TFTD - 05 June 2014 - Thoughts from Today's Bible Readings

05 June 2014

Joshua 23; 24
Isaiah 29
Hebrews 12

“A BOOK THAT IS SEALED”

How many can read the Bible ­ as a whole ­ and really make sense of it, so that it speaks to them in their heart, and stirs them to live their lives really conscious of God and of his Son?  This question came to mind as we pondered the message in Isaiah today ­ parts of it evidently a commentary on the attitudes of many in the prophets’ day, many had failed to develop a real ‘living’ relationship with God.

After recording a vision of what will happen to people at the time when “the multitude of all the nations be that fight against Mount Zion …”  This vision “shall be like a dream, a vision in the night” [Isaiah 29:8] In verse11 the condemnation is  made, “the vision of all this has become to you like the words of a book that is sealed” [Isaiah 29:11].  The people are like those who refuse to read “when men give it to one who can read, saying ‘Read this,’ he says, ‘I cannot, for it is sealed.’”

But it is clear that this is an excuse ­ for a remarkable statement is made in Isaiah 29:13-14  “And the Lord said, ‘Because this people draw near to me with their mouth and honour me with their lips, while their hearts are far from me, and their fear of me is a commandment taught by men …. the wisdom of their wise men shall perish …”  It is human wisdom that perishes, they are told they “turn things upside down!  Shall the potter be regarded as the clay,   that the thing made should say of its maker, ‘He did  not make me’” [Isaiah 29:16] ­ today many would add ­ ‘I just evolved.’

How well these words apply to the human ‘wisdom’ of today ­ God’s word is “a book that is sealed” . We must remember that there is no middle path ­ if we do not apply our minds to the true meaning of God’s words then it “is sealed” for us.  The day is coming, God’s word says, as we read on in Isaiah 29:19-20, when “the meek shall obtain fresh joy in the LORD and the poor among mankind shall exult in the Holy One of Israel. For the ruthless shall come to nothing and the scoffer cease.”   There is no point in being aware of the vision of God’s ultimate action against the nations of the earth if we only “honour” God “with our lips” refusing to apply our minds to unseal his book.
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- DC


Thought for the Day

05 June 2014

"Remember what Jesus said of the publican and the Pharisee. The Pharisee said in a very complacent tone that he had not done this and he had done the other, and brought reproach upon him in the words of Jesus our Lord. There is no room for boasting, there is no room for pride, among those who are called to be the servants of the Lord and the guests around his table. We are called to the highest possible virtue, the most exalted thing that God has given to mankind to cultivate, and that is the virtue of humility. So few are equal to these attainments: so few can rise to such heights, and yet it is the outstanding quality in presenting our supplications before the Most High."

- G. Folwell
Breaking of Bread and Prayers (1937)
Joshua 24 we read of the goodness and mercy of the LORD:
"For the LORD our God, he it is that brought us up and our fathers out of the land of Egypt, from the house of bondage, and which did those great signs in our sight, and PRESERVED us in all THE WAY wherein we went, and among all the people through whom we passed"

"Preserved" is the Hebrew samar, which means to hedge about and protect. It is interesting to follow the thread of this Hebrew with the Hebrew for "the way", when used together.

They are 1st used together Gen 3, where it speaks of the angel which was put "to KEEP the WAY of the tree of life". That way to the tree of life which has been preserved

We read in Exodus 23 of the LORD's provision for His people, again an angel is there to 'keep' the 'way':
"Behold, I send an angel before thee, to KEEP thee in THE WAY, and to bring thee into the place which I have prepared"

Let us never forget as a people called out, that in whatsoever circumstance we find ourselves in we are not alone.  As we journey to the promised land remembering our Lord's words in his last message to his servants "to him that overcometh will I give to eat of the tree of life.

Psalms 34:7
"The angel of the LORD encampeth round about them that fear him..."

TFTD - 04 June 2014 - Thoughts from Today's Bible Readings

04 June 2014

Joshua 22
Isaiah 28
Hebrews 11

“BY FAITH …”

Today we read the well known 11th chapter of Hebrews, it starts, “Now faith is the assurance of things hoped for, the conviction of things not seen.”  This is the vital lesson we must take to heart in reading this chapter - that having faith is having a state of mind that must cause us to lead different lives, different priorities - to have different aims. We live our lives in service to our Saviour - accomplishing things in his service.  Read the chapter, noticing how often the words “By faith” occur.  “By faith Noah …by faith Abraham …  by faith Sarah …”

Our faith is not just something we talk about - or listen to others talking about.  We read today of many examples of men and women of faith, highlighting in many cases some particular deed that proved the nature of their faith.  It is most valuable to look on into the first 2 verses of tomorrow’s chapter., it starts “Therefore” -therefore we should put the chapter break after verse 2 [Hebrews 12:1-2].

“Therefore since we are surrounded by so great a cloud of witnesses (all those examples of men and women of faith in Hebrews 11), let us also lay aside every weight and sin which clings so closely, and let us run with endurance the race that is set before us, looking to Jesus, the founder and perfecter of our faith …”

We must each search our hearts as to how effectively we are living our lives so that he sees that our faith has developed real strength, that we have acquired a real sense of teamwork with our Saviour and our God. That our lives demonstrate that we are “working together with him” [2 Corinthians 6:1]

May we all be able to look back on our lives, on our journey in developing greater and greater faith to see how we have been “made strong out of weakness” [Hebrews 11:34] because we have developed a real “conviction of things not seen” and “we are not of those who shrink back … but of those who have faith and preserve their souls.” [Hebrews 10:39]
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- DC


Thought for the Day

04 June 2014

"We cannot, as some did 1,800 years ago, recline on the greensward, and listen to the mellifluous words that flowed from his mouth, who spake as never man spake; but, thank God, we can ponder that great portion of His words which have been rescued from the dead past, and written down. We have them here in our hands, and what shall we say of ourselves if we are not wise enough to appreciate the pearls that are contained therein. The exhortation to everybody is, "Get wisdom; do not be foolish; wisdom is the principal thing. Search for her as for hid treasure; embrace her, and she will bring thee to honour. She is a tree of life to them that lay hold of her. She is more precious than rubies, and all the things thou canst desire are not to be compared unto her; length of days is in her right hand, and in her left hand riches and honour." (Proverbs 3:13-18)"

- Robert Roberts
Past, Present, and Future
Joshua 22 - once again we see the wonderful example of Phinehas, standing as a protector of the truth, a protector of the ecclesia, and protector of his brothers and sisters.

Phinehas and the princes seek to understand the truth of the situation with the children of Reuben, Gad and Manasseh, carrying out Deut 13:12-15.

In verse 19 we see the hand being extended to their brethren, offering them the opportunity for them to cross over Jordan and to dwell with them in their inheritance.  To resolve the issue the children of Reuben, Gad and Manasseh now realise they have stored up for their generations to come (v24-27).

But we also see a sad and telling contrast in the record:
"Notwithstanding, if the land of YOUR POSSESSION be unclean, then pass ye over unto the land of THE POSSESSION OF THE LORD, wherein the LORD's tabernacle dwelleth, and take possession among us..."

Let us offer our a hand of fellowship with those of our brothers and sisters whose minds may be on dwelling and making themselves comfortable in the land of THEIR INHERITANCE.  And encourage them to be attenders and dwellers in the ecclesia (tabernacle) of Christ, and that together we by Gods grace be possessors together of the inheritance of the LORD.
Joshua 22 - once again we see the wonderful example of Phinehas, standing as a protector of the truth, a protector of the ecclesia, and protector of his brothers and sisters.

Phinehas and the princes seek to understand the truth of the situation with the children of Reuben, Gad and Manasseh, carrying out Deut 13:12-15.

In verse 19 we see the hand being extended to their brethren, offering them the opportunity for them to cross over Jordan and to dwell with them in their inheritance.  To resolve the issue the children of Reuben, Gad and Manasseh now realise they have stored up for their generations to come (v24-27).

But we also see a sad and telling contrast in the record:
"Notwithstanding, if the land of YOUR POSSESSION be unclean, then pass ye over unto the land of THE POSSESSION OF THE LORD, wherein the LORD's tabernacle dwelleth, and take possession among us..."

Let us offer our a hand of fellowship with those of our brothers and sisters whose minds may be on dwelling and making themselves comfortable in the land of THEIR INHERITANCE.  And encourage them to be attenders and dwellers in the ecclesia (tabernacle) of Christ, and that together we by Gods grace be possessors together of the inheritance of the LORD.

TFTD - 03 June 2014 - Thoughts from Today's Bible Readings

Hebrews 10:23
"Let us hold fast the profession of our faith without wavering; (for he is faithful that promised)"

This links directly with faith and works. The writer to the Hebrews is exhorting us that we are to hold fast NOT to our faith, BUT the profession/confession of that faith, the out working of the faith in our lives, the evidence of that faith in our daily lives.

When we consider holding fast, and professing, our minds are brought to Paul's words to Timothy:
"Fight the good fight of faith, lay hold on eternal life, whereunto thou art also called, and hast PROFESSED/CONFESSED a good profession before many witnesses. I give thee charge in the sight of God, who quickeneth all things, and before Christ Jesus, who before Pontius Pilate witnessed a good CONFESSION"

Whether we are before many witnesses we come into contact day by day, or before one of high rank, let us always proclaim our faith before them.

03 June 2014

Joshua 20; 21
Isaiah 26; 27
Hebrews 10

“PERFECT PEACE”

Our Isaiah and Hebrews readings provide an abundance of thoughts today.  Some verses encourage peace of mind, others a sense of awe at what is coming on the world ­ the judgements our godless world deserves.  Chapter 26 in Isaiah is a grouping of quite contrasting revelations from God ­ verses 3 and 4 are worthy of being memorised.

“You will keep him (her) in perfect peace whose mind is stayed on you, because he (she) trusts in you.  Trust in the LORD forever, for the LORD GOD is an everlasting rock.” [Isaiah 26:3-4] How wonderful to have a mind that is “stayed on” God, the only foundation for “perfect peace” in a world which knows no peace: no peace between nations ­ yes - but more vital than that ­ no trust and peace between individuals.

The reign of Jesus returned to the earth will see the time “when your judgements are in the earth, the inhabitants of the earth learn righteousness…” [Isaiah 26:9]  But at the moment, as in Isaiah’s day, “O LORD your hand is lifted up, but they do not see it.” [Isaiah 26:11].

May we “see” the Lord’s hand so that the next verse is true for us, “O LORD, you will ordain peace for us; you have done for us all our works.” [Isaiah 26:12] because those works have been done in the strength that God gives to us ­ and then we will heed the warning given in Isaiah 26:20,21 “… my people, enter your chambers, and shut your doors behind you; hide yourselves for a little while until the fury has passed by.  For behold the LORD is coming out from his place to punish the inhabitants of the earth …”

There are words in our Hebrews reading which dovetail in with these;  “Let us hold fast the confession of our hope without wavering, for he who promised is faithful. And let us consider how to stir up one another to love and good works … encouraging one another, and all the more as you see the day drawing near.” [Hebrews 10:23-25]  This is the only way to achieve and maintain “perfect peace.”
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- DC


Thought for the Day

03 June 2014

"Since Christ is the image of the unseen those who would learn more of the invisible God whom he manifested must study the image. Those who know most of Christ must be the nearest to seeing the invisible God. “Shew us the Father and it sufficeth us,” said Philip, and Christ said “Have I been so long with you, Philip, and yet you do not understand that as far as it is possible for men to see the Father, he is visible in me?” We cannot look upon the face of Christ as Philip did, but we have to make the same first steps toward the sight of the invisible. We must know Christ, study the record of his life, take example by his words and actions, marking his way of dealing with his fellow men, his patience in the presence of injustice, his humility, his selflessness, his longsuffering, his calmness, his gentle reasonableness, the balance of his life, the absence of fanaticism and self-glorification. Studying him thus as a pattern as far as is fitting and possible for us, our little lives are brought into that atmosphere in which visibility of the unseen is clearest, and we may proceed to gather from the knowledge of Christ that we have attained some vision of the unseen quite unattainable apart from the Christ life. The vision will grow clearer the nearer we grow to the stature and fulness of Christ."

- C.A. Ladson
Exhortation (1929)

TFTD - 02 June 2014 - Thoughts from Today's Bible Readings

02 June 2014

Joshua 19
Isaiah 25
Hebrews 8; 9

"... TO SAVE THOSE WHO …”

Let us link up the closing words of our reading in Hebrews [Hebrews 9] “Christ … will appear a second time … to save those who  are eagerly waiting for him” with the words God gave to Isaiah, in today’s chapter 25, which we referred to yesterday.  This describes the time when God “will swallow up death forever; and the Lord GOD will wipe away tears from all faces, and the reproach of his people he will take away from all the earth …”  It will be said on that day, ‘Behold, this is our God; we have waited for him … let us be glad and rejoice in his salvation.” [Isaiah 25:8-9]

How eagerly are we waiting?  Is the world around us full of ways of living that attract us, things that largely or fully occupy our minds?  Yes, we have to live in the world and earn our living, but are we keenly interested in the vision God’s word provides for us that goes far beyond the present materialistic way of thinking and doing?

We are forced to admit that this computer communication age, which is very helpful in many ways, is also very distracting – do we need to allow it to be totally distracting?  The more our minds feed on God’s word the more we will be attracted to that word.  In that coming day, the LORD tells us through Isaiah, the redeemed will say, “O LORD, you are my God; I will exalt you … for you have done wonderful things, plans formed of old, faithful and sure … Therefore strong peoples will glorify you; cities of ruthless nations will fear you.” [Isaiah 25:1,3]

At that time those who have been “eagerly waiting” and showing this by their priorities in life will “be glad and rejoice”. Peter in his 1st epistle, which we will soon read,  expresses this powerfully, “Though you do not now see him, you believe him and rejoice with joy that is inexpressible and full of glory, obtaining the outcome of your faith …” [1 Peter 1:8-9]  Imagine the joy?  Imagine the glory?

Finally, note the point Paul made earlier in Hebrews 9!  “How much more will the blood of Christ who … offered himself without blemish to God, purify our conscience from dead works to serve the living God.” [Hebrews 9:14]   If we do not sense our progress in that purifying and, as a result, serving, then we have to ask ourselves, ‘Do I genuinely belong to Christ?’
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- DC


Thought for the Day

02 June 2014

"Fortification by the Word is much more than the useful exercise of learning a number of proof texts by heart. It involves the assimilation of divine principles from the Word. A mind that has received instruction from the Scriptures understands the ways of God, and learns to trust God implicitly."

- Peter Watkins
The Inspired Scriptures - Our Sure Foundation (1962)

Isaiah 25 - a wonderful vision of hope of the day of the return of our Lord Jesus Christ:

"And it shall be said in that day, Lo, this is our God; WE HAVE WAITED for him, and he will save us: this is the LORD; WE HAVE WAITED for him, we will be glad and rejoice in his salvation.

As a people called out, and waiting for our Master and coming King, let us look to the instruction to those who wait:

Psalm 25
"Lead me in thy truth, and teach me: for thou art the God of my salvation; on thee do I WAIT all the day"

Psalm 27
"WAIT on the LORD: be of good courage, and he shall strengthen thine heart: WAIT, I say, on the LORD"

Psalm 130:5
"I wait for the LORD, my soul doth WAIT, and in his word do I hope"

TFTD - 01 June 2014 - Thoughts from Today's Bible Readings

01 June 2014

Joshua 18
Isaiah 24
Hebrews 6; 7

“FOR BEHOLD I CREATE …”

Today’s and tomorrow’s chapters in Isaiah [Isaiah 24; 25] contain a powerful message about the climax of human history, yet they are not very often quoted.   Chapter 24 ends with “for the LORD of hosts reigns on Mount Zion and Jerusalem and his glory will be before his elders.”  [Isaiah 24:23]

The next chapter begins with the reaction of the righteous, “O LORD, you are my God, I will exalt your name for you have done wonderful things …”  Humanly fortified cities have become ruins, never to be rebuilt [Isaiah 25:2] and the “cities of ruthless nations will fear you.” [Isaiah 25:3]  God has “been a stronghold to the poor … to the needy in his distress” [Isaiah 25:4]

Then a glorious scene opens up, “On this mountain the LORD of hosts will make for all peoples a feast of rich food … he will swallow up death forever and the Lord GOD will wipe away tears from all faces … Behold this is our God, we have waited for him … “ [Isaiah 25:6,8,9].    But go back, we jumped over nearly all of  Isaiah 24 ­ it speaks of what is to happen before this time of wonder and joy on the earth.  It is an extremely frightening picture!  Is it about to happen?  The chapter started, “Behold the LORD will empty the earth and make it desolate …”

The next verse indicates that all the buyers, sellers, lenders, borrowers, creditors and debtors will suffer.  Isaiah 24:3 says, “The earth shall be utterly empty and utterly plundered; for the LORD has spoken this word”.  Then we read “the earth lies defiled under its inhabitants” [Isaiah 24:5], “its inhabitants suffer for their guilt” [Isaiah 24:6] and then follows details of the ways in which they will suffer.

Reading further - “The earth is utterly broken … is violently shaken … its transgression lies heavily upon it and it falls and will not rise again” [Isaiah 24:19-20].  This is symbolic language of the heavens and the earth (rulers and people) that now exist being destroyed.  But later in Isaiah we will come across a wonderful vision, for God says, “For behold, I create new heavens and a new earth, and the former things shall not be remembered or come into mind. But be glad and rejoice forever in that which I create; for behold I create Jerusalem to be a joy  … my chosen shall long enjoy the work of their hands.” [Isaiah 65:17,18,22]  Will you behold these things?
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- DC


Thought for the Day

01 June 2014

"When Jesus compared Solomon with the flowers on the hillside at Galilee, he was comparing the beauty of Solomon with the beauty of God. The Bible says that the created things declare the glory of God, and giving glory to God is an essential feature of true worship. There is a sense, therefore, in which the created things worship God by their beauty. And how do they worship? By being true to the law which God has implanted in them. They worship God in the uprising of their blossom, and fruit, and form. They are what God intended them to be, and being that, they give Him glory and He is worshipped in them."

- Dennis Gillett
Worship the Lord in the Beauty of Holiness

Joshua 18:
"And Joshua said unto the children of Israel, how long are ye slack to go into the land, which the LORD God of your fathers hath given you"

The Hebrew for "slack" means to be feeble/faint, what is the antidote to this?

Joshua sends out x3 men from each tribe to go into the land, so that they can then come back and DESCRIBE it, so that it can then be described, allotted and written down.

The scriptures describe the Kingdom to us, and it's different aspects to us, in 100's of verses.  What it will be like and the roles the saints will play in it.

We are reminded of the importance of understanding the promises before us in Hebrews chapter 11.

And also Proverbs; "Where there is no vision, the people perish".

As we remember our Lord Jesus Christ today, we are again reminded of the power of a clear vision of what has been promised us:
"Looking unto Jesus the author and finisher of our faith; who for the joy that was set before him endured the cross, despising the shame, and is set down at the right hand of the throne of God"

TFTD - 31 May 2014 - Thoughts from Today's Bible Readings

31 May 2014

Joshua 17
Isaiah 23
Hebrews 3; 4; 5

“THEY WERE NOT UNITED BY FAITH”

The 3 short chapters [Hebrews 3; 4; 5] we read today in Hebrews provide us with an abundance of thoughts.  Paul is reflecting back on the lessons of earlier days, such as we have been reading in Joshua when the people were “entering his (God’s) rest” [Hebrews 4:1] as they settled in the promised land.  We read. “for good news came to us just as to them, but the message they heard did not benefit them, because they were not united by faith …” [Hebrews 4:2]

A key lesson that is not very obvious in the book of Joshua, is the failure of many of them to properly settle in the land.  The generations, after the death of Joshua, as we will read in the book of Judges in coming weeks, “were not united in faith,” except briefly, when a good leader arose.  This is the lesson of all history ­ but the leaders are rarely ones, of whom it can be said, “they walked with God” ­ as was said of Enoch and Noah. [Genesis 5:22; 6:9]  Gods’ response to Solomon’s prayer about his sons, spells out the Divine attitude of giving blessings, “…if only your sons pay close attention to their way, to walk before me as you have walked ….” [1 Kings 8:25]

Returning to Hebrews we read, “For if Joshua had given them rest, God would not have spoken of another day later on. So then, there remains a Sabbath rest for the people of God (the kingdom) … Let us therefore strive to enter that rest, so that no one may fall by the same sort of disobedience.”  [Hebrews 4:8,9,11]

We need to highlight (in our minds) the words which immediately follow, “For the word of God is living and active, sharper than any two edged sword, piercing to the division of soul and of spirit, of joints and marrow, and discerning the thoughts and intentions of the heart”

We must read God’s word prayerfully  so this happens with us, sensing how true it is that, as David expressed it in Psalm 139,  “O LORD, you have searched me and known me! … you discern my thoughts from afar. You … are acquainted with all my ways.” [Psalm 139:1-3]   Moses surely was strengthened by knowing this as he led the people through the wilderness, and now Joshua senses the same.  May we be “united by faith” in sensing the same as we complete our journey to the kingdom through today’s wilderness..
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- DC


Thought for the Day

31 May 2014

"Too great an emphasis cannot be laid upon the spirit of thankfulness in God’s saints. It betokens an attitude of mind sensitive to all God’s benefits and requirements and therefore ensures that what God has created intrinsically “good”, to be received by His people, is “good” to them because they use it aright. It is impossible to do otherwise if the thanksgiving be sincere, from the heart and out of a good conscience."

- Alfred Nicholls
Letters to Timothy and Titus
Are we determined?
We can be determined in many different things and at many different times.

Joshua 17:12
"Yet the children of Manasseh could not drive out the inhabitants of those cities; but the Canaanites WOULD DWELL in that land"

"WOULD DWELL" has the idea of being determined to dwell/stay. Therefore, the Canaanites remained there because they were determined. Rotherhams emphasised Bible drawing out the emphasis of the Hebrew translates it "determined to remain", the Amplified Bible translates it "persisted". When we also look at the Hebrew for "dwell" it means to abide/sit down with/marry, it implies they were determined and persisted to be integrated.

The value we place on something has a great influence and bearing on what our attitude is to it, and how DETERMINED we will be towards it.

In this world which is DETERMINED to dwell with us, let us be DETERMINED to drive it out and keep ourselves and our families separate. Do we think we are strong? The children of Joseph THOUGHT they were strong, but their ACTIONS showed a DIFFERENT STORY.

TFTD - 30 May 2014 - Thoughts from Today's Bible Readings

30 May 2014

Joshua 16
Isaiah 22
Hebrews 1; 2

“HE IS ABLE TO HELP …”

Today we began reading the specially thought-provoking letter to the Hebrews.  The author is not named, but the best conclusion is that Paul wrote it as a message to his fellow Jews and he didn’t name himself because a prejudice against him had developed and some, maybe many Jews, would have ignored the letter if it had been obvious it came from him.

Now Paul had a special relationship with his Saviour because he appeared and spoke to him on the road to Damascus.  He is wonderfully conscious of the continuing unseen presence of Christ in his life and encourages his fellow  Hebrews to develop the same consciousness, he quotes many Old Testament passages from the Psalms and Moses’ writings that foretold the special and wonderful role God’s Son would have.  We see the emphasis in these two chapters of how he would first come into the world to die as a once and for all sacrifice for sins and also experience life as we do and so be able to understand and help us,

We note in particular the closing verses in chapter 2 (from Hebrews 2:16) “For surely … he helps the offspring of Abraham.  Therefore he had to be made like his brothers in every respect, so that he might become a merciful and faithful high priest in the service of God, to make propitiation for the sins of the people.  For because he himself has suffered when tempted, he is able to help those who are tempted.  The Greek word, translated ‘tempted’ essentially means ‘tested.’

Yes, “he is able to help,” but we do not receive this help, this guiding oversight of our lives, unless we prayerfully seek it.  We will see Paul’s warning in Hebrews 3, where, quoting David’s words in Psalm 95, Paul says, “Today if you hear his voice, do not harden your hearts…” [Hebrews 3:15]  It is God’s ‘living word’ that we read and ‘hear’ - and “he is able to help” if we truly ‘listen’ and respond.
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- DC


Thought for the Day

30 May 2014

"Is beauty a mere by-product of the process, or has God provided beauty as an additional gift to man? We fully believe that the beautiful in nature is bestowed by God for man’s spiritual and emotional enrichment. Certainly no normally endowed person can look on the colour of sea and sky, on the changing cloud formations, on sunset glow, or the shimmer of the moon over the ocean, without a feeling of awe, emotional satisfaction and thankfulness that such glory and beauty has been revealed in nature; and will endorse with emphasis the Psalmist’s words: "O LORD, how manifold are your works! in wisdom have you made them all: the earth is full of your riches." Psalm 104:24"

- F.W. Turner
Meditations (1950)