Therefore do not let your good be spoken of as evil;

for the kingdom of God is not eating and drinking, but righteousness and peace and joy in the Holy Spirit. For the kingdom of God is not eating and drinking, but righteousness and peace and joy in the Holy Spirit (Romans 14:16, 17). Paul has been dealing, not so much  with the question of what is permissible, but rather how what we believe is permissible  affects relationships within the fellowship. We are to receive one who is week in the faith, but not to disputes over doubtful things (verse 1). He cites a brother who eats only vegetables, and one who esteems one day above another (verses 2, 5).  We are not on the one hand to despise our brother,  or judge him on the other. If for example we keep the day, we keep it to the Lord, if we don't keep it is to the Lord that we don't keep it.

It is before our own master that we stand or fall, for  we must all individually give an account of ourselves before the judgement seat of Christ (verses 12, 10). This is not about loosing our salvation, it is about receiving or loosing rewards (1 Corinthians 3:9-15).  There are two points here. We read that the one who does not condemn himself in what he approves is happy, the one who does what he himself does not approve,  is condemned.  The first point then is that whatever is not of faith is sin (verses 22, 23). The second point is that the “stronger” brother can cause the “weaker” brother to stumble. We talk about triggers in recovery. Someone with a drinking problem can be triggered by someone drinking or even one saying he does not have a problem with drinking. These things can cause our brother to stumble. Paul says “Do not destroy the work of God for the sake of food. All things indeed are pure, but it is evil for the man who eats with offense” (verses21, 20). 

It is in this context, causing a brother to stumble,  that Paul tells us to not let our good be spoken of as evil. In a parallel passage he says “if food makes my brother stumble, I will never again eat meat, lest I make my brother stumble” (1 Corinthians 8:13). If our behaviour is causing our brother to stumble, we are not walking in love. Again with the title verse these things are not the essence of the Kingdom, the essence of the Kingdom is “righteousness, peace and joy in the Holy Spirit.” If we are arguing about these doubtful and ultimately unimportant things we are grieving the Holy Spirit, disturbing the peace and quenching our  and other's joy.

Father, forgive us for those times when we have been more concerned to do what I want to do, even at the expense of triggering my brother or sister. And forgive us Lord for those times we have judged others.  Please show us what is important, and draw us close to You so that we might walk in righteousness, and experience Your peace and joy in fellowship with the Holy Spirit. I ask these things in Jesus Name Amen.

The LORD is my shepherd (Psalm 23)

This beloved Psalm never gets old. It is a go to Psalm,  in times of trial, or when we're in need of inspiration. The Lord is my personal shepherd, He pastors me, I am His sheep, he knows me, I am in relationship with Him,  and I hear is voice (John 10:27). As part of this,  “I shall not want. He makes me to lie down in green pastures” (1b, 2a). He not only feeds me, but as I follow Him He supplies all of my needs according to His riches in glory (Philippians 4:19). “He leads me beside the still waters. He restores my soul” (2b, 3a). He leads me, He does not force or control me, though as in 2a, He may interrupt my frantic activity by circumstances,  making me lie down, or slow down. It is however for me, He loves me, He's pastoring me. He invites me “Be still and know that I am God” (Psalm 46:10), and in the stillness of His presence there's healing, restoration and fullness of life  (John 10:10b).

“He leads me in the paths of righteousness,  for His name’s sake” (3b). His Word is a lamp to my feet, it guides me along life's paths and keeps me safe. In following His Word there is both provision and protection. He does this,  not for any righteousness of  mine, but for His Name's sake. It is part of His character,  it's who He is.  “Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil; For You are with me” (4:a, b,c). Death is not to be feared by the one who is following the Shepherd – for “to be absent from the body is to be present with the Lord” (2 Corinthians 5:8). There are many deaths, the death of our dreams, the death of a relationship etc. But He is “with us” in the difficult times. He suffered for us,  and He suffers with us (Philippians 3:10).

“Your rod and Your staff, they comfort me” (4d). Whom the Lord loves He chastens, and even in His chastening He is the God of all comfort (Hebrews 12:6; 2 Corinthians 1:3). “You prepare a table before me in the presence of my enemies” (5a). When a man's ways please the Lord, He makes even his enemies to be at peace with him (Proverbs 16:7). I have experienced this in my own walk! “You anoint my head with oil; My cup runs over” (5b). When we walk in the fullness of Spirit, neither grieving nor quenching Him,  our cup indeed overflows with the joy of His presence (Psalm 16:11 again). “Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me All the days of my life; And I will dwell in the house of the LORD Forever” (6). God's mercy and goodness pursue us, we don't have to earn it, they are right there, they are  freely available. And we shall indeed dwell in God's dwelling place (heaven) for ever,  and ever,  and ever, Amen!

Father, thank You that with Your help I have sought to love You with all my heart,  mind, soul and strengthen, I have learned to say with Paul for me to live is Christ and to die is gain. I praise You Father that Your Word is true and Your paths are pure. I love You Lord, I love You Jesus, I love You Holy Spirit. Three in One love You in Jesus Name Amen

I will declare Your name to My brethren;

....    In the midst of the assembly I will praise You (Psalm 22:22).  The entirety of this Psalm is prophetic and Messianic, predictive of Jesus, and in particular of His suffering. Starting with verse 1 which Jesus from the cross “My God, my God why have You forsaken me,” it goes on from there. In particular, it describes not only the agony of crucifixion years before the Romans invented it (i.e. 14, 15a, 16a, 17), but it is predictive of the casting of lots for His clothing (verse 18),  and of the mockery that He also endured at that time (verses 7, 8). Furthermore, in quoting this morning's title verse in Hebrews 2:12, the “I” is clearly  identified as Jesus. In particular the writer to the Hebrews tells us that it was fitting for Him, for whom are all things and by whom are all things, in bringing many sons to glory, to make the captain of their salvation perfect through sufferings.  He quotes verse 22 of this Psalm, saying that Jesus is not ashamed to call us brethren, and that both He who sanctifies and those who are being sanctified are all of one (Hebrews 2:10-12).

The evidence for the Divine inspiration of Scripture (2 Timothy 3:16), and with it the existence of the God of the Scriptures, is there for anyone who has eyes to see. Anyone that is who does not, by his or her presuppositions,  rule these things out in advance of any investigation. I am reminded of a conversation with a Professor at the University. I had asked him what it would take for him to believe. Referring to the incident reported in Scripture  (Isaiah 38:8), he said that he would believe if the sun went down backwards 10 degrees. I then asked him “Would you really?” He thought for a moment then answered “No, I would find some other explanation!” He describes himself as an atheist, and I have always thought that the atheist has more faith than the Christian, it is just a different faith, a faith in “not God.” I mean more faith, because where is the evidence of “not God?”

Though, as I have said, the proof of God's existence is contained within the pages of the Bible, its primary vehicle of revelation is declaration. In this morning's verse, Jesus declares the Name of the Father to His children. Genesis 1 declares in the beginning God, and that “faith comes by hearing (declaration), and hearing by the Word of God” (Romans 10:17). Again in this morning's verse, in the midst of His suffering (this psalm; Hebrews 2:10),  Jesus models our appropriate response which is praise and worship. When we can truly praise Him in the midst of our suffering, then we know that our faith is real. And remember, God inhabits the praises of His people (Psalm 22:3).

Father, I want to thank You this morning for the depth of Your Word. You tell us Lord that if we meditate on it day and night, abiding in it, obeying it then we will prosper in everything we do (Psalm 1:3) Thank You Lord that You are a rewarder of those who diligently seek You (Hebrews 11:6). Thank You that Your Word is true and that we are one with You, and we give You praise and  glory in Jesus Name Amen

For if their being cast away

.... is the reconciling of the world, what will their acceptance be,  but life from the dead (Romans 11:15)? It was always God's sovereign intention that the Jew should bring salvation to the Gentiles (Genesis 22:18). Jesus,  the Jewish Messiah,  came to His own (the Jew), and His own received Him not, but to as many as received Him He gave the right to become the sons of God (John 1:11, 12). There is a teaching out there,  that the church has replaced the Jew,  and that God is finished with them.  But Paul here is making the opposite case.  Indeed, this morning's verse speaks about their acceptance (reconciliation). God does not make promises (covenants) and then withdraw them, for  “the gifts and the calling of God are irrevocable” (11:29).  “Calling” here  refers primarily (but not exclusively) to God's calling the sinner to repentance and salvation (1:5, 6). Unfortunately for most of its existence the Church has actually persecuted the Jew. Anti-semitism, and the murder of six millions Jews did not,  by any means,  originate with Hitler.

Rather than persecuting the Jew, it was and is, God's intention that the inclusion of the Church should provoke the Jew to jealousy.  It was even predicted! From the lips of Moses we read “I will rouse their jealousy through people who are not even a people” (Deuteronomy 32:21; 11:11). A large part of the  church is ignorant of all this, in spite of Paul explicitly saying  “I do not desire, brethren, that you should be ignorant of this mystery, lest you should be wise in your own opinion, that blindness in part has happened to Israel until the fullness of the Gentiles has come in” (11:25). The fullness of the Gentiles is about the time when all the Gentiles who are going to receive Him, will have received Him. There is also a fullness from among the Jews.  Indeed  “Now if their fall is riches for the world, and their failure riches for the Gentiles, how much more their fullness” (11:12)!

Now I do not pretend that modern day Israel is perfect, far from it. But “he who is without sin should cast the first stone!” But surly,  with Paul,  it should be our heart’s desire and prayer to God for Israel .... that they may be saved” (10:1). And well yes,  we should pray for the Palestinians too, and actually any other people group too. The plight of the  Palestinians is certainly dire, and there are certainly grave injustices from both sides. In the natural any solution to the problem is intractable. For one thing,  among other peoples groups in the Middle East,  the Palestinians are puppets in a proxy war,  with Iran being a prime mover. And how do you make peace with leaders who are committed to your extermination?

Father, Your Word tells us that it is not Your desire that any should perish, but that all come to repentance (2 Peter 3:9). And so this certainly includes both Israel and the Palestinians. You also tell us to pray for the peace of Jerusalem (Psalm 122:6), and so we do this this morning Lord. Also, in identification repentance, I want to repent for myself and the church for its anti-semitism down thought the years,  and its continuation even today. Open our eyes to Your Kingdom purposes Lord,  and help us to extend Your mercy to all in Jesus Name Amen.

May the LORD answer you in the day of trouble;

.... May the name of the God of Jacob defend you (Psalm 20:1).  Job could declare “Man .... is of few days,  and full of trouble” (Job 14:1).  Jesus warned His disciples “In this world you will have trouble, but take heart! I have overcome the world" (John 16:33b). He had just told them He was about to leave the world and go to the Father, and that they, His disciples,  would be scattered (28, 32). He says “I have told you these things, so that in Me you may have peace” (33a). We  cannot escape troubles, but as those who know and love the Lord,  we can choose to tap into His resources to deal with them in a such way that we can appropriate His peace.  It's not automatic!

In keeping with Hebrew thought, asking that the Name of God would protect you, is the same as asking God to protect you.  But asking in the Name of the God of Jacob (rather than Israel), is interesting. In the context of troubles, it recalls the incident when God changed Jacob's name. “Your name shall no longer be called Jacob, but Israel; for you have struggled with God and with men, and have prevailed” (Genesis 32:28).  Jacob had stolen both Esau's birthright and his blessing  (Genesis 25,  27). Esau had threatened to kill him,  and Jacob had fled.  And now years later,  Jacob is returning and learns that Esau is coming to meet him and his family, with four hundred armed men  (Chapter 32).  This was a defining moment for Jacob. Likewise our troubles, our crises, our “days” of intense difficulties, are defining moments for us. They are also crossroads.

There are times when, in my mind's eye, I am standing before God,   He has His arms about me, and I am pummeling His chest with my fists. At such times I am wrestling with God. There are also times when I am suckling on the hairy teat of God. In the first picture I am wrestling though to peace, in the second, I am drinking in His comfort! Some people have wondered how I kept faith at such times, but I'm far too weak in my own strength,  to isolate myself from the source of all peace and comfort.  And the Lord would rather we came to Him with railing accusations,  than to stay away, even if like Jacob, we are essentially reaping what we sow. At lest when we come to Him, He has the chance to answer, to calm us, and to forgive and cleanse us where necessary. Jesus warned  His disciples of trouble,  so that they would know what to do. We go to Him, so that in Him we have peace. It's His peace, it's a gift (John 14:27).

Father, the word translated “deliver” in this morning's verse literally means “to set on high,” as in a hight tower or fortress. Indeed we are seated with You in heavenly places. Lord in Your strength we will not fear those who kill the body, but are not able to kill the soul (Matthew 10:28).  Our lives are in Your hands Father, but there are times we need to wrestle with You in prayer,  and with Jacob to declare “I will not let You go until you bless me” (Genesis 32:26). Please give us the faith and the tenacity to do this Lord,  and we will give You the glory in Jesus Name Amen

Who can discern their own errors?

Cleanse me from,  and forgive my secret faults. Keep back Your servant also from presumptuous sins; Let them not have dominion over me (Psalm 19:12, 13a).  David had just waxed eloquent about the Law, “the commandments of the Lord are pure, enlightening the eyes” (verse 8), that is revealing unknown or unacknowledged sin. It seems that David got to wondering what else was hidden, and in the process cries out to God for forgiveness and cleansing from such. Paul could declare that he knew nothing against himself, but that did not mean that he was blameless (1 Corinthians 4:4). He gives the example that we don't know that covetousness is wrong until the Law told us it is (Roman 7:7). We tend to believe, to conform to,  what our family of origin and/or out culture tells us what is right and wrong. And this is pretty bad, because our culture believes nothing is wrong. At least it says it believes that! It's also bad, because we suppress truth by our unrighteousness (Romans 1:18).

So David is talking both about our hidden faults,  but also about out “presumptuous” sins. The word literally means 'that which boils or bubbles up,' it is a picture of hot emotions ruling the day. He petitions the Lord to restrain him from them. Perhaps David was remembering that the Lord had sent Abigail, Nabal’s wife, to intervene in David's hot intention to revenge Nabal's refusal of help  (1 Samuel 25:4 – 39). The problem with our acting out of anger, or of other passions, is that it tends to weaken both our consciences, and our ability to resist the temptation the next time. In this way, these presumptuous and arrogant sins soon “have dominion” over us. Indeed “he who sins is the servant of sin” (John 8:34). This phenomenon is likely the reason that drug abuse is of such  epidemic proportions in our society.

The Psalm continues with “Then I shall be blameless, And I shall be innocent of great transgression. Let the words of my mouth and the meditation of my heart be acceptable in Your sight, O LORD, my strength and my Redeemer” (verses 13b, 14). “Then,” when the Lord has answered these petitions, David will be blameless, and in particular innocent of the grosser transgressions. It is about learning the discipline of self control. For the Christian this is part of the fruit of the Spirit (Galatians 5:24), and comes as a result of abiding in Christ.  David's last petition in this Psalm is that his thought life and his speech might also conform to blamelessness. Jesus tells us that it is out of the  abundance of the heart that the mouth speaks (Luke 6:45 ). And James tells us that “if anyone does not stumble in word, he is a perfect man, able also to bridle the whole body” (James 3:2).

Father, there is nothing more freeing Lord than to know that there is nothing hindering our fellowship with You.  So please Lord, give us hearts this morning, to please You. Search our hearts Lord,  and see if there be any wicked way within us and lead us in the paths of life (Psalm 139:23, 24). In this way Lord may we perfectly love You and glorify You Holy Name in Jesus Name Amen

Likewise the Spirit also helps in our weaknesses

.... For we do not know what we should pray for as we ought, but the Spirit Himself makes intercession for us with groanings which cannot be uttered (Romans 8:26). Three times in this passage Paul has referres to groanings. In 22 he tells us “For we know that the whole creation groans and labours with birth pangs together until now.”  It groans  because (verse 20) it was subject to futility (perverseness, depravation,  want of vigour – Thayer).  There's something wrong with creation,  something not in keeping with its original purpose. We see it in nature,  red in tooth and claw, we see it in earthquakes etc. In verse 20 we see that it was God who did this, He did it at the fall, cursing the earth “for our sakes” (Genesis 3:17 NKJV). Part of what this means is that though He subjected it to futility, He  also subjected it in hope (all in verse 20).  This duality is likened to childbirth,  where there is struggle and torment and groaning, but there is also the hope in the birth, the birth of the new creation.

This same duality is in those of us who have the firstfruits of the Spirit, we too groan, but not without hope, for we “eagerly wait .... for the redemption of our body” (verse 23).  Paul wants to give us a different perspective on our sufferings, and a different way to handle them.  For example, he considers “that the sufferings of this present time are not worthy to be compared with the glory which shall be revealed in us” (verse 18). He tells us we know that God “works all things work together for good for those who love God, and are the called according to His purpose” (verse 28). But do we really know this? I mean if we truly knew that no matter what happened the good, the bad and the ugly, if we knew that it all worked for our ultimate good, if we truly knew this, then we could relax and enjoy the journey. We could count it all joy when we fell into diverse trials (James 1:2)!

So perhaps the real task is to grow in this knowledge. Not just in head knowledge, but rather in a settled heart knowledge. It's clearly a process, and it starts by choosing to trust Him,  and keeping our minds stayed on Him. In this way we receive His perfect peace (Isaiah 26:3).  Again,  it is not without struggle, for we certainly groan (verse 23). Creation groans, we groan and  “likewise” the Spirit groans. The Holy Spirit, the helper, the comforter, the One called along side of us, the One who helps us in our weakness, He is the One who groans in intercession for us with groanings that cannot be expressed in words (verse 26). In other words the God who suffered for us,  is the God who also suffers with us in our groanings as He shows us the way forward.  

Father, if You be for us who can be against us? You who did not spare Your  Son will You not also with Him give us all things? Surely! There is now no condemnation, we are more than conquers through Him who gave Himself for us. And there is absolutely nothing Lord,  that is able to separate us from Your love. For this, and for may other things Father,  we give You thanks and praise in Jesus Name Amen