Therefore we make it our aim, .... to be well pleasing to Him.

.......  For we must all appear before the judgment seat of Christ, that each one may receive the things done in the body, according to what he has done, whether good or bad.  Knowing, therefore, the terror of the Lord, we persuade men (2 Corinthians 5:9-11). Twice in the greater context of this passage Paul has declared “we do not loose heart” (4:1, 16). The first time because we have received mercy and the glory of ministry, the second because though life can be very difficult  “our light affliction, which is but for a moment, is working for us a far more exceeding and eternal weight of glory” (4:17).

But there is another reason we need to keep the perspective of eternity, it is because we must all appear before the judgement seat of Christ (4:10). Bear in mind this is Paul who is writing. The same Paul who tells us “It is by grace we have been saved,” and that “we have been sealed for the day of redemption” (not the past tenses Ephesians 2:8). This therefore,  is not about eternal separation from God.  Rather,  as I Corinthians 3:11-15 makes clear,  it is about receiving or loosing rewards, about our behaviour working or not, a far more exceeding weight of glory. If we loose our rewards we will still be saved, yet at thought fire (verse 15). It sounds painful! Paul experienced the terror of the Lord on the Damascus road when the Lord knocked him to the ground,  and asked why he was persecuting Him?  Paul, previously Saul, had been breathing out threats and murder against the disciples (Acts 9:1). Likewise on the last  day the unsaved will cry out to the mountains and rocks, “Fall on us and hide us from .... the wrath of the Lamb” (Revelation 6:16).

Paul was motivate to persuade men both by knowing the terror of the Lord, and by being compelled by the love of Christ (5:11, 14). So the carrot and the stick, the love and the terror, the gain and the need to die to our selfishness. Much of our Evangelism is out of balance,  being only the carrot!   “Come to Jesus and all your problems will be solved!”  You may actually have more “If they persecuted Me, they will persecute you” (John 15:20).  A hundred years ago it was all about declaring hell, today Hell is hardly mentioned. When did you last hear a sermon on it?  It's the old swing of the pendulum, out of balance on both accounts. It's not either or, it's both and, and if we are to be Biblical, we must to declare the whole counsel of God (Acts 20:27). If you knew that on an icy road round a bend the bridge was washed out, would you not want to warn everyone, even if they were happy? We must of course always do it in love.

Father, I confess this morning that we Your church,  have been intimidated into silence. This especially about the doctrine of hell, but also that we must all give an account of the deeds done in the body. We have preached “Come to Jesus, you don't need to change your life, He will forgive you!” It's not the whole council of God. Forgive us Lord, forgive me where I have failed in this, and show us how to change and equip us the be faithful in proclaiming the Gospel, persuading others,  and being well pleasing to You,  in Jesus Name Amen

Therefore, since we have this ministry, as we have received mercy

....  we do not lose heart (2 Corinthians 4:1). So what is this ministry,  and what is it about it that causes us not to loose heart?  As to the ministry, it's the ministry of the Spirit, it's the ministry of righteousness, it's the ministry of reconciliation, and we are its ambassadors  (3:7, 9; 5:18). Paul had been talking about the glory of it. He tells that the ministry of the old covenant was glorious. It “came into being with glory,   so that the children of Israel could not look steadily at the face of Moses because of the glory of his countenance” (3:7). In that same verse, he calls it the ministry of death, likely because it proved a ministration of death to those who reject the gospel. On the other hand the gospel is the ministry of life and without question it is much more glorious. Not the least of this, is that we who have received His mercy and who behold the glory of the Lord, as in a mirror,  are being transformed into His image from glory to glory (3:18). 


There was much in Paul life that might have caused him to loose heart (see his reluctant “boasting” 11:23-26).  It was because he had received mercy, and that the ministry of life is so amazingly glorious, that neither he nor we should loose heart. Paul includes includes us in the “we” in this morning's verse (see also “we all” in 3:18)!  I find that if I am not careful, I can skip over all this talk of glory, without letting it sink in. The meanings of the word “gory” include splendour, brightness;  magnificence, excellence, preeminence, majesty, dignity and grace.  The inner three saw Jesus' visible glory on the mount of  transfiguration ( 2 Pet. 1:17), but also the Heaven's declare the glory of God (Psalm 19:1). It's not just appearance, Jesus revealed His glory in turning water into wine, and raising Lazarus from the dead (John 2:11;11:4, 40). The glory of  God includes the magnificence of His (and of course Jesus') character. To name a few of  His attributes, He is faithful, holy, righteous, infinitely good, merciful,  compassionate, just. He is the very essence of love, and of what is good, and right,  and pure,  and lovely.

Is it any wonder the Scripture tells us that all have fallen short of His glory (Romans 3:23).  But what is also glorious, is that we are being transformed into His image (His glory) from glory to glory, as we behold His face (3:18 again). But what does it mean to behold His face? Well, first and foremost we behold Him through the Word where we see His character, His love and His mercy etc. We behold His glory as we sit in His presence in prayer and worship. We behold His glory when we spend time taking in,  looking in appreciation,  at the beauty of  creation. 

Father, when we get a gimps of Your glory, it changes us, and with Paul, it gives us the grace to endure. With him we also progress to the place where we  too  consider that the sufferings of this present time are not worthy to be compared with the glory which shall be revealed in us (Romans 8:18). In this way we too will not loose heart. I'm not quite there yet Lord, it is a journey, but with You all things are possible, so continue to lead us there in Jesus Name Amen



Oh, send out Your light and Your truth!

.... Let them lead me; Let them bring me to Your holy hill, and to Your tabernacle (Psalm 43:3).  At the start of the Psalm, the writer, like many of us do in times of trouble and distress,  feels  abandoned by God, and is in deep mourning (verse 2).  He cries out with this morning's verse. The commentators see the word “light” as shorthand for “the light of Your countenance,” which comes many times in Scripture (i.e. Psalm 4:6). It speaks of favour,  as when you are given a dazzling smile, the exact opposite of when someone is angry and their facial expression seems dark. We need both God's favour and His truth. We need to know for example that He will never leave us, nor forsake us (Hebrews 13:5). But knowing these things intellectually is not enough,  we need the New Testament equivalent of being brought to His holy hill, His Tabernacle.  Under the old Covenant the Tabernacle was the place where God dwelt. For us under the New covenant God our bodies are the temple of the Holy Spirit and that is where He dwells.

But, as I say there are times when we might feel abandoned.  Feelings and emotions are a gift of God. If there were no feelings there would be no joy,  or peace, or the deep affections of loving and being loved. But emotions are fickle and can get out of control.  We need to learn, with the Psalmist,  to direct our negative emotions to draw, and sometimes to drive,  us back to God. The Christian already has His favour “If God is for us who can be against us” (Romans 8:31), and we all have access to His truth, His Word. I need the security of His truth, but I also need the comfort of His presence (2 Corinthians 1:4).


I keep saying this, but research has shown that thoughts and feelings are intricately intercommunicated. When we dwell on a particular thought,  it amplifies the emotion that is attached to it whether good or bad. That is why resentment is so destructive, and why grumbling and complaining is a sin (Philippians 2:14). These things keep us stuck in negativity. We need, again with the Psalmist,  to instruct ourselves, and to start by asking “Why are you cast down, O my soul? And why are you disquieted within me? Hope in God; for I shall yet praise Him, the help of my countenance and my God” (verse 5). Or again we can follow Paul's instructions to replace our anxiety with all kinds of prayer, not forgetting thanksgiving. In this way we can claim the promise that His peace will guard our hearts (Philippians 4:6,7).

Father,  please bless us and keep us. LORD please make Your face to shine upon us, and be gracious to us; LORD please let the light of  Your countenance shine upon us,  and give us Your Shalom, Your peace (Numbers 6:24-26).  Please   send Your light and Your truth,  and grace us with Your presence, in Jesus Name Amen



.... Christ always leads us in triumphal procession ...

The full verse is “But thanks be to God, who in Christ always leads us in triumphal procession, and through us spreads the fragrance of the knowledge of Him everywhere”( 2 Corinthians 2:14). You have probably heard that we don't wrestle towards, victory, we wrestle from victory. This is one of the verses that show it's true. If we are defeated, we have not been lead there by Christ, so it must be the other fella. It's his agenda! But Jesus came to give fullness life (John 10:10). This doesn't mean we will not have troubles and difficulties, but if we are being lead by the Lord, He is leading us to rise above it all. It's not academic, Paul lived it. In prison, and in danger of being put to death for his faith, he writes an epistle to the Philippians that just bursts with joy. He does not seek martyrdom, but neither does he dread it. To paraphrase Philippians 1:21 for me life is joy filled and abundant, nevertheless to die,  and so to be with the Lord,  is something I look forward to.

Note the “us” in this morning's verse. Paul of course lead an extraordinary life, but the “us” shows that  the Lord wants each and every one of us to lead extraordinary lives. Unless Jesus was a husker, then He is leading you and I,  to fullness of life in our own individual destinies for tHim. We too, when we are in absolute surrender,  are being lead to fullness of life even in the midst of trials (James 1:2). It does not mean we will never weep, or never struggle. However, we are to see pain as a barrier the other side of which is joy. And with His help and leading,  we are to push through the pain to Joy. This is what Jesus, our forerunner did (Hebrews 12:2). 

The widow who has joy in the midst of her tears, the one who is  terminally ill but who has a peace and a radiance, the falsely or even rightly accused bearing up under it all without bitterness, such are those who spread the fragrance of the knowledge of Him. These things cause others to want what we have even if they don't know that it is Christ in us,  the hope of glory.  It is a fragrance, it goes beyond the rational, and it penetrates deep into others hearts and lives.  It challenges them. It is one of life's many crossroads, for depending on how they respond, it is a fragrance leading to spiritual life, or it is a fragrance leading to spiritual death (verse 16). It causes the heart to be softened, or to be hardened.

Father, Paul cries out “Who is sufficient for these things” (verse 16).  It's not just with our words that we preach the gospel Lord, it is with out lives. So many people are put off Christ by Christians, may I not be one of them Lord. To think that my life may provoke a fragrance of death is unbearable at times Lord. As much as is within me I do not want to be one that causes even one little one to stumble.  I need Your help Lord,  thank You that You always lead us in  triumphal procession, so that when I follow,  I can leave the results to You.  And I give you thanks and praise for this,  and many other things,  in Jesus Name Amen.



For all God's promises are "Yes" in him.

.... And so through him we can say "Amen," to the glory of God (2 Corinthians 1:20). As always, words like “for” and “therefore” link a verse to its context.  Paul had told the Corinthians that he would visit them, but had been hindered from doing so. I seems some were saying that he was fickle, that his “yes” was  really “no” (verses 17, 18). He denies this, but takes the opportunity, with this morning's verse,  to say that when God makes a promise,  there is  nothing in all of creation that can hinder Him from coming through. In other words when God says He will do something, He will do it, come hell or high water! The difference between God and us, is well, He is God and He is in control.  And He is always able to do what He says He will do (Romans 4:21)!

Of course, there are going to be times when we give our “yes,” fully intending, as Paul did, to do what we say.  We are not in control however, if for example we get knocked down on a way to a meeting, we might not be able to make it. Having said that,  our “yes,” should certainly be “yes.” For the Christian there should be no need to swear on a stack of Bibles that you will do something. Jesus put it this way “let your ‘Yes’ be ‘Yes,’ and your ‘No,’ ‘No.’ For whatever is more than these is from the evil one” (Matthew 5:37).  In other words we Christians should have the reputation of saying what we  mean,  and meaning what we say. Others should be able to take our plain and simple words to the bank!

The word “Amen” is an interesting word. In the context here, Paul is saying that we can say Amen to God's promises, and what that means is twofold. Firstly we are saying it is sure, and secondly that we are taking the substance of the promise to heart. There are two kinds of promises, God's unconditional promises i.e. “Never again will will I flood the whole earth” (Genesis 9:11). Then there are the conditional “if – then” promises. For example “If you continue in my Word, you will know the truth and the truth will set you free” (John 8:31, 32). If you say “Amen” to this promise, you are agreeing to continue in His Word, holding fast to His teachings and living in accordance with them (Amplified Bible version). For such promises,  if we do our part, He will do His, Amen. 

Father, Lord Jesus, I want to thank You this morning that Your exceedingly great and precious promises are Yes and Amen. Thank You for the unconditional promise and assurance that You have given in verse 22, showing that our salvation is secure. Paul tells us there that You have “sealed us and given us the Spirit in our hearts as a guarantee.” Thank You too Lord,  that You have qualified us to share in the inheritance of the saints in light” (Colossians 1:12). Your promises are sure Amen. What You have promised You are able, and You will perform (Romans 4:21; Jeremiah 33:14). Amen, Amen and Amen


We had the sentence of death in ourselves,

.... so that we should not trust in ourselves, but in God who raises the dead (2 Corinthians 1:9). Paul had been telling the Corinthians of the troubles he encountered in Asia “we were burdened beyond measure, above strength, so that we despaired even of life” (verse 8). It felt like a sentence of death, but the Lord was using it to take away any last vestige of Paul's self sufficiency.  Our society places great value on independence.  We tend to admire a self made man! But independence is not the highest virtue. Who is stronger, one who can surrender some of her independences, or one who cannot?  The progression of maturity moves from the dependence of childhood,  to the independence in adolescence, to interdependence in adulthood.  Interdependence is about surrendering an appropriate part of our independence for the greater good.

Who is more effective for the Kingdom, is it one who does everything independent of God?  Or is it one who surrenders all to God, and in fellowship with Him,  takes on God's strength, wisdom,  and grace and love?  We too need to die, but don't come to these deaths easily. They are, however some of the many deaths an effective Christian has to die. It is about taking up our cross. In the end is all about the death of the Kingdom of self, of I, me,  mine!  These deaths are individual deaths,  and we need to see, as with Paul,  that God wants to use the difficult things in our life,  to accomplish them. You see there can be no resurrection without a death!  Without the death of self, we will not be able to tap into His resurrection power in the here and now (Philippians 3:10).  But Paul was not independent of others either.  While it is certainly God who did deliver, does deliver and who will deliver, it is also the Corinthians “helping together in prayer”  (verses 10, 11).

The Corinthians were also suffering for the gospel. In verse 7 he writes “And our hope for you is steadfast, because we know that as you share in the sufferings, so also you will share in the comfort.” The comfort Paul is talking about here is discussed earlier. He talks about “the God of all comfort, who comforts us in all our troubles, so that we can comfort those in any trouble with the very same comfort we ourselves receive from God” (verses 3, 4). The word for comfort and sharing is the same word in the Greek, it is translated fellowship elsewhere,  and is actually one of the Names of Holy Spirit (the comfort). The point is that interdependence, fellowship, intimacy and comfort are all bound up together. In a physical war two buddies thrown together form a life long bond. But this is nothing compared with the consolation we receive when fellowship together with the each other and with the God of all comfort. 

Father, we need to learn to look at suffering differently from the world. It is not that we seek it, but as this passage tells us, when we respond the way You want us to,  then as our sufferings abound, so also does our comfort and fellowship with You. Paul elsewhere links the fellowship of Your sufferings with the power of the resurrection (Philippians 3:10).  Indeed Paul suffered greatly,  but he also had great power. Help us Lord to receive Your perspective on this,  and the grace to live it, in Jesus Name Amen

For I know that my Redeemer lives,

.... And He shall stand at last on the earth; And after my skin is destroyed, this I know, that in my flesh I shall see God (Job 19:25, 26).  The book of Job is said to be the oldest  in Scripture, it deals with the problem of “bad things happening to good people.”  It teaches that suffering is not always a result of our sin, for Job was a just and good man (1:8).  Job doesn't understand why he is suffering, and many times neither do we.  Sometimes we suffer as the consequences of our sin. I mean  bad choices have negative consequences  (Galatians 6:7). Suffering for our sin is designed to lead us to repentance, and hence to God.

Great suffering is a crossroads, it can lead us to God, or it can lead us away from Him. Job's wife counselled him to “curse God and die” (2:9). Most of the book of Job is about him wrestling with the injustice of it all. It ends with Him drawing even closer to God (42:5), but there are times he accuses God of injustice. God is big enough to deal with this. David when he was overwhelmed “poured out his complaint to the Lord” (Psalm 142:2, 3). When I find myself there,  I picture in my mind's eye the Lord with His arms around me, and me pummelling his chest with my fists.  I know that He would rather I came to Him with my accusations, than to take offence and walk away. In my own case, I'm too weak to walk away, I cannot live without Him even if I think He is being unfair. But life is not fair is it? But then He never promised that it would be.  And if we hold two things together in tension,  firstly that God is good, and secondly that life is unfair,  then we too will come to the conclusion of this morning's verses.

Firstly then that I have a redeemer. A redeemer is one who is charged with restoring the rights of another and avenging his wrongs. The Lord is our redeemer, and He tells us “Revenge is mine, I will repay” (Deuteronomy 32:35). Secondly, in light of the New Testament, we know that our redeemer is Jesus, and that He lives. In fact He lives and is making intercession for us  (Hebrews 7:25).  Though he likely did not know it, Job's next words are prophetic  “And in that day His feet will stand on the Mount of Olives” (Zechariah . 14:4). Lastly Job understands that if God is just, there has to be something after his “skin is destroyed.” Paul has much to say about in what sort of “flesh” we shall see God (1 Corinthians 15:34-44). But one thing is certain, the believer shall see God.

Lord Jesus, there is indeed coming a day when we will see You face to face (1 Corinthians 13:12).  On that day Lord there is no doubt in my mind that we will say “You have done all things well.” In the meantime Lord please give us grace to deal with the injustices of life, and the discernment to know when we are suffering because of things we have done. But be it suffering unjustly, or as a consequence of our sin I know that You my redeemer. I know that You live,  and that to die is gain. And I give You praise and glory again this Morning Lord in Your precious and lovely Name Amen

Therefore, my beloved brethren, be steadfast,

....  immovable, always abounding in the work of the Lord, knowing that your labor in the Lord, is not in vain in the Lord (1 Corinthians 15:58). This exhortation from Paul concludes a very long chapter in which he is talking mostly about the resurrection of the believer. He discusses what sort of body we will be raised with. It is a spiritual body, but nevertheless a body. It will be a glorious body, a body with power, a body without the weakness of our earthly body (verses 43, 44).  In our resurrection body we will eat and drink as Jesus did in His resurrected body (Luke 22:30; 24:42).  In His resurrected body Jesus was able to pass through walls and suddenly appear to the disciples (John 20:26). Now Jesus is the “first fruits of them that slept” (verse 20), first fruits indicating the fruit that follows (that's us)  is of the same kind. “Slept” of course refers to death. In other words we will be able to do in our resurrected bodies what Jesus did in His.

Paul quotes Isaiah 25:8 which speaks about death being swallowed up in victory (verse 54), and which goes on to tell that on that day God will wipe away all tears. The “therefore” of this morning's verse then connects Paul's exhortation to all this.  In essence he is saying “in light of the truth and the glory of all this  let us be steadfast etc., etc.” Saying that our labour in the Lord is not in vain, has the implication,  that Paul talks about elsewhere,  that there are rewards,  or the loss thereof,  for the believer (1 Corinthians 3:11-15).   Note that is is labour “in the Lord” that is not in vain. In the last mentioned passage Paul compares our labour as building on the sure  foundation of our salvation. We can build with “gold, silver, precious stones, wood, hay or straw” (verse 12). Wood looks solid enough, but will be consumed in the fire with which our labour will be tested (verse 13).

Lastly I want to look at this word “knowing.” It's an important word, because we can casually know something, or we can know something in the very fibre of our being. The Scripture says that “the people who know their God shall be strong, and carry out great exploits” (Daniel 11:32). But it is surly only those with this deeper sense of knowing for which this is true.  And knowing that our labour is not in vain is directly connected to knowing our God in this way. For if we truly know Him,  as much as it is possible in this life, then there will be a certainty in our spirit about it, and it will truly motive us to labour “in the Lord.” And what that means it that our labour is all about seeking first His Kingdom,  and His righteousness.   


Father, Your Word tells us that eye has not seen, nor ear heard what You have prepared for those who love You. Some of that is in there here and now Lord, but it comes supremely in the hereafter. And You tell us these things Lord so that we will keep the long view in mind. We are but a vapour Lord, here today, and gone tomorrow. And as one writer put it, only what's done for Christ will last!Thank You for reminding us again of the long view this morning Lord, the view of eternity.  And please give us Grace to keep on keeping on, in Jesus Name Amen

For I delivered to you first of all that which I also received:

.... that Christ died for our sins according to the Scriptures,  and that He was buried, and that He rose again the third day according to the Scriptures,  and that He was seen by Cephas, then by the twelve. 6 After that He was seen by over five hundred brethren at once (1 Corinthians 15:1-6).   There have been many attempts to explain these things away, but none of them hold water. These include that He did not really die, and that the disciples stole the body.  But that blood and water flowed from His side when pierced,  is strong medical evidence of death (John 19:34). Concerning the disciples stealing the body, with the possible exception of John they all died for their faith, and you don't die for a lie! You also have to ask what changed the disciples from cowards who ran away,  into those who turned the world upside down by their testimony (Acts 17:6).

There are a multitude of Old Testament prophecies that Jesus fulfilled, including those above.  For me this,  together with the testimony of others and my own internal testimony, convince me that I have not believed cunningly devised fables (2 Peter 1:16).  After prayer I have received much healing in my body, some of it instantaneous. I have been used to to bring healing to others, again much of it instantaneous. We are talking about sever back problems and arthritis flare ups etc.,  things that puzzle doctors.  Then there's the peace, joy, freedom, and mental and emotional stability I am experiencing in spite of having suffered three severe emotional breakdowns.   Of course my experience of all of this,  though very real,  is somewhat subjective. The Scriptures, on the other hand,  provide an objective side to my own infallible proofs of the substance of the things that I have believed (Hebrews 11:1). And  the two things together form a solid basis for my faith. 

Coming to this morning's Scriptural proofs,  to see that Jesus died for out sins according to the Scripture we read “He was cut off from the land of the living; For the transgressions of My people He was stricken,” and “the Lord has laid in Him the iniquity of us all” (Isaiah 53:8, 6). That He was burred “they made His grave .... with the rich” (Isaiah 53:9; Matthew 27:57-60).  That He would rise again comes with the sequence “They made His grave .....” and “He shall see His seed, He shall prolong His days” (Isaiah 53:9, 10). That He was seen by  Cephas (Peter), the twelve and over five hundred brethren see John 21:1-9, and  1 Corinthians 15:6.

Father I want to thank You this morning for the evidence of things not seen, enabling me to be sure of things hoped for.  This hope Lord is indeed an anchor to my soul  (Hebrews 11:1; 6:19).   The feeling of my faith, like the feeling of love, are not always there, they come and go. At such times I have the security of Your objective Word to fall back on.  But I thank You too Lord, that the objective part of my faith based on the living Word is not a dry, lifeless intellectual knowing (Hebrews 4:14). And I thank You for the times that You speak Your living rhama Word to me personally (John 10:27), and also through the Scriptures. For these and many other things,  I give You praise and thanks  and glory in Jesus Name Amen.

Remember now, who ever perished being innocent?

.... Or where were the upright ever cut off (Job 4:7)? The book of Job addresses the problem, or perhaps the questions that arise,  when good people suffer. In particular we ask, when someone is suffering, is it because they have done wrong?  I mean is life fair, and if not is God unjust to allow innocent people to suffer? The assumption behind  Eliphaz's question in this morning's verse, is false. He had seen that Job was suffering, and he was agreeing with the widespread belief that if someone suffers,  they must have done wrong, in particular Job must have sinned.  It's a wrong conclusion from the true premise that God is just, that if He is just, He must be fair in the here and now. And if He is fair in the here and now,  and someone is suffering then that person must be being punished by God. The Lord himself says that this is wrong (Job 42:7).

There was nothing more unfair than that the sinless Son of God Jesus Christ, was falsely accused and put to death. Jesus told us “If they persecuted Me, they will persecute you” (John 15:20).  In this World we will have trouble (John 16:33).  So then were are not think it strange that we encounter fiery trials as though some strange thing happened to us (1 Peter 4:12).  If we do good, suffer, but nevertheless take it patiently, this is commendable before God 1 Peter 2:20). The other wrong conclusion arrises here, is that if God is good, He must be powerless. We are also want to accuse God when we suffer. “He took my child,” or  “He stood by and did nothing while I was raped.” And we jump to the conclusion that He does not care! There are no simple answers to the problem of suffering, as to why God allows what He allows. I only know that when I turn to Him, He somehow uses my suffering redemptive (Romans 8:28).  

But to jump to the above false conclusions is far too simplistic.  It is black and white thinking,  and does not reflect reality. We do of course suffer when we do wrong, we reap what we sow (Galatians 6:7).  But we also suffer when other people do wrong, and we suffer from in the happenstances of life. But God is just (Mark 10:18), and in eternity He will make every path straight and right every wrong. In the meantime He is longsuffering with us not wanting anyone to perish but all to come to repentance (2 Peter 3:9). Indeed it is the goodness of God that leads to that (Romans 2:4).  And I believe in eternity, when we have all the facts we will say that He has done all things well (Mark 7:37).

Father, there are times when it has to be by faith that we continue to  believe You are good. In the midst of our pain so often we cry out “why.”  Even Job did this, though he could also say “the Lord gives and the Lord takes away, blessed be the Name of the Lord.”   He also said “Though He slay me, yet will I trust Him (Job 1:21; 13:15).  Father please give us faith like this, and a double portion of Grace so that in the midst of the trials and the pain,  we will  continue to trust and honour You. And we will give you the glory in Jesus Name Amen

Pursue love, and desire spiritual gifts,

.... but especially that you may prophesy (1 Corinthians 14:1). Paul had just interrupted his discussion of spiritual gifts by the love chapter (13). He now continues, but in this verse connects spiritual gifts with love. The various translations  show the competing emphasis of the two words pursue, and desire.  The point though,  is that we are to pursue and desire love and spiritual gifts with equal vigour. The emphasis on prophecy, is because this is one very practical way to pursue love.  In particular the one who prophecies does so for edification and exhortation and comfort to others (verse 3). The three Greek nouns here are rich. In addition to the above, other translations have strengthening, building up, encouraging and  consolation. But you get the point, prophecy gives us a variety of ways to love others.

This gift of the Spirit (along with many of the other spiritual gifts) is much neglected in the church. There is even a (false) theology that concludes that spiritual gifts passed away with the completion of the New Testament. People who hold this view claim that since we have the Bible we don't need them. I mean the church is so powerful for the Kingdom right? Please excuse my sarcasm. By the way, the gifts are not just for the church, later on in this chapter Paul says concerning prophecy that  if “unbeliever or an uninformed person comes in, he is convinced by all (verse 24). It is true that prophecy has been abused at times, but as the saying goes, you don't counterfeit three dollar bills, you only counterfeit what is genuine and valuable!  We need prophecy and we need teaching on how to do this well.

The Lord has used prophecy powerfully in my own life. There was a word given to me years ago that undoes me every time I review it (it was recorded). In addition to comfort and encouragement, it confirmed my choice to follow a very difficult path, and helped me to continue on it. But it then morphed into prophecy concerning the role of the East Coast in the coming (prophesied) revival. This part of that word that was given to me, is totally consistent with other prophetic words that the Lord has given others concerning Newfoundland. All this together with the teaching that we are to contend for the prophetic word, is reminding me this morning, that I need to contend not only for my personal dreams and aspirations but for the outpouring of God's love that will come with the revival.

Father, the kingdom of God suffers violence and the violent take it by force. Lord I pray that You will revive the use of the prophetic in our taking the Kingdom by force from the evil one.  Lord we are desperately in need of a practical experience of Your love poured out in our hearts.  Help us Lord to do our part in earnestly and zealously pursing both love and the gift of prophecy.  And we are petitioning You again this morning Lord, to come in Word and Power and Love, and we will give Your the honour and glory and praise in Jesus Name Amen

Though I speak with the tongues of men

.... and of angels, but have not love, I have become sounding brass or a clanging cymbal. And though I have the gift of prophecy, and understand all mysteries and all knowledge, and though I have all faith, so that I could remove mountains, but have not love, I am nothing. And though I bestow all my goods to feed the poor, and though I give my body to be burned, but have not love, it profits me nothing (1 Corinthians 13:1-3). Whatever my gifts,  talents, abilities, good deeds, beauty, wealth, success,  everything the world values, all these without love are empty, vain and  devoid of meaning,  worthless. It's not my opinion, it's the Word of God.  It's telling us what God thinks about it all, and where He wants us to put our priorities, namely love.

But it is not the love the World speaks about so glibly, not distinguishing it from lust. The Greek word is not the one used for erotic love, it is the word used in “God so love the World that He gave His only son  so that we would not perish” (John 3:16). It is  God's undeserved, extravagant, unconditioned love. This love places the same value on the one who has totally blown it, is defiled,  messed up, has betrayed.  This one has the same value to the Father as Jesus. A thousand dollar bill that has been wrinkled,  torn and muddied until almost unrecognizable, this bill has the same value as one fresh from the mint. Likewise,  no matter how much we have blown it, we are still recognizable to God, since we are stamped with His image.   And that image is indelible, impossible to remove, erase, or wash away; permanent.  

The quality and depth if this love is demonstrated in that while we were yet sinners, shaking as it were,  our fists in God's face, this love died for us while we were still in that state.  This love is strong enough to let us go if that is what we choose. But this love also calls us to love the same way if we choose to respond to Him and receive His free gift of eternal life.  And this love suffers long and is kind; this love does not envy; does not parade itself, is not proud or arrogant;  does not behave rudely, does not seek its own, is not easily  provoked, thinks no evil;  does not rejoice in iniquity, but rejoices in the truth; this love bears all things, believes all things, hopes all things, endures all things (verses 4-7). This love is a supernatural love.  And we can only love this way when we are vitally connected to the One for whom this love is His very Nature (1 John 4:8).  We don't get there by trying, we get there by total surrender, dying to self, and with His help living for Him who loved us and gave Himself for us (2 Corinthians 5:15).

Father, please reveal to me more of Your love, so that in experiencing it I may be more of a channel for Your love to this wicked and hurting world. Help me Lord to bear with the weak, believe the best of others until the evidence clearly points to the opposite, and even then help me to endure.  But help me to love wisely with good boundaries and to act in such a way that will lead others to repentance. And I will give You the glory in Jesus Name Amen

For with You is the fountain of life;

....    In Your light we see light (Psalm 36:9). I don't have a single verse to prooftext this, but there is evidence all over Scripture that whether God says yes,  or whether He says no, it is for our provision and protection. In many ways however it flows out of this verse (pun intended)! Life and light are recurring themes in the Scripture,  and God is the both the source and the fountain of both. That is He is both the author and the supplier of them. Moreover the description of them being a fountain speaks of abundance (verse 8).  Every good and perfect gift comes down from the Father of lights (James 1:17). What both James and the Psalmist is saying, is that if anything is good, ultimately God is either the source,  or the inspiration of it.

With respect to trust, obedience,  or worship (verses 5,6), it is very easy to get distracted,  offended or discouraged. The Psalmist cries out “Let not the foot of pride come against me, And let not the hand of the wicked drive me away” (verse 11). In fact so often these things can be crossroads. The title of the Psalm is “An oracle within my heart concerning the transgression of the wicked” (verse 1a), and from there to verse 4 is something of a tirade against such. In verse 5 however, he bursts into glorious praise of our God. Not his words, but mine,  God is good all the time,  and all the time God is good!  Well, not really mine either.  But if we truly believe that,  we too will praise Him. It is, as I say, a crossroads, and we get to choose. It is not about endurance, it is about, with His help,  rising above it!

Is the glass half full, or is it half empty, am I an optimist, or am I a pessimist?  “In Your light we see light,” knowing and understanding that God is light and in Him dwells no darkness at all (1 John 1:5),  gives us a different perspective on the world. In His light we see the end of the wicked (Psalm 73:17), in His light we are not deceived, for we understand that we reap what we sow (Galatians 6:7). In His light we see that His “no” is for our protection, and that He is for me,  not against me.  In His light I learn to have my senses exercised to discern both good and evil (Hebrews 5:14). In His light we can walk in the light,  and when we do, we have fellowship both with Him,  and meaningful fellowship with each other  (1 John 1:6, 7).

Father, the oracle within the heart of the Psalmist was grieved at wickedness of the wicked, but his High praise drove it from him,  as in praise he began to see things in Your light. We need to do this too Lord.  And so,  in the words of the Psalm,  Your love, LORD, reaches to the heavens, Your faithfulness reaches to the skies. Your righteousness is like the mighty mountains, Your justice rolls like the ocean depths (verses 5,6).  Teach us Lord to see all of life in Your light, and Lord in the midst of it all, tune our hearts to sing Your praise, and we will give You the glory, in Jesus Name Amen

Discernment and the Lord's supper

For I received from the Lord  that which I also delivered to you: that the Lord Jesus on the same night in which He was betrayed took bread .... (1 Corinthians 11:23). Among many other things  Paul evidently received by direct revelation, the  instructions that follow, concerning the Lord's supper (2 Corinthians 12:7; verse 20).  The Corinthian Lord's suppers  were very different from the various ways we celebrate them today. It was a complete meal, and some were evidently pushing ahead taking more than they should,  leaving nothing for others, still others were drunk (verses 21, 22). Moreover there were divisions among them (verse 18). Paul suggests that such behaviour despises the Church, and shames those who have nothing (verse 22). He goes on,  in recalling his earlier teaching (“which I delivered to you”),  to point out that these love feasts have as their purpose the remembrance of the Lord (verses 24, 25), and the proclamation of  the Lord’s death until He comes (verse 26).

He speaks of the Corinthian's behaviour as not discerning the body, and eating and drinking in an unworthy manner (verse 29). If the feast is a proclamation and remembrance, their behaviour would defile the proclamation,  and would speak volumes about the way in which they remembered and appreciated (or not) all that He had done and accomplished in His death.  Apparently many were weak and sickly among them and some had died, and Paul links this the discipline of the Lord and the cause of it all (verses 30, 32).  The lesson for us then, is that we are to examine ourselves, but then,  having done so,  to eat the bread and drink the cup (verse 28).   But what exactly does Paul mean when he tells us to examine ourselves before we partake?

We need to look at verses 31, 32 which read “If we were properly evaluating ourselves, we would not be judged.  but when we are judged, we are disciplined by the Lord, so that we may not be condemned with the world” (Holman Christian Standard Bible). The first thing I need to say,  is that the judgement of which he speaks does not void our salvation. We are disciplined so that we may not be condemned with the world (see also 3:13-15). The second thing, though it is not stated explicitly, certainly implies that we need to repent, turn and ask for forgiveness and cleansing (1 John 1:9). I am reminded of twelve step programs which actually gives a greater depth to these things,  and breaks them down into manageable steps. These include making a searching and fearless moral inventory of ourselves; being  entirely ready to have God remove all our  defects of character;  humbly asking Him to remove them;  and making  appropriate amends.

Father, many people feel that twelve-step programs are just for those dealing with substance abuse, but they are relevant to all of us. In fact in using “we” in verse 31 Paul even includes himself. We need Your help even here Lord, so please search our hearts oh Lord and lead us in the paths of life (Psalm 139:24) in Jesus Name Amen

Plead my cause, O LORD,

.... with those who contend with me; Fight against those who fight against me (Psalm 35:1). The context of this passage shows that David is in the midst of war. There were certainly times when  the Lord fought for Israel i.e. “You will not have to fight this battle .... stand firm and see the deliverance of the LORD ” (2 Chronicles 20:17). And there are also certainly times when this morning's  prayer is appropriate for us, for example in the midst of war. But many of the Psalm seems to conform to Jesus telling  'You have heard it said ‘You shall love your neighbour and hate your enemy’ (Matthew 5:43). Jesus goes on to call us to a higher standard in our interpersonal relationships.

In particular, He says “But I say to you, love your enemies, bless those who curse you, do good to those who hate you, and pray for those who spitefully use you” (verse 44). The Epistles often give explanations of Jesus' teaching, and 2 Timothy 2:24-26 is such an  an example. It says “And a servant of the Lord must not quarrel but be gentle to all, able to teach, patient,  in humility correcting those who are in opposition, if God perhaps will grant them repentance, so that they may know the truth,  come to their senses and escape the snare of the devil, having been taken captive by him to do his will.” There are a couple of things here to note.  Firstly the context of the exhortation is to “the servant of the Lord” who is experiencing opposition inspired by the enemy. The assumption then is that the servant is in the right.

In particular,  in the midst of an argument,  or potential argument, we need to examine ourselves and first and foremost see to our side of the street as it were. We need to understand clearly the rights and wrongs of the situation, and if we are to do this patiently and in humility, we may need to examine our attitude and our motives. For me,  I often need to be reminded that a soft answer turns away wrath (Proverbs 15:1).  Secondly, we need to know and act according to the reality that the other person is not the enemy (Ephesians 6:12), but that he or she has been taken captive by him.  Thirdly the goal is the other person's repentance, and it involves them coming to their senses.  This is where this morning's verse comes in. Many times in opposition,  the other person is simply not able to hear us. It might be because of our history with them, or it might not. But in any case the Lord can get through where we cannot.  His work and His influence might not be visible any time soon,  but in the words of the song, even when we don't see it, He is working!

Father, You work in ways we cannot see, You will make a way for me. And if You be for us, who can be against us (Romans 8:31)?  We are the head and not the tail (Deuteronomy 28:13), and we are blessed and not cursed. Thank You Lord for Your favour, thank You that You work all things for my good, thank You that You are a very present help in time of need, and that You will never leave me nor forsake me. So please help me to live for You,  and I will give You the glory in Jesus Name Amen

The righteous cry out, and the LORD hears,

....     And delivers them out of all their troubles. 18 The LORD is near to those who have a broken heart, And saves such as have a contrite spirit. 19 Many are the afflictions of the righteous, But the LORD delivers him out of them all. 20 He guards all his bones; Not one of them is broken (Psalm 34:17-20). The fact that the righteous need deliverance from their troubles and afflictions (verses 17, 19), clearly indicates that the righteous are not exempt from afflictions and troubles. Jesus told the disciples “In this world you will have troubles, but take heart I have overcome the world” (John 16:33). Verse 20 is a prophecy about Jesus.  During crucifixion,  the legs of those being crucified were broken at times.  It finished them off, because they could no longer push down on their legs in order to get breath. When they came to Jesus He was already dead,  so his bones were not broken (John 19:31 – 33, 36).

Jesus was certainly righteous (Hebrews 4:15), so these verses certainly apply to Him, and so we need to ask in what sense was He delivered?  As far as I can see, deliverance comes in three possible ways. Firstly then the troubles and afflictions can, one way or the other,  simply be removed,  and the problems solved. Secondly, the deliverance can come as a way of escape,  as the ability is given to stand up under the trial or temptation (1 Corinthians 10:13). Finally,  ultimate deliverance comes in the hereafter, when there will be no more pain,  or tears,  or death (Revelation 21:4).  In relation to this last way, in the faith chapter, the Scripture speaks about the heroes of the faith who “were tortured, not accepting deliverance, that they might obtain a better resurrection” (Hebrews 11:35).  In terms of a better resurrection we don't know exactly what that means, but we do know that  “God is not unjust to forget your work and labor of love which you have shown toward His name” (Hebrews 6:10).

Even if the deliverance is of the first variety, it might not be as quick as we desire.   God often uses trials to strengthen us, and we are admonished to wait patiently on the Lord,  and to let  perseverance complete the work He wants to do in us (Psalm 37:7; James 1:4). As to the Lord being near to the broken hearted (verse 18), the Father sent Jesus to heal broken hearts (Luke 4:18, quoting Isaiah 61:1). He healed mine,  as with His help I have learned to wait patiently, and continue to wait patiently for Him on a promised deliverance in the here and now.  He has used and continues to use the situation to establish my steps,  and to put a song in my mouth a song of praise to my God. And He has promised to use this for the Kingdom, so that many will see and fear and put their trust in Him (Psalm 40:1-3). 

Father, You are not a man that You should lie (Numbers 23:19), what You say You will do, You will do,  for You are faithful. Thank You Lord that You are actively at work in all things for good for those who love You,  and are called according to Your purposes (Romans 8:28). Strengthen us this morning, Lord and continue to heal our broken hearts as we surrender day by day under Your mighty hand. And we will give You the glory in Jesus Name Amen

Therefore let him who thinks he stands

.... take heed lest he fall (1 Corinthians 10:12). Paul has just been describing God's dealing with Israel, that with most of them He was not pleased. As a result they died in the wilderness (verse 5). He tells us these things are an example to us so that we should not lust after evil things like they did. Twenty three thousand fell as a result of their sexual immorality, some of them tempted Christ and were destroyed by serpents, others complained and were destroyed by the destroyer. All these things, he tells us,  were written  for our exhortation and warning (verses 6-11).  And the “therefore” of this morning's verse connects it to this admonition.  If they could fall, so can we!

There is a tendency to think we are different, that we are immune to falling, especially if we have experienced God at work in our lives.  Those who fell had seen the Lord executing plages on Pharaoh and the Egyptians, they had been rescued from the pursuing Egyptian army by the parting of the Red sea,  and the drowning of that army when the sea that had opened up for Israel had closed over them  when they had gone down into its midst (Exodus 14). By the way there is interesting evidence of the historicity of this event (search “evidence Red sea crossing” on Youtube). Daily food had also been provided, yet they complained. As another aside this show what God thinks about our ungrateful grumbling – see Philippians 2:14). Neither did their cloths, nor their shoes wear out for the forty year duration. There is a tendency to think that if we had seen what they had seen, then we would be immune to their  temptation,  yet in spite of it all,  they were still disobedient. This morning's warning is to tell us that essential we are no different.

In particular we are all subject to temptation (verse 13a). The verse continues “but God is faithful, who will not allow you to be tempted beyond what you are able, but with the temptation will also make the way of escape, that you may be able to bear it.”  Note that He provides the way of escape, but requires us to effect it. The word translated “bear” here means to bear it by standing up under it, and to do it patiently, to endure.  He gives us grace to do that of course, but it requires our cooperation, and it requires our perseverance. As James would put it, we need to let the process have its perfect work (James 1:4). In the midst of our trials and temptation when we don't feel we can bear it any longer, we will need to ask the Lord to show us the way of escape!

Father, thank You for reminding me this morning of Your admonition  to not be weary in doing well,  for You have promised that in due season we will reap if we do not feint and draw back (Galatians 6:9). Thank You too for the reminder of a similar promise  as I walked and prayed weeping on my prayer walk this morning. You underlined for me a long time ago. It is that “he who goes forth weeping, bearing seed for sowing, shall doubtless come again with rejoicing, bringing his sheaves with him. These reminders Lord help me to keep moving forward. And I feel better now. Thank You in Jesus Name Amen

Behold, the eye of the LORD is on those who fear Him,

.... On those who hope in His mercy, to deliver their soul from death, and to keep them alive in famine (Psalm 33:18, 19).  We are looking at the same Psalm we did yesterday, where we were meditating on the sovereignty of God. The “Behold” of this morning's opening verse is almost a “but,” or “by way of contrast.” The Psalmist had been saying things like “No king is saved by the multitude of an army; A mighty man is not delivered by great strength” (verse 16). In other words there is more going on that the purely natural.  So byway of contrast then,  the watchful eye of the Lord is on those who fear Him etc.  But what does this mean? Does it mean that when bad things happen to “good” people,  that they are not really good?

Jesus could say “No one is good except God alone” (Mark 10:18), but then He calls us “saints” (i.e Philippians 1:1).  The verses also clearly do not mean that God will deliver His saints out of all difficulty, He will keep us alive in famine, we will not die, but we will still be in the midst of famine. The meaning then seems to be more along the lines that those who fear Him and hope in His mercy  can claim “When you pass through the waters, I will be with you; And through the rivers, they shall not overflow you When you walk through the fire, you shall not be burned, nor shall the flame scorch you” (Isaiah 43:2).  The Christian knows well that Christ suffered for us. These verses from Isaiah tell us He also suffers with us “I will be with you!”

Peter warns us “Beloved, do not think it strange concerning the fiery trial which is to try you, as though some strange thing happened to you” (1 Peter 4:12). We are even to rejoice “to the extent that you partake of Christ’s sufferings, that when His glory is revealed, you may also be glad with exceeding joy” (verse 13). And when we find ourselves in the midst of these things, we need to hold onto the truth that God is goods and that He is merciful to those who fear Him and hope in His Mercy, to keep us alive in famine!

Father, this is such a mystery, such a glory that we can partake, that we can share in Your sufferings, in order that we may also share in Your glory (Romans 8:17).   But Lord we cannot do this without total surrender, without putting all our eggs in the basket of faith. As we say in twelve step programs “Half measures profited us nothing. So view of Your tender mercies we present our bodies as living sacrifices again this morning and we give You the honour and the glory and the praise in Jesus Name Amen

The LORD brings the counsel of the nations to nothing;

.... He makes the plans of the peoples of no effect. The counsel of the LORD stands forever, the plans of His heart to all generations (Psalm 33:10, 11).  For many of us, our God is too small, I mean what we think about Him, not the reality! God is the One who spoke and at His Word stars were flung into space.  But God is Sovereign, meaning He has the power, wisdom, and authority to do anything He chooses.  Paul,  at a time when the world suffered under Roman rule,  could say “He has made from one blood every nation of men to dwell on all the face of the earth, and has determined their pre-appointed times and the boundaries of their dwellings” (Acts 17:26).  It is not just the nations, it's “the plans of the peoples.” Proverbs 16:9 reads “A man’s heart plans his way, but the LORD directs his steps,” often overruling the plans. You likely have experienced this yourself. I know I have!

Down through the ages mankind has puzzled why God allows what He allows. Following on from Paul's words above he tells us “God did this so that they would seek him and perhaps reach out for him and find him, though he is not far from any one of us” (verse 27). Habakkuk was deeply grieved at the destruction of war and the cruelty of man. He confronted God standing watch to see what He would answer him (Habakkuk 2:1).  Many,  in times of great difficulty,  turn to God as Paul has said above.  But many don't, many despair, or accuse God, or conclude that He does not exist,  asking themselves why bother being good some  follow the apparently successful ways of the wicked.  The Psalmist confesses “But as for me, my feet had almost stumbled; my steps had nearly slipped. For I was envious of the boastful, when I saw the prosperity of the wicked (Psalm 72:3,3).  Almost,  until he went into the sanctuary of God; then he understood their end (verse 17).

Part of all this, is that our concept of time is severely warped. We speak of  what to us is a long time,  as “ages.” But on the timeline of history, let alone eternity, our time here on earth is but a punctuation mark.  Job put it this way “my days are but a breath” (Job 7:16). In God's perspective, empires come and go,  they rise and fall, and their plans and councils come to nothing in the end. He tells us that we too need to have this perspective. “For yet a little while and the wicked shall be no more; Indeed, you will look carefully for his place, but it shall be no more”  (Psalm 37:10).  And the point? It raises the question “In light of all this, how shall we then live?”

Father, You are reminding me this morning that the heavens and the earth which are now preserved by the same Word that flung stars into space,  these are reserved for fire until the day of judgment and perdition of ungodly men (2 Peter 3:7). You are not slack concerning Your promises Lord, with You a thousand years is as a day,  indeed since the the elements will melt with fervent heat we need to keep this perspective,  and with Your help (for which I am asking this morning) to make every effort to be found spotless, blameless and at peace with You (verses 12, 14). In Jesus Name Amen

Let each one remain in the same calling

.... in which he was called (1 Corinthians 7:20 NKJV). The word calling “in which he was called,” refers to salvation (see Matthew 22:14). From the context the first "calling" has to do with the situation he or she was in when she was called (NIV). The issues of the Christian needing to be circumcised (or not) had surfaced again, and Paul says “no” (verse 18). Slavery is also considered here, and marriage (verses 21, 27). In the first rush of my own salvation I was wondering if the Lord wanted me to stay working in the secular institution I was in, and this verse helped me to stay. I mean He wants us to be salt and light where we are planted.  So is this intended to be permanent? Not necessarily, for example with respect to being a slave, Paul says “Do not be concerned about it; but if you can be made free, rather use it” (verse  21).

Since we are,  for example,  to fee sexual immorality (6:18),  the principle then, with the clear exception of repenting and turning from anything sinful, is to not make any sudden changes in your situation when we are called.  As already mentioned following this morning's verse Paul goes on to talk about marriage. Before I get into that I want to say that there are some situations that will not be quickly resolved as when a couple has been living common law especially where there are children involved. The advice there is likely to be to get married, though if the unbelieving partner wishes to depart, so be it (verses 12-16)!  From the passage and elsewhere however,  sexual purity is assumed. Concerning marriage, Paul puts it this way,  the unmarried person  cares about the things of the Lord, that he or she may be holy both in body and in spirit. But the one who is married cares about the things of the world—how to please the spouse (verses 32-34). It is not wrong to marry, but Paul warns “such will have trouble in the flesh, but I would spare you” (verse 28).

There is no doubt that relationships are difficult, and we have found that whether it be entering into salvation, or recovery, or needing healing, such times are not times to be entering into new relationships (Ecclesiastes 3:5c, d). Such relationships tend to be a distraction, be it from establishing our relationship with Christ, establishing our recovery,  or from taking the necessary time to heal. They not only distract, they complicate things, and they can even sabotage things. I have seen this over and over especially in recovery, causing relapse and backsliding.  There are always issues in relationships,  and with Paul “I would spare you.” We are of course talking about new beginnings.  

Father, the advise of Paul here in this mornings verse is wise advise, and I want to thank You for the wise counsellors who advised me at the beginning of my journey. It was part of my coming out of radical independence.  You have made us to need each other Lord, and it is wise in our new beginning to make friends of the same sex. Even secular wisdom advises the same thing. But of course the Bible got there first.  These things be it being circumcised or not, these are not what matters, what matters is t keeping the commandments of God (verse 19). Thank You Lord for the wisdom of Your Word, we give You thanks and praise  in Jesus Name Amen

Be of good courage

....  and He shall strengthen your heart, all you who hope in the LORD (Psalm 31:24). Wikipedia says this about courage “Courage is the choice and willingness to confront agony, pain, danger, uncertainty, or intimidation. Physical courage is bravery in the face of physical pain, hardship, death or even the threat of death, while moral courage is the ability to act rightly in the face of popular opposition, shame, scandal, discouragement, or personal loss.  The command to be of good courage is all over Scripture (i.e Joshua 1:6,9,18). The promise to have our hearts strengthened (as here) is contingent in Psalm 27:14 on our waiting on Him (also as here) in hope. There is no instant fix we are to let patience (perseverance) have its perfect ongoing work (James 1:4).  Notice the partnership here with the Lord. He will strengthen our hearts when we take courage and determine to wait on Him in hope.

There's a saying that without God man cannot, without man God will not. It's not Scripture, but there's truth in it, as there is in the saying “God helps them what helps themselves” In other words God comes along side of those who are willing to take responsibility for “their side of the street.”  The only hesitation I have with these sayings is that God is God,  and He can do what He wants.  And sometimes (thank God) He intervenes to help us in our helplessness! And the hesitation I have in saying this, is that God is not an enabler of our dysfunction! One commentary gives the title “Stress” to the the Psalm from which this morning's quote is taken. He entitles verses 1-8 as “The hunted man.”  Perhaps this was written about  the time that David was fleeing for his life from King Saul who was determined to kill him. Verses 9-24 are entitled “The rejected man.” Each section however, ends in triumph with David testifying “You have not shut me up into the hand of the enemy; You have set my feet in a wide place (verse 8), and “You heard the voice of my supplications When I cried out to You. Oh, love the LORD, all you His saints! For the LORD preserves the faithful (verses 22, 23).

And it it out of this experience that David admonishes us with this morning's verse. I don't know what you might be going through this morning, but what I do know, is that the Lord wants us to face our difficulties with courage and trust, and with verse 23, He wants us to be faithful. I was reminded of one of His many promises to me this morning, that when I have strengthened my weak hands,
made firm my feeble knees, and with His help to say to my fearful-heart “Be strong, do not fear,” then He will come with the recompense of God, He will come and save me (Isaiah 35:3, 4).

Father, as I continue to wait on You in hope, and as I continue to take courage,  I can already testify with David “Oh, how great is Your goodness, which You have laid up for those who fear You, which You have prepared for those who trust in You in the presence of the sons of men"  (verse 19). Indeed Lord I know and believe that in Your time You will make all things beautiful in my life (Ecclesiastes 3:11). And I thank and praise You in advance in Jesus Name Amen

Flee sexual immorality.

.... Every sin that a man does is outside the body, but he who commits sexual immorality sins against his own body. Or do you not know that your body is the temple of the Holy Spirit who is in you, whom you have from God, and you are not your own? For you were bought at a price; therefore glorify God in your body and in your spirit, which are God’s (1 Corinthians 6:18-20). Paul had just told the Corinthians that the unrighteous will not inherit the Kingdom,  and had pointed to all forms of sexual immorality (verse 9).  He explains that the body is the temple of the Holy spirit, and that while other sins may defile,  as it were,  the outer courts of the temple,  sexual immorality defiles the most holy place, the holy of holies.

Paul tells us that sexual immorality is among other persistent sins actually exclude a person from the Kingdom. He goes on to say “And such were some of you. But you were washed,  you were sanctified,  you were justified” (verse 11). The expectation then, is that the Christian put aside all such unrighteousness. Paul later tells the Corinthians,  whom he had lead to Christ,  that in doing so “I promised you to one husband, to Christ, so that I might present you as a pure virgin to him.” Many of us have blown in both before and after conversion, but whether or not,  we need to see how seriously the Lord sees these things. Sex outside of one man with his wife,  is strictly prohibited for the Christian, and this purity is to extend even to the thought life. Indeed from the lips of Jesus “But I say to you that whoever looks at a woman to lust for her has already committed adultery with her in his heart” (Matthew 5:28). This of course includes pornography.

I am well aware that sexual immorality is rife, and is of pandemic proportions even within the church, especially pornography. I am also aware, that some, perhaps even many, may be offended by what I have written this morning.  But with Paul I have the responsibility to declare to you the whole counsel of God (Acts 20:27). I do not come in self righteousness this morning, for I was far from guiltless in these things. Some will say “I have the right to do anything," but as Paul says  “not everything is beneficial. I have the right to do anything --but I will not be mastered by anything” (verse 12). Also the opening verse is a clear command “flee sexual immorality.”  There are programs to help those who are addicted to these things. Celebrate Recovery at the Worship Centre, here in St. John's,  is one such program. And in Christ it is not too late,  as long as you still have breath.  

Father, please give us the revelation that when You say no, it's for our protection and  provision. We reap what we sow (Galatians 6:7). We have sown to the wind,  and we're reaping the whirlwind. You tells us “As many as I love, I rebuke and chasten. Therefore be zealous and repent” (Revelation 3:19). Your chastening Lord, shows us we are Your sons and daughters (Hebrews 12:5, 6).  Thank You  that  if we confess our sins, You are faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness” (1 John 1:9).  Lord truly there is none like You, and I give You praise and glory  in Jesus Name Amen.

The king’s heart is in the LORD's hand,

.... like the rivers of water; He turns it wherever He wishes (Proverbs 21:1). The thought and desires, and therefore the actions of the king so often out of the reach of mortal man,  is not out of reach of the Lord.  He is able to direct his heart like “rivers of water.” The picture is of  husbandmen, that cut channels from rivers, to water their fields. It could even refer to the turning of the course of the  Euphrates river by Cyrus, when he took Babylon.  This is good news, because through prayer, we can influence rulers. Surely this is why Paul writes “I exhort first of all that supplications, prayers, intercessions, and giving of thanks be made for all men, for kings and all who are in authority, that we may lead a quiet and peaceable life in all godliness and reverence (1 Timothy 2:1,  2). The prayerlessness of the church in this area, is also surly why our country is in such a mess. If the current situation will not wake us (me) up, I have to wonder what will!

Actually we are beginning to wake up. I was on part of an online solemn assembly (Joel 1:13, 14) yesterday,  interceding for Canada. I learnt there of the Canadian Fire Wall (canadianfirewall.ca). “It's a wall of intercessors and saints standing guard, keeping watch, and blowing the trumpet.” I keep coming back to 2 Chronicles 7:14 “If My people who are called by My name will humble themselves, and pray and seek My face, and turn from their wicked ways, then I will hear from heaven, and will forgive their sin and heal their land.” And I am feeling greatly challenged this morning.

But this morning's Proverb has also meant a lot to me in the past. We are kings and priests,  and I have taken this verse as motivation to pray for some of the “kings and queens” in my life, that the Lord will influence them for good. Many question whether God will overrule the will of others, but as above He calls us pray.  He can stop,  or short circuit,  wrong influences, and He can open the eyes of the spiritually blind and unstop their ears (Isaiah 35:5). In terms of family, He encourages us to make proclamations such as “As for me and my house, we will serve the Lord” (Joshua 24:15).  We believe when we come boldly into the presence of in the presence of “God, who gives life to the dead and calls those things which do not exist as though they did” (Romans 4:17).

Father, we come again this morning into Your presence thanking You that the prayer of the believer is powerful and effective (James 5:16b). Thank You too Lord that the hearts of those in authority and those we love,  is in Your hands,  so please  turn them and direct  and even bend them,  to the good.  Lord we desire that we  “may lead a quiet and peaceable life in all godliness and reverence” in our families, in our communities and in our land. Equip us Lord, equip me,  to be the intercessor You call us to be, so that we  may respond the way You want us to, to this morning's challenge. In Jesus Name Amen.

Weeping may endure for the night,

....     but joy comes in the morning (Psalm 30:5b). There is a concept called the dark night of the soul that originated with the 16th-century Spanish mystic St. John of the Cross. It has come to refer to the feelings one feels,  in spiritual crises,  that can perhaps best be described by this phrase. The Lord first underlined this morning's verse for me at a time of great difficulty in my life.  I had needed to make a decision in order to survive, and it was killing me. Shortly afterwards I was sleeping on an overnight flight to England. The Lord woke me up to watch the movie “Sense and sensibility.” It is a love story that concerns the agonizing struggle of two people of integrity in love,  that because of their integrity, you are sure can never work out. Long story short, it does, and at the end of the movie,  the Lord spoke this morning's verse into my heart.  

That was years ago, and though the situation is still not fully  resolved, the  dark night of my soul has ended.  And I can clearly say that I would not be the same man if I had not gone though it, and I can  now thank the Lord,  and I have thanked the other person, for what happened. You see there was a lot of refining that needed to take place in my life, and I needed to know who I am in Christ. In the darkness,  I clung to the promise that God is actively at work for my good.  And I have come to see that part of that good,  is that He was transforming me to be more like Christ,  and to be fruitful (Romans 8:28, 29).  It also drew me much closer to Him. I have often said that you don't know that God is all you need, until God is all you've got. And I had certainly lost what was most precious to me.

Through it all His Word also came alive to me, particularly the Psalms that had up to that point been a closed book. I learned from David to council myself “Why are you cast down, O my soul? And why are you disquieted within me? Hope in God, for I shall yet praise Him For the help of His countenance” (Psalm 42:5). I learnt that God is not taken by surprise in any of this. In particular, there are seasons of life, there is “A time to weep, And a time to laugh; A time to mourn, And a time to dance” (Ecclesiastes 3:4).  Indeed, there is the dark night of trouble and there is the  bright morn of rejoicing.  When we choose to trust Him in it,  and through it letting patience have its perfect work (James 1:4), we are being conformed to the death of the One who,  for the joy that was set before Him,  endured the cross despising the shame (Hebrews 12:2).

Father, the words of an old song are coming to me as I write and meditate on these things this morning. “Through it all, through it all, I've learn to trust in Jesus, I've learnt to trust in God.”  It's not always easy, but I can dance in worship as You rejoice over me with singing (Zephaniah 3:17).  And I thank You again this morning Lord, for  promises fulfilled and promises yet to be fulfilled in Jesus Name Amen

For no other foundation can anyone lay

.... than that which is laid, which is Jesus Christ. 12 Now if anyone builds on this foundation with gold, silver, precious stones, wood, hay, straw, 13 each one’s work will become clear; for the Day will declare it, because it will be revealed by fire; and the fire will test each one’s work, of what sort it is. 14 If anyone’s work which he has built on it endures, he will receive a reward. 15 If anyone’s work is burned, he will suffer loss; but he himself will be saved, yet so as through fire (1 Corinthians 3:11-15). The analogy is of our being built into a spiritual house (1 Peter 2:5). Christ is our solid foundation, and we build on that foundation.  The building materials are our works (verse 13), and our righteousness (verses16, 17). We are saved neither by our works, nor by our righteousness. We are saved however, to do good works, and we're called to be holy (Ephesians 2:8-10; Titus 3:5; 1 Peter 1:16).

“The Day” of verse 13, is the Day of Judgement,  and we must all appear before the judgement seat of Christ (2 Corinthians 5:10). Note that Paul is taking to Christians there!  Our works and righteousness will be judged on the Day,  by fire (verse 13). If we have Christ as our solid foundation we will be saved “yet so as through fire” (verse 15). Wood looks solid, but it cannot endure fire. Perhaps these works are those we do to be seen by men, or perhaps this is the stubble (Matthew 6:1, 5). If we are relying on our own righteousness (i.e. “I'm a good person”), we do not have Christ as our solid foundation.  The purpose of fire is to refine (Zechariah 13:9), it will not touch Christ who was without sin (Hebrews 4:15), but all our own righteousness is as filthy rags (Isaiah 64:6).

Before that Day, in the here and now, we will likely encounter “fiery trials,” which are here to test us (1 Peter 4:12). Such trials and temptations have the potential to refine us.   Perhaps this was part of why Paul could welcome infirmities, reproaches, needs,  persecutions and distresses (2 Corinthians 12:10). In particular, when we respond His way to these things, the stuff that needs to get burnt up, gets burnt up.  When this happens we will hear from the lips of Jesus the words of  commendation and praise “Well done good and faithful servant, enter into the joy of your Lord” (Matthew 25:23).  

Father, I want to thank You again this morning that You have not left us wondering if we will make it to heaven when we die. You tell us clearly “He who has the Son has life,” and that the things that are written are written.  so that we may “know we have eternal life” (1 John 5:12, 13). As the hymn writes put is “On Christ the solid rock I stand, all other ground is sinking sand.”  But Lord it is not enough for me to know that I'm saved, I want to do the works that You have prepared for me to do (Ephesians 2:10), and I want to hear Your words “Well done good and faithful servant.” Thank You Holy Spirit that You promise that if we acknowledge You in all our ways, You will direct our steps, and make the way plain. We praise and bless You again this morning Lord in  Jesus Name Amen

Eye has not seen, nor ear heard

.... Nor have entered into the heart of man, the things which God has prepared for those who love Him (1 Corinthians 2:9).  Though ultimately this saying will be most fully fulfilled in heaven, yet the context shows Paul is really speaking about the here and now. In verses 3 and 4, Paul tells that he came to the Corinthians in weakness, and that his preaching was not with persuasive words of human wisdom, but in demonstration of the Spirit and of power. In the last couple of days, the Lord has demonstrated something of His power. Yesterday as we prayed for a young woman on her way to Teen Challenge, the Spirt came on us in a powerful and tangible way, the previous day the Lord had instantaneously healed a grossly swollen arm of a little baby, and the swelling had “deflated” in front of the doctors eyes. Praise the Lord!

There are three different words in the original Greek of the New Testament that are translated “love” in our English Bibles. Perhaps a little over simplistically,  the first is eros, from which we get the word erotic, so as I say a bit simplistically this is sexual love. The world tends to think this is love period. The second is “philoe,” it is affectionate friendship love, Philadelphia  means the city of brotherly love (delphos is the Greek word for brother). My name Philip is philoe- hupos,  lover of horses! Finally there is agape, agape is the love with which God so loved the word that, at incredible cost of suffering and death He gave His only Son so that  whosoever believes in His should not perish but have everlasting life  (John 3:16).  It is this last word for love that is used in this morning's verse. It is this same word that Jesus used when He said “If you love me, obey my commandments (John 14:15).

There is a sense in which it is right to be content, not lusting after things of the world, not being envious of what others have etc. (1 Timothy 6:6). But there is another sense in which it keeps us in mediocrity.  We can be lukewarm in the Faith, neither hot nor cold (Revelation 3:16), and likely we have all been there at times. It is one of the reasons I love being around new converts, not yet ruined by “normal” church! And I put normal in inverted commas here, because, at least in the West, what seems to be normal is far, far below what is available, what is prepared for,  and is available for,  those who agape Him. Deeply chastened after the three denials, when Jesus asked Peter if he agaped Him, Peter could only answer that he philieod Him. In this exchange, Jesus recommissioned him and Peter went on in that commissioning to agape Him.

Father, You are telling us again this morning that there is so much more. Lord I repent for myself and others,  for those times we (I)  lost our passion, lost our first love. Lord please help us to buy gold from You that we may be refined in the fire (Revelation 3:18, 19). Lord let us not be content with anything less than all You have prepared for us.  Lord, we choose again this morning to love (agape) You with all our heart, mind,  soul and strength, no matter what the cost. We need Your help Lord,  and we're asking for it,  in Jesus Name Amen

I would have lost heart,

.... unless I had believed that I would see the goodness of the LORD in the land of the living. Wait on the LORD; be of good courage, and He shall strengthen your heart; Wait, I say, on the LORD (Psalm 27:13, 14)! Following on from last day's post, if David was want to worry, he had much to worry about, armies camping about him (verse 3); father and mother forsaking him (verse 10); “false witnesses have risen against me, and such as breathe out violence (verse 12).  David had put all that aside and his sole focus, his “one thing” so to speak, was to seek the Lord (verse 4). His faith that things will turn out well in the end, that He would see the goodness of the Lord in the land of the living was, no doubt,  reenforced by his experience.

Each time we respond in faith to life's difficulties,  and then experience God bringing us through, it builds, as it were, another brick in our wall of faith. He did it before, He will do it again, and this will be yet another brick. It is in this way that our faith grows.  Note that David's hope is not just in heaven when he dies, but in the here and now, in the land of the living. When father and mother forsake him the Lord will take care of him. He has promised “I will never leave you, nor forsake you. I believe on that day, when we see things as they really are we will be able to say that He has been good to me!

David goes on to instruct himself and us, reenforcing what we likely already know we need to do, and that is to take courage and wait in hope on the Lord. Taking courage is about strengthen ourselves in the Lord. David did this when even his friends wanted to stone him (1 Samuel 30:6). I do this by reminding myself of His exceedingly great and precious promises (2 Peter 1:4), in particular those that over the years He has brought to my attention in His Word.  But is it not all up to us, for when we do our part, the Lord does his. In particular, when we take courage, the Lord “shall strengthen your heart” (verse 14). Deliverance is not always, perhaps not usually, instantaneous, and that is why we need to heed the twice repeated instruction to wait in hope (the force of the Hebrew), confident that we will indeed, in His time,  see the goodness of the Lord in the here and now!

Father, it's not easy Lord, but You never promised that it would be.  Please teach us how to do our part in strengthening ourselves in You.  And Lord help us to let patience have its perfect work as we choose day by day, sometimes minute by minute to wait on You.  I do believe on that day we will be able to truly say You have done all things well. We praise You again this morning in advance Lord in Jesus Name Amen

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One thing I have desired of the LORD,

.... That will I seek: That I may dwell in the house of the LORD all the days of my life, to behold the beauty of the LORD, and to inquire in His temple (Psalm 27:4). There was a saying I used to hear quite often years ago, accusing Christians of being so heavenly minded we are no earthly good. And no doubt it is true of some. But one of my heroes Heidi Baker, speaks that after time spent in the presence of God, you can accomplish more in one hour, than eighteen years in your own strength. This is particularly relevant in our busy, busy world, where we rush around from one thing to another, and have no time for anything, especially God. The story of Mary and Martha (Luke 10:38-42). Martha was distracted with much serving, Mary was sitting at Jesus feet and Martha wanted Jesus to rebuke her. Jesus told her “one thing is necessary,” and “Mary has chosen the good part.”

We can be distracted by many things, fear, lust greed, pride, worry etc. David was not living a cloistered life, and if anyone had things to worry about it was David. Yet in seeking God as “one thing,” he could declare “Though an army may encamp against me, my heart shall not fear, ... even then will I be confident (verse 3). And “In the time of trouble .... my head shall be lifted up above my enemies” (verses 5a, 6a). “Therefore” he says “I will offer sacrifice of joy, ... I will sing praises to the Lord” (verse 6). It may seem counter intuitive to sing praises in times of trouble, but it is a powerful weapon of our spiritual warfare. In his seeking, you could almost think David had heard Jesus words “Seek first His Kingdom and His righteousness, and all these things shall be added unto you” (Matthew 6:33).

The phrase “sacrifice of joy” is interesting. In times of trouble likely joy is the last thing on our hearts. I mean I don't feel like it, do you? Well, that's why it is a sacrifice! And as I sought the Lord again this morning, I needed to hear again this familiar refrain “My brethren, count it pure joy whenever you face trials of many kinds, knowing that the testing of your faith produces perseverance” (James 1:2,3). And I needed again to choose perseverance and trust.

Father, under the Old Covenant the presence of God was in just one place, the temple. Under the New Covenant I have Christ in me the hope of Glory. You are beautiful Lord, and as I enquire about the things that concern me, and as I choose again this morning to seek You and Your Kingdom first, I claim again Your promise that You will perfect the things that concern me (Psalm 138:8). Thank You Lord for the necessary reminder of these things. And I praise and bless You Lord, and I receive Your joy in Jesus Name Amen

For your obedience has become known to all.

.... Therefore I rejoice on your behalf; but I want you to be wise in what is good, and simple concerning evil.  And the God of peace will crush Satan under your feet shortly (Romans 16:19, 20).  The very last part of these remarks by Paul to the Roman church, is surly recalling the word of Jesus in Luke 10:19 “Behold, I give you the authority to trample on serpents and scorpions, and over all the power of the enemy, and nothing shall by any means hurt you.” And in many ways the rest of this morning's quotation is a description of what needs to happen in order for us to take up that authority. It starts with obedience. Though we certainly do not do good works before men in order to be seen by them (Matthew 6:1), nevertheless the difference in behaviour from those who do not walk in obedience to the faith (verse 26),  needs to be obvious to all.  Indeed, surly part of what James means by “Faith without works is dead” is that faith without obedience is dead.” It is certainly powerless, and disobedience takes away the legal rights given to us in Luke 10:19 (quoted above).

Paul with John, and all who mentor “have no greater joy than to hear that my children walk in truth (3 John 4). But Paul also wants them to be wise in what is good, and simple concerning evil (verse 19). Obedience, wisdom and truth are all related.  Truth is suppressed by unrighteousness  (Romans 1:20), and in particular by disobedience. On the other hand the deeper things of the Spirit and the Word (including wisdom) belong to those who by reason of use have their senses exercised to discern both good and evil (Hebrews 5:14). Not everything is either black or white,  and part of the wisdom we need to exercise is by practice (and sometimes getting it wrong). We also need to learn to choose the best over the good, and to “abstain from every appearance of evil” (1 Thessalonians 5:22 ). The word for “simple” in verse 19 means “unmixed,” “uncontaminated” (in this case by evil).  In the context of this passage,  it has to do with the growing discernment of one who has come in contact with evil, and is still uncontaminated by it; who by the Spirit has learned to resisted all the plots and schemes the Devil has laid for us; and whose love for what is good and hatred of evil, has  been strengthened by our  obedience. 

It is about consistent obedience, and growing in maturity. Human nature is such that if you do ten things right,  and one thing wrong, that will be remembered is the one wrong thing.  The Lord will redeem our mistakes of course, but it is better to be consistent. “Growing in maturity,” is what the Hebrews reference is about, practice, practice, practice. Finally, about Satan being crushed under our feet, we need to remember that while we have authority when we are walking in the light, ultimately it is “the God of peace” who will crush him under our feet.

Father, clearly peace is an offensive weapon to crush the enemy. Lord, as we seek to walk in full obedience and to grow in discernment, please give us both the faith and confidence to take authority, and to believe that You will indeed crush him under our feet, and to take back what he has stolen from us. And Lord, please do it soon in Jesus Name Amen

Bread gained by deceit is sweet to a man,

....  But afterward his mouth will be filled with gravel (Proverbs 20:17)l Several translations have “food” here instead of “bread,” but the thought is much broader that literal food. Such translations also fail to capture the imagery of what is being said. In particular Proverbs 4:17 talks about eating the bread of wickedness and drinking the wine of violence.  It therefore seems best to interpret bread as that which is gained by deceit and falsehood, i.e. without labour, or by unrighteous means. We read in Proverbs 9:12 that ““Stolen water is sweet, And bread eaten in secret is pleasant.”  That reference is likely to sexual immorality.  There is a “but” however, and it is that afterwards the one eating will find no satisfaction, rather it will result, if not in outright injury, then at least discomfort (mouth filled with gravel)!

The Bible does not pretend there is no pleasure in sin. The pleasures however do not last. In fact, we read about the “pleasures of sin” but we also read that they last only  “for a season” (Hebrews 11:25). So what about afterwards?  Well  “there is a way that seems right to a man, but the end thereof is death” (Proverbs 14:12). We reap what we sow, bad choices have bad fruit (Galatians 6:7). And part of this, is that “He who sins is the servant of sin (John 8:34). 

Many of us (yes me too), had to learn these things the hard way. We though we were getting away with it. The Galatians reference above starts of with “Do not be deceived, God is not mocked.”  We were deceived, but the consequences of our choices caught up with us in the end.  The  agricultual analogy of sowing and reaping is interesting, because crop growth is slow and gradual. And part of why we thought we were getting away with it is that the consequences were cumulative, rather than immediate.  God cursed the earth “for our sake” (Genesis 3:17 NKJV), meaning the fact that sin has consequences,  is designed by God to lead us back to the shepherd of our souls (1 Peter 2:25).  And all this comes with an invitation “Why do you spend money for what is not bread, And your wages for what does not satisfy? Listen carefully to Me, and eat what is good, And let your soul delight itself in abundance”  (Isaiah 55:2). I am reminded that Jesus came that we might have life in all abundance (John 10:10b).

Lord Jesus, we sing in the fellowship “I never want to go back to my old life.”  Many times Lord,  when we are tempted to do so, the memory of our “mouths full of gravel” helps us to choose to stay close to You.  But also Lord it is not just the stick, it is the carrot too, for when we are prepared to delay gratification, we can look forward to the pleasures at Your righthand for evermore (Psalm 16:11). And surly, as many as are mature keep  these things in mind. Thank You for reminding us of them this morning Lord, in Your precious Name Amen

For whatever things were written before

.... were written for our learning, that we through the patience and comfort of the Scriptures might have hope (Romans 15:4). Paul has just quoted an Old Testament Scripture (verse 3) to confirm his teaching to let “each of us please his neighbour for his good, leading to edification” (verses 2). The “things written before” then refer to the Old Testament. We do of course need to know how to interpret and understand them, but note that if we neglect the Old Testament, we are missing out on comfort and hope. Talking about peace and comfort in our last fellowship meeting, one of the participants quoted Isaiah 26:3 “You will keep him in perfect peace, whose mind is stayed on You, because he trusts in You.”

A favourite verse concerning hope, is Jeremiah 29:11 “For I know the thoughts that I think toward you, says the LORD, thoughts of peace and not of evil, to give you a future and a hope.”

The Amplified translation of Isaiah 40:31 talks about those who wait in hope on the Lord, being strengthened and rising up like eagles. And the waiting part of this, speaks of the patience mentioned in this morning's verse. Coming to the word “ whatever,” Paul elsewhere tells us that all Scripture is given by inspiration of God. So then in addition to the comfort and hope the Scriptures provide, he tells us that they are profitable for teaching (the learning of verse 4), for showing us where we went wrong when we did, for helping us to correct and redeem the wrong, and then how to stay away from it (2 Timothy 3:16, 17).

One of the reasons the verse stood out to me from this morning's readings, (apart from the Holy Spirit drawing my attention to it), is that I needed comfort this morning, and I needed to cling to the hope I have received from Him through the Scriptures. And as I meditated on these things, the Lord spoke to me to not throw away my confidence (Hebrews 10:35), and of a verse that someone mentioned in the last meeting of the fellowship, namely “The LORD will perfect that which concerns me” (Psalm 138:8). And I am strengthened and comforted!

Father, I am reminded again how very, very necessary it is for me to come to You and Your word morning by morning. Thank You Lord that when I do this, it gives You to opportunity to comfort me and to revive hope. It is You who does this Lord, but I do have a part to play, and it is like David that I need to strengthen myself in the Lord (1 Samuel 30:6). Help me to do this Lord as I continue to wait on You, and I will give Your the glory in Jesus Name Amen