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False or True Repentance

Are you ready to meet Jesus

Nahum 1-3 In 1935 there was a huge dust storm in the US. It crossed the midwest and carried more dirt than was dug from the Panama Canal all the way to the ocean on the east. It was called Black Sunday. Nahum describes a similar scene; “[God] marches out in the whirlwind and the raging storm; dark storm clouds billow like dust under his feet.” [Nah 1:3] One hundred years earlier, when Jonah spoke all of Nineveh, both man and beast, put on sackcloth and ashes in repentance; but, now, they had returned to their cruel ways. Although God’s mercies are new every morning, if repentance is not real, He will bring judgment.

God is slow to anger not willing any should perish, but all come to repentance, [2Pet 3:9] yet He is also zealous and will avenge.  Whereas the former king repented and Nineveh was spared, the new king was indolent and unrepentant. God allowed the winds of the Babylonians to come in and destroy Assyria for this unrepentance. The point is that God is looking for true repentance. Is our repentance real or fake?

Assyria was destroyed, and their idols burned yet scoffers say: “where is the promise of his coming? It is as it always has been.” [2Pet 3:4]  Amazingly, in 1845, an archaeologist stumbled upon Nineveh’s site and found an extensive library proving Nahum’s words were true and accurate.

Beloved, God is merciful, but He will be patient just so long. If Jesus were to return today, would you be ready?

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“God’s Mercy!”

God's mercy

2Chron 33 There is nothing like hooks in your nose, bronze chains, and extradition to a foreign land; a prison cell, cold gruel, day-old bread, and water to awaken your senses, and that is what happened to King Manasseh. He then “realized that the Lord is the true God” and repented. It was because of the mercy of God that he was released and returned to his kingdom. God’s mercy is overflowing!

God has placed this event to remind us that it begins with how you pay attention to the Lord and His Word. A word of caution here: his sin, just like ours, does impact family and children. His unrepentant son Amon is proof of that.

The Chronicler records these words: the annals record all his sins and unfaithful acts, and identify the sites where he built high places and erected Asherah poles and idols “before he humbled himself.” [2Chron 33:19] Mark that last phrase: he humbled himself, and that is what God is seeking.

You can listen and repent now, or you can do it later, but beware because God doesn’t guarantee there will be a tomorrow. Unfortunately, Amon learned that lesson the hard way; his life ended in an assassination.

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“Our Response Reveals our Heart.”

My heart reveals who I am

2 Kings 20 God has placed this story of King Hezekiah to teach us several wise lessons. The backdrop began in the life of Hezekiah when he endured a terminal illness. Perhaps you can relate because you, too, are facing a terminal illness. When we hear devastating news, do we go to God, who is the author and finisher of our lives as Hezekiah did? How we respond reveals our heart. God not only heard Hezekiah’s plea but, in His graciousness, chose to heal him miraculously. God was gracious and gave him a sign of his answered prayer for healing, and the addition of fifteen years added to his life. How do we respond to the good news?

Not long after, some Babylonian visitors came supposedly to encourage Hezekiah and he revealed all of the treasures of Israel. Did all of their false overtures blind Hezekiah? Why did he not take them to see the House of the Lord? By showing them the riches of Israel, Hezekiah revealed a proud heart. When confronted by Isaiah, Hezekiah’s response in vs. 19 seems out of character, but is it? How we respond reveals our heart. Hezekiah was like those who accomplish much and take the credit upon themselves. How do we respond when others gush over our accomplishments?

The lesson we can glean from Hezekiah is that our words and actions reveals who we truly are. What is your response?

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Puzzles and Mazes

Puzzles and Mazes

Isaiah 64 to 66 If you have ever worked on a jigsaw puzzle or tried to find the path in a maze, you know that you must have patience as you search for that piece or that path. God is a master at puzzles and mazes, and He has no problem. He knows which piece fits, and the right path. Isaiah, as God’s prophet, has been faithfully piecing the puzzle pieces and the right path of the maze. Although he will never see the birth and life of the Messiah, the Holy Spirit has graciously shown him the finished product. He has faithfully written the words that the Holy Spirit has given to him. Some were harder than others, and some were praiseworthy.

In a tough time, Isaiah pours out his heart and looks for when the Lord will come to rescue them. But, God the Almighty tells Isaiah that He will not come “yet.” Their sins are like scarlet, and their so-called righteousness is as filthy rags, and their praises are not for Jehovah but for the idols they fashion. But, God had promised centuries before, and He will again: I will not abandon my children.

The patience of God is amazing. He will not leave his children even as sinful as they are; He is not slow but is patient because he does not wish any to perish but for all to come to repentance.

God is faithful and patient. Are you?

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“Anointed for Service”

Wherever God has called you

Isaiah 61 Messiah knew that the Lord had chosen and commissioned him.  He recalled the words of Isaiah 61 as he spoke before the audience in his local synagogue: “The Spirit of the Lord GOD is upon me, Because the LORD has anointed me To bring good news to the afflicted; He has sent me to bind up the brokenhearted, To proclaim liberty to captives And freedom to prisoners;” [Is 61:1 & Luke 4:18=19]

Centuries later, the Apostle John wrote: “Nevertheless you have an anointing from the Holy One,” [1Jo 2:20] Peter wrote:

“But you are a chosen race, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, a people of his own, so that you may proclaim the virtues of the one who called you out of darkness into his marvelous light.” [1Pet 2:9]

Messiah knew his calling, his anointing, and the reason God chose Him. God gave him the spiritual insight to see men’s desperate need for healing of the soul, mind, and body. Today, this same Holy Spirit has anointed you to fulfill these same areas of need in the lives of those around you.

To whom should you go and speak a refreshing word from the Lord. It might be a parent who sees a child who has made a wrong choice, someone who has lost their job, a pastor who has heavy responsibilities, or a missionary in a far-off land that is lonely—or perhaps a friend or an acquaintance.

Remember, God has called and anointed us for His service.

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The price He paid so we can be…

The price He paid

Isaiah 49 Eternally Secure

Of all the disciples, only John remained at the cross and witnessed the death of Jesus. Later Jesus came and stood before them, but Thomas was absent. He had said I will not believe unless I can put my hands in the holes where the nails penetrated. Jesus lovingly came and offered Thomas that witness. When Thomas saw Jesus face to face he responded, “My Lord and my God.” [Jn 10:28]

One of the many questions men ask is: can I be sure of my salvation? Am I eternally secure, or can I lose my salvation? “Scripture clearly affirms the fact we are protected by the power of God through faith. Faith brings us into a grace relationship with God as a gift of God through the merit of His beloved Son. We are saved by His record, not ours.” [H. Keathley III] 

Although we haven’t had the privilege of visually seeing the holes in the hand of Jesus as Thomas did, we do have the Prophet Isaiah’s and the Apostle John’s words: “I [God] have inscribed your name on my palms.” [Is 49:16] Jesus said: “My Father, who has given them to Me, is greater than all; and no one is able to snatch them out of the Father’s hand.” [John 10:29] Each time you close your hands to shield your palms, picture yourself securely enfolded in his.

Today as you wash your hands, fold your hands in prayer, or go about your daily duties, stop and look at your hands and picture your name inscribed on His. 

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The Truth of Prov 29:25

Trust God not men

2Kings 18-19, Ps 46, Ps 80, Ps 135 “How to Handle a Bully.”

King Hezekiah was a righteous king who followed the Lord but faltered when the bully King Sennacherib sent his emissary to taunt King Hezekiah. King Sennacherib is what we call a bully, for his words do not match his actions unless we capitulate to his demands, which Hezekiah did the first time. Bullies, seek to shame, ridicule, tease and yes even slander our faith. When you concede, you give a bully the right to up his demands, precisely what Sennacherib did. The second time, Hezekiah did not falter but took the demand to the Lord. Why is it that we follow Hezekiah’s example? The answer is found in Prov 29:25 “The fear of man is a snare…” We fear men more than we fear God.  But, don’t forget the last part of that verse: “he who trust in the Lord will be exalted.”

We should learn from Hezekiah how God works when we do not meet the bully’s demands but lay them before the Lord. When Hezekiah did that, Isaiah the prophet sent him the answer: Do not fear but trust in the Lord. So then, to cement that truth in Hezekiah’s mind and the minds of his kingdom, God sent his angel of death into the camp of the Assyrians and killed not just one but 185,000 in one night.

Lesson from Hezekiah’s playbook on how to handle a bully; humble thyself and seek the face of God.  Trust in God that He will work to protect His own. He may not kill the enemy but then again He just might. The lesson for us is to stand back and watch God work!

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God is El Roi!

God will be with you

Isaiah 43 to 45 Do you feel the overwhelming presence of the unknown before you? Do walk as on hot coals because the enemy has come calling to frighten you? Does he who is evil remind you of your past to keep you in his grip? Precious one, know this truth: do not fear, for He has paid your redemption price from the slave auction block of sin so that you may know He is God, and there is no other.

No matter what lies in your path, you can be assured of His presence whether you are facing the tossed waves of the Red Sea, the fiery furnace as in Babylon, Hagar’s wilderness, or the barrenness of Naomi.  Lift your head and see; the pool of water is before you so that you may know “El Roi,” the God who sees me. He promises that whatever lies before you is in His sovereign control. Just as God asked Hosea to pay the redemption price for Gomer, God has paid the redemption price for you through the death of His Only Son. Step out and believe His promise: “you will hear a word spoken behind you; “this is the way, walk in it, whether you are heading to the right or left.” [Is 30:21]

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Are you a Friend?

What is a true friend?

Isaiah 41 “A Friend is..”

What is a true friend? Isaiah reminds the people that God called Abraham his friend. How and why did God choose that designation? James tells us that  “Abraham believed God, and it was reckoned to him as righteousness,” and he was called the friend of God.”  [James 2:23] Ruth also fits in that category because she believed Yahweh and left what was familiar to go to the unfamiliar as she joined “hip to hip” with Naomi. Jesus told the disciples you are no longer servants but friends. “No longer do I call you slaves, for the slave does not know what his master is doing; but I have called you friends,” [Jn 15:15] 

A friend is one who drives two hours in the middle of the night to be with you as your sister is in the OR. A friend joins you in prayer as your precious family member nears their last hours. A friend is one who leaves the familiar to walk beside you mile after mile back to their hometown as Ruth did with Naomi.

Am I a friend of God’s? Am I a true friend? Webster defines a friend as one who is attached to another by affection; one who entertains for another sentiment of esteem, respect, and affection, which lead him to desire his company, and to seek to promote his happiness and prosperity; opposed to foe or enemy.

Would God call me His friend?

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God’s Got This!

God is God

Isaiah 40 – 42 Trusting God in Uncertain Times

We live in tumultuous times of uncertainty, and many men and women are troubled. It seems that our entire world is topsy turvy. Many say there is no peace; they wring their hands and moan. They ask where is God?  It seems the Lord is unaware of what is happening! Yet Isaiah’s words from the Holy One are comforting:

“Don’t be afraid, for I am with you! Don’t be frightened, for I am your God! I strengthen you – yes, I help you –yes, I uphold you with my saving right hand!” [Is 41:10] “I am the Lord! That is my name!” [Is 42:8]

God is not only aware, but He is still on the throne and waiting patiently for men to turn to Him.  “The Lord is not slow about His promise, as some count slowness, but is patient toward you, not wishing for any to perish but for all to come to repentance.” [2Pet 3:9]  The evidence is overwhelming: “For since the creation of the world his invisible attributes – his eternal power and divine nature – have been clearly seen, because they are understood through what has been made. So people are without excuse.” [Rom 1:20]

Whatever you are facing, know this truth: God is the Holy One; give Him praise for He sees, He hears, He knows. He is waiting for you to turn to Him.