November 28, 2017 - - Psalm 138 Trouble and trials

Though I walk in the midst of trouble, You will revive me;

You will stretch out Your hand

Against the wrath of my enemies.

The LORD will perfect that which concerns me;

Your mercy, O LORD, endures forever;

Do not forsake the work of Your hands.

Psalm 138:7-8 NKJV

It is a difficult teaching: the very troubles and trials we are walking through are used by God to perfect us.

The troubles of my life are overwhelming. LORD do as this psalm promises: use these circumstances so that I will learn of Your mercy and grow in my faith. While I walk stumbling with trials smashing against me on every side, I pray at minimum show me mercy, better yet, revive me. Remind me that Jesus was forsaken and punished for the sins of the world so that I might be Yours forever. While You are shaping me according to Your perfect purposes, do not let me go. Amen.

November 27, 2017 - - Proverbs 27:7 Jesus the feast of the soul

A satisfied soul loathes the honeycomb,

But to a hungry soul every bitter thing is sweet.

Proverbs 27:7 NKJV

It is a proverb that I have read quite often. There are pithy proverbs nearby to this one, so this particular one I have not really paid attention to it. But today it took hold of my imagination.

Who alone can satisfy my soul? It is the LORD. Worshiping the King of heaven is the soul's delight. Reading the Word and knowing Him--every single thing else on earth pales in comparison. Consider even something as delicious as the honeycomb--it is repulsive, not because there is anything wrong with it in and of itself, but a soul that is satisfied with the love of God cannot even be tempted with something as good as the sweetness of the honeycomb.

What is a hungry soul? God made men and women so that they could be in relationship with Him. Nothing else will satisfy the heart, nothing else will bring contentment to the soul. The one who is in rebellion against God will try everything the earth has to offer. All kinds of rank sins and bitter, destructive-to-the-soul worldly pleasures will be sought and considered as a sweet substitute for the relentless hungry longing for Jesus. All these will fail to satisfy.

Knowing Jesus--getting to speak with Him in prayer, letting Him speak to you as the Spirit makes His voice plain when you are reading the Bible, and listening to sermons by preachers whose hearts are satisfied in Jesus alone--knowing Jesus is the sweetest thing God offers us.

Father in heaven, in Your Word You have set a banqueting table that is the feast of knowing Jesus. Cause Your Spirit to bring my soul to delight, ever more deeply, in the feast of knowing Jesus. As Your Spirit works in me and Jesus is confirmed as the King of my life and the feast of my soul, let Your great Name, Father, be declared to all near and far. Amen.

November 26, 2017 - - I John 5:19-20 God's Truth in an ages of lies

We know that we are of God, and the whole world lies under the sway of the wicked one. And we know that the Son of God has come and has given us an understanding, that we may know Him who is true; and we are in HIm who is true, in His Son Jesus Christ. This is the true God and eternal life.

I John 5:19-20 NKJV

Truth is not something to be found by the latest focus group or some opinion poll. The Bible is clear: all people are sinners. The world is held in the grip of the devil. Our thoughts deceive us. Our actions do not line up with our words. What will break the sway of the devil and darkness?

God has shown us what is true. Jesus is the Way to God, the Truth of God, and brings to believers now fullness of Life which is joyful obedience to Jesus. The Spirit of God reveals Jesus through the Bible. The lies of this age are exposed by the Truth of the Bible. Truth does not shift. Truth is not negotiated. Truth remains true no matter how many or few believe it. Because Truth is found in the One Who made the heavens and the earth, Truth is built into every part of creation and the standard of Truth rules from the throne of heaven.

The followers of Jesus Christ delight in worship. When the Word is read, lies are dispelled. When the worshipers arise and praise Him Who is True, the understanding from God's perspective is given. One day all flesh will give an account for their thoughts, words and actions. The wicked will be thrown to hell. The followers of Jesus Christ, who by their life showed the root of faith and the fruit of obedience to Him, will delight in God for all eternity.

Do something radical today: get to a church where the Word of God is preached and truth is revealed.

Spirit of God, the lies of this world are repeated so often and in so many places that it can be hard to distinguish what is right and true. Draw many people to worship this day. Believers and curious, prodigals and newbies--let the Word of God fill our imagination, heart and soul with the wonders of Jesus, Who is Truth. Spirit of God, dispel the lies of this age that cling like burrs to the worshipers who gather, and set hearts free to find delight in joy-filled obedience to God. Spirit of power, bless the preachers and evangelists, missionaries and Bible-teachers who bring Your Word today. Blessed be Your Name, triune God of Glory, now and forever. Amen.

November 25, 2017 - - Psalm 119:73 Image bearers in a disintegrating culture

Your hands have made me and fashioned me;

Give me understanding, that I may learn Your commandments.

Psalm 119:73 NKJV

What is man?

We are not even confident of the intrinsic value of the human person made in God's image, whether pre-born, new-born, disabled, aging, sick or despairing. Indeed, we are so fundamentally uprooted that we are no longer assured of the scientific and chromosomal reality of the binary gender distinctions of male and female, of normative human sexuality, or of the oldest institution known to the human race--marriage and family.

Our profound confusion today is such that some people are not even sure that they occupy the right age group or gender, were born into the right people group, or even gestated by the right species, since they "feel" like something else. No one dares to challenge these inner fictions, since all that is left of the human personality is the notion that an autonomous and subjective feeling has the absolute existence of God himself. As such, there is no longer a basis for differentiation of any objective kind. And thus, in a world mired in the irrational fluidity of all things, where the possibility of normative differentiation between truth and falsehood, right and wrong, reality and unreality, has collapsed, culture has not simply reached a bump in the road, but has been sucked into a kind of vortex of democratic insanity..."

By denying, debunking and defacing the image of God in man we are losing our very soul (Matthew 16:26).

Jesus Christ said: "For what will it profit a man if he gains the whole world and forfeits his soul? Or what shall a man give in return for his soul?" (Matthew 16:26).

The Rev Dr. Joseph Boot "Gospel Culture" page 14

Out of this vortex of insanity and chaos, God the Creator, Who made us male and female in His image, calls us to holy living. In Jesus Christ we find both our example for holy living and the One Who stood in our place, taking God's rightful condemnation against sin. The Spirit of Jesus restores our humanity. The Spirit of God gives those who follow Jesus Christ the compassion to deal with the inane concepts of our age and point to the aimless, helpless, and confused people of our age find welcome Truth in the Word of God.

God, if You are for us as believers in Jesus Christ, who can be against us? Let my life and my witness shine brightly into the darkness of this culture. Spirit of God, embolden Christians to speak to this culture the reality of life as it is revealed in the Bible: One God to Whom all people, as His image-bearers, are accountable. Father in heaven, as Christmas approaches, remind this world Jesus has come, as a Man, born of a woman. Jesus Christ by His perfect, obedient life, and His death by which He took our place and bore the punishment against sin we deserved and His resurrection and session to Your right hand ensures the victory of Your glory and triumph of believers. Let the lives of Christians continually declare these things to Your glory and through our life and testimony thereby give hope to the people of this age. In Jesus' great Name I pray. Amen.

November 24, 2017 - - Isaiah 55:8-9 How to interpret life

“For my thoughts are not your thoughts,

neither are your ways my ways,”

declares the Lord.

“As the heavens are higher than the earth,

so are my ways higher than your ways

and my thoughts than your thoughts.

Isaiah 55:8-9 NIV

Perhaps the greatest danger of all for Christian people is the danger of understanding the Scriptures in the light of their own experiences. We should not interpret Scripture in the light of our experiences, but should examine our experiences in the light of the teaching of the Scripture.

Martyn Lloyd-Jones "Joy Unspeakable: Power and Renewal inn the Holy Spirit" page 16

Sovereign of Heaven and Earth, forgive my presumptuous ways and haughty heart. You are All-Glorious. Your Word alone is Truth. By Your Spirit help me to faithfully follow Jesus, not the standards and norms of this world, but lead me in the way of Jesus. Amen

November 23, 2017 - - Matthew 19:21-26 Possessions or Faith

Jesus said to him, “If you want to be perfect, go, sell what you have and give to the poor, and you will have treasure in heaven; and come, follow Me.”

But when the young man heard that saying, he went away sorrowful, for he had great possessions.

Then Jesus said to His disciples, “Assuredly, I say to you that it is hard for a rich man to enter the kingdom of heaven. And again I say to you, it is easier for a camel to go through the eye of a needle than for a rich man to enter the kingdom of God.”

When His disciples heard it, they were greatly astonished, saying, “Who then can be saved?”

But Jesus looked at them and said to them, “With men this is impossible, but with God all things are possible.”

This passage aims an arrow straight at the heart of Christians living here in North America. We are very rich. We are devoted to our things, our cars, our electronics, our furniture, our homes, our closets filled with clothes and vacations.

What would it take for a camel to go through the eye of a needle? It would have to be broken down into its component atoms in order to get through that tiny hole. It is impossible, especially if you'd expect the camel to be alive on the other side of the needle's eye!

God has made the impossible possible in Christ. We are cleansed, right down to the very atoms of our being. Sin has been expunged and Christ's righteousness (His right way of living before God) has become ours.

The Holy Spirit shows us our sins. The Holy Spirit walks us through the riches we trust in and the riches we spend so much time trying to maintain and removes from us the lust and greed for things and by the Blood of Christ and the Bible. Sin is now hateful to us and we cry out to the Spirit of God--take it off us, cleanse me, make me clean.

Ask yourself, oh rich man, ask yourself, oh rich woman--am I clinging so closely to my things that there is little room for Christ? With God all things are possible. With God our hearts can be made right and our priorities transformed so that our greatest joy is found in our relationship with the Triune God.

Furthermore, it is offensive that Christians pour so much money, time and effort in giving Christmas presents to the needy. Those who are in need should not be taught or confirmed in the lustful consumerism of our culture. No matter people's economic situation, the greatest need is relationships which will lead people to Christ.

How grotesque and worldly a picture we paint: giving the lost presents for their tree all the while not knowing whether or not their hearts are far from the One Who can save them from hell. Give the treasure of heaven: teach obedience to Jesus to the rich and the poor. Jesus alone is the High King of Heaven, our Ruler and our Joy.

Jesus, continually pour out Your Spirit on me so that the thorough-going lust for things and the avarice of my heart will be purged from me. Lord Jesus, as I read the Word, as I pray, as I walk in stumbling obedience that seeks to mature into greater faithfulness, cause my faith to increase. God my Father, give me the boldness of the Spirit to declare Jesus as the Treasure to all and any who will listen. Bring many prodigal sons and daughters to Yourself this Season. Amen.

November 22, 2017 - - Proverbs 22:6 and Matthew 28:18-20 Joy-Filled Obedience

Train up a child in the way he should go,

And when he is old he will not depart from it.

Proverbs 22:6 NKJV

Then Jesus came to them and said, “All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me. Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you. And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age.”

Matthew 28:18-20 NIV

In what way are you training up your child? It is easy to binge watch the latest series of your fav episodes. Ordinary activities and schedules all must yield for this. Yet for church services and prayer meetings are low on the list of priorities. Your children are watching. They will follow in your footsteps.

In what way are you training up your child? At Christmas time budgets for presents are made and exceeded. Belt tightening measures are undertaken in the lead up to Christmas so that the little members of the family can be more spoiled than they already are. Yet the tithing for church and belt tightening so that extras can be given to the needy are neglected. Your children are learning obedience to the dictates of the culture rather than obedience to Jesus and his commands.

We are storing up for ourselves treasures on earth where the moth eats and banking fluctuations devour and heaps of presents given to children are soon forgotten. Extended church and bio family members can be so guilty of this as well. The treasure of greatest price which our children and youth need is walking with Jesus. It is a precious gift for the community of faith to see costly obedience to Jesus.

Give to your children the lasting gift of mentoring them in obedience to Jesus Christ. Give to your children the wonder of delving into the Word and teach them the joy of the LORD and the expectation of good which can only flow from the throne of our Father in heaven. Pray that the Spirit of God will wean them from the world and its fool's gold pleasures. The Rock on which to build a life of satisfaction and trust, of joy and hope that can weather any storm is Jesus Christ.

Father in heaven, it feels like it is so late for me, so overwhelming to set things right. I confess I am so set in my ways and so devoted to things and programs and what is familiar that the treasures of heaven seem so far beyond me. Thank You for the love of Your Son, my Savior Jesus, Who rescues me from the present evil age. Thank You that in obedience to Jesus I die to myself, this world and the lies of this world and rise to new life in Him. Spirit of God, let the splendour of Christ and the renown of His Name be my highest pursuit and pleasure. As the world enters this season of excess and heightened materialistic pursuits, let my faith be anchored in Christ and my joy be the worship of His Name and love for Him shown by my obedience to His commands. May my children and grandchildren, my church family and friends not see a grinch, but a man zealous for the things of God and radiant in obedience and so finding the true pleasures You offer. Amen.

November 20, 2017 - - Psalm 99:1-3 Sinners and the Mercy Seat

The LORD reigns;

Let the peoples tremble!

He dwells between the cherubim;

Let the earth be moved!

The LORD is great in Zion,

And He is high above all the peoples.

Let them praise Your great and awesome name--

He is holy.

Psalm 99:1-3

What does it mean that "He dwells between the cherubim"?

In the Old Testament times the LORD commanded that an Ark of the Testimony would be constructed. This was a box made of acacia wood and overlaid with gold. In it was kept: a jar of manna, a staff that had budded and proved the leadership of Aaron as priest and the stone tablets that had the Ten Commandments written on it.

The Ark of the Testimony was topped with gold and two cherubim, warrior angels, who facing each other had their wings outstretched to cover the top of the Ark of the Testimony. They looked down onto the top of the Ark of the Testimony and that place they were looking was called: The Mercy Seat. It was the very place where God, the Holy One, lived among His people.

The Ark of the Testimony showed the LORD as: Law-Giver (by way of the Ten Commandments), as Leader-Judge (by way of a dead walking stick that had budded and produced almonds in one night); and Shepherd Who feeds His flock (the jar of manna).

Now the Mercy Seat is in heaven. Jesus sits on the Mercy Seat at the Father's right hand. He fulfilled the 10 commandments perfectly. He went to the cross in our place. Jesus the perfect one bearing the punishment for our sins so that we would be counted as holy before God. He feeds us with His Word and directs us by His Spirit.

Today, if you are aware of your sins and how your mind and heart are rebellious against God, go to the Mercy Seat. Pray to Jesus and ask His forgiveness. Ask for the strength to turn from sin and walk in obedience to the Bible.

Jesus, Friend of Sinners, great and glorious is Your Name! Who is like You? By Your blood our sins are forgiveness. By Your mercy, we are presented to God as beloved sons and daughters. By Your leadership we are directed in holy paths. By Your Word and Spirit we are fed with the bread of heaven. Blessed be the Father Who gives us such a Savior!

Blessed be Jesus, the Savior, Who pours out the Spirit so that prodigals can find their way home.

Blessed be the Spirit Who leads our wayward feet home and directs us to the Mercy Seat, the place of prayer and blessing. Amen.

November 17, 2017 - - Proverbs 17:16 The price of wisdom

Wherefore is there a price in the hand of a fool to get wisdom, seeing he hath no heart to it? KJV

Why should a fool have money in his hand to buy wisdom

when he has no sense? ESV

Proverbs 17:16

Two things are here spoken of with astonishment:-- 1. God's great goodness to foolish man, in putting a price into his hand to get wisdom, to get knowledge and grace to fit him for both worlds. We have rational souls, the means of grace, the strivings of the Spirit, access to God by prayer; we have time and opportunity. He that has a good estate (so some understand it) has advantages thereby of getting wisdom by purchasing instruction. Good parents, relations, ministers, friends, are helps to get wisdom. It is a price, therefore of value, a talent. It is a price in the hand, in possession; the word is nigh thee. It is a price for getting; it is for our own advantage; it is for getting wisdom, the very thing which, being fools, we have most need of. We have reason to wonder that God should so consider our necessity, and should entrust us with such advantages, though he foresaw we should not make a right improvement of them. 2. Man's great wickedness, his neglect of God's favour and his own interest, which is very absurd and unaccountable: He has no heart to it, not to the wisdom that is to be got, nor to the price in the use of which it may be got. He has no heart, no skill, nor will, nor courage, to improve his advantages. He has set his heart upon other things, so that he has no heart to his duty or the great concerns of his soul. Wherefore should a price be thrown away and lost upon one so undeserving of it?

Matthew Henry Commentary

If today you are curious about God and the Bible, then do not be a fool. Do not throw away the great opportunity to ask and gain understanding. Look up a Christian friend, or family member or minister, whom you know and respect, and find out about the great gift that God has placed in your hand.

God of love and justice, let me be sensitive to the people around me. If there are any who want to know more about You, stop me from carelessly brushing aside their curiosity. Spirit of God give me the perception to clearly show and teach of Jesus to those who have questions. Jesus, You are not a religion, or a theory, but the Dearest Desire of my heart. Thank You for those people in my life who took the time to share with me their love for You. Deepen my devotion and obedience to You, King of kings and LORD of lords. Amen.

November 16, 2017 - - Matthew 5:13 Salt in a Decaying World

You are the salt of the earth, but if salt has lost its taste, how shall its saltiness be restored? It is no longer good for anything except to be thrown out and trampled under people's feet.

Matthew 5:13 NKJV

..."for when Christians abandon the fullness of the gospel rooted in the transcendent and triune God, the source of all truth and meaning, society loses the leavening impact of kingdom life working through the believer and moves toward relativistic cultural decay (Matt. 5:13).

"Moreover, when Christians retreat from or abandon the task of cultural renewal in terms of Christ's lordship and the application of his life-giving Word to all things, they have not thereby taken a neutral view of culture, but have unwittingly subordinated the faith and the living Word of God to the prevailing religious assumptions of the day."

The Rev. Dr. Joe Boot

Jubilee; "Law and Cultural Reformation"

Fall 2017 page 23

Wake up, church of the Transcendent and Living God! Recall your purpose and reclaim, art and science, philosophy and culture, music and media, for the glory of the LORD. The world is steeped in sin, and refuses to acknowledge King Jesus. Do not yield, rather, raise your voice in praise to God.

Carry out your work in whatever field of study or realm of influence you have and let it be known it is Jesus you serve. The world and its folly and its pseudo-authority and fake-knowledge are in direct rebellion against the authority and knowledge of the LORD Who made the heavens and the earth.

Restore us, O God of Royal Splendor, Commander of angel armies, so that believers will remember our honoured place as Your children. You have bought us, we are Yours. By the powerful Name of Jesus Christ and in the strength of Your Spirit revive us and we will call on You. Revive us and cause us to work with boldness in every area, from science to philosophy, from the arts to the trades, and to live boldly all of our life from infancy to retirement and grey hairs for the splendour of Your Name. This world is decaying and rotting, let Christians arise as the preserving and purifying salt You have designated us to be for the Name and the Renown of the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit, One God now and forever. Amen.

November 15, 2017 - - II Corinthians 5:7 Faith

For we walk by faith,

not by sight.

II Corinthians 5:7 NKJV

Many things in life require a very long view. Math studies in High School have components that build on one another. Midterm exams will show how much knowledge a student has gained. The third year of High School required the previous two years of instruction along with all the years of elementary school basic math courses in order to give a proper foundation for such advanced studies.

Faith is very much the same. The knowledge a Christian possesses about Jesus Christ is both intellectual and heartfelt certainty fueled by the Spirit over many years. There is no fast-track nor are there short-cuts. Faith grows over years and decades.

There are days when one's head and heart have a razor sharp focus on Jesus and faith is felt. As one matures in faith-filled following Jesus, obeying Him for the long journey of life, there may be times when the deep feelings of joy and assurance are lacking. Do not despair or lose heart. God has not changed. God is faithful and is clothing you with all that is necessary so that your mortal life will be swallowed up with immortality, with the glory of eternal life in Christ.

Make it your aim, this day and every day, to walk in faith and trust that is obedient to Jesus and His commands. On troubled days, reach out to fellow believers for prayer and encouragement. On strong days, be prepared yourself to offer such prayer and encouragement to other such faith pilgrims until that glorious day when our eyes shall behold King Jesus and faith becomes sight in the glory of eternity.

Thank You, Jesus for the promises of Your Word and the Powerful Presence of Your Spirit Who brings the Word to life in believers. Spirit of the Living God sustain the faith of believers in days of sunshine and times of stormy tumult and uncertainty. Remind Your people constantly that whether or not they feel it, the truth is old things and sins and patterns are passing away and the new is here in Christ. To Him, along with the Father and the Spirit, be all praise both now and forever more. Amen.

November 14, 2017 - - Colossians 3:5-6, 9-10

Put to death therefore what is earthly in you: sexual immorality, impurity, passion, evil desire, and covetousness, which is idolatry. On account of these the wrath of God is coming.

Do not lie to one another, seeing that you have put off the old self with its practices and have put on the new self, which is being renewed in knowledge after the image of its creator.

Colossians 3:5-6,9-10 ESV

"Don't dwell on your sin and let it linger in your conscience, for as long as it lingers, it lives. Christ killed your sin on the cross and it was buried with him."

Rev. Dr. David Robinson "The Sweetest Spectacle" Jubilee Fall 2017

Ezra Institute for Contemporary Christianity

May the mind of Christ, my Savior,

Live in me from day to day,

By His love and pow’r controlling

All I do and say.

May the Word of God dwell richly

In my heart from hour to hour,

So that all may see I triumph

Only through His pow’r.

Words by Kate B. Wilkinson, before 1913

November 13, 2017 - - Exodus 20:7 The glory and honour of God

You shall not take the name of the LORD your God in vain,

for the LORD will not hold him guiltless who takes His name in vain.

Exodus 20:7 NKJV

The Hebrew word for "take" is "nasa" (pronounced naw-saw) and it means: to bear, lift, or carry. Understand then believers who bear the Name of Jesus, "Christian", whose words or actions bring discredit to the Name of Jesus are violating this commandment.

A gossipy woman bearing the title Christian is making God's Name empty.

A man who calls himself a Christian but neglects worship for whatever sport is in season is taking God's Name in vain.

Christians who, by their association with evil, bring disrepute to the Name and purposes of God are not held guiltless by God.

The Ten Commandments require Christians to alter their attitude towards life, towards others and towards things. Relationship with God changes everything for the believer. How a follower of Jesus Christ lives out these commandments either reveals the glory of Jesus' Name or by association drags His Name into the mud.

Why? Jesus Himself taught: "For whoever does the will of God is My brother and My sister and mother" (Mark 3:35). If we claim to belong to Jesus, but our words, actions or inaction, empty His Name of the very glory which is due His Name, then we are violating the third commandment.

The Spirit warns us: "Therefore we must give the more earnest heed to the things we have heard, lest we drift away" (Hebrews 2:1). Following Jesus and living out His will for our lives requires intentionality and effort. We must always aim for the highest good in His Name.

Forgive me, God! I confess I am lazy with regards to Your honour. I admit it is easy to just drift from thing to thing and so by my actions link Your Name to my poor conduct. Spirit of the Living God, awaken my soul to the glory which is mine in Christ Jesus. Rouse me from my slothfulness. As Jesus is the Highest Good and Greatest Prize, let my words and my actions, the things I choose not to do or partake in, show my dedication to Him. I repent of my sin. I ask You to empower me, moment by moment to carry Your Name with honour wherever I go. For the sake of Jesus and His reputation I pray. Amen.

November 12, 2017 - - Hebrews 11:6 God the Rewarder

But without faith it is impossible to please Him, for he who comes to God must believe that He is a rewarder of those who diligently seek Him.

Hebrews 11:6 NKJV

And it has started. The idiotic commercials where parents spend lavishly to try and satisfy the gift-greedy mewling of their children. There are slow-mo shots of children tearing paper away with too cute little ones gasping in wonder at their parent's thoughtfulness and close-ups of other children with curled lips throwing into the air fist pumps of victory in getting what they thought their voracious hearts desired.

Be honest. It is impossible to please your children because their lustful capacity for more cannot be satiated. In attempting to buy the perfect gift or the "IT" thing of this season you are actually feeding a discontentment which will fuel a life of disappointment.

We have a Father in heaven Who has given every good gift in Christ. We have a Father in heaven Who rewards those who seek Him. He is our life's great Reward. To know that the Sovereign in heaven, Who is above all the princes and rulers and despots of this earth, takes delight in the faith of His children is joy beyond expressing.

In seeking to be like Jesus we realize the purpose of our life is teaching our children to follow Him. They are to catch the vision of knowing Jesus and in turn become those who teach others this great vision of knowing Jesus. Teaching others of Jesus confirms to our own hearts as well what blessedness is: knowing Jesus Christ which means dying to this world and its lies and rising to new life in Him. This is the contentment we find by the Spirit of God, Who teaches us by the Word.

Jesus, we confess faith is not something we can generate by ourselves. Grant to us the liberality of Your Spirit so faith in the things of this world becomes like grit between our teeth and smoke to our eyes and by contrast faith in Jesus takes hold of us so the Word of God is like rich food on the tongue and knowing our Father in heaven is satisfaction which compels us to want to know Him more.

November 11, 2017 - - Psalm 50:23 Boredom and praise, laziness and salvation

Whoever offers praise glorifies Me;

And to him who orders his conduct aright

I will show the salvation of God.

Psalm 50:23 NKJV

Perhaps you have had this thought about Bible reading and prayer times: "I don't feel like it right now."

I wonder, how many of us have opened the fridge when we weren't really hungry and stood there scanning for something to tempt us until we grabbed a snack?

I wonder, now many of us have flipped through movie selections, not really sure of what we might be interested in watching and ended up just watching something, anything, even a show we've seen several times already?

I wonder, how many of us have avoided the things we know we needed to do and instead scrolled through FB or emails or YouTube videos?

Like Paul, in Romans 7, we know the good we should do but we neglect it and we do the very things we know we should not do.

Here the Psalmist, inspired by the very God Who made us, writes words that remind us it takes effort to properly order our conduct, to make decisions to stop doing wrong, or making poor choices and instead make the courageous and blessed decision to spend time with God. From there our conduct and decisions flow from the highest place of order and wisdom.

When I am tempted to mindlessly flip channels, inspire me instead to turn to Your Word of Truth, O God of Truth. Entice me by Your Spirit to see wonderful things in the passages of the Bible so that my heart is turned towards You. I confess I am often reluctant and skittish about spending time with You, because I know my own weaknesses and failures. The fact is, You already know the very worst about me, and have invited me to bring glory, praise, and blessing to Your Name. Lift me from the doldrums, or boredom, or laziness (or whatever it is that keeps me from You) and let me choose, again and again, or if necessary force myself to spend time in Your Word and in Your Presence until it is the joy and refreshment found in Jesus alone that keeps me seeking You out. Amen.

November 10, 2017 - - Proverbs 10:32 Righteousness versus wickedness

The lips of the righteous know what is acceptable,

But the mouth of the wicked what is perverse.

Proverbs 10:32 NKJV

Not that long ago I went to Service Ontario for help with job counseling. Since Carolyn and I have only one car and she needs it for work, I had to walk to my appointment and I wore jeans and a casual top. While I was there I was not treated with the basic respect I'd expect. The very next day, for my follow up appointment, I still had to walk, but this time my attire was "business casual". What a difference. I was treated with greater respect.

How easily we all can fall into this trap. We can make snap decisions about a person or their circumstances and then treat them according to our fragment of understanding.

The standards of perverse people vary with whatever fad is current. A white male is to be disregarded because of "privilege" while a someone from a particular circle of victimhood is granted more status based on the dictates of current fashion.

The standards of the righteous find their foundation in the Everlasting God and His Word. From this strength the righteous know that every person is made in God's image which means that from conception to the moment of natural death, each person has worth and dignity which has been conferred to that person from God. Therefore the lips of the righteous speak the truth in love to each person, their words are honest and their language mirrors the kindness of God.

When wicked people vent and spew their perversity, the vile culture nods approval if it accords with the latest celebrated fad. When the righteous vent and treat others with unkindness, it is hypocrisy and requires confession and restoration.

The wicked continually stir up strife and bitterness because of their devotion to the father of lies. The wicked are confirmed in their perversity and vileness because of the one they follow. The righteous seek the restoration of community because of their devotion to Jesus Christ, Who has broken down the dividing walls of hostility and restores the righteous in relationship with God and with other people. Believers are righteous, not in and of themselves, but they are made righteous by the One Whom they follow.

Rushing Wind flow through this temple, cleanse me from the dust and debris within so that my thoughts and my words conform to the standards of Jesus, the Captain of my Salvation. Amen.

November 8, 2017 - - Hebrews 11:8-9 NKJV God's land and lands

8 By faith Abraham obeyed when he was called to go out to the place which he would receive as an inheritance. And he went out, not knowing where he was going. 9 By faith he dwelt in the land of promise as in a foreign country, dwelling in tents with Isaac and Jacob, the heirs with him of the same promise; 10 for he waited for the city which has foundations, whose builder and maker is God. Hebrews 11 NKJV

"Men must understand, that not every people have the right to their place on the earth. Men - - and especially men who have fallen into sin - - have no rights to anything. This is what the LORD makes clear, whoever would live there and if there is any talk of rights, then it is only conferred by the right of grace. Abraham and his seed received The Land, which the Canaanites had forfeited through their own godlessness. And when the measure of their sins - - you have only to think of Sodom - - is full, then the people are wiped out by God's legitimate wrath."

W. L. Tukker 'Abraham de vader aller gelovigen'

translation from Dutch to English is my own

The testimony of this passage of Hebrews, and that of Genesis which is the basis for the passage in Hebrews is this: God Who created the heavens and the earth and all peoples, tribes and nations, has the right to set the boundary markers for tribes and nations. All people exist by the grace of the Living God. All people are under the authority of His Son, Jesus enthroned as King of the Nations.

This passage is both a blessing and a warning of a coming curse. Christians, like Abraham, live as strangers and foreigners in lands that are not their own. All the nations of this earth, in which and among whom Christians live as foreigners and strangers, are accountable to the Living God for their conduct. Christians, like Abraham, await the coming day, when the blessing of God will be poured out in Christ so that godlessness will be wiped out. Then God will fashion the new heavens and the new earth and those who believe in Christ will live there and God Himself will be their light and joy.

The debate between Bible-believing Christians and evolution-believing atheists is this: who has the right to dictate our behaviour? For the evolution-believing atheist, man is his own judge and ruler and therefore men are ruled by tyrants and judged by fools. For the Christian, man is ruled by Jesus the rightful King appointed by the Father in heaven. Christians are those who confess their sins and find forgiveness in Jesus' Name. Christians are those whose conduct and life are transparently lived under the right of grace.

God, Creator and Sustainer of all mankind and all the universe, great is Your Name and great is the glory that is Yours. Your Spirit confers wisdom and understanding to believers so that they can live within the gracious boundary lines which You, God, have appointed. Let believers, by their holy conduct, shine as witnesses to Your grace in this age of godlessness. God keep our land glorious and free by bringing people, by the thousands and millions, back into believing and faithful service to You. Amen.

November 7, 2017 - - Matthew 6:7 Talking to God

And when you pray, do not use vain repetitions as the heathen do. For they think that they will be heard for their many words.

Matthew 6:7 NKJV

Talking to God doesn't require fancy words. Praying doesn't require certain words and phrases carefully crafted. Prayer is a conversation between God and a believer. The path of prayer is opened by Jesus, Who took on Himself God's punishment for our sins. Those who believe on Jesus and follow Him are declared forgiven because of the work of Jesus.

Weep before God. Or be still and know His forgiving power and love. Ask. Confess. Know, that it is the Spirit of the Living God Who is welcoming, encouraging, you to go to your Father in heaven. Your Father will hear you.

God in heaven, my thoughts are racing. I am crying out to You, from the ends of the earth because my heart is overwhelmed. Hear me. Help me for the sake of Jesus. Amen.

November 6, 2017 - - Ephesians 5:2 Love and sacrifice

And walk in love, as Christ has also loved us and given Himself for us, an offering and a sacrifice to God for a sweet-smelling aroma.

Ephesians 5:2 NKJV

Each moment of each day, walk in love. Be prepared to sacrifice your comfort, your convenience, your schedule and your finances for the sake of others. Love is not some schmaltzy feeling, it is the action of sacrificing self for the sake of the welfare of others.

For some, love means admitting their needs. It is offering their vulnerabilities so that members of the community can share from their abundance and so bring blessing.

We are wise to remember that here, in North America, we are incredibly rich. We have great resources and therefore great responsibility to walk in love.

Thank You, Lord Jesus, for the love You showed us at Your incarnation, Your humble service to the Father in heaven and Your extravagant gift of sacrifice at the cross so that our sins were paid for, the punishment meted out to You so that all who believe in You are free. Help me to walk in love this day. By the Spirit You have given, let me be discerning enough to know when and how to show Your love. Amen.

November 5, 2017 -- Luke 24:46-53 The Suffering Savior and Empowered Believers

Then He said to them, “Thus it is written, and thus it was necessary for the Christ to suffer and to rise from the dead the third day, and that repentance and remission of sins should be preached in His name to all nations, beginning at Jerusalem. And you are witnesses of these things. Behold, I send the Promise of My Father upon you; but tarry in the city of Jerusalem until you are endued with power from on high.”

The Ascension

And He led them out as far as Bethany, and He lifted up His hands and blessed them. Now it came to pass, while He blessed them, that He was parted from them and carried up into heaven. And they worshiped Him, and returned to Jerusalem with great joy, and were continually in the temple praising and blessing God. Amen.

Luke 24:46-53 NKJV

Today, as every Sunday, Christians recognize Jesus Christ as the Suffering Savior Who took the punishment for sin upon Himself at the cross. Christians worship Jesus Who rose to new life and anyone who believes on His Name and worships Him receives abundant life. Sins are forgiveness in Jesus' Name. Believers renounce sin and walk in holiness. Yet while believers live sin afflicts and old patterns trip them up; but Christ endues His followers with the power of His Holy Spirit so that the hold of sin becomes weaker and the joys of serving Him become all the greater.

Join with God's people. Plan on going to church. Receive the blessing of Jesus Christ. Know the joy of gathering with fellow believers, sinners who are being changed, by the power of the Spirit, from weakness to strength in the Name of Jesus Christ unto the glory of our Father in heaven.

Praise be to Your Name, Father in heaven. By the mercies shown us in Jesus Christ You have taken ruined, lost sinners, and cleansed them so that they have become beloved sons and daughters of God. Thank You, Father in heaven, that Your Spirit guards the followers of Christ Jesus so that the raging of hell cannot win the victory against them. Thank You, mighty God, for the great blessings poured out in Jesus' Name. Let the great company of saints here on earth--wherever it is they gather, in persecution or in freedom, in house churches or in cathedrals, in secret or openly--bless You and delight in You and be strengthened by You. Build Your Church in the Name of Jesus Christ until all believers see You, face to face. Amen.