6He asked this only to test him, for he already had in mind what he was going to do.
Good that someone knows what they're doing in the midst of the questions we face today. We must answer with faith.
Tuesday, 31 March 2009
Judges 10 - 12
4 He had thirty sons, who rode thirty donkeys. They controlled thirty towns in Gilead, which to this day are called Havvoth Jair.
Uniform expectation: I'm a son of Jair, I ride a donkey and control a town, thats just what the sons of Jair do. I'm a son of God, I heal the sick and raise the dead, thats just what the sons of God do.
Uniform expectation: I'm a son of Jair, I ride a donkey and control a town, thats just what the sons of Jair do. I'm a son of God, I heal the sick and raise the dead, thats just what the sons of God do.
John 5
19 Then Jesus answered and said to them, "Most assuredly, I say to you, the Son can do nothing of Himself, but what He sees the Father do; for whatever He does, the Son also does in like manner.
Start copying your Dad.
44 How can you believe, who receive honor from one another, and do not seek the honor that comes from the only God?
The pursuit of public honour is a major obstacle to faith.
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Start copying your Dad.
44 How can you believe, who receive honor from one another, and do not seek the honor that comes from the only God?
The pursuit of public honour is a major obstacle to faith.
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Monday, 30 March 2009
Judges 6-9
13 Gideon said to Him, "O my lord,[a] if the LORD is with us, why then has all this happened to us? And where are all His miracles which our fathers told us about, saying, 'Did not the LORD bring us up from Egypt?' But now the LORD has forsaken us and delivered us into the hands of the Midianites."
Gideon's assumption is correct: if God is with us, we can expect to see demonstrations of His power. From now on Gideon will see God's demonstrable power, because "God is with him" Acts 10.38
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Gideon's assumption is correct: if God is with us, we can expect to see demonstrations of His power. From now on Gideon will see God's demonstrable power, because "God is with him" Acts 10.38
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John 4
10 Jesus answered and said to her, “If you knew the gift of God, and who it is who says to you, ‘Give Me a drink,’ you would have asked Him, and He would have given you living water.”
Know the gift.
Know the gift.
Sunday, 29 March 2009
Numbers 27-36
The Lord leads His people from Sinai to the plains of Moab...
(27v17) '...as sheep that have no shepherd...' Though Christ is our Good Shepherd, the elders of a church are the overseers, communicating the teachings of the Lord from the scriptures. A church without elders is like sheep without the shepherd. Likewise, elders must fulfil their responsibility to shepherd the people, and strive to ensure there is a replacement before they leave.
The destruction of Midian is a stark picture of the Lord's vengeance.
There is no room for compromise in the promised land - pagan inhabitants are to be driven out completely (ch.33). So, when we enter Christ, we are to 'drive out' the old self. We are not to carry with us the chains of our previous slavery, nor are we to set up a home for the flesh.
(27v17) '...as sheep that have no shepherd...' Though Christ is our Good Shepherd, the elders of a church are the overseers, communicating the teachings of the Lord from the scriptures. A church without elders is like sheep without the shepherd. Likewise, elders must fulfil their responsibility to shepherd the people, and strive to ensure there is a replacement before they leave.
The destruction of Midian is a stark picture of the Lord's vengeance.
There is no room for compromise in the promised land - pagan inhabitants are to be driven out completely (ch.33). So, when we enter Christ, we are to 'drive out' the old self. We are not to carry with us the chains of our previous slavery, nor are we to set up a home for the flesh.
Judges 4-5
8 And Barak said to her, “If you will go with me, then I will go; but if you will not go with me, I will not go!” 9 So she said, “I will surely go with you; nevertheless there will be no glory for you in the journey you are taking, for the LORD will sell Sisera into the hand of a woman.” Then Deborah arose and went with Barak to Kedesh.
Praise God for His mercy. Barak doubted God's word, given through Deborah, and yet God still brought the victory. How much more glorious though to trust him from the start!
2 “When leaders lead in Israel, When the people willingly offer themselves, Bless the LORD!
Praise God for His mercy. Barak doubted God's word, given through Deborah, and yet God still brought the victory. How much more glorious though to trust him from the start!
2 “When leaders lead in Israel, When the people willingly offer themselves, Bless the LORD!
Thursday, 26 March 2009
Back on the blog...
Hi, John, after a very busy few days (recovering from Eurodisney, preparing training for work, preaching twice, leading bible study), I'm pleased to say I'll be back on the blog tomorrow! (Planned to tonight, but then my sister rang me...) Thanks for sticking with it, brother.
Wednesday, 25 March 2009
John 3
But he who does the truth comes to the light, that his deeds may be clearly seen, that they have been done in God.”
Be bold and public in displaying his glory!
Be bold and public in displaying his glory!
Judges 1-3
7 And Adoni-Bezek said, “Seventy kings with their thumbs and big toes cut off used to gather scraps under my table; as I have done, so God has repaid me.” Then they brought him to Jerusalem, and there he died.
The enemy recognises justice, not mercy.
7 So the people served the LORD all the days of Joshua, and all the days of the elders who outlived Joshua, who had seen all the great works of the LORD which He had done for Israel.
Unless the people see signs and wonders they will by no means believe.
1 Now these are the nations which the LORD left, that He might test Israel by them, that is, all who had not known any of the wars in Canaan 2 (this was only so that the generations of the children of Israel might be taught to know war, at least those who had not formerly known it),
Warfare may teach trust in God.
The enemy recognises justice, not mercy.
7 So the people served the LORD all the days of Joshua, and all the days of the elders who outlived Joshua, who had seen all the great works of the LORD which He had done for Israel.
Unless the people see signs and wonders they will by no means believe.
1 Now these are the nations which the LORD left, that He might test Israel by them, that is, all who had not known any of the wars in Canaan 2 (this was only so that the generations of the children of Israel might be taught to know war, at least those who had not formerly known it),
Warfare may teach trust in God.
Tuesday, 24 March 2009
John 2
4 Jesus said to her, “Woman, what does your concern have to do with Me? My hour has not yet come.” 5 His mother said to the servants, “Whatever He says to you, do it.”
11 This beginning of signs Jesus did in Cana of Galilee, and manifested His glory; and His disciples believed in Him.
11 This beginning of signs Jesus did in Cana of Galilee, and manifested His glory; and His disciples believed in Him.
Joshua 23-24
3 You have seen all that the LORD your God has done to all these nations because of you, for the LORD your God is He who has fought for you.
10 One man of you shall chase a thousand, for the LORD your God is He who fights for you, as He promised you. 11 Therefore take careful heed to yourselves, that you love the LORD your God.
31 Israel served the LORD all the days of Joshua, and all the days of the elders who outlived Joshua, who had known all the works of the LORD which He had done for Israel.
10 One man of you shall chase a thousand, for the LORD your God is He who fights for you, as He promised you. 11 Therefore take careful heed to yourselves, that you love the LORD your God.
31 Israel served the LORD all the days of Joshua, and all the days of the elders who outlived Joshua, who had known all the works of the LORD which He had done for Israel.
Monday, 23 March 2009
John 1
12 But as many as received Him, to them He gave the right to become children of God, to those who believe in His name: 13 who were born, not of blood, nor of the will of the flesh, nor of the will of man, but of God.
Sons of God. Born of God. This is our right, our identity. In Christ.
Sons of God. Born of God. This is our right, our identity. In Christ.
Joshua 20-22
6 And he shall dwell in that city until he stands before the congregation for judgment, and until the death of the one who is high priest in those days. Then the slayer may return and come to his own city and his own house, to the city from which he fled.’”
When the high priest dies, the sinner goes free. HALLELUJAH!!
45 Not a word failed of any good thing which the LORD had spoken to the house of Israel. All came to pass.
But they had to appropriate it...
When the high priest dies, the sinner goes free. HALLELUJAH!!
45 Not a word failed of any good thing which the LORD had spoken to the house of Israel. All came to pass.
But they had to appropriate it...
Saturday, 21 March 2009
Joshua 17-19
1 There was also a lot for the tribe of Manasseh, for he was the firstborn of Joseph: namely for Machir the firstborn of Manasseh, the father of Gilead, because he was a man of war; therefore he was given Gilead and Bashan.
If people see you are determined, often they'll give you what you're demanding.
15 So Joshua answered them, “If you are a great people, then go up to the forest country and clear a place for yourself there in the land of the Perizzites and the giants, since the mountains of Ephraim are too confined for you.”
But be aware you may be expected to live up to your own boasts!
Benjamin inherited Jerusalem by right, but never possessed it experientially: how true is that statement of Christians today?
If people see you are determined, often they'll give you what you're demanding.
15 So Joshua answered them, “If you are a great people, then go up to the forest country and clear a place for yourself there in the land of the Perizzites and the giants, since the mountains of Ephraim are too confined for you.”
But be aware you may be expected to live up to your own boasts!
Benjamin inherited Jerusalem by right, but never possessed it experientially: how true is that statement of Christians today?
Friday, 20 March 2009
Luke 23
3 Then Pilate asked Him, saying, “Are You the King of the Jews?” He answered him and said, “It is as you say.” 4 So Pilate said to the chief priests and the crowd, “I find no fault in this Man.”
The devil wants to kill you anyway, so you might as well tell the truth!
The devil wants to kill you anyway, so you might as well tell the truth!
Joshua 14-16
“What do you wish?” 19 She answered, “Give me a blessing; since you have given me land in the South, give me also springs of water.” So he gave her the upper springs and the lower springs.
There's always more...just ask Daddy.
There's always more...just ask Daddy.
Thursday, 19 March 2009
Luke 22
he who is greatest among you, let him be as the younger
Be as the younger. That is fine, until I am treated like the younger, and people begin to take me for granted and use me as their servant. I am still willing to submit when there is no recognition for being a servant:
So likewise you, when you have done all those things which you are commanded, say, ‘We are unprofitable servants. We have done what was our duty to do.’” Luke 17.20
Be as the younger. That is fine, until I am treated like the younger, and people begin to take me for granted and use me as their servant. I am still willing to submit when there is no recognition for being a servant:
So likewise you, when you have done all those things which you are commanded, say, ‘We are unprofitable servants. We have done what was our duty to do.’” Luke 17.20
Joshua 11-13
9 So Joshua did to them as the LORD had told him: he hamstrung their horses and burned their chariots with fire.
In establishing the Lord's victory in our lives, there is no room for compromise. We must be completely given over to Him, so there is no foothold for the enemy to climb back up on.
24 the king of Tirzah, one—all the kings, thirty-one.
How do you defeat 31 Kings? 1 at a time.
In establishing the Lord's victory in our lives, there is no room for compromise. We must be completely given over to Him, so there is no foothold for the enemy to climb back up on.
24 the king of Tirzah, one—all the kings, thirty-one.
How do you defeat 31 Kings? 1 at a time.
Tuesday, 17 March 2009
Luke 21
37Each day Jesus was teaching at the temple, and each evening he went out to spend the night on the hill called the Mount of Olives, 38and all the people came early in the morning to hear him at the temple.
The busiest schedule a man could know and yet He always gave time for His Father.
The busiest schedule a man could know and yet He always gave time for His Father.
Joshua 8-10
6 They will pursue us until we have lured them away from the city, for they will say, 'They are running away from us as they did before.' So when we flee from them, 7 you are to rise up from ambush and take the city.
The Lord is able to turn our mistakes into His deliberate strategy!
"Your servants were clearly told how the LORD your God had commanded his servant Moses to give you the whole land and to wipe out all its inhabitants from before you. So we feared for our lives because of you, and that is why we did this. 25 We are now in your hands
God tells our enemies what is going to happen to them and they crumble before us.
the LORD hurled large hailstones down on them from the sky, and more of them died from the hailstones than were killed by the swords of the Israelites.
12 On the day the LORD gave the Amorites over to Israel, Joshua said to the LORD in the presence of Israel: "O sun, stand still over Gibeon, O moon, over the Valley of Aijalon."
13 So the sun stood still, and the moon stopped
God bends creation for us!
40 So Joshua subdued the whole region, including the hill country, the Negev, the western foothills and the mountain slopes, together with all their kings. He left no survivors. He totally destroyed all who breathed, just as the LORD, the God of Israel, had commanded. 41 Joshua subdued them from Kadesh Barnea to Gaza and from the whole region of Goshen to Gibeon. 42 All these kings and their lands Joshua conquered in one campaign, because the LORD, the God of Israel, fought for Israel.
Imagine a whole region totally submitted to God: every demon every sickness every sin cast down and the name of the Lord Jesus proclaimed publicly as the highest authority. Wait and see.....
The Lord is able to turn our mistakes into His deliberate strategy!
"Your servants were clearly told how the LORD your God had commanded his servant Moses to give you the whole land and to wipe out all its inhabitants from before you. So we feared for our lives because of you, and that is why we did this. 25 We are now in your hands
God tells our enemies what is going to happen to them and they crumble before us.
the LORD hurled large hailstones down on them from the sky, and more of them died from the hailstones than were killed by the swords of the Israelites.
12 On the day the LORD gave the Amorites over to Israel, Joshua said to the LORD in the presence of Israel: "O sun, stand still over Gibeon, O moon, over the Valley of Aijalon."
13 So the sun stood still, and the moon stopped
God bends creation for us!
40 So Joshua subdued the whole region, including the hill country, the Negev, the western foothills and the mountain slopes, together with all their kings. He left no survivors. He totally destroyed all who breathed, just as the LORD, the God of Israel, had commanded. 41 Joshua subdued them from Kadesh Barnea to Gaza and from the whole region of Goshen to Gibeon. 42 All these kings and their lands Joshua conquered in one campaign, because the LORD, the God of Israel, fought for Israel.
Imagine a whole region totally submitted to God: every demon every sickness every sin cast down and the name of the Lord Jesus proclaimed publicly as the highest authority. Wait and see.....
Monday, 16 March 2009
Luke 20
46 “Beware of the scribes, who desire to go around in long robes, love greetings in the marketplaces, the best seats in the synagogues, and the best places at feasts, 47 who devour widows’ houses, and for a pretense make long prayers. These will receive greater condemnation.”
Jesus isn't afraid to challenge public sin publicly. The same Spirit that moved John the Baptist to speak against Herod's marriage to his brother's wife.
Jesus isn't afraid to challenge public sin publicly. The same Spirit that moved John the Baptist to speak against Herod's marriage to his brother's wife.
Joshua 5-7
The people are circumcised, and then Joshua sees Jesus and is told he's on Holy ground. The decision to be set apart to the Lord as Holy brings the presence of the Lord which makes the land Holy.
There is a parallel between the sin of Achan, and the sin of Ananias and Sapphira. In both cases, the people had set themselves apart before the Lord (in circumcision/in prayer) and seen great victory as a result, but the covetousness of individuals could have compromised that testimony and future victory unless the sin had been cut out. We need to cut out selfish ambition from our churches.
Circumcised hearts! O Hallelujah!
There is a parallel between the sin of Achan, and the sin of Ananias and Sapphira. In both cases, the people had set themselves apart before the Lord (in circumcision/in prayer) and seen great victory as a result, but the covetousness of individuals could have compromised that testimony and future victory unless the sin had been cut out. We need to cut out selfish ambition from our churches.
Circumcised hearts! O Hallelujah!
Luke 19
, “He has gone to be a guest with a man who is a sinner.”8 Then Zacchaeus stood and said to the Lord, “Look, Lord, I give half of my goods to the poor; and if I have taken anything from anyone by false accusation, I restore fourfold
Do we recognise the change in our identity when the Son of God is in the the house? Saints not sinners!
‘Do business till I come'
Get the gospel out there TODAY, don't bury it in a hankerchief!!! PREACH THE GOSPEL! PREACH THE GOSPEL! PREACH THE GOSPEL!
26 ‘For I say to you, that to everyone who has will be given; and from him who does not have, even what he has will be taken away from him
Do we consider ourselves to be those that have? Or are we grumblers!
you did not know the time of your visitation
May we be found watching, ready, about our father's business.
Do we recognise the change in our identity when the Son of God is in the the house? Saints not sinners!
‘Do business till I come'
Get the gospel out there TODAY, don't bury it in a hankerchief!!! PREACH THE GOSPEL! PREACH THE GOSPEL! PREACH THE GOSPEL!
26 ‘For I say to you, that to everyone who has will be given; and from him who does not have, even what he has will be taken away from him
Do we consider ourselves to be those that have? Or are we grumblers!
you did not know the time of your visitation
May we be found watching, ready, about our father's business.
Joshua 1-3
3 Every place that the sole of your foot will tread upon I have given you, as I said to Moses.
The blessing doesn't rest until it accomplishes the purpose for which it was sent. What blessings remain outstanding over Cornerstone and over London? May they be fulfilled in our day and in our time!
7 Only be strong and very courageous, that you may observe to do according to all the law which Moses My servant commanded you; do not turn from it to the right hand or to the left, that you may prosper wherever you go. 8 This Book of the Law shall not depart from your mouth, but you shall meditate in it day and night, that you may observe to do according to all that is written in it. For then you will make your way prosperous, and then you will have good success
Courage and the book of the law: faith and the word. Get key verses up on the wall: chat about them, pray them, speak them out over your circumstances, tell the kids stories about them. Live breath eat drink and THINK the word!
as soon as the soles of the feet of the priests who bear the ark of the LORD, the Lord of all the earth, shall rest in the waters of the Jordan, that the waters of the Jordan shall be cut off
Don't be afraid to get right in the midst of the problem: as you step in, God steps in with you. He's a big guy, and will squeeze out the problems: "displacement" I think its called!
The blessing doesn't rest until it accomplishes the purpose for which it was sent. What blessings remain outstanding over Cornerstone and over London? May they be fulfilled in our day and in our time!
7 Only be strong and very courageous, that you may observe to do according to all the law which Moses My servant commanded you; do not turn from it to the right hand or to the left, that you may prosper wherever you go. 8 This Book of the Law shall not depart from your mouth, but you shall meditate in it day and night, that you may observe to do according to all that is written in it. For then you will make your way prosperous, and then you will have good success
Courage and the book of the law: faith and the word. Get key verses up on the wall: chat about them, pray them, speak them out over your circumstances, tell the kids stories about them. Live breath eat drink and THINK the word!
as soon as the soles of the feet of the priests who bear the ark of the LORD, the Lord of all the earth, shall rest in the waters of the Jordan, that the waters of the Jordan shall be cut off
Don't be afraid to get right in the midst of the problem: as you step in, God steps in with you. He's a big guy, and will squeeze out the problems: "displacement" I think its called!
Sunday, 15 March 2009
Deuteronomy 31-34
27 The eternal God is your refuge, And underneath are the everlasting arms; He will thrust out the enemy from before you, And will say, ‘Destroy!’
God is a safe place.
9 Now Joshua the son of Nun was full of the spirit of wisdom, for Moses had laid his hands on him
Impartation. A short cut?
God is a safe place.
9 Now Joshua the son of Nun was full of the spirit of wisdom, for Moses had laid his hands on him
Impartation. A short cut?
Luke 17
If your brother sins against you, rebuke him
Confrontation is for brothers; diplomacy for strangers.
Confrontation is for brothers; diplomacy for strangers.
Friday, 13 March 2009
Deuteronomy 28-30
if you diligently obey the voice of the LORD your God
Definition of diligence....
47 “Because you did not serve the LORD your God with joy and gladness of heart, for the abundance of everything,
Definition of diligence....
47 “Because you did not serve the LORD your God with joy and gladness of heart, for the abundance of everything,
Diligence is serving with passion, with joy and gladness.
It was interesting to discover as I read these chapters that the curse was more detailed than the blessing: joy is always simple, but misery is complex.
Thursday, 12 March 2009
Deuteronomy 25-27
“Take heed and listen, O Israel: This day you have become the people of the LORD your God. 10 Therefore you shall obey the voice of the LORD your God, and observe His commandments
Obedience flows from knowing our identity.
Obedience flows from knowing our identity.
Wednesday, 11 March 2009
Luke 15
7 I say to you that likewise there will be more joy in heaven over one sinner who repents than over ninety-nine just persons who need no repentance.
Heaven prioritises evangelism.
Heaven prioritises evangelism.
Deuteronomy 22-24
1 “You shall not see your brother’s ox or his sheep going astray, and hide yourself from them; you shall certainly bring them back to your brother. 2 And if your brother is not near you, or if you do not know him, then you shall bring it to your own house, and it shall remain with you until your brother seeks it; then you shall restore it to him.
We are our brother's keeper and we are responsible for his restoration.
We are our brother's keeper and we are responsible for his restoration.
Tuesday, 10 March 2009
Luke 14
13 But when you give a feast, invite the poor, the maimed, the lame, the blind. 14 And you will be blessed, because they cannot repay you
Feast evangelism worked for William Booth
‘Go out quickly into the streets and lanes of the city, and bring in here the poor and the maimed and the lame and the blind.’
Go for the worst, those with obvious need, those who know they need a Saviour
‘Go out into the highways and hedges, and compel them to come in, that my house may be filled.
"Compel them." That is so strong. Do we ever "compel" in our evangelism?
Feast evangelism worked for William Booth
‘Go out quickly into the streets and lanes of the city, and bring in here the poor and the maimed and the lame and the blind.’
Go for the worst, those with obvious need, those who know they need a Saviour
‘Go out into the highways and hedges, and compel them to come in, that my house may be filled.
"Compel them." That is so strong. Do we ever "compel" in our evangelism?
Deuteronomy 19-21
1 “When you go out to battle against your enemies, and see horses and chariots and people more numerous than you, do not be afraid of them; for the LORD your God is with you, who brought you up from the land of Egypt.
The Lord does not save by great numbers, but through those that together trust Him greatly.
The Lord does not save by great numbers, but through those that together trust Him greatly.
Monday, 9 March 2009
Luke 13
15 The Lord then answered him and said, “Hypocrite! Does not each one of you on the Sabbath loose his ox or donkey from the stall, and lead it away to water it?"
Confrontation protects freedom.
Confrontation protects freedom.
Deuteronomy 16-18
the LORD your God will bless you in all your produce and in all the work of your hands, so that you surely rejoice
The LORD my God will bless me in all my produce and in all the work of my hands, so that I surely rejoice! In Christ Jesus!!!
The LORD my God will bless me in all my produce and in all the work of my hands, so that I surely rejoice! In Christ Jesus!!!
Numbers 21-26
The bronze serpent is lifted up, and those who look to it live. The story of Balaam reveals that a true prophet will never speak contrary to the word of the Lord. The census in chapter 26 reminds the reader of the many who had died by not trusting the Lord, and therefore did not enter into the promised land.
Saturday, 7 March 2009
Luke 12
“Beware of the leaven of the Pharisees, which is hypocrisy. 2 For there is nothing covered that will not be revealed, nor hidden that will not be known. 3 Therefore whatever you have spoken in the dark will be heard in the light, and what you have spoken in the ear in inner rooms will be proclaimed on the housetops.
Be transparent and don't prepare faces for the faces you meet.
Be transparent and don't prepare faces for the faces you meet.
Deuteronomy 13-15
3 you shall not listen to the words of that prophet or that dreamer of dreams, for the LORD your God is testing you
The Word is the judge of a word.
21 But if there is a defect in it, if it is lame or blind or has any serious defect, you shall not sacrifice it to the LORD your God.
God receives us as we are, but empowers us to serve with excellence. We must not squander our inheritance.
The Word is the judge of a word.
21 But if there is a defect in it, if it is lame or blind or has any serious defect, you shall not sacrifice it to the LORD your God.
God receives us as we are, but empowers us to serve with excellence. We must not squander our inheritance.
Friday, 6 March 2009
Luke 11
Your kingdom come. Your will be done
Seek His will
because of his persistence he will rise and give him as many as he needs.
Keep on asking for His will to be done
Seek His will
because of his persistence he will rise and give him as many as he needs.
Keep on asking for His will to be done
Deuteronomy 10-12
9 Therefore Levi has no portion nor inheritance with his brethren; the LORD is his inheritance, just as the LORD your God promised him.)
We are priests and Jesus is our inheritance.
8 “You shall not at all do as we are doing here today—every man doing whatever is right in his own eyes— 9 for as yet you have not come to the rest and the inheritance which the LORD your God is giving you.
As we come into our inheritance, we follow His directions, and obey the leadings of His Spirit.
We are priests and Jesus is our inheritance.
8 “You shall not at all do as we are doing here today—every man doing whatever is right in his own eyes— 9 for as yet you have not come to the rest and the inheritance which the LORD your God is giving you.
As we come into our inheritance, we follow His directions, and obey the leadings of His Spirit.
Numbers 10-20
The Lord leads His people from Sinai to the plains of Moab...
The people begin complaining on various issues - they regret being freed, looking back on what they gave up, and forgetting the Lord's motivation to free them was their cry to Him! This ungrateful spirit ultimately reveals itself when the people refuse to enter the promised land, and we see that a lack of gratitude comes from a lack of faith. They do not believe the Lord is able to look after His people.
The Lord's response is simple - if you do not follow Him, you do not enter the promised land. Grace is evident - the people thought their children would become 'prey', but instead it is the children who will be the ones to enter the land. God gives enabling grace to the humble - those who follow like little children - but resists the proud.
Note also the provision of a plurality of elders to help Moses (chapter 11) and the provision of water from the rock (pointing us to the water of life found in Christ).
The people begin complaining on various issues - they regret being freed, looking back on what they gave up, and forgetting the Lord's motivation to free them was their cry to Him! This ungrateful spirit ultimately reveals itself when the people refuse to enter the promised land, and we see that a lack of gratitude comes from a lack of faith. They do not believe the Lord is able to look after His people.
The Lord's response is simple - if you do not follow Him, you do not enter the promised land. Grace is evident - the people thought their children would become 'prey', but instead it is the children who will be the ones to enter the land. God gives enabling grace to the humble - those who follow like little children - but resists the proud.
Note also the provision of a plurality of elders to help Moses (chapter 11) and the provision of water from the rock (pointing us to the water of life found in Christ).
Thursday, 5 March 2009
Luke 10
7 And remain in the same house, eating and drinking such things as they give, for the laborer is worthy of his wages. Do not go from house to house.
Take time to build eternal relationships in your temporal abode. Don't be so quick to move on.
Take time to build eternal relationships in your temporal abode. Don't be so quick to move on.
Deuteronomy 7-9
22 And the LORD your God will drive out those nations before you little by little; you will be unable to destroy them at once, lest the beasts of the field become too numerous for you.
Possession is the goal, not just the defeat of our enemies. This is achieved incrementally.
Possession is the goal, not just the defeat of our enemies. This is achieved incrementally.
Wednesday, 4 March 2009
Numbers 7-9
God leads His people from Sinai to the plains of Moab...
The Lord had not set the people free to wander aimlessly. They had to follow His directing influence using the cloud and the fire. Ch. 9v18 - "At the command of the Lord, the people of Israel set out, and at the command of the Lord they camped". Sometimes we are to step out in faith, and other times we are to stand firm in faith.
The Lord had not set the people free to wander aimlessly. They had to follow His directing influence using the cloud and the fire. Ch. 9v18 - "At the command of the Lord, the people of Israel set out, and at the command of the Lord they camped". Sometimes we are to step out in faith, and other times we are to stand firm in faith.
Tuesday, 3 March 2009
Luke 9
2 He sent them to preach the kingdom of God and to heal the sick.
God rules.
23And he said to them all, If any man will come after me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross daily, and follow me.
His Kingdom is established in us, and then through us. This is only achieved through obedience based on faith.
God rules.
23And he said to them all, If any man will come after me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross daily, and follow me.
His Kingdom is established in us, and then through us. This is only achieved through obedience based on faith.
Deuteronomy 4-6
7 You shall teach them diligently to your children, and shall talk of them when you sit in your house, when you walk by the way, when you lie down, and when you rise up.
Mutter the word, or murmur against it...this is our choice. Spiritual growth comes deliberately and "diligently".
Mutter the word, or murmur against it...this is our choice. Spiritual growth comes deliberately and "diligently".
Numbers 1-6
God leads His people from Sinai to the plains of Moab...
Ch.1 - "Deacons" are chosen to assist Moses in doing the census. What a huge number of people - over 600 thousand, just counting the men over 20! The Levites ensure the tabernacle is sanctified.
Ch.2 - The people are organized - everyone has a tribe and a place they are committed to.
Ch. 3, 4 - To each Levite clan, specific duties are given. Thousands of men are involved in carrying the tabernacle and performing the necessary duties. One man would replace them all - the Lord Jesus Christ.
Ch. 6 - The Nazirite vow. Among God's people, same are set apart for a unique ministry.
Ch.1 - "Deacons" are chosen to assist Moses in doing the census. What a huge number of people - over 600 thousand, just counting the men over 20! The Levites ensure the tabernacle is sanctified.
Ch.2 - The people are organized - everyone has a tribe and a place they are committed to.
Ch. 3, 4 - To each Levite clan, specific duties are given. Thousands of men are involved in carrying the tabernacle and performing the necessary duties. One man would replace them all - the Lord Jesus Christ.
Ch. 6 - The Nazirite vow. Among God's people, same are set apart for a unique ministry.
Monday, 2 March 2009
Luke 8
37 Then the whole multitude of the surrounding region of the Gadarenes asked Him to depart from them, for they were seized with great fear.
What were they afraid of? Losing their livelihood? Their sinful lives?
“Do not be afraid; only believe, and she will be made well.”
Only believe.
What were they afraid of? Losing their livelihood? Their sinful lives?
“Do not be afraid; only believe, and she will be made well.”
Only believe.
Deuteronomy 1-3
8 See, I have set the land before you; go in and possess the land
Possess!
13 Choose wise, understanding, and knowledgeable men from among your tribes, and I will make them heads over you.’
Leadership that does not have the people's approval will be ineffective and fruitless..
21 a people as great and numerous and tall as the Anakim. But the LORD destroyed them before them, and they dispossessed them and dwelt in their place, 22 just as He had done for the descendants of Esau, who dwelt in Seir, when He destroyed the Horites from before them. They dispossessed them and dwelt in their place, even to this day.
The power of testimony: see, the Edomites dispossessed giants, and the Ammonites dispossessed giants....so can you, O people of God!
22 You must not fear them, for the LORD your God Himself fights for you.’
Fear is blasphemy. Fear is idolatry.
Possess!
13 Choose wise, understanding, and knowledgeable men from among your tribes, and I will make them heads over you.’
Leadership that does not have the people's approval will be ineffective and fruitless..
21 a people as great and numerous and tall as the Anakim. But the LORD destroyed them before them, and they dispossessed them and dwelt in their place, 22 just as He had done for the descendants of Esau, who dwelt in Seir, when He destroyed the Horites from before them. They dispossessed them and dwelt in their place, even to this day.
The power of testimony: see, the Edomites dispossessed giants, and the Ammonites dispossessed giants....so can you, O people of God!
22 You must not fear them, for the LORD your God Himself fights for you.’
Fear is blasphemy. Fear is idolatry.
Luke 7
“Lord, do not trouble Yourself, for I am not worthy that You should enter under my roof. 7 Therefore I did not even think myself worthy to come to You.
Sometimes there can be more reverence outside the church for the things of God. We can become overfamiliar with handling holy things. May God restore a culture of respect and honour to His house.
Sometimes there can be more reverence outside the church for the things of God. We can become overfamiliar with handling holy things. May God restore a culture of respect and honour to His house.
numbers 34-36
blood defiles the land, and no atonement can be made for the land, for the blood that is shed on it, except by the blood of him who shed it.
Thankyou for the blood of Jesus that speaks a better word. Thankyou God that you are reconciling all things to yourself in Jesus through the blood of His cross.
Thankyou for the blood of Jesus that speaks a better word. Thankyou God that you are reconciling all things to yourself in Jesus through the blood of His cross.
Sunday, 1 March 2009
Luke 6
12 Now it came to pass in those days that He went out to the mountain to pray, and continued all night in prayer to God.
What does that look like. That is a long conversation. Did it become like an intense business meeting at times, or a worship time and then affectionate intimacies. Was there argument or discussion?
What does that look like. That is a long conversation. Did it become like an intense business meeting at times, or a worship time and then affectionate intimacies. Was there argument or discussion?
Numbers 31-33
‘When you have crossed the Jordan into the land of Canaan, 52 then you shall drive out all the inhabitants of the land from before you, destroy all their engraved stones, destroy all their molded images, and demolish all their high places; 53 you shall dispossess the inhabitants of the land and dwell in it, for I have given you the land to possess.
Possess your souls! Possess the land!
Possess your souls! Possess the land!
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