Archive for the ‘Bible Study’ Category

Bible PathwaysSaturday, July 31, 2010

Read Song of Solomon 1 — 8

Highlights:

This beautiful love story shows the love of God for Israel and illustrates the love of Christ for His Church. It provides a model for the quality of love God desires to see between a man and his wife as well as our love for His Church. It opens with a Shulamite maiden working in a vineyard. A handsome stranger wins her heart. He promises to return and when he does he reveals himself as the mighty monarch.

This poem describes the wholesome enjoyment of married love between a man and a woman. It expresses the delight of the bridegroom in the bride and of the bride in her husband. The bride describes her wonderful memories as her bridegroom tarries. The whole narrative has a dreamlike quality. The circumstances are vague and not such as occur in ordinary life. The longing, the wondering, and the searching represent the images of dreams. The bride was asleep on her bed, but her thoughts were continually about her beloved absent bridegroom. By night on my bed I sought him whom my soul loveth: I sought him, but I found him not (Song 3:1).

Every believer is assured that my Beloved is mine, and I am His (2:16), for Jesus Christ has entered into our very lives. Our love relationship continues to grow and deepen as we listen to Him speak to us as we read and apply His Word. We become different people by virtue of our relationship with the coming Bridegroom. With Paul, we too can say: I live; yet not I, but Christ liveth in me: and the life which I now live in the flesh I live by the faith of the Son of God, who loved me, and gave Himself for me (Gal. 2:20).

As Christians, sometimes we enjoy a very close sense of the presence of Christ. The hymn writer wrote: “He walks with me and He talks with me.” But all too often His presence seems far away. Yet our love for Him continues to grow as we wait expectantly for that first glimpse of Him when He welcomes us home (John 3:29; Eph. 5:22-23; I Thess. 4:16-17).

As the bride, we also wait with great anticipation for the return of our Bridegroom Jesus when we too will be able to say: He brought me to the banqueting house, and His banner over me was love (Song 2:4).

Let not your heart be troubled: ye believe in God, believe also in Me. In My Father’s house are many mansions: if it were not so, I would have told you. I go to prepare a place for you. And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again, and receive you unto Myself; that where I am, there ye may be also (John 14:1-3).

Thought for Today:

Rejoicing in hope; patient in tribulation; continuing instant in prayer (Rom. 12:12).

Christ Revealed:

As the chiefest (outstanding) among ten thousand (Song 5:10). Jesus is the KING OF KINGS, AND LORD OF LORDS (Rev. 19:16).

Word Studies:

1:3 savour =b> fragrance; 1:11 borders =b> ornaments; 1:12 spikenard =b> perfume; 1:16 our bed is green =b> we recline on a grassy field; 2:5; Stay me =b> Invigorate me; flagons =b> with delicacies; sick of love =b> overcome, lovesick; 4:4 bucklers =b> small shields; 5:4 bowels =b> heart; 8:5 raised =b> awakened.

Prayer Needs:

Pray for Government Officials: Gov. Deval Patrick (MA), Rep. Adam Putnam (FL), Rep. Betty Sutton (OH), and Rep. Joe Wilson (SC) • Country: Switzerland (7 million) in central Europe • Major languages: German and French • Religious freedom • 53% Roman Catholic; 41% Protestant • Prayer Suggestion: Intercede in prayer for your friends (Job 42:7-10).
Optional Reading: Hebrews 8

Memory Verse for the Week: II Corinthians 4:10

(From the book “I Have a Friend Who’s Jewish, Do You?”)
[Edited]
 
What are the odds that Christ was a fraud? Ever wondered about that? Or maybe you think he WAS a fraud? Well, either way, just read on. There have been done some scientific studies on that.
 
“Science has developed a method of studying odds. It is called the science of compound probabilities, a mathematical study of situations and the odds of possible outcomes. One of the most amazing studies conducted using this method, was recorded by Professor Peter Stoner in “Science Speaks.” The purpose of the study was to determine the odds of one man in history fulfilling all the prophecies recorded in the Scripture that point to the Jewish Messiah. There are over 300 Messianic prophecies in the Scriptures. Stoner chose just those that are clearly defined and specific for his study. To begin, eight prophecies were chosen that were totally beyond the human control of Yeshua (Jesus):
 
1) His place of birth (Micah 5:2)
2) Time of birth (Daniel 9:25)
3) Manner of birth (Isaiah 7:14)
4) Betrayal (Zechariah 11:12, 13)
5) Manner of death (Psalm 22:16-18)Notice the detail even down to the gambling for His robe.
6) Piercing of hands, feet, and side (Zechariah 12:10)
7) People mocking (Psalm 22:7,8)
Burial (Isaiah 53:9)
 
The compound probability of just these eight prophecies being fulfilled is 1 in 100,000,000,000,000,000 (1 in 10 to the 17th power). To understand this number, take that many silver dollars and lay them on the face of Texas. They would cover the entire state two feet deep. Next, mark a single silver dollar, fly over Texas, and drop it anywhere. Then blindfold someone and let him parachute in anywhere he wants. He should take his time; he only gets one pick and the coin he picks must be the one you marked. What chance would he have of getting the right one? Just the same chance that the prophets had of writing these eight prophecies and having them all come true in any one man. Yeshua fulfilled them all! In practical terms, would anyone fail to invest in a financial venture if the chance of failure was one in 10 to the 17th power? This is how secure an investment it is to believe that Yeshua is the Messiah. (Only the rewards are truly out of this world!)
 
Now let’s raise the odds using 48 prophecies. We find the chances of one man fulfilling just 48 of these Messianic prophecies to be 1 in 1,000,000,000,000,000,000,000,000,000,000,000,000,000,000,000, 000,000,000,000,000,000,000,000,000,000,000,000,000,000,000,
000,000,000,000,000,000,000,000,000,000,000,000,000,000,000,
000,000,000,000,000,000,000 (1 in 10 to the 157th power).
 
Yeshua fulfilled over 300 prophecies! It would take more faith to deceive yourself that Yeshua is NOT the Messiah, than to accept the FACT that He is!”
 
Just think about this for a moment:
 
“Refusing to choose is a form of choice.
Disbelief is a form of belief.
In choosing, we must not only use the intelligence God gave us, but also our hearts.”

[NEHEMIAH 2]

Unknown to him, Nehemiah was about to join the glorious ranks of the “champions of faith”; and in the centuries to follow, his name would be included with heroes like Abraham, Joseph, Moses, Joshua, Esther, Deborah, and David. One person can make a big difference in this world, if that person knows God and really trusts in Him. Because faith makes a difference, we can make a difference in our world to the glory of God.

“Faith is a living, daring confidence in God’s grace,” said Martin Luther. “It is so sure and certain that a man could stake his life on it a thousand times.” The promise is that “all things are possible to him who believes” (Mark 9:23, NKJV). Jesus said living faith can move mountains! (Matt. 17:20)

This chapter describes three evidences of Nehemiah’s faith. As we study these evidences of faith, we must examine our own hearts to see whether or not we are really walking and working by faith.

1. He had the faith to wait (Neh. 2:1–3)

Since the Jewish month of Nisan would be our mid-March to mid-April, it would indicate that four months have passed since Nehemiah received the bad news about the plight of Jerusalem. As every believer should, Nehemiah patiently waited on the Lord for directions; because it is “through faith and patience” that we inherit the promises (Heb. 6:12). “He that believeth shall not make haste” (Isa. 28:16). True faith in God brings a calmness to the heart that keeps us from rushing about and trying to do in our own strength what only God can do. We must know not only how to weep and pray, but also how to wait and pray.

Three statements in Scripture have a calming effect on me whenever I get nervous and want to rush ahead of the Lord: “Stand still, and see the salvation of the Lord” (Ex. 14:13); “Sit still…until you know how the matter will turn out” (Ruth 3:18, NKJV); “Be still, and know that I am God” (Ps. 46:10). When you wait on the Lord in prayer, you are not wasting your time; you are investing it. God is preparing both you and your circumstances so that His purposes will be accomplished. However, when the right time arrives for us to act by faith, we dare not delay.

Eastern monarchs were sheltered from anything that might bring them unhappiness (Es. 4:1–2); but on that particular day, Nehemiah could not hide his sorrow. “By sorrow of the heart the spirit is broken” (Prov. 15:13), and Psalm 102 certainly describes Nehemiah’s feelings about Jerusalem. Perhaps each morning, Nehemiah prayed, “Lord, if today is the day I speak to the king about our plans, then open the way for me.”

The king noticed that his cupbearer was carrying a burden. Had Artaxerxes been in a bad mood, he might have banished Nehemiah or even ordered him killed; but instead, the king inquired why his servant was so sad. “The king’s heart is in the hand of the Lord, as the rivers of water He turneth it whithersoever He will” (Prov. 21:1). World leaders are only God’s servants, whether they know it or not. “O Lord God of our fathers, are You not the God who is in heaven? You rule over all the kingdoms of the nations. Power and might are in Your hand, and no one can withstand You” (2 Chron. 20:6, NIV).

2. He had the faith to ask (Neh. 2:4–8)

The king asked him, “What is it you want?” What an opportunity for Nehemiah! All the power and wealth of the kingdom were wrapped up in that question!

As he was accustomed to do, Nehemiah sent one of his quick “telegraph prayers” to the Lord (4:4; 5:9; 6:9, 14; 13:14, 22, 29, 31). But keep in mind that these “emergency prayers” were backed up by four months of fasting and praying. If Nehemiah had not been diligent to pray in private, his “telegraph prayers” might have gone unanswered. “He had only an instant for that prayer,” wrote George Morrison. “Silence would have been misinterpreted. Had he closed his eyes and lingered in devotion, the king immediately would have suspected treason.”

It encourages my prayer life when I contrast the earthly throne of Artaxerxes with the throne of grace in heaven. Nehemiah had to wait for an invitation before he could share his burden with the king, but we can come to the throne of grace at any time with any need (Heb. 4:14–16). Artaxerxes saw the sorrow on Nehemiah’s face, but our Lord sees our hearts and not only knows our sorrows but also feels them with us. People approaching the throne of Persia had to be very careful what they said, lest they anger the king; but God’s people can tell Him whatever burdens them. (The word boldly in Heb. 4:16 means “freedom of speech.”) You are never sure of the mood of a human leader, but you can always be sure of God’s loving welcome.

Jewish rabbis often answer a question with a question, and Nehemiah followed that example. Instead of telling the king what he planned to do, he aroused the king’s sympathy and interest with a question regarding how he should feel about the sad plight of his ancestral city and the graves of his forefathers. It was good psychology, and God used Nehemiah’s reply to get the king’s sympathetic attention (Luke 21:14–15). A pagan monarch would probably not sorrow over the ruins of Jerusalem, but he would certainly show respect for the dead.

Nehemiah was a true patriot whose dreams for the future were motivated by the values of the past. He did not try to duplicate the past, for that was impossible; rather, he built on the past so that Israel would have a future. To Nehemiah, the past was a rudder to guide him and not an anchor to hold him back. When Samuel Johnson called patriotism “the last refuge of a scoundrel,” he was referring to that temporary zeal that uses “love of country” as propaganda for selfish purposes. United States Ambassador to the United Nations Adlai Stevenson said that patriotism was not “a short and frenzied outburst of emotion, but the tranquil and steady dedication of a lifetime.” That certainly describes Nehemiah’s kind of patriotism.

Not only had Nehemiah prayed for this opportunity, but he had also planned for it and had his answer ready. During those four months of waiting, he had thought the matter through and knew exactly how he would approach the project. His reply to the king can be summarized in two requests: “Send me!” (Neh. 2:4–6) and “Give me!” (vv. 7–10)

Nehemiah could not leave his post without the approval of the king, nor could he work in Jerusalem without the authority of the king. Pressure from local officials had stopped the work once before (Ezra 4), and Nehemiah didn’t want history to repeat itself. He asked Artaxerxes to appoint him governor of Judah and to give him the authority he needed to rebuild the city walls. He told the king when he expected to return, but we don’t know what that date was. According to Nehemiah 5:14, Nehemiah spent twelve years as governor. He went back to Persia briefly to report to the king, but then returned to Jerusalem to correct the abuses that appeared during his absence (13:6–7).

But Nehemiah asked for even more. He needed letters of introduction that would guarantee safe travel and hospitality between Susa and Jerusalem. He also requested letters of authority that would provide the materials needed for the construction of buildings and walls. (Nehemiah had done his research well. He even knew the name of the keeper of the king’s forest!) Artaxerxes gave him what he asked, but it was the good hand of God that made the king so cooperative (see 2:18; and Ezra 7:6, 9, 28).

When Jesus sent His disciples out to minister, He first gave them the authority they needed to do the job; and He promised to meet their every need (Matt. 10:1–15). As we go forth to serve the Lord, we have behind us all authority in heaven and on earth (28:18); so we don’t have to be afraid. The important thing is that we go where He sends us and that we do the work He has called us to do.

Nehemiah is a good example of how believers should relate to unsaved officials as they seek to do the work of God. Nehemiah respected the king and sought to work within the lines of authority that existed in the empire. He didn’t say, “I have a commission from the Lord to go to Jerusalem, and I’m going whether you like it or not!” When it comes to matters of conscience, we must always obey God rather than men (Acts 5:29); but even then, we must show respect for authority (see Rom. 13 and 1 Peter 2:11–25). Daniel and his friends took the same approach as did Nehemiah, and God honored them as well (Dan. 1).

The king’s response is evidence of the sovereignty of God in the affairs of nations. We expect God to be able to work through a dedicated believer like Nehemiah, but we forget that God can also work through unbelievers to accomplish His will. He used Pharaoh to display His power in Egypt (Ex. 9:16; Rom. 9:17) and Cyrus to deliver His people from Babylon (Isa. 44:28; 45:1; Ezra 1:1–2). Caesar issued the decree that brought Mary and Joseph to Bethlehem (Luke 2:1–7), and two different Roman centurions—Claudius Lysias and Julius—saved Paul’s life (Acts 21:26–40; 23:25–30; 27:1, 42–44). While it may be helpful to have believing officials like Joseph, Daniel, and Nehemiah, we must remember that God is not required to use only believers.

Moses and Nehemiah made similar decisions of faith and similar sacrifices (Heb. 11:24–26). As the representative of the deliverer of the Jews, would he be welcomed by the Gentile officials? Nehemiah performed no signs or wonders, nor did he deliver any prophecies; but he faithfully did his work and prepared a city for the coming Messiah (Dan. 9:24–27).

3. He had the faith to challenge others (Neh. 2:11–18a)

Traveling (Neh. 2:9–10). No description is given of the trip from Susa to Jerusalem, a journey of at least two months’ time. As a testimony to the faithfulness of God, Ezra had refused military protection for his journey (Ezra 8:21–23); but since Nehemiah was a governor on official business, he had a military escort. Nehemiah had just as much faith as Ezra; but as the king’s officer, he could not travel without his retinue. For one thing, he would not oppose the will of the king; and he could not force his faith upon others.

When the official caravan arrived, it was bound to attract attention, particularly among those who hated the Jews and wanted to keep them from fortifying their city. Three special enemies are named: Sanballat, from Beth Horan, about twelve miles from Jerusalem; Tobiah, an Ammonite; and Geshem, an Arabian (Neh. 2:19), also called “Gashmu” (6:6). Sanballat was Nehemiah’s chief enemy, and the fact that he had some kind of official position in Samaria only made him that much more dangerous (4:1–3).

Being an Ammonite, Tobiah was an avowed enemy of the Jews (Deut. 23:3–4). He was related by marriage to some of Nehemiah’s co-laborers and had many friends among the Jews (Neh. 6:17–19). In fact, he was “near of kin” (“allied”) to Eliashib the priest (13:4–7). If Sanballat was in charge of the army, then Tobiah was director of the intelligence division of their operation. It was he who gathered “inside information” from his Jewish friends and passed it along to Sanballat and Geshem. Nehemiah would soon discover that his biggest problem was not the enemy on the outside but the compromisers on the inside, a problem the church still faces today.

Investigating (Neh. 2:11–16). After his long difficult journey, Nehemiah took time to rest; for leaders must take care of themselves if they are going to be able to serve the Lord (Mark 6:31). He also took time to get “the lay of the land” without arousing the concern of the enemy. A good leader doesn’t rush into his work but patiently gathers the facts firsthand and then plans his strategy (Prov. 18:13). We must be “wise as serpents” because the enemy is always watching and waiting to attack.

Leaders are often awake when others are asleep, and working when others are resting. Nehemiah didn’t want the enemy to know what he was doing, so he investigated the ruins by night. By keeping his counsel to himself, Nehemiah prevented Tobiah’s friends from getting information they could pass along to Sanballat. A wise leader knows when to plan, when to speak, and when to work.

As he surveyed the situation, he moved from west to south to east, concentrating on the southern section of the city. It was just as his brother had reported: The walls were broken down and the gates were burned (Neh. 2:13; 1:3). Leaders must not live in a dream world. They must face facts honestly and accept the bad news as well as the good news. Nehemiah saw more at night than the residents saw in the daylight, for he saw the potential as well as the problems. That’s what makes a leader!

Challenging (Neh. 2:17–20). Nehemiah’s appeal was positive; he focused on the glory and greatness of the Lord. He had been in the city only a few days, but he spoke of “we” and “us” and not “you” and “them.” As he did in his prayer (1:6–7), he identified with the people and their needs. The city was a reproach to the Lord (1:3; 4:4; 5:9), but the hand of the Lord was with them; and He would enable them to do the work. God had already proved His power by working in the heart of the king, and the king had promised to meet the needs. It was Nehemiah’s personal burden for Jerusalem and his experience with the Lord that convinced the Jews that the time was right to build.

It is to the credit of the Jewish nobles that they accepted the challenge immediately and said, “Let us rise up and build!” They were not so accustomed to their situation that they took it for granted and decided that nothing could be changed. Nor did they remind Nehemiah that the Jews had once tried to repair the walls and were stopped (Ezra 4). “We tried that once and it didn’t work. Why try again?”

Christian leaders today face these same two obstacles as they seek to lead God’s people into new conquests for the Lord. How often we hear, “We’re content the way things are; don’t rock the boat by trying to change things.” Or, “We tried that before and it didn’t work!”

It is worth noting that God sent the Jews a leader from the outside. Nehemiah came into the community with a new perspective on the problems and a new vision for the work. Too often in a local church, new members have a hard time “breaking into the system” because the veterans are afraid of new ideas that might lead to change. Since most of their leadership comes up through the ranks, parachurch ministries must also beware of the “closed corporation” attitude. New workers from outside the organization might open the windows and let in some fresh air.

The good hand of God was upon the leader, and the followers “strengthened their hands” for the work (Neh. 2:8, 18). It takes both the hands of leadership and the hands of partnership to accomplish the work of the Lord. Leaders can’t do the job by themselves, and workers can’t accomplish much without leadership. Vincent de Paul said, “If in order to succeed in an enterprise, I were obliged to choose between fifty deer commanded by a lion, and fifty lions commanded by a deer, I should consider myself more certain of success with the first group than with the second.”

Someone has defined leadership as “the art of getting people to do what they ought to do because they want to do it.” If that definition is true, then Nehemiah certainly was a leader! Most of the people united behind him and risked their lives to get the work done.

Nehemiah was not only able to challenge his own people, but he was also able to stand up against the enemy and deal effectively with their opposition. Just as soon as God’s people step out by faith to do His will, the enemy shows up and tries to discourage them. Sanballat and Tobiah heard about the enterprise (v. 10) and enlisted Geshem to join them in opposting the Jews. In chapters 4–7, Nehemiah will describe the different weapons the enemy used and how the Lord enabled him to defeat them.

They started off with ridicule, a device somebody has called “the weapon of those who have no other.” They laughed at the Jews and belittled both their resources and their plans. They even suggested that the Jews were rebelling against the king. That weapon had worked once before (see Ezra 4).

Whether in the area of science, exploration, invention, business, government, or Christian ministry, just about everyone who has ever accomplished anything has faced ridicule. Our Lord was ridiculed during His life and mocked while He was hanging on the cross. He was “despised and rejected of men” (Isa. 53:3). On the Day of Pentecost, some of the Jews in the crowd said that the Christians were drunk (Acts 2:13). The Greek philosophers called Paul a “babbler” (17:18, NIV), and Festus told Paul he was out of his mind (26:24).

Nehemiah could have dealt with their ridicule in several ways. He might have ignored it, and sometimes that’s the wisest thing to do (Prov. 26:4). But at the beginning of an enterprise, it’s important that leaders encourage their people and let them know that God has everything in control. Had Nehemiah ignored these three men who were important in the community, he might have weakened his own position among the Jews. After all, he was the official governor, and he was doing official business.

Or, Nehemiah might have debated with the three enemy leaders and tried to convince them that their position was false. But that approach would only have given “official promotion” to the three men along with opportunity for them to say more. Why should Nehemiah give the enemy opportunity to make speeches against the God whom he served?

Of course, Nehemiah would not ask them to join the project and work with the Jews, although Sanballat and his friends would have welcomed the invitation (Neh. 6:1–4). In his reply, Nehemiah made three things clear: Rebuilding the wall was God’s work; the Jews were God’s servants; and Sanballat, Tobiah, and Geshem had no part in the matter. Sometimes leaders have to negotiate, but there are times when leaders must draw a line and defend it. Unfortunately, not everybody in Jerusalem agreed with their leader; for some of them cooperated withanballat, Tobiah, and Geshem and added to Nehemiah’s burdens.

The stage is now set and the drama is about to begin.

But before we join the workers on the wall, let’s ask ourselves whether we are the kind of leaders and followers God wants us to be. Like Nehemiah, do we have a burden in our hearts for the work God has called us to do? (2:12) Are we willing to sacrifice to see His will accomplished? Are we patient in gathering facts and in planning our work? Do we enlist the help of others or try to do everything ourselves? Do we motivate people on the basis of the spiritual—what God is doing—or simply on the basis of the personal? Are they following us or the Lord as He leads us?

As followers, do we listen to what our leaders say as they share their burdens? Do we cling to the past or desire to see God do something new? Do we put our hands and necks to the work? (v. 18; 3:5) Are we cooperating in any way with the enemy and thus weakening the work? Have we found the job God wants us to complete?

Anyone can go through life as a destroyer; God has called His people to be builders. What an example Nehemiah is to us! Trace his “so” statements and see how God used him: “So I prayed” (2:4); “So I came to Jerusalem” (v. 11); “So they strengthened their hands for this good work” (v. 18); “So built we the wall” (4:6); “So we labored in the work” (v. 21); “So the wall was finished” (6:15).

Were it not for the dedication and determination that came from his faith in a great God, Nehemiah would never have accepted the challenge or finished the work. He had never seen the verse, but what Paul wrote in 1 Corinthians 15:58 was what kept him going: “Therefore, my beloved brethren, be steadfast, immovable, always abounding in the work of the Lord, knowing that your labor is not in vain in the Lord” (NKJV).

No matter how difficult the task, or how strong the opposition, BE DETERMINED! As Dr. V. Raymond Edman used to say, “It is always too soon to quit.”

Daily Golden Footprints

First, take a look at this scripture in Hebrews. This is a foundation scripture for the Word that the Lord is giving today.

(Heb 10:35) Cast not away therefore your confidence, which hath great recompence of reward. Recompense of reward means by definition=good or great reward.

You are commanded by the Lord to edify and exhort the body of Christ. So what is satan going to attack the most in you? It is your confidence, of course.

There is a constant battle raging to steal your confidence. You must remember that this is confidence in God and not in you. You must be confident that He will do just exactly what He said that He would do. Your natural strengths and weaknesses are not the issue. It is God you must have faith in. Your confidence is in Him alone.

You must learn that in the midst of a battle, you do not talk the battle. You must talk the promises of God. The battle that you are fighting is not in the flesh. It is in the spirit. You are constantly fighting in the spirit realm. You are resisting the devil and speaking faith. You have every tool you need to keep your confidence. You have the rights to the name of Jesus.

When Jesus gave us the example of warfare, He battled the enemy by using the promises. He said, “it is written.” He spoke the promises. He activated the promises by the spoken Word. That was our example of fighting satan. When you realize that something is trying to happen around you that should not be, then fight it the same way Jesus did, with “it is written.” (Story in Matt 4) Notice that I say trying. I see it, but I deny its right to exist.

Your battle with satan begins with your thought life. Replace wrong thoughts with right thoughts. (2Co 10:3)

(2Co 10:4-5) For though we walk in the flesh, we do not war after the flesh:(For the weapons of our warfare are not carnal, but mighty through God to the pulling down of strong holds;) Casting down imaginations, and every high thing that exalteth itself against the knowledge of God, and bringing into captivity every thought to the obedience of Christ.

This is a spiritual battle. It is not against a person, but against satan and his demons. (Eph 6:12) For we wrestle not against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this world, against spiritual wickedness in high places.

The last sentence in 2 Cor 5, is a key verse here. I repeat it because it is vital to your success. You must control every thought. Replace the bad thoughts with the correct thoughts. If you are going to be raise faith in yourself and in others, you must hang on to your confidence. Control your thinking first, then your Words and then you will see the will of God manifested into your life. Faith means you must believe it before you see it in the natural.

You don’t have to be in one of the five-fold ministries to have the responsibility of edifying the body of Christ. You who are born again have the responsibility of edifying the body of Christ.

(Eph 4:11 – 13) And he gave some, apostles; and some, prophets; and some, evangelists; and some, pastors and teachers; For the perfecting of the saints, for the work of the ministry, for the edifying of the body of Christ: Till we all come in the unity of the faith, and of the knowledge of the Son of God, unto a perfect man, unto the measure of the stature of the fulness of Christ:

(1Co 14:3) But he that prophesieth speaketh unto men to edification, and exhortation, and comfort.
(1Co 14:12) Even so ye, forasmuch as ye are zealous of spiritual gifts, seek that ye may excel to the edifying of the church.

This verse tells us to become established, dependable, and noted for your obedience in Christ. When you are established in Christ Jesus, you are dependable to only speak the promises and not the problems. (2Th 2:17) Comfort your hearts, and stablish you in every good word and work.

It may not be a sin to say some things or do some things but is it good for you? Does it lift up the other person or yourself? Does it take you closer to God or the other person? (1Co 10:23) All things are lawful for me, but all things are not expedient: all things are lawful for me, but all things edify not.

You are taught to excel in the spiritual gifts so that you can encourage and help the church.

(1Co 14:12) Even so ye, forasmuch as ye are zealous of spiritual gifts, seek that ye may excel to the edifying of the church.

The gifts are for all and not just the five fold.

Edification is your measure of the question to do something or not to do something. Ask yourself, “Does it edify?”

(1Co 14:26) How is it then, brethren? when ye come together, every one of you hath a psalm, hath a doctrine, hath a tongue, hath a revelation, hath an interpretation. Let all things be done unto edifying.

In Him,

Prophetess Frances Lloyd

And as you go, preach, saying, the kingdom of heaven is at hand. Heal the sick, cleanse the lepers, raise the dead, cast out devils. Freely ye have received, freely give. Provide neither gold, nor silver, nor brass in your purses. Nor scrip for your journey, neither two coats, neither shoes, not yet staves, for the workman is worthy of his meat. (Matt 10:7-10)

Author Unknown

Somehow we’ve been led to believe that praying is always about the words we speak. As you study God’s Word, however, you will discover that it is often our silence that the Lord desires. The prophet Zephaniah wrote,

“Hold thy peace at the presence of the Lord God…” (Zephaniah 1:7)

As you pray and God begins to fill you, the abundance leaves no more room for words. Yet in your silence you are in total communication with the Lord. You see, God’s presence calms the soul and stills the activities of the flesh.

Prior to this moment you were praying through personal effort and self. Then the Lord walks in and everything stops. When the presence of the Spirit arrives, you know it’s time to be silent. That is when true fellowship begins.

Don’t fear when the Lord wants to take you into the wilderness. It’s a place of isolation where God can talk one–on-one with you. Speaking of Israel, the Lord said,

“Therefore, behold, I will allure her, and bring her into the wilderness, and speak comfortably unto her.” (Hosea 2:14)

When God has your complete attention — when your mind is inactive and self is not in control — the Lord will begin His fellowship with you.

When quietness comes, the Spirit begins talking. Job said,

“…there was silence, and I heard a voice, saying…” (Job 4:16)

If you truly want to hear from the Lord, allow everything around you to come to a halt.

“Be still, and know that I am God…” (Psalm 46:10)

By Evangelist Grady Lloyd

Wednesday, February 17, 2010

Your words have power to build up or to tear down.

Words can help you or hurt you. When you live in this world, you have had your mind programmed from birth to create death. You could say that our words act as subliminal messages to give us small doses of death when we speak the tricky things with which satan is poisoning us. We were taught in elementary school how to spell and use the words correctly in a sentence.

Words of death

We have so many things that are common today which are speaking death to us when we don’t even realize it. We say I am dying to get it or that just kills me. Our local colloquialisms for the most part today have been given by the enemy to cause us to strengthen His will through our spoken words.

Have you considered the voice of His Word today?

(Psalms 103:20) Bless the LORD, ye his angels, that excel in strength, that do his commandments, hearkening unto the voice of his word.

(Genesis 3:8) And they heard the voice of the LORD God walking in the garden in the cool of the day: and Adam and his wife hid themselves from the presence of the LORD God amongst the trees of the garden.

(Exodus 15:26) And said, If thou wilt diligently hearken to the voice of the LORD thy God, and wilt do that which is right in his sight, and wilt give ear to his commandments, and keep all his statutes, I will put none of these diseases upon thee, which I have brought upon the Egyptians: for I am the LORD that healeth thee.

The Word is what God speaks…

The Word is what God has said or is speaking something to us. God will always speak His Word.

(Go over to Genesis), and see how God created everything. Read the first chapter of Genesis and see how many times He said or Spoke. After He spoke came the part that says “and it was so.”

(Gen 1:1-22) In the beginning God created the heaven and the earth. And the earth was without form, and void; and darkness was upon the face of the deep. And the Spirit of God moved upon the face of the waters. And God said, Let there be light: and there was light. And God saw the light, that it was good: and God divided the light from the darkness. And God called the light Day, and the darkness he called Night. And the evening and the morning were the first day. And God said, Let there be a firmament in the midst of the waters, and let it divide the waters from the waters. And God made the firmament, and divided the waters which were under the firmament from the waters which were above the firmament: and it was so. And God called the firmament Heaven. And the evening and the morning were the second day. And God said, Let the waters under the heaven be gathered together unto one place, and let the dry land appear: and it was so. And God called the dry land Earth; and the gathering together of the waters called he Seas: and God saw that it was good. And God said, Let the earth bring forth grass, the herb yielding seed, and the fruit tree yielding fruit after his kind, whose seed is in itself, upon the earth: and it was so. And the earth brought forth grass, and herb yielding seed after his kind, and the tree yielding fruit, whose seed was in itself, after his kind: and God saw that it was good. And the evening and the morning were the third day. And God said, Let there be lights in the firmament of the heaven to divide the day from the night; and let them be for signs, and for seasons, and for days, and years: And let them be for lights in the firmament of the heaven to give light upon the earth: and it was so. And God made two great lights; the greater light to rule the day, and the lesser light to rule the night: he made the stars also. And God set them in the firmament of the heaven to give light upon the earth, And to rule over the day and over the night, and to divide the light from the darkness: and God saw that it was good. And the evening and the morning were the fourth day And God said, Let the waters bring forth abundantly the moving creature that hath life, and fowl that may fly above the earth in the open firmament of heaven. And God created great whales, and every living creature that moveth, which the waters brought forth abundantly, after their kind, and every winged fowl after his kind: and God saw that it was good. And God blessed them, saying, Be fruitful, and multiply, and fill the waters in the seas, and let fowl multiply in the earth.

PAUSE FOR A MINUTE…

Notice right here that God blessed by SAYING or activating His will by SPEAKING! How are you supposed to bless something? …By speaking that blessing in accordance with the will of God.

(1Jn 5:14-15) And this is the confidence that we have in him, that, if we ask any thing according to his will, he heareth us: And if we know that he hear us, whatsoever we ask, we know that we have the petitions that we desired of him.

(Psa 103:20) Bless the LORD, ye his angels, that excel in strength, that do his commandments, hearkening unto the voice of his word.

Is it any wonder that we activate our own promised blessings through our confessions?

(Continue with Genesis 1)

(Gen 1:23 – 26) And the evening and the morning were the fifth day. And God said, Let the earth bring forth the living creature after his kind, cattle, and creeping thing, and beast of the earth after his kind: and it was so. And God made the beast of the earth after his kind, and cattle after their kind, and every thing that creepeth upon the earth after his kind: and God saw that it was good. And God said, Let us make man in our image, after our likeness: and let them have dominion over the fish of the sea, and over the fowl of the air, and over the cattle, and over all the earth, and over every creeping thing that creepeth upon the earth.

It was God’s choice to make man in His own image. If God spoke and created, then we now have the authority to speak and create. However, if you are not speaking the will and the Word of God then you are using your authority to create for satan.

The Word of God is permanent. Temporary comes from the same root word as temporal. This means it is not subject to change. (2Co 4:18) While we look not at the things which are seen, but at the things which are not seen: for the things which are seen are temporal; but the things which are not seen are eternal. If you can see it with your natural eyes, then it is subject to change. Not one thing this time or something else the next time!

His Words were not only creating but establishing His Will, too. He gave man a way to communicate with Him. Look at the story of Joseph. No matter what he had to endure, he always spoke the word of God. God gave him those dreams to speak to him, and he (Joseph) knew how to interpret those dreams.

Today, when we speak to God, we are communicating by using words. When we speak in tongues, we are speaking our heavenly language which is always lined up with the perfect will of God. God said in His Word for us to open our mouths and He would fill it. (Psa 81:10) I am the LORD thy God, which brought thee out of the land of Egypt: open thy mouth wide, and I will fill it.

(Psalms 119:89) Forever, O LORD, thy word is settled in heaven.

(Psa 18:30) As for God, his way is perfect: the word of the LORD is tried: he is a buckler to all those that trust in him.

(Pro 30:5) Every word of God is pure: he is a shield unto them that put their trust in him.

(Jeremiah 15:16) Thy words were found, and I did eat them; and thy word was unto me the joy and rejoicing of mine heart: for I am called by thy name, O LORD God of hosts.

The Word helps to keep you out of sin.

(Psalms 119:11) Thy word have I hid in mine heart, that I might not sin against thee.

The Word of God is available to you…

(Deuteronomy 30:14) But the word is very nigh unto thee, in thy mouth, and in thy heart, that thou mayest do it.

All you have to do to activate it is to speak it in prayer.

I choose to cherish the Word of God…and never forget it.

(Psalms 119:16) I will delight myself in thy statutes: I will not forget thy word.

The Word of God gives me direction…

(Psalms 119:105) Thy word is a lamp unto my feet, and a light unto my path.

The Word of God has always been true and will always be true…

(Psalms 119:160) Thy word is true from the beginning: and every one of thy righteous judgments endureth forever.

The Word brings sanctification…

(John 17:17) Sanctify them through thy truth: thy word is truth.

The Word is right there ready for you to use…Just speak it…

(Romans 10:8) But what saith it? The word is nigh thee, even in thy mouth, and in thy heart: that is, the word of faith, which we preach;

The Word of the Lord is tried and proven…

(Psalms 18:30) As for God, his way is perfect: the word of the LORD is tried: he is a buckler to all those that trust in him.

The Word of the Lord is always true and right…

(Psalms 33:4) For the word of the LORD is right; and all his works are done in truth.

The Spoken Word of the Lord creates…

(Psalms 33:6) By the word of the LORD were the heavens made; and all the host of them by the breath of his mouth.

We can only praise the Word when we are “in God”

“In” = inside of a relationship with or forgiven by the Lord.

(Psalms 56:10) In God will I praise his word: in the LORD will I praise his word.

We have to pay attention to the voice of His Word…

(Psalms 103:20) Bless the LORD, ye his angels, that excel in strength, that do his commandments, hearkening unto the voice of his word.

His Word brings an unbreakable covenant…

(Psalms 105:8) He hath remembered his covenant forever, the word which he commanded to a thousand generations.

Reverence to the Word brings reward…

(Proverbs 13:13) Whoso despiseth the word shall be destroyed: but he that feareth the commandment shall be rewarded.

His Word brings deliverance from sadness and depression…

(Proverbs 15:23) A man hath joy by the answer of his mouth: and a word spoken in due season, how good is it!

The Word will never go empty handed, but will do what it was meant to do…

(Isaiah 55:11) So shall my word be that goeth forth out of my mouth: it shall not return unto me void, but it shall accomplish that which I please, and it shall prosper in the thing whereto I sent it.

God is quick to perform His Word…

(Jeremiah 1:12) Then said the LORD unto me, Thou hast well seen: for I will hasten my word to perform it.

God doesn’t prolong His Word arbitrarily…

(Ezekiel 12:25a) For I am the LORD: I will speak, and the word that I shall speak shall come to pass; it shall be no more prolonged…

God shows His strength and power in His spoken Word…

Why do you think He requires you to speak His Word? Speaking the Word of God executes or activates the Word of God into your lives.

(Joel 2:11) And the LORD shall utter his voice before his army: for his camp is very great: for he is strong that executeth his word: for the day of the LORD is great and very terrible; and who can abide it?

We live by the Word of God…It is our nourishment…and our thirst quencher…

(Mat 4:4) But he answered and said, It is written, Man shall not live by bread alone, but by every word that proceedeth out of the mouth of God.

In Him,

Prophetess Frances Lloyd

(Act 6:4) But we will give ourselves continually to prayer, and to the ministry of the word.

Website: www.dailygoldenfootprints.com

“And it came to pass after these things, that God tested Avraham.” Genesis 22:1

How odd that Abraham remained silent when God commanded him to

“take your son… Isaac… and bring him up there for a burnt offering.” (Genesis 22:2)

He was outspoken on behalf of the residents of Sodom when God disclosed to him His plans. He shared with God his doubts concerning his future generations, (before Isaac was born), yet now, when faced with his greatest challenge, spiritually, emotionally, intellectually and ethically, he is silent.

Concerning this verse, Rashi, the classic Torah commentator, wrote: “Take your son: He [Abraham] said to Him,“ I have two sons.” He [ God ] said to him,“ Your only one.” He said to Him,“ This one is the only son of his mother, and that one is the only son of his mother.” He said to him,“ Whom you love.” He said to Him,“ I love them both.” He said to him,“ Isaac.”

Traditionally, this text is understood to teach us about Abraham love for his son Isaac. But are there other insights we can gain from Rashi’s comments?
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Torah Studies: http://rinahshal.tripod.com /
Times of Refreshing I: http://rinah–shalom.tripod.com/
Times of Refreshing II: http://rinah.shalom.tripod.com/

Moadim – Jewish Holidays: http://rinah-shalom.tripod.com/
His Word: http://rinahshalom.tripod.com/
Wisdom For Living: http://rinahshal.tripod.com/wisdomforliving

by John D. Morris, Ph.D. | Feb. 14, 2010

“For this is the love of God, that we keep His commandments: and His commandments are not grievous.” (1 John 5:3)

The disciple John is known as that disciple who had a special love for Jesus and vice versa. He was identified as that disciple “whom Jesus loved” (John 20:2).

His writings give a clear picture of the love that God has for us, as well as the kind of love we should have in response to Him.

John does not identify this type of love as an emotional or sentimental feeling. It is more than affection; it is total obedience to Him, as noted in the following sampling of verses.

“If ye love Me, keep My commandments” (John 14:15).

“But whoso keepeth His word, in him verily is the love of God perfected; hereby know we that we are in Him” (1 John 2:5).

“And this is love, that we walk after His commandments” (2 John 6).

Such a view of love may come as a surprise to some, but it reflects total submission to His kingship. This is the proof of our love for God as seen in our text and elsewhere.

The other side of love is love toward men, and John has much to say of this matter as well.

“And this commandment have we from Him, That he who loveth God love his brother also” (1 John 4:21).

He elsewhere writes

“that we love one another” (2 John 5);

and

“these things I command you, that ye love one another” (John 15:17).

Paul even picks up the theme:

“Thou shalt love thy neighbour as thyself. Love worketh no ill to his neighbour: therefore love is the fulfilling of the law” (Romans 13:9-10).

In summary, love to man is a principle that works no ill towards one’s neighbor, but, in contrast, seeks his greater good.

Christ’s human half-brother called it “the royal law”

(James 2:8). Love to God yields obedience to all His commandments. Both kinds of love are mandated by God.

“On these two commandments hang all the law and the prophets” (Matthew 22:40).

JDM

Text: – James 1:2-8

The Bible teaches us to walk by faith, having full confidence in God. Yet many people are burdened by doubt. Even believers, who have been saved by faith, can waver in their trust.

For example, there are Christians who back out of their commitment to a ministry. Though originally led to serve in this capacity, they may question whether they have the necessary ability. Lack of assurance is also displayed when financial concerns lead a believer to stop tithing.

Doubt started in the garden of Eden when Satan introduced a question in Eve’s mind: Wouldn’t eating the forbidden fruit bring special benefits? And to this day, the Deceiver still whispers lies that can cause
Christians’ trust to falter. He will utilize any of the following to erode our confidence in God: ignorance of Scripture, temptation to sin, feelings of guilt, a stronger focus on circumstances than on Christ, and the negative viewpoint of others. All of these inhibit the ability to see truth clearly and to stand firmly upon it.

While a doubter is characterized by negativity, uncertainty, and instability, a believer with full trust in God walks in absolute confidence-decisive, dependent upon the Word, and capable of enduring, even when circumstances seem gloomy.

The Christian walk should be characterized by faith, not doubt. Have you prayed for something but questioned whether the Lord would answer-or disbelieved He would actually do something He promised inScripture? Resist doubt, and take hold of the unshakeable confidence God offers.

For more biblical teaching and resources from Dr. Charles Stanley, please visit www.intouch.org.

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