Hopeful Future

A new year turns!  Thanking God for every promise He has given us to have hope, to ponder anew his mercy, and to look forward. May your year be blessed abundantly with peace from Heaven, joy everlasting, and enduring love.

Jeremiah 29:11 For I know the plans I have for you," declares the LORD, "plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.

 

1 Peter 1:3 Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ! In his great mercy he has given us new birth into a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead...

 

Revelation 21:5 He who was seated on the throne said, "I am making everything new!" Then he said, "Write this down, for these words are trustworthy and true."

Continuous conversion...

 

. . . unless you change and become as little children, you will never enter the kingdom of heaven. —Matthew 18:3

 (My Utmost for His Highest - Oswald Chambers for December 28)

These words of our Lord refer to our initial conversion, but we should continue to turn to God as children, being continuously converted every day of our lives. If we trust in our own abilities, instead of God’s, we produce consequences for which God will hold us responsible. When God through His sovereignty brings us into new situations, we should immediately make sure that our natural life submits to the spiritual, obeying the orders of the Spirit of God. Just because we have responded properly in the past is no guarantee that we will do so again. The response of the natural to the spiritual should be continuous conversion, but this is where we so often refuse to be obedient. No matter what our situation is, the Spirit of God remains unchanged and His salvation unaltered. But we must “put on the new man . . .” (Ephesians 4:24). God holds us accountable every time we refuse to convert ourselves, and He sees our refusal as willful disobedience. Our natural life must not rule— God must rule in us.

To refuse to be continuously converted puts a stumbling block in the growth of our spiritual life. There are areas of self-will in our lives where our pride pours contempt on the throne of God and says, “I won’t submit.” We deify our independence and self-will and call them by the wrong name. What God sees as stubborn weakness, we call strength. There are whole areas of our lives that have not yet been brought into submission, and this can only be done by this continuous conversion. Slowly but surely we can claim the whole territory for the Spirit of God.

A message for us...

The apostle Paul wrote,

"God, who at various times and in various ways spoke in time past to the fathers by the prophets, has in these last days spoken to us by His Son."

Happy birthday, Jesus.

Hebrews 1:1-2

Humility

Humility...God comes to earth as a baby.

"All this took place to fulfill what the Lord had said through the prophet Isaiah, 'The virgin will be with child and will give birth to a son, and they will call him Immanuel - which means, God with us.'"

 "I want to stand by the manger long enough for all my foolish pride to die, all my vainglory to vanish, and any estimate of values to become adjusted to the humility that is God." Anna J. Lindgren

Matthew 1:23 Isaiah 7:14

Plans

"There is no wisdom, no insight, no plan that can succeed against the Lord." Proverbs 21:30

Offended?

"A man's wisdom gives him patience; it is to his glory to overlook an offense." Proverbs 19:11

How do I respond when offended?  Some days, not so good.  Even if I don't verbally respond, my thoughts can run rampant.  This guidance reminds me that overlooking the offense is glorious!! It might not appear glorious to those around me.  In fact, it might look non-confrontational or weak.  But, the wisdom that brings this kind of patience is glory to God. 

Jesus our Messiah hung from a tree and looked down on Roman soldiers who pierced him and religious leaders who mocked him and said, "Father forgive them, for they do not know what they do."  He exhibited such patience for all humanity.

Self-Controlled

"Better a patient person than a warrior,
    one with self-control than one who takes a city." Proverbs 16:32

This is a convicting word for me...self-control means it is in my power to be patient in difficult and trying situations. Times that would cause me to want to war against someone.  Being a warrior seems so much more powerful. Help us, oh God, to be patient and self-controlled in the areas of our lives that cause us to want to do battle.

Proverbs 15:1

In the Bible, there is a book called Proverbs composed of great wisdom mostly from the biblical patriarch, Solomon, the son of King David. There are 31 proverbs each containing about 15 - 30 short verses.

Working with children I have found the proverbs to be a great starting point to spiritual conversations.  When they enter my classroom at the end of the day, there is always a Proverb of the Day posted with an application question.  Here is today's choice:

"A gentle answer turns away wrath, but a harsh word stirs up anger."  Proverbs 15:1

Mrs T asks, "What kind of answers did you give today?"

Wisdom

Walk with the wise and become wise,
    for a companion of fools suffers harm.

Proverbs 13:20

Psalm 32

Of David. A maskil.^[a]

 Blessed is the one
    whose transgressions are forgiven,
    whose sins are covered. 

 Blessed is the one
    whose sin the Lord does not count against them
    and in whose spirit is no deceit.

 When I kept silent,
    my bones wasted away
    through my groaning all day long. 

 For day and night
    your hand was heavy on me;
my strength was sapped
    as in the heat of summer.

Then I acknowledged my sin to you
    and did not cover up my iniquity.
I said, “I will confess
    my transgressions to the Lord.”
And you forgave
    the guilt of my sin.

 Therefore let all the faithful pray to you
    while you may be found;
surely the rising of the mighty waters
    will not reach them. 

 You are my hiding place;
    you will protect me from trouble
    and surround me with songs of deliverance.

 I will instruct you and teach you in the way you should go;
    I will counsel you with my loving eye on you. 

 Do not be like the horse or the mule,
    which have no understanding
but must be controlled by bit and bridle
    or they will not come to you. 

 Many are the woes of the wicked,
    but the Lord’s unfailing love
    surrounds the one who trusts in him.

 Rejoice in the Lord and be glad, you righteous;
    sing, all you who are upright in heart!

Purposeful Life

"When David had served God's purpose in his own generation, he fell asleep..."

What is the purpose of your life?  King David had a purpose in his generation, and then he died.  God called him 'a man after his own heart' to be appointed King of Israel and to be the ancestor of Jesus the Messiah. He took hold of the purpose God had for his life. And he was just a man, like you and I.

The Bible promises that, "in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to His purpose."

Have you taken hold of that purpose?  Is the love of God tugging at your heart to cross over from unbelief to belief...then take the first step. Believe that He loves you. Receive it as His perfect gift. And let the unfolding of God's purpose for your life begin.

Acts 13:36,  Samuel 13:14, Matthew 1:6, Romans 8:28

Are you under it?

Psalm 40 is a reminder of waiting patiently through trial.  We tend to fill our time or multi-task our way through pain and troubles.  Instead of seeking the face of God, we seek the hand of others and miss the opportunity to see divine intervention.  IF you are 'under it' today, take a moment to read the entire Psalm 40.

"I waited patiently for the Lord; he turned to me and heard my cry.  He lifted me out of the slimy pit, out of the mud and mire; he set my feet on a rock and gave me a firm place to stand. He put a new song in my mouth, a hymn of praise to our God."

Grace

"The livelier our sense of guilt and grace and gratitude, the more faithful and fervent will be our obedience to our Lord and Saviour. When we are grateful for the grace that is greater than all our guilt, our souls are stirred to deeper reverence and higher loyalty.” 

 DiGangi, Mariano; “The Day I Met God”; Philadelphia: “Time and Eternity”, 1965.
 

Let it be done for you as you have believed...

God showed great mercy this week.  Our daughters' friend was diagnosed with cancer in her ovary. An 8 inch (22cm) tumor was removed and she was going to start Chemotherapy.  It was advanced and did not look good.

But, we know and believe that the Lord is good and it is in His Power to take action if it is His Will.  So we all prayed to Him who is able to Heal.  The report is in - her cancer went from a stage 3 to a stage 1a with no need for Chemotherapy.  The doctor was astonished because not having chemo was not even an option! We believe this was God's intervention and an answer to prayer!!

The Faith of a Centurion

 When he had entered Capernaum, a centurion came forward to him, appealing to him, “Lord, my servant is lying paralyzed at home, suffering terribly.”And he said to him, “I will come and heal him.”  

 But the centurion replied, “Lord, I am not worthy to have you come under my roof, but only say the word, and my servant will be healed. For I too am a man under authority, with soldiers under me. And I say to one, ‘Go,’ and he goes, and to another, ‘Come,’ and he comes, and to my servant,‘Do this,’ and he does it.”  

 When Jesus heard this, he marveled and said to those who followed him, “Truly, I tell you, with no one in Israel have I found such faith.  I tell you, many will come from east and west and recline at table with Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob in the kingdom of heaven,  while the sons of the kingdom will be thrown into the outer darkness. In that place there will be weeping and gnashing of teeth.”  

 And to the centurion Jesus said, “Go; let it be done for you as you have believed.” And the servant was healed at that very moment.

Matthew 8:5-13

Man's Crucible

We went to a conference and the speaker came out to thunderous applause.  He looked genuinely uncomfortable with the attention given and said, "Applause is dangerous." When I read the proverbs for today I came across this truth, "The crucible for silver and the furnace for gold, but people are tested by their praise."  Proverbs 27:21

Thanksgiving

Around my town I am starting to see grocery stores call this time of year Turkey Day. No, realllly!!! Apparently, the very idea of giving thanks might challenge some to wonder why it was good to give thanks on a specific day. Heaven forbid it might lead to believing in a Power greater than self and being thankful to God for provision or harvest. So instead we glorify turkey!  Brilliant.

I want to go on record as giving thanks to my Lord and God not only for one day, but for every day.  May each one of you be thankful and blessed with knowing my very loving and very patient God.

Enter His gates with thanksgiving and His courts with praise; give thanks to Him and praise His Name.

For the Lord is good and His love endures forever; His faithfulness continues through all generations.

Psalm 100:4-5

Promise Keeper

God is Creator. "In the beginning God created..." Genesis 1:1

Sin entered His creation causing created man to be separated from God. "...so The Lord banished man from the Garden of Eden." Genesis 3:23

But God promised a Savior. And brought forth a people through whose line of descendants He would come. All who believe the original promise will be no longer separated from God. To Abraham God said, "I will make you into a great nation and I will bless you. I will make your name great and you will be a blessing. I will bless those who bless you and whoever curses you I will curse; and ALL people's on earth will be blessed through you." Genesis 12:2-3

Jesus is The promised Messiah. "The record of the genealogy of Jesus Christ the son of David, the son of Abraham..." Mathew 1:1

See to it that you do not put aside the words of Jesus who proclaimed, "I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through Me." John 14:6

Today, if you hear his voice do not harden your hearts. Respond to God in faith.

Even fools are thought wise if they keep silent, and discerning if they hold their tongues.  

Proverbs 17:28

Front and Rear

The prophet Isaiah told Israel, "The LORD will go before you! The God of Israel will be your rear guard!"

And we know that Jesus our Messiah, The Messiah says, "I am Alpha and Omega, the first and the last." He is the beginning and the end...the first and the last.

Isaiah 52:12, Revelation 1:11

If

"...if my people, who are called by my name, will humble themselves and pray and seek my face and turn from their wicked ways, then I will hear from heaven, and I will forgive their sin and will heal their land." 2 Chronicles 7:14

Apparently, as a people of God, we have some serious work to do.

Falling Apart

"A Bible that’s falling apart usually belongs to someone who isn’t.”   Charles H. Spurgeon

Just Call!!

Streams in the Desert by L.B. Cowman confirmed a beautiful scripture, "everyone who calls on the name of the Lord will be saved."

Call Upon the Lord

"And it shall come to pass that whosoever shall call on the name of the Lord shall be delivered" (Joel 2:32).

 

Why do not I call on His name? Why do I run to this neighbor and that when God is so near and will hear my faintest call? Why do I sit down and devise schemes and invent plans? Why not at once roll myself and my burden upon the Lord?

 

Straightforward is the best runner--why do not I run at once to the living God? In vain shall I look for "deliverance anywhere else; but with God I shall find it; for here I have His royal shall to make it sure.

 

I need not ask whether I may call on Him or not, for that word "Whosoever" is a very wide and comprehensive one. Whosoever means me, for it means anybody and everybody who calls upon God. I will therefore follow the leading of the text, and at once call upon the glorious Lord who has made so large a promise.

 

My case is urgent, and I do not see how I am to be delivered; but this is no business of mine. He who makes the promise will find ways and means of keeping it. It is mine to obey His commands; it is not mine to direct His counsels. I am His servant, not His solicitor. I call upon Him, and He will deliver.  --C. H. Spurgeon

God's Word - Handle with Care

This was such a good reminder for me today.  Thought I would share it with you. 

No More; No Less

Be diligent to present yourself approved to God, a worker who does not need to be ashamed, rightly dividing the Word of truth. —2 Timothy 2:15

Recently I was reading about how easy it is to mishandle the message of the Bible. We may try to make it support what we already believe is true instead of allowing it to speak to us with God’s intended message. Some people use the Bible to defend one side of an issue, while others use the Bible to attack that same issue. Both quote Scripture to support their views, but both can’t be right.

It is important as we use God’s Word that we are committed to saying no more and no less than the Scriptures actually say. If we mishandle the Word, we misrepresent it, which ultimately misrepresents God’s character. This is why Paul challenged Timothy, “Be diligent to present yourself approved to God, a worker who does not need to be ashamed, rightly dividing the Word of truth” (2 Tim. 2:15). A key priority for unashamed, approved workers for Christ is to accurately interpret (“rightly divide”) God’s Word. As we study, we can depend on the Spirit, who inspired it, to give us understanding and wisdom.

Through our words and actions, we have opportunity to represent God’s Word in ways that genuinely reflect God’s heart. That is one of the greatest privileges of the Christian life. — by Bill Crowder

Taken from Our Daily Bread devotional for October 16, 2012

 

He knows you...do you know Him?

Sitting with some dear friends yesterday, we shared how powerful...yet very personal the Lord is in our lives.  He is the Creator of the Universe and yet the bible says He knows every hair on our head.  It is beyond our understanding.  Yet, God has chosen to meet each of us in a personal way on our journeys of faith.  We agreed, He does know every hair on your head!  If you haven't met my Personal, Powerful God...I pray He reveal Himself to you in a very personal way today.

September 28

September 28, 2012 • By Charles H. Spurgeon; revised and edited by William C. Neff (c)2003-2004

"The Lord looks down from Heaven and beholds all the sons of men." --Psalm 33:13

Perhaps no figure of speech represents God in a more gracious light than when He is spoken of as stooping from His throne and coming down from heaven to attend to the wants and to behold the problems of mankind. We love Him who, when Sodom and Gomorrah were full of iniquity, would not destroy those cities until He had made a personal visitation to them. We cannot help pouring out our heart in affection for our Lord who inclines His ear from the highest glory, and puts it to the lip of the dying sinner whose failing heart longs after reconciliation. How can we but love Him when we know that He numbers the very hairs of our heads, marks our path, and orders our ways?

This great truth comes nearer to our heart when we recall how attentive He is, not merely to the temporal interests of His creatures but to their spiritual concerns. Though leagues of distance lie between the finite creature and the infinite Creator, yet there are links uniting both. When you wipe away a tear, don’t think that God doesn’t see it. "As a father pities his children, so the Lord pities those that fear Him." Your sigh is able to move the heart of Jehovah; your whisper can incline His ear unto you; your prayer can stay His hand; your faith can move His arm. 

Don’t think that God sits high above you, taking no account of you. Remember that however poor and needy you are, yet the Lord thinks about you. For the eyes of the Lord run to and fro throughout the whole earth to show himself strong in behalf of those whose heart is perfect towards Him.

His Precepts

My daughter is taking a course in college that includes a bible study called Precepts.  I have wanted to take this course myself and look forward to hearing what she has to say about it after she partakes.

The word 'precepts' intrigued me so here is a brief study through www.biblegateway.com as it pertains to such a word in the bible:

1. Deuteronomy 33:10
   He teaches your precepts to Jacob and your law to Israel. He offers incense before you and whole burnt offerings on your altar.
   Deuteronomy 33:9-11 (in Context) Deuteronomy 33 (Whole Chapter) Other Translations
2. Psalm 19:8
   The precepts of the LORD are right, giving joy to the heart. The commands of the LORD are radiant, giving light to the eyes.
   Psalm 19:7-9 (in Context) Psalm 19 (Whole Chapter) Other Translations
3. Psalm 103:18
   with those who keep his covenant and remember to obey his precepts.
   Psalm 103:17-19 (in Context) Psalm 103 (Whole Chapter) Other Translations
4. Psalm 105:45
   that they might keep his precepts and observe his laws. Praise the LORD.
   Psalm 105:44-45 (in Context) Psalm 105 (Whole Chapter) Other Translations
5. Psalm 111:7
   The works of his hands are faithful and just; all his precepts are trustworthy.
   Psalm 111:6-8 (in Context) Psalm 111 (Whole Chapter) Other Translations
6. Psalm 111:10
   The fear of the LORD is the beginning of wisdom; all who follow his precepts have good understanding. To him belongs eternal praise.
   Psalm 111:9-10 (in Context) Psalm 111 (Whole Chapter) Other Translations
7. Psalm 119:4
   You have laid down precepts that are to be fully obeyed.
   Psalm 119:3-5 (in Context) Psalm 119 (Whole Chapter) Other Translations
8. Psalm 119:15
   I meditate on your precepts and consider your ways.
   Psalm 119:14-16 (in Context) Psalm 119 (Whole Chapter) Other Translations
9. Psalm 119:27
   Let me understand the teaching of your precepts; then I will meditate on your wonders.
   Psalm 119:26-28 (in Context) Psalm 119 (Whole Chapter) Other Translations
10. Psalm 119:40
    How I long for your precepts! Preserve my life in your righteousness.
    Psalm 119:39-41 (in Context) Psalm 119 (Whole Chapter) Other Translations
11. Psalm 119:45
    I will walk about in freedom, for I have sought out your precepts.
    Psalm 119:44-46 (in Context) Psalm 119 (Whole Chapter) Other Translations
12. Psalm 119:56
    This has been my practice: I obey your precepts.
    Psalm 119:55-57 (in Context) Psalm 119 (Whole Chapter) Other Translations
13. Psalm 119:63
    I am a friend to all who fear you, to all who follow your precepts.
    Psalm 119:62-64 (in Context) Psalm 119 (Whole Chapter) Other Translations
14. Psalm 119:69
    Though the arrogant have smeared me with lies, I keep your precepts with all my heart.
    Psalm 119:68-70 (in Context) Psalm 119 (Whole Chapter) Other Translations
15. Psalm 119:78
    May the arrogant be put to shame for wronging me without cause; but I will meditate on your precepts.
    Psalm 119:77-79 (in Context) Psalm 119 (Whole Chapter) Other Translations
16. Psalm 119:87
    They almost wiped me from the earth, but I have not forsaken your precepts.
    Psalm 119:86-88 (in Context) Psalm 119 (Whole Chapter) Other Translations
17. Psalm 119:93
    I will never forget your precepts, for by them you have preserved my life.
    Psalm 119:92-94 (in Context) Psalm 119 (Whole Chapter) Other Translations
18. Psalm 119:94
    Save me, for I am yours; I have sought out your precepts.
    Psalm 119:93-95 (in Context) Psalm 119 (Whole Chapter) Other Translations
19. Psalm 119:100
    I have more understanding than the elders, for I obey your precepts.
    Psalm 119:99-101 (in Context) Psalm 119 (Whole Chapter) Other Translations
20. Psalm 119:104
    I gain understanding from your precepts; therefore I hate every wrong path.
    Psalm 119:103-105 (in Context) Psalm 119 (Whole Chapter) Other Translations
21. Psalm 119:110
    The wicked have set a snare for me, but I have not strayed from your precepts.
    Psalm 119:109-111 (in Context) Psalm 119 (Whole Chapter) Other Translations
22. Psalm 119:128
    and because I consider all your precepts right, I hate every wrong path.
    Psalm 119:127-129 (in Context) Psalm 119 (Whole Chapter) Other Translations
23. Psalm 119:134
    Redeem me from the oppression of men, that I may obey your precepts.
    Psalm 119:133-135 (in Context) Psalm 119 (Whole Chapter) Other Translations
24. Psalm 119:141
    Though I am lowly and despised, I do not forget your precepts.
    Psalm 119:140-142 (in Context) Psalm 119 (Whole Chapter) Other Translations
25. Psalm 119:159
    See how I love your precepts; preserve my life, O LORD, according to your love.
    Psalm 119:158-160 (in Context) Psalm 119 (Whole Chapter) Other Translation 
26. Hosea 8:12  Though I wrote for him ten thousand precepts of My law, They are regarded as a strange thing.
    Hosea 8:11-13 (in Context) Hosea 8 (Whole Chapter) Other Translations
27. Matthew 15:9
    ‘BUT IN VAIN DO THEY WORSHIP ME, TEACHING AS DOCTRINES THE PRECEPTS OF MEN.’”
    Matthew 15:8-10 (in Context) Matthew 15 (Whole Chapter) Other Translations
28. Mark 7:7
    ‘ BUT IN VAIN DO THEY WORSHIP ME, TEACHING AS DOCTRINES THE PRECEPTS OF MEN.’
    Mark 7:6-8 (in Context) Mark 7 (Whole Chapter) Other Translations   

63 years!!!

Happy Anniversary!

There are few milestones that catch my attention.  But this one is personal.  My parents have been married for 63 years!  Having dinner with them tonight we asked that they impart wisdom on how they managed staying together.  Here were a couple of jewels they shared;

Pray a lot - especially when the other is driving.

Have a good sense of humor.

Listen.  (Mom requests that Dad put his hearing aids on and talk louder.)

Be thankful.

So there it is...wisdom from the sages who go before me.  I especially like the suggestion of being thankful.  Kudos to you Mom and Dad.  We celebrate your commitment to staying in covenant with each other.  God's richest blessings upon you, always.  We love you so very much.

In the last days...

Israel's ''Alleged'' Temple  
by Jack Kinsella - Omega Letter Editor

One would think that, of all the possible efforts to revise history imaginable, the piece of history that would be the hardest to revise would be to deny the historical existence of a Jewish Temple in Jerusalem.

First, the Bible is filled with references to a Jewish Temple. And the Dead Sea Scrolls discovered in 1947 in Qumron have conclusively and undeniably confirmed that the Biblical record is unchanged since the scrolls were buried there in AD 70.

Secondly, the Qumrom discovery included hundreds of Temple artifacts, documents, drawings, and other forms of historical confirmation as to the existence of a Jewish Temple in Jerusalem up until the time of the Qumrom community's destruction around AD 70.

Thirdly, one of the retaining walls of Solomon's Temple, built almost three thousand years ago, still stands on the western side of the Temple Mount. I've seen it and touched its ancient stones. I've prayed at it. It is there.

Mahmoud Abbas, head of the Palestinian Authority and cofounder of Yasser Arafat's Fatah Party, recently accused Israel of seeking to "rob Muslims and Christians of their holy shrines, destroy Al-Aqsa mosque and build the alleged Jewish Temple."

In February, Abbas accused Israel had been waging a “final battle” aimed at erasing the Arab, Muslim and Christian character of east Jerusalem. He charged that Israel intended to destroy Jerusalem’s Al-Aqsa mosque, which sits atop the remains of the two biblical Jewish Temples. Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu condemned the remarks as “harshly inflammatory” and “baseless.”
Abbas responded with the promise that there will be “no peace, no security and no stability unless the occupation, settlers and settlements are gone from Jerusalem.” He also stressed that the city will remain the eternal capital of the Palestinian state, according to the Palestine News Network news agency.

The very last thing that the government of Israel wants to do is to destroy the al-Aqsa Mosque. There would be no tears shed if it were destroyed by an earthquake, or if it collapsed on its own, but the Israeli government would rather maintain the status quo as take on the global Muslim community all at once.

However, the Bible says that in the last days, the Third Temple will be rebuilt. Exactly how that will come about is anybody's guess. But the fact remains that it is a topic of conversation -- for the first time in twenty centuries.

"Who opposeth and exalteth himself above all that is called God, or that is worshipped; so that he as God sitteth in the temple of God, shewing himself that he is God." (2 Thessalonians 2:4)

According to this verse, when the Third Temple is rebuilt, it won't be the Jewish Temple, or the Israeli Temple or the Zionist Temple or even the antichrist's Temple, (which is how many Christians refer to it.)

The Apostle Paul, writing to the Church at Thessonlonika about the events of the last days, prophesied that the antichrist will sit in the Temple of God. For it to be the Temple of God, the Age of Grace must be over.

There is a reason why the Third Temple is consecrated and a reason why Paul calls it the "Temple of God" instead of just 'the Temple'.

First, if it weren't consecrated, it couldn't be defiled. You can't defile something which isn't holy in the first place. During the Age of Grace, the Bible identifies the Temple of God as the individual believer .

"Know ye not that ye are the temple of God, and that the Spirit of God dwelleth in you?" (1 Corinthians 3:16)

But when the Holy Spirit is "taken out of the way" to allow the floodgates of evil to flow unchecked under the rule of antichrist, so are the vessels that He indwells.

That event, the Rapture of the Church, signals the conclusion of the Church Age and the resumption of Daniel's 70th week, or what Jeremiah 30:7 calls, the "time of Jacob's trouble". The Age of Grace is over and the final week of the Law resumes.

Unless the Law was again operational, the "abomination of desolation" would neither be an 'abomination' -- nor could it make the Temple desolate -- unless the Temple itself were legitimate in the first place.
Understand that the resumption of Temple worship and animal sacrifices during the Tribulation has no saving value. Nobody will be saved because they brought an unblemished lamb to the Temple for sacrifice. (Nobody was ever saved by Temple worship during the Age of the Law, either.)

Salvation is and always has been an outpouring of God's grace by faith from every Dispensation.
Secondly, God isn't going back to an "old system" because salvation is not a product of the Temple system, as we've just noted. The Age of the Law had yet to run its full course when it was interrupted by the Age of Grace.

Daniel notes that in the 69th Week, the "Messiah is cut off, but not for Himself"; the Temple is destroyed by the people of the coming prince (antichrist) and then there is a temporal disconnect when Daniel's clock stops for the Church Age.

The Age of Grace concludes with the Rapture and Daniel's clock restarts on the final week, the reasons for which are clearly outlined in Daniel 9:24.

It isn't a re-institution of the Age of the Law. It is the resumption of an unfilled Dispensational Period for which there is a definite purpose. The purpose is six-fold;

1. to finish the transgression,
2. make an end to sins,
3. make reconciliation for iniquity,
4. bring in everlasting righteousness,
5. seal up the vision and the prophecy, and
6. anoint the most Holy.

The Church plays no role, since parts 1 -3 were fulfilled at the Cross and parts 4-6 are fulfilled at the Second Coming and during the Millennial Rest.

Christians have no holy city of their own -- we share Jerusalem with the Jews, but it is not ours. Jesus finished the transgression and put an end to sins at the Cross, offering Himself as a reconciliation for iniquity.

So, then, what is the purpose of the Law? Why did God give Moses the Ten Commandments?
According to the Apostle Paul, the reason for the Ten Commandments was to prove we couldn't keep them and to point out our need for a Savior. That realization is offered to both Jew and Gentile. BUT, says Paul;

"I would not, brethren, that ye should be ignorant of this mystery, lest ye should be wise in your own conceits; that blindness in part is happened to Israel, until the fulness of the Gentiles be come in."

The 'fullness of the Gentiles be come in' is a reference to the conclusion of the Church Age, which ends when the last Gentile who is going to accept Christ does so. Once the Body of Christ is complete, the Rapture takes place, and God turns His attention back to Israel.

"And so all Israel shall be saved: as it is written, There shall come out of Sion the Deliverer, and shall turn away ungodliness from Jacob: For this is my covenant unto them, when I shall take away their sins." (Romans 11:26-27)

The 70th Week of Daniel is also called "the Time of Jacob's Trouble" (Jeremiah 30:7) because it is set aside for the judgment of the Gentiles and the national salvation of the Jews.

To summarize: the purpose of the Tribulation is two-fold. First and foremost, its purpose is to effect the national reconciliation of the Jews and their salvation -- as a nation.

The unbelieving Gentiles have already had their chance and rejected it. This idea that God continues His plan for the Gentiles into the Tribulation Period is without Scriptural support. That is not to say that Gentiles cannot be saved during the Tribulation. Some may well be.

But during the Tribulation, God's attention turns to the national redemption of Israel. Revelation Chapter 7 tells of 144,000 Jews who will be 'sealed' with the indwelling Holy Spirit.

The Jews of Israel aren't saved during the Tribulation by the Temple practices or law. Zechariah 12:10 makes it clear that the Jews of Israel during the Tribulation are saved the same way we are -- by grace and supplications (prayer).

"And I will pour upon the house of David, and upon the inhabitants of Jerusalem, the spirit of grace and of supplications: and they shall look upon Me whom they have pierced, and they shall mourn for Him, as one mourneth for his only Son, and shall be in bitterness for Him, as one that is in bitterness for his firstborn."

It is the Temple desecration that causes the Jews to turn their backs on the antichrist and turn towards Christ. That is the event that begins the second half, or "Great" Tribulation.

Secondarily, it is a time set aside for the judgment of a Christ-rejecting world (the Church having already been judged at the Cross). The Age of Grace is over, but salvation by grace through faith is still extended to the Jews.

The 144,000 are sealed with and indwelt by the Holy Spirit, which gives them the power to share the Gospel and enables the hearer to be regenerated spiritually. Without the active indwelling of the Holy Spirit within these 144,000 Jewish evangelists, nobody could be saved.

"But the natural man receiveth not the things of the Spirit of God: for they are foolishness unto him: neither can he know them, because they are spiritually discerned." (1st Corinthians 2:14)

And so that's the overview. When the conditions are right, the Temple WILL be rebuilt.
Jewish religious leaders have already prepared the implements for Temple worship and are preparing priests for the resumption of the Temple sacrifice system.

Daniel 9:27 says that part of the "covenant" he confirms between Israel and her enemies includes the resumption of Temple worship and sacrifice. Indeed, it is that covenant allowing the resumption of Temple worship that starts the time clock counting down the days to the Second Coming of Christ.

Why is that important to you? While there aren't any signs pointing to the Rapture, the signs pointing to the soon arrival of the antichrist are more like BILLBOARDS than they are signs.

And before "that Wicked" can be revealed, the Restrainer and the vessels He indwells MUST be "taken out of the way." So the fact we can see him coming means the Lord is coming even sooner.

"Wherefore, comfort one another with these words." (1 Thessalonians 4:18)

A Unique Choir

I have enjoyed singing in the choir.  But, what I really love is seeing all the faces of all nations in the congregation singing praises to our God and King! 

                                            A Unique Choir

"That you may with one mind and one mouth glorify the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ."—Romans 15:6

"When Mitch Miller died in July 2010, most people remembered him as the man who invited everyone to sing along. On his popular 1960s TV program Sing Along with Mitch, an all-male chorus sang well-loved songs while the words appeared on the screen so viewers could join in. A Los Angeles Times obituary cited Miller’s belief that one reason for the program’s success was the appeal of his chorus: “I always made a point of hiring singers who were tall, short, bald, round, fat, whatever—everyday-looking guys.” From that unified diversity came beautiful music in which everyone was invited to participate.

In Romans 15, Paul called for unity among the followers of Christ—“that you may with one mind and one mouth glorify the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ” (v.6). From several Old Testament passages, he spoke of Gentiles and Jews together singing praise to God (vv.9-12). A unity that had been considered impossible became reality as people who had been deeply divided began thanking God together for His mercy shown in Christ. Like them, we are filled with joy, peace, and hope “by the power of the Holy Spirit” (v.13).

What a unique “choir” we belong to, and what a privilege it is to sing along!"

September 1, 2012 by David C. McCasland odb.org Read: Romans 15:5-13

The Greatest Commandment

The new school year started and I have the privilege of taking care of about 25 children from 4 years old to 12th grade in an after school program. We have a great time of sharing how the day went, eating snacks, playing checkers, board games, drawing, eating more snacks and heading outside no matter what the weather.  I have three rules for the classroom.  Use an inside voice.  No running until we are outside.  And the greatest rule is keep our hands to ourselves.  One student said, "can't push each other?"  No, our hands are to our self.  Another said, "Can we play tag?" Really?!! No, our hands are to our self, but outside tag is great. "Can we wrestle, quietly?"  I had to smile at that one...but, nope, our hands are to our self.

Pretty much every possible classroom disaster can be eliminated with gentle voices, no running and keeping our hands to our self!  Especially a classroom full of little children.

It reminded me of when Jesus was asked what was the greatest commandment of the whole Law.  And he said, "Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind.  This is the first and greatest commandment. And the second is like it; 'Love your neighbor as yourself.'  All the Law and the Prophets hang on these two commandments."

If we all really did do those two things, our families, classrooms, homes, work places, and streets would honor God and be a blessing to all the peoples of the world. 

Deuteronomy 6:5, Matthew 22:37-40

Are you Discouraged or Devoted??

"Jesus . . . said to him, ’You still lack one thing. Sell all that you have . . . and come, follow Me.’ But when he heard this, he became very sorrowful, for he was very rich' Luke 18:22-23

 

Have you ever heard the Master say something very difficult to you? If you haven’t, I question whether you have ever heard Him say anything at all. Jesus says a tremendous amount to us that we listen to, but do not actually hear. And once we do hear Him, His words are harsh and unyielding.

Jesus did not show the least concern that this rich young ruler should do what He told him, nor did Jesus make any attempt to keep this man with Him. He simply said to him, “Sell all that you have . . . and come, follow Me.” Our Lord never pleaded with him; He never tried to lure him— He simply spoke the strictest words that human ears have ever heard, and then left him alone.

Have I ever heard Jesus say something difficult and unyielding to me? Has He said something personally to me to which I have deliberately listened— not something I can explain for the sake of others, but something I have heard Him say directly to me? This man understood what Jesus said. He heard it clearly, realizing the full impact of its meaning, and it broke his heart. He did not go away as a defiant person, but as one who was sorrowful and discouraged. He had come to Jesus on fire with zeal and determination, but the words of Jesus simply froze him. Instead of producing enthusiastic devotion to Jesus, they produced heartbreaking discouragement.

And Jesus did not go after him, but let him go. Our Lord knows perfectly well that once His word is truly heard, it will bear fruit sooner or later. What is so terrible is that some of us prevent His words from bearing fruit in our present life. I wonder what we will say when we finally make up our minds to be devoted to Him on that particular point? One thing is certain— He will never throw our past failures back in our faces."

My Utmost for His Highest by Oswald Chambers for August 17

Mary Magdalene

"He appeared first to Mary Magdalene, out of whom He had cast seven devils." --Mark 16:9

"Mary of Magdala was the victim of a fearful evil. She was possessed by not one devil only, but seven. These dreadful inmates caused much pain and pollution to the poor frame in which they had found a lodging. Hers was a hopeless, horrible case. She couldn't help herself, neither could any human help avail.

But Jesus passed that way, and unsought, and probably even resisted by the poor demoniac, He uttered the word of power, and Mary of Magdala became a trophy of the healing power of Jesus. All the seven demons left her, left her never to return, forcibly ejected by the Lord of all. What a blessed deliverance! What a happy change! From delirium to delight, from despair to peace, from hell to heaven!

 

Straightway she became a constant follower of Jesus, catching His every word, following His devious steps, sharing His toilsome life; and in all things she became His generous helper, first among that band of healed and grateful women who ministered to Him of their substance.
 

When Jesus was lifted up in crucifixion, Mary remained the sharer of His shame: we find her first beholding from afar, and then drawing near to the foot of the cross. She could not die on the cross with Jesus, but she stood as near it as she could, and when His blessed body was taken down, she watched to see how and where it was laid. She was the faithful and watchful believer, last at the sepulchre where Jesus slept, first at the grave where He arose.

Her holy fidelity made her a favoured beholder of her beloved Rabboni, who deigned to call her by her name, and to make her His messenger of good news to the trembling disciples and Peter.

Thus grace found her a maniac and made her a minister, cast out devils and gave her to behold angels, delivered her from Satan, and united her for ever to the Lord Jesus. May I also be such a miracle of grace."    
            

  Written by Charles H. Spurgeon Evening Devotional for August 9th

Seeking God's Face

Heard someone recently say, "Maybe instead of going on Facebook so much we should be seeking more of God's Face in His Book."  Good thought.

Love compels...

INEXPRESSIBLE JOY
by Cornelius R. Stam

"Have you ever noticed that the Apostle Paul never speaks of his love for Christ? Rather he keeps talking about Christ's wonderful love to him. Neither does he exhort us to love Christ, but keeps telling us how Christ loved -- and loves, us. This is consistent with the message specially committed to him: 'the task of testifying to the Gospel of God's grace.' (Acts 20:24).

The Law said: 'Thou shalt love the Lord thy God' (Matt.22:37). This is the very essence of the law. And we should love God, but the law cannot produce love, so God comes to us in grace and says: 'I love you'. This is why Paul's epistles are so filled with 'the love of God, which is in Christ Jesus' (Romans 8:29).

The fact that God deals with us in grace does not mean that believers should not, or do not, love Him. The very opposite is true, for love begets love. It is when men come to know the love of Christ that their hearts respond to him in love.

Peter, like Paul, had once been a strict observer of the Law, but had since come to know the love of Christ in growing measure. The result: A deep love for Christ and the overflowing joy that accompanies such love. This is why we find in 1 Peter 1:8 those touching words that naturally overflow from the heart and lips of one who has come to know the love of Christ: 'Though you have not seen him, you love him; and even though you do not see him now, you believe in him and are filled with an inexpressible and glorious joy.'

Yes, knowing and loving Christ does indeed bring inexpressible joy, but we cannot love him by trying. We must accept His love for us in faith so that our hearts may naturally respond."

Recall Notice

Recently we had to replace the transmission on our car - a 2000 Honda Accord.  We were thankful for how long we have had it and how many miles we were able to put on it. We did the repair at a hefty price. However, in the process of researching if it was worth repairing, we found out that there was a recall notice for the transmission sent out.  It went unnoticed in our home.  Also, they had extended a grace period of about 7 years - which we missed by 1 year!! All that to say, Honda did their best to give our car a new life.  We just didn't take the opportunity.  Today's RBC.org devotional captured how to apply this natural life experience to our spiritual life.

                                  Recall Notice

"Repent...that your sins may be blotted out"  Acts 3:19

In 2010, auto manufacturers recalled a staggering 20 million cars in the US for various defects. The thought of such a large number of defective cars on the road is startling enough. But what is more disturbing is the apathy of some owners. In one instance, the executive director of the Center for Auto Safety warned owners, “It’s a free repair. Get it done. It may save your life.” Yet, despite the risk to their own lives, 30 percent never responded.

Likewise, many ignore God’s “recall notice” to the entire human race. Unlike a defect found in automobiles, the moral defect of the human race is not the Maker’s fault. He made everything “very good” (Gen. 1:31), but people’s sin ruined it. God’s offer to us is “repent . . . that your sins may be blotted out” (Acts 3:19).

God offers not just a free repair of the human heart but a replacement of it (Ezek. 36:26; 2 Cor. 5:17). Though the offer costs us nothing (Eph. 2:8-9), it cost God the life of His only Son Jesus Christ. “[Jesus] bore our sins in His own body on the tree, that we, having died to sins, might live for righteousness—by whose stripes you were healed” (1 Peter 2:24).

Don’t ignore the Lord’s call. The free and permanent remedy offered by God for your spiritual defect will save your life!

The heart of man is stained by sin,
From Adam’s fall this has been true;
Yet God in Christ can make a change—
Through faith in Him we are made new. —Fitzhugh

 

 

                  For a new start, ask God for a new heart.

...

He went about doing good.

My husband very recently left a career of 30 years as a Commodities Trader.  We have been married for 24 of those years!  He is a loyal friend to many and being in that industry fostered some interesting relationships.  When he became a believer and follower of Jesus (out of a Buddhist background!!) he chose to really learn about the Lord and follow in His footsteps.  For the last 10 years he and some other believers would hold bible study in the offices that surround the "Pit" of the trading floors.  Many men would come to hear about the faithfulness of the God of Israel who sent the Messiah who loves the sinner, tax collector, and prostitute. Good news for all.

Though he still goes down to the "Pit" as a consultant from time to time and for a weekly bible study, more often he goes about counseling, encouraging, and teaching the Word of God to those in his path. I have witnessed a beautiful exchange of spirit in this man. The apostle Paul said*, "We proclaim Him, admonishing and teaching everyone with all wisdom, so that we may present everyone perfect in Christ. To this end I labor, struggling with all his energy, which so powerfully works in me."  It is a privilege to go forward in our new season of life together...walking by faith and not by sight.

 *Colossians 1:28-29

"He went about doing good.”  Acts 10:38

"Few words, but yet an exquisite miniature of the Lord Jesus Christ. There are not many touches, but they are the strokes of a master’s pencil. Of the Savior and only of the Savior is it true in the fullest, broadest, and most unqualified sense. “He went about doing good.” From this description it is evident that he did good personally. The evangelists constantly tell us that He touched the leper with his own finger, that He anointed the eyes of the blind, and that in cases where He was asked to speak the word only at a distance, He did not usually comply, but went himself to the sick bed, and there personally wrought the cure.

 A lesson to us, if we would do good, to do it ourselves. Give alms with your own hand; a kind look, or word, will enhance the value of the gift. Speak to a friend about his soul; your loving appeal will have more influence than a whole library of tracts. Our Lord’s mode of doing good sets forth his incessant activity! He did not only the good which came close to hand, but he “went about” on his errands of mercy. Throughout the whole land of Judea there was scarcely a village or a hamlet which was not gladdened by the sight of him. How this reproves the creeping, loitering manner, in which many professors serve the Lord. 

Let us gird up the loins of our mind, and be not weary in well doing. Does not the text imply that Jesus Christ went out of his way to do good? “He went about doing good.” He was never deterred by danger or difficulty. He sought out the objects of his gracious intentions. So must we. If old plans will not answer, we must try new ones, for fresh experiments sometimes achieve more than regular methods. Christ’s perseverance, and the unity of his purpose, are also hinted at, and the practical application of the subject may be summed up in the words, “leaving us an example that we should follow in His steps.”  Charles Spurgeon 'July 28th'

But God raised him from the dead

 “Brothers, children of Abraham, and you God-fearing Gentiles, it is to us that this message of salvation has been sent. The people of Jerusalem and their rulers did not recognize Jesus, yet in condemning him they fulfilled the words of the prophets that are read every Sabbath.  Though they found no proper ground for a death sentence, they asked Pilate to have him executed.  When they had carried out all that was written about him, they took him down from the tree and laid him in a tomb.  But God raised him from the dead,  and for many days he was seen by those who had traveled with him from Galilee to Jerusalem. They are now his witnesses to our people.
 
     We tell you the good news: What God promised our fathers  he has fulfilled for us, their children, by raising up Jesus. 

As it is written in the second Psalm:

         ‘You are my Son;  today I have become your Father.' (Psalm 2:7)

     The fact that God raised him from the dead, never to decay, is stated in these words: 

         ‘I will give you the holy and sure blessings promised to David.' (Isaiah 55:3)

 So it is stated elsewhere:

       ‘You will not let your Holy One see decay.' (Psalm 16:10)

 For when David had served God’s purpose in his own generation, he fell asleep; he was buried with his fathers and his body decayed.  But the one whom God raised from the dead did not see decay. Therefore, my brothers, I want you to know that through Jesus the forgiveness of sins is proclaimed to you. Through him everyone who believes is justified from everything you could not be justified from by the law of Moses. 

Take care that what the prophets have said does not happen to you:

 “‘Look, you scoffers,
    wonder and perish,
for I am going to do something in your days
    that you would never believe,
    even if someone told you.” ( Habakkuk 1:5)

Acts 13:26 - 41 New International Version 1984

Because of Him - I am reminding you

In order to deflect conversations of faith,  one might say they 'do' the 10 Commandments. Before seeking after God, and as a religious person, I would say the same thing. But truthfully, I never fully took in the teachings of the 10 Commandments.  Choosing not to be distracted by the language of thou shalts and thou shalt nots and reading them, I was convicted to the core and my heart hurt.

1. Have no other Gods before me.

2. Do not make or bow down to any idol in the form of anything in heaven above or on the earth beneath or in the waters.  You shall not bow down to them or worship them.

3.  Do not misuse the name of the Lord.

4.  Remember the Sabbath day by keeping it holy.  Do no work - you or your children.

5.  Honor your father and mother.

6.  Do not murder.

7.  Do not commit adultery.

8.  Do not steal.

9.  Do not give false testimony against your neighbor.

10. Do not covet.

 (read Exodus 20: 1-17)

There is another teaching that hurt my heart when I read it ... the Beatitudes.  The teachings of Jesus to his disciples as he sat with them on the mountainside.  He made 8 points that showed where his followers needed to adjust their attitudes.  (The parenthesis are a personal interpretation of each point.)

1. Poor in Spirit (recognizing one's spiritual bankruptcy and need for God)

2. Mournful (of one's own sin and recognizing the pain it causes others as well as myself)

3. Meekness (Humility. I don't always have to win! No room for pride or arrogance.)

4. Spiritual Hunger for Righteousness (A heart that truly longs to seek God in all circumstances)

5. Mercifulness

6. Pure Heart (and Mind)

7. Peacemaker (Is my response to conflict anger and bitterness, or willingness to bridge the gap?)

8. Persecution (How I stand for what is right without reacting defensively or with self-pity)

(Read Matthew 5:1-10)

Before every point Jesus makes he says, "blessed are" and goes on to explain what characteristics are to be found in every child of God. And at the end of his teaching he says, "Blessed are you when people insult you, persecute you and falsely say all kinds of evil against you BECAUSE OF ME.  Rejoice and be glad, because great is your reward in heaven, for in the same way they persecuted the prophets who were before you." (v 11)

Those prophets of the Old Testament made sure to remind the people of all God's Commands.

After rereading the 10 Commandments and the Beatitudes, I am even more firmly convinced of my need for a Savior. How about you? How about your children?

 

Be Strong, Do not Fear

We need to be reminded of better things to come.  There will be a place where 'gladness and joy will overtake us and sorrow and sighing will flee away' and we can rest. We are called to remind those who are fearful of the hope we have in a loving God. This passage is from Isaiah 35.

"The desert and the parched land will be glad; the wilderness will rejoice and blossom. Like the crocus, it will burst into bloom, it will rejoice greatly and shout for joy.

The glory of Lebanon will be given to it, the splendor of Carmel and Sharon; they will see the glory of the Lord,  the splendor of our God.
 

Strengthen the feeble hands, steady the knees that give way; say to those with fearful hearts, “Be strong, do not fear;  your God will come,  he will come with vengeance; with divine retribution he will come to save you."

Then will the eyes of the blind be opened

and the ears of the deaf unstopped.  

Then will the lame leap like a deer,  

 and the mute tongue shout for joy. 
 

Water will gush forth in the wilderness and streams in the desert. The burning sand will become a pool, the thirsty ground bubbling springs.

In the haunts where jackals once lay, grass and reeds and papyrus will grow.

 And a highway will be there;
    it will be called The Way of Holiness;
    it will be for those who walk on that Way.

The unclean will not journey on it; wicked fools will not go about on it. No lion will be there, nor any ravenous beast; they will not be found there.

But only the redeemed will walk there, and those the Lord has rescued will return.

They will enter Zion with singing;
    everlasting joy will crown their heads.
Gladness and joy will overtake them,
    and sorrow and sighing will flee away."

Isaiah 35 

Self pity

. . .  God's fellow worker in spreading the gospel of Christ, to strengthen and encourage you in your faith, so that no one would be unsettled by these trials. —1 Thessalonians 3:2-3

After sanctification, it is difficult to state what your purpose in life is, because God has moved you into His purpose through the Holy Spirit. He is using you now for His purposes throughout the world as He used His Son for the purpose of our salvation. If you seek great things for yourself, thinking, “God has called me for this and for that,” you barricade God from using you. As long as you maintain your own personal interests and ambitions, you cannot be completely aligned or identified with God’s interests.

This can only be accomplished by giving up all of your personal plans once and for all, and by allowing God to take you directly into His purpose for the world. Your understanding of your ways must also be surrendered, because they are now the ways of the Lord.

I must learn that the purpose of my life belongs to God, not me. God is using me from His great personal perspective, and all He asks of me is that I trust Him. I should never say, “Lord, this causes me such heartache.” To talk that way makes me a stumbling block. When I stop telling God what I want, He can freely work His will in me without any hindrance. He can crush me, exalt me, or do anything else He chooses. He simply asks me to have absolute faith in Him and His goodness.

Self-pity is of the devil, and if I wallow in it I cannot be used by God for His purpose in the world. Doing this creates for me my own cozy “world within the world,” and God will not be allowed to move me from it because of my fear of being “frost-bitten.”

Utmost for His Highest - Nov 10 - Oswald Chambers

Testing the heart

This is such a good reminder by David McCasland who writes for Our Daily Bread of RBC Ministries.

Two Lessons Learned

The Lord your God led you all the way these forty years . . . to humble you and test you. —Deuteronomy 8:2

A few weeks after writing an Our Daily Bread article about the importance of obeying the law, I set out on an 850-mile trip—determined to stay within the posted speed limit. While driving out of a small town in New Mexico, I became more occupied with unwrapping a sandwich than with watching the road signs, and I got a speeding ticket. My first lesson that day was that not paying attention costs the same as deliberate disregard for the law. And I still had 700 miles to go!

My second lesson was that our resolve will always be tested. I thought of Moses’ words to God’s people as they prepared to enter the Promised Land: “You shall remember that the Lord your God led you all the way these forty years in the wilderness, to humble you and test you, to know what was in your heart, whether you would keep His commandments or not” (Deut. 8:2).

Pastor and author Eugene Peterson called the process of following Christ “a long obedience in the same direction.” Every resolution to begin to obey must be followed by many decisions to continue.

God gave me a humbling reminder of how vital it is to keep my heart set on obeying Him—and to pay attention along the way. —David McCasland

                                         To love God is to obey God.