Carried away but not forgotten

2 Kings 17

• V23, ...So was Israel carried away out of their own land to Assyria unto this day.
• V25, ...it was...they feared not the Lord: (so He) sent lions among them, which slew of them.
• V27, ...Then the king of Assyria commanded, (send them a priest) and let him teach them the manner of the God of the land.

Lord, in Thy wrath You remembered mercy for Thy people (Hab 3.2).

So it is in the Christian walk.  No matter how far one strays or resists the Lord, He never forgets His own in mercy.
The people had been given kings, some good, some evil.  The people had practiced so much evil living that God, being the Holy One and Just, had to rend "Israel from the house of David;" (2 Ki 17.21).

Let us never forget that sin has a price.

• ....the wages of sin is death  (Rom 6.23)
• ...God is holy (Ps. 99.9) 
• Be ye holy for I am holy (I Pet 1.16)
• ...whatsoever a man soweth that shall he also reap (Gal 6.7)

While we understand that we are not perfect we are indeed to "strive to enter in" (Lk. 13.4).

Yet, the thought that compels my heart the most in this passage, is that the Lord moved on the heart of the enemy king to make sure this captive people had what they needed for worship.
"Cast down but not destroyed." (2 Cor 4.9)

How to pass on one's "goodly heritage"

Ps. 145.2 "Everyday will I bless thee..." Ps. 145.4 "One generation shall praise thy works to another, and shall declare thy mighty acts." The Psalmist, clearly in the winter of age, realized that the only way to give life lessons to the next generation was personal testimony. My greatest desire is to pass on the "works and mighty acts" the Lord has effected in my life to my precious girl. It is indeed often I remind her to say

• "Lord willing, in this or that."
• "One reaps what one sows."
• "Always ask, "is it the Lord's will?

There are many other life lessons, of course, that may not get passed on, I am confident that my prayers of "His best" for her will come with the life trials and sorrows.  I feel at peace with the knowledge that she has a "goodly heritage" to draw from in the future.  I also feel sure she has learned to seek God's will in making good choices.
My heart is saddened by the thought of many things she must pass through to learn some of life's strongest truths.  But I am glad at the thought that she has a good foundation from which to discern trials and tribulations of life.
In conclusion, by His abundant grace I will continue to "declare His might acts and praise Him" all the day long,
In His Name,
Ps. 57.7

"Jesus loves me, this I know."

---

"I remember thee."—Jeremiah 2:2.

ET us note that Christ delights to think upon His Church, and to look upon her beauty. As the bird returneth often to its nest, and as the wayfarer hastens to his home, so doth the mind continually pursue the object of its choice. We cannot look too often upon that face which we love; we desire always to have our precious things in our sight. It is even so with our Lord Jesus. From all eternity "His delights were with the sons of men"; His thoughts rolled onward to the time when His elect should be born into the world; He viewed them in the mirror of His foreknowledge. "In Thy book," He says, "all my members were written, which in continuance were fashioned, when as yet there was none of them" (Ps. 139:16). When the world was set upon its pillars, He was there, and He set the bounds of the people according to the number of the children of Israel. Many a time before His incarnation, He descended to this lower earth in the similitude of a man; on the plains of Mamre (Gen. 18), by the brook of Jabbok (Gen. 32:24-30), beneath the walls of Jericho (Josh. 5:13), and in the fiery furnace of Babylon (Dan. 3:19, 25), the Son of Man visited His people. Because His soul delighted in them, He could not rest away from them, for His heart longed after them. Never were they absent from His heart, for He had written their names upon His hands, and graven them upon His side. As the breastplate containing the names of the tribes of Israel was the most brilliant ornament worn by the high priest, so the names of Christ's elect were His most precious jewels, and glittered on His heart. We may often forget to meditate upon the perfections of our Lord, but He never ceases to remember us. Let us chide ourselves for past forgetfulness, and pray for grace ever to bear Him in fondest remembrance. Lord, paint upon the eyeballs of my soul the image of Thy Son.
CH Spurgeon

God is bigger...

"What is man that thou art mindful of him?"  Ps. 8.4

And the Lord opened the eyes of the young man...

2 Kings 6.17 records another extraordinary event in the life of Elisha.  Most commentators would probably focus on the chariots of fire surrounding the enemy.  My heart is pressed another way; ...the Lord opened the eyes of the young man; and he saw..."

A profound and foundational biblical truth is given in this passage;
          It is God that opens the blinded heart
          to His glory!
Apart from the Sovereign will of Him who made us, one would never see who He is in the person of the Lord Jesus Christ.  Man gets no credit atall in salvation or the miraculous change of a cold, dark heart.  Scripture, as always, says it best;

• He putteth down one and setteth up another.  (Ps. 75.7)
• He removeth kings, and setteth up kings. (Dan. 2.21)
• He hath mercy on whom He will and whom He will, He hardeneth. (Rom 9.18) 
•  ...the Son quickeneth whom He will. (Jn 5.21)
• It is of the Lord's mercies we are not consumed. (Lam 3.22)

The Lord was not obligated to open the eyes of the faithful servant to the truth Elisha was privy to.  However, in His Sovereign will, mercy and omnipotent way, He did. 
It has been said, the miracle is not that He chose some but that He chose any!
The truth, today, is that God willed this servant, full of good works, to see a deeper meaning of Whom He was serving.  The young man was not serving Elisha but Elisah's God. 
"Whatsoever ye do, do all to the glory of God."  (I Cor 10.31)

Amen, Ps. 57.7

"I will not leave thee"

It is in my heart to write what the Lord seems to impress on my spirit this day.  This morning, my devotion continues and I am in 2 Kings 2:1-11. 
Three times, before leaving this world in a whirlwind (v11), the elder prophet had to separate from the younger man to finish the work God had given him.  Three times, before "going home," he comforted the younger man with these words, (v2, 4 & 6) "I will not leave thee."  The reassurance came after being told by "well-meaning 'friends,'" that the old man was gonna be "taken away." (V3 and 5). 

• Were these men watching to see if Elisha would stand the test?  
• Were they hoping to be in his shoes by way of being under the watchful eye of the revered and respected Elijah?

Elisha was fully aware it was near the time of the older mans departure from this earth.  Clearly, the old prophet saw anxiety in the young man and gave him the reassurance necessary to see Elisha through until he "took up the mantle." (V13).
The words used in the title of this post remind me of Another who said the same thing.  Deuteronmy 31.6, when Moses was going to hand for the leadership to Joshua.  Then again in Hebrews 13.5, the writer reminds the reader of this great truth.

It would seem the Holy Spirit is nudging my heart with this great truth today.  Next door a soul is in the balance, maybe two.  Bad news was given yesterday and although I was not called for, I went.  One question came from the tormented soul's mouth, "I've asked forgiveness but feel no peace as others have explained."  My only response was to "let go of whatever was between the heart and God."  It is all of Him and none of our works.
I do not know the outcome of this conversation yet but I can see the mighty hand of God in the circumstances that brought a beloved son from afar to the side of the loved one.
Yes, Lord, like Elisha I will say to any who question the circumstances, "Yea, I know it, hold ye your peace."  (V3).

In a dark place? Wait, on the Lord. He will deliver...

https://www.biblegateway.com/audio/dramatized/kjv/2Sam.22

2 Samuel 22

22 And David spake unto the Lord the words of this song in the day that the Lord had delivered him out of the hand of all his enemies, and out of the hand of Saul:

²⁰ ... he delivered me, because he delighted in me.

²⁹ ... and the Lord will lighten my darkness. 




WHEN:    I am down                 THEN:  He "lightens my darkness" by His Pronouncement
               I am discouraged                                                              by His Presence
               I am disheartened                                                             by His Promises(s) 

Mercy and favor

It is of the LORD'S mercies that we are not consumed, because his compassions fail not. (Lam 3.22)

There came a day when the Lord, "translated the kingdom from the house of Saul, and to set up the throne of David over Israel."  (2 Sa 3:10)

The word "kingdom" in Hebrew means, "dominion, royal dignity, subject to a king."  

The word "throne" means lofty, covered with a canopy, seat of honour.

While God gave Israel what they wanted in King Saul, it is clear this was not the Lord's perfect will for His people.  Yet, in mercy, the Lord allowed Saul to reign over a "dominion with royal dignity," for a time.  However, Saul's heart was never completely satisfied with the boundaries God gave him.

David, by contrast, ordained of the Lord (I Sa 16.1), was the chosen one to be a King over the people.  God's mercy is reflected in David as he governs and makes choices for his people. (2 Sam 3. 37-39)  "The people understood that day that it was not of the king to slay Abner..." (2 Sam 3.37)

So it is, with the child of God in the NT.  "It is of the Lord's mercies" that we are not consumed.  Just as David had every right to slay the man who betrayed him, so the Lord has every right to destroy us.  

Thus, one of our greatest bible lessons, mercy.  Without Him, we would not know just how big our deliverance from wrath is.  Lord, I pray, my heart will be filled with all mercy to my fellow man as Thou wills it.  With the wise writer, moved by the Holy Ghost to pen, we may also praise Him because,  "It is of the Lord's mercies that we are not consumed, because His compassions fail not."

Selah,

Ps. 57.8

Ruth = (H)"friendship" - daughter-in-law of Naomi, wife of Boaz, and grandmother of David

The book of Ruth is the most perfect example of the Lord's love and care for the individual.  It is an inexhaustible study of His character, compassion and care for His people.  For this entry I would like to focus on Boaz as a type of our "kinsmen Redeemer."
Although my title describes the meaning of the name Ruth, it is also revealing of the Lord's character toward His people.

1. Boaz came (from Bethlehem/house of bread) 2.4
2. Boaz commanded 2.8
3. Boaz cared 2.9
4. Boaz considered (her faith) 2.11,12
5. Boaz comforted 2.13,14
6. Boaz continued (His care for her) 2.16
7. Boaz character (revealed and praised) 2.20

1.  When He "came," how is it He "came" to such a lowly one as Ruth?  He spied her and what did He see that drew His attention?  Surely it wasn't the outward appearance only. He was a wealthy, powerful man in His time.  He would have injured a good reputation by even acknowledging such an one. (I Pet 1.2, Rom 8.30)

ELECTION

2.  But He did see her and knew she needed His watchcare, whether she realized that fact or not.  So, He "commanded" the way she was to go.  (Rom. 8.29)

SOVEREIGNTY

3.  From the beginning, He proved His love by His care for her.  He knew the dangers, although she could not see them. (Jn. 13.1)

COMPASSION

4.  Why would such a rich, powerful, influential man give a care about such a lowly creature?    Boaz made it His business to know all about this woman.  Why?  Ruth never sought the limelight, she was humble as befitted her station but more as befitted her heart.  God honors such a spirit.  (Mt. 6.4, 6, 18)"He that seeth the in secret shall reward thee openly."

COMFORTER

5.  He knew she would have need of nourishment, whether she had considered her need or not.  Often, we get so "busy," we are "too busy for God."  Resting along life's way is every bit as important as doing the Lord's business.  We fail to remember, He was here before we were!  He has never needed us but for reason's known only to Him He "desired/willed" our lives...  He is not a hard taskmaster.

OMNISCIENT

6.  "There shall be showers of blessings...." It is of His good will" He does this or that.  If He chooses to drop us a "few handfuls on purpose." Amen!  Eph.1.5, 9; Phil 2.13

7.  It seems clear that Naomi could see all there was to see and know about this "Kinsman Redeemer."  The aged woman, who had lived through death, bitterness, heartache, trial and sorrow could clearly understand all this Man would benefit them.  Much like the Holy Ghost, who is our Paraclete/called alongside to help, knows all the benefits, blessings and wonderment of adoring and praising the Lord Jesus Christ and the Father.  The Holy Ghost, like Naomi, who will teach, guide and direct us if we only but yield, submit and of course, ask.

Conclusion of this brief study?  Just as the name "Ruth" means "friend," so, the Lord Jesus is One whom we can trust in every part of our lives.  He is after all, "the Alpha and Omega, Beginning and Ending, Bright and Morning Star, Ancient of Days, and a "Friend that sticketh closer than a brother."

 

Why didn't Jonah drown?!

So, I'm reading about Jonah for tonight's class.  The lesson is entitled "correct."  Obviously, the children are to be taught about the consequences of disobedience.  The thought that leaps out at me is this; Why didn't Jonah drown!

Ah, my  favorite doctrine, Sovereignty!

• God commanded (not suggested), "Arise, go to Nineveh..."  

The Lord even told Jonah why He told him to go; "their wickedness is come up before me."  God does not owe any of us an explanation for His commands but in this case, the preacher had a "need to know."

• As you all know, of course, this believer, "went the other way!"

Also, as you all know, Jonah's actions caused others grief.  You know, "the great wind...and mighty tempest in the sea..." that would have sank the ship, in a hurry!
So, "the mariners...knowing only 'a god' could cause such a thing, 'cast lots.'"

• Guess who got the shortest straw?  Yep, right again, Jonah!

Jonah accepted responsibility for this mess and said "cast me forth into the sea; so shall the sea be calm..."
Moral men that they were, they tried a few other things; like rowing harder.  Of course, that didn't work, so, in the end they did as Jonah said.
Now, the interesting part, we know, because the bible said so, that the Lord "had prepared a great fish to swallow up Jonah..."

• We know the rest of the story - 3 days/nights, the fish regurgitating one baptist preacher....

•  Still, the thought I  cannot get away from is "Why didn't Jonah drown?"

• Because, dear christian/reader, God had a purpose.   

God always has a purpose.  He makes no move without one.  Why?  "He has mercy on whom He will." (Jn 5.21, Rom 5.18, Mal 3.16) The Lord purposed to save Nineveh from destruction at this time and determined to use a Baptist preacher to do it despite that preachers objections!

• So, no matter how deep or how long He had to stay under, Jonah COULDN'T drown!  

What a blessed thought, even when I am stiffnecked concerning His will, He will effects events in such a way as to bring me into compliance.  I can not drown!  However, just like Jonah was in the belly of the smelly fish, one can make things harder on oneself if  we don't submit to His will.
You are welcome, have a blessed day!:)

Holding back - Spiritual death for the believer!

Joshua 7 records the story of how one man caused defeat for the whole camp.  The conquest of Jericho was ended in chapter 6.  This Achan must have felt victorious.  He must have also felt proud.  We learn in the OT that "pride goeth before destruction and a haughty spirit before a fall." (Prov. 16.18) 
It seems reasonable and clear that this Achan thought with "God on our side, how can we fail?"  He failed to remember one little thing; all material spoils should have gone to the "house of the Lord," not in his private "kitty." 
God rewards faithfulness but to His glory, not personal gain.  (I Cor. 10.31)
For this act of greed and pride, this man was stoned along with all his family.
Pride and greed have no part in the life of a believer.  It is certain spiritual death!  Deal with covetousness.  Confess prideful thoughts and behaviors.  Then, one may "live and dwell" in Canaan.

...the blessing and the curse...

Deuteronomy 30.1
What is meant by "calling to mind the blessing and the curse?"  It seems one would desire to forget about any evil brought to one's life. 
Here is what the Lord impressed on my heart;
This verse is about being a witness of all God has done, the good and bad.  The writer said "when,"  you call them to mind "among the nations," not if you speak of Him.  When a christian begins to tell, on unction of the Holy Ghost, of the things God has done, it is as natural as breathing to recall what one has been delivered from as well as the blessings and benefits. 
It has been said only one truly guilty can appreciate a pardon.
The Psalmist wrote, "the judgements of the Lord are true and righteous altogether." (Ps. 19.9)

With the above thought, Bro. Spurgeon had a great meditation this day regarding "the Light." See the link below.   It is my desire to stay in His light and speak of "all His judgements."

http://www.spurgeon.org/fcb/fcb.cgi

Why can't I associate with these people?

It's been a while since my last post.  However, the day is getting busier by the moment.  So, I will just stop and see what is in recent devotions.  I have moved on, slowly, in the book of Deuteronomy.  In reviewing recent notes, Deuteronomy 23.1-8 strikes me.  When reading this passage, my mind asked the question, "Who is restricted from entering 'the congregation of the Lord?'"
The answers I found are as follows:

• v1 - the eunch
• v2 - an illegitimate individual
• v3 - those of a different faith or persuasion

The obvious next question is, "why?"  Why would anyone not be welcome in the "congregation of the Lord."  "The congregation..."  God's people were forbidden to associate with the three groups labeled above.  Politically correct?  No, of course not!  Right with God in doing so?  Absolutely!

So, why are the three groups unable to "mix and mingle" with God's people, "the congregation of the Lord?"

Deuteronomy 23.14 reads, "For the Lord thy God walketh in the midst of thy camp, to deliver thee, and to give up thine enemies before thee; therefore shall thy camp be holy:  that He see no unclean thing in thee, and turn away from thee."
I see three things to answer today's question;

1. to deliver thee
2. to give up (destroy) thine enemies
3. be holy

The last point, being the most important to the other two, is key.
He says, "be ye holy, for I am holy." (I Pet 1.16, Lev 11, 19 & 20).  This is not a suggestion, it is a command from the OT & NT!  Logically speaking, "how can one be holy when mixing with unholy things?"
God called Himself an earthly people and a spiritual people.  Jew and Gentile.   If one is "of either group,"  there  is no excuse for being "unequally yoked" with unbelievers or believers (so-called), who practice in any way the characteristics of the three groups mentioned.

Rather than go into lengthy discussions about each group, it is my prayer, that anyone taking the time to read this post, will search out the matter.  The truth is from 2 Cor. 6.17, we are to live "separate" from this present world.  We are not "better than them," but we are to be separate and unspotted (Jms 1.27) from them.  Is it categorically, "us and them?"  Yes.  However, on further meditation, by grace we are in the category, "of some have compassion, making a difference." (Jude v22)

God bless you and keep you as you continue to "work out your own salvation (the way that you live) in fear and trembling." (Phil 2.12)

Good morning,
Today we are reading from the Book of Deuteronomy.  It seems that the story is told in Exodus, retold and the people "numbered" in the book of Numbers and told again one more time in Deuteronomy. 
The book opens with the author's name, "These be the words which Moses spake unto all Israel..." (Deut.1.1)  Then, goes on to tell where the events took place.  God has graciously given us all the details needed to ponder at what He wants us to know about His chosen earthly people.
The first words to strike me were in verse 6 of chapter 1; "...Ye have dwelt long enough in this mount."   Then, verse 21, "Behold the Lord thy God hath set the land before thee: go up, possess it, as the Lord God...hath said unto thee."

"Canaanland" is a real place in the life of Israel.  A place where "milk and honey flows" and all that is needed for sustained physical life is available.

"Canaanland" is a real spiritual place in the life of a believer.  Sadly, however, many never reach that place of "sustained life" in the Lord Jesus.  Oh, they are "born into the family of God, by faith" but never reach a place of contentment, joy and peace that God has promised in His word.

The book opens with "ye have dwelt long enough (here)."  Then the Lord commands, "go up, possess it."  Our spiritual Canaanland is like that but most christians never attain unto it.  Just like only two from the original vast multitude of people in Exodus went in, so it is with God's saved people today.

He saved them from hell to live a joyous, victorious, satisfied life in Him in Canaanland.  Instead, they wander, murmur and fearfully take each step.  Why?  Well, it's no small thing to be called a sheep.  That's a study for another time.

I want to be like Joshua and Caleb who "wholly followed the Lord."  I want Canannland.  I want the best that God has for my life and the lives of my family.

Amen

Wow, can't believe it's been so long since I posted.  Anyway, at present I am still in the OT and have moved on to the book of Numbers.

"Numbering" the people.

"Let all things be done decently 
and in order." 

 I Cor. 14.40

Three things:

1. The protection of the tabernacle encampment:   In Numbers 3 we find Moses, by the Word of the Lord, setting up protection around the tabernacle encampment.  By numbering and placing the tribes noted on four sides, the encampment is surrounded by defenders.  Likewise, God surrounds His people, the church by defenders.  Most of the time it is in each other.  Sometimes, He must supernaturally intervene but always, we are protected.
2. The protection of the tabernacle, itself.   In Numbers 7 we find that the tabernacle is protected only on 3 sides, north, south and west.  Why not East?  This believer observes that the distinction given to the East, usually refers to the Lord Jesus, Himself.  So, there is no need for a defender on the East regarding the tabernacle because He is our Defender! 
3. The blessing of the defenders. 7:89 reads this way; "And when Moses was gone into the tabernacle of the congregation to speak with him, then he heard the voice of one speaking unto him from off the mercy seat that was upon the ark of testimony, from between the two cherubims: and he spake unto him."  After the heads of the Levite tribe, faithfully and sacrificially, gave 12 offerings for the 12 tribes, God spoke to the undershephard.  

• So it should be the desire of every local assembly that God would not stop speaking to the individual or His preacher.  Recently this christian heard, by recorded message, an old man of God point out that the sure sign of judgement is when God stops speaking to His people.  Lord, please never let it be so.  

•  Also, noted is the sacrificial giving in this 7th chapter.  So, that when the people give to take care of their pastor and church leaders, He also returns the blessing.  Bro. Willard Thomas preached to us that "you can never outgive God."  The scriptures tell us and the Lord proves this truth over and over.  Amen.