Is Saul Also Among the Prophets?
And it came to pass, when all that knew him formerly saw that, behold, he prophesied among the prophets, then the people said one to another, What is this that is come unto the son of Kish? Is Saul also among the prophets?
(1Sa 10:11)
The first mention of Saul also among the prophets is after he was annointed by Samuel to be King. It was an interesting day for Saul which stated off as looking for his father's lost donkeys and God divinely ordained the sequence of events to meet up with Samuel the prophet to be annointed King. Saul was head and shoulders above everyone else and was certainly the stature of a king that the people rejected God for (1 Sam 8:7).
The 'popularity' of the mentioned question has since then grown to a proverb in Isreal.
Saul means 'Desired'. But seeing that God was rejected for a man-king, this kind desiring is not of God but of man or of the flesh. The Kingdom of Isreal was in the process of being changed from having God ruling divinely over the nation to be 'just like all nations' (1 Sam 8:5).
This griefed both God and Samuel.
The second ocurrance when Saul was after David to kill him in 1 Sam 19. As with the first time, the Spirit of God came so mightily on Saul that he again prophesied. However the difference was he prophsied in dishonour (in nakedness all that day and all that night). Secondly, this time he was out to kill or break the Commandment not to murder.
One can perform what seemingly is right in man's eyes and deemed as spiritual but it really dishonours the Holy God.
Many will say to me in that day, Lord, Lord, have we not prophesied in thy name and in thy name have cast out devils? and in thy name done many wonderful works?
(Mat 7:22)
Jesus warned us that doing the spirtual things may not please God. The Lord's rebuke was that He never knew them. It is one thing to claim to know God, the true test of relationship is whether He knows us. One can say that Saul was filled with the Spirit of God and doing God's work as king plus also prophesied, but at the same time bear such wicketness within himself. That is why Jesus firmly ask these workers of 'spiritual things' to depart from Him because they are workers of iniquity. Likely wise in Saul's heart was the working evil to murder David.
What are the lessons we can learn?
- God will give us what we desire, but may not be in His divine will
- He will grant us our wish but it will grief Him. Those who follow heart after God will find themselves grieving with God on this matter while others glory in it
- Doing spiritual things doesn't mean we are in right standing with God. It just appears to man that way, but in His eyes it griefs Him. God can be dishonoured in our 'spiritual' service
- Doing spiritual things doesn't mean that God have a relationship as Heavenly Father to us.
- Doing spiritual things outwardly, but we may have another agenda which is evil in God's eyes
- In Matt 7, Jesus tells us that the fruits determine the doer.... and Paul teaches us in Gal 5:17 that there is the fruit of the flesh and of the Spirit, the first one being ungodly and the other Godly
- Paul warns Timothy and us.....
Having a form of godliness, but denying the power thereof: from such turn away.
(2Ti 3:5)
Wednesday, December 06, 2006
Thursday, November 16, 2006
Be strong and of good courage
Be strong and of a good courage: for unto this people shalt thou divide for an inheritance the land, which I swore unto their fathers to give them. Only be thou strong and very courageous, that thou mayest observe to do according to all the law, which Moses my servant commanded thee: turn not from it to the right hand or to the left, that thou mayest prosper whithersoever thou goest.
(Jos 1:6-7)
This is a charge or command by God Himself to the Joshua as he takes over from Moses. It would have been seen as very big shoes to fill considering, for Moses the man whom God buried Himself (!) and declared as one whom God knew face to face. May it be for us that at the end of our short life on earth, although man many not know the significance of our lives on planet earth, but God knows. It is sad that we live life so that people may know who we are, what profits us if we gain worldwide recognition for our achievements in whatever field (be it ministry or career or personal life) but God doesn’t recognize one single bit. We have to consider very hard on not what people eulogize, but what God says.
There are 2 points that God asked Joshua to be strong and of good courage for. Firstly being the division of inheritance (as promised to the forefathers) and secondly in total, unquestionable obedience to the laws (Torah, especially the 10 Commandments or the Moral Laws of God) of God. Wouldn’t it seem strange that God would command as such while in our minute human intelligence we would say things like ‘Be strong and of good courage’ to conquer, to fight, to grab what belongs to us, etc. Don’t we naturally do those things in contrary to what God’s commands?
A. Divide the inheritance
In the physical Joshua did have to divide up the inheritance to the 11 tribes and 2 half tribes. But for us in today’s context we will look at it as examples and lessons of warning to us. To divide up the inheritance is to know what the key components for us to inherit are.
Now all these things happened unto them for examples: and they are written for our admonition, upon whom the ends of the world are come.
(1Co 10:11)
1. The inheritance
Jesus’ first teaching in the Sermon of the Mount begins with the giving of inheritance to the faithful and it being given as our blessings.
Blessed are the poor in spirit: for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.
(Mat 5:3)
Blessed are the meek: for they shall inherit the earth.
(Mat 5:5)
Which Jesus took from
But the meek shall inherit the earth; and shall delight themselves in the abundance of peace.
(Psa 37:11)
Blessed are they which are persecuted for righteousness' sake: for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.
(Mat 5:10)
For I say unto you, That except your righteousness shall exceed the righteousness of the scribes and Pharisees, ye shall in no case enter into the kingdom of heaven.
(Mat 5:20)
- God is interested to bless the poor in spirit, the meek, the one’s that bravely stand up for righteousness and ARE righteous will inherit blessings of Heaven and of Earth.
- Blessings on earth are more easily quantified in health, wealth, children, peace, protection, etc.
- Blessings of Heaven are mentioned 4 of 5 times in the Sermon of the Mount. Surely there is something of higher value in terms of inheritance the God was to bless us with
2. Inheritance of the Kingdom of Heaven
For the kingdom of God is not meat and drink; but righteousness, and peace, and joy in the Holy Ghost.
(Rom 14:17)
- From Paul’s writing, it clearly summarizes what the Kingdom of Heaven consists of: righteousness, peace and joy (not just regular joy, but emphasized as joy IN the Holy Spirit
- Jesus did teach in parables what the Kingdom of Heaven is likened. For example in Matt 13 are the parables of the Sower, Mustard Seed, Leaven, Hidden Treasure in the field, Pearl of Great Price, Net (bringing in the catch) and the house owner with treasures old and new
- The parables seems to emphasize on wanting the things of greater importance AND keeping it
- Therefore the Kingdom of Heaven is an inheritance we as Christians must seek after first (Matt 6:33).
Therefore take no thought, saying, What shall we eat? or, What shall we drink? or, Wherewithal shall we be clothed? (For after all these things do the Gentiles seek:) for your heavenly Father knoweth that ye have need of all these things. But seek ye first the kingdom of God, and his righteousness; and all these things shall be added unto you.
(Mat 6:31-33)
- The heathen (the God-less or those who don't put God first, 'Christian' or otherwise) seek the eternities of life which satisfies or gratifies the flesh, but the seeking after the Kingdom of God (Heaven, for God is the King there)
- In God’s economy, it’s seeking the important thing first (the Kingdom) and then all these things shall be added. If God is our Father, He will personally ensure that our eternities are taken cared for. For us, we seek and keep the eternal and our bonus would be our current needs. This way we don’t loose!
If ye then, being evil, know how to give good gifts unto your children, how much more shall your Father which is in heaven give good things to them that ask him?
(Mat 7:11)
3. Criteria for inheriting the Kingdom of Heaven
- Jesus also gives the criteria for those who will receive the Kingdom
- The Sermon on the Mount teaches us that those who are poor in spirit (not proud, contented, depleted of fleshly things, non-complainers, esteem others, self-denying… don’t be like the Loadicean church in Rev 3:17), righteous and willing to die for standing on righteousness
- The Parables teaches us the deep desire (willing to give everything for the one of eternal value) and able to keep it. The former is an attitude (what pre-occupies our heart and mind) and the latter the appreciation and enjoyment of receiving and seeing it come to fruition. Bearing fruit of Spirit (Gal 5:22-23, Psa 1:3), the 100 fold multiplication (Gen 26:12 & Matt 13:8).
- From bearing the fruit of the Spirit, God doesn’t just leave us with that but don’t forget the external blessings of health, children, fruitfulness in our labor (nothing of our lives end up in vanity of vanities), live to the fullness of our days, etc…… the blessings of Canaan: the richness and sweetness of life (Exo 3:8, 3:18, 13:5, 33:3, Lev 20:24, Num 13:27, 14:8, 16:13, 16:14, Deu 6:3, 11:9, 26:9, 27:3, 31:20, Jos 5:6). The fact that it was mentioned so many times BEFORE receiving the promise speaks of God’s great desire to want to give us His blessing. He seems to have a sense of urgency to bless the Israelites and ultimately us.
4. What are we to inherit?
For the kingdom of God is not meat and drink; but righteousness, and peace, and joy in the Holy Ghost.
(Rom 14:17)
- Rectitude: Quality of correctness and being straight. One that has high moral virtue.
Therefore by the deeds of the law there shall no flesh be justified in his sight: for by the law is the knowledge of sin.
(Rom 3:20)
- However this is very hard, if not impossible to achieve….. How then will it be for us? Are we without any hope? No amount of deeds can justify us!
- Keep in mind that the Kingdom is inherited, therefore the righteousness is also passed down to us! This is our hope.
Even the righteousness of God which is by faith of Jesus Christ unto all and upon all them that believe: for there is no difference:
(Rom 3:22)
Whom God hath set forth to be a propitiation through faith in his blood, to declare his righteousness for the remission of sins that are past, through the forbearance of God;
(Rom 3:25)
- It then by believing in Jesus Christ and the finish work on the cross. It is the only way to righteousness as ordained by God from the beginning. Even between Cain and Abel, only the latter’s sacrifice was acceptable because the offering of propitiation.
- Christ is the propitiation because by his becoming our substitute and assuming our obligations he expiated (atone) our guilt, covered it, by the vicarious (taking our) punishment which he endured.
Therefore being justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ: By whom also we have access by faith into this grace wherein we stand, and rejoice in hope of the glory of God.
(Rom 5:1-2)
- By being justified (declared righteous) we than have peace with God. It is as though the door way is Faith, entering in Grace (in which is where our ground or standing), where we have Hope of the glory of God.
Notwithstanding in this rejoice not, that the spirits are subject unto you; but rather rejoice, because your names are written in heaven.
(Luk 10:20)
- Our joy comes thus knowing that we are saved by faith with an eternal hope that bears the very glory of God. Our hope is as sure as God’s zealousness for His glory.
In summary this is what we inherit:
i) Made Righteous, in respect to God
ii) Peace, in respect to the brethren in the faith (Endeavoring to keep the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace.
(Eph 4:3))
iii) Joy in the Holy Spirit, in respect to ourselves; The Holy Spirit being the inspirer (comforter) of that joy that passes human understanding.
B. Obey the His Commandments
The word used is to ‘observe’ denoting being on guard with regard to all the commandments. Why does it take strength and courage to obey carefully? It’s probably because obedience requires strength and courage.
- Obedience may cost us. It will be definitely our pride and rights for others. The middle letter in the word PRIDE is ‘I’ and that has to die.
Ye have heard that it hath been said, An eye for an eye, and a tooth for a tooth: But I say unto you, That ye resist not evil: but whosoever shall smite thee on thy right cheek, turn to him the other also. And if any man will sue thee at the law, and take away thy coat, let him have thy cloak also. And whosoever shall compel thee to go a mile, go with him twain.
(Mat 5:38-41)
- Obedience is total submission; self is no longer the master. Either He is Lord of all, or not at all.
I am crucified with Christ: nevertheless I live; yet not I, but Christ liveth in me: and the life which I now live in the flesh I live by the faith of the Son of God, who loved me, and gave himself for me.
(Gal 2:20)
He must increase, but I must decrease.
(Joh 3:30)
- Obedience is able to forgive freely; especially those we find it most difficult to
But I say unto you, Love your enemies, bless them that curse you, do good to them that hate you, and pray for them which despitefully use you, and persecute you;
(Mat 5:44)
For if ye forgive men their trespasses, your heavenly Father will also forgive you: But if ye forgive not men their trespasses, neither will your Father forgive your trespasses.
(Mat 6:14-15)
- Obedience is following Jesus whole heartedly; a consistency that is required.
And he said to them all, If any man will come after me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross daily, and follow me.
(Luk 9:23)
The rich young ruler that Jesus was talking to walked away with sadness due to perceived loss. What is our response? Is giving up the ‘now’ too difficult for us to gain the eternal?
C. Conclusion
Not every one that saith unto me, Lord, Lord, shall enter into the kingdom of heaven; but he that doeth the will of my Father which is in heaven.
(Mat 7:21)
From what the Bible teaches us, it would seem that it is seem that the inheritance of the Kingdom of Heaven and unquestionable obedience requires a lot of strength and a high dose of courage. Nevertheless, we must consider the abundance of life that Jesus offers in John 10:10. The contrary of that would expose us to be prey to the devil that comes to steal, kill and destroy. Fullness of Life on this side of heaven as well as the other is definitely worth the cost for Jesus Christ the Son of God gave ALL that we might have LIFE.
Be strong and of a good courage: for unto this people shalt thou divide for an inheritance the land, which I swore unto their fathers to give them. Only be thou strong and very courageous, that thou mayest observe to do according to all the law, which Moses my servant commanded thee: turn not from it to the right hand or to the left, that thou mayest prosper whithersoever thou goest.
(Jos 1:6-7)
This is a charge or command by God Himself to the Joshua as he takes over from Moses. It would have been seen as very big shoes to fill considering, for Moses the man whom God buried Himself (!) and declared as one whom God knew face to face. May it be for us that at the end of our short life on earth, although man many not know the significance of our lives on planet earth, but God knows. It is sad that we live life so that people may know who we are, what profits us if we gain worldwide recognition for our achievements in whatever field (be it ministry or career or personal life) but God doesn’t recognize one single bit. We have to consider very hard on not what people eulogize, but what God says.
There are 2 points that God asked Joshua to be strong and of good courage for. Firstly being the division of inheritance (as promised to the forefathers) and secondly in total, unquestionable obedience to the laws (Torah, especially the 10 Commandments or the Moral Laws of God) of God. Wouldn’t it seem strange that God would command as such while in our minute human intelligence we would say things like ‘Be strong and of good courage’ to conquer, to fight, to grab what belongs to us, etc. Don’t we naturally do those things in contrary to what God’s commands?
A. Divide the inheritance
In the physical Joshua did have to divide up the inheritance to the 11 tribes and 2 half tribes. But for us in today’s context we will look at it as examples and lessons of warning to us. To divide up the inheritance is to know what the key components for us to inherit are.
Now all these things happened unto them for examples: and they are written for our admonition, upon whom the ends of the world are come.
(1Co 10:11)
1. The inheritance
Jesus’ first teaching in the Sermon of the Mount begins with the giving of inheritance to the faithful and it being given as our blessings.
Blessed are the poor in spirit: for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.
(Mat 5:3)
Blessed are the meek: for they shall inherit the earth.
(Mat 5:5)
Which Jesus took from
But the meek shall inherit the earth; and shall delight themselves in the abundance of peace.
(Psa 37:11)
Blessed are they which are persecuted for righteousness' sake: for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.
(Mat 5:10)
For I say unto you, That except your righteousness shall exceed the righteousness of the scribes and Pharisees, ye shall in no case enter into the kingdom of heaven.
(Mat 5:20)
- God is interested to bless the poor in spirit, the meek, the one’s that bravely stand up for righteousness and ARE righteous will inherit blessings of Heaven and of Earth.
- Blessings on earth are more easily quantified in health, wealth, children, peace, protection, etc.
- Blessings of Heaven are mentioned 4 of 5 times in the Sermon of the Mount. Surely there is something of higher value in terms of inheritance the God was to bless us with
2. Inheritance of the Kingdom of Heaven
For the kingdom of God is not meat and drink; but righteousness, and peace, and joy in the Holy Ghost.
(Rom 14:17)
- From Paul’s writing, it clearly summarizes what the Kingdom of Heaven consists of: righteousness, peace and joy (not just regular joy, but emphasized as joy IN the Holy Spirit
- Jesus did teach in parables what the Kingdom of Heaven is likened. For example in Matt 13 are the parables of the Sower, Mustard Seed, Leaven, Hidden Treasure in the field, Pearl of Great Price, Net (bringing in the catch) and the house owner with treasures old and new
- The parables seems to emphasize on wanting the things of greater importance AND keeping it
- Therefore the Kingdom of Heaven is an inheritance we as Christians must seek after first (Matt 6:33).
Therefore take no thought, saying, What shall we eat? or, What shall we drink? or, Wherewithal shall we be clothed? (For after all these things do the Gentiles seek:) for your heavenly Father knoweth that ye have need of all these things. But seek ye first the kingdom of God, and his righteousness; and all these things shall be added unto you.
(Mat 6:31-33)
- The heathen (the God-less or those who don't put God first, 'Christian' or otherwise) seek the eternities of life which satisfies or gratifies the flesh, but the seeking after the Kingdom of God (Heaven, for God is the King there)
- In God’s economy, it’s seeking the important thing first (the Kingdom) and then all these things shall be added. If God is our Father, He will personally ensure that our eternities are taken cared for. For us, we seek and keep the eternal and our bonus would be our current needs. This way we don’t loose!
If ye then, being evil, know how to give good gifts unto your children, how much more shall your Father which is in heaven give good things to them that ask him?
(Mat 7:11)
3. Criteria for inheriting the Kingdom of Heaven
- Jesus also gives the criteria for those who will receive the Kingdom
- The Sermon on the Mount teaches us that those who are poor in spirit (not proud, contented, depleted of fleshly things, non-complainers, esteem others, self-denying… don’t be like the Loadicean church in Rev 3:17), righteous and willing to die for standing on righteousness
- The Parables teaches us the deep desire (willing to give everything for the one of eternal value) and able to keep it. The former is an attitude (what pre-occupies our heart and mind) and the latter the appreciation and enjoyment of receiving and seeing it come to fruition. Bearing fruit of Spirit (Gal 5:22-23, Psa 1:3), the 100 fold multiplication (Gen 26:12 & Matt 13:8).
- From bearing the fruit of the Spirit, God doesn’t just leave us with that but don’t forget the external blessings of health, children, fruitfulness in our labor (nothing of our lives end up in vanity of vanities), live to the fullness of our days, etc…… the blessings of Canaan: the richness and sweetness of life (Exo 3:8, 3:18, 13:5, 33:3, Lev 20:24, Num 13:27, 14:8, 16:13, 16:14, Deu 6:3, 11:9, 26:9, 27:3, 31:20, Jos 5:6). The fact that it was mentioned so many times BEFORE receiving the promise speaks of God’s great desire to want to give us His blessing. He seems to have a sense of urgency to bless the Israelites and ultimately us.
4. What are we to inherit?
For the kingdom of God is not meat and drink; but righteousness, and peace, and joy in the Holy Ghost.
(Rom 14:17)
- Rectitude: Quality of correctness and being straight. One that has high moral virtue.
Therefore by the deeds of the law there shall no flesh be justified in his sight: for by the law is the knowledge of sin.
(Rom 3:20)
- However this is very hard, if not impossible to achieve….. How then will it be for us? Are we without any hope? No amount of deeds can justify us!
- Keep in mind that the Kingdom is inherited, therefore the righteousness is also passed down to us! This is our hope.
Even the righteousness of God which is by faith of Jesus Christ unto all and upon all them that believe: for there is no difference:
(Rom 3:22)
Whom God hath set forth to be a propitiation through faith in his blood, to declare his righteousness for the remission of sins that are past, through the forbearance of God;
(Rom 3:25)
- It then by believing in Jesus Christ and the finish work on the cross. It is the only way to righteousness as ordained by God from the beginning. Even between Cain and Abel, only the latter’s sacrifice was acceptable because the offering of propitiation.
- Christ is the propitiation because by his becoming our substitute and assuming our obligations he expiated (atone) our guilt, covered it, by the vicarious (taking our) punishment which he endured.
Therefore being justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ: By whom also we have access by faith into this grace wherein we stand, and rejoice in hope of the glory of God.
(Rom 5:1-2)
- By being justified (declared righteous) we than have peace with God. It is as though the door way is Faith, entering in Grace (in which is where our ground or standing), where we have Hope of the glory of God.
Notwithstanding in this rejoice not, that the spirits are subject unto you; but rather rejoice, because your names are written in heaven.
(Luk 10:20)
- Our joy comes thus knowing that we are saved by faith with an eternal hope that bears the very glory of God. Our hope is as sure as God’s zealousness for His glory.
In summary this is what we inherit:
i) Made Righteous, in respect to God
ii) Peace, in respect to the brethren in the faith (Endeavoring to keep the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace.
(Eph 4:3))
iii) Joy in the Holy Spirit, in respect to ourselves; The Holy Spirit being the inspirer (comforter) of that joy that passes human understanding.
B. Obey the His Commandments
The word used is to ‘observe’ denoting being on guard with regard to all the commandments. Why does it take strength and courage to obey carefully? It’s probably because obedience requires strength and courage.
- Obedience may cost us. It will be definitely our pride and rights for others. The middle letter in the word PRIDE is ‘I’ and that has to die.
Ye have heard that it hath been said, An eye for an eye, and a tooth for a tooth: But I say unto you, That ye resist not evil: but whosoever shall smite thee on thy right cheek, turn to him the other also. And if any man will sue thee at the law, and take away thy coat, let him have thy cloak also. And whosoever shall compel thee to go a mile, go with him twain.
(Mat 5:38-41)
- Obedience is total submission; self is no longer the master. Either He is Lord of all, or not at all.
I am crucified with Christ: nevertheless I live; yet not I, but Christ liveth in me: and the life which I now live in the flesh I live by the faith of the Son of God, who loved me, and gave himself for me.
(Gal 2:20)
He must increase, but I must decrease.
(Joh 3:30)
- Obedience is able to forgive freely; especially those we find it most difficult to
But I say unto you, Love your enemies, bless them that curse you, do good to them that hate you, and pray for them which despitefully use you, and persecute you;
(Mat 5:44)
For if ye forgive men their trespasses, your heavenly Father will also forgive you: But if ye forgive not men their trespasses, neither will your Father forgive your trespasses.
(Mat 6:14-15)
- Obedience is following Jesus whole heartedly; a consistency that is required.
And he said to them all, If any man will come after me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross daily, and follow me.
(Luk 9:23)
The rich young ruler that Jesus was talking to walked away with sadness due to perceived loss. What is our response? Is giving up the ‘now’ too difficult for us to gain the eternal?
C. Conclusion
Not every one that saith unto me, Lord, Lord, shall enter into the kingdom of heaven; but he that doeth the will of my Father which is in heaven.
(Mat 7:21)
From what the Bible teaches us, it would seem that it is seem that the inheritance of the Kingdom of Heaven and unquestionable obedience requires a lot of strength and a high dose of courage. Nevertheless, we must consider the abundance of life that Jesus offers in John 10:10. The contrary of that would expose us to be prey to the devil that comes to steal, kill and destroy. Fullness of Life on this side of heaven as well as the other is definitely worth the cost for Jesus Christ the Son of God gave ALL that we might have LIFE.
Enter the Gate of Life
Matt 7:
13 " Enter by the narrow gate; for wide [is] the gate and broad [is] the way that leads to destruction, and there are many who go in by it. 14 "Because narrow [is] the gate and difficult [is] the way which leads to life, and there are few who find it.
- Many great men and women in Scripture have chosen the right gate and way of living
- This is a matter of choice we have to personally make
- Just like salvation, we make our choice to believe in Jesus
- After salvation there's a choice to follow the gate and pathway we want to walk in our Christian pilgrimage
- The Israelites were saved out of Egypt and preserved by the blood, but didn't chose correctly thus perished in the wilderness
- God didn’t save us to die, but to have life and all its abundance! (John 10:10)
- Don't make the same mistake as the Israelites did during the exodus
1. Who is Jesus addressing?
Matt 5:
And seeing the multitudes, He went up on a mountain, and when He was seated His disciples came to Him. 2 Then He opened His mouth and taught them, saying:
- The Sermon on the Mount begins with Jesus' disciples coming to Him. If they weren't His disciples they wouldn't have give Jesus their time to sit and listen.
- Therefore the call to enter the narrow gate and walk the difficult way is meant for His disciples. Are there then those who claim themselves to be His disciples choosing the wrong gate and way? Unfortunately yes and many WILL go in by it
- There are but two ways right and wrong, good and evil; the way to heaven and the way to hell; in the one or other of these all are walking:
- There is no middle place hereafter, no middle way now
Matt 24:
40 Then shall two be in the field ; the one shall be taken , and the other left . 41 Two [women shall be] grinding at the mill ; the one shall be taken , and the other left . 42 Watch therefore : for ye know not what hour your Lord doth come .
- Noah, Abraham, Isaac, Jacob, Moses, Samuel, the Nazirites, David, John the Baptist, Stephen, Paul, etc chose the narrow gate and difficult way
- We will look into the life of Abraham who in got out of the world's system and entered the narrow gate and walked difficult way.
2. Get out to enter in!
12:1 Now the LORD had said unto Abram , Get thee out of thy country , and from thy kindred , and from thy father's house , unto a land that I will shew thee:
- Abram made mistakes but God was with him
- His journey wasn't an easy one having no son till 100 (just he but Sarah also suffered ridicule) plus a difficult nephew who had only eyes for the world (and having to rescue him through battle and intercession)
Four I Wills
Gen 12:
12:1 Now the LORD had said unto Abram , Get thee out of thy country , and from thy kindred , and from thy father's house , unto a land that I will shew thee: 2 And I will make of thee a great nation , and I will bless thee, and make thy name great ; and thou shalt be a blessing : 3 And I will bless them that bless thee, and curse him that curseth thee: and in thee shall all families of the earth be blessed .
1. I will show thee
God will personally guide our pilgrim's progress and ensure our protection and providence. God showed the Israelites the way to the promiseland by His guiding presence. More importantly the laws and ordinances were given on their journey.
Psa 119:
105 Thy word [is] a lamp unto my feet , and a light unto my path .
2. I will exalt you
Jam 4:
6 But he giveth more grace . Wherefore he saith , God resisteth the proud , but giveth grace unto the humble .
- Gen 6:8, Noah found grace in God's eyes thus preserved when everything around were destroyed
Psa 37:
34 Wait on the LORD , and keep his way , and he shall exalt thee to inherit the land (promises):
- Exaltation by God and not men, brings an inheritance of His promises
3. I will bless you
4. I will bless others through you!
The difficult way
1. God loves me and has a destiny for me
Rom 8:
28 And we know that all things work together for good to them that love God , to them who are the called according to [his] purpose .
- First we have to know and know in our heart of hearts that God has an eternal good for each one of us
- Just as the Israelites were destined to the Promiseland following with abundance of richness (milk) and sweetness (honey) of life, and failed. So near yet so far. Can see and even taste of its goodness but can't claim
2. Lessons on the pathway of life
Psa 119:
71 [It is] good for me that I have been afflicted ; that I might learn thy statutes .
- Unfortunately important lessons in life can't be learned without pain
- We do need to learn them because our human or sinful nature contradict His
1 Pet 4:
1 Forasmuch then as Christ hath suffered for us in the flesh , arm yourselves likewise with the same mind : for he that hath suffered in the flesh hath ceased from sin ; 2 That he no longer should live the rest of [his] time in the flesh to the lusts of men , but to the will of God .
- Make no mistake that God's dealings with our sinful flesh can be severe
- Submit and not struggle, for His thoughts and ways are for our greater good (Isa 55:8-9)
3. Values of the pathway of life
Phil 3:
7 But what things were gain to me , those I counted loss for Christ . 8 Yea doubtless , and I count all things [but] loss for the excellency of the knowledge of Christ Jesus my Lord : for whom I have suffered the loss of all things , and do count them [but] dung , that I may win Christ ,
- Our pilgrimage will require us to shed baggage
- Shed things that don't have eternal value and take on a excellent, supreme knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ, Who is the Way (no other alternative), is the Truth (reality, no deception and without regret) and is the Life (Zoe : absolute fullness of life, both essential and ethical, which belongs to God) (John 14:6)
4. Reward in the pathway of life
Matt 5:
11 Blessed are ye , when [men] shall revile you , and persecute [you], and shall say all manner of evil against you falsely , for my sake . 12 Rejoice , and be exceeding glad : for great [is] your reward in heaven : for so persecuted they the prophets which were before you .
- People in the church that choose the narrow gate and difficult way will go against the grain of 'normal' Christian life because they are willing to allow God to deal with our sin.
Eph 1:
4 According as he hath chosen us in him before the foundation of the world , that we should be holy and without blame before him in love :
- God wants us to end up holy (remember that He has a destiny for us, this is it! Even before the foundation of the world)
- So how serious do we think God is about sin if He has it in His heart right from the beginning
- Therefore our reward is of great heavenly value and eternal in nature
- Unfortunately the majority in our churches seeks after the 'now' rewards of earthly gains where moth and rust destroy and where thieves break in and steal (Matt 6:19)
- The cousin's understand this more than us, hence the following of the call to jihad which is willing to lose everything for heavenly gain. But we know what their end is.
Matt 7:
13 " Enter by the narrow gate; for wide [is] the gate and broad [is] the way that leads to destruction, and there are many who go in by it. 14 "Because narrow [is] the gate and difficult [is] the way which leads to life, and there are few who find it.
- Many great men and women in Scripture have chosen the right gate and way of living
- This is a matter of choice we have to personally make
- Just like salvation, we make our choice to believe in Jesus
- After salvation there's a choice to follow the gate and pathway we want to walk in our Christian pilgrimage
- The Israelites were saved out of Egypt and preserved by the blood, but didn't chose correctly thus perished in the wilderness
- God didn’t save us to die, but to have life and all its abundance! (John 10:10)
- Don't make the same mistake as the Israelites did during the exodus
1. Who is Jesus addressing?
Matt 5:
And seeing the multitudes, He went up on a mountain, and when He was seated His disciples came to Him. 2 Then He opened His mouth and taught them, saying:
- The Sermon on the Mount begins with Jesus' disciples coming to Him. If they weren't His disciples they wouldn't have give Jesus their time to sit and listen.
- Therefore the call to enter the narrow gate and walk the difficult way is meant for His disciples. Are there then those who claim themselves to be His disciples choosing the wrong gate and way? Unfortunately yes and many WILL go in by it
- There are but two ways right and wrong, good and evil; the way to heaven and the way to hell; in the one or other of these all are walking:
- There is no middle place hereafter, no middle way now
Matt 24:
40 Then shall two be in the field ; the one shall be taken , and the other left . 41 Two [women shall be] grinding at the mill ; the one shall be taken , and the other left . 42 Watch therefore : for ye know not what hour your Lord doth come .
- Noah, Abraham, Isaac, Jacob, Moses, Samuel, the Nazirites, David, John the Baptist, Stephen, Paul, etc chose the narrow gate and difficult way
- We will look into the life of Abraham who in got out of the world's system and entered the narrow gate and walked difficult way.
2. Get out to enter in!
12:1 Now the LORD had said unto Abram , Get thee out of thy country , and from thy kindred , and from thy father's house , unto a land that I will shew thee:
- Abram made mistakes but God was with him
- His journey wasn't an easy one having no son till 100 (just he but Sarah also suffered ridicule) plus a difficult nephew who had only eyes for the world (and having to rescue him through battle and intercession)
Four I Wills
Gen 12:
12:1 Now the LORD had said unto Abram , Get thee out of thy country , and from thy kindred , and from thy father's house , unto a land that I will shew thee: 2 And I will make of thee a great nation , and I will bless thee, and make thy name great ; and thou shalt be a blessing : 3 And I will bless them that bless thee, and curse him that curseth thee: and in thee shall all families of the earth be blessed .
1. I will show thee
God will personally guide our pilgrim's progress and ensure our protection and providence. God showed the Israelites the way to the promiseland by His guiding presence. More importantly the laws and ordinances were given on their journey.
Psa 119:
105 Thy word [is] a lamp unto my feet , and a light unto my path .
2. I will exalt you
Jam 4:
6 But he giveth more grace . Wherefore he saith , God resisteth the proud , but giveth grace unto the humble .
- Gen 6:8, Noah found grace in God's eyes thus preserved when everything around were destroyed
Psa 37:
34 Wait on the LORD , and keep his way , and he shall exalt thee to inherit the land (promises):
- Exaltation by God and not men, brings an inheritance of His promises
3. I will bless you
4. I will bless others through you!
The difficult way
1. God loves me and has a destiny for me
Rom 8:
28 And we know that all things work together for good to them that love God , to them who are the called according to [his] purpose .
- First we have to know and know in our heart of hearts that God has an eternal good for each one of us
- Just as the Israelites were destined to the Promiseland following with abundance of richness (milk) and sweetness (honey) of life, and failed. So near yet so far. Can see and even taste of its goodness but can't claim
2. Lessons on the pathway of life
Psa 119:
71 [It is] good for me that I have been afflicted ; that I might learn thy statutes .
- Unfortunately important lessons in life can't be learned without pain
- We do need to learn them because our human or sinful nature contradict His
1 Pet 4:
1 Forasmuch then as Christ hath suffered for us in the flesh , arm yourselves likewise with the same mind : for he that hath suffered in the flesh hath ceased from sin ; 2 That he no longer should live the rest of [his] time in the flesh to the lusts of men , but to the will of God .
- Make no mistake that God's dealings with our sinful flesh can be severe
- Submit and not struggle, for His thoughts and ways are for our greater good (Isa 55:8-9)
3. Values of the pathway of life
Phil 3:
7 But what things were gain to me , those I counted loss for Christ . 8 Yea doubtless , and I count all things [but] loss for the excellency of the knowledge of Christ Jesus my Lord : for whom I have suffered the loss of all things , and do count them [but] dung , that I may win Christ ,
- Our pilgrimage will require us to shed baggage
- Shed things that don't have eternal value and take on a excellent, supreme knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ, Who is the Way (no other alternative), is the Truth (reality, no deception and without regret) and is the Life (Zoe : absolute fullness of life, both essential and ethical, which belongs to God) (John 14:6)
4. Reward in the pathway of life
Matt 5:
11 Blessed are ye , when [men] shall revile you , and persecute [you], and shall say all manner of evil against you falsely , for my sake . 12 Rejoice , and be exceeding glad : for great [is] your reward in heaven : for so persecuted they the prophets which were before you .
- People in the church that choose the narrow gate and difficult way will go against the grain of 'normal' Christian life because they are willing to allow God to deal with our sin.
Eph 1:
4 According as he hath chosen us in him before the foundation of the world , that we should be holy and without blame before him in love :
- God wants us to end up holy (remember that He has a destiny for us, this is it! Even before the foundation of the world)
- So how serious do we think God is about sin if He has it in His heart right from the beginning
- Therefore our reward is of great heavenly value and eternal in nature
- Unfortunately the majority in our churches seeks after the 'now' rewards of earthly gains where moth and rust destroy and where thieves break in and steal (Matt 6:19)
- The cousin's understand this more than us, hence the following of the call to jihad which is willing to lose everything for heavenly gain. But we know what their end is.
Monday, October 16, 2006
Thy word is a lamp unto my feet, and a light unto my path.
(Psa 119:105)
David's Psalm on the Word of God is penned out of a man's deep experience not merely an intellectual exercise. That is why we are taught to be doers and not just hearers (Jam 1:22), also warning that hearing without obedience will end up in a bad situation of deceiving ourselves. People say that the farthest distance for understanding is only about a feet away, i.e. between the brain and the heart. Unless the Word of God gets right down to the recesses of our heart, it avails little benefit to us.
Psalm 119 begins with the word ‘Blessed’ (meaning ‘happy’) as did Jesus on the Sermon on the Mount in Matt 6-7. The experience to taking God’s Word to heart has a happiness attached. Could it be that we lack true happiness and embark on the journey to search for it through ‘things’ and people that don’t have a lasting effect on us. Perhaps Jesus, through the Sermon on the Mount is telling us that we don’t have to look further. Rather it is found in His Word; only we have to be diligent in gleaning the gems through reading, meditation and obedience (Josh 1:8).
Why the lamp and light?
Our steps of faith can’t be taken blindly. In order to progress forward we need to see clearly thus needing a lamp, especially in these last days where there is much spiritual darkness. We keep asking God for His will for our lives to be revealed but don’t bother to have light shed to show us the next step in our pilgrim’s progress.
Firstly, there has to be the lamp, the Word of God. We need to carry it for ourselves. We need to handle God’s Word for ourselves to experience the warnings, the testimonies, the promises, the guidance, etc. We can’t be dependent on or family members or pastors to carry the Lamp on our behalf. Eventually we will have to take our own paths in steps toward maturity.
Secondly, the brighter the light, the farther the vision we see in the fulfillment of our spiritual destiny. Without which we will be living aimless lives or chasing after some rainbow that may end in misery and disillusionment. We can end up at the end of our days in regret. God never meant for us to live to regret the life He has given us. Can our lives live up to one such as Jacob in Gen 47:10 to bless the most powerful man of his time? It’s only the greater that will bless the lesser. What a spiritual destiny that Jacob fulfilled in his life to be a blessor. The brighter light comes with greater in filling of the Spirit of God whom Jesus promised to send as He returned to the Father in Heaven. We, the Temple of the Holy Spirit need to be holy for the Holy Spirit to be welcomed (1 Cor 3:16).
How much do we have of the Word in our lives to be living truth to set us free in the journey from Glory to Glory in Christ our Lord?
(Psa 119:105)
David's Psalm on the Word of God is penned out of a man's deep experience not merely an intellectual exercise. That is why we are taught to be doers and not just hearers (Jam 1:22), also warning that hearing without obedience will end up in a bad situation of deceiving ourselves. People say that the farthest distance for understanding is only about a feet away, i.e. between the brain and the heart. Unless the Word of God gets right down to the recesses of our heart, it avails little benefit to us.
Psalm 119 begins with the word ‘Blessed’ (meaning ‘happy’) as did Jesus on the Sermon on the Mount in Matt 6-7. The experience to taking God’s Word to heart has a happiness attached. Could it be that we lack true happiness and embark on the journey to search for it through ‘things’ and people that don’t have a lasting effect on us. Perhaps Jesus, through the Sermon on the Mount is telling us that we don’t have to look further. Rather it is found in His Word; only we have to be diligent in gleaning the gems through reading, meditation and obedience (Josh 1:8).
Why the lamp and light?
Our steps of faith can’t be taken blindly. In order to progress forward we need to see clearly thus needing a lamp, especially in these last days where there is much spiritual darkness. We keep asking God for His will for our lives to be revealed but don’t bother to have light shed to show us the next step in our pilgrim’s progress.
Firstly, there has to be the lamp, the Word of God. We need to carry it for ourselves. We need to handle God’s Word for ourselves to experience the warnings, the testimonies, the promises, the guidance, etc. We can’t be dependent on or family members or pastors to carry the Lamp on our behalf. Eventually we will have to take our own paths in steps toward maturity.
Secondly, the brighter the light, the farther the vision we see in the fulfillment of our spiritual destiny. Without which we will be living aimless lives or chasing after some rainbow that may end in misery and disillusionment. We can end up at the end of our days in regret. God never meant for us to live to regret the life He has given us. Can our lives live up to one such as Jacob in Gen 47:10 to bless the most powerful man of his time? It’s only the greater that will bless the lesser. What a spiritual destiny that Jacob fulfilled in his life to be a blessor. The brighter light comes with greater in filling of the Spirit of God whom Jesus promised to send as He returned to the Father in Heaven. We, the Temple of the Holy Spirit need to be holy for the Holy Spirit to be welcomed (1 Cor 3:16).
How much do we have of the Word in our lives to be living truth to set us free in the journey from Glory to Glory in Christ our Lord?
Tuesday, August 29, 2006
God will keep us from the devourer
Sharing on Tithes and Offering.
Definitions:
- Tithes : Giving of a tenth of our first fruits to God and church
- Offering : Presentation as an act of worship and giving to help (for example Christmas offering or offering for tsunami victims, etc)
- First fruits: The first gathered fruits of a harvest, offered to God in gratitude. The first results of an undertaking.
1. God initiated giving
God sets the example of giving in salvation and in beginning of creation. He supplies to us to give. As the Father gave in John 3:16, so we give in the same spirit which is sacrificially. God is the giver of life and of salvation (Genesis).
And Abraham lifted up his eyes, and looked, and behold behind him a ram caught in a thicket by his horns: and Abraham went and took the ram, and offered him up for a burnt offering in the stead of his son. And Abraham called the name of that place Jehovah-jireh: as it is said to this day, In the mount of the LORD it shall be seen.
(Gen 22:13-14)
God also gave out of His grace : Noah, Rahab, Solomon, for the church the giving of the Holy Spirit.... and our salvation!
One of the true signs of receiving a giving from the highest Heaven is that grace becomes a hallmark of their ministry.
And with great power gave the apostles witness of the resurrection of the Lord Jesus: and great grace was upon them all.
(Act 4:33)
2. Giving starts with giving our own selves first
2 Cor 8:
5 And [this they did], not as we hoped , but first gave their own selves to the Lord , and unto us by the will of God .
The Macedonian church’s example to give their substance by first giving of themselves to the Lord, then out of that they gave sacrificially.
Out of a heart of thankfulness for salvation, the early church gave to support each other generously. This is done with genuine love for each other, a true mark of discipleship. Obeying the second of the two greatest commandment to love others.
And the multitude of them that believed were of one heart and of one soul: neither said any of them that aught of the things which he possessed was his own; but they had all things common.
(Act 4:32)
By this shall all men know that ye are my disciples, if ye have love one to another.
(John 13:35)
3. God’s promises if we give tithes and offering
Mal 3:
6 For I [am] the LORD , I change not; therefore ye sons of Jacob are not consumed . 7 Even from the days of your fathers ye are gone away from mine ordinances , and have not kept [them]. Return unto me, and I will return unto you, saith the LORD of hosts . But ye said , Wherein shall we return ? 8 Will a man rob God ? Yet ye have robbed me. But ye say , Wherein have we robbed thee? In tithes and offerings . 9 Ye [are] cursed with a curse : for ye have robbed me, [even] this whole nation . 10 Bring ye all the tithes into the storehouse , that there may be meat in mine house , and prove me nowherewith , saith the LORD of hosts , if I will not open you the windows of heaven , and pour you out a blessing , that [there shall] not [be room] enough [to receive it].
- If we don’t five our tithes and offering, the judgment is very strong ; do we rob God?
- Robbing God in not giving tithes and offering shows our ungratefulness in receiving salvation, not acknowledging that He is our Provider. It also means that there will be the house of God being neglected and the poor uncared for. In other words when we deprive the poor, we also rob God!
To turn aside the needy from judgment, and to take away the right from the poor of my people, that widows may be their prey, and that they may rob the fatherless!
(Isa 10:2)
And thou shalt not glean thy vineyard, neither shalt thou gather every grape of thy vineyard; thou shalt leave them for the poor and stranger: I am the LORD your God.
(Lev 19:10)
Thus saith the LORD; Execute ye judgment and righteousness, and deliver the spoiled out of the hand of the oppressor: and do no wrong, do no violence to the stranger, the fatherless, nor the widow, neither shed innocent blood in this place.
(Jer 22:3)
And I will come near to you to judgment; and I will be a swift witness against the sorcerers, and against the adulterers, and against false swearers, and against those that oppress the hireling in his wages, the widow, and the fatherless, and that turn aside the stranger from his right, and fear not me, saith the LORD of hosts.
(Mal 3:5)
- God will not only judge workers of iniquity, but also to those who overlook the needs of the poor in our offering.
- Note that the judgment for both is the same, God’s heart reaches out to the poor
- God doesn’t curse us, but rather we are cursed because of lack of generosity
– both in acknowledging God as provider (by our first fruits, tithing) and offering for the poor
- Know for a fact that God will bless us with Heavenly blessings! Blessings that are not just for today, but for eternal.
- The today’s blessings are easy to define. They are our daily needs for food and clothing (shelter included).
Therefore take no thought, saying, What shall we eat? or, What shall we drink? or, Wherewithal shall we be clothed? (For after all these things do the Gentiles seek:) for your heavenly Father knoweth that ye have need of all these things. But seek ye first the kingdom of God, and his righteousness; and all these things shall be added unto you.
(Mat 6:31-33)
God know our every need. Like wise we consider the needs of others
- What are the eternal blessings then?... His Kingdom! Jesus spoke a lot of the Kingdom of God as well as the inheritance laid out for us. Matt 5:3,10, 20 Jesus talks about the poor and the righteous inheriting His Kingdom. Jesus ask us to pray His Kingdom to be established on earth (Matt 6:10). Jesus taught the parables of the Kingdom. It was the subject in His heart, as well as in His heart that we inherit His Kingdom.
For the kingdom of God is not meat and drink; but righteousness, and peace, and joy in the Holy Ghost.
(Rom 14:17)
- We give our external (money and first fruits) but God bless us with Heavenly Blessings
– His Kingdom and fullness of life thereof.
4. How are we then rich
- Definition of being ‘rich’ is being able to bless out of our abundance. Nothing to do with the quantum we have. Able to give is the rich-ness that we are able to give.
2 Cor 8:
9 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 know the grace--the act of gratuitous love whereby the Lord emptied Himself of His previous heavenly glory (Php 2:6, 7) for your sakes. Became poor--Yet this is not demanded of you (2Co 8:14); but merely that, without impoverishing yourselves, you should relieve others with your abundance. If the Lord did so much more, and at so much heavier a cost, for your sakes; much more may you do an act of love to your brethren at so little a sacrifice of self. Might be rich--in the heavenly glory which constitutes His riches, and all other things, so far as is really good for us (compare 1Co 3:21, 22).
Duet 8:17,18
17 And thou say in thine heart , My power and the might of [mine] hand hath gotten me this wealth . 18 But thou shalt remember the LORD thy God : for [it is] he that giveth thee power to get wealth , that he may establish his covenant which he sware unto thy fathers , as [it is] this day .
- Recognize that it is God that gives us the ability to work, his providence of our intellect and skill. He sustains us by giving us health to be able to work. Therefore we have to than honor God from whom all blessings flow.
Prov 3:9,10
9 Honour the LORD with thy substance , and with the firstfruits of all thine increase : 10 So shall thy barns be filled with plenty , and thy presses shall burst out with new wine .
5. God protects us from the devourer
And I will rebuke the devourer for your sakes, and he shall not destroy the fruits of your ground; neither shall your vine cast her fruit before the time in the field, saith the LORD of hosts.
(Mal 3:11)
- That’s why Job won’t curse God because of the Righteousness in him.
- What about storage of earthly treasures ( Matt 6:19-21) where neither moth, nor rust destroys and thieves can’t steal. Job had the qualities that the devil couldn’t touch, although the body suffered and losing everything dear to Job.
And declared to be the Son of God with power, according to the spirit of holiness, by the resurrection from the dead:
(Rom 1:4)
- God’s holiness protects us from corruption as it did Christ. Basically protects us from being devoured by the devourer who comes to kill, steal and to destroy.
- His peace that passes all understanding that keeps us in sanity is only when He reigns as Prince of Peace.
- Joy of the Lord which is our strength will not fail us (Neh 8:10).
Suicides getting younger in age, people who live a cursed live, not having any salvation to their living hell. For us to live is Christ, to die is gain means we have a greater life in eternity to look forward to.
Sharing on Tithes and Offering.
Definitions:
- Tithes : Giving of a tenth of our first fruits to God and church
- Offering : Presentation as an act of worship and giving to help (for example Christmas offering or offering for tsunami victims, etc)
- First fruits: The first gathered fruits of a harvest, offered to God in gratitude. The first results of an undertaking.
1. God initiated giving
God sets the example of giving in salvation and in beginning of creation. He supplies to us to give. As the Father gave in John 3:16, so we give in the same spirit which is sacrificially. God is the giver of life and of salvation (Genesis).
And Abraham lifted up his eyes, and looked, and behold behind him a ram caught in a thicket by his horns: and Abraham went and took the ram, and offered him up for a burnt offering in the stead of his son. And Abraham called the name of that place Jehovah-jireh: as it is said to this day, In the mount of the LORD it shall be seen.
(Gen 22:13-14)
God also gave out of His grace : Noah, Rahab, Solomon, for the church the giving of the Holy Spirit.... and our salvation!
One of the true signs of receiving a giving from the highest Heaven is that grace becomes a hallmark of their ministry.
And with great power gave the apostles witness of the resurrection of the Lord Jesus: and great grace was upon them all.
(Act 4:33)
2. Giving starts with giving our own selves first
2 Cor 8:
5 And [this they did], not as we hoped , but first gave their own selves to the Lord , and unto us by the will of God .
The Macedonian church’s example to give their substance by first giving of themselves to the Lord, then out of that they gave sacrificially.
Out of a heart of thankfulness for salvation, the early church gave to support each other generously. This is done with genuine love for each other, a true mark of discipleship. Obeying the second of the two greatest commandment to love others.
And the multitude of them that believed were of one heart and of one soul: neither said any of them that aught of the things which he possessed was his own; but they had all things common.
(Act 4:32)
By this shall all men know that ye are my disciples, if ye have love one to another.
(John 13:35)
3. God’s promises if we give tithes and offering
Mal 3:
6 For I [am] the LORD , I change not; therefore ye sons of Jacob are not consumed . 7 Even from the days of your fathers ye are gone away from mine ordinances , and have not kept [them]. Return unto me, and I will return unto you, saith the LORD of hosts . But ye said , Wherein shall we return ? 8 Will a man rob God ? Yet ye have robbed me. But ye say , Wherein have we robbed thee? In tithes and offerings . 9 Ye [are] cursed with a curse : for ye have robbed me, [even] this whole nation . 10 Bring ye all the tithes into the storehouse , that there may be meat in mine house , and prove me nowherewith , saith the LORD of hosts , if I will not open you the windows of heaven , and pour you out a blessing , that [there shall] not [be room] enough [to receive it].
- If we don’t five our tithes and offering, the judgment is very strong ; do we rob God?
- Robbing God in not giving tithes and offering shows our ungratefulness in receiving salvation, not acknowledging that He is our Provider. It also means that there will be the house of God being neglected and the poor uncared for. In other words when we deprive the poor, we also rob God!
To turn aside the needy from judgment, and to take away the right from the poor of my people, that widows may be their prey, and that they may rob the fatherless!
(Isa 10:2)
And thou shalt not glean thy vineyard, neither shalt thou gather every grape of thy vineyard; thou shalt leave them for the poor and stranger: I am the LORD your God.
(Lev 19:10)
Thus saith the LORD; Execute ye judgment and righteousness, and deliver the spoiled out of the hand of the oppressor: and do no wrong, do no violence to the stranger, the fatherless, nor the widow, neither shed innocent blood in this place.
(Jer 22:3)
And I will come near to you to judgment; and I will be a swift witness against the sorcerers, and against the adulterers, and against false swearers, and against those that oppress the hireling in his wages, the widow, and the fatherless, and that turn aside the stranger from his right, and fear not me, saith the LORD of hosts.
(Mal 3:5)
- God will not only judge workers of iniquity, but also to those who overlook the needs of the poor in our offering.
- Note that the judgment for both is the same, God’s heart reaches out to the poor
- God doesn’t curse us, but rather we are cursed because of lack of generosity
– both in acknowledging God as provider (by our first fruits, tithing) and offering for the poor
- Know for a fact that God will bless us with Heavenly blessings! Blessings that are not just for today, but for eternal.
- The today’s blessings are easy to define. They are our daily needs for food and clothing (shelter included).
Therefore take no thought, saying, What shall we eat? or, What shall we drink? or, Wherewithal shall we be clothed? (For after all these things do the Gentiles seek:) for your heavenly Father knoweth that ye have need of all these things. But seek ye first the kingdom of God, and his righteousness; and all these things shall be added unto you.
(Mat 6:31-33)
God know our every need. Like wise we consider the needs of others
- What are the eternal blessings then?... His Kingdom! Jesus spoke a lot of the Kingdom of God as well as the inheritance laid out for us. Matt 5:3,10, 20 Jesus talks about the poor and the righteous inheriting His Kingdom. Jesus ask us to pray His Kingdom to be established on earth (Matt 6:10). Jesus taught the parables of the Kingdom. It was the subject in His heart, as well as in His heart that we inherit His Kingdom.
For the kingdom of God is not meat and drink; but righteousness, and peace, and joy in the Holy Ghost.
(Rom 14:17)
- We give our external (money and first fruits) but God bless us with Heavenly Blessings
– His Kingdom and fullness of life thereof.
4. How are we then rich
- Definition of being ‘rich’ is being able to bless out of our abundance. Nothing to do with the quantum we have. Able to give is the rich-ness that we are able to give.
2 Cor 8:
9 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 know the grace--the act of gratuitous love whereby the Lord emptied Himself of His previous heavenly glory (Php 2:6, 7) for your sakes. Became poor--Yet this is not demanded of you (2Co 8:14); but merely that, without impoverishing yourselves, you should relieve others with your abundance. If the Lord did so much more, and at so much heavier a cost, for your sakes; much more may you do an act of love to your brethren at so little a sacrifice of self. Might be rich--in the heavenly glory which constitutes His riches, and all other things, so far as is really good for us (compare 1Co 3:21, 22).
Duet 8:17,18
17 And thou say in thine heart , My power and the might of [mine] hand hath gotten me this wealth . 18 But thou shalt remember the LORD thy God : for [it is] he that giveth thee power to get wealth , that he may establish his covenant which he sware unto thy fathers , as [it is] this day .
- Recognize that it is God that gives us the ability to work, his providence of our intellect and skill. He sustains us by giving us health to be able to work. Therefore we have to than honor God from whom all blessings flow.
Prov 3:9,10
9 Honour the LORD with thy substance , and with the firstfruits of all thine increase : 10 So shall thy barns be filled with plenty , and thy presses shall burst out with new wine .
5. God protects us from the devourer
And I will rebuke the devourer for your sakes, and he shall not destroy the fruits of your ground; neither shall your vine cast her fruit before the time in the field, saith the LORD of hosts.
(Mal 3:11)
- That’s why Job won’t curse God because of the Righteousness in him.
- What about storage of earthly treasures ( Matt 6:19-21) where neither moth, nor rust destroys and thieves can’t steal. Job had the qualities that the devil couldn’t touch, although the body suffered and losing everything dear to Job.
And declared to be the Son of God with power, according to the spirit of holiness, by the resurrection from the dead:
(Rom 1:4)
- God’s holiness protects us from corruption as it did Christ. Basically protects us from being devoured by the devourer who comes to kill, steal and to destroy.
- His peace that passes all understanding that keeps us in sanity is only when He reigns as Prince of Peace.
- Joy of the Lord which is our strength will not fail us (Neh 8:10).
Suicides getting younger in age, people who live a cursed live, not having any salvation to their living hell. For us to live is Christ, to die is gain means we have a greater life in eternity to look forward to.
Carrying the Cross – The rich young ruler
Matt 19:16-22
Now behold, one came and said to Him, “Good Teacher, what good thing shall I do that I may have eternal life?”
So He said to him, “Why do you call Me good? No one is good but One, that is, God. But if you want to enter into life, keep the commandments.”
He said to Him, “Which ones?”
Jesus said, “ ‘You shall not murder,’ ‘You shall not commit adultery,’ ‘You shall not steal,’ ‘You shall not bear false witness,’ 19 ‘Honor your father and your mother,’and, ‘You shall love your neighbor as yourself.’”
The young man said to Him, “All these things I have kept from my youth. What do I still lack?”
Jesus said to him, “If you want to be perfect, go, sell what you have and give to the poor, and you will have treasure in heaven; and come, follow Me.”
But when the young man heard that saying, he went away sorrowful, for he had great possessions.
1. The Rich Young Ruler
- The young man was probably a magistrate or a justice of peace holding authority to make important judgments
- The capability of the man is probably beyond his years, that is why Scripture describe him as ‘Young Rich Ruler’ not just as a just ‘rich ruler’
- He has good knowledge of the Holy Scriptures and seems to be conscientious about obeying them
- Acknowledges the authority of Christ by addressing Him as Good Teacher or Good Master, thus putting himself under the tutorship of One greater, perhaps even recognizing that Jesus authority is from Heaven as did Nicodemus
2. Misplaced importance
- He is obviously not a Sadducee in believing there is eternal life
- Also he knows of the greater blessing of a heavenly life. How much of us would have the desire like this man to look forward to eternal life, not merely concern for the current. He does have a good sense to believe for the eternal, especially being young in age
- Jesus answered him kindly and ensures that before He answers the quest for eternal life with the certainty the answer is from God Himself. Therefore finalizing the truth that Jesus’ answer is not of some human philosophy but instead carries the eternal worth of Heaven
- ‘Keep the commandments’: Obedience inevitably leads to eternal life as did Jesus submitting His will to the Father at the garden of Gethsemane. Because obedience to the Word of God shows our love for Jesus (John 14:15, 14:6)
- For also we have had the gospel preached, as well as them. But the Word preached did not profit them, not being mixed with faith in those who heard it. For we who have believed do enter into the rest, as He said, "I have sworn in My wrath that they should not enter into My rest;" although the works were finished from the foundation of the world.
(Heb 4:2-3)
The obedience to the Word comes with faith to believe thus entering into rest
- However the man didn’t believe the whole council of God to obey all thereof. The danger of believing in what we want to believe will not lead us into rest (the man only obeyed the doing of the 10 commandments) forsaking the BEING which is our love for God and being loved by Him.
- ‘If you want to be perfect, go, …’ this means that the inheritance of eternal is on our ball court. It’s the matter of how much we want eternal life. Matt 6:19-21
3. Taking up the cross
Then Jesus beholding him loved him, and said unto him, One thing thou lackest: go thy way, sell whatsoever thou hast, and give to the poor, and thou shalt have treasure in heaven: and come, take up the cross, and follow me.
(Mar 10:21)
- What then is our initiative but to take up the cross?
- Then said Jesus unto his disciples, If any man will come after me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross, and follow me.
(Mat 16:24)
- The cross is our own cross, not crosses, meaning it’s ours to bear. None referring to bearing each other’s cross. The commandment to carry the cross is given out of love, not anger nor punishment, it is because He wants us to bear that and from that bring us to the place for reward with the treasures of Heaven
- What then is our cross (the reproach we are to bear for our pilgrimage of discipleship)? Matt 5:10-12. What then is the evidence of our life – righteousness!
- And it shall be our righteousness, if we observe to do all these commandments before the LORD our God, as he hath commanded us.
(Deu 6:25)
- The LORD rewarded me according to my righteousness: according to the cleanness of my hands hath he recompensed me.
(2Sa 22:21)
- Then shall they also answer him, saying, Lord, when saw we thee hungry, or athirst, or a stranger, or naked, or sick, or in prison, and did not minister unto thee? Then shall he answer them, saying, Verily I say unto you, Inasmuch as ye did it not to one of the least of these, ye did it not to me. And these shall go away into everlasting punishment: but the righteous into life eternal.
(Mat 25:44-46)
- God has called us to Righteousness as He did with Abraham and all the men and women of faith in the Bible. It is because we are ambassadors of Christ (2 Cor 5:20) that our representation will be true to the God Whom we believe
- The church will suffer because of the issue of Righteousness, for the where God’s righteousness is, there is the revealing of the Light of God which then reveals sin
- Taking the cross is not about reduction of things, for things will eventually loose its value. But really
He must increase, but I must decrease.
(Joh 3:30). Meaning that the greatness of Christ increasing in our life is becoming a ‘must’ not an option thus our intrinsic value becomes more Christ-like than having the form or shape of our character. Ourselves then become diminished and Christ becomes pre-eminent is our character, behavior, thought pattern, value, etc. It is an all encompassing transfiguration that takes place from the time we are saved. It’s called the process of sanctification. If it’s just the mere reduction of things, than Christians would loose out to the religious who have given themselves to poverty and reproach (bald, barefoot…)
4. Before taking up the cross
Thou shalt have no other gods before me. Thou shalt not make unto thee any graven image, or any likeness of any thing that is in heaven above, or that is in the earth beneath, or that is in the water under the earth: Thou shalt not bow down thyself to them, nor serve them: for I the LORD thy God am a jealous God, visiting the iniquity of the fathers upon the children unto the third and fourth generation of them that hate me; And showing mercy unto thousands of them that love me, and keep my commandments. Thou shalt not take the name of the LORD thy God in vain; for the LORD will not hold him guiltless that taketh his name in vain.
(Exo 20:3-7)
- Taking up the cross preceeded following Jesus. Thus begins with the first 3 Commandments to love, honor and putting God 1st.
- God becomes the utmost in our whole life
5. Salvation is the impossible
Matt 19
21 Jesus said unto him , 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 . 22 But when the young man heard that saying , he went away sorrowful : for he had great possessions . 23 Then said Jesus unto his disciples , Verily I say unto you , That a rich man shall hardly enter into the kingdom of heaven . 24 And again I say unto you , It is easier for a camel to go through the eye of a needle , than for a rich man to enter into the kingdom of God . 25 When his disciples heard [it], they were exceedingly amazed , saying , Who then can be saved ?
- How then we begin?
But Jesus beheld [them], and said unto them , With men this is impossible ; but with God all things are possible .
Placing our life into our impossiblity means to give up and allow this to be a miracle of God, never by our works. Therefore salvation and subsequently following Christ. The denying of self is to be poor in Spirit, not the literal but in the frame of mind to surrender totally - that begins the following of Christ to inherit His Kingdom!
- Not denying ourselves is than to deny the miracle of God saving us unto a new life.
6. Our new life
Rom 6:
3 Know ye not , that so many of us as were baptized into Jesus Christ were baptized into his death ? 4 Therefore we are buried with him by baptism into death : that like as Christ was raised up from the dead by the glory of the Father , even so we also should walk in newness of life.
- Our justification : And since He was "made sin" and "a curse for us" (2Co 5:21; Ga 5:13), "bearing our sins in His own body on the tree," and "rising again for our justification" (Ro 4:25; 1Pe 2:24), our whole sinful case and condition, thus taken up into His Person, has been brought to an end in His death. Whoso, then, has been baptized into Christ's death has formally surrendered the whole state and life of sin, as in Christ a dead thing. He has sealed himself to be not only "the righteousness of God in Him," but "a new creature"; and as he cannot be in Christ to the one effect and not to the other, for they are one thing, he has bidden farewell, by baptism into Christ's death, to his entire connection with sin.
- Into His death: It is not, "By baptism we are buried with Him into death," which makes no sense at all; but, "By baptism with Him into death we are buried with Him"; in other words, "By the same baptism which publicly enters us into His death, we are made partakers of His burial also".
- Rising to glory: that like as Christ was raised from the dead by the glory of the Father--that is, by such a forth-putting of the Father's power as was the effulgence of His whole glory. even so we also--as risen to a new life with Him. should walk in newness of life--But what is that "newness?" - Life of holiness, that's where our glory lies.
Rom 6:
21 What fruit did you have then in the things of which you are now ashamed? For the end of those things [is] death. 22 But now having been set free from sin, and having become slaves of God, you have your fruit to holiness, and the end, everlasting life.
2 Cor 5:17
Therefore if any man [be] in Christ , [he is] a new creature : old things are passed away ; behold , all things are become new .
Because a new life is a ‘creation’, it is therefore an act of God. Similarly salvation is not of us.
Matt 19:16-22
Now behold, one came and said to Him, “Good Teacher, what good thing shall I do that I may have eternal life?”
So He said to him, “Why do you call Me good? No one is good but One, that is, God. But if you want to enter into life, keep the commandments.”
He said to Him, “Which ones?”
Jesus said, “ ‘You shall not murder,’ ‘You shall not commit adultery,’ ‘You shall not steal,’ ‘You shall not bear false witness,’ 19 ‘Honor your father and your mother,’and, ‘You shall love your neighbor as yourself.’”
The young man said to Him, “All these things I have kept from my youth. What do I still lack?”
Jesus said to him, “If you want to be perfect, go, sell what you have and give to the poor, and you will have treasure in heaven; and come, follow Me.”
But when the young man heard that saying, he went away sorrowful, for he had great possessions.
1. The Rich Young Ruler
- The young man was probably a magistrate or a justice of peace holding authority to make important judgments
- The capability of the man is probably beyond his years, that is why Scripture describe him as ‘Young Rich Ruler’ not just as a just ‘rich ruler’
- He has good knowledge of the Holy Scriptures and seems to be conscientious about obeying them
- Acknowledges the authority of Christ by addressing Him as Good Teacher or Good Master, thus putting himself under the tutorship of One greater, perhaps even recognizing that Jesus authority is from Heaven as did Nicodemus
2. Misplaced importance
- He is obviously not a Sadducee in believing there is eternal life
- Also he knows of the greater blessing of a heavenly life. How much of us would have the desire like this man to look forward to eternal life, not merely concern for the current. He does have a good sense to believe for the eternal, especially being young in age
- Jesus answered him kindly and ensures that before He answers the quest for eternal life with the certainty the answer is from God Himself. Therefore finalizing the truth that Jesus’ answer is not of some human philosophy but instead carries the eternal worth of Heaven
- ‘Keep the commandments’: Obedience inevitably leads to eternal life as did Jesus submitting His will to the Father at the garden of Gethsemane. Because obedience to the Word of God shows our love for Jesus (John 14:15, 14:6)
- For also we have had the gospel preached, as well as them. But the Word preached did not profit them, not being mixed with faith in those who heard it. For we who have believed do enter into the rest, as He said, "I have sworn in My wrath that they should not enter into My rest;" although the works were finished from the foundation of the world.
(Heb 4:2-3)
The obedience to the Word comes with faith to believe thus entering into rest
- However the man didn’t believe the whole council of God to obey all thereof. The danger of believing in what we want to believe will not lead us into rest (the man only obeyed the doing of the 10 commandments) forsaking the BEING which is our love for God and being loved by Him.
- ‘If you want to be perfect, go, …’ this means that the inheritance of eternal is on our ball court. It’s the matter of how much we want eternal life. Matt 6:19-21
3. Taking up the cross
Then Jesus beholding him loved him, and said unto him, One thing thou lackest: go thy way, sell whatsoever thou hast, and give to the poor, and thou shalt have treasure in heaven: and come, take up the cross, and follow me.
(Mar 10:21)
- What then is our initiative but to take up the cross?
- Then said Jesus unto his disciples, If any man will come after me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross, and follow me.
(Mat 16:24)
- The cross is our own cross, not crosses, meaning it’s ours to bear. None referring to bearing each other’s cross. The commandment to carry the cross is given out of love, not anger nor punishment, it is because He wants us to bear that and from that bring us to the place for reward with the treasures of Heaven
- What then is our cross (the reproach we are to bear for our pilgrimage of discipleship)? Matt 5:10-12. What then is the evidence of our life – righteousness!
- And it shall be our righteousness, if we observe to do all these commandments before the LORD our God, as he hath commanded us.
(Deu 6:25)
- The LORD rewarded me according to my righteousness: according to the cleanness of my hands hath he recompensed me.
(2Sa 22:21)
- Then shall they also answer him, saying, Lord, when saw we thee hungry, or athirst, or a stranger, or naked, or sick, or in prison, and did not minister unto thee? Then shall he answer them, saying, Verily I say unto you, Inasmuch as ye did it not to one of the least of these, ye did it not to me. And these shall go away into everlasting punishment: but the righteous into life eternal.
(Mat 25:44-46)
- God has called us to Righteousness as He did with Abraham and all the men and women of faith in the Bible. It is because we are ambassadors of Christ (2 Cor 5:20) that our representation will be true to the God Whom we believe
- The church will suffer because of the issue of Righteousness, for the where God’s righteousness is, there is the revealing of the Light of God which then reveals sin
- Taking the cross is not about reduction of things, for things will eventually loose its value. But really
He must increase, but I must decrease.
(Joh 3:30). Meaning that the greatness of Christ increasing in our life is becoming a ‘must’ not an option thus our intrinsic value becomes more Christ-like than having the form or shape of our character. Ourselves then become diminished and Christ becomes pre-eminent is our character, behavior, thought pattern, value, etc. It is an all encompassing transfiguration that takes place from the time we are saved. It’s called the process of sanctification. If it’s just the mere reduction of things, than Christians would loose out to the religious who have given themselves to poverty and reproach (bald, barefoot…)
4. Before taking up the cross
Thou shalt have no other gods before me. Thou shalt not make unto thee any graven image, or any likeness of any thing that is in heaven above, or that is in the earth beneath, or that is in the water under the earth: Thou shalt not bow down thyself to them, nor serve them: for I the LORD thy God am a jealous God, visiting the iniquity of the fathers upon the children unto the third and fourth generation of them that hate me; And showing mercy unto thousands of them that love me, and keep my commandments. Thou shalt not take the name of the LORD thy God in vain; for the LORD will not hold him guiltless that taketh his name in vain.
(Exo 20:3-7)
- Taking up the cross preceeded following Jesus. Thus begins with the first 3 Commandments to love, honor and putting God 1st.
- God becomes the utmost in our whole life
5. Salvation is the impossible
Matt 19
21 Jesus said unto him , 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 . 22 But when the young man heard that saying , he went away sorrowful : for he had great possessions . 23 Then said Jesus unto his disciples , Verily I say unto you , That a rich man shall hardly enter into the kingdom of heaven . 24 And again I say unto you , It is easier for a camel to go through the eye of a needle , than for a rich man to enter into the kingdom of God . 25 When his disciples heard [it], they were exceedingly amazed , saying , Who then can be saved ?
- How then we begin?
But Jesus beheld [them], and said unto them , With men this is impossible ; but with God all things are possible .
Placing our life into our impossiblity means to give up and allow this to be a miracle of God, never by our works. Therefore salvation and subsequently following Christ. The denying of self is to be poor in Spirit, not the literal but in the frame of mind to surrender totally - that begins the following of Christ to inherit His Kingdom!
- Not denying ourselves is than to deny the miracle of God saving us unto a new life.
6. Our new life
Rom 6:
3 Know ye not , that so many of us as were baptized into Jesus Christ were baptized into his death ? 4 Therefore we are buried with him by baptism into death : that like as Christ was raised up from the dead by the glory of the Father , even so we also should walk in newness of life.
- Our justification : And since He was "made sin" and "a curse for us" (2Co 5:21; Ga 5:13), "bearing our sins in His own body on the tree," and "rising again for our justification" (Ro 4:25; 1Pe 2:24), our whole sinful case and condition, thus taken up into His Person, has been brought to an end in His death. Whoso, then, has been baptized into Christ's death has formally surrendered the whole state and life of sin, as in Christ a dead thing. He has sealed himself to be not only "the righteousness of God in Him," but "a new creature"; and as he cannot be in Christ to the one effect and not to the other, for they are one thing, he has bidden farewell, by baptism into Christ's death, to his entire connection with sin.
- Into His death: It is not, "By baptism we are buried with Him into death," which makes no sense at all; but, "By baptism with Him into death we are buried with Him"; in other words, "By the same baptism which publicly enters us into His death, we are made partakers of His burial also".
- Rising to glory: that like as Christ was raised from the dead by the glory of the Father--that is, by such a forth-putting of the Father's power as was the effulgence of His whole glory. even so we also--as risen to a new life with Him. should walk in newness of life--But what is that "newness?" - Life of holiness, that's where our glory lies.
Rom 6:
21 What fruit did you have then in the things of which you are now ashamed? For the end of those things [is] death. 22 But now having been set free from sin, and having become slaves of God, you have your fruit to holiness, and the end, everlasting life.
2 Cor 5:17
Therefore if any man [be] in Christ , [he is] a new creature : old things are passed away ; behold , all things are become new .
Because a new life is a ‘creation’, it is therefore an act of God. Similarly salvation is not of us.
Wednesday, August 23, 2006
Give Us Clean Hands
Written by Charlie Hall
We bow our hearts, we bend our knees
Oh spirit, come make us humble
We turn our eyes from evil things
Oh Lord, we cast down our idols
So give us clean hands, and give us pure hearts
Let us not lift our souls to another
And give us clean hands, and give us pure hearts
Let us not lift our souls to another
O God, let us be a generation that seeks
That seeks your face O God of Jacob
O God, let us be a generation that seeks
Who seeks your face O God of Jacob
© 2000 worshiptogether.com songs/Six Steps Music
CCLI# 1596342
Album: Worship Together Volume 4
David mentioned 3 times in the Psalms (25:1, 86:4 &
143:8) about lifting our souls to God and not to
another. Why only David mentioned about this, and that
only in the Psalms?
It's probably because it comes out of a man's great
desire for God (in yielding worship, not even for
blessings), in that knowledge, his soul isn't lifted
up to vanity [knowing the worth of posterity (of
Abraham, of Isaac & of Jacob) rather than prosperity -
knowledge that puffs up, methods, wealth, skill,
greater anointing (?)...]. In that place of lifting
his soul to God, he experiences a holy contempt of the
'lesser things', though they may be good by
themselves.... David desired for the best. The path
less trodden to receive the best of His Kingdom
requires giving up the lesser for the greater (Matt
5:1-10). We ask for heaven's great blessings but
seldom for poverty in spirit, nor meekness, nor
righteousness, nor purity of heart.... ask for the
contrary to the world's standards then we will inherit
the Kingdom. Challenging(!), yet it's the pathway to
the highway of holiness (Isa 35:8)...... it truly
takes conviction of the Holy Spirit to remain faithful
on our pilgrims progress to stay on that pathway of
sanctification toward holiness (Eph 1:4 - if God so
planned before the foundation of the world, how
important is that?!).
Written by Charlie Hall
We bow our hearts, we bend our knees
Oh spirit, come make us humble
We turn our eyes from evil things
Oh Lord, we cast down our idols
So give us clean hands, and give us pure hearts
Let us not lift our souls to another
And give us clean hands, and give us pure hearts
Let us not lift our souls to another
O God, let us be a generation that seeks
That seeks your face O God of Jacob
O God, let us be a generation that seeks
Who seeks your face O God of Jacob
© 2000 worshiptogether.com songs/Six Steps Music
CCLI# 1596342
Album: Worship Together Volume 4
David mentioned 3 times in the Psalms (25:1, 86:4 &
143:8) about lifting our souls to God and not to
another. Why only David mentioned about this, and that
only in the Psalms?
It's probably because it comes out of a man's great
desire for God (in yielding worship, not even for
blessings), in that knowledge, his soul isn't lifted
up to vanity [knowing the worth of posterity (of
Abraham, of Isaac & of Jacob) rather than prosperity -
knowledge that puffs up, methods, wealth, skill,
greater anointing (?)...]. In that place of lifting
his soul to God, he experiences a holy contempt of the
'lesser things', though they may be good by
themselves.... David desired for the best. The path
less trodden to receive the best of His Kingdom
requires giving up the lesser for the greater (Matt
5:1-10). We ask for heaven's great blessings but
seldom for poverty in spirit, nor meekness, nor
righteousness, nor purity of heart.... ask for the
contrary to the world's standards then we will inherit
the Kingdom. Challenging(!), yet it's the pathway to
the highway of holiness (Isa 35:8)...... it truly
takes conviction of the Holy Spirit to remain faithful
on our pilgrims progress to stay on that pathway of
sanctification toward holiness (Eph 1:4 - if God so
planned before the foundation of the world, how
important is that?!).
Monday, August 07, 2006
Lawlessness in the Last Days
Jesus faced those who were on the far right (Pharisees
and Sadducess) who were fervent for the law. But in
the last days He warned against lawlessness which will
prevail, having worst effects as Jesus hated the works
of Nicolatans (Rev - letters to the church in Ephesus
and Pergemon) who veer to the far left.
Beware of gnostics that claim to have 'revelation' on
new truths. There are no new truths save what has
already been documented in the Bible.
Jude warns us about worst things will happen in
comparison to Sodom and Gomorrha. Abomination of
desolation is more likely to be spiritual and to the
body of Christ - God has sovereignly done away with
the Ark and the Temple, thus Paul speak of our bodies
as the temple of the Holy Spirit.
The law is good in revealing our state and providing
the boundaries of holy living, but we saved through
Grace! May God seal us FROM His courts above, that we
may endure to the very end. Anticipating Jesus (Who
came to fulfill-establish/confirm the law) coming any
day soon.
But we know that the law is good, if a man use it
lawfully; Knowing this, that the law is not made for a
righteous man, but for the lawless and disobedient,
for the ungodly and for sinners, for unholy and
profane, for murderers of fathers and murderers of
mothers, for manslayers, For whoremongers, for them
that defile themselves with mankind, for menstealers,
for liars, for perjured persons, and if there be any
other thing that is contrary to sound doctrine;
(1Ti 1:8-10)
Let no man deceive you by any means: for that day
shall not come, except there come a falling away
first, and that man of sin be revealed, the son of
perdition; (2Th 2:3)
http://mb-soft.com/believe/txn/antinomi.htm
That We Pray Accurately for Israel...
Romans 10:19-21
But I say, Did not Israel know? First Moses saith,
I will provoke you to jealousy by them that are no
people, and by a foolish nation I will anger you.
But Esaias is very bold, and saith, I was found of
them that sought me not; I was made manifest unto them
that asked not after me.But to Israel he saith, All day long I have
stretched forth my hands unto a disobedient and
gainsaying people.
God WILL bring Isreal to a place where they will stop
retaliating but come to repentance..... they have the
intellingence/tactics to handle the Entebbe airport
situation; vengeful hearts to the current kidnapping &
Munich Olympics killing;.... the most key thing was
mentioned in the movie 'Munich'.... one of the
assissins didn't want to continue and said a very
significant thing - 'Didn't God call Isreal to
righteousness?'! That really hit me very hard deep
within. Isn't the church suppose to bear the same
calling?
Even today the movement of the Hasidic Jews are strong
in wanting and desiring the same spirit that Jesus was
confronting with in the form of the pharisees and
sadducees 2000 years ago..... who can beat their
zealousness? Didn't Jesus said that our righteousness
have to exceed these?!
How then is the church going to provoke Isreal to
jealously?.... meaning returning back to the position,
where Isreal is God's and He is God over His people.
Unless we truly live in the place of open heavens
where the Father thunders from heaven, openly,
declaring that we are well pleased of the Father. Not
that we are doing the things that pleases the Father,
but deeper.... in the BEING, not just in the external.
Knowing that God looks at the heart not the outward.
Perhaps we have to seriously re-look into reduction of
the outward and build the inward. Otherwise we can't
beat the Jews at their game of intelligence,
entertainment & 'zeal for God' (the Yehudi Menuhin's,
Steven Spielberg's, ALbert Einstein's, Israel ben
Eliezer's, etc), thus having lack of outward qualities
to provoke Isreal to jealousy.
Rigtheousness is a state that God desires us to be at,
not just an outcome of our works.... less that too be
considered filthy rags....
May the Lord Lord teach us to pray accurately, praying
on target making the greatest spiritual impact.... to
bring His Will to Isreal as it is in Heaven...
Psa 127:4 -5
As arrows are in the hand of a mighty man;
so are children of the youth.
Happy is the man that hath his quiver full of them:
they shall not be ashamed, but THEY shall SPEAK with
the enemies in the gate.
Prayer of a matured Christian (prayers of Apostle Paul)
A. Why prayer
Praying for each other is important; in fact it carries more value than just encouraging words. We could then become the source for that single moment but praying takes the person we intercede for to the Eternal Source.
Prayer calls up to the Highest Heavens to impart Heavenly wisdom and revelation of Christ (we can’t truly reveal Christ in all His fullness, Jesus has to do that Himself as He did to Paul on the road to Damascus) . It’s Christ the Savior who supplies all the necessities of those who trust Him, and give them all blessings in the richest abundance. Prayer leads us to seek the Blessor Himself rather than for the blessing.
B. The Model Prayer
Matt
5 “And when you pray, you shall not be like the hypocrites. For they love to pray standing in the synagogues and on the corners of the streets, that they may be seen by men. Assuredly, I say to you, they have their reward. 6 But you, when you pray, go into your room, and when you have shut your door, pray to your Father who is in the secret place; and your Father who sees in secret will reward you openly.[b] 7 And when you pray, do not use vain repetitions as the heathen do. For they think that they will be heard for their many words
1. Pray is breath to a Christian, if prayer-less than graceless.
2. Religiosity (true that only the religious pray) in prayer condemns us to both vain-glory and vain-repetitions.
- Vain-glory: if our prayer is liken to working for a reward, what value then is it? Prayer is of grace, not of debt.
- Vain-repetition: What merit can there be in begging? If God doesn’t give what we ask, it’s time we learn that we have to trust Him that we don’t need it. Even in prayer we learn to abandon ourselves to the good, acceptable and perfect will of God. It takes a renewal of our minds (Rom 12:2) to God as such.
C. Contents of Mature Prayer
These are key prayers Paul made for the Ephesians, Philippians and Colossians, and let’s extract the essence and depth of his prayers that reached the Throne of God.
Key points:
1. The Father – deepening relationship
- The biggest breakthrough in prayer is that God being our Heavenly Father. The Father figure of God is the key to providence, protection, forgiveness, hope, love, etc. From Whom we receive the vs. 18 ‘…the glory of our inheritance…’
- We then live lives thankful to our Heavenly Father because He truly is our all in all. The deep sense of gratitude must rise from our hearts for by His grace we are saved (Eph 2:8,9). We come before the Throne of God not as demanding children, but with the truth that we wholly belong to Him. For without His grace we will be enemies of God, condemned to eternal death.
- Our inheritance is the
- Jesus in His ministry on earth always depended on the Father. John 10:37,38
37 If I do not do the works of My Father, do not believe Me; 38 but if I do, though you do not believe Me, believe the works, that you may know and believe[d] that the Father is in Me, and I in Him.”
- As Jesus was one with the Father, we too should pray that we have the renewed mind and transplanted heart from God.
- Our Christian walk should be as Enoch walked that careful to live to please the God whom he loved. The experience of being in deepening relationship with the Heavenly Father became Heavenly for Enoch finally.
Eph 1:17, Eph 3:14-16,
2. Wisdom imparted
- The Word of God is the Wisdom for us to live by, Josh 1:8
- The Word of God is a double edged sword (machaira: short knife for close combat or cutting up flesh), Heb 4:12. God’s Word has the power to convince powerfully, converts powerfully and comforts powerfully).
- No better revelation of Christ than through the Holy Scriptures. After all it’s authored by the God Himself and has great profit for us. 2 Tim 3:16
Eph 1:17, 18,
3. Deeply rooted, strengthened and founded
- Roots are underground, unseen but yet it determines the life above ground where it’s visible. There are shallow roots and there are deep ones, which one will survive the storm? Roots get the nutrients from good soil. Matt 6:6 is about the secret prayer life that we MUST have first that the external will yield it’s evidence, not the contrary.
- Our own strength will fail, His strength is powerful to carry us through all circumstances with patience and long suffering with nothing less than going through them all with joy. Strength to endure to the end comes being loyal, perfect, complete, secure, peaceful in heart to God. 2 Chron 16:9
Eph 3:17,
4. Fruition
- Fruit of God’s control over our lives. ‘…His power toward us…’ Often we want to experience God’s power through us toward others, the reverse is what God wants to do. True fruits are then yielded as in Gal 5:22,23 are dealing God has over our lives to produce.
- God wants to harvest the fruits from our lives that brings Him the glory and good pleasure, as our Father in Heaven.
Eph 1:19, Eph 3:21, Phil 1:6, Phil 1:1,
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Eph 1:15
Therefore I also, after I heard of your faith in the Lord Jesus and your love for all the saints, 16 do not cease to give thanks for you, making mention of you in my prayers: 17 that the God of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of glory, may give to you the spirit of wisdom and revelation in the knowledge of Him, 18 the eyes of your understanding[c] being enlightened; that you may know what is the hope of His calling, what are the riches of the glory of His inheritance in the saints, 19 and what is the exceeding greatness of His power toward us who believe, according to the working of His mighty power 20 which He worked in Christ when He raised Him from the dead and seated Him at His right hand in the heavenly places, 21 far above all principality and power and might and dominion, and every name that is named, not only in this age but also in that which is to come. 22 And He put all things under His feet, and gave Him to be head over all things to the church, 23 which is His body, the fullness of Him who fills all in all.
Eph 3:14
For this reason I bow my knees to the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ,[c] 15 from whom the whole family in heaven and earth is named, 16 that He would grant you, according to the riches of His glory, to be strengthened with might through His Spirit in the inner man, 17 that Christ may dwell in your hearts through faith; that you, being rooted and grounded in love, 18 may be able to comprehend with all the saints what is the width and length and depth and height— 19 to know the love of Christ which passes knowledge; that you may be filled with all the fullness of God. 20 Now to Him who is able to do exceedingly abundantly above all that we ask or think, according to the power that works in us, 21 to Him be glory in the church by Christ Jesus to all generations, forever and ever. Amen.
Phil 1:3
I thank my God upon every remembrance of you, 4 always in every prayer of mine making request for you all with joy, 5 for your fellowship in the gospel from the first day until now, 6 being confident of this very thing, that He who has begun a good work in you will complete it until the day of Jesus Christ;
Phil 1:9
And this I pray, that your love may abound still more and more in knowledge and all discernment, 10 that you may approve the things that are excellent, that you may be sincere and without offense till the day of Christ, 11 being filled with the fruits of righteousness which are by Jesus Christ, to the glory and praise of God.
For this reason we also, since the day we heard it, do not cease to pray for you, and to ask that you may be filled with the knowledge of His will in all wisdom and spiritual understanding; 10 that you may walk worthy of the Lord, fully pleasing Him, being fruitful in every good work and increasing in the knowledge of God; 11 strengthened with all might, according to His glorious power, for all patience and longsuffering with joy; 12 giving thanks to the Father who has qualified us to be partakers of the inheritance of the saints in the light.
Psalm 41:1-3
To the Chief Musician. A Psalm of David.
1 Blessed is he who considers the poor;
The LORD will deliver him in time of trouble.
2 The LORD will preserve him and keep him alive,
And he will be blessed on the earth;
You will not deliver him to the will of his enemies.
3 The LORD will strengthen him on his bed of illness;
You will sustain him on his sickbed.
To "consider" in Hebrew is to look with understanding, be
circumspect.... not just an after thought.... for the poor. Our Lord's ministry
always go out to the poor, both in the economic sense, weak (women of Jesus
time, the outcast, lepers, gentiles, etc) and in spirit (humility &
meekness). Either sense of the word 'poor', there is a happiness
(blessedness) in store for those who not just give the poor an after thought but
take the necessary practical action.
What would be our happiness then?
We are led aright to safety, Psa 23:3 "He restores my soul; He leads me
in the paths of righteousness For His name's sake." God Himself will
assure our preservation and our descendents as well (Psa 25:13). God is
interested in giving us posterity, not just prosperity (permanency
rather than temporal). So much so our enemies will even see our lives having
the outflow of joy and praises to our Redeemer (Psa 27:6).
The bold statements of "The LORD (Jehovah, the Existing One) will..."
is our guarantee for He is not one who breaks vows. Therefore there
isn't any excuse for our generosity toward the poor.
The poor amongst us maybe even our 'enemies'. As Jesus didn't hold any
prejudices to all who come to Him to be made 'rich' (given a value,
healed, blessed, freed, etc), so we follow the steps of our master.
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