Every Creature Under Heaven
�If ye continue in the faith grounded and settled, and be not moved away from the hope of the gospel, which ye have heard, and which was preached to every creature which is under heaven; whereof I Paul am made a minister.� (Colossians 1:23)
Before the Lord ascended back to heaven, He commanded His disciples to �preach the gospel to every creature� (Mark 16:15), and one might receive the impression from the words of our text that this had already been accomplished, just 30 years after the command was given.
Yet, it is hardly plausible to infer from this that Christian missionaries had already reached the entire globe. The problem may be our far-too-limited appreciation of God�s witness in the creation. The phrase �to every creature� in our text could better be read �in everything created.� That is, the gospel that was now being brought in explicit terms to the Colossians was consistent with what they already should have known from God�s great witness in the very structure and behavior of everything He had created.
This is the testimony of such familiar verses as Psalm 19:1 (�the heavens declare . . .�); Romans 1:20 (�the invisible things of him from the creation of the world are clearly seen�); Acts 14:17 (�he left not himself without witness�); and Acts 17:28 (�in him we live, and move, and have our being�). In the verses just preceding our text (Colossians 1:16-22), Paul had defined this universal gospel as embracing the creation, salvation, and consummation of �all things� by Christ (vv. 16-17, 20). The essence of this truth can be seen (if one�s eyes are willing to see it) in �all the world� (v. 6) in the beauty, complexity, unity in diversity, purposefulness, continuance of energy, and process, as found in �every creature which is under heaven.� Every aspect of God�s creation has been designed to reveal Christ as Maker and Savior. HMM
�If ye continue in the faith grounded and settled, and be not moved away from the hope of the gospel, which ye have heard, and which was preached to every creature which is under heaven; whereof I Paul am made a minister.� (Colossians 1:23)
Before the Lord ascended back to heaven, He commanded His disciples to �preach the gospel to every creature� (Mark 16:15), and one might receive the impression from the words of our text that this had already been accomplished, just 30 years after the command was given.
Yet, it is hardly plausible to infer from this that Christian missionaries had already reached the entire globe. The problem may be our far-too-limited appreciation of God�s witness in the creation. The phrase �to every creature� in our text could better be read �in everything created.� That is, the gospel that was now being brought in explicit terms to the Colossians was consistent with what they already should have known from God�s great witness in the very structure and behavior of everything He had created.
This is the testimony of such familiar verses as Psalm 19:1 (�the heavens declare . . .�); Romans 1:20 (�the invisible things of him from the creation of the world are clearly seen�); Acts 14:17 (�he left not himself without witness�); and Acts 17:28 (�in him we live, and move, and have our being�). In the verses just preceding our text (Colossians 1:16-22), Paul had defined this universal gospel as embracing the creation, salvation, and consummation of �all things� by Christ (vv. 16-17, 20). The essence of this truth can be seen (if one�s eyes are willing to see it) in �all the world� (v. 6) in the beauty, complexity, unity in diversity, purposefulness, continuance of energy, and process, as found in �every creature which is under heaven.� Every aspect of God�s creation has been designed to reveal Christ as Maker and Savior. HMM
What God Requires
“And now, Israel, what doth the LORD thy God require of thee, but to fear the LORD thy God, to walk in all his ways, and to love him, and to serve the LORD thy God with all thy heart and with all thy soul, To keep the commandments of the LORD, and his statutes, which I command thee this day for thy good?” (Deuteronomy 10:12-13)
This sounds simple enough, and the people of Israel readily agreed with Moses to do these things. Modern religious liberals cite such a lifestyle as all that is necessary to satisfy God. But the rub is this: Who dares claim to “walk in all his ways, and to love him, and to serve the LORD [his] God with all [his] heart”? Anyone who makes such a claim would be breaking God’s commandment against lying.
Solomon reached a conclusion of like kind: “Let us hear the conclusion of the whole matter: Fear God, and keep his commandments: for this is the whole duty of man” (Ecclesiastes 12:13). Indeed so, but who can “keep his commandments”? “For whosoever shall keep the whole law, and yet offend in one point, he is guilty of all” (James 2:10).
Another favorite verse of the liberals is Micah 6:8: “He hath shewed thee, O man, what is good; and what doth the LORD require of thee, but to do justly, and to love mercy, and to walk humbly with thy God?” Yes, but the problem is that “there is not a just man upon earth, that doeth good, and sinneth not” (Ecclesiastes 7:20).
There was one such man, of course! The Lord Jesus Christ “did no sin,” yet was willing to “bare our sins in his own body on the tree, that we, being dead to sins, should live unto righteousness” (1 Peter 2:22-24). What we could never do, He has done for us. Now, through faith in the finished work of Christ, we have been set free from the bondage of sin and can indeed “have [our] fruit unto holiness, and the end everlasting life” (Romans 6:22). HMM
“And now, Israel, what doth the LORD thy God require of thee, but to fear the LORD thy God, to walk in all his ways, and to love him, and to serve the LORD thy God with all thy heart and with all thy soul, To keep the commandments of the LORD, and his statutes, which I command thee this day for thy good?” (Deuteronomy 10:12-13)
This sounds simple enough, and the people of Israel readily agreed with Moses to do these things. Modern religious liberals cite such a lifestyle as all that is necessary to satisfy God. But the rub is this: Who dares claim to “walk in all his ways, and to love him, and to serve the LORD [his] God with all [his] heart”? Anyone who makes such a claim would be breaking God’s commandment against lying.
Solomon reached a conclusion of like kind: “Let us hear the conclusion of the whole matter: Fear God, and keep his commandments: for this is the whole duty of man” (Ecclesiastes 12:13). Indeed so, but who can “keep his commandments”? “For whosoever shall keep the whole law, and yet offend in one point, he is guilty of all” (James 2:10).
Another favorite verse of the liberals is Micah 6:8: “He hath shewed thee, O man, what is good; and what doth the LORD require of thee, but to do justly, and to love mercy, and to walk humbly with thy God?” Yes, but the problem is that “there is not a just man upon earth, that doeth good, and sinneth not” (Ecclesiastes 7:20).
There was one such man, of course! The Lord Jesus Christ “did no sin,” yet was willing to “bare our sins in his own body on the tree, that we, being dead to sins, should live unto righteousness” (1 Peter 2:22-24). What we could never do, He has done for us. Now, through faith in the finished work of Christ, we have been set free from the bondage of sin and can indeed “have [our] fruit unto holiness, and the end everlasting life” (Romans 6:22). HMM
What Mean These Stones
“When your children shall ask their fathers in time to come, saying, What mean these stones? Then ye shall let your children know.” (Joshua 4:21-22)
The poet George Santayana once said, “Those who cannot learn from history are doomed to repeat it.” In the life of every nation, there are “memories” that must be preserved if that nation is to retain an awareness of its unique role among the nations of the world—indeed, among the long list of nations throughout history.
Long ago, God Himself instituted “memorials” so that the key events of history might be remembered. The rainbow was to remind God of His covenant to preserve life on the earth after the awful destruction of the Flood (Genesis 9:8-17). Jacob set up a stone after he had seen the ladder and spoken with the angel of the Lord (Genesis 28:12-22). Joseph insisted that the children of Israel take his bones with them into the land of promise (Genesis 50:25).
In our text, Joshua is told by the Lord to take 12 stones out of Jordan and make a monument to commemorate the beginning fulfillment of the promise made to Abraham centuries earlier. That day, Israel was to enter the “promised land” and start its conquest of Canaan.
The Memorial Day that we celebrate in the United States began with the ending of the Civil War. Since then, our country has added many memorials. Each of them, whether a mere plaque, a lone statue to a notable person, or a vast and sweeping edifice, are all intended to remember some significant event and the people who made history during that time. Typically, we honor the dead who paid the ultimate price that we might live on—and we should. There are others, though, whose sacrifices in time and treasure were enormous. May our thanks this day “remember” all of them. HMM III
“When your children shall ask their fathers in time to come, saying, What mean these stones? Then ye shall let your children know.” (Joshua 4:21-22)
The poet George Santayana once said, “Those who cannot learn from history are doomed to repeat it.” In the life of every nation, there are “memories” that must be preserved if that nation is to retain an awareness of its unique role among the nations of the world—indeed, among the long list of nations throughout history.
Long ago, God Himself instituted “memorials” so that the key events of history might be remembered. The rainbow was to remind God of His covenant to preserve life on the earth after the awful destruction of the Flood (Genesis 9:8-17). Jacob set up a stone after he had seen the ladder and spoken with the angel of the Lord (Genesis 28:12-22). Joseph insisted that the children of Israel take his bones with them into the land of promise (Genesis 50:25).
In our text, Joshua is told by the Lord to take 12 stones out of Jordan and make a monument to commemorate the beginning fulfillment of the promise made to Abraham centuries earlier. That day, Israel was to enter the “promised land” and start its conquest of Canaan.
The Memorial Day that we celebrate in the United States began with the ending of the Civil War. Since then, our country has added many memorials. Each of them, whether a mere plaque, a lone statue to a notable person, or a vast and sweeping edifice, are all intended to remember some significant event and the people who made history during that time. Typically, we honor the dead who paid the ultimate price that we might live on—and we should. There are others, though, whose sacrifices in time and treasure were enormous. May our thanks this day “remember” all of them. HMM III
Recognize Your Vulnerability 1 Corinthians 10:12-13
Some Christians see a fellow believer fall into sin but fail to acknowledge that they, too, could stumble. That's dangerous. Satan has them right where he wants them: deceived by a false sense of confidence. Three enemies are constantly at work trying to bring us down: the Devil, his world system, and our own treacherous flesh.
Even though believers have a righteous standing before God, we must each, like Paul, acknowledge an internal problem: "sin which dwells in me" (Rom. 7:20). Satan takes full advantage of this weakness, luring us with fleshly and worldly temptations. He stokes our pride so we'll be blinded to our own vulnerability to stumbling.
Christians need to be continually on guard. Since ignorance--of the nature of sin, the strategies of the Enemy, and our own areas of weakness--sets us up for failure, we cannot afford to be careless in our thinking. Anytime you find yourself excusing, redefining, or rationalizing sin, you've lost your sensitivity to the Lord. God's Word must always fill our minds and direct our steps.
If you've drifted from the Lord, turn back to Him by acknowledging your sin and accepting full responsibility for it. Repentance simply means changing your mind and going in a different direction--toward God instead of away from Him.
The next step is harder. Respond with gratitude for the Lord's chastisement. Every time believers fall into sin, God lovingly works to bring them back into a fellowship with Him. His discipline may be painful, but it's always good because it brings us to our senses and reconnects us with our Father.
The Impact of Prayer
1 Thessalonians 5:17-18
Prayer is the lifeblood of an intimate relationship with the Father. But believers often have questions about its power and effectiveness. Don’t hesitate to take your queries to the Lord, dig into Scripture for answers, and seek the counsel of a trusted spiritual mentor. Prayer is too important to neglect.
Will God’s plans fail if I don’t pray? God is not subservient to believers or dependent upon their prayers. The time we invest in speaking with Him involves us in the work that He is doing in our lives and in the world, but He will carry on without us.Laboring alongside the Lord is our privilege.
Does my prayer (or lack thereof) impact God’s work? I believe that Scripture indicates the answer to this question is both yes and no, depending upon the situation. There are times when God’s purpose is set. He is in control and has determined the best course. In the Old Testament, the Lord often prophesied what He would do and then brought those events to pass.
In other cases, “you do not have because you do not ask” (James 4:2). There are some good things that He holds back until we put out prayerful hands to receive them. But because God is a loving Father, He also pours our blessings that we wouldn’t even think to request.
Believer’s prayers have tremendous impact, particularly on their own faith and life. Do you understand what an awesome privilege it is to kneel before the all-powerful Father and know that He listens and will respond? God loves to be good to His children and answer their prayers.
Into His Presence - by Greg Laurie -
Some Christians see a fellow believer fall into sin but fail to acknowledge that they, too, could stumble. That's dangerous. Satan has them right where he wants them: deceived by a false sense of confidence. Three enemies are constantly at work trying to bring us down: the Devil, his world system, and our own treacherous flesh.
Even though believers have a righteous standing before God, we must each, like Paul, acknowledge an internal problem: "sin which dwells in me" (Rom. 7:20). Satan takes full advantage of this weakness, luring us with fleshly and worldly temptations. He stokes our pride so we'll be blinded to our own vulnerability to stumbling.
If you've drifted from the Lord, turn back to Him by acknowledging your sin and accepting full responsibility for it. Repentance simply means changing your mind and going in a different direction--toward God instead of away from Him.
The next step is harder. Respond with gratitude for the Lord's chastisement. Every time believers fall into sin, God lovingly works to bring them back into a fellowship with Him. His discipline may be painful, but it's always good because it brings us to our senses and reconnects us with our Father.
The Impact of Prayer
1 Thessalonians 5:17-18
Prayer is the lifeblood of an intimate relationship with the Father. But believers often have questions about its power and effectiveness. Don’t hesitate to take your queries to the Lord, dig into Scripture for answers, and seek the counsel of a trusted spiritual mentor. Prayer is too important to neglect.
Does my prayer (or lack thereof) impact God’s work? I believe that Scripture indicates the answer to this question is both yes and no, depending upon the situation. There are times when God’s purpose is set. He is in control and has determined the best course. In the Old Testament, the Lord often prophesied what He would do and then brought those events to pass.
In other cases, “you do not have because you do not ask” (James 4:2). There are some good things that He holds back until we put out prayerful hands to receive them. But because God is a loving Father, He also pours our blessings that we wouldn’t even think to request.
Believer’s prayers have tremendous impact, particularly on their own faith and life. Do you understand what an awesome privilege it is to kneel before the all-powerful Father and know that He listens and will respond? God loves to be good to His children and answer their prayers.
Into His Presence - by Greg Laurie -
For the trumpet will sound, and the dead will be raised incorruptible, and we shall be changed. - 1 Corinthians 15:52
According to the Bible, there is a generation that will not see death. Instead they will be removed from the face of the earth in what is known as the rapture of the church. This is what Jesus was referring to in Matthew 24 when He said, "Then two men will be in the field: one will be taken and the other left. Two women will be grinding at the mill: one will be taken and the other left" (verses 40-41).
Instantaneously, millions of believers from around the globe will be caught up into God's presence. Is this event spoken of elsewhere in the Scriptures? Yes, it is. Speaking of the same event, 1 Corinthians 15:51-53 says, "Behold, I tell you a mystery: We shall not all sleep, but we shall all be changed-in a moment, in the twinkling of an eye, at the last trumpet. For the trumpet will sound, and the dead will be raised incorruptible, and we shall be changed. For this corruptible must put on incorruption, and this mortal must put on immortality."
In John 14:2-3 Jesus said, "In My Father's house are many mansions; if it were not so, I would have told you. I go to prepare a place for you. And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again and receive you to Myself; that where I am, there you may be also."
The term used to describe Jesus receiving us to Himself could be translated "to seize by force." That is exactly what He will do. Jesus will return and take His people into His presence.
Christ is coming for His church. He is waiting for those final people to come into His kingdom. And when the time is just right, Christ will return again to this earth.
The Real Thing - by Greg Laurie -
Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly in all wisdom, teaching and admonishing one another in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing with grace in your hearts to the Lord. - Colossians 3:16
"You must spend a lot of time handling counterfeit money to know what it looks like," said Ruth Bell Graham to a man from Scotland Yard, who was in charge of identifying counterfeit money.
"No," he replied. "We never touch the stuff. All day long we just handle the real thing: genuine currency. And when a counterfeit bill comes our way-we can quickly detect it."
As a Christian, you could go nuts trying to keep up with the latest heresies and counterfeit teachings people spread in this world. But if you familiarize yourself with the Word of God and become conversant with it, you will immediately know counterfeit teachings. You will hear someone say something and think, This isn't right. You will know what God's Word truly says and what it doesn't say, because God will give you spiritual discernment.
Spend time today studying the real thing. If ever there was a time we need spiritual discernment, the time is now. In the words of the apostle Paul, "Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly in all wisdom, teaching and admonishing one another in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing with grace in your hearts to the Lord" (Colossians 3:16 NKJV).
God Is Always in Control Isaiah 45:5-7
I admit that I often don�t understand why bad things happen. Even so, I believe that God has a purpose for everything He does or permits. My faith is rooted in the biblical principle that says the Lord is sovereign (Ps. 22:28). He is in absolute control of this universe, the natural and political climate of this earth, and my life and yours.
When we are in the midst of a trial, it is hard to resist crying out, �God, Why is this happening?� Sometimes we get the answer and sometimes we don�t. What we can be sure of is that nothing happens by accident or coincidence. He has a purpose for even our most painful experiences. Moreover, we have His promise to �cause all things to work together for good to those who love God� (Rom. 8:28).
Seeing in advance how the Lord will work evil or hurt for our benefit is very difficult, if not impossible. My limited human perspective doesn�t allow me to grasp His greater plan. However, I can confirm the truth of this biblical promise because the Father�s good handiwork appears all through my pain, hardship, and loss. I have experienced Him turn mourning into gladness and have seen Him reap bountiful blessings and benefits from my darkest hours.
As believers, we must accept that God won�t always make sense to us. Isaiah teaches that His ways and thoughts are higher than our own (Isa. 55:9). He sees the beautifully completed big picture. We can rely on the fact that God is in control, no matter how wildly off-kilter our world seems to spin.
Saving Some
�And of some have compassion, making a difference: And others save with fear, pulling them out of the fire; hating even the garment spotted by the flesh.� (Jude 1:22-23)
In the context of this passage, Jude has been exhorting us to �build up� ourselves in the �most holy faith,� keeping ourselves in God�s love and looking forward to �the mercy of our Lord Jesus Christ� (Jude 1:20-21). The instructions that follow may apply to us and our fellow believers. If so, then these categories would fit the �vessels of . . . dishonour� that Paul alludes to that are in a �great house� (2 Timothy 2:20).
�Of some have compassion, making a difference.� Some of those in our circle of influence need our �pity.� The word choices imply a desperate need that we must attempt to remedy. Many of the Lord�s healing miracles were done because of compassion. We are encouraged to �make a difference� in the lives of those who urgently need the healing of the Word of God.
�Others save with fear, pulling them out of the fire.� These are in jeopardy of eternal judgment. They are truly needy but are more dangerous to deal with. Even the imagery used by Jude is fearful. These are so �spotted� (dirty, filthy) by their fleshly deeds that we must �beware lest ye also, being led away with the error of the wicked, fall from your own stedfastness� (2 Peter 3:17).
Jude�s admonition is also applicable to Paul�s concern for the unsaved Jews that he �might save some of them� (Romans 11:14), or his willingness to become as �them that are without law� so that he might �gain them� and to become �as weak, that I might gain the weak� (1 Corinthians 9:21-22). The instructions are valid for either perspective.
Paul echoes Jude�s concern when he says, �I am made all things to all men, that I might by all means save some� (1 Corinthians 9:22). HMM III
The Able One
�Now unto him that is able to keep you from falling, and to present you faultless before the presence of his glory with exceeding joy, To the only wise God our Saviour, be glory and majesty, dominion and power, both now and ever. Amen.� (Jude 1:24-25)
This beautiful benediction is quoted at the end of many worship times because it summarizes both the core promises and the foundational authority of �the only wise God our Saviour.�
He is able! The precision of the Holy Spirit�s inspired words is always perfect. The ability of the only wise God is not only omnipotent but omniscient as well. The Greek word dunamis signifies not only sufficient innate power to accomplish the task but also the knowledge to perform the job correctly. The leper said, �Lord, if thou wilt, thou canst make me clean� (Matthew 8:2).
He is able to �keep you from falling.� Again, the word choices are absolutely wonderful. God�s ability is used to provide a place of safe custody sufficient to stop any external attack. �But the Lord is faithful, who shall stablish you, and keep you from evil� (2 Thessalonians 3:3). That custody protects our �faultlessness��a condition that is without any flaw. �According as he hath chosen us in him before the foundation of the world, that we should be holy and without blame before him in love� (Ephesians 1:4).
Only God�s omnipotence and omniscience can produce a �new man, which after God is created in righteousness and true holiness� (Ephesians 4:24). God �can do� nothing less. His dunamis is such that �whosoever is born of God doth not commit sin; for his seed remaineth in him: and he cannot sin, because he is born of God� (1 John 3:9).
That is why �the King eternal, immortal, invisible, the only wise God� must be given �honour and glory for ever and ever. Amen� (1 Timothy 1:17). HMM III
Tough Love - by Greg Laurie - https://www.raptureready.com/category/nearing-midnight/
I admit that I often don�t understand why bad things happen. Even so, I believe that God has a purpose for everything He does or permits. My faith is rooted in the biblical principle that says the Lord is sovereign (Ps. 22:28). He is in absolute control of this universe, the natural and political climate of this earth, and my life and yours.
Seeing in advance how the Lord will work evil or hurt for our benefit is very difficult, if not impossible. My limited human perspective doesn�t allow me to grasp His greater plan. However, I can confirm the truth of this biblical promise because the Father�s good handiwork appears all through my pain, hardship, and loss. I have experienced Him turn mourning into gladness and have seen Him reap bountiful blessings and benefits from my darkest hours.
As believers, we must accept that God won�t always make sense to us. Isaiah teaches that His ways and thoughts are higher than our own (Isa. 55:9). He sees the beautifully completed big picture. We can rely on the fact that God is in control, no matter how wildly off-kilter our world seems to spin.
Saving Some
�And of some have compassion, making a difference: And others save with fear, pulling them out of the fire; hating even the garment spotted by the flesh.� (Jude 1:22-23)
In the context of this passage, Jude has been exhorting us to �build up� ourselves in the �most holy faith,� keeping ourselves in God�s love and looking forward to �the mercy of our Lord Jesus Christ� (Jude 1:20-21). The instructions that follow may apply to us and our fellow believers. If so, then these categories would fit the �vessels of . . . dishonour� that Paul alludes to that are in a �great house� (2 Timothy 2:20).
�Of some have compassion, making a difference.� Some of those in our circle of influence need our �pity.� The word choices imply a desperate need that we must attempt to remedy. Many of the Lord�s healing miracles were done because of compassion. We are encouraged to �make a difference� in the lives of those who urgently need the healing of the Word of God.
�Others save with fear, pulling them out of the fire.� These are in jeopardy of eternal judgment. They are truly needy but are more dangerous to deal with. Even the imagery used by Jude is fearful. These are so �spotted� (dirty, filthy) by their fleshly deeds that we must �beware lest ye also, being led away with the error of the wicked, fall from your own stedfastness� (2 Peter 3:17).
Jude�s admonition is also applicable to Paul�s concern for the unsaved Jews that he �might save some of them� (Romans 11:14), or his willingness to become as �them that are without law� so that he might �gain them� and to become �as weak, that I might gain the weak� (1 Corinthians 9:21-22). The instructions are valid for either perspective.
Paul echoes Jude�s concern when he says, �I am made all things to all men, that I might by all means save some� (1 Corinthians 9:22). HMM III
The Able One
�Now unto him that is able to keep you from falling, and to present you faultless before the presence of his glory with exceeding joy, To the only wise God our Saviour, be glory and majesty, dominion and power, both now and ever. Amen.� (Jude 1:24-25)
This beautiful benediction is quoted at the end of many worship times because it summarizes both the core promises and the foundational authority of �the only wise God our Saviour.�
He is able! The precision of the Holy Spirit�s inspired words is always perfect. The ability of the only wise God is not only omnipotent but omniscient as well. The Greek word dunamis signifies not only sufficient innate power to accomplish the task but also the knowledge to perform the job correctly. The leper said, �Lord, if thou wilt, thou canst make me clean� (Matthew 8:2).
He is able to �keep you from falling.� Again, the word choices are absolutely wonderful. God�s ability is used to provide a place of safe custody sufficient to stop any external attack. �But the Lord is faithful, who shall stablish you, and keep you from evil� (2 Thessalonians 3:3). That custody protects our �faultlessness��a condition that is without any flaw. �According as he hath chosen us in him before the foundation of the world, that we should be holy and without blame before him in love� (Ephesians 1:4).
Only God�s omnipotence and omniscience can produce a �new man, which after God is created in righteousness and true holiness� (Ephesians 4:24). God �can do� nothing less. His dunamis is such that �whosoever is born of God doth not commit sin; for his seed remaineth in him: and he cannot sin, because he is born of God� (1 John 3:9).
That is why �the King eternal, immortal, invisible, the only wise God� must be given �honour and glory for ever and ever. Amen� (1 Timothy 1:17). HMM III
Tough Love - by Greg Laurie - https://www.raptureready.com/category/nearing-midnight/
'For the LORD corrects those he loves, just as a father corrects a child in whom he delights.' - Proverbs 3:12
As much as it is important to love our kids and tell them how much we love them, we must also discipline our kids. That is our responsibility as parents.
A trend nowadays is to be your child's friend, not their parent. But they don't need you to be their best friend. They need parental guidance, counsel, and discipline-only you can give that. Only you can be Mom or Dad. They may not like it now but they will thank you later for being a parent and doing what a parent ought to do.
When you discipline your children you actually reflect God's character. God is love. And because He is love, He disciplines us. The Lord says that whom He loves He will discipline (Revelation 3:19). Hebrews 12 says, "For our earthly fathers disciplined us for a few years, doing the best they knew how. But God's discipline is always good for us, so that we might share in his holiness. No discipline is enjoyable while it is happening-it's painful! But afterward there will be a peaceful harvest of right living for those who are trained in this way" (verses 10-11 NLT).
Because God loves us, He disciplines us. Deuteronomy 8:5 says, "You should know in your heart that as a man chastens his son, so the Lord your God chastens you" (NKJV). If you can go and sin without any concern, remorse, or guilt, that would indicate to me you are not even God's child. God makes it hard for you to disobey because He is showing you how much He loves you.
If you don't discipline your children, you don't show them how much you love them-or how much God loves them.
When a Nation Turns Its Back on God 2 Chronicles 33
Hezekiah was a god-fearing king who brought about reformation among the Israelites. His son Manasseh, however, was an evil ruler. He had watched his father walk with God and live according to Scripture. Yet he chose to ignore the Lord.
Manasseh worshipped false gods, even to the point of sacrificing his sons by fire in order to praise Molech. He practiced much evil�including witchcraft and sorcery� and led Israel astray, thereby provoking God to anger. The king, along with the people, paid a high price for his rebellion.
This story illustrates the Lord�s intolerance of a nation�s disregard toward Him. Now consider our country. We, too, are a nation that pushes God aside�one that has turned away from the only true God and embraced idols. Perhaps these aren�t statues of stone, but we worship money, sports ability, fame, and reputation, to name a few.
The United States of America was founded on biblical principles with the intent to guarantee freedom of worship. But over time, we have removed the Lord from many aspects of public life. Prayer in schools, for instance, was deemed unconstitutional. What was once a �nation under God� has turned into a country that tolerates a growing number of sins and yet belittles absolute truth.
If a nation turns its back on the Lord, His judgment is inevitable unless the people repent and make Him Lord once again. As believers, our responsibility is to pray that God would draw the heart of our country back to Himself�and to help the gospel and truth spread through our land.
Unsearchable Things
�It is the glory of God to conceal a thing: but the honour of kings is to search out a matter.� (Proverbs 25:2)
Education is sometimes claimed to be a �search for truth,� and scientists in particular take pride in their �research.� No doubt the scientific method has led to many useful discoveries and inventions, and rulers often have sponsored �government research� for their own ends. Furthermore, God�s primeval �dominion mandate� (Genesis 1:26-28) in effect ordains the conduct of beneficial research.
At the same time, there are some things that are far beyond the research capabilities of human investigations. Yet, they are understandable to the believing heart because these unsearchable things are near to the heart of God, who made us in His image. �I would seek unto God,� Job said, �and unto God would I commit my cause: Which doeth great things and unsearchable; marvellous things without number� (Job 5:8-9).
�Great is the LORD, and greatly to be praised; and his greatness is unsearchable� (Psalm 145:3). �There is no searching of his understanding� (Isaiah 40:28). �Great is our Lord, and of great power: his understanding is infinite� (Psalm 147:5). There is far more to be discovered concerning God and His great creation than all the scientists can ever hope to discover in this life. But those who love Him will have an eternity of time to search out the majestic complexities of His infinite universe, for �eye hath not seen, nor ear heard, neither have entered into the heart of man, the things which God hath prepared for them that love him� (1 Corinthians 2:9-10).
What a marvelous paradox! �O the depth of the riches both of the wisdom and knowledge of God! how unsearchable are his judgments, and his ways past finding out!� (Romans 11:33). Yet unsearchable though they be, Paul, �less than the least of all saints,� was able to �preach among the Gentiles the unsearchable riches of Christ� (Ephesians 3:8). HMM
Hezekiah was a god-fearing king who brought about reformation among the Israelites. His son Manasseh, however, was an evil ruler. He had watched his father walk with God and live according to Scripture. Yet he chose to ignore the Lord.
This story illustrates the Lord�s intolerance of a nation�s disregard toward Him. Now consider our country. We, too, are a nation that pushes God aside�one that has turned away from the only true God and embraced idols. Perhaps these aren�t statues of stone, but we worship money, sports ability, fame, and reputation, to name a few.
The United States of America was founded on biblical principles with the intent to guarantee freedom of worship. But over time, we have removed the Lord from many aspects of public life. Prayer in schools, for instance, was deemed unconstitutional. What was once a �nation under God� has turned into a country that tolerates a growing number of sins and yet belittles absolute truth.
If a nation turns its back on the Lord, His judgment is inevitable unless the people repent and make Him Lord once again. As believers, our responsibility is to pray that God would draw the heart of our country back to Himself�and to help the gospel and truth spread through our land.
Unsearchable Things
�It is the glory of God to conceal a thing: but the honour of kings is to search out a matter.� (Proverbs 25:2)
Education is sometimes claimed to be a �search for truth,� and scientists in particular take pride in their �research.� No doubt the scientific method has led to many useful discoveries and inventions, and rulers often have sponsored �government research� for their own ends. Furthermore, God�s primeval �dominion mandate� (Genesis 1:26-28) in effect ordains the conduct of beneficial research.
At the same time, there are some things that are far beyond the research capabilities of human investigations. Yet, they are understandable to the believing heart because these unsearchable things are near to the heart of God, who made us in His image. �I would seek unto God,� Job said, �and unto God would I commit my cause: Which doeth great things and unsearchable; marvellous things without number� (Job 5:8-9).
�Great is the LORD, and greatly to be praised; and his greatness is unsearchable� (Psalm 145:3). �There is no searching of his understanding� (Isaiah 40:28). �Great is our Lord, and of great power: his understanding is infinite� (Psalm 147:5). There is far more to be discovered concerning God and His great creation than all the scientists can ever hope to discover in this life. But those who love Him will have an eternity of time to search out the majestic complexities of His infinite universe, for �eye hath not seen, nor ear heard, neither have entered into the heart of man, the things which God hath prepared for them that love him� (1 Corinthians 2:9-10).
What a marvelous paradox! �O the depth of the riches both of the wisdom and knowledge of God! how unsearchable are his judgments, and his ways past finding out!� (Romans 11:33). Yet unsearchable though they be, Paul, �less than the least of all saints,� was able to �preach among the Gentiles the unsearchable riches of Christ� (Ephesians 3:8). HMM
Fight to Resolve - by Greg Laurie - www.harvest.org
Understand this, my dear brothers and sisters: You must all be quick to listen, slow to speak, and slow to get angry. - James 1:19
Ruth Graham once said, "A successful marriage is made up of two good forgivers." Good conflicts will arise in your marriage. Have your disagreement and forgive. The objective is not to win. It is to resolve. If you go in it to win, you'll lose even if you win.
And don't fight in front of the kids. In fact, don't fight in front of people in general. Learn how to resolve conflict in private. And learn how to fight fair. When there are boxing matches, there are rules. There are certain things you can and cannot do to your opponent. So, when you sit down with your spouse and you're having a disagreement, first hear them out.
In the Proverbs, we read that a fool answers a matter before he hears it (see Proverbs 18:13). When you get into these things and you're interrupting one another, talking over one another, and yelling over one another, it is counterproductive. Instead, sit down and say, "Tell me why you are upset. Tell me what the issue is." And then shut up and listen. You might learn something.
You might realize that there's a misunderstanding you can now sort out. Then again, they may make a point that's actually valid. Maybe you can see how they perceive or understand what you've said or done. Maybe it came off a certain way, and you didn't mean it that way. Say, "I am sorry. I didn't realize-I won't do that again." Have a calm conversation. Communicate.
Ephesians 4:31-32 says, "Get rid of all bitterness, rage, anger, harsh words, and slander, as well as all types of evil behavior. Instead, be kind to each other, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, just as God through Christ has forgiven you" (NLT).
The Dangers of False Teaching Galatians 1:6-9
The Word of God is truth that's living and able to penetrate human souls (Heb. 4:12). Consider how powerful Scripture is: it can change hearts, save lives from eternal condemnation, and give hope to the hopeless.
Is it any wonder, then, that the Bible is a battlefield of Satan? The Devil will do his best to destroy its message and truth. In fact, this has been our Enemy's continuous goal since he chose to turn from God.
Our heavenly Father has graciously let us know in advance the outcome of this ongoing battle: Truth will prevail. But while the Lord has the ultimate victory, Satan can gain ground among individuals. His tactics are dangerous and deceptive to the unsuspecting. For this reason, we should carefully guard against his attacks, which are hard to recognize unless we are prepared.
False teaching is one of Satan's preferred tactics for leading us astray. At first glance, such instruction often seems to align with Scripture, but do not be misled by the deception. Two things are essential for standing firm against these slippery falsehoods: to be well grounded in the truth of God's Word and to listen to His Spirit. Only then can we recognize the error and avoid the pitfalls of Satan's lies.
The Enemy longs to mislead believers so they'll be ineffective for the kingdom. He also wants to keep all unsaved souls far from salvation through Jesus Christ. Friends, prepare for battle. Grow in the knowledge of truth, and lean on God's Spirit to guide you moment by moment.
God's Shadow
�The breath of our nostrils, the anointed of the LORD, was taken in their pits, of whom we said, Under his shadow we shall live among the heathen.� (Lamentations 4:20)
In the hot desert lands so familiar to the Israelites, a place of shade was considered a blessing wherever it could be found, and this was often taken as a symbol of God�s protection from the hot hatred of their (and His) enemies. In fact, the Hebrew word for �shadow� is used twelve times in the Bible as a type of God�s guarding presence.
The first is in Psalm 17:8: �Keep me as the apple of the eye, hide me under the shadow of thy wings.� Three other times �the shadow of thy wings� is used (Psalm 36:7; 57:1; 63:7). Isaiah speaks of His presence �as the shadow of a great rock in a weary land� and as like being hidden �in the shadow of his hand� (Isaiah 32:2; 49:2; also 51:16). The Lord is compared to �a tabernacle for a shadow in the day time from the heat, and for a place of refuge, and for a covert from storm and from rain� (Isaiah 4:6). He is �a shadow from the heat� and like �the shadow of a cloud� (Isaiah 25:4-5).
The last reference to God�s shadow is in our text above in reference to the forced exile of God�s people into Babylon. In this sad context, Jeremiah laments that even �the anointed of the LORD��that is, literally, the Lord�s Messiah (fulfilled in Jesus Christ)�has been taken captive with His people. He is even called �the breath of our nostrils,� recognizing implicitly that it was He who breathed into man�s nostrils the breath of life in the beginning (Acts 17:25). Thus, He will even be with His people as they undergo their just chastisements; they can even �live among the heathen� under His shadow. No matter how dark our circumstances, we can say with the psalmist: �He that dwelleth in the secret place of the most High shall abide under the shadow of the Almighty. . . . in him will I trust� (Psalm 91:1-2). HMM
Have You Told Her Lately? - by Greg Laurie - www.harvest.org
The Word of God is truth that's living and able to penetrate human souls (Heb. 4:12). Consider how powerful Scripture is: it can change hearts, save lives from eternal condemnation, and give hope to the hopeless.
Is it any wonder, then, that the Bible is a battlefield of Satan? The Devil will do his best to destroy its message and truth. In fact, this has been our Enemy's continuous goal since he chose to turn from God.
False teaching is one of Satan's preferred tactics for leading us astray. At first glance, such instruction often seems to align with Scripture, but do not be misled by the deception. Two things are essential for standing firm against these slippery falsehoods: to be well grounded in the truth of God's Word and to listen to His Spirit. Only then can we recognize the error and avoid the pitfalls of Satan's lies.
The Enemy longs to mislead believers so they'll be ineffective for the kingdom. He also wants to keep all unsaved souls far from salvation through Jesus Christ. Friends, prepare for battle. Grow in the knowledge of truth, and lean on God's Spirit to guide you moment by moment.
God's Shadow
�The breath of our nostrils, the anointed of the LORD, was taken in their pits, of whom we said, Under his shadow we shall live among the heathen.� (Lamentations 4:20)
In the hot desert lands so familiar to the Israelites, a place of shade was considered a blessing wherever it could be found, and this was often taken as a symbol of God�s protection from the hot hatred of their (and His) enemies. In fact, the Hebrew word for �shadow� is used twelve times in the Bible as a type of God�s guarding presence.
The first is in Psalm 17:8: �Keep me as the apple of the eye, hide me under the shadow of thy wings.� Three other times �the shadow of thy wings� is used (Psalm 36:7; 57:1; 63:7). Isaiah speaks of His presence �as the shadow of a great rock in a weary land� and as like being hidden �in the shadow of his hand� (Isaiah 32:2; 49:2; also 51:16). The Lord is compared to �a tabernacle for a shadow in the day time from the heat, and for a place of refuge, and for a covert from storm and from rain� (Isaiah 4:6). He is �a shadow from the heat� and like �the shadow of a cloud� (Isaiah 25:4-5).
The last reference to God�s shadow is in our text above in reference to the forced exile of God�s people into Babylon. In this sad context, Jeremiah laments that even �the anointed of the LORD��that is, literally, the Lord�s Messiah (fulfilled in Jesus Christ)�has been taken captive with His people. He is even called �the breath of our nostrils,� recognizing implicitly that it was He who breathed into man�s nostrils the breath of life in the beginning (Acts 17:25). Thus, He will even be with His people as they undergo their just chastisements; they can even �live among the heathen� under His shadow. No matter how dark our circumstances, we can say with the psalmist: �He that dwelleth in the secret place of the most High shall abide under the shadow of the Almighty. . . . in him will I trust� (Psalm 91:1-2). HMM
Have You Told Her Lately? - by Greg Laurie - www.harvest.org
And walk in love, as Christ also has loved us and given Himself for us, an offering and a sacrifice to God for a sweet-smelling aroma. - Ephesians 5:2
In many marriages, men are spiritually passive at best. But to have a successful marriage the husband must love the wife as Christ loves the church. Ephesians 5:25 says, "Husbands, love your wives, just as Christ loved the church and gave Himself for her" (NKJV). I want you to notice that the man is called to take point here. It is what God requires, and it's not easy.
This talks about expressing love. Women are far more social than men. They get together and start talking. Guys just kind of look at each other-especially if they have never met. I am amazed at how two girls who have never met can immediately become best friends.
The idea is that it's easier for a woman, generally speaking, to express affection, and show affection. They hug each other and say, "I love you." Guys are like, "Love you, bro," and kind of hit each other-maybe give a sort of sideways hug.
But men are just as full of emotion as women are. We feel it. We just express it differently. So here is something: love your wife as Christ loved the church. Don't just think it. Show it. Even better, say it. Proverbs 31 says, "Her children rise up and call her blessed; her husband also, and he praises her" (verse 28 NKJV).
Husbands, brag on your wives in front of your kids. Praise her in front of your friends. Do it in front of complete strangers. Say, "Let me tell you about my wife. She is the greatest wife ever!"
That is something husbands should do. Show affection to your wife. Verbalize it. Compliment her. Wake up, guys! Show her you love her. This models the way that God loves the church and the church loves God.
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