Pressing or passing

Then she had heard of Jesus, came in the press behind, and touched his garment. For she said, “If I may but touch his clothes, I shall be whole. And straightaway the fountain of her blood was dried up; and she felt in her body that she was healed of that plaque”. Mark 5 v 27/28.

Persistence and effort in prayer are required to press through to finish your course to break out of the mould. To reach out and touch Jesus the Lord feeling his power of God flowing through you. To experience the fire of Gods Holy Spirit burning up the dross. One touch from Gods hand is all that is needed to heal.

The woman pressed through. How easy, how frantically women will press through the crowd at the jumble sale. The prospect of a bargain will send them almost into frenzy. I have observed elbows being used freely to get to the front of the counter to seize upon that bargain

A man sat at the receipt of custom, when Jesus passed by”. And as Jesus passed forth from thence, he saw a man named Mathew, sitting at the receipt custom: and he saith unto him, follow me”. Math 9 v 9

How many times has Jesus passed by when we were not aware of it? Many are sitting in church unaware of how close Jesus is. When someone perfumed comes close to you, you are aware of the aroma, the scent. When Jesus presence’s is near it manifestly a crime not to know his presence. To be aware of the rose of Sharon, the light of the world. How careful we should be, when two or three are gathered together in my name, there I am in the misdt. Mathew was at his work, demanding his due for the Roman authorities when Jesus came by. Jesus recruited another disciple that day

Follow me was all he said. Later he was accused of eating and drinking with harlots. and tax collectors. Quite true. Follow me, was a command few if any could refuse. The fishermen left their nets, the tax collector his money, and the heathen were exhorted. “If the Lord be God, follow him”. I Kings 18 v 21

The rich young man, had an additional demand,”if thou wilt be perfect, go and sell that thou hast, and give to the poor, and thou shalt have treasure in heaven, and come and follow me”. Math 19 v 21

Treasure in heaven apparently was not enough, for the young man went away sorrowful”. Are we passing away the time? Many Christians seem to be on a spiritual holiday. The days come and go, and they do nothing to serve their Lord. Is this right?

No, the Word of God says, “Redeem the time. Jesus went about the villages and towns, doing good. What are we doing? There is a vast ocean of suffering and multitudes in the valley of decision are we at least guarding the battlements? Are we on watch? Are we keeping the night watch in prayer? Are we fighting the good fight of faith?

One lady I knew spent her time completing puzzles. Sad to say there was little evidence of faith!

Pressing through, passing by, passing away. What are we doing?

Our

My son, give me thy heart” and let thine eyes observe my ways. Prov 23 v 26

Something to give to God.

When the wise men brought gifts from the east, Frankincense, gold, and myrrh. The Christmas carol rings, “What shall we give him? give him your heart” The sacrifice God expects “brethren I beseech you by the mercies of God that ye present your bodies, holy and acceptable to God, which is your reasonable service” Rom 12 v 1

Our bodies consist of many parts, we are reminded the hand cannot say to the eye, “I have no need of thee”. “For the body is not one member but many. If the foot shall say, Because I am not of the hand I am not of the body, is it therefore not of the body? And if the ear shall say, Because I am not of the eye, I am not of the body; is it therefore not of the body? If the whole body were an eye, where were the hearing? If the whole were hearing, where were the smelling. What must we do with our body parts? Put them to use in Gods service. Check this list. Perhaps you have a part that is not in service. Are we like a garage with plenty of parts on the shelf and none in use?

Our arm leaning. Who is this coming up from the wilderness, leaning upon her beloved”? Are we leaning on Jesus? Or trusting in some other support. There is no place for Christian using a zimmer!

Song of Solomon 8 v 5

Our hands working. The carpenter’s son would be employed with Joseph making furniture. Carving the wood, cleaning up the shavings. There is a picture, maybe a painting, of an old mans hands, worn, strong, with veins bulging through years of use. Yet consider the hands of Jesus, a young man’s hands, pierced with nails, pierced with love. I will uphold thee with the right hand of my righteousness” Isaiah 41 v 10

Our eyes looking . Looking unto Jesus the author and finisher of our faith. The prodigal father looked daily for his lost son. In a world full of lost lame and blind people we are the ones whom eyes God has opened to see the truth. “For the god of this world has blinded the minds of those who do not believe. 2 Cor 4 v 4

Our feet following. “And when he putteth forth his own sheep, he goeth before them, and the sheep follow hi: for they know his voice. Sand a stranger they will not follow, but will flee from him for they know not the voice of strangers”. John 10 v 4/5

Jesus said to another , Follow me. Luke 9 v 59.

Our voice speaking. Let me hear thy voice. Song of Solomon. 2 v 14

Jesus was teaching. in the Temple, always using his voice to proclaim words of love life warning and truth. Math 21 v 23

The one grateful leper returned to give thanks with a loud voice.” And one of them, when he saw that he was healed,, turned back and with a loud voice, glorified God”. Luke 17 v 15″

Our ears listening, She had a sister called , Mary, who sat at Jesus feet and heard his words. Luke 10 v 39 He that hath ears to hear let him hear, what the Spirit saith to the churches”. Rev 2 v 11

Protection

No weapon that is formed against thee shall prosper; and every tongue that shall rise against thee in judgement, thou shalt condemn. This is the heritage of the servants of the Lord, and their righteousness is of me, saith the Lord”. Isaiah 54 v 17

Do we have any understanding, inclination of the weapons that are formed against us in the principalities and powers, by the rulers of darkness? The Satanic plots and plans? The malevolent forces that oppress and depress, the spiritual attacks the fiery darts?

Do we need the jawbone of an ass or a Goliath’s sword?

One common weapon used is the tongue. “How great a matter a little fire kindleth”. Slander innuendo and lies. “And the tongue is a fire, a world of iniquity: so is the tongue among our members; that it defileth the whole body, and setteth on fire the course of nature, and is set on fire of hell”. James 3 v 5/6

“He opened not his mouth” The Lord Jesus had complete control of his tongue, when questioned by Herod in many words, “He answered him nothing”.

Luke 23 v 9

Verbal and physical attacks are common to the street preacher. People get so angry so quickly, and without cause. Irrational anger and abuse, blasphemy and violence are all realities, when the Word of God is preached in the power of the Holy Ghost. Jesus was attacked frequently. “And all they in the synagogue, when they heard these things, were filled with wrath. And rose up and thrust him out of the city and led him unto the brow the hill, whereon the city was built, that they might cast him down headlong. Luke 4 v 28/29”

The devil is not passive? He is actively engaged in seeking to destroy Christians. This is one of his priorities. “The devil goes about seeking whom he may devour”.

A lion seeks its prey; and when it finds it will tear the carcass to pieces unmercifully. The devil is described as a roaring lion, he is subtle and will lay in wait to trap the unwary, to attack them in their Achilles heel. The heritage of the saints of God however is assured. God promises that no weapon will prosper against us. We are upheld by his right hand of his righteousness, Their righteousness is of me. Isaiah 54 v 17

We can trust God with our lives, we can be thrown into prison, into the lions den we can be thrown into the fire that is heated up seven times more than usual and come out unscathed and unharmed. Dan 3 v 25

The weapons of our warfare are not carnol but mighty through God to the pulling down of strongholds, casting down imaginations, and every high thing that exalteth itself against the knowledge God… 2 Cor 10 v 4

Oil

Thou lovest righteousness, and hatest wickedness, therefore God, thy God, hath anointed thee, with the oil of gladness above thy fellows”.

Psalm 45 v 7.

Oil is essential in our Christian walk. An engine soon seizes up without that vital oil. The first thing my mechanic does when inspecting an engine is to check the oil. Not only that is there in the right quantity, but that it is not contaminated. The Lord Jesus was full, not in measure. “For it pleased the Father that in him, should all the fullness dwell.”. Col 1 v 19

We too should be full. When we are full, we are like an oil rig that is ablaze. It is an unstoppable, unquenchable fire. A fire that will be seen and felt. In all its intensity. The quality of the fire depends on the amount of oil. Gods oil in an inexhaustible supply.

The Good Samaritan had a good supply on him. Did you ever think of that! He was able to pour in both oil and wine. The Virgins were bereft of oil, because they lacked it not only were their lamps darkened, but also they could not enter in. Maybe they polished their lamps, and made every effort to keep them bright and shining on the outside. Yet they were without oil at the vital moment. When the midnight hour came. You do not need light on a sunny day; we need light in the night.

The prophet Elisha asked the widow woman what shall I for thee? The creditors had come, her need was urgent. Soon after the miracle of provision, her pots were full of oil. Oil in those days was a cash-paying crop. She had more than enough to live on, she had plenty. She must have rejoiced as she paid off those creditors and get free from debt. Oil frees us from indebtedness to the world.”

Let the righteous smite me, and it shall be a kindness, let him reprove me. it shall be an excellent oil”. Psalm 141 v 3

A man who is full of oil has joy. He is filled with the oil of gladness. To appoint unto them that mourn in Zion, to give unto them beauty for ashes, the oil of joy for mourning…” Isaiah 61 v 3

God gives us, fills us with oil for a purpose. That he might be glorified. Oil an anointing oil is for priestly service. Aar’on Moses brother was anointed with oil for his High priestly ministry in the Tabernacle. “And Moses took the anointing oil, and annointed the tabernacle, and all that was therin, and sanctified them. And he sprinkled thereupon the altar seven times, and annointed the altar and all the vessels, both the Laver and his foot to sanctify them. And he poured the annointing oil upon Aaron’s head, and annointed him to sanctify him”. Lev 8 v 10/ 12

Is your heart crying out fore that sanctifying oil? The victorious and joyful psalm of praise to God. But my horn shalt thou exalt like the horn of a unicorn: I shall be annointed with fresh oil”.

Psalm 92 v 9 /10

Love Light Life

Light cannot be hid. I was groping in the shed in the dark the other evening and was grateful to the torch that illuminated the scene. Without the torch I struggle with damp matches which show some light for a moment but it is soon extinguished.

Do we think of those whose world is total darkness? Yes, it is true. The blind do have their senses heightened, smell, touch, hearing and intuition all are improved. Even some technology can assist them, with tactile surfaces and computers, which simulate the human voice.

But not to be able to see, to be in darkness, groping along is awful to my mind. Of course God would enable, and God does and will give grace. But God does not like darkness. “And the earth was without form and void; and darkness was upon the face of the deep. And the Spirit of God was upon the face of the waters. And God said let there be light”. Gen 1 v 2/3

A world without light is awful to contemplate what of a world without love? Imagine the glorious rapture has taken place and the Spirit of God has left the earth. Think of a world without Christians, a planet with out love. No act of kindness ever would take place. The dead would lay unburied. The poor would remain unfed. The sick would be ignored; the murderer and rapist would be unhindered, maybe even applauded

There would be no families, no laughter, and no peace. Fear would dominate every heart. The devil would have free, unrestricted reign. No love. “For God is Love”1 John 14 v 16

“Thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all thy heart, with all thy soul, with all thy mind. This is the first and great commandment and the second is like unto it. Thou shalt love thy neighbour as thyself”.

Math 22 v 37/39

A world without life! Certainly the spiritually dead roam this planet in their millions in ignorance of their lost state. That why God sent his Son Jesus into this sin cursed world”. “The thief cometh not, but to steal, and to kill, and destroy: I am come that they might have life, and that they might have it more abundantly”. John10 v 10

Jesus said, the son of man came not to be ministered too, but to minister and to lay down his life a ransom for many”. Math 20 v 28

God has promised eternal life, life without sin, a life of righteousness in a future newly created planet. What a glorious promise. “Therefore doth my father love me, because I lay down my life, that I may take it again. No man taketh it from me, but I lay it down of myself. I have power to lay it down, and I have power to take it again, This commandment have I received of my Father”. John 10 v 17/18

What is the quality of your life? Are you walking in the Spirit? Are you seated in heavenly places with Christ Jesus? Are you in fellowship with your Father in heaven? Are you free as a bird, free from the cares of this life Are you producing fruit? Can your friends and acquaintances see that you have been with Jesus? Is your life full of light.and love? “I have come that you might have life, more abundantly” John 10 v 10

Holy Garments

And thou shalt take thou unto thee Aa’ron thy brother and his sons with him, from among the children of Israel, that he may minister to me in the priest office, even Aa’ron, Na’dab and A’bi’hu, E’le’a’zar, and Ith’a’mar, Aa’ron’s sons. And thou shalt make holy garments for Aa’ron thy brother for glory and for beauty.Ex 28 v ½

God requires his Holy priest to be clothed in suitable garments. I have sat and watched my wife knitting many hundreds of baby garments. One special one, a coat of many colours was knitted for our grandson Joseph.Saville row in London specialises in tailoring. If you own a Saville row suit you are accorded the title, best-dressed man The lowest and instantly recognisable man in the country used to be the tramp.

I saw a man yesterday walking along, with his stick, His heavy army overcoat was nearly in tatters, his clothes indicated his station in life. For glory and beauty

As David returned the ark, he was dressed in an ephod of linen. “And David was clothed with a robe of fine linen, and all the Levites that bare the ark, the singers, and Chen’a’niah the master of the song with the singers: David also had had upon him an ephod of fine linen”1 Chron 15 v 27

Aa’rons priestly garments are described as hallowed. “And thou shalt take the garments, and put upon Aa’ron the coat, and three robe of the ephod and the ephod, and the breastplate, and gird him with the curious girdle of the ephod. And thou shalt put the mitre upon his head, and put the holy crown upon the mitre. Then thou shalt take the anointing oil and pour it upon his head and anoint him”.Ex 29 v 5/7

Aa’ron was distinguishable from a distance. Out great High Priest, the Lord Jesus has been anointed above his fellows, he has been clothed upon with Righteousness. He sits at the right hand of God crowned with glory. He is wearing his High priestly garment….Job could say, “I have put on righteousness and it clothed me. My judgement was as a robe and a diadem”. Job 29 v 14They clothed the Lord Jesus in a purple robe, a scarlet robe. “And Herod with his men of war set him at nought, and mocked him, and arrayed him in a gorgeous robe, and sent him again to Pilot”. Luke 23 v 11

The father off the errant and repentant prodigal, called for the best robe .But the father said to his servants,, Bring forth the best robe and put it on him, and put a ring upon his hand, and shoes upon his feet”. Luke 15 v 22

Do sinners deserve any robe? Are the redeemed of the Lord worthy to be clothed with righteousness? Should I wear garments that are white like fine linen? Should a tramp, who is dirty and unclean be washed and clothed upon with garments of glory and beauty? Yes. God say’s “Bring forth the best robe”? “Now Joshua was clothed with filthy garments and stood before the angel. And he answered and spake unto those that stood before him saying, Take away the filthy garments from him. And to him he said, Behold I have caused thine iniquity to pass from thee, and I will clothe thee with a change of raiment”.Zech 3 v 4

When a person is dirty and unwashed, their fragrance can leave room for improvement. How gracious of God to allow such unclean ones to stand in his presence!. “And I said, Let them set a fair mitre upon his head. So they set a fair mitre upon his head, and clothed him with garments. And the angel of the Lord stood by.Zech 3 v 5

Filthy garments. A change of raiment. What a transformation!”But as for me, when they were sick, my clothing was sackcloth. I humbled my soul with fasting”. Psalm 35 v 1

Lot

Lot was a hospitable man. He had invited these strangers into his home. “And he said, Behold now, my Lords turn in, I pray you, into your servants house, and tarry all night, and wash your feet, and ye shall rise up early, and go on your ways. And they said, Nay, but we will abide in the street all night.”. Gen 19 v 2/3

Later went out to protect them from the planned assault of wicked men. Today in many cities we see again the evil of homosexuality, with a blatant and evil mockery of those who would stand for normality “And lot went out at the door unto them, and shut the door after him. And said, I pray you brethren, do not so wickedly”. This protest has almost ceased in our time have thrown in the towel and accepted the status-que? Gen 19 v 6/7

Lot spoke with his family warning them of the dangers of judgement but hey were reluctant to believe him, in fact they mocked him So it today, in these last days before the Lords return the nation seems to be filled with mockers and scoffers.”Knowing this first, that there shall come in the last days scoffers, walking after their own lust”

2 Peter 3 v 3

“Then the Lord rained upon Sodom and Gomorrah brimstone and fire from the Lord out of heaven”. Gen 19 v 24

Today people scoff at Judgement. Yet as certainly as I write these words, as sure as you are reading them now, as inevitable as the day dawns, judgement is coming. Lot escaped. The word of God tells us that he vexed his righteous soul in Sodom. God had mercy upon him. God sent an angel to warn him God has his messengers today warning of the fire that is to fall. “And it came to pass, when God destroyed the cities of the plain, that God remembered Abraham, and sent Lot out of the midst of the overthrow. God saved Lot for Abraham’s sake. What about those friends and family of ours we must pray, intercede for them as the day of judgement draws near” Gen 19 v 29.

The angels were concerned for his family! “And the men said unto him, Have thou here any besides? Son in law, and thy sons, And thy daughters, and whatsoever thou hast in the city, bring them out of this place”. Gen 19 v 12

Are we neglecting a son in law? Or a son or daughter? Is there someone you love who is not saved? Are we going to warn them? “Have thou any here besides? “For we will destroy this place, because the cry of them is waxen great before the face of the Lord, and the Lord has sent us to destroy it”. Gen 19 v 13

The destruction of Sodom and Gomorrah was a complete annihilation. What mercy Lot was shown. What mercy we sinners are shown. We to deserve judgement. We ought rightly to be wiped out, annihilated, and destroyed. We are all hell deserving. Yet God in his infinite mercy, loves us, and is willing to save us. Truly we are brands plucked from the burning.

Zech 3 v 2″

Lot could say to the Angels, “Behold now thy servant. Hath found grace in thy sight, and thou hast magnified thy mercy, which thou hast shown unto me, in saving my life”. Gen 19 v 19

Bow the Knee

Paul had been the recipient of the great news, the mystery of Christ, which in other ages was not made know even unto the sons of men, but now ids made know unto the Apostles and prophets. What was this great mystery? “That the Gentiles should be made fellow heirs, and of the same body, and partakers of his promises in Christ by the gospel”. Ephes 3 v 5/6

For this cause I bow the knee. You know it is a long time since I saw anybody on their knees. Praying to God. We have every reason to be on our knee’s and we should be willing at least to bow the knee. The heathen do not have such difficulties. They spread eagle themselves before any idol and prostrate them selves upon the ground. “Bel boweth down, Ne-bo stoopeth, their idols were upon the beast, and upon the cattle, your carriages were heavy laden, they are a burden to the weary beast. They stoop, they bow down together; Isaiah 46 v I

Naaman asked pardon for when my master goeth into the house of Rimmon to worship there, and he leaneth on my hand, and I bow myself in the house of Rimmon. when I bow down myself in the house of Rimmon, the Lord pardon thy servant in this thing. 2 Kings 5 v 18

The solitary leper returned to bow his knees to Jesus his healer. Mark 1 v 40

If it were to be your honour, to be knighted by the queen, would you refuse to bow the knee? Even today the aristocracy are taught to curtsy when introduced to her. The Pope still expects bishops to kiss his ring. Should we not humble ourselves under the mighty hand of God and bow the knee?

Strangely enough, if it came to stooping down to pick up a diamond lying on the ground, or bending the knee to pick up a dropped fifty pound note, we would not hesitate. Daniel, despite the threat of death, prostrated himself on his knees, three times a day before God .Dan 6 v 10

Was it too much for Jesus to fall on his knees in the garden as he faced the awful cross? Luke 22 v 41.

The ancient prophet of old prophesied that every knee should bow before God.. “I have sworn by myself, the word is gone out of my mouth in righteousness, and shall not return,, That unto me every knee shall bow tongue shall swear”. Isaiah 45 v 23

“For it is written, As live, saith the Lord, every knee shall bow to me and every tongue confess to God”. Rom 14 v 11

When Joseph was exalted to the second highest in the land of Egypt, second only to Pharaoh everyone had to bow the knee as he passed by. And he made him to ride in the second chariot, which he had; and they cried before him, Bow the knee, and he made him ruler over all the land of Egypt. Genesis 41 v 43

That at the name of Jesus, every knee shall bow, of things in heaven, and things in earth, and things under the earth. And that every tongue should confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father. Phil 2 v 10

For it is written, As I live, saith the Lord, every knee shall bow to me, and every tongue shall confess to God. Romans 14 v 11

Knowledge

Euroclydon. A storm was raging. Paul a captive, was being transported to Rome. Sailing at that time of the year was dangerous, because the fast was past.

Acts 27 v 9

“For if our heart condemn us, God is greater than our heart, and knowest all things”I John 3 v 20

God is omniscient. He knows all things. He knows our present thoughts; he knows our future, its thoughts and our reaction. God will answer before we call. Paul’s cry was, “That I may know him, and the power of his resurrection and the fellowship of his sufferings, being made conformable to his death””. That we are know of God. That individuals out of the billions that inhabit the earth, that God can and does respond, like a mother responds to the moving of a baby in the cot at night. God cares. God knows every star every distant Galaxy and beyond.

“For what man knoweth the things of man, save the Spirit of man which is in him, even so the things of God knoweth no man, but the spirit of God1 Cor 2 v 11

“That I might walk worthy of the Lord unto all pleasing, being fruitful in every good work and increasing in knowledge”.

Col 1 v 10

Am I in danger of being self-satisfied? Am I complacent with my degree of knowledge? Have I reached some plateau where I can learn no more? I knew an elderly friend, who was always interested in things around her. She was always asking questions and searching out the reasons why. She always sought after knowledge. She always even in her last years possessed that vitality of life. Her knife of interest was always sharp.

Paul writes “Theses things I have written unto you that believe on the Son of God, that ye may know ye have eternal life, and that ye might believe on the name of the Son of God”. 1 John 5 v 13

Do you know? I heard the expression, I know, because I know, because I know. Do you really know? Do you have that assurance? So many folks just hope so.

Hoping is not faith. “Hereby know we, that we dwell in him, and he in us, because he has given us his spirit”.

We cab have confidence and assurance by knowing. Faith can grow and flourish in the good soil. “And this is the confidence that we have in him, that if we ask anything according to his will, he hears us. And if we know that he hears us, we have the petitions that we desired of him” 1 John 5 v 14

What an encouraging letter to receive! “The Lord knoweth the thoughts of the wise, and that they are vain”. 1 Cor 3 v 20

Do you know the Love of Christ which passeth knowledge? Ephes 3 v 19

Some Testimonies

Come and hear, all ye that fear God, and I will declare what he hath done for my soul”. Psalm 66 v 11

Peter had been preaching, “Repent and be baptised everyone of you in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins, and ye shall receive the gift of the Holy Ghost. For the promise is unto you, and unto your children, and to all that are afar off, even as many as the Lord our God shall call.”. Acts 2-v 38/40

Words of Testimony are important. “Never a man spake like this” John 7 v 46

They overcame him, by the blood of the Lamb, the word of their testimony.. Rev 112 v 12

The Lord Jesus speaking of the coming of the comforter said. “When the comforter is come, whom I will send unto you from the Father, even the Spirit of truth, which proceedeth from the Father, He shall testify of me. John 15v 26/27

Jesus had words of compassion, words of life, of truth. Gracious words yes words of rebuke and warning too. Today we live in world, which is manipulated and engineered by words.

Character assassination seems to be common today Like a pack of wolves tearing its prey to bits, the media, seek to slander and vilify anyone who allows their life to fall into sin. These poor unfortunate people have their careers ended at a stroke. They disappear under a huge pile of stones. Jesus said, “Let him that is without sin, throw the first stone, and they were all convicted in their hearts and went away one by one. He also knew when to keep silent. He could control his tongue. When he stood before Herod, “He answered not a word”. Luke 23 v 9″

Ye are my witnesses” What do we say? Do we speak of our testimony? God spoke to Paul in the night when he was afraid to speak anymore. Then spake the Lord to Paul in the night by a vision, Be not afraid, but speak, and hold not thy peace. For I am with thee, and no man shall set on thee to hurt thee: For I have much people in this city”. Acts 18 v 6/10

We must speak. We have a message. We have a testimony. I never fail to be blessed when I listen to a testimony. All the diverse ways and amazing ways, in which the Lord saves folks. It is always thrilling “For if we receive the witness of men, the witness of God is greater: for this is the witness of God, which he hath testified of his son”. 1 John 5 v 9

What shall we say? “What I tell you in darkness, that speak in the light: and what you hear in the ear, that preach upon the housetops. And fear not them, which kill the body, but are not able to kill the soul. but rather fear him which is able to destroy both body and soul in hell”. Math 10 v 27/28

“John was on the island of Patmos for the word of God and the testimony of Jesus. Enoch had this testimony that he pleased God”

Rev 1 v 9 Heb 11 v 5

“As for me, I will mention the loving kindness of the Lord.”

Isaiah 63 v 7

The Meak

Blessed are the meek in heart for they shall inherit the earth

Math 5 v 5

What an inheritance? The earth! The earth is the Lords and the fullness thereof. So I guess he can bequeath it to whomsoever he will. How happy we shall be to gain such an inheritance! Shall we sing and dance?

“But the meek shall inherit the earth; and delight themselves in the abundance of peace. Psalm 37 v 11

We know that Moses was meek. “Now the man Moses was very meek above all men that were on the face of the earth” and in this he was a type of Christ. Num 12 v 3

“Take my yoke upon you, and learn of me; for I am meek sand lowly in heart: and ye shall find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy, and my burden is light”. Math 11 v 29

What was the cry of the people as Jesus entered into Jerusalem, prophesied by Isaiah and Zechariah “Behold thy king cometh unto thee, meek, and sitting upon an ass, and a colt of a foal of an ass”. Math 21v 5

Here is meekness indeed. Who would enter in the city on an ass? God was entering the city. The King of Kings was coming. How lowly, and how meek. Would I have done it? General, Alexandra, who took control of Jerusalem in the Second World war, came to Jerusalem riding on a white horse, then dismounted and led his through the gates.

We find another example of meekness in the prophet Jeremiah. Surrounded by aggressive and rebellious men, men who wanted to put him to death. Nevertheless he could say, “As for me, behold. I am in your hand, do with me as seemeth good unto you” Jer 26 v 14″

Brethren, if a man be overtaken in a fault, ye which are spiritual, restore such a one in the spirit of meekness, considering thyself, lest thou be also tempted” Do we have a spirit of meekness? It is a one of the fruits of the Holy Spirit.

When the Lord carried his cross up the hill to Golgotha they had stripped him and scourged his back, and then beaten his face to a pulp. When the reviled him and despised him, when the railed on him as he hung on that cross, when they had shouted “Away with him, crucify him, crucify him, give us Barabbas” Did he shout back? “Father forgive them they know not what they do”. Meekness!

But with the righteous shall he judge the poor and reprove with equity for the meek of the earth.

Psalm 149 v 14….

The meek shall indeed inherit the earth. In this happy land, “They shall be eat and be satisfied, the Lord shall lift them up. He shall increase their joy and they shall be blessed indeed” Psalm 22 v 26.

The meek shall also increase their joy in the Lord. Isaiah 29 v 19.

The Lord lifteth up the meek, he casteth the wicked down to the ground. Psalm 147 v 6

Blessed are the meek, for they shall inherit the earth. Math 5 v

Many Mansions

Let not your heart be troubled: ye believe in God, believe also in me. In my Father house are many mansions: If it were not so I would have told you. I go to prepare a place for you”. John 14 v 2

I have slept in some grotty places. I have slept in the open fields in the cold whether. I have stayed in some decrepit places, with cold and damp as companions. Many millions of folks sleep in the street. Street children almost fill every city. Refugees and displaced persons are a world wide problem. Where we stay is important. Did we ask the Lord for guidance in the choice of our home?

Some folks live in beautiful mansions and yet are unhappy. They do not have Gods blessing on their abode, because it was chosen in the flesh and to satisfy the lust of the eyes and the pride of life. We must build our homes upon the rock not sand. After a hurricane or an earthquake we see people living in tents. They are glad to have the protection of canvas.

“Ye also, as lively stones, are built up a spiritual house, an holy priesthood, to offer up spiritual sacrifices, acceptable to God by Jesus Christ”.

We do not have a television in our home. What occupies your home? Do you have that sign hanging, “Christ is the head of this home, the unseen listener to every conversation”? When Jesus walked this earth, he had nowhere to lay his head. The foxes have holes the birds of the air have nest: but the Son of man hath not where to lay his head”.Math 8 v 20

Moses was a builder. He was faithful in his house. “The Lord Jesus was faithful to him that appointed him as also Moses was faithful in al his house. For this man was counted was counted worthy of more glory than Moses, inasmuch as he who hath built the house hath more honour than the house. For every house is built by some man, but he that buildeth all things is God. Heb 3 v 3/4

We are spiritual bricks. Stones in Gods house, inhabited by the Holy Ghost.

Some years ago our home needed some repairs to the brickwork. They needed repointing with cement. There is a lesson here. Christians are the body of Christ, we are individuals and we need that cementing together. That bonding! This can only come about as we pray together and share our joys and sorrows.

“Neglect not the forsaking of yourselves together as the manner of some is”. We are not isolated bricks. We stand or fall together. “That there should be no schism in the body; but that members should have the same care one for another”. 1 Cor 12 v 25

From whom the whole body fitly joined together and compacted by that which every joint supplieth, according to the effectual measure of the working of every part, maketh increase of the body unto the edifying of itself in love”. Ephes 4 v 16

“For we know that if our earthly house of this tabernacle were dissolved, we have a building of God, a house not made with hands, eternal in the heavens. For in this we groan, earnestly desiring to be clothed upon with a house which us from heaven”. 2 Cor 5 v 1/2

Peter

And Peter answered him and said, Lord, if it be thou, bid me come to thee on the water. And he said, Come. And when Peter was come down out of the ship, he walked on the water to go to Jesus”. Math 14 v 28/29

An amazing scene. Two men walking on water. One the Son of man, one a disciple of Jesus. Is it possible to walk on the water without sinking? I believe if it were needed that God would do the same miracle for us. Spiritually though there are many lessons in this tableau. Lord if it be thee?

Peter was a man of many strange contradictions. He was a changed man after the Spirit of God had fallen at Pentecost. Before, he had at time been guilty presumption, of self-seeking, slow to apprehend spiritual truths, timid and cowardly. Given to make to great confessions of faith and then go on to deny Christ. Yet God used him in reaping a harvest of souls, through his preaching and miracle-working ministry. Healing the sick and raising the dead. The people would put out their sick in the streets when they heard of the coming of Peter, that the passing of his shadow would bring healing, which it did.

What led to his denial of Christ, when he with the other apostles had seen the miracles of Christ and heard his preaching? He was boastful. “Though all men shall be offended because of thee, yet will I never be offended.Math 26 v 33 In the garden as Jesus was in agony, along with the other disciples, Peter was asleep.Math 26 v 14Earlier he had rashly taken the sword and cut of the servant of the high priest ear. Sadly when Jesus was taken for trial, Peter walked afar off. Though the others had all fled for their lives. Math 26 v 58 Yet he seemed to have joined with the others who were warming their hands at the fire.John 18 v 18 And then, when it came to the test, he failed. “And Simon Peter stood and warmed himself. They said therefore unto him, Art not thou also one of his disciples? He denied it, and said, I am not”John 18 v 25

This was followed by blasphemy. “But he began to curse and swear, saying, I know not this man of whom ye speak”.Mark 14 v 71 Three little words. Art thou the man, “I am not”. How he was to regret those word. Yet Jesus was to remind him of them and hear him say, “Lord, you know that I love you”. John 18v 25. John 21 v 16

Have there been those moments of denial for us?God gave Peter another opportunity to get it right. He empowered him Once he was filled with Holy Ghost and power, which could withstand him. What fearless preaching ensued! “But ye denied the Holy One and the Just, and desired a murderer to be granted unto you; And killed the Prince of life, who God hath raised from the dead, whereof we are witnesses. An in his name and through faith in his name hath made this man strong, whom ye see and ye know: yea the faith, which is by him, hath given him this soundness in the presence of you all. Repent ye therefore and be converted, that your sins may be blotted out”…Acts 3 v 12

A sermon that was to cause him to be thrust into prison. Oh what great things God did through Peter. “Silver and gold have I none, but such as I have, give I thee: In the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth, rise up and walk”. Acts 3 v 6

Poverty

Then the disciple of Jesus were indignant at the apparent waste of the ointment poured out upon his head they said, “To what purpose is this waste? For this ointment might have been sold for much, and given to the poor. When Jesus understood it, he said why trouble the woman? For she hath wrought a good work upon me. For ye have the poor always with you, but me ye have not always”.. Math 26 v 8/11

The Church at Macedonian was rich in grace. They were liberal in their giving. “Moreover, brethren, we do to wit of the grace of God bestowed on the churches at Macedonia.; How that in a great trial of affliction, the abundance of their joy and their deep poverty abounded unto the riches of their liberality. For to their power, I bear record, yea and beyond their power they were willing of themselves”. 2 Cor 8 v 1/3

They gave gifts given from the heart with sacrificial love, it cost them everything. But they gave themselves first to the Lord.2 Cor 8 v 4/5

God pays especial attention to the poor. “Hearken my beloved brethren, Hath not chosen the poor of this world rich in faith, and heirs of the kingdom which he hath promised to them that love him? But ye have despised the poor”. James 2 v 5/6

When the poor and needy seek water, and there is none, and their tongue faileth for thirst, I the Lord will hear them, I the God of Israel will not forsake them. I will open rivers in high places, and fountains in the midst of the valleys: I will make the wilderness a pool of water, and the dry land springs of water”. Amazing what God has promised to the poor!Isaiah 41 v 17/18

Do we specifically give to the poor? Are we giving charities or self help groups? Are we giving to animal welfare organisations. Are we giving to church building programs. Perhaps we always give for the work of God and evangelist or tract Societies. All these have their place no doubt, but what of the poor?

Some folks deliberately make themselves poor by misuse of credit cards and living the life of Riley. Spend, spend, and spend, in an orgy of selfish pleasure. Plastic money and easy credit has been the ruin of many lives. “A faithful man shall abound with blessings: but he that maketh haste to be rich shall not be innocent…He that hasteth to be rich, hath an evil eye, and considereth not that poverty shall come upon him”. Prov 28 v 20/22

What a contrast this is to our dear Lord? “For ye know the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ,, that though he was rich, yet for your sakes he became poor, that ye through his poverty might be rich”. That we should be rich. Of course we are. We are joint heirs with Christ, our Father owns the cattle a thousand hills.

Christ became poor. Sometimes we hear of a politician dressing up as a tramp and living on the streets of London, to get a feel for the life, or perhaps to get some publicity. How could it be that Jesus laid aside his glory and became poor? 2 Cor 8 v 9

An Odour

And walk in love, as Christ has also loved us, and hath given himself for us an offering, and a sacrifice to God, for a sweet smelling savour”. Ephes 5 v 2

Not all things in life smell nice! Jesus Christ leaves the fragrance of the Rose of Sharon behind him. Smell is evocative. It brings stimulates memories. Who can walk past a shop where they are grinding coffee, or baking fresh bread without a response? On the coast and for some way inland you can smell the sea. Tar in the roadmaking is not only dirty and sticky but strong smelling. I remember that awful smell, as my sisters would perm their hair. I believe it still smells as strong today.

When Noah escaped the judgement of the flood, one of the first thing he did was to make an altar an offer up a sacrifice to God in thanksgiving.” And the Lord smelled a sweet savour… Gen 8 v 21

“That they may offer sacrifices of sweet savours unto the God of heaven, and pray for the life of the king and his sons” Ezra 6 v 10

Our prayers are in some spiritual way, taken as incense a holy fragrance unto God. “Let my prayer be set before thee as incense; and the lifting up of my hands as the evening sacrifice That this is true is confirmed in the book of Revelation. “And another angel came and stood at the altar, having a golden censer; and there was given unto him much incense that he should offer it with the prayers of al the saints upon the altar which was before the throne”. Rev 8 v 3

Those gifts were associated with a heavenly odour, which was connected with the acceptance. When gifts were received by Paul from Macedonia, he said, “Not that I desired a gift, but that I desire fruit may abound to your account. But I have all, and abound: I am full, having received of Ephaproditus the things, which were sent from you, an odour of a sweet smell. A sacrifice acceptable, well pleasing to God” Phil 4 v 17/18

When God was angry with Israel, he refused to accept their sweet odours.”And I will destroy your high places, and cut down your images, and cast your carcasses upon the carcasses of your idols, and my soul shall abhor you. And I will make your cities waste, and bring your sanctuaries unto desolation, and I will not smell the savour of your sweet odours”.

Lev 26 v 30/31

For God not to smell our sweet odour! For we are unto God, a sweet savour of Christ, in them that are saved, and in them that perish. To the one we are, the savour of death unto death; and to the other the savour of life unto life. And who is sufficient unto these things”? 2 Cor 2 v 15/16

Sometime my wife will light several candles, which burn off a perfumed scent. Soon the whole house is filled with this fragrance. Our lives, we are the Temple of the Holy Spirit, should also be giving off this fragrance.

So that the whole house is filled. “Then took Mary, a pound of ointment of spikenard, very costly, and annointed the feet of Jesus, and wiped his feet with her hair: And the house was filled with the odour of the ointment”. John 12 v 3

Pilgrims

These all died in faith, not having received the promises, but having seen them afar off, and were persuaded of them, and embraced them, and confessed they were strangers and pilgrims on the earth. For they that say such things declare plainly that they seek a country”. Heb 11 v 13

When you travel abroad, you become aware very quickly, that you are a stranger. The people observe you because of the colour of your skin, your dress and manner of life. When I visited India, I stood out like a sore thumb, I was constantly aware of folks looking at me, observing me. The police and security guards at airports and custom post look out for those tell tale signs, in dress, mannerism, that reveal a stranger is in the midst.

How do we shape up as pilgrims? On taking a long journey in the desert region of exploring the arctic waste, every item you carry is scrutinised. Do I really need this? How much will it weigh?

In our spiritual walk with the Lord, we have to assess some of the baggage we are carrying. Is it necessary? Burdened Christians fill our churches.. A passport is all that you need some documentation that you have right of travel.

Have you the ticket. Are you washed in the blood of the Lamb? On every journey the destination has to be kept in focus. Is it heaven or hell? Are we redeemed? Lost or found? Saved or unsaved?

The man robbed on the Jerico road, was left dying in the dirt. Did he really need what he was carrying? In the physical world, most things we treasure are not important. Why do we allow ourselves to be cluttered up with bric a brac?

Pilgrims and strangers. Can we really say, I am a stranger?

We are in the world, yes indeed, but not of it. We should be strangers to its satanic systems. Aliens to its traditions and it evil and corrupt ways, “Be ye not unequally yoked together with unbelievers: for what fellowship has righteousness with unrighteousness. And what communion hath light with darkness”.

Do we have any fellowship with the world. Are we club members? Are we being conformed to this world? “And what concord has Christ with Be’lial, or what part hath he that believeth with an infidel”? 2Cor 6 v 14/17

Israel was fatally contaminated when she left Egypt, as they were a mixed multitude. “And the children of Israel journeyed from Ra’mas’sees, to Suc’coth, about six hundred thousand on foot, that were men, beside the children. And a mixed multitude went up also with them”. This had tragic consequences as they fell into idolatry. “Can two walk together unless they are agreed?.,Ex 12/37/38Amos 3 v 3

Are there any companions we can safely travel with, on this journey of faith? Yes the fellowship of the saints, the Holy Spirit, leading and guiding, and their indwelling Lord Jesus Christ, who as the guiding shepherd leads the way.

Take Heed

And he said unto me, Take heed what you hear: with what measure ye mete, it shall be measured to you: and unto you that hear shall more be given”. Mark 4 v 24

Toady the media is swamping us with the occult, cults and fables. The scientist tries to persuade us that we evolved from a big bang. “Take heed what you hear”! We do not have to listen to this rubbish. Take heed, be not deceived, many shall come in my name saying, I am the Christ”.

The Lord is warning us to take heed. Misinformation, lies, and deceptions surround us. “Now the Spirit speaketh expressly, that in the latter days, some shall depart from the faith, giving heed to seducing spirits and doctrines of devils. Speaking lies in hypocrisy having their conscience seared with a hot iron”. 1 Tim 4 v 1/2

We are warned not to heed to fables. “Neither give heed to fables and endless genealogies, which minister questions rather than godly edifying. which is in faith.1 Tim 1 v 4

King David had been restored to his throne after the death of his son Absolom. He charged Am’a’sa, “Assemble me the men of Judah within three days, and be thou here present. Am’a’sa did not comply and it entered the heart of Jo’ab to take this opportunity to kill him. “Art thou in health my brother? And Jo’ab took Am’a’sa by the beard with the right hand to kiss him.

But Am’a’sa took no heed to the sword that was in Jo’ab’s hand: so he smote him therewith in the firth rib, and shed out his bowels to the ground, and struck him not again, and he died”

What duplicity and evil is here. But how foolish, not to take heed. The man had a sword in his hand.2 Sam 20 v 4/10.

Take heed. “Be sober, be vigilant because your adversary the devil as a roaring lion, walketh about seeking whom he may devour”.1 Peter 5 v 8

Je’hu, did a wonderful job in cleansing the nation Israel from much idol worship. He killed all the worshippers of Ba’al and cleansed the Temple but he failed in one thing. “And the Lord said unto Je’hu, because thou hast done well in executing that which is right in my eyes,, and has done unto the house of A’hab all that was in mine heart, thy children of the forth generation, shall sit upon the throne of Israel. But Je’hu took no heed to walk in the law of the God of Israel with all his heart. He did so much yet he failed in one thing. Take heed.

“Lord is there something that I am ignoring”? 2 Kings 10 v 3

Take heed how you build?. What are you building on? What materials are you using? What methods are you employing? “For we are labourers together with God: ye are Gods husbandry, ye are Gods building. According to the grace given unto me, as a wide master builder, I have laid the foundation, and another buildeth thereon. But let every man take how he buildeth thereon”. 1 Cor 3 v 10

Jesus said, Take heed that ye do not your alms before men, to be seen of them: otherwise ye have no reward of your Father which is in heaven”. Math 6 v 21

Prepared

And that he might make known the riches of his glory on the vessels of mercy, which he had afore prepared unto glory”.

Rom 9 v 23

God had prepared us before the world began, that we should be chosen, pre ordained, selected and be the earthen vessels prepared for unto glory. When a friend, who had been away in Africa for some months was returning to Heathrow airport, we arranged and welcoming committee to meet him. We prepared a banner proclaiming, “welcome home”. He was very surprised to see our preparations

Any gardener will prepare his soil. In the winter he will rough dig it and leave it to the frost to break down. In spring he will rack it and weed it bringing it to a fine tilth. Now the seed can me sown.

Thorough preparation pays off in quality crops. So it is for the minister or evangelist. He has to prepare his heart, prepare his message and pray over the precious seed that it will fall into good ground.

Christians are commanded when approaching the Lords table to examine their hearts. To prepare them for the remembrance feast. This preparation is of vital importance. For he that eateth and drinketh unworthily, eateth and drinketh damnation to himself, not discerning the Lords body. For this cause many are weak and sickly among you and many sleep”.1 Cor 11 v 28/30

As Moses led Israel to the Promised Land God promised them help. “Behold I send an angel before thee, to keep thee in the way, and bring three into the place which I have prepared”. Many times the Lord has given me this promise as I set off into the unknown. Ex 23 v 20

A celebration party was prepared for a who was reaching her 100^th birthday What joy was had in preparing the room and inviting all the guest. Everyone arrived before time and sat quietly waiting. The room looked lovely with all the tables set out and a top table for the birthday girl and her special friends. Everything was prepared.

Preparations are even now being made for the last judgement. Jesus said “When the Son of man shall come in all his glory and sit and all the holy angels with him, then shall he sit upon the throne of his glory….Then shall the King say unto them on his right hand, Come ye blessed of my Father, inherit the kingdom prepared for you from the foundation of the world. Math 24 34

Hell also is prepared. “Depart from me ye cursed, into everlasting fire prepared for the devil and his angels”. Math 24 v41

But the Lord shall endure for ever; he hath prepared his throne for judgement” Psalm 9 v 7

We need to prepare for the Lords coming. To be among those who are watching and praying, those who are looking for the Jesus. “Eye hath not seen, nor ear heard, neither have entered into the heart of man, the things which God hath prepared for them that love him. But God hath revealed them unto us by his spirit”.1 Cor 2 v 9/10

“I go to prepare a place for you”. John 14 v 3

Seek ye the Lord

And ye shall seek me, and find me, when ye shall search for me with all your heart. And I will be found of you, saith the Lord”. God speaking through the prophet to Israel.

Jer 29 v 13

But seek ye first the kingdom of God, and his righteousness and all these things shall be added unto you.”. Math 6 v 34

What do we seek? When we rise in the morning and commit the day to Him. What do we seek? Or rather whom do we seek? “But if from thence thou shalt seek the Lord thy God, thou shalt find him, if thou seek him with all thy heart and with al thy soul”. Moses speaking to Israel. Deut 4 v 29

Hosea the prophet also called the people to return to the Lord. “Sow to yourselves in righteousness. Reap in mercy, break up your fallow ground, for it is time to seek the Lord, ‘til he come and rain righteousness upon you”. Hos 10 v 12

We live in a world of lost seekers. Like the scarlet pimpernel. They seek him here they seek him there. Yet these folks know not whom they seek. The cults proliferate with lonely needy folks who clutch at straws, who grab any devilish doctrine with open arms, and swallow it hook line and sinker

“Seek ye the Lord while he may be found, call ye upon him while he is near”. Isaiah 55 v 6

When the two mourning women came to the sepulchre they were surprised to find an angel. “His countenance was like lightning, and his raiment white as snow, and for fear of him, the keepers did shake, and became as dead men. And the angel answered them and said, Fear not ye: for I know that ye seek Jesus, which was crucified. He is not here, for he is risen from the dead; and behold he goeth before you into Galilee. The One whom they were seeking had gone before them. Math 28 v 4/8

There is a time in Gods plan. Seek ye the Lord, while he may be found Today is the day of salvation. Today, do not delay. The Lord is seeking lost sinners. Today while he is near. Heb 3 v 7/8

The blind men cried when they knew Jesus was near. Zacheus climbed up the tree, when Jesus was near. The Lepers cried out when Jesus was near. So too the demons. Is Jesus far away at this moment? Just a prayer away. “Surely salvation is nigh them that fear him”. Psalm 85 v 9

The Lord is nigh unto all them that call upon him, to all that call upon him in truth”. Psalm 145 v 18

A mother sleeps, then her baby cries, the mother is at the babies side in a moment. So it is with God. On the Emmaus road two disciples walked and talked of the events they had heard of in Jerusalem. While they reasoned and communed together, Jesus drew near. Jesus has not changed. He does not change. He is the same, yesterday, today, and forever.

Hebrews 13 v 8

The woman, who had lost her precious piece of silver, searched high and low. The shepherd who had lost his sheep left the ninety and nine and went to seek for it. The father of the lost prodigal sought his son daily. God cares for you. Will you seek him?

Warnings

In leaving home as child my father would always warn us of possible dangers. One man in warning was the danger on the road, to stop, look, and listen. Today the warning must be not to talk to strangers, to beware of men. “Beware of men: for they will d deliver you up to the councils, and they will scourge you in their synagogues, and ye shall be brought before governors and kings for my sake, for a testimony against them and the Gentiles” Math 10 v 17/18

“Then beware lest thou forget the Lord, which brought thee forth out of the land of Egypt, from the house of bondage”. We must not forget where we came from. The house of bondage, the slavery of Satan. We have been set free, liberated, let us beware of forgetting. Deut 8 v 11/ Deut 6 v 12

Israel were also warned my Moses to obey the instructions in the seventh year, so set free at liberty those slave and bond servants. “Beware that there be not a thought in thy wicked heart, saying, the seventh year the year of release, is at hand; and thine eye be evil against thy brother, and thou givest him nought, and he cry unto the Lord against thee, and it be sin unto thee”. Deut 15 v 9

Sometimes, I would say often, Gods warnings in his word are personal and individual. Specifically God is requiring a special action response form us .An angel came to Manoah’s wife to inform her that she would conceive and bear a son. Then the warning, “Now therefore beware, I pray thee and drink not strong wine, not eat any unclean thing”.Judges 13 v 4

While I am preaching the Gospel I am aware of dangers in the way, I ask the Lord for clear guidance and sometime I receive a clear warning message to beware. “And being warned of God in a dream, he turned aside into the parts of Galilee”.Math 2 v 12/22

God speaks through a dream, a vision, through his Word, or the prompting of the Holy Spirit, or God sends a messenger. The King of Israel had a messenger. “And the man of God sent unto the king of Israel, saying, Beware that thou pass not such a place: for thither the Syrians are come down. And the king of Israel sent to the place which the man of God told him and warned him of, and saved himself there not once nor twice”. 2 Kings 6 v 9/10

While walking the South Downs way, I was aware of the danger when I read a warning sign, Beware of the bull! Ignoring warning signs can lead to death Beware unexploded bombs was a sign frequently seen after the Second World War. You could lose your life wandering onto Ministry of defence or War dept land. The devil lays traps, booby traps to the unwary.

’Take heed and beware of covetousness, for a man’s life consisteth not in the abundance of things of which he possesseth.

Math 10 v 17

Then whosoever heareth the sound of the trumpet, and taketh not warning, if the sword come, and take him away, his blood shall be on his own head. Ezek 33 v 4

Perfection

Therefor leaving the principles of the doctrine of Christ, let us go on to perfection; not laying again the foundations of repentance from dead works, and faith towards God”. Heb 6 v 5

Some time ago, there was scare regarding the distribution of forged twenty-pound notes. I had an uncomfortable feeling as I deposited small sums of cash in the building society as the notes were scanned under an ultra light. If they were good you could breathe a sigh of relief.

God is perfect in all his ways” As for God he is perfect”.2 Sam 22 v 31

The staggering thought is that God desires, and will have, Christians, his blood bought children, to be perfect. Perfection is unobtainable in the flesh. Yet with God he is able. “The Lord will perfect that which concerneth me, thy mercy, O Lord endureth forever: forsake not the works of thine own hands”. Psalm 138v 8

That the man of God may be perfect. 2 Tim 3 v 17

A jeweller will inspect a diamond under a powerful light to scan it for imperfections and flaws. A masterpiece is inspected and scanned under ultra violet light to confirm its age and authenticity.

The word of God tells us that the created angle that fell was made perfect. In describing Tyrus as a type of Satan, Ezekial the prophet states, “Son of man, take up a lamentation upon the king, and say to him, Thus saith the Lord God, thou sealest up the sum, full of wisdom and perfect in beauty”. Perfection does not always bring blessing. “Thou wast perfect in all thy ways from the day thou wast created, till iniquity was found in thee”… Thy heart was lifted up because of thy beauty; thou hast corrupted wisdom by reason of thy brightness… Ezek 28 v 12/19

What a contrast with Noah who was a just man and perfect in his generations, and Noah walked with God”. Gen 6 v 9

Is our walk perfect in God? Do we walk with him? Is it possible to be perfect? “Till we all come in the unity of the faith, and of the knowledge of the Son of God, unto a perfect man, unto the measure of the stature of the fullness of Christ”. Ephes 4 v 13

We know that, ” the spirits of just men are made perfect”.Heb 12 v 23

We know that Job was a righteous man. Was he perfect? “There was a man in the land of Uz, whose name was Job: that man was perfect and upright, and one that feared God, and eschewed evil” .Job 1 v 1

Jesus spoke to the rich man specifically, “If thou wilt be perfect, go and sell that thou hast, and give to the poor, and thou shalt have treasure in heaven: and come and follow me”.

“Now the God of peace, that brought again from the dead our Lords Jesus, that great shepherd of the sheep, through the blood of the everlasting covenant. Make you perfect in every good work to do his will, working in you that which is well pleasing in his sight, through Jesus Christ; to whom be glory for ever and ever, Amen”

Heb 13 v 20/21

Sleep

And there were many lights in the upper chamber, where they were gathered together. And there sat in a window a certain young man named Eu’ty’chus, being fallen into a deep sleep; and as Paul was long preaching, he sunk down with sleep, and fell down from the third loft, and was taken up dead” Acts 20 v 8/9

An evening to remember. Was it a sermon to remember? A young man lies dead. He had fallen asleep during a sermon. Why was Paul preaching through the night? With elderly folks it is common to find one or two sleepy souls, of if in hospital or older folk’s home more elderly folks asleep while you preach. I often warn them that, “Anyone, who falls asleep during the message, will have to do the washing up”, this causes some laughter but usually they do then keep their eyes open.

A dead man was no problem to Paul. Today we would call for the ambulance and have the body removed, send a letter of sympathy to the church and forget about the incident. What would you do? What did Paul do? “And Paul went down, and fell on him, and embracing him, said, Trouble not yourselves for his life is in him”. What good news. What rejoicing there must have been?

When an elderly lady passed away during our Sunday morning service some years ago, an ambulance was called and the funeral arrangements were made. Paul was operating in the Power of the Holy Spirit, as did the Lord Jesus. “Our friend Lazarus sleepeth, but I go, that I make awake him out of sleep.”. John 11 v 11

An identical scene met Jesus when he arrived outside the house of the Centurion. They had begun the ritual of mourning, weeping and wailing for his dead daughter.. Jesus said, “Give place for the maid is not dead, but sleuth”. And they laughed him to scorn. Of course she was dead.

The young man Eu’ty’chus was dead. The young man at Nairn was really dead. Lazarus was dead.

How many dead are surrounding you? They are spiritually dead. They have potential for spiritual life, they are just sleeping. Shall we throw chalk at them? Can we wake them? Are they to be raised up to life?

Son of man, can these bones live? Shall Jesus come and speak words of life to them?

When the preacher enters the pulpit this is the exact scene that meets his eyes. Rows and rows of dead and dying folks. Pews full of dead bones. Ezek 37 v 3

What can be done? What will God have us do. To do the only thing that will make any difference. “Again he said unto me, Prophesy unto these bones, and say unto them, O ye dry bones, hear the word of the Lord”. Ezek 37 v 4

Where is my Bible?

Three Truths

He was promised. The Messiah The precious incorruptible seed. That which was born of the Holy Ghost promised back in Genesis and confirmed in the prophet’s. “For unto us child is born, unto us a son is given: and the government shall be on his shoulder: and his name shall be called Wonderful, Counsellor, The Mighty God, The everlasting father, The Prince of Peace”. Isaiah 9 v 6. Gen 3 v 15

“And there shall come forth a rod out of the stem of Jessie, and a branch shall grow out of his roots: And the spirit of the Lord shall rest upon him, and the spirit of wisdom and understanding, and the spirit of counsel and might and the spirit of knowledge and the fear of the Lord. And shall make him of quick understanding in the fear of the Lord: and he shall not judge after the sight of his eyes, neither reprove after the hearing of his ears. But with righteousness shall he judge the poor, and reprove with equity for the meek of the earth: and he shall smite the earth with the rod of his mouth, and with the breath of his lips shall slay the wicked”Isaiah 11 v 1/3

“I saw in the night visions, and, behold, one like the Son of man came with the clouds of heaven, and came to the Ancient of days, and they brought him near before him. And there was given him dominion, and glory, and a kingdom, that all people, nations and languages, should serve him: his dominion is an everlasting dominion, which shall not pass away, and his kingdom, that which shall not be destroyed”. Dan 7 v 13/14

He is precious.”Unto you who believe he is precious: but unto them, which are disobedient, the stone that the builders disallowed, the same is made the head of the corner”. 1 Peter 2 v 7″Therefore thus saith the Lord God, Behold I lay in Zion for a foundation stone, a precious corner stone, a sure foundation, he that believeth on him, shall not make haste”. Isaiah 28 v 16

His blood, the blood shed at Calvary is precious. “Forasmuch as ye know, that ye were not redeemed with corruptible things, as silver and gold, from your vain conversation received by tradition from your fathers; But with the precious blood of Christ, as a lamb without blemish or spot”.1 Peter 1 v 18/19

There is a kingdom prepared. “Then shall the King say unto them on his right hand, Come ye blessed of my Father, inherit the kingdom prepared for you from the foundation of the world. For I was hungry and ye gave me meat: I was thirsty and ye gave me drink: I was a stranger, and ye took me in. Naked ye clothed me: I was sick, and ye visited me, I was in prison and ye came unto me”. Math 25 v 34/36

Things that are prepared “But the Lord shall endure for ever, he hath prepared his throne for judgement” Psalms 9 v 7

He has gone to prepare a place for us. “Let not your heart be troubled: ye believe in God, believe also in me. In my Fathers house are many mansions: if it were not so, I would have told you. I go to prepare a place for you. And if I go to prepare a place for you, I will come again, and receive you unto myself that where I am, there ye may be also”. John 14 v 1

What preparations has God made? Before the foundation of the world?  Three glorious truths. He was promised. He is precious. He has prepared.

Who art thou?

Who art thou? This came from the rebellious and self-righteous zealot, Saul of Tarsus. He had been on him way to Damascus, armed with letters of authority to persecute this new sect, the followers of Jesus of Nazareth. Now he was on his face in the dirt, and blinded with the Glory of the resurrected Christ. Acts 9 v 5

The seven sons of Servia had were taught a hard lesson when they tried to emulate the Power of God using Jesus name. “And the evil spirit answered and said, Jesus I know, ands Paul I know; but who are ye?

To be able to witness and proclaim Jesus as Lord, we need to have met him. We have to be able with certainty to say, Yes he is my Saviour, and he is the Son of God. It was the demons that cried out, the unclean spirits crying with a loud voice “What have I do with thee Jesus, thou Son of the most high God”. Mark 5 v 7

Thomas on meeting Jesus and being invited to reach forth his finger was able to say, “My Lord and my God”. John 20 v 28

The self righteous religious leaders were sceptical and unbelieving as to who he was, “And the scribes and the Pharisee’s began to reason, saying, who is this which speaketh Blasphemies? Who can forgive sins but God alone? Luke 5 v 21

The soldiers mocked Jesus, as he hung on the cross, saying, If thou be the king of the Jews, save thyself”. Luke 23 v 37

The identity of Jesus was the subject of much contention. He challenged his own disciple saying, but who do you say I am? The demons cried out, “What have we to do with thee, Jesus, the Son of God, art thou come to torment us before the time”. Math 8 v 29″And Jesus entered and passed through Jerico. And behold, there was a man named Zacheous, which was the chief among the publicans, and he was rich. And he sought to see Jesus, who he was. A rich man climbed a tree to observe Jesus. He had heard so much about this man. His miracles, his preaching, his healing the sick. He was famous, crowds were flocking to him. Now this man Jesus was coming by. Because he was a small man and could not see above the crowd, so taking opportunity, he climbed a tree. Luke 19 v 4

Who is Jesus? The woman sitting with Jesus thought he was a prophet. But Peter said, “Thou art the Christ. The centurion soldier witnessing his love and compassion on the cross as he gave up the Ghost, seeing the darkness, and feeling the earth quake, said, Truly this man was the Son of God”. Mark 15 v 39

Yet it was God speaking from heaven who answered this question. This is my beloved Son, Hear him. Luke 9 v 35

Nathaniel having been called to meet Jesus for the first time, said, Rabbi, thou art the Son of God, thou art the King of Israel”. Jesus did not deny. John 1 v 49

Martha believed, like billions since, she said, “Yea Lord: I believe thou art the Christ”. John 11 v 27

The Beggar

There was a certain rich man, which was clothed in purple and fine linen, and who fared sumptuously every day. And there was a certain beggar named Laz’a’rus, which was laid at his gate, full of sores”. Luke 16 v 19/20

We see this same contrast between the rich and the poor today. The very rich and the very poor. Those who have this worlds goods and those who do not.

God was aware of Laz’a’rus being laid at the gate of the rich man. Was it to remind him? Was it allowed so that the rich man might have an opportunity to show some compassion? Every day the man was there to remind him to challenge him. Has anything changed in these last 2000 years?

The poor are rich in faith. “Hearken, my beloved brethren, hath not God chosen the poor of this world rich in faith and heirs of the kingdom, which he hath promised to them that love him”? James 2 v 5

Next notice that the beggar was not covetous. He did not desire the rich man his home or life style. He was not bitter. He did not complain. All he wanted was a few crumbs. He could be happy with a few crumbs from the rich man’s table. What would it have cost the rich man? A few crumbs?”

O taste and see the Lord is good”. The dreadful truth here is that the rich man had hardened his heart against this beggar. And the terrible danger is that we too, will harden our hearts when we see need? A few crumbs would not have bankrupted the rich man. “Give and it shall be given unto you. Cast your bread upon the waters for thou shalt find it after many days”. Ecl 11 v 1

Why could he not have called him into the servants quarters and given him a meal. As you do it unto the least of these my brethren you do it unto me, Yes a glass of water. The rich man was to be soon pleading for a drop of water to cool his tongue. And he cried and said, and said, “Father Abraham, have mercy on me, and send Laz’a’rus, that he may dip the tip of his finger in water, and cool my tongue, for I am tormented in this flame”. Luke 16 v24

Did the rich man remember, perhaps that very day, when still in the body on earth, that he had passed by the starving man, at his own door? Yet here he was still with those remnants of authority left, “Send Laz’a’rus…”. But when thou makest a feat, cal the poor, the, maimed, the lame the blind: And thou shalt be blessed, for they cannot recompense thee: for thou shalt be recompensed at the resurrection of the just”. Luke 14 v 12/14

This is the feast that all sinners are invited to. Come all is prepared. The Kings has a wedding feast. Put on your garments of joy, throw of those rags of poverty and rejoice in the wedding garments of praise and thanksgiving. Thou art no longer a beggar thou art rich.

How hungry are you anyway? Some animals are just not interested in feeding. “Blessed are ye that hunger and thirst for righteousness for they shall be filled” Math 5 v 6

“But remember the, ” Kingdom of heaven is not meat and drink; but righteousness and peace and joy in the Holy Ghost “Rom 14 v 17.

Dig Deep

There was a certain rich man, which was clothed in purple and fine linen, and who fared sumptuously every day. And there was a certain beggar named Laz’a’rus, which was laid at his gate, full of sores”.Luke 16 v 19/20

We see this same contrast between the rich and the poor today. The very rich and the very poor. Those who have this worlds goods and those who do not.

God was aware of Laz’a’rus being laid at the gate of the rich man. Was it to remind him? Was it allowed so that the rich man might have an opportunity to show some compassion? Every day the man was there to remind him to challenge him. Has anything changed in these last 2000 years?

The poor are rich in faith. “Hearken, my beloved brethren, hath not God chosen the poor of this world rich in faith and heirs of the kingdom, which he hath promised to them that love him”? James 2 v 5

Next notice that the beggar was not covetous. He did not desire the rich man his home or life style. He was not bitter. He did not complain. All he wanted was a few crumbs. He could be happy with a few crumbs from the rich man’s table. What would it have cost the rich man? A few crumbs?”

O taste and see the Lord is good”. The dreadful truth here is that the rich man had hardened his heart against this beggar. And the terrible danger is that we too, will harden our hearts when we see need? A few crumbs would not have bankrupted the rich man. “Give and it shall be given unto you. Cast your bread upon the waters for thou shalt find it after many days”. Ecl 11 v 1

Why could he not have called him into the servants quarters and given him a meal. As you do it unto the least of these my brethren you do it unto me, Yes a glass of water. The rich man was to be soon pleading for a drop of water to cool his tongue. And he cried and said, and said, “Father Abraham, have mercy on me, and send Laz’a’rus, that he may dip the tip of his finger in water, and cool my tongue, for I am tormented in this flame”. Luke 16 v24

Did the rich man remember, perhaps that very day, when still in the body on earth, that he had passed by the starving man, at his own door? Yet here he was still with those remnants of authority left, “Send Laz’a’rus…”. But when thou makest a feat, cal the poor, the, maimed, the lame the blind: And thou shalt be blessed, for they cannot recompense thee: for thou shalt be recompensed at the resurrection of the just”. Luke 14 v 12/14

This is the feast that all sinners are invited to. Come all is prepared. The Kings has a wedding feast. Put on your garments of joy, throw of those rags of poverty and rejoice in the wedding garments of praise and thanksgiving. Thou art no longer a beggar thou art rich.

How hungry are you anyway? Some animals are just not interested in feeding. “Blessed are ye that hunger and thirst for righteousness for they shall be filled” Math 5 v 6

“But remember the, ” Kingdom of heaven is not meat and drink; but righteousness and peace and joy in the Holy Ghost “Rom 14 v 17.

Dedication

The gold for things of gold, and the silver for things of silver, and for all manner of work to be made by the hands of artificers. And who then is willing to consecrate his service this day unto the Lord? 1 Chron 29 v 5

I remember Yehudi Menuin stating that he practised on his violin for eight hours a day. He would play his instrument on the train on the way to a concert. Preparing his program, going over and over it seeking perfection. He was acclaimed as one of the world top violinist.

Jesus spoke to the rich young man, “If thou wilt be perfect, go and sell that thou hast, and give to the poor, and thou shalt have treasure in heaven: and come and follow me”. Mathew 19 v 21

King Asa, “did that which is right in the eyes of the Lord, as did David his father. And he took away the sodomites out of the land, and removed all the idols that his fathers had made. And also Ma’a’char his mother, even her he removed from being queen, because she had made an idol in a grove; and Asa destroyed he r idol. And burnt it by the brook Kidron. But the high places were not removed: nevertheless Asa’s heart was perfect with the Lord all his days. And he brought in the things, which his father had dedicated. and the things which he himself had dedicated into the house of the Lord, silver and gold, and vessels”. 1 Kings 15 v 11/14

What have I dedicated to the Lord? We seldom see this giving over to the Lord. I was blessed when the Motor caravan the Lord provided was prayed over and dedicated to the Lord. What do I own anyway? I am only a steward. It all belongs to the Lord. “For every beast is mine and the cattle on a thousand hills”. Psalm 50 v 10

And he brought into the house of God the things that his father had dedicated, and that he himself had dedicated, silver, and gold, and vessels.

2 Chronicles 15 v 18

In the Old Testament, God ordered the dedicated things to be cared for. “Which Shel’o’mith and his brethren were over all the treasures of the dedicated things., which David the king, and the chief fathers, the captains over thousands, and the captains over the host had dedicated”.

1 Chron 26 v 26

Watch any craftsman at work, and you will see dedication.

Solomon to whom God had given wisdom, dedicated the house of the Lord. “And the King and all Israel with him, offered sacrifice before the Lord. And Solomon offered a sacrifice of peace offerings, which he offered unto the Lord, two and twenty thousand oxen, and a hundred and twenty thousand sheep.. So the king and all the children of Israel dedicated the house of the Lord”.

1 Kings 8 v 62/63

A friend, now joyfully with the Lord, would on occasion of a victory in her life or an answer to prayer send us a thanksgiving gift. Sometimes it would be a bag of groceries, sometimes it would be a envelope containing money. These gift were always humbling and precious for these gift were dedicated to the Lord”.

“Whereupon neither the first, testament was dedicated without blood”. Heb 9 v 18

Woe

Woe to them that degree unrighteous degrees, and write grievousness which they have prescribed”. Isaiah 10 v 1

Tyrants better be ware of what they write for a woe is prescribed against them. “Woe to them that seek deep to hide their council from the Lord, and their works are in the dark, and they say, Who seeth us? And who knoweth us”? Isaiah 29 v 15.

The awfulness of the woes that are prescribed by God, how terrible they are. Who will have God as an enemy? Christians beware! “Woe to them that go down to Egypt for help; and stay on horses, and trust in chariots, because they are many; and in horsemen, because they are very strong, but they look not to the holy One of Israel, neither seek the Lord! Isaiah 31 v 1

There is a tendency today to look to the technology for help. The hospitals have a lure even for Christians who seek medical help. Yes there is a place for doctors and medicine, but the subtle temptation and delusion is this is the only source of help. The horses and the chariots of old, looked very strong, they were many. Yet the Lord warns his people not to go down to Egypt for help, but to seek his face.

“Now the Egyptians are men, and not God; and their horses are flesh, and not spirit. When the Lord shall stretch out his hand both he that helpeth shall fall, and he that is holpon shall fall down, and they shall fail together”.

“Woe to them that call evil for good, that put darkness for light and light for darkness and put bitter for sweet and sweet for bitter. Woe unto them that are wise in their own eyes, and prudent in their own sight. Woe unto them that are mighty to drink wine”. Isaiah 5 v 18

The great prophet had boldness to warn the people of judgement to come but when he had a vision of Gods Glory had to cry “Woe is me, because I am a man of unclean lips and dwell in the mist of a people with unclean lips, for my eyes have seen the King”. Isaiah 6 v 5

What a change, when self-righteous prophets meet with the King.

The Pharisee’s and scribes were self-righteous. Puffed up with their own importance and their long flowing robes of office. The style the charisma the authority of the priesthood. “Woe unto you, scribes and Phar’ra’sees, hypocrites! For ye make clean the outside of the cup and of the platter, but within they were full of extortion and excess”. Math 23 v 25

Centuries had passed between the Israel of Isaiah the prophet and Israel at the time of Jesus. But the human heart does not change. The old Adam in puffed up, given to idolatry and religion, the outward priestly garment used only as a mask for the corruption beneath. No wonder Jesus called them “whited sepulchres”.

Math 23 v 27

‘Jesus was angry as he pronounced woes upon the unbelievers in Cho’ra’zin and Beth’sa’da. “Woe unto you Cho’ra;zin, woe unto thee Beth’sa’da, for if the mighty works which were done in you had been done in Tyre and Sidon, they would have repented long ago in sackcloth and ashes” Math 11 v 21

But woe unto that man by whom he is betrayed! Luke 22 v 22

The Trials

For our light affliction, which worketh for us an eternal weight of glory”. 2 Cor 4 v 17

Paul had been talking about the flesh, death and the outward man perishing “Always bearing about in the body the dying of the Lord Jesus, that the life also of Jesus might be made manifest in our mortal body. For we which live are always delivered unto death for Jesus sake, that the life also of Jesus might be made manifest in our mortal flesh”. 2 Cor 4 v 10

Paul could say his trials were a light affliction. Some people complain when the get a headache, they cannot stand any inconvenience, any pain. Yet Paul and thousands of saints following Jesus down the ages have risked their lives, been persecuted, rejected, opposed, ridiculed, imprisoned, beaten, tortured and remained faithful until the last. 2 Cor 6 v 4/10

“Pressure makes diamonds”. How true! God is working into us character, faith and resilience.

Trials fit us for warfare. I have met some folks who have escaped life’s trials and difficulties. They are nice people, but they lack character. Jesus was rejected and despised of men. When the chips were down, he had the backbone to be able to resist the taunts, the mockery, and the cruelty, the spitting. He was able to hang on that cross and say, “Father forgive them, for they know what they do”? Luke 23 v 34

Paul said, “I am exceeding joyful in all our tribulations”. What a statement. What an attitude. Exceedingly joyful. What were his circumstances? Had the sun shone? Was it all plain sailing? Did Gods blessing rest upon him? “When we were come into Mac’e’do’nia, our flesh had no rest, but we were troubled on every side; without were fighting’s, within were fears. Nevertheless god, that comforteth those that are cast down, comforted us by the coming of Titus. 2 Cor 7 v 6

Trials. Life is full of them. The world full of ethnic migrants. Africa a continent with millions of empty stomachs. Disease is rife in the third world. Millions of street children begging, prostituting themselves for a crust of bread. What are your trials my friend? “In the world ye shall have tribulation. Jesus said take up thy cross and follow me. John 16 v 33

“For this is thankworthy, if a man for conscience towards God, endure grief, suffering wrongfully. For what glory is it? If, when ye be buffeted for your faults, ye shall take it patiently, but if when ye do well and suffer for it, ye take it patiently, this is acceptable with God. For even hereunto ye were called: because Christ also suffered for us, leaving us an example, that ye should follow in his steps. 1 Peter 2 v 19

Paul suffered terribly; he did not however become sin, on a cross. He suffered physically. Yet Jesus not only having been scourged and stripped naked, not only having his face beaten into a pulp, by cruel men, yet on that cross, he paid the price far above any could. The Holy One, the Sinless One, became sin and took the wrath of God in his body on the tree. What a trial.

2 Cor 5 v 21

Have we yet resisted unto blood, striving against sin? Have we have become soft and flabby.

Hebrews 12 v 4

The Soul

Therefore do ye spend money for that which is not bread? And your labour for that which satisfieth not? hearken diligently unto me, and eat that which is good, and let your soul delight in fatness”

Isaiah 55 v 2.

“Let your soul delight in fatness”. Fatness is usually frond upon today. Obesity is drug treatable. Some folks have operations to reduce the fat even at the risk of disfiguring themselves with an operation that cost thousands and has no guarantee. Yet God says delight thy soul in fatness. Copiousness, abundance, a plethora, an excess, fatness. Our soul has an important place in Scripture. It is precious to God, “For what is a man profiteth if he shall gain the whole world, and lose his own soul? Or what shall a man exchange for his soul? Math 16 v 26

What indeed. If the world and a man’s soul were weighed in the balance the soul would win hands down. Speaking of the Lord Jesus, the Word of God declares, that “He seeing this before spake of the resurrection of Christ, that his soul was not left in hell, neither his flesh did see any corruption. Acts 2 v 38

There is a division in the Word of God regarding the soul and the flesh. We Christians can easily combine the two or get confused over this but they are not the same. “The word of God is quick and powerful, sharper than any two edged sword, piercing even to the dividing asunder of the soul and spirit and the joints and the marrow, ands is a discerner of the thoughts and intents of the heart”.

Heb 4 v 12

God wants to keep your soul intact. It is priceless. “For the wrath of man worketh not the righteousness of God, Wherefore lay aside all filthiness and superfluity of naughtiness, and receive with meekness the engrafted word, which is able to save your soul”.. James 1 v 21

Yet here God is inviting us to indulge in blessing. “Incline your ear, come to me: hear, and your soul shall live, and I will make an everlasting covenant with you, even the sure mercies of David”. Isaiah 55 v 3

What an invitation! How people can survive in the barren land, this wilderness of sin, and neglect the abundance of provision that God has made for our souls, this remains a mystery to me. Come and eat. Jesus says to his disciple at the lakeside, come and dine. How do we respond?

We live in a society that wants to forget God. A pagan nation which demands its rights, and legalises sin, The false idols are set up and the people bow down to the god of this world its systems traditions its man made religions. It is on a course of self destruction for, “The soul that sinneth it shall die”. Ezek 18 v 4

David could say, “The Lord restoreth my soul”. Psalm 23 v 3

And Solomon, “The Lord delivereth my soul from hell” Proverbs 23 v 14

What can we say, “O my God, my soul is cast down within me, Psalm 42 v 6.

The Lord shall preserve thy soul… Psalm 121 v 7

Israel’s Blindness

For I would not, brethren, that you should be ignorant of this mystery, lest ye be wise in your own conceits; that blindness in part is happened to Israel, until the fullness of the Gentiles comes in”. Rom 11 v 25

God has promised prophetically to restore Israel to the land. “Who hath heard of such a thing? Who hath seen such things? Shall the earth be made to bring forth in one day? Or shall a nation be born at once? For as soon a s Zion travailed she brought forth her children. Shall I bring to birth and not cause to bring forth?. Isaiah 66 v 8/12

God planned a nation. A special nation. God chose Abram and called him Abraham the father of a nation. ” As Jacob wrestled with a n angel, who then was the Lord, the Lord changed Jacobs name to Israel. “Israel shall be a sand in sea for number. Where it was said unto them, Ye are not my people, there it shall be said unto them, Ye are the Sons of the living God. Hosea 1 v 10”

Behold the day cometh when I will make a new covenant with the house of Israel saith the Lord, and with the house of Judah. Not according to the covenant I made with their fathers when I took them by the hand to lead them out of the land of Egypt, because they continued not in my covenant, and I regarded them not saith the Lord

Heb 8 v 8/10

Everywhere in Gods Word we see Israel. First as Gods chosen Nation, then as the adulterous and backsliding wife, then as the Christ rejecting Nation, His blood shall be upon us, then Israel to be restored to the Land, which happened in 1948. Now after the rapture, the time of Jacob’s trouble, the tribulation on earth, which Israel will partake of, then the glorious returning of the King of the Jew’s, The King of Israel; to set up his Kingdom, the millennium reign of Christ.

“Thus saith the Lord God, When I shall have gathered the house of Israel from the people among whom they are scattered, and I shall be sanctified in them in the sight of the heathen, then shall they dwell in the land, that I have given to my servant Jacob”. In that day will I cause the horn of the house of Israel to bud forth, and I will give the opening of the mouth in the midst of them, and they shall know that I am the Lord”.

Ezek 28 v 5. Ezek 29 v 21

Israel Gods chosen people, have been dispersed scattered over the world But God has promised they will return. Like lost sheep. “For thus saith the lord God, Behold I, even I, will both search and seek them out. And I will set up one shepherd over them, even my servant David. Ezek 34 v 11

God has spoken it and three is no more to say. God will do it. It is written, The sceptics may scoff, the mockers may laugh, nations may struggle for supremacy, but God will do it. “Israel shall be saved in the Lord with an everlasting Salvation”. “Thou art my servant O Israel in whom I will be glorified. Behold I have graven thee upon my hands”.

Isaiah 45 v 17 Isaiah 49 v 3″

And so all Israel shall be saved: as it is written, There shall come out of Zion, the Deliverer, and shall turn away ungodliness from Jacob”. Rom 11 v 26

God’s Attributes

Our concept of God can become very warped. God is righteous, Holy and Just. “Clouds and darkness are round about him; righteousness and judgement are the habitation of his throne” Psalm 97 v 2.

Referring to the coming of the Lord Jesus, the word of God says, Behold the days come, saith the Lord, that I will raise up unto David a righteous Branch,, and a king shall reign and prosper,, and shall execute judgement and justice in all the earth”. Jer 23 v 5

“Righteous art thou O Lord,, and upright are thy judgements.Psalm 119 v 137

The Lord is righteous in all his ways and holy in all his works” Psalm.145v 17

Because God is just the wickedness of sinful rebellious angels was not ignored”. “For if God spared not the angels that sinned but cast them down to hell, and delivered them into chains of darkness,, to be reserved unto judgement., and spared not the old world, but saved Noah the eighth person a preacher of righteousness, bringing in the flood upon the world of the ungodly. And turning the cities of Sodom and Gomorrah into ashes condemned them with an overthrow, making them examples unto those that after should live godly”.2 Peter 2 v 4/9

God is just, even to Israel the adulterous wife. “For if God spared not the natural branches, take heed lest he spare not thee”. Rom 11v 21

God is merciful, but when His own Son elected to be sin, when he was on the cross at Calvary God had to punish sin in his only beloved Son. “He that spared not his own Son, but delivered him up for us all, how shall he not with him, also freely give us all things”. Rom 8 v 32

In all of this God is wise. “O Lord, how manifold are thy works! In wisdom thou hast made them all, the earth is full of thy riches” Psalm 104 v 24

“The Lord by wisdom has founded the earth, by understanding he hath established the heavens”.

Jer 10 v 7″

O the depth of the riches both of the wisdom and knowledge of God! How unsearchable are his judgements, and his ways past finding out” . Rom 11 v 33.

“Because the foolishness of God is wiser than men, and the weakness of God is stronger than man”.1 Cor 1 v 25

Only the Bible can describe God, or his attributes. We see God in the face of Jesus Christ!

“For God who commanded the light to shine out in darkness,, hath shined in our hearts,, to give the light of the knowledge of the glory of God in the face of Jesus Christ”.

2 Cor 4 v 6

Some Certainties

Moses is warning the Reubenites and the Gadites who wanted their inheritance on the east side of the Jordan, that they had better be prepared to fight for it, There were conditions they had to accept. “And Moses said unto them, If ye will do this thing, if ye will go armed before the Lord to war. And will go al you armed over Jordan before the Lord, until he hath driven out his enemies from before him. And the land be subdued from before him. And the land be subdued before: Then afterward ye shall return and be guiltless before the Lord, and before Israel; and this land shall be your possession before the Lord. An inheritance certainly promised and conditional. But the lesson is that these two tribes should fight for Israel, rather fight for the Lord, until his enemies are subdued before him, then they could enjoy their own land. We too should be able to help our brother or another church, or another evangelist, and as we do, s0o to, we will inherit the Promised Land. Num 32 v 20/22 There was also a warning, “But if ye will not do so, be sure your sins will find you out”. Num 32 v 23.Aa’chan thought his sin was undiscovered. It was a certain thing that God would reveal it. Israel were stultified and defeated because of it. Joshua 7 v 11/12

The certainty of death. “The is no man that hath power over the spirit, to retain the spirit: neither hath he power in the day of death, and there is no discharge in that war; neither shall wickedness deliver those that are given to it”. Ecl 8 v 8

One certainty in life, “And as it is appointed unto men once to die and after this the judgement; So Christ was once offered to bear the sins of many; and unto them that look for him he shall appear the second time without sin unto salvation”. Heb 9 v 27/28

I have observed over the years how men struggle to avoid, and postpone death. Some have their organs frozen, some embalmed, some have arranged that their bodies be flown into space, others try vainly to keep themselves looking young with operations and skin grafts, tucks and ? yet all die. The question is do they die saved or lost?Judgement a sure thing. “For God will bring every work into judgement, with every secret thing, whether it be good, or whether it be evil”. Ecl 12 v 14

Yes on judgement day all those secret things will be brought out into the full glare of God Holy light. It will all be revealed. Open for scrutiny. Displayed for all to see, Sins of commission,. Sins of omission, sins of presumption, sins of pride, lust, the pride of life, the love of the world. The hypocrisy the deceit the uncleanness, the lies, the rebellion and all the unbelief. Billions of souls will stand before God and be ashamed. It is certain. “And I saw the dead small and great stand before God: and the books were opened: and another book was opened, which is the book of life: and the dead were judged out of those things which were written in the books, according to their works”Rev 20 v 12

Did you know that it is all being recorded? Written down in Gods book and recorded for eternity.

There will be a separation. It is certain. “When the Son of man cometh in his glory, and all the holy angels with him,, then he shall sit upon the throne of his glory. And before him shall be gathered all nations: and he shall separate them one from another, as a shepherd divideth his sheep from the goats: And he shall set his sheep on his right hand but the goats on the left”. Math 25 v 31

Leaving all earthly possessions. “For we brought nothing into this world, and it is certain, we can carry nothing out”. “Take heed, and beware of covetousness, for a man’s ;life consisteth not in the abundance of the things which he possesseth”. Luke 12 v 15

The Blessings of God

The blessing of God are all in Jesus Christ his Son “Blessed be the God and father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who has blessed us with all spiritual blessing in heavenly places in Christ”. Ephes 1 v 3

God commanded Moses, through Aaron to bless the nation of Israel in this manner. The Lord bless thee, and keep thee, The Lord make his face to shine upon thee and be gracious unto thee: The Lord lift up his countenance upon thee, and give thee peace”. Numbers 6 v 24/26

The greatest blessing is to receive, Salvation through Jesus. There is joy in heaven over one sinner that repents. When the dead are given life. When the lepers are healed when the poor have the Gospel preached to them when the dry bones hear the Word of God and revive. To abide in Christ, to walk in the Spirit, to walk in the light. To have fellowship with the Father and His Son Jesus Christ, it is joy unspeakable and full of glory.

“Blessed is he, whose trangression is forgiven. Whose sin is covered. Blessed is the man unto whom the Lord imputeth not iniquity, and in whose spirit there is no guile” Psalm 32 v 2

Blessed is he that considereth the poor, that waiteth, and cometh to the thousand three hundred and five and thirty days, and Blessed is he that shall not be offended in me”.

Psalm 41 v1. Dan 12 v 12. Math 11 v 6.

Are you enjoying the multitude of blessings. Are they pressed down shaken together and running over? They should be. This is our inheritance in the Lord. There is a little chorus, which runs, “Blessings new he is bestowing and my cup is overflowing”.

Here are some more blessings. “Blessed is the man that walketh not in the counsel of the ungodly, no6r standeth in the way of sinners, nor sitteth in the seat of the scornful. But his delight is in the law of the Lord and in his law, doth he meditate day and night. but his delight is in the law of the Lord and in his law doth he meditate day and night”. Psalm 1 v 1Blessed is the man that trusteth in him, Blessed is the man that thou choosestBlessed is the man who strength is in thee, and an unusual blessing from God. Blessed thou chaseneth O Lord, and teachest him out of thy law. Psalm 34 v 8. Psalm 64 v 4. Psalm 84 v 5. Psalm 94, v12

What of the New Testament? “Blessed and holy is he that hath part in the first resurrection, on such the second death hath no power, but they shall be priest of God and of Christ, and shall reign with him a thousand years”. Rev 20 v 6

Are there any more blessings? Blessings of Sanctification. Blessings of protection. Blessings of provision .Blessings of Health and Strength. Blessings of Grace. Blessings of our glorious Future

“For when God made promises to Abraham, because he could swear by no greater, he sware by himself, Saying, Surely blessing I will bless thee, and ,multiplying I will multiply thee. And so after he had patiently endured he obtained the blessing. Heb 6 v 13/15

“Blessed are the poor in spirit: for theirs is the kingdom of heaven. Blessed are they that mourn: for they shall be comforted. Blessed are the meek: for they shall inherit the earth. Blessed are they that hunger and thirst after righteousness: for they shall be filled. Blessed are the merciful: for they shall obtain mercy. Blessed are the peacemakers, for they shall be called the children of God. Blessed are they, which are persecuted for righteousness sake: for theirs is the kingdom of heaven. Blessed are ye, when men shall revile you, and persecute you and shall say all manner of evil against you falsely for my sake. Rejoice and be exceeding glad: for great is your reward in heaven. Math 5 v 1 /12

A Christian

Has… A new birth.

“Verily,verily, I say unto thee, Except a man be born again, he cannot see the kingdom of God”.

Is born to grow.

“But grow in grace and in the knowledge of our Lord and saviour Jesus Christ”.2 Peter 3 v 1

Has a new set of clothing

“I will greatly rejoice in the Lord, my soul shall be joyful in my God: for he hath clothed me with the garments of salvation, he hath covered me with the robe of righteousness, as a bridgroom decketh himself with ornaments, and as a bride adorneth herself with her jewels”.Isaiah 61 v Is

Is a light

“Let your light shine among men, that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father which is in heaven”.Math 5 v 1

A character building.

“Therefore whosoever heareth these sayings of doeth, and mine them, I will liken him unto a wise man, which built his house upon a rock”. Math 7 v 2

A fellowship

“And they arose up the same hour, and returned to Jerusalem,, and found the eleven gathered,, and they that were with them”. Luke 24 v 3

Is a son

“But as many as received him, to them he power to become the sons of God, even to them that believe on his name”.John 1 v 1

Has an assurance of immortality.

“And this is the life eternal, that they might know thee the only true God , and Jesus Christ whom thou hast sent”. John 17 v 3

Has a walk.

“I beseech thee brethren, by the mercies of God, that ye present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable unto God, which is your reasonable service”. Rom 12 v

Is involved in  warfare

“Fight the good fight of faith, lay hold on eternal life, whereunto thou art also called, and hast professed a good profession before many witnesses.

1 Tim 6 v 1

Is in a race

“Wherefore seeing we also are compassed about with so great a cloud of witnesses, let us lay aside every weight, and the sin which doth so easily beset us, and let us run the race with patience that is set before us”. Heb 12 v 1

Has A victory.

“For whatsoever is born of God overcomes the world: and this is the victory that overcomes the world, even our faith.1 John 5 v 4

A work of God

I trust you have been blessed by reading Daly Thoughts. Please email me with your helpful comments.

Tony@dalybread.freeserve.co.uk