Promises of God

43 Thus the Lord gave to Israel all the land that he swore to give to their fathers. And they took possession of it, and they settled there. 44 And the Lord gave them rest on every side just as he had sworn to their fathers. Not one of all their enemies had withstood them, for the Lord had given all their enemies into their hands. 45 Not one word of all the good promises that the Lord had made to the house of Israel had failed; all came to pass.

Joshua 20:43-45 esv

 

As you have found out by now, I like to number/bullet my thoughts.  so here goes with this passage I read during my daily Bible time.

• Three times in the verses it is said God kept His promises.
• God is faithful to His word even though His people fail.
• When God claims He is sovereign over enemies He means it.
• Sometimes God's promises take a while to fulfill.
• God's promises are good.
• No promise God makes will not succeed in coming true.

 

Jesus, let me relax in the promises that you made to me.  Let me not waver but stand firm and believe that whatever you said will indeed come to pass.  Your Word is true, help my unbelief. 

 

 

Words are such a hurtful weapon at times

Over the past couple of days, I have engaged in a email conversation with an old friend from high school.  The mail was quite harmless.  She was asking to have another person added to a mail list of which I am the moderator. 

 

We have had a relationship over the years filled with bantering back and forth.  and this is how the mail went until yesterday when I replied.  I believed that I was continuing in the bantering but my friend did not read it that way.  In her reply she was rather upset at my words.  I then replied that I did not mean anything negative and asked for her forgiveness.  Her mail back said she was very close to writing some very mean words last night but did not.

 

I was once again reminded just how powerful words are and how quickly they can turn ugly.  Some lessons I learned from this experience, and am sure will violate sooner or later are:

1. Any words can be interpreted as hurting even if they weren't intended to be.  Lord, may I think before I speak.
2. Written words don't carry tone, inflection, facial expression, body language and the such.  They are much more likely to be seen as hurtful when they aren't written that way. 
3. be quick to ask for forgiveness, and not the "If I offended you" kind.  Make your forgiveness not dependent upon anything.  Humility should rule the day.
4. Words should always be seasoned with grace and loving-kindness.  Perhaps there isn't even a place for friendly jesting even amongst the closest friends. 
5. The book of Proverbs has much to say about words and communication, read it frequently.

 

Even though I wish this episode hadn't occurred, I am grateful that it reminded me about the power of words. 

 

Lord Jesus, guard my tongue and pen as I speak and write.  May my words uplift people and not bring them down.  May I exalt you in my speech. 

 

From Others

Albert Mohler writes concerning the Death of Antony Flew a well known atheist of his time.  Of most interest is Mohler's first conclusion.  He states that we need to answer the questions of youth honestly.  To do that may I recommend Josh Harris's book "Doug down Deep".  You can read Mohler's post

HERE

 

From Scotty Smith's prayer today

"     Father, may the gospel continue to free me from “cheap-grace” which ignores your law, and from grace-less legalism which ignores your Son. I want to continue growing in the obedience of faith and love… until the Day when Jesus, who has perfectly fulfilled the law for me, perfectly fulfills the law in me. So very Amen, I pray, in His holy and loving name."

 

 

From Scotty Smith prayer for today

     The LORD did not set his affection on you and choose you because you were more numerous than other peoples, for you were the fewest of all peoples. But it was because the LORD loved you and kept the oath he swore to your forefathers… Deuteronomy 7:7-8

     Most holy and gracious Father, like every day, this day begins with the bodacious promise of your steadfast love and new mercies for me. Yet I am still foolish enough, at times, to look for some generating basis… some causal motivation… some rooted explanation in me for why you love me as much as you love any and all of your people. Here my cry for mercy…

     Where do these moments of temporary insanity come from? Why in the world do I have days when I think there’s something I can do to prompt you to love me and stimulate you to even greater affection?

     Isn’t it because I want to manipulate and control you? Isn’t it because I want less mystery and more predictability in my walk with you? Isn’t it because I’d rather spend the Monopoly money of self-salvation than declare my real bankruptcy? Isn’t it because I’d rather work my way out of guilt than be shut up to sheer grace? Isn’t it because I want to make you responsible for my bad days and hard circumstances? Isn’t it because I want to justify my critical attitude towards other less-disciplined more-irresponsible people? Oh, how much I need the gospel, today and every day…

     Indeed, Father, all day long, I will rehearse this good, humbling and liberating news. You have set… settled… secured your affection on me NOT because of anything in me… not because of anything I have done, do or ceased doing. You have chosen me not because I am choice, but simply because you have chosen to redeem and restore me for your glory. It’s only because of your covenantal faithfulness—promises you have made that you alone can keep, that I have the absolute assurance that I am loved with your everlasting unwavering love.

     The only mirror I want to consistently stand in front of is the mirror of your Word, where I behold Jesus, the author and perfecter of my salvation. For Jesus is your “Yes!” to every promise you have made on my behalf. So very Amen, I pray, in His matchless and merciful name.

 

In the Journey,

 

Ron

 

From Others

Tim Challies has a first look at a book written about listening to preaching.  It will now be on my to read list. 

Read it here

 

In the Journey,

 

Ron

 

Esther -- Where is God in the everyday

I just finished reading Swindoll's book on Esther.  Esther has always been one of my favorite books of the bible. 

 

I was reminded that:

1. Do you need to know that God is working even though He is silent?  Read Esther!
2. Do you need to be reminded that God wins?  Read Esther!
3. Do you need to be encouraged that God uses ordinary people to achieve great things?  Read Esther!
4. Do you need courage to do something for God in a difficult situation?  Read Esther!
5. Do you need reminding that you should celebrate God's victories in your life?  read Esther!
6. Do you need to know that God is faithful to His children and promises?  Read Esther!
7. Do you need to remember that good will triumph over evil?  Read Esther!

 

The Death of Moses

5 So Moses the servant of the Lord died there in the land of

Moab, according to the word of the Lord, 6 and he buried him in

the valley in the land of Moab opposite Beth-peor; but no one

knows the place of his burial to this day. 7 Moses was 120

years old when he died. His eye was undimmed, and his vigor

unabated. 8 And the people of Israel wept for Moses in the

plains of Moab thirty days. Then the days of weeping and

mourning for Moses were ended.

Deut 34:5-8 ESV

 

As I read this passage today several truths came to mind.

1. God is faithful to His word.  He told Moses much earlier that because of his sin he would not enter into the promise land.  That is what indeed happened. 
2. Even though we sin, God extends His grace and mercy toward us.  Moses, although he could not enter the promised land, did get a tour of it  from God.
3. When our work is done on the earth god brings us to Himself.  Moses could have lived several more years and been fruitful but that is not God's plan and purpose for his life. 
4.   The work of God will march on when we leave this earthly temple.  Joshua was ready and took the reigns of leadership from Moses. 
5. Grieving for those who die is a natural human emotion.  And yet, after grieving for a period we must go forward with the work God  has for each of us.

 

Prayer of Compassion

In his daily prayer for this morning Scotty Smith prays for those who are suffering physically and spiritually. 

read it here

 

As I read his prayer, I am reminded of my brother-in-law, Gary, who has suffered with back pain for so many years.  He is looking at still another surgery this week. 

 

So I pray,

jesus, show your compassion on Gary.  He has been your servant for these many years while suffering pain that I can't even imagine.  May your  mercy, compassion, and grace rain down on his life this very day.  Lord, take the pain away! 

I pray this in the name of the one who suffered, bled and died for our sins and restoration back to you Mighty and sovereign God.

amen

 

Romans 1:8-15

In this passage we learn several truths about Paul and his ministry.

1. Paul gives thanks because of the church at Rome.  He has the habit of thanking God for the church no matter what state it is in.
2. Paul prays for others.  In this letter like almost every other one, Paul begins with prayer for his readers.  In this case, he prays for them even though he has never met them. 
3. Paul's eagerness to preach Christ everywhere he can is demonstrated here.  He wants the gospel to be spread to the world. 
4. Paul also wants to be a part of the Romans life and growth in Christ.  He also desires to fellowship with them and receive from them. 
5. Paul understands that he has been given a work to do among the Gentiles.  Because of the work of Christ in Paul’s life he is obligated to be a servant of the risen Lord.

 

 

Application

1. Am I thankful for those who have influence in my life?  Do I praise God for them?  Today, I thank God for my family, parents, brother and sisters, nieces and nephews, Wife, daughter and son.  
2. How often do I pray for the church world wide, for those suffering oppression?  Not enough!  Lord Jesus, strengthen my brothers and sisters who are standing faithful to you even when life is at risk.
3. We sponsor two African children through compassion.  I don’t pray for them nearly as I should.  I support them financially but that should just be the starting point.  

 

Two Books Worth your Consideration

In the last couple of days I finished a number of books two of which I want to recommend.

 

What is the Gospel

By Greg Gilbert

this rather small and easy to read book, about 122 pages, clearly and concisely defines the Gospel. 

He asks four questions him the first chapter and then spends the rest of the book answering them.

1. Who made us, and to whom are we accountable?

2. What is our problem? In other words, are we in trouble and why?

3. What is God's solution to that problem? How has he acted to save us from it?

4. How do I—myself, right here, right now—how do I come to be included in that salvation? What makes this good news for me and not just for someone else?

 

As many different opinions about the scope of the gospel are prevalent in the realm of the church today, this book sets forth the Biblical Gospel. 

 

Scandalous

by D. A. Carson

this small book consists of five lectures that Dr. Carson gave at Mars Hill church in Seattle.  each chapter is an exposition of a passage of Scripture.  here are the chapters:

1 The Ironies of the Cross: Matthew 27:27-51 a

2 The Center of the Whole Bible: Romans 3:21-26

3 The Strange Triumph of a Slaughtered Lamb: Revelation 12 75

4 A Miracle Full of Surprises: John 11:1-53

5 Doubting the Resurrection of Jesus: John 20:24-31

 

 

From Others

Here is the 2nd post from Tim Challies on how to read a book

Get it Here

 

 

In the Jour

Trust

 

I am currently backing up an external drive to another so I can reformat it and then copy the data back.  Backups are always good, that is what the experts say.  In fact, I am going to make two backups just in case.  don't want the only backup not to be good.  Besides, this is important data, pictures!

 

In my work, it would almost be a firable offense if I lost data and did not have a backup.  We do both onsite and offsite backups.  Can't have enough of those backups. 

 

Yesterday, I listened to a sermon preached by Josh Harris at Southern Baptist Seminary.  He spoke on Proverbs 3:5-6.  The main point was trust.

 

 

5 Trust in the LORD with all your heart,
   and do not lean on your own understanding.
6 In all your ways acknowledge him,
   and he will make straight your paths.

ESV

 

If we have a backup plan with God, we truly aren't trusting Him with all our heart.  There are times when I truly don't like the word "all" in Scripture.  All my heart?  I guess 3/4 is not enough.  God I trust you but if it doesn't work out then  I have this backup plan ready to go.  That isn't trust at all but being double-minded as James says. 

 

the second part of verse 5 drives home this truth.  Lean not on your own understanding:  translation "no backup plan".  Is my god big enough that I don't need a second alternative?  How often do I try and figure out the best solution for the issue and totally forget about God and His solution.  

 

Looking at verse six there it is again "all".  In whatever I do I must have a mindset that God is over all and is sovereign in all things.  I need to acknowledge His rule of the universe even down to my every life decision. 

 

Then comes the last part of verse six.  Our paths will be made straight.  He will take the crooked and make it straight.  When we "trust" and "acknowledge" with "all" then our path is made straight.

 

Lord Jesus, may I trust in you today with all my heart.  May I acknowledge that you are the sovereign ruler of my life and that whatever you have for me is for my best.  May I put aside my own understanding and plans  relying on You.

 

 

From Others

How would you answer Jesus when he asked, "What do you think about the Christ?"  (Matthew 22:41).  After pondering this question read Scotty Smith's prayer.

Prayer here 

 

 Kevin Deyoung paints a beautiful picture of Jesus the Lion and Lamb of revelation 5.

Read here

 

From Others

Tim challies, who reads a lot of books, has some tips on reading.  This is the first part and tomorrow will be the second.

Reading Tips

 

 

Romans 1:1-7 - Gospel

I find no better explanation of the gospel in these first seven verses than that of Stott in his Romans commentary. 

 

"

1. The origin of the gospel is God

2. The attestation of the gospel is Scripture (v2)

3. The substance of the gospel is Jesus Christ (v1,3)

4. The scope of the gospel is all the nations (v5)

5. The purpose of the gospel is the obedience of faith

6. The goal of the gospel is the honor of Christ’s name (v5)

 

To sum up, here are six fundamental truths about the gospel. Its origin is God the Father and its substance Jesus Christ his Son. Its attestation is Old Testament Scripture and its scope all the nations. Our immediate purpose in proclaiming it is to bring people to the obedience of faith, but our ultimate goal is the greater glory of the name of Jesus Christ. Or, to simplify these truths by the use of six prepositions, we can say that the good news is the gospel of God, about Christ, according to Scripture, for the nations, unto the obedience of faith, and for the sake of the Name.

"

 

 

barnhouse puts it this way in His commentary:
"Let there be that first lesson for all of us. If we would be used of God, we must have a view of the gospel that is as broad as the universe. We must see that God is making the great offer of grace to the entire human race and that now the door is open, not for men to pick and choose to come to God as they want to, but for all men to come to God in His way if they will."

 

Romans 1:1-7 -- Rome

We now turn to what Paul has to say about his audience at Rome.

 

Called     to belong to Jesus Christ

Paul uses called three times in these opening verses.  Remember that Paul was called to be an apostle.  He now wants his readers to know that they are called to belong to Jesus Christ.  One of our callings is to belong to our Lord.  We are His and nothing can dismiss that relationship.   

called to be saints

Not only do we belong to Christ but we are saints.  the plural here denotes the community of Christ not so much individuals.  Set apart, in our minds, usually means from something.  In the New Testament being set apart is positive in nature.  We are set apart to God. 

 

loved by God

Not only do we belong to Jesus and are separated unto God but we are loved by Him.  How can a holy god love a sinner such as I?  It is only because of His Son's work on the cross.  Apart from the blood of Christ the love of God would not be extended to us.  He loves us and has our best interest in mind.  This is not some mushy love but a love that will never let me go.

grace and peace to you from the Father

finally, Paul writes his normal greeting of grace and peace.  We must know grace before we can have peace.  Peace is not so much the absence of conflict but the positive side of a relationship that brings a calm assurance.

 

Application:

1. I belong to Jesus.  That is a calling on my life.  Nothing I do can break this calling because it all depends upon Him.  Let thanksgiving flow from my lips that I am His.
2. the more I realize the positive side of being separating unto God the more the being separated from sin will happen.  Cast my eyes on Christ and His work.
3. Contemplate the love of god for me daily.  Let that consume my thoughts.  Let me reflect upon the love of Christ as He died for me.
4. Flowing out of the love of god for  me, let me never forget His grace that brings peace in my life.  when I am troubled, bring my heart back to the grace and peace that I have from God through Jesus. 

 

From Others

If you want to get off the performance treadmill with God this prayer should be yours. 

Read it Here

 

 

Lessons From Job

I just finished Charles Swindoll's book on Job.  in his last two chapters Swindoll, in his traditional way, gives us principles to live by. 

 

What we learn about ourselves and others  

1. We don't know ahead of time the plans God has for us.  Our god does know what is best.  (Jer 10:23-24, 29:11-13:  Prov 16:9, 20:24, Isa 55:8-9, Phil 4:6-7, James 1:2-4, I Peter 5:6-7).  Be ready for anything in life.  there is no guarantee that life will continue tomorrow as it is today.  Our times are in His hands.  (job 1:20-22).
2. A vertical perspective will keep us from a horizontal panic.  A strong vertical perspective fans the flame of passion.  When hard times come it is easy to forget our vertical relationship and only concentrate on the horizontal problem at hand.  
3. Discernment (Job 2:10).  Discernment is needed to detect bad advice from well-meaning people.  
4. When things turn from bad to worse sound theology help us remain sound and stable.  
5. Caring friend know when to come, how to respond and what to say.  Unfortunately, Job's friends did okay on the first two items but when they opened theirs mouths it went downhill.  
6. Its easy to be Monday morning quarterbacks when we encounter another's outburst.  
7. The cultivation of obedient endurance is  the crowning mark of maturity.  Growing up and growing old should walk hand in hand. 

 

 

What Job teaches us about our God

1. There is nothing God cannot do (job 42:2).  God's power is infinite and independent, self-energized and never depleting.  
2. It is impossible to frustrate God's purposes (job 42:2b).  There is nothing out of control with God.  
3. God's plans are  beyond our understanding and to deep to explain (Job 42:3).  God doesn't reveal His grand design He reveals Himself.  
4. Only through God's instruction are we able to humble ourselves and rest in His will (job 42:4-6, I Pet 5:6-7).  
5. when the day of reckoning arrives, god is always fair.  God never forgets He just doesn't adjust His plan to our timetable. 
6. No one can be compared with God when it comes to blessings (Job 42:9-15).  Grace  doesn't wait for works to catch up.  God doesn't bless perfect people only imperfect ones. 
7. Only god can fill our final years with divine music that frees us to live above our circumstances.  God's unmerited favor frees us.  It enables  us to live fully for Him.

 

 

From Others

Are you distraught about health care?  Are you upset with our government?  Please read this prayer.

Read Here

 

Albert Mohler points us to an important Supreme Court case coming on the docket concerning religious freedom.

read Here

 

 

From Others

Today is David Livingstone's birthday.  John Piper AT Desiring God has a tribute worth your time.

Read Here