BibleTrekToday.com

Year: 2010

  • Sunday Rest and Reflection:Dreams and Visions!

    Dear Friends,

    We are living in the exciting times of the last days mentioned often in Scripture.  These are days of great trials and troubles.  Earthquakes and wars are common news.  There are signs of the coming of the Lord in the news and we can feel an urgency in our hearts to be ready and help others get prepared.  The greatest event of history is the coming of Jesus Christ as King of Kings and it could happen any day!

    In the last week’s readings, the prophet Joel had much to say in his short book.  He initially saw the destruction of the land by a swarm of locusts that represented the army of Assyria.  Later, he was given a vision of the restoration of Israel after its destruction and judgment.  The autumn rains would come and abundant showers would restore the parched and barren land.  God would repay His people for the years that the locusts had eaten!  (Joel 2:23-25)

    This rain was really a picture of the outpouring of the Holy Spirit in the Last days!  (Joel 2:28-32)  (Acts 2:16-21)  God was planning a Holy Spirit outpouring that would cause men and women, young and old, Jew and Gentile to be filled with the Holy Spirit.  They would prophesy, dream dreams and see visions.  God would do miracles, signs and wonders and everyone who called on the name of the Lord would be saved!  There would be a great deliverance for Jerusalem and Mount Zion.

    We are living in these very days!  There is deliverance for all who will call on the Name of Jesus Christ!  We who know Him are filled with the Holy Spirit and have power to share the Gospel; the Lord can use us to bring healing and miraculous acts of His grace to those who are being witnessed to.  Let’s allow the Lord to use us daily and expect Him to confirm His word with supernatural signs!  We serve an awesome God!  The best is yet to come!

    In His Love,

    Pastor John

  • The Valley of Decision

    Scripture reading for September 11th: Joel 1-3

    Joel spoke to Israel during a time of natural disaster.  A swarm of locusts had invaded Israel and was devouring their crops.  (Joel 1:4)  Joel saw in this locust plague a picture of another coming judgment on the nation.   An army from the north was coming to bring God’s judgment.   This time of coming judgment was called “the day of the Lord”.  (Joel 1:15, 2:1,11 31, 3:14)

    Joel called the people to fast and pray for God’s mercy.  God gives grace to the humble and if God’s people will humble themselves and pray and seek His face, turning from their wicked ways, He will hear from heaven and heal their land.  (2nd Chronicles 7:14)  “Declare a holy fast; call a sacred assembly.  Summon the elders and all who live in the land to the house of the Lord your God, and cry out to the Lord.  Alas for that day!  For the day of the Lord is near; it will come like destruction from the Almighty.” (Joel 1:14-15)

    Desperate times call for passionate intercession and heart-felt repentance! “Even now,” declares the Lord, “return to me with all your heart, with fasting and weeping and mourning.”  Rend you hearts and not your garments.  Return to the Lord your God, for he is gracious and compassionate, slow to anger and abounding in love, and He relents from sending calamity.” (Joel 2:12-13)  God will always respond to a people who are demonstrating a genuine repentance.  God has been known to change His mind about judgment when His people call out.   He even responds when Gentiles call on Him, as the book of Jonah demonstrates!

    Joel also saw God gathering the nations in the Valley of Jehoshaphat for judgment concerning how they treated His inheritance.  There would be a great army gathered there and God would sit in judgment. ” “Swing the sickle, for the harvest is ripe.  Come, trample the grapes,  for the winepress is full and the vats overflow–so great is their wickedness!” Multitudes, multitudes in the valley of decision!  For the day of the Lord is near in the valley of decision.” (Joel 3:13-14)  Many think of this verse as viewing the people who have opportunity to decide for the Lord.  That is not the case!  These people have decided against God and God is making His decision to judge them!  This is a place to avoid by repentance!

  • Return to the Lord!

    Scripture reading for September 10th: Hosea 12-14

    “Return, O Israel, to the Lord your God.  Your sins have been your downfall! Take words with you and return to the Lord.  Say to Him: “Forgive all our sins and receive us graciously, that we may offer the fruit of our lips.” (Hosea 14:1-2)

    God’s always calling out to those who will hear.  He desires none to perish, but all to come to repentance. (2nd Peter 3:9)  Repentance is a change of mind and direction.  It is turning from rebellious and selfish ways back to the Lord.  This turning comes when we recognize that our actions and attitudes constitute “sin” and that this sin is the cause of our downfall.  The next step is to come to God with words that come from a broken and contrite heart.  Asking God to forgive us and receive us again is the path back.  God waits joyfully to receive His people back who come sincerely.  “If we confess our sins, He is faithful and just and will forgive us our sins and purify us from all unrighteousness.” (1st John 1:9)

    Hosea describes the Lord’s mercy and compassion to his countrymen.  “I will heal their waywardness and love them freely, for My anger has turned away from them.” (Hosea 14:4)  God longs to heal His people and His love goes out to them even as His wrath and anger went out against their sin and rebellion.  He would much rather show mercy in love than punish in anger!  Repentance is the key element needed to draw God’s love and turn away that anger!

    “Who is wise? He will realize these things, Who is discerning?  He will understand them.  The ways of the Lord are right; the righteous walk in them, but the rebellious stumble in them.” (Hosea 14:9)   God’s ways are always right and just.  When men are in rebellion, they are ignorant and lack the discernment because of the darkness that covers their hearts.  When God’s people willfully reject an understanding of God’s ways and refuse to follow, they are destroyed by this willful lack of knowledge.  (Hosea 4:6)  True prophets turn God’s people back to the Lord and His mercy.  They expose sin and lies.  Check your own heart today.  Do you need to “return to the Lord”?  Simply take words and ask Him for His mercy!

  • Plow That Fallow Ground!

    Scripture reading for September 9th: Hosea 9-11

    As a farmer, I learned that my farmland sometimes needed a rest.  This was called letting the ground lie “fallow”.   Occasionally we would be seed it down with a cover crop and let that crop grow and the land rest for a year.  When it rested, weeds would also grow.  Before they could go to seed in the fall, we would go out and plow that ground and turn all the cover crop and weeds under.  That way the soil could be full of decaying plants and the next year it would produce a better crop.

    “Sow for yourselves righteousness, reap the fruit of unfailing love, and break up your unplowed (fallow) ground; for it is time to seek the Lord, until He comes and showers righteousness on you.  You have planted wickedness, you have reaped evil, you have eaten the fruit of deception.  Because you have depended on your own strength and on your many warriors.”  (Hosea 10:12-13)

    Right living according to God’s law and word brought a good crop for the Israelites.  God’s unfailing love would bring blessing and a good harvest.  But the Israelites had let their hearts rest and weeds of sin had grown up.  Their land needed plowing!  That fallow ground needed broken up.  Hosea’s preaching was like the plow and God’s word was the plowshare that went into their hearts to break up the hardness and turn over the weedy growth!  They had planted wickedness instead of righteousness and had eaten the fruit of deception.  This is a reference to the Garden of Eden and the forbidden fruit that Eve and Adam ate!  They depended on their own strength instead of God!

    How like today this is in our own land!  People have sown wickedness and our land is full of broken promises and false oaths.  Lawsuits spring up everywhere. (Hosea 10:4)  Guilt is upon the land and it’s people.  Thorns and thistles, representing the curse of Genesis 3 are growing over the altars of wickedness. (Hosea 10:8)  The fear of terror and war and economic hardship is in the air.   The ground needs plowing!

    How God yearns to love and have compassion on His wayward children!   Let this ancient word from God do the work of the plow in the weeds of your heart!  Sow righteousness and reap the crop of everlasting love!  God will rain His righteousness upon you!

  • Put the Trumpet to Your Lips!

    Scripture reading for September 8th: Hosea 7-8

    “Put the trumpet to your lips!  An eagle is over the house of the Lord because the people have broken My covenant and rebelled against My law.  Israel cries out to Me, ‘O our God, we acknowledge You!’  But Israel has rejected what is good; an enemy will pursue him.” (Hosea 8:1-3)

    God told Hosea to warn His people with prophetic preaching about the coming judgment!  A trumpet was used in Israel to call the people to war.  Remember that the Lord does nothing in judgment unless He warns His people!  (Amos 3:7)  His people gave a vocal commitment to the Lord by publicly acknowledging Him, but in their daily lives rejected God’s law and word.  Their covenant relationship was violated by going after other gods and committing spiritual adultery.  They put princes in office without God’s approval!  (Hosea 8:4-6)

    Because of their hearts full of adultery and iniquity, they sowed the wind and would reap the whirlwind!  (Hosea 8:7)  This is an example that paints an interesting picture.  Wind is invisible but has consequences that we cannot see.  A whirlwind is visible because of it’s destructive consequences.  It is wind that has accelerated and brings visible destruction.  The people should get the message clearly!

    In the midst of all of this, the people were still religious.  They built altars for sin offerings, but these became “altars for sinning”.  (Hosea 8:11)  They failed to follow God’s specific instructions for atonement of sins.  They did things in their own way and God was not pleased!  The result was disastrous, the reaping of the whirlwind!   “Israel has forgotten his Maker and built palaces; Judah has fortified many towns.  But I will send fire upon their cities and consume their fortresses.” (Hosea 8:14)

    As we contemplate this message of Hosea to God’s people, we can’t help but think of our own land and it’s people.  Many claim to be followers of Jesus Christ.  They make professions of faith but live far from God’s law.  They live in spiritual adultery and elect leaders who God would not approve of because of their lawlessness!  They want leaders who will validate their lifestyles, not blow a trumpet!  They look for pastors who will tickle their ears and soothe them with smooth words.  This works for a while, but God eventually sends the whirlwind!  Take time to examine your own heart today and pray for our nation!

  • Rejection of the Knowledge of God

    Scripture reading for September 7th: Hosea 4-6

    Israel had an amazing legacy of God’s revelation of His nature and character to them.  They had experienced God’s presence in their midst and knew personally of His love and mercy and powerful deliverance of the nation from slavery and bondage in Egypt.  Yet, in Hosea’s time, they lacked knowledge and were being destroyed!

    “. . My people are destroyed from lack of knowledge.  Because you have rejected knowledge, I also reject you as my priests; because you have ignored the law of your God, I also will ignore your children.” ( Hosea 4:6)   This lack of knowledge came from God’s priests ignoring and rejecting the law of God.  When a people willfully rejects knowledge that it has, blindness and judgment come their way.  Consequences of rejecting God’s law bring judgment on the people and their offspring.  Could this be happening in America today?

    The consequences of the priests rejecting God’s law were evident in Israel.  “Hear the word of the Lord, you Israelites, because the Lord has a charge to bring against you who live in the land: “There is no faithfulness, no love, no acknowledgment of God in the land. There is only cursing, lying and murder, stealing and adultery; they break all bounds, and bloodshed follows bloodshed.”” In reading Hosea Chapter 4, seven of the ten commandments are listed as broken by the Israelites!

    In America today, there is an assault on the law of God.  God’s word has been removed from the public school system and much of the business and political world.  Posting of the ten commandments was once common and it has now been declared illegal by many states and court systems.  Teaching the basic laws of God was once the foundation of our education system and it is now illegal in our public schools.  In fact, many of God’s laws can be “legally” broken because people and government have rejected the knowledge of God.

    According to Hosea, the priests were to blame in Israel.  Christians must take responsibility in America!  We now have a knowledge of God through the Holy Spirit and must live and vote to keep God’s knowledge fresh in our country’s remembrance.  The rejection of knowledge resulted in judgment:  “Ephraim is joined to idols; leave him alone.” “A whirlwind will sweep them away,” (Hosea 4:17,19a) What will happen in our nation?

  • Marry a Prostitute?

    Scripture reading for September 6th: Hosea 1-3

    The life of a prophet of God was not an easy road.  God called Hosea to marry an adulterous woman named Gomer. (Hosea 1:2-3)  She was a prostitute with many lovers.  Gomer was a picture of Israel and her affairs with many foreign gods.  Hosea obeyed God and obediently lived with this woman and had three children by her.  These children were given names by God that gave a prophetic message to the Israelites!  God used Hosea and his unfaithful wife to be an object lesson to His wayward people!

    Hosea’s first child was to be called “Jezreel”, which means “God plants”.  God was going to uproot the planted house of Israel in the valley of Jezreel.  The second child was a girl to be named “Lo-Ruhamah”, which means “not loved”.  God was going to cut off his show of love for Israel but not for Judah.  The last son was born and given the name “Lo-Ammi”, which means “not my people”.  God was going to cut off His relationship with His people and this child would be a sign of His word to them. (Hosea 1:4-9)

    In spite of this hard message of judgment and rejection, God gave Hosea a word of hope and encouragement as well.  He was told that though the Israelites would go into captivity, they would multiply and be brought back to Israel and again be called “sons of the living God.”  (Hosea 1:10)  He was told that the “Valley of Achor” (trouble) would become a door of hope. (Hosea 2:15)  They would again call God “my husband” instead of “my master!  (Hosea 2:16)  They would forsake the Baals and again become faithful to God.

    Gomer left Hosea and went back to a life of prostitution.  She sold herself into slavery and bondage.  God told Hosea buy her back.  “So I bought her for fifteen shekels of silver and about a homer and lethek of barley.  Then I told her, “You are to live with me many days; you must not be a prostitute or be intimate with any man, and I will live with you.” ” (Hosea 3:2-3)  This again was a picture of God’s unfailing love for His own adulterous people.  In the last days they would return to Him and enjoy His blessings again!  Take a moment and reflect on God’s faithful love for you and thank Him for it!

  • Sunday Rest and Reflection:Handwriting on the Wall!

    Dear Friends,

    Greetings on another day of resurrection rest!  We celebrate the resurrection of Jesus Christ from death and the grave on the first day of the week!  In Him, we have assurance of our own resurrection and eternal life.  He is the first fruit from death’s grip and all who have put their trust in Him will enjoy resurrection life.  This Blessed Hope could come at any time since we are living in the last days and the time of the end is near!  (Revelation 22:10, 20)

    As I look back on Daniel, I remembered the incident that was recorded of the fall of Babylon.  King Belshazzar was having a party and celebrating with the golden goblets of God’s house, which his father had taken from the temple some 70 years earlier.  (Daniel 5:1-6)  Suddenly a hand appeared and wrote some simple words on the wall of the banquet hall.  No one could interpret the words, but the Queen remembered Daniel who had been used in the past to interpret.

    Daniel came before the king and humbly gave the king the difficult message written on the wall.  He recounted how Belshazzar’s father Nebuchadnezzar had humbled himself, but that this king had not done so.  “But you did not honor the God who holds in His hand your life and all your ways.” (Daniel 5:23b)  For this reason, God had weighed Belshazzar and found him wanting.  He would be removed from power and his kingdom divided between the Medes and Persians!

    God held this king to accountability because of the knowledge of God revealed to him through God’s dealings with his father.  When we don’t act on the knowledge of God we have, we are in danger of judgment and removal from the earth!  I believe that this scene speaks to us in America today.  Many, like this pagan king, are partying and misusing their own vessels (bodies) when judgment is right at the door.  The handwriting is on the wall!  God will judge and only two classes of people will emerge!  One group will go into eternal life and glory.  The other group will go into everlasting shame and contempt! (Daniel 12:1-4)  (Revelation 20:11-14)

    We have enjoyed much blessing because of the Gospel in our land.  Knowledge of God abounds and we are accountable.  The end will come suddenly and quickly!  Are you ready?

    In His Love,

    Pastor John

  • A Book, Resurrection, Eternal Destiny!

    Scripture reading for September 4th: Daniel 10-12

    Daniel lived in Babylon until he was an old man.  He continued a life of prayer and from his relationship with God received prophetic visions.  Daniel won favor with man and with God by his faithfulness and simple trust.  The insight that he received about God’s plans from his day to the final judgment and resurrection are simply amazing.  Only God could have revealed them!

    “At that time, Michael, the great prince who protects your people, will arise.  There will be a time of distress such as has not happened from the beginning of nations until then.  But at that time your people–everyone whose name is found written in the book–will be delivered.  Multitudes who sleep in the dust of the earth will awake: some to everlasting life, others to shame and everlasting contempt.” (Daniel 12:1-2)

    Daniel was told of a conflict at the time of the end that would result in the greatest distress that God’s people had ever experienced.  The archangel Michael, assigned to Israel, would arise to do battle and protect God’s people.    Those whose names were written a certain book would be delivered from death and the distress of that terrible time.  There would only be two destinies: everlasting life or everlasting contempt!  God would resurrect even those who “slept in the dust”.  This talks about resurrection from the grave and is a clear picture of the end of time as described by Jesus Christ (Matthew 25:31-44) and John the Apostle in Revelation 20:11-15!

    “Those who are wise will shine like the brightness of the heavens, and those who lead many to righteousness, like the stars for ever and ever. But you, Daniel, close up and seal the words of the scroll until the time of the end.  Many will go here and there to increase knowledge.” (Daniel 12:3-4)

    Daniel was given encouragement by God for the righteous and wise.  Great glory awaited those who win souls and turn many to God’s righteous Son!  Daniel was told to seal the scroll and allow it’s message to be unsealed at the time of the end!  That time would be marked by much activity and increased knowledge on the earth.  John the Apostle, on the other hand, was told to not seal his revelation for the time was near!  (Revelation 22:10) What exciting times to be alive for those whose names are in His Book of Life!

  • Daniel:Man of Prayer

    Scripture reading for September 3rd: Daniel 7-9

    Daniel was not only a distinguished man known for his character and hard work, he was also known for his ability to pray and understand God’s word.  Even after Daniel had been in Babylon for nearly 70 years, he was still studying the Scriptures.  (Daniel 9:1-3)  Jeremiah had written a letter that went to Jerusalem to the exiles right before the fall of Jerusalem.  In this letter, Jeremiah had told the exiles that God would bring them back to Jerusalem after 70 years.  (Jeremiah 29:10-14)  These scriptures encouraged those in captivity to call out to God for restoration!

    Daniel then began to pray and call on the Lord.  Obedience to God’s word when we pray is powerful.  We know that God’s word is true and we can pray easily in faith.  Jeremiah had given the time of captivity and also promised God’s restoration.  Daniel began to confess sins and call on God for mercy. “Now, our God, hear the prayers and petitions of Your servant.  For Your sake, O Lord, look with favor on Your desolate sanctuary.  Give ear, O God, and hear; open Your eyes and see the desolation of the city that bears Your Name.  We do not make requests because we are righteous, but because of Your great mercy.  O Lord, Listen! O Lord, Forgive!  Oh Lord, hear and act! For Your sake, O my God, do not delay, because Your city and Your people bear Your Name.” (Daniel 9:17-19)

    While Daniel was still praying, God sent the angel Gabriel  with an answer and insight.  Daniel was given the prophesy of the “70 weeks” decreeing the time line for God’s restoration program.  It went beyond just rebuilding the temple, however.  Gabriel told of the coming “Anointed One” and  told how this “Anointed One” would be cut off.  He told of bringing sin to an end and atoning for wickedness.  He told how everlasting righteousness would be established.  (Daniel 9:24-27)

    Daniel’s word from Gabriel in answer to prayer is an amazing prophesy that has been much discussed over the years.  Some of it has been fulfilled in the coming of Jesus Christ, God’s “Anointed One” and Messiah.  Part of it will be fulfilled at the end of the age when Antichrist sets up the abomination in the temple.  Praise God for a man who knows how to pray and study Scripture!  Why not try it yourself?