Tag: fear God
Day 3–God Will Provide
Scripture reading for April 22: Genesis 22:11-14 “But the angel of the Lord called to him from heaven and said, “Abraham, Abraham!” And he said, “Here I am.” He said, “Do not lay your hand on the boy or do anything to him, for now I know that you fear God, seeing you have not withheld your son, your only son, from Me. And Abraham lifted up his eyes and looked, and behold, behind him was a ram, caught in a thicket by his horns. And Abraham went and took the ram and offered it up as a burnt offering instead of his son. So Abraham called the name of that place, “The Lord will provide”, as it is said to this day, “On the mount of the Lord it shall be provided.”
God often tests His people for genuine faith and love for Him that produces obedience. In this amazing story from the life of Abraham, the father of faith, we have God asking Abraham to sacrifice his son of promise, Isaac. This was a difficult request but Abraham feared God and also trusted God’s promises to him that through Isaac and his offspring all nations would be blessed. Abraham obeyed God and set out for the place he was to make the sacrifice with Isaac carrying the wood and he the fire and knife. He prepared an altar and laid Isaac on it. As he raised the knife, God stopped him by calling his name. God told Abraham not to touch his son, for he had passed the test of trusting God. Abraham saw a ram caught in a thicket and offered the ram instead pf his son. He named the site, “Jehovah Jireh”, which means ‘The Lord will provide.” It was near the place where two thousand years later Jesus Christ was offered as a sacrifice for the sins of the world.
As responders, we are often called to help in difficult assignments where we don’t fully understand how we will make it through. Abraham’s life lesson for us is that obedience to God is always the best way forward. As we go, God will surely provide what we need when we have obeyed. I have experienced God’s amazing supply numerous times on my journey through life.
Prayer: Father, I am not sure that I could have obeyed Your request to sacrifice my son to you. Examine my heart today and lead me in paths of surrender and obedience to Your will. I am learning to trust the promise of the Name Abraham learned the hard way–“The Lord Will Provide!” Amen.
Share the burdens in leadership!
Scripture reading for February 6th: Exodus 16-18, Ephesians 4
Key Scriptures: Exodus 18:21-23 “Moreover, look for a few men from all the people, men who fear God, who are trustworthy and hate a bribe, and place such men over the people as chiefs of thousands, of hundreds, of fifties, and of tens. And let them judge the people at all times. Every great matter they shall bring to you, but any small matter they shall decide themselves. So it will be easier for you, and they will bear the burden with you. If you do this, God will direct you, you will be able to endure, and all this people also will go to their place in peace.”
Jethro was Moses’ father-in-law. He came to visit Moses and noticed that Moses was overworked and burdened down with all the disputes among the people. Jethro gave Moses some fatherly advice: Share the load! Moses should carefully chose others who were godly and capable of leadership. These should be appointed over groupings of people in orderly fashion. They would handle the small concerns and bring the bigger to Moses. All would be blessed and Moses could survive!
Faith Confession and Prayer: I am thankful for many gift people in the Body of Christ. These gifts spread the responsibility and blessing of leadership. Lord, help me to recognize my need for the help of others You have given to bless the Church.
Ephesians 4:11-13 “And He gave the apostles, the prophets, the evangelists, the shepherds and teachers, to equip the saints for the work of ministry, for building up the Body of Christ, until we all attain to the unity of the faith and of the knowledge of the Son of God, to mature manhood, to the measure of the stature of the fullness of Christ, . . .”
Avoid divisive people!
Scripture reading for July 4th: Romans 16, Psalm 133, Proverbs 9
Key Scriptures: Romans 16:17-19 “I appeal to you, brothers, to watch out for those who cause divisions and create obstacles contrary to the doctrine that you have been taught; avoid them. For such persons do not serve our Lord Christ, but their own appetites, and by smooth talk and flattery they deceive the hearts of the naive. For your obedience is known to all, so that I rejoice over you, but I want you to be wise as to what is good and innocent as to what is evil.”
Paul warned the church to avoid people who were divisive and created controversy that opposed sound doctrine. The dividers were serving their own appetites and not the Lord Jesus. Paul then complimented them for their obedience and encouraged them to be wise about doing good and innocent concerning evil and division. This wisdom can be applied in every area of life and living.
Faith Confession: Thank You for the wisdom given me by the Holy Spirit and God’s Word to be wise for good and innocent concerning evil. Help me to avoid divisive people and stand in sound doctrine.
Proverbs 9:10-11 “The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom, and the knowledge of the Holy One is insight. For by Me your days will be multiplied and years will be added to your life.”
Continue in good works
Scripture reading for September 21st: Ecclesiastes 12, Song of Songs 1-3, 2nd Thessalonians 3
Key Scriptures: 2nd Thessalonians 3:10-13 “For even when we were with you, we would give you this command: If anyone is not willing to work, let him not eat. For we hear that some among you walk in idleness, not busy at work, but busybodies. Now such persons we command and encourage in the Lord Jesus Christ to do their work quietly and to earn their own living. As for you, brothers, do not grow weary in doing good.”
Some in the church were idle and living off the work of others. Paul warned them not to be idle, but to be steady in good works and earn their own way. Idleness leads to gossip and meddling and strife. This is not proper in God’s family.
Ecclesiastes 12:13-14 “The end of the matter; all has been heard. Fear God and keep His commandments, for this is the whole duty of men. For God will bring every deed into judgment with every secret thing, whether good or bad.”
Prayer: Lord, thank You for calling Your people to good works and earning a living. Keep me mindful that I will have to answer to You for my conduct on earth. Amen.
Thankful for God’s Righteous Judgment!
Scripture reading for July 25th: Ecclesiastes 9-12
Key Scriptures: Ecclesiastes 12:13-14 “Now all has been heard; here is the conclusion of the matter: Fear God and keep His commandments, for this is the whole duty of man. For God will bring every deed into judgment, including every hidden thing, whether it is good or evil.”
Solomon concluded his dissertation with a simple statement of truth. Even though life under the sun appeared to be meaningless to the worldly man, there was a God in heaven that deserved reverence and obedience. This God had decreed that He would judge each person based on their deeds and obedience to His commands. There was nothing that would be hidden from His sight.
Thankful for God the Righteous Judge: “Moreover, the Father judges no one, but has entrusted all judgment to the Son, . .” (John 5:22) “But I tell you that men will have to give account on the day of judgment for every careless word they have spoken. For by your words you will be acquitted, and by your words you will be condemned.” (Matthew 12:36-37)
Don’t be a hypocrite!
Scripture reading for March 19th: Luke 12
“Be on your guard against the yeast of the Pharisees, which is hypocrisy. There is nothing concealed that will not be disclosed, or hidden that will not be made known. What you have said in the dark will be heard in the daylight, and what you have whispered in the ear in the inner rooms will be proclaimed from the roofs.” (Luke 12:1-3) Jesus was concerned for His disciples. The example of the religious leaders of Jesus’ time was one of proclaiming to be righteous but in reality still being bound by sin and uncleanness. The Pharisees were always judging others, but failed to see their own sin.
Hypocrisy is like putting on a show or play-acting to fit each situation you are in. Jesus wanted disciples who would be true to Him and God all the time. He warned them that living a lie would be exposed and would bring ultimate humiliation and condemnation by God. “I tell you, My friends, do not be afraid of those who kill the body and after that can do no more. But I will show you whom you should fear: Fear Him who, after the killing of the body, has power to throw you into hell. Yes, I tell you, fear Him.” (Luke 12:4-5) Hypocrites lack a true fear of God and instead fear men and act to please those they are around.
“I tell you, whoever acknowledges Me before men, the Son of Man will also acknowledge him before the angels of God. But he who disowns Me before men will be disowned before the angels of God.” (Luke 12:8-9) Followers of Jesus must stay true to Jesus! There is great reward for the faithful and loss for the hypocrite!
The Judge will do right!
Scripture reading for December 29th: Revelation 14-16
John saw the Lamb, standing on Mount Zion and 144,000 redeemed from the tribes of Israel. They were those who had kept themselves pure and had followed the Lamb. (Revelation 14:1-4) This company was praising the Lamb with a new song that only they could learn.
As John continued to look, he saw another angel flying in mid-heaven proclaiming an eternal gospel to those on the earth. “He said in a loud voice, “Fear God and give Him glory, because the hour of His judgment has come. Worship Him who made the heavens, the earth, the sea, and the springs of water.”” (Revelation 14:7)
“A second angel followed and said in a loud voice: “Fallen! Fallen is Babylon the Great, which made all the nations drink the maddening wine of her adulteries.”” (Revelation 14:8-9) A third angel warned of the wrath of God against those who had the mark of the beast. They will have no rest and the smoke of their torment will rise forever! God does nothing by judgment unless He warns His people by the prophets. (Amos 3:6-7) God would rather each person repent than that they experience His wrath!
“Then I heard a voice from heaven say, “Write: Blessed are the dead who die in the Lord from now on.” “Yes”, says the Spirit, “they will rest from their labor and their deeds will follow them.” (Revelation 14:13)
“Behold, I come like a thief! Blessed is he who stays awake and keeps his clothes with him, so that he may not go naked and be shamefully exposed.” (Revelation 16:15)
Those who read and heed this book are promised a blessing! (Revelation 1:3) Death for the believer brings rest from the warfare and rewards for standing true to the Lord! He will come like a thief for those not ready! His people will be awake, aware, and prepared by the blood of Jesus! They will be pure by faith and living by faith in obedience to the Lord! Today’s chapters end with the bowls of wrath poured out on the earth in terrible judgments. We would do well to pay heed! His judgments are just and true!
Prepare to meet God!
Scripture reading for September 13th: Amos 3-5
Amos, a country preacher, used plain language! Country people don’t usually beat around the bush. They call it like it is. I imagine that Amos made a few people pretty mad! For instance, in Amos 4:1 he calls the women of Samaria “cows”. These women were likened to the well-fed cattle of Bashan, a farming area east of the Sea of Galilee. These women were demanding drinks from their husbands and were oppressing the poor and needy while they enjoyed an abundance. Amos promised them that God’s punishment was on the way.
Amos told the people to go up to Bethel and sin. They were religious and brought offerings that they boasted about. God had tried to correct them and get their attention, but to no avail! (Amos 4:6, 9, 11) The final call was for them to prepare to meet their God! (Amos 4:12) Amos then took up a funeral lament for Israel as if she had died and met God! (Amos 5:1-3)
What was Amos’ remedy for these hardened religious people? He told them to seek the Lord and live! (Amos 5:8-9) Their God had power that should be feared and He should be revered! They were to seek good and not evil. God eternally hates evil and his wrath is always against it. (Amos 5:14-15)
Amos reproved this religious people again for saying that they longed for the day of the Lord! He told them that it would be a day of darkness, not light for them! (Amos 5:18) It would be like a man fleeing from a lion, only to meet a bear. These people were going through the motions and God hated their songs, festivals, feasts and offerings! He wanted justice and righteousness that resulted from His people living by faith in the fear of the Lord! (Amos 5:24)
As we listen to this farmer-preacher, we hear truth spoken in plain language. The times he lived in are a lot like ours. Are we sure we are seeking the Lord with our hearts, and not just words and ritual? Do we hate evil and love good! Are we working for justice and help for the poor. The day of the Lord is coming! We must be prepared to meet our God!
“. . . prepare to meet your God, O Israel.” Amos 4:12b
A word to the wise: Fear God!
Scripture reading for July 15th: Ecclesiastes 7-12
The quest of Solomon to find meaning is played out every day in our world. People are going to and fro seeking pleasure, wisdom, meaning in life. They are trying wine, relationships, sports, building, materialism, and fame to find happiness and fulfillment. Many who are laughing and appearing to have fun, feel empty inside. Others are in bondage to sin and are miserable. They are looking for that elusive fulfillment that can only be found in God Himself!
Solomon stated that the day of death was better than the day of birth because all men could contemplate their own future at the funeral. Death will take away every man and their works will stand judgment. There is not a righteous man on earth who does what is right all the time and never sins. (Ecclesiastes 7:10; Romans 3:23) Solomon found that God had made men upright, but that men in their folly had gone in search of many schemes! (Ecclesiastes 7:29) We must all answer to God when we die!
“The race is not to the swift or the battle to the strong, nor does food come to the wise or wealth to the brilliant or favor to the learned; but time and chance happen to them all.” (Ecclesiastes 9:11) No one really knows the future or what it holds. Accidents can come suddenly and death can snatch us from this life without warning! “As fish are caught in a cruel net, or birds are taken in a snare, so men are trapped by evil times that fall unexpectedly upon them.” (Ecclesiastes 9:12)
“The words of the wise are like goads, their collected sayings like firmly embedded nails–given by one Shepherd. Be warned, my son, of anything in addition to them. Of the making of many books there is no end, and much study wearies the body. Now all has been heard; her is the conclusion of the matter: Fear God and keep His commandments, for this is the whole duty of man. For God will bring every deed into judgment, including every hidden thing, whether it is good or bad.” Ecclesiastes 12:11-13 Solomon concluded his book with a simple warning. Let the fear of the Lord and obedience to His commands drive your life. These are wise words to be pondered and applied!
The conclusion: Fear God!
Scripture reading for July 14th: Ecclesiastes 7-12
The quest of Solomon to find meaning is played out every day in our world. People are going to and fro seeking pleasure, wisdom, meaning and purpose in life under the sun. They are trying wine, women, sports, building, materialism, and fame to find happiness and fulfillment. Many laugh and appear to have fun, but they have found no meaning. Many are in bondage to sins of the flesh and are miserable. That elusive fulfillment can only be found in God Himself!
Solomon told us that the day of death was better than the day of birth. Death will come to every man and their works will stand judgment. This should give us motivation for righteous living here and now! There was not a righteous man who did what is right and never sinned. (Ecclesiastes 7:10; Romans 3:23) Solomon found that God had made men upright, but that men in their folly had gone in search of many schemes! (Ecclesiastes 7:29)
“The race is not to the swift or the battle to the strong, nor does food come to the wise or wealth to the brilliant or favor to the learned; but time and chance happen to them all.” (Ecclesiastes 9:11) No one really knows the future or what it holds. Accidents can come suddenly and death can snatch us from this life without warning! “As fish are caught in a cruel net, or birds are taken in a snare, so men are trapped by evil times that fall unexpectedly upon them.” (Ecclesiastes 9:12)
“The words of the wise are like goads, their collected sayings like firmly embedded nails–given by one Shepherd. Be warned, my son, of anything in addition to them. Of the making of many books there is no end, and much study wearies the body. Now all has been heard; her is the conclusion of the matter: Fear God and keep His commandments, for this is the whole duty of man. For God will bring every deed into judgment, including every hidden thing, whether it is good or bad.” (Ecclesiastes 12:11-13) Let the fear of the Lord and obedience to His commands drive your life. It is the beginning of all wisdom. These are wise words given by our Shepherd to be pondered and applied! True meaning will come at Christ’s judgment seat when every deed is judged!