Remnant's Rant~Whose to Blame?


Remnant's Rant


Whose to Blame?
Back to Full Blog

It's not Obama's, Both Bush's, Clinton or any other Presidents fault!

Political Servants are just that, they are sworn to uphold the constitution not G_D’s Word. While many of the writers and founding fathers considered themselves Christians and imparted some ideals of the Bible into the constitution, the constitution itself is a blend of mans thoughts influenced by many Ideas. (This is leaven) As great a document as it is, it still dilutes G_D’s Word!

G_D certainly has, at times, blessed the United States of America. What have Americans done with those blessings? We pursued the “American Dream” (Idolatry) instead of allowing G_D to lead us and His plan for us. Jer. 29:11 For I know the thoughts that I think toward you, saith the LORD, thoughts of peace, and not of evil, to give you an expected end.

We Americans rebelled, we coveted, our greed and gluttony led us into, sexual perversion, adultery (both physical and spiritual), idolatry, and the murder of our unborn. etc.. We sent our children to be educated without seeing who was teaching our children. Deut. 6:6 And these words, which I command thee this day, shall be in thine heart: Deut. 6:7 And thou shalt teach them diligently unto thy children, and shalt talk of them when thou sittest in thine house, and when thou walkest by the way, and when thou liest down, and when thou risest up. Deut. 6:8 And thou shalt bind them for a sign upon thine hand, and they shall be as frontlets between thine eyes. Deut. 6:9 And thou shalt write them upon the posts of thy house, and on thy gates.

The result of not obeying this was their indoctrination into the blasphemous ideal of Secular Humanism, which is a part of the “American Dream” (any man could grow up and become anything he wanted it only took hard work and perseverance.) The key words here are “Any Man” Not G_Dly men!

Church was reserved for Sunday unless there was a game on and when we went to church, did we check and see if what was being spoken was G_D’s Word or was it diluted with denominationalist theology, dogma masquerading as Doctrine? 2Tim. 3:16 All scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness: Did we hear sermons laced with motivational messages instead Biblical encouragement? Col. 3:16 Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly in all wisdom; teaching and admonishing one another in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing with grace in your hearts to the Lord.

Brothers and Sisters the crisis of today is not the fault of Obama or other past Presidents. It’s not the republicans or the democrats, The liberal or conservatives.

The Blame lies in all of us who have chased/coveted after worldly ideals/idols and been silent or compromised when these ideals/idols did not line up with G_D’s Word and His directions for living. Jer. 34:17 Therefore thus saith the LORD; Ye have not hearkened unto me, in proclaiming liberty, every one to his brother, and every man to his neighbor: behold, I proclaim a liberty for you, saith the LORD, to the sword, to the pestilence, and to the famine; and I will make you to be removed into all the kingdoms of the earth.

As a nation of prosperity we are being judged for the iniquities of going from the Word of G_D to the idol of the “American Dream” allowing the aforementioned sins to become acceptable. G_D is judging us by hitting Americans where it hurts the most (our wallets). The corruption of our politicians is a result of our own corruption of G_D’s design for living. Rev. 3:19 As many as I love, I rebuke and chasten: be zealous therefore, and repent.

The battle cry of “G_d, guns and guts kept America free” is a lie. It is G_D and His Redemptive Blood that makes all men free, if, and only if, we repent and accept this free gift and then John 8:32 And ye shall know the truth, and the truth shall make you free.

It is past time for us to get off our couches and 2Tim. 4:2 Preach the word; be instant in season, out of season; reprove, rebuke, exhort with all longsuffering and doctrine. 2Tim. 4:3 For the time will come when they will not endure sound doctrine; but after their own lusts shall they heap to themselves teachers, having itching ears; 2Tim. 4:4 And they shall turn away their ears from the truth, and shall be turned unto fables. 2Tim. 4:5 But watch thou in all things, endure afflictions, do the work of an evangelist, make full proof of thy ministry. 1Cor. 9:14 Even so hath the Lord ordained that they which preach the gospel should live of the gospel.

Eph. 6:10 Finally, my brethren, be strong in the Lord, and in the power of his might. Eph. 6:11 Put on the whole armour of God, that ye may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil. Eph. 6:12 For we wrestle not against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this world, against spiritual wickedness in high places. Eph. 6:13 Wherefore take unto you the whole armour of God, that ye may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand. Eph. 6:14 Stand therefore, having your loins girt about with truth, and having on the breastplate of righteousness; Eph. 6:15 And your feet shod with the preparation of the gospel of peace; Eph. 6:16 Above all, taking the shield of faith, wherewith ye shall be able to quench all the fiery darts of the wicked. Eph. 6:17 And take the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God: Eph. 6:18 Praying always with all prayer and supplication in the Spirit, and watching thereunto with all perseverance and supplication for all saints; Eph. 6:19 And for me, that utterance may be given unto me, that I may open my mouth boldly, to make known the mystery of the gospel,

While I do believe that we are living in the end times, and that perilous times have come. I know that G_D is in control and that the harvest is ripe. The door to the mission field is your front door, will you open it and go out, or just sit on you couch and play the blame game?

Posted by Remnant at 12:11 AM - No Comments Add a Comment

But the King Knows~Dave Miller


July 17, 2009

But the King Knows

Rizpah daughter of Aiah took sackcloth and spread it out for herself on a rock. From the beginning of the harvest till the rain poured down from the heavens on the bodies, she did not let the birds of the air touch them by day or the wild animals by night. When David was told what Aiah's daughter Rizpah, Saul's concubine, had done, he went and took the bones of Saul and his son Jonathan from the citizens of Jabesh Gilead. (They had taken them secretly from the public square at Beth Shan, where the Philistines had hung them after they struck Saul down on Gilboa.) David brought the bones of Saul and his son Jonathan from there, and the bones of those who had been killed and exposed were gathered up.

They buried the bones of Saul and his son Jonathan in the tomb of Saul's father Kish, at Zela in Benjamin, and did everything the king commanded. After that, God answered prayer in behalf of the land.
2 Samuel 21:10-14

Buried in the Bible are these little stories that can easily get passed over for the "juicier" sections (e.g., Moses parting the Red Sea, David and Goliath, Jesus turning water into wine). Rizpah, a relative of Saul, wanted to protect the bodies of the seven men who were killed. She was protecting them from the birds. A simple act of kindness and decency. No one would notice. After all, the men she was protecting were already dead.

But King David heard about it and acted. Long story short: Saul, Jonathan, and the seven men were all buried together. Away from the birds, away from the open air.

Rizpah's legacy lives on around the world. Most people have never heard her name but they are like her. Most reading this are like her. You work and labor and wonder if it's making a difference. No one seems to notice your deeds. You get discouraged and want to give it all up for an easier life.

But the King knows. The King is recording all of those deeds. Sometimes he rewards you on the spot; most times, however, your small acts of kindness and hard work go seemingly unnoticed. Seemingly. The Enemy would want you to think that it's all for nothing. But it's not.

Take heart, Brothers and Sisters, your work for the Lord is not in vain, even the smallest things you do for others. Like the concert pianist whispering in the ear of a five-year-old as he plays a simple Chopsticks, "Keep on, Lad, you're doing great. Keep it up. I'm here with you. You're doing good. You're doing great. Don't stop now."

"Utmost with the Least Most",~Michael James Stone


THE MIRACLE OF BELIEF

My speech and my preaching was not with enticing words.

1 Corinthians 2:1-5

Paul was a scholar and an orator of the first rank; he is not speaking out of abject humility; but saying that he would veil the power of God if, when he preached the gospel, he impressed people with his "excellency of speech."

Belief in Jesus is a miracle
produced only by the efficacy of Redemption, not by impressiveness of speech, not by wooing and winning, but by the sheer unaided power of God. The creative power of the Redemption comes through the preaching of the Gospel, but never because of the personality of the preacher.
The real fasting of the preacher is not from food, but rather from eloquence, from impressiveness and exquisite diction, from everything that might hinder the gospel of God being presented.

The preacher is
there as the representative of God - "as though God did beseech you by us." He is there to present the Gospel of God. If it is only because of my preaching that people desire to be better, they will
never get anywhere near Jesus Christ.

Anything that flatters me in my
preaching of the Gospel will end in making me a traitor to Jesus; I
prevent the creative power of His Redemption from doing its work.

"I, if I be lifted up . . . , will draw all men unto Me."


Oswald Chambers

------------------------------------
"The Most Powerful Message There is in Life."

When Jesus came he spoke of His Father in Heaven and if nothing else could be said by being around Jesus, it was his focus on God.

The gospel is getting revised all the time and new ways of Hyping or Selling it to the people is being done to "get them to Church". In the Jesus Movement, when we got saved, we went out and told someone.

We couldn't contain our joy, we were excited, we didn't have special spiritual laws, roman roads, or even a clear understanding of sin. We only knew we were in love with Jesus and we wanted to tell everyone about how we felt.

There were no notches in our bible belt....yet.

The message has changed and people are scared about Emerging User Friendly Watery Grace of Prosperity Face type of message. Flattery and use of tech seems the norm and I suppose that is good in some ways.

But the miracle of knowing Jesus. The ability to hear his Voice, the capability of God to reach out and supernaturally move in ways beyond explanation for salvation, people aren't seeing as often as they used to.

Why?

Same reason we watch a Romance Movie Classic.

The gospel, when encountered by someone looking for love and forgiveness, is the greatest love story of all time. It is the eternal best seller of eternal life. It works. It saves. It is no more and no less than Jesus Died For You.

Bob Bennett wrote a song that the went something like this:

The Best Thing I can tell you is God loves you.
I can say that from my heart, I know it's the Truth
The Best Thing I can tell you is God loves you.
He sent his only son as Living Proof.

I sit around and make up .....clever lines
Toss them out as they dance... thru my mind
Sweeter Love I may ....never find.
Jesus Died for you.

I am in love.
It is obvious when I go to a church, person or meeting.

My wife loves to watch as I start to talk about the one I am love with.

It isn't her and she says it is amazing to watch the difference in my face, my walk, my talk, my actions and the years roll off my face as it is obvious the pure love of the One I love comes out and she wonders why she does not see all the time. She knows if a person starts to talk about my love, I am there for hours just enjoying talking about him.

She often shakes her head and walks away knowing I won't stop talking about Him.

Love is like that, and I am in love.
I have been for 35 years now.

I love Jesus.

That is the Gospel and the most powerful message there is in life.

Michael James Stone


Reverence for Jesus’ Humbleness~Mark Balmer


Reverence for Jesus’ Humbleness

Posted:

Based on “Our God Is Still Able” by Pastor Fidel Gomez; 7/11–12/09,

Message #GS71; Daily Devotional #4 - “Reverence for Jesus’ Humbleness”

Preparing the Soil (Introduction): How can we even begin to understand the love Jesus has for us? He gave His life to save us from eternal death and separation from God. God is so holy He cannot look upon us in our sinful state without the Savior intervening. When we admit we are sinners and trust Jesus as our Savior, then our sins are washed away and God only sees His perfect Son, Jesus, not our sins. Without Him not one of us can escape physical death, but through Him we can have the hope of eternal life. For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, so that everyone who believes in him will not perish but have eternal life. God sent his Son into the world not to judge the world, but to save the world through him. (John 3:16-17, NLT).

Planting and Watering the Seed (Growth): When we humble ourselves and admit we are sinners in need of a Savior, we can start to appreciate what Jesus went through for us. He was humiliated and beaten even though He did nothing wrong. He died an excruciating death for us. He didn’t have to die. He could have called on His angels to rescue him but was obedient to God’s plan. Jesus’ life is the ultimate example of living on purpose, obeying God’s plan. Jesus left His throne in heaven to be humiliated by mere humans because of His love for us. Look at Jesus’ life and see the submission and meekness He showed as He followed God’s plan. What choice do we have but to humble ourselves before Him and give Him the honor He deserves? If we truly want to live a purpose filled life we need to follow Jesus’ example and be obedient to God’s plan, not our own (Matthew 16:24-25, NLT).

Harvesting the Crop (Action/Response): There is power in the name of Jesus because He defeated death as an acceptable sacrifice to God for our sins. This same power is in us as Christ Followers. Following Christ’s example, we need to humble ourselves and become obedient to God’s plan, not our own. We need a daily relationship with Jesus. Not just going through the motions, but true reverence for Jesus’ sacrifice and a trust in God’s plan for our lives. A relationship with Jesus is different from religion. Such rules are mere human teachings about things that deteriorate as we use them. These rules may seem wise because they require strong devotion, pious self-denial, and severe bodily discipline. But they provide no help in conquering a person’s evil desires. (Colossians 2:22-23, NLT). Religion is based on rules and regulations which cannot save us. Only the power of Jesus’ victory over death can save us from eternal separation from a Holy God. This power over death brings true freedom. We can have this same power in our lives when we ask the Holy Spirit to fill us on a daily basis and help us overcome our evil thoughts and desires. Jesus said if we are to be His followers we must give up our lives and follow Him. We need to humble ourselves and obey God’s plan, just as Jesus did. Then we will truly live.

Cultivating (Additional Reading): 1 Corinthians 1:24-31; Hebrews 11:29-34; Hebrews 12:1-3

jej

Calvary Chapel of Melbourne; 2955 Minton Road; W. Melbourne, FL 32904; 321-952-9673

All Bible references are from the New International Version (NIV) unless otherwise noted.

New Living Translation = NLT.

The church should be a city of refuge~David McGee



Friday, July 17th 2009
---------------------

1 Chronicles 6:57-60

"And to the sons of Aaron they gave one of the cities of refuge, Hebron; also Libnah with its common-lands, Jattir, Eshtemoa with its common-lands, Hilen with its common-lands, Debir with its common-lands, Ashan with its common-lands, and Beth Shemesh with its common-lands. And from the tribe of Benjamin: Geba with its common-lands, Alemeth with its common-lands, and Anathoth with its common-lands. All their cities among their families were thirteen."
NKJV

Life Lesson

The church should be a city of refuge. This church should be a city of refuge.

---------------------

Jesus equated hating someone with murder because murder is what lurks in the heart of all who hate. Jesus also equated lust with adultery because adultery is what lurks in the heart of all who lust. It is a heart issue. Without physically committing murder, we have still done so because it is in our heart. Sin has many tentacles and it will find its way into all the cracks we leave open in our lives. Who can say they have never hated? Who can say they have never lusted, lied or stolen? We all need a refuge.

It has been said that the church is a hospital for sinners and not a mausoleum for saints. The perfect church does not exist because all churches are made up of people and all people have sinned (Romans 3:10, 23). The church is a refuge where murderers, adulterers, liars and idolaters come to the One who can forgive our sins, Jesus. When the church puts on an air of righteousness and unobtainable holiness, we cease to be a refuge and become a mausoleum instead.

Hebrews 6:18 "So God has given us both his promise and his oath. These two things are unchangeable because it is impossible for God to lie. Therefore, we who have fled to him for refuge can take new courage, for we can hold on to his promise with confidence." NLT

Dear Father,
Thank You for loving me. Thank You for providing Your Son as a refuge for my sins. Lord, I need You. Through You, I can lay down the chains of my past and lay hold of the hope You have set before me. Help me to be strength to others. Give me the ability to use my gifts and talents to draw others closer to You. In Jesus' name, Amen.

Living to tell what He died to say,
Pastor David McGee
Senior Pastor
Calvary Chapel of the Triad
reachthetriad.com
twitter.com/ccot

Truth to Set Us Free from the Enemy's Bondage~Bob Hoekstra


Truth to Set Us Free from the Enemy's Bondage

"If you abide in My word, you are My disciples indeed. And you shall know the truth, and the truth shall make you free"…that they may know the truth and escape the snare of the devil, having been taken captive by him. (John 8:31-32 and 2 Timothy 2:25-26)

As followers of Jesus Christ, it is so important that we abide in His word. We are called to live in the word of the Lord that we might know His truth. As we embrace God's truth, we are impacted by its liberating power. "The truth shall make you free." One fundamental area where people need spiritual liberation is bondage from the enemy.

The entire realm of unbelieving humanity lies under the binding influence of the evil one. "The whole world lies under the sway of the wicked one" (1 John 5:19). Even those unbelievers who do not accept the truths of God about Satan and sin are nonetheless captivated by him. Consequently, we are to humbly reach out to them with the truth: "in humility correcting those who are in opposition, if God perhaps will grant them repentance, so that they may know the truth, and that they may come to their senses and escape the snare of the devil, having been taken captive by him to do his will." Paul was sent forth to proclaim the gospel truth that offers freedom from such bondage: "to open their eyes and to turn them from darkness to light, and from the power of Satan to God" (Acts 26:18). The testimony of all who believe in the truth of the gospel is this: "He has delivered us from the power of darkness and translated us into the kingdom of the Son of His love" (Colossians 1:13).

The problem of Satan's binding, hindering, restricting influence did not end at salvation. Many saints (though headed for heaven) are still bound in areas of their thinking and behaving. They are still influenced by the enemy's lies. They cannot make the liberating confession of Paul and his missionary team: "we are not ignorant of his [Satan's] devices" (2 Corinthians 2:11). Ignorance of the enemy's tactics will persist in the lives of those who do not know (or will not yield to) God's liberating truth. On the other hand, all who are willing to embrace the truths of God's word will enjoy more and more freedom from the enemy's lies. They will grow in understanding of, and reliance upon, the victorious purposes of Jesus' coming to this earth. "For this purpose the Son of God was manifested, that He might destroy the works of the devil" (1 John 3:8 ).

Dear Lord, I praise You for the liberating truth of Your gospel of grace that delivered me from the enemy's grasp. Now, I need more and more of the liberating truths of Your word that I might not be ignorant of his devious and persistent tactics. Teach me Your truths, in Jesus' name, Amen.

I am so glad He said No.~Jon Courson


July 17

The God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, which is blessed for evermore, knoweth that I lie not. In Damascus the governor under Aretas the king kept the city of the Damascenes with a garrison, desirous to apprehend me. And through a window in a basket was I let down by the wall, and escaped his hands.

2 Corinthians 11:31-33
We find the story to which Paul alludes in Acts 9 ...

As he headed towards Damascus in order to persecute Christians, the Lord confronted Paul and he was converted immediately. Shortly thereafter, God said of him, ‘He is a chosen vessel unto Me to bear My name before the Gentiles and kings and the children of Israel (Acts 9:15). Paul will talk to kings and impact some Jews, but he’ll be a minister to Me among the Gentiles primarily.’

Yet such a heart did Paul have for the Jews that he said he would be damned for their sake if it meant they would be saved (Romans 9:3). So he headed straight for the synagogues as if to say, ‘I can do You a whole lot of good, Lord. I was trained to be a Pharisee. I know how they think.’ And it made sense logically. Paul seemed to have the gifts, the background and the testimony to impact the Jews radically. But they didn’t buy what he was saying, so he left Damascus and spent three years in the Arabian wilderness being tutored by Jesus Himself (Galatians 1:17) — after which time he headed once again to the Jews.

He proved to them Biblically and persuasively that Jesus is indeed the Christ. The result? They wanted to kill him (Acts 9:23). And his heart must have sunk. He went to Jerusalem next. And when he got there heartsick, let down, wondering what was happening, he joined himself to the disciples. But even they were afraid of him, so he spoke boldly to the Grecian — those Jews who had adopted Gentile customs — as if to compromise with the Lord. What did they do? They decided to kill him (Acts 9:29).

At this point, the believers sent him out of the country. He went to Tarsus for seven to ten years where he ministered in obscurity. He must have been thinking, ‘I don’t get it.’ But the Lord had plans for Paul. Barnabas sought him out, saying, ‘Let’s go minister in the north to the Gentiles.’

‘Great!’ said Paul. And at last he began ministering to those he was supposed to, the world was turned upside down, and the fruit remains to this day.

That is why he said, ‘I’m going to glory in what was the hardest thing in my life — when I was let down, when things weren’t working out, when I was wondering where the Lord was. The greatest glory in my whole life was when the doors I thought would open up were shut tight — because it was then that God had His way.’

‘Use me, Lord,’ we cry. ‘I would make such a great worship leader.’ Yet as the weeks turn into months and the months into years, we wonder, ‘What’s happening?’

‘Don’t worry,’ Paul would say to us. ‘I look back now and see that the day I was denied the ministry I thought I would do so well as the most important turning point in my life outside the turning point of my salvation.’

If you’re let down, understand this: if you’re walking with the Lord to any degree, you’re going to look back and say, ‘I am so glad He said No.’ Time will always prove the Lord to be right. That is why Paul could say, ‘If I must glory, I will glory in the biggest disappointment of my life. Yes, I was heartsick at the time, but now I see the incredible wisdom of God.’

The Enemy's Tactics~Harvest Daily: Greg Laurie


The Enemy's Tactics

Now the serpent was more cunning than any beast of the field which the Lord God had made. . . .

In the Garden of Eden, the serpent was clever. When he wanted to lead the first man and woman into sin, he was crafty.

I point this out because we need to know what his strategies are. He has not changed them one bit. Just look at his attacks and temptations in the Bible, and you will see that he still uses the same tactics today.

But if we learn what these strategies are, we can recognize what he is up to. Let's see how Satan tempted Eve in the Garden.

Now the serpent was more cunning than any beast of the field which the Lord God had made. And he said to the woman, "Has God indeed said, 'You shall not eat of every tree of the garden'?" And the woman said to the serpent, "We may eat the fruit of the trees of the garden; but of the fruit of the tree which is in the midst of the garden, God has said, 'You shall not eat it, nor shall you touch it, lest you die.'" Then the serpent said to the woman, "You will not surely die. For God knows that in the day you eat of it your eyes will be opened, and you will be like God, knowing good and evil." (Genesis 3:1–5)

In the verses above we see three things that Satan did to bring about Eve's fall:
  1. He questioned the word of God.
  2. He denied the word of God.
  3. He substituted his own lie.
Eve was in the wrong place at the wrong time, listening to the wrong voice, which led to her doing the wrong thing. But don't blame Eve or Adam. If we had been in the Garden, we would have done the same thing.

Let's be mindful of the tactics of the devil. Don't be in the wrong place, listening to the wrong voice, and doing the wrong thing.

Guided missiles~Greg Laurie


Guided missiles

July 17th, 2009 Posted in Pastor's corner, essentials, sermons | No Comments »

As we fight the spiritual battle, we need spiritual weaponry. We have looked at the utility belt of truth, the breastplate of righteousness, and proper footwear.

Now let’s consider our shield. The apostle Paul writes, “above all, taking the shield of faith with which you will be able to quench all the fiery darts of the wicked one” (Ephesians 6:16).

The words “above all” mean that faith is of paramount importance. The other armor won’t function apart from faith.

The shield that the Roman soldier would use was made of wood and then covered with cloth and leather. They were large, rectangular objects about 4 feet high and 2 feet wide (basically the size of a door). By crouching behind it, the soldier could completely hide himself.

Missiles coming!

The term “Fiery Darts” that Paul uses refers to one of the most commonly-used enemy tactics of his day.

Prior to an actual face-to-face engagement with the enemy, a warrior would often encounter a barrage of flaming arrows coming from all directions. Their sole purpose was to demoralize and confuse him.

Our modern equivalent might be guided missiles or rockets.

The Roman soldier had to hold up his shield to protect himself from those fiery arrows. Sometimes, he would dip his shield in water so the fire-tipped arrows would be extinguished when they struck the shield.

Watch your thoughts

Satan has his “flaming arrows,” or “guided missiles,” that he shoots our way too. They are swift and silent and we receive no advance warning of their arrival. You can wake up in the morning, and the enemy will hit you with a flaming arrow before your feet even hit the floor.

It might be an impure thought or a thought of complete despair. You may be gripped with intense fear and terror: “What if this happens, or if that happens?”

It might be a thought of hatred toward someone. It might even be a blasphemous thought or a thought of doubt.

When do these “flaming arrows” come?

Answer: at strategic times, like when you decide to read the Bible.

Isn’t it amazing that you can open the newspaper and maintain your full ability to concentrate with no distractions? You can get through the whole thing, the want ads, the comics, and all the advertisements with no disruption whatsoever.

Or you may watch some mindless TV program and you’ll get through it with no phone calls, no distractions, no problems.

Now try opening the Bible and watch as “all hell breaks loose” and those flaming arrows start flying!

It might be an inability to concentrate. It might be a hundred and one things you should be doing that come to mind. They aren’t necessarily evil thoughts per se, just things like: “Oh boy! I forgot to go do this” or “I’ve got to pick up the cleaning, return that phone call, etc.”

The devil hates the Bible

Listen, the enemy’s primary objective is to keep you from the Word of God.

Sometimes people will ask me to sign their Bibles. When I do, I will often write, “Sin will keep you from this Book, or this Book will keep you from sin.” The enemy will try to keep you from reading your Bible.

These “guided missiles” will also come during times of trial and hardship. Satan will whisper in your ear, “God has abandoned you. He’s left you. He doesn’t love you!”

I’ve been hit with a few arrows like you

I know about this personally and so do many of you. It is then that I hold up the shield of faith.

Here, faith means the ability to quickly apply what we believe so as to repel everything the devil does or attempts to do to us.

My relationship with God is not built on fleeting emotions or feelings, but on faith in what He has said to me in His Word. Faith, or the “shield of faith,” is turning to God and His Word in time of attack, and not focusing on our fluctuating feelings or emotions.

Scripture does not say, “Resist Satan steadfast in your emotions, feelings, etc.,” but rather, “Resist him, steadfast in the faith” (1 Peter 5:9).

So use your shield today! It could make all the difference.

Proclaiming His Praises~Bob Caldwell


Proclaiming His Praises

2:9 But you are a chosen generation, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, His own special people, that you may proclaim the praises of Him who called you out of darkness into His marvelous light

Peter, like each of the New Testament writers, gave a great deal of attention to explaining and reaffirming who those in Christ have become. Discovering our self identity is foundational to living a transformed life. It can be likened to our human genetics. The potential of who we will become and what our bodies and minds are capable of is already written in our DNA. It is up to each of us to know and then demand of ourselves the full potential of who we are ultimately capable of becoming. It is the same spiritually. We have been born again, placed into a new humanity that has amazing potential. It is for us to know and then act on that potential that God in grace has given to us all as new creations.

Peter's call to live lives free of malice, deceit, and hypocrisy (v. 1) is predicated upon now being "newborn babes" in Christ. The potential of our new lives can be discovered as we desire the truth of God's Word and integrate it into our lives (v. 2).

Consider His brief description of all who are born again. We are told that we have become living stones that are being fit together with other believers into a spiritual temple to offer up sacrifices of worship to God (v. 4-5). Furthermore, we find in our new "self concept" what we can expect of ourselves as being a chosen, special people who are now citizens of a spiritual, holy nation.

The marvelous riches of being taken out of darkness and placed into God's light have given us an internal passion to reveal and proclaim His glorious grace, as those reborn into His spiritual family and members of His Kingdom of divine abundance (v. 8-9). In this new life we have been given, we are able to reveal the great riches and fruit that comes from being born again. We are able to live honestly (v. 1), show respect for human government (v. 13-17), and absorb unfair treatment with grace and forgiveness (v. 18-25).

Discover who you really are! Then, live it out to bring praise to God for His provision to change a fallen world with His transforming grace.


1 Peter 2:1-25

1 Therefore, laying aside all malice, all deceit, hypocrisy, envy, and all evil speaking, 2 as newborn babes, desire the pure milk of the word, that you may grow thereby, 3 if indeed you have tasted that the Lord is gracious.

The Chosen Stone and His Chosen People

4 Coming to Him as to a living stone, rejected indeed by men, but chosen by God and precious, 5 you also, as living stones, are being built up a spiritual house, a holy priesthood, to offer up spiritual sacrifices acceptable to God through Jesus Christ. 6 Therefore it is also contained in the Scripture,

"Behold, I lay in Zion
A chief cornerstone, elect, precious,
And he who believes on Him will by no means be put to shame."

7 Therefore, to you who believe, He is precious; but to those who are disobedient,

"The stone which the builders rejected
Has become the chief cornerstone,"

8 and

"A stone of stumbling
And a rock of offense."

They stumble, being disobedient to the word, to which they also were appointed.

9 But you are a chosen generation, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, His own special people, that you may proclaim the praises of Him who called you out of darkness into His marvelous light; 10 who once were not a people but are now the people of God, who had not obtained mercy but now have obtained mercy.

Living Before the World

11 Beloved, I beg you as sojourners and pilgrims, abstain from fleshly lusts which war against the soul, 12 having your conduct honorable among the Gentiles, that when they speak against you as evildoers, they may, by your good works which they observe, glorify God in the day of visitation.
Submission to Government

13 Therefore submit yourselves to every ordinance of man for the Lord's sake, whether to the king as supreme, 14 or to governors, as to those who are sent by him for the punishment of evildoers and for the praise of those who do good. 15 For this is the will of God, that by doing good you may put to silence the ignorance of foolish men— 16 as free, yet not using liberty as a cloak for vice, but as bondservants of God. 17 Honor all people. Love the brotherhood. Fear God. Honor the king.

Submission to Masters

18 Servants, be submissive to your masters with all fear, not only to the good and gentle, but also to the harsh. 19 For this is commendable, if because of conscience toward God one endures grief, suffering wrongfully. 20 For what credit is it if, when you are beaten for your faults, you take it patiently? But when you do good and suffer, if you take it patiently, this is commendable before God. 21 For to this you were called, because Christ also suffered for us, leaving us an example, that you should follow His steps:

22 "Who committed no sin,
Nor was deceit found in His mouth";

23 who, when He was reviled, did not revile in return; when He suffered, He did not threaten, but committed Himself to Him who judges righteously; 24 who Himself 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. 25 For you were like sheep going astray, but have now returned to the Shepherd and Overseer of your souls.


1 Peter 2:1-25

v. 1 Therefore – This is a reference to the conclusions drawn from the end of the previous chapter.

laying asideapotithemi (Gk.) to willfully put away or get rid of

malicekakia (Gk.) Ill-will, desire to injure. This word depicts a desire to cause harm to another or a desire to see somebody in pain.

deceitdolos (Gk.) Craft, deceit, guile. To deceive is to mislead or trick someone. Because there are so many ways to deceive others, Peter says, we should lay aside all deceit. Christians are to walk in truth (3 John 1:3-4).

hypocrisyhupokrisis (Gk.) The acting of a stage player, play acting. To practice spiritual hypocrisy is to pretend to be spiritual and have high morals, beliefs, or principles.

envyphthonos (Gk.) Jealousy, spite. This would mean to resent someone's success or good fortune while desiring it for yourself.

evil speakingkatalalia (Gk.) Defamation, backbiting, slander. The author uses a broad term here to cover every kind of evil speaking.

v. 2 as newborn babes – We are told in scripture that we have been born again (1 Peter 1:23), therefore every Christian starts out as a spiritual baby. Likewise, we must come to God humbly and dependent, (Matt. 18:3, Mark 10:15).

pure milk of the Word – Referring to the Word of God (1 Cor. 3:2, Heb. 5:12, 13). A newborn baby must drink milk in order to survive and grow strong. Likewise, a new Christian must desire the pure milk of God's Word if he is to live and grow spiritually.

grow – Our spiritual growth is directly related to whether we are thirsting for and drinking in the pure milk of the Word or not. This is a major factor to spiritual growth.

v. 3 tastedgeuomai (Gk.) to eat, taste the flavor and experience

graciouschrestos (Gk.) benevolent, full of goodness and kindness

if – Peter is saying that the things he is writing about here only apply to those who have truly tasted that the Lord is gracious (Ps. 111:4, 116:5, 145:8).

v. 4 living stone – Peter is using allegorical language here while employing some OT concepts. In the next few verses he will compare the living organization of the church with the Jewish Temple of God. Jesus Christ is the living foundation stone for God's true temple, the church. Peter is also quoting an OT prophecy concerning the coming Christ who would be chosen by God but rejected by men (Ps. 118:22; Is. 49:7, 53:3).

v. 5 spiritual house – Peter is talking as a Jew familiar with the Temple, the sanctified house of God. Under the New Covenant through Jesus Christ, we are the new house or Temple of God (1 Cor. 3:16, 6:19), and not just we as individuals, but the joint gathering of all believers, the Church (1 Cor. 12:14-28).

holy priesthood – Instead of the old priesthood made up of the sons of Aaron, we have a new priesthood made up of the sons of God through Jesus Christ (Rev. 1:6, 5:10).

through Jesus Christ – The only way we can offer up sacrifices acceptable to God is through Jesus Christ. He is our great high priest of the New Covenant (Heb. 2:17, 3:1, 4:14-15, 5:5, 6:20). He is also the only acceptable sacrifice for our sins (Acts 4:12; Eph. 1:7; Col. 1:14; Heb. 9:12-14; 1 Peter 1:18-20; 1 John 1:7, 2:2; Rev. 1:5, 5:9).

v. 6 contained in scripture – Peter has been quoting from Isaiah 28:16.

chief cornerstone – A chief cornerstone is laid in the foundation, at an angle of the building where its two sides form the groundwork of a side and end wall. And this also is a great illustration to show that, in Jesus, both Jews and Gentiles were to be united; and this is the reason why it was called a stone of stumbling, and rock of offense; for nothing stumbled or offended the Jews so much as the calling of the Gentiles into the Church of God through the Messiah. Giving the Gentiles the same holy privileges and access to God, which had been before peculiar to the Jews only was a great offense and stumbling block to the Jewish leaders.

v. 7 disobedient – Here, as elsewhere in scripture, disobedient and unbelieving are interchangeable terms. Both words are from the same Greek word apeitheo, which means to refuse to believe and obey.

v. 8 stumble –The OT prophesied that there would be those who reject God's words of salvation and because of their disobedience they would stumble never to rise again (Is. 8:13-15).

appointedtithemi (Gk.) to set, put, place, fix establish, ordain

v. 9 generation – Peter uses terms in this verse usually associated with the children of Israel to speak of God's chosen people in Christ. He reveals that these terms now pertain to the church, which is comprised of both Jews and Gentiles (non Jews) who have put their faith in Jesus.

priesthood – A priest is one who offers sacrifices to God and intercedes on behalf of man unto God. God has made every believer in Christ to be a royal priest (Rev. 1:6, 5:10).

holy nation – This phrase formerly used to describe the nation of Israel (Ex. 19:6), is here used to describe the Christian church.

His own special people – All believers in Christ are God's own special people. According to this verse, the Christian's identity is high, holy, and special to God (compare Ex. 6:7; Deut. 14:2, 26:18; Titus 2:14).

proclaim – Peter reveals here the reason that God has raised us up to such a high position as priests. The Christian's purpose and calling is to bring Glory and praise to God.

darkness – Peter here identifies what God called us out of, and what we were called into. Darkness refers to the spiritual blindness and ignorance that dominated our lives when we lived in sin and separation from God (1 John 1:5, 6; 2:8, 11).

light – Refers to the Christian's walk in truth and righteousness in Christ (Is. 9:2, 60:1-2; Matt. 4:16; Luke 1:79; Eph. 5:8, 11; Col. 1:13; 1 Thess. 5:4-8).

v. 10 not a people, but now are – Now we belong to the family of God and enjoy love and unity among all those who love the Lord Jesus Christ.

obtained mercy – Again, Peter uses comparative language to show what great advantages we now have because of Christ. To receive mercy is to be given release from the penalty or punishment for sin. Mercy is not getting what we deserve. Justice is getting what we deserve. Grace is getting what we don't deserve. In our past state before Christ we were without God's mercy and headed for judgment. But now, in the present, we have received mercy from God because of the grace offered us in Christ.

v. 11 belovedagapetos (Gk.) Esteemed, dear, favorite, worthy of love. Peter speaks to followers of Christ in terms of love, as loving family members.

beg – Peter's choice of words reflect the compassionate heart of God toward us.

sojournersparoikos (Gk.) a stranger, a foreigner, one who lives in a place without the right of citizenship

pilgrimsparepidemos (Gk.) One who comes from a foreign country into a city or land to reside there by the side of the natives. In the NT, which refers to heaven as our native country, a pilgrim is one who sojourns on earth (Phil. 3:20).

abstainapechomai (Gk.) to hold one's self off, refrain. The Greek tense of the word indicates an ongoing and continual effort to resist.

fleshy lusts – Fleshy lusts can refer to any animal appetite. For an example of fleshy cravings and desires contrary to the desires of God's Spirit (Gal. 5:19-21).

war – Peter is declaring that our fleshy desires literally war against our soul. It is a battle to conform our soul either into God's will or Satan's will. See Romans 7:23, 8:13; Galatians 5:17; 1 Timothy 6:9,10; and James 4:1.

v. 12 Gentilesethnos (Gk.) The nations. This particularly refers those groups of the world who do not know God. Peter reminds us that God's people are being watched by those who are not God's people.

honorablekalos (Gk.) Beautiful, choice, commendable, admirable. In this context means living in such a way that those who live in darkness would be attracted to the Light and be saved (Matt. 5:14-16).

day of visitation – This is referring to the day in which God visits us and the works of our lives are inspected. For the disobedient, this would mean judgment and punishment (Is. 10:3, Hosea 9:7). For the Christian, this would mean reward (2 Cor. 5:10).

v. 13 submithupotasso (Gk.) to place or rank under, to yield to, to obey

every ordinance – Christians should be known as a people who follow the rules and obey the laws of the land (Luke 20:25, 1 Tim. 2:1-4, 1 Peter 3:1).

ordinancektisis (Gk.) the act of founding, establishing, building, etc.

for the Lord's sake – To the Christian, every act of submission to earthy authorities is for the Lord's sake in order to bring Him glory.

King – This is referring to an earthly king. According the laws of men, a king would have the supreme or most superior authority in the land. Peter is plainly teaching that Christians are to respect and obey that earthly authority.

supremehuperecho (Gk.) superior, higher

v. 14 governorshegemon (Gk.) A leader of any kind, a guide, ruler, commander, sovereign. We are not given the luxury to pick and choose which authorities we will obey and which ones we will resist. According to scripture, Christians must submit to all earthly governors.

sent by Him – Peter is reminding us that as a rule, the powers of government are established to keep order and punish evildoers. With this in mind we are to respect, value, and honor these powers.

praise of those – Again, as a rule, if you do good, you will receive praise from those governing authorities sent to keep order.

v. 15 will of God – Peter takes pains to make clear that what he is telling us is God's will because this instruction may appear to many believers to go against their perception of God's will (Eph. 6:5-7; 1 Thess. 4:3-8; Heb. 10:36; 1 Peter 4:1, 2, 19).

ignoranceagnosia (Gk.) not knowing, without knowledge

foolishaphron (Gk.) without reason, senseless, ignorant

v. 16 libertyeleutheria (Gk.) moral freedom or license

cloak for vice – A covering for sin or an excuse to do evil.

bondservantsdoulos (Gk.) A willing servant. In this context, one who gives himself up to another's will those whose service is used by Christ in extending and advancing his cause among men. A bondservant of God is one who is a slave by choice rather than force.

v. 17 honor –The scripture never teaches us to look down on or disrespect anyone. We are to treat all human beings with respect and dignity, even if they are not like us or oppose us.

brotherhoodadelphotes (Gk.) fraternity, brethren

v. 18 servantsoiketes (Gk.) Refers to a domestic house servant rather than a common slave. A common slave would have much less of a choice in his response to his master's behavior. This servant is one who is a fellow resident with his master. Today, this term might refer to an employee.

mastersdespotes (Gk.) Can refer to lord, ruler, boss.

submissive – Throughout scripture we see that God commands us to honor established authority structure. This thinking is applied to government (Rom. 13), to the Body of Christ (Heb. 13:7, 17), to marriage and family (Col. 3:18-21), and to employment (Col. 3:22).

with all fear –This fear is in regards to our reverence towards God not man. This is further backed up by verse 19 because of our conscience toward God, which should be our motivation for all good behavior.

not only – We should not change our behavior based upon whether the human master we are working under is kind or wicked.

v. 19 consciencesuneidesis (Gk.) The internal sense of what is right and wrong that governs somebody's thoughts and actions, urging him or her to do right rather than wrong.

endures – The Greek word for endure is hupophero, which means to patiently bear up under pressure. Peter is painting a picture here of one who is suffering unjustly, yet continues to do right.

v. 20 beaten for your faults – There is nothing glorious or praiseworthy about being punished for a wrong you did or a crime you committed.

commendable – There is a type of suffering that actually pleases God. God is actually pleased with us when we continue to do good when suffering wrongfully. The reason is given in the following verses.

v. 21 called –The Bible teaches us that suffering is part of the Christian life. God even uses our suffering to His glory and our good (Rom. 8:28).

suffered for us – Christ is our supreme example (2 Cor. 5:15).

leaving us an example – Peter declares that we should follow in His footsteps .

v. 22 committed no sin – This is a major doctrine of the Christian faith. Jesus was the only sinless person who ever lived (2 Cor. 5:21, Heb. 4:15, 1 John 3:5).

deceitdolos (Gk.) craft, trickery, guile

v. 23 reviledloidoreo (Gk.) to reproach, rail at, heap abuse upon

sufferedpascho (Gk.) This word covers a broad sense of pain and can go beyond mere verbal abuse. The natural response to verbal or physical abuse is to strike back or at least threaten harm if you have the ability to do so. Again, Jesus' example to us is to patiently endure suffering without retaliation or revenge.

judges righteously – Here is the secret strength of having the ability to patiently endure suffering. Jesus was trusting God to judge righteously in the end.

v. 24 bore our sins – This is a description of what we call, the atonement of the New Covenant. Atonement is the making of reparation for sins by satisfactory payment with the goal of reconciliation between God and people. Under the Old Covenant, God required animal sacrifices to cover the sins of His people. Without the shedding of blood, there is no forgiveness of sins (Heb. 9:22). Jesus was the Lamb of God who takes away the sins of the world (John 1:29, 36). Jesus was literally punished for our sins in our place so that we ourselves might escape the judgment of sin and not suffer punishment.

on the tree – A reference to the cross.

having died to sins – Because Jesus died for our sins in our place, we then are to consider ourselves as having died to sin. Paul discusses this concept in depth in Romans 6:4-14.

live for righteousness – As Christians, we have been given new lives. Our old life in sin is dead. Our new life in Christ is to be lived out in righteousness. Righteousness is the condition of being right with God. Righteousness can also be described as a state of rightness of thinking and living that is acceptable before God.

by whose stripes you were healed – The stripes referred to here are the brutal lashes from the whipping Jesus took as He was being scourged when He made atonement for our sins (Is. 53:5).

v. 25 like sheep going astray – God often refers to His people as sheep who need a shepherd (Is. 53:6, Eze. 34:6). Sheep are not very intelligent and need constant shepherding lest they go astray. Sheep cannot survive without a shepherd (Matt. 9:36).

shepherd and overseer – Jesus called himself the Good Shepherd (John 10:11-14). He is our shepherd and the One who watches over our souls.


But you are a chosen generation, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, His own special people, that you may proclaim the praises of Him who called you out of darkness into His marvelous light –1 Peter 2:9

We read these words, Lord, and thank You that we have been given such a special place with You, God. We ask today, Jesus, for hearts unafraid to reach toward this amazing future that You have for each of us. We know that You desire to transform us, to change our lives, and that it is only we who stop that from happening. It is a marvelous light that You shine on us, Lord. We pray to embrace that transforming and life-changing light.


All Things New

All Things New which is a school program for at-risk high school students is a wonderful ministry that Calvary Chapel Boise runs. Joan Barnes is a blessing to all her students and provides a much needed resource in the community. She runs the entire program herself, and the work she does with the students is vital. Kids who would otherwise never get a high school education can get a diploma thanks to Joan's hard work.

Prayer Points
  • That Joan gets more help, as she is running the program and mans the school every day by herself. A few hours a day once a week or every two weeks of volunteering would really help Joan and keep this important ministry running.

1 Chronicles 24:1-26:11 ~ Romans 4:1-12 ~ Psalm 13:1-6 ~ Proverbs 19:15-16


July 17th One Year Bible Readings

1 Chronicles 24:1-26:11 ~ Romans 4:1-12 ~ Psalm 13:1-6 ~ Proverbs 19:15-16
~ Click here to read today's Scripture on BibleGateway.com ~
~ Listen to today's Scripture on DailyAudioBible.com (podcast) or OneYearAudioBible.org ~

Old Testament - In First Chronicles chapter 24 today we read about the divisions of the priests and the Levites. It is important to note that the priests and Levites had differing roles. The priests actually performed the sacrifices whereas the Levites assisted the priests in their duties - including assisting in the sacrifices, playing music, baking goods, and care of the Tabernacle/Temple (to name a few things the Levites did). Both priests and Levites were from the tribe of Levi, but the priests also had to be descendants of Aaron, the first high priest of Israel. More details on the duties of the priests and Levites are at this link.

Ever wonder why we have music in church today? First Chronicles 25 verse 1 could be where the stage is set for the tradition of music in our worship services! "David and the army commanders then appointed men from the families of Asaph, Heman, and Jeduthun to proclaim God's messages to the accompaniment of harps, lyres, and cymbals." Do you find music in church to be inspiring? Do you worship God with music in church? Why do you suppose music moves people so profoundly in church? Do you think music can bring people closer to Jesus? Has music brought you closer to Jesus?

Church_band

New Testament - We have great writings by Paul today in Romans how we are declared righteous before God! Verse 4 is powerful - "When people work, their wages are not a gift. Workers earn what they receive. But people are declared righteous because of their faith, not because of their work." Our right relationship with Jesus is a gift. We do not work to earn it. It is given to us as a gift. Our right relationship with God is not because of our work - but because of Jesus' work on our behalf on the cross. Have you accepted the gift? If not, will you accept Jesus' invitation to receive this free gift today?

Paul's writings about Abraham's faith are wonderful in today's readings. Verses 9 & 10 stands out: "Well, what about Abraham? We have been saying he was declared righteous by God because of his faith. But how did his faith help him? Was he declared righteous only after he had been circumcised, or was it before he was circumcised? The answer is that God accepted him first, and then he was circumcised later!" These verses are an example of Abraham being accepted into a right relationship with God through faith - not works (circumcision in this case). I do believe our good works are desired and appreciated by God - he wants us to ultimately live holy & loving lives where we love God and love people. But, faith in Jesus and acceptance by God comes first, then our good works for the Kingdom come as fruits of our faith. Abraham was an example of this as we read in verse 3 - "For the Scriptures tell us, "Abraham believed God, so God declared him to be righteous."" Below is an portrait of Abraham being called by God by artist Guy Rowe:

Abraham20called20by20god2020a20portrait2

Bible.org's commentary on today's readings in Romans titled "An Old Testament Illustration of Justification by Faith" is at this link.

Psalms - Psalm 13 is thought to be a prayer by David for recovery from a grave illness, based on verse 3: "Restore the light to my eyes, or I will die." Yet, even in the midst of this serious illness, David amazingly proclaims in verse 5: "But I trust in your unfailing love." How about you? When you are sick or in the midst of a very challenging or sad situation, do you trust in God's unfailing love? Always? No matter what is going on around you? Do you trust that God will ultimately restore the light to your eyes?

Eye

Proverbs - Proverbs 19 verse 15 is quite true - "A lazy person sleeps soundly--and goes hungry." Have you ever had lazy periods of your life? Are you maybe in one now? Do you realize that when you are lazy you are slowly starving yourself? That you are going hungry? I believe this can apply to being lazy about our physical world - as well as our spiritual world. When we are lazy in our faith, yes, I believe we can appear to "sleep soundly." But - meanwhile we are starving ourselves spiritually, which is a grave risk. Are you in a physically or spiritually lazy place right now? If so, will you turn to Jesus for your work orders - and for your very food? If you are in a lazy place right now, please do not continue to sleep quite so soundly...

Sleeping

YouTube - A while back I listened to one of Joshua Harris' sermons for the first time, and it was one of the best sermons I've heard in a while! He just started a series on "Discernment" and the sermon I listened to was Biblically based and incredibly thought provoking for our lives. The sermon is based on First Thessalonians 5:21-22 - "Test everything; hold fast what is good. Abstain from every form of evil." You can download the MP3 of this sermon at this link. Below is a brief YouTube clip from this sermon on Discernment (5 minutes of a 51 minute sermon! :) -

Have you discerned God in your life? Click here for Discernment!

Please join us in memorizing and meditating on a verse of Scripture this week: "For all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God." Romans 3:23 (NIV)

Comments from You & Questions of the Day: What verses or insights stand out to you in today's readings? Please post up by clicking on the "Comments" link below!

God bless,
Mike


Email to a friendRelated

Translate