On Tuesday night, we had a family tradition of getting together with a few friends for dinner and of course, opening presents. The last few years our kids have had the fun of going to a “Secret Santa Shop” at their school where they can buy small, inexpensive items for anybody that they want to put on their list. This year, however, there was no Secret Santa Shop, so Susan took them to the Dollar General and allowed them to buy their gifts there. They had so much fun picking out things for their grandparents, aunts, uncles, and friends.
On Tuesday night, they were excited to give some of their gifts away. When Chuck and Karen Waldrop (who are like my kid’s third set of grandparents) walked in the door, John Mark immediately screamed, “Hey Chuck, I got you a HAMMER! Hey Chuck, I got you a HAMMER!” It was priceless. It didn’t matter that we still had folks to arrive and we were going to eat dinner before we did the presents, every time John Mark saw Chuck, he told him that he had bought him a hammer! I guess he told him fifteen times, so it was no big surprise when Chuck later opened up his hammer from John Mark! It was hard for John Mark to keep such a GREAT GIFT to himself! He had to tell!
I imagine it is the same way with God. From the moment we are born, I imagine that God is screaming with excitement, “HEY, I’VE GOT YOU A SAVIOR! HEY, I’VE GOT YOU A SAVIOR!” The problem is, He wants to shout that great news through you and me. He wants us to tell the Good News that Jesus Christ was born, that He died, and that He rose again and He wants to be Savior and Lord of their lives. How is that we keep such a GREAT GIFT to ourselves?
John Mark shouted about a simple hammer. How are you doing at telling people about the GREATEST GIFT ever given? His name is JESUS and He is what today is all about. The Christmas carol says it well, “Go tell it on the mountain, over the fields, and everywhere.”
Susan and I want to wish you all a very Merry Christmas and hope that your day is filled with the holiness and joy that only Christ can bring. We love you all.
Thursday, December 25, 2008
Wednesday, December 24, 2008
A Mother's Thought at Christmas
Had Mary known, just she alone, when in her arms a baby lay
The pain and sorrow of His tomorrow, sin in its ultimate display,
Would she have hidden Him and safely bidden Him
and quickly run for His life?
Or could she have faced with no attempt to replace
His inevitable appointment with strife?
What if she had known, through a vision been shown,
the fate of His downy soft head
Which her cheek brushed gently as He cooed so contently,
absent all feeling of dread
Of a day far too soon, the sun peaked at noon
when men filled with hatred and scorn
Would puncture His skin and abruptly press in
a crown protruding with thorns?
Had Mary known all along the fate of the palm
she uncurled carefully with her thumb
The hideous sound that a hammer would pound
when to a nail His palm would succumb
Would her grasp have grown tight as she clutched with her might
each tiny, searching finger
That would stretch out in pain, no relief to be gained
as the minutes 'til death only lingered?
What if Mary had perceived the message received
in the swaddling clothes wrapped 'round Him
That they only foretold a body grown cold
and the grave clothes that eventually bound Him?
And the clothes He'd wear from His body they'd tear,
each garment from the other
As they cast their lots no mercy is sought
An eyewitness you'll be, Dear Mother.
As my mind still wanders over that one who pondered
each moment in that stable
If she had know what Scrpture has shown,
would she have changed it if she were able?
I realize know as my knees drop to bow
something of the God of Glory.
Had He told her these things, what Christ's future would bring,
He would have told her the rest of the story -
"Yes, Dear one, who holds my Son,
lifting Him from a hard, wooden manger,
He'll be a man of sorrows, all grief to borrow,
from birth He'll be in danger.
On a tree replete with sin's defeat
He'll soon die in your very own stead.
No earthly throne, He'll die alone, and thorns will crown His head."
"Grieve only a while o'er the loss of My Child,
God incarnate in this baby boy.
The grave will soon see the captives set free
and your heartache will turn to joy!"
The angels restate, "How long will You wait
to give Him all You've longed for?"
My patient reply, First He must die...His grave is the Open Door!"
"As life came from the womb, there's life from the tomb.
My plan is being perfected.
There's a place I prepare after sin I repair,
for My children, My heart's own elected...
Where all bow at His feet, death in defeat,
and call Him the Lord of all lords!
Blessed choruses ring, 'He's the King of all kings!
His Word a double-edged sword!"
"For now, My child, but for a while, cuddle Him all you can.
Gather hay from the loft, sing a lullaby soft, 'Sleep, Baby, Blessed
God-man.'
So much work must we do when time becomes due.
Rest for now, My Darling, don't cry.
Stars, shine bright! Dance on His face tonight!
Look up, your redemption is nigh!"
He is God's Son, the Only One through Whom men can be restored.
Dry your tears, incline your ears. Your pain is not ignored.
Hail His Majesty, the Prince of Peace, the Bright and Morning Star,
Bow each knee, and tongues proceed, Praise Him wherever you are!
Beth Moore
Things Pondered
The pain and sorrow of His tomorrow, sin in its ultimate display,
Would she have hidden Him and safely bidden Him
and quickly run for His life?
Or could she have faced with no attempt to replace
His inevitable appointment with strife?
What if she had known, through a vision been shown,
the fate of His downy soft head
Which her cheek brushed gently as He cooed so contently,
absent all feeling of dread
Of a day far too soon, the sun peaked at noon
when men filled with hatred and scorn
Would puncture His skin and abruptly press in
a crown protruding with thorns?
Had Mary known all along the fate of the palm
she uncurled carefully with her thumb
The hideous sound that a hammer would pound
when to a nail His palm would succumb
Would her grasp have grown tight as she clutched with her might
each tiny, searching finger
That would stretch out in pain, no relief to be gained
as the minutes 'til death only lingered?
What if Mary had perceived the message received
in the swaddling clothes wrapped 'round Him
That they only foretold a body grown cold
and the grave clothes that eventually bound Him?
And the clothes He'd wear from His body they'd tear,
each garment from the other
As they cast their lots no mercy is sought
An eyewitness you'll be, Dear Mother.
As my mind still wanders over that one who pondered
each moment in that stable
If she had know what Scrpture has shown,
would she have changed it if she were able?
I realize know as my knees drop to bow
something of the God of Glory.
Had He told her these things, what Christ's future would bring,
He would have told her the rest of the story -
"Yes, Dear one, who holds my Son,
lifting Him from a hard, wooden manger,
He'll be a man of sorrows, all grief to borrow,
from birth He'll be in danger.
On a tree replete with sin's defeat
He'll soon die in your very own stead.
No earthly throne, He'll die alone, and thorns will crown His head."
"Grieve only a while o'er the loss of My Child,
God incarnate in this baby boy.
The grave will soon see the captives set free
and your heartache will turn to joy!"
The angels restate, "How long will You wait
to give Him all You've longed for?"
My patient reply, First He must die...His grave is the Open Door!"
"As life came from the womb, there's life from the tomb.
My plan is being perfected.
There's a place I prepare after sin I repair,
for My children, My heart's own elected...
Where all bow at His feet, death in defeat,
and call Him the Lord of all lords!
Blessed choruses ring, 'He's the King of all kings!
His Word a double-edged sword!"
"For now, My child, but for a while, cuddle Him all you can.
Gather hay from the loft, sing a lullaby soft, 'Sleep, Baby, Blessed
God-man.'
So much work must we do when time becomes due.
Rest for now, My Darling, don't cry.
Stars, shine bright! Dance on His face tonight!
Look up, your redemption is nigh!"
He is God's Son, the Only One through Whom men can be restored.
Dry your tears, incline your ears. Your pain is not ignored.
Hail His Majesty, the Prince of Peace, the Bright and Morning Star,
Bow each knee, and tongues proceed, Praise Him wherever you are!
Beth Moore
Things Pondered
Tuesday, December 23, 2008
The Christmas Circle
I have been spending a good deal of time reading lately since battling bronchitis and came across this story from a missionary named Brenda serving in Asia. I honestly must tell you that nothing I have read lately is more convicting and such a timely straight on message for this week.
"But the angel said to them, 'Do not be afraid, for behold, I bring you good news of great joy which will be for all the people'" Luke 2:10
"When my husband and I responded to God's call to come to Southeast Asia, packing was a challenge. There simply wasn't room for the holiday decorations I had accumulated during the years. All that remained for our new home was a Nativity set that I had bought in a neighboring country.
With great care, I placed the ceramic pieces on my table. An angel was in the back; Mary, Joseph and the baby were in front; wise men were on the right; and the shepherds and cattle were placed on the left. The standard American setup.
The next day while I was at language school, my house helper looked at the Nativity. When I came back later that day, my carefully arranged pieces were now in a circle, all mixed up, with the baby in the middle. Thinking she had dusted and didn't know how to arrange them correctly, I moved them back in the proper order. The following day the Nativity scene was once again in a circle. This went on four more days until I finally asked her why she kept moving the pieces-after all, everyone knows shepherds and wise men have definite stations in life and her arrangement just wouldn't happen.
She pointed to the scene and said, "Jesus should be the center of everything." Pointing to her heart, she continued, "Just like in here." Pointing to the wise men, then to a shepherd and then to herself, she continued to teach me, saying, "He loves us all the same."
-Brenda, Pacific Rim
Is Jesus the center of everything for you? Especially this week, as we celebrate His birth, we tend to lose focus on what matters. With gifts to buy and wrap, food to bake, places to be, family to see, we forget that Jesus is the center of everything. He is the reason for the season. Period. Spend some time first praying that Jesus would today be the center of your life in everything you do. Then pray that you would look for opportunities to share Jesus with anyone who crosses your path.
God bless you!
"But the angel said to them, 'Do not be afraid, for behold, I bring you good news of great joy which will be for all the people'" Luke 2:10
"When my husband and I responded to God's call to come to Southeast Asia, packing was a challenge. There simply wasn't room for the holiday decorations I had accumulated during the years. All that remained for our new home was a Nativity set that I had bought in a neighboring country.
With great care, I placed the ceramic pieces on my table. An angel was in the back; Mary, Joseph and the baby were in front; wise men were on the right; and the shepherds and cattle were placed on the left. The standard American setup.
The next day while I was at language school, my house helper looked at the Nativity. When I came back later that day, my carefully arranged pieces were now in a circle, all mixed up, with the baby in the middle. Thinking she had dusted and didn't know how to arrange them correctly, I moved them back in the proper order. The following day the Nativity scene was once again in a circle. This went on four more days until I finally asked her why she kept moving the pieces-after all, everyone knows shepherds and wise men have definite stations in life and her arrangement just wouldn't happen.
She pointed to the scene and said, "Jesus should be the center of everything." Pointing to her heart, she continued, "Just like in here." Pointing to the wise men, then to a shepherd and then to herself, she continued to teach me, saying, "He loves us all the same."
-Brenda, Pacific Rim
Is Jesus the center of everything for you? Especially this week, as we celebrate His birth, we tend to lose focus on what matters. With gifts to buy and wrap, food to bake, places to be, family to see, we forget that Jesus is the center of everything. He is the reason for the season. Period. Spend some time first praying that Jesus would today be the center of your life in everything you do. Then pray that you would look for opportunities to share Jesus with anyone who crosses your path.
God bless you!
Monday, December 22, 2008
Jesus is My King
Is it possible to fully describe Jesus Christ, our King? As many words as we have in the English language, there are still not enough to adequately describe the character and goodness of Jesus Christ, our loving Lord and Savior.
However, one of the best attempts ever made to describe our King came from Anne Graham Lotz in her book Just Give Me Jesus. Prior to her writing she was given a cassette tape labeled "My King Is...". It was a wonderful rendition of what King Jesus is to a preacher named S.M. Lockridge. She used the descriptions and added to them to include them in her book. The "poem" has thrilled my soul time and time again, and I pray that you will take time today and meditate on how King Jesus has touched your life. Do you know King Jesus?
He is enduringly strong.
He is entirely sincere.
He is eternally steadfast.
He is immortally gracious.
He is imperially powerful.
He is impartially merciful.
He is the greatest phenomenon that has ever crossed
the horizons of the globe.
He is God's Son
He is the sinner's Savior.
He is the captive's Ransom.
He is the Breath of Life.
He is the centerpiece of civilization.
He stands in the solitude of Himself.
He is august and He is unique.
He is unparalleled and He is unprecedented.
He is undisputed and He is undefiled.
He is unsurpassed and He is unshakable.
He is the lofty idea in philosophy.
He is the highest personality in psychology.
He is the supreme sunject in literature.
He is the unavoidable problem in higher criticism.
He is the fundamental doctrine of theology.
He is the Cornerstone, the Capstone, and the stumbling
Stone of all religion.
He is the miracle of the ages.
No means of measure can define His limitless love...
No far-seeing telescope can bring into visibility the coastline
of His shoreless supply...
No barrier can hinder Him from pouring out His blessing...
He forgives and He forgets.
He creates and He cleanses.
He restores and He rebuilds.
He heals and He helps.
He reconciles and He redeems.
He comforts and He carries.
He lifts and He loves.
He is the God of the second chance,
the fat chance,
the slim chance,
the no chance...
He discharges the debtors.
He delivers the captives.
He defends the feeble.
He blesses the young.
He serves the unfortunate.
He regards the aged.
He rewards the diligent.
He beautifies the meek.
He is the key to knowledge.
He is the wellspring of wisdom.
He is the foundation of faith.
He is the doorway of deliverance.
He is the pathway to peace.
He is the roadway of righteousness.
He is the gateway to glory.
He is the highway to happiness.
He supplies strength to the weary.
He increases power to the faint.
He offers escape to the tempted.
He sympathizes with the hurting.
He saves the hopeless.
He shields the helpless.
He sustains the homeless.
He gives purpose to the aimless.
He gives reason to the meaningless.
He gives fulfillment to our emptiness.
He gives light in the darkness.
He gives comfort in our loneliness.
He gives fruit in our barrenness.
He gives heaven to the hopeless.
He gives life to the lifeless!
He guards the young.
He seeks the stray.
He finds the lost.
He guides the faithful.
He rights the wronged.
He avenges the abused.
He defends the weak.
He comforts the oppressed.
He welcomes the prodigal.
He heals the sick.
He cleanses the dirty.
He beautifies the barren.
He restores the failure.
He mends the broken.
He blesses the poor.
He fills the empty.
He clothes the naked.
He satisfies the hungry.
He elevates the humble.
He forgives the sinner.
He raises the dead!
His office is manifold,
and His promise is sure.
His life is matchless,
and His goodness is limitless.
His mercy is enough,
and His grace is sufficient.
His reign is righteous, His yoke is easy,
and His burden is light.
He is indestructable. He is indescribable.
He is incomprehensible. He is inescapable.
He is invincible. He is irresistible. He is irrefutable.
I can't get Him out of my mind...
And I can't get Him out of my heart.
I can't outlive Him...
And I can't live without Him.
The Pharisees couldn't stand Him
but found they couldn't stop Him.
Satan tried to tempt Him
but found he couldn't trip Him.
Pilot examined Him on trial
but found he couldn't fault Him.
The Romans crucified Him
but found they couldn't take His life.
Death couldn't handle Him,
and the grave couldn't hold Him.
He had no predeccessor,
and He will have no successor.
He is the Lion,
and He is the Lamb.
He is God,
and He is Man.
He is the seven-way King;
He is the King of the Jews...
that's a racial King.
He is the King of Israel...
that's a national King.
He is the King of righteousness...
that's a moral King.
He is the King of the ages...
that's an eternal King.
He is the King of heaven...
that's a universal King.
He is the King of glory...
that's a celestial King.
HE IS THE KING OF KINGS AND THE LORD OF LORDS!
However, one of the best attempts ever made to describe our King came from Anne Graham Lotz in her book Just Give Me Jesus. Prior to her writing she was given a cassette tape labeled "My King Is...". It was a wonderful rendition of what King Jesus is to a preacher named S.M. Lockridge. She used the descriptions and added to them to include them in her book. The "poem" has thrilled my soul time and time again, and I pray that you will take time today and meditate on how King Jesus has touched your life. Do you know King Jesus?
He is enduringly strong.
He is entirely sincere.
He is eternally steadfast.
He is immortally gracious.
He is imperially powerful.
He is impartially merciful.
He is the greatest phenomenon that has ever crossed
the horizons of the globe.
He is God's Son
He is the sinner's Savior.
He is the captive's Ransom.
He is the Breath of Life.
He is the centerpiece of civilization.
He stands in the solitude of Himself.
He is august and He is unique.
He is unparalleled and He is unprecedented.
He is undisputed and He is undefiled.
He is unsurpassed and He is unshakable.
He is the lofty idea in philosophy.
He is the highest personality in psychology.
He is the supreme sunject in literature.
He is the unavoidable problem in higher criticism.
He is the fundamental doctrine of theology.
He is the Cornerstone, the Capstone, and the stumbling
Stone of all religion.
He is the miracle of the ages.
No means of measure can define His limitless love...
No far-seeing telescope can bring into visibility the coastline
of His shoreless supply...
No barrier can hinder Him from pouring out His blessing...
He forgives and He forgets.
He creates and He cleanses.
He restores and He rebuilds.
He heals and He helps.
He reconciles and He redeems.
He comforts and He carries.
He lifts and He loves.
He is the God of the second chance,
the fat chance,
the slim chance,
the no chance...
He discharges the debtors.
He delivers the captives.
He defends the feeble.
He blesses the young.
He serves the unfortunate.
He regards the aged.
He rewards the diligent.
He beautifies the meek.
He is the key to knowledge.
He is the wellspring of wisdom.
He is the foundation of faith.
He is the doorway of deliverance.
He is the pathway to peace.
He is the roadway of righteousness.
He is the gateway to glory.
He is the highway to happiness.
He supplies strength to the weary.
He increases power to the faint.
He offers escape to the tempted.
He sympathizes with the hurting.
He saves the hopeless.
He shields the helpless.
He sustains the homeless.
He gives purpose to the aimless.
He gives reason to the meaningless.
He gives fulfillment to our emptiness.
He gives light in the darkness.
He gives comfort in our loneliness.
He gives fruit in our barrenness.
He gives heaven to the hopeless.
He gives life to the lifeless!
He guards the young.
He seeks the stray.
He finds the lost.
He guides the faithful.
He rights the wronged.
He avenges the abused.
He defends the weak.
He comforts the oppressed.
He welcomes the prodigal.
He heals the sick.
He cleanses the dirty.
He beautifies the barren.
He restores the failure.
He mends the broken.
He blesses the poor.
He fills the empty.
He clothes the naked.
He satisfies the hungry.
He elevates the humble.
He forgives the sinner.
He raises the dead!
His office is manifold,
and His promise is sure.
His life is matchless,
and His goodness is limitless.
His mercy is enough,
and His grace is sufficient.
His reign is righteous, His yoke is easy,
and His burden is light.
He is indestructable. He is indescribable.
He is incomprehensible. He is inescapable.
He is invincible. He is irresistible. He is irrefutable.
I can't get Him out of my mind...
And I can't get Him out of my heart.
I can't outlive Him...
And I can't live without Him.
The Pharisees couldn't stand Him
but found they couldn't stop Him.
Satan tried to tempt Him
but found he couldn't trip Him.
Pilot examined Him on trial
but found he couldn't fault Him.
The Romans crucified Him
but found they couldn't take His life.
Death couldn't handle Him,
and the grave couldn't hold Him.
He had no predeccessor,
and He will have no successor.
He is the Lion,
and He is the Lamb.
He is God,
and He is Man.
He is the seven-way King;
He is the King of the Jews...
that's a racial King.
He is the King of Israel...
that's a national King.
He is the King of righteousness...
that's a moral King.
He is the King of the ages...
that's an eternal King.
He is the King of heaven...
that's a universal King.
He is the King of glory...
that's a celestial King.
HE IS THE KING OF KINGS AND THE LORD OF LORDS!
Friday, December 19, 2008
IMMANUEL
"My dwelling place shall be with them, and I will be their God, and they shall be my people." Ezekiel 37:27
"When all is said and done, the last word is Immanuel - God-With-Us." Isaiah 8:10 MSG
Good day to all of you! You know there are just somedays that you want to be reminded that Jesus is Immanuel - "God With Us". After some shots, cough medicine and an antibiotic in the midst of busy, busy, I needed to go back and really look at what it means that our God is Immanuel!
I love to travel...Darrin and I went to Austria last May and I just fell in love with the rolling hills leading up to the enormous, jagged snow-covered mountains known as the Alps. The vast fields covered with beautiful grape vines and lush blue-green vegetation and somehow you wonder if any of it resembles Eden. Can you imagine God walking with Adam, the first man, and Eve. Being with man was God's plan from the very start. In Knowing God by Name, Mary Kassian pointed out how in the garden of Eden, God walked with Adam and Eve, talked with them, face to face. But after they sinned, God was unable to continue interacting with them this way. Sad huh? Nevertheless, God was still committed to being with His people. God set up a system of animal sacrifice to atone for man's sin and make it possible for Him to be "with" His people.
Immanuel is a Hebrew masculine name consisting of two Hebrew words. El, meaning "God," and Immanu, meaning "with us". As a proper name it appears twice in the Old Testament (Isa. 7:14, 8:8) and once in the New Testament (Matt. 1:23), where it is specifically associated with Jesus.
"The name Immanuel gives expression to the truth God had communicated in various ways to His covenant people throughout history: God is truly "with" His people! He is "God with us"! In the Old Testament the name was given to a child born in the time of Ahaz as a sign to the king that the nation would receive relief from enemy attack. The name demonstrated that God was "with" His people in the deliverance. But, even greater and more wonderful than this, the sign predicted the birth of the incarnate God, Jesus the Messiah - "God With Us" in the flesh - the One who would die for sins and deliver us from the ultimate Enemy. Jesus Immanuel would enable people to draw near and experience God's presence in an intimate way." 1
"God shows his love for us in that while we were still sinners, Christ died for us." (Rom. 5:8)
Think about the lengths God went to be with us. The Father sent His Son to become flesh and die for our sins. He did it so that God might always be "with us" in a very intimate, close, personal way.
Take a minute today in the comment section and describe what it means to you to have God "with you".
1 Knowing God by Name, Mary Kassian 2008
"When all is said and done, the last word is Immanuel - God-With-Us." Isaiah 8:10 MSG
Good day to all of you! You know there are just somedays that you want to be reminded that Jesus is Immanuel - "God With Us". After some shots, cough medicine and an antibiotic in the midst of busy, busy, I needed to go back and really look at what it means that our God is Immanuel!
I love to travel...Darrin and I went to Austria last May and I just fell in love with the rolling hills leading up to the enormous, jagged snow-covered mountains known as the Alps. The vast fields covered with beautiful grape vines and lush blue-green vegetation and somehow you wonder if any of it resembles Eden. Can you imagine God walking with Adam, the first man, and Eve. Being with man was God's plan from the very start. In Knowing God by Name, Mary Kassian pointed out how in the garden of Eden, God walked with Adam and Eve, talked with them, face to face. But after they sinned, God was unable to continue interacting with them this way. Sad huh? Nevertheless, God was still committed to being with His people. God set up a system of animal sacrifice to atone for man's sin and make it possible for Him to be "with" His people.
Immanuel is a Hebrew masculine name consisting of two Hebrew words. El, meaning "God," and Immanu, meaning "with us". As a proper name it appears twice in the Old Testament (Isa. 7:14, 8:8) and once in the New Testament (Matt. 1:23), where it is specifically associated with Jesus.
"The name Immanuel gives expression to the truth God had communicated in various ways to His covenant people throughout history: God is truly "with" His people! He is "God with us"! In the Old Testament the name was given to a child born in the time of Ahaz as a sign to the king that the nation would receive relief from enemy attack. The name demonstrated that God was "with" His people in the deliverance. But, even greater and more wonderful than this, the sign predicted the birth of the incarnate God, Jesus the Messiah - "God With Us" in the flesh - the One who would die for sins and deliver us from the ultimate Enemy. Jesus Immanuel would enable people to draw near and experience God's presence in an intimate way." 1
"God shows his love for us in that while we were still sinners, Christ died for us." (Rom. 5:8)
Think about the lengths God went to be with us. The Father sent His Son to become flesh and die for our sins. He did it so that God might always be "with us" in a very intimate, close, personal way.
Take a minute today in the comment section and describe what it means to you to have God "with you".
1 Knowing God by Name, Mary Kassian 2008
Just A Reminder
Next week is Christmas!!!!!!!!!!! Merry WooHoo Christmas!!!
This is a precious, precious part of our faith! What a privilege to celebrate the Virgin Birth of our LORD and Savior, Jesus Christ. I so hope you will take a moment each day and read the devotion as we focus on the Name above all Names, Jesus!
This is a precious, precious part of our faith! What a privilege to celebrate the Virgin Birth of our LORD and Savior, Jesus Christ. I so hope you will take a moment each day and read the devotion as we focus on the Name above all Names, Jesus!
Thursday, December 18, 2008
Perfect Clarity
God With Us
"What, then, is the God I worship? ... You are the most hidden from us and yet the most present among us, the most beautiful and yet the most strong, ever enduring; and yet we cannot comprehend you."
-St. Augustine
Isaiah 7:14
"All right then, the Lord himself will give you the sign. Look! The virgin will conceive a child! She will give birth to a son and will call him Immanuel (which means 'God is with us')." (NLT)
God With Us
When the virgin gave birth to this Son, Immanuel was at last present among us, yet in so many ways he was still hidden from us. Romans 11:33 says, "Oh, how great are God's riches and wisdom and knowledge! How impossible it is for us to understand his decisions and his ways!"
Have you ever wondered why God would want to live among us and even within us, when we cannot fully comprehend him?
If you've ever gone to live in a foreign country, you've known the temporary loneliness and frustration of living among people who can't fully understand you. In spite of the hardship, most likely you endured because you knew that one day you would eventually be fully understood.
1 Corinthians 13:12 promises a day when we will no longer see through imperfect eyes: "Now we see things imperfectly as in a cloudy mirror, but then we will see everything with perfect clarity. All that I know now is partial and incomplete, but then I will know everything completely, just as God now knows me completely."
Could it be that Immanuel—God With Us—is looking forward to that day just as much as we are, that day when we see him with perfect clarity and know him completely?
"What, then, is the God I worship? ... You are the most hidden from us and yet the most present among us, the most beautiful and yet the most strong, ever enduring; and yet we cannot comprehend you."
-St. Augustine
Isaiah 7:14
"All right then, the Lord himself will give you the sign. Look! The virgin will conceive a child! She will give birth to a son and will call him Immanuel (which means 'God is with us')." (NLT)
God With Us
When the virgin gave birth to this Son, Immanuel was at last present among us, yet in so many ways he was still hidden from us. Romans 11:33 says, "Oh, how great are God's riches and wisdom and knowledge! How impossible it is for us to understand his decisions and his ways!"
Have you ever wondered why God would want to live among us and even within us, when we cannot fully comprehend him?
If you've ever gone to live in a foreign country, you've known the temporary loneliness and frustration of living among people who can't fully understand you. In spite of the hardship, most likely you endured because you knew that one day you would eventually be fully understood.
1 Corinthians 13:12 promises a day when we will no longer see through imperfect eyes: "Now we see things imperfectly as in a cloudy mirror, but then we will see everything with perfect clarity. All that I know now is partial and incomplete, but then I will know everything completely, just as God now knows me completely."
Could it be that Immanuel—God With Us—is looking forward to that day just as much as we are, that day when we see him with perfect clarity and know him completely?
Wednesday, December 17, 2008
My Heart's Cry
Take some time today to let the words of this song penetrate to the core of your heart. Make it your prayer as I have today.
Tuesday, December 16, 2008
Less is More
Less is More
by Laura MacCorkle, Crosswalk.com Senior Entertainment Editor
"... And they will call him Immanuel"-which means, "God with us."
Matthew 1:23b, NIV
I put up my Christmas tree last weekend, right after Thanksgiving. Perhaps you did, too.
This year, however, I only hung up about two-thirds of my ornaments. Also, many of the holiday knickknacks that I normally display I left remaining in their boxes. I didn't even run to the store to replace two strands of twinkly, white lights that quit on me while I was wrapping them around the tree. No, I just made do with what I had. And I was okay with it.
In fact, I decided that I like seeing some more of the Christmas tree. Negative space is good, and I don't need to cram ornaments and white lights into every nook and cranny where there's some green showing. Know what I mean?
Up until now, I wouldn't have believed that I would have been okay with the above two paragraphs. I was compelled to put out everything I owned that had a Christmas theme so it would all be on display. Then, I had to purchase several ornaments each year to augment my collection so that it was always growing and featured the latest and greatest in holiday decor.
But this year, something is changing inside of me. And I think I'm finally learning that Christmas is really more about less...
Less of me and my perfectly displayed decorations
Less of me and my "impressive" gift-giving to family and friends
Less of me and my attendance at see-and-be-seen holiday parties
Less of me and what I want for Christmas or how I want God to bless me
It's more about what God has given to all mankind...
More of Christ and what his coming to earth means to us all
More of Christ and my response-the giving of my life-to him
More of Christ and sharing the gift of the Good News and not burying it beneath other gifts around the tree
More of Christ and making time for others, as my words and deeds are a reflection of him
The prophet Isaiah foretold it: "Immanuel ... God with us." And then Matthew quoted him years later in the New Testament. But what does knowing that God is "with us" really mean to me?
He lives in my heart, but I wonder how differently I would feel if God was sitting on his throne in my very own home-right there in my living room, where I could see him. If he was visible, in all of his splendor and blinding light, I would certainly take notice. I would live differently, wouldn't I? My priorities would surely change. I probably wouldn't care about anything else this holiday season: the decorations, the baking, the gifts, the parties. I would just want to sit at his feet and worship him.
I am reminded of Mary's response to Christ in the story of she and her sister Martha in Matthew 10:38-42:
As Jesus and his disciples were on their way, he came to a village where a woman named Martha opened her home to him. She had a sister called Mary, who sat at the Lord's feet listening to what he said But Martha was distracted by all the preparations that had to be made. She came to him and asked, "Lord, don't you care that my sister has left me to do the work by myself? Tell her to help me!" "Martha, Martha," the Lord answered, "you are worried and upset about many things, but only one thing is needed. Mary has chosen what is better, and it will not be taken away from her."
"Immanuel ... God with us." What more does Christmas need to be to me? To you? All we need is Jesus. He is more than enough this Christmas. Let us ask him to help us focus less on our holiday agendas, as we spend more time at his feet worshipping Christ, our King
Intersecting Faith & Life: Are you caught in the web of "more is more" this Christmastime? Try scaling back in one area: decorating, baking, gift-giving, parties you attend, etc. And then add in some time for reflection. Meditate on Matthew 1:23: "Immanuel ... God with us." What does this mean to you? And how should you respond?
Further Reading
And the years they come,
And the years they go,
Though we may forget somehow
That the child once born in Bethlehem
Is still among us now.
Emmanuel, God with us,
Emmanuel!
Emmanuel, God with us,
The son of Israel.
"Emmanuel, God With Us"
Composers/lyricists: Amy Grant, Chris Eaton, Robert Marshall
by Laura MacCorkle, Crosswalk.com Senior Entertainment Editor
"... And they will call him Immanuel"-which means, "God with us."
Matthew 1:23b, NIV
I put up my Christmas tree last weekend, right after Thanksgiving. Perhaps you did, too.
This year, however, I only hung up about two-thirds of my ornaments. Also, many of the holiday knickknacks that I normally display I left remaining in their boxes. I didn't even run to the store to replace two strands of twinkly, white lights that quit on me while I was wrapping them around the tree. No, I just made do with what I had. And I was okay with it.
In fact, I decided that I like seeing some more of the Christmas tree. Negative space is good, and I don't need to cram ornaments and white lights into every nook and cranny where there's some green showing. Know what I mean?
Up until now, I wouldn't have believed that I would have been okay with the above two paragraphs. I was compelled to put out everything I owned that had a Christmas theme so it would all be on display. Then, I had to purchase several ornaments each year to augment my collection so that it was always growing and featured the latest and greatest in holiday decor.
But this year, something is changing inside of me. And I think I'm finally learning that Christmas is really more about less...
Less of me and my perfectly displayed decorations
Less of me and my "impressive" gift-giving to family and friends
Less of me and my attendance at see-and-be-seen holiday parties
Less of me and what I want for Christmas or how I want God to bless me
It's more about what God has given to all mankind...
More of Christ and what his coming to earth means to us all
More of Christ and my response-the giving of my life-to him
More of Christ and sharing the gift of the Good News and not burying it beneath other gifts around the tree
More of Christ and making time for others, as my words and deeds are a reflection of him
The prophet Isaiah foretold it: "Immanuel ... God with us." And then Matthew quoted him years later in the New Testament. But what does knowing that God is "with us" really mean to me?
He lives in my heart, but I wonder how differently I would feel if God was sitting on his throne in my very own home-right there in my living room, where I could see him. If he was visible, in all of his splendor and blinding light, I would certainly take notice. I would live differently, wouldn't I? My priorities would surely change. I probably wouldn't care about anything else this holiday season: the decorations, the baking, the gifts, the parties. I would just want to sit at his feet and worship him.
I am reminded of Mary's response to Christ in the story of she and her sister Martha in Matthew 10:38-42:
As Jesus and his disciples were on their way, he came to a village where a woman named Martha opened her home to him. She had a sister called Mary, who sat at the Lord's feet listening to what he said But Martha was distracted by all the preparations that had to be made. She came to him and asked, "Lord, don't you care that my sister has left me to do the work by myself? Tell her to help me!" "Martha, Martha," the Lord answered, "you are worried and upset about many things, but only one thing is needed. Mary has chosen what is better, and it will not be taken away from her."
"Immanuel ... God with us." What more does Christmas need to be to me? To you? All we need is Jesus. He is more than enough this Christmas. Let us ask him to help us focus less on our holiday agendas, as we spend more time at his feet worshipping Christ, our King
Intersecting Faith & Life: Are you caught in the web of "more is more" this Christmastime? Try scaling back in one area: decorating, baking, gift-giving, parties you attend, etc. And then add in some time for reflection. Meditate on Matthew 1:23: "Immanuel ... God with us." What does this mean to you? And how should you respond?
Further Reading
And the years they come,
And the years they go,
Though we may forget somehow
That the child once born in Bethlehem
Is still among us now.
Emmanuel, God with us,
Emmanuel!
Emmanuel, God with us,
The son of Israel.
"Emmanuel, God With Us"
Composers/lyricists: Amy Grant, Chris Eaton, Robert Marshall
Monday, December 15, 2008
God with Us is Something to Shout About!
IMMANUEL - GOD WITH US
Isaiah 7:14
The Lord Himself shall give you a sign: Behold, a virgin will conceive and bear a Son and shall call His name Immanuel.
Couples who are expecting a child usually give a great deal of consideration to the name they choose for that baby. Often it takes a long time for them to decide on one that is just right. When our children were born, I concluded that choosing the right name was one of the hardest things we had to do! After all, that name would be with the child for his whole life so we wanted it to be just right.
When Mary and Joseph were expecting the Lord Jesus, they didn’t have to worry about that. God had already selected the name for them and sent an angel to tell them that the babe should be called Immanuel. This was a fulfillment of the prophecy that was given hundreds of years before by Isaiah who wrote, “The Lord Himself shall give you a sign; Behold, a virgin will conceive, and bear a Son, and shall call His name Immanuel.” (Isaiah 7:14)
Immanuel – It means “God with us.” Yes, the angel was telling Mary and Joseph that the child she would bear would be God Himself coming down to live among men. Scholars tell us that the when the Bible speaks of God dwelling among men it literally means “He pitched His tent” among us. That is, He came to live right where we do.
Throughout the New Testament, the Lord Jesus was given many names. He was called the Light of the World, the Lamb of God, the Good Shepherd, the Bread of Life, the Vine, the King of Kings and Lord of Lords, the Bridegroom, the Son of God, the Son of the Highest, Messiah, Christ, the Savior, Jesus, the Promised One, Lily of the Valley, Rose of Sharon, the Bright and Morning Star. Each of these names reflects a different facet of His character and helps us understand who He really is. Of all the names that were given to Him, though, none brings more comfort to my heart than Immanuel—God with us.
No wonder the angels shouted, “Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace, goodwill toward men.”Immanuel--God with us--is something to shout about!
Father in Heaven, thank You for the comfort that comes from knowing You became flesh and blood and lived among us. Thank You for loving us enough to humble Yourself and identify with us so that You could assure us that You understand our trials and struggles. I rest in Your presence. I find comfort in knowing that You are here.
By Ann Shorb
Christian Counseling and Education Services
Isaiah 7:14
The Lord Himself shall give you a sign: Behold, a virgin will conceive and bear a Son and shall call His name Immanuel.
Couples who are expecting a child usually give a great deal of consideration to the name they choose for that baby. Often it takes a long time for them to decide on one that is just right. When our children were born, I concluded that choosing the right name was one of the hardest things we had to do! After all, that name would be with the child for his whole life so we wanted it to be just right.
When Mary and Joseph were expecting the Lord Jesus, they didn’t have to worry about that. God had already selected the name for them and sent an angel to tell them that the babe should be called Immanuel. This was a fulfillment of the prophecy that was given hundreds of years before by Isaiah who wrote, “The Lord Himself shall give you a sign; Behold, a virgin will conceive, and bear a Son, and shall call His name Immanuel.” (Isaiah 7:14)
Immanuel – It means “God with us.” Yes, the angel was telling Mary and Joseph that the child she would bear would be God Himself coming down to live among men. Scholars tell us that the when the Bible speaks of God dwelling among men it literally means “He pitched His tent” among us. That is, He came to live right where we do.
Throughout the New Testament, the Lord Jesus was given many names. He was called the Light of the World, the Lamb of God, the Good Shepherd, the Bread of Life, the Vine, the King of Kings and Lord of Lords, the Bridegroom, the Son of God, the Son of the Highest, Messiah, Christ, the Savior, Jesus, the Promised One, Lily of the Valley, Rose of Sharon, the Bright and Morning Star. Each of these names reflects a different facet of His character and helps us understand who He really is. Of all the names that were given to Him, though, none brings more comfort to my heart than Immanuel—God with us.
No wonder the angels shouted, “Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace, goodwill toward men.”Immanuel--God with us--is something to shout about!
Father in Heaven, thank You for the comfort that comes from knowing You became flesh and blood and lived among us. Thank You for loving us enough to humble Yourself and identify with us so that You could assure us that You understand our trials and struggles. I rest in Your presence. I find comfort in knowing that You are here.
By Ann Shorb
Christian Counseling and Education Services
Friday, December 12, 2008
A Special Blog
I asked Courtney Beam to write a devotion for this week for obvious reasons, and the following is the powerful words God gave her. I so hope it touches your heart as it has mine.
Healing. How many of us have prayed for that very thing? I know that much of my life has been spent praying for God's healing touch during the fiery furnaces of sickness. For as long as I can remember I prayed for God to heal my brother, Stephen. He answered that prayer, but not the way I wanted Him to at the time. As my son was diagnosed with cancer both times and when I was diagnosed with the same disease, we prayed for healing. Again, it might not have been answered in the miraculous way I was hoping for, but He has, and continues to, answer those prayers even as we still are in the middle of the furnace. Part of the lesson for me has been my response to this situation. How do I respond to His answer in the midst of the furnace?
More than just our physical conditions, God wants to heal our hearts. He knows this life will be tough, and that we will face many fiery furnaces. Our families are constantly threatened by those furnaces. It reminds me of the Old Testament story of Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego. These men were forced into the fire for not bowing down to the king's image or worshiping his gods. As they were faced with the fiery furnace they told the king that their God could save them if He chose, but even if He didn't they wouldn't choose to disobey Him by worshiping other gods. As a result, the three men were thrown into the furnace that out of rage the king had ordered 7 times hotter than usual. As the guards threw them into the fire it was so hot that the guards were killed as Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego fell into the furnace. Now here's the best part of the story. When the king looked into the furnace he asked "weren't there 3 men bound and put in the furnace"? The answer was yes, but when the king looked inside the fire he saw 4 men walking around unharmed. The king then called to the men and asked them to come out. When the 3 men came out, they were perfectly fine. Not a hair was singed, their clothes weren't scorched, and they didn't even smell like the fire(Paraphrased by me from Daniel 3). The smell gets me every time I hear this story. When I am around a fire my clothes always smell like smoke later. These men were in the fire and had no smell. Amazing huh?
At times I feel like we are in the furnace and I allow myself to think that we are about to burn up. Unlike the men in the story, I find myself asking God why and even feeling sorry for myself. If only I would trust that He is not going to let our hair be singed, our robes scorched, or even let us smell of the fire. In the midst of this fire I want to respond like Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego did. I want to say, "OK, we're in the furnace and God can save us, but even if He doesn't I will praise him." Even if He doesn't answer my prayer for healing in the way I want I will praise Him. Even more so, I want to stand on the edge of the fire and say no matter what your plan is Father, I trust you. I know that you will let no harm touch me. "God has said, never will I leave you, never will I forsake you" Hebrews 13:5
Devotion by Courtney Beam (Dec. 08)
Today, I want to give each of you the opportunity to respond to the devotion in the comment section below. Maybe you want to ask for prayer because you are in need of healing, maybe you want to give testimony to God's healing, maybe you just want to praise Him no matter where you find yourself. Don't miss an opportunity to give Jehovah-Rophe the praise He is so worthy of.
Healing. How many of us have prayed for that very thing? I know that much of my life has been spent praying for God's healing touch during the fiery furnaces of sickness. For as long as I can remember I prayed for God to heal my brother, Stephen. He answered that prayer, but not the way I wanted Him to at the time. As my son was diagnosed with cancer both times and when I was diagnosed with the same disease, we prayed for healing. Again, it might not have been answered in the miraculous way I was hoping for, but He has, and continues to, answer those prayers even as we still are in the middle of the furnace. Part of the lesson for me has been my response to this situation. How do I respond to His answer in the midst of the furnace?
More than just our physical conditions, God wants to heal our hearts. He knows this life will be tough, and that we will face many fiery furnaces. Our families are constantly threatened by those furnaces. It reminds me of the Old Testament story of Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego. These men were forced into the fire for not bowing down to the king's image or worshiping his gods. As they were faced with the fiery furnace they told the king that their God could save them if He chose, but even if He didn't they wouldn't choose to disobey Him by worshiping other gods. As a result, the three men were thrown into the furnace that out of rage the king had ordered 7 times hotter than usual. As the guards threw them into the fire it was so hot that the guards were killed as Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego fell into the furnace. Now here's the best part of the story. When the king looked into the furnace he asked "weren't there 3 men bound and put in the furnace"? The answer was yes, but when the king looked inside the fire he saw 4 men walking around unharmed. The king then called to the men and asked them to come out. When the 3 men came out, they were perfectly fine. Not a hair was singed, their clothes weren't scorched, and they didn't even smell like the fire(Paraphrased by me from Daniel 3). The smell gets me every time I hear this story. When I am around a fire my clothes always smell like smoke later. These men were in the fire and had no smell. Amazing huh?
At times I feel like we are in the furnace and I allow myself to think that we are about to burn up. Unlike the men in the story, I find myself asking God why and even feeling sorry for myself. If only I would trust that He is not going to let our hair be singed, our robes scorched, or even let us smell of the fire. In the midst of this fire I want to respond like Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego did. I want to say, "OK, we're in the furnace and God can save us, but even if He doesn't I will praise him." Even if He doesn't answer my prayer for healing in the way I want I will praise Him. Even more so, I want to stand on the edge of the fire and say no matter what your plan is Father, I trust you. I know that you will let no harm touch me. "God has said, never will I leave you, never will I forsake you" Hebrews 13:5
Devotion by Courtney Beam (Dec. 08)
Today, I want to give each of you the opportunity to respond to the devotion in the comment section below. Maybe you want to ask for prayer because you are in need of healing, maybe you want to give testimony to God's healing, maybe you just want to praise Him no matter where you find yourself. Don't miss an opportunity to give Jehovah-Rophe the praise He is so worthy of.
Thursday, December 11, 2008
The Healing Power of the Cross (Part 2)
From yesterday we learned that the serpent-on-a-pole was merely an object lesson to illustrate and foreshadow the tremendous power of God, which would be centered in the cross of Christ. The reason serpents bit the Israelites and they died was because they had rebelled and sinned against God. In the same way, every person born into this world has been bitten by the fiery serpent of sin and is destined to die. As a remedy for the predicament of the Isrealites, God instructed Moses to fasten a representation of the poisonous serpent to a pole and raise it up so all could see it. God didn't get rid of the serpents nor did He prevent people from getting bitten. Instead, the people had to put their faith in God's remedy. They needed to look to the pole in order to be healed and saved.
Likewise, for us to be healed and saved from sin, we need to trust in Jesus Christ, whom God raised up on the cross. Just as a representation of a serpent was the antidote that countered the effects of the serpents, so the Bible teaches that the antidote to the effects of sin is found in Jesus who was made sin for us. Every person who looks to Him, trusts Him, and follows Him will be saved from sickness and death.
Think about it, EVERY person who trusts in the gospel of Christ will be saved from ALL sickness and death! You see, the presence of evil in this world is not only responsible for spiritual and physical death, it is also responsible for all forms of spiritual and physical infirmity, illness, disease, decay, rottenness, destruction, brokenness, and pain. But God's power triumphed over it ALL (Col. 2:14-15).
God's children will be delivered from sickness and disease, destruction, brokenness, waywardness, faithlessness, trouble, rebellion, fatique, grief pain, and a host of other ills, including death itself. Jesus is the antidote to our death-oriented sinful lives. Through Him, we can experience significant healing in this lifetime. And we can be certain that when we see Him face-to-face, we will be completely and totally healed.
"God raised the Lord and will also raise us up by his power" (1 Cor. 6:14). He "will transform our lowly body to be like his glorious body, by the power that enables him even to subject all things to himself". (Phil 3:21) The glimmers of the spiritual and physical healing we experience during this lifetime are but a small foretaste of the wholeness that is to come. By His power, the Lord guards us through faith for an inheritance that is "imperishable, undefiled, and unfading"
(1 Peter 1:4). The cross is the epicenter of the working of God's tremendous power. The cross reveals the extent of His power and fulfills the awesome meaning of His name, Lord Healer.
Likewise, for us to be healed and saved from sin, we need to trust in Jesus Christ, whom God raised up on the cross. Just as a representation of a serpent was the antidote that countered the effects of the serpents, so the Bible teaches that the antidote to the effects of sin is found in Jesus who was made sin for us. Every person who looks to Him, trusts Him, and follows Him will be saved from sickness and death.
Think about it, EVERY person who trusts in the gospel of Christ will be saved from ALL sickness and death! You see, the presence of evil in this world is not only responsible for spiritual and physical death, it is also responsible for all forms of spiritual and physical infirmity, illness, disease, decay, rottenness, destruction, brokenness, and pain. But God's power triumphed over it ALL (Col. 2:14-15).
God's children will be delivered from sickness and disease, destruction, brokenness, waywardness, faithlessness, trouble, rebellion, fatique, grief pain, and a host of other ills, including death itself. Jesus is the antidote to our death-oriented sinful lives. Through Him, we can experience significant healing in this lifetime. And we can be certain that when we see Him face-to-face, we will be completely and totally healed.
"God raised the Lord and will also raise us up by his power" (1 Cor. 6:14). He "will transform our lowly body to be like his glorious body, by the power that enables him even to subject all things to himself". (Phil 3:21) The glimmers of the spiritual and physical healing we experience during this lifetime are but a small foretaste of the wholeness that is to come. By His power, the Lord guards us through faith for an inheritance that is "imperishable, undefiled, and unfading"
(1 Peter 1:4). The cross is the epicenter of the working of God's tremendous power. The cross reveals the extent of His power and fulfills the awesome meaning of His name, Lord Healer.
Wednesday, December 10, 2008
The Healing Power of the Cross (Part One)
If you've ever been to a hospital or flipped through a phone book to look up a physician, you've likely seen the image of a serpent coiled around a staff. The emblem is called the Rod of Asclepius. Most medical associations around the world, including the World Health Organization, use it as a traditional symbol of medicine.
According to Homer's Iliad, Asclepius was a skilled physician who practiced in Greece around 1200 B.C. His skills were legendary, and eventually he came to be worshipped as the Greek god of healing. Medical schools developed, which were usually connected to temples or shrines called Asclepions. The Asclepions became very important in Greek society. Patients believed they could be cured by sleeping in them. The sick would visit, offer gifts and sacrifices to the god Asclepius, and be treated by physician-priests (called the Asclepiadae) who claimed to have the power to heal. Hippocrates, the physician-priest responsible for the Hippocratic Oath, was the most renowned Asclepiad.
The Rod of Asclepius represents healing power. But why was this Greek god paired with this odd symbol? What do a snake and stick have to do with healing? The answers date back to a biblical event that took place in Mesopotamia in about 2600 B.C.
(Stop and read Numbers 21:4-9)
Looking up at the bronze serpent-on-a-pole spared the lives of the Israelites who were stricken by venomous snake bites during their journey to the promised land. This act symbolized looking upward in faith to God, but eventually the meaning was forgotten and the pole itself became an object of worship. Worshiping a coiled serpent on a pole was adopted as a common pagan practice. The Greeks ascribed this symbol to their god of healing, Asclepion, and the modern medical world has retained it to this day.
During a time of spiritual reformation, Hezekiah destroyed Moses' mounted bronze serpent (2 Kings 18:4). Hezekiah wanted the people to realize the healing power didn't come from the image but rather from the Lord. He is the healer. The serpent-on-a-pole was merely an object lesson to illustrate and foreshadow the tremendous power of God, which would be centered in the cross of Christ.
Tomorrow we will look more into the healing power of the cross of Jesus Christ
(Devotion from Mary Kassian, Knowing God by Name)
According to Homer's Iliad, Asclepius was a skilled physician who practiced in Greece around 1200 B.C. His skills were legendary, and eventually he came to be worshipped as the Greek god of healing. Medical schools developed, which were usually connected to temples or shrines called Asclepions. The Asclepions became very important in Greek society. Patients believed they could be cured by sleeping in them. The sick would visit, offer gifts and sacrifices to the god Asclepius, and be treated by physician-priests (called the Asclepiadae) who claimed to have the power to heal. Hippocrates, the physician-priest responsible for the Hippocratic Oath, was the most renowned Asclepiad.
The Rod of Asclepius represents healing power. But why was this Greek god paired with this odd symbol? What do a snake and stick have to do with healing? The answers date back to a biblical event that took place in Mesopotamia in about 2600 B.C.
(Stop and read Numbers 21:4-9)
Looking up at the bronze serpent-on-a-pole spared the lives of the Israelites who were stricken by venomous snake bites during their journey to the promised land. This act symbolized looking upward in faith to God, but eventually the meaning was forgotten and the pole itself became an object of worship. Worshiping a coiled serpent on a pole was adopted as a common pagan practice. The Greeks ascribed this symbol to their god of healing, Asclepion, and the modern medical world has retained it to this day.
During a time of spiritual reformation, Hezekiah destroyed Moses' mounted bronze serpent (2 Kings 18:4). Hezekiah wanted the people to realize the healing power didn't come from the image but rather from the Lord. He is the healer. The serpent-on-a-pole was merely an object lesson to illustrate and foreshadow the tremendous power of God, which would be centered in the cross of Christ.
Tomorrow we will look more into the healing power of the cross of Jesus Christ
(Devotion from Mary Kassian, Knowing God by Name)
Tuesday, December 9, 2008
Power to Mend
The Hebrew word for healer means "to sew together, to mend, to repair or refresh; to make sound or whole." The image that comes to mind is of a mother or grandmother skillfully mending socks. They would stretch the worn or gaping part over the back of one hand. Then, with a large-eyed needle and yarn, they would stitch back and forth between the edges, creating a parallel picket fence of yarn over the wounded sock. Finally, they would weave up and down across the pickets, filling all the gaps with a neat, tight lattice of new material.
The German reformer Martin Luther once alluded to God as Herrn Gottes Flicker, "Lord God Mender." The image is apt. Our Lord Healer is the mender of broken things. He mends sin, rottenness, hurt, failure, broken spirits, broken bodies, and broken hearts. Even now, He's in the process of repairing the holes. He has the power to get the job done. Because He is Lord Healer, we can ask Him for healing now - and can confidently look forward in faith to the time when His power will make all things new.
Are there holes in your life that need mending? Are you suffering from any physical or spiritual sickness? Take a moment and pray a prayer of petition or praise to the powerful Lord Healer.
(adapted from Mary Kassian, Knowing Him by Name.)
The German reformer Martin Luther once alluded to God as Herrn Gottes Flicker, "Lord God Mender." The image is apt. Our Lord Healer is the mender of broken things. He mends sin, rottenness, hurt, failure, broken spirits, broken bodies, and broken hearts. Even now, He's in the process of repairing the holes. He has the power to get the job done. Because He is Lord Healer, we can ask Him for healing now - and can confidently look forward in faith to the time when His power will make all things new.
Are there holes in your life that need mending? Are you suffering from any physical or spiritual sickness? Take a moment and pray a prayer of petition or praise to the powerful Lord Healer.
(adapted from Mary Kassian, Knowing Him by Name.)
Monday, December 8, 2008
None But Jesus
Jehovah - to be. To exist. To become known. Rophe - to restore. To heal. To make healthful. This precious name of God reveals to us that God is our healer. What does "heal" mean? To heal means to restore to normal, make healthful, to cure. God is our Healer! The first time He reveals this precious name is in Exodus 15:26: "He said, "If you listen carefully to the voice of the LORD your God and do what is right in his eyes, if you pay attention to his commands and keep all his decrees, I will not bring on you any of the diseases I brought on the Egyptians, for I am the LORD, who heals you." In Isaiah 61:1-2, we are told that Jesus has come to bind up the brokenhearted. "The word translated in the Hebrew for 'bind up' can also be translated into 'heal'. In an instant, Jesus is wrapping Himself around us, the broken or wounded vessel. How comforting to know it is His presence that binds us up and heals us! In Psalms 147:3, "He heals the brokenhearted and binds up their wounds." Isn't it comforting to know that He cares about our bodies as well as our souls. He wants to heal us emotionally, spiritually, physically and mentally. We must call on Him to heal us. We must cry out in faith as Jeremiah did for God to heal us. (Jeremiah 17:14) "Heal me O Lord, and I will be healed." We must believe in who God is and that He will do what He has promised. He alone can heal us and make us whole. There are many things in this world that may "seem" to be able to make us feel better or heal us, but there is not but Jesus!
"There is no one else for me...None but Jesus. In the secret of Your presence, I know there I am restored. There is no one else for me...None but Jesus.(Hillsong)
Father, let that be our prayer...there is no one (or thing) for me but You. No one can heal the hurts in my heart but you. Give me the courage to give you these things and the faith to trust You to keep Your precious word. Thank you. Thank you for being my Jehovah Rophe.
Is Jehovah-Rophe revealing to you an area He wants to heal in your life, whether that be physical, emotional, or spiritual. How will you respond?
(Taken in part from Blue Letter Bible, and Thrilled by God, Devotions by DeDe.)
"There is no one else for me...None but Jesus. In the secret of Your presence, I know there I am restored. There is no one else for me...None but Jesus.(Hillsong)
Father, let that be our prayer...there is no one (or thing) for me but You. No one can heal the hurts in my heart but you. Give me the courage to give you these things and the faith to trust You to keep Your precious word. Thank you. Thank you for being my Jehovah Rophe.
Is Jehovah-Rophe revealing to you an area He wants to heal in your life, whether that be physical, emotional, or spiritual. How will you respond?
(Taken in part from Blue Letter Bible, and Thrilled by God, Devotions by DeDe.)
Friday, December 5, 2008
Heavy Hands
Over the last several months, many of you know that I have taken up the sport of running. Granted, I’m not sure that how I do it qualifies as a sport, but nevertheless, I run every day. I’m not real sure how far I could run if I tried to run for distance, but I imagine I could make it three miles or so before I gave out (by “gave out” I mean die of a heart attack!). Seriously, every morning when I begin my run, it never fails that the hardest part of the run is the first half mile. It is in this mile that my legs hurt, my lungs hurt, and every part of me seemingly wants to give up. This is when I am reminded that there are others who are running alongside of me and they encourage me to keep going.
We need those kind of encouragers in our lives don’t we? We need those people that we know are going to be there for us to help us make it through. Moses had those kind of people. We read about them in Exodus 17: 8-16. Their names were Aaron and Hur. This is the story.
Amalek had come to Rephidim to fight against Israel. Moses told Joshua to gather some men to go fight against Amalek. He said to Joshua, “Tomorrow (while you fight) I will stand on the hilltop with God’s staff in my hand.” Aaron and Hur went to the hilltop with Moses. The Bible tells us that as long as Moses held up his hands that Israel prevailed, but when he put his hands down, Amalek prevailed.
If that is the case, why in the world did Moses put his hands down? The answer comes in verse 12. It says, “Moses hands grew heavy.” The same way that my legs get heavy when I run in the morning! Moses needed others to come alongside him and help him hold his hands up and to encourage him to keep pressing on. That’s where Aaron and Hur come in. They held Moses’ arms up and God gave them the victory!
Life grows heavy, doesn’t it? The reason is because rather than fighting for each other, we spend way too much time fighting with each other. We fight silly fights. We need to make sure that we are fighting the fights worth fighting for! Fight for your marriage. Fight for your children. Fight for your church. Fight for your neighbors.
We can’t do this alone. We need each other. I need you. Pastoring a church is heavy work. It gets difficult at times and I need you to come alongside me. Come alongside me with your prayers, with your help, with your encouragement, with your witness. Especially you men. In a funny sounding way, we need all of our “hims” to be “Hurs!”
As you go through this day, think about those who in a spiritual sense and even a literal sense “lift up your arms.” Also, identify right now someone that you can lift up as well. Maybe send them an email or make a phone call or send a letter or card in the mail. Pray for them right now. When we lift each other up, God will fight for us for He is none other than Jehovah Nissi-The Lord Who Fights For Us!
We need those kind of encouragers in our lives don’t we? We need those people that we know are going to be there for us to help us make it through. Moses had those kind of people. We read about them in Exodus 17: 8-16. Their names were Aaron and Hur. This is the story.
Amalek had come to Rephidim to fight against Israel. Moses told Joshua to gather some men to go fight against Amalek. He said to Joshua, “Tomorrow (while you fight) I will stand on the hilltop with God’s staff in my hand.” Aaron and Hur went to the hilltop with Moses. The Bible tells us that as long as Moses held up his hands that Israel prevailed, but when he put his hands down, Amalek prevailed.
If that is the case, why in the world did Moses put his hands down? The answer comes in verse 12. It says, “Moses hands grew heavy.” The same way that my legs get heavy when I run in the morning! Moses needed others to come alongside him and help him hold his hands up and to encourage him to keep pressing on. That’s where Aaron and Hur come in. They held Moses’ arms up and God gave them the victory!
Life grows heavy, doesn’t it? The reason is because rather than fighting for each other, we spend way too much time fighting with each other. We fight silly fights. We need to make sure that we are fighting the fights worth fighting for! Fight for your marriage. Fight for your children. Fight for your church. Fight for your neighbors.
We can’t do this alone. We need each other. I need you. Pastoring a church is heavy work. It gets difficult at times and I need you to come alongside me. Come alongside me with your prayers, with your help, with your encouragement, with your witness. Especially you men. In a funny sounding way, we need all of our “hims” to be “Hurs!”
As you go through this day, think about those who in a spiritual sense and even a literal sense “lift up your arms.” Also, identify right now someone that you can lift up as well. Maybe send them an email or make a phone call or send a letter or card in the mail. Pray for them right now. When we lift each other up, God will fight for us for He is none other than Jehovah Nissi-The Lord Who Fights For Us!
Thursday, December 4, 2008
Omnipotent God
Below you will read an excerpt from Dwayne's book, Pure Praise: A Heart-focused Bible Study on Worship. I believe it to be so applicable to our pursuit to learn more about Jehovah-Nissi. I so hope you will read this devotion and again be reminded that God is our faithful banner.
Psalm 33:16-17 says, "No king is saved by the multitude of an army; A mighty man is not delivered by great strength. A horse is a vain hope for safety; Neither shall it deliver any by its great strength."(NKJV)
Three of man's most powerful assets (large armies, great physical strength, and strong horses) are still no match for the Lord. Why is that? Simply put, God can do whatever He wants because He has all the power He needs - an unlimited supply! Another word for this infinite strength is omnipotence, which is the second of God's transcendent attributes that Jehoshaphat refers to in his prayer in 2 Chronicles 20: "Power and might are in Your hand, and no one can withstand You." (verse 6b) Omnipotence has been described as "the will of God being put into operation." Jeremiah 32:17 says, "O Sovereign LORD! You have made the heavens and earth by your great power. Nothing is too hard for you!" (NLT)
As powerful as God is, how much power He makes available to us is somehow based on how much we realize we need it. It's as though God was just waiting for the Children of Judah to give up all human attempts to help their problem.
One of my favorite biographies is Through Gates of Splendor by Elizabeth Elliot. It's the true story of five young men, most barely in their twenties, who answered God's call to take the Gospel to a Stone Age tribe deep in the jungles of Ecuador. After several preliminary overtures of friendliness, the men set out on a crucial January day in 1956 for a meeting with the Waorani tribes people. Their young wives sat by their radios, waiting for news. But none of the missionaries' voices were ever heard again over the air waves. Some days later their bodies were found, mutilated. Elizabeth Elliot, the wife of the now martyred Jim Elliot, wrote these words:
"In the kitchen we (wives) sat quietly as the reports were finished, fingering the watches and wedding rings that had been brought back, trying for the hundredth time to picture the scene. Which of the men watched the others fall? Which of them had time to think of his wife and children?...This much we knew: “Whosoever shall lose his life for my sake and the Gospel's, the same shall save it." There was no question as to the present state of our loved ones. They were "with Christ."...The quiet trust of the mothers helped the children to know that this was not a tragedy. This was what God had planned...To the world at large this was a sad waste of five young lives. But God has His plan and purpose in all things. There were those whose lives where changed by what happened on Palm Beach..."
But "how," you may ask, "can she be so seemingly stoic, so calm in the face of such horrible circumstances? Things like that will strip away peoples' head knowledge about God. It hits at the very core of us. Just what was her secret?" Well, apparently she interpreted everything through the sovereign will and power of God. Here's what she wrote in the closing paragraphs of the book:
"It is not the level of our spirituality that we depend on. It is God and nothing less than God, for the work is God's and the call is God's, and everything is summoned by Him and to His purposes, the whole scene, the whole mess, the whole package..."
Excerpt from Pure Praise: A Heart-focused Bible Study on Worship (Group Publishing, 2009) Used by Permission.
Psalm 33:16-17 says, "No king is saved by the multitude of an army; A mighty man is not delivered by great strength. A horse is a vain hope for safety; Neither shall it deliver any by its great strength."(NKJV)
Three of man's most powerful assets (large armies, great physical strength, and strong horses) are still no match for the Lord. Why is that? Simply put, God can do whatever He wants because He has all the power He needs - an unlimited supply! Another word for this infinite strength is omnipotence, which is the second of God's transcendent attributes that Jehoshaphat refers to in his prayer in 2 Chronicles 20: "Power and might are in Your hand, and no one can withstand You." (verse 6b) Omnipotence has been described as "the will of God being put into operation." Jeremiah 32:17 says, "O Sovereign LORD! You have made the heavens and earth by your great power. Nothing is too hard for you!" (NLT)
As powerful as God is, how much power He makes available to us is somehow based on how much we realize we need it. It's as though God was just waiting for the Children of Judah to give up all human attempts to help their problem.
One of my favorite biographies is Through Gates of Splendor by Elizabeth Elliot. It's the true story of five young men, most barely in their twenties, who answered God's call to take the Gospel to a Stone Age tribe deep in the jungles of Ecuador. After several preliminary overtures of friendliness, the men set out on a crucial January day in 1956 for a meeting with the Waorani tribes people. Their young wives sat by their radios, waiting for news. But none of the missionaries' voices were ever heard again over the air waves. Some days later their bodies were found, mutilated. Elizabeth Elliot, the wife of the now martyred Jim Elliot, wrote these words:
"In the kitchen we (wives) sat quietly as the reports were finished, fingering the watches and wedding rings that had been brought back, trying for the hundredth time to picture the scene. Which of the men watched the others fall? Which of them had time to think of his wife and children?...This much we knew: “Whosoever shall lose his life for my sake and the Gospel's, the same shall save it." There was no question as to the present state of our loved ones. They were "with Christ."...The quiet trust of the mothers helped the children to know that this was not a tragedy. This was what God had planned...To the world at large this was a sad waste of five young lives. But God has His plan and purpose in all things. There were those whose lives where changed by what happened on Palm Beach..."
But "how," you may ask, "can she be so seemingly stoic, so calm in the face of such horrible circumstances? Things like that will strip away peoples' head knowledge about God. It hits at the very core of us. Just what was her secret?" Well, apparently she interpreted everything through the sovereign will and power of God. Here's what she wrote in the closing paragraphs of the book:
"It is not the level of our spirituality that we depend on. It is God and nothing less than God, for the work is God's and the call is God's, and everything is summoned by Him and to His purposes, the whole scene, the whole mess, the whole package..."
Excerpt from Pure Praise: A Heart-focused Bible Study on Worship (Group Publishing, 2009) Used by Permission.
Wednesday, December 3, 2008
He is our Banner!
We all march under various "banners". Banners can be things or people in which you place your trust. When an Army is marching to war, they will place a banner or a symbol somewhere as a constant reminder of who is fighting and where to place their trust. Just as Pastor Randy pointed out earlier, the United States uses our nation's flag. We can put our trust in different things. The "things" become our banners.
Some put their trust in other people, their spouse, their parents, their friendships. When trouble comes they run to their "trusted" people. While others place their trust in things like their intelligence, money, careers. These people and things become their banners in which they hang their hat. They march under the banners of trust they have created for themselves.
You have heard people say, "I'm gonna be just fine, because my husband is my rock!" or "Everything will work out because we will get the best money can buy..." or "Just give me time and I will figure it out." These are banners...people, money, intellect. All of which are nothing. Our victory doesn't lie in any of those things. At some point in time, things will fail you, but Jehovah Nissi will never fail!
"Help me Father, not to turn to relationships, or to anything else as I walk through life. Help me to walk in you as my Banner."
What or who is your "banner"? Who or what are you trusting instead of Jesus? Give those things or people to Him and trust in Him. He is our Banner!
(Adapted from Pointing Women to the Cross. July 17, 2008)
Some put their trust in other people, their spouse, their parents, their friendships. When trouble comes they run to their "trusted" people. While others place their trust in things like their intelligence, money, careers. These people and things become their banners in which they hang their hat. They march under the banners of trust they have created for themselves.
You have heard people say, "I'm gonna be just fine, because my husband is my rock!" or "Everything will work out because we will get the best money can buy..." or "Just give me time and I will figure it out." These are banners...people, money, intellect. All of which are nothing. Our victory doesn't lie in any of those things. At some point in time, things will fail you, but Jehovah Nissi will never fail!
"Help me Father, not to turn to relationships, or to anything else as I walk through life. Help me to walk in you as my Banner."
What or who is your "banner"? Who or what are you trusting instead of Jesus? Give those things or people to Him and trust in Him. He is our Banner!
(Adapted from Pointing Women to the Cross. July 17, 2008)
Tuesday, December 2, 2008
Jehovah - Nissi
"Moses built an altar and named it The LORD is My Banner." Exodus 17:15
Trusting in Yahweh Nissi gives you confidence in every struggle. Surely in the heat of the battle you need confidence to prevail. Your confidence comes from the assurance of victory from God, who fights for you. Moses discovered the secret of victory when he and the people of Israel were attacked by the armies of Amalek. The Israelites, led by Moses, faced many challenges on their journey from Egypt to the promised land. They were chased by Egyptians, crossed the Red Sea, experienced hunger and thirst.
Lack of water soon became the least of their worries. Amalek, the chief of an Edomite tribe and warrior descendant of Esau, brought an attack against the Israelites. Moses commissioned Joshua to lead the battle as Moses stationed himself on the top of a hill with the staff of God in his hand. When Moses held up his hands high, Israel prevailed in the battle, but when his hands fell, Amalek would prevail. When Aaron and Hur helped support Moses' arms high into the air, the victory was won.(more about Aaron and Hur later this week...)
God instructed Moses to record this experience in a book as a memorial, including His resolve to "utterly blot out the memory of Amalek from under heaven" (Exodus 17:14). Following the Lord's words, Moses built an altar and named it "The LORD is My Banner." The significance of the victory was not lost on Moses. Moses fully realized God as Yahweh Nissi, and it was Yahweh Nissi - not Moses, Joshua, and not the people - who was the real victor in the battle.
Banners were not foreign to the people of Israel and were often attached to bare poles or standards. Holding a banner "was a signal to God's people to rally to Him. It stood for His cause, His battle." The banner represented deliverence and salvation. When Moses held up his hands, the people of Israel relied on God for their assurance and their victory.
(Trusting in the names of God, Catherine Martin)
You and I need someone to fight for us and bring victory in our life. The Lord is the one who fights for us. When I read about the Israelites experience in this battle, I picture Moses hands upraised toward heaven, with Aaron and Hur by his side. I envision Moses praying with uplifted hands. Some Bible commentaries even suggest that Moses' upraised hands represented prayers and petitions and intercession on behalf of the people of God in the heat of the battle. That's what trusting in Jehovah-Nissi looks like. What does the banner of the Lord look like in your life?
Trusting in Yahweh Nissi gives you confidence in every struggle. Surely in the heat of the battle you need confidence to prevail. Your confidence comes from the assurance of victory from God, who fights for you. Moses discovered the secret of victory when he and the people of Israel were attacked by the armies of Amalek. The Israelites, led by Moses, faced many challenges on their journey from Egypt to the promised land. They were chased by Egyptians, crossed the Red Sea, experienced hunger and thirst.
Lack of water soon became the least of their worries. Amalek, the chief of an Edomite tribe and warrior descendant of Esau, brought an attack against the Israelites. Moses commissioned Joshua to lead the battle as Moses stationed himself on the top of a hill with the staff of God in his hand. When Moses held up his hands high, Israel prevailed in the battle, but when his hands fell, Amalek would prevail. When Aaron and Hur helped support Moses' arms high into the air, the victory was won.(more about Aaron and Hur later this week...)
God instructed Moses to record this experience in a book as a memorial, including His resolve to "utterly blot out the memory of Amalek from under heaven" (Exodus 17:14). Following the Lord's words, Moses built an altar and named it "The LORD is My Banner." The significance of the victory was not lost on Moses. Moses fully realized God as Yahweh Nissi, and it was Yahweh Nissi - not Moses, Joshua, and not the people - who was the real victor in the battle.
Banners were not foreign to the people of Israel and were often attached to bare poles or standards. Holding a banner "was a signal to God's people to rally to Him. It stood for His cause, His battle." The banner represented deliverence and salvation. When Moses held up his hands, the people of Israel relied on God for their assurance and their victory.
(Trusting in the names of God, Catherine Martin)
You and I need someone to fight for us and bring victory in our life. The Lord is the one who fights for us. When I read about the Israelites experience in this battle, I picture Moses hands upraised toward heaven, with Aaron and Hur by his side. I envision Moses praying with uplifted hands. Some Bible commentaries even suggest that Moses' upraised hands represented prayers and petitions and intercession on behalf of the people of God in the heat of the battle. That's what trusting in Jehovah-Nissi looks like. What does the banner of the Lord look like in your life?
Monday, December 1, 2008
The LORD is My Banner
Good morning all. We had a great time at Callaway Gardens with Susan’s family for Thanksgiving. This is our 11th straight year to celebrate Thanksgiving at Callaway and it is a time that we always look forward to. In fact, I think the kids are already counting the days until next year’s trip. I appreciate Dwayne preaching for me yesterday. Let me share with you a few thoughts about one incredible name of God, Jehovah - Nissi, The Lord is my banner.
This name comes on the scene when Moses is leading the children of Israel in Exodus 17. Let me encourage you to read verses 1-16 now. In these verses, Moses’ has a simple shepherd’s staff that God tells him to throw on the ground. When he does, it becomes a serpent. Then God speaks and tells Moses to pick the serpent up by the tail. (Not that I would pick any snake up, but even I know better than to pick one up by the tail!). However, when Moses picks the serpent up, it once again becomes a staff. But from this point on it is no longer called the staff of Moses, but rather the rod of God. It is this same rod that is now called, “Jehovah Nissi” or “The Lord is My Banner.”
Throughout history, banners are very important. In fact, here in America we have a very significant banner that is the symbol of our nation.
When any American sees this flag, there is a feeling of great pride. We are taught to salute it and to pledge our allegiance to it. Throughout the history of our country this flag has been our banner. Note some things about the American flag:
1. It is unfurled at times of war.
2. It is always the center of attention and no other flag can ever fly above it.
3. It has been used for direction.
4. It is waved as a sign of victory.
Today, we as believers have a banner also. It is not a flag, nor is it the rod of God. Rather our banner is the cross of Christ.
1. It was unfurled when God declared war on sin.
2. It has to be the center of attention in all that we do and nothing else can ever rise above it.
3. It gives us direction for our lives.
4. It is THE great sign of victory and triumph.
Thank God for the cross of Jesus Christ. Thank God that He is Jehovah Nissi who always fights for us. He fought for us at the cross and He won the victory for you and me!
This name comes on the scene when Moses is leading the children of Israel in Exodus 17. Let me encourage you to read verses 1-16 now. In these verses, Moses’ has a simple shepherd’s staff that God tells him to throw on the ground. When he does, it becomes a serpent. Then God speaks and tells Moses to pick the serpent up by the tail. (Not that I would pick any snake up, but even I know better than to pick one up by the tail!). However, when Moses picks the serpent up, it once again becomes a staff. But from this point on it is no longer called the staff of Moses, but rather the rod of God. It is this same rod that is now called, “Jehovah Nissi” or “The Lord is My Banner.”
Throughout history, banners are very important. In fact, here in America we have a very significant banner that is the symbol of our nation.
When any American sees this flag, there is a feeling of great pride. We are taught to salute it and to pledge our allegiance to it. Throughout the history of our country this flag has been our banner. Note some things about the American flag:
1. It is unfurled at times of war.
2. It is always the center of attention and no other flag can ever fly above it.
3. It has been used for direction.
4. It is waved as a sign of victory.
Today, we as believers have a banner also. It is not a flag, nor is it the rod of God. Rather our banner is the cross of Christ.
1. It was unfurled when God declared war on sin.
2. It has to be the center of attention in all that we do and nothing else can ever rise above it.
3. It gives us direction for our lives.
4. It is THE great sign of victory and triumph.
Thank God for the cross of Jesus Christ. Thank God that He is Jehovah Nissi who always fights for us. He fought for us at the cross and He won the victory for you and me!
Friday, November 28, 2008
Trust me with your Isaac
So many of you were touched by the poem, "Trust me with Your Isaac", by Beth Moore that Pastor Randy read at the end of his sermon on Sunday that we decided to include it in this weeks devotions. Read it and meditate on its message. Jehovah-Jireh is the God who sees everything - who will provide for you. Have a blessed day!
For every Abraham who dares
to kiss a foreign field
where glory for a moment grasped
Is for a lifetime tilled…
The voice of God
speaks not but once
but ‘til traveler hears
“Abraham! Abraham! Bring your Isaac here!”
“Bring not the blemished sacrifice.
What lovest thou the most?
Look not into the distance,
you’ll find your Isaac close.”
“I hear the tearing of your heart
torn between two loves,
the one your vision can behold
the Other hid above.”
“Do you trust me, Abraham
with your gravest fear?
Will you pry your fingers loose
and bring your Isaac here?”
“Have I not made you promises?
Hold them tight instead!
I am the Lover of your soul—
the Lifter of your head.”
“Believe me, O my Abraham
when blinded by the cost.
Arrange the wooded altar
and count your gains but loss.”
“Let tears wash clean your blinded eyes until unveiled you see—
the ram caught in the thicket there
to set your Isaac free.”
“Perhaps I’ll send him down the mount
to walk right by your side.
No longer in your iron grasp
but safer still in mine.”
“Or I may wrap him in the wind
and sweep him from your sight
to better things beyond your reach—
believe with all your might!”
“Look up, beloved Abraham.
Can you count the stars?
Multitudes will stand to reap
from one dear friend of God.”
“Pass the test, my faithful one;
bow to me as Lord.
Trust me with your Isaac—
see,
I am your great Reward.”
My great and awesome God, I want more than anything to hold onto You tightly and to hold onto everything else loosely. I want to be willing to lay down my most treasured relationships and possessions at Your request. Give me a willing heart to offer those unblemished sacrifices to You. Help me to trust You fully when I seem to be getting two opposite messages from You. Thank You for providing Jesus, the spotless Lamb, to take my place on the altar. I offer myself to You today as a living sacrifice. It’s in the name of Jesus that I pray, Amen
For every Abraham who dares
to kiss a foreign field
where glory for a moment grasped
Is for a lifetime tilled…
The voice of God
speaks not but once
but ‘til traveler hears
“Abraham! Abraham! Bring your Isaac here!”
“Bring not the blemished sacrifice.
What lovest thou the most?
Look not into the distance,
you’ll find your Isaac close.”
“I hear the tearing of your heart
torn between two loves,
the one your vision can behold
the Other hid above.”
“Do you trust me, Abraham
with your gravest fear?
Will you pry your fingers loose
and bring your Isaac here?”
“Have I not made you promises?
Hold them tight instead!
I am the Lover of your soul—
the Lifter of your head.”
“Believe me, O my Abraham
when blinded by the cost.
Arrange the wooded altar
and count your gains but loss.”
“Let tears wash clean your blinded eyes until unveiled you see—
the ram caught in the thicket there
to set your Isaac free.”
“Perhaps I’ll send him down the mount
to walk right by your side.
No longer in your iron grasp
but safer still in mine.”
“Or I may wrap him in the wind
and sweep him from your sight
to better things beyond your reach—
believe with all your might!”
“Look up, beloved Abraham.
Can you count the stars?
Multitudes will stand to reap
from one dear friend of God.”
“Pass the test, my faithful one;
bow to me as Lord.
Trust me with your Isaac—
see,
I am your great Reward.”
My great and awesome God, I want more than anything to hold onto You tightly and to hold onto everything else loosely. I want to be willing to lay down my most treasured relationships and possessions at Your request. Give me a willing heart to offer those unblemished sacrifices to You. Help me to trust You fully when I seem to be getting two opposite messages from You. Thank You for providing Jesus, the spotless Lamb, to take my place on the altar. I offer myself to You today as a living sacrifice. It’s in the name of Jesus that I pray, Amen
Thursday, November 27, 2008
Prayer of Thanksgiving
"I will give thanks to the Lord because of his righteousness and will sing praise to the name of the Lord Most High." Psalm 7:17
Happy Thanksgiving to all! We want to encourage you to take a few minutes and read one of the greatest Psalms of thanksgiving ever written. Psalm 100. As you read Psalm 100, stop after each verse to just spend a few minutes praising YAHWEH.
*"Shout for joy to the Lord, all the earth."
(Express to God that you acknowledge that He is Lord of everything.)
*"Worship the Lord with gladness; come before him
with joyful songs."
(Express your joy in the Lord.)
*"Know that the Lord is God. It is he who made us, and we are his; we are his people, the sheep of his pasture."
(Express your thanks to God that you belong to Him.)
*"Enter his gates with thanksgiving and his courts with praise; give thanks to him and praise his name."
(Express your thanks to God for everything He has done for you.)
*" For the Lord is good and his love endures forever, his faithfulness continues through all generations."
(Express your praise to God for His goodness, His enduring love, and His faithfulness to you.)
We hope that today your heart will be reminded of all the blessings God has bestowed on you and your families. May you have an attitude of gratitude today.
Happy Thanksgiving to all! We want to encourage you to take a few minutes and read one of the greatest Psalms of thanksgiving ever written. Psalm 100. As you read Psalm 100, stop after each verse to just spend a few minutes praising YAHWEH.
*"Shout for joy to the Lord, all the earth."
(Express to God that you acknowledge that He is Lord of everything.)
*"Worship the Lord with gladness; come before him
with joyful songs."
(Express your joy in the Lord.)
*"Know that the Lord is God. It is he who made us, and we are his; we are his people, the sheep of his pasture."
(Express your thanks to God that you belong to Him.)
*"Enter his gates with thanksgiving and his courts with praise; give thanks to him and praise his name."
(Express your thanks to God for everything He has done for you.)
*" For the Lord is good and his love endures forever, his faithfulness continues through all generations."
(Express your praise to God for His goodness, His enduring love, and His faithfulness to you.)
We hope that today your heart will be reminded of all the blessings God has bestowed on you and your families. May you have an attitude of gratitude today.
Wednesday, November 26, 2008
Jehovah-Jireh is...
What do you NEED today from Jehovah Jireh? Is it peace that passes all understanding or something else? He is the Lord who sees. May you find time today to sit before Your Heavenly Father, who loves you, and talk with Him. He's waiting to hear from you.
Tuesday, November 25, 2008
Christ is Provider
"But I think it is necessary to send back to you Epaphroditus, my brother, fellow worker and fellow soldier, who is also your messenger, whom you sent to take care of my needs." (Phil 2: 25-26)
I got onto the bus with the other delegates attending a workplace conference in South Africa. It was a season in my life in which I had experienced many losses both financially and relationally. God was stripping away the old wineskin and creating a new one. One of the things He was teaching me was that He - not my skills, not my work - was my provider of financial needs during this season of training.
God provided me the means to attend the conference. One day before the registration deadline, a man came to my office and game me $2500.00 and told me I was to go. Now, a man had just placed an envelope into my hand. "Here, God says I'm to give this to you. Inside are 10 crisp American $100 bills -$1000!" The man was from Kuwait.
Every believer needs to come to know Christ as their provider. Jehovah Jireh means God is my provider. When God called the Israelites from their place of slavery they had to walk through the desert. There is not way to earn a living in the desert. So God provided manna each day for them. Sometimes He even brought water from rocks. They had to experience a new way of gaining provision that was not rooted in sweat and toil. God had to demonstrate His faithfulness as Jehovah Jireh to His people.
There were times when Paul's tent making business was not the way God would provide for him. God often uses others as His instrument of provision. So, God sent Epaphroditus to take care of Paul's needs.
Do you know God as your provider? Do you have a need? Place your need before the Lord today and ask Him to demonstrate His faithfulness as Jehovah Jireh.
Taken from
Today God is First
Volume 2, by Os Hillman
Dear Father in Heaven,
This day I look up and remember how it is you who created all and who owns the cattle upon the hills, the water that springs from the earth, the skies that span our view, and everything good. It is you who can provide for and bless the earth and the inhabitants thereof. I pray for the many people who are in difficult circumstances right now and need a touch to help them with their basic needs. I pray for those who need financial income to pay their living expenses, those who need jobs to bring in that income, who need good health to be able to do those jobs; and for those whose jobs do not provide sufficient income for their needs. I pray also for those who have the income, but do not know how to properly manage it for the best outcome. And I pray for those who have much and can give much. Please, connect the right people with jobs, and the right people with the right people, to do what needs to be done. I pray that you will meet every need; that you will bless the lives of those who follow your guidance and those who are thankful for what you provide. Hear the cries of the needy. I pray you will bless those who give from the abundance you have allowed them to have, for sharing and ministering in ways that others cannot. Thank you, Father, for hearing my prayer.
In Jesus Name,
Amen
I got onto the bus with the other delegates attending a workplace conference in South Africa. It was a season in my life in which I had experienced many losses both financially and relationally. God was stripping away the old wineskin and creating a new one. One of the things He was teaching me was that He - not my skills, not my work - was my provider of financial needs during this season of training.
God provided me the means to attend the conference. One day before the registration deadline, a man came to my office and game me $2500.00 and told me I was to go. Now, a man had just placed an envelope into my hand. "Here, God says I'm to give this to you. Inside are 10 crisp American $100 bills -$1000!" The man was from Kuwait.
Every believer needs to come to know Christ as their provider. Jehovah Jireh means God is my provider. When God called the Israelites from their place of slavery they had to walk through the desert. There is not way to earn a living in the desert. So God provided manna each day for them. Sometimes He even brought water from rocks. They had to experience a new way of gaining provision that was not rooted in sweat and toil. God had to demonstrate His faithfulness as Jehovah Jireh to His people.
There were times when Paul's tent making business was not the way God would provide for him. God often uses others as His instrument of provision. So, God sent Epaphroditus to take care of Paul's needs.
Do you know God as your provider? Do you have a need? Place your need before the Lord today and ask Him to demonstrate His faithfulness as Jehovah Jireh.
Taken from
Today God is First
Volume 2, by Os Hillman
Dear Father in Heaven,
This day I look up and remember how it is you who created all and who owns the cattle upon the hills, the water that springs from the earth, the skies that span our view, and everything good. It is you who can provide for and bless the earth and the inhabitants thereof. I pray for the many people who are in difficult circumstances right now and need a touch to help them with their basic needs. I pray for those who need financial income to pay their living expenses, those who need jobs to bring in that income, who need good health to be able to do those jobs; and for those whose jobs do not provide sufficient income for their needs. I pray also for those who have the income, but do not know how to properly manage it for the best outcome. And I pray for those who have much and can give much. Please, connect the right people with jobs, and the right people with the right people, to do what needs to be done. I pray that you will meet every need; that you will bless the lives of those who follow your guidance and those who are thankful for what you provide. Hear the cries of the needy. I pray you will bless those who give from the abundance you have allowed them to have, for sharing and ministering in ways that others cannot. Thank you, Father, for hearing my prayer.
In Jesus Name,
Amen
Monday, November 24, 2008
Jehovah-Jireh
"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. Genesis 22:14
The account of Abraham being willing to offer his son Isaac as a sacrifice is filled with meaning. We all remember Abraham's statement to Isaac on the way up the mountain that "God will provide himself a lamb." When Abraham saw the ram caught in the thicket, he knew that the ram would be sacrificed in the place of his son. God had indeed provided. Therefore, Abraham named the place Jehovah-jireh, God will provide. You may have noticed that the KJV translates the name "it shall be seen". There was the mention of seeing everywhere surrounding this story. Jesus even mentioned that Abraham saw His day and rejoiced. It was a pointed reference to our text. How do we get from "God will see" to "God will provide"? It is obvious that God has the ability to provide. Abraham learned that whatever needs God saw, he would provide. The greater truth in God's name is not that God provided a ram in the thicket for Isaac, but that God provided the Lamb for the sins of the world. Abraham's son was spared; God's son was not spared. God sees the great need in our world today. He saw it from before the foundation of the world. As a result, He has provided the way of salvation and life through His son. What a joy it is to have the privilege to join God in His grat work of redemption by telling everyone that we know a God who provides eternal life through faith in Jesus, His Son.
Written by: Rev. Ed Cruce
Director of Missions
Bessemer Baptist Association
The account of Abraham being willing to offer his son Isaac as a sacrifice is filled with meaning. We all remember Abraham's statement to Isaac on the way up the mountain that "God will provide himself a lamb." When Abraham saw the ram caught in the thicket, he knew that the ram would be sacrificed in the place of his son. God had indeed provided. Therefore, Abraham named the place Jehovah-jireh, God will provide. You may have noticed that the KJV translates the name "it shall be seen". There was the mention of seeing everywhere surrounding this story. Jesus even mentioned that Abraham saw His day and rejoiced. It was a pointed reference to our text. How do we get from "God will see" to "God will provide"? It is obvious that God has the ability to provide. Abraham learned that whatever needs God saw, he would provide. The greater truth in God's name is not that God provided a ram in the thicket for Isaac, but that God provided the Lamb for the sins of the world. Abraham's son was spared; God's son was not spared. God sees the great need in our world today. He saw it from before the foundation of the world. As a result, He has provided the way of salvation and life through His son. What a joy it is to have the privilege to join God in His grat work of redemption by telling everyone that we know a God who provides eternal life through faith in Jesus, His Son.
Written by: Rev. Ed Cruce
Director of Missions
Bessemer Baptist Association
Friday, November 21, 2008
The Wayward Sheep
When you see the picture of the shepherd carrying his little lamb on his shoulders have you ever wondered why he is carrying it rather than walking along side it? The answer is very interesting. The sheep on the shoulders of his master is a wayward sheep. This is a sheep that not only wonders from the flock into dangerous territories; but, it wonders habitually. In Psalm 23, King David wrote about the comfort the rod and staff brought him while walking through the valley of the shadow of death. The shepherd’s staff was hooked at the end to bring wondering sheep back into the fold. The rod was used as an incentive for those wondering sheep who were a bit more given to straying. In either case, peace and comfort was brought forth through the enforcement of boundaries set by the one in authority. This resulted in a sense of security for the wandering sheep. However, there are some cases when the rod and staff are not enough incentive for a particularly strong-willed sheep--a sheep who continually chooses to leave the safety and security of the flock; and, who continually travels into areas where he can be destroyed by wolves or other ravenous beasts. It is at this time that the good shepherd realizes that he must exercise extraordinary measures to secure the safety of this one little sheep.
So, out of his deepest measure of love, and for the ultimate well being of his precious little sheep, the good shepherd breaks the sheep’s leg so that it can not wonder into those dangerous territories. This forces the sheep to abide in the vicinity of the good shepherd. He learns to hear and heed his master’s voice. He begins developing a relationship with his master--a relationship not likely developed in light of his former rebellious behaviors. He begins to obey his master, not because he fears him; but, because he has developed a loving relationship with him. He has realized, through this relationship, that when the master speaks he speaks love, wisdom, goodness, peace, safety, and security.
Tuesday evening, I had the privilege of being led in worship by Kevin Derryberry who spoke of the years he continuously rebelled against God's gentle calling him back into the "fold". It wasn't until he faced near death from alcoholism that he crawled into His Shepherd's arms for the first time since he was a young boy. He has since developed a deep love relationship with his Lord.
This action by the shepherd may seem harsh to you, but the shepherd knows the dangers that lurk around the corner. I have often seen parents "pop" the hand of their small child or place them in "time out" for actions that would result in their harm. Parents don't do this out of meanness or anger, but because they don't want their children to receive unnecessary injury. Our Great Shepherd must discipline us in order to protect us.
Maybe you are not currently on the "wrong path", but unfortunately, you have a family member or a friend who is rebelling against the Shepherds leading. Take a moment to just pray for that person right now. Ask God to gently lead them back into his arms. Thank God for what He is going to do in the life of that person.
Thank you so much for taking time each day to sit and read these devotions. We pray that God is speaking to your heart and drawing you close. We want you to know that God loves you. If you have a loved one that is currently running from the Lord and you wish for us to pray for him/her, please request prayer in the comment section below. If you are not comfortable leaving a name, God knows the situation...just request prayer. Also, should you need additional prayer or guidance please feel free to contact Pastor Randy using the church's link on this blog.
So, out of his deepest measure of love, and for the ultimate well being of his precious little sheep, the good shepherd breaks the sheep’s leg so that it can not wonder into those dangerous territories. This forces the sheep to abide in the vicinity of the good shepherd. He learns to hear and heed his master’s voice. He begins developing a relationship with his master--a relationship not likely developed in light of his former rebellious behaviors. He begins to obey his master, not because he fears him; but, because he has developed a loving relationship with him. He has realized, through this relationship, that when the master speaks he speaks love, wisdom, goodness, peace, safety, and security.
Tuesday evening, I had the privilege of being led in worship by Kevin Derryberry who spoke of the years he continuously rebelled against God's gentle calling him back into the "fold". It wasn't until he faced near death from alcoholism that he crawled into His Shepherd's arms for the first time since he was a young boy. He has since developed a deep love relationship with his Lord.
This action by the shepherd may seem harsh to you, but the shepherd knows the dangers that lurk around the corner. I have often seen parents "pop" the hand of their small child or place them in "time out" for actions that would result in their harm. Parents don't do this out of meanness or anger, but because they don't want their children to receive unnecessary injury. Our Great Shepherd must discipline us in order to protect us.
Maybe you are not currently on the "wrong path", but unfortunately, you have a family member or a friend who is rebelling against the Shepherds leading. Take a moment to just pray for that person right now. Ask God to gently lead them back into his arms. Thank God for what He is going to do in the life of that person.
Thank you so much for taking time each day to sit and read these devotions. We pray that God is speaking to your heart and drawing you close. We want you to know that God loves you. If you have a loved one that is currently running from the Lord and you wish for us to pray for him/her, please request prayer in the comment section below. If you are not comfortable leaving a name, God knows the situation...just request prayer. Also, should you need additional prayer or guidance please feel free to contact Pastor Randy using the church's link on this blog.
Thursday, November 20, 2008
The Right Path
During Pastor Randy's sermon on the 23rd Psalm this past Sunday, I was led to meditate on some things he spoke concerning verse 3;
" He guides me in paths of righteousness for his name's sake."
Randy basically interpreted this scripture to mean "He [the Shepherd] leads me on the right path." He then preceded to explain that what makes the path right is not the absence of trouble but the presence of the Shepherd.
I was then reminded about an illustration I had once used in a Bible Study. We know that our Great Shepherd loves us and knows us by name. But too often we lose sight of the fact that He always has our best interests at heart. We rebel against His leading thinking that our own path is better. We are like sheep, always wanting the greener grass.
In the highlands of Scotland sheep often wander off into the rocks and get into places that they can't get out of. The grass on these mountains tastes very sweet, and the sheep like it. They will jump down ten or twelve feet to a ledge with a patch of grass, and then they can't jump back up again. The shepherd hears them bleating in distress. The shepherd may leave them there for days, until they have eaten all the grass and are so faint that they cannot stand. Only then will the shepherd put a rope around the sheep and pull them up out of the jaws of death.
"Why doesn't the shepherd attempt a rescue when the sheep first get into the predicament? The sheep are so foolish and so focused on eating that they would dash away from the shepherd, go over the precipice and destroy themselves. Our Good Shepherd knows what is best for us.
Spend a few moments thinking about the times you chose the wrong path looking for greener grass, and the ways you were steered back to the right path. Praise God for showing you that he knows what is best for you.
In tomorrow's devotion we will look at how the Shepherd must sometimes go to extraordinary lengths to protect His sheep from themselves and the unseen dangers they face.
" He guides me in paths of righteousness for his name's sake."
Randy basically interpreted this scripture to mean "He [the Shepherd] leads me on the right path." He then preceded to explain that what makes the path right is not the absence of trouble but the presence of the Shepherd.
I was then reminded about an illustration I had once used in a Bible Study. We know that our Great Shepherd loves us and knows us by name. But too often we lose sight of the fact that He always has our best interests at heart. We rebel against His leading thinking that our own path is better. We are like sheep, always wanting the greener grass.
In the highlands of Scotland sheep often wander off into the rocks and get into places that they can't get out of. The grass on these mountains tastes very sweet, and the sheep like it. They will jump down ten or twelve feet to a ledge with a patch of grass, and then they can't jump back up again. The shepherd hears them bleating in distress. The shepherd may leave them there for days, until they have eaten all the grass and are so faint that they cannot stand. Only then will the shepherd put a rope around the sheep and pull them up out of the jaws of death.
"Why doesn't the shepherd attempt a rescue when the sheep first get into the predicament? The sheep are so foolish and so focused on eating that they would dash away from the shepherd, go over the precipice and destroy themselves. Our Good Shepherd knows what is best for us.
Spend a few moments thinking about the times you chose the wrong path looking for greener grass, and the ways you were steered back to the right path. Praise God for showing you that he knows what is best for you.
In tomorrow's devotion we will look at how the Shepherd must sometimes go to extraordinary lengths to protect His sheep from themselves and the unseen dangers they face.
Wednesday, November 19, 2008
Jehovah - Rohi...The Lord is our Shepherd
The first time the Lord reveals his name to us is through the man after His own heart, David, in Psalms 23. "The LORD is my shepherd, I shall not be in want. He makes me lie down in green pastures, He leads me beside quiet waters, He restores my soul. He guides me in paths of righteousness for His name's sake. Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil, for You are with me; Your rod and Your staff, they comfort me. You prepare a table before me in the presence of my enemies. You anoint my head with oil; my cup overflows. Surely goodness and love will follow me all the days of my life, and I will dwell in the house of the LORD forever."
In this Psalm, "David expresses himself as ...a sheep. Knowing the reputation of sheep, not so bright, no leadership qualities, (they are followers) and ultimately dependent on another for their survival. David speaks in humility. David the sheep...is satisfied. In researching the life of a sheep, sheep are skittish, easily frightened, and tend to wander. They will only calm down when all their needs are met. And Who is meeting these needs? The Shepherd. David is saying, 'in my relationship with God, He satisfies all of me, my needs and my wants."
David also gives us a glimpse "of the Shepherd in the sheeps's life. We see the willingness to follow the Shepherd's working. The sheep is being made to lie down, rest, he is being lead beside quiet (still) waters. An interesting fact about the 'quiet, still' waters, the sheep will drown in swift water. Their wool is like a sponge that absorbs the water so that the sheep cannot swim out, so they are taken to a place that does not hold a potential threat."
"As the Shepherd provides for the sheep, as wonderful as this is, yet there is something that stands out...verse 6 'Surely goodness and love (mercy, loving-kindness) will follow me all the days of my life', as I looked at this in the original Hebrew, I was again reminded just to what lengths God will go to to get our attention. David speaks of the Shepherd's goodness and love, this action towards us meaning...God's loyalty, commitment...devotion. But God, the Shepherd does not stop with merely presenting us with His devotion...His devotion will 'follow me'. The word picture described is, God's favor chasing down the one whom He loves. It is NOT passive in the sense that God is tagging along behind us. NO, it is aggressive...He is hunting us down. Ever felt that way? In knowing this, we can stop and allow Him to catch us. He is motivated out of love. 1
So as you think about God's loyalty, His devotion to you, stop and take a moment and praise God for loving you so much that He is willing to chase after you to keep you safe and secure. Maybe you just need to realize you can't outrun the Shepherd and today is the day He longs to hear you call upon Him. He knows you by name and is waiting to shepherd you.
1 Devotions by DeDe, Knowing God by His Names.
In this Psalm, "David expresses himself as ...a sheep. Knowing the reputation of sheep, not so bright, no leadership qualities, (they are followers) and ultimately dependent on another for their survival. David speaks in humility. David the sheep...is satisfied. In researching the life of a sheep, sheep are skittish, easily frightened, and tend to wander. They will only calm down when all their needs are met. And Who is meeting these needs? The Shepherd. David is saying, 'in my relationship with God, He satisfies all of me, my needs and my wants."
David also gives us a glimpse "of the Shepherd in the sheeps's life. We see the willingness to follow the Shepherd's working. The sheep is being made to lie down, rest, he is being lead beside quiet (still) waters. An interesting fact about the 'quiet, still' waters, the sheep will drown in swift water. Their wool is like a sponge that absorbs the water so that the sheep cannot swim out, so they are taken to a place that does not hold a potential threat."
"As the Shepherd provides for the sheep, as wonderful as this is, yet there is something that stands out...verse 6 'Surely goodness and love (mercy, loving-kindness) will follow me all the days of my life', as I looked at this in the original Hebrew, I was again reminded just to what lengths God will go to to get our attention. David speaks of the Shepherd's goodness and love, this action towards us meaning...God's loyalty, commitment...devotion. But God, the Shepherd does not stop with merely presenting us with His devotion...His devotion will 'follow me'. The word picture described is, God's favor chasing down the one whom He loves. It is NOT passive in the sense that God is tagging along behind us. NO, it is aggressive...He is hunting us down. Ever felt that way? In knowing this, we can stop and allow Him to catch us. He is motivated out of love. 1
So as you think about God's loyalty, His devotion to you, stop and take a moment and praise God for loving you so much that He is willing to chase after you to keep you safe and secure. Maybe you just need to realize you can't outrun the Shepherd and today is the day He longs to hear you call upon Him. He knows you by name and is waiting to shepherd you.
1 Devotions by DeDe, Knowing God by His Names.
Tuesday, November 18, 2008
Aunt Sally's Little Lambs
When Jesus speaks of His relationship with His sheep, He points to the intimacy He knows with those who belong to Him. He also reveals how He leads and guides His sheep - His sheep hear His voice calling them by name, and then in the hearing of His instructions, they follow Him (John 10:1-18). Two questions present themselves to those who are in the church, the body of Christ: Do you know your Shepherd intimately, and do you hear His Word? Clearly, Jesus wants intimacy with you, and He wants you to know His voice and hear what He has to say. This is a wake-up call: "Church, are you intimate with your Shepherd, and are you opening the pages of His Word to hear Him speak?"
Catherine Martin, author of Knowing and Loving the Bible, tells a story about her friends Aunt Sally that I absolutely must share with you...
Aunt Sally ran quickly to the barn as the ewes were giving birth to the lambs. Sally's husband, Ray, put her in charge of the bum lambs, those lambs that were rejected by their mothers, a common occurance with ewes who had multiple births. Bum lambs were hand raised by the ranchers until they were grown and assimilated into the general flock of sheep. Aunt Sally took the first little lamb, rejected by its mother, cradled him close to her, and rubbed him down with an old towel. She noticed two little humps on its head where horns would eventually grow and whispered softly, "I'll call you Buckaroo."
Just then, her husband opened the door of the kitchen, "I can't understand it," he said. "These ewes are so stubborn - here are two more who need your special care." She picked up one of the little lambs, "You'll be Fluffy, she informed him as she rubbed him down, fluffing up the wool. She gathered up the third little lamb. "With these short little legs," she said, "who could you be but Stumpy!" Just as she finished drying and feeding her three little special lambs, Ray came through the door with one more bum and said, ""This is the last one." Aunt Sally washed him, fed him, and called him Lefty because he was the only one left.
For the next few weeks, Aunt Sally cared for her little lambs, calling them each by their names many times a day. She grew attached to them as they played, ate, and slept in the yard of the ranch house. Aunt Sally reluctantly let her lambs join the rest of the sheep to go with the ranch hands to the summer pasture.
One day, at the end of summer, she heard the noise of the sheep coming home. She ran to find her lambs, forgetting how different they would look after three months. When she looked out over all the sheep, she could not distinquish one from another. Then, an idea came to Aunt Sally. She leaned against the fence and began calling her lambs by name. "Fluffy!" "Stumpy!" "Buckaroo!" "Lefty!" Over and over again she called out their names. One by one, three sheep made their way over to the fence. She could clearly distinquish all three. "Why, I know you, you are Buckaroo - those little horns are growing...Here's Fluffy, with all that wool...And this has to be Stumpy!" she exclaimed. "But where's Lefty?" She called again, but it was apparent that Lefty's ears had grown dull to the voice of the shepherdess.
There is a great lesson in this true story for all of us. Those three sheep knew the voice of their shepherd so well. Do you know you Lord, your good Shepherd, or are you like Lefty, whose ears had grown dull? When you spend time in God's Word, you will grow accustomed to hearing His voice and recognize His call to you. Sadly, there are too many in the church whose hearing has grown dull. No wonder Jesus often said, "If anyone has ears to hear, let him hear".
If you have never discovered the excitement of opening the Bible and hearing your Shepherd speak to you, then as Ran quoted Jesus on Sunday, "Wake up!" Run to Him, His Word and get to know the voice of Jehovah Rohi.
Catherine Martin, author of Knowing and Loving the Bible, tells a story about her friends Aunt Sally that I absolutely must share with you...
Aunt Sally ran quickly to the barn as the ewes were giving birth to the lambs. Sally's husband, Ray, put her in charge of the bum lambs, those lambs that were rejected by their mothers, a common occurance with ewes who had multiple births. Bum lambs were hand raised by the ranchers until they were grown and assimilated into the general flock of sheep. Aunt Sally took the first little lamb, rejected by its mother, cradled him close to her, and rubbed him down with an old towel. She noticed two little humps on its head where horns would eventually grow and whispered softly, "I'll call you Buckaroo."
Just then, her husband opened the door of the kitchen, "I can't understand it," he said. "These ewes are so stubborn - here are two more who need your special care." She picked up one of the little lambs, "You'll be Fluffy, she informed him as she rubbed him down, fluffing up the wool. She gathered up the third little lamb. "With these short little legs," she said, "who could you be but Stumpy!" Just as she finished drying and feeding her three little special lambs, Ray came through the door with one more bum and said, ""This is the last one." Aunt Sally washed him, fed him, and called him Lefty because he was the only one left.
For the next few weeks, Aunt Sally cared for her little lambs, calling them each by their names many times a day. She grew attached to them as they played, ate, and slept in the yard of the ranch house. Aunt Sally reluctantly let her lambs join the rest of the sheep to go with the ranch hands to the summer pasture.
One day, at the end of summer, she heard the noise of the sheep coming home. She ran to find her lambs, forgetting how different they would look after three months. When she looked out over all the sheep, she could not distinquish one from another. Then, an idea came to Aunt Sally. She leaned against the fence and began calling her lambs by name. "Fluffy!" "Stumpy!" "Buckaroo!" "Lefty!" Over and over again she called out their names. One by one, three sheep made their way over to the fence. She could clearly distinquish all three. "Why, I know you, you are Buckaroo - those little horns are growing...Here's Fluffy, with all that wool...And this has to be Stumpy!" she exclaimed. "But where's Lefty?" She called again, but it was apparent that Lefty's ears had grown dull to the voice of the shepherdess.
There is a great lesson in this true story for all of us. Those three sheep knew the voice of their shepherd so well. Do you know you Lord, your good Shepherd, or are you like Lefty, whose ears had grown dull? When you spend time in God's Word, you will grow accustomed to hearing His voice and recognize His call to you. Sadly, there are too many in the church whose hearing has grown dull. No wonder Jesus often said, "If anyone has ears to hear, let him hear".
If you have never discovered the excitement of opening the Bible and hearing your Shepherd speak to you, then as Ran quoted Jesus on Sunday, "Wake up!" Run to Him, His Word and get to know the voice of Jehovah Rohi.
Monday, November 17, 2008
23
Psalm 23
The LORD is my shepherd, I shall not be in want.
He makes me lie down in green pastures,
he leads me beside quiet waters,
He restores my soul.
He guides me in paths of righteousness
for his name's sake.
Even though I walk
through the valley of the shadow of death, [a]
I will fear no evil,
for you are with me;
your rod and your staff,
they comfort me.
You prepare a table before me
in the presence of my enemies.
You anoint my head with oil;
my cup overflows.
Surely goodness and love will follow me
all the days of my life,
and I will dwell in the house of the LORD
forever.
Friday, November 14, 2008
Trusting My Great Master
I so hope this post finds you well! I am so excited to share with you a different aspect of our relationship with Adonai. I love author and Bible Study teacher, Mary Kassain. She recently wrote something concerning the topic of the faithfulness of our Lord [Adonai] that I wanted to share with you. When we consider the master-servant relationship, we often focus on a servant's responsibility to follow and obey. But wouldn't it be refreshing and encouraging to focus for a moment instead on the responsibility of a master? What does a good master contribute to the master-servant relationship? Read what she wrote;
"The Bible teaches that the relationship between a master and servant begins with the master." Think about that for a minute... "Jewish servants were considered members of their master's households; their masters extended them both protection and privilege. Masters were responsible for meeting their servants' needs for food, shelter, clothing, and other necessities. Masters also provided training, instruction, guidance, and accountability for the work of their servants. They promoted faithful servants to positions of great authority and responsibility."
Adonai, our Great Master, is faithful to meet our needs. He can be trusted to meet our needs as we serve Him over and over and over again. Let's just look at some of the many things Adnoai does for His servants:
* He looses their bonds (Ps. 116:16)
* He daily bears their burdens (Ps. 68:19)
* He is good to them and forgives them (Ps. 86: 4-5)
* He is merciful and gracious to them ( Ps. 86:15)
* He is abounding in love and faithfulness to them (Ps. 86:15)
* He gives His strength to them (Ps. 86:16)
* He is their helper and upholds their lives (Ps 54:4)
* He makes them glad (Ps. 86:4)
Reading these reminders, no wonder David exclaimed to the Lord, "You are my [Adonai]; I have no good apart from you" (Ps. 16:2).
Why don't you take a minute and go through the above points and replace them and their with my and me. It is so refreshing to remind yourself of how faithful your Master is to you.
My Great Master,
"To you I lift up my eyes, O you who are enthroned in the heavens! Behold, as the eyes of servants look to the hand of their master, as the eyes of a maidservant to the hand of her mistress, so our eyes look to the LORD our God." It is to You, that I do lift up my eyes, and praise You for your faithfulness to me. Even when I am faithless, You are faithful. Thank you for reminding me today of so many of the ways You prove yourself trustworthy and attentive to my needs. Even the needs I don't know I have, You are faithful to meet. I exalt you, God, as Adonai, my Great Master. May You find your servant faithful to You today.
In Jesus Name,
Amen
**Please take a minute today and leave a comment about how faithful your Master has been to you as you serve Him**
"The Bible teaches that the relationship between a master and servant begins with the master." Think about that for a minute... "Jewish servants were considered members of their master's households; their masters extended them both protection and privilege. Masters were responsible for meeting their servants' needs for food, shelter, clothing, and other necessities. Masters also provided training, instruction, guidance, and accountability for the work of their servants. They promoted faithful servants to positions of great authority and responsibility."
Adonai, our Great Master, is faithful to meet our needs. He can be trusted to meet our needs as we serve Him over and over and over again. Let's just look at some of the many things Adnoai does for His servants:
* He looses their bonds (Ps. 116:16)
* He daily bears their burdens (Ps. 68:19)
* He is good to them and forgives them (Ps. 86: 4-5)
* He is merciful and gracious to them ( Ps. 86:15)
* He is abounding in love and faithfulness to them (Ps. 86:15)
* He gives His strength to them (Ps. 86:16)
* He is their helper and upholds their lives (Ps 54:4)
* He makes them glad (Ps. 86:4)
Reading these reminders, no wonder David exclaimed to the Lord, "You are my [Adonai]; I have no good apart from you" (Ps. 16:2).
Why don't you take a minute and go through the above points and replace them and their with my and me. It is so refreshing to remind yourself of how faithful your Master is to you.
My Great Master,
"To you I lift up my eyes, O you who are enthroned in the heavens! Behold, as the eyes of servants look to the hand of their master, as the eyes of a maidservant to the hand of her mistress, so our eyes look to the LORD our God." It is to You, that I do lift up my eyes, and praise You for your faithfulness to me. Even when I am faithless, You are faithful. Thank you for reminding me today of so many of the ways You prove yourself trustworthy and attentive to my needs. Even the needs I don't know I have, You are faithful to meet. I exalt you, God, as Adonai, my Great Master. May You find your servant faithful to You today.
In Jesus Name,
Amen
**Please take a minute today and leave a comment about how faithful your Master has been to you as you serve Him**
Thursday, November 13, 2008
Servants for Life
Of the three primary names for God (two of which we have looked at over the past weeks), Adonia is probably the hardest to hold fast too. We trust Christ to save us for all eternity but not to control the details of our everyday life. In thinking about my relationship with my Great Master, I needed to grasp the master-servant relationship. In the Old Testament a Hebrew servant was required to serve his master for six years (Exodus 21:2-6). However, his master was to set him free in the seventh year without requiring any payment for freedom. But then, if the servant loved his master and did not want to go free, he could choose to continue serving his master. To seal the relationship, the master brought his servant before judges, took him to a doorpost, and pierced his ear with an awl, signifying lifelong ownership. The slave who loved his master was now his servant for life.
Stop and think about that picture for a moment. I would be willing to bet your mind is drifting toward Christ Jesus.
If you and I want to understand what it means to serve Adonai, we must look at the example of Jesus and how He lived His life on earth. Jesus "made himself nothing, taking the very nature of a servant, being made in human likeness. And being found in appearance as a man, he humbled himself and became obedient to death - even death on a cross" (Phil 2:7-8). Jesus served His Father and delighted to do His will. Because of Jesus' obedience to God, "he was pierced for our transgressions, he was crushed for our iniquities; the punishment that brought us peace was upon him, and by his wounds we are healed." (Is.53:5).
You and I are meant to be God's servant. As Jesus told His Father, "I have come to do your will, O God." (Hebrews 10:7). Adonai is looking for those servants who will say "Here I am."
What if this was the seventh year for you serving your Master. Do you love Adonai so much that you would ask him to pierce your ear to signify that you are His forever?
Stop and think about that picture for a moment. I would be willing to bet your mind is drifting toward Christ Jesus.
If you and I want to understand what it means to serve Adonai, we must look at the example of Jesus and how He lived His life on earth. Jesus "made himself nothing, taking the very nature of a servant, being made in human likeness. And being found in appearance as a man, he humbled himself and became obedient to death - even death on a cross" (Phil 2:7-8). Jesus served His Father and delighted to do His will. Because of Jesus' obedience to God, "he was pierced for our transgressions, he was crushed for our iniquities; the punishment that brought us peace was upon him, and by his wounds we are healed." (Is.53:5).
You and I are meant to be God's servant. As Jesus told His Father, "I have come to do your will, O God." (Hebrews 10:7). Adonai is looking for those servants who will say "Here I am."
What if this was the seventh year for you serving your Master. Do you love Adonai so much that you would ask him to pierce your ear to signify that you are His forever?
Wednesday, November 12, 2008
As I was praying this morning, I was telling the Lord how I want so much to surrender EVERY fiber of my being and I know there are divided parts of my heart because in the quietness of my time before Him, I am surrendered, but when the distractions come I am so easy led away from Him. And immediately, I saw a picture of Allie, our white german shephard,in my mind. God just gave me a picture of how we handle the distractions that come our way.
Allie went to obedience school and was the STAR! Out of 13 dogs she only had to be shown a trick once and she just got it! It was pretty extraordinary for a puppy! When she is at home in the kitchen or living room she just pops those tricks out like they are ingrained in her; but, let her outside and Molly and Murphy (her best friends) come around and you can tell her sit, stay, down, shake, stand, heel, and she acts like she is deaf running around wrestling with her friends! I have to physically get her attention, get eye to eye, and tell her the command. Then she will do what I say, but it is short-lived and with frustration that she does it.
But, according to her trainer, that's why part of her training included distractions, so she could learn obedience regardless of the distractions around her. It takes practice in the very surroundings that give her trouble in order for her to get it right.
Wow! It takes a conscious effort by me, in the very places that give me trouble, in order for me to have an undivided heart, totally surrendered to my Adonai. Each day I must choose to serve God regardless of the distractions. You see, some of the distractions in our days are beyond our control, but how we respond to those distractions certainly is.
Intentional, deliberate and committed to serving My Master, Adonai. How about you?
Have a great day!
Allie went to obedience school and was the STAR! Out of 13 dogs she only had to be shown a trick once and she just got it! It was pretty extraordinary for a puppy! When she is at home in the kitchen or living room she just pops those tricks out like they are ingrained in her; but, let her outside and Molly and Murphy (her best friends) come around and you can tell her sit, stay, down, shake, stand, heel, and she acts like she is deaf running around wrestling with her friends! I have to physically get her attention, get eye to eye, and tell her the command. Then she will do what I say, but it is short-lived and with frustration that she does it.
But, according to her trainer, that's why part of her training included distractions, so she could learn obedience regardless of the distractions around her. It takes practice in the very surroundings that give her trouble in order for her to get it right.
Wow! It takes a conscious effort by me, in the very places that give me trouble, in order for me to have an undivided heart, totally surrendered to my Adonai. Each day I must choose to serve God regardless of the distractions. You see, some of the distractions in our days are beyond our control, but how we respond to those distractions certainly is.
Intentional, deliberate and committed to serving My Master, Adonai. How about you?
Have a great day!
Tuesday, November 11, 2008
Commission to Faith
We must keep God as Adonai always before us. It is then and only then that we come to realize that any gift we might have, any talent we have acquired, the way we look, the sound of our voice, indeed all that we are and will ever be, is there to serve His purpose and to glorify His name. It shows only His grace to broken vessels like us that we might have any talent at all and we have a responsibility (not just a choice) to use what we have to serve our Master’s purposes.
Let’s take a quick look at God’s words to Satan (the accuser) as the
dark angel presents himself before God. “Have you considered my servant Job?
There is no one on earth like him; he is blameless and upright, a man who fears God
and shuns evil.” (Job 1:8) Job was such wonderful servant that God picks him out as
an example to the fallen angel of the obedience of at least one man on earth. For
this he receives special attention, and a book in the bible.
What was special? He served God in his heart, in his mind and with his
strength. He prayed for his children, he shunned evil and had a healthy level of holy
fear for God. In short, Job knew his place in the ultimate scheme of things. That he
was a man, a servant of the Most High God. That all his wealth, health, family and
friends were from God, and he did not think for a moment about his own greatness.
At no time does it appear that he himself thought he was the greatest man in the
East – he left that up to the narrator! (see Job 1:3)
May we serve our Heavenly Master, Adonai, with the same level of holy fear and never forget our place as His servants!
Will you accept the following Commission to Faith?
Lord, today I accept my calling. Not to perfection or performance. My calling is to faith. I have been chosen for this generation. I have a place in the heritage of faith. I’m going to stop wishing and whining. I’m going to start believing and receiving. What Your Word says is mine. I won’t let others steal my hope. I will not argue with the Pharisee. I will believe, and therefore speak. For You, my God, are huge! Nothing is too hard for You. Our world needs Your wonders, Lord. Rise up from Your throne, O God. Renew Your works in our day. I confess the unbelief of my generation. And I ask You to begin Your revival of faith. In my own heart. For you are who You say You are. You can do what You say You can do. I am who You say I am. I can do all things through Christ. Your Word is alive and active in me. Enemy, hear me clearly. My Father is the Maker of heaven and earth. And you are under my feet! Because for today and the rest of my days, I’m believing God!!!
Let’s take a quick look at God’s words to Satan (the accuser) as the
dark angel presents himself before God. “Have you considered my servant Job?
There is no one on earth like him; he is blameless and upright, a man who fears God
and shuns evil.” (Job 1:8) Job was such wonderful servant that God picks him out as
an example to the fallen angel of the obedience of at least one man on earth. For
this he receives special attention, and a book in the bible.
What was special? He served God in his heart, in his mind and with his
strength. He prayed for his children, he shunned evil and had a healthy level of holy
fear for God. In short, Job knew his place in the ultimate scheme of things. That he
was a man, a servant of the Most High God. That all his wealth, health, family and
friends were from God, and he did not think for a moment about his own greatness.
At no time does it appear that he himself thought he was the greatest man in the
East – he left that up to the narrator! (see Job 1:3)
May we serve our Heavenly Master, Adonai, with the same level of holy fear and never forget our place as His servants!
Will you accept the following Commission to Faith?
Lord, today I accept my calling. Not to perfection or performance. My calling is to faith. I have been chosen for this generation. I have a place in the heritage of faith. I’m going to stop wishing and whining. I’m going to start believing and receiving. What Your Word says is mine. I won’t let others steal my hope. I will not argue with the Pharisee. I will believe, and therefore speak. For You, my God, are huge! Nothing is too hard for You. Our world needs Your wonders, Lord. Rise up from Your throne, O God. Renew Your works in our day. I confess the unbelief of my generation. And I ask You to begin Your revival of faith. In my own heart. For you are who You say You are. You can do what You say You can do. I am who You say I am. I can do all things through Christ. Your Word is alive and active in me. Enemy, hear me clearly. My Father is the Maker of heaven and earth. And you are under my feet! Because for today and the rest of my days, I’m believing God!!!
Monday, November 10, 2008
Adonai Invites Service
Adonai invites service, because if Jesus is our Adonai, then He is our master and we are His servants. With that in mind, read these words from Richard Foster’s incredible classic, Celebration of Discipline.
“As the cross is the sign of submission, so the towel is the sign of service. When Jesus gathered His disciples for the Last Supper they were having trouble deciding who was the greatest. This was no new issue for them. (Luke 9:46). Whenever there is trouble over who is the greatest, there is trouble over who is the least. That is the crux of the matter for us, isn’t it? Most of us know we will never be the greatest; just don’t let us be the least.
Gathered at the Passover feast, the disciples were keenly aware that someone needed to wash the other’s feet. The problem was that the only people who washed feet were the least. So there they sat, feet caked with dirt. It was such a sore point that they were not even going to talk about it. No one wanted to be considered the least. Then Jesus took a towel and a basin and redefined greatness.
Having lived out servanthood before them, He called them to the way of service. ‘If I then, your Lord and Teacher, have washed your feet, you also ought to wash one another’s feet. For I have given you an example, that you also should do as I have done to you’ (John 13:14-15). In some ways we would prefer to hear Jesus’ call to deny father and mother, houses and land for the sake of the gospel than His word to wash feet. Radical self-denial gives the feel of adventure. If we forsake all, we even have the chance of glorious martyrdom. But in service, we must experience the many little deaths of going beyond ourselves. Service banishes us to the mundane, the ordinary, the trivial.
The risen Christ beckons us to the ministry of the towel. Such a ministry, flowing out of the inner recesses of the heart, is life and joy and peace. Perhaps you would like to begin by experimenting with a prayer that several of us use. Begin the day praying, ‘Lord Jesus, as it would please You bring me someone today whom I can serve.’”
“As the cross is the sign of submission, so the towel is the sign of service. When Jesus gathered His disciples for the Last Supper they were having trouble deciding who was the greatest. This was no new issue for them. (Luke 9:46). Whenever there is trouble over who is the greatest, there is trouble over who is the least. That is the crux of the matter for us, isn’t it? Most of us know we will never be the greatest; just don’t let us be the least.
Gathered at the Passover feast, the disciples were keenly aware that someone needed to wash the other’s feet. The problem was that the only people who washed feet were the least. So there they sat, feet caked with dirt. It was such a sore point that they were not even going to talk about it. No one wanted to be considered the least. Then Jesus took a towel and a basin and redefined greatness.
Having lived out servanthood before them, He called them to the way of service. ‘If I then, your Lord and Teacher, have washed your feet, you also ought to wash one another’s feet. For I have given you an example, that you also should do as I have done to you’ (John 13:14-15). In some ways we would prefer to hear Jesus’ call to deny father and mother, houses and land for the sake of the gospel than His word to wash feet. Radical self-denial gives the feel of adventure. If we forsake all, we even have the chance of glorious martyrdom. But in service, we must experience the many little deaths of going beyond ourselves. Service banishes us to the mundane, the ordinary, the trivial.
The risen Christ beckons us to the ministry of the towel. Such a ministry, flowing out of the inner recesses of the heart, is life and joy and peace. Perhaps you would like to begin by experimenting with a prayer that several of us use. Begin the day praying, ‘Lord Jesus, as it would please You bring me someone today whom I can serve.’”
Sunday, November 9, 2008
Just a Little Praise!!!!!!!!
Hey to all! Becky posting here... I just wanted to take a minute and give a big Praise The Lord! About a week ago, Pastor Randy received a notification from the Alabama Baptist Convention letting him know that they had nominated him for "Pastor of the Year" in one of the three catagories. Thursday, he received a call letting him know that indeed he had been selected as "Pastor of the Year"!!!!!!!!!!! Isn't God so incredible! Just another confirmation that His hand is on Randy and He has annointed Ran to preach the Word with power and clarity! Another confirmation that God has His hand on The Church @ Ross Station as well! Hallelu-jah! May God be glorified!
For His purpose, God has blessed Pastor Randy's service to Him and our service to Him as well. God has chosen this week to teach us that He is Adonai, Our Lord and Master! We are called to serve our Master, and this award for Randy confirms that He blesses those who are obedient and available to Him!
Praise the Lord and we are so very proud of you Randy and are thankful to serve Christ under your leadership!
For His purpose, God has blessed Pastor Randy's service to Him and our service to Him as well. God has chosen this week to teach us that He is Adonai, Our Lord and Master! We are called to serve our Master, and this award for Randy confirms that He blesses those who are obedient and available to Him!
Praise the Lord and we are so very proud of you Randy and are thankful to serve Christ under your leadership!
Friday, November 7, 2008
Know Him by name
“To the King of ages, immortal, invisible, the only God, be honor and glory forever and ever.”
1 Timothy 1:17
As we have read this week, it is clear that the practice of naming someone based on that individual’s personal characteristics is in keeping with the biblical concept of the significance of a name. I find it fascinating that in the Hebrew language, the term for “name” (shem) most likely meant “sign or distinctive mark”. In the Greek, name (onoma) is derived from a verb that means “to know”.
A name is much more than a label. In ancient times, a person’s name depicted something important about his identity. Just look at Moses’ name for example; it means “to draw out (of water), Abraham means “father of multitude”, and Hannah means “grace”. When God spoke from the burning bush, Moses asked Him to reveal His name. Moses realized that if he knew God’s name, he would know a lot more about this unfamiliar deity who was speaking to him in such a powerful and unusual way.
“God said to Moses, “I AM WHO I AM.” Exodus 3:13
When the LORD revealed this name to Moses, he learned that God was unlike the other gods worshipped in Egypt or Cannan. The name Yahweh indicated that the LORD was different from all other gods. His name set Him totally and completely apart.
If we look throughout scripture we see that the personal name of Yahweh reveals that God is a divine being who is self-existent (John 5:26), self-sufficient (Acts 17:25), self-directed (Job 36:22-23), eternal (Rev. 4:8), and consistent (Ps. 102:26-27). 1
After hearing Randy's message this past Sunday, and reading the devotions this week, how does the fact that the LORD is “I AM” impact you? Think about that today; reflect on it as you go about your day.
I hope as you reflect on how that fact impacts you, that it will lead you to praise Him. You see, Yahweh is the most significant name of all the names we attribute to God. It is the name by which God instructed us to remember Him throughout all generations. The Jews used the abbreviated form of Yahweh in song when they sang Hallelu-jah – Praise Yah. Throughout Scripture, we are commanded to praise Him. So because He is I AM spend time praising Him today.
“Let everything that has breath praise the Lord."
1 Mary Kassian
1 Timothy 1:17
As we have read this week, it is clear that the practice of naming someone based on that individual’s personal characteristics is in keeping with the biblical concept of the significance of a name. I find it fascinating that in the Hebrew language, the term for “name” (shem) most likely meant “sign or distinctive mark”. In the Greek, name (onoma) is derived from a verb that means “to know”.
A name is much more than a label. In ancient times, a person’s name depicted something important about his identity. Just look at Moses’ name for example; it means “to draw out (of water), Abraham means “father of multitude”, and Hannah means “grace”. When God spoke from the burning bush, Moses asked Him to reveal His name. Moses realized that if he knew God’s name, he would know a lot more about this unfamiliar deity who was speaking to him in such a powerful and unusual way.
“God said to Moses, “I AM WHO I AM.” Exodus 3:13
When the LORD revealed this name to Moses, he learned that God was unlike the other gods worshipped in Egypt or Cannan. The name Yahweh indicated that the LORD was different from all other gods. His name set Him totally and completely apart.
If we look throughout scripture we see that the personal name of Yahweh reveals that God is a divine being who is self-existent (John 5:26), self-sufficient (Acts 17:25), self-directed (Job 36:22-23), eternal (Rev. 4:8), and consistent (Ps. 102:26-27). 1
After hearing Randy's message this past Sunday, and reading the devotions this week, how does the fact that the LORD is “I AM” impact you? Think about that today; reflect on it as you go about your day.
I hope as you reflect on how that fact impacts you, that it will lead you to praise Him. You see, Yahweh is the most significant name of all the names we attribute to God. It is the name by which God instructed us to remember Him throughout all generations. The Jews used the abbreviated form of Yahweh in song when they sang Hallelu-jah – Praise Yah. Throughout Scripture, we are commanded to praise Him. So because He is I AM spend time praising Him today.
“Let everything that has breath praise the Lord."
1 Mary Kassian
Thursday, November 6, 2008
YAHWEH; He is Exalted
Father God,
Today I praise You. You are YAHWEH and I acknowledge You as the One True God. Before you no God was formed, nor will there be one after You. You are Eternal. You are worthy of being exalted! I praise You for being active and present in my life as the I AM. Help me to lean on you today and know that you are guiding me. Help me to trust in the path you have for me. Help me to be obedient to you. After all you have done to show your love for me, may I live my life showing others how much I love you.
In Jesus Name,
Amen
Wednesday, November 5, 2008
I AM WHO I AM
Why do we feel we have to have all the answers at our fingertips? Straight answer: Pride. Pride says, "If I don't have a ready comeback, if I say, 'I don't know,' they'll laugh at me." But that's not true at all. Intelligent throughtful people won't laugh; they'll realize that no one has all the answers.
When Moses gave God that first miserable excuse and said, "I won't have all the answers," God had an immediate reply: "Perhaps not, but you will have all of Me."
God said to Moses, "I AM WHO I AM"; and He said, "Thus you shall say to the
sons of Isreal, 'I AM has sent me to you.'" (Exodus 3:14)
What does that mean? English readers of an English Bible run their eyes across those words and wonder why in the world that answer was significant and why it seemed to satisfy Moses.
Probing a little deeper into the original language, we discover that these words, "I AM WHO I AM," are the very characters in Hebrew that spell out the name YAHWEH. Here is what God was saying, "The only self-existent, infinite Being in all of the universe has dispatched you, Moses. You represent Him. I AM has sent you. You tell them that."
The word "Yahweh" is the most intimate term of the living Lord in the Hebrew vocabulary. God was saying, "Moses, when you stand before those elders of Israel, you let them know that the intimate God of Isreal has sent you to be His representative."
God went on to give Moses two promises, to aid him in his introduction to the elders, and then to Pharoah himself. In verse 18, God tells Moses that the leaders of the Israelites, "will pay heed to what you say." Moses had God's promise on that. And when it came time to deal with Pharoah, the Lord made a second promise: "So I will stretch out My hand and strike Egypt with all My miracles which I shall do in the midst of it; and after that he will let you go" (vs. 20).
What assurance! It was already a done deal. The Lord told Moses, "Not only will the elders of Isreal hear you and believe you, but Pharoah himself will fall in line and unlock the gate to freedom. It's going to happen; He'll let Israel go. So you've got My promise to stand on, Moses. I won't let you down. You feel as if you don't have all the answers, but you'll have all of Me. You represent I AM, and you represent my unfailing promises."
Taken from Charles Swindoll's book, Moses: A Man of Selfless Dedication.
When Moses gave God that first miserable excuse and said, "I won't have all the answers," God had an immediate reply: "Perhaps not, but you will have all of Me."
God said to Moses, "I AM WHO I AM"; and He said, "Thus you shall say to the
sons of Isreal, 'I AM has sent me to you.'" (Exodus 3:14)
What does that mean? English readers of an English Bible run their eyes across those words and wonder why in the world that answer was significant and why it seemed to satisfy Moses.
Probing a little deeper into the original language, we discover that these words, "I AM WHO I AM," are the very characters in Hebrew that spell out the name YAHWEH. Here is what God was saying, "The only self-existent, infinite Being in all of the universe has dispatched you, Moses. You represent Him. I AM has sent you. You tell them that."
The word "Yahweh" is the most intimate term of the living Lord in the Hebrew vocabulary. God was saying, "Moses, when you stand before those elders of Israel, you let them know that the intimate God of Isreal has sent you to be His representative."
God went on to give Moses two promises, to aid him in his introduction to the elders, and then to Pharoah himself. In verse 18, God tells Moses that the leaders of the Israelites, "will pay heed to what you say." Moses had God's promise on that. And when it came time to deal with Pharoah, the Lord made a second promise: "So I will stretch out My hand and strike Egypt with all My miracles which I shall do in the midst of it; and after that he will let you go" (vs. 20).
What assurance! It was already a done deal. The Lord told Moses, "Not only will the elders of Isreal hear you and believe you, but Pharoah himself will fall in line and unlock the gate to freedom. It's going to happen; He'll let Israel go. So you've got My promise to stand on, Moses. I won't let you down. You feel as if you don't have all the answers, but you'll have all of Me. You represent I AM, and you represent my unfailing promises."
Taken from Charles Swindoll's book, Moses: A Man of Selfless Dedication.
Tuesday, November 4, 2008
The Sacred Name of God
God has many names in the Bible. In our English texts, the different names don't stand out as much or strike us as odd; their meanings are hidden in a different language and time. "Jehovah Jireh" we sing during worship, and wonder what that really means. Or we say, "So what? What's the big deal?"
Names are very significant in ancient times. Parents carefully chose names for their children, because names revealed the inner qualities and unique characteristics of the person. Later in life, a person might receive a new name as a result of some new accomplishment or new revelation from God. In some ancient cultures, names were so special that to know someone's personal name was to know their secret source of strength or life. When people revealed their personal name to others, this was a very intentional step toward relationship. They made themselves almost vulnerable by revealing their true identity.
To know someone's name was to know-really know-that person. So what does it mean that God revealed the name of YHWH - yoh,hey,vah,hey - YAHWEH, to Moses on lonely Mt. Horeb? What does it mean that the creator of the universe, the Almighty God, confronts a shepherd in the wilderness and tells him - the Name? It means a lot. God, through a burning bush that would not burn up, initiated relationship with a human. God revealed something of the divine mystery to a humble shepherd. "I Am that I AM." The Name is so sacred that today many religious people do not even say that Name. Some Jewish rabbis postulate that the four letters - yoh, hey, vah, hey -almost sound like breathing when spoken together. The name of God is the very breath we take to sustain life!
Does God become vulnerable to Moses, to us, in the giving of the Name? Does God give us a hint of the divine nature by the meaning of these letters? I AM. I AM. Forever fully present. The One who makes all other things be.
Post taken from www.ymroadtrip.com
Names are very significant in ancient times. Parents carefully chose names for their children, because names revealed the inner qualities and unique characteristics of the person. Later in life, a person might receive a new name as a result of some new accomplishment or new revelation from God. In some ancient cultures, names were so special that to know someone's personal name was to know their secret source of strength or life. When people revealed their personal name to others, this was a very intentional step toward relationship. They made themselves almost vulnerable by revealing their true identity.
To know someone's name was to know-really know-that person. So what does it mean that God revealed the name of YHWH - yoh,hey,vah,hey - YAHWEH, to Moses on lonely Mt. Horeb? What does it mean that the creator of the universe, the Almighty God, confronts a shepherd in the wilderness and tells him - the Name? It means a lot. God, through a burning bush that would not burn up, initiated relationship with a human. God revealed something of the divine mystery to a humble shepherd. "I Am that I AM." The Name is so sacred that today many religious people do not even say that Name. Some Jewish rabbis postulate that the four letters - yoh, hey, vah, hey -almost sound like breathing when spoken together. The name of God is the very breath we take to sustain life!
Does God become vulnerable to Moses, to us, in the giving of the Name? Does God give us a hint of the divine nature by the meaning of these letters? I AM. I AM. Forever fully present. The One who makes all other things be.
Post taken from www.ymroadtrip.com
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