Just in time ~ Raul Ries

Let us therefore come boldly to the throne of grace,
that we may obtain mercy and find grace to help in time of need.”

Hebrews 4:16

Warren Wiersbe tells the following story:

“I read about a devoted believer who was arrested for his faith and condemned to be burned at
the stake. The night before his execution, he wondered if he would have enough grace to become
a human torch; so he tested his courage by putting his finger into the flame of the candle. Of course, it burned him and he pulled his hand back in pain. He was certain that he would never be able to face martyrdom without failing. But the next day, God gave him the grace he needed, and he had a joyful and triumphant witness before his enemies.”

Thought for the Day:

God will give us timely help when we need it.

Higher Power ~ WOW The 7 minute Bible

Apostles Are Empowered

Acts 1:1-2:13; Psalm 113:3-4; Proverbs 20:14

The former account I made, O Theophilus, of all that Jesus began both to do and teach, until the day in which He was taken up, after He through the Holy Spirit had given commandments to the apostles whom He had chosen, to whom He also presented Himself alive after His suffering by many infallible proofs, being seen by them during forty days and speaking of the things pertaining to the kingdom of God.

And being assembled together with them, He commanded them not to depart from Jerusalem, but to wait for the Promise of the Father, "which," He said, "you have heard from Me; for John truly baptized with water, but you shall be baptized with the Holy Spirit not many days from now." Therefore, when they had come together, they asked Him, saying, "Lord, will You at this time restore the kingdom to Israel?" And He said to them, "It is not for you to know times or seasons which the Father has put in His own authority. But you shall receive power when the Holy Spirit has come upon you; and you shall be witnesses to Me in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the end of the earth."

Now when He had spoken these things, while they watched, He was taken up, and a cloud received Him out of their sight. And while they looked steadfastly toward heaven as He went up, behold, two men stood by them in white apparel, who also said, "Men of Galilee, why do you stand gazing up into heaven? This same Jesus, who was taken up from you into heaven, will so come in like manner as you saw Him go into heaven."

Then they returned to Jerusalem from the mount called Olivet, which is near Jerusalem, a Sabbath day's journey. And when they had entered, they went up into the upper room where they were staying: Peter, James, John, and Andrew; Philip and Thomas; Bartholomew and Matthew; James the son of Alphaeus and Simon the Zealot; and Judas the son of James. These all continued with one accord in prayer and supplication, with the women and Mary the mother of Jesus, and with His brothers.

And in those days Peter stood up in the midst of the disciples (altogether the number of names was about a hundred and twenty), and said, "Men and brethren, this Scripture had to be fulfilled, which the Holy Spirit spoke before by the mouth of David concerning Judas, who became a guide to those who arrested Jesus; for he was numbered with us and obtained a part in this ministry."

(Now this man purchased a field with the wages of iniquity; and falling headlong, he burst open in the middle and all his entrails gushed out. And it became known to all those dwelling in Jerusalem; so that field is called in their own language, Akel Dama, that is, Field of Blood.)

"For it is written in the book of Psalms:
'Let his dwelling place be desolate,
And let no one live in it';
and,
'Let another take his office.'

"Therefore, of these men who have accompanied us all the time that the Lord Jesus went in and out among us, beginning from the baptism of John to that day when He was taken up from us, one of these must become a witness with us of His resurrection."

And they proposed two: Joseph called Barsabas, who was surnamed Justus, and Matthias. And they prayed and said, "You, O Lord, who know the hearts of all, show which of these two You have chosen to take part in this ministry and apostleship from which Judas by transgression fell, that he might go to his own place." And they cast their lots, and the lot fell on Matthias. And he was numbered with the eleven apostles.

When the Day of Pentecost had fully come, they were all with one accord in one place. And suddenly there came a sound from heaven, as of a rushing mighty wind, and it filled the whole house where they were sitting. Then there appeared to them divided tongues, as of fire, and one sat upon each of them. And they were all filled with the Holy Spirit and began to speak with other tongues, as the Spirit gave them utterance.

And there were dwelling in Jerusalem Jews, devout men, from every nation under heaven. And when this sound occurred, the multitude came together, and were confused, because everyone heard them speak in his own language. Then they were all amazed and marveled, saying to one another, "Look, are not all these who speak Galileans? And how is it that we hear, each in our own language in which we were born? Parthians and Medes and Elamites, those dwelling in Mesopotamia, Judea and Cappadocia, Pontus and Asia, Phrygia and Pamphylia, Egypt and the parts of Libya adjoining Cyrene, visitors from Rome, both Jews and proselytes, Cretans and Arabs-we hear them speaking in our own tongues the wonderful works of God." So they were all amazed and perplexed, saying to one another, "Whatever could this mean?"

Others mocking said, "They are full of new wine."
Acts 1:1-2:13

WORSHIP

"From the rising of the sun to its going down
The LORD's name is to be praised.
The LORD is high above all nations,
His glory above the heavens.
Psalm 113:3-4

WISDOM

"It is good for nothing," cries the buyer;
But when he has gone his way, then he boasts.
Proverbs 20:14

Would you like your own copy of this devotional?

Take it to the manager ~ Mike McIntosh

So he went up and told his father and mother, saying, "I have seen a woman in Timnah of the daughters of the Philistines; now therefore, get her for me as a wife.

Judges 14:2

Never let the enemy allow you to think that lust is "just a personal sin," and that it "won't affect anyone else." Every sin has a way of affecting others around you.

Samson, while three miles into enemy territory, lusts after a woman. And you might think that, sometime on the full day's journey back home, he would allow the Holy Spirit to get the best of him. You'd think that he'd repent from his lustful thoughts and move on. But no, after he gets back home, his lust continues to grow stronger and stronger -- to the point where he's commanding his father what to do. This is what lust does; it clouds our judgment and heightens our anger. Samson sounds not only fully convinced, but angry when he says to his father, "Get her for me!" He has an uncontrolled appetite for the things of the world -- to the point where he develops an anger for his family. His sin is no longer just affecting him.

Just two verses prior to this, Judges 13:25 says that the Spirit of the Lord began to move upon Samson, but unfortunately he never took full advantage of the Spirit's work in his life. This is so sad. God brought his blessings on Samson, but Samson refused them to follow the lusts of his flesh. He let pride and anger rule in his life.

The enemy is always trying to trip you up and cause you to fall. But as Christians, we have the Spirit of the Lord upon us and can choose to live for Him instead of following the fleshly lusts. Romans 8:16 says, "The Spirit Himself bears witness with our spirit that we are children of God." When there is temptation to lust, you need to turn away and start praying to the Lord to help you overcome. Don't ignore His prodding. Ask the Holy Spirit to fill you, and walk away. (Ephesians 5:18)

Beware of little foxes ~ Joyce Meyer

All the days of the desponding and afflicted are made evil [by anxious thoughts and forebodings], but he who has a glad heart has a continual feast [regardless of circumstances].
— Proverbs 15:15

I once went through a period in my life when I was plagued by anxiety. I was filled with fear and dread for no particular reason. I kept feeling something terrible was going to happen. Finally I went to the Lord and asked Him what was troubling me. He told me it was "evil forebodings."

At the time I didn't even know what that phrase meant or where it came from. Sometime later I came across Proverbs 15:15 in the Amplified Bible. I immediately recognized the term the Lord had used when He told me what was bothering me—"evil forebodings."

In those days I was like so many other people. I was looking for some "monster problem" that was keeping me from enjoying life. I was so intense about everything, I was creating problems for myself where none really existed.

Once in a meeting, the Lord told me to speak out something. Apparently someone needed to hear this: "Stop making a big deal out of nothing." I used to be the type of person who needed to hear direction like that. I could make mountains out of molehills. I had to learn to just let some things go—forget them and go on.

Some of us become upset over things that just are not worth becoming upset over—those "little foxes, that spoil the vines ." (See Song of Solomon 2:15 KJV) If our lives consist of becoming upset over one little thing after another that really don't matter, we won't have much peace or joy.

Ringing truth from a towel ~ Jon Courson

Paul, an apostle of Jesus Christ, by the commandment of God our Saviour, and Lord Jesus Christ, which is our hope.
1 Timothy 1:1

Paul often referred to himself as ‘an apostle by the will of God,’ (1 Corinthians 1:1, 2 Corinthians 1:1, Ephesians 1:1, Colossians 1:1). In this case, however, he says, ‘It’s not just His will for me, it’s His command that I am to be an apostle — one who is sent out, one who shares truth.’

The things that we have been commanded to do can sometimes become wearying when we find ourselves in situations we weren’t anticipating — like prison. After all, it was from a Roman prison cell that Paul wrote to Timothy. And in this, I am reminded of another who found himself a prisoner ...

‘Oh, Lord, I cannot speak. I am but a child,’ Jeremiah protested when called to minister (Jeremiah 1:6).

‘Before you were born, I knew you and ordained you to be a prophet,’ the Lord replied. ‘I will put My words on your lips — and you shall go,' (Jeremiah 1:5,9)

So Jeremiah did. And what happened? He eventually ended up in a dungeon.

‘OK, Lord,’ he said. ‘Yes, You commanded me. Yes, You anointed me. But people aren’t responding. No one is getting saved.’

So Jeremiah decided to quit prophesying, to quit sharing — until he realized that the Word of God was like fire in his bones and that he could not keep quiet (Jeremiah 20:9).

Maybe like Jeremiah, or perhaps like Paul, you feel imprisoned and are tempted to throw in the towel, to quit sharing the Gospel with people since none seem to respond. But if you do, the Word of God will burn in your heart as surely as it did in Jeremiah’s, and, like Paul, you will realize you have no choice in the matter, for you are under the command of God.

Youturn.god ~ Jack Graham

But Jonah rose to flee to Tarshish from the presence of the Lord…

-- Jonah 1:3

It’s never a good idea to try to run away from God. But Jonah was someone who tried to do just that. As you can see in today’s passage, he ran from the purpose God had for his life.

Maybe you remember Jonah’s story. God told him to go to Nineveh to speak against the evil there. But Jonah resisted God’s call, and instead bought a ticket on a ship headed for Tarshish, a city in the opposite direction of Nineveh!

While Jonah slept on the ship, thinking he had outsmarted God, a storm began to rage. He awoke to face the fury of God’s discipline, which included being thrown overboard and swallowed by a great fish, where he stayed until he repented.

You see, disobedience to God is costly. I heard it said once that sin will take you farther than you wanted to go, cost you more than you wanted to pay, and keep you longer than you wanted to stay.

So today, if you are running from God and wondering, “Can I ever come back to God?”, the answer is yes. While you cannot change your past, you can change your future by running towards him!

SIN WILL TAKE YOU FARTHER THAN YOU WANTED TO GO, COST YOU MORE THAN YOU WANTED TO PAY, AND KEEP YOU LONGER THAN YOU WANTED TO STAY.

Really? ~ Mark Balmer

Based on “Under HIS Influence – REALLY!!!” by Pastor Mark Balmer; 10/10-11/09,

Message #MB392; Daily Devotional #1 - “Really?”




Preparing the Soil (Introduction): Really? I have the opportunity and privilege to be used by God leading in small group and home group settings. Over the years I can see how God has been changing the way I conduct the meetings. When I first started, if the people in the group could recite the spiritual principal when the study was over I thought I had accomplished the goal: instilling spiritual knowledge into people’s lives. Slowly, God started working on me to be more personal. By the time I came to Calvary I understood that leading is not about just giving people more knowledge. Knowledge is very important, but having the right answer is not the most important thing. It is what you do with that answer.

Planting and Watering the Seed (Growth): Quite often, when I ask a question in the small group or home group, one of the people will respond with a very spiritual answer. They quote Biblical principals generally as a blanket covering any situation. I love these opportunities. Because then I get to ask them, “Really? What does that look like in your life? How have you specifically dealt with similar situations in your life?” Most of the time when it comes to personal experience or application they come up empty. Why? Because they know the principle, but they either do not know how to apply it in the real world or they choose not to. Knowledge without application is the same as faith without works: it is dead (James 2:17). Do not merely listen to the word, and so deceive yourselves. Do what it says. Anyone who listens to the word but does not do what it says is like a man who looks at his face in a mirror and, after looking at himself, goes away and immediately forgets what he looks like. But the man who looks intently into the perfect law that gives freedom, and continues to do this, not forgetting what he has heard, but doing it—he will be blessed in what he does. (James 1:22-25)

Harvesting the Crop (Action/Response): “Really?” is the point where the rubber meets the road. Does your walk match your talk? I love home groups and small groups. They are the place where the rubber meets the road. As brothers and sisters in Christ, we need to keep each other real, grounded in the Word and reality, not just great and lofty principles. The knowledge is very important. Before, if people left with knowledge I thought my job was done. Now when the people leave my group and they do not understand what the principle looks like in real life and how to use it in theirs, I know I have not accomplished anything of value. The blessing of applying spiritual knowledge is amazing. It does not affect just you. It will also affect those around you as well. Being real shows all of us who are not super spiritual that God can work through us and touch the lives of those around us right where they are. Take a moment and reflect on all God spoke to you through Pastor Mark's series Under His Influence. How are you applying them in your life?

Cultivating (Additional Reading): Psalm 25; Romans 2:13; Matthew 7:24-27

Making waves in the water..? ~ Greg Laurie

Causing a disturbance.

The church then had peace throughout Judea, Galilee, and Samaria, and it became stronger as the believers lived in the fear of the Lord. And with the encouragement of the Holy Spirit, it also grew in numbers.

— Acts 9:31

Acts 9 tells us that after Saul's conversion, the church had peace. Why could they heave a sigh of relief? Because Saul had stopped hunting them down, arresting them, and throwing them into prison. But for as long as he lived, the world never had peace again, because he took the same zeal that had driven him to hunt down Christians and applied it to preaching the gospel.

I wish that Christians would serve God with as much zeal as they once served the devil. Many of us did whatever the devil wanted us to do. He would tell us to jump, and we would ask how high. But once we became Christians, we suddenly became timid. Instead of being bold men and women of God who are making a difference, we think, Well, I don't want to offend anyone. . . . Well, I don't want to say that. . . . Well, I am not sure if people would like that.

The world didn't have rest, because Saul was the kind of guy who got things done. And when he was filled with the Holy Spirit and led by God, he was out preaching the gospel and causing what could be described as a holy disturbance.

Are you causing a disturbance in a good way? Or are you just fitting in—blending in with the woodwork? Instead, may God help you to be the man or woman He has called you to be.

I thank God for heroes like Paul. But I thank God for unsung heroes too. So whether you're a hero or an unsung hero, make your life count. Because you don't decide when your life starts, and you don't decide when it ends. But you can decide what you will do with the days in between.

Liberty requires responsibility ~ Chuck Swindoll

Joel 3:14

One of George Bernard Shaw's statements frequently flashes through my mind: "Liberty means responsibility. That is why most men dread it." In a day when most people pass the buck with merely a shrug, those words bite and sting. It's one thing to sing and dance to liberty's tunes, but it's something else entirely to bear the responsibility for paying the band.


There are numerous examples of this. Leadership carries with it a few privileges and perks, but living with the responsibility of that task makes a reserved parking space and your own bathroom pale into insignificance. Conceiving children is a moment of sheer ecstasy, but rearing them as a loving and caring parent represents years of thankless responsibility. Running an organization that gets a job done, leaving those involved feeling fulfilled and appreciated, can be exciting, fun, and stretching, but it's a nightmare unless the details of responsibility are clearly set forth and maintained.

Big projects and meaningful achievements get done not by dreamers but by doers, not by armchair generals who watch and frown from a distance but by brave troops in the trenches, not by fans in the bleachers but by committed coaches and players on the field, not by those who stay neutral and play it safe but by those who get off the fence of indecision, even though their decisions are occasionally unpopular.

All this reminds me of a full-page advertisement I saw in the Wall Street Journal:

DECISIONS, DECISIONS: Sometimes the decision to do nothing is wise. But you can't make a career of doing nothing. Freddie Fulcrum weighed everything too carefully. He would say, "On the one hand . . . but then, on the other," and his arguments weighed out so evenly he never did anything. When Freddie died, they carved a big zero on his tombstone. If you decide to fish---fine. Or, if you decide to cut bait---fine. But if you decide to do nothing, you're not going to have fish for dinner.

The secret of true liberty is responsibility. And that calls for decisions, decisions. Tough decisions. Lonely decisions. Unpleasant decisions. Misunderstood decisions. Courageous decisions.

As I recall, Jesus often had fish for dinner.

"Responsibility is the first step in responsibility"
(William Edward Burghardt Du Bois).

Function Unction ~ David McGee

Matthew 5:16

"Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works and glorify your Father in heaven."
NKJV

Life Lesson

Answer the calling or miss the blessings, your choice.

Many Christians, if asked "what are you called too do", have a difficult time answering the question. They feel like they need to respond with some grand scheme or plan that the Lord has lain on their hearts. Some feel that by answering the Lord has called me to clean hallways, serve in media or children's ministry, their calling pales in comparison to a Billy Graham or Greg Laurie. They could not be any more wrong in their assumption. You see, it is not one man's efforts that receive reward when a soul is won for Christ, but it is everyone who played a part. If there is a traffic jam in the parking lot, someone may see it and decide not to come to church. If they are not welcomed like a special guest when they come in the door, they may leave without hearing the gospel. If nobody cleans the hallways and they are left dirty, that's another distraction that has to be overcome. If the lights and sound in the sanctuary are not functioning, there is another distraction. You see, it is all these things and all the people serving and ministering their gifts around the church that make the difference as to whether someone hears the gospel presentation or not.

Sadly, some Christians will never be engaged. They will never step up to serve, and I have to wonder who their Lord is. Jesus said, "Anyone who isn't helping Me opposes Me, and anyone who isn't working with Me is actually working against Me." Luke 11:23 NLT

We have an immeasurable obligation to serve God. The blessings belong to everyone who participates, but do not do it for the reward... do it because God has called you, Christian.

Dear Lord,
Thank You that You provide the gifts and the opportunities to serve You. Help me to be open and available. Please forgive me for the times that I have not heeded Your call. Lord, I love You and I want to be faithful. Please place people in my life who will hold me accountable to serving. In Jesus' name, Amen.

Serving the purpose of God ~ Charles Stanley

2 Corinthians 5:9-10

Church members sometimes get the mistaken idea that service to God must be an “up front” kind of activity. To their way of thinking, the preacher and the choir soloist serve God, but the rest of us are just trying to get through the day—and maybe in the future we’ll get a chance to do some great thing for the Lord.

The truth is that much of our daily life is spent serving God’s purpose. In fact, our greatest impact might come out of a small act of faithfulness. When I was 17 years of age, my grandfather spent one week with me. He likely did not think there was much eternal significance to sitting on the back porch swing talking with his teenage grandson. But the spiritual principles he shared changed my life. I’ve used them in almost every sermon, which means that my grandfather has blessed millions of people.

God’s followers shouldn’t underestimate the scope of ministry. If we limit our service to special “church tasks,” we’ll miss everyday opportunities to make a difference.

The Scriptures are full of ordinary but necessary things for believers to do: care for the less fortunate (Ex. 22:22); train children (Prov. 22:6); use Christian liberty wisely (1 Cor. 8:7-13); “admonish the unruly, encourage the fainthearted, help the weak” (1 Thess. 5:14); and so on.

Believers make up Jesus’ body on earth. We are His hands to reach out, His feet to go where the need is, and His mouth to give comfort and share the gospel. What role are you meant to fulfill today? Prayerfully commit to serve the Lord in everything you do.

Jesus the author of our Faith~Bob Hoekstra

Looking unto Jesus, the author and finisher of our faith. (Hebrews 12:2)

In order to grow in grace, we must live by faith. "Therefore it is of faith that it might be according to grace" (Romans 4:16). We cannot progress spiritually by the use of our natural, Adamic faculties. We must walk by faith in the Lord and His word. "We walk by faith, not by sight" (2 Corinthians 5:7). Yet, where do we get faith? What is the source of faith?

Jesus is the source of our faith: "Jesus, the author… of our faith." If we have saving faith in Christ, it was brought into being by Him. Our faith was authored by Jesus in a revelatory and relational manner. He revealed to us the truth we needed to know (through sermons, personal witnesses, tracts, audio tapes, books, Bible reading, or whatever). Then, He invited us into a relationship with Himself.

First, He told us the truth about our need. "For all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God…For the wages of sin is death" (Romans 3:23 and 6:23a). Then, He told us the truth about His loving work on our behalf. "But God demonstrates His own love toward us, in that while we were still sinners, Christ died for us" (Romans 5:8). All the while, His Spirit was convicting us of the reality of these matters. "And when He [the Holy Spirit] has come, He will convict the world of sin, and of righteousness, and of judgment" (John 16:8). Ultimately, Jesus invited us to trust in Him for the gift of salvation. "Come to Me, all you who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest.…the gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord" (Matthew 11:28 and Romans 6:23b). Basically, Jesus revealed Himself to us as the one who could be trusted to save our souls, so we placed our hope in Him. Thereby, He authored faith in us.

Now, where are we to go for more faith (for the developing of our faith)? Jesus is the source for this need as well: "Jesus…the… finisher of our faith." The one who authored faith in us now wants to perfect our faith (to mature it) in the same manner that He began it. Initially, we had to have Jesus revealed to us to have faith authored in us. Now, we must have a continuing revelation of Him through His word, if our faith is to be increasingly built up.

Lord Jesus, I praise You for authoring faith in me. Thank You for convincing me of my need of forgiveness of sins. Thank You for revealing to me Your great work on the cross. Thank You for inviting me to enter into a relationship with You. Please continue to reveal Yourself to me that my faith might grow and mature, Amen.

Perfection or Deception ~ Bob Coy

And if you say in your heart, 'How shall we know the word which the LORD has not spoken?'; when a prophet speaks in the name of the LORD, if the thing does not happen or come to pass, that is the thing which the LORD has not spoken; the prophet has spoken it presumptuously; you shall not be afraid of him."-Deuteronomy 18:21-22 (NKJV)

Satan is the ultimate counterfeiter. Where there's something of spiritual value and benefit for God's people, you can be sure that our adversary has devised a deceptive "stand-in" to lead us astray. Prophecy is no exception. The devil was hard at work during Israel's infancy as he sought to infect the Israelites with false prophets who said they spoke "in the name of the Lord." His agenda? To get God's people off-track by convincing them to follow false prophets.

The problem with counterfeits, however, is that there's always a test to reveal their true colors. When people are patient enough to apply the appropriate test, the deception will become evident and the deceiver will be exposed. God gave the Israelites a specific test when it came to the false prophets in their midst. It was really simple. If their prophecies came to pass, they were true prophets of God. If their prophecies didn't go down as predicted, they were to be marked as false prophets and executed. No gray ground there!

By establishing this standard, God teaches us three things. First, there will be false prophets we need to watch out for. Second, true prophecy will always have a perfect track record. And last, any prophecy containing the slightest bit of error is part of the devil's deception. When it comes to prophecy, it's either a matter of perfection or deception, absolute acceptance or utter rejection.

This is the standard we apply to the Bible in determining it is God's Perfect Word. There is not a single prophecy in the Bible that has proven incorrect or inaccurate in the slightest degree, and keep in mind that nearly one-third of it is prophetic in nature! This should produce a healthy appreciation in our hearts for prophecy. May we seek out opportunities to share about the Bible's perfect prophetic track record.


Discuss an experience where you learned something was not as you had thought. How did God teach you through this?

Dig into Deuteronomy 18:15–22. What is the true test of a prophetic utterance? What was the penalty for the false prophet, and why do you think this was the case?

Decide as a group to enjoy the blessing of prophetic preaching. Set aside a time to meet together and listen to one of the messages from the Active Word archive. Choose from hundreds of messages found at ActiveWord.org.

Have you communicated your vision to your team? (91-2)~Barry Werner

Have you communicated your vision to your team? (91-2)

October 13th, 2009 in 2 Samuel, Communicating Vision, Leadership Principles, Old Testament, Rewards, Vision | leave a response

A leader’s vision unites their team. Read 2 Samuel 5:1-12.

The nation of Israel was energized under David’s leadership. All twelve tribes were united under one leader. They found a national identity: “We are your own flesh and blood” (v. 1). The people knew that God had anointed David and by uniting under David’s leadership they were actually uniting as God’s people.

A few elements of David’s vision that have transferable principles:

• David’s vision for a central location for leadership in Jerusalem gave the people an identity and a national capitol. Even in our world of telecommuting and remote offices everywhere on the globe, teams still find security when they have a sense of “home base” or common identity.

• David inspired vision in his team by offering rewards to high achievers i.e. “Whoever climbs up by way of the water shaft and defeats the Jebusites…, he shall be chief and captain” (v. 8 NKJ). David’s vision for taking the city inspired greatness in others.

• David’s vision for Jerusalem attracted other leaders. “Now Hiram king of Tyre sent messengers to David, along with cedar logs and carpenters and stonemasons, and they built a palace for David” (v. 11).

Write a single paragraph that outlines your vision for your current leadership assignment. Have you communicated this vision to the team? Constant restatement of goals and vision energizes a team.

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« What limitations may be holding you back as a leader? (91-1

His Kingdom is sure to come ~ Bob Caldwell

Hosea 10:1-14:9 14:4 I will heal their backsliding, I will love them freely, For My anger has turned away from him. The contrast between how far Israel had fallen and how far God will go to raise them back up continues here in chapters 10-14. Their fallen condition has become so severe that the judgment awaiting them is like the deadly poison of hemlock that springs up among their food crops (10:4). Their refusal to repent and avert judgment in light of the gracious, open door God had extended to them reveals just how blinded sin can make us. For those who would turn away from sin and begin to sow righteousness, God promises mercy that will both forgive our past and enable us to walk into a place full of the fruit that results from seeking and knowing God (10:12). God openly expresses His love as a nurturing Father, One who struggles deeply with the tragic consequences that await His children (11:1-8). He seeks to remind us of our spiritual heritage in the hope of proving the riches that await those who repent. Our heritage includes godly men such as Jacob, who struggled and wept in his effort to experience the grace of God. We are promised that same grace and help from God if we are willing to return to our Father in Heaven (12:1-6). God even gives us the words to say that will open the way of repentance. He tells us to ask Him to take away our sins and to receive us back in grace. If we will commit to turning our backs on our foolish confidence in anything but God, He promises to heal our unfaithful and weak hearts by His free and abundant love for us. The promised result of this love is completely amazing. When touched by His love, God likens the results to a beautiful lily or a strong tree whose roots go deep into the soil of His love. His love will broaden our lives much as a tree spreads its branches. The beauty and fragrance of new life will be the world in which He gives us to live. This unequalled kindness is not found anywhere else. There is no philosophy, religion, or effort of man that can ever produce it. It is God and God alone as revealed in His word. And, tragically, although unequalled in glory, His kindness is often met with unequalled disregard. God help us to see. God help us to repent.
Hosea 10:1-14:9 Israel's Sin and Captivity 1 Israel empties his vine; He brings forth fruit for himself. According to the multitude of his fruit He has increased the altars; According to the bounty of his land They have embellished his sacred pillars. 2 Their heart is divided; Now they are held guilty. He will break down their altars; He will ruin their sacred pillars. 3 For now they say, "We have no king, Because we did not fear the LORD. And as for a king, what would he do for us?" 4 They have spoken words, Swearing falsely in making a covenant. Thus judgment springs up like hemlock in the furrows of the field. 5 The inhabitants of Samaria fear Because of the calf of Beth Aven. For its people mourn for it, And its priests shriek for it— Because its glory has departed from it. 6 The idol also shall be carried to Assyria As a present for King Jareb. Ephraim shall receive shame, And Israel shall be ashamed of his own counsel. 7 As for Samaria, her king is cut off Like a twig on the water. 8 Also the high places of Aven, the sin of Israel, Shall be destroyed. The thorn and thistle shall grow on their altars; They shall say to the mountains, "Cover us!" And to the hills, "Fall on us!" 9 "O Israel, you have sinned from the days of Gibeah; There they stood. The battle in Gibeah against the children of iniquity Did not overtake them. 10 When it is My desire, I will chasten them. Peoples shall be gathered against them When I bind them for their two transgressions. 11 Ephraim is a trained heifer That loves to thresh grain; But I harnessed her fair neck, I will make Ephraim pull a plow. Judah shall plow; Jacob shall break his clods." 12 Sow for yourselves righteousness; Reap in mercy; Break up your fallow ground, For it is time to seek the LORD, Till He comes and rains righteousness on you. 13 You have plowed wickedness; You have reaped iniquity. You have eaten the fruit of lies, Because you trusted in your own way, In the multitude of your mighty men. 14 Therefore tumult shall arise among your people, And all your fortresses shall be plundered As Shalman plundered Beth Arbel in the day of battle— A mother dashed in pieces upon her children. 15 Thus it shall be done to you, O Bethel, Because of your great wickedness. At dawn the king of Israel Shall be cut off utterly. Hosea 11God's Continuing Love for Israel 1 "When Israel was a child, I loved him, And out of Egypt I called My son. 2 As they called them, So they went from them; They sacrificed to the Baals, And burned incense to carved images. 3 "I taught Ephraim to walk, Taking them by their arms; But they did not know that I healed them. 4 I drew them with gentle cords, With bands of love, And I was to them as those who take the yoke from their neck. I stooped and fed them. 5 "He shall not return to the land of Egypt; But the Assyrian shall be his king, Because they refused to repent. 6 And the sword shall slash in his cities, Devour his districts, And consume them, Because of their own counsels. 7 My people are bent on backsliding from Me. Though they call to the Most High, None at all exalt Him. 8 "How can I give you up, Ephraim? How can I hand you over, Israel? How can I make you like Admah? How can I set you like Zeboiim? My heart churns within Me; My sympathy is stirred. 9 I will not execute the fierceness of My anger; I will not again destroy Ephraim. For I am God, and not man, The Holy One in your midst; And I will not come with terror. 10 "They shall walk after the LORD. He will roar like a lion. When He roars, Then His sons shall come trembling from the west; 11 They shall come trembling like a bird from Egypt, Like a dove from the land of Assyria. And I will let them dwell in their houses," Says the LORD. God's Charge Against Ephraim 12 "Ephraim has encircled Me with lies, And the house of Israel with deceit; But Judah still walks with God, Even with the Holy One who is faithful. Hosea 12 1 "Ephraim feeds on the wind, And pursues the east wind; He daily increases lies and desolation. Also they make a covenant with the Assyrians, And oil is carried to Egypt. 2 "The LORD also brings a charge against Judah, And will punish Jacob according to his ways; According to his deeds He will recompense him. 3 He took his brother by the heel in the womb, And in his strength he struggled with God. 4 Yes, he struggled with the Angel and prevailed; He wept, and sought favor from Him. He found Him in Bethel, And there He spoke to us— 5 That is, the LORD God of hosts. The LORD is His memorable name. 6 So you, by the help of your God, return; Observe mercy and justice, And wait on your God continually. 7 "A cunning Canaanite! Deceitful scales are in his hand; He loves to oppress. 8 And Ephraim said, ' Surely I have become rich, I have found wealth for myself; In all my labors They shall find in me no iniquity that is sin.' 9 "But I am the LORD your God, Ever since the land of Egypt; I will again make you dwell in tents, As in the days of the appointed feast. 10 I have also spoken by the prophets, And have multiplied visions; I have given symbols through the witness of the prophets." 11 Though Gilead has idols— Surely they are vanity— Though they sacrifice bulls in Gilgal, Indeed their altars shall be heaps in the furrows of the field. 12 Jacob fled to the country of Syria; Israel served for a spouse, And for a wife he tended sheep. 13 By a prophet the LORD brought Israel out of Egypt, And by a prophet he was preserved. 14 Ephraim provoked Him to anger most bitterly; Therefore his Lord will leave the guilt of his bloodshed upon him, And return his reproach upon him. Hosea 13Relentless Judgment on Israel 1 When Ephraim spoke, trembling, He exalted himself in Israel; But when he offended through Baal worship, he died. 2 Now they sin more and more, And have made for themselves molded images, Idols of their silver, according to their skill; All of it is the work of craftsmen. They say of them, "Let the men who sacrifice kiss the calves!" 3 Therefore they shall be like the morning cloud And like the early dew that passes away, Like chaff blown off from a threshing floor And like smoke from a chimney. 4 "Yet I am the LORD your God Ever since the land of Egypt, And you shall know no God but Me; For there is no savior besides Me. 5 I knew you in the wilderness, In the land of great drought. 6 When they had pasture, they were filled; They were filled and their heart was exalted; Therefore they forgot Me. 7 "So I will be to them like a lion; Like a leopard by the road I will lurk; 8 I will meet them like a bear deprived of her cubs; I will tear open their rib cage, And there I will devour them like a lion. The wild beast shall tear them. 9 "O Israel, you are destroyed, But your helpis from Me. 10 I will be your King; Where is any other, That he may save you in all your cities? And your judges to whom you said, ' Give me a king and princes'? 11 I gave you a king in My anger, And took him away in My wrath. 12 "The iniquity of Ephraim is bound up; His sin is stored up. 13 The sorrows of a woman in childbirth shall come upon him. He is an unwise son, For he should not stay long where children are born. 14 "I will ransom them from the power of the grave; I will redeem them from death. O Death, I will be your plagues! O Grave, I will be your destruction! Pity is hidden from My eyes." 15 Though he is fruitful among his brethren, An east wind shall come; The wind of the LORD shall come up from the wilderness. Then his spring shall become dry, And his fountain shall be dried up. He shall plunder the treasury of every desirable prize. 16 Samaria is held guilty, For she has rebelled against her God. They shall fall by the sword, Their infants shall be dashed in pieces, And their women with child ripped open. Hosea 14Israel Restored at Last 1 O Israel, return to the LORD your God, For you have stumbled because of your iniquity; 2 Take words with you, And return to the LORD. Say to Him, "Take away all iniquity; Receive us graciously, For we will offer the sacrifices of our lips. 3 Assyria shall not save us, We will not ride on horses, Nor will we say anymore to the work of our hands, 'You are our gods.' For in You the fatherless finds mercy." 4 "I will heal their backsliding, I will love them freely, For My anger has turned away from him. 5 I will be like the dew to Israel; He shall grow like the lily, And lengthen his roots like Lebanon. 6 His branches shall spread; His beauty shall be like an olive tree, And his fragrance like Lebanon. 7 Those who dwell under his shadow shall return; They shall be revived like grain, And grow like a vine. Their scentshall be like the wine of Lebanon. 8 "Ephraim shall say, 'What have I to do anymore with idols?' I have heard and observed him. I am like a green cypress tree; Your fruit is found in Me." 9 Who is wise? Let him understand these things. Who is prudent? Let him know them. For the ways of the LORD are right; The righteous walk in them, But transgressors stumble in them.
Hosea 10:1-14:9 v. 1 Israel empties his vine – Israel is often spoken of in scripture as a good or bad vine (Deut. 32:32, Is. 5:1-7, Eze. 15:1-5, Nahum 2:2). The context of this verse suggests that all the fruitfulness of Israel has been wasted because it has been sacrificed to idols. Altars…sacred pillars – Trappings of Israel's idolatry. Sacred pillars were Canaanite obelisks erected next to pagan altars with special religious significance. This type of worship was forbidden by the Law of Moses (Ex. 23:24, Lev. 26:1, Deut. 16:21-22). v. 2 heart is divided – The people's hearts were fickle and deceitful (Matt. 6:24). He will break down…ruin – Hosea announces that the LORD will destroy Israel's implements of idolatry; probably via invaders from Assyria. v. 3 We have no king – Israel's rejection of the LORD as their king (1 Sam. 12:12, Is. 43:15). They assert also in this verse that there is no advantage of having the LORD as their king. fear the LORD – A serious veneration for God leading to honor, respect, and obedience. Israel had again and again been exhorted to do this since their beginning (Deut. 6:13; Josh. 4:24, 24:14; 1 Sam. 12:14, 24; 2 Kings 17:28). v. 4 hemlock – ro'sh (Heb.) a bitter and poisonous herb v. 5 Samaria – the capitol city of the northern kingdom of Israel the calf of Beth Aven – A condescending expression for the calf gods of Jeroboam, which he also erected at Beth-Aven (Hosea 4:15). Beth-Aven means house of vanity or house of iniquity. v. 6 a present for King Jareb – Israel's cherished idols will become presents for King Jareb of Assyria when he invades them. v. 8 high places – an idolatrous place of worship usually erected upon a high hill or mountain Aven – Aven (Heb.) vanity or wickedness. An abbreviated form of Beth Aven (v. 5). v. 9 the days of Gibeah – Judges 19 describes horrific crimes of perversion and violence in Israel in the days of the Judges that took place in Gibeah. The LORD is saying that Israel's current condition is just as bad as in those days. v. 10 two transgressions – Likely referring to the two golden calves erected by Jeroboam in the north and south of Israel. Or perhaps Israel's departure from the royal line of David and their current condition of extreme idolatry. v. 11 I will make Ephraim pull a plow – The LORD will put Israel to hard labor. This refers to the coming time of exile and captivity in Assyria. Judah – The name of the southern kingdom of Israel. So named after the tribe, which dominates that territory. Jacob – The son of Isaac, grandson of Abraham, whose name was changed to Israel (Gen. 32:28). The 12 tribes of Israel are descendants of his 12 sons, therefore Jacob is representative of all of Israel in this case (another way of referring to the northern kingdom as Judah speaks of the south). v. 12 Break up your fallow ground – In keeping with the allegory of Israel as a heifer plowing the soil, God commands Israel to break up the hardened parts of her heart and seek the LORD in righteousness. v. 13 plowed…reaped…fruit of lies – The allegory continues and now relates to the negative sowing and reaping consequences of turning from the LORD. v. 14 tumult – sha'own (Heb.) a rumbling uproar; symbolic of destruction Shalman plundered Beth Arbel – the specific historical event alluded to here is disputed and therefore uncertain v. 15 At dawn – Figuratively speaking of a time near and quickly approaching. Hosea 11 v. 1 When Israel was a child I loved him – God remembers His tender love for Israel, when He brought them out of Egypt more than 500 years before Hosea's time. out of Egypt I called My son – Matthew 2:15 quotes this as an unexpected prophecy fulfilled in the life of Jesus upon His return from Egypt after escaping there on the eve of Herod's massacre of the innocent baby boys. v. 2 Baals…carved images – deities and idols worshipped by Israel in violation of the Law of Moses (Deut. 7:25, 12:3) v. 3 Ephraim – Because Ephraim was the prominent tribe of Israel, the LORD speaks of them as representing all of Israel. The allegory pictures the LORD gently and tenderly raising Israel from childhood as a compassionate father care for his child. v. 4 as those who take the yoke from their neck – The LORD declares that He was as one who took burdens off of Israel's neck and brought healing as He delivered them from slavery in Egypt. v. 5 Egypt…Assyrian – As Israel had been looking to these two nations for alliance and help, the LORD declares with a broken heart that as they were once delivered from one they will again go captive to another. v. 6 their own counsels – their own evil devices and plans in opposition to the LORD v. 7 backsliding – meshuwbah (Heb.) apostasy; turning away. This term is used even today among Christians to describe one who is turning or drifting away from following after the LORD. v. 8 like Admah…Zeboiim – Two cities near Sodom and Gomorrah, which were also destroyed (Deut. 29:23) v. 9 I will not…For I am God, and not man – In spite of Israel's severe unfaithfulness, the LORD refuses to react in fury like a mere man and utterly destroy them as an ordinary man who has been betrayed might. Because He is God, faithful and true, His love endures. v. 10 They shall walk after the LORD – The LORD foresees the day when a remnant of Israel will repent and return to Him. He will roar like a lion – A prophetic depiction of the LORD roaring to make His enemies tremble when He brings back His cubs out of captivity. from the west – the land of Assyria v. 11 come trembling like a bird – Describing Israel's future return from her coming Assyrian captivity as the swift flight of a humble and frightened bird escaping its cage. v. 12 Ephraim…But Judah still walks with God – A comparison of the northern kingdom of Israel's dishonest and unholy lifestyle with that of the southern kingdom of Judah, which was still walking in obedience. Judah still held to the royal line of David in her kings and worshipped God in the Temple at Jerusalem. Hosea 12 v. 1 feeds on the wind…pursues the east wind – A biblical depiction of vanity and emptiness (Ecc. 1:14; 2:11, 17; 4:4, 6). oil – shemen (Heb.) olive oil, also figuratively used to describe richness v. 2 a charge against Judah – The southern kingdom of Judah is not completely innocent and will eventually be punished and sent into captivity in Babylon. Jacob – The son of Isaac, grandson of Abraham, whose name was changed to Israel (Gen. 32:28). The 12 tribes of Israel are descendants from his 12 sons, therefore Jacob is representative of all of Israel (in this case another way of referring to the northern kingdom as Judah speaks of the south). v. 3 He took his brother by the heel – A description of Jacob's birth (Gen. 25:26) v. 4 he struggled with the Angel and prevailed – Further description of key events in Jacob's life (Gen. 32:24-28) Bethel – Beyth-'El (Heb.) House of God. Yet another place where Jacob encountered the divine (Gen. 28:10-19). v. 5 God of hosts – An expression used to describe God as the God over all the multitudes (hosts) of created things in heaven and earth. v. 6 wait – qavah (Heb.) look for, hope, expect v. 7 A cunning Canaanite – The Canaanites were traveling merchants skilled in barter and trade. The LORD compares His people to a crafty businessmen looking to gain profit from deceit. Deceitful scales – The merchants of this time used scales to weigh product and coinage. A dishonest merchant would rig his scales to his advantage. v. 8 I have become rich…no iniquity that is sin – an attitude of arrogance, self-sufficiency, and deceit v. 9 I will again make you dwell in tents – God's coming judgment would bring Israel back to the humble beginnings when the nation did not live in rich houses but was totally dependent upon the LORD. As in the days of the appointed feast – The Feast of Tabernacles in which the children of Israel were required to live in humble tents in remembrance of their sojourn in the wilderness before they reached their Promised Land (Lev. 23:34-44, Deut. 16:12-16). v. 10 I have also spoken by the prophets – In reference to the many warnings and ample visions the LORD had given to His people through the years. symbols – parables v. 11 their altars shall be heaps in the furrows – Israel's altars of idolatry will be reduced to piles of stones on the side of the plowed fields. v. 12 Jacob fled – A reminder of Israel's humble beginnings when Jacob (later named Israel (Gen. 32:28)) fled from his brother Esau to Paddan Aram (Gen. 28:2-5) serving Laban seven years for each wife (Gen. 29:20-28) and then continued as Laban's herdsman (Gen. 30:31, 31:41). v. 13 By a prophet – Moses (Num. 12:6-8, Deut. 18:15, 34:10) v. 14 Ephraim provoked – Ephraim's (Israel's) dishonor to God in worshipping idols provoked the LORD to bring about Israel's chastisement. Hosea 13 v. 1 When Ephraim…But when – A comparison of the great contrast between humbling oneself before the LORD and offending the LORD by worshipping idols. The tribe of Ephraim was blessed according to their grandfather Jacob's blessing (Gen. 48:10-20) as long as their people stayed humble before the LORD. But they brought destruction upon themselves when they strayed to worship Baal. v. 2 who sacrifice kiss the calves – A reference to the detestable practice of offering human sacrifices to these golden calves and then further worshipping them with a reverent kiss (1 Kings 19:18). v. 3 morning cloud…dew…chaff…smoke – Expressions of temporality. Allegorical language to describe the fate of Israel's strength and stability because of her sin. v. 4 Ever since the land of Egypt – The LORD reminds Israel that He has been their true God and deliverer. He reminds them of His great deliverance from bondage in Egypt. no God but Me – a reminder of the first great commandment (Ex. 20:2-3) Savior – yasha` (Heb.) to defend, deliver, rescue, liberate v. 5 I knew you in the wilderness – A reminder of God watching over and protecting Israel when she wandered through the dessert (Deut. 2:7, 8:15, 32:10). v. 6 their heart was exalted – The LORD reminds His people that even from their very beginning there was a dangerous and wicked pattern of forgetting God whenever their hearts were satisfied with good things (Deut. 6:10-12, 32:18) v. 7 like a lion…leopard – The LORD compares Himself to a cunning predator who will hunt Israel unaware. v. 8 like a bear deprived of her cubs – The bear is fiercest and most dangerous when protecting her cubs. Her attack in these times is brutal and relentless. v. 9 But your help is from Me – Even in the face of the most devastating judgment the LORD reminds Israel that He is their help if they would just turn to Him. v. 10 Where is any other – A rhetorical question, i.e. Can any one else save like I can ? v. 11 I gave you a king in My anger – When Israel first asked for a king it was against the LORD's will, but He gave them a king (Saul) in anger to teach them a lesson (1 Sam. 8:7-9, 10:19, 12:13). v. 12 bound up…stored up – Israel's sins have been collected and stored away for future punishment. v. 13 The sorrows of a woman in childbirth – Labor pains often come unexpectedly, are intense, and increase in their pain and duration. In this same way, judgment will come upon Israel. should not stay long – Allegory: When Israel had opportunity deliver himself from judgment by repentance, he instead brought ruin on himself by resisting a new birth unto repentance, so like a child whose mother has no strength to deliver, the baby remains so long in the passage from the womb as to run the risk of death (2 Kings 19:3, Is. 37:3, 66:9). v. 14 I will ransom – The LORD's promise of redeeming Israel from her ultimate annihilation. Paul quoted this passage applying it to the Christian's personal resurrection (1 Cor. 15:55). v. 15 east wind – Both Assyria and Babylon were to the east and would eventually, each in their turn, become the wind of the LORD of judgment over Israel and then Judah. Plunder…treasury of every desirable prize – Every precious thing Israel possessed would be plundered and carried away. v. 16 Samaria…guilty – The capitol and royal city of the northern kingdom of Israel will be held responsible for the atrocities of judgment in receiving the consequences of Israel's sin. Infants…ripped open – One of the many horrific atrocities invading nations of this time would commit would be to ruthlessly kill children and rip open the wombs of pregnant women (2 Kings 8:12, 15:16; Amos 1:13). Hosea 14 v. 1 return to the LORD your God – A gracious and merciful call to repentance. Even in the sight of Israel's great sin the LORD offers hope of forgiveness and restoration. v. 2 Take words with you – God's call to repentance was not complicated. As always, the LORD requires a confession of sin and a humbling of oneself before Him (1 John 1:9). v. 3 in You the fatherless finds mercy – A description of the God who helps the helpless and defends the defenseless. Fatherless – yathowm (Heb.) from an unused root meaning to be lonely; a bereaved person, orphan Mercy – racham (Heb.) to love, love deeply, be compassionate, have tender affection for v. 4 I will – A statement of the LORD's intention of continued commitment to His people even in judgment. Heal – rapha' (Heb.) to mend, to cure, repair. In this context referring to the spiritual healing from their waywardness and sin. love freely – The LORD declares that He will love Israel willingly and abundantly (Is. 54:6-8; Jer. 31:3-5). v. 5 I will be like the dew – Here dew is not a symbol of something transitory (6:4, 13:3) but of refreshment and blessing (Ps. 133:3, Is. 26:19). Like the lily – It is said that no plant is more productive than the lily; one root often producing 50 bulbs. Lebanon – The cedar trees of Lebanon at this time were world renown for their high quality. The roots of these great trees are firm, strong, and deep (Ps. 104:16; Is. 2:13, 14:8. v. 6 olive tree – The olive tree is one that never loses its green appearance, bearing an abundance of fruit. fragrance like Lebanon – like the forests of Lebanon; the cedars, trees of frankincense, and other fragrant trees and plants, which grew therein v. 7 under his shadow – in the protective shade of the LORD's benevolent care (Lam. 4:20) shall return – a return to the Promised Land after the coming exile in Assyria the wine of Lebanon – Like the wine of those vines that grew on Mount Lebanon, judged to be the best. These wines were the most celebrated for their aroma, flavor, and medicinal restorative properties. v. 8 like a green cypress tree – evergreen in winter and summer alike Your fruit is found in Me – The secret of Israel's fruitfulness is the LORD. v. 9 wise – chakam (Heb.) intelligent, skilful or artful Prudent – biyn (Heb.) to generally understand; consider, discern, feel righteous – tsaddiyq (Heb.) just, lawful, blameless, innocent transgressors – pasha` (Heb.) to break away from just authority, i.e. trespass, apostatize, quarrel.
"I will heal their backsliding, I will love them freely, For My anger has turned away from him." –Hosea 14:4 Such words of comfort we read today, Jesus. Our prayer today is for all who have backslidden and are wandering away from You, lost to the darkness. Write these words on their hearts, Lord, and also on the hearts of those of us who need to hear them.