Category: sanctification

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The Aaronic Blessing – What it means for you

Numbers 6b aaronic blessing2aNumbers 6: The word blessing has the idea of pronouncing a wish of happiness given by one to another for the divine favor upon them from God. Dr. Constable notes that it is a benediction to the priests to offer for the sanctification for the people. It is often used in our liturgical blessings for people as they prepare to leave a religious service. Within it, the word “you” is noted six times, making it personal and applicable.

God desires to bless His people for their provision but also their protection. God knew they would need this as they traveled on towards the Promised Land. God also desires that His countenance would reflect His care in their lives, as well as His grace. Lastly, God desired that His peace would be upon them as they faced foes within and without. God desired all of this for His people then and now.

As you listen to it this blessing, stop and ponder the words. What is the meaning for me personally? Is there a part of that blessing I can appropriate for me now? How can I share this with another?

May the Lord Bless you and keep you as you read and meditate upon it.

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Help the Weak

Romans 15 helping others2aRomans 15 Wisdom

James reminded his readers about two kinds of wisdom, earthly and heavenly. Wisdom requires not just input of facts but also the practical outworking of that in us for many reasons such as being the shepherds, the ones who live out Christ to and before others.

Paul has spent the greater part of this letter to the Romans with the “facts.” Now he wants his beloved readers to demonstrate the truth of those “facts.” It takes great perseverance to live out the “facts.” Because of that Paul begins chapter 15 with these words: “But we who are strong ought to bear with the failings of the weak.” But why and how do we accomplish that? We investigate how Jesus did as he served the disciples for over 3 yrs. He patiently helped them to learn that both Jews and Gentiles were deserving of faith that leads to salvation. He taught them that to be blessed means that you seek opportunities to serve as He did for Peter’s mother or as He provided both physical and spiritual food to those in need for the 5000. In these ways, he saw their weaknesses and He provided strength.

But we are still left to answer the question of why. The clue is found in vs 6 “together you may with one voice glorify meaning to bring praise and honor to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ.

Who in your sphere of influence needs strengthening? How will you assist them? Start today.

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Anointed For Service

Isaiah 61 1 anointed image

Isaiah 61 Have you heard or even voiced: what does God want me to do? I feel like I am spinning wheels and have no direction. Messiah didn’t have that problem so why do we? Perhaps the key is in knowing that you have been anointed – selected, elected for the service of the Lord.  Peter writes:  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. John wrote:  Nevertheless you have an anointing from the Holy One, [1Jo 2:20]

Messiah knew his calling, his anointing, the reason God chose Him. He was sent to see into the hearts of men the desperate need for healing of the soul, mind and the body too. You, as His child, are also anointed to fulfill these same areas of need in the lives of those around you. It might be a mother who sees a child who has made a wrong choice, a father who has lost his job, a pastor who is drained from the heavy responsibilities of his position, a missionary in a far off land that is lonely.

Remember, if Jesus needed the Holy Spirit’s anointing so do we so we can fulfill the great commission. You are anointed precious believer!

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Another Backstory…

Psalm 60  Taking time to just read and meditate unearths many questions. Why is David writing this? Who is against him? Where did this happen? Why is Edom mentioned? To unearth all of this we need to backtrack to 2Samuel 8. It is here that we read: Perhaps while Israel was at war with the Arameans, the Edomites seized the opportunity to invade Israel and proceeded toward Israel as far as the Valley of Salt (a.k.a. the Dead Sea.) There is a lesson here for us; when we are busy doing God’s work, the enemy seizes the opportunity to surreptitiously enter our space.

Evidently, David feels like God has rejected them but he isn’t sure why. He begs for restoration! He begs for the land to be repaired! He begs God to deliver them by His power so that they might be safe! It is as if we are reading today’s headlines for there are many who are begging for help and restoration; perhaps even you.

ps 60 warrior God2a

Abruptly in the middle, God speaks. I will be the conqueror over Israel’s enemies, not you. This is another lesson for us; when we face enemies God will restore, repair and deliver because He is the triumphant warrior for His children.  And that my friend is why “rabbit trailing” through the scriptures encourages us to hang in there when life is tough and questions abound. God is the answer! He is our triumphant warrior!

 

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Innocent

There are many TV shows that trace a fledgling law firm which seeks to help those who are less fortunate navigate the judicial system. Some come out with what seems perfect justice but sometimes the evidence seems rather sketchy and even a stretch. Only God knows the truth and only an individual who will stand before God knows his heart.

Psalm 16-18 Innocent: When you see this word what comes to mind? The Hebrew defines that word as what is right, rightness, justness. Hmm, seems kind of a muddy definition and especially so when we look at David’s life and see his sin of adultery, his faithlessness in disciplining his son for rape. We cry foul! God cries innocent! Does that seem rather contradictory? It is then that we must stop pointing fingers and look at what David and we know if we are believers.

Truth: God looks not at outward appearances but at the heart. We judge by what we see, God judges by what we do not see.

Outwardly we see a failing individual but inwardly God sees a man fully consecrated to Him. Outwardly we see a man who seems to be faltering but God sees a man who chooses to reject worthless idols because of faith. Outwardly we see a man who pours out his heart to the living God but God sees a man who chooses to trust Him. We see a man who reveals his heart but God sees a man who allows Him to examine him during the night hours while the world swirled around him.

faith ps 16 to 18ga2

No matter how the world sees you, (or you see yourself), know this, the Everlasting God sees you and your heart.  Our question then is when He looks into our heart what does He see?

 

 

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Spending Time with God

Psalm 9 -12 I don’t know about you but life seems to be at warp speed these days. The internet keeps us focused for a fraction of time and authors come and go with lightning speed. We name a name and others look at us with eyes glazed over and ask “Who? Who? Who?” When that happens, come apart and sit with the psalmist. Let his words speak to you, not like the storm-tossed sea, but as a gently rolling wave bringing new truths with each wave. Let the beacon of His lighthouse sweep across you and reveal His love.

psalm 9to 12a

We don’t know where or when the psalmist wrote these words of scripture but as we slowly ponder them we come away knowing that the God we have chosen to serve and worship knows each of us. He knows us because we are crafted in his image. He knows those who will bow the knee and serve him as and he also knows those who will rebel at each argument and command. Yet, in His mercy and for His name’s sake he has chosen to allow the righteous and the wicked to live side by side much like the parable of the tares and wheat.

Today as you live and move in this world be refreshed:  God provides safety for the oppressed. God does not abandon those who reach out for help. God hears our cries for mercy. God rules forever. God’s words are absolutely reliable, untainted as silver that has been refined and purified in the furnace.

 

 

 

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Who is God to you?

When was the last time you just sat and pondered God and His character? What thoughts went through your mind?  Read Neh 9; Ask yourself: “Who is God?”

 

The wall of Jerusalem is completed, the enemies were unsuccessful, the gates are in place and it is time to “party!” Well, no not exactly; it is time to stop and thank God! It is time to listen to His Word! neh 9 17 god isa In fact, as the people listened to Ezra read the word there was no party mentality.  They began to mourn and weep because they realized how they had failed God in the past. Ezekiel reminded his listeners that would be exactly what their future family members would do when they returned to Jerusalem! Ezekiel wrote: “you will remember, be ashamed, and remain silent because of your disgrace when I make atonement for all you have done, declares the Sovereign Lord.” And today as we read in chapter 9 of Nehemiah we see that many, many years later that they knew this truth: “You are righteous with regard to all that has happened to us, for you have acted faithfully. It is we who have been in the wrong!”

We quickly forget how gracious God is and sometimes it takes a rude awakening to help us see that truth! Who is He? The people said: “you are a God of forgiveness, merciful and compassionate, slow to get angry and unfailing in your loyal love.”

That is the God I serve, obey and love…at least that is what I hope is true in your life today.

Add a comment below to answer that question.

 

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Got a problem? Try Nehemiah’s Solution

Nehemiah 4 – 6 With the king’s seal of approval, Nehemiah set off to the city of his ancestors. He quietly took time away from the peering eyes of those who could be the “naysayers” or those who perhaps wore the cloaks of legalese. He took time to scope out the scene. Then he called the leaders together and said “we” have to fix this problem! Amazingly, they agreed. But…just because the majority agreed doesn’t mean that “all” agreed. Satan has his servants both inside and outside. He controls them through fear.

Satan also uses scoffers to deceive with Pharisaical self-righteousness. Maybe you have met them. They are known by their outward piousness. They said Nehemiah is a buffoon to fix a problem that has been with us for over a hundred years!  Remember, scoffers are known by their fruits; they do what they scoff about! They hadn’t fixed the problem and they didn’t want it fixed either! So they scoffed.

Then they sought to distract Nehemiah and his workers through angry words. They even stooped to hire Jews who were more fearful of them than of God. When all those backfired, these enemies hired an insider to get Nehemiah to sin by entering the Temple reserved for those anointed.

Each time Nehemiah went to the Lord in prayer and each time God gave him a discerning spirit.neh 4 prayer2

Remember go to God with your problems and He will give you the answers.

 

 

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Every Thought….

Genesis 10-11 “Every thought….”

gen 10-11 same thinking same results

What goes around comes around so the saying goes because unless we change our thinking we will get the same results. Case in point:  before the flood men’s hearts were evil; after the flood, nothing changed. Men’s hearts were still deceitful above all things, and desperately wicked and the story of the Tower of Babel in the plain of Shinar men’s hearts are revealed. The people sought to build a tower that would reach heaven for one purpose; to make a name for themselves.  Fast forward to today and the entire world continues to strive to make their mark from dictators to movie stars. We see in the obituaries those who lived a life minus God. Their legacy is as the rich man of Luke 16. He calls out to have someone tell his brothers to not come where he is before it is too late. Abraham reminded him that unless their heart changes their legacy remains as they speak from the world’s perspective and the world listens to them. [1John 4:5]

Yet, God in His omniscience will not allow his plans to be thwarted.  Even though the evil intents of the heart are still before us, He will use all things for His good purposes. Do not waver, do not lose heart; God is sovereign and He is in control of all. He will accomplish His purposes as He has been doing since Genesis 11 to scatter men so that His gospel message may be proclaimed far and wide.

Are you like the men of the tower of Babel, seeking to make a name for yourself or do you seek to glorify Him by sharing the good news?

Photo courtesy of Dreamstime

 

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How to be Sagacious in a Topsy Turvy World

bible study 2tim3Genesis 3 -5  Have you a constant struggle with the adversary Satan?  It may be 2019 and our new year like newly fallen snow looks beautiful but if you look beneath you will see all of the dirt and grime that is hidden from sight. Truthfully, today like any other day is just like that dirt and grime and with ups and downs which began so very long ago all because our first parents were not being sagacious (prudent, discerning) before the serpent or as we might call him, the Devil and the devil he is!  Jesus told us that we are to be wise as a serpent and harmless as a dove. Believer, the wisdom that the serpent has may seem mind-boggling but is not omniscient because it lacks the fear of God. It is as James tells us earthly, natural, demonic. It seeks to glorify self, not God and to deny the penalty for self-gain and self-aggrandizement. Satan has one goal: to take back what he thought was rightfully his because deep down he believes the bumper sticker: “The one with the most toys wins.” His first encounter with these newly created beings of man and woman was with great shrewdness:  “Is it really true?” causing Eve to doubt. James warns us of this when he said: “he who doubts is like the wave of the sea blown and tossed about with the wind.”

Every day we face the seeds planted in that garden. But not all is lost for God’s grace and mercy provided the redemption that Adam and Eve needed and He does the same for us as well. He does that because He is not willing any should perish but all come to repentance.

Are you facing what seems a constant struggle?

Do you have your armor on? Go read Ephesians 6 about the armor if you have no idea what that means. 

Start the new year right by meditating on the Word of God and hiding it in your heart so you are ready to give an answer to the adversary. He may question but God’s Word has the answers!

 

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