Tuning back in..."COVID 19"

It's been awhile since this blogger last posted anything.  However, so that the reader would not be distressed on the matter, I have been "listening" "thru the bible" since the year began.  The daily reading program is in I Samuel and Luke.
This morning, I Samuel 17 and 18 tells the story of David and Goliath.  It is important to note that this correlates with one of the most unusual events in my lifetime, "COVID19," also known as "the Coronavirus."  A few weeks before and since the birth of my beautiful granddaughter on March 23, we have been "self-quarantined."  I never went anywhere much anyway but I now have a "travel letter" in case I'm stopped  going to and from work and there is a "shelter in place" nationwide to stay at home to stop the spread of this plague! 
Many deaths, nationwide, almost 17,000, have resulted from this pestilence. But the greatest tragedy, in my mind, is separation of family's and loved ones.  Fortunately, because He said, "nothing will be restrained from them which they have imagined to do," (Gen 11.6) we have technology that allows for face to face viewing as well as, of course, the telephone.
To add a bit of wisdom for this horrific time, the story of David and Goliath seems right on target.  This pestilence could indeed be described as "Goliath."  It has all but stopped our economy in its tracks. Fear has gripped the hearts of unbelievers and in some cases, believers.  We cannot see an end but know it is there.
When David came upon the scene in the book of I Samuel 17, there was a "Giant" who "defied the armies of Israel." (I Sam 17.10)
Because this humble, sincere, honest shepherd boy had learned of things of the Lord at his father's feet and spent time with the Lord while tending the sheep, he had wisdom beyond his years for the "giant" he saw. He had also killed a lion and a bear on behalf of the sheep. He was mocked of his brothers, King Saul and the Giant Goliath.  But the youngest son and brother had learned a thing or two while tending the sheep that the seasoned warriors had not; he said, "...thou (the giant) comest to me with a sword, and with a spear, and with a shield: but I come to thee in the name of the Lord...whom thou hast defied."  In other words, though young, "this wasn't his first 'rodeo.'"
So, this blogger/believer would note that as fearful and scary as our current "giant/COVID19" is, we march on in the "name of the Lord."  We will pick up "five smooth stones," (I Sam 17.40) and demonstrate the Lord's "grace" (the symbolic/spiritual meaning of the number five) during this time.  However, we only need "one stone" (I Sam 17.49) to slay this "COVID 19."  One, in the bible symbolizes God, the Bible and pure power, The number one is also associated with the connection of God and His Son, Jesus, with His one-of-a-kind sacrifice and kindness.  It's HIS power, the One and Only Sovereign Lord that fights our battles, that goes before, stands with and comes behind us in these fearful times. (Col 1.16, I Chr 29.11, Exo 14.14, Ps 28.7, Eph 1.19, 21 and so many more...)
So, dear believer, in the words of the Lord's servant, Moses, at a frightening, anxious time,

 "stand still and see the salvation of the Lord." 

(Exo 14.13)

Oh really?

This blogger has not had any consistent studies to date.  However, this believer is reading the scripture daily.  With that foundation being stated, below is an interesting exchange from work yesterday:

I work in a furniture store and have to turn TV's on and off everyday.  Yesterday, I noted to a coworker, "The TV didn't turn off  yesterday it's still on." My coworker said, "maybe it's a ghost."  I stated,"there isn't any such  thing."  Because He knows I am a believer he quipped, "then, it's the Holy Ghost."  To which I replied, "He is a real person, you know.  The Lord Jesus told us that when He went back to the Father, 'He would send another.'"  My coworker said nothing else but at least the Lord, I believe, channeled His witness thru this believer.

The exchange above came to mind as I read this morning's devotion; "...try the spirits...every spirit that confesseth not the Jesus Christ is come in the flesh is not of God...(but of) antichrist..."  We are over-comers to this because we also understand that "greater is He that is in you, than he that is in the world."  (I Jn 4.1-4)

This same coworker claims to be an atheist, though he had a "wacky" mom who took him to church regularly growing up.  He has said this is the reason he left his home many years before - to "get away from the religion that is shoved down his throat here in the south."  Life circumstances brought him back to the state of his birth and he is now in my view as we work together.  Thus, the exchange was in my heart at his comments about "ghosts."

It is no accident in God's economy that this my job is my "mission field."  I pray over my words or even if certain comments need a reply, thereby avoiding the work of the Holy Spirit in the life of another.  This man, though kind in his behavior towards me, I'm sure mocks me in his mind.  No matter, let's examine the devotional a bit further.

Carnal people will attempt to engage a believer to argumentative actions, if nothing more than for their own amusement.  They really don't care if you or they are right, they just like to see a strong reaction.  John, the beloved, instructs believers to "try the spirits whether they are of God."  If it's the Lord's purpose to open a dialogue with such an one, the believer must know this is the Lord's will and not just to be validated and proven right.

Never use the bible like one would "wildly" swing a sword not knowing how to use such a destructive weapon or even where to hit the target with the most lethal effect.  A wise military strategist would say sometimes to "retreat" is the better option, regardless of the reason.  The reasoning is that one would "live to fight another day."  Make no mistake we are in a spiritual battle.  This is a spiritual fight.

The truth is when this believer prayed that day, one prayer request was to "make me a witness" and this was the first encounter at work.  Nothing else was necessary as a "witness" that day except to "live what I preach."  It's been said an unbeliever is more affected by "seeing" a believer than "hearing" one.

There is a song that says "Make me a blessing to someone today."  That is my heart regarding things of the Lord.  I hope it's yours.  Validation or being credited with a good word or deed are unimportant when measured side by side with His will and for His glory.  Ps 57.7

7's and 2's

My heart was impressed to begin reading thru the Bible this year.  Because this blogger has been saved almost 38 years, studied and heard much preaching over the years, it is difficult to "read thru" without stopping to wonder at the meaning of words, phrases, passages...
Thus, a look at Genesis 7.2.  While boarding the Ark with the animals that were to spared for the coming destruction, a distinction was made between "clean" and "unclean."

• "Of every clean beast thou shalt take to thee by sevens, the male and his female: and of beasts that are not clean by two, the male and his female."

The first reaction to this distinction is that by calling "2" unclean, it seems a direct point is being made that because of "2" (Adam and Even, of course), the world fell into the darkness of sin.  

The second thought is that by using the number "7," concerning the animals - they were innocents in the destruction that was coming.  While both numbers "2 and 7" are referring to animals particularly, it does seem clear that "2" could be representative of the first "2" humans to inhabit the earth,

Scripture represents Seven as the number of completeness and achievement. It obtains much of its meaning from relation to God's creation of all things. The word 'created' is used 7 times teaching God's creative work. There are 7 days in a week and God's Sabbath is on the 7th day.

The Bible was originally divided into 7 major divisions. The Divisions were 1) the Law; 2) the Prophets; 3) the Writings or Psalms; 4) the Gospels and Acts; 5) the General Epistles; 6) the Epistles of Paul, and 7) the book of Revelation. Initially, the total number of books in the Bible was forty-nine, which is 7 x 7, further illustrating the integration of seven into the Word of God.

Focusing on these thoughts concerning the numbers presented, lets view a few more truth's that would further interpret the number "7."

• The number 7 occurs 463 times in 391 verses
• Everywhere one study's this number, it emphasizes "God's perfect, finished work," as in Creation He "rested on the seventh day." (Gen 2.2)

When thinking on the number "2," the words "two-edged sword" come to mind.  Scripture gives three places one can see these words:

1. For the word of God is quick, and powerful, and sharper than any two-edged sword, piercing even to the dividing asunder of soul and spirit, and of the joints and marrow, and is a discerner of the thoughts and intents of the heart. (Heb 4.12)
2. Let the high praises of God be in their mouth, and a two-edged sword in their hand; (Ps 149.6)
3. But her end is bitter as wormwood, sharp as a two-edged sword. (Pro 5.4)

A "two-edged sword" is the worst kind.  It can quite literally "cut both or two ways."  This is so of sin from "two" of the first human beings that plunged the world into darkness.  There are no "if only" scenarios when it comes to sin.  Because the "wages of sin is death..." (Rom 6.23)  However, the remainder of the verse ends this way, "but the gift of God is eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord."  

The lesson of "7's and 2's"  simply stated, is that 7 is MORE than 2.  It took MORE grace than we could ever imagine to make free from sin or to "clean up the unclean."  Noah also built the first altar of sacrifice. (Gen 8.20)  After total destruction of all mankind except those that were in the Ark, an altar was erected to the Lord for sparing those IN the Ark.  

The picture, at least in this bloggers mind of the rule of "7's and 2's," is GRACE.  MORE clean than unclean animals in the ARK.  MORE grace was necessary to the saving of the "two."

The altar erected, as the first act out of the Ark, I believe, is a picture pointing forward in time to the coming of the Lord Jesus.  Every word, chapter and story in scripture point to Him.  If you can't see Him, you need dig a little deeper and pray a little longer.

Conclusion: 7 and 2 is a lesson in Grace needed for the "unclean" or lost.

Are you one of the 7?

If His grace has not found a lodging place in your heart, you can be "one of them."  We would love to tell you more about it and invite you to visit, Grace Baptist Church, Cornelia, GA or another bible believing church in the area, Fairfield Baptist Church, Demorest, GA

In your place...

Before beginning the thoughts in my heart today, may I point out what the Apostle said of those who penned the Holy Writ before him?  I believe this also applies to the writers of New Testament scripture.  The Apostle Peter said, "For the prophecy came not in old time by the will of man: but holy men of God spake as they were moved by the Holy Ghost." (2 Pet 1.21) With these words in view, my prayer is that the reader of this blog will heed the other words penned by the preacher to the Jews.

Humility has been the theme recently in things heard from the pulpit as well as current devotional readings.

First, the definition of "humility" from Webster's 1828 Dictionary;

HUMIL'ITY, noun [Latin humilitas.] 1. In ethics, freedom from pride and arrogance; humbleness of mind; a modest estimate of one's own worth. In theology, humility consists in lowliness of mind; a deep sense of one's own unworthiness in the sight of God, self-abasement, penitence for sin, and submission to the divine will.  Before honor is humility (Prov 15:33).  Serving the Lord with all humility of mind. (Acts 20:19).  2. Act of submission.

Second, scripture containing the word, "humility." 

• The fear of the Lord is the instruction of wisdom; and before honour is humility. (Prov 15.33)
• Before destruction the heart of man is haughty, and before honour is humility. (Prov 18.12)
• By humility and the fear of the Lord are riches, and honour, and life. (Prov 22.4)
• Serving the Lord with all humility of mind, and with many tears, and temptations, ... (Acts 20.19) 
• Let no man beguile you of your reward in a voluntary humility and worshipping of angels, intruding into those things which he hath not seen, vainly puffed up by his fleshly mind, (Col 2.18)
• Which things have indeed a shew of wisdom in will worship, and humility, and neglecting of the body:  (Col 2.23)
• Likewise, ye younger, submit yourselves unto the elder. Yea, all of you be subject one to another, and be clothed with humility: for God resisteth the proud, and giveth grace to the humble. (1 Pet 5.5)

Scriptures highlighting the very word that means "freedom from pride and arrogance," are necessary to the understanding of just what is expected for one to stay "...in your place." It is also necessary to give the verses regarding false humilty for contrast to what is true and real.  The title of this entry comes from a recent message preached from I Samuel 3.1-10.  Little Samuel, in the care of the priest, heard his name called three times.  We, of course, know this was the Lord "calling" Samuel to His service but little Samuel didn't realize it until the wise old man of God pointed the truth out to him.  The focus of this thought is that if Samuel had not been "in his place," as noted in verse nine of the passage, he would not have heard the Lord.  So it is with every believer.  One must be walking in the will of God, as much as possible, in order to hear Him.

There is a divine order in the life of a believer.  Staying in "one's place," is so much better and easier when one practices this order.  Regardless of where one is in life, that order is this, "God first, the man/husband second, the woman/wife third, last are the kids/children."  Further to this order is in I Pet 5.5, "ye younger submit yourselves unto the elder...be subject one to another... (Why?) for God resisteth the proud and giveth grace to the humble."  

The Apostle Peter also explains that if we will do this, "Humble (ourselves) therefore under the mighty hand of God...HE may exalt you in due time."  The hardest thing for this proud flesh to do is to stay humble.  This doesn't mean to be a doormat necessarily and let others walk all over you, unless the Lord has warned or instructed the believer to stay still and quiet while He moves on their behalf.  Remember, the Lord Jesus in Matthew 27.12, 14 never answered His accusers.  The Lord Jesus didn't need to defend His position because He was fulfilling the will of God and He knew it.  That truth alone will help a believer to "hold their tongue" while God fights your battle(s).  Remember also, what David said to the might army of the Philistines as well as the giant Goliath, "...the battle is the Lord's."

The shepherd boy was indeed "exalted" in due time.  As you know it was said that this young man was the greatest King Israel ever had.  He was not perfect and neither are we but when waiting and following the Lord's will in "humility" we will see and marvel at what He does in our lives IF we stay "in our place."

More could be said in many other areas of this truth but we will end here and ask the Lord's blessings on all who consider His will to "stay in your place."

God bless is this bloggers prayer.  Amen Ps 57.7

MORE than "meek and quiet"

The Lord has opened up a fresh look at the life of a believer for this blogger from First Peter.
We are reminded just how unique a Christ centered life should be.  We are told in 1 Peter 2.9 that we are "a chosen...peculiar people" who are to "abstain from fleshly lusts." (1.11)  Thus, it is established that believers are set apart from this world. A glorious study in itself - sanctification. But let us digress. What else sets the believer apart in manner and behavior so that we are not merely just "another religion?" 

For women, particularly, who are the "glory of the man," (I Cor 11.7) our "outward adorning" is not "plaiting the hair...gold...apparel. We are to exhibit...a meek and quiet spirit...which is in the sight of God of great price." (I Pet 3.3, 4)  This description is the complete opposite of what the world holds as beautiful.  In a word, a woman's most 'stunning adornment?' A "meek and quiet spirit."  For some, this is natural. However, for most of us, it takes work!

What are characteristics of this gentle spirit?  Let's look at the following verses. (1 Pet 3.8-21)

• she is compassionate which is one of the highest attributes of our Lord (Jude 1.22, Lam 3.22, 23)
• she is courteous - she believes completely in "preferring others" above herself - always letting others go first (Rom 12.10, Eph 4.32, Phil 2.3)
• she is fair-minded by virtue of being "pitiful" which is another word for tenderhearted -
• she does not gossip because she is more ready to hear than speak (James 1.19) - i.e. she gets her facts straight and even then exercises good judgment because she doesn't want to hurt anyone, before speaking to a matter
• she is interested in peace, even "pursues" it - she thoroughly believes (Rom 12.18)
• she is a prayer warrior - this is how she keeps such a "meek and quite" spirit
• she study's the scripture daily - this is how she is "ready to give an answer...(for) the hope" (she has in Christ when asked
• she exercises "good conversation" - her speech is above reproach because it is without ugly words or implications of others
• she is faithful to any directive of scripture - if we are identified with Christ's resurrection by baptism, then she is baptized in obedience to that directive

Is she always successful in obtaining a "meek and quiet spirit?" Probably not. But she does her best to obey        1 Peter 4.1, 2 because of her love for her Lord. "Forasmuch then as Christ hath suffered for us in the flesh, arm yourselves likewise with the SAME mind: for he that hath suffered in the flesh hath ceased from sin: (living) ...to the will of God."  It's pretty hard to deliberately sin when one is "suffering in the flesh."  

It's true this flesh bucks and kicks against any unpleasant feeling physically, emotionally or spiritually.  But given the lesson regarding the potter and the clay, at times, such squeezing, molding and shaping, no matter how hard or painful, IS necessary. (Isa 64.8, Jer 18.4)

Although the directive of a "meek and quiet spirit" is given to women, it is a lesson to every believer who would be a godly witness for our Lord.

The Lord bless you as you seek His will and way.  Amen