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Jan 31, 2006
Foolishness!
It is not the man, it is the message.
But Christ is the Man and the Message.
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Jews demand miraculous signs and Greeks look for wisdom, but we preach Christ crucified: a stumbling block to Jews and foolishness to Gentiles,
For the message of the cross is foolishness to those who are perishing, but to us who are being saved it is the power of God.
For Christ did not send me to baptize, but to preach the gospel—not with words of human wisdom, lest the cross of Christ be emptied of its power.
For the foolishness of God is wiser than man's wisdom, and the weakness of God is stronger than man's strength.
My message and my preaching were not with wise and persuasive words, but with a demonstration of the Spirit's power, so that your faith might not rest on men's wisdom, but on God's power.
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Jan 26, 2006
The Triumph of Praise
Psalm 106:47(NKJV) Save us, O LORD our God, and gather us from the nations, that we may give thanks to your holy name and glory (triumph) in your praise.
Psalm 47:1-2, 5-6(NKJV) Oh, clap your hands, all you peoples! Shout to God with the voice of triumph! For the LORD Most High is awesome; He is a great King over all the earth.
God has gone up with a shout, The LORD with the sound of a trumpet. Sing praises to God, sing praises! Sing praises to our King, sing praises!
Notice how these verses link triumph with a loud shout, the sound of a trumpet and singing praise. This praise is LOUD!
When you go into battle in your own land against an enemy who is oppressing you, sound a blast on the trumpets. Then you will be remembered by the LORD your God and rescued from your enemies. Also at your times of rejoicing—your appointed feasts and New Moon festivals—you are to sound the trumpets over your burnt offerings and fellowship offerings, and they will be a memorial for you before your God. I am the LORD your God.
The sound of a trumpet - this loud praise is used both in times of battle and rejoicing. This type of triumph or victory praise intimidates the opponent and motivates God's people to move forward in Christ's victory. We are able to triumph with Christ.
And having disarmed the powers and authorities, he made a public spectacle of them, triumphing over them by the cross.
This type of praise puts the enemy on notice and looks forward to God's intervention on behalf of His people. We can go into battle with the voice of triumph and join with Christ in advancement of His kingdom, looking forward to God's intervention on behalf of his people. We can also look forward to the victory celebration where we can we give thanks to His holy name and glory (triumph) in His praise.
Lord, help each of us praise You with the voice of triumph. Thank You for the victory we have in Christ's death on the cross. Let each heart give thanks to Your holy name and triumph in Your praise.
3 Praise him with the sounding of the trumpet,
5 Praise him with the clash of cymbals,
Praise him with resounding cymbals.
6 Let everything that has breath praise the LORD.
Praise the LORD.
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Jan 25, 2006
The Light of His Face
For God, who said, "Let light shine out of darkness," made his light shine in our hearts to give us the light of the knowledge of the glory of God in the face of Christ.
Give thanks to the LORD, call on his name; make known among the nations what he has done. Sing to him, sing praise to him; tell of all his wonderful acts. Glory in his holy name; let the hearts of those who seek the LORD rejoice. Look to the LORD and his strength; seek his face always.
What do you do when you feel overwhelmed, when you are losing hope, when you feel like the LORD is far and may not hear your cries for help? What do you do when darkness threatens to swallow you up?
Remember the light of Christ's face - that this light shines out of darkness and is not overcome.
It is precisely at this time - the time when darkness threatens to overtake, that your heart must shout - "SEEK HIS FACE"!
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The Light of His Face
Karen Holland
I cry out from my anguish for mercy.
How long, O LORD, how long?
LORD, I cry out from my darkness, for of You I see no trace.
How long, O LORD, how long?
It is then my heart must shout "Seek His Face" !
It is You, O LORD, who made Your light in my heart to shine.
The knowledge of Your glory comes from You, the LORD, who gives us the light.
The light of that glory; in the face of Christ shines so bright.
O LORD, let the light of Your face shine upon me.
Help me look to Your strength; always Your face to seek.
Help me glory in Your name; give thanks and sing praise.
My heart and soul to You I raise.
You give wine, oil and bread which sustains.
LORD, it is the light of Your face, I wish to see,
be gracioius, turn Your face towards me.
As I give thanks, sing praise and glory in Your name;
all darkness must flee.
My face will shine as Your oil of joy anoints me.
Praise You LORD for great mercy and grace,
let Your oil, Your peace, shine upon my face,
help me to always seek the light of Your face!
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Scripture Refs:
He makes...
wine that gladdens the heart of man,
oil to make his face shine,
and bread that sustains his heart.
"The LORD bless you and keep you; the LORD make his face shine upon you and be gracious to you; the LORD turn his face toward you and give you peace."
Seek His face always!
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Jan 18, 2006
One Dip Short?
14 So he went down and dipped himself in the Jordan seven times, as the man of God had told him, and his flesh was restored and became clean like that of a young boy.
The account of Naaman being healed of leprosy has some interesting lessons in it, lessons that we can benefit from.
I find myself identifying with Naaman. He is willing to go and ask for healing from the prophet Elisha. What happens however, is not what Naaman expects. He is not immediately healed, instead he is told "Go, wash yourself seven times in the Jordan, and your flesh will be restored and you will be cleansed" (vs 10). I'm afraid my response to this would be the same as Naaman's -- Naaman went away angry and said, "I thought that he would surely come out to me and stand and call on the name of the LORD his God, wave his hand over the spot and cure me of my leprosy (vs 11).
Too often isn't this our view of what's supposed to happen when we come before the Lord on our own or with other christians and ask for healing? Or any other need? We want something to happen immediately -- we really never consider that the Lord may ask us to do something to bring about healing or that we may have to wait or go thru a process to have our need met. When things don't go as we expect it is tempting to give up and go away angry.
Naaman also questioned the instructions he was given-- they made no sense to him -- weren't there better rivers to wash in than the Jordan? Closer? Purer? Again I think I'd probably do something similar. I can even imagen myself asking why seven times? Or dipping a few times and questioning why nothing appeared to be happening.
Naaman's servants had a different perspective. They asked, "If the prophet had told you to do some great thing, would you not have done it? How much more, then, when he tells you, 'Wash and be cleansed'!" (vs 13). It's interesting -- Mary says something similar to the servants before Jesus performed His first miracle.
His mother said to the servants, "Do whatever He tells you." (John 2:5)
Is it really that simple? Can we come before the Lord with our needs and then do whatever He tells us?
I can see myself in Naaman's place, dipping six times and seeing no change, being tempted to give up - just one dip short. This does make me wonder: how many times have I been one dip short?
Today are you trying to follow the Lord's instructions? Maybe you're getting weary or discouraged that there appears to be no change. Take heart! You may only be one dip away from seeing results!
Lord help us always come to you and be willing to 'do whatever You ask'. Help us each rely on Your strength to follow thru and when we become weary, remind us of Naaman and the fact that we may be just one dip away from seeing miraculous results.
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Jan 13, 2006
Firm Foundation
"Therefore everyone who hears these words of mine and puts them into practice is like a wise man who built his house on the rock. The rain came down, the streams rose, and the winds blew and beat against that house; yet it did not fall, because it had its foundation on the rock. But everyone who hears these words of mine and does not put them into practice is like a foolish man who built his house on sand. The rain came down, the streams rose, and the winds blew and beat against that house, and it fell with a great crash."
The Word became flesh and made his dwelling among us. We have seen his glory, the glory of the One and Only, who came from the Father, full of grace and truth.
Lord help us always to hold fast to the Word, Jesus Christ, a firm foundation.
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Jan 12, 2006
Triumphant Light
In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. He was with God in the beginning. Through him all things were made; without him nothing was made that has been made. In him was life, and that life was the light of men. The light shines in the darkness, and the darkness has not overcome it.
Look at the last verse above -- light is triumphant over darkness! Darkness can not overcome the light. Why is this the case? Why does darkness not overcome the light? How can we be sure that the light will not go out? This is what verses 1-4 are written to answer. They give three reasons why the light will triumph over the darkness.
So take heart! Jesus the triumphant light has overcome the darkness of the world and this victory is eternal. (John 16:33)
... You are going to have the light just a little while longer. Walk while you have the light, before darkness overtakes you ...
They will make war against the Lamb, but the Lamb will overcome them because he is Lord of lords and King of kings—and with him will be his called, chosen and faithful followers.
Lord, keep us walking in the triumphant light of the Lord Jesus Christ, King of Kings, Lord of Lords.
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Jan 11, 2006
Keep me as the apple of your eye; hide me in the shadow of your wings.
In His Eyes
Karen Holland
| In His eyes, | |
| You are beautiful, the most beautiful of jewels. | (Ezek 16:7) |
| You have eyes of doves. | (SOS 1:15) |
| Your voice is sweet and your face so lovely. | (SOS 2:14) |
| Your mouth, like the best of wines. | (SOS 4:3, 7:9 ) |
| In His eyes, | |
| You are dearly loved. | (John 3:16) |
| You are the 'apple of His eye'. | (Psalm 17:8) |
| You are precious in His sight. | (Isaiah 43:4) |
| You are His beloved. | |
| The eyes of the Lord are on you always. | (Psalm 34:15) |
| He sees every precious thing; He sees to the ends of the earth. | (Job 28:10, 24) |
| Nothing can hide you from His all-seeing eye. | (Psalm 139:7, 15-16) |
| His eyes continually look to strengthen fully committed hearts. | (2 Chron 16:9) |
| The eyes of the Lord never sleep. | (Psalm 121:3) |
| In His eyes, | |
| You are dearly loved. | (John 3:16) |
| You are the 'apple of His eye'. | (Psalm 17:8) |
| You are precious in His sight. | (Isaiah 43:4) |
| You are held in His gaze, both now and forevermore. | (Psalm 121:7-8) |
| You are His beloved. |
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... I have redeemed you; I have summoned you by name; you are mine.
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Scripture Refs:
Hebrews 13:20-21 (NKJV) May the God of peace ... the great Shepherd of the sheep ... make you complete in every good work to do His will, working in you what is well pleasing in His sight, through Jesus Christ, to whom be glory forever and ever. Amen.
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Jan 10, 2006
The Center of the Bible
Ever wonder what's at the center of the Bible?
Click here:Center
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Jan 9, 2006
A Mighty Hand and Outstretched Arm
From: The Hand and Arm of the Lord
... with a mighty hand and outstretched arm; His love endures forever.
Have you ever wondered what the phrase “mighty hand and outstretched arm” means?
In the Bible, the “arm” is a symbol of strength and power. In ancient times, emphasis was placed upon the accomplishments of human arms. Since God is omnipotent, the “arm of God” is frequently referred to as a symbol of His might, as in Yahweh’s question addressed to Job, “Have you an arm like God, and can you thunder with a voice like His?” (Job 40:9). Luke 1:51 clearly shows this strength analogy when Mary says, “He has shown strength with His arm….” The Psalmist declares, “You scattered Your enemies with Your mighty arm” (Ps. 89:10).
Likewise, the hand, which is used in the Bible more than any other part of the body, is also used in relation to power or position, e.g., “Behold, the Lord God will come with a strong hand, and His arm will rule for Him” (Isa. 40:10). The word “hand” includes not only the agile fingers and the palm, but also the wrist (Gen. 41:42). The finger implies dexterity (Ps. 8:3). Remember, it was the “finger of God” that wrote the tablets of the Ten Commandments (Ex. 31:18; Dt. 9:10), as well as the writing on the wall of King Nebuchadnezzar that was interpreted by Daniel (Dan 5). The inclusion of the wrist as part of the hand is important when we consider the New Testament account of the crucifixion of Yeshua (Jesus). It should be noted that when someone was killed by crucifixion, the nails were placed in the wrist, between the bones of the forearms, in order to hold the body on a cross. In the Bible, because the hand includes the wrist area, the translation of “hand” for the placement of the crucifixion nails is not a contradiction to the actual act of crucifixion, e.g., when Yeshua refers to the nail prints in His hands (Lk. 24:39, 40).
These scriptures really highlight the strength and power of this phrase "mighty hand and outstretched arm". Put that together with the idea in Psalm 136 that this love, power & strength endures forever - WOW!
So do not fear, for I am with you; do not be dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you; I will uphold you with my righteous right hand.
My soul clings to You; Your right hand upholds me.
... The gracious hand of our God is on everyone who looks to Him ...
Thank You Lord for Your enduring love; for Your mighty hand and outstretched arm. Help each of us cling to You. Thank You Lord that as we cling to You, Your gracious hand is upon us, upholding us. In the name of the Lord Jesus Christ.
Scripture References:
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Jan 6, 2006
Hands Lifted Up
From: Commentary
16 "For hands were lifted up to the throne of the LORD."
Recently I was told that praying with raised hands wasn't biblical. : )
This passage of Moses praying with raised hands came to mind.
Exodus 17:11-13 As long as Moses held up his hands, the Israelites were winning, but whenever he lowered his hands, the Amalekites were winning. When Moses' hands grew tired, ... Aaron and Hur held his hands up—one on one side, one on the other ... So Joshua overcame the Amalekite army with the sword.
Israel engaged with Amalek in their own necessary defence. God makes his people able, and calls them to various services for the good of his church. Joshua fights, Moses prays, both minister to Israel. The rod was held up, raised with hands in prayer, as the banner to encourage the soldiers. Also to God, by way of appeal to him. Moses was tired. The strongest arm will fail with being long held out; it is God only whose hand is stretched out still - forever.
Psalm 136:12 with a mighty hand and outstretched arm; His love endures forever.
Isn't it interesting that we do not find that Joshua's hands were heavy in fighting, but Moses' hands were heavy in praying; the more spiritual any service is, the more apt we are to fail and need help. To convince Israel that the hand of Moses, whom they had been chiding, did more for their safety than their own hands, His rod raised with hands publicly in prayer rather than their sword, the success rises and falls as Moses lifts up or lets down his hands. The church's cause is more or less successful, as her friends are more or less strong in faith, and fervent in prayer. The hands of Moses with help, were steady until the going down of the sun. It was great encouragement to the people to see Joshua before them in the field of battle, and Moses praying above them on the hill. Christ is both to us; our Joshua, the Captain of our salvation, who fights our battles, and our Moses, who ever lives, making intercession above, that keeps our faith strong.
Isaiah 54:17 ... No weapon formed against God's people shall prosper ...
Further investigation shows that the traditional stance for prayer at this time was standing or kneeling with hands raised and palms open to heaven.
Is it a coincidence that Moses assumed this traditional stance in public??
Lord, help us always to lift our hands and hearts up to the throne of the Lord, in prayer. Help us also not to be afraid to ask for help.
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Jan 4, 2006
Faith Sees
2 He answered and said to them, “When it is evening you say, ‘It will be fair weather, for the sky is red’;
3 and in the morning, ‘It will be foul weather today, for the sky is red and threatening.’ Hypocrites! You know how to discern the face of the sky, but you cannot discern the signs of the times.
Jesus once called a group of Pharisees and Sadducees hypocrites because they could discern the weather but couldn't discern the times. It's apparent why Jesus would prefer people to recognize the times (spiritual climate and seasons) over natural weather conditions – but it's not quite so apparent why He would consider them hypocrites if they didn't.
Is the ability to see into the spiritual realm a special gift rather than a personal responsibility for everyone? This seems to be the question Jesus is addressing here. Jesus seems to imply that this group had the ability to discern the spiritual, they were being judged for unfulfilled potential.
How does one 'see' spiritually? Accepting Jesus as Lord and Saviour enables one to see from the heart (John 3:3). This is done by faith - faith sees. A heart that doesn't see is considered a hard heart (Mark 8:17-18). There are several places in the Bible where we are to look for what is unseen by natural sight (2 Cor 4:18). We are to walk by faith, not by sight (2 Cor 5:7). Jesus told us that He only did what He saw His Father doing (John 5:19). The Holy Spirit was sent to teach us all things, the world does not see Him, but believers do (John 14:16-21, 26).
It's thru faith and the Holy Spirit that each believer has spiritual eyes. Come, Holy Spirit, come, help us to 'see'.
Jesus declared, "I tell you the truth, no one can see the kingdom of God unless he is born again."
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Scripture Refs:
How Can I Know Christ Personally?
Lord, thru faith - open the eyes of each heart! In the name of the Lord Jesus Christ.
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Words from:
Open The Eyes Of My Heart
Michael W. Smith
Open the eyes of my heart, Lord
Open the eyes of my heart
I want to see You
To see You high and lifted up
Shinin' in the light of Your glory
Pour out Your power and love
As we sing holy, holy, holy
Click below to hear:
http://www.ocwf.com/Repertoire/Practice_Tracks/Open%20The%20Eyes%20Of%20My%20Heart.mp3
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Jan 3, 2006
His Love Endures Forever
Give thanks to the LORD for He is good, His love endures forever.
Why is His love endures forever repeated so many times in this Psalm, each verse ends with it? Without this repeated chorus, psalm 136 presents a straightforward account of God's history with His people, including his creative acts (verses 1-9) and his powerful protection against the enemies of his people (verses 10-26).
Doesn't this repetition magnify the LORD's love? This seems to be especially true in the light of God's history with His people. This repetition really brings God's enduring love into focus.
Enduring love that does not change, that is faithful and strong through all generations (Psalm 100:5). Enduring unyielding love that stands firm inspite of circumstances (Psalm 89:2). Enduring love whose compassions never fail and are new every morning (Lam 3:22-23).
It is thru this love that God gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in Him shall not perish but have eternal life (John 3:16-17). This great love is demonstarted in this: While we were still sinners, Christ died for us (Romans 5:8; 1 John 4:9). This great enduring love of God that is in the Lord Jesus Christ, NOTHING, can separate us from it (Romans 8:38-39)!
How wonderful - how powerful, how wide, how long, how high, how deep is this enduring love - it's beyond our understanding (Eph 3:17-19).
No wonder this chorus appears so many times.
Give thanks to the LORD for He is good, His love endures forever.
Lord, help us each remember to give You thanks and praise, for You are good and Your love endures forever!
Scripture References: