Tag: Instruction

Your Word is Light…

Psalm 119:105 (NIV)

Your Word is a lamp for my feet and a light unto my path….

Our Verse of the Day aligns with our continued look into the wonderful things found in the Word of God. I feel compelled to reprint a few of the 22 stanzas of Psalm 119 for us to see our verse in some additional context. Although the exact author of Psalm 119 is unknown, most scholars have proposed it was written by David, Ezra, or Daniel.  Each of these proposed authors suffered serious hardships in their lives, and the Psalmist engages that theme to demonstrate how he endured his suffering through a deep trust in God because the truths he learned from the holy scriptures. Ultimately, we know that the author of this psalm and all the holy scriptures is the Holy Spirit! (Cf. 2 Timothy 3:16; 2 Peter 1:21) So, I hope you will find the following stanzas uplifting and inspiring for your own faith….

ב Beth

9 How can a young person stay on the path of purity? By living according to your Word. 10 I seek you with all my heart; do not let me stray from your commands. 11 I have hidden your word in my heart that I might not sin against you. 12 Praise be to you, Lord; teach me your decrees. 13 With my lips I recount all the laws that come from your mouth. 14 I rejoice in following your statutes as one rejoices in great riches. 15 I meditate on your precepts and consider your ways. 16 I delight in your decrees; I will not neglect your word.

ה He

33 Teach me, Lord, the way of your decrees, that I may follow it to the end for its reward.  34 Give me understanding, so that I may keep your law and obey it with all my heart. 35 Direct me in the path of your commands, for there I find delight. 36 Turn my heart toward your statutes and not toward selfish gain. 37 Turn my eyes away from worthless things; preserve my life according to your Word.  38 Fulfill your promise to your servant, so that you may be feared. 39 Take away the disgrace I dread, for your laws are good. 40 How I long for your precepts! In your righteousness preserve my life.

ט Teth

65 Do good to your servant according to your Word, Lord. 66 Teach me knowledge and good judgment, for I trust your commands. 67 Before I was afflicted, I went astray; but now I obey your Word. 68 You are good, and what you do is good; teach me your decrees. 69 Though the arrogant have smeared me with lies, I keep your precepts with all my heart. 70 Their hearts are callous and unfeeling, but I delight in your law. 71 It was good for me to be afflicted so that I might learn your decrees. 72 The law from your mouth is more precious to me than thousands of pieces of silver and gold.

ל Lamedh

89 Your Word, Lord, is eternal; it stands firm in the heavens. 90 Your faithfulness continues through all generations; you established the earth, and it endures. 91 Your laws endure to this day, for all things serve you. 92 If your law had not been my delight, I would have perished in my affliction. 93 I will never forget your precepts, for by them you have preserved my life. 94 Save me, for I am yours; I have sought out your precepts. 95 The wicked are waiting to destroy me, but I will ponder your statutes. 96 To all perfection I see a limit, but your commands are boundless.

מ Mem

97 Oh, how I love your law! I meditate on it all day long. 98 Your commands are always with me and make me wiser than my enemies. 99 I have more insight than all my teachers, for I meditate on your statutes. 100 I have more understanding than the elders, for I obey your precepts. 101 I have kept my feet from every evil path so that I might obey your Word. 102 I have not departed from your laws, for you yourself have taught me. 103 How sweet are your words to my taste, sweeter than honey to my mouth! 104 I gain understanding from your precepts; therefore, I hate every wrong path.

נ Nun

105 Your Word is a lamp for my feet, a light on my path. 106 I have taken an oath and confirmed it, that I will follow your righteous laws. 107 I have suffered much; preserve my life, Lord, according to your Word. 108 Accept, Lord, the willing praise of my mouth, and teach me your laws. 109 Though I constantly take my life in my hands, I will not forget your law. 110 The wicked have set a snare for me, but I have not strayed from your precepts. 111 Your statutes are my heritage forever; they are the joy of my heart. 112 My heart is set on keeping your decrees to the very end … for their enduring reward.

פ Pe

129 Your statutes are wonderful; therefore, I obey them. 130 The unfolding of your words gives light; it gives understanding to the simple. 131 I open my mouth and pant, longing for your commands. 132 Turn to me and have mercy on me, as you always do to those who love your name. 133 Direct my footsteps according to your Word; let no sin rule over me. 134 Redeem me from human oppression, that I may obey your precepts. 135 Make your face shine on your servant and teach me your decrees. 136 Streams of tears flow from my eyes, for your law is not obeyed.

I just love how the Word of God itself has been exalted throughout Psalm 119.  Again, I highly encourage you to read the entire Psalm. It expounds on the blessings of living in accordance with the commandments, laws, statutes, ordinances, decrees, precepts, promises, and principles found within the sacred writings authored by the Holy Spirit. The whole counsel of God can be discovered within the pages of the Bible … the riches of wisdom and understanding and knowledge to guide us into all Truth! As the Word of God is affirmed, the character (nature) of God Himself is revealed. Indeed, He is righteous, trustworthy, truthful, faithful, unchanging, eternal, and holy!

So Now You Know…

Have a Blessed Day!

His Covenant is Known…

Psalm 25:14-15 (NIV)

The Lord confides in those who fear Him; He makes His covenant known to them. My eyes are ever on the Lord, for only He will release my feet from the snare.

Our Verse of the Day moved my heart this morning; and as I contemplated its message, it awakened me to a simple truth that perhaps should have always been apparent. In Verse 14, David asserts that God confides in those who fear Him. The use of the word “confide” here has some strong implications. As a transitive verb, it means to impart a secret with trust; to share something with another in confidence. One definition put it this way: “To entrust; commit to the charge or knowledge of another.” The English Standard Version (ESV) renders the translation: “The secret counsel of the Lord is for those who fear (reverence) Him, and He makes known to them His covenant.” To me, this indicates “what” God reveals to those who love Him is His will, His promises, and His faithfulness! And, perhaps, this provides a reason as to why so many people do not understand the love of God. They simply do not fear (reverence) Him. It brings to mind this Scripture: “Without faith it is impossible to please God, because anyone who comes to Him must believe that He exists and that He rewards those who earnestly seek Him.” (Cf. Hebrews 11:6)

The context of Psalm 25 gives this verse additional meaning. David declares that his hope, his confidence, and his trust are in God alone. And, therefore, David asks God to teach him and guide his life under this covenant relationship God has revealed. He asks for mercy and forgiveness for all the sin in his life; knowing that God is loving and faithful towards those who keep His covenant. And so, David affirms that God makes (an active, ongoing process) His covenant known and that believers will experience deliverance and salvation from the God of love:

Psalm 25:4-15 (NIV)

4 Show me your ways, Lord, teach me your paths. 5 Guide me in your truth and teach me, for you are God my Savior, and my hope is in you all day long. 6 Remember, Lord, your great mercy and love, for they are from of old. 7 Do not remember the sins of my youth and my rebellious ways; according to your love remember me, for you, Lord, are good. 8 Good and upright is the Lord; therefore, He instructs sinners in His ways. 9 He guides the humble in what is right and teaches them His way. 10 All the ways of the Lord are loving and faithful toward those who keep the demands of His covenant. 11 For the sake of your name, Lord, forgive my iniquity, though it is great. 12 Who, then, are those who fear the Lord? He will instruct them in the ways they should choose. 13 They will spend their days in prosperity, and their descendants will inherit the land. 14 The Lord confides in those who fear Him; He makes His covenant known to them. 15 My eyes are ever on the Lord, for only He will release my feet from the snare.

And as I read Verse 15, another passage of Scripture came to mind. I wonder if you see any parallels in terms of personal relationship with God as presented in Psalm 25:

Hebrews 12:1-11 (NIV)

1 Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a great cloud of witnesses, let us throw off everything that hinders and the sin that so easily ensnares us. And let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us, 2 fixing our eyes on Jesus, the author and finisher of our faith. For the joy set before Him He endured the cross, scorning its shame, and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God. 3 Consider Him who endured such opposition from sinners, so that you will not grow weary and lose heart. 4 In your struggle against sin, you have not yet resisted to the point of shedding your blood. 5 And have you completely forgotten this word of encouragement that addresses you as a father addresses his son? It says, “My son, do not make light of the Lord’s discipline, and do not lose heart when He rebukes you, 6 because the Lord disciplines the one He loves, and He chastens everyone He accepts as His son.” (Quoting Proverbs 3:11-12) 7 Endure hardship as discipline; God is treating you as His children. For what children are not disciplined by their father? 8 If you are not disciplined—and everyone undergoes discipline—then you are not legitimate, not true sons and daughters at all. 9 Moreover, we have all had human fathers who disciplined us and we respected them for it. How much more should we submit to the Father of spirits and live! 10 They disciplined us for a little while as they thought best; but God disciplines us for our good, in order that we may share in His holiness. 11 No discipline seems pleasant at the time, but painful. Later on, however, it produces a harvest of righteousness and peace for those who have been trained by it.

Indeed, Father God delights to train those who love Him … those who fear Him in reverence and keep His covenant. His covenant of love, that He has declared and made known through Christ Jesus, brings us to a genuine desire to share in His holiness. As the Apostle John affirmed: “See what great love the Father has lavished on us, that we should be called children of God! And that is what we are! The reason the world does not know us is that it did not know Him. Dear friends, now we are children of God, and what we will be has not yet been made known. But we know that when it is made known (when Christ appears) we shall be like Him, for we shall see Him as He is. All who have this hope in Him purify themselves, just as He is pure (holy). Everyone who sins breaks the law; in fact, sin is lawlessness. But you know that Jesus appeared so that He might take away our sins. And in Him is no sin. 6 No one who lives in Him keeps on sinning. No one who continues to sin has either seen Him or known Him.” (Cf. 1 John 3:1-6)

My friends, God has made Himself known to us through His creation, and revealed His will to us through His Word … spoken through His holy prophets of old, and in these last days, through His Son. (Cf. Hebrews 1:1-2) The New Covenant, ordained before the foundation of the world to be appropriated through His Son, Yeshua Hamashiach, has been fulfilled. It is finished! It cannot be changed! Indeed, the immutable atonement for our sin through the death and resurrection of Christ Jesus, IS the power of God that brings salvation to everyone; it is the righteousness and faithfulness of God revealed. (Cf. Romans 1:16-17) It is not veiled except to those who do not know God … those who do not fear or worship the Father. As Paul has asserted: “The god of this age has blinded the minds of unbelievers, so that they cannot see the light of the Gospel that displays the glory of Christ, who is the image of God.” (2 Corinthians 4:4)

I pray this reminder will encourage you in your journey of faith.  I pray we will not walk in fear or trepidation; rather, that we will boldly proclaim this Good News and be ambassadors for Christ. For God desires all people to be saved and to come to a knowledge of the truth. (Cf. 1 Timothy 2:4) And let us pray in the hope that God will grant them repentance leading to a knowledge of the truth (Cf. 2 Timothy 2:25) – His truth that leads to godliness (Cf. Titus 1:1).  Amen.

So Now You Know…

Have a Blessed Day!

Be Transformed…

Romans 12:2 (NIV)

Do not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God’s will is—His good, pleasing and perfect will.

Our Verse of the Day is another very familiar verse for most of us. Sometimes we just need a good “word” from God to address what we are experiencing in the moment. Too often, I think we rely on our own thoughts or patterns of thought to guide our decisions and choices without even considering whether our paradigms are aligned with the purposes that God has for our lives. Perhaps, we allow the narrative of the day or the wisdom of this world to shape or influence our thoughts more than we realize. Or maybe we are so filled with spiritual pride that we fail to consider the veil it casts over our minds to see ourselves or our kingdom roles with proper perspective. Whatever the case, Paul affords us some great advice to get back on track: Reject the patterns of this world; reset your mindset with the Word of God; and then align with the Will of God….

So, I want us to look at some other practical advice given in scripture to address the need to correct our thinking from time to time. And while the whole counsel of the Word of God should be utilized, I think there is some particularly useful meditations and instructions found in the Wisdom Literature, and Proverbs 19 in particular to assist us. I have reprinted it here and emphasized several of them here for our consideration:

Proverbs 19 (NIV)

1     Better the poor whose walk is blameless than a fool whose lips are perverse.

2        Desire without knowledge is not good—how much more will hasty feet miss the way!

3        A person’s own folly leads to their ruin, yet their heart rages against the Lord.

4        Wealth attracts many friends, but even the closest friend of the poor person deserts them.

5        A false witness will not go unpunished, and whoever pours out lies will not go free.

6        Many curry favor with a ruler, and everyone is the friend of one who gives gifts.

7        The poor are shunned by all their relatives—how much more do their friends avoid them! Though the poor pursue them with pleading, they are nowhere to be found.[a]

8        The one who gets wisdom loves life; the one who cherishes understanding will soon prosper.

9        A false witness will not go unpunished, and whoever pours out lies will perish.

10     It is not fitting for a fool to live in luxury—how much worse for a slave to rule over princes!

11     A person’s wisdom yields patience; it is to one’s glory to overlook an offense.

12     A king’s rage is like the roar of a lion, but his favor is like dew on the grass.

13     A foolish child is a father’s ruin, and a quarrelsome wife is like the constant dripping of a leaky roof.

14     Houses and wealth are inherited from parents, but a prudent wife is from the Lord.

15     Laziness brings on deep sleep, and the shiftless go hungry.

16    Whoever keeps commandments keeps their life, but whoever shows contempt for their ways will die.

17     Whoever is kind to the poor lends to the Lord, and He will reward them for what they have done.

18     Discipline your children, for in that there is hope; do not be a willing party to their death.

19     A hot-tempered person must pay the penalty; rescue them, and you will have to do it again.

20     Listen to advice and accept discipline, and at the end you will be counted among the wise.

21     Many are the plans in a person’s heart, but it is the Lord’s purpose that prevails.

22     What a person desires is unfailing love; better to be poor than a liar.

23     The fear of the Lord leads to life; then one rests content, untouched by trouble.

24     A sluggard buries his hand in the dish; he will not even bring it back to his mouth!

25     Flog a mocker, and the simple will learn prudence; rebuke the discerning, and they will gain knowledge.

26     Whoever robs their father and drives out their mother is a child who brings shame and disgrace.

27     Stop listening to instruction, my son, and you will stray from the words of knowledge.

28     A corrupt witness mocks at justice, and the mouth of the wicked gulps down evil.

29     Penalties are prepared for mockers, and beatings for the backs of fools.

When you survey these observations of human behaviors, you realize there is light and truth in the conclusions Solomon reached. Indeed, these precepts can transform and renew our minds. One of the verses I found useful was Verse 20: Listen to advice and accept discipline, and at the end you will be counted among the wise. Yes, the counsel we might receive from godly men and women can be invaluable; and yet, I am reminded about listening to those around us with diligence and discernment. Consider the implication of this verse:

Acts 17:11 (NIV)

Now the Berean Jews were of more noble character than those in Thessalonica, for they received the message with great eagerness and examined the Scriptures every day to see if what Paul said was true.

The point here is that even the preaching and teaching of the Apostle Paul was “fact-checked” as we would call it in our modern culture. They wanted to know if the teachings and instructions of Paul aligned with the Holy Scriptures. And I think we need to apply the same principle as the Berean believers. Not every theological position or doctrine purported to be “Christian” that is being taught from pulpits today imparts correct wisdom or application when it is examined against the whole counsel of the Scriptures. It is important that as we listen to godly counsel and accept spiritual disciple, we need to be wise and examine the Scriptures as well … to see if what has been communicated is indeed a good “word”. Even now, I am reminded of the concerns that John referenced in his first epistle:

1 John 2:18-27 (NIV)

18 Dear children, this is the last hour; and as you have heard that the antichrist is coming, even now many antichrists have come. This is how we know it is the last hour. 19 They went out from us, but they did not really belong to us. For if they had belonged to us, they would have remained with us; but their going showed that none of them belonged to us. 20 But you have an anointing from the Holy One, and all of you know the truth. 21 I do not write to you because you do not know the truth, but because you do know it and because no lie comes from the truth. 22 Who is the liar? It is whoever denies that Jesus is the Christ. Such a person is the antichrist—denying the Father and the Son. 23 No one who denies the Son has the Father; whoever acknowledges the Son has the Father also. 24 As for you, see that what you have heard from the beginning remains in you. If it does, you also will remain in the Son and in the Father. 25 And this is what He promised us—eternal life. 26 I am writing these things to you about those who are trying to lead you astray. 27 As for you, the anointing you received from Him remains in you, and you do not need anyone to teach you. But as His anointing teaches you about all things and as that anointing is real, not counterfeit—just as it (His anointing) has taught you, remain in Him.

My desire is to encourage you to simply let the Word of God speak directly to your own heart. As David penned: “Guide me in your truth and teach me, for you are God my Savior, and my hope is in you all day long.” (Cf. Psalm 25:5) Let the Holy Spirit be your interpreter and guide into all truth. and He will confirm the Word. (Cf. John 16:12-14) Indeed, God speaks to each of us through His Word … providing us what we need individually to be transformed and to renew our mindsets. And that is my prayer for you … asking God to fill you with the knowledge of His will through all the wisdom and understanding that the Spirit gives, so that you may live a life worthy of the Lord and please Him in every way: bearing fruit in every good work and growing in the knowledge of God.” (Cf. Colossians 1:9-10)

So Now You Know…

Have a Blessed Day!

Teach Your Children Well…

Proverbs 1:8-9 (NIV)

Listen, my son (children), to your father’s instruction and do not forsake your mother’s teaching. They are a garland to grace your head and a chain to adorn your neck.

Our Verse of the Day affords us some wisdom we need to consider as we forge paths for our lives. Listening to the advice and instruction of our parents can be a great source of information and insight if we are willing to listen to them. To be sure, we do not always see life or the way to meet its challenges with the same perspective as our parents. Sometimes we just disagree with the advice that our parents give us. I think this is natural and should not be construed as being disrespectful. God has designed each one of us uniquely for His purposes, and He moves us into our callings based on the giftings He has embedded within us….

What I want us to consider here, though, are the “principles” for living that our parents endeavor to bestow on us … especially parents who have sought and pursued the righteousness of God within their lives.  None of our parents lived sinless lives. But neither have we done so. Each had to discover and apply the precepts found in the Word of God to the best of their ability – if they were even inclined to do so. Individually, we all experience spiritual growth and assimilate the knowledge of our Creator at our own pace. And so, I think it is the gradual increase of understanding that parents should desire most to impart to their children as they navigate the journey of faith for themselves. What our parents and grandparents have learned of God over the span of their lifetimes has been valuable to us, and we need to share and to pass it down to our children and grandchildren.

While there is a vast storehouse of knowledge I have gathered during my walk of faith with God, I think there some simple instructions that should be shared with our children and grandchildren. As we studied earlier this week, a foundational truth has been handed down since the beginning and expounded to us through Moses: “It is the Lord your God you must follow, and Him you must revere. Keep His commands and obey Him; serve Him and hold fast to Him.” (Cf. Deuteronomy 13:4) I think this is the core of what God requires of us as His creation. King David advised: “The fear (reverence) of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom; all who follow His precepts have good understanding. To Him belongs eternal praise.” (Cf. Psalm 111:10) Yes, a fulfilled, successful life begins with reverence for God within our hearts. And Solomon, son of King David, affirmed: “The fear of the Lord is the beginning of knowledge, but fools despise wisdom and instruction.” (Cf. Proverbs 1:7)

Perhaps the most succinct instructions that we can share with our children and grandchildren are found in the following passages:

Now all has been heard; here is the conclusion of the matter: Fear God and keep His commandments, for this is the duty of all mankind. For God will bring every deed into judgment, including every hidden thing, whether it is good or evil.” ~ Ecclesiastes 12:13-14

And this is His command: to believe in the name of His Son, Jesus Christ, and to love one another as He commanded us. The one who keeps God’s commands lives in Him, and He in them. And this is how we know that He lives in us: We know it by the Spirit He gave us. ~ 1 John 3:23-24

A Final Thought:

Fathers (parents), do not exasperate your children; instead, bring them up in the training and instruction of the Lord. ~ Ephesians 6:4 (NIV)

Fathers (parents), do not provoke your children to anger by the way you treat them. Rather, bring them up with the discipline and instruction that comes from the Lord. ~ Ephesians 6:4 (NLT)

 Fathers (parents), do not embitter your children, or they will become discouraged. ~ Colossians 3:21 (NIV)


 Fathers (parents), do not be so hard on your children that they will give up trying to do what is right. ~ Colossians 3:21 (NLV)

So Now You Know…

Have a Blessed Day!

Read The Instructions!

Isaiah 48:17 (NIV)

This is what the Lord says— your Redeemer, the Holy One of Israel: “I am the Lord your God, who teaches you what is best for you, who directs you in the way you should go.

Our Verse of the Day has a very insightful message for us: God Himself is the One who teaches us! He knows what is best for us, and He instructs us in the path that we should take for our lives. After all, He is the One who created us! So why do people ignore Him? Why do people resist the Holy Spirit? (Cf. Acts 7:51) In Isaiah 48, the prophet expounds on the matter in great detail. You can click on the link to read the full chapter.

Isaiah 48:16-19 (NIV)

16 “Come near me and listen to this: “From the first announcement I have not spoken in secret; at the time it happens, I am there.” And now the Sovereign Lord has sent me, endowed with His Spirit. 17 This is what the Lord says— your Redeemer, the Holy One of Israel: “I am the Lord your God, who teaches you what is best for you, who directs you in the way you should go. 18 If only you had paid attention to my commands, your peace would have been like a river, your well-being like the waves of the sea. 19 Your descendants would have been like the sand, your children like its numberless grains; their name would never be blotted out nor destroyed from before me.”

The Lord declares: “I AM HE; I AM the first and I AM the last. My own hand laid the foundations of the earth, and my right hand spread out the heavens; when I summon them, they all stand up together.” (Cf. Isaiah 48:12-13) We need to keep this perspective in mind: God is our Creator and our lives were created for HIS glory. Yet, it is evident that all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God. (Cf. Romans 3:23) We can see our lives and the people of our nation are in desperate need of redemption. The question is: “Will we heed His instructions? Will we walk in the direction He has shown us?” The Lord pleads with us to keep His commands so that our peace will be like a river – our well-being like the waves of the sea!

Our Verse of the Day reminds me of the purpose for which we study the Word of God and endeavor to follow its wisdom and instruction. His Word teaches us what is best for our well-being; offers us wisdom to guide our decision-making; and affords us the knowledge to experience peace and blessing in our lives. Yet sadly, we can see the great lament God expressed over the unwillingness and disobedience of His people: “If only you had paid attention to My commands….” And what did Israel experience for her disobedience? What should those who disregard the Word of God expect in our own generation? I wonder, “Will our nation receive the same judgment as ancient Israel for its unrighteousness and disobedience?” The following confessions of the Prophets should awaken our own hearts:

Jeremiah 3:24-25 (NIV)

24 From our youth, shameful gods have consumed the fruits of our ancestors’ labor— their flocks and herds, their sons and daughters. 25 Let us lie down in our shame, and let our disgrace cover us. We have sinned against the Lord our God, both we and our ancestors; from our youth until this day, we have not obeyed the Lord our God.”

Jeremiah 44:20-23 (NIV)

20 Then Jeremiah said to all the people, both men and women, who were answering him, 21 “Did not the Lord remember and call to mind the incense burned in the towns of Judah and the streets of Jerusalem by you and your ancestors, your kings and your officials and the people of the land? 22 When the Lord could no longer endure your wicked actions and the detestable things you did, your land became a curse and a desolate waste without inhabitants, as it is today. 23 Because you have burned incense and have sinned against the Lord and have not obeyed Him or followed His law or His decrees or His stipulations, this disaster has come upon you, as you now see.”

Daniel 9:3-19 (NIV)

3 So I turned to the Lord God and pleaded with Him in prayer and petition, in fasting, and in sackcloth and ashes. 4 I prayed to the Lord my God and confessed: “Lord, the great and awesome God, who keeps His covenant of love with those who love Him and keep His commandments, 5 we have sinned and done wrong. We have been wicked and have rebelled; we have turned away from your commands and laws. 6 We have not listened to your servants the prophets, who spoke in your name to our kings, our princes and our ancestors, and to all the people of the land. 7 “Lord, you are righteous, but this day we are covered with shame—the people of Judah and the inhabitants of Jerusalem and all Israel, both near and far, in all the countries where you have scattered us because of our unfaithfulness to you. 8 We and our kings, our princes and our ancestors are covered with shame, Lord, because we have sinned against you. 9 The Lord our God is merciful and forgiving, even though we have rebelled against Him; 10 we have not obeyed the Lord our God or kept the laws He gave us through His servants the prophets. 11 All Israel has transgressed your law and turned away, refusing to obey you. “Therefore, the curses and sworn judgments written in the Law of Moses, the servant of God, have been poured out on us, because we have sinned against you. 12 You have fulfilled the words spoken against us and against our rulers by bringing on us great disaster. Under the whole heaven nothing has ever been done like what has been done to Jerusalem. 13 Just as it is written in the Law of Moses, all this disaster has come on us, yet we have not sought the favor of the Lord our God by turning from our sins and giving attention to your truth. 14 The Lord did not hesitate to bring the disaster on us, for the Lord our God is righteous in everything He does; yet we have not obeyed Him. 15 “Now, Lord our God, who brought your people out of Egypt with a mighty hand and who made for yourself a name that endures to this day, we have sinned, we have done wrong. 16 Lord, in keeping with all your righteous acts, turn away your anger and your wrath from Jerusalem, your city, your holy hill. Our sins and the iniquities of our ancestors have made Jerusalem and your people an object of scorn to all those around us. 17 “Now, our God, hear the prayers and petitions of your servant. For your sake, Lord, look with favor on your desolate sanctuary. 18 Give ear, our God, and hear; open your eyes and see the desolation of the city that bears your Name. We do not make requests of you because we are righteous, but because of your great mercy. 19 Lord, listen! Lord, forgive! Lord, hear and act! For your sake, my God, do not delay, because your city and your people bear your Name.”

So, I pray we will take their admonitions to heart this morning. I pray we would examine our hearts and carefully consider the instruction of God for our lives. I believe our Lord Jesus wants those who abide in Him … His Body … to declare the instruction of God and to disciple people in the direction He has commanded for us to go. What is best for us? What is the direction He leads us to go? Well, first and foremost, Jesus instructed: “The work of God is that you and I believe in the One who He has sent.” (Cf. John 6:29) And Jesus affirmed: “I am the Way and the Truth and the Life. No one comes to the Father except through me.” (Cf. John 14:6) Likewise, the Apostle John affirmed this message in his Gospel record:

John 3:16-26 (NIV)

16 For God so loved the world that He gave His one and only Son, that whoever believes in Him shall not perish but have eternal life. 17 For God did not send His Son into the world to condemn the world, but to save the world through Him. 18 Whoever believes in Him is not condemned, but whoever does not believe stands condemned already because they have not believed in the name of God’s one and only Son. 19 This is the verdict: Light has come into the world, but people loved darkness instead of light because their deeds were evil. 20 Everyone who does evil hates the light, and will not come into the light for fear that their deeds will be exposed. 21 But whoever lives by the truth comes into the light, so that it may be seen plainly that what they have done has been done in the sight of God.

In light of this solemn message, and what I believe the Holy Spirit has taught us, I want to offer up a prayer of repentance not only for myself, but for our nation as well:

O Lord, you are righteous, but this day we are covered with shame – the people and the generations before us are covered with shame, Lord, because we have sinned against you. We have not wholly kept your covenant … we have not worshipped you in the Spirit and in Truth. In our nation, we have bowed down and worshipped the idols of ourselves with all forms of greed and covetousness. Our people have exchanged the truth about God for a lie, and worshiped and served created things rather than the Creator. (Cf. Romans 1:25) We have shed innocent blood for our own sinful desires, and sacrificed our children on the altar of convenience. We have oppressed the destitute and ignored the afflictions of the widow and the fatherless. We all, like sheep, have gone astray. Each of us has turned to our own way of iniquity. (Cf. Isaiah 53:6) But Lord, you have said: “If my people, who are called by my name, will humble themselves and pray and seek my face and turn from their wicked ways, then I will hear from heaven, and I will forgive their sin and will heal their land.” (Cf. 2 Chronicles 7:14) And so, we your people humble ourselves before you Lord; and we ask for your forgiveness on our collective sin. Have mercy on us, O God, according to your unfailing love; according to your great compassion blot out our transgressions. Wash away all our iniquities and cleanse us from our sin.For we know our transgressions, and our sin is always before us. Against you, you only, have we sinned and done what is evil in your sight; so you are right in your verdict and justified when you judge. Create in us pure hearts and renew steadfast spirits within us. (Cf. Psalm 51:1-4, 10) In Your Name, Lord Jesus, I pray for our nation to repent and return to you. I pray we would keep your laws and statutes and commands. Yes, I pray our people will repent, renounce, and remove all wickedness from within our hearts and cleanse all iniquity from this great land you have given us. And I ask for our governmental leaders and those in authority to repent as well, and to administrate righteousness and to legislate with justice in accordance with your Word. Like Daniel, I plead: Lord, listen! Lord, forgive! Lord, hear and act! For your sake, my God, do not delay, because of your people who bear your Name. In Your Mighty and Holy Name, I pray. Amen.

So Now You Know…

Have a Blessed Day!

A Timely Word…

Proverbs 15:23 (NIV)

A person finds joy in giving an apt reply— and how good is a timely word!

Today I wanted to go back and review some of the verses I had missed during the past couple of weeks.  Many of them were included in the commentaries provided with those I did send out.  This one caught my attention … and so I wanted to give it some additional consideration. I found its message to be true in my own experience because I do find joy in finding and sharing a word from the Lord that resonates with another and encourages them in their walk of faith.  Likewise, when I receive a timely word from someone else, I feel good knowing that they are thinking of me and sharing a word from God to support and encourage me.  As Paul exhorted: We are to be filled with the Spirit, speaking to one another with psalms, hymns, and songs from the Spirit. (Cf. Ephesians 5:18-19)

So the timely word I want to share is the entire Proverb 15 in which our verse is found.  I believe there is ample advice and instruction here for each of us, though some nuggets of wisdom will resonate in our individual spirits more than others.  I hope you will receive this word as from the Lord Himself.  Indeed, He is the author; and He wants us to be transformed by the renewing of our minds so that we no longer conform to the patterns of this world. Then we will be able to test and approve what God’s will is—His good, pleasing and perfect will. (Cf. Romans 12:2)

Proverb 15 (NIV)

1 A gentle answer turns away wrath, but a harsh word stirs up anger.

2 The tongue of the wise adorns knowledge, but the mouth of the fool gushes folly.

3 The eyes of the Lord are everywhere, keeping watch on the wicked and the good.

4 The soothing tongue is a tree of life, but a perverse tongue crushes the spirit.

5 A fool spurns a parent’s discipline, but whoever heeds correction shows prudence.

6 The house of the righteous contains great treasure, but the income of the wicked brings ruin.

7 The lips of the wise spread knowledge, but the hearts of fools are not upright.

8 The Lord detests the sacrifice of the wicked, but the prayer of the upright pleases Him.

9 The Lord detests the way of the wicked, but He loves those who pursue righteousness.

10 Stern discipline awaits anyone who leaves the path; the one who hates correction will die.

11 Death and Destruction lie open before the Lord—how much more do human hearts!

12 Mockers resent correction, so they avoid the wise.

13 A happy heart makes the face cheerful, but heartache crushes the spirit.

14 The discerning heart seeks knowledge, but the mouth of a fool feeds on folly.

15 All the days of the oppressed are wretched, but the cheerful heart has a continual feast.

16 Better a little with the fear of the Lord than great wealth with turmoil.

17 Better a small serving of vegetables with love than a fattened calf with hatred.

18 A hot-tempered person stirs up conflict, but the one who is patient calms a quarrel.

19 The way of the sluggard is blocked with thorns, but the path of the upright is a highway.

20 A wise son brings joy to his father, but a foolish man despises his mother.

21 Folly brings joy to one who has no sense, but whoever has understanding keeps a straight course.

22 Plans fail for lack of counsel, but with many advisers they succeed.

23 A person finds joy in giving an apt reply— and how good is a timely word!

24 The path of life leads upward for the prudent to keep them from going down to the realm of the dead.

25 The Lord tears down the house of the proud, but He sets the widow’s boundary stones in place.

26 The Lord detests the thoughts of the wicked, but gracious words are pure in His sight.

27 The greedy bring ruin to their households, but the one who hates bribes will live.

28 The heart of the righteous weighs its answers, but the mouth of the wicked gushes evil.

29 The Lord is far from the wicked, but He hears the prayer of the righteous.

30 Light in a messenger’s eyes brings joy to the heart, and good news gives health to the bones.

31 Whoever heeds life-giving correction will be at home among the wise.

32 Those who disregard discipline despise themselves, but the one who heeds correction gains understanding.

33 Wisdom’s instruction is to fear the Lord, and humility comes before honor.

So Now You Know….

Have a Blessed Day!

Eyes on the Lord…

Psalm 16:8 (NIV)

I keep my eyes always on the Lord. With Him at my right hand, I will not be shaken.

Psalm 16 has always been one of my favorites … and our verse is taken from there.  I want to just go ahead and reprint the entire Psalm for our reference:

1 Keep me safe, my God, for in you I take refuge.

2 I say to the Lord, “You are my Lord; apart from you I have no good thing.”
3 I say of the holy people who are in the land, “They are the noble ones in whom is all my delight.”
4 Those who run after other gods will suffer more and more. I will not pour out libations of blood to such gods or take up their names on my lips.

5 Lord, you alone are my portion and my cup; you make my lot secure.
6 The boundary lines have fallen for me in pleasant places; surely I have a delightful inheritance.
7 I will praise the Lord, who counsels me; even at night my heart instructs me.
8 I keep my eyes always on the Lord. With Him at my right hand, I will not be shaken.

9 Therefore my heart is glad and my tongue rejoices; my body also will rest secure,
10 because you will not abandon me to the realm of the dead, nor will you let your Holy One see decay.
11 You make known to me the path of life; you will fill me with joy in your presence, with eternal pleasures at your right hand.

There are many petitions and supplications contained here … but we also see praise and thanksgiving within the context as well.  The themes that I see are to take refuge in the Lord; to keep our eyes fixed on Him; and to trust in His provision of everything we need for life. He alone is our security. He alone is our rest. He is our eternal portion and inheritance.  We have nothing except what He has given us to enjoy.  I will praise the Lord, who counsels me; even at night my heart is instructed. He has made known to me the path of life! He has filled me with joy in His presence! Eternal pleasures at His right hand!

Father … we thank you for your pleasant word to us.  We thank you for the encouragement and the strength your word provides us.  Our hearts are glad! Our lips sing praises to your Name!  We can rest under the shadow of your wings and trust in your abundant provision. To you we look for redemption of our bodies … the promise of eternal life through your son, Christ Jesus.  We worship you for who you are and for all you have done for us. Our joy and delight are in you! So, Lord, help us to keep our eyes fixed upon you … upon Jesus the author and finisher of our faith. (Cf. Hebrews 12:2) For it is in His Name … the name above every other name … that we pray.  Amen….

So Now You Know….

Have a Blessed Day!