v 18

Epaphroditus

Epaph’ro’di’tus, in visiting the Philippian church was recommended  with a high testimonial from Paul. He was described as a fellow labourer in the Lord.

We are fellow workers together with the Lord. Look at this. “Receive him therefore in the Lord with all gladness; and hold such in reputation: Because for the work of Christ he was nigh unto death, not regarding his life, to supply your lack of service towards me”. Phil 2 v 29

E’phap’ro’di’tus brought goods from the church. This was invaluable to Paul and precious to God.

Paul said, “I have all, and abound, I am full having received of E’phap’ro’di’tus the things which were sent from you, an odour of a sweet smell, a sacrifice acceptable, well pleasing to God”. Phil 4 v 18

He was nigh unto death for the work of Christ. Isn’t that amazing!

He was, had been a very sick man and he was nigh unto death. “But God had mercy on him, and not on him only, but on me also, lest I should have sorrow upon sorrow”. Phil 2 v 27

I remember when I was having heart problems with many tests at the Hospital the Lord spoke to me through his word. “I shall not die, but live, and declare the works of the Lord”. Psalm 118 v 17

How kind and gracious the Lord is!

Yes we get sick but the Lord is our healer. This sickness is not unto death.  I remember, when I was having heart problems, how the Lord assured me with these words, “I shall not die but live and declare the works of the Lord”. Psalm118 v 17

Jesus is our divine physician. Those that wait upon the Lord shall renew their strength; they shall rise up with wings as eagles.  Yes, God is practical too, “Drink no longer water but use a little wine for stomach’s sake, and thine oft infirmities”. 1 Tim 5 v 23

At the scene of a motor accident many people will stop and ask, Can I help”? I ask myself, Am I a helper?

Paul could also recommend, O’n-e-siph’o’rus, “For he oft refreshed me, and was not ashamed of my chain: But when he was in Rome, he sought me out very diligently, and found me”.  That which was lost was found. Had contact been lost with Paul?  2 Tim 1 v 16

He was in prison and it was unknown where the authorities were keeping him however one man determined to find out. One man sought and found him, yet more, he ministered to Paul in the necessary things.

Paul could pray, “The Lord grant unto him that he may find mercy of the Lord in that day: and how in many things he ministered unto me at Ephesus, thou knowest very well”. 2 Tim 1 v 18

As you do it unto the least of these my brethren, ye do it unto me Math 25 v 40

And many women were there (at the cross) beholding afar off, which followed Jesus from Galilee ministering unto him”. Math 27 v 55.

One man prayed

Sodom and Gomorrah were deep in immorality and sin. They were due for judgement. Yet one man prayed…. “Lord if there be 50 righteous”…..

And Abraham drew near, and said, “Wilt thou also destroy the righteous with the wicked? Peradventure there be fifty righteous within the city: wilt thou also destroy and not spare the place for fifty righteous that are therein. That be far from thee to do after this manner, to slay the righteous with the wicked; and that the righteous should be as the wicked, that be far from thee: shall not the Judge of all the earth do right”?  Gen 18 v 23

In the rebellion of Kor’ah, Dathan and Abbiram when the glory of the Lord appeared to Moses and Aaron they, “…Fell on their faces, and said O God, the God of the spirits of all flesh, shall one man sin and wilt thou be wroth with all the congregation”.  Numbers 16 v 22

Then the Lord punished Korah and the 250 princes who had stood with them against Moses, as the ground opened up to swallow them and the fire consumed the 250 princes. Num 16 v 22/ 32/35

God is looking for a man who will pray. “And he saw there was no man, and wondered there was no intercessor” Isaiah 59 v 16

“Elias was a man subject to like passions as we are, and he prayed earnestly that it might not rain, and it rained not on the earth by the space of three years and six months. And he prayed again, and the heaven gave rain, and the earth brought forth her fruit”. James 5 v 17/18

King David prayed after his adultery with Bathsheba, “Against thee and thee only have I sinned and done this evil in thy sight, that thou mightest be justified when thou speakest, and be clear when thou judgest. Behold I was shapen in iniquity; and in sin did my mother conceive me. Behold thou desirest truth in the inward parts, and in the hidden part thou shalt make me to know wisdom”. Psalm 51 v 4/19

Neb-u-chad-nez’zar the king of  Bab’y-lon had made a decree that all the wise men in Babylon were to die..  When Daniel heard of this he asked the King to give him more time. Going back to his friends, Han’ani’ah, Mishael, and Azariah, They prayed “That they would desire the mercies of the God of heaven concerning this secret”.  In this case he prayed with others but often he was alone when praying for the nation. Dan 2 v 18

The prayer of the Lord Jesus outside the tomb of Laz’a’rus.  “Father, I thank thee that thou hast heard me, And I knew that thou hearest me always; but because of the people which stand by, I said it, that they may believe that thou hast sent me”. John 11 v 41/4

We have a beautiful example in the Lord’s own prayer to His Father of a prayer that would last throughout time. A prayer that is still being answered today “Neither I pray for these alone, but for them also that shall believe on me through their word.

 John 17 v 20

Thou shalt die

And Elisha said unto him, Thou mayest certainly recover; howbeit the Lord hath showed me that thou shalt surely die”. 2 Kings 8 v 10″

In those days, Hezekieh was sick unto death. And the prophet Isaiah the son of Amoz came to him and said unto him, Thus saith the Lord set thine house in order; for thou shalt die and not live. Isaiah 38 v 1

Then the word of the Lord came to Isaiah saying, “Go and say unto Hezekiah, Thus saith the Lord, I have heard thy prayer, I have seen thy tears,: behold I will  add unto thy days fifteen years” Isaiah 38 v 5

Let us not be presumptuous our times are in God’s hands   “But God said unto him, Thou fool, this night thy soul shall be required of thee: then whose shall those things be, which thou hast provided”.  Luke 12 v 20

The prophets of old were in danger of losing their lives if they did not obey the Lord’s specific commands.

And it came to pass as they sat at the table, that the Word of the Lord came unto the prophet that brought him back.  And he cried unto the man of God that came from Judah saying, Thus saith the Lord, forasmuch as thou hast disobeyed the mouth of the Lord, and hast not kept the commandment which the Lord thy God commanded thee.

But camest back and hast eaten bread and drunk water in the place of which the Lord did say unto thee, Eat no bread and drink no water; thy carcass shall not come unto the sepulchre of thy fathers 1 Kings 13 v 20

 Our life is held on a slender thread. We are all, only one breath away from eternity!

In hospital you may see people who are hanging on by a thread.  Thin skeletal people who are frail in body and mind, many who are without faith clinging on desperately, fearing the unknown. Others who have trusted in the Lord Jesus, looking forward, with expectant faith and glorious trust.

God spoke to me from his Word as I prayed about my weak physical heart, ” I shall not die but live and declare the works of the Lord. I believed God’s word and it has proved to be true. Psalm 118 v 17

When Martha came to Jesus mourning the death of her brother, Jesus said unto her, “Thy brother shall rise again” Martha said unto him, I know that he shall rise again in the resurrection in the last day. Jesus said unto her, I am the resurrection and the life, he that believeth in me, though he were dead, yet shall he live: And whosoever liveth and believeth in me shall never die. Believest thou this? John 11 v 23/26

Paul was aware of his home call. ”For I know that the time of my departure is at hand” 2 Tim 4 v 6

Time to live

The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom”. Prov 9 v 10

Sceva and his seven sons went to cast out a demon. They were attacked and beaten, and ran naked and wounded from the building in terror.The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom”. Prov 9 v 10

“This was known to the Jews and the Greeks dwelling at Ephesus; “And fear fell on them all, and the name of the Lord Jesus was magnified. And many that believed came and confessed, and showed their deeds”. Acts 19 v17/20

“The fear of the Lord is a fountain of life”. Prov 14 v 27

After Saul had met with the Lord Jesus on the Damascus road, having been blinded by His glory and led by the hand into the city where Ananias had come to pray with him. Receiving not only his sight as the scales fell from his eyes, but having been anointed with the Holy Ghost and fire, he preached Christ in the synagogue, that He is the Son of God.

The people were amazed. Paul was persecuted and eventually escaped in a basket over a wall. What happened? “Then the churches had rest throughout all Judea and Galilee, and Samaria and were edified; and walking in the fear of the Lord, and in the comfort of the Holy Ghost, were multiplied”. Acts 9 v 31

“The fear of the Lord is instruction in wisdom”. Prov 15 v 33

King David had consulted with the captains of thousands and hundreds and with every leader. They had thought it a good idea to bring back the Ark of God to Jerusalem. It seemed right in the eyes of the people. Despite their playing and singing the ox stumbled and Uzzar put out his hand to steady the cart and touched the Ark The anger of the Lord was kindled and the man died. What happened? “And David was afraid of God that day, saying how shall I bring the Ark of God home to me.1 Chron 13 v 12

“A wise man feareth, and departeth from evil”. Prov 14 v 16

After giving the Ten Commandments Moses is summarising the events that followed. “When the children of Israel heard the voice of the Lord, when they had seen His glory and His greatness on the mountain out of the midst of fire, they were afraid they might die.

What happened? God spoke to Moses saying, “O that there was such a heart in them, that they would fear Me, and keep all my commandments always, that it might be well with them, and with their children forever”. Deut 5 v 29

“Better a little, with the fear of the Lord, than great treasures with trouble. Prov 15 v 6

Daniel in sackcloth and ashes prays to God, “O Lord great and dreadful God, keeping covenant and mercy to them that love him, and to them who keep His commandments”. Dan 9 v 4

“The fear of the Lord is to hate evil, pride, arrogance and the evil way and the froward mouth do I hate”. Prov 8 v 13

Two Witnesses

And I will give power to my two witnesses, and they shall prophesy a thousand two hundred and three score days, clothed in sackcloth”. Rev 11 v 3

Power, spiritual power is missing in many lives today. “Wait for the promise of the Father, which saith He, ye have heard of Me: For John truly baptised with water but ye shall be baptised with the Holy Ghost”  Acts 1 v 4/5

The two witnesses have power. They can call fire down from heaven. “And I will give power to my two witnesses, and they shall prophesy a thousand two hundred and three score days, clothed in sackcloth. And if anyman shall hurt them, fire shall proceed from their mouth and devour their enemies, and if any man hurt them, he must in this manner be killed. These have power to shut heaven, that it rain not in the days of their prophecy, and have power to turn the waters into blood, and to smite the earth with all plagues, as often as they will”. Rev 11 v 5/6

What amazing power God has given to men.

And Moses besought the Lord his God, and said, “Lord, why doth thy wrath wax hot against thy people, which thou hast brought forth out of the land of Egypt with great power, and with a mighty hand”?  Exodus 32 v 11

Samson had power for a short while, sadly he lost it when he broke his Nazarite vow and allowed Delilah to cut his hair. Judges 16 v16.

Elijah too had great power, to stop the rain from heaven and to raise the dead” 1 Kings 17 v 1

 Is it possible that we could have such power?

Even the wicked are said to have great power. I have seen the wicked in great power, and spreading himself like a green- bay tree.  Psalms 37 v 35

All power comes from Almighty God. Ah Lord God! Behold, thou hast made the heaven and the earth by Thy great power and stretched out arm, and there is nothing too hard for Thee: Jer 32 v 17

What power there is in unity, “Again I say unto you, that if two of you shall agree on earth as touching anything that they shall ask, it shall be given them of My Father, which is in heaven”.  A glorious promise with just two of you agreeing! Math 18 v  19

Jesus gave the disciples power

And He called unto Him the twelve, and began to send them forth by two and two; and gave them power over unclean spirits.  Mark 6 v 7

“Behold, I give unto you power to tread on serpents and scorpions and over all the power of the enemy: and nothing shall by any means hurt you”. Luke 10 v 19

Jesus Himself only operated in the power of the Holy Spirit. And Jesus returned in the power of the Spirit into Galilee: and there went out a fame of Him through the entire region round about. Luke 4 v 14

And they were all amazed at the mighty power of God. Luke 9 v 43

Abigail

Now the name of the man was Na’bal, and the name of his wife Abigail: and she was a woman of good understanding, and of a beautiful countenance: but the man was churlish and evil in his doings; and he was of the house of Caleb” 1 Sam 25 v

What a shock to find a descendent of the fearless and faithful Caleb in such a deplorable way. Caleb who brought back the good fruit of the Promised Land and who could still the people, and say, “Let us go up at once, and possess it, for we are able to overcome it”. Num 13 v 30

Caleb who 40 years later was still in good health could say, Give me this mountain”. Joshua 14 v 12

Here we have two different appraisals of character what a contrast between the husband and wife! Abigail was a woman of good understanding. A wife can often be steadying influence in the family, an influence for good.

What does the Word of God say regarding wives? “Likewise ye wives, be subject unto your own husbands, that if any obey not the word, they also may without the word be won by the conversation of the wives; …”1 Peter 3 v 3/4

Abigail tried to save her household from almost certain destruction when her churlish husband spoke against David and his men. He had been protected by their presence and nothing had been stolen, but when they came seeking something to eat, he refused and sent them off with a flea in their ear. David was angry and would have slaughtered the lot of them, but for the intervention of Abigail. 1 Sam 25 v 16

Nabal was dismissive of David, “Who is this David?  And who is the son of Jesse?  v 10

“Then Abigail made haste and took two hundred loaves, and two bottles of wine, and five sheep ready dressed, and five measures of parched corn, and a hundred clusters of raisins, and two hundred cakes of figs, and laid them on asses”. v 18

David was a stranger to her, yet she knew that he and his band had protected her husband from robbers.  She displayed great humility when she met him and fell at his feet crying, “Upon me, my Lord, upon me let this iniquity be”. 1 Sam 25 v 24

Abigail portrayed a  picture of a willing substitute, also of an intercessor.  Pray thee forgive the trespass of thine handmaiden.  How extraordinary she imputed her husband’s iniquity to herself. V 28

The ten young men David sent had a good message. “Peace be both to thee, and peace be to thy house, and peace be unto all that thou hast”.

1 Sam 25 v 6

Abigail in her act of mercy, with her understanding of the situation both saved her family and brought judgement to her husband. His heart died within him and he became a stone. Ten days later he was dead. v 38

God rewarded Abigail in her act of mercy for she became the wife of David and said, “Behold let thine hand maid be a servant to wash the feet of the servants of my Lord”. She displayed attributes and attitudes of humility and service that Jesus displayed when He washed the disciple feet. Are we feet washers?  1 Sam 25 v 41

Fruit

I walked down the garden path to look at the vine, which grows over the shed. I rummaged among the leaves looking for some ripe grapes. I was shocked to find the fruit mouldy and rotting. The insects were enjoying a good feed, sadly there was no fruit for me.

“A certain man had a fig tree planted in his vineyard; and he came and sought fruit thereon, and found none. Then said he to the dresser of his vineyard, Behold these three years I come seeking fruit on this fig tree, and found none: cut it down; why cumbereth the ground”?

What a disappointment, no fruit to be found?  Fruit is expected. When you sow your seeds you go day after day to look and see if there are any signs of those seedlings appearing. A fruit tree should produce fruit otherwise you will soon eliminate it! Are we any different? Does not God expect to see fruit in our lives? Luke 13 v 6/9

In our local supermarket, the display of fruit is dazzling. How it shines under a blaze of lights, Yet all that glisters is not gold.  Much of the fruit is out of season, has been forced and is tasteless. Having no flavour much of it is not worth buying! And the fruits that thy soul lusted after are departed from thee, and all things which were dainty and goodly are departed from thee, and thou shalt find them no more at all. Rev 18 v 14

Oh taste and see that the Lord is good. The proof of the pudding is in the eating. “Ye shall know them by their fruits” is God’s Word . Math 7 v 20

And they took strong cities, and a fat land, and possessed houses full of all goods, wells digged, vineyards, and oliveyards, and fruit trees in abundance: so they did eat, and were filled, and became fat, and delighted themselves in thy great goodness. Nehemiah 9:25

Have we something of the flavour of God in our lives?  Can people say, they have been with Jesus”? Do our faces shine like Moses face shone after his time with God on the mountaintop? Have we godliness, the meekness, the gentleness, the patience, the faith, the love, the joy, the peace, the longsuffering, the temperance, which are all the fruits of the Spirit”? Gal 5 v22

The fruit on the tree of life in the garden of paradise looked very good but it brought a lot of trouble to the human race. Gen 3 v 6

Moses sent spies into the Promised Land. A land of milk and honey and this is the fruit of it. “They came unto the brook of Eshcol and cut down thence a branch with one cluster of grapes, and they bare it between two upon a staff”. Num 13 v 23

Some fruit! It took two men to carry one branch! Thus hath the Lord God showed unto me: and behold a basket of summer fruit. Amos 8 v 1

“In the midst of it, and on either side of the river, which bare twelve manner of fruits, and yielded her fruit every month: and the leaves of the trees were for the healing of the nations”. Rev 22 v 2

Apostasy

And they come unto thee as the people cometh, and they sit before thee as my people, for they hear thy words, but they will not do them: For with their mouth, they show much love but their heart goeth after their covetousness. And lo thou art unto them as a very lovely song and one that has a pleasant voice, and can play well on an instrument: for they do hear thy words, and they do them not.  Ezek 33 v 31

And when this cometh to pass, (lo it will come) then they shall know that a prophet has been among them”. Ezek 33 v 31/33

The Old Testament is full of backsliding and rebellious people. Israel a nation chosen of God had witnessed the mighty power and glory of God, yet  had constantly rebelled and murmured against Him. They rejected his commands but after being chastised, and after warning and warning, the people were driven from the Promised Land into exile.

The lesson of the Old Testament, the Word of God makes clear, are examples to us, “That we should not lust after evil things as they did”. 1 Cor 10 v 1/11

Of course many will be without excuse for we have plainly stated in the Scripture the narrative of Israel’s failings, despite the presence of God with them in the cloud by day and the fire by night. Moses constantly warned them,  and men having ignored died under the wrath of God punished with fire and pestilence. Lev 10 v 2

And the earth opened her mouth, and swallowed them up  Num 16 v 32

Yet time and again they proved God’s Word to be true, “The heart is deceitful above all things and desperately wicked” Jer 17 v 9

The warning of apostasy is so clear. “Of how much sorer punishment suppose ye, shall he be thought worthy, who hath trodden under foot the Son of God and hath counted the blood of the covenant, wherewith he was sanctified, an unholy thing, and hath done despite unto the Spirit of grace”. Heb 10 v 29

Apostasy in our churches is hardly recognised today. Christians have grown complacent despite the growing evidence and clear examples. Jesus Himself declared, ….“And because iniquity abounds, the love of many will grow cold”. Math 24 v 12

“Now the Spirit expressly declares, that in the latter days, some shall depart from the faith, giving heed to seducing spirits and doctrines of devils”. 1 Tim 4 v 1

“For many walk, of whom I have told you often, and I tell you now even weeping, they are the enemies of the cross of Christ”.  Phil 3 v 18

Can we identify such people? Who are they? “Ye shall know them by their fruits”, or rather lack of fruit? “Many shall say to me in that day, “Lord, Lord, have we not prophesied in thy name, and in thy name cast out devils, and in thy name done many wonderful works. And then I will profess unto them, Depart from me ye, that work iniquity”. Math 7 v 22/23

Now the Spirit speaketh expressly that in the latter times some shall depart from the faith, giving heed to seducing spirits, and doctrines of devils. 1 Tim 4 v 1

And when this cometh to pass, (lo it will come) then they shall know that a prophet has been among them”. Ezek 33 v 31/33And they come unto thee as the people cometh, and they sit before thee as my people, for they hear thy words, but they will not do them: For with their mouth, they show much love but their heart goeth after their covetousness. And lo thou art unto them as a very lovely song and one that has a pleasant voice, and can play well on an instrument: for they do hear thy words, and they do them not.  Ezek 33 v 31

The Old Testament is full of backsliding and rebellious people. Israel a nation chosen of God had witnessed the mighty power and glory of God, yet  had constantly rebelled and murmured against Him. They rejected his commands but after being chastised, and after warning and warning, the people were driven from the Promised Land into exile.

The lesson of the Old Testament, the Word of God makes clear, are examples to us, “That we should not lust after evil things as they did”. 1 Cor 10 v 1/11

Of course many will be without excuse for we have plainly stated in the Scripture the narrative of Israel’s failings, despite the presence of God with them in the cloud by day and the fire by night. Moses constantly warned them,  and men having ignored died under the wrath of God punished with fire and pestilence. Lev 10 v 2

And the earth opened her mouth, and swallowed them up  Num 16 v 32

Yet time and again they proved God’s Word to be true, “The heart is deceitful above all things and desperately wicked” Jer 17 v 9

The warning of apostasy is so clear. “Of how much sorer punishment suppose ye, shall he be thought worthy, who hath trodden under foot the Son of God and hath counted the blood of the covenant, wherewith he was sanctified, an unholy thing, and hath done despite unto the Spirit of grace”. Heb 10 v 29

Apostasy in our churches is hardly recognised today. Christians have grown complacent despite the growing evidence and clear examples. Jesus Himself declared, ….“And because iniquity abounds, the love of many will grow cold”. Math 24 v 12

“Now the Spirit expressly declares, that in the latter days, some shall depart from the faith, giving heed to seducing spirits and doctrines of devils”. 1 Tim 4 v 1

“For many walk, of whom I have told you often, and I tell you now even weeping, they are the enemies of the cross of Christ”.  Phil 3 v 18

Can we identify such people? Who are they? “Ye shall know them by their fruits”, or rather lack of fruit? “Many shall say to me in that day, “Lord, Lord, have we not prophesied in thy name, and in thy name cast out devils, and in thy name done many wonderful works. And then I will profess unto them, Depart from me ye, that work iniquity”. Math 7 v 22/23

Now the Spirit speaketh expressly that in the latter times some shall depart from the faith, giving heed to seducing spirits, and doctrines of devils. 1 Tim 4 v 1

Restoration

For I will restore health unto thee, and I will heal thee of thy wounds, saith the Lord. This promise made through Jeremiah the prophet to Israel is a foretaste of that restoration of the old Adam, the old nature, to the new life in Christ. For when a man is in Christ, he is a new creature, old things have passed away, behold all things become new. 2 Cor 5 v 17

When a Christian falls into sin or has been overtaken in a fault, we are exhorted to “restore such a one in the spirit of meekness; considering thyself, lest thou be also tempted”. Gal 6 v 1

“I will restore the years the locust have eaten, the cankerworm, and the caterpillar, and the palmerworm, my great army which I sent among you. Joel 2 v 25

Micah had stolen eleven hundred shekels of silver from his own mother. She had cursed and asked Micah did he know where it was?  Then he confessed the theft and restored the money to his mother. Judges 17 v 2

Restoration is a doctrine for Christians; it starts right back in the Old Testament. Now therefore restore the man his wife; for he is a prophet, and he shall pray for thee, and thou shalt live: and if thou restore her not, know thou that thou shalt surely die, thou, and all that are thine. Gen 20 v 7

If a man shall steal an ox, or a sheep, and kill it, or sell it; he shall restore five oxen for an ox, and four sheep for a sheep. Ex 22 v 1

In the time of Jesus the law stated that there must be restitution Zacchaeus willing to justify himself,…” stood and said unto the Lord; Behold Lord, the half my goods I give to the poor; and if I have taken anything from any man by false accusation, I restore him fourfold”.   But Jesus replied, This day, salvation has come to this house”. . Luke 19 v 8

Many a thief needs to make restoration.  We cannot be saved by restoration but when we are saved, by faith in Christ, we then need to restore any out- standing wrong.

The prophet Samuel had a clear conscience and could say, Behold, here I am witness against me before the Lord, and before his anointed: whose ox have I taken? or whose ass have I taken? or whom have I defrauded? whom have I oppressed? or of whose hand have I received any bribe to blind mine eyes therewith? and I will restore it you. 1 Sam 12 v 3

In revival, restoration automatically follows confession and repentance.

Israel had a big problem in the time of Nehemiah. “There was a great cry of the people.  And of their wives against their brethren the Jews. Some also said we have mortgaged our lands, vineyards, and houses, that we might buy corn, because of the dearth”. Famine had caused them to sell even their own flesh and blood into slavery.

Nehemiah was angry with the people; “Ye exact usury, every one of his brother. And I set a great assemble against them, Let us leave off this usury. Restore, I pray you, to them, even this day, their lands, their vineyards, their houses, also the hundreth part of the money, and the corn and the wine, and the oil, that ye exact of them”. Nehemiah 5 v 3/13

Is there something I have neglected to restore?

Hanging by a thread

Have you ever observed a spider climbing or falling on a slender thread of its web. The thin thread of web is very strong. If you ever get tangled up in its web you will realise how strong it really is.

Acrobats have great daring and skill as they swing from bar to bar in the big top. Strong hands grip their wrist as they fly through the air and are caught with split second timing. The trapeze artist, usually the woman is caught by the strong man and has to rely on his strength as she sways below him, without any sign of fear.

Some Christians seem to be hanging only by a thin thread of faith. They are those who are always needing a helping hand. Always needing to be encouraged and to be supported with constant help and counselling.  “I will uphold thee with the right hand of My righteousness”, is Gods Word.  Isaiah 41 v 10

Jesus on the cross could say, Father into Thy hands I commend My spirit. Luke 23 v 46

In a cliff a rescue or an emergency rescue at sea when a yacht is in trouble a helicopter lowers a winch man, on a thin piece of steel wire. It looks frail and weak yet it is incredibly strong and can hold two men easily. They may sway in the wind but they are safe

Are we safe? I watched a crane working on a building site. Heavy loads were swung across the building site with ease as the materials were lifted from lorries and whisked high in the sky with apparent ease.

God is well able to hold us up. But we need to reach out our hands to Him. A baby when lifted by its mother, is weak and helpless, it can do nothing. Of course it’s mother is well able to lift it and carry it safely through any danger.

A suspension bridge built with steel cables will move and sway in the wind, but will seldom if ever fail. Hudini walked with a cane across the Niagara Falls on a thick steel wire.

We too, on our spiritual walk with the Lord have to be in that state of complete vulnerability, we can do nothing, but having the faith and that implicit trust in the strong hand of God to turn the tide and to uphold us in our frailty.

An eagle is lifted high above the mountains carried by the hot air. It is completely relaxed. It soars high. It is never found exhausted. It yields its wings to the air, and is carried by the thermals high above the mountaintops

Whatever the slender thread is that holds us we know that underneath are the everlasting arms. The eternal God is thy refuge, and underneath are the everlasting arms. Deut 33 v 27

What we shall be

But we have this treasure in earthen vessels that the excellency of the power may be of God, and not of us”. 2 Cor 4 v 7…

What we shall be?  Is it a mystery? So many Christians seem blissfully unaware of what we shall be? Are there some clues?  The mother of the sons of thunder came to ask Jesus if her sons could sit one on the left and one on the right of Him as he sat in His Kingdom. Math 20 v 21ut we have this treasure in earthen vessels that the excellency of the power may be of God, and not of us”. 2 Cor 4 v 7…

The thief on the cross was told that he would be in paradise with Jesus after his death, which was imminent. “Today thou shalt be with me in paradise”. Luke 23 v 43

“It doth not yet appear what we shall be but we know”…. Yes, Gods word says, “We know”. Are we still ignorant? Surely this is not possible!  Should we not be searching the Word for the truth?

We shall be like Him!   Amazing truth. There it is. The Word of God. What does the Scripture say Jesus was like? Look at the word, we shall be like Him. 1 John 3 v 2

I believe this means we shall have all the attributes of a son.  A child who looks like his parents. We are after all made in the image of God. Gen 1 v 26

We shall see Him as he is. Now we see through a glass darkly, then face to face. We know that we shall be changed, in the twinkling of an eye, when the trumpet shall sound. The dead shall be raised and we which remain and are alive. 1 Thess 4 v 17

What a glorious thought!  Alive and to be caught up to be with the Lord, but on the way, in a moment, we shall be changed. Mortal human flesh shall put on immortality.

1 Cor 15 v 52

When the Lord Jesus appeared after His crucifixion and sacrificial death, He appeared in human form, He had flesh but no blood. His lifeblood had been shed He was a spirit yet in human form. “And after eight days again His disciples were within, and Thomas with them; then came Jesus, the doors being shut, and stood in the midst, and said, peace be unto you”. John 20 v 26

The truth is that God is a Spirit. “That which is born of the flesh is flesh and that which is born of the Spirit is spirit.  John 3 v 16

In the resurrection,  born again Christians will become like the Lord Jesus Himself.

“And in the midst of the seven candlesticks one like unto the Son of man, clothed with a garment down to His foot, and girt about the paps with a golden girdle. His head and His hairs were like wool, as white as snow, and His eyes were as a flame of fire; And His feet like unto fine brass, as if they burned in a furnace; and His voice as the sound of many waters”. Rev 1 v 13/15

We shall be changed. Hallelujah. “We shall be like Him, because we shall see Him as he is, and every man that hath this hope in him, purifieth himself, even as He is pure”. 1 John 3 v 2

But we all, with open face, beholding as in a glass, the glory of the Lord, are changed into the same image, from glory to glory, even as by the Spirit of the Lord”. 2 Cor 3 v 18

Weeping

For his anger endureth but for a moment, in his favour is life. Weeping may endure for a moment but joy cometh in the morning.  Psalm 30 v 5

A world full of sad and broken-hearted people. Broken marriages, broken homes, and broken hearts, what can be done for such a nation?

Mordecai heard terrible news of his nation, the Jews. They were to be exterminated. What could he do, just one man? “When Mordecai perceived all that was done, Mordecai rent his clothes, and put on sackcloth with ashes, and went out into the midst of the city and cried with a loud and bitter cry Esther 4 v 1

Daniel also wept and prayed for his nation and their sins. “And I set my face unto the Lord my God, to seek by prayer and supplication, with fasting, and sackcloth, and ashes. “Dan 9 v 1/21

Paul was weeping when he wrote to the Philippians. He had been weeping also. “For many walk, of whom I have told you often, and now tell you even weeping, that they are the enemies of the cross of Christ”.  Phil 3 v 18

Hezekiah, when he was dying, turned his face to the wall and wept. God heard him and answered him and granted 15 more years. Isaiah 38 v 7/8

Are we weeping? The Lord Jesus made his supplications with, “Strong crying and tears. Heb 5 v 8

I have to ask myself, “Lord is my heart so hard, that I cannot weep”? What does the Holy Ghost say? “Today if you hear my voice harden not your heart. Heb 3 v 7/8

When a crisis occurs we may be able to weep.  In Poland I witnessed a house on fire. The women, neighbours were running from other farmhouses, and screaming and weeping as they saw the uncontrollable inferno.

God calls on his Evangelist and minister’s of the Word to weep. “Let the priest, the ministers of the Lord, weep between the porch and the altar and let them say, Spare thy people O Lord. Joel 2 v 17

What does God say? What does the Lord require of thee?  But to do justly, to love mercy, and to walk humbly with thy God”. Can we love mercy and let our nation, go down the drain. The English people are adept at walking by on the other side; they can pass by and shrug their shoulders. Is that possible for a Christian?

“The sacrifices of God are a broken spirit, a broken and contrite heart O God thou wilt not despise. Psalm 51 v 1

Where do we see a broken spirit?  Are we, a weeping church?

“Let the priest, the ministers of the Lord weep, between the porch and the altar”… Joel 2 v 1

There is a time for everything. Is it time’ in these last days of, “The falling away, and apostasy in the church, the dark days before the Lord returns in glory, surely it is the time to be praying for our nation. Soon the day will come when the Lord Jesus will return, and then we will weep no more.

“And I will rejoice in Jerusalem, and joy in my people: and the voice of weeping shall no more be heard in her, not the voice of crying. Isaiah 65 v 19

Destruction

Oh Jerusalem, Jerusalem, which killest the prophets, and stonest them that are sent unto thee how often I would have gathered  thy children together, as a hen doth gather her  brood under her wings, but you would not ! Behold your house is left unto you desolate. Luke 13 v 34/35

What a sad sight it is to see a house left desolate, a home that now lies in ruins.  No wonder the Lord Jesus wept over Jerusalem, He could see the ruins of the city, which was to come in 70 years time. He is the Alpha and the Omega, the beginning and the end. Does He yet weep for the destruction of some temples now currently occupied by the Holy Ghost? 1 Cor 3 v 17

Jeremiah lamented over the ruins of Jerusalem “Jerusalem has grievously sinned therefore she is removed: all that honoured her despise her, because they have seen her nakedness: yea she sigheth, and turneth backward. Her filthiness is in her skirts, she remembereth not her last end; therefore she came down wonderfully: she hath no comforter, O Lord behold my affliction: for the enemy hath magnified himself.  Lam 1 v 8/9

In the Second World War, both in Britain and Germany cities were bombed to destruction. Many tears were shed over the ruins of magnificent cathedrals and ancient churches, which had been bombed and destroyed.  The devil would seek to bomb our beautiful temples, with hateful destructive bombs of evil thoughts and deeds.

Nehemiah walked around the ruins walls of Jerusalem in the night before he was to commence the work of rebuilding. Nehemiah 2 v 11/13

Jericho fell when the children of Israel walked around it silently for 6 days and on the seventh day, after a loud shout and with the trumpets blowing the walls fell in ruins to the ground. Joshua 6 v 20

Babylon that great city will also fall as foretold in Gods prophetic Word. “Alas, alas that great city, that was clothed in fine linen and purple and scarlet, and decked with gold and -precious stones, and pearls! For in one hour so great riches is come to nought. And every shipmaster and all the company in ships, and sailors, and as many as trade in the sea stood afar off.  And cried when they saw the smoke of her burning, saying, What city is like unto this city! Rev 18 v 16/18

Jerusalem has been besieged, captured and destroyed over 40 times in history

Here is a picture of the unseen battle for the temple. “Know ye not that ye are the temple of God, and that the Spirit of God dwelleth in you? If any man defile the temple of God him God will destroy; for the temple of God is holy, which temple are ye”.  1 Cor 3 v 16/17.

No wonder the Lord Jesus got angry when He saw the defilement of the temple with money changers and dove sellers trading in the place. “It is written, My house shall be called the house of prayer; but ye have made it a den of thieves. Math 21 v 13.

How is the temple today is it clean?

If the temple is defiled God will destroy it? 1 Cor 3 v 17

Great Faith

Woman, great is thy faith! What a commendation from the Lord Jesus! A desperate woman who came to Jesus in her need. If you have ever had a child sick  near to death, you will realise how desperate this case was.

I once stood at the cot of my grandchild, who had just had microsurgery with 60 stitches in his face following a terrible accident. I was praying to the Lord asking for the child’s life? I realised there was something so powerful in the desperate situation, the urgent need, the total dependence upon God as the only source of help, that touches Gods heart.

In this woman’s case it was her daughter’s desperate condition, “Vexed with a devil”. But what does the Lord do? It appears He tries to ignore her. He answers her not a word! In these days of instant answers this is a shock to our system. Yet one thing is needful. This woman is not worthy to approach the Lord. She was a Greek, a Syrophenician by nation, and a Gentile. The Lord Jesus came for His own nation the Jews. However after the initial shock of rejection, she comes to fall at the feet of Jesus and worships him and says, “Lord help me. Math 15 v 25

Do we fall down and worship the Lord when we come with our urgent, desperate petitions?

The woman falls at the feet of Jesus to say, “Lord cast out the devil from my daughter. Jesus says, Let the children first be filled: for it is not meet to take the children’s meat, and cast it to the dogs”. Mark 7 v 27

The woman had agreed. God had chosen Israel out of all the nations on the earth. They were the children.

Does God have favourites? Yes. He chooses Abraham, and made him a great nation.  Christians have been chosen in Christ before the foundation of the world, “According as he hath chosen us in Him, before the foundation of the world that we might be holy and without blame before Him in love”. Ephes 1 v 4

The woman is commended for her answer, “Yes Lord: yet the dogs under the table eat of the children’s crumbs”. Mark 7 v 26

The woman’s plea was accepted because of her faith and persistence.

How wonderfully the Lord granted her petition. The case was not an easy one. An unclean spirit grievously vexed her daughter. Yet the cure, the remarkable deliverance was immediate. “For this saying, go thy way, the devil is gone out of thy daughter. Woman great is thy faith: be it unto thee even as thou wilt”.  Mark 7 v 29.  Math 15 v 28

God’s power is not restricted to time or space. Faith transcends continents and globes. God’s word is quick and powerful and sharper than any two edged sword. Heb 4 v 12

“Therefore I say unto you, whatsoever things you desire, when you pray, believe that you receive them and ye shall have them”. Mark 11 v 24

Lord, shall we call fire down?

The disciple James and John saw  by  the face of Jesus that He was set on going on to Jerusalem, They said, “Lord, wilt thou that we command fire to come down from heaven and consume them even as Elias did? But He turned and rebuked them, and said, Ye know not what spirit ye are?  Luke 9 v 54

Jesus rebuked the disciples. Sometimes when I hear awful blasphemies and evil contempt of God by angry ignorant people I feel like the disciples. I would like to call down fire and brimstone upon them. The child abusers and ethnic murderers. However this is the wrong spirit. Jesus said, to the accusers of the woman caught in the very act of adultery.

 “Let him that is without sin cast the first stone”. And to the woman, Neither do I condemn thee””. John 8 v 11

When Elijah met the messengers of King Ahaziah  and told them of the Lord death sentence on the King, the king sent troops to find and bring Elijah to him. When the captain of the fifty troops reached the top of the hill, he cried, “Thou man of God, the King hath said, “Come down”. Elijah’s answer was, “If I be a man of God, then let fire come down from heaven and consume thee and thy  fifty. And there came down fire from heaven, and consumed him and his fifty”. 2 Kings 1 v 10

Justice is required. By justice being delayed in this age of grace murderers and evil men apparently escape scot-free. But in God’s perfect time, they will stand before Him and have to give an account of their actions. Rev 20 v 12

In contrast, can you hear the cry of the martyrs? “And they cried with a loud voice, saying, “How long O Lord, holy and true, dost thou not judge and avenge our blood on them that dwell upon the earth”? Rev 6 v 10

The fire fell on Sodom and Gomorrah. The flood took away the unbelieving and mocking generation in Noah’s time. The fire of anger fell on Aaron’s sons, Nadab and Abihu, when they offered a strange fire to the Lord. Lev 10 v 1.

 How shall we escape if we neglect so great a salvation? Heb 2 v 3

God’s wrath is just. Man’s wrath is not the right spirit. “For the wrath of man worketh not the righteousness of God” James 1 v 20

When the Lord healed the man with the withered hand, what was the reaction of the Scribes and the Pharisees? “And they were filled with madness, and communed one with another what they might do to Jesus”. Luke 6 v 11

 As an evangelist, I have experienced some of this hateful madness. This spirit comes only come from satan himself.  Why should normal family folks, who have health, a home and blessings from God get so insanely angry with God and with His Son Jesus Christ. Why do they possess such an awful spirit

“And He taught daily in the temple. But the chief priest and the scribes and the chief of the people sought to destroy Him”. Luke 19 v 47

Anointed Cherub

Cherubs are described in the Word as those beings, anointed one’s who stand in the presence of God…”These are the two anointed ones that stand by the Lord of the whole earth”. Zech 4 v 14

Satan was created and anointed by God. We know from the book of Genesis that he was in Eden. “Thou hast been in Eden the garden of God; every precious stone was thy covering, the sardius, topaz, and the diamond, the onyx, and the jasper, the sapphire and the emerald, and the carbuncle and the gold. The workmanship of thy tabrets and of thy pipes was prepared in thee in the day that thou was created. Ezek 28 v 13.

Satan was created a perfect being until iniquity was found in him, and he walked upon God,s Holy mountain in the midst of fire. “Thou was perfect in thy ways until iniquity was found in thee. By the multitude of thy merchandise they have filled they have filled the midst of thee with violence and thou hast sinned, therefore I will cast thee as profane out of the mountain of God, and will destroy thee, O covering cherub from the midst of the stones of fire.

Ezek 28 v16

The picture here is of a fallen angel, the anointed one who rebelled against God and through pride thought that he could occupy the side of the north. He seemingly had everything, yet he had a flaw, or perhaps many flaws. Why was he not content? Did he envy the glory that God had? There is definitely a hierarchy in heaven.

A most beautiful being, perfect and anointed, was found with iniquity. Pride in the heart, the human heart, has caused havoc in Gods creation. Here it is seen first in Satan then in Adam and Eve. The satanic, “I will” is alive and well in millions of hearts today.  Many Christians are not content with such things as they have. The desire for more, they struggle for position in the church, for influence and position is still strong in their hearts.

What a contrast with the Lord Jesus who in the garden, when facing the cross could say “Nevertheless not My will be done but thine”. Jesus who made Himself of no reputation, Jesus who humbled Himself. Who being in the form of God thought it not robbery to be equal with God: But made Himself of no reputation.

What modesty. He made himself of no reputation. No wonder God hath highly exalted him, to his right hand in glory. The last shall be first; the least shall be the greatest. Phil 2 v 5/11

A mother asked Jesus, could my sons sit at your right hand in your kingdom? The disciples too were too timid to ask. “They said unto him, Grant unto us that we may sit, one on thy right hand, and the other on thy left hand, in thy glory”. Mark 10 v 37

Are we seeking position?   “He that exalteth himself shall be abased; and he that humbleth himself shall be exalteth”.   In the parable of the talents some are rewarded with five cities others with one. According to their faithfulness. Math 25 v 15

Jesus said, “I beheld Satan as lightning fall from heaven”. Luke 10 v 18

Anger

For his anger endureth but for a moment, in his favour is life, weeping may endure for a night, but joy cometh in the morning”. Psalm 30 v 5

Anger can suddenly appear in the heart like a flaming arrow blazing away in a moment of time. Uncontrollable outbursts like a volcano suddenly erupting although to be fair to the volcano they do sometimes show signs before they burst forth. Whole towns and cities have been overwhelmed in destruction by the hot molten lava.

Anger is so ruinous to the spirit. Yet there were times when the Lord Jesus was angry, very angry so it does have its place.  God is angry with the wicked every day. God judgeth the righteous, and God is angry with the wicked every day. Psalms 7 v 11

If we understood how awful sin is and how angry God is with un-repentant sinners it would do marvels for our testimony.

God’s anger is everywhere in the Bible. ” They joined themselves unto Baal-Peor, and ate the sacrifices of the dead. Thus they provoked him to anger with their inventions, and the plague brake in upon them…. They angered him also at the waters of strife, so that it went ill with Moses for their sakes. Psalm 106 v 28/32

“Behold the name of the Lord cometh from far, burning with his anger, and the burden thereof is heavy, and his lips are full of indignation, and his tongue as a devouring fire”. Isaiah 30 v 27

We are taught, “Be ye angry, and sin not: let not the sun go down on your wrath. Ephes 4 v 26

“Cease from anger and forsake wrath” Psalms 37 v 8

Cease from anger, and forsake wrath: fret not thyself in any wise to do evil.  Anger contained in the heart can lead to a breakdown in health, mentally and physically. It is cause and effect. The effects can be disastrous to the human spirit.

We see anger first in Cain; he was wroth, with God. His gift was unacceptable. He felt snubbed, Yet God told him that sin lieth at the door. Gen 4 v 6/7

God’s anger is but for a moment.  He is slow to anger, Jonah knew this. “I fled before unto Tarshish: for I knew that art a gracious God and merciful, slow to anger, and of great kindness, and repentest thee of the evil”. Jonah 4 v 2

“But thou art God ready to pardon, gracious and merciful, slow to anger, and of great kindness, and forsook them not”. .Nehemiah 9 v 17

We can control anger, we can and must do something about it, “But now ye also put off all these: anger, wrath, malice Col 3 v 8

What examples of God’s patience, mercy and grace we see in His dealings with His beloved Israel.

“For their heart was not right with him, neither were they steadfast in his covenant. But he, being full of compassion, forgave their iniquity, and destroyed them not: yea, many a time turned he his anger away, and did not stir up all his wrath”. Psalm 78, v 37/3

Open thy mouth

And I will make thy tongue cleave to the roof of thy mouth, thou shalt be dumb, shall not be to them a reprover: But when I speak with thee, I will open thy mouth, and thou shalt say unto them, Thus saith the Lord God; He that heareth, let him hear; and he that forbeareth, let him forbear: for they are a rebellious house”. Ezek 3 v  26/27

A time to speak and a time to be silent.  I met a man from India who I had not seen for some time. I asked him a question and was puzzled when his lips seemed to compress and he was silent. He just did not answer me. Later, much later, I realised why. He had learnt to control his tongue. This experience is not common. I am constantly shocked by the natter, and unbridled gossip that I hear from every quarter. Nothing it seems can contain it. Ecl 3 v 7

But when I speak with thee, I will open thy mouth. God speaking to the prophet. How we need to learn to listen and meditate before opening our mouths. Thy tongue shall cleave to thy mouth. Was Ezekiel able to control his tongue? The Lord made it cleave to his mouth. Ezek 3 v 26

We know the, “Tongue is a fire, a world of iniquity”.  “Behold we put bits in the horses mouths, that they may obey us.  What can we do about our loose tongue James 3 v 3.

A pastor in Poland shared with me his misgivings, as he was to meet an irate couple in his church. Later he told me they, Poured forth filth on me”, for over an hour, he used the expression sewage. “Let your speech be always with grace seasoned with salt, that ye may know how to answer every man”. Col 4 v 6

“Let no corrupt communication proceed from your mouth, but that which is good to the use of edifying, that it may minister grace unto the hearers”. Ephes 4 v 29

“But now ye also put off these anger, wrath, malice, blasphemy, filthy communication out of your mouth”. Col 3 v 8

The Lord Jesus spoke in parables, “And with many such parables spake He the word unto them, as they were able to hear it. But without a parable spake he not unto them: He expounded all things to His disciples. Mark 4 v 33/34

When the Lord Jesus spoke, they said” “Never a man spake like this.  And all bare Him witness and wondered at the gracious words, which proceeded out of His mouth. And they said, is this not Joseph’s son? Luke 4 v 22

The psalmist said, ” I will take heed to my ways, that I sin not with my tongue: I will keep my mouth with a bridle, while the wicked is before me, I will keep my mouth with a bridle”. Psalms 39 v 1

Yes our mouths should be used carefully, but always to sing forth our praise of God.

That if thou confess with thy mouth the Lord Jesus, and shalt believe in thine heart that God hath raised Him from the dead, thou shalt be saved. Romans 10 v 9

Let us speak out his name. Jesus!

God’s Hook

God had been listening to Sennacherib the king of Assyria. The king had been boasting threatening and blaspheming now he was to be judged. God was to teach him a lesson. He did not have to wait long for it. “And it came to pass that night, the angel of the Lord went out, and smote in the camp of the Assyrians, an hundred fourscore and five thousand: and behold when they arose in the morning, behold they were all dead corpses”. 2 Kings 19 v 35

On his return to dwell in Ninevah, he was, “Worshipping in the house of Nisroch his god, that A’dram – me-lech and Sharezer his sons, smote him with the sword”. 2 Kings 19 v 37

A high price to pay for his presumption, blasphemy and mocking of God.

God also heard Hezekieh in his prayer. When threatened initially, he had tried to buy off Sennacherib, taking all the silver and the gold that was found in the house of the Lord and cutting off the gold from the doors of the Temple.

Hezekieh was obviously afraid and desperate yet his ploy did not work for the Assyrian army soon surrounded Jerusalem and Hezekieh was thrown into calling upon the Lord. God had arranged circumstances for him to realise that his only help was from God. 2 Kings 18 v 15/16

When, Hezekieh heard from Eliakim and Sheb’na, who had rent their clothes and told him the words of Rabshakeh, their blasphemies and threats, he also rent his clothes, covered himself with sackcloth and went into the house of the Lord. He sent his advisers also in sackcloth to Isaiah the prophet to enquire of the Lord. 2 Kings 19 v 1

The next time a threat came, it came in the form of a letter. “And Hezekiah received the letter of the hand of the messengers, and read it: and Hezekiah went up into the house of the Lord and spread it before the Lord”.

2 Kings 19 v 14

What wisdom!  Would to God that we would do the same with our letters. Have you ever had a problematical letter from those who threaten or persecute us?

What! you are not persecuted? How can this be? For the word of God tells us plainly, “Yea, and all that will live godly in Christ Jesus shall suffer persecution”. 2 Tim 3 v 12

God has not changed.  He is able to reach out His mighty right hand of power, to put His hook in, rebellious and blasphemous folks, who resist His sovereign will.

Lessons from Joash

Jo’ash began to reign as King in Jerusalem at the age of seven. He started out well, “And Jo’ash did that which is right in the sight of the Lord all the days of Je-hoi’a’da the chief priest.

 2 Chron 24 v 2

J’ash was minded to repair the house of the Lord, and instructed the Levites to collect the money for the repairs. The temple was repaired and there was money over for the burnt offerings continually all the days of

Jehoiada. 2 Chron 24 v 14

Then Jehoiada died. We now find the king who had started so well, with such diligence and promise in the things of God turning away completely from God. “And they left the house of the Lord God of their fathers and served groves and idols: and wrath came upon Judah and Jerusalem for this their trespass”. 2 Chron 24 v 18

“Ye did run well; who did hinder you that ye should not obey the truth”.

Gal 5 v 7

Another picture of apostasy. Having turned his back on God Joash then put to death the messengers and prophets that God sent, culminating in the stoning of the last messengers who came with this warning. “And the Spirit of God came upon Zechariah the son of Jehoiada the priest, who stood above the people, and said unto them, Thus saith God, Why transgress the commandments of the Lord, that ye cannot prosper? because ye have forsaken the Lord, he hath also forsaken you”. 2 Chron 24 v 20

Now Joash was directly responsible for the stoning of  Zechariah. “And they conspired against him, and stoned him with stones at the commandment of the king in the court of the house of the Lord. A martyr for the Lord. 2 Chron 24 v 21

Soon the consequences of his evil in killing the son of Je-hoi’a’da his one time friend and confidant rebounded on him and Joash received his just desserts.  For the Syrians invaded the land and a great retribution followed. “And it came to pass at the end of the year, that the host of Syria came up against him: and they came to Ju’dah and Jerusalem, and destroyed all the princes of the people from among the people and sent all the spoil of them unto Damascus.

For the army of the Syrians came with a small company of men and the Lord delivered a very great host into their hand because they had forsaken the Lord God of their father. So they executed judgement against Jo’ash.

And when they had departed from him, (for they left him in great diseases) his own servants conspired against him for the blood of the sons of Jehoiada the priest and slew him on his bed, and he died and they buried him not in the sepulchres of the kings”.  2 Chron 24 v 23/25

How much better to  be able to say “I have fought a good fight, I have finished my course, I have kept the faith. Henceforth is laid up for me a crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous judge, shall give to me at that day: and not to me only, but unto all that love His appearing”. 2 Tim 4 v 7/8

The Seat

An elderly friend wanted to rearrange her garden and make a place where she could sit in the sunshine. I volunteered to lay some paving slabs and repair the seat. Before I had even laid a slab or touched a spade, my friend was already excited with pleasure and joy. She was anticipating the finished work. 2 Tim 4 v 7

Jesus anticipated His finished work, “Who for the joy that was set before Him, He endured the cross and despised the shame, and is set down at the right hand of the throne of God”. Heb 12 v 2

Are we enjoying the anticipation of the glory to come?  We can look forward to a roast dinner!  Grandmothers can look forward with joy, to a new grandchild’s arrival. We can  look forward to moving to a new home, or a new job, or a holiday abroad. Some folks look forward to death as a release from misery or suffering.

Jephthah had made rash promises to God, his beloved daughter paid the price for his foolishness.

 Judges 11 v 34/40

Jesus sat and rested on Jacobs well. He is now seated on the right hand of God. The only time He has been seen standing, is when He stood to welcome Stephen as he was stoned to death, having seen “The heavens opened and the Son of man standing at the right hand of God”. Acts 7 v 55

How many years did that lame man sit waiting at the gate of the Temple, which is called beautiful? Perhaps he grew to accept his lameness, not ever thinking one-day he would walk again. Then following the meeting with Peter and John he came walking and leaping into the Temple.

“And they that saw it knew that it was he, which sat for alms at the Beautiful gate of the Temple: and they were filled with amazement at that which had happened unto him”.

Acts 3 v 1/10

The priest, Eli, was not sitting in the gate, but rather, on a seat by the wayside when he received news that  Israel had been defeated, the ark of God had been taken by the Philistines and that his sons were dead. “And it came to pass, when he made mention of the ark of God, that he fell from off the seat backward by the side of the gate, and his neck brake and he died: for he was an old man and heavy”.

1 Sam 4 v 18

The psalmist said, “I have not sat with vain persons, neither will I go in with dissemblers”. Psalm 26 v 4

Mary was wise; she sat at the feet of Jesus, unlike the world. “The people which sat in darkness have seen a great light. and to them which sat in the region and shadow of death light is sprung up”. Math 4 v 16

There are thrones occupied in heaven also. The twenty-four elders sit clothed in white raiment around the throne where Jesus is sitting. … And behold a throne was set in heaven, and one sat upon the throne. And he that sat was to look upon like jasper and a sardine stone: and there was a rainbow around about the throne, in sight like unto an emerald. And around about the throne were four and twenty elders sitting clothed in white raiment; and they had on their heads crowns of gold.

Rev 4 1 / 4

And hath raised us up together, and made us sit together in heavenly places in Christ Jesus. Ephesians 2 v 6

Sanctification

For this is the will of God, even your sanctification, that ye should abstain from fornication:

1 Thess 4 v 3

Hezekiah began to reign at 25 years of age, and, “He did that which is right in the sight of the Lord, according to all that David his father had done. In his first year he repaired the doors of the Temple and then he challenged the Levites to sanctify themselves, and to sanctify the house of the Lord thy God, and carry forth the filthiness out of the holy place”. 2 Chron 29 v 5

Hezekiah was determined to put things right. “It was in my heart to make a covenant with the Lord God of Israel, that his fierce wrath may turn away from us. And they gathered their brethren, and sanctified themselves, and came according to the commandment of the king and the Word of the Lord. 2 Chron 29 v 10/15

“Following the sacrifice, the consecration, restoration and the dedication to the Lord, came joy. “And Hezekiah rejoiced and all the people that God had prepared, for the thing was done suddenly”. 2 Chron 29 v 36

Then Hezekiah answered and said, Now ye have consecrated yourselves to the Lord, come near and bring sacrifices and thank offerings into the house of the Lord. And as many as were of a free heart, burnt, offerings”. 2 Chron 29 30/31

The Holy Ghost also challenges us to cleanse all filthiness out of the temple and to sanctify ourselves. “Know ye not that ye are the temple of God, and that the Spirit of God  dwelleth in you? If any man defile the temple of God, him shall God destroy: which temple are ye”. 1 Cor 3 v 16/17

How awful for God to see one of his temples defiled! Hezekiah warned the Levites that their fathers had trespassed and done that which was evil in the eyes of God and had forsaken and turned away their faces from the habitation of the Lord. They had also shut the doors of the porch, put out the lamps, and have not burned incense not offered burnt offerings, in the holy place unto the God of Israel”. 2 Chron 29 v 6/7

What neglect! To put out the lamps, a deliberate act against God. “But if thine eye be evil, the whole body shall be full of darkness. If therefore the light that be in you is darkness, how great is that darkness”. Math 6 v 22/23

I have witnessed that awful barrenness and emptiness of folks who once ran well, who once walked in the light, but who have deliberately put out the light. Heb 6 v 4/8. 2 Peter 2 v 20/22

“And whatsoever you do for the Lord, do it heartily as to the Lord and not to men”. Col 3 v 23

Elect according to the foreknowledge of God the Father, through sanctification of the Spirit, unto obedience and sprinkling of the blood of Jesus Christ: Grace unto you, and peace, be multiplied. 1 Peter 1 v 2

Blessing and Curse

Moses gave the Lord’s warning message. He stood before the people to read out the blessing. What promises, goodness, and abundant provisions promised?

“And it shall come to pass, if thou shalt hearken diligently unto the voice of the Lord thy God, to observe and to do all his commandments which I command thee this day, that the Lord thy God will set thee on high above all the nations of the earth. And all these blessings shall come upon thee, and overtake thee, if thou shalt hearken unto the voice of the Lord thy God”.

Deut 28 v 1/2

Give and it shall be given unto you. What a magnificent God,” Now unto Him that is able to do exceeding abundantly above all we ask of think, according to the power that worketh in us”. Ephes 3 v 20

“Give and it shall be given unto you; good measure, pressed down, and shaken together, and running over, shall men give into your bosom”. All based on our own giving. In the same measure. The Lord gave all at Calvary.

Jesus said, “Give to every man that asketh of thee; and of him that taketh away thy goods ask them not again”. Luke 6 v 38. Luke 6 v 30

Of course what is forgotten is that the promises of the blessings were conditional.

Fancy being overtaken by a blessing.  But diligence is required and obedience. The commandments of God are not only for His beloved Israel but also by faith to all His chosen people. His blood bought in family of faith, grafted in to the root.. Deut 28 v2″

“Thou wilt say then, The branches were broken off then, that I might be grafted in”. Rom 11 v 16/18

On the other hand the curses were also read out, How awful, dreadfully punitive, and devastating. To think that God could do this. It is frightening. Yet perfectly just.

The Lord would graciously bless His people. Obedience was the key. “Hath the Lord as great a delight in burnt offerings and sacrifices as in obeying the of the Lord? Behold, to obey is better  than sacrifice, and to hearken than the fat of rams. Outward formal religion can be a death sentence. “For rebellion is as the sin of witchcraft, and stubbornness is as iniquity and idolatry. 1 Sam 15 v 22

“The Lord shall send upon thee, cursing, vexation, and rebuke, in all that thou settest thine hand for to do, until thou be destroyed, and until thou perish quickly, because of the wickedness of thine doings, whereby thou hast forsaken me”. Deut 28 v 20

I can hardly comprehend the blessing of God. His promises are yea and amen in Christ Jesus. Yet his promise is just as sure for the curses too. Oh Lord, keep me faithful and obedient. If ye be willing and obedient, ye shall eat the good of the land, if ye refuse and rebel, ye shall be devoured by the sword, for the mouth of the Lord has spoken it”. Isaiah 1 v 18 /20

God said “No”

Moses had concluded his summary of God’s dealings with Israel. He was about to die and could say, “O Lord God, thou hast begun to show thy servant thy greatness, and thy mighty hand: for what God is there in heaven or earth, that can do according to thy works, and according to thy might? I pray thee let me go over, and see the good land that is beyond Jordan, that goodly mountain and Lebanon”.

Deut 3 v 24.

God had used Moses in mighty ways, in the plagues and the miracles in Egypt and in the wanderings in the wilderness. The earth had opened up and swallowed those who opposed him Miriam had become leprous, as she and Aaron were jealous of God’s appointed leader. Moses had intervened on the mountain with God as Israel sinned in the idol worship dancing naked around the golden calf. In all of this Moses had prayed earnestly and the Lord had heard and answered him. Yet now, if thou wilt forgive their sin-; and if not, blot me, I pray thee out of thy book”. Ex 32 v 32

“But the Lord was wroth with me for your sakes, and would not hear me: and the Lord said unto me, Let it suffice thee; speak no more to me of this matter”. Deut 3 v 23/26

David’s prayer was refused. “David therefore besought God for the child: and David fasted, and went in, and lay all night upon the earth”.

2 Sam 12 v 16

The elders of Israel prayer refused. “Son of man, speak unto the elders of Israel, and say unto them, thus saith the Lord God; are you come to enquire of me? As I live saith the Lord I will not be enquired of by you”.

 Ezek 20 v 3.

“I will not be enquired of by you” God’s hatred of sin, and idol worship. God had come to the end of His patience. Grace was expired. Enough was enough. Now he refused to listen. God’s Spirit will not always strive with man. “And the Lord said, “My Spirit shall no always strive with man, for he also is flesh: yet his days shall be a hundred and twenty years”. Gen 6 v 3

After amazing revelations from God, when the apostle Paul was caught up into paradise, he saw visions of a man, a heavenly creature, and an angel perhaps or glorified beings?  However he was also given a thorn in the flesh lest he should be exalted above measure. Yet Paul prayed to God.

Paul’s prayer refused, “For this thing I besought the Lord thrice, that it might depart from me. And he said unto me, My grace is sufficient for thee, my strength in made perfect in weakness”.

 2 Cor 12 v 8/9

Perhaps you have prayed and God has said no. There is a question of discernment here. You know in your heart when you have poured out your complaint to God, or your request, you know when the Lord has heard.

An intercessor will know when God has heard. The answer may be, “Yes”, it maybe, “wait”, it may be” no”. Let us have the grace to say, “Thy will be done O Lord”.