Longing For God’s Presence

The Ark of God was stolen by the Philistines a few years before Saul became the first king of Israel, 1 Samuel 4:3-11.  After plagues and other calamities the Philistines decided that they had better send the ark back.  It was placed on a cart and sent on its way pulled by two cows.   Knowing of God’s awesome power, the men who intercepted the cart could not keep back their curiosity.  They had to open the ark and look in.  God killed 50,070 men that day because they touched the ark.

It was then taken to the house of Abinadab and there it stayed for 20 years because they were afraid to move it, 1 Samuel 7:1-2.  It is here that some believe that David wrote of the opportunities to huddle himself down before the ark of God as the light would shine on it through the window of Abinadad’s home.

Psalm 91:1, He who dwells in the secret place of the Most High shall abide under the shadow of the Almighty.

Finally, David determined that the ark had been gone long enough and retrieved it, but incorrectly.  As a result a man died for touching the Ark.  Until he could find out how to correctly transport it it was left in the house of Obed-Edom for three months.  During that time God blessed Obed-Edom and everything he had, 2 Samuel 6:11; 1 Chronicles 13:14.

Once David finally had the Ark safely transported to Jerusalem, guess who also moved to Jerusalem to help care for the the Ark.  Obed-Edom.  God’s presence was so impacting that he could not live without it.

My question is, what ever happened to Abinadab who had the Ark for 20 years.  Did he begin to take God’s presence for granted?

True Worship Example 2

1 Chronicles 21:24 Then King David said to Ornan, “No, but I will surely but it for the full price, for I will not take what is yours for the Lord, nor offer burnt offerings with that which costs me nothing.”

Ornan tried to give David a piece of land to worship God on, but David insisted on paying for it.  As I give myself as an offering of worship, like incense, my praise and prayer becomes a sweet fragrance at the throne of God.  The more effort I put into my time spent with God the more it cost me and the sweeter it becomes.

True Worship Example

Luke 7:37-38 And behold, a woman in the city who was a sinner, when she knew that Jesus sat at the table in the Pharisee’s house, brought an alabaster flask of fragrant oil, and stood at His feet behind Him weeping; and she began to wash His feet with her tears, and wiped them with the hair of her head; and she kissed His feet and anointed them with the fragrant oil.

Here is worship.  It was costly… humble… personal… broken… poured out… fragrant!

Jesus had just sat down at the table of a Pharisee to eat.  It would seem that this Pharisee was anything but hospitable.  He did not follow the courtesy customs.  He did not wash the dust from Jesus feet and wipe them.  And, he did not anoint Him with perfume to refresh Him from His sweaty journey.

While Jesus is reclining at the six inch high table, this sinful woman barges in and begins to cry at His feet.  Because Simon the Pharisee did not wash Jesus’ feet for Him, her tears made puddles of mud.  She begins to wipe the mud from His feet with her hair.  Then she pours her perfume on Him.  Notice, this woman is still a sinner until verse 50.

The PEACE of God

Shalom

I have been to Romania several times. The first Romanian word I learned was Pace (poch-ay) which means peace. But, it is a sacred word used only as a Christian greeting.

Even today in Israel the Jews use the word Shalom as a greeting meaning peace. But peace is an over simplified definition.

It is derived from the root word Shalam which means wholeness, complete, to make good or restore, have friendship, keep safe and make secure.

The first letter, Shin, means consume. God’s completeness in us needs to consume us.

The second letter, Lamed, is the tallest letter as well as the center letter of the Hebrew alphabet. It represents the King of kings, but also means control as in a shepherd’s staff. In the ancient writings the Lamed was a hooked staff that a shepherd would carry. God’s peace seems to evade us when things are out of control. But when we rest in His peace the out of control is in His control. This comes through the King of kings, our Great Shepherd.

The third letter in Shalom is the Vav. This letter represent the nail or hook that holds everything together. In one blog I show how it represents Jesus. It can also represent “and,” holding two thoughts together. God’s peace holds it all together through Jesus Christ.

The final letter is the Mem which is water. Some have said that it is the wellspring of the Torah. True Shalom could not come from the Law until Jesus became the fulfillment of that law.

The first time it is used in scripture is following God’s description to Abraham of the future of his children in Egypt. Then He assures him, Now as for you, you shall go to your fathers in peace; you shall be buried at a good old age Genesis 15:15.

Abraham is promised to live long and die in completeness.

This was the theme of Jesus intimate prayer in John 17. This prayer followed His last meal with the disciples and was one of the last things He did before heading off to the garden to pray in preparation of His betrayal.

It was here that Jesus prayed for oneness between His followers, Himself and the Father.

What was the very first thing Jesus said to His disciples following His resurrection as He walked through the locked doors in John’s gospel? “Peace be unto you.”

In an out-of-control word I say to you . . .

Shalom!

Salvation Through Joseph Who?

From the standpoint of many the very simple means of salvation is elitist. They feel that the simple message of Jesus is unfair because it offers only one way to God. According to scripture salvation is through Jesus Christ. Simple? It should be and yet many want to find other doors.

• John 14:6 Jesus said to him, “I am the way, the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through Me.”
• Acts 4:12 Nor is there salvation in any other, for there is no other name under heaven given among men by which we must be saved.
• 1 Timothy 2:5 For there is one God and one Mediator between God and men, the Man Christ Jesus.

But this is not what the Mormon church teaches (LDS). Take a look at the following and discover their idea of salvation:

• “This church…only true and living church upon the face of the whole earth” (Doctrine and Covenants, 1:30)
• Apostle Bruce McConkie states: “There is no salvation outside The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints” (Mormon Doctrine, p.670).
• Marion Romney said, “This Church is the ensign on the mountain spoken of by the Old Testament prophets. It is the way, the truth, and the life” (Conference Report, April, 1961, p.119).
• Mormon president and prophet Brigham Young declared: “he that confesseth not that Jesus has come in the flesh and sent Joseph Smith with the fullness of the Gospel to this generation, is not of God, but anti-christ” (Journal of Discourses, vol.9, p312).
• (There is) “no salvation without accepting Joseph Smith” (Joseph Fielding Smith, in Doctrines of Salvation, vol.1, p.190).
• “No man or woman in this dispensation will ever enter into the celestial kingdom of God without the consent of Joseph Smith” (Brigham Young, in Journal of Discourses, vol.7, p.289).
• Bruce McConkie states: “If it had not been for Joseph Smith and the restoration, there would be no salvation” (Mormon Doctrine, p.670).
• Brigham Young stated: “Every man and woman must have the certificate of Joseph Smith, junior, as a passport to their entrance into the mansion where God and Christ are” (Journal of Discourses. vol.7, p.289).

Either Jesus was right or He was wrong. If He was wrong then that why is scripture so incorrect. If scripture is incorrect then it is a free-for-all on what truth really is. Could I not start a teaching that says that only those who eat at KFC will enter heaven? Come on!

Do not fall for the story lines of anyone who has a teaching that is contrary to what the Bible says! The message is simple; it is through Jesus Christ and Him alone!

New Ear, New Life

Pierced

Luke 22:50 And one of them struck the servant of the high priest and cut off his right ear.

The setting is on the Mount of Olives, where Jesus often went to pray. But, on this night it was interrupted by a group let by Judas to take Jesus away.

Peter had warned Jesus that he would be willing to fight to the death for Jesus and now he is ready to prove it. Ok, he didn’t go after any of the leaders, but it was the servant of the High Priest. Ok, he did not fatally wound him, but he did happen to catch his ear.

Peter meant well, he just could not get past his fears. And yet, how interesting that God was able to take lousy aim and bring about a blessing.

Until about 10 years ago, I always pictured Jesus picking up the servant’s ear and putting it back on him and healing it. But that is not what happens.

Luke 22:51 But Jesus answered and said, “Permit even this.” And He touched his ear and healed him.

Dr Luke is detailed here. It was the right ear. Jesus did not put his old ear back on but touch what was left of his ear and healed him. Do you see what has possibly happened here? Let’s look at the facts:

1. This man, named Malchus, was a servant, a servant of the High Priest.
2. It was his right ear that was cut off.
3. It would seem that Jesus gave him a new ear.

Now, let’s put that together. Exodus 21:6 and Deuteronomy 15:17 say that if a servant desires to stay with his master for life than he will allow his ear to be pierced with an awl. Neither of these verse give which earlobe but great significance is always given to the right side; ear, hand, thumb, toe, etc.

So, is it possible that this man had committed his service to the High Priest for life and had his right ear pierced? If so, then is it possible that in receiving a new ear, one without a hole, he was given his freedom?

Just something to think about.

Can You Forgive Sins?

John 20:23 If you forgive the sins of any, they are forgiven them; if you retain the sins of any, they are retained.

Can we forgive sins? The King James calls it remitting which means to release, to acquit, to surrender.  God forgives sins, but you must also.  You are releasing them from the sins against you.  Don’t hold it in your heart.

Renewing Your Mind

Here is a list that I came up with years ago to promote biblical thinking. I will say that I did see a small list like this that began it’s creation within me. I challenge read this every morning or pick one at a time as a devotion.

Proverbs 23:7 As a man thinks in his heart, so does he become.

1. I am a child of God. (Rom. 8:16)
2. I am redeemed and forgiven of my past. (Eph. 1:7)
3. I am saved by grace through faith. (Eph. 2:8)
4. I am cleaned up and set apart, sanctified. (1 Cor. 6:11)
5. I am shedding the old man of my past and putting on the new. (Eph. 4:22-24)
6. I am adopted by the Spirit of adoption. (Rom. 8:15)
7. I am dead in my body but alive in the Spirit. (Rom. 8:10)
8. I am the temple of God. (1 Cor. 3:16-17)
9. I am allowing the fruit of the Spirit to grow in me. (Gal. 5:22-23)
10. I am led by the Spirit of God. (Rom. 8:14)
11. I am being filled with the Spirit. (Eph. 5:18)
12. I am delivered from the powers of darkness. (Col. 1:13)
13. I am kept in safety wherever I go. (Ps. 91:11)
14. I am sealed with the Holy Spirit, guaranteeing my inheritance. (Eph. 1:13-14)
15. I am holding firm to my faith that I profess. (Heb. 4:14)
16. I am denying myself, taking up my cross and following Jesus. (Mat. 16:24)
17. I am seeking first the kingdom of God and His righteousness. (Mat. 6:33)
18. I am glued to Christ by His love and nothing can separate me. (Rom. 8:38-39)
19. I am denying worldly lusts, living soberly, righteously, godly. (Tit. 2:12)
20. I am getting all my needs met by Jesus. (Phil. 4:19)
21. I am casting all my cares on Jesus. (1 Pet. 5:7)
22. I am satisfied with what I have, not overspending. (Heb. 13:5)
23. I am fearing the Lord and keeping His commands. (Deu. 6:2)
24. I am allowing the Holy Spirit to grow His ministry gifts in me. (Rom. 12:6-8)
25. I am allowing the Holy Spirit to work power gifts through me. (1 Cor. 12:7-10)
26. I am trusting the Lord with all my heart. (Pro. 3:5-6)
27. I am hiding God’s word in my heart so I will not sin against Him. (Ps. 119:11)
28. I am receiving the Kingdom of God as a little child. (Mark 10:15)
29. I am loving the Lord with all my heart, soul, mind, and strength. (Mark 12:30)
30. I am strong in the Lord and in the power of His might. (Eph. 6:10)
31. I am not tempted by God for God tempts no one. (Jam. 1:13-15)
32. I am a possessor of the sure mercies of David. (Acts 13:34; 2 Sam. 7:8-15)
33. I am doing all things through Christ who strengthens me. (Phil. 4:13)
34. I am dressed in garments of praise instead of the spirit of depression. (Isa 61:3)
35. I am rejoicing always and praying without ceasing. (1 Thes. 5:16,17)
36. I am boldly coming to God’s throne in time of need. (Heb. 4:16)
37. I am presenting my requests to God only in the attitude of gratitude. (Phil. 4:6)
38. I am giving thanks in everything. (1 Thes. 5:18)
39. I am not quenching the Spirit or despising prophecies. (1 Thes. 4:19,20)
40. I am holding fast to what is good and abstaining from evil. (1 Thes. 5:21-22)
41. I am an heir of God and a joint heir with Jesus. (Rom. 8:17)
42. I am heir to the blessings of Abraham. (Gal. 3:13,14)
43. I am seeking God’s will on earth. (Mat. 6:10)
44. I am a doer of the word and not hearing it only. (Jam. 1:22)
45. I am blessed coming in and blessed going out. (Deu. 28:6)
46. I am an heir of eternal life. (1 John 5:11,12)
47. I am seated in heavenly places in Christ Jesus. (Eph. 2:6)
48. I am blessed with all spiritual blessings (Eph. 1:3)
49. I am healed by His stripes. (1 Pet. 2:24)
50. I am healthy and prospering as my soul prospers. (3 John 2)
51. I am exercising my authority over the enemy. (Luke 10:19)
52. I am the head and not the tail, above only and not beneath. (Deu. 28:13)
53. I am more than a conqueror through Christ. (Rom. 8:37)
54. I am asking my Father for wisdom who gives liberally. (Jam. 1:5)
55. I am establishing God’s Word here on earth. (Mat. 16:19)
56. I am redeeming the time for the days are evil. (Eph. 5:15-16)
57. I am an overcomer by His blood and the word of my testimony. (Rev. 12:11)
58. I am daily overcoming the Devil. (1 John 4:4)
59. I am putting on the whole armor of God. (Eph. 6:10-18)
60. I am not moved by what I see. (2 Cor. 4:18)
61. I am walking by faith and not by sight. (2 Cor. 5:7)
62. I am where my faith takes me. (Mat. 9:29)
63. I am asking according to His will. (1 John 5:14)
64. I am casting down vain imaginations. (2 Cor. 10:4-5)
65. I am bringing every thought into captivity. (2 Cor. 10:5)
66. I am being transformed by the renewing of my mind. (Rom. 12:1,2)
67. I am filling my mind with only good things. (Phil. 4:8)
68. I am not allowing corrupt communication to come from my mouth. (Eph. 4:29)
69. I am making God’s Word a daily part of my life. (Josh. 1:8)
70. I am seeking to know God face to face. (Ex. 33:11)
71. I am laying aside every weight and sin, running with endurance. (Heb. 12:1)
72. I am quick to hear, slow to speak, and slow to wrath. (Jam. 1:19)
73. I am a chosen generation, a royal priesthood, a holy nation–special. (1 Pet. 2:9)
74. I am an important part of the body of Christ. (1 Cor. 12:14-27)
75. I am yoked with Jesus, working with Him in His Kingdom. (Mat. 11:28-30)
76. I am caring for the needs of others before I consider my wants. (1 Cor. 12:25,26)
77. I am meeting with other believers regularly. (Heb. 10:25)
78. I am loving my neighbor as myself. ( Mark 12:31)
79. I am keeping my relationships pure to keep my worship pure. (Mat. 5:23-24)
80. I am speaking blessing only and not cursing, negative or putdowns. (Jam. 3:10)
81. I am working on the church that is in my house. (Acts 2:46)
82. I am looking out for the interest of others. (Phil. 2:3,4)
83. I am allowing God’s leaders to equip me for ministry. (Eph. 4:11)
84. I am called to be a minister in God’s kingdom. (Eph. 4:12)
85. I am called with a holy calling. (2 Tim. 1:9)
86. I am walking worthy of my calling. (Eph. 4:1)
87. I am building up the body of Christ, encouraging and blessing. (Eph. 4:12)
88. I am speaking only that which builds up others. (Eph. 4:29)
89. I am obeying those who have authority over me. (Heb. 13:17)
90. I am working out my own salvation with fear and trembling. (Phil. 2:12)
91. I am rightly dividing God’s word. (2 Tim. 2:15)
92. I am an imitator of Jesus. (Eph. 5:1)
93. I am the salt of the earth and a light of the world. (Mat. 5:13,14)
94. I am not disobedient to the heavenly vision. (Acts 26:19)
95. I am a true worshiper, worshiping in spirit and in truth. (John 4:23)
96. I am waiting upon the Lord which will renew my strength. (Isa. 40:31)
97. I am allowing the Holy Spirit to intercede for me. (Rom. 8:26)
98. I am praying and singing in the spirit when possible. (2 Cor. 14:14,15)
99. I am speaking with psalms, hymns and spiritual songs. (Eph. 5:19)
100. I am watching and praying for Christ’s return. (Luke 21:36)
101. I am giving to God according to my heart. (Luke 6:38)
102. I am receiving more blessings than I can handle because of tithe. (Mal. 3:10)
103. I am blessing the Lord, His praise shall always be in my mouth. (Ps. 34:1)
104. I am praising Him in the dance, song and instrument. (Ps. 149:3)
105. I am praying for the peace of Jerusalem. (Ps. 122:6)

Think on these things

Shouting Grandma

Mintie Jane

The story is told that in 1913 a young 10 year old by the name of Mintie Jane Jervis was walking through the meadow from her house to her great-grandmother’s house in Floyd County, Kentucky. Her parents had told her for some time, “don’t be surprised if you go to visit grandma and she is dead.” But nothing had prepared Mintie for this day.

Mintie (Janie) ran home so fast that she did not even touch the three steps going into her house. “Momma, momma, something is wrong with grandma! Something is wrong with grandma!”

They figured that this day would come. Grandma, Evey Burchett Jervis, was 90 years old, born in 1823, the wife of a Civil War doctor. They were pioneers of this part of the country, a gift from the government for her husbands service. This was the ground where he trained soldiers.

But what they did not understand was that Grandma was not dead. She was very much alive. “Something is wrong with Grandma! I saw here on the front porch waving her hands in the air and crying, ‘Thank you Jesus. How wonderful You are.'”

Dad, George Washington Jervis, was a tall, lanky redhead Church of Christ evangelist. He was very familiar with the group of Baptist that his grandmother had been worshipping with in the local school. He grunted, “Oh, she is just shouting. We don’t do that kind of thing.”

“I want to be just like her when I grow up,” Janie said.

“Well, lost another one,” her dad grunted back. I sure would have loved to have know what he meant by that. What was going on in that county. That same type of thing was going on 100 years earlier in Kentucky from which his church was born out of. What made the change in 100 years?

And become like Grandma she did. Mintie Jane married Gilmer Boehm and at the age of 24 she and her mother-in-law began a church in their home in a West Virginia coal mining camp. The first night they had 8 who showed up. The second week there were so many that people were standing outside on the porch.

That little ten year old was my grandmother, my dad’s mother, and this story was captured on video in 1993 when she was 90 years old, my shouting grandmother. Because of her love for Jesus she is credited for the many pastors, missionaries and church leaders that came out of her family.

The Fine Linen

Exodus 27:18 The length of the court shall be one hundred cubits, the width fifty throughout, and the height five cubits, made of fine woven linen, and its sockets of bronze.

The fence or walls were made of fine linen sheets around the Tabernacle. The word for these walls, yeriah, was the same word that the scribes used to described the different pages of the Torah scroll, which were the writings of Moses.

Therefore, could we not say that the whole of the tabernacle and it’s court was encased in the Word of God, the pages of God’s scroll? The Word of God is our boundary.

The word for linen is shesh which means 6. It was said that it was 6 strands of thread woven over 6 strands of thread making it very thin. It separated those on the outside from the those on the inside and yet you could still see what was going on through it. You saw them through the white linen.

God our Father sees us through Jesus Christ. Not for the filth we are but through the righteousness of Jesus Christ. Paul tells us to put on Jesus Christ (Romans 13:11; Galatians 3:27)

Revelation 19:14 And the armies in heaven, clothed in fine linen, white and clean, followed Him on white horses. We are described as wearing fine linen in heaven.