NICODEMUS
Back in February of this year I brought you a message entitled “A Message of Love.” It was a verse by verse exposition on John 3. It dealt with true salvation. The outline was 1) The Connection, 2) The Conversation and 3) The Conversion of Nicodemus.
In August of this year I brought you the doctrine of salvation on Wednesday night.
Today, I will bring you another message on John 3 and look at three major points:
I – NICODEMUS AND THE CHRIST
II – NICODEMUS AND THE CROWD
III – NICODEMUS AND THE CROSS
Some of the thoughts I will share with you are both radical and revolutionary. These radical truths changed Nicodemus’ life forever and revolutionize his thinking.
John is the only book where Nicodemus is mentioned.
I – NICODEMUS AND THE CHRIST (The Conversion of this man)
John 3:1, “There was a man of the Pharisees, named Nicodemus, a ruler of the Jews:”
Some scholars believe that Nicodemus was Nicodemus ben Gorion, the brother of the famous Jewish historian, Josephus. Josephus was in the city of Jerusalem when the Romans encamped against it in 67 AD and finally burned it to the ground in 70 AD. Josephus wrote of the war, death, suffering, starvation and cannibalism that took place inside the city walls of Jerusalem during the Roman siege.
Another Nicodemus who lived in the first century was one of the three riches men in Jerusalem. But by the end of his life, he lived in poverty. His daughter was seen picking up seeds of barley for food from under the hooves of horses.
The poverty no doubt resulted from Nicodemus’ stand which he took for Christ after he became a believer. And if all of this is true, Nicodemus riches that lasted him a few years ended, but for the past 2,000 years Nicodemus has been one of the riches men in Heaven.
I share this with you so you might understand that in the early church when people came to Christ; most came willing to give up their fortunes, their fame, and even their families for the cause of Christ.
In verse one we notice Nicodemus’ religion and his rank. He was a Pharisee… a ruler of the Jews.
Nicodemus was a very educated man. He studied the scriptures as most Pharisees did. He knew that the Messiah was prophesied to come. Whereas most Pharisees were hypocrites, Nicodemus was a sincere seeker of truth. He was a religious conservative who believed in the traditional teaching of the Scriptures.
He had heard a rumor that the Messiah had come and Nicodemus wanted to find out if Jesus was that Messiah.
a. So, Nicodemus devises a plan to see Christ: He had heard of Jesus’ power and miracles. He heard how he drove the money changers out of the temple. Nicodemus enjoyed what he heard for he hated the hypocrisy in his religion. He knew there was something special about Jesus Christ.
He also knew that if he went to Jesus in the broad daylight that he might be immediately removed as part of the Sanhedrin.
He knew his Jewish brethren had the power to destroy a man’s life. So, he decided to privately meet with Christ.
When they met, we see Nicodemus’ had knowledge of the works of Christ. He also hungered to know truth:
In verse 2 Nicodemus speaks “…Rabbi, we know that thou art a teacher come from God: for no man can do these miracles that thou doest, except God be with him.”
Many seeds were already planted in Nicodemus’ heart. Soon a revolution would take place in his soul.
He would soon see that Jesus was not just sent by God, but Jesus was a man inhabited by God.
He would realize that Jesus was not just a Rabbi but He was the sovereign authority of the universe.
He would soon discover that everything he had been depending on for salvation would be swept away in one statement.
b. Next, we see Nicodemus had a plight:
The plight or dilemma Nicodemus face is this: In a moment Jesus gives such a radical statement that it erased all the ideas of salvation that Nicodemus ever had. Jesus said, “Verily, verily, I say unto thee, Except a man be born again, he cannot see the kingdom of God.”
With that statement Nicodemus’ idea of a religion that would take him to heaven was shot out of the water.
Jesus said. “It isn’t the keeping of the Mosaic law. It isn’t your observance of your religion or your fasting or your giving or your praying or your good works. It isn’t because you belong to the local synagogue.
Verse 3 was a revolutionary and radical statement by Jesus. The Jewish religion of the day had put many demands and works on salvation.
Jesus simplified it yet spiritualized it when He said, “Ye must be born again.” Remember that statement. (John Wesley)
Nicodemus didn’t ask (v 4) why do I have to be born again but, “How can a man be born again? Nicodemus knew he was lost. How? He had no idea what Jesus meant when he said, “Ye must be born again.”
Before I continue, I ask you, could you tell me what it means to be born again? I would bet if I asked five different people in this building what it means to be “born again” I would get five different answers. Please listen for a few minutes to what Jesus says.
First, Jesus presents to Nicodemus another revolutionary statement in verse 5. Verily, verily, I say unto thee, Except a man be born of water and of the Spirit, he cannot enter into the kingdom of God.
First, Jesus says, “Ye must be born again.”
Second, He says, “Ye must be born of water
Third, He says, “Ye must be born of the Spirit.
I have a second question for you. Do you know what it means to be born of water and the Spirit? Selah
Stop and look at John 3:10-3! I want to misread this text.
1 “There was a man of the Pharisees, named Nicodemus, a ruler of the Jews:
2 The same came to Jesus by night, and said unto him, Rabbi, we know that thou art a teacher come from God: for no man can do these miracles that thou doest, except God be with him.
3 Jesus answered and said unto him, if you believe that I will die and rise again, if you will admit you are a sinner and pray the sinners prayer, you will go to heaven.
First, I will share with you what the water and Spirit represent. Then I will reveal something quite different then what has been preached for the many years in many churches.
What did the water and spirit represent? John the Baptist answers that question in Matthew 3:11. “I indeed baptize you with water unto repentance: but he that cometh after me is mightier than I, whose shoes I am not worthy to bear: he shall baptize you with the Holy Ghost, and with fire:”
The water represented repentance. The fire represents the work of the Holy Spirit. What does fire do? It purifies and cleanses. It changes the nature of something.
The Sanhedrin, led by the Pharisees had rejected what both John and Jesus taught about repentance.
Would it shock you to know that 75% of churches today in America have quit preaching repentance for salvation? They have also quit preaching regeneration or a new life after salvation.
So, let me give you what would be a revolutionary statement in many churches today. “If you don’t repent, you can’t be saved.” Jesus said in Luke 13:3 and 5, “I tell you, Nay: but, except ye repent, ye shall all likewise perish.”
The person who prays the sinner’s prayer, but does not repent after the conviction of God’s Spirit is still lost in his sins.
Look at verse 8: The wind bloweth where it listeth, and thou hearest the sound thereof, but canst not tell whence it cometh, and whither it goeth: so is every one that is born of the Spirit. Remember this: Salvation is a work of God, not of man.
So, Nicodemus had a plan. He wanted to talk to Jesus about Salvation. He had a plight. His religion was wrong.
c. Now, Nicodemus gives a Plea:
“…How can these things be?” (v 9)
Nicodemus had studied the Bible since a boy. He had attended the best Jewish schools. He was a rabbi. One of his colleagues was Gamaliel, one of the greatest Jewish scholars of his day. He had learned from the best. Yet Nicodemus realize that he was lost in his own religion and he says, “How can these things be?” “How could we be so wrong?”
May I make an application? I look at where a lot of religions are today in America and I see the same problem.
Just like Nicodemus did everything he was told to do by the famous Gamaliel and his teachers, many preachers have done the same today. They have followed the teaching of other preachers, when they should have followed the teachings of Jesus Christ.
***Folks, up to fifty years ago, the idea of praying the sinner’s prayer to get to heaven was not taught as part of salvation.
True Salvation for 2,000 years was this: Preachers preached, people prayed, the conviction of the Spirit fell. Sinners repented and cried out to God from a contrite heart and souls were saved and lives were changed.
Up till the 1950’s 80% of folks confessing Christ as Savior remained faithful to church. For the past fifty years 17% that profess Christ have remained faithful to church. I believe there is a problem as serious as heaven and hell.
Let’s turn back to John 1:11-13. Look at three thoughts:
11 He came unto his own, and his own received him not.
12 But as many as received him, to them gave he power to become the sons of God, even to them that believe on his name:
13 Which were born, not of blood, nor of the will of the flesh, nor of the will of man, but of God.
Notice three things in verse 13:
1) Man’s salvation was not due to human descent or being born of human blood. Being a Christian has nothing to do with your birth, your parents, your nationality or your religion.
The Jews thought because they were born Jews they were entitled to heaven. Many folks believe that because they were born in America or because grandpa and dad were preachers, they are going to heaven. Some believe their denominational tag will get them to heaven. Some believe because they regularly attend church regularly they will go to heaven.
The great Methodist preacher, John Wesley, preached for many years before he was ever born again.
2) Salvation is not because of human desire or the will of the flesh. Take a crowd of 10,000 people and ask them, “Who here would like to go to heaven, raise your hand?” Probably at lease 95% would raise their hand. If told, pray this prayer and you will go to heaven, many would pray that prayer. But wanting to go to heaven doesn’t make a person a Christian. It is not by the will of the flesh.
3) Salvation is not of human design, or of the will of man. People say, “I believe in a creed. I believe in a prayer. I was confirmed. I answered all the questions right and was admitted to the church. I pasted the test to be baptized and join the church.”
That will not satisfy God. Jesus said, You must be of God. That means “Ye must be born of the Spirit.”
True Salvation for 2,000 years was this: Preachers preached, people prayed, the conviction of the Spirit fell. Sinners repented and cried out to God from a contrite heart and souls were saved and lives were changed.
So Jesus says, Salvation is not about your birth, breeding or your behavior. It is not a matter of desiring or doing, it is of God.
Salvation operates on an altogether different principle. Jesus gives us an illustration in John 3:14. And as Moses lifted up the serpent in the wilderness, even so must the Son of man be lifted up:
In Numbers 21, Israel had been complaining and griping about every thing in life. God sent fiery serpents to bite them and punish them. Many died. God told Moses to make a brass serpent and hang it on a pole. Everybody that wanted to be healed was to look and live. Some looked for seconds, some for hours and some for days.
That is the same picture of salvation today, “Look to Calvary and live.”
Jesus hung on the cross. He was judged for your sins. He who knew no sin allowed the venomous sins of mankind to be placed on his body. He died for you. Look and live. Look and live.
How long should one look? As long as it takes for you to truly believe. Some people have heard the stories of Calvary. Some people talk Calvary. But, have you ever sat down and looked at Calvary.
If you do, the one who died on the cross will change your life. If he doesn’t change your life, you haven’t looked long enough. Look and live! So, if salvation is not of human descent, desire or design, how does it transpire?
Look at John 1:12, “But as many as received him, to them gave he power to become the sons of God, even to them that believe on his name:”
The formula in this verse for salvation is; believe, receive, become. This formula is like the three parts of an atom. You have the protons, electrons and neutrons. If you take away any part, it ceases to be an atom. It is like water. Water is two parts hydrogen and one part oxygen. Take away any part and it ceases to be water.
Here are the three great truths involved in Salvation. Two steps man is responsible for and one step God is responsible for.
1) The first thing a person does when God’s Spirit moves upon him is believe, but not just anything. We are to believe on His name. That means we believe completely in all that Jesus said and stands for. We believe we are sinners. We believe Jesus died for our sins on Calvary. We believe we must repent and be born again by God’s Spirit.
2) Secondly, we must receive Him.
We can believe something in our heads and not with our hearts.
What we believe in our heads won’t change our lives.
What we believe in our hearts will change our lives.
I can believe that Jesus is the Savior of the world and even say “He is my Savior.” But, to make Him my Savior I must receive Him into my life.
Let me give you this illustration: A man offers me a job in New York. He says he will pay me very well. The salary is enormous. The privileges are great. It sounds like the best deal in the world. I am excited about it. I tell my friends about it. I talk about it, but I never take the job. I never leave my friends in North Carolina. Did I receive it? No!
The job is there, but is it mine? No! Not until I turn from my old life in North Carolina and receive the job in New York, is it mine.
Likewise, Salvation is freely offered, but I must receive it. I must exchange my old life for the new life. This is man’s part: believe and receive.
3) Here is God’s part: “To them gave he power to become the sons of God.”
Here is when the miracle of the new birth takes place. The word for power is the Greek word dunamis. It refers to a supernatural work of God. When God’s spirit and power enters your life, you are born again.
1) You are no longer the same person. (God’s spirit’s within)
2) You love different things. (Bible, Church, Brethren)
3) You are no longer ashamed to stand up for Jesus.
4) You have a desire to please Christ and honor Him.
5) God’s spirit fills you with love, joy, peace and much more.
Question: Do you have the power? You say you believe and you say you received. You are not complete until you become.
Do you have the power? Are you an unashamed son of the living God? You won’t be perfect, but you won’t be unashamed of Jesus Christ.
Romans 9:33 and 10:11 reads all who believe will not be ashamed.
II – NICODEMUS AND THE CROWD (The Confession of this man)
In John 7 Jesus had been teaching and performing miracles and the people were praising Him and desiring Him to be their king.
When the Pharisees heard about this they sent officers to arrest Him. The officers knew they couldn’t just walk in and arrest Jesus for the mob would have attacked them. So they waited and listened to the words of Christ. They were so stricken in amazement of what Christ said, that they returned to the chief priest and Pharisees without arresting Him.
The Pharisees said, “Why have ye not brought him?” (45).
The officers said, Never man spake like this man.
The Pharisees became angry and discussed and said, “Are ye also deceived?”
Then one of the leaders of the Pharisees looked around the room and began to eye each leader and ask, “Have any of you believed on Him?” This ruler in the Greek actually cursed in John 7:49.
The language today would be the d-word. God’s word says, “But this people who knoweth not the law are cursed.” The Greek means to be damned to hell.
Nicodemus has heard enough. In verse 51 Nicodemus speaks up for Jesus, “Doth our law judge any man, before it hear him, and know what he doeth?” Nicodemus was sharp. He gave to the leader of the Pharisees a quote from his own book. He said, “Don’t we teach that before we judge someone, we should sit down and talk to them and give them a chance to reveal the Scriptures to us?”
That stirred up the hornets next. A number of the Pharisees looked at Nicodemus and said, “Art thou also of Galilee? They were accusing Nicodemus of being a disciple of the Lord’s. Nicodemus didn’t answer. He held his tongue. In their anger, they broke up and went home.
The idea is this; everybody has their own crowd they work with. And you as a Christian may not say much, but when people start mocking your Christ, you have to speak up.
This is what Nicodemus did. He wasn’t overly brave about it for he knew how vicious this crowd could become, but he did stand up for Christ. Soon, something radical would happen to Nicodemus.
III – NICODEMUS AND THE CROSS (The Consecration of this man)
Read John 19:39. “And there came also Nicodemus, which at the first came to Jesus by night, and brought a mixture of myrrh and aloes, about an hundred pound weight.”
Nicodemus had believed, received and become a son of God, but not until Calvary did it dawn on him just how much Jesus loved him.
Calvary changed Nicodemus forever. Nicodemus knew that Jesus was the Christ, the son of God. He was afraid to let others know just where he stood until he looked and lived.
You know what folks, it might be good if we spend about six hours thinking on Calvary. The Bible doesn’t say that Nicodemus was there, but I believe he was.
I believe he watched the mockery at Pilate’s judgment hall and wept.
I believe he may have watched a little of the scourging when the Lord’s back was torn off by a cat-of-nine-tails.
I believe he was standing in Gabatha when he heard Pilate say, “take ye him and crucify him.” He could feel his insides crumble.
It was probably at this point; Nicodemus went to Joseph of Arimathaea and said, Joseph I know you have built your tomb.
You have the tomb, I have the treasures. Let’s give Christ a royal burial and fulfill the scriptures that say, he will be buried “with the rich in his death.”
Then I believe Nicodemus went to Calvary and watched his Savior die and it changed his life forever.
He no longer cared if he was welcomed in the most renowned religious order in Jerusalem. He no longer cared if he was part of the Sanhedrin. He no longer wanted to be associated with the Pharisees.
Calvary changed Nicodemus.
Life no longer mattered to Him. When Nicodemus saw the death that Christ died for him, he no longer cared if he lived or died.
When Christ utters those last words, “It is finished” Joseph goes before Pilate. He begs for the body of Christ. Nicodemus buys 100 pounds of the most costly aromatic spices available to embalm the body of Christ.
Christ was buried, and they waited. Nicodemus may have remembered Christ saying, “destroy this temple and in three days I will raise it up.” So, Nicodemus waited and in three days, up from the grave our Lord arose.
That was icings on the cake. Nicodemus already decided to live for Christ no matter what. But, now that his Savior lived and He lived forever more, the luster of this world lost its glow.
THE CROSS CHANGED NICODEMUS, FOREVER.
Different people spend a different amount of time at the cross. Some people are never changed from death unto life because their gaze at the cross is but a glance.
Some are changed but life is a struggle for they are trying to be part of two different worlds and they feel like they are being pulled into.
And then there are some folks who spend a lot of time at the cross and they see what many never see. These are what was called in the first century, radical Christians. Over the years the word radical seemed to strong of a term so they changed it. They took a synonym for radical. It was the word fundamental.
One of those men who spent a lot of time at the cross was Isaac Watts. He penned downs words like this:
“AT THE CROSS”
1- Alas! and did my Savior bleed,
And did my Sov’reign die?
Would He devote that sacred head,
For such a worm as I?
Refrain:
At the cross, at the cross where I first saw the light,
And the burden of my heart rolled away,
It was there by faith I received my sight,
And now I am happy all the day!
2 -Was it for crimes that I had done,
He groaned upon the tree?
Amazing pity! grace unknown!
And love beyond degree!
3 -But drops of grief can ne’er repay,
The debt of love I owe:
Here, Lord, I give myself away,
’Tis all that I can do.
What made Nicodemus a leader?
He traded tradition for truth.
He stood against his peers when he stood for Christ.
He focused on the cross and it changed him forever.
Isaac Watts also wrote:
WHEN I SURVEY THE WONDROUS CROSS
1- When I survey the wondrous cross,
On which the Prince of glory died,
My richest gain I count but loss,
And pour contempt on all my pride.
2- Forbid it, Lord, that I should boast,
Save in the death of Christ my God!
All the vain things that charm me most,
I sacrifice them to His blood.
3- See from His head, His hands, His feet,
Sorrow and love flow mingled down!
Did e’er such love and sorrow meet,
Or thorns compose so rich a crown?
4- Were the whole realm of nature mine,
That were a present far too small;
Love so amazing, so divine,
Demands my soul, my life, my all.
Tuesday, September 22, 2009
MARRIAGE
MARRIAGE
Hebrews 13:4a, “Marriage is honorable in all…”
Of all the principles and foundational pillars we have given in this material, marriage is probably the most important. We now move from building pillars to putting up the walls.
The pillars consisted of many things such as seeking God, humbling our hearts, studying the scriptures, loving God, fasting and engrafting scriptures and more.
Now we are building walls in our lives. Remember that your spiritual house has many walls and Satan will attempt to knock down the weakest wall, so he may destroy your life, so spend time on each and every wall in your life.
The first wall we want to look at is “My marriage is a commitment to God and my mate.” When God created marriage in His mind, He foresaw a man and a woman whose greatest desire outside of Him, would be to each other.
More beautiful then the starry heaven or the mighty dinosaurs roaming across the grassy plains of the newly created earth was the marriage of Adam and Eve. In Genesis one God created on six days. Each time, he said it was “good.” After he created the man and woman, He looked at His creation and said, “It is very good.”
As we look at the Bible and then look at the attitude towards marriage from the different cultures around the world, we have to stand alarmed.
No culture, no culture on the face of the earth teaches what God’s Word teaches about marriage. The only institution that teaches the truth about marriage is the Church and only a few of them teach the whole truth.
Here are some simple truths about marriage are:
1) Marriage is to be between a man and a woman (Gen 2:22-24).
2) Marriage is the most honorable institution in the world (Hebrews 13:4).
3) Marriage is for completeness, companionship and fruitfulness (Gen 1-2).
4) Marriage pictures the Church and Christ (Ephesians 5:21-33).
5) Marriage is the # 1 target Satan wishes to destroy (I Peter 5:8).
Of all the truths I have learned about marriage, this is the greatest reality: “Only a man seeking God will attempt to live his proper role and only a woman seeking God will attempt to live her proper role.” The culture we live in teaches a perversion of what God says is right. We must learn truth from God’s Word.
A lady placed an ad in the classifieds: "Husband wanted." The next day she received a hundred letters. They all said the same thing: "You can have mine."
A little boy asked his father, "Daddy, how much does it cost to get married?" And the father replied, "I Don't know son, I'm still paying."
A young Son said to his dad, "Is it true, Dad, I heard that in some parts of Africa, a man doesn't know his wife until he marries her?"
The dad replies, "That happens in every country, son."
Here are a few things that will help a marriage:
1 – If both partners are saved.
2 – If both partners are surrendered to the Lord.
3 – If both partners are seeking the Lord.
4 – If both partners truly want to serve the Lord.
5 – If both partners are sensitive to do things God’s way.
As you strive to glorify God, your marriage will become beautiful.
If a couple are saved but not surrender, their marriage could be more miserable then an unsaved couple. Why? How? There are two important keys in marriage. 1) Have the same goal and 2) have things in common. If an unsaved couple has things in common, they can get along better than some saved people who are not seeking the Lord.
A WORD TO THE HUSBAND…ABOUT THE WIFE
1 – A WOMAN LOVES TO BE TREATED WITH HONOR
First Peter 3: 7 “Likewise, ye husbands, dwell with them according to knowledge, giving honor unto the wife, as unto the weaker vessel…”
a. The Bible says the wife is the weaker vessel. We are living in the last days. Women are becoming stronger and stronger and many men are becoming weaker and weaker. This scripture is not necessarily speaking of physical strength or emotional strength but it is dealing with the ability to fight against Satan. It is dealing with spiritual discernment. The Bible says, the reason God does not allow a woman to usurp authority over a man in teaching is because the woman was more easily deceived (1 Timothy 2:14).
My wife read three books by a woman whose husband was quite famous in Christianity. He died and she married again. Her second husband died and she married again. Over a period of 40 years of marriage to three men, her books moved from being quite conservative to quite liberal. It all had to do with the men she was married to and what they believed influence her.
b. Know your wife. “Dwell with your wife according to knowledge.” Every woman is different. Some will want more time, more kindness, more love than others. Thus, husbands know your wife and treat her accordingly to her needs.
c. Giver her first place in your life. “Give her honor.” Because God made the woman to be the most important thing in the husband’s life, every woman desires to be number ONE.
Every little girl loves to have daddy’s attention and time. When that girl grows up she wants a man that will give her attention and time. When she meets a man that will take time for her she is excited.
That couple begins to date. They talk and spend a lot of time together. The woman thinks, marriage is going to be wonderful and she believes this attention she is getting will continue after she gets married and the rest of her life.
Often after marriage the wife is suddenly overwhelmed that the interactions, the playing, the dating, the talking and the fun times have slowly faded into the sunset.
She is hurt and disillusioned because the man that showed her so much attention before marriage now has given that attention to other things and she no longer feels honored. She no longer feels that she is number one.
Men sometimes think that what they say or do may cause friction in the home. This is true, but it can also be what they don’t say and don’t do.
d. A wife likes her husband to recognize her and the things she does.
e. She wants him to sense her needs and meet them.
f. If he is to preoccupied with life and work and bills and hobbies and things, she feels unloved and uncared for.
So, men, be sensitive to your wife. Communicate with her. Involve her in every aspect of your life.
If she cleans the house notice it. Say something nice.
If she makes a good meal, don’t just sit down and eat. Take time to thank God and thank the one who made it.
If she works hard and brings home money for the bills, let her know you appreciate all that she does.
AN INTERESTING STORY
Gary speaks, “The crunch of corn chips distracted my attention from the Saturday afternoon football game. I watched in amazement as my wife and three children entered the den and began to eat their sandwiches, chips, and drink their Cokes while I sat only a couple of feet away without a bite to eat.
I thought, “Why didn’t she make me a sandwich? I’m the sole bread winner, and I’m being ignored as if I didn’t exist.”
“I cleared my throat loudly to catch my wife’s attention. She ignored me. When that didn’t work I became so irritated that I walked into the kitchen, got the bread out and made my own sandwich. When I sat back down I glanced at her with my irritating look. She saw me but she just sat in front of the TV and didn’t say a word nor did I.”
But I kept wondering, “If women are so sensitive, how come she didn’t know I wanted a sandwich? If women are so alert, why didn’t she hear me clear my throat or notice that I wasn’t speaking to her? Why didn’t she notice the expression of irritation on my face?”
A few days later when we were talking calmly, I said, “Donna, I’ve been wondering about something, but I hesitate asking you this question. Would you mind if I ask you a question?” She said, “Sure.”
“You know last Saturday when I was watching the football game and you made sandwiches for everybody but me, could I ask you why?”
Her reply was, “Are you serious? And she looked at me with amazement.
I said, “Sure, I’m serious, I would think since I make the money around here that buys the food, that you would make me something to eat too.”
She said, “I can’t believe you are saying that. I can’t believe you don’t know the answer to your own question.” She stood there with her mouth open. Dumbfounded I finally said, “Donna, I really don’t see it.
I admit I am blind in some areas and this must be one of them.” Donna then gave Gary a big hint, “Gary, sometimes we women are accused of being stupid but we aren’t. We don’t just set ourselves up to be criticized”
She seemed to think that explained it. So I said, “What does that have to do with the sandwiches?”
“You still don’t get it, do you?” she replied. Then she opened my eyes. “Do you realize that every time I make you a sandwich, you say something critical bout it?” You say, “You didn’t put enough lettuce or you put too much mayonnaise or you put to much salt and pepper. And I just didn’t feel like getting criticized, Saturday. I had a long week and I just said it isn’t worth making it because all I get is criticism.”
Gary had egg all over his face. He could recall many times that he had criticized the food his wife served him. Now he knew that “always” and “never” doesn’t mean “always” and “never”, but he had enough sense to know that it meant, “You have been critical so many times, it hurts.”
Nobody likes to be criticized. Remember, the best way to be shown a grateful spirit is to have a grateful spirit. Learn to be grateful and thankful. Just because you bring home the doe-ray-me doesn’t mean your wife is obligated to make you king for the day. If you learned to compliment the little things, you might find her wanting to do more things for you. Colossians 2:7 says we should abound with thanksgiving.
A WORD TO THE WIFE…ABOUT YOUR HUSBAND
A wife must understand her husband. Wives most men want to feel independent and free. They want to sometimes act as if they don’t need anybody, but that is contrary to God’s word. God made the woman to complete the man. Biblically, every man needs a woman. Statistically, a man needs a woman more than a woman needs a man. Far more men remarry after losing a spouse then women.
If you, as a wife, want to make your marriage better consider the following thought.
1 – EVERY HUSBANDS DESIRES ADMIRATION FROM HIS WIFE
One of the laws of nature that we all know about is the law of gravity. It has always held true. There are also laws of relationships. One of those laws is admiration. “Men are attracted to those who admire them and are repelled by those who belittle or look down on them.”
Ephesians 5:33 says to the wife, “Reverence your husband.” That means “to show him respect and honor,” but it means more. It means “to adore him, to admire him” and “to attach a high value on him.”
If a wife wants to influence her husband to change she must show him admiration. If he is a good man, take care of him and admire him. If you don’t someone else will.
Wives, admiration will in time change your husbands, but don’t admire your husband hoping he will change. Admire him because God says too admire him.
As God is changing him remember two very important things:
a. God is using you to complete him.
b. God is using him to change you.
If you want your husband to love you show him more admiration then you show your boss, your pastor and your friends.
HOW DO YOU SHOW ADMIRATION?
1 – Compliment the things he does for you. If he has ceased doing things, then use proper words to remind him of what he use to do. How? Say something like this, “Do you remember before we were married when we use to go on a date? You were so sweet and kind. I wish we could do that again some time.”
Don’t say this. “Look at John and Susie, they are so happy. I wish we were like them.”
2 – Compliment all his efforts. Let your husband know that you appreciate everything he tries to fix in the house. Don’t say this. “My husband can’t do anything around the house? He breaks anything he tries to fix.”
3- Don’t question him time and time again to do something. Ask him now and then (once a week or once a month). If he fails to take care of the finances, the leaking roof, the dead battery in the car, or if he won’t bury the dog that died a week ago, so let it be.
Remember what Solomon said in Proverbs 21:19. It is better to dwell in the wilderness, than with a contentious and an angry woman. The word contentious means one who is nagging and argumentative.
Let me say this, “A man that is slothful, does not think he is slothful and a woman that is a nagger doesn’t think she is a nagger.”
4 - Ask him what he would like for dinner at night. I know, he may say the same thing, “It doesn’t matter.” But, listen to him and if he mentions that something is good, find out how to make it and make it.
When you go out to eat, watch what he eats and find those recipes to make at home. Keep in your mine his favorite meals and keep them coming. Serve him his favorite dish, not once a year or once a month but often. That shows him admiration.
5 - Ask his opinion about your clothing and wear what he likes. If he wants you to dress a certain way, then do so for him. Now, I am old fashion. I like my wife to wear collar shirts. I know the style today is T-shirts for most people, but I like collar shirts and so to show admiration for me, my wife wears collar shirts.
When you wear what your husband likes, you are showing him, that his requests are first place and that is admiration.
If he wants your hair long, wear it long, if he wants it short, wear it short. As you want to be treated kindly, he wants admiration.
6 - If he asks you to change something then change it. Maybe you can give him 144 reasons why you shouldn’t change that certain thing. But sometimes men are simply looking for admiration.
Admiration is the feeling of pleasure, wonder and approval.
***Men want to be admired. Most ladies want to be treated with honor. Honor to a woman is the same as admiration to a man. Remember that!
A MARRIAGE MUST BE BUILT ON THE MATCH GAME
1 – Remember each others request.
Has your husband ever said any thing out of hope or regret? Then look for an opportunity to fulfill his request.
Illustration: I heard the story that one day a man said to his wife, “I would like to just watch one football game this season without being interrupted.” On a certain Saturday, the wife came into the den just before her husbands favorite team was to play. She said, honey I took the phone off the hook. The kids and I are going shopping.
I put a pizza in the oven and you favorite drink is in the refrigerator. We’ll be back after the game. In appreciation, the man began to work on some home projects that the wife asked of him a long time ago.
Husbands, has your wife ever said, “I wish I could do this or that.” Then do everything you can to one day give that to her. It shows honor.
No one can continually ignore loving and considerate actions.”
Ladies, “What are three things you know your husbands really enjoys?” Do them! Men, “What are three things you know your wives enjoy?” Do them!
Jesus Christ, “Give, and it shall be given unto you; good measure, pressed down, and shaken together, and running over (Luke 6:38).
2 – Praise each other.
Look for ways to draw attention to your mate’s positive qualities when around other people as well as alone. My wife brought a teaching to the ladies a few weeks ago on energy givers. Ask her for the booklet. It will enhance your marriage. Every body loves an energy giver. An energy giver gives praise, compliments and encouragement. They smile and speak gently and kindly. Learn to praise each other.
Wife, if your husband is sensitive, a hard worker, knowledgeable about a certain area of business, praise him for that. Does he help you around the house? Let him know privately and in public how much you appreciate him and often. Praise him every day at lease once!
Men, is your wife kind, sweet, does she keep the house nice, does she take care of your children, does she cook you meals, praise her for what she does.
3 – Learn about your mate’s life.
Your husband works a job whereby he is gone forty to sixty hours a week. Often there are frustrations and he has no one to talk to. Learn about his job.
Don’t try to learn everything in one sitting, but know what he is doing. When he comes home, let him know you appreciate what he does.
Men, stay home from work for a week and let your wife go off. Take care of the kids, wash the clothes, clean the house, cook your meals and then. Learn your wife’s life.
Each marriage partner needs to know the other one cares about the life they live. Each must be praised for what they do.
Jesus said, “To give a cup of cold water in the name of a disciple will not go unrewarded.” Whatever your mate does, encourage him/her and look for ways to show each other how important they are.
4 – Be willing to submit to new ideas.
Wives when your husband comes up with a new idea don’t cut him off. Don’t say, “I don’t like that, I don’t’ like change. We’ve always done things this way.” Be willing to make some changes.
Husbands, your wife may not like change. Often women find security and comfort in the same routine. So wives, be willing to change and husbands, have a good reason to give your wife for the change.
Believe it or not submission is the prettiest garment a wife can put on. It is very, very attractive to a husband. And men, Ephesians 5:21 says, “Submitting yourself one to another, in the fear of God.”
5 – Speak to your mate nonverbally. Know body language.
Studies of communication between husbands and wives prove that words, only make up seven percent of their communication.
Fifty-five percent of what a person says is facial expression.
Thirty-eight percent of what a person says is voice tone.
A husband can say to his wife, “Do you mind if I go hunting Saturday?” And the wife may say yes but only 7% of her is saying “yes.”
You can say, “I love you” and it can mean nothing. Or it can mean, you are the most special thing in the entire world to me.
A -When you talk, listen attentively by looking each other in the eye and listening to the tone of each other’s voice. A yes is not a yes if the facial expression and the voice tone say, “no.”
6 – Bury the hatchet.
Some husbands have really messed up in the past. Some wives have really messed up in the past. Maybe financial, maybe other ways and when push comes to shove, the wife or the husband can bring out the hatchet and remind each other of THAT time.
Bury it, folks, once and for all. In the Bible it is called forgiveness. Wipe the late clean. Let the past be the past. Forgive, try to forget and never bring it up again.
Hebrews 13:4a, “Marriage is honorable in all…”
Of all the principles and foundational pillars we have given in this material, marriage is probably the most important. We now move from building pillars to putting up the walls.
The pillars consisted of many things such as seeking God, humbling our hearts, studying the scriptures, loving God, fasting and engrafting scriptures and more.
Now we are building walls in our lives. Remember that your spiritual house has many walls and Satan will attempt to knock down the weakest wall, so he may destroy your life, so spend time on each and every wall in your life.
The first wall we want to look at is “My marriage is a commitment to God and my mate.” When God created marriage in His mind, He foresaw a man and a woman whose greatest desire outside of Him, would be to each other.
More beautiful then the starry heaven or the mighty dinosaurs roaming across the grassy plains of the newly created earth was the marriage of Adam and Eve. In Genesis one God created on six days. Each time, he said it was “good.” After he created the man and woman, He looked at His creation and said, “It is very good.”
As we look at the Bible and then look at the attitude towards marriage from the different cultures around the world, we have to stand alarmed.
No culture, no culture on the face of the earth teaches what God’s Word teaches about marriage. The only institution that teaches the truth about marriage is the Church and only a few of them teach the whole truth.
Here are some simple truths about marriage are:
1) Marriage is to be between a man and a woman (Gen 2:22-24).
2) Marriage is the most honorable institution in the world (Hebrews 13:4).
3) Marriage is for completeness, companionship and fruitfulness (Gen 1-2).
4) Marriage pictures the Church and Christ (Ephesians 5:21-33).
5) Marriage is the # 1 target Satan wishes to destroy (I Peter 5:8).
Of all the truths I have learned about marriage, this is the greatest reality: “Only a man seeking God will attempt to live his proper role and only a woman seeking God will attempt to live her proper role.” The culture we live in teaches a perversion of what God says is right. We must learn truth from God’s Word.
A lady placed an ad in the classifieds: "Husband wanted." The next day she received a hundred letters. They all said the same thing: "You can have mine."
A little boy asked his father, "Daddy, how much does it cost to get married?" And the father replied, "I Don't know son, I'm still paying."
A young Son said to his dad, "Is it true, Dad, I heard that in some parts of Africa, a man doesn't know his wife until he marries her?"
The dad replies, "That happens in every country, son."
Here are a few things that will help a marriage:
1 – If both partners are saved.
2 – If both partners are surrendered to the Lord.
3 – If both partners are seeking the Lord.
4 – If both partners truly want to serve the Lord.
5 – If both partners are sensitive to do things God’s way.
As you strive to glorify God, your marriage will become beautiful.
If a couple are saved but not surrender, their marriage could be more miserable then an unsaved couple. Why? How? There are two important keys in marriage. 1) Have the same goal and 2) have things in common. If an unsaved couple has things in common, they can get along better than some saved people who are not seeking the Lord.
A WORD TO THE HUSBAND…ABOUT THE WIFE
1 – A WOMAN LOVES TO BE TREATED WITH HONOR
First Peter 3: 7 “Likewise, ye husbands, dwell with them according to knowledge, giving honor unto the wife, as unto the weaker vessel…”
a. The Bible says the wife is the weaker vessel. We are living in the last days. Women are becoming stronger and stronger and many men are becoming weaker and weaker. This scripture is not necessarily speaking of physical strength or emotional strength but it is dealing with the ability to fight against Satan. It is dealing with spiritual discernment. The Bible says, the reason God does not allow a woman to usurp authority over a man in teaching is because the woman was more easily deceived (1 Timothy 2:14).
My wife read three books by a woman whose husband was quite famous in Christianity. He died and she married again. Her second husband died and she married again. Over a period of 40 years of marriage to three men, her books moved from being quite conservative to quite liberal. It all had to do with the men she was married to and what they believed influence her.
b. Know your wife. “Dwell with your wife according to knowledge.” Every woman is different. Some will want more time, more kindness, more love than others. Thus, husbands know your wife and treat her accordingly to her needs.
c. Giver her first place in your life. “Give her honor.” Because God made the woman to be the most important thing in the husband’s life, every woman desires to be number ONE.
Every little girl loves to have daddy’s attention and time. When that girl grows up she wants a man that will give her attention and time. When she meets a man that will take time for her she is excited.
That couple begins to date. They talk and spend a lot of time together. The woman thinks, marriage is going to be wonderful and she believes this attention she is getting will continue after she gets married and the rest of her life.
Often after marriage the wife is suddenly overwhelmed that the interactions, the playing, the dating, the talking and the fun times have slowly faded into the sunset.
She is hurt and disillusioned because the man that showed her so much attention before marriage now has given that attention to other things and she no longer feels honored. She no longer feels that she is number one.
Men sometimes think that what they say or do may cause friction in the home. This is true, but it can also be what they don’t say and don’t do.
d. A wife likes her husband to recognize her and the things she does.
e. She wants him to sense her needs and meet them.
f. If he is to preoccupied with life and work and bills and hobbies and things, she feels unloved and uncared for.
So, men, be sensitive to your wife. Communicate with her. Involve her in every aspect of your life.
If she cleans the house notice it. Say something nice.
If she makes a good meal, don’t just sit down and eat. Take time to thank God and thank the one who made it.
If she works hard and brings home money for the bills, let her know you appreciate all that she does.
AN INTERESTING STORY
Gary speaks, “The crunch of corn chips distracted my attention from the Saturday afternoon football game. I watched in amazement as my wife and three children entered the den and began to eat their sandwiches, chips, and drink their Cokes while I sat only a couple of feet away without a bite to eat.
I thought, “Why didn’t she make me a sandwich? I’m the sole bread winner, and I’m being ignored as if I didn’t exist.”
“I cleared my throat loudly to catch my wife’s attention. She ignored me. When that didn’t work I became so irritated that I walked into the kitchen, got the bread out and made my own sandwich. When I sat back down I glanced at her with my irritating look. She saw me but she just sat in front of the TV and didn’t say a word nor did I.”
But I kept wondering, “If women are so sensitive, how come she didn’t know I wanted a sandwich? If women are so alert, why didn’t she hear me clear my throat or notice that I wasn’t speaking to her? Why didn’t she notice the expression of irritation on my face?”
A few days later when we were talking calmly, I said, “Donna, I’ve been wondering about something, but I hesitate asking you this question. Would you mind if I ask you a question?” She said, “Sure.”
“You know last Saturday when I was watching the football game and you made sandwiches for everybody but me, could I ask you why?”
Her reply was, “Are you serious? And she looked at me with amazement.
I said, “Sure, I’m serious, I would think since I make the money around here that buys the food, that you would make me something to eat too.”
She said, “I can’t believe you are saying that. I can’t believe you don’t know the answer to your own question.” She stood there with her mouth open. Dumbfounded I finally said, “Donna, I really don’t see it.
I admit I am blind in some areas and this must be one of them.” Donna then gave Gary a big hint, “Gary, sometimes we women are accused of being stupid but we aren’t. We don’t just set ourselves up to be criticized”
She seemed to think that explained it. So I said, “What does that have to do with the sandwiches?”
“You still don’t get it, do you?” she replied. Then she opened my eyes. “Do you realize that every time I make you a sandwich, you say something critical bout it?” You say, “You didn’t put enough lettuce or you put too much mayonnaise or you put to much salt and pepper. And I just didn’t feel like getting criticized, Saturday. I had a long week and I just said it isn’t worth making it because all I get is criticism.”
Gary had egg all over his face. He could recall many times that he had criticized the food his wife served him. Now he knew that “always” and “never” doesn’t mean “always” and “never”, but he had enough sense to know that it meant, “You have been critical so many times, it hurts.”
Nobody likes to be criticized. Remember, the best way to be shown a grateful spirit is to have a grateful spirit. Learn to be grateful and thankful. Just because you bring home the doe-ray-me doesn’t mean your wife is obligated to make you king for the day. If you learned to compliment the little things, you might find her wanting to do more things for you. Colossians 2:7 says we should abound with thanksgiving.
A WORD TO THE WIFE…ABOUT YOUR HUSBAND
A wife must understand her husband. Wives most men want to feel independent and free. They want to sometimes act as if they don’t need anybody, but that is contrary to God’s word. God made the woman to complete the man. Biblically, every man needs a woman. Statistically, a man needs a woman more than a woman needs a man. Far more men remarry after losing a spouse then women.
If you, as a wife, want to make your marriage better consider the following thought.
1 – EVERY HUSBANDS DESIRES ADMIRATION FROM HIS WIFE
One of the laws of nature that we all know about is the law of gravity. It has always held true. There are also laws of relationships. One of those laws is admiration. “Men are attracted to those who admire them and are repelled by those who belittle or look down on them.”
Ephesians 5:33 says to the wife, “Reverence your husband.” That means “to show him respect and honor,” but it means more. It means “to adore him, to admire him” and “to attach a high value on him.”
If a wife wants to influence her husband to change she must show him admiration. If he is a good man, take care of him and admire him. If you don’t someone else will.
Wives, admiration will in time change your husbands, but don’t admire your husband hoping he will change. Admire him because God says too admire him.
As God is changing him remember two very important things:
a. God is using you to complete him.
b. God is using him to change you.
If you want your husband to love you show him more admiration then you show your boss, your pastor and your friends.
HOW DO YOU SHOW ADMIRATION?
1 – Compliment the things he does for you. If he has ceased doing things, then use proper words to remind him of what he use to do. How? Say something like this, “Do you remember before we were married when we use to go on a date? You were so sweet and kind. I wish we could do that again some time.”
Don’t say this. “Look at John and Susie, they are so happy. I wish we were like them.”
2 – Compliment all his efforts. Let your husband know that you appreciate everything he tries to fix in the house. Don’t say this. “My husband can’t do anything around the house? He breaks anything he tries to fix.”
3- Don’t question him time and time again to do something. Ask him now and then (once a week or once a month). If he fails to take care of the finances, the leaking roof, the dead battery in the car, or if he won’t bury the dog that died a week ago, so let it be.
Remember what Solomon said in Proverbs 21:19. It is better to dwell in the wilderness, than with a contentious and an angry woman. The word contentious means one who is nagging and argumentative.
Let me say this, “A man that is slothful, does not think he is slothful and a woman that is a nagger doesn’t think she is a nagger.”
4 - Ask him what he would like for dinner at night. I know, he may say the same thing, “It doesn’t matter.” But, listen to him and if he mentions that something is good, find out how to make it and make it.
When you go out to eat, watch what he eats and find those recipes to make at home. Keep in your mine his favorite meals and keep them coming. Serve him his favorite dish, not once a year or once a month but often. That shows him admiration.
5 - Ask his opinion about your clothing and wear what he likes. If he wants you to dress a certain way, then do so for him. Now, I am old fashion. I like my wife to wear collar shirts. I know the style today is T-shirts for most people, but I like collar shirts and so to show admiration for me, my wife wears collar shirts.
When you wear what your husband likes, you are showing him, that his requests are first place and that is admiration.
If he wants your hair long, wear it long, if he wants it short, wear it short. As you want to be treated kindly, he wants admiration.
6 - If he asks you to change something then change it. Maybe you can give him 144 reasons why you shouldn’t change that certain thing. But sometimes men are simply looking for admiration.
Admiration is the feeling of pleasure, wonder and approval.
***Men want to be admired. Most ladies want to be treated with honor. Honor to a woman is the same as admiration to a man. Remember that!
A MARRIAGE MUST BE BUILT ON THE MATCH GAME
1 – Remember each others request.
Has your husband ever said any thing out of hope or regret? Then look for an opportunity to fulfill his request.
Illustration: I heard the story that one day a man said to his wife, “I would like to just watch one football game this season without being interrupted.” On a certain Saturday, the wife came into the den just before her husbands favorite team was to play. She said, honey I took the phone off the hook. The kids and I are going shopping.
I put a pizza in the oven and you favorite drink is in the refrigerator. We’ll be back after the game. In appreciation, the man began to work on some home projects that the wife asked of him a long time ago.
Husbands, has your wife ever said, “I wish I could do this or that.” Then do everything you can to one day give that to her. It shows honor.
No one can continually ignore loving and considerate actions.”
Ladies, “What are three things you know your husbands really enjoys?” Do them! Men, “What are three things you know your wives enjoy?” Do them!
Jesus Christ, “Give, and it shall be given unto you; good measure, pressed down, and shaken together, and running over (Luke 6:38).
2 – Praise each other.
Look for ways to draw attention to your mate’s positive qualities when around other people as well as alone. My wife brought a teaching to the ladies a few weeks ago on energy givers. Ask her for the booklet. It will enhance your marriage. Every body loves an energy giver. An energy giver gives praise, compliments and encouragement. They smile and speak gently and kindly. Learn to praise each other.
Wife, if your husband is sensitive, a hard worker, knowledgeable about a certain area of business, praise him for that. Does he help you around the house? Let him know privately and in public how much you appreciate him and often. Praise him every day at lease once!
Men, is your wife kind, sweet, does she keep the house nice, does she take care of your children, does she cook you meals, praise her for what she does.
3 – Learn about your mate’s life.
Your husband works a job whereby he is gone forty to sixty hours a week. Often there are frustrations and he has no one to talk to. Learn about his job.
Don’t try to learn everything in one sitting, but know what he is doing. When he comes home, let him know you appreciate what he does.
Men, stay home from work for a week and let your wife go off. Take care of the kids, wash the clothes, clean the house, cook your meals and then. Learn your wife’s life.
Each marriage partner needs to know the other one cares about the life they live. Each must be praised for what they do.
Jesus said, “To give a cup of cold water in the name of a disciple will not go unrewarded.” Whatever your mate does, encourage him/her and look for ways to show each other how important they are.
4 – Be willing to submit to new ideas.
Wives when your husband comes up with a new idea don’t cut him off. Don’t say, “I don’t like that, I don’t’ like change. We’ve always done things this way.” Be willing to make some changes.
Husbands, your wife may not like change. Often women find security and comfort in the same routine. So wives, be willing to change and husbands, have a good reason to give your wife for the change.
Believe it or not submission is the prettiest garment a wife can put on. It is very, very attractive to a husband. And men, Ephesians 5:21 says, “Submitting yourself one to another, in the fear of God.”
5 – Speak to your mate nonverbally. Know body language.
Studies of communication between husbands and wives prove that words, only make up seven percent of their communication.
Fifty-five percent of what a person says is facial expression.
Thirty-eight percent of what a person says is voice tone.
A husband can say to his wife, “Do you mind if I go hunting Saturday?” And the wife may say yes but only 7% of her is saying “yes.”
You can say, “I love you” and it can mean nothing. Or it can mean, you are the most special thing in the entire world to me.
A -When you talk, listen attentively by looking each other in the eye and listening to the tone of each other’s voice. A yes is not a yes if the facial expression and the voice tone say, “no.”
6 – Bury the hatchet.
Some husbands have really messed up in the past. Some wives have really messed up in the past. Maybe financial, maybe other ways and when push comes to shove, the wife or the husband can bring out the hatchet and remind each other of THAT time.
Bury it, folks, once and for all. In the Bible it is called forgiveness. Wipe the late clean. Let the past be the past. Forgive, try to forget and never bring it up again.
Wednesday, July 15, 2009
Trust and Obey
TRUST AND OBEY
Proverbs 3:5, Trust in the LORD with all thine heart; and lean not unto thine own understanding. 6 In all thy ways acknowledge him, and he shall direct thy paths.
In Brockton, Mass in 1887 a young man stood up in a meeting conducted by D.L. Moody and gave a testimony. At the end of his testimony he said, “I don’t know much about the Christian life, but I am going to trust and obey.”
Sitting in that meeting was a man by the name of John. H. Sammis. He took those words and penned down the famous Christian hymn, “Trust and obey for there is no other way to be happy in Jesus but to trust and obey.”
Listen to the rest of the song:
“When we walk with the Lord in the light of his word, what a glory He sheds on our way. When we do His good will He abides with us still, and with all who will trust and obey.
Not a shadow can rise, not a cloud in the skies, but His smile quickly drives it away, Not a doubt nor a fear, not a sigh nor a tear, can abide while we trust and obey. Is our faith that strong? Is our trust that real?
Not a burden we bear, not a sorrow we share, but our toil He doth richly repay: not a grief nor a loss, not a frown nor a cross, but is blest if we trust and obey.
How can this song writer write those words? How can we actually be blessed in a time of grief and loss? Listen to the next verse
But we never can prove the delights of His love until all on the altar we lay, For the favor He shows and the joy he bestows are for them who will trust and obey.
There is the key. We must lay our all on the altar. We must truly by faith give to God our family, our expectations, our income, our children, yea our future and trust what come, what may.
What will happen then? Then we read the last verse of this song. Then, in fellowship sweet we will sit at His feet, or we’ll walk by His side in the way: What He says we will do. Where he sends we will go – never fear, only trust and obey.
Trust and obey for there is no other way to be happy in Jesus but to trust and obey..
I want to look at four transactions that take place in the life of every believer that truly trusts and obeys.
I – THE PLACE OF PEACE
Proverbs 3:5 Trust in the LORD with all thine heart; is the place of peace.
Trust is synonymous with Bible qualities such as faith, belief and hope. Spiritually, it speaks of one who relies completely on the Lord.
Do we truly trust God?
Do we trust Him with our lives?
Do we trust Him with our future?
Do we trust Him with our money?
Do we trust Him with our children?
Do we trust Him with our soul?
We say we trust Him to forgive our sins.
We say we trust Him to keep us out of an eternal burning hell.
We say we trust Him to take us to an eternal home in heaven.
We say we trust Him day by day, week by week and year by year.
But, do we trust Him in the valley’s as well as when we are on the mountains?
It is easy to trust in the Lord with the bills are paid…
“…when we have a secure job…
“…when our marriage is great…
“…when we are healthy and strong…
“…when our kids are doing well in life and living for God..
But,
a. Can you trust in the Lord when you preach for 120 years and nobody gets saved? Noah did.
Do you believe God is God and can you lean on Him when you witness to your family and they refuse your witness year after year after year? Can you trust Him then? Sure you can.
b. Can you trust in the Lord when your back is against the Red Sea and the whole Egyptian army is about to annihilate you; and those who you tried to lead to freedom turn against you? Moses did.
Can you trust Him when it seems like your friends have forsaken you and some times you feel like no body understands you?
c. Can you trust in the Lord when nobody else will stand against the giant but you? David did.
Can you trust Him when nobody is willing to lay down their life for the Lord? Sure you can.
d. Can you really trust in the Lord, when your city is in siege and your children are starving to death? Hezekiah did.
e. Can you trust the Lord when your children die and your business goes bankrupt and your health fails? Job did.
d. Can the Lord who gave you life and freedom and all good things, be trusted when he takes every thing He gave you away and won’t tell you why? Job did.
Can you lean on Him then? Can you depend on Him then?
Can you tell the world then, My God is so good, so great and so mighty, there is nothing my God can not do?”
I will answer all of those questions with one word, “Yes!” The God of the mountain is also God in the valley. He who stands by you when a child is born into this world is He who stands by you when a love one leaves this world.
I want you to know, God can be trusted at all times, in every situation, whether you understand it or not. Trust in the Lord with all thine heart.
e. When you have been thrown in prison can you trust the Lord? Paul did! Listen to what Paul wrote in Romans 5:1-4.
Romans 5:1 Therefore being justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ:
2 By whom also we have access by faith into this grace wherein we stand, and rejoice in hope of the glory of God.
3 And not only so, but we glory in tribulations also: knowing that tribulation worketh patience;
4 And patience, experience; and experience, hope:
f. When you have done the Lord’s bidding and have been sentenced to death by beheading, can you trust Him? Paul said in 2 Timothy 4: “7 I have fought a good fight, I have finished my course, I have kept the faith:
8 Henceforth there is laid up for me a crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous judge, shall give me at that day: and not to me only, but unto all them also that love his appearing.
Shall I ask a few Christians through the ages if God can be trusted?
Hey, Adoniram Judson, missionary to Burma, when you were arrested and beaten and dragged through the hot desert sands were you trusting God? Mr. Judson, when you were hung upside down I prison with chains, did you trust God? Mr. Judson, when you lay your wife and three children in an early grave the first seven years on the mission field and you have no coverts, did you still trust Him? I hear his answer, yes, yes, yes, He can be trusted!
Hey, Jonathan Edwards, who preached the famous sermon that was placed in every literature book in America at one time, “Sinners in the hands of an angry God.” Mr. Edwards who led the revival fires of the colonist, did you still trust Him when your church voted you out and you had to go to a Indian reservation as a missionary? Yes!
Hey, John Bunyan, who wrote the famous Pilgrims’ Progress, can you trust God after spending 12 years in prison for preaching the gospel Jesus Christ, while your family and children had to fare for themselves. Yes!
Hey, Tim Lee, you got away from God and rebelled against your parents. You joined the Marines and God in his scourging allowed both your legs to be blown off, when you stepped on a landmine. Can you trust Him? Can you preach for Him? Yes! Yes!
Hey, Christian, we trusted in God because America was founded on Biblical principles and we had great freedom to worship God, but slowly that freedom has been taken away. The agenda of our government today is socialism. Why?
The ultimate agenda of our government now is to be part of a one world system. And they know they have to cripple this nation economically and bring it to its knees before we will accept the false concept of a one-world government. Can you trust God now? Is He still on the throne? Is He still worthy? Yes, yes, yes!
Trust in the LORD with all thine heart;
To trust is to turn lose of everything God has given you and allow Him to do what he wants with what belongs to Him anyway.
Can you trust Him with your life, your future, your health, your money?
Then don’t worry, don’t fret, trust and obey for there is no other way to be happy in Jesus but to trust and obey.
God never promised us skies always blew.
Song:
1. God hath not promised skies always blue,
Flower-strewn pathways all our lives through;
God hath not promised sun without rain,
Joy without sorrow, peace without pain.
But God hath promised strength for the day,
Rest for the labor, light for the way,
Grace for the trials, help from above,
Unfailing sympathy, undying love.
2. God hath not promised that we shall not know
Toil and temptation, trouble and woe;
He hath not told us we shall not bear
Many a burden, many a care.
But God hath promised strength for the day,
Rest for the labor, light for the way,
Grace for the trials, help from above,
Unfailing sympathy, undying love.
II – THE PLACE OF PERCEPTION
When I think of a person having perception I think of someone having wisdom, discernment and spiritual understanding. Solomon wrote “…and lean not unto thine own understanding.”
Perception or understanding or wisdom is having insight to see the final product. It is the ability spiritually to see the end of the road you are walking and make the decision to stay on the road or make a change.
I think of the old story of the flood in Mississippi when a man was trapped in his house. The waters covered the man’s foundation and a police boat came by and cried out, “We are here to save you, get in the boat.” The man said, “No thank you, the Lord will take care of me.” The water got half way up his door and the boat came by again and said, “We are here to save you, get in the boat.” The man said, “That’s ok, the Lord will take care of me.” The waters rose to the man’s gutters and he had to climb on top of the house. A police helicopter came by and threw the man a rope and said grab a hold, we are here to save you.” The man said, “No thank you, the Lord will take care of me.”
Five minutes later he was swept away by the current and drowned. He stood before the Lord and said, “Lord, I trusted you to save me in the flood and you didn’t. Why? The Lord said, I sent two boats and a helicopter and you would not trust me.
We smile or laugh at that but the truth is God tells us again and again in His word to trust Him, to wait on Him, to give our expectations to Him.
We are to realize that there are mountains and valleys in life and we expect a miracle when God is not going to send one. He may say, just trust me, this is for my glory.
The world offers man knowledge to make money, so man can have things. But knowledge does not bring godly perception and things do not bring peace.
With money you can buy a house, but it will never buy a Home.
You can buy a Clock, but not Time,
You can buy Bed, but not Sleep,
You can buy a Book, but not Wisdom,
You can hire a Doctor, but not Good Health,
(ask Michael Jackson)
You can buy a Position, but not Respect,
You can buy Blood, but not eternal Life,
You can buy sex, but not real Love,
You can buy Luxury, but not Happiness,
You can buy everything, but you can’t buy GOD.....
You can’t buy peace. You can’t buy perception. Michael Jackson at one time had popularity and wealth and what seemed everything a person would want, yet he was a man without peace and clearly a man without perception. He died of what? A drug overdose, to many pills? Why was he taking them? No peace.
Recently, a very good football player died. He was hailed as a great football player from the tongues of so many. Yet he did not know the Lord. He had no peace. He had no perception. He had many relationships with many other women. Little did he know the jealousy in the heart of one of those women, who took a guy and then took his life.
It would be very wise, if we learned to trust in the Lord with all our hearts and if we could learn to not lean to our own understanding.
All the wisdom in the world isn’t even a water drop in the ocean compared to the omniscience mind of God. And foolish man tries to explain God away, or at lease ignore God as if He does not exist and man hopes there will be no judgment.
How silly it is for man in his foolishness to question God?
We are told not to lean to our own understanding but to trust in Him.
Thirdly, we come to the place of praise.
III – THE PLACE OF PRAISE
Proverbs 3:6, “In all thy ways acknowledge him…”
It is human nature to trust in our thoughts or our expectations and praise the Lord.
It is normal to trust in our bank account and think that some how that is a measure of God’s blessings on us.
To some, folks, if they are healthy and strong, again they praise the Lord. To others, they trust in their education or their abilities.
But, Proverbs 3:6 reads, “In all thy ways acknowledge him…”
Acknowledge God. That means to recognize who God is. He is a Father to those that know Him. He is the Creator to all of man. He is the Source of salvation to all who will believe and He will be the Judge of the universe.
Ask, “What does God wants for me today?
He wants your trust. He wants your love. He wants your fellowship. He wants your prayers. He wants your heart.
If you are not a believer, He wants you to trust Him with your life. He wants you to obey Him and surrender your life to Him. He wants you to ask Christ to save your soul today.
If you are His child, He wants you to acknowledge Him. When you do you will cease asking all the time for things and you will begin thanking Him, praising Him, seeing His hand work in your life every day.
He likes to hear words like David wrote,
Psalms 23
1 The LORD is my shepherd; I shall not want.
Many scholars have questioned at what time in David’s life he wrote this. I personally believe he wrote it later in life. I believe, he had killed the giant, reigned as king of Israel, had been removed as king by his son.
I picture David sitting in a cave in one of the darkest nights of his life, staring into the unknown, having lost everything and he writes, “I love Jehovah. I love Him. I realize, He has been more than kind, forgiving, compassionate and generous with me. He is my shepherd. I will follow where he leads, in life and in death. There is nothing I want in life but to follow His footsteps.
2 He maketh me to lie down in green pastures: he leadeth me beside the still waters. I’ve live in the castle at Jerusalem. I’ve slept in the most exquisite beds. But, if he wants me to lie down in the green pastures, there I will lie and look upon the many stars that He has created and listen to His voice.
I will refresh myself by the still waters. I won’t be anxious. I won’t be in a hurry. A war may be brewing. Deadlines may have to be met. But, I will wait on the Lord.
3 He restoreth my soul: he leadeth me in the paths of righteousness for his name's sake.
Ah-h-h, there, He restores, He refreshes and He rejuvenates me. I see now where He wants me to walk. He wants me to walk in paths of righteousness, for His glory.
4 Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil: for thou art with me; thy rod and thy staff they comfort me.
I see that those paths may lead through the valley of the shadow of death, but that is ok, I won’t fear death for He is with me.
He guides me by his rod and staff. When I get out of line He will take the shepherds rod and prod me to walk straight. Then he will take the curved part of his staff and draw me to him for comfort.
Why are you drawing me close Lord? 5 Thou preparest a table before me in the presence of mine enemies: thou anointest my head with oil; my cup runneth over.
You are giving me strength, grace and your spiritual power so when I face the enemies of life, I will overflow with your love and likeness.
6 Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life: and I will dwell in the house of the LORD for ever.
What else do I see at your table? Goodness and mercy, I see that you will not only lead me, but you will follow me and protect me and when life is over, my dwelling place will be with you, for ever.
IV – THE PLACE OF THE PATH
Proverbs 3:6b “…and he shall direct thy paths.”
Do you really believe God is working in your life?
Do you really believe that the God that gave you that precious baby might take that baby away from you? Will you trust Him then?
Do you really believe that He who gave you such good health might allow your health to fail? Will you trust Him then?
When I look back on the path of life, I realize something the shortest distance between two points is a straight line. My line has a lot of zigs and zags in it. But, I realize so did many of God’s children.
AIRPLANE
I read a story a few years ago about a man learning to fly. His instructor told him to put the plane into a steep and extended dive. The man tells the story. After a brief time the engine stalled and the plane began to plunge out-of-control. It soon became evident that the instructor was not going to help me at all.
After a few seconds, which seemed like eternity, my mind began to function gain. I quickly corrected the situation.
Immediately I turned to the instructor and began to vent my fearful frustrations on him. He very calmly said to me, "There is no position you can get this airplane into that I cannot get you out of. If you want to learn to fly, go up there and do it again."
At that moment God seemed to be saying to me, "Remember this. As you serve Me, there is no situation you can get yourself into that I cannot get you out of. If you trust me, you will be all right." That lesson has been proven true in my ministry many times over the years.
For you college kids – you wonder sometimes where the next dollar is going to come from. Trust in the Lord.
For married couples, you wonder if it is going to get better or worse. Trust in the Lord.
For you families, when money is thin, you ask what do we do? Trust in the Lord.
God’s path led Moses to the Red Sea. With his back to the sea and the Egyptian army behind him, many cried against Moses. But, it was here Moses trusted in God and the mighty hand of God was revealed.
It was three and a half years of draught. Many were questioning the power of God. But, Elijah showed up and stood against all the false prophets of Baal and prayed. Fire came down from heaven to prove to Israel that God is still God.
The children of Israel were looking for a deliverer. Yet, the path of God’s son led him to Gethsemane, Gabbatha, Golgotha and the grave. Why? The heart of man was looking for physical deliverance, physical blessings, physical freedom, when God was providing spiritually deliverance and spiritual blessings and spiritual freedom for time and eternity.
When I was a boy in the 8th grade, 1964, it was two years after Madelyn Murray O’Hara and the Supreme Court removed prayer, the Bible and pretty much God from our school system.
At this graduation, some of the teachers wanted to put God in the songs though they could not say His name. Here is the song we sang at our graduation, as a lost 12 year old boy, it still made an impact on my life. I remember it today 45 years later.
Ervin Drake – 1952 -
I believe for every drop of rain that falls
A flower grows (God is in charge)
I believe that somewhere in the darkest night
A candle glows (A Christian’s light)
I believe for everyone who goes astray, someone will come
To show the way (A soul saved) --I believe, I believe
I believe above a storm the smallest prayer
Can still be heard (Power of prayer)
I believe that someone in the great somewhere
Hears every word (God)
Every time I hear a new born baby cry, (God gives life)
Or touch a leaf or see the sky (He is creator)
Then I know why, I believe
Proverbs 3:5, Trust in the LORD with all thine heart; and lean not unto thine own understanding. 6 In all thy ways acknowledge him, and he shall direct thy paths.
In Brockton, Mass in 1887 a young man stood up in a meeting conducted by D.L. Moody and gave a testimony. At the end of his testimony he said, “I don’t know much about the Christian life, but I am going to trust and obey.”
Sitting in that meeting was a man by the name of John. H. Sammis. He took those words and penned down the famous Christian hymn, “Trust and obey for there is no other way to be happy in Jesus but to trust and obey.”
Listen to the rest of the song:
“When we walk with the Lord in the light of his word, what a glory He sheds on our way. When we do His good will He abides with us still, and with all who will trust and obey.
Not a shadow can rise, not a cloud in the skies, but His smile quickly drives it away, Not a doubt nor a fear, not a sigh nor a tear, can abide while we trust and obey. Is our faith that strong? Is our trust that real?
Not a burden we bear, not a sorrow we share, but our toil He doth richly repay: not a grief nor a loss, not a frown nor a cross, but is blest if we trust and obey.
How can this song writer write those words? How can we actually be blessed in a time of grief and loss? Listen to the next verse
But we never can prove the delights of His love until all on the altar we lay, For the favor He shows and the joy he bestows are for them who will trust and obey.
There is the key. We must lay our all on the altar. We must truly by faith give to God our family, our expectations, our income, our children, yea our future and trust what come, what may.
What will happen then? Then we read the last verse of this song. Then, in fellowship sweet we will sit at His feet, or we’ll walk by His side in the way: What He says we will do. Where he sends we will go – never fear, only trust and obey.
Trust and obey for there is no other way to be happy in Jesus but to trust and obey..
I want to look at four transactions that take place in the life of every believer that truly trusts and obeys.
I – THE PLACE OF PEACE
Proverbs 3:5 Trust in the LORD with all thine heart; is the place of peace.
Trust is synonymous with Bible qualities such as faith, belief and hope. Spiritually, it speaks of one who relies completely on the Lord.
Do we truly trust God?
Do we trust Him with our lives?
Do we trust Him with our future?
Do we trust Him with our money?
Do we trust Him with our children?
Do we trust Him with our soul?
We say we trust Him to forgive our sins.
We say we trust Him to keep us out of an eternal burning hell.
We say we trust Him to take us to an eternal home in heaven.
We say we trust Him day by day, week by week and year by year.
But, do we trust Him in the valley’s as well as when we are on the mountains?
It is easy to trust in the Lord with the bills are paid…
“…when we have a secure job…
“…when our marriage is great…
“…when we are healthy and strong…
“…when our kids are doing well in life and living for God..
But,
a. Can you trust in the Lord when you preach for 120 years and nobody gets saved? Noah did.
Do you believe God is God and can you lean on Him when you witness to your family and they refuse your witness year after year after year? Can you trust Him then? Sure you can.
b. Can you trust in the Lord when your back is against the Red Sea and the whole Egyptian army is about to annihilate you; and those who you tried to lead to freedom turn against you? Moses did.
Can you trust Him when it seems like your friends have forsaken you and some times you feel like no body understands you?
c. Can you trust in the Lord when nobody else will stand against the giant but you? David did.
Can you trust Him when nobody is willing to lay down their life for the Lord? Sure you can.
d. Can you really trust in the Lord, when your city is in siege and your children are starving to death? Hezekiah did.
e. Can you trust the Lord when your children die and your business goes bankrupt and your health fails? Job did.
d. Can the Lord who gave you life and freedom and all good things, be trusted when he takes every thing He gave you away and won’t tell you why? Job did.
Can you lean on Him then? Can you depend on Him then?
Can you tell the world then, My God is so good, so great and so mighty, there is nothing my God can not do?”
I will answer all of those questions with one word, “Yes!” The God of the mountain is also God in the valley. He who stands by you when a child is born into this world is He who stands by you when a love one leaves this world.
I want you to know, God can be trusted at all times, in every situation, whether you understand it or not. Trust in the Lord with all thine heart.
e. When you have been thrown in prison can you trust the Lord? Paul did! Listen to what Paul wrote in Romans 5:1-4.
Romans 5:1 Therefore being justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ:
2 By whom also we have access by faith into this grace wherein we stand, and rejoice in hope of the glory of God.
3 And not only so, but we glory in tribulations also: knowing that tribulation worketh patience;
4 And patience, experience; and experience, hope:
f. When you have done the Lord’s bidding and have been sentenced to death by beheading, can you trust Him? Paul said in 2 Timothy 4: “7 I have fought a good fight, I have finished my course, I have kept the faith:
8 Henceforth there is laid up for me a crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous judge, shall give me at that day: and not to me only, but unto all them also that love his appearing.
Shall I ask a few Christians through the ages if God can be trusted?
Hey, Adoniram Judson, missionary to Burma, when you were arrested and beaten and dragged through the hot desert sands were you trusting God? Mr. Judson, when you were hung upside down I prison with chains, did you trust God? Mr. Judson, when you lay your wife and three children in an early grave the first seven years on the mission field and you have no coverts, did you still trust Him? I hear his answer, yes, yes, yes, He can be trusted!
Hey, Jonathan Edwards, who preached the famous sermon that was placed in every literature book in America at one time, “Sinners in the hands of an angry God.” Mr. Edwards who led the revival fires of the colonist, did you still trust Him when your church voted you out and you had to go to a Indian reservation as a missionary? Yes!
Hey, John Bunyan, who wrote the famous Pilgrims’ Progress, can you trust God after spending 12 years in prison for preaching the gospel Jesus Christ, while your family and children had to fare for themselves. Yes!
Hey, Tim Lee, you got away from God and rebelled against your parents. You joined the Marines and God in his scourging allowed both your legs to be blown off, when you stepped on a landmine. Can you trust Him? Can you preach for Him? Yes! Yes!
Hey, Christian, we trusted in God because America was founded on Biblical principles and we had great freedom to worship God, but slowly that freedom has been taken away. The agenda of our government today is socialism. Why?
The ultimate agenda of our government now is to be part of a one world system. And they know they have to cripple this nation economically and bring it to its knees before we will accept the false concept of a one-world government. Can you trust God now? Is He still on the throne? Is He still worthy? Yes, yes, yes!
Trust in the LORD with all thine heart;
To trust is to turn lose of everything God has given you and allow Him to do what he wants with what belongs to Him anyway.
Can you trust Him with your life, your future, your health, your money?
Then don’t worry, don’t fret, trust and obey for there is no other way to be happy in Jesus but to trust and obey.
God never promised us skies always blew.
Song:
1. God hath not promised skies always blue,
Flower-strewn pathways all our lives through;
God hath not promised sun without rain,
Joy without sorrow, peace without pain.
But God hath promised strength for the day,
Rest for the labor, light for the way,
Grace for the trials, help from above,
Unfailing sympathy, undying love.
2. God hath not promised that we shall not know
Toil and temptation, trouble and woe;
He hath not told us we shall not bear
Many a burden, many a care.
But God hath promised strength for the day,
Rest for the labor, light for the way,
Grace for the trials, help from above,
Unfailing sympathy, undying love.
II – THE PLACE OF PERCEPTION
When I think of a person having perception I think of someone having wisdom, discernment and spiritual understanding. Solomon wrote “…and lean not unto thine own understanding.”
Perception or understanding or wisdom is having insight to see the final product. It is the ability spiritually to see the end of the road you are walking and make the decision to stay on the road or make a change.
I think of the old story of the flood in Mississippi when a man was trapped in his house. The waters covered the man’s foundation and a police boat came by and cried out, “We are here to save you, get in the boat.” The man said, “No thank you, the Lord will take care of me.” The water got half way up his door and the boat came by again and said, “We are here to save you, get in the boat.” The man said, “That’s ok, the Lord will take care of me.” The waters rose to the man’s gutters and he had to climb on top of the house. A police helicopter came by and threw the man a rope and said grab a hold, we are here to save you.” The man said, “No thank you, the Lord will take care of me.”
Five minutes later he was swept away by the current and drowned. He stood before the Lord and said, “Lord, I trusted you to save me in the flood and you didn’t. Why? The Lord said, I sent two boats and a helicopter and you would not trust me.
We smile or laugh at that but the truth is God tells us again and again in His word to trust Him, to wait on Him, to give our expectations to Him.
We are to realize that there are mountains and valleys in life and we expect a miracle when God is not going to send one. He may say, just trust me, this is for my glory.
The world offers man knowledge to make money, so man can have things. But knowledge does not bring godly perception and things do not bring peace.
With money you can buy a house, but it will never buy a Home.
You can buy a Clock, but not Time,
You can buy Bed, but not Sleep,
You can buy a Book, but not Wisdom,
You can hire a Doctor, but not Good Health,
(ask Michael Jackson)
You can buy a Position, but not Respect,
You can buy Blood, but not eternal Life,
You can buy sex, but not real Love,
You can buy Luxury, but not Happiness,
You can buy everything, but you can’t buy GOD.....
You can’t buy peace. You can’t buy perception. Michael Jackson at one time had popularity and wealth and what seemed everything a person would want, yet he was a man without peace and clearly a man without perception. He died of what? A drug overdose, to many pills? Why was he taking them? No peace.
Recently, a very good football player died. He was hailed as a great football player from the tongues of so many. Yet he did not know the Lord. He had no peace. He had no perception. He had many relationships with many other women. Little did he know the jealousy in the heart of one of those women, who took a guy and then took his life.
It would be very wise, if we learned to trust in the Lord with all our hearts and if we could learn to not lean to our own understanding.
All the wisdom in the world isn’t even a water drop in the ocean compared to the omniscience mind of God. And foolish man tries to explain God away, or at lease ignore God as if He does not exist and man hopes there will be no judgment.
How silly it is for man in his foolishness to question God?
We are told not to lean to our own understanding but to trust in Him.
Thirdly, we come to the place of praise.
III – THE PLACE OF PRAISE
Proverbs 3:6, “In all thy ways acknowledge him…”
It is human nature to trust in our thoughts or our expectations and praise the Lord.
It is normal to trust in our bank account and think that some how that is a measure of God’s blessings on us.
To some, folks, if they are healthy and strong, again they praise the Lord. To others, they trust in their education or their abilities.
But, Proverbs 3:6 reads, “In all thy ways acknowledge him…”
Acknowledge God. That means to recognize who God is. He is a Father to those that know Him. He is the Creator to all of man. He is the Source of salvation to all who will believe and He will be the Judge of the universe.
Ask, “What does God wants for me today?
He wants your trust. He wants your love. He wants your fellowship. He wants your prayers. He wants your heart.
If you are not a believer, He wants you to trust Him with your life. He wants you to obey Him and surrender your life to Him. He wants you to ask Christ to save your soul today.
If you are His child, He wants you to acknowledge Him. When you do you will cease asking all the time for things and you will begin thanking Him, praising Him, seeing His hand work in your life every day.
He likes to hear words like David wrote,
Psalms 23
1 The LORD is my shepherd; I shall not want.
Many scholars have questioned at what time in David’s life he wrote this. I personally believe he wrote it later in life. I believe, he had killed the giant, reigned as king of Israel, had been removed as king by his son.
I picture David sitting in a cave in one of the darkest nights of his life, staring into the unknown, having lost everything and he writes, “I love Jehovah. I love Him. I realize, He has been more than kind, forgiving, compassionate and generous with me. He is my shepherd. I will follow where he leads, in life and in death. There is nothing I want in life but to follow His footsteps.
2 He maketh me to lie down in green pastures: he leadeth me beside the still waters. I’ve live in the castle at Jerusalem. I’ve slept in the most exquisite beds. But, if he wants me to lie down in the green pastures, there I will lie and look upon the many stars that He has created and listen to His voice.
I will refresh myself by the still waters. I won’t be anxious. I won’t be in a hurry. A war may be brewing. Deadlines may have to be met. But, I will wait on the Lord.
3 He restoreth my soul: he leadeth me in the paths of righteousness for his name's sake.
Ah-h-h, there, He restores, He refreshes and He rejuvenates me. I see now where He wants me to walk. He wants me to walk in paths of righteousness, for His glory.
4 Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil: for thou art with me; thy rod and thy staff they comfort me.
I see that those paths may lead through the valley of the shadow of death, but that is ok, I won’t fear death for He is with me.
He guides me by his rod and staff. When I get out of line He will take the shepherds rod and prod me to walk straight. Then he will take the curved part of his staff and draw me to him for comfort.
Why are you drawing me close Lord? 5 Thou preparest a table before me in the presence of mine enemies: thou anointest my head with oil; my cup runneth over.
You are giving me strength, grace and your spiritual power so when I face the enemies of life, I will overflow with your love and likeness.
6 Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life: and I will dwell in the house of the LORD for ever.
What else do I see at your table? Goodness and mercy, I see that you will not only lead me, but you will follow me and protect me and when life is over, my dwelling place will be with you, for ever.
IV – THE PLACE OF THE PATH
Proverbs 3:6b “…and he shall direct thy paths.”
Do you really believe God is working in your life?
Do you really believe that the God that gave you that precious baby might take that baby away from you? Will you trust Him then?
Do you really believe that He who gave you such good health might allow your health to fail? Will you trust Him then?
When I look back on the path of life, I realize something the shortest distance between two points is a straight line. My line has a lot of zigs and zags in it. But, I realize so did many of God’s children.
AIRPLANE
I read a story a few years ago about a man learning to fly. His instructor told him to put the plane into a steep and extended dive. The man tells the story. After a brief time the engine stalled and the plane began to plunge out-of-control. It soon became evident that the instructor was not going to help me at all.
After a few seconds, which seemed like eternity, my mind began to function gain. I quickly corrected the situation.
Immediately I turned to the instructor and began to vent my fearful frustrations on him. He very calmly said to me, "There is no position you can get this airplane into that I cannot get you out of. If you want to learn to fly, go up there and do it again."
At that moment God seemed to be saying to me, "Remember this. As you serve Me, there is no situation you can get yourself into that I cannot get you out of. If you trust me, you will be all right." That lesson has been proven true in my ministry many times over the years.
For you college kids – you wonder sometimes where the next dollar is going to come from. Trust in the Lord.
For married couples, you wonder if it is going to get better or worse. Trust in the Lord.
For you families, when money is thin, you ask what do we do? Trust in the Lord.
God’s path led Moses to the Red Sea. With his back to the sea and the Egyptian army behind him, many cried against Moses. But, it was here Moses trusted in God and the mighty hand of God was revealed.
It was three and a half years of draught. Many were questioning the power of God. But, Elijah showed up and stood against all the false prophets of Baal and prayed. Fire came down from heaven to prove to Israel that God is still God.
The children of Israel were looking for a deliverer. Yet, the path of God’s son led him to Gethsemane, Gabbatha, Golgotha and the grave. Why? The heart of man was looking for physical deliverance, physical blessings, physical freedom, when God was providing spiritually deliverance and spiritual blessings and spiritual freedom for time and eternity.
When I was a boy in the 8th grade, 1964, it was two years after Madelyn Murray O’Hara and the Supreme Court removed prayer, the Bible and pretty much God from our school system.
At this graduation, some of the teachers wanted to put God in the songs though they could not say His name. Here is the song we sang at our graduation, as a lost 12 year old boy, it still made an impact on my life. I remember it today 45 years later.
Ervin Drake – 1952 -
I believe for every drop of rain that falls
A flower grows (God is in charge)
I believe that somewhere in the darkest night
A candle glows (A Christian’s light)
I believe for everyone who goes astray, someone will come
To show the way (A soul saved) --I believe, I believe
I believe above a storm the smallest prayer
Can still be heard (Power of prayer)
I believe that someone in the great somewhere
Hears every word (God)
Every time I hear a new born baby cry, (God gives life)
Or touch a leaf or see the sky (He is creator)
Then I know why, I believe
Sunday, May 31, 2009
"WHEN THE LIGHTS GO OUT"
“WHEN THE LIGHTS GO OUT”
ISAIAH 57
In Isaiah 55:1, God gives an invitation to “every one that thirsteth,” to come and drink from the waters of eternal life. He invites every one to be filled with glorious joy and great strength, and it is all free.
In Isaiah 55:7, God gives an invitation to the wicked to repent and “return unto the Lord.” He promises to graciously show mercy.
In Isaiah 56:1, God gives an invitation to His children to study His word, so with the Savior appeared, they would recognize Him.
But, sadly, they did not study and when Jesus Christ came into the world, they did not recognize Him.
The rest of Isaiah 56 tells us, because Jesus was forsaken, God’s House of worship was forfeited and God’s day of worship was forgotten.
In Isaiah 56:9-12, he reveals that the watchman, who represented the politicians, priests and the prophets of Israel, no longer could see right from wrong. Isaiah compared them to dumb dogs. He said they were blind and ignorant. Rather than giving their life to the things of God, they mainly lived for pleasure and prosperity.
Within 100 years, Judah was taken captive by Babylon and over the next few hundred years the nation of Israel was scattered across the earth.
When Jesus came, He prophesied that Israel would once again be a nation, though many doubted that would or could ever happen. Over 1900 years later it did happen. In 1948
Israel became a nation again.
What happened to Israel over 2,000 years ago has happened to Christian America over the past 200 years later.
The Biblical principles of God’s Word which once governed our homes, our hearts and our homeland are no longer used as the measuring stick by which most Americans and Christians live.
God’s Word is no longer used to form policies in our government and sadly, it is no longer used in forming policies in most churches and homes.
Isaiah 56 introduced us to the Place of Prayer.
Isaiah 57 will introduce us to the Place of Peace.
Isaiah 58 will introduce us to the Place of Power.
Having said all of this, we can now look at Isaiah 57 and understand that Isaiah is speaking of what will mainly transpire in the Last Days, though evidence of this is everywhere today.
I – THE WAYWARD MAN
1 – The Righteous (v 1a)
57:1, The righteous perisheth, and no man layeth it to heart: and merciful men are taken away, none considering that the righteous is taken away from the evil to come.
Because of the waywardness of man’s heart, nations forget God, and reject the righteous man. Why are those who stand for righteousness rejected? Jesus said, “Men loved darkness more then light…” Why? Jesus said because, “…their deeds are evil” (John 3:19).
Jesus was “the light of the world.” He said to those who follow Him, “Ye are the light of the world.”
Without light, rain won’t fall and the water cycle of life will stop. Without light, crops won’t grow and the food chain will die. Without light, men will stumble and sin prevails. In time, everything in darkness dies.
Growing up on a farm, I saw this truth quite often. When I picked up a board or a bucket that had been laying in the field for a short time, the grass underneath it was dead. Oh, it rained, the ground was moist, but the grass was dead, for it received no light.
Sadly, what Isaiah says in verse one this: In the last days, as the men who stand for righteousness slowly die and move off the scene, few will take there place and nobody will really care.
a. A note on the Politicians: There was a day when we had statesmen, like George Washington, Abraham Lincoln, Benjamin Franklin, John Adams and others like them in government, who based their lives and beliefs on God’s Holy Word.
Today, we have politicians, who can be bought for a few dollars. We have politicians who totally reject the light of truth and righteousness. They have removed the Christian pillars that this nation once stood on and have placed this nation on sinking sand.
b. A note on the Preachers: There was a day, when preachers in America were righteous. It did not matter if a preacher was a Methodist or Baptist or Presbyterian, the preachers preached the whole Bible as the inspired Word of God.
One of the greatest evangelists in America was Charles Finney. He was Presbyterian, but He had the powerful touch of God on Him. Great revivals were stirred across America by his uncompromising preaching.
There was Bob Jones I. He was Methodist. He had preached to over 15 million people before he was 40 years old.
Then there was the famous, Billy Sunday. Baseball player converted to God. He was a Baptist. He preached to 40 million people and preached the same truth that Finney and Jones preached, and I quote, “Conversion is a complete surrender to Jesus. It's a willingness to do what he wants you to do. Unless you have made a complete surrender and are doing his will it will avail you nothing. If you have reformed a thousand times and have your name on fifty church records it is to no avail.”
Sadly, today, too many preachers are like those Isaiah described in Isaiah 56:9-12. They preached a social gospel; they were concerned with the environment and the poor and the cold, but ceased preaching salvation and repentance.
Today it is the same. Many preachers are afraid to preach the whole Bible. They won’t bark at sin and the world is becoming darker and darker. They can not see that we are living in the last days. Many Christian nations, like Scotland and England have not heeded to the cries of Isaiah’s warning and today, these nations have less than 3% that attend Church. America is on the same road.
Notice the last part of Isaiah 57:1. It hints of the Rapture.
2 – The Rapture (1b) “...none considering that the righteous is taken away from the evil to come.”
Because there was so few living righteously in Judah’s day, the threat of destruction was upon them. Soon Nebuchadnezzar would take them away, but nobody was concerned.
In like manner one day soon God’s children will be taken away as well, but it will be the Lord who will call us home.
How can it be that when God’s children are taken out of this world, no one will really care or take notice?
Two reasons:
1) The lost world will be glad that the Christians are gone.
2) With the increase in the Muslim population and the humanistic teachings of America’s education system and media, to have fewer children in a few years our children will awaken to be run by a Muslim world.
The demographics of the world reveal some shocking news:
There was a day when Americans families had many children. It wasn’t uncommon to have 6 and 8 children and more.
Most of us, the past two generations were told lies, like, you can’t afford to raise them, education is to costly, you won’t have any thing in life and so, most of America have quit having children. That will be a terrible tragedy for the world.
Look at these stats:
History has proven for a culture to continue, it requires a fertility rate of 2.11 children per family.
Historically a culture that dropped to 1.9 has never turned around, though it is possible, it would take 80 to 100 years to turn the culture back.
A culture that dropped to 1.3 makes it impossible to ever reverse. It will die off and another culture will take over.
With that in mind look at these stats about the fertility rate of Europe:
France = 1.8 England = 1.6 Greece = 1.3
Germany = 1.3 Italy = 1.2 Spain = 1.1
The 31 countries in Europe have a 1.38 fertility rate.
The Muslim’s fertility rate is 8.1.
30% of the children in Europe younger than 21 are Muslims.
In 39 years France will be a Muslim country.
In England the Muslim rate has grown so fast, that within 20 years it too will be a Muslim country.
By the year 2025, half of Europe’s children will be Muslim.
Gaddafi said, “We don’t need terrorist or homicide bombers. The 50 million Muslims in Europe will turn it into a Muslim country with a few decades.”
Canada has a 1.6% fertility rate from 2001-2006.
The U.S. from 2001-2006 had a 1.6 fertility rate. With the Latino immigration it was 2.11. In 1970 there were 100,000 Muslims in the U.S. Today there are 9,000,000. In 30 years there will be 50 million Muslims in the United States of America.
This is my prediction to why the world won’t care when the Christians are raptured out. With so many Muslims who want to take over and control the world, and with many governments fighting against the Muslim take over, terrorism with grow tremendously across the world.
Just as the plot on September 11, 2009 was to hit numerous cities throughout America, (it failed), a plot far greater will take place in the near future and it will succeed. Possibly 1,000’s of bombs all over the U.S. and world will take out planes, buses, trains, buildings and even cities. It may even included nuclear weapons.
Now think! If when the rapture takes place, cars crash, planes fall from the sky and chaos reigns across the world, it could easily be blamed on terrorism. Tens of thousands, hundreds of thousands and maybe more will die, and most people wouldn’t care if all the Christians were gone, for they hated righteousness anyway.
Now, for you who know the book of Revelation and Biblical prophecy, what happens after the Church of Jesus Christ is raptured out? The first thing is the antichrist, the man of peace, will come on the scene.
Now, look at Isaiah 57:2, He shall enter into peace: they shall rest in their beds, each one walking in his uprightness.
In Revelation 6:2, the first horseman of the apocalyptic rides the white horse of peace, deceiving the world into believing everything is alright, as each person walks in his own uprightness. Note, this is not God’s righteousness but man’s prideful and arrogant way. It is an uprightness that calls evil good and good evil.
That is what people are doing today. From our President and to Supreme Court to our elected officials; liberal politicians, liberal journalist and liberal preachers are walking in their arrogant and prideful uprightness to the damnation of our country.
They believe as they continue to throw out the light of God’s Word and trample under food Godly principles and truths that they will bring peace to this world. How wrong they are.
Paul wrote in First Thessalonians 5:3-5, 3 For when they shall say, Peace and safety; then sudden destruction cometh upon them, as travail upon a woman with child; and they shall not escape.
4 But ye, brethren, are not in darkness, that that day should overtake you as a thief.
5 Ye are all the children of light, and the children of the day: we are not of the night, nor of darkness.
Now, after the Church is removed from this world and the devil takes over, Isaiah hints to a few frightening and amazing happenings that will transpire in this world in verses 3-12.
Understand, when the Apostle John wrote the book of Revelation, he gave more indebt details. But, it is clear that Isaiah saw, in visions given to him by God, the future events of the tribulation.
3 – The Rebellion (3-12)
Isaiah is going to reveal vital truths we need to know:
A - We need to quit trying to be politically correct:
Isaiah 57:3, But draw near hither, ye sons of the sorceress, the seed of the adulterer and the whore.
We live in a day in America where we are told to make sure our speech is politically correct. We are told don’t say anything negative about religion or another who may not have the same life style as you.
There is a two-fold hypocrisy about this statement.
1) I find it funny, that, this is not the standard God goes by.
2) I also found out the devil crowd doesn’t live by this standard either. They tell you one thing, but do just the opposite. They can have their freedom of speech and say anything negative or racist or evil about God’s crowd, but let God’s preachers declare that abortion, homosexuality, voter fraud and sin to their attention and they cry “politically incorrect.”
Friend, God calls black, black and He calls white, white. He calls sin, sin and He calls righteousness, righteousness. God doesn’t play by Satan’s rules.
Anyone who knows prophecy knows that in the last days the religions of the world will become so corrupt that they will welcome the devil in their pulpit. God, in His righteousness calls this wicked religion, “the whore.”
Turn to Revelation 17:1-2, And there came one of the seven angels which had the seven vials, and talked with me, saying unto me, Come hither; I will show unto thee the judgment of the great whore that sitteth upon many waters:
2 With whom the kings of the earth have committed fornication, and the inhabitants of the earth have been made drunk with the wine of her fornication.
Most of you know that today, 2009, all the nations of the world have become Babylonian. They have removed God from their culture, creed and constitution.
The “One World Religion” will commit fornication with the “One World Government” in the tribulation time. They will be in bed together. Why? The light of the world was raptured out and there is now, nothing to stop the wickedness of man.
The only thing that prevents this world from erupting into greater sin is the light of the righteous.
B - We need to know that the media in America hates Jesus Christ. 4 Against whom do ye sport yourselves? against whom make ye a wide mouth, and draw out the tongue? are ye not children of transgression, a seed of falsehood,
Let me say sadly, this was the heart of Israel when Isaiah preached.
Today, in rebellion, the world, through the media and politics and education has lifted up their voices against God, Christianity and righteousness.
Most people have been brained washed by the media. They tell you to be politically correct. They tell you drugs, drunkenness, sex outside the bonds of marriage is OK and at the same time they mock anything righteous and Christian.
I’ll let you in on a small detail of the Nazi annihilation of six million Jews and eight million Gentiles. Most of the preachers in Germany tried to be politically correct to the demise of their country.
I’ll tell you another secret. When God calls for a nation to repent, His preachers, preached to those who were suppose to know God, not the lost.
To preachers who are blind and ignorant, who won’t preach against sin or stand for righteousness I say, “You are doing a great disfavor to the Holy God I serve.” You are destroying the next generation by only preaching half the Bible. Preachers like Joel Osteen and Rick Warren, who speak against sin, they are destroying Christianity. They have accepted the political correct agenda, to the death of Christianity.
It is entertaining for the media, talk show host and comedians to mock and make fun of Christians, whether they have fallen or whether they do right. For example, look at how the media and the liberals used their wide mouth and evil tongues to maliciously attempt to destroy the Christian and moral life of Sarah Palin, in the last election.
C – We must know that most worship in America is a false worship. Isaiah 57:5-7 - 5 Enflaming yourselves with idols under every green tree, slaying the children in the valleys under the clifts of the rocks?
We would think Isaiah was writing today about sins of America and the world as he describes man’s silly worship of idols and the killing of the unborn, yet there are religious denominations that tell their pastors not to preach on controversial issues like abortion.
In verse five, the taking of the children’s lives were done in secret. How hideous it was. But far worse, today, the taking of the unborn has been justified by the Supreme Court of the United States and is not inn public medical centers, doctor’s offices and hospitals.
How evil the minds of men have become, and yet many churches will never cry from their pulpits that abortion is murder.
In verse six, those guilty of such crime, go back to worship God as if they have done nothing wrong…
6 Among the smooth stones of the stream is thy portion; they, they are thy lot: even to them hast thou poured a drink offering, thou hast offered a meat offering. Do you see what they are doing? They are giving to God worship.
God in amazement says, “Should I receive comfort in these?” God says, “You mock my word, you mock my principles, you maliciously destroy my people, you kill the innocent and you go to worship me and you think I am going to accept your worship?” How blinded man has become.
God mocks man in verse 7 by revealing his proud and haughty heart.
7 Upon a lofty and high mountain hast thou set thy bed: even thither wentest thou up to offer sacrifice.
Isaiah 57:7 reveals that in the last days, man in his pride will live in all types of sin, yet will continue to go through the act of worship, thinking he is OK. How can man do this? He doesn’t know the Word of God.
D – As true preaches continue to preach truth, many will leave that church and look for a church where they can live in drunkenness, adultery, and all types of sin and feel comfortable.
8 Behind the doors also and the posts hast thou set up thy remembrance: for thou hast discovered (revealed) thyself to another than me, and art gone up; thou hast enlarged thy bed, and made thee a covenant with them; thou lovedst their bed where thou sawest it.
Isaiah says to those who should have been God’s people, you left me. You crawled in bed with them. You love their bed not my bed.
God’s intimate bed is one of worship and holiness, righteousness and truth. The bed of false worship brings the world into it. Anything goes and everything is OK in this bed. In this bed man can live as he pleases and do whatever his heart desires. But judgment day is coming. (v 9)
E – Isaiah tells us in the Last Days, the thinking of the political and religious system will be one and the same.
9 “And thou wentest to the king with ointment, and didst increase thy perfumes…” but sadly the outcome for both will be hell. Look at the rest of verse 9. “…and didst send thy messengers far off, and didst debase thyself even unto hell.”
10 Thou art wearied in the greatness of thy way; yet saidst thou not, There is no hope: thou hast found the life of thine hand; therefore thou wast not grieved.
Though the wicked, acts as if he is enjoying the evil of this life, in the Last Days, he will realizes he has gone to far and now there is “no hope.”
But, the wicked are so full of pride and self, they won’t even care.
F – Isaiah reveals the great sin of Israel and the world.
11 And of whom hast thou been afraid or feared, that thou hast lied, and hast not remembered me, nor laid it to thy heart? have not I held my peace even of old, and thou fearest me not?
12 I will declare thy righteousness, and thy works; for they shall not profit thee.
God’s people did not fear God. They lived by their own righteousness standard. One day, the books will be opened. There will be no profit, no spiritual gain, only lost. Man will lose his life and soul for eternity.
II – THE WISE MAN
During the last days, there will be many that will still preach truth. Even in the dark days of the Tribulation when people will be tossed about with every wind and doctrine, God will ordain 144,000 to preach truth.
Notice two things about the wise man:
A – His Choice: In the last days the cry of the religious world is change, change, change.
13 When thou criest, let thy companies deliver thee; but the wind shall carry them all away; vanity shall take them: but he that putteth his trust in me shall possess the land, and shall inherit my holy mountain;
Back in 1963 Bob Dylan wrote the song, “Blowing in the Wind.” It was a song of rebellion against the America culture, against the government, against the war. It was about leaving the old principles of truth and making changes. Over the past forty years there have been many changes in America but sadly, most of them have not been for our good.
God’s principles don’t blow in the wind. They have always been true. For the man who places his trust in the Lord, God will give to him a home in heaven for all eternity.
The wise man will stand for truth and the Bible declares that God does not change.
B – His Concern – The wise man’s concern is to lift up Christ.
He cries as Isaiah did in verse 14, And shall say, Cast ye up, cast ye up, prepare the way, take up the stumbling block out of the way of my people.
This verse is saying to exalt Jesus Christ. It is saying to all of Israel and all the world who looked upon Jesus as a stumbling block to open their eyes and realizes He is not the stumbling block but the solid rock. He is the corner stone to eternal life. He is the corner stone to our church, our homes and our hearts.
III – THE WORSHIPFUL GOD
Look at verse 15: 15 For thus saith the high and lofty One that inhabiteth eternity, whose name is Holy; I dwell in the high and holy place, with him also that is of a contrite and humble spirit, to revive the spirit of the humble, and to revive the heart of the contrite ones.
a. Contrite Heart: To worship God He wants us to come with a contrite heart. That means to have a repentant and humble heart.
The key to getting out of trouble, to having our burdens lifted and to finding victory is to have a contrite heart.
Then God promises to lift us up on high with Him. The wise man will have a contrite heart and will exalt the high and lofty One, which is our Lord Jesus Christ.
b. Comfort - 18-19:
18 I have seen his ways, and will heal him: I will lead him also, and restore comforts unto him and to his mourners.
19 I create the fruit of the lips; Peace, peace to him that is far off, and to him that is near, saith the LORD; and I will heal him.
These verses reveal that those who have put their trust in Jesus Christ and worship the Lord will find comfort or peace in their soul.
God wants to and desires to show mercy and compassion and forgiveness upon His rebellious people and upon a rebellious nation. God wants man to know His comfort and peace.
The man that comes to the Lord in repentance and faith will have peace.
One person said this about peace: “To have peace, find something bigger than yourself to believe in.”
Another fact says, “Self-centered egotistical people score lowest in any test for measuring happiness.”
“Peace is not in something you can hold or touch or see. It is found in a relationship with Jesus Christ that transcends anything in life.”
In 1555, Nicholas Ridley was a Bishop of the Roman Church and spoke with great anger against the Protestants and stood for the infallibility of the Pope.
But, like Saul, Ridley had a supernatural conversion. He then saw the fallacy of religion and lived his life to preach Jesus Christ as the way to heaven.
He was arrested for his witness for Christ and put in prison to away his death by being burned at the stake. On the night before Ridley’s execution, his brother offered to remain with him in the prison chamber to be of assistance and comfort.
Nicholas declined the offer of his brother and told him, “I mean to go to bed and sleep peacefully, because I know the peace of God, I can rest in the strength of the everlasting arms of the Lord!
Isaiah ends on a negative note. He speaks of the wicked man.
IV – THE WICKED MAN
20 But the wicked are like the troubled sea, when it cannot rest, whose waters cast up mire and dirt.
21 There is no peace, saith my God, to the wicked.
The wicked man is both restless and regretful.
Look in verse 2. There we see a false peace. In this verse a man who has his health and wealth walks in his own integrity and not the Lords.
Look in verse 19 we find true peace. God offers rest and comfort to any one who places their trust in Jesus Christ.
Lastly, in verse 21, the prophet cries, “No peace… to the wicked.”
An old book entitled, “Voices from the Edge of Eternity” by John Miles contains death bed accounts of many who saw into eternity moments before they died.
One account was of an unbeliever. A preacher friend (Rev. C.A. Balch) who had invited him to church and tried to share Christ with him, went to sit with this man in his dying days.
On one occasion the man said, “Warn the world not to live as I have lived and escape my woe.”
Another time when visited by the doctor, the man was groaning and writhing in agony. The doctor said to the man, “Why do you groan so, your disease is not painful?” The man replied it is not my body but my soul that troubles me.”
On the evening of the man’s death, the preacher entered the room. He said there was an awful presence in the room as if we were near the region of the damned.
The dying man cried out, “Oh, God! Deliver me from this awful pit!” The man was not penitent. His word were simply the wailing of a lost soul.
About 11:45 PM, the man cried, “I am in the flames, pull me out, pull me out!” He kept repeating this again and again, as his words became more faint.
At about midnight, the preacher sat next to the man and lean over to hear his dying words. They were, “Pull me out! Pull me out!”
The preacher said, “That experience made such an impression on me, that I will never forget, nor do I wish to ever witness such a sight again.”
The preacher said, “Till this day, I remember those last terrible words, “I am in the flames, pull me out, pull me out.”
ISAIAH 57
In Isaiah 55:1, God gives an invitation to “every one that thirsteth,” to come and drink from the waters of eternal life. He invites every one to be filled with glorious joy and great strength, and it is all free.
In Isaiah 55:7, God gives an invitation to the wicked to repent and “return unto the Lord.” He promises to graciously show mercy.
In Isaiah 56:1, God gives an invitation to His children to study His word, so with the Savior appeared, they would recognize Him.
But, sadly, they did not study and when Jesus Christ came into the world, they did not recognize Him.
The rest of Isaiah 56 tells us, because Jesus was forsaken, God’s House of worship was forfeited and God’s day of worship was forgotten.
In Isaiah 56:9-12, he reveals that the watchman, who represented the politicians, priests and the prophets of Israel, no longer could see right from wrong. Isaiah compared them to dumb dogs. He said they were blind and ignorant. Rather than giving their life to the things of God, they mainly lived for pleasure and prosperity.
Within 100 years, Judah was taken captive by Babylon and over the next few hundred years the nation of Israel was scattered across the earth.
When Jesus came, He prophesied that Israel would once again be a nation, though many doubted that would or could ever happen. Over 1900 years later it did happen. In 1948
Israel became a nation again.
What happened to Israel over 2,000 years ago has happened to Christian America over the past 200 years later.
The Biblical principles of God’s Word which once governed our homes, our hearts and our homeland are no longer used as the measuring stick by which most Americans and Christians live.
God’s Word is no longer used to form policies in our government and sadly, it is no longer used in forming policies in most churches and homes.
Isaiah 56 introduced us to the Place of Prayer.
Isaiah 57 will introduce us to the Place of Peace.
Isaiah 58 will introduce us to the Place of Power.
Having said all of this, we can now look at Isaiah 57 and understand that Isaiah is speaking of what will mainly transpire in the Last Days, though evidence of this is everywhere today.
I – THE WAYWARD MAN
1 – The Righteous (v 1a)
57:1, The righteous perisheth, and no man layeth it to heart: and merciful men are taken away, none considering that the righteous is taken away from the evil to come.
Because of the waywardness of man’s heart, nations forget God, and reject the righteous man. Why are those who stand for righteousness rejected? Jesus said, “Men loved darkness more then light…” Why? Jesus said because, “…their deeds are evil” (John 3:19).
Jesus was “the light of the world.” He said to those who follow Him, “Ye are the light of the world.”
Without light, rain won’t fall and the water cycle of life will stop. Without light, crops won’t grow and the food chain will die. Without light, men will stumble and sin prevails. In time, everything in darkness dies.
Growing up on a farm, I saw this truth quite often. When I picked up a board or a bucket that had been laying in the field for a short time, the grass underneath it was dead. Oh, it rained, the ground was moist, but the grass was dead, for it received no light.
Sadly, what Isaiah says in verse one this: In the last days, as the men who stand for righteousness slowly die and move off the scene, few will take there place and nobody will really care.
a. A note on the Politicians: There was a day when we had statesmen, like George Washington, Abraham Lincoln, Benjamin Franklin, John Adams and others like them in government, who based their lives and beliefs on God’s Holy Word.
Today, we have politicians, who can be bought for a few dollars. We have politicians who totally reject the light of truth and righteousness. They have removed the Christian pillars that this nation once stood on and have placed this nation on sinking sand.
b. A note on the Preachers: There was a day, when preachers in America were righteous. It did not matter if a preacher was a Methodist or Baptist or Presbyterian, the preachers preached the whole Bible as the inspired Word of God.
One of the greatest evangelists in America was Charles Finney. He was Presbyterian, but He had the powerful touch of God on Him. Great revivals were stirred across America by his uncompromising preaching.
There was Bob Jones I. He was Methodist. He had preached to over 15 million people before he was 40 years old.
Then there was the famous, Billy Sunday. Baseball player converted to God. He was a Baptist. He preached to 40 million people and preached the same truth that Finney and Jones preached, and I quote, “Conversion is a complete surrender to Jesus. It's a willingness to do what he wants you to do. Unless you have made a complete surrender and are doing his will it will avail you nothing. If you have reformed a thousand times and have your name on fifty church records it is to no avail.”
Sadly, today, too many preachers are like those Isaiah described in Isaiah 56:9-12. They preached a social gospel; they were concerned with the environment and the poor and the cold, but ceased preaching salvation and repentance.
Today it is the same. Many preachers are afraid to preach the whole Bible. They won’t bark at sin and the world is becoming darker and darker. They can not see that we are living in the last days. Many Christian nations, like Scotland and England have not heeded to the cries of Isaiah’s warning and today, these nations have less than 3% that attend Church. America is on the same road.
Notice the last part of Isaiah 57:1. It hints of the Rapture.
2 – The Rapture (1b) “...none considering that the righteous is taken away from the evil to come.”
Because there was so few living righteously in Judah’s day, the threat of destruction was upon them. Soon Nebuchadnezzar would take them away, but nobody was concerned.
In like manner one day soon God’s children will be taken away as well, but it will be the Lord who will call us home.
How can it be that when God’s children are taken out of this world, no one will really care or take notice?
Two reasons:
1) The lost world will be glad that the Christians are gone.
2) With the increase in the Muslim population and the humanistic teachings of America’s education system and media, to have fewer children in a few years our children will awaken to be run by a Muslim world.
The demographics of the world reveal some shocking news:
There was a day when Americans families had many children. It wasn’t uncommon to have 6 and 8 children and more.
Most of us, the past two generations were told lies, like, you can’t afford to raise them, education is to costly, you won’t have any thing in life and so, most of America have quit having children. That will be a terrible tragedy for the world.
Look at these stats:
History has proven for a culture to continue, it requires a fertility rate of 2.11 children per family.
Historically a culture that dropped to 1.9 has never turned around, though it is possible, it would take 80 to 100 years to turn the culture back.
A culture that dropped to 1.3 makes it impossible to ever reverse. It will die off and another culture will take over.
With that in mind look at these stats about the fertility rate of Europe:
France = 1.8 England = 1.6 Greece = 1.3
Germany = 1.3 Italy = 1.2 Spain = 1.1
The 31 countries in Europe have a 1.38 fertility rate.
The Muslim’s fertility rate is 8.1.
30% of the children in Europe younger than 21 are Muslims.
In 39 years France will be a Muslim country.
In England the Muslim rate has grown so fast, that within 20 years it too will be a Muslim country.
By the year 2025, half of Europe’s children will be Muslim.
Gaddafi said, “We don’t need terrorist or homicide bombers. The 50 million Muslims in Europe will turn it into a Muslim country with a few decades.”
Canada has a 1.6% fertility rate from 2001-2006.
The U.S. from 2001-2006 had a 1.6 fertility rate. With the Latino immigration it was 2.11. In 1970 there were 100,000 Muslims in the U.S. Today there are 9,000,000. In 30 years there will be 50 million Muslims in the United States of America.
This is my prediction to why the world won’t care when the Christians are raptured out. With so many Muslims who want to take over and control the world, and with many governments fighting against the Muslim take over, terrorism with grow tremendously across the world.
Just as the plot on September 11, 2009 was to hit numerous cities throughout America, (it failed), a plot far greater will take place in the near future and it will succeed. Possibly 1,000’s of bombs all over the U.S. and world will take out planes, buses, trains, buildings and even cities. It may even included nuclear weapons.
Now think! If when the rapture takes place, cars crash, planes fall from the sky and chaos reigns across the world, it could easily be blamed on terrorism. Tens of thousands, hundreds of thousands and maybe more will die, and most people wouldn’t care if all the Christians were gone, for they hated righteousness anyway.
Now, for you who know the book of Revelation and Biblical prophecy, what happens after the Church of Jesus Christ is raptured out? The first thing is the antichrist, the man of peace, will come on the scene.
Now, look at Isaiah 57:2, He shall enter into peace: they shall rest in their beds, each one walking in his uprightness.
In Revelation 6:2, the first horseman of the apocalyptic rides the white horse of peace, deceiving the world into believing everything is alright, as each person walks in his own uprightness. Note, this is not God’s righteousness but man’s prideful and arrogant way. It is an uprightness that calls evil good and good evil.
That is what people are doing today. From our President and to Supreme Court to our elected officials; liberal politicians, liberal journalist and liberal preachers are walking in their arrogant and prideful uprightness to the damnation of our country.
They believe as they continue to throw out the light of God’s Word and trample under food Godly principles and truths that they will bring peace to this world. How wrong they are.
Paul wrote in First Thessalonians 5:3-5, 3 For when they shall say, Peace and safety; then sudden destruction cometh upon them, as travail upon a woman with child; and they shall not escape.
4 But ye, brethren, are not in darkness, that that day should overtake you as a thief.
5 Ye are all the children of light, and the children of the day: we are not of the night, nor of darkness.
Now, after the Church is removed from this world and the devil takes over, Isaiah hints to a few frightening and amazing happenings that will transpire in this world in verses 3-12.
Understand, when the Apostle John wrote the book of Revelation, he gave more indebt details. But, it is clear that Isaiah saw, in visions given to him by God, the future events of the tribulation.
3 – The Rebellion (3-12)
Isaiah is going to reveal vital truths we need to know:
A - We need to quit trying to be politically correct:
Isaiah 57:3, But draw near hither, ye sons of the sorceress, the seed of the adulterer and the whore.
We live in a day in America where we are told to make sure our speech is politically correct. We are told don’t say anything negative about religion or another who may not have the same life style as you.
There is a two-fold hypocrisy about this statement.
1) I find it funny, that, this is not the standard God goes by.
2) I also found out the devil crowd doesn’t live by this standard either. They tell you one thing, but do just the opposite. They can have their freedom of speech and say anything negative or racist or evil about God’s crowd, but let God’s preachers declare that abortion, homosexuality, voter fraud and sin to their attention and they cry “politically incorrect.”
Friend, God calls black, black and He calls white, white. He calls sin, sin and He calls righteousness, righteousness. God doesn’t play by Satan’s rules.
Anyone who knows prophecy knows that in the last days the religions of the world will become so corrupt that they will welcome the devil in their pulpit. God, in His righteousness calls this wicked religion, “the whore.”
Turn to Revelation 17:1-2, And there came one of the seven angels which had the seven vials, and talked with me, saying unto me, Come hither; I will show unto thee the judgment of the great whore that sitteth upon many waters:
2 With whom the kings of the earth have committed fornication, and the inhabitants of the earth have been made drunk with the wine of her fornication.
Most of you know that today, 2009, all the nations of the world have become Babylonian. They have removed God from their culture, creed and constitution.
The “One World Religion” will commit fornication with the “One World Government” in the tribulation time. They will be in bed together. Why? The light of the world was raptured out and there is now, nothing to stop the wickedness of man.
The only thing that prevents this world from erupting into greater sin is the light of the righteous.
B - We need to know that the media in America hates Jesus Christ. 4 Against whom do ye sport yourselves? against whom make ye a wide mouth, and draw out the tongue? are ye not children of transgression, a seed of falsehood,
Let me say sadly, this was the heart of Israel when Isaiah preached.
Today, in rebellion, the world, through the media and politics and education has lifted up their voices against God, Christianity and righteousness.
Most people have been brained washed by the media. They tell you to be politically correct. They tell you drugs, drunkenness, sex outside the bonds of marriage is OK and at the same time they mock anything righteous and Christian.
I’ll let you in on a small detail of the Nazi annihilation of six million Jews and eight million Gentiles. Most of the preachers in Germany tried to be politically correct to the demise of their country.
I’ll tell you another secret. When God calls for a nation to repent, His preachers, preached to those who were suppose to know God, not the lost.
To preachers who are blind and ignorant, who won’t preach against sin or stand for righteousness I say, “You are doing a great disfavor to the Holy God I serve.” You are destroying the next generation by only preaching half the Bible. Preachers like Joel Osteen and Rick Warren, who speak against sin, they are destroying Christianity. They have accepted the political correct agenda, to the death of Christianity.
It is entertaining for the media, talk show host and comedians to mock and make fun of Christians, whether they have fallen or whether they do right. For example, look at how the media and the liberals used their wide mouth and evil tongues to maliciously attempt to destroy the Christian and moral life of Sarah Palin, in the last election.
C – We must know that most worship in America is a false worship. Isaiah 57:5-7 - 5 Enflaming yourselves with idols under every green tree, slaying the children in the valleys under the clifts of the rocks?
We would think Isaiah was writing today about sins of America and the world as he describes man’s silly worship of idols and the killing of the unborn, yet there are religious denominations that tell their pastors not to preach on controversial issues like abortion.
In verse five, the taking of the children’s lives were done in secret. How hideous it was. But far worse, today, the taking of the unborn has been justified by the Supreme Court of the United States and is not inn public medical centers, doctor’s offices and hospitals.
How evil the minds of men have become, and yet many churches will never cry from their pulpits that abortion is murder.
In verse six, those guilty of such crime, go back to worship God as if they have done nothing wrong…
6 Among the smooth stones of the stream is thy portion; they, they are thy lot: even to them hast thou poured a drink offering, thou hast offered a meat offering. Do you see what they are doing? They are giving to God worship.
God in amazement says, “Should I receive comfort in these?” God says, “You mock my word, you mock my principles, you maliciously destroy my people, you kill the innocent and you go to worship me and you think I am going to accept your worship?” How blinded man has become.
God mocks man in verse 7 by revealing his proud and haughty heart.
7 Upon a lofty and high mountain hast thou set thy bed: even thither wentest thou up to offer sacrifice.
Isaiah 57:7 reveals that in the last days, man in his pride will live in all types of sin, yet will continue to go through the act of worship, thinking he is OK. How can man do this? He doesn’t know the Word of God.
D – As true preaches continue to preach truth, many will leave that church and look for a church where they can live in drunkenness, adultery, and all types of sin and feel comfortable.
8 Behind the doors also and the posts hast thou set up thy remembrance: for thou hast discovered (revealed) thyself to another than me, and art gone up; thou hast enlarged thy bed, and made thee a covenant with them; thou lovedst their bed where thou sawest it.
Isaiah says to those who should have been God’s people, you left me. You crawled in bed with them. You love their bed not my bed.
God’s intimate bed is one of worship and holiness, righteousness and truth. The bed of false worship brings the world into it. Anything goes and everything is OK in this bed. In this bed man can live as he pleases and do whatever his heart desires. But judgment day is coming. (v 9)
E – Isaiah tells us in the Last Days, the thinking of the political and religious system will be one and the same.
9 “And thou wentest to the king with ointment, and didst increase thy perfumes…” but sadly the outcome for both will be hell. Look at the rest of verse 9. “…and didst send thy messengers far off, and didst debase thyself even unto hell.”
10 Thou art wearied in the greatness of thy way; yet saidst thou not, There is no hope: thou hast found the life of thine hand; therefore thou wast not grieved.
Though the wicked, acts as if he is enjoying the evil of this life, in the Last Days, he will realizes he has gone to far and now there is “no hope.”
But, the wicked are so full of pride and self, they won’t even care.
F – Isaiah reveals the great sin of Israel and the world.
11 And of whom hast thou been afraid or feared, that thou hast lied, and hast not remembered me, nor laid it to thy heart? have not I held my peace even of old, and thou fearest me not?
12 I will declare thy righteousness, and thy works; for they shall not profit thee.
God’s people did not fear God. They lived by their own righteousness standard. One day, the books will be opened. There will be no profit, no spiritual gain, only lost. Man will lose his life and soul for eternity.
II – THE WISE MAN
During the last days, there will be many that will still preach truth. Even in the dark days of the Tribulation when people will be tossed about with every wind and doctrine, God will ordain 144,000 to preach truth.
Notice two things about the wise man:
A – His Choice: In the last days the cry of the religious world is change, change, change.
13 When thou criest, let thy companies deliver thee; but the wind shall carry them all away; vanity shall take them: but he that putteth his trust in me shall possess the land, and shall inherit my holy mountain;
Back in 1963 Bob Dylan wrote the song, “Blowing in the Wind.” It was a song of rebellion against the America culture, against the government, against the war. It was about leaving the old principles of truth and making changes. Over the past forty years there have been many changes in America but sadly, most of them have not been for our good.
God’s principles don’t blow in the wind. They have always been true. For the man who places his trust in the Lord, God will give to him a home in heaven for all eternity.
The wise man will stand for truth and the Bible declares that God does not change.
B – His Concern – The wise man’s concern is to lift up Christ.
He cries as Isaiah did in verse 14, And shall say, Cast ye up, cast ye up, prepare the way, take up the stumbling block out of the way of my people.
This verse is saying to exalt Jesus Christ. It is saying to all of Israel and all the world who looked upon Jesus as a stumbling block to open their eyes and realizes He is not the stumbling block but the solid rock. He is the corner stone to eternal life. He is the corner stone to our church, our homes and our hearts.
III – THE WORSHIPFUL GOD
Look at verse 15: 15 For thus saith the high and lofty One that inhabiteth eternity, whose name is Holy; I dwell in the high and holy place, with him also that is of a contrite and humble spirit, to revive the spirit of the humble, and to revive the heart of the contrite ones.
a. Contrite Heart: To worship God He wants us to come with a contrite heart. That means to have a repentant and humble heart.
The key to getting out of trouble, to having our burdens lifted and to finding victory is to have a contrite heart.
Then God promises to lift us up on high with Him. The wise man will have a contrite heart and will exalt the high and lofty One, which is our Lord Jesus Christ.
b. Comfort - 18-19:
18 I have seen his ways, and will heal him: I will lead him also, and restore comforts unto him and to his mourners.
19 I create the fruit of the lips; Peace, peace to him that is far off, and to him that is near, saith the LORD; and I will heal him.
These verses reveal that those who have put their trust in Jesus Christ and worship the Lord will find comfort or peace in their soul.
God wants to and desires to show mercy and compassion and forgiveness upon His rebellious people and upon a rebellious nation. God wants man to know His comfort and peace.
The man that comes to the Lord in repentance and faith will have peace.
One person said this about peace: “To have peace, find something bigger than yourself to believe in.”
Another fact says, “Self-centered egotistical people score lowest in any test for measuring happiness.”
“Peace is not in something you can hold or touch or see. It is found in a relationship with Jesus Christ that transcends anything in life.”
In 1555, Nicholas Ridley was a Bishop of the Roman Church and spoke with great anger against the Protestants and stood for the infallibility of the Pope.
But, like Saul, Ridley had a supernatural conversion. He then saw the fallacy of religion and lived his life to preach Jesus Christ as the way to heaven.
He was arrested for his witness for Christ and put in prison to away his death by being burned at the stake. On the night before Ridley’s execution, his brother offered to remain with him in the prison chamber to be of assistance and comfort.
Nicholas declined the offer of his brother and told him, “I mean to go to bed and sleep peacefully, because I know the peace of God, I can rest in the strength of the everlasting arms of the Lord!
Isaiah ends on a negative note. He speaks of the wicked man.
IV – THE WICKED MAN
20 But the wicked are like the troubled sea, when it cannot rest, whose waters cast up mire and dirt.
21 There is no peace, saith my God, to the wicked.
The wicked man is both restless and regretful.
Look in verse 2. There we see a false peace. In this verse a man who has his health and wealth walks in his own integrity and not the Lords.
Look in verse 19 we find true peace. God offers rest and comfort to any one who places their trust in Jesus Christ.
Lastly, in verse 21, the prophet cries, “No peace… to the wicked.”
An old book entitled, “Voices from the Edge of Eternity” by John Miles contains death bed accounts of many who saw into eternity moments before they died.
One account was of an unbeliever. A preacher friend (Rev. C.A. Balch) who had invited him to church and tried to share Christ with him, went to sit with this man in his dying days.
On one occasion the man said, “Warn the world not to live as I have lived and escape my woe.”
Another time when visited by the doctor, the man was groaning and writhing in agony. The doctor said to the man, “Why do you groan so, your disease is not painful?” The man replied it is not my body but my soul that troubles me.”
On the evening of the man’s death, the preacher entered the room. He said there was an awful presence in the room as if we were near the region of the damned.
The dying man cried out, “Oh, God! Deliver me from this awful pit!” The man was not penitent. His word were simply the wailing of a lost soul.
About 11:45 PM, the man cried, “I am in the flames, pull me out, pull me out!” He kept repeating this again and again, as his words became more faint.
At about midnight, the preacher sat next to the man and lean over to hear his dying words. They were, “Pull me out! Pull me out!”
The preacher said, “That experience made such an impression on me, that I will never forget, nor do I wish to ever witness such a sight again.”
The preacher said, “Till this day, I remember those last terrible words, “I am in the flames, pull me out, pull me out.”
Tuesday, May 5, 2009
Abraham
ABRAHAM
Isaiah 64:8, But now, O LORD, thou art our father; we are the clay, and thou our potter; and we all are the work of thy hand.
The word “father” is used 979 times in the King James Bible. The phrase “our father” is used 52 times. Here is what is very interesting. Only two people in the Old Testament recognized God as “our Father.” King David, for he knew the grace of God and Isaiah. Isaiah was writing down the vision of what would be. At this time in history when Isaiah wrote, Israel was a clay full of rocks. They were neither useable nor pliable. Yet one day, Isaiah knew this would be their attitude.
Go back in time from Isaiah’s day, all the way back to the Flood. After the Flood that took the lives of all the people on the face of the earth but eight, God told Noah to set up a government that was just and one based on His Word.
In just a few generations, the descendants of those who vowed not to ever forget God, forgot God. The stories that were told about Adam and Enoch and Noah were replaced with people seeking signs.
Families began to settle in the fertile valleys by the Euphrates and Tigris Rivers. A great city was built and a government built known as Babylon.
Nimrod and most of the world sought to build a life without God’s interference.
Then a tower was erected by Nimrod, hoping to reach as high into the heavens as possible, to worship the moon god and other man-made gods. This angered God and He came down and confounded the languages of the people and scattered the people across the face of the earth.
As the people scattered across the earth, many of these moon worshippers traveled south and settled in a Babylonian town named Ur.
THE POTTERY IN SEAGROVE
Keep this story in mind as we move from this event that happened 4,000 years ago to today, to a small town, south of where we, a town called Seagrove, NC. It is known mainly for its pottery. Beautiful works of pottery are on display for all the world to see, and people come from all over to look at and purchase this beautiful pottery.
However, before the pottery can be admired or purchased, the potter must do his work.
1 - The potter first discovers the clay.
He locates a field that will yield the type of clay he can use to produce beautiful earthen vessels. When he finds this field, he purchases it.
2 - The potter then detaches the clay.
The potter removes a piece here and there to make the size of vessel he intends to make. Some vessels are very small and some are very large. The size is up to the potter.
3 - The potter then develops the clay.
The potter squeezes the lump between his fingers and pounds it with his fist in order to soften the clay and make it pliable.
If he detects any impurities, he will remove them or else, the impurities will spoil the finish product.
He then places the clay on the center of his wheel. The wheel is just a flat circular surface with a spindled attached to another wheel. The potter turns the lower wheel with his feet, causing the upper wheel to turn the clay.
As the clay spins the potter moistens his hands and begins to apply pressure to the lump of clay. The clay slowly begins to take shape.
The potter moistens his hands again and again and uses his thumb and fingers to put pressure on the clay so he might make it for his likening.
When the vase is ready, the potter then places it in a oven and turn up the heat. The vase remains in the oven for hours as the potter watches the temperature with an eagle eye.
When the potter sees that the vase is finished, he removes the vessel and shows others his work of grace.
4 – Then, the potter displays the vase. He puts it in public view for all to see. The vase brings glory to the work of the potter.
This process is picture in the life of a man, a moon worshipper, who lived in the fertile crescent valley of the Babylonian Empire, in a town called, Ur. His name was Abraham.
I – GOD DISCOVERED HIS MAN
Genesis 12:1 4 1 Now the LORD had said unto Abram, Get thee out of thy country, and from thy kindred, and from thy father's house, unto a land that I will shew thee:
2 And I will make of thee a great nation, and I will bless thee, and make thy name great; and thou shalt be a blessing:
3 And I will bless them that bless thee, and curse him that curseth thee: and in thee shall all families of the earth be blessed.
4 So Abram departed, as the LORD had spoken unto him; and Lot went with him: and Abram was seventy and five years old when he departed out of Haran.
God knows all about us before He ever called us. There is nothing he does not know. He knows our hearts. He knows our hurts. He knows our strengths and our weaknesses, and He wants to give us all the help we need.
God knew Abraham was a moon worshipper. Abraham was an idolatrous pagan. Though his ancestry could be traced back to Adam, Seth, Noah and Shem, Abraham and Abraham’s family somewhere along the line forgot God…, but God didn’t forget them.
God took the initiative to reach Abraham. Out of the depths of God’s great heart of love, God spoke to the depths of Abraham’s empty, religious heart.
Three ways God reveals Himself to man today:
1 – In heaven? Ps 19:1The heavens declare the glory of God; and the firmament showeth his handiwork. Seeing creation will makes any man know there is a God. (Romans 1:20)
2 – In hearts: Romans 2:14-15 reveals the commandments of God are written in man’s heart. But that is not enough for salvation.
3 – In hearing: “Romans 10:17 reads, So then, faith cometh by hearing and hearing by the word of God.”
ABRAHAM accepted the invitation of God. Hebrews 11: 8-9 reads, “By faith he sojourned in the land of promise, as in a strange country, dwelling in tabernacles with Isaac and Jacob, the heirs with him of the same promise: For he looked for a city which hath foundations, whose builder and maker is God.”
One day Abraham was walking in a Babylonian world, worshipping the god of his ancestors, the next day, Abraham was on a journey looking for the city of God.
Abraham searched all his life but never found that city. He did not find it in Babylon. He did not find it in the Jordan valley, nor along the banks of the Nile River.
He discover that the city, which has foundations built by God, is located somewhere beyond the confines of space and in another time dimension.
It is awaiting the day when the Lord shall return for His own. It will be revealed to everyone who dwells on the earth in the Millennium, and shall be inhabited by all who placed their faith in Jesus Christ.
Though many think Abraham was looking for an earthly city and maybe for a long time in his life, he was, one day it dawned on Abraham, the city of God that God has placed in my heart is not earthly. It is heavenly. It was eternal!
It is city where the streets are paved with gold and walls are made of jasper and the gates are created out of beautiful pearls.
A crystal stream of beautiful flowing water reflecting the colors of the foundation and the golden walls of the city run through the center of that massive city.
Strangely, it will have no moon or sun, for the light of that city will come from the presence of Jesus Christ.
Massive bright shining angels are the cities ministers and the saints of God are the cities citizens.
The glorious King who was once crowned with thorns is now crowned with glory.
He shall rule the galactic empires whose vastness is beyond all human comprehension.
I am glad, God discovered me. I am glad he came to where I was, so I might go to where He is. Praise His name.
II – GOD DETACHES HIS MAN
When God speaks to us, He demands that we exercise our faith. The evidence of faith is obedience. Obedience proves that our belief is genuine.
Saving faith is seen, when a person obeys God’s spirit. God’s spirit says to repent and commit your life to Jesus Christ.
Living faith is different. It says you are now a pilgrim and a stranger in this world. Living faith says, “This world is no longer your home. You are not to live like you once lived. You are not to go where you use to go. You are different now. You are heading in a different direction.”
The call of salvation is always followed by the call of separation.
In Genesis, God divided the light from the darkness.
He separated the line of Seth from the line of Cain.
Paul said in 2 Corinthians 6:14-16, 14 Be ye not unequally yoked together with unbelievers: for what fellowship hath righteousness with unrighteousness? and what communion hath light with darkness?
15 And what concord hath Christ with Belial? or what part hath he that believeth with an infidel?
16 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.
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,
18 And will be a Father unto you, and ye shall be my sons and daughters, saith the Lord Almighty.
Picture this scenario: One bright sunny morning Abraham walks into the First National Bank of Babylon.
Whenever a man as important and wealthy as Abraham walked into a bank, the staff would roll out the red carpet.
The manger quickly invites Mr. Abraham into his private office to talk. “Well, Mr. Abraham, have you come to deposit more gold today.”
Abraham: “No sir, I have come to close out my account. I will take it all in cash, gold bars or gold coins.”
The bank manger faints back in his chair. His heart begins to race, sweat breaks out all over his body as his hands clutches his polished oak desk. “Close your account?” he whispers, “Mr. Abraham, why? What have we done to displease you?”
Abraham speaks: “Nothing, I am selling out and leaving town.”
Banker: “Well, can we just transfer your account to another one of our banks? We have banks all over Babylonia.”
Abraham: “No, thank you, I’m leaving the country. I’m going abroad.”
“Oh, that is no problem. We can transfer your accounts to one of our affiliated world banks.” The bank manger says hopefully.
Abraham: “No, thank you. I’ll just take it in cash. Here are ten goatskin bags. I have ten camels outside. Just load the bags down with the gold and my men will load the camels.”
Banker: “But, where are you going, Mr. Abraham?”
Abraham: “I haven’t the faintest idea!”
Banker: “I beg your pardon?”
Abraham: “I haven’t the faintest idea.”
Banker: “You haven’t any idea? You are leaving town, closing your account and going abroad and you don’t know where you are going?”
Abraham: “That’s right, so, if you don’t mind, I’ll take my money in cash… No, Mr. manager, I am not crazy.
You see, the other day the God who created the universe and hung the stars in space and gave life to this world spoke to me, and told me to leave my country and go to another one.
I think He was talking about heaven, because He spoke of a city of which, He was the builder and maker.”
“Now, I don’t have any idea where it is. All I know is that, it isn’t here. And for me to get to God’s city, I have to obey God and walk by faith.
I shall be a pilgrim and a stranger the rest of my life. So, if you don’t mind, I will take my money in cash.”
Thus Abraham put feet to his faith. He became a pilgrim and a stranger as far as the world was concerned.
As a stranger, Abraham was away from home; as a pilgrim, he was going home.
So, he could say: “This world is not my home, I’m just passing thru, my treasures are laid up somewhere beyond the blue.”
III – GOD DEVELOPS HIS MAN
Every day and every minute of our life God in His mercy is developing us.
Abraham enjoyed mountaintop experiences and sometimes he walked through some dark lonesome valleys.
Sometimes he savored victory and others he tasted defeat.
Whether he experienced sunshine or shadow, glorious faith or miserable doubt, Abraham’s story reveals how God mellowed him and matured him.
Look at five aspect of how God develops Abraham:
1 – Blessings:
A. His walk: In Genesis 12:2 God says “I will bless thee.” The idea in the Hebrew is God will make Abraham a very happy man.
But, wait, Abraham left family and friends, and the world he knew for 75 years, to travel the desserts of this world searching for a city he never found. How can that make a man happy?
This world won’t make you happy friend. Abraham learned to live for the eternal, not the temporal.
And if you are to find true happiness, you have to climb the mountain of faith and live for the eternal. Then come what may, you can sing the little Junior Church song, “I found happiness, I found peace of mind, I found the joy of living, perfect love divine.”
B. His Worship:
In Genesis 12:8, Abraham built an altar at Bethel. Bethel means the “house of God.” Here Abraham worshipped God.
Then Abraham discovered two things. There was a famine in the land and there was a foe in the land.
Abraham thought it would be easy. He did not expect to encounter these problems, but God was teaching Abraham this: In the same place where people find their blessings, there are battles.
Two simple examples are these: 1) In your family there are blessings, but there are also battles. Example: Last year my sister had a son get married. He was 21. There was great joy in the family. Today, another son, 24 is dying of pancreatitis.
2) The spiritual life is filled with blessings, but there are also many battles. You robe shoulders with Christians that encourage you and you rub shoulders with some that discourage you. They key is to keep your eye on Christ. Live for the eternal.
2 – Betrayal: Suddenly Egypt looked attractive to this disillusioned pilgrim. When “Worship life” was not all Abraham thought it would be, he headed to Egypt. It wasn’t Babylon after all. No! But it was too much like Babylon. It was still the world. The holy God of creation was still left out.
Lies accompanied Abraham’s reasoning for visiting Egypt (world). There, in Egypt, Abraham lost his testimony. Rather then being a witness and a blessing to Pharaoh, he became a curse.
Abraham paraded his wife as his sister which almost cost Pharaoh his life. When Abraham and Sarah left town, Pharaoh might have said, “If this is an example of a believer, I hope I never meet another.”
3 – Barrenness: God had promised Abraham a seed. Folks, when God promises something, by faith, He will deliver. But, when years passed in Abraham’s life, with no prospect of a son and Sarah was getting older, Abraham resorted to a worldly means of having a child.
He went into Sarah’s Egyptian handmaid, Hagar. She bares a son and as a result, we find that God did not speak to Abraham for 13 years. (13 being the number of rebellion)
Abraham had to learn that the answer to barrenness is not to be found in worldly methods. When barrenness comes to a church, three direction may be taken: 1) Some Churches bring in the world to attract the world. 2) Some do nothing and they die. 3) Some, pray, seek the Lord, draw near to God, clean up their lives and in time God visits them. Those that do not seek the Lord and repent, God in time writes Ichabod over its door.
Barrenness in the church is part of spiritual growth. It is to tell a people to pray more and worship deeper. It is not a time to use the world’s methods to draw a crowd.
4 – Brethren: Abraham had a nephew named Lot. Lot was called righteous Lot. But, he was a worldly believer. I know that sounds like an oxymoron, but it was so. Lot sets his eyes on Sodom. He thought he could go there and be a witness.
But, in order to pull a people out of the world, you have to get out of it first. You cannot lift a barrel if you are standing in it and Lot was standing in Sodom.
Even after Lot was taken into deeper captivity and Abraham delivered Lot, Lot still stayed in Sodom, thinking, I can make a difference. He didn’t. He did not influence the world by being in the world. Just the opposite happened, the world influenced his family and took their lives. Lot lost his family. He lost his wife. He lost his testimony and he lost everything he had.
Christian, we are living in a time where a lot of our brethren are justifying living in the world. It isn’t right. In the long run, they will lose greatly. I admonish you by the example of Abraham, walk after God. You are a pilgrim! Set your sights on glory!
5 – Backsliding: After Abraham’s disastrous experience in Egypt, he must have said, I will never do that again. I’ve learned my lesson. But, he did it again when he met Abimelech, king of the Philistines (Gen 20). Abraham told the same old lie and God came to Abimelech and said, “You are a dead man if you touch Abraham’s wife.”
Christian, learn a truth. Though our spirit is saved by grace, our “heart is “deceitful above all things and desperately wicked.” The reason I beg you to read the Bible, be faithful to church and don’t let the sun go down on your wrath is, within your heart and mine, is a volcano that can erupt at any time.
In life you are going to deal with blessings, betrayal, barrenness, brethren and backsliding. You are going to make friends and you are going to make enemies. That is life!
When you look at Abraham’s life, one thing is said about him that is said of few people. Abraham was the “Friend of God” (James 2:23).
God has few friends but millions of servants. Among the servants are shining seraphims, chanting cherubims, angels and archangels without number, who hang on God’s every word, and rush to do His bidding.
God has many children as well. Every blood-bought child of Adam’s ruined race has been ransomed and is a child of God.
But, it is possible to be a child and still not have a friend.
A child can be rebellious and wayward, riding roughshod over everything his parents hold dear.
But, when that child gets saved, the first thing he wants to do is make things right with mom and dad, then the church. He wants to re-establish spiritual friendships.
God wants friends. He does not have many friends on earth, but Abraham was one of those rare individuals. “But,” you say, “Abraham made mistakes.” Yes, he did. Abraham made some big mistakes, but the key was Abraham sought to do the will of God.
Jesus gave us a key verse in showing our friendship to God. He said in John 15: 14, “Ye are my friends, if ye do whatsoever I command you.”
But, how do we know that Abraham was God’s friend. What was it that really proved his friendship? That question takes us to the last thought.
IV – GOD DISPLAYS HIS MAN
God put his man on display. One day God ask Abraham for the best he had. God ask Abraham to give to Him, the love of his life and Abraham gave it to God.
Abraham took his son and laid him on an altar, as a burnt sacrifice for God. Are you God’s friend? Will lay your “all” on His altar?
When we think of Calvary we often think of the sacrifice and love of the Son of God, but we only see half the picture.
In Genesis 22, we see the sacrificial heart the Father, himself in the life of Abraham.
As Isaac was the love of Abraham’s heart, Jesus was the love of the Father’s heart.
As Isaac was the apple of Abraham’s eye, Jesus was the apple of God’s eye.
The Father journeyed with the Son all the way to Calvary. Whose heart do you think was pierced the most on Moriah, when Abraham raised that knife in the air, Isaac’s or Abraham’s? I believe it was Abraham’s.
Oh, the anguish, the pain, he must have felt, to take the innocent life of his son who had done no wrong. But, wait! The angel of the Lord stayed the hand of Abraham. A ram was caught in the thicket. The ram took the place of Isaac and Isaac went free. Praise the Lord!
But, 2,000 years ago when God walked with His Son, Jesus, to Calvary, there was no ram caught in the thicket. This was the real deal. This was the fulfillment of the shadow. This was where the rubber truly met the road.
God watched as wicked men raised their piercing instruments in the air and pierced the body of his precious son, again and again and again. How the heart of God was have bled with tears.
God put Abraham on display when Abraham went atop Mount Moriah to offer his son.
God put His heart on display when He walk upon Golgotha with His Son and watched Him die.
Today, God puts us on display for our children, family, neighbors and friends to watch.
God discovered us, He detached us, and He developed us, so He might display us.
According to Ephesians 2:4-7; God is looking for some pliable clay, that He might detach from this world and mold and make it, into something beautiful.
He wants us to be a vessel for His glory. He wants us to shine for Him and He wants us to be filled with His love and His life.
Will we be pliable in the master’s hand?
Like Abraham, God call upon to surrender all.
Judson Venter, wrote: (Page 394)
“All to Jesus I surrender, All to Him I freely give;
I will ever love and trust Him, In His presence daily live.
All to Jesus I surrender, Humbly at His feet I bow:
Worldly pleasures all forsaken, Take me, Jesus, take me now.
All to Jesus I surrender, Make me Savior wholly Thine;
Let me feel the Holy Spirit – Truly know that Thou are mine.
All to Jesus I surrender, Lord, I give myself to Thee;
Fill me with Thy love and power, Let Thy blessings fall on me.
Chorus: I surrender all, I surrender all,
All to Thee, my blessed Savior, I surrender all.
Isaiah 64:8, But now, O LORD, thou art our father; we are the clay, and thou our potter; and we all are the work of thy hand.
The word “father” is used 979 times in the King James Bible. The phrase “our father” is used 52 times. Here is what is very interesting. Only two people in the Old Testament recognized God as “our Father.” King David, for he knew the grace of God and Isaiah. Isaiah was writing down the vision of what would be. At this time in history when Isaiah wrote, Israel was a clay full of rocks. They were neither useable nor pliable. Yet one day, Isaiah knew this would be their attitude.
Go back in time from Isaiah’s day, all the way back to the Flood. After the Flood that took the lives of all the people on the face of the earth but eight, God told Noah to set up a government that was just and one based on His Word.
In just a few generations, the descendants of those who vowed not to ever forget God, forgot God. The stories that were told about Adam and Enoch and Noah were replaced with people seeking signs.
Families began to settle in the fertile valleys by the Euphrates and Tigris Rivers. A great city was built and a government built known as Babylon.
Nimrod and most of the world sought to build a life without God’s interference.
Then a tower was erected by Nimrod, hoping to reach as high into the heavens as possible, to worship the moon god and other man-made gods. This angered God and He came down and confounded the languages of the people and scattered the people across the face of the earth.
As the people scattered across the earth, many of these moon worshippers traveled south and settled in a Babylonian town named Ur.
THE POTTERY IN SEAGROVE
Keep this story in mind as we move from this event that happened 4,000 years ago to today, to a small town, south of where we, a town called Seagrove, NC. It is known mainly for its pottery. Beautiful works of pottery are on display for all the world to see, and people come from all over to look at and purchase this beautiful pottery.
However, before the pottery can be admired or purchased, the potter must do his work.
1 - The potter first discovers the clay.
He locates a field that will yield the type of clay he can use to produce beautiful earthen vessels. When he finds this field, he purchases it.
2 - The potter then detaches the clay.
The potter removes a piece here and there to make the size of vessel he intends to make. Some vessels are very small and some are very large. The size is up to the potter.
3 - The potter then develops the clay.
The potter squeezes the lump between his fingers and pounds it with his fist in order to soften the clay and make it pliable.
If he detects any impurities, he will remove them or else, the impurities will spoil the finish product.
He then places the clay on the center of his wheel. The wheel is just a flat circular surface with a spindled attached to another wheel. The potter turns the lower wheel with his feet, causing the upper wheel to turn the clay.
As the clay spins the potter moistens his hands and begins to apply pressure to the lump of clay. The clay slowly begins to take shape.
The potter moistens his hands again and again and uses his thumb and fingers to put pressure on the clay so he might make it for his likening.
When the vase is ready, the potter then places it in a oven and turn up the heat. The vase remains in the oven for hours as the potter watches the temperature with an eagle eye.
When the potter sees that the vase is finished, he removes the vessel and shows others his work of grace.
4 – Then, the potter displays the vase. He puts it in public view for all to see. The vase brings glory to the work of the potter.
This process is picture in the life of a man, a moon worshipper, who lived in the fertile crescent valley of the Babylonian Empire, in a town called, Ur. His name was Abraham.
I – GOD DISCOVERED HIS MAN
Genesis 12:1 4 1 Now the LORD had said unto Abram, Get thee out of thy country, and from thy kindred, and from thy father's house, unto a land that I will shew thee:
2 And I will make of thee a great nation, and I will bless thee, and make thy name great; and thou shalt be a blessing:
3 And I will bless them that bless thee, and curse him that curseth thee: and in thee shall all families of the earth be blessed.
4 So Abram departed, as the LORD had spoken unto him; and Lot went with him: and Abram was seventy and five years old when he departed out of Haran.
God knows all about us before He ever called us. There is nothing he does not know. He knows our hearts. He knows our hurts. He knows our strengths and our weaknesses, and He wants to give us all the help we need.
God knew Abraham was a moon worshipper. Abraham was an idolatrous pagan. Though his ancestry could be traced back to Adam, Seth, Noah and Shem, Abraham and Abraham’s family somewhere along the line forgot God…, but God didn’t forget them.
God took the initiative to reach Abraham. Out of the depths of God’s great heart of love, God spoke to the depths of Abraham’s empty, religious heart.
Three ways God reveals Himself to man today:
1 – In heaven? Ps 19:1The heavens declare the glory of God; and the firmament showeth his handiwork. Seeing creation will makes any man know there is a God. (Romans 1:20)
2 – In hearts: Romans 2:14-15 reveals the commandments of God are written in man’s heart. But that is not enough for salvation.
3 – In hearing: “Romans 10:17 reads, So then, faith cometh by hearing and hearing by the word of God.”
ABRAHAM accepted the invitation of God. Hebrews 11: 8-9 reads, “By faith he sojourned in the land of promise, as in a strange country, dwelling in tabernacles with Isaac and Jacob, the heirs with him of the same promise: For he looked for a city which hath foundations, whose builder and maker is God.”
One day Abraham was walking in a Babylonian world, worshipping the god of his ancestors, the next day, Abraham was on a journey looking for the city of God.
Abraham searched all his life but never found that city. He did not find it in Babylon. He did not find it in the Jordan valley, nor along the banks of the Nile River.
He discover that the city, which has foundations built by God, is located somewhere beyond the confines of space and in another time dimension.
It is awaiting the day when the Lord shall return for His own. It will be revealed to everyone who dwells on the earth in the Millennium, and shall be inhabited by all who placed their faith in Jesus Christ.
Though many think Abraham was looking for an earthly city and maybe for a long time in his life, he was, one day it dawned on Abraham, the city of God that God has placed in my heart is not earthly. It is heavenly. It was eternal!
It is city where the streets are paved with gold and walls are made of jasper and the gates are created out of beautiful pearls.
A crystal stream of beautiful flowing water reflecting the colors of the foundation and the golden walls of the city run through the center of that massive city.
Strangely, it will have no moon or sun, for the light of that city will come from the presence of Jesus Christ.
Massive bright shining angels are the cities ministers and the saints of God are the cities citizens.
The glorious King who was once crowned with thorns is now crowned with glory.
He shall rule the galactic empires whose vastness is beyond all human comprehension.
I am glad, God discovered me. I am glad he came to where I was, so I might go to where He is. Praise His name.
II – GOD DETACHES HIS MAN
When God speaks to us, He demands that we exercise our faith. The evidence of faith is obedience. Obedience proves that our belief is genuine.
Saving faith is seen, when a person obeys God’s spirit. God’s spirit says to repent and commit your life to Jesus Christ.
Living faith is different. It says you are now a pilgrim and a stranger in this world. Living faith says, “This world is no longer your home. You are not to live like you once lived. You are not to go where you use to go. You are different now. You are heading in a different direction.”
The call of salvation is always followed by the call of separation.
In Genesis, God divided the light from the darkness.
He separated the line of Seth from the line of Cain.
Paul said in 2 Corinthians 6:14-16, 14 Be ye not unequally yoked together with unbelievers: for what fellowship hath righteousness with unrighteousness? and what communion hath light with darkness?
15 And what concord hath Christ with Belial? or what part hath he that believeth with an infidel?
16 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.
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,
18 And will be a Father unto you, and ye shall be my sons and daughters, saith the Lord Almighty.
Picture this scenario: One bright sunny morning Abraham walks into the First National Bank of Babylon.
Whenever a man as important and wealthy as Abraham walked into a bank, the staff would roll out the red carpet.
The manger quickly invites Mr. Abraham into his private office to talk. “Well, Mr. Abraham, have you come to deposit more gold today.”
Abraham: “No sir, I have come to close out my account. I will take it all in cash, gold bars or gold coins.”
The bank manger faints back in his chair. His heart begins to race, sweat breaks out all over his body as his hands clutches his polished oak desk. “Close your account?” he whispers, “Mr. Abraham, why? What have we done to displease you?”
Abraham speaks: “Nothing, I am selling out and leaving town.”
Banker: “Well, can we just transfer your account to another one of our banks? We have banks all over Babylonia.”
Abraham: “No, thank you, I’m leaving the country. I’m going abroad.”
“Oh, that is no problem. We can transfer your accounts to one of our affiliated world banks.” The bank manger says hopefully.
Abraham: “No, thank you. I’ll just take it in cash. Here are ten goatskin bags. I have ten camels outside. Just load the bags down with the gold and my men will load the camels.”
Banker: “But, where are you going, Mr. Abraham?”
Abraham: “I haven’t the faintest idea!”
Banker: “I beg your pardon?”
Abraham: “I haven’t the faintest idea.”
Banker: “You haven’t any idea? You are leaving town, closing your account and going abroad and you don’t know where you are going?”
Abraham: “That’s right, so, if you don’t mind, I’ll take my money in cash… No, Mr. manager, I am not crazy.
You see, the other day the God who created the universe and hung the stars in space and gave life to this world spoke to me, and told me to leave my country and go to another one.
I think He was talking about heaven, because He spoke of a city of which, He was the builder and maker.”
“Now, I don’t have any idea where it is. All I know is that, it isn’t here. And for me to get to God’s city, I have to obey God and walk by faith.
I shall be a pilgrim and a stranger the rest of my life. So, if you don’t mind, I will take my money in cash.”
Thus Abraham put feet to his faith. He became a pilgrim and a stranger as far as the world was concerned.
As a stranger, Abraham was away from home; as a pilgrim, he was going home.
So, he could say: “This world is not my home, I’m just passing thru, my treasures are laid up somewhere beyond the blue.”
III – GOD DEVELOPS HIS MAN
Every day and every minute of our life God in His mercy is developing us.
Abraham enjoyed mountaintop experiences and sometimes he walked through some dark lonesome valleys.
Sometimes he savored victory and others he tasted defeat.
Whether he experienced sunshine or shadow, glorious faith or miserable doubt, Abraham’s story reveals how God mellowed him and matured him.
Look at five aspect of how God develops Abraham:
1 – Blessings:
A. His walk: In Genesis 12:2 God says “I will bless thee.” The idea in the Hebrew is God will make Abraham a very happy man.
But, wait, Abraham left family and friends, and the world he knew for 75 years, to travel the desserts of this world searching for a city he never found. How can that make a man happy?
This world won’t make you happy friend. Abraham learned to live for the eternal, not the temporal.
And if you are to find true happiness, you have to climb the mountain of faith and live for the eternal. Then come what may, you can sing the little Junior Church song, “I found happiness, I found peace of mind, I found the joy of living, perfect love divine.”
B. His Worship:
In Genesis 12:8, Abraham built an altar at Bethel. Bethel means the “house of God.” Here Abraham worshipped God.
Then Abraham discovered two things. There was a famine in the land and there was a foe in the land.
Abraham thought it would be easy. He did not expect to encounter these problems, but God was teaching Abraham this: In the same place where people find their blessings, there are battles.
Two simple examples are these: 1) In your family there are blessings, but there are also battles. Example: Last year my sister had a son get married. He was 21. There was great joy in the family. Today, another son, 24 is dying of pancreatitis.
2) The spiritual life is filled with blessings, but there are also many battles. You robe shoulders with Christians that encourage you and you rub shoulders with some that discourage you. They key is to keep your eye on Christ. Live for the eternal.
2 – Betrayal: Suddenly Egypt looked attractive to this disillusioned pilgrim. When “Worship life” was not all Abraham thought it would be, he headed to Egypt. It wasn’t Babylon after all. No! But it was too much like Babylon. It was still the world. The holy God of creation was still left out.
Lies accompanied Abraham’s reasoning for visiting Egypt (world). There, in Egypt, Abraham lost his testimony. Rather then being a witness and a blessing to Pharaoh, he became a curse.
Abraham paraded his wife as his sister which almost cost Pharaoh his life. When Abraham and Sarah left town, Pharaoh might have said, “If this is an example of a believer, I hope I never meet another.”
3 – Barrenness: God had promised Abraham a seed. Folks, when God promises something, by faith, He will deliver. But, when years passed in Abraham’s life, with no prospect of a son and Sarah was getting older, Abraham resorted to a worldly means of having a child.
He went into Sarah’s Egyptian handmaid, Hagar. She bares a son and as a result, we find that God did not speak to Abraham for 13 years. (13 being the number of rebellion)
Abraham had to learn that the answer to barrenness is not to be found in worldly methods. When barrenness comes to a church, three direction may be taken: 1) Some Churches bring in the world to attract the world. 2) Some do nothing and they die. 3) Some, pray, seek the Lord, draw near to God, clean up their lives and in time God visits them. Those that do not seek the Lord and repent, God in time writes Ichabod over its door.
Barrenness in the church is part of spiritual growth. It is to tell a people to pray more and worship deeper. It is not a time to use the world’s methods to draw a crowd.
4 – Brethren: Abraham had a nephew named Lot. Lot was called righteous Lot. But, he was a worldly believer. I know that sounds like an oxymoron, but it was so. Lot sets his eyes on Sodom. He thought he could go there and be a witness.
But, in order to pull a people out of the world, you have to get out of it first. You cannot lift a barrel if you are standing in it and Lot was standing in Sodom.
Even after Lot was taken into deeper captivity and Abraham delivered Lot, Lot still stayed in Sodom, thinking, I can make a difference. He didn’t. He did not influence the world by being in the world. Just the opposite happened, the world influenced his family and took their lives. Lot lost his family. He lost his wife. He lost his testimony and he lost everything he had.
Christian, we are living in a time where a lot of our brethren are justifying living in the world. It isn’t right. In the long run, they will lose greatly. I admonish you by the example of Abraham, walk after God. You are a pilgrim! Set your sights on glory!
5 – Backsliding: After Abraham’s disastrous experience in Egypt, he must have said, I will never do that again. I’ve learned my lesson. But, he did it again when he met Abimelech, king of the Philistines (Gen 20). Abraham told the same old lie and God came to Abimelech and said, “You are a dead man if you touch Abraham’s wife.”
Christian, learn a truth. Though our spirit is saved by grace, our “heart is “deceitful above all things and desperately wicked.” The reason I beg you to read the Bible, be faithful to church and don’t let the sun go down on your wrath is, within your heart and mine, is a volcano that can erupt at any time.
In life you are going to deal with blessings, betrayal, barrenness, brethren and backsliding. You are going to make friends and you are going to make enemies. That is life!
When you look at Abraham’s life, one thing is said about him that is said of few people. Abraham was the “Friend of God” (James 2:23).
God has few friends but millions of servants. Among the servants are shining seraphims, chanting cherubims, angels and archangels without number, who hang on God’s every word, and rush to do His bidding.
God has many children as well. Every blood-bought child of Adam’s ruined race has been ransomed and is a child of God.
But, it is possible to be a child and still not have a friend.
A child can be rebellious and wayward, riding roughshod over everything his parents hold dear.
But, when that child gets saved, the first thing he wants to do is make things right with mom and dad, then the church. He wants to re-establish spiritual friendships.
God wants friends. He does not have many friends on earth, but Abraham was one of those rare individuals. “But,” you say, “Abraham made mistakes.” Yes, he did. Abraham made some big mistakes, but the key was Abraham sought to do the will of God.
Jesus gave us a key verse in showing our friendship to God. He said in John 15: 14, “Ye are my friends, if ye do whatsoever I command you.”
But, how do we know that Abraham was God’s friend. What was it that really proved his friendship? That question takes us to the last thought.
IV – GOD DISPLAYS HIS MAN
God put his man on display. One day God ask Abraham for the best he had. God ask Abraham to give to Him, the love of his life and Abraham gave it to God.
Abraham took his son and laid him on an altar, as a burnt sacrifice for God. Are you God’s friend? Will lay your “all” on His altar?
When we think of Calvary we often think of the sacrifice and love of the Son of God, but we only see half the picture.
In Genesis 22, we see the sacrificial heart the Father, himself in the life of Abraham.
As Isaac was the love of Abraham’s heart, Jesus was the love of the Father’s heart.
As Isaac was the apple of Abraham’s eye, Jesus was the apple of God’s eye.
The Father journeyed with the Son all the way to Calvary. Whose heart do you think was pierced the most on Moriah, when Abraham raised that knife in the air, Isaac’s or Abraham’s? I believe it was Abraham’s.
Oh, the anguish, the pain, he must have felt, to take the innocent life of his son who had done no wrong. But, wait! The angel of the Lord stayed the hand of Abraham. A ram was caught in the thicket. The ram took the place of Isaac and Isaac went free. Praise the Lord!
But, 2,000 years ago when God walked with His Son, Jesus, to Calvary, there was no ram caught in the thicket. This was the real deal. This was the fulfillment of the shadow. This was where the rubber truly met the road.
God watched as wicked men raised their piercing instruments in the air and pierced the body of his precious son, again and again and again. How the heart of God was have bled with tears.
God put Abraham on display when Abraham went atop Mount Moriah to offer his son.
God put His heart on display when He walk upon Golgotha with His Son and watched Him die.
Today, God puts us on display for our children, family, neighbors and friends to watch.
God discovered us, He detached us, and He developed us, so He might display us.
According to Ephesians 2:4-7; God is looking for some pliable clay, that He might detach from this world and mold and make it, into something beautiful.
He wants us to be a vessel for His glory. He wants us to shine for Him and He wants us to be filled with His love and His life.
Will we be pliable in the master’s hand?
Like Abraham, God call upon to surrender all.
Judson Venter, wrote: (Page 394)
“All to Jesus I surrender, All to Him I freely give;
I will ever love and trust Him, In His presence daily live.
All to Jesus I surrender, Humbly at His feet I bow:
Worldly pleasures all forsaken, Take me, Jesus, take me now.
All to Jesus I surrender, Make me Savior wholly Thine;
Let me feel the Holy Spirit – Truly know that Thou are mine.
All to Jesus I surrender, Lord, I give myself to Thee;
Fill me with Thy love and power, Let Thy blessings fall on me.
Chorus: I surrender all, I surrender all,
All to Thee, my blessed Savior, I surrender all.
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