This morning, 18 women went to have their babies killed. I met them there. I offered them information. I shared the truth about life. I warned of the wickedness and effects of the choice that they were making. I declared the justice and mercy of God, and the Gospel of Jesus Christ. Just five days before, my wife and I lost our firstborn son, William Livingstone Samuel, at 21 weeks prenatal. With that wound so new and tears running down my cheeks, I pleaded for the lives of those in danger today.
There were, praise the Lord, women who were outwardly suffering and responsive to my message of mercy and hope. But how sad it is when I am also ignored, mocked, falsely accused, and bitterly treated. I am confident that the words of the Lord that were heard (even by those closed to its entrance) will not return void. And it is no shame to be maligned for the sake of my Lord Jesus Christ and those babies He forms in the womb. I must open my mouth for the dumb in the case of all such as appointed to destruction.
The Lord aided my voice as I preached and pleaded in the cause of Human Life and Life Everlasting for two hours. He gave me words, when my own would falter, to share with people one on one. He allowed me the privilege of passing out tracts and waving at passersbys.
Many things happened, many conversations, etc. But I want to share one thing in particular.
At one point, while I was preaching to those in the entry way of the abortion mill, I suddenly heard clapping and cheering behind me. Although there were those on the inside reacting and scorning, someone was supporting me. There were those, behind me and across the street, applauding and saying "That's right!" "Good job!" I was greatly encouraged and spurred on in making known the Gospel and the truth about abortion.
Glancing back over my shoulder, I saw who it was. Elementary children—maybe 1st through 4th graders—waiting for the school bus to pick them up. These young students were clapping their hands, waving, and cheering me on. They were boldly standing for LIFE. I thought of my dear precious son, so new to heaven, and wept all the more, with appreciation of little ones.
It must have been something for those grownups gathered in the entry of the murder mill to see as well. They quieted and were silenced. Thank you, Lord, for the little children.
Psalm 8:2—"Out of the mouth of babes and sucklings hast thou ordained strength because of thine enemies, that thou mightest still the enemy and the avenger."
Wednesday, October 3, 2012
Wednesday, August 22, 2012
Declaring the Truth about Life AND Life Everlasting!
"And take not the word of truth utterly out of my mouth, for I have hoped in thy judgments" (Psalm 119:43)
You may wonder what does a Christian go through when he or she chooses to stand and speak for life publicly. Allow me to share what all happened today...
Went to the local abortion mill, as I do twice a week, and stood for life from 6:30am to 10am.
Prayed on the way there for the ability to share the Gospel and wisdom to give an answer.
Offered help to and shared the Gospel with
people going in to have their children killed. Saw women and girls going in, and mourned in my spirit over both the fear and desperation on the faces of some and the impudence and brazen selfishness on the faces of others.
Was refused for the most part, ridiculed by mothers, friends, and the staff, and was falsely accused and maligned by the manager.
Grieved at the knowledge that 10+ innocent children were slaughtered today not a 100 feet from where I was standing.
Gave tracts to people going by, including about 15 students waiting for the bus.
Saw 54 positive responses from passersby.
Had a few people stop their cars to tell me that they appreciated what I was doing.
Had others driving by who ignored me or mocked at the murder of babies, and the word of God. Was given opportunity to bless those who cursed me.
Witnessed of the Gospel and life to a woman walking
by who was just released from prison yesterday after a 10 year sentence for killing
someone. She agreed with me in general about the evil of abortion,
but raised doubts about cases of rape. I answered her questions from the Bible in love, and gave her a tract
about life and eternal life. Let her
know I will pray for her and her children.
Talked with a man who in his car on the road, whose girlfriend was inside, sharing with him what the Bible says about life, sin, forgiveness, and salvation. he was not agreeing with me, but our conversation was civil. As I spoke with him, the manager yelled profanities at me from the parking lot, where he stands when the abortionist is expected to arrive (he acts as security guard too). The man and I kept talking. Suddenly, the manager was behind me pushing on me with his chest and wouldn't leave me alone. This, I believe, constitutes "assault". He was angry that I was speaking with the man. I guess prolife sidewalk counselors are bad for business. It is the first time he has gotten physical against me, and I am grateful that the Lord protected me. Got to share the Gospel again with this manager, telling him that I care about him enough to warn him of the danger, and that I desire to see him saved in Christ Jesus.
Warned the
abortionist when he came of the need to repent and trust in Christ. Preached the Gospel to him and to the manager again. The abortionist yelled back at me and went inside to do his bloody business.
The manager said I was wasting my time, and that it would
please him if I would leave and not come back.
I let him know that I am not living to please him, but my Father in
heaven. And my Lord calls His children to speak the truth and stand against evil.
In each case, the Lord gave me words to say, almost all of it, being straight from the Bible. "The preparations in the heart of man, and the answer from the tongue, is from the LORD" (Proverbs 16:1). All glory to the Lord for being my Stay, and my Defense.
Praise the Lord, I'm seeing God work in this ministry, even in those
who are resisting. Jesus Christ shows His protection of His servants, and gives the words
to say. Am praying for His continuing conviction of sin, righteousness, and judgment.
I'm thankful
for the three young ladies who drove up from out of state to stand for life
today too. I prayed for other believers to
get the burden to join me someday.
All that in one morning.
If you know the Lord Jesus as your personal Saviour, maybe you should ask your self, what you are doing to share the truth about life and eternal life.
If you know the Lord Jesus as your personal Saviour, maybe you should ask your self, what you are doing to share the truth about life and eternal life.
What are you doing to stand for the lives of the innocent in danger of being slaughtered?
What are you doing so that people can hear the Gospel and learn how they can have everlasting life?
There is still time to win a battle before the sun goes down.
Sunday, August 19, 2012
What is in a Word? INVESTIGATE
"Study to shew thyself approved unto God, a workman that needeth not to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth" (II Timothy 2:15).
My mind is a little peculiar. Sometimes things jump out at me. It is rather strange.
Real life example- I am sitting in my house, minding my own business, when I see three books on a shelf. They are on unrelated subjects, and all I can see are the titles on the binding. But for some crazy reason, my mind starts to try to find how the books are the same and how they are different. I note that the three books were authored by three different people, that the binding are three different colors, yet that the lettering are all gold colored. The symbol of the publisher is on the bottom of each book, and each were published by a different publisher.
Especially the words grab my attention. My mind sets to work, checking to see if the titles have the same amount of syllables. Then I start counting to see what letters all three books bindings have in common and discover out that each book contains three L's, if you include the author's name with the title. I do all this while seated, and never even touch the books. After this ordeal, my mind is satisfied, that is until I sit here again. Then my mind will want to check on those titles again, just to make sure that they haven't changed.
Another instance- I am sitting at a friend's home. I see a sentence stenciled on the wall, a clever decoration. My mind starts to dissect, going through the alphabet, checking to see what letters are used in the sentence, and which are not included, if all the vowels are present or not, etc. I count to see which letter is used most often in the sentence.
This type of thing has been happening ever since I learned to read at age 3 1/2 to 4 years of age. Most times when this happens it really doesn't make much difference, except my mind is getting a workout. It can even be a mental strain, and sometimes I have to purposefully think of something else.
But there are some benefits that rise from it at times.
When looking at a word, I am often struck by the wondering of where that word came from. I think back to whether I have learned what roots it came from, and search for related words. For instance, the words course, courier, current, cursive, and cursor key, are related words, derived from a root cursus meaning "to run". Therefore, when I see a word with the same root, my mind checks it to see how it fits. From childhood, I have been fascinated with words and their history.
Moreover, I appreciate the richness and depth that is to be had in the English language, and how words can be grouped in "families". There are words that can be used to communicate the same meaning, but each can have also its own flavor, and specific dynamic. For instance, sauntered, ambled, tiptoed, and stomped are all words that can be used to describe someone walking, but each conveys a varying attitude, manner, and quality. Seeing how words can be the same and different has often been an aid in learning and adding words to my vocabulary both in and out of school.
Other times, when I see a word, I see words inside the word. By dissecting these inner words, I can understand the meaning or application of a word.
Let's take a look at the word INVESTIGATE.
INVESTIGATE: to search into; to examine with care and accuracy; It comes from the Latin, investigo, "to follow a track, to search."
Dissecting the word from the viewpoint of studying the Bible, we find certain inner words...
IN - You need to get IN the Bible. Open it, ask God to teach and shew you what you need to know. If we don't get into the Bible, how can we expect to know it?
"Open thou mine eyes, that I may behold wondrous things out of thy word." Psalm 119:18
"The entrance of thy words giveth light; it giveth understanding unto the simple." Psalm 119:130
INVEST - Spend time in the Bible. Invest time hearing, reading, studying, memorizing, and meditating on the Scriptures. It is worth the investment. And remember, where your treasure is there will your heart be also.
"O how love I thy law! it is my meditation all the day." Psalm 119:97
VEST - The vest covers your heart. Don't just get knowledge for your head. Take the truth to heart.
"Give me understanding and I shall keep thy law; yea, I shall observe it with my whole heart"
Psalm 119:34
I - See how the Scripture applies to you personally. Don't just say, "Oh my brother needs to hear that!" Consider yourself first and see if you line up with God's word and where you need to repent and confess sin and do things God's way. Then you can share with your brother what the Lord is teaching you and encourage him to do the same.
"I thought on my ways and turned my feet unto thy testimonies" Psalm 119:59
GATE - A gate swings. It is active. Put hinges on the truth of the Bible you have learned and swing with it. Live according to the precepts and principles of the word of God.
"Thy word is a lamp unto my feet, and a light unto my path" Psalm 119:105
Let us be diligent to study the word of truth, to be approved workmen! Let us not end up ashamed because we neglected the Book of the Lord!
Let the words of the psalmist be reflected in our desire for the LORD and His word...
"Let thy mercies come also unto me, O LORD, even thy salvation according to thy word.
So shall I have wherewith to answer him that reproacheth me: for I trust in thy word.
And take not the word of truth utterly out of my mouth; for I have hoped in thy judgments.
So shall I keep thy law continually for ever and ever.
And I will walk at liberty: for I seek thy precepts.
I will speak of thy testimonies also before kings, and will not be ashamed.
And I will delight myself in thy commandments, which I have loved.
My hands also will I lift up unto thy commandments, which I have loved; and I will meditate in thy statutes." Psalm 119:41-48
There is still time to win a battle before the sun goes down.
My mind is a little peculiar. Sometimes things jump out at me. It is rather strange.
Real life example- I am sitting in my house, minding my own business, when I see three books on a shelf. They are on unrelated subjects, and all I can see are the titles on the binding. But for some crazy reason, my mind starts to try to find how the books are the same and how they are different. I note that the three books were authored by three different people, that the binding are three different colors, yet that the lettering are all gold colored. The symbol of the publisher is on the bottom of each book, and each were published by a different publisher.
Especially the words grab my attention. My mind sets to work, checking to see if the titles have the same amount of syllables. Then I start counting to see what letters all three books bindings have in common and discover out that each book contains three L's, if you include the author's name with the title. I do all this while seated, and never even touch the books. After this ordeal, my mind is satisfied, that is until I sit here again. Then my mind will want to check on those titles again, just to make sure that they haven't changed.
Another instance- I am sitting at a friend's home. I see a sentence stenciled on the wall, a clever decoration. My mind starts to dissect, going through the alphabet, checking to see what letters are used in the sentence, and which are not included, if all the vowels are present or not, etc. I count to see which letter is used most often in the sentence.
This type of thing has been happening ever since I learned to read at age 3 1/2 to 4 years of age. Most times when this happens it really doesn't make much difference, except my mind is getting a workout. It can even be a mental strain, and sometimes I have to purposefully think of something else.
But there are some benefits that rise from it at times.
When looking at a word, I am often struck by the wondering of where that word came from. I think back to whether I have learned what roots it came from, and search for related words. For instance, the words course, courier, current, cursive, and cursor key, are related words, derived from a root cursus meaning "to run". Therefore, when I see a word with the same root, my mind checks it to see how it fits. From childhood, I have been fascinated with words and their history.
Moreover, I appreciate the richness and depth that is to be had in the English language, and how words can be grouped in "families". There are words that can be used to communicate the same meaning, but each can have also its own flavor, and specific dynamic. For instance, sauntered, ambled, tiptoed, and stomped are all words that can be used to describe someone walking, but each conveys a varying attitude, manner, and quality. Seeing how words can be the same and different has often been an aid in learning and adding words to my vocabulary both in and out of school.
Other times, when I see a word, I see words inside the word. By dissecting these inner words, I can understand the meaning or application of a word.
Let's take a look at the word INVESTIGATE.
INVESTIGATE: to search into; to examine with care and accuracy; It comes from the Latin, investigo, "to follow a track, to search."
Dissecting the word from the viewpoint of studying the Bible, we find certain inner words...
"Open thou mine eyes, that I may behold wondrous things out of thy word." Psalm 119:18
"The entrance of thy words giveth light; it giveth understanding unto the simple." Psalm 119:130
INVEST - Spend time in the Bible. Invest time hearing, reading, studying, memorizing, and meditating on the Scriptures. It is worth the investment. And remember, where your treasure is there will your heart be also.
"O how love I thy law! it is my meditation all the day." Psalm 119:97
VEST - The vest covers your heart. Don't just get knowledge for your head. Take the truth to heart.
"Give me understanding and I shall keep thy law; yea, I shall observe it with my whole heart"
Psalm 119:34
I - See how the Scripture applies to you personally. Don't just say, "Oh my brother needs to hear that!" Consider yourself first and see if you line up with God's word and where you need to repent and confess sin and do things God's way. Then you can share with your brother what the Lord is teaching you and encourage him to do the same.
"I thought on my ways and turned my feet unto thy testimonies" Psalm 119:59
GATE - A gate swings. It is active. Put hinges on the truth of the Bible you have learned and swing with it. Live according to the precepts and principles of the word of God.
"Thy word is a lamp unto my feet, and a light unto my path" Psalm 119:105
Let us be diligent to study the word of truth, to be approved workmen! Let us not end up ashamed because we neglected the Book of the Lord!
Let the words of the psalmist be reflected in our desire for the LORD and His word...
"Let thy mercies come also unto me, O LORD, even thy salvation according to thy word.
So shall I have wherewith to answer him that reproacheth me: for I trust in thy word.
And take not the word of truth utterly out of my mouth; for I have hoped in thy judgments.
So shall I keep thy law continually for ever and ever.
And I will walk at liberty: for I seek thy precepts.
I will speak of thy testimonies also before kings, and will not be ashamed.
And I will delight myself in thy commandments, which I have loved.
My hands also will I lift up unto thy commandments, which I have loved; and I will meditate in thy statutes." Psalm 119:41-48
There is still time to win a battle before the sun goes down.
Wednesday, August 15, 2012
Why Stand for Life and Speak for the Gospel?
Stood for life this morning.
Offered information and help to women who were on their way to pay to have their babies murdered.
Prayed for hearts to be turned, and for my people to awaken to what is happening in our own country's cities.
Gave Gospel (English and Spanish) tracts to passersby.
Put signs with Scripture and the facts about abortion out for the benefit of the public driving by.
Carried a sign with the verse "Thus saith the LORD of Hosts, Consider your ways" (Haggai 1:5).
Shared about the Gospel and life with the postman and someone who stopped, asking for directions.
Read Scripture and warned a hardened murderer of the need of repentance as he went to slay at least half a dozen innocent Americans.
Preached to the manager, sharing why I was there and gave the Gospel message I give him every week.
Why do I do this twice a week? Why do I rise early Wednesdays and Saturdays to go to the abortion mill? Why do I warn the lost?
Like my Father, I am not willing that any should perish, but that all should come to repentance.
Here is an exhortation to us from a brother already departed:
"If sinners are to be damned at least let them leap to Hell over our bodies, and if they perish, let them perish with our arms around their knees imploring them to stay. If Hell must be filled, at least let it be filled in the teeth of our exertions, and let no one go there unwarned or unprayed for." Charles Spurgeon
Jesus said to "preach the Gospel to every creature". Are we not to obey our Lord and His word?
This is why I do what I do. And this is why I exhort all my Christian brothers and sisters to do the same.
Offered information and help to women who were on their way to pay to have their babies murdered.
Prayed for hearts to be turned, and for my people to awaken to what is happening in our own country's cities.
Gave Gospel (English and Spanish) tracts to passersby.
Put signs with Scripture and the facts about abortion out for the benefit of the public driving by.
Carried a sign with the verse "Thus saith the LORD of Hosts, Consider your ways" (Haggai 1:5).
Shared about the Gospel and life with the postman and someone who stopped, asking for directions.
Read Scripture and warned a hardened murderer of the need of repentance as he went to slay at least half a dozen innocent Americans.
Preached to the manager, sharing why I was there and gave the Gospel message I give him every week.
Why do I do this twice a week? Why do I rise early Wednesdays and Saturdays to go to the abortion mill? Why do I warn the lost?
Like my Father, I am not willing that any should perish, but that all should come to repentance.
Here is an exhortation to us from a brother already departed:
"If sinners are to be damned at least let them leap to Hell over our bodies, and if they perish, let them perish with our arms around their knees imploring them to stay. If Hell must be filled, at least let it be filled in the teeth of our exertions, and let no one go there unwarned or unprayed for." Charles Spurgeon
Jesus said to "preach the Gospel to every creature". Are we not to obey our Lord and His word?
This is why I do what I do. And this is why I exhort all my Christian brothers and sisters to do the same.
Friday, June 15, 2012
Fatherhood, Creation, and Perversion
This Sunday is Father's Day, initiated to remind us all of the need to respect and appreciate the blessing of a father in the home. God as the Creator established marriage and the family. He laid out the pattern for these roles in the very beginning of Scripture, the first book of the Bible, Genesis chapters 1 and 2: one man for one woman for life. When an individual or a group of individuals choose to twist God's design, the result is perversion. God calls it sin.
We live in a society that has denied the truth of the Creator and His word. We have turned every one to His own way, and said "Do your own thing." Children are taught that they are just rearranged slime and there are no rules. One of the results of this is the rise of homosexuality and other like base practices. I believe this is a direct fruit of rejection of the Creator God (Romans 1:18-32).
Christians and churches as a whole across the country have not spoken the truth, nor have they taken a stand for the truth. The main cause of this silence is that most Christians are woefully ignorant of what God actually says. "My people are destroyed for the lack of knowledge..." (Hosea 4:6). Because of this "lack of knowledge", not only have the lost in this world simply sunk deeper in sin unwarned, but also many Christians have been deceived into thinking it is fine with God. I know of prominent "Christian" leaders who are treating homosexual relations as a non issue, and won't speak the truth about it. This is because they either have denied it to be true themselves or they are giving in to the fear of man. But are we not to speak the truth in love (Ephesians 4:15)? Is it loving to let someone continue in sin, without warning them of the danger and the judgment of such an abomination? Is it loving to tell them that their actions are permissible, when God says differently? Is it loving to NOT tell them of the way of escape? The Bible declares, "Faithful are the wounds of a friend; but the kisses of an enemy are deceitful" (Proverbs 27:6).
Are we not to be preserving salt in society? If we are not doing our job outside the saltshaker, or worse, are allowing our own salt to be polluted by the world's thinking, are we not worthy of being trodden under the foot of men? If we are silent is it not to our shame? (Matthew 5:13; Luke 14:34-35; Colossians 4:6; I Corinthians 15:34)
Are we not to shine the light in darkness, in the midst of a crooked and perverse nation, even though men love darkness because their deeds are evil? (Matthew 5:16; John 3:19; Philippians 2:15)
As a follower of Jesus Christ, I cannot but speak His word "...he that hath my word, let him speak my word faithfully..." (Jeremiah 23:28).
Anyway, I recently saw something alarming on the official Father's Day ad for JC Penny's. It shows the picture of a real life male homosexual couple and their children, and talks about how great it is to have two dads. It is depicting that lifestyle as a normal and healthy, which is a glaring lie. This large department store company is promoting the homosexual agenda. Here is an excerpt of my message to them:
We live in a society that has denied the truth of the Creator and His word. We have turned every one to His own way, and said "Do your own thing." Children are taught that they are just rearranged slime and there are no rules. One of the results of this is the rise of homosexuality and other like base practices. I believe this is a direct fruit of rejection of the Creator God (Romans 1:18-32).
Christians and churches as a whole across the country have not spoken the truth, nor have they taken a stand for the truth. The main cause of this silence is that most Christians are woefully ignorant of what God actually says. "My people are destroyed for the lack of knowledge..." (Hosea 4:6). Because of this "lack of knowledge", not only have the lost in this world simply sunk deeper in sin unwarned, but also many Christians have been deceived into thinking it is fine with God. I know of prominent "Christian" leaders who are treating homosexual relations as a non issue, and won't speak the truth about it. This is because they either have denied it to be true themselves or they are giving in to the fear of man. But are we not to speak the truth in love (Ephesians 4:15)? Is it loving to let someone continue in sin, without warning them of the danger and the judgment of such an abomination? Is it loving to tell them that their actions are permissible, when God says differently? Is it loving to NOT tell them of the way of escape? The Bible declares, "Faithful are the wounds of a friend; but the kisses of an enemy are deceitful" (Proverbs 27:6).
Are we not to be preserving salt in society? If we are not doing our job outside the saltshaker, or worse, are allowing our own salt to be polluted by the world's thinking, are we not worthy of being trodden under the foot of men? If we are silent is it not to our shame? (Matthew 5:13; Luke 14:34-35; Colossians 4:6; I Corinthians 15:34)
Are we not to shine the light in darkness, in the midst of a crooked and perverse nation, even though men love darkness because their deeds are evil? (Matthew 5:16; John 3:19; Philippians 2:15)
As a follower of Jesus Christ, I cannot but speak His word "...he that hath my word, let him speak my word faithfully..." (Jeremiah 23:28).
Anyway, I recently saw something alarming on the official Father's Day ad for JC Penny's. It shows the picture of a real life male homosexual couple and their children, and talks about how great it is to have two dads. It is depicting that lifestyle as a normal and healthy, which is a glaring lie. This large department store company is promoting the homosexual agenda. Here is an excerpt of my message to them:
~~~
Dear JC Penny's Associate,
I am contacting you in grief over your recent blatant ads (Mothers' Day and Father's Day). As a father, I take great umbrage that you would promote homosexuality in the name of a day that is dedicated to preserving honor to the family unit, which is the backbone of our society. Homosexuality brings great damage to those trapped in it and to their families. I have always thought of your company as having a good heritage in integrity and wholesome family values, but I am seeing a calamitous shift, endorsing wicked behavior, that threatens the fabric of the family.
There are a lot who throw the name "homophobe" around, but it does not apply to me, nor to many thousands that stand with me. I am not "afraid" of homosexuals. I care about them enough to tell them the truth. I have spent time and spoken with many of them, and have heard them confess that they know it is wrong and that they are trapped in the sin. They know it is sin. I have had the joy of sharing how they can be made free through the Gospel of Jesus Christ, and encourage them to return to the Creator's design for the sexual relationship: within marriage, between one man and one woman for life. JC Penny's promoting such a destructive behavior is only furthering the bondage of those ensnared. "There is a way that seemeth right unto a man, but the end thereof are the ways of death" (Proverbs 16:25). I cannot put money into what is destroying so many men, women, and families. Because of JC Penny's brazen determination both in the face of the truth, and in spite of the concerns of multitudes of customers, my family and I will not be shopping at JC Penny's stores, outlets, sites, etc., until there is evidence that JC Penny's has changed their policies. I pray that your company will reconsider what it promotes.
~~~
By the way, some have claimed that the Bible has no problem with homosexuality. That is only a claim from those who either do not know the Scriptures, or those who have an ulterior motive to believe so. Here are some articles that will explain the Biblical worldview on homosexuality, the Christian, and society.
I am well aware that it is likely that homosexuals whom I am acquainted may read this. Whether I know you or not, I am praying for you to "Consider your ways" as the LORD said (Haggai 1:7), and repent, turning to Jesus Christ for freedom of this evil sin (I Corinthians 6:9-11).
There is still time to win a battle before the sun goes down.
Monday, April 30, 2012
There is a Place By Me
Moses desired to see the glory of God. This man of faith yearned to know the LORD his God and made his request. Exodus 33:18-23 relates the account of God answering his prayer.
This is a well-known passage and many believers have heard and read and studied this portion of Scripture, and gained insights on getting to know the God of the Bible. Some incredible hymns have come from this passage, such as "He Hideth my Soul" and "Rock of Ages". In Exodus 33:18-23, we can see so much, including...
-the character of God (His holiness, His power, His desire that we know Him).
-the unworthiness of finite and sinful man.
-how we should desire to be close to Him.
-the importance of coming to Him in His way.
I myself have read these verses many times, and yet, this time through the Bible, I am struck by something that I didn't notice before (or have forgotten), to wit, the verse below:
"And the LORD said, Behold there is a place by me, and thou shalt stand upon a rock" (Exodus 33:21).
The words jumped out at me: "...there is a place by me..."
Moses was NOT told to go up on a mountain to see God afar off through a high-powered telescope. NOR was he told to catch God's program on the television (tele means "distant"). God wasn't distant in His response at all. Instead, He said, "There is a place by Me."
All of us are born sinners, and headed for the destruction we deserve in Hell (Romans 3:23). We are separated from God by our iniquities (Isaiah 59:2). However, God has made the way of salvation open to all who will come to Him through faith alone in the atoning work of Jesus (II Samuel 14:14). "But now in Christ Jesus ye who sometimes were far off are made nigh by the blood of Christ" (Ephesians 2:13).
Paul preached to the men of Athens, that God desired lost souls to come to Him, telling them...
"That they should seek the Lord, if haply they might feel after him, and find him, though he be not far from every one of us" (Acts 17:27).
Once you know the Lord Jesus as your personal Saviour, He "...will never leave thee nor forsake thee" (Hebrews 13:5). As His people, we should stick close to His side in open fellowship. As we live each day, abiding in Him and in His word (John 15:5,7), we can with great joy proclaim with the psalmist, "Thou art near, O LORD; and all thy commandments are truth" (Psalm 119:151).
What a challenge to me and every believer, to respond to God's invitation to be "BY" Him! He certainly "is a friend that sticketh closer than a brother" (Proverbs 18:24). Often we are tempted to go our own way, and drift from Him, even as believers. The world lures us, the flesh pulls us, and the devil assures us, that we don't really need to stay THAT close to the LORD. After all, God doesn't care if we stray a little, does He? But the truth is GOD DOES CARE! If we say it doesn't matter, we are "deceiving our own selves" and miss out on truly getting to know Him better and seeing Him work mightily in our lives.
BUT when we learn to trust Him and stay near Him, we find that it beats the life on the brink all to pieces! It was when Moses was by the Lord, that he saw His glory in a special way!
The last line of verse 21 also jumped out at me: "...thou shalt stand upon a rock" (Exodus 33:21).
How wonderfully assuring it is to know that when we are staying close by the Lord, we can know that we are standing on a good foundation. Not on sand, not on boggy earth, but "upon a rock".
This is a well-known passage and many believers have heard and read and studied this portion of Scripture, and gained insights on getting to know the God of the Bible. Some incredible hymns have come from this passage, such as "He Hideth my Soul" and "Rock of Ages". In Exodus 33:18-23, we can see so much, including...
-the character of God (His holiness, His power, His desire that we know Him).
-the unworthiness of finite and sinful man.
-how we should desire to be close to Him.
-the importance of coming to Him in His way.
I myself have read these verses many times, and yet, this time through the Bible, I am struck by something that I didn't notice before (or have forgotten), to wit, the verse below:
"And the LORD said, Behold there is a place by me, and thou shalt stand upon a rock" (Exodus 33:21).
The words jumped out at me: "...there is a place by me..."
Moses was NOT told to go up on a mountain to see God afar off through a high-powered telescope. NOR was he told to catch God's program on the television (tele means "distant"). God wasn't distant in His response at all. Instead, He said, "There is a place by Me."
All of us are born sinners, and headed for the destruction we deserve in Hell (Romans 3:23). We are separated from God by our iniquities (Isaiah 59:2). However, God has made the way of salvation open to all who will come to Him through faith alone in the atoning work of Jesus (II Samuel 14:14). "But now in Christ Jesus ye who sometimes were far off are made nigh by the blood of Christ" (Ephesians 2:13).
Paul preached to the men of Athens, that God desired lost souls to come to Him, telling them...
"That they should seek the Lord, if haply they might feel after him, and find him, though he be not far from every one of us" (Acts 17:27).
Once you know the Lord Jesus as your personal Saviour, He "...will never leave thee nor forsake thee" (Hebrews 13:5). As His people, we should stick close to His side in open fellowship. As we live each day, abiding in Him and in His word (John 15:5,7), we can with great joy proclaim with the psalmist, "Thou art near, O LORD; and all thy commandments are truth" (Psalm 119:151).
What a challenge to me and every believer, to respond to God's invitation to be "BY" Him! He certainly "is a friend that sticketh closer than a brother" (Proverbs 18:24). Often we are tempted to go our own way, and drift from Him, even as believers. The world lures us, the flesh pulls us, and the devil assures us, that we don't really need to stay THAT close to the LORD. After all, God doesn't care if we stray a little, does He? But the truth is GOD DOES CARE! If we say it doesn't matter, we are "deceiving our own selves" and miss out on truly getting to know Him better and seeing Him work mightily in our lives.
BUT when we learn to trust Him and stay near Him, we find that it beats the life on the brink all to pieces! It was when Moses was by the Lord, that he saw His glory in a special way!
The last line of verse 21 also jumped out at me: "...thou shalt stand upon a rock" (Exodus 33:21).
How wonderfully assuring it is to know that when we are staying close by the Lord, we can know that we are standing on a good foundation. Not on sand, not on boggy earth, but "upon a rock".
Wednesday, April 25, 2012
DON'T Follow Your Heart!
The world says, "FOLLOW YOUR HEART!" We hear that from the media, scores of movies, friends, books, and other sources. However, we find that the Scripture gives us warnings about this:
#1 - "He that trusteth in his own heart is a fool: but whoso walketh wisely, he shall be delivered" (Proverbs 28:26).
#2 - "The heart is deceitful above all things, and desperately wicked: who can know it?" (Jeremiah 17:9).
#3 - "For from within, out of the heart of men, proceed evil thought, adulteries, fornications, murders, thefts, covetousness, wickedness, deceit, lasciviousness, an evil eye, blasphemy, pride, foolishness:" (Mark 7:21-22).
So, if we are not to "follow our heart", what should we do? The Bible tells us the answer to this too!
"Hear thou, my son, and be wise, and guide thine heart in the way" (Proverbs 23:19). We should hear the words of the LORD, wisely heed them, and LEAD OUR HEART, following the way of our Lord Jesus Christ.
This truth is found in the longest psalm in the Bible:
"Blessed are the undefiled in the way, who walk in the law of the LORD.
Blessed are they that keep his testimonies, and that seek his with the whole heart.
The also do no iniquity: they walk in his ways..." (Psalm 119:1,2,3). And on it goes for 176 verses!
So, let us turn to the Lord and follow God's ways, not simply our own hearts!
#1 - "He that trusteth in his own heart is a fool: but whoso walketh wisely, he shall be delivered" (Proverbs 28:26).
#2 - "The heart is deceitful above all things, and desperately wicked: who can know it?" (Jeremiah 17:9).
#3 - "For from within, out of the heart of men, proceed evil thought, adulteries, fornications, murders, thefts, covetousness, wickedness, deceit, lasciviousness, an evil eye, blasphemy, pride, foolishness:" (Mark 7:21-22).
So, if we are not to "follow our heart", what should we do? The Bible tells us the answer to this too!
"Hear thou, my son, and be wise, and guide thine heart in the way" (Proverbs 23:19). We should hear the words of the LORD, wisely heed them, and LEAD OUR HEART, following the way of our Lord Jesus Christ.
This truth is found in the longest psalm in the Bible:
"Blessed are the undefiled in the way, who walk in the law of the LORD.
Blessed are they that keep his testimonies, and that seek his with the whole heart.
The also do no iniquity: they walk in his ways..." (Psalm 119:1,2,3). And on it goes for 176 verses!
So, let us turn to the Lord and follow God's ways, not simply our own hearts!
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