James 1: 1-12 “James, a servant of God and of the Lord Jesus Christ, to the twelve tribes which are scattered abroad, greeting. My brethren, count it all joy when ye fall into divers temptations; Knowing this, that the trying of your faith worketh patience. But let patience have her perfect work, that ye may be perfect and entire, wanting nothing. If any of you lack wisdom, let him ask of God, that giveth to all men liberally, and upbraideth not; and it shall be given him. But let him ask in faith, nothing wavering. For he that wavereth is like a wave of the sea driven with the wind and tossed. For let not that man think that he shall receive any thing of the Lord. A double minded man is unstable in all his ways. Let the brother of low degree rejoice in that he is exalted: But the rich, in that he is made low: because as the flower of the grass he shall pass away. For the sun is no sooner risen with a burning heat, but it withereth the grass, and the flower thereof falleth and the grace of the fashion of it perisheth so also shall the rich man fade away in his ways. Blessed is the man that endureth temptation: for when he is tried he shall receive the crown of life, which the Lord hath promised to them that love him.”
There are many stories of men and women who had many, many adversities In their lives but overcame them. One such story is about a man who dropped out of elementary school and was home educated. Later in life he ran a country store but was not able to be successful in that venture. In fact, he had to work 19 years just to pay all the debt he accrued in that venture. He later had a law firm but his partner ran off and left him with more debts. He was married, but his marriage failed. His wife came down with mental illness and paranoia. He had a son who was physically weak and died at an early age. He ran for political office four times; twice for the house and twice for the senate, and lost his races all four times. Ultimately, he held office but was despised by half the country. He was derided by the news media on a daily basis. When he made speeches, they were considered to be very hum-drum. Even the speech that was considered as classic was met with indifference. This was man was none other than Abraham Lincoln.
I don’t know if Lincoln was a believer or not; some say that he was. But there was something within him that drove him to overcome adversity.
As a believer, how can we face adversity and be successful. That’s what we are dealing with in these series of CHALLENGING CONCEPTS.
I. THE REALITY OF ADVERSITY – verse 2 “My brethren, count it all joy when ye fall into divers temptations;”
If you’re still kicking, you’re going to have problems. One of my favorite verses is Job 5:7 “Yet man is born unto trouble, as the sparks fly upward.”
Adversity is inevitable. If you’ll notice verse 2 again you will notice that James did not say “if you fall into divers temptations.” He said “when.” You will have adversity. You say, “But what if I don’t?” Check your pulse and look at the obituary.
The Apostle Peter wrote in I Peter 4:12 “Beloved, think it not strange concerning the fiery trial which is to try you, as though some strange thing happened unto you:” Peter is saying, “ Don’t be taken back by your adversity because they are coming.”
James is actually giving the believer the proper environment for facing adversity. In these first few verses of this chapter James is giving us some of the most encouraging and practical words of the entire Word of God for how to handle problems and hardships. When you consider the words of James and the challenge of Peter in the verse we just noted, adversity should not be looked at as a foe, but a friend. That’s not the viewpoint of society and most of us as believers, but it’s the attitude God wants us to have if we are interested in growing through anything God allows to come in our life.
One of the things we need to remember is that adversities are not predictable. James uses the word “fall.” This word literally means to fall into unexpectedly. This word was also used in relationship to the Good Samaritan who “fell among thieves.” He didn’t plan to be high jacked. He didn’t see it coming.
In my own experience, which has been light contrasted with others, I never seem to anticipate the problems which came my way. People don’t anticipate getting diabetes, or failing in business.
Adversities come in all shapes and sizes. Notice verse 2 again, “My brethren, count it all joy when ye fall into divers temptations;” The word “divers” means “various in character.” Someone has said the word also means “multi-colored” and is the same word used in the Old Testament to describe Joseph’s coat of many colors. I conclude that the Word of God is saying that adversities come in different shades and varieties. Some may be light while others are hard. Some may last for a short amount of time and other might plague a person for a life-time.
How can we handle these adversities? What does the Word of God say to encourage us during these times?
We read what the Psalmist wrote in Psalm 55:22 “Cast thy burden upon the LORD, and he shall sustain thee: he shall never suffer the righteous to be moved.”
The Apostle Paul wrote in Philippians 4:6-7 “Be careful for nothing; but in every thing by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known unto God. And the peace of God, which passeth all understanding, shall keep your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus.”
God wants to and will sustain the child of God as they go through adversity.
In next week’s CHALLENGING CONCEPTS we will explore THE REASONS FOR ADVERSITY.
That’s my view; how about you?
Monday, May 30, 2011
Monday, May 23, 2011
GROWING THROUGH ADVERSITY
James 1: 1-12 “James, a servant of God and of the Lord Jesus Christ, to the twelve tribes which are scattered abroad, greeting. My brethren, count it all joy when ye fall into divers temptations; Knowing this, that the trying of your faith worketh patience. But let patience have her perfect work, that ye may be perfect and entire, wanting nothing. If any of you lack wisdom, let him ask of God, that giveth to all men liberally, and upbraideth not; and it shall be given him. But let him ask in faith, nothing wavering. For he that wavereth is like a wave of the sea driven with the wind and tossed. For let not that man think that he shall receive any thing of the Lord. A double minded man is unstable in all his ways. Let the brother of low degree rejoice in that he is exalted: But the rich, in that he is made low: because as the flower of the grass he shall pass away. For the sun is no sooner risen with a burning heat, but it withereth the grass, and the flower thereof falleth and the grace of the fashion of it perisheth so also shall the rich man fade away in his ways. Blessed is the man that endureth temptation: for when he is tried he shall receive the crown of life, which the Lord hath promised to them that love him.”
Through my years of growth as a Christian, I have learned some truths that are hard to practice. In fact, as a preacher of the gospel I have learned that many concepts found in the Word of God are easier to preach than to practice. One of those truth is the subject matter for this week’s CHALLENGING CONCEPTS.
One truth that I have taught and preached for many years is how to handle problems, trials and adversity. There are two methods of action: You either REACT to the issue (which is a work of the flesh) or you RESPOND to it (which is the fruit of the Spirit). In the first action, it causes a person to either plateau in his Christian life or regress. But on the other hand, when a person RESPONDS to the issue, problem or adversity, he takes a step forward in his growth. Notice verse 4 again “But let patience have her perfect work, that ye may be perfect and entire, wanting nothing.” Notice also verse 12 “Blessed is the man that endureth temptation: for when he is tried he shall receive the crown of life, which the Lord hath promised to them that love him.”
God never intended for the believer to stop growing in his spiritual condition. His desire for the child of God is found in II Timothy 3:17 “That the man of God may be perfect, throughly furnished unto all good works.” Notice what Paul wrote to a young preacher in II Timothy 2:21 “. . . he shall be a vessel unto honour, sanctified and meet for the master's use, and prepared unto every good work.” That’s God desire for each of us as we continue to grow in the things of the Lord.
In his book entitles “Be Strong” Dr. Warren Wiersbe wrote “It is impossible to stand still in Christian life and service; for when you stand still you immediately start going backward.” God’s purpose is that the child of His does not go backward but to go on to a new height of maturity.
It would be wonderful if all our growth could be developed through good and prosperous times, but that’s not the case. There is some growth that can only come through adversity. It’s through adversity that a believer learns the extent of the deliverance of God. Notice what we read in Psalm 34:19 “Many are the afflictions of the righteous: but the LORD delivereth him out of them all.”
It’s also through adversity that we as believer learn to run to God for protection. Notice Psalm 46:1 “God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble.”
Years ago my adult choir would sing a very moving song entitled “Underneath The Shadow Of His Wings.”
There are times my soul becomes confounded and distressed
There are times my heart no longer sings,
It is then the Spirit bids me come to Him and rest,
Underneath the shadow of His wings.
Underneath the shadow of His mighty wings,
Peace and joy are waiting me
There is blessed victory,
How my soul is thrilled to be eternally
Underneath the shadow of His wings.
There are many other lessons we learn when we go through and face adversity with the help of Almighty God. Bottom line is that God has a purpose for every trial that comes into our life. Nothing happens by accident. Every trial or adversity has to cross God’s desk and get His stamp of approval. Paul tells us that trials and blessings have a purpose for us. We read in Romans 8:28 “And we know that all things work together for good to them that love God, to them who are the called according to his purpose.”
It’s through adversity that we learn some things about God, but it’s also a time when we learn some things about ourselves. In his book “Be Strong” Dr. Wiersbe also wrote “What life does to us depends on what life finds in us, and we don’t always know the condition of our own hearts” Jeremiah 17:9 states “The heart is deceitful above all things, and desperately wicked who can know it?”
We will discover our true view of God. We may be surprised what we really think about God. We will also learn our true strengths and weaknesses. Did you know that most of us can have some extreme blind spots? We will also come to grips with what are our real priorities. We may think that we really want to do God’s will but when God’s will is for us to go through trials, why do we complain and murmur?
There are many, many other things about ourselves that will come to the surface.
In the next three issues of CHALLENGING CONCEPTS we will examine the REALITY of Adversity, the REASONS for Adversity, the RESPONSE to Adversity, and the REWARDS of Adversity. Don’t miss any of these blogs. I think they will be a real blessing to you and you can use them with others who may be going through times of hardships in their life.
That’s my view; how about you?
Through my years of growth as a Christian, I have learned some truths that are hard to practice. In fact, as a preacher of the gospel I have learned that many concepts found in the Word of God are easier to preach than to practice. One of those truth is the subject matter for this week’s CHALLENGING CONCEPTS.
One truth that I have taught and preached for many years is how to handle problems, trials and adversity. There are two methods of action: You either REACT to the issue (which is a work of the flesh) or you RESPOND to it (which is the fruit of the Spirit). In the first action, it causes a person to either plateau in his Christian life or regress. But on the other hand, when a person RESPONDS to the issue, problem or adversity, he takes a step forward in his growth. Notice verse 4 again “But let patience have her perfect work, that ye may be perfect and entire, wanting nothing.” Notice also verse 12 “Blessed is the man that endureth temptation: for when he is tried he shall receive the crown of life, which the Lord hath promised to them that love him.”
God never intended for the believer to stop growing in his spiritual condition. His desire for the child of God is found in II Timothy 3:17 “That the man of God may be perfect, throughly furnished unto all good works.” Notice what Paul wrote to a young preacher in II Timothy 2:21 “. . . he shall be a vessel unto honour, sanctified and meet for the master's use, and prepared unto every good work.” That’s God desire for each of us as we continue to grow in the things of the Lord.
In his book entitles “Be Strong” Dr. Warren Wiersbe wrote “It is impossible to stand still in Christian life and service; for when you stand still you immediately start going backward.” God’s purpose is that the child of His does not go backward but to go on to a new height of maturity.
It would be wonderful if all our growth could be developed through good and prosperous times, but that’s not the case. There is some growth that can only come through adversity. It’s through adversity that a believer learns the extent of the deliverance of God. Notice what we read in Psalm 34:19 “Many are the afflictions of the righteous: but the LORD delivereth him out of them all.”
It’s also through adversity that we as believer learn to run to God for protection. Notice Psalm 46:1 “God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble.”
Years ago my adult choir would sing a very moving song entitled “Underneath The Shadow Of His Wings.”
There are times my soul becomes confounded and distressed
There are times my heart no longer sings,
It is then the Spirit bids me come to Him and rest,
Underneath the shadow of His wings.
Underneath the shadow of His mighty wings,
Peace and joy are waiting me
There is blessed victory,
How my soul is thrilled to be eternally
Underneath the shadow of His wings.
There are many other lessons we learn when we go through and face adversity with the help of Almighty God. Bottom line is that God has a purpose for every trial that comes into our life. Nothing happens by accident. Every trial or adversity has to cross God’s desk and get His stamp of approval. Paul tells us that trials and blessings have a purpose for us. We read in Romans 8:28 “And we know that all things work together for good to them that love God, to them who are the called according to his purpose.”
It’s through adversity that we learn some things about God, but it’s also a time when we learn some things about ourselves. In his book “Be Strong” Dr. Wiersbe also wrote “What life does to us depends on what life finds in us, and we don’t always know the condition of our own hearts” Jeremiah 17:9 states “The heart is deceitful above all things, and desperately wicked who can know it?”
We will discover our true view of God. We may be surprised what we really think about God. We will also learn our true strengths and weaknesses. Did you know that most of us can have some extreme blind spots? We will also come to grips with what are our real priorities. We may think that we really want to do God’s will but when God’s will is for us to go through trials, why do we complain and murmur?
There are many, many other things about ourselves that will come to the surface.
In the next three issues of CHALLENGING CONCEPTS we will examine the REALITY of Adversity, the REASONS for Adversity, the RESPONSE to Adversity, and the REWARDS of Adversity. Don’t miss any of these blogs. I think they will be a real blessing to you and you can use them with others who may be going through times of hardships in their life.
That’s my view; how about you?
Monday, May 16, 2011
THE PROVISION OF THE SHEPHERD
Psalm 23:1-6 “The LORD is my shepherd; I shall not want. He maketh me to lie down in green pastures: he leadeth me beside the still waters. He restoreth my soul: he leadeth me in the paths of righteousness for his name's sake. Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil: for thou art with me; thy rod and thy staff they comfort me. Thou preparest a table before me in the presence of mine enemies: thou anointest my head with oil; my cup runneth over. Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life: and I will dwell in the house of the LORD for ever.”
This is probably the most loved of all the Psalms. I believe it has been memorized by more people than any other passage of Scripture. It has been a comfort to many people as they have faced the loss of a loved one in death. I myself have quoted it beside the sick bed of a dear saint of God. I have preached from it time to time. I love this Psalm.
There are many truths we expound on in this precious portion of Scripture. D.L. Moody wrote “ No Lion or Bear can ever surprise our ever-watchful guardian or overcome our Almighty Deliverer.”
We read in Matthew Henry’s commentary, “’The Lord is my shepherd.’ In these words, the believer is taught to express his satisfaction in the care of the great Pastor of the universe, the Redeemer and Preserver of men.”
Dr. Warren Wiersbe penned “Psalm 23 depicts Jesus Christ as the Great Shepherd living for His sheep.” I like that! We have just celebrated the resurrection of Jesus and I’m glad that I know that He is alive and living to make intercession for His sheep.
There are so many things we could emphasize about the Shepherd but we’ll just deal with one of those subject matter – His Provision – “The LORD is my shepherd; I shall not want.” Notice:
1. He Provides Health – Isa 53:5 “. . . with his stripes we are healed.”
2. He Provides Prosperity – Phil 4:19 “But my God shall supply all your need according to his riches in glory by Christ Jesus.”
3. He Provides Security – II Tim 1:7 “For God hath not given us the spirit of fear; but of power, and of love, and of a sound mind.”
4. He Provides Power – Acts 1:8 “But ye shall receive power, after that the Holy Ghost is come upon you: and ye shall be witnesses unto me both in Jerusalem, and in all Judaea, and in Samaria, and unto the uttermost part of the earth.”
5. He Provides Peace – Isa 26:3 “Thou wilt keep him in perfect peace, whose mind is stayed on thee: because he trusteth in thee.”
6. He Provides Joy – Neh 8:10 “. . . for the joy of the LORD is your strength.”
7. He Provides Ability – Phil 4:13 “I can do all things through Christ which strengtheneth me.”
8. He Provides Blessings – Eph 1:3 “Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who hath blessed us with all spiritual blessings in heavenly places in Christ:”
These are only a few of the mighty, abundant provisions we are given by our Good Shepherd. Isn’t it great to have the assurance that we are “the sheep of his pasture?”
Two thoughts with which I want to close:
I. HE PROVIDES THROUGH THE DAY
The older I get the more I understand that we live our days one at a time. I used to think of life in increments of years; now I look at it as one day at a time. Of course we read in Proverbs 27:1 “Boast not thyself of tomorrow; for thou knowest not what a day may bring forth.” James puts it this way in 4:14 “Whereas ye know not what shall be on the morrow. For what is your life? It is even a vapour, that appeareth for a little time, and then vanisheth away.”
God didn’t design our lives to live two or three days at a time. He built the universe to run in 1 day increments – day and night. There’s a time to work and a time to rest. When we try to live our time two or three at a time without that rest time, our bodies wear out. God designed that we live one day at a time and He provides for that day.
As we get up every morning we can face that day with total confidence. Notice what we read in John 10:4 “And when he putteth forth his own sheep, he goeth before them, and the sheep follow him: for they know his voice.” The Good Shepherd goes before us and where He leads He provides.
The picture here in John 10 is that the shepherd is walking, with staff in hand, in front of the sheep. A good shepherd leads the sheep. He doesn’t drive them; he leads them. There are some pastors who should understand this principle.
Our Shepherd is a tender , loving one. Each day He takes us to green pastures, by still waters and then leads us safely back to the fold each and every night and then sits across the opening as the door. He provides through the day.
II. HE PROVIDES THROUGH THE DURATION
Psalm 23 is actually a summary of the life of the believer. David wrote this Psalm to depict childhood (vs 1-2) through those mature years (vs 6). Notice that sixth verse “Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life: and I will dwell in the house of the LORD forever.”
David is showing the child of God that will be guided, protected and provided for his/her entire life. He will be there when the child needs protection. I love what we read in in Isaiah 40:11 “He shall feed his flock like a shepherd he shall gather the lambs with his arm, and carry them in his bosom, and shall gently lead those that are with young.” He will be there when he/she goes through those rocky teen years. He will give wisdom and confidence when the young parents realize the responsibility they have as children come along. God will be there when the senior citizen goes through hospital stays and has to get by on a small pension.
As we sometime say He’s there “for the duration.” His “goodness and mercy” will follow the believer all through his life. And finally, God’s sheep will “dwell in the house of the LORD forever.”
I don’t know about you, but that gives me confidence that God is going to provide what I need today, tomorrow and for the duration of the journey. (Lord, help us to trust you and walk by faith.)
That’s my view; how about you?
This is probably the most loved of all the Psalms. I believe it has been memorized by more people than any other passage of Scripture. It has been a comfort to many people as they have faced the loss of a loved one in death. I myself have quoted it beside the sick bed of a dear saint of God. I have preached from it time to time. I love this Psalm.
There are many truths we expound on in this precious portion of Scripture. D.L. Moody wrote “ No Lion or Bear can ever surprise our ever-watchful guardian or overcome our Almighty Deliverer.”
We read in Matthew Henry’s commentary, “’The Lord is my shepherd.’ In these words, the believer is taught to express his satisfaction in the care of the great Pastor of the universe, the Redeemer and Preserver of men.”
Dr. Warren Wiersbe penned “Psalm 23 depicts Jesus Christ as the Great Shepherd living for His sheep.” I like that! We have just celebrated the resurrection of Jesus and I’m glad that I know that He is alive and living to make intercession for His sheep.
There are so many things we could emphasize about the Shepherd but we’ll just deal with one of those subject matter – His Provision – “The LORD is my shepherd; I shall not want.” Notice:
1. He Provides Health – Isa 53:5 “. . . with his stripes we are healed.”
2. He Provides Prosperity – Phil 4:19 “But my God shall supply all your need according to his riches in glory by Christ Jesus.”
3. He Provides Security – II Tim 1:7 “For God hath not given us the spirit of fear; but of power, and of love, and of a sound mind.”
4. He Provides Power – Acts 1:8 “But ye shall receive power, after that the Holy Ghost is come upon you: and ye shall be witnesses unto me both in Jerusalem, and in all Judaea, and in Samaria, and unto the uttermost part of the earth.”
5. He Provides Peace – Isa 26:3 “Thou wilt keep him in perfect peace, whose mind is stayed on thee: because he trusteth in thee.”
6. He Provides Joy – Neh 8:10 “. . . for the joy of the LORD is your strength.”
7. He Provides Ability – Phil 4:13 “I can do all things through Christ which strengtheneth me.”
8. He Provides Blessings – Eph 1:3 “Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who hath blessed us with all spiritual blessings in heavenly places in Christ:”
These are only a few of the mighty, abundant provisions we are given by our Good Shepherd. Isn’t it great to have the assurance that we are “the sheep of his pasture?”
Two thoughts with which I want to close:
I. HE PROVIDES THROUGH THE DAY
The older I get the more I understand that we live our days one at a time. I used to think of life in increments of years; now I look at it as one day at a time. Of course we read in Proverbs 27:1 “Boast not thyself of tomorrow; for thou knowest not what a day may bring forth.” James puts it this way in 4:14 “Whereas ye know not what shall be on the morrow. For what is your life? It is even a vapour, that appeareth for a little time, and then vanisheth away.”
God didn’t design our lives to live two or three days at a time. He built the universe to run in 1 day increments – day and night. There’s a time to work and a time to rest. When we try to live our time two or three at a time without that rest time, our bodies wear out. God designed that we live one day at a time and He provides for that day.
As we get up every morning we can face that day with total confidence. Notice what we read in John 10:4 “And when he putteth forth his own sheep, he goeth before them, and the sheep follow him: for they know his voice.” The Good Shepherd goes before us and where He leads He provides.
The picture here in John 10 is that the shepherd is walking, with staff in hand, in front of the sheep. A good shepherd leads the sheep. He doesn’t drive them; he leads them. There are some pastors who should understand this principle.
Our Shepherd is a tender , loving one. Each day He takes us to green pastures, by still waters and then leads us safely back to the fold each and every night and then sits across the opening as the door. He provides through the day.
II. HE PROVIDES THROUGH THE DURATION
Psalm 23 is actually a summary of the life of the believer. David wrote this Psalm to depict childhood (vs 1-2) through those mature years (vs 6). Notice that sixth verse “Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life: and I will dwell in the house of the LORD forever.”
David is showing the child of God that will be guided, protected and provided for his/her entire life. He will be there when the child needs protection. I love what we read in in Isaiah 40:11 “He shall feed his flock like a shepherd he shall gather the lambs with his arm, and carry them in his bosom, and shall gently lead those that are with young.” He will be there when he/she goes through those rocky teen years. He will give wisdom and confidence when the young parents realize the responsibility they have as children come along. God will be there when the senior citizen goes through hospital stays and has to get by on a small pension.
As we sometime say He’s there “for the duration.” His “goodness and mercy” will follow the believer all through his life. And finally, God’s sheep will “dwell in the house of the LORD forever.”
I don’t know about you, but that gives me confidence that God is going to provide what I need today, tomorrow and for the duration of the journey. (Lord, help us to trust you and walk by faith.)
That’s my view; how about you?
Monday, May 9, 2011
THE HAPPY MAN
Psalm 1:1-2 “Blessed is the man that walketh not in the counsel of the ungodly, nor standeth in the way of sinners, nor sitteth in the seat of the scornful. But his delight is in the law of the LORD; and in his law doth he meditate day and night.”
In his devotional book entitled “Prayer, Praise & Promises,” Dr. Warren Wiersbe gave the two-point outline that I am using in this week’s CHALLENGING CONCEPTS. I have been a long time fan of Dr. Wiersbe. I first heard him speak at the very first Bible Conference I was blessed to attend at Tennessee Temple University. My heart was stirred more than at any other time in my life, except when I saved by God’s marvelous grace. I’m sure my friends can tell by the many quotes of his that I have used through the years. Dr. Wiersbe’s challenge prompted me to write this blog.
Notice that the Psalm starts in the same way as does the sermon of Jesus, referred to as “the sermon on the mount.” Both promise a blessing to those who heed certain admonitions. We sometimes give the definition of the word “blessed” as “happy.” That is true, but I’m afraid the word is more complex than that. In the The Treasury of David this word is described as “the multiplicity of the blessings which shall rest upon the man whom God hath justified, and the perfection and greatness of the blessedness he shall enjoy.”
After I got into the study of this Psalm and learned the true extent of this word, I came to the conclusion that a person with such a “simple” mind as I have, should have no business trying to deal with the “multiplicity” of what is promised. But since I have already started, I might as well make a feeble attempt to put some meat on Dr. Wiersbe’s two point skeleton. What about the “blessed” man?
I. HE WILL BE SEPARATED FROM THE WORLD – Notice verse 1 again “Blessed is the man that walketh not in the counsel of the ungodly, nor standeth in the way of sinners, nor sitteth in the seat of the scornful.”
The word “blessed” in its simplest form means happy. The happy man separates himself from the world. The world is anything that causes a person to stray from God. This is vital to a man’s fellowship with God. You can’t walk with God and the world at the same time. Paul writes in II Corinthians 6:14 “Be ye not unequally yoked together with unbelievers: for what fellowship hath righteousness with unrighteousness? and what communion hath light with darkness?”
Separation is one of the things that is missing in this politically correct community of believers today. Instead of seeing how far from sin they can get, they want to walk close to the world. That’s why there is no victory in so many lives.
So, what does the Psalmist say about the ungodly man? What does this separation include?
A. This Involves With Whom We STEP – It’s amazing from whom some people get their advice. They walk with them and listen to the philosophy of those who are walking according to the standard and lifestyle of the world. The believer is to denounce the evil doer.
B. This Involves With Whom We STAND – A believer who is walking with the Lord does come in contact with evil doers. That’s just a part of life. We work with them, go to school with them and sometimes even go to church with them. But when we do, we should not let any grass grow under our feet. We need to keep walking.
C. This Involves With Whom We SIT – This has to do with becoming too comfortable with the lifestyle of the unbeliever. The believer who wants to please God does not become “at home” with the evil man and his ways.
When you look at these three (step, stand, sit) you see three different degrees of evil – an evolution of evil. In fact, a man who will step in the counsel of the ungodly, will eventually stand in the way of sinners. Then he will finally sit down with the scornful and feel at home.
This makes the case for parental control over their children’s friends. I’ve heard people try to argue that their children should be missionaries. It’s true that children should live a life so that others will see Christ living in them, but any missionary work done by children must be under control of the parents.
The Chaplain of Bourbon Street, Bob Harrington, who preached during the 60’s is an classic example of the danger of one playing in the den of Satan. God’s blessings are not the on one who gets familiar with the things of the world.
One of my favorite verses is Romans 12:2 “And be not conformed to this world: but be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind, that ye may prove what is that good, and acceptable, and perfect, will of God.” How is the mind renewed? That brings us to the second point:
II. HE WILL BE SATURATED WITH THE WORD – Notice verse 2 “But his delight is in the law of the LORD; and in his law doth he meditate day and night.”
In verse two you see the “will” of the happy man. He makes a choice to “delight” and “meditate” in the “law of the Lord.” Why is this? Because the Word of God is perfect, sure and can make wise - Psalm 19:7 “The law of the LORD is perfect, converting the soul: the testimony of the LORD is sure making wise the simple.” The Bible is also right and pure – Psalm 19:8 “The statutes of the LORD are right, rejoicing the heart: the commandment of the LORD is pure, enlightening the eyes.” It is also God’s inspired Word – II Timothy 3:16 “All scripture is given by inspiration of God, . . .” I could go on and on about what the Word of God is.
The happy man delights in God’s Word because of what the Bible is and not for any other reason. Let me mention two things that are not a motivation for why he delights in God’s Word:
A. He Delights Not Because Of PUNISHMENT
It is true that there is the danger of God’s chastisement for the child of God. We read in Proverbs 3:12 “For whom the LORD loveth he correcteth even as a father the son in whom he delighteth” (See also Hebrews 12:6)
Have you ever seen a person living in sin year in and year out but claim to be a believer. You watch their life and pray intently they come back to Christ, but you see no conviction nor chastisement. Does the Bible say anything about that? Hebrews 12:8 “But if ye be without chastisement, whereof all are partakers, then are ye bastards, and not sons.”
There is a cost to walking with the world, but that’s not the happy man’s motivation for delighting in the law of the Lord.
B. He Delights Not Because Of PROMISES – Notice verse 3 “And he shall be like a tree planted by the rivers of water, that bringeth forth his fruit in his season; his leaf also shall not wither and whatsoever he doeth shall prosper” This is a result of a person delighting in and meditating on the law of the Lord.
Some people are motivated by someone dangling a carrot out in front of them, but this is not what the Psalmist is talking about here. He’s talking about person just being so In love with God and His Word that He can’t get enough of it. We read in 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.”
Is the Word of God that precious to us? Do we delight in the law of the Lord because of what it is and not what it can do? We read about the value of the Word to the Psalmist in Psalm 119:72 “The law of thy mouth is better unto me than thousands of gold and silver.”
Only when the Word of God is that valuable to us will we DELIGHT in it and MEDITATE in it day and night. Let’s take a moment today to consider how important God’s Word is to us. Let’s also take some time to consider our relationship to the world.
That’s my view; how about you?
In his devotional book entitled “Prayer, Praise & Promises,” Dr. Warren Wiersbe gave the two-point outline that I am using in this week’s CHALLENGING CONCEPTS. I have been a long time fan of Dr. Wiersbe. I first heard him speak at the very first Bible Conference I was blessed to attend at Tennessee Temple University. My heart was stirred more than at any other time in my life, except when I saved by God’s marvelous grace. I’m sure my friends can tell by the many quotes of his that I have used through the years. Dr. Wiersbe’s challenge prompted me to write this blog.
Notice that the Psalm starts in the same way as does the sermon of Jesus, referred to as “the sermon on the mount.” Both promise a blessing to those who heed certain admonitions. We sometimes give the definition of the word “blessed” as “happy.” That is true, but I’m afraid the word is more complex than that. In the The Treasury of David this word is described as “the multiplicity of the blessings which shall rest upon the man whom God hath justified, and the perfection and greatness of the blessedness he shall enjoy.”
After I got into the study of this Psalm and learned the true extent of this word, I came to the conclusion that a person with such a “simple” mind as I have, should have no business trying to deal with the “multiplicity” of what is promised. But since I have already started, I might as well make a feeble attempt to put some meat on Dr. Wiersbe’s two point skeleton. What about the “blessed” man?
I. HE WILL BE SEPARATED FROM THE WORLD – Notice verse 1 again “Blessed is the man that walketh not in the counsel of the ungodly, nor standeth in the way of sinners, nor sitteth in the seat of the scornful.”
The word “blessed” in its simplest form means happy. The happy man separates himself from the world. The world is anything that causes a person to stray from God. This is vital to a man’s fellowship with God. You can’t walk with God and the world at the same time. Paul writes in II Corinthians 6:14 “Be ye not unequally yoked together with unbelievers: for what fellowship hath righteousness with unrighteousness? and what communion hath light with darkness?”
Separation is one of the things that is missing in this politically correct community of believers today. Instead of seeing how far from sin they can get, they want to walk close to the world. That’s why there is no victory in so many lives.
So, what does the Psalmist say about the ungodly man? What does this separation include?
A. This Involves With Whom We STEP – It’s amazing from whom some people get their advice. They walk with them and listen to the philosophy of those who are walking according to the standard and lifestyle of the world. The believer is to denounce the evil doer.
B. This Involves With Whom We STAND – A believer who is walking with the Lord does come in contact with evil doers. That’s just a part of life. We work with them, go to school with them and sometimes even go to church with them. But when we do, we should not let any grass grow under our feet. We need to keep walking.
C. This Involves With Whom We SIT – This has to do with becoming too comfortable with the lifestyle of the unbeliever. The believer who wants to please God does not become “at home” with the evil man and his ways.
When you look at these three (step, stand, sit) you see three different degrees of evil – an evolution of evil. In fact, a man who will step in the counsel of the ungodly, will eventually stand in the way of sinners. Then he will finally sit down with the scornful and feel at home.
This makes the case for parental control over their children’s friends. I’ve heard people try to argue that their children should be missionaries. It’s true that children should live a life so that others will see Christ living in them, but any missionary work done by children must be under control of the parents.
The Chaplain of Bourbon Street, Bob Harrington, who preached during the 60’s is an classic example of the danger of one playing in the den of Satan. God’s blessings are not the on one who gets familiar with the things of the world.
One of my favorite verses is Romans 12:2 “And be not conformed to this world: but be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind, that ye may prove what is that good, and acceptable, and perfect, will of God.” How is the mind renewed? That brings us to the second point:
II. HE WILL BE SATURATED WITH THE WORD – Notice verse 2 “But his delight is in the law of the LORD; and in his law doth he meditate day and night.”
In verse two you see the “will” of the happy man. He makes a choice to “delight” and “meditate” in the “law of the Lord.” Why is this? Because the Word of God is perfect, sure and can make wise - Psalm 19:7 “The law of the LORD is perfect, converting the soul: the testimony of the LORD is sure making wise the simple.” The Bible is also right and pure – Psalm 19:8 “The statutes of the LORD are right, rejoicing the heart: the commandment of the LORD is pure, enlightening the eyes.” It is also God’s inspired Word – II Timothy 3:16 “All scripture is given by inspiration of God, . . .” I could go on and on about what the Word of God is.
The happy man delights in God’s Word because of what the Bible is and not for any other reason. Let me mention two things that are not a motivation for why he delights in God’s Word:
A. He Delights Not Because Of PUNISHMENT
It is true that there is the danger of God’s chastisement for the child of God. We read in Proverbs 3:12 “For whom the LORD loveth he correcteth even as a father the son in whom he delighteth” (See also Hebrews 12:6)
Have you ever seen a person living in sin year in and year out but claim to be a believer. You watch their life and pray intently they come back to Christ, but you see no conviction nor chastisement. Does the Bible say anything about that? Hebrews 12:8 “But if ye be without chastisement, whereof all are partakers, then are ye bastards, and not sons.”
There is a cost to walking with the world, but that’s not the happy man’s motivation for delighting in the law of the Lord.
B. He Delights Not Because Of PROMISES – Notice verse 3 “And he shall be like a tree planted by the rivers of water, that bringeth forth his fruit in his season; his leaf also shall not wither and whatsoever he doeth shall prosper” This is a result of a person delighting in and meditating on the law of the Lord.
Some people are motivated by someone dangling a carrot out in front of them, but this is not what the Psalmist is talking about here. He’s talking about person just being so In love with God and His Word that He can’t get enough of it. We read in 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.”
Is the Word of God that precious to us? Do we delight in the law of the Lord because of what it is and not what it can do? We read about the value of the Word to the Psalmist in Psalm 119:72 “The law of thy mouth is better unto me than thousands of gold and silver.”
Only when the Word of God is that valuable to us will we DELIGHT in it and MEDITATE in it day and night. Let’s take a moment today to consider how important God’s Word is to us. Let’s also take some time to consider our relationship to the world.
That’s my view; how about you?
Monday, May 2, 2011
HAVE YOU EVER THOUGHT ABOUT THROWING IN THE TOWEL?
Psalm 61:1-8 “Hear my cry, O God; attend unto my prayer. From the end of the earth will I cry unto thee, when my heart is overwhelmed lead me to the rock that is higher than I. For thou hast been a shelter for me, and a strong tower from the enemy. I will abide in thy tabernacle for ever: I will trust in the covert of thy wings. Selah. For thou, O God, hast heard my vows: thou hast given me the heritage of those that fear thy name. Thou wilt prolong the king's life: and his years as many generations. He shall abide before God for ever: O prepare mercy and truth, which may preserve him. So will I sing praise unto thy name for ever, that I may daily perform my vows.”
I love the Word of God. I love to read it; hear it taught and preached; listen to it read by somebody else. I just every part of God’s Word, especially the Psalms. There is something about reading the writings of David and being challenged by his experience with God. I can relate to his fears, sorrows and even his crying out to God. I just wish I could relate more to his reliance upon God for provisions and protection.
Can you imagine having to flee from your own son. My wife and I have a son. We love our son and he loves us. God has used him in a special way to meet some needs in our lives. Even recently when we were going through the horrific tornadoes here in Alabama, he called to make sure we were o.k.
I can’t imagine going through what David did when Absalom rebelled and he had to flee for his life. It is thought that this Psalm was written out of that experience. I don’t know that any of us can really relate to this but we can be challenged to live in the same relationship with God.
There are many who would have quit on God. They would have thought about throwing in the towel and walk away and ending up getting bitter at God because of the circumstance. David didn’t do that. Let’s take a look at these thoughts of David.
Notice the first three verses again: “Hear my cry, O God; attend unto my prayer. From the end of the earth will I cry unto thee, when my heart is overwhelmed lead me to the rock that is higher than I. For thou hast been a shelter for me, and a strong tower from the enemy.”
1. We See David CRYING Out To God – In verse 1 David is crying out for God’s help during these trying times.
David may have been in a cave or some isolated place, but he knew that God had been his rock, shelter and strong tower. He now calls out for God’s help.
Remember this: When you and I find ourselves in a situation where we feel threatened, we have this same God. He is our Rock upon which to lean. He is our Shelter from the winds of adversity. He is our Strong Tower where we have protection and peace. God is the One to which we can call upon. He’s the One Who can calm the stormy seas. Let’s not forget to depend upon Him in any difficult situation.
2. We See David CLEAVING To God – Notice verse 4 “I will abide in thy tabernacle for ever: I will trust in the covert of thy wings. Selah.”
Remember, David is probably in a dark cave far from his normal place of worship. How can David abide in God’s tabernacle?
Wherever David was, God was there. He could not be chased to any place that he would not find God. When Moses was on the back side of the Desert, God was there in the burning bush. When Israel had sinned against God and were threatened by the Midianites, God appeared to an unlikely man by the name of Gideon. God is there with His people.
The word “abide” has the idea of a child feeling at home. Others may come and go but David would rest in the person of God.
How comforting that should be to the child of God. No matter how difficult the circumstance; no matter how rocky the road; we have the sweet assurance that He will never leave us, nor forsake us. (Heb. 13:5) We don’t have to be in a church, temple or any other place. God lives within us in the person of the Holy Spirit. Let’s do as David did and “abide” in God.
3. We See David CELEBRATING God – Notice verse 8 “So will I sing praise unto thy name for ever, that I may daily perform my vows.”
David has cried out to God; relied upon Him, and now we see in verse 5 that he has peace that God is in control and everything is good: “For thou, O God, hast heard my vows: thou hast given me the heritage of those that fear thy name.”
Isn’t God good? He wants us to cry out to Him in time of need? He’s able to handle any problem we have. We read in Jeremiah 32:17 “Ah Lord GOD! behold, thou hast made the heaven and the earth by thy great power and stretched out arm, and there is nothing too hard for thee:” Notice also Luke 1:37 “For with God nothing shall be impossible”
When we consider what David has penned in these verses, we have to ask ourselves, “What is God to us?” Is He our ROCK? Is He our SHELTER when the storms of life come? Is He our STRONG TOWER when we rest? What is God to us? Let’s do as did David!
That’s my view; how about you?
I love the Word of God. I love to read it; hear it taught and preached; listen to it read by somebody else. I just every part of God’s Word, especially the Psalms. There is something about reading the writings of David and being challenged by his experience with God. I can relate to his fears, sorrows and even his crying out to God. I just wish I could relate more to his reliance upon God for provisions and protection.
Can you imagine having to flee from your own son. My wife and I have a son. We love our son and he loves us. God has used him in a special way to meet some needs in our lives. Even recently when we were going through the horrific tornadoes here in Alabama, he called to make sure we were o.k.
I can’t imagine going through what David did when Absalom rebelled and he had to flee for his life. It is thought that this Psalm was written out of that experience. I don’t know that any of us can really relate to this but we can be challenged to live in the same relationship with God.
There are many who would have quit on God. They would have thought about throwing in the towel and walk away and ending up getting bitter at God because of the circumstance. David didn’t do that. Let’s take a look at these thoughts of David.
Notice the first three verses again: “Hear my cry, O God; attend unto my prayer. From the end of the earth will I cry unto thee, when my heart is overwhelmed lead me to the rock that is higher than I. For thou hast been a shelter for me, and a strong tower from the enemy.”
1. We See David CRYING Out To God – In verse 1 David is crying out for God’s help during these trying times.
David may have been in a cave or some isolated place, but he knew that God had been his rock, shelter and strong tower. He now calls out for God’s help.
Remember this: When you and I find ourselves in a situation where we feel threatened, we have this same God. He is our Rock upon which to lean. He is our Shelter from the winds of adversity. He is our Strong Tower where we have protection and peace. God is the One to which we can call upon. He’s the One Who can calm the stormy seas. Let’s not forget to depend upon Him in any difficult situation.
2. We See David CLEAVING To God – Notice verse 4 “I will abide in thy tabernacle for ever: I will trust in the covert of thy wings. Selah.”
Remember, David is probably in a dark cave far from his normal place of worship. How can David abide in God’s tabernacle?
Wherever David was, God was there. He could not be chased to any place that he would not find God. When Moses was on the back side of the Desert, God was there in the burning bush. When Israel had sinned against God and were threatened by the Midianites, God appeared to an unlikely man by the name of Gideon. God is there with His people.
The word “abide” has the idea of a child feeling at home. Others may come and go but David would rest in the person of God.
How comforting that should be to the child of God. No matter how difficult the circumstance; no matter how rocky the road; we have the sweet assurance that He will never leave us, nor forsake us. (Heb. 13:5) We don’t have to be in a church, temple or any other place. God lives within us in the person of the Holy Spirit. Let’s do as David did and “abide” in God.
3. We See David CELEBRATING God – Notice verse 8 “So will I sing praise unto thy name for ever, that I may daily perform my vows.”
David has cried out to God; relied upon Him, and now we see in verse 5 that he has peace that God is in control and everything is good: “For thou, O God, hast heard my vows: thou hast given me the heritage of those that fear thy name.”
Isn’t God good? He wants us to cry out to Him in time of need? He’s able to handle any problem we have. We read in Jeremiah 32:17 “Ah Lord GOD! behold, thou hast made the heaven and the earth by thy great power and stretched out arm, and there is nothing too hard for thee:” Notice also Luke 1:37 “For with God nothing shall be impossible”
When we consider what David has penned in these verses, we have to ask ourselves, “What is God to us?” Is He our ROCK? Is He our SHELTER when the storms of life come? Is He our STRONG TOWER when we rest? What is God to us? Let’s do as did David!
That’s my view; how about you?
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