Psalm 2:1-12 (ESV)
Why do the nations rage and the peoples plot in vain? [2] The kings of the earth set themselves, and the rulers take counsel together, against the Lord and against his anointed, saying, [3] "Let us burst their bonds apart and cast away their cords from us."
[4] He who sits in the heavens laughs; the Lord holds them in derision. [5] Then he will speak to them in his wrath, and terrify them in his fury, saying,
[6] "As for me, I have set my King on Zion, my holy hill."
[7] I will tell of the decree: The Lord said to me, "You are my Son; today I have begotten you. [8] Ask of me, and I will make the nations your heritage, and the ends of the earth your possession. [9] You shall break them with a rod of iron and dash them in pieces like a potter's vessel."
[10] Now therefore, O kings, be wise; be warned, O rulers of the earth. [11] Serve the Lord with fear, and rejoice with trembling. [12] Kiss the Son, lest he be angry, and you perish in the way, for his wrath is quickly kindled. Blessed are all who take refuge in him.
If we look around the world today, we see nations still plotting in vain and raging against the true God and the Lord Jesus Christ. Rulers and countries make it illegal to be a Christian. Men, women, and children around the world put their lives on the line because of the saving work of Jesus Christ. In our own land, we do not see this kind of persecution from the government, but we see a building resistance to Christianity in our land in the removal of the Ten Commandments and prayer from schools, and of Christmas and Easter displays from the public arena.
But “He who sits in the heavens laughs.” Many have tried and will try to frustrate or even stop the plans and purposes of The Lord God Almighty, but He laughs at them. Our God knows the real situation.
Jesus Christ has been given the nations as a heritage. They are His to rule. He alone is King and ruler of all. He is the King that sits enthroned on God’s throne. His plans can not be thwarted or crushed.
How should these truths affect our prayer?
1) We ought to pray for those lands that are closed to the Gospel of Jesus Christ because of governmental controls, or where being a Christian is illegal. Pray that the Word of the Lord would spread mightily in these lands. Pray that the Lord would strengthen those undergoing persecution, and that the plans of men would be overruled by the will of God.
2) Pray for revival in our land. As our country continues to stray from Christian principles and true faith in Jesus Christ, pray that the Lord will once again sweep through our land with Gospel fire. That we would once again become “one nation under God.”
3) Pray for those servants of the Lord around the world who faithfully service Jesus Christ despite the cost to themselves because they understand what is at stake.
Thursday, March 29, 2007
Wednesday, March 21, 2007
BEING THE BLESSED MAN
PSALM 1
Blessed is the man who walks not in the counsel of the wicked, nor stands in the way of sinners, nor sits in the seat of scoffers; [2] but his delight is in the law of the Lord,and on his law he meditates day and night. [3] He is like a tree planted by streams of water that yields its fruit in its season, and its leaf does not wither. In all that he does, he prospers. [4] The wicked are not so, but are like chaff that the wind drives away. [5] Therefore the wicked will not stand in the judgment, nor sinners in the congregation of the righteous; [6] for the Lord knows the way of the righteous, but the way of the wicked will perish.
This is a man who knows where to get truth and wisdom and where not to.
Notice his attitude toward God’s word. “his delight is in the law of the Lord,
and on his law he meditates day and night.” Because of what He has done with God’s word and what God’s word has done in him, he is strong, faithful, and immovable. This is unlike the wicked who are like chaff blown away.
What does this teach us about prayer? It gives us a prayerful aim. If this man is the blessed man, the one whose ways are known by the Lord, then should not we pray to be molded into this man? What should be desire?
1) A heart that delights in the Word of God – To delight in God’s Word should be the cry of every Christians heart. Pray for God’s Word to captivate, delight, thrill and mold us.
2) To be people who seek counsel from the godly wise, not the worldly wise. – When our world becomes a mess, we seek counsel. From whom we seek counsel makes a great deal of difference. We ought to go to Godly, wise, and trustworthy people. Pray that God would provide those people in our lives and church.
3) That we would be firmly established like a tree firmly rooted. – The world blows heard against our faith. We must be firmly established, else we will be moved by every wind of doctrine and controversy, and every event that shakes our faith.
4) That we would be fruitful as Christians. – We are brought into Christ and forgiven of our sins with the purpose of doing good works in Jesus’ name. Jesus’ told His disciples on the night of His betrayal that those vines not found fruitful would be removed and put in the fire. Pray that we, individually and a church, would be fruitful vines, and not chaff or withered vines destined for the fire.
5) That our ways would prosper for Christ’s sake. - May we desire God’s blessing so that we might be a blessing to others. Pray that selfish desires would die out.
6) For those who stand in judgment and are following the way that will perish. – Many are lost and perishing. We must petition the Lord of the Harvest for workers, but also for the crop as well.
Blessed is the man who walks not in the counsel of the wicked, nor stands in the way of sinners, nor sits in the seat of scoffers; [2] but his delight is in the law of the Lord,and on his law he meditates day and night. [3] He is like a tree planted by streams of water that yields its fruit in its season, and its leaf does not wither. In all that he does, he prospers. [4] The wicked are not so, but are like chaff that the wind drives away. [5] Therefore the wicked will not stand in the judgment, nor sinners in the congregation of the righteous; [6] for the Lord knows the way of the righteous, but the way of the wicked will perish.
This is a man who knows where to get truth and wisdom and where not to.
Notice his attitude toward God’s word. “his delight is in the law of the Lord,
and on his law he meditates day and night.” Because of what He has done with God’s word and what God’s word has done in him, he is strong, faithful, and immovable. This is unlike the wicked who are like chaff blown away.
What does this teach us about prayer? It gives us a prayerful aim. If this man is the blessed man, the one whose ways are known by the Lord, then should not we pray to be molded into this man? What should be desire?
1) A heart that delights in the Word of God – To delight in God’s Word should be the cry of every Christians heart. Pray for God’s Word to captivate, delight, thrill and mold us.
2) To be people who seek counsel from the godly wise, not the worldly wise. – When our world becomes a mess, we seek counsel. From whom we seek counsel makes a great deal of difference. We ought to go to Godly, wise, and trustworthy people. Pray that God would provide those people in our lives and church.
3) That we would be firmly established like a tree firmly rooted. – The world blows heard against our faith. We must be firmly established, else we will be moved by every wind of doctrine and controversy, and every event that shakes our faith.
4) That we would be fruitful as Christians. – We are brought into Christ and forgiven of our sins with the purpose of doing good works in Jesus’ name. Jesus’ told His disciples on the night of His betrayal that those vines not found fruitful would be removed and put in the fire. Pray that we, individually and a church, would be fruitful vines, and not chaff or withered vines destined for the fire.
5) That our ways would prosper for Christ’s sake. - May we desire God’s blessing so that we might be a blessing to others. Pray that selfish desires would die out.
6) For those who stand in judgment and are following the way that will perish. – Many are lost and perishing. We must petition the Lord of the Harvest for workers, but also for the crop as well.
Sins Lingering Effects
This is a song that I feel often captures how I feel about indwelling sin and the struggle against it in my life. See if you feel the same. But do you know who wrote this song?
Where do I take this pain of mine. I run but it stays right by my side. So tear me open and pour me out. There's things inside that scream and shout. And the pain still hates me. So hold me until it sleeps.
Just like the curse, just like the stray. You feed it once and now it stays. Now it stays. So tear me open but beware There's things inside without a care And the dirt still stains me. So wash me until I'm clean.
It grips you so hold me. It stains you so hold me. It hates you so hold me. It holds you so hold me. Until it sleeps.
So tell me why you've chosen me. Don't want your grip. Don't want your greed. Don't want it.
I'll tear me open make you gone. No more can you hurt anyone. And the fear still shakes me. So hold me, until it sleeps.
It grips you so hold me. It stains you so hold me. It hates you so hold me. It holds you, holds you, holds you until it sleeps
I Don't want it want it want it want it want itNo
So tear me open but beware. There's things inside without a care. And the dirt still stains me. So wash me 'til I'm clean.
I'll tear me open make you gone. No longer will you hurt anyone. And the hate still shapes me. So hold me until it sleeps.
Where do I take this pain of mine. I run but it stays right by my side. So tear me open and pour me out. There's things inside that scream and shout. And the pain still hates me. So hold me until it sleeps.
Just like the curse, just like the stray. You feed it once and now it stays. Now it stays. So tear me open but beware There's things inside without a care And the dirt still stains me. So wash me until I'm clean.
It grips you so hold me. It stains you so hold me. It hates you so hold me. It holds you so hold me. Until it sleeps.
So tell me why you've chosen me. Don't want your grip. Don't want your greed. Don't want it.
I'll tear me open make you gone. No more can you hurt anyone. And the fear still shakes me. So hold me, until it sleeps.
It grips you so hold me. It stains you so hold me. It hates you so hold me. It holds you, holds you, holds you until it sleeps
I Don't want it want it want it want it want itNo
So tear me open but beware. There's things inside without a care. And the dirt still stains me. So wash me 'til I'm clean.
I'll tear me open make you gone. No longer will you hurt anyone. And the hate still shapes me. So hold me until it sleeps.
Tuesday, March 13, 2007
Forgiving and Walking
I would like to recommend this blog entry by my friend for your consideration.
Pastor HowardTuesday, March 06, 2007
A DEVOTION ON THE HEBREWS BENEDICTION
Hebrews 13:20-21 (ESV)
Now may the God of peace who brought again from the dead our Lord Jesus, the great shepherd of the sheep, by the blood of the eternal covenant, [21] equip you with everything good that you may do his will, working in us that which is pleasing in his sight, through Jesus Christ, to whom be glory forever and ever. Amen.
The writer of Hebrews concludes the book with this benediction. A benediction is a “good speak.” It is the pronouncement of a blessing upon the people. This benediction is in two parts. The first is a rehearsal of God’s character. The second is the requested blessing.
The writer states three things about God of whom He asks for this blessing. First, He is the God of peace. He has taken away the enmity that existed and brought into sweet fellowship with Him. Secondly, He is also a God of power. He is the God who “brought again from the dead our Lord Jesus, the great shepherd of the sheep.” The God who rose up the dead in power is the one from whom this blessing is being asked. Thirdly, He is the covenant keeping God which we see in the phrase “by the blood of the eternal covenant.” Our God does not just make promises and deals, He keeps them. He kept this covenant with His own blood shed on our behalf. So what then are the blessing requested?
The first blessing is that the saints be equipped with everything good to do His will. In order for us to “glorify God and enjoy Him forever,” we must be equipped to do just that. How often do we ask God for this same blessing upon us and His church? We ask selfishly to advance our own desires. But if we truly seek first the kingdom of God, then should not we desire to see the citizens of the Kingdom adequately supplied and prepared to answer the call? Let us begin to pray that God would truly equip us with “everything good to do his will.” The author of Hebrews also asks that God work “in us that which is pleasing in His sight.” That is the high calling of the Christian life – to be pleasing in God’s sight. In order to do that, we need God’s grace and mercy upon us in great measure. We ought to request that of God too, if that is truly our desire. And of course that He would receive the glory forever and ever. Amen.
Now may the God of peace who brought again from the dead our Lord Jesus, the great shepherd of the sheep, by the blood of the eternal covenant, [21] equip you with everything good that you may do his will, working in us that which is pleasing in his sight, through Jesus Christ, to whom be glory forever and ever. Amen.
The writer of Hebrews concludes the book with this benediction. A benediction is a “good speak.” It is the pronouncement of a blessing upon the people. This benediction is in two parts. The first is a rehearsal of God’s character. The second is the requested blessing.
The writer states three things about God of whom He asks for this blessing. First, He is the God of peace. He has taken away the enmity that existed and brought into sweet fellowship with Him. Secondly, He is also a God of power. He is the God who “brought again from the dead our Lord Jesus, the great shepherd of the sheep.” The God who rose up the dead in power is the one from whom this blessing is being asked. Thirdly, He is the covenant keeping God which we see in the phrase “by the blood of the eternal covenant.” Our God does not just make promises and deals, He keeps them. He kept this covenant with His own blood shed on our behalf. So what then are the blessing requested?
The first blessing is that the saints be equipped with everything good to do His will. In order for us to “glorify God and enjoy Him forever,” we must be equipped to do just that. How often do we ask God for this same blessing upon us and His church? We ask selfishly to advance our own desires. But if we truly seek first the kingdom of God, then should not we desire to see the citizens of the Kingdom adequately supplied and prepared to answer the call? Let us begin to pray that God would truly equip us with “everything good to do his will.” The author of Hebrews also asks that God work “in us that which is pleasing in His sight.” That is the high calling of the Christian life – to be pleasing in God’s sight. In order to do that, we need God’s grace and mercy upon us in great measure. We ought to request that of God too, if that is truly our desire. And of course that He would receive the glory forever and ever. Amen.
THE LOST TOMB OF JESUS
Oh no! My faith has been destroyed by a Discovery Channel documentary. NOT!!!!!
Instead of writing a long response I am going to direct you to some resources to read to help you talk about this with your non-Christian (and Christian) friends.
http://dev.bible.org/bock/node/106 - by Darrell Bock, professor of New Testament at Dallas Theological Seminary.
http://www.biblicalfoundations.org/?p=92
http://benwitherington.blogspot.com/ - THE JESUS TOMB SHOW--BIBLICAL ARCHAEOLOGISTS REJECT DISCOVERY CHANNEL SHOW'S CLAIMS
For even more check out our friend Jeff Downs at http://countercult.wordpress.com/2007/02/26/the-lost-tomb-of-jesus/
I hope these help and edify.
May Jesus Christ our Risen Lord be praised
Pastor Howard
Instead of writing a long response I am going to direct you to some resources to read to help you talk about this with your non-Christian (and Christian) friends.
http://dev.bible.org/bock/node/106 - by Darrell Bock, professor of New Testament at Dallas Theological Seminary.
http://www.biblicalfoundations.org/?p=92
http://benwitherington.blogspot.com/ - THE JESUS TOMB SHOW--BIBLICAL ARCHAEOLOGISTS REJECT DISCOVERY CHANNEL SHOW'S CLAIMS
For even more check out our friend Jeff Downs at http://countercult.wordpress.com/2007/02/26/the-lost-tomb-of-jesus/
I hope these help and edify.
May Jesus Christ our Risen Lord be praised
Pastor Howard
Friday, March 02, 2007
Where There Are Stars
While in Biloxi I had profound experience while looking at the night sky. I was in prayer when I looked up and saw what I believe was the big dipper. I looked to me like it was upside down. I began to think of it as God dipping in to the bounties of his grace and mercy. Then I saw the little dipper. It looked like it was right side up. It was as if God was speaking to me through in the stars. Why are we so content with a little grace, barely tipped over to us, when God desires to pour out His grace in large measure upon us. Is it because we are content with what we have and are afraid to see what would happen it God poured out His grace and mercy on us in such large measure? What would happen if God poured out His grace and Spirit again as He has in the past in the Great Awakenings and times of revival. Pray with me that God's people would desire the grace of God without measure.
Pastor Howard
Pastor Howard
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