When God says “all”…..He means “all” 

Matthew 22:37 “Jesus said unto him,  Thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all thy heart,  and with all thy soul,  and with all thy mind.”

Deuteronomy 11:1 “Therefore thou shalt love the Lord thy God,  and keep His charge,  and His statues, and His judgements, and His commandments,  alway.”

When the Bible speaks of love….it is speaking of a willed tendency and action of the heart toward something.

Love in the Bible is not just emotion….no,  it is followed by action…which moves us closer to the Person loved.

We are to love the Lord our God with all our heart….we are to open our hearts to Him, and return the love He gives us. 

1 John 4:19 “We love Him, because He first loved us.”

We are to love the Lord our God with all our soul, or will….willingly obeying everything He Wills for us.

We are to love the Lord our God with all our mind….thinking as He does about things…

1 John 2:15 “Love not the world, neither the things that are in the world.  If any man love the world the love of the Father is not in him.”

When we do not do “all” for God,  we get hurt, and so do others.

The example I am going to use is a very Godly king,…..this is an example of denying ourselves in some things….yet not in others….to our hurt.

Jehoshaphat came to power,  and  “sought to the Lord God of his father, and walked in His commandments,”.

He took away the “high places and most of  the groves”, which were places of great wickedness,  that Judah had made (1 Kings 14:22-23)….following the worship of people around them…

….”for a long season”….My people….”hath been without the true God, and without a teaching priest, and without law.” (2 Chronicles 15:3)

Then he sent princes, Levites, and priests out among the cities of Judah:

2 Chronicles 17:9 “And they taught in Judah, and had the book of the law of the Lord with them, and went about throughout all the cities of Judah, and taught the people.”

Judah was coming back to God.

Because of Jehoshaphat’s diligence and obedience,  the Lord blessed him.

2 Chronicles 17:10 “And the fear of the Lord fell upon all the kingdoms of the lands that were round about Judah,  so that they made no war with Jehoshaphat.”

But Jehoshaphat had a weakness….he believed the two nations,  Judah and Israel,  were brothers (which they were,…yet God had separated them)…

…..and so,  when he was at rest and the law was being taught….thinking everything was established in the Lord….

…..he allowed his first born son to marry the king of Israel’s daughter (2 Kings 8:18)…which was Jezebel’s daughter….

….not good.

(How did this happen?   Jezebel was a schemer….seeing Jehoshaphat’s wealth and prosperity….she would have wanted to get her hands on it….or ruin it for Judah.)

This was terrible for the son,  who began to follow the “ways” of Israel, which were idolatry…..instead of the way of the Lord…

Terrible for Jehoshaphat,  for it turned blessing into judgement….for both himself and his kingdom.

2 Chronicles 19:2-3 “And….the seer went out to meet him,  and said to king Jehoshaphat,   Shouldest thou help the ungodly, and love them that hate the Lord?   Therefore is wrath upon thee from before the Lord.

           Nevertheless,  there are good things found in thee, in that thou hast taken away the groves out of the land, and hast prepared thine heart to seek God.”

You see, there is never a time when we can sit down and say…..”I have done all….I have accomplished all….I do not have to be watchful for evil,  any more.”

This son, that Jehoshaphat allowed to marry into Jezebel’s family,  became king….and was a wicked one….turning all Judah back to idolatry. 

2 Chronicles 21:5-6, 11 “Jehoram (Jehoshaphat’s son) was thirty and two years old when he began to reign,  and he reigned eight years in Jerusalem.

           And he walked in the way of the kings of Israel,  like as did the house of Ahab: for he had the daughter of Ahab to wife: and he wrought that which was evil in the eyes of the Lord.

           Moreover he made high places in the mountains of Judah and caused the inhabitants of Jerusalem to commit fornication,  and compelled Judah thereto.”

So much good,  ruined…..because Jehoshaphat had not done “all” for the Lord.

Instead he had allowed what he thought was a good idea,  to corrupt his godliness.

And that ruined the blessing God had for him,  his family, and his nation.

His son was ruined,….and he, in turned ruined God’s people for years….with the wicked influence and direction,  of Jezebel’s daughter.

Mark 12: 30 “And thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all thy heart,  and with all thy soul,  and with all thy mind,  and with all thy strength:  this is the first commandment.”

When God says “all”….He means “all”.

We are to watch ourselves….”Keep yourselves in the love of God, looking for the mercy of our Lord Jesus Christ unto eternal life.” Jude 21

“Look to yourselves,  that we lose not those things which we have wrought,  but that we receive a full reward.”  2 John 8

…and for others.  Jude 22-23 “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.”

If Jehoshaphat had done “all”……his son would not have married into one of the most wicked families….nor been turned to wickedness….which led to his ruin. 

Let us watch….and love the Lord our God first….and with “all”.

The Promise of Christ to my soul 

1 Corinthians 1:30 “But of Him are ye in Christ Jesus, who of God is made unto us wisdom, and righteousness, and sanctification, and redemption:”

I believe the whole Bible was written to the people of God.

Not to the world who will not,  and can not (except the Holy Spirit convicts and enlightens) understand it.

I also believe that the whole Bible speaks of Christ…..from  “In the beginning, God”…..which was Christ speaking the world into being….

….to “Behold, I come quickly…”

As HIs people,  we need to find the treasures of blessing and correction,….and grow thereby.

In 1 Corinthians,  Paul has just been talking to these proud Christians (proud of their gifts, although they had cliches and arguments)….

….and spoke of their calling from the world to Christ and HIs Will.

Paul puts into perspective the reality of all of us…..no matter education, personality,  place, or ability…..we are really:

1 Corinthians 1:26-28 “For ye see your calling, brethren, how that not many wise men after the flesh, not many mighty, not many noble, are called:

        But God hat chosen the foolish things of the world to confound the wise; and God hath chosen the weak things of the world to confound the things which are mighty; 

         And base things of the world, and things which are despised, hath God chosen,  yea, and things which are not, to bring to nought things that are:”

        

Ouch!   This a list of people we do not want to be like, in this world…..

….but that is just it…

……we are not to be part of the world’s judgement any more…..we are to see as God sees.

We are to see ourselves as God sees us…..unable to understand, or lead,  or do rightly…..without Him and HIs grace.

1 Corinthians 1:29 “That no flesh should glory in HIs presence.”

(That is not just in heaven…..but now, when we come before His throne of grace to pray for ourselves or others.)

This is  to see ourselves as we are…..to get honest with God….not just about “them”….or about the situation….but about how we are….and think…..

……then,….the Lord gives us this promise:

1 Corinthians 1:30 “But of Him are ye in Christ Jesus,…”

Here is the beginning of all blessings and help…..to be “in Christ Jesus”….born again by the Spirit of God.

1 Corinthians 1:30 “….Who of God is made unto us wisdom, and righteousness, and sanctification, and redemption:”

Wisdom (how much we need this!):   Wisdom is personal knowledge of God in ever expanding ways. 

James 3:13, 17 “Who is a wise man and endued with knowledge among you?…..

      But that wisdom that is from above is first pure, then peaceable, gentle, and easy to be untreated, full of mercy and good fruits, without partiality and without hypocrisy.”

The Wisdom from Christ, never puts down anyone…as though it is superior…..

…….but raises others up with…..”The Lord showed me this, I hope it helps you too.”

           It brings peace…..not strife.

Righteousness:  Christ applies and imputes His Righteousness to us…..and then we are to be righteous…..to work those obediences and good works that He has for us…..working out what He has worked within 

Philippians 2:12-13 “Wherefore, my beloved, as ye have always obeyed, not as in my presence only, but now much more in my absence,   work out your own salvation with fear and trembling.

         For it is God which worketh in you both to will and to do of His good pleasure.”

           This is righteousness.

Sanctification:  this is to be set aside to God for sacred use….in our personal, everyday lives.   

It is to become holy, or complete….to fulfill the will of God in attitude, action, word, and thought….

……..and it is only done by yielding to and obeying the Holy Spirit within.

Hebrews 12:14 “Follow peace with all men, and holiness, without which no man shall see the Lord:”

(Notice, we can not be holy….or set aside to God, without the right attitude toward our fellow man…..to follow after the peaceful attitude that seeks the good of all men.   

This is not pacifying…..but seeking their peace with God, and being at peace with them….allowing no anger, resentment, or bitterness to linger or stay,  concerning them.)

           Christ Jesus has this for us.

Redemption:  we would think this should have been first,….but….

…..this redemption is…….to be claimed and brought to your original purpose,  in the Will of God.

Christ has redeemed us……are we fulfilling in our lives that redemption?   

       Are we living as we should….having and proclaiming liberty to the captives of the devil and this world?

       Have we known the claim of Christ Jesus on our lives…..not just at some altar…..but everyday?

This is Redemption……

…and again Christ Jesus has it for us.

The Promise of Christ Jesus to my soul is wisdom,  righteousness, sanctification, and redemption…..in my life!

…my life!   Think of it.   

Christ Jesus knew our sin and selfishness…..yet saved us by His sacrifice.

Christ Jesus knew our pride and strife…..yet gives us all we need in HIs life.

Will we have this promise?   Will we yield to the Holy Spirit within….and get the life of Christ….within us….today?

Let this mind be in you. 

We often ask the question…..”How can I be more spiritual?  How can I bear the trials that I am going through?”

Well,  the Philippians were a church born in persecution….yet knew joy.

Philippians 2:1-2 “If there be therefore any consolation in Christ,  if any comfort of love,  if any fellowship of the Spirit,  if any bowels and mercies,

        Fulfil ye my joy,  that ye be likeminded,  having the same love,  being of one accord,  of one mind.”

“Consolation” means anything from comfort and solace….to exhortation.  It is anything spiritually or emotionally that gives us what we need…..

…..Christ sends us His consolation in many ways.

      A word of encouragement…..a call to a friend to see how they are doing…..a passage of scripture….”a hug “(I call them) from the Holy Spirit saying,  I am here with you, in this.

Christ had sought them out…..He had sent Paul to them,  to give them the good news of Salvation.

Christ had shown them His love by saving them and giving them the fellowship of the Spirit.

Christ had shown them mercy,  and grown the church even under persecution….giving them a testimony in all the city.

Now,  Paul says…..don’t become easily offended with others…..or seek a “position” in the church…..but seek to serve in the place you are….

…for Paul knew, that often when our testimony is strong….the devil seeks to get us by “strife, or vain glory”.   

      

Instead,  he says…..look to Christ…

…if we do that,  we can look on others without judgement….rejoicing in any growth of grace each makes.

Philippians 2:5-8 “Let this mind be in you, which was also in Christ Jesus;

        Who, being in the form of God, thought it not robbery to be equal with God;

        But made  Himself of no reputation, and took upon Him the form of a servant, and was made in the likeness of men:

        And being found in fashion as a man, He humbled Himself, and became obedient unto the death, even the death of the cross.”

“Let this mind be in you….me”

       Here is the way we are to think about our path or way before us,….no matter how it is:

Christ Jesus came from the highest glory…..through His own Will and self-denial…

….moved by love of His Father’s Will, and for the love of His own, that He would save.

        He came to the lowest depths….every step,  giving up something….

….He humbled Himself.

He gave up the outward manifestation of His glory and power….He became man, submitting to His Father’s Will in everything.

      (He who could feed 5000,  waited by a well for His disciples to bring back some food,  and asked a Samaritan woman to give His some water)

In everything He kept the goal in view….to honor His Father, and His law….and save all who would come to Him.

In His self-denial,  He stooped to death…..even the death of the cross.

       The death of the cross was not just a horrible, painful way to die,….but shameful…..outside the city….mocked, spit upon, cursed,…

…..all that went on, while the strength, and life slowly left Him…

….and it showed man’s rejection of Him and God….

….until the mass of our putrid sin was placed upon Him….but He still went on in self-denial….till all was accomplished

He did this…..He humbled Himself….He became obedient to death…..even the death of the cross.

And we are to think the same way….to follow His steps….for the love of God and Christ Jesus our Lord.

Self-denial needs to be our constant companion.

But that was not the end:

Philippians 2:9-11 “Wherefore God also hath highly exalted Him, and given Him a name which is above every name.

        That at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, of things in heaven, and things in earth, and things under the earth;

        And that every tongue should confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father.”

Because Christ fulfilled His Work….God….(can you hear the trumpets blowing in heaven?)….”highly exalted Him”.

      Highly is to raise to the highest position….above all others. (Matthew 28:18,  Revelation 3:21)

Not because He is who He is…very God, but because He did what He did…everything the Father wanted!

          

Here the Father manifests Christ’s Victory over all opposition…..raising Him…not just from death, but to a place in His Throne…with all power and authority(Matthew 28:18)

….releasing  His grace to flow out to the redeemed! (Isaiah 53:10-11)

And commanding that at the name of Jesus,  every knee shall bow,  and every tongue shall confess that He is Lord….

….all for the glory of God.

(As Christians, born again ones,  we will bow and confess here in our lives that Jesus is Lord…..our Lord and Savior.

As the lost,  they will bow and confess that Jesus is Lord, at the White Throne Judgement….and then be cast into the Lake of Fire.

       Their knees will bow…..knowing then Who  they rejected here…that Jesus is the Lord and Savior with the power that could have saved them….

….and their tongues will confess it…..their will be no delight….only terror, knowing they refused to receive and confess Him here.)

What is the reason Paul states these truths?  

      Life is hard…..Christianity is harder.   The consolation, that Christ chose them,  each of them…..by the preaching of the gospel and the ministry of the Word….

….should yield unity and one accord with each other.

And the example of Christ’s humbling Himself….should yield submission and love…in all circumstances that they are….and will,  go through.

To what lengths Christ came that I,  a rebellious and wicked sinner might come to Him!

The glory of Christ and the Father is assured….have we entered into our part of it, by bowing to Christ?  And confessing in life….His Lordship?

          

The Centurion’s Faith 

Luke 7:8 “For I also am a man set under authority,  having under me soldiers, and I say unto one,  Go, and he goeth;  and to another, Come, and he cometh;  and to my servant,  Do this, and he doeth it.”

There were very few times the Lord dealt with the Gentiles during His ministry on earth,……but in this instance,  He is very pleased with this Centurion’s faith!

Luke 7:9 “When Jesus heard these things,  He marveled at him,  and turned Him about, and said unto the people that followed Him,   

        I say unto you,  I have not found so great faith, no, not in Israel.”

So let us consider this Centurion’s faith.

First his faith sought out Jesus.   

        The Centurion had a servant, “who was dear unto him”,  who was sick.  He wanted him well…..and having heard of Jesus,  Who had healed many….this Centurion asked the elders of the city to ask Jesus to    “come and heal my servant”.

Then, the Centurion’s faith led him to see,….that Jesus did not need to “come and heal” him…..

….Jesus had but to say in a Word, and it would be done.

          

        But why did he come to this conclusion….surely he knew Jesus was coming to his house to do as he asked…..

….why then,  did he change the request to:  “but say in a word, and my servant will be healed”?

Was it a challenge….testing if Jesus could heal?    

        No,  for that would not be faith….but trial.

When faith really gets into our hearts….it does two things.   It shows us God,  His Might and Wisdom…..

….and it shows us….us,  in our meanness and lack.

Faith had open the eyes of the Centurion to Christ Jesus as God’s Son….and to himself as “unworthy”…..

…..this alone is amazing faith….for it takes us out of ourselves….and anchors our expectation in God.

But notice the message he sends to Jesus:  “…but say in a word,…”

       A word….not prayer, sentence, words…..but “a word”.

His faith had come by hearing of Jesus (Romans 10:17).

      Then it had shown him Who Jesus was…..which had humbled him. (James 4:10)

      Then it had anchored his heart in belief in His Authoritative Word….and so he asks for “a word”.

And he spoke to Jesus by an example that he understood… that he believed His authority to speak that Word.

“I am a man under authority…..and I say,  “Go…and they go”.   I say,  “Come, and they come”.   I say,  “Do this and they do it”.   

       I understand about the word of authority……my authority is from Rome….because I am under the authority of the Empire.

       I understand that Your Word will be done……because You have Authority from God, Your Father.

Speak a Word, and it will be done.”

You will notice that this Centurion did not say….”of Authority”….or “in Authority”…..but “under Authority”.

      “For I also am a man set under authority…”

This is a faith that is now set firmly on the Rock…..for this Centurion knew that the Man Christ Jesus spoke for God….even as he spoke for Rome.

And this man’s faith was honored….

……as he honored the Lord Jesus before the elders of the city…..his own servants….and ultimately the crowd that followed the Lord.

The servant was made  “whole”…..completely healed.

Luke 7:10 “And they that were sent, returning to the house, found the servant whole that had been sick.”

What of our faith?   

      Surely, as we have heard of Christ Jesus,  and have believed in Him….we have faith.

But how far have we yielded to this faith?   

        Have we let this faith show us God…..and ourselves,  and been humbled?

James 4:6 “But He giveth more grace.   Wherefore He saith,  God resisteth the proud, but giveth grace unto the humble.”

        Are we founded on Christ…..and His Word…..for us, as a house on a Rock?(Matthew 7:24-25)

At the Centurion’s faith….Jesus “marveled”…..which means in the Greek….He admired it.

        Jesus had come to Israel as their Messiah……telling that the kingdom of God has come…

…..they loved His miracles and provision…..and His parables….they loved hearing Him….

…..but faith in Jesus…Who He was….had not been grasped by most of them….and Jesus Christ had not been honored by them.

“…I say unto you,  I have not found so great faith,  no, not in Israel.”

But the Centurion’s faith was received into the heart….and the  results were “amazing”!

Let us, who have faith, yield to the many things it brings to us…..and honor our Lord with it.

Romans 5:2-5 “By Whom also we have access by faith into this grace wherein we stand,  

and rejoice in hope of the glory of God.

      And not only so,  but we glory in tribulations (trials) also;

      Knowing that tribulations worketh patience;

      And patience,  experience;

      And experience,  hope:

      And hope maketh not ashamed;  

      Because the love of God is shed abroad in our hearts, by the Holy Ghost which is given unto us.”

Faith gives us all these things…let us have them and use them, to honor and love our Lord.

Pillars of Smoke 

Song of Solomon 3:6 “Who is this that cometh out of the wilderness like pillars of smoke,  perfumed with myrrh and frankincense, with all powders of the merchant?” 

Here, the believers back is turned to the world….coming out of the wilderness.

It is “cometh”…..a determined choice…..Leaving all of the wandering around in the wilderness of this world….behind.

But how is the believer traveling?

Like pillars of smoke.

Smoke is such weak stuff…a puff of air moves it here and there.

But here it is seen as a pillar….steady and strong.

This is a picture of the Holy Spirit filling us (who are weak in ourselves) which makes us strong in the Lord.

If there is smoke….then there is, or has been,   fire….that is what makes the smoke.

In this pillar of smoke we see,….

…..all that speaks of “self”,  “the old man”, or “the flesh” is being burnt up by our self-denial….

…..and then God is empowering us by His Holy Spirit to do.  

We are filled with the Spirit of God, to the degree we are emptied of self.  

(The Holy Spirit is often pictured as “fire”….which purifies, and cleanses.

1 Thessalonians 5:19  “Quench not the Spirit” or don’t put out the fire.)

Galatians 2:20 “I am crucified with Christ:  nevertheless I live;  yet not I, but Christ liveth in me and the life that I now live in the flesh I live by the faith of the Son of God,  Who loved me, and gave Himself for me.”

Joel 2:29-30 “And also upon the servants and upon the handmaids in those days will I pour out My Spirit.  

            And I will show wonders in the heavens and in the earth,  blood, and fire,  and pillars of smoke.”

When God poured out His Spirit on the church on the day of Pentecost,……He opened a way for us…..who are so weak in ourselves….to be “strengthened with might by His Spirit in the inner man” (Ephesians 3:16).

 This “strengthened with might” is of course to have Christ’s life and character flowing through me….into the circumstances I am in,  now….everyday.

            

The truest expression of His Will and influence is, of course, in me.

There His Will will be done most perfectly…..then as we do His Will the Holy Spirit’s influence is felt through us…..

….not that we make others do His Will,  but because we are yielded to the Holy Spirit, and His power is flowing through us….we are strong as pillars of smoke.

The greatest duty in our lives today, as Christians,  is to stand true to Jesus Christ….and we will never be able to stand….until we take our place in subjection to His Kingdom come.

Song of Solomon 3:6 “Who is this that cometh out of the wilderness like pillars of smoke,  perfumed with myrrh and frankincense,  with all powders of the merchant?”

Myrrh speaks of death….we are to die to self, by denying ourselves in every area of our lives (Matthew 16:24)…..and follow the leading of the Lord, by the Holy Spirit.

Romans 6:11-13 “Likewise reckon also yourselves to be dead indeed unto sin,  but alive unto God through Jesus Christ our Lord.

               Let not sin therefore reign in your mortal body,  that ye should obey it in the lust thereof.

                Neither yield your members as instruments of unrighteousness unto sin:  but yield yourselves unto God as those that are alive from the dead,  and your members as instruments unto righteousness unto God.”

(What is our self life?    Self-righteousness, self-pity, self-glory, etc. all are centered around us….our thoughts….our feelings….our hurts….our plans, etc.    

What about God’s thoughts,….God’s plans,…..God’s Will?

We are often unaware of the narrowness of self….till God shows us…and calls us to enter into the fullness of His life….and it is so full.   

He can see beyond today….this pain,  this heart-break,  this success, even….and bring us into what He has planned for us……with Him in it all.

To be filled with the Holy Spirit…He needs a vessel prepared for His filling….

We need to be emptied of the fullness of ourselves.

The Holy Spirit helps us here….we are to yield to Him.)

As Myrrh speaks of death…..it must be, for we must “die” to our self-life…..but God never leaves us there….

So Frankincense speaks of the Lord in His risen and triumphant life….the life He has for us….a life of victory….in Him,  by His Holy Spirit. 

And surely we can not have all Christ has for us (Ephesians 1:3)…. without the enlargement by His Spirit.

(When I say enlargement by His Spirit….think of how ‘small’ our lives are…

….they include ourselves, our family, our “world” of ideas and attitudes.

Yes, the internet has increased our viewpoint……but it has not enlarged our hearts and minds to see the reality in our world……only God, by the Holy Spirit, can give this enlargement of being.

And even more….we are to be enlarged in our attitude toward our circumstances…

….we are to look at them the way God sees them…..pretty hard, considering the narrow span of my experiences.

But God sees everything…..and everyone.   He is never fooled by outward things….and as we yield to Him….He shows us the grand view of things….the way He sees.

Remember, He wants us to be pillars of smoke….strong in Him….coming out of the wilderness of this world…..into more and more intimate fellowship with Him….in our circumstances.)

Our lives are to…..increase in the knowledge of Christ,  increase in goodness (Ephesians 4:32),  increase in the fruits of the Spirit (Galatians 5:22-23),  increase in usefulness to God (2 Peter 1:5-8)…..we are to continue to grow in His grace as long as we are here.

Ephesians 3:19 “And to know the love of Christ, which passeth knowledge,  that ye might be filled with all the fullness of God.”

Jude 20-21 “But ye beloved, building up yourselves on your most holy faith,  praying in the Holy Spirit.

               Keep yourselves in the love of God,  looking for the mercy of our Lord Jesus Christ unto eternal life.”

And all powders of the Merchant….Christ is this Merchant….Who sells without price….

…who does that?   

Only Christ,  Who paid all the price that we might come….

….and eat at His table….and drink the “water of life freely.”  (Revelation 22:17)

Isaiah 55:1-2 “Ho, everyone that thirsteth,  come ye to the waters, and he that hath no money;  come ye,  buy, and eat;  yea, come, buy wine and milk without money and without price.

                Wherefore do ye spend money for that which is not bread?  And your labor for that which satisfieth not?   Hearken diligently unto Me,  and eat that which is good,  and let your soul delight itself in fatness (in fullness of Spirit).”

Are we coming out of our wilderness of this world?

Are we denying ourself,  so that we might be filled with the Holy Spirit?

His promise is that He will make us Pillars of Smoke by His Spirit…..are we yielding?

God always has a Witness to Himself….He always has a Remnant. 

I have always been amazed at God’s Witness.

Even in the worst of times,  He has had a sanctified witness to Himself….in the places and circumstances where they would be heard,…… if any have ears to hear,…and believe.

Samaria, the capitol of Israel,  is being besieged by the king of Syria….and because no one could come in or out….there was famine:

2 Kings 6:25 “And there was a great famine in Samaria; and, behold, they besieged it,  until an ass’s head was sold for fourscore pieces of silver,….”

It had gotten so bad, they were eating the dead,….boiling the flesh off,  rather than starve.

The situation was hopeless….as far as sight was concerned. 

But, as usual, they had forgotten God….

….but not Elisha, the prophet….for he was in the city, too.   

He was gathered with the (spiritual) elders of the city….waiting upon the Lord.

(This is an amazing thing….the Lord putting Elisha in the very same circumstances…..for God could have sent him away from this place,  but God had him there….gathering the spiritual of the city, to pray with him.)

Now the king, becoming angry….sent a messenger to kill Elisha….and the king followed behind….wanting to see it.

The king could have gone to Elisha, before this…..and asked him to ask God to do something….

….but instead,  the king blamed Elisha….because he did not do “something” without him having to come to him and ask.

(Are we this way with God,  not willing to seek Him and His Will for us?  

Going through things we do not need to, because we refuse to humble ourselves?)

The king did not want to humble himself and ask….therefore Elisha waited….

(This is a sad commentary on authorities which will not seek God….

….the people suffer, while they refuse to humble themselves at God’s correction)

But now the wait was over….the king’s foot is at the door where Elisha is…..

….he is finally in the right place, even though it is for the murder of the very man he needs,….. to speak to God for the city.

But  before he can carry out his will….God speaks through Elisha.

It shames the king….but it is the saving of the city.

2 Kings 7:1 “Then Elisha said,  Hear ye the word of the Lord;  Thus saith the Lord,  To morrow about this time shall a measure of fine flour be sold for a shekel, and two measures of barley for a shekel, in the gate of Samaria.”

And it happens…..just as Elisha says….

(It is an interesting story….

That very night,  four lepers who are outside the city….go out to the Syrian camp….”if they die by famine, or by Syrian…what is the difference”.

But they find that the Syrians have fled,….having heard noises which they thought were an army coming against them.

They were so terrified by the noice….which God has done….that they left all their food, clothes, and loot!   

The lepers tell the watchman,  who tells the king,  who sends to see if it is true….

…..and what God has said through Elisha,  comes to pass)

2 Kings 7:16 “And the people went out and spoiled the tents of the Syrians,  so a measure of fine flour was sold for a shekel, and two measures of barley for a shekel, according to the word of the Lord.”

How easy it is for God to work,…..when we seek His Will!

Many years later:

When Nebuchadnezzar had come to Jerusalem and carried away captives….the best of the young men….educated, and well spoken…

….Daniel was one of these….he was called to make this Gentile king aware of God…and His claims on all people…even monarchs.

Daniel was in the palace of Babylon.

Still,  there were many left in Judah.

        Jeremiah was one of these….called to make God’s people, aware of God’s claims.

If they would submit….God would keep them in the land.

But if they refused…and sought out others to deliver…..then some would surely be destroyed…and the rest, carried away captive.

Jeremiah was in Jerusalem.

        And then, when Nebuchadnezzar came the second time and took the carpenters, and workman away….Ezekiel was among them….called to make God’s captive people aware of God’s claims…even in Babylon.

Ezekiel was in the work camps of Babylon.

God’s Witness was a complete one….so was the revelation to these men of the sin of Israel….

Jeremiah 2:11, 13 “Hath a nation changed their gods, which are yet no gods?   But My people have changed their glory for that which doth not profit.

         For My people have committed two evils; they have forsaken Me the fountain of living waters, and hewed them out cisterns, broken cisterns that can hold no water.”

After so many times of deliverance,  so many times of power,  so many times of God manifesting His Presence…..yet they “have forsaken Me”.

Again and again, these three,….in different places,  under different circumstances….stood with God…and declared His Will.

Some believed….some refused.  But they were faithful….in their place….to the people they were called to.

God always has a remnant of believers…..always has a witness…..because our God is Able.

When Christ came to earth….it was not to the Sanhedrin that the angels came….but to Shepherds,….who having heard….went to see…

….and having seen Jesus….

….went away rejoicing and “made known abroad the saying which was told them concerning this child” (Luke 2:17).

God always has His remnant…..

and today……that could be me….it could be you.

Are we ready to speak His word faithfully….in the place we are called….to the people we are called to?

To Know the Love of Jesus 

Song of Solomon 1:2 “Let Him kiss me with the kisses of His mouth:  for Thy love is better than wine.”

I have often wondered how we , as Christians, who say we know Jesus loves us;  can be so indifferent to His love, and to the fellowship of believers.

I have come to the conclusion that it is not “knowing” His love in our minds;  but it is receiving it in our lives, that is the problem.  Because to truly receive His love, we need to receive Him….and to love Him in return.

(Most of us like the idea of love,  who would not?   But to receive Jesus’s love truly,  is to receive Him into our lives.

There used to be a illustration of a husband and wife, just married, and the wife says to her husband:  “OK, dear,  I will see you Wednesday night and Sunday.  Bye for now.”     

So is our relationship with Christ Jesus,  if it is not everyday.)

And what hinders us from opening our lives and receiving His personal love to us?

You know how a child has a fit about something, and is corrected. 

Then the parent tries to gently explain why they were scolded; the child wiggles and turns away, not wanting to receive the parent just then.

The child rejecting the love shown them, to “hurt” them as they were seemingly hurt.

We are the same, as children of our Heavenly Father.

We wiggle, and turn away from the very love we want, because we did not get what we wanted;…..or because we did not want to be “wrong”.

To kiss someone on the mouth is a most intimate form of affection.   You can only kiss one person at a time, this way.  

This is the affection that the believer has, who is longing to receive a closer relationship with Christ Jesus.   

They want more of Him.   They want Him for themselves.  They want to “kiss”. and “to be kissed”,  by no other,  but Him.

This sort of love has gone beyond, “I know I am saved, and that is enough.”

It is:   “I know I am saved, and I want what the Lord has next for me:….I want to know Him as much as I can;…..to come as close to Him as is possible,  here on earth.”

As Jesus said about Mary, who sat at His feet, wanting to catch every word He said:  

“But one thing is needful; and Mary hath chosen that good part,  which shall not be taken away from her.”(Luke 10:42)

This is to know Him, as He truly is…..for to know Him a little in this way,……is to want to know Him more.

This is personality to personality.

This kiss is not the kiss of repentance on the feet of Jesus, though lovely to the Lord:

Luke 7:38 “And stood at His feet behind Him weeping,  and began to wash His feet with tears,  and did wipe them with the hairs of her head,  and kissed His feet,  and anointed them with the ointment.”

Or,

This is not the kiss of the Father for the Prodigal; though the beginning of a renewed life:

Luke 15:20 “And he arose and came unto his father,  but when he was yet a great way off,  his father saw him,  and had compassion,  and ran and fell on his neck,  and kissed him.”

Or,

This is not the kiss of the traitor Judas, which was only a sign for betrayal:

Mark 14:44-45 “And he that betrayed Him had given them a token,  saying,  Whomsoever I will kiss,  the same is He;  take Him,  and lead Him away safely.

                             And as soon as he was come,  he goeth straightway to Him, and saith,  Master, Master, and kissed Him.”

But this is the kiss of a heart that wants to show Jesus all her love,……and also, to receive all His love to her.

Again, the kisses of the mouth are intimate,….one to one.

A relationship like that keeps growing, from here to heaven.

Are there hinderances to remove?  Or obstacles to overcome?

Of course,……but continuing to grow in fellowship,…..we  continue to receive the power and personal authority of His Name, and move into a more intimate fellowship with Him, as King, Who orders all things for His own.

Song of Solomon 1:3-4 “Because of the savor of Thy good ointments Thy name is as ointment poured forth, therefore do the virgins love Thee.

                                           Draw me,  we will run after Thee:  the King hath brought me into His chambers:  we will be glad and rejoice in Thee,  we will remember Thy love more than wine:  the upright love Thee.”

Continuing to receive His love in this more personal relationship,  there is joy, and rejoicing.

We begin to understand what His Name signifies for me.   (His name given in any circumstance, shows what He will be there,….for us.)

It is our recognition of His loveliness,…..both in person and His name;…..but it is “the King”….our King, who brings us into joy and rejoicing.

For, in this fellowship, we come to honor the Lord, not just as our Savior, and our Friend,  but as our King.   Praise God that He is for us!

Do we want this?

Satisfaction 

Jeremiah 2:13 “For My people have committed two evils;  they have forsaken Me the fountain of living waters,  and hewed them out cisterns,  broken cisterns,  that can hold no water.”

Nothing nor anyone,  but God,  can satisfy His people.  

We have a spirit within each man.   It is part of our first creation….and it is the reservoir for the knowledge and light of God.

For the lost,  their spirit is lifeless….it has an impress of the light

    (Like the impressions of a chair on a rug, which has set there for a while….yet now is gone.   The indent is there….but the reality is not.

      

John 1:9 “That was the true Light,  which lighteth every man that cometh into the world.”

    God has set eternity in their hearts,….they know that there is more than this life,  yet often will not come to the Light of God John 3:17-21)

For the Christian, the Holy Spirit indwells our spirit,  making them the “candle of the Lord”….the place of the outflowing of grace and mercy into our lives.

2 Timothy 1:13-14 “Hold fast the form of sound words, which thou hast heard of me, in faith and love which is in Christ Jesus.

       That good thing which was committed unto thee keep by the Holy Ghost which dwelleth in us.”

The Holy Ghost is the means for liveliness and peace.

       We are to “hold fast”…..we are to “keep” what the Holy Spirit has given us,  and shown us to be His Word and Will.

       But this is a joyous thing….it like hugging God, to hold on to HIs Word in our lives…and the effect it has,  is growing satisfaction.

If we let them “slide through our fingers”,  so to speak….we are the losers. 

Jeremiah 2:11 “Hath a nation changed their gods, which are yet not gods?  But My people have changed their glory for that which doth not profit.”

      

“Changed” here,  means to barter away….to dispose of.     Israel was bartering away their glory…..being a nation under God….ruled by Him…

…to follow idols, of gold and wood…..

…for they thought that these idols would “profit” them…..because they would be like the other nations…they would “fit in”….and have respect from them.

                  But there was no profit.

The church also has been negligent in this respect…..

       We have looked for “profit” in the world…..when the only real measure of abundance…is in following Christ. (John 10:10)

2 Corinthians 6:14,16 “Be ye not unequally yoked together with unbelievers:  for what fellowship hath righteousness with unrighteousness? And what communion hath light with darkness?

         And what agreement hath the temple of God with idols?  For ye are the temple of the living God; as God hath said, I will dwell in them, and walk in them; and I will be their God, and they shall be my people.”

We are to walk with God….and not walk after the world.

Paul had started this chapter in Corinthians,   with a picture of a victorious life, even in trials and persecutions.

        (One which was so different than “going along” with the world.)

      “In much patience, in afflictions, in necessities, in distresses, in stripes, in imprisonments, in mobs, in labors,….watching and fasting,…

…whether honored or dishonored,    whether slandered or sought out;    spoken of as deceivers, but not…

…always sorrowing over the lost, yet rejoicing in Christ….as poor, yet showing the true riches of Christ…

….keeping my eye only on Christ,  with the knowledge He gives by the Holy Spirit in love…speaking the word of God in the power of God, with HIs armor around us…

Giving no offense….but in all things approving ourselves as the ministers of God….

….as having nothing,    sharing everything….yet in Christ we possess all we need.”

Paul’s life was one of trials and troubles…..yet grace abounded to him.   He lived day by day in the light and grace of God.

       And he exhorted the church to have the true satisfaction of life…..Christ Jesus the Lord….with an amazing promise:

2 Corinthians 6:17 “Wherefore come out from among them, and be ye separate, saith the Lord, and touch not the unclean thing; and I will receive you.

        And I will be a Father unto you, and ye shall be my sons and daughters, saith the Lord Almighty.”

First, “come out”…..which suggests that the entanglement has already been thought of.

Second,  “be separate”….which means that our attitudes, as well as our actions are to be as unto the Lord….and not unto men.

Third,  “touch not the unclean thing”…..this is leprosy.   

(It is not as the Pharisees, which would consider the shadow of a gentile crossing them as unclean.)

        But leprosy in the Bible always was a type of sin….eating and destroying us.    In other words….do not even touch sin….think of it as leprosy….and stay as far away from it  as possible.

“And I will receive you”…the Greek “receive” is only used here….and means a special blessing.

“And I will be a Father unto you”….For a Father takes responsibility for their children, and leads and guides them into good.

“And ye shall be My sons and daughters”   There are only two places that speak of God having “sons and daughters”.   Here, and…

….Isaiah 43:6-7 “I will say to the north, Give up; and to the south,  Keep not back:  bring my sons from far, and my daughters from the ends of the earth;

        Even every one that is called by My name: for I have created him for my glory, I have formed him;  yea, I have made him.”

“Saith the Lord Almighty.”   Almighty means all-ruling, sovereign.    And the Lord promises to rule within us….guiding and protecting…

……but also to overrule for us…in circumstances and with enemies.

This is an amazing promise….to all who will come out from the world and begin to find their satisfaction in Christ.

      

          

David’s Choice,  and Ours 

David had been king of Israel for years.  He had fought the Lord’s battles to gain all the land that God had given Israel, which had not been theirs before.

He had brought the capital to Jerusalem.  He had victories on every side.

But, as with every believer, there are temptations.  And one of these was a whisper of our adversary, Satan.

1 Chronicles 21:1-2 “And Satan stood up against Israel,  and provoked David to number Israel.

                                   And David said to Joab and to the rulers of the people,  Go, number Israel from Beersheba even to Dan;  and bring the number of them to me,  that I may know it.”

[The children of Israel had been numbered in the wilderness (Numbers 1:2-3,18-19),  after the Tabernacle had been set up, so that they could each be in their place according to their tribes, around the Tabernacle.

And for each to give an offering for the service of the Tabernacle,  according to their tribes.  (Numbers 7:1-2)]

But that was the last time God had said, that all Israel was to be numbered.  

But now David wants to number them.  The record shows that this suggestion was not his idea.

But he did yield to it,  and commanded that Israel be numbered.

1 Chronicles 21:7 “And God was displeased with this thing,  therefore He smote Israel.”

Now, we will pause here and ask:  why did God let Satan tempt David and fall into this sin?

Wasn’t he the man after God’s own heart? (Acts 13:22).   

He was,  but every man is tempted, when he is “drawn away” from God’s will,  by something he wants.  

James 1:14-15 “But every man is tempted,  when he is drawn away of his own lust,  and enticed.

                            Then when lust hath conceived,  it bringeth forth sin;  and sin, when it is finished,  bringeth forth death.”

Certainly David did not want to sin?  

No,  but he did want to see how great he had made his country.    A little pride,  yielded great trouble.

1 Chronicles 21:8 “And David said unto God,  I have sinned greatly,  because I have done this thing:  but now,  I beseech thee,  do away the iniquity of Thy servant,  for I have done very foolishly.”

One thing you could count on with David:  once he knew God was displeased,  he did something about it.

So God gives David a choice:

1 Chronicles 21:9-10, 12 “And the Lord spake unto Gad,  David’s seer, saying, 

Go and tell David,  saying,  Thus saith the Lord,   I offer thee three things:  choose the one of them,  that I may do it unto thee.

                                          Either three years famine,   or three months to be destroyed before thy foes,  while that the sword of thine enemies overtaketh thee;    or else three days the sword of the Lord, even the pestilence, in the land, and the angel of the Lord destroying throughout all the coasts of Israel.      Now therefore advice thyself what word that I shall bring again to Him that sent me.”

God was giving this choice to David to test him.  What did he really think of his God?  Or His Will?

He might think like this:

Three years of famine were harsh,  but they might get by.  Only the weakest would die.

Three months of fighting, where the enemies win. Perhaps he would think,  “I could always take back those lands; and it is only three months.”

Or three days of pestilence—illness, where God indiscriminately kills strong, and weak, old and young, according to His will.

Which would David choose?   

1 Chronicles 21:13 “And David said unto Gad,  I am in a great strait:  let me fall now into the hand of the Lord;  for very great are His mercies:  but let me not fall into the hand of man.”

David chose God’s hands.   God’s ways.   God’s mercy.

To “let me now fall now into the hand of the Lord”.

The pestilence began,  and many (70,000) died.  And God sent an angel to Jerusalem to destroy it;  but the mercy of the Lord, stopped the angel, giving David time to seek the Lord:

1 Chronicles 21:17 “And David said unto God,  Is it not that I commanded the people to be numbered?  Even I it is that have sinned and done evil indeed;  but as for these sheep,  what have they done?  Let thine hand, I pray Thee,  O Lord my God,  be on me,  and on my father’s house;  but not on Thy people,  that they should be plagued.”

David took full responsibility for the sin.  He did not try and point to another,  but confessed fully, and asked that the plague stop for Israel.  

And he got an answer right away.

1 Chronicles 21:18. “Then the angel of the Lord commanded Gad to say to David,  that David should go up,  and set an altar unto the Lord  in the threshingfloor of Ornan the Jebusite.  

(This is where the angel with the sword drawn had been told to stop on his way to Jerusalem.)

                                  

1 Chronicles 21:22-23 “Then David said unto Ornan,  Grant me the place of this threshingfloor,  that I may build an altar therein unto the Lord:  thou shalt grant it to me for the full price:  that the plague may be stayed from the people.

                                     And Ornan said unto David,   Take it to thee,  and let my lord the king do that which is good in his eyes:  lo,  I give thee the oxen also for burnt offerings,  and the threshingfloor instruments for wood,  and the wheat for the meat offering;   I give it all.”

A generous offer,  but…again David’s choice to honor the Lord:

1 Chronicles 21:24  “And king David said to Ornan,   Nay,  but I will verily buy it for the full price:  for I will not take that which is thine for the Lord,  nor offer burnt offerings without cost.”

                     

David would not give another man’s livelihood,  but would only give what was his, by “the full price”.  It was David’s responsibility,  and he would not skimp or bargain.  

(A burnt offering was a sacrifice of love.  David would not offer it, without paying full price for it.)

Six hundred shekels of gold was the price,  so he gave it.  He also built the altar from the lumber of the place, and sacrificed the oxen himself.

1 Chronicles 21:26-27 “And David built there an altar unto the Lord,  and offering burnt offerings and peace offerings,  and called upon the Lord;  and He answered him from heaven by fire upon the altar of burnt offerings.

                                       And the Lord commanded the angel;  and he put up his sword again into the sheath thereof.”

David had sinned.   But he came in full confession and asked for mercy.

David’s choice was God:  His way.  For he knew God to be merciful,  and He was.

What is our choice, when it comes to God’s will and way?  Do we try and bargain a better “price” when it comes to our responsibilities?

Or do we chose God,  believing that even in corrections, He will deal with us in mercy?

Let us…

Hebrews 4:16 “Let us therefore come boldly unto the Throne of Grace that we may obtain mercy and find grace to help in time of need.”

“Let us”…there are many in Hebrews….for the writer is including himself in these exhortations.   “Let us” shows the heart of the writer….for though he is writing them….he is with them in heart and will…..”Come on, let us, keep after the Lord our Shepherd….and turn away from all that would hinder this.”

The writer had just spoken concerning unbelief…

Hebrews 4:1 “Let us therefore fear,  lest,  a promise being left us of entering into His rest, any of you should seem to come short of it”

       (And we should fear not only for ourselves, but for others….who seem to come short of it.)

Unbelief will keep us from every blessing God has for us.   

      Every promise in the Word, and every promise given to us personally is nothing until entered into by faith….

….first, we should have the hope of these things, by the assurance of the Holy Spirit.

       (You may be called to an altar,  or receive a promise in the Bible in answer to prayer…..but then you need to know the confident assurance that God will do it….in your spirit, by the Holy Spirit.)

Then,

Hebrews 4:2-3, 9 “For unto us was the gospel preached, as well as unto them;  but the word preached did not profit them,  not being mixed with faith in them that heard it.

        For we, which have believed do enter into rest, as He has said…..

        There remained therefore a rest for the people of God.”

        Without the element of faith, there is nothing….for faith makes them real….

….first within….

….then by obedience,  in our lives…..we have these promises.

(I’m going to take us on a journey….the Israelites were “preached” to by Moses, often.

…..but also in the Red Sea crossing!    That should have shouted at them what a wonderful God they had….that would deliver them in such a way.

       The tree sweetening the waters should have “preached” that no matter the outward circumstances….God will provide.

       And so the preaching continued….with manna,  with water from a Rock, with Sinai,  with the Ark and Tabernacle.    If they had “heard” the preaching of these….and learned to deny themselves in these smaller lessons….trusting God…

….then,   When they were presented with the land of their promise….

….they would have denied their lives,  rather than deny their God.

        Their “rest” would have been in God…..till He had given them their “rest” in Canaan.

                    It is the same with us…..our “rest” is the promise He gives us now.   How do we enter into that rest?    Have faith in God….for this…..and He will lead us into future “rest”…..till our lives are full of faith in God.)

Therefore, the writer, ends this with:

“Let us” come boldly unto the throne of grace,  that we may obtain mercy, and find grace to help in time of need.”

What is mercy?   It is God’s kindness to sinners.  

        Spiritual mercy are those kindnesses which come to us as HIs born again ones.      Forgiveness,     that gentle nudging of our spirits when we are going the wrong way,     help to pray aright….a lifting of our hearts when sad,  a touch of peace when weary.   How many mercies we receive.

What is grace?  It is the unmerited favor of power….this is power to believe and do.

  This sounds great!  But what is “in time of need”?

Every time we hesitate to believe.   Every time we want to “see” instead of walk by faith.  Every time we want to complain about the lessons along the way….

…”let us” come boldly to the throne of grace to get mercy…and grace to help us.

It is to the throne of grace we come…..God’s Throne made a throne of grace by Jesus.

Hebrews 4:14-16 “Seeing then we have a great High Priest,  that is past into the heavens, Jesus the Son of God, let us hold fast our profession.

        For we have not a High Priest which cannot be touched with the feeling of our infirmities; but was in all points tempted like we are, yet without sin.

       Let us therefore, come boldly unto the throne of grace, that we may obtain mercy, and find grace to help in time of need.”

He knows our infirmities and has therefore a throne of grace where we may obtain mercy….and find grace.

        He understands what we are and how we are,….having made full provision for us….

        So come boldly to His throne to receive what you need.