Author: Tim A.

The Word of GOD is Sure

/ Tim A. / 2 Comments

“Now in the first year of Cyrus king of Persia, that the word of the LORD by the mouth of Jeremiah might be fulfilled, the LORD stirred up the spirit of Cyrus king of Persia, that he made a proclamation throughout all his kingdom, and put it also in writing, saying, Thus saith Cyrus king of Persia, The LORD God of heaven hath given me all the kingdoms of the earth; and He hath charged me to build Him an house at Jerusalem, which is in Judah. Who is there among you of all His people? His God be with him, and let him go up to Jerusalem, which is in Judah, and build the house of the LORD God of Israel, (He is the God,) which is in Jerusalem. And whosoever remaineth in any place where he sojourneth, let the men of his place help him with silver, and with gold, and with goods, and with beasts, beside the freewill offering for the house of God that is in Jerusalem.” Ezra 1:1-4 (KJV)

Just for a note: Cyrus was named by the prophet Isaiah (Isaiah 44:28 – 45:4); at least 150 years before Cyrus was born. Of course this is the fulfillment of God’s Word.

Jeremiah the prophet tells of the children of Israel spending 70 years in captivity in Jeremiah 25:8-11 and 29:10-14. Daniel the prophet while in the captivity reads Jeremiahs prophecy, and realizes the promise (Daniel 9:2).

The one thing I am always blessed by; encouraged by; inspired by; is that God’s Word is always fulfilled. He will not allow it to return to Himself void; or without accomplishing what He has said.

The Word of God is the one thing in the world that never changes; because God does not change. He is reliable. He will judge sin; all sin. It has been judged in His Son Jesus Christ Son of God, and God the Son. The wrath of God was poured out upon Him on the cross, and when we believe Him, turning from our sin, He saves us by His grace.

Our GOD to Help Us

/ Tim A. / 2 Comments

“Be strong and courageous, be not afraid nor dismayed for the king of Assyria, nor for all the multitude that is with him: for there be more with us than with him: with him is an arm of flesh; but with us is the LORD our God to help us, and to fight our battles. And the people rested themselves upon the words of Hezekiah king of Judah.” 2 Chronicles 32:7-8 (KJV)

Hezekiah was a faithful king doing that which was right in the sight of the LORD (29:2). Yet, he was not perfect, because he got full of himself (v. 25); as sometimes great leaders do.

The above words were spoken by the king when the city of Jerusalem was being threatened by the Assyrian king.

They are words not just for the army, the people of Judah, but for all God’s people down through the ages.

For Christians today we need to be strong and courageous. It is not the time to be silent. It is time to let the light of Jesus Christ shine. When people tell us, “Go away Christian” because we take a stand on the Biblical definition of marriage; and/or any moral issue; such as abortion, adultery, etc., we stand anyway. We speak what God speaks. We do not make decisions based on culture, society, or what might be popular.  We make decisions based on Christ Jesus and His Word; the word of God.

The gods of the world are already defeated. They are mere stone, wood, stubble; but GOD is God of all that is. He has made all things, and loved us enough to send us His Son as our Saviour that we might be delivered from our sin and its condemnation; putting to death our sin on His cross.

Christian; BE STRONG AND COURAGEOUS. Begin now. Begin today.

Revival

/ Tim A. / Leave a comment

“Now when all this was finished, all Israel that were present went out to the cities of Judah, and brake the images in pieces, and cut down the groves, and threw down the high places and the altars out of all Judah and Benjamin, in Ephraim also and Manasseh, until they had utterly destroyed them all. Then all the children of Israel returned, every man to his possession, into their own cities.” 2 Chronicles 31:1 (KJV)

Hezekiah was a godly king, and did that which was right in the sight of the LORD (29:1-2). He called the remnant of the northern kingdom to join with the people of the southern kingdom to restore the Passover, and proper worship to the Lord in Jerusalem; and many of the people came (30:1-12).

Both kingdoms were guilty of godless kings, leading the people away from God and the proper worship of Him who alone is worthy of worship. Ahaz; Hezekiah’s father was one of the worst of Judah.

As a result of the people of the remnant of the northern kingdom coming to Jerusalem and worshipping with the people of the southern kingdom was that they all returned to their lands, and destroyed the idols, images, high places, and done what was right and godly. They had a revival in the land.

People of God of any day when they get right with God will rid themselves, their land, their homes of anything that is an offense to God, the LORD. The greatest enemy to God’s people – To the Christian today is harboring, hanging on to that sinful thing that we want to hang on to. What is it? That thing that keeps you from a right fellowship with God.

Pride, greed, lust, lying, shedding innocent blood, wicked mind and thoughts, sowing discord among brethren: you can apply your own there. What is our greatest enemy? See 2 Corinthians 10:5. Throw it down.

The Worship of Demons

/ Tim A. / 6 Comments

“And in the time of his distress did he trespass yet more against the LORD: this is that king Ahaz. For he sacrificed unto the gods of Damascus, which smote him: and he said, Because the gods of the kings of Syria help them, therefore will I sacrifice to them, that they may help me. But they were the ruin of him, and of all Israel. And Ahaz gathered together the vessels of the house of God, and cut in pieces the vessels of the house of God, and shut up the doors of the house of the LORD, and he made him altars in every corner of Jerusalem. And in every several city of Judah he made high places to burn incense unto other gods, and provoked to anger the LORD God of his fathers.” 2 Chronicles 28:22-25 (KJV)

Ahaz was an evil king of Judah. He was in distress, and against the only, and Holy God of Judah and Israel; and the world for that matter. He had sacrificed his sons to fire according to the ways of those who had been driven out of Canaan (28:3). He had no heart for the LORD.

You may wonder why this is titled “Worshipping Demons”. It is because of what he apostle Paul says,

“What say I then? That the idol is any thing, or that which is offered in sacrifice to idols is any thing? But I say, that the things which the Gentiles sacrifice, they sacrifice to devils, and not to God: and I would not that ye should have fellowship with devils. Ye cannot drink the cup of the Lord, and the cup of devils: ye cannot be partakers of the Lord’s table, and of the table of devils. Do we provoke the Lord to jealousy? Are we stronger than He?” 1 Corinthians 10:19-22

The worship of any “god” other than Jehovah through His Son Jesus Christ, and His atoning blood is demon worship.

If that offends you, then repent of your sins and turn to the One who died for your sins, was buried and rose again, and He will forgive your sins and give you eternal life in the presence of holy GOD.

Break Down the Barriers

/ Tim A. / Leave a comment

“And Jehoiada made a covenant between him, and between all the people, and between the king, that they should be the LORD’S people. Then all the people went to the house of Baal, and brake it down, and brake his altars and his images in pieces, and slew Mattan the priest of Baal before the altars.” 2 Chronicles 23:16-17 (KJV)

Jehoiada was a priest of God who was zealous to bring back a son of David as king in Judah. Athaliah was an evil daughter of Omri who had tried to kill all the sons of David, because her son had died.

The proper thing to do for a Christian is to get back to God’s Word, and calling for our lives. That will mean breaking down every wall and barrier that keeps us from God, His Word, and His way for our lives.

The care of anything in our lives that distracts us from the love and worship of the only true God through His Son Jesus Christ is a “Baal”; a false god, and idol; that is used by the enemy [the devil] to ruin our fellowship with God.

If you have a “Baal” in your life destroy it. Put it away. Break down the altars and its images and go to the only One who is the image of the invisible God. That One is Jesus who bled and died on the cross for our sins, was buried, and rose from death. Check out these New Testament passages: 2 Corinthians 10:5; Ephesians 4:25, 31)

Dealing With Division

/ Tim A. / Leave a comment

Dealing With Division

“And there happened to be there a man of Belial, whose name was Sheba, the son of Bichri, a Benjamite: and he blew a trumpet, and said, We have no part in David, neither have we inheritance in the son of Jesse: every man to his tents, O Israel. So every man of Israel went up from after David, and followed Sheba the son of Bichri: but the men of Judah clave unto their king, from Jordan even to Jerusalem.” 2 Samuel 20:1-2 (KJV)

The king was experiencing the chastening of the LORD. He had been driven out of Jerusalem by his son Absalom. Absalom had been slain while hanging in an oak tree by his hair. Now, upon David’s return to the city there is a rabble rouser, a trouble maker, a division maker who speaks against the king, and calls for Israel to follow him.

There are always divisions in life. What is the reason for them in the life of a Christian? First of all they can be a source of God’s chastisement; secondly, they can be a source of strengthening one’s faith; third, they can be a way of showing the good from the bad, separating the sheep from the goats.

Jesus the Son of God, God the Son spoke of divisions when he said,

“Think not that I am come to send peace on earth: I came not to send peace, but a sword. For I am come to set a man at variance against his father, and the daughter against her mother, and the daughter in law against her mother in law. And a man’s foes shall be they of his own household.” Matthew 10:34-36

Sheba ended up being beheaded by a woman; at least his head was delivered by her (vv. 14-22). In the times of division, like David, the Christian must stand firm, believe the Lord, and trust that He will have His way in our life’s situation; and He will be glorified.

Pride and a Mule

/ Tim A. / Leave a comment

Pride and a Mule

“And Absalom met the servants of David. And Absalom rode upon a mule, and the mule went under the thick boughs of a great oak, and his head caught hold of the oak, and he was taken up between the heaven and the earth; and the mule that was under him went away.” 2 Samuel 18:9 (KJV)

Absalom a strong, prideful, vain son of David was set on having the kingdom of Israel. Even if it meant killing his father, and whomever it took to do it; he was going to have it.

Absalom had a head of hair; so much that when he cut it once a year he would have it weighed (2 Samuel 14:26), and it weighed, by our measure, about 5 pounds of hair.

The mule was the ride of the royal family (13:29), and was a source of endurance, strength, and agility in riding and battle. In my opinion they are not a real pretty animal, but they are strong.

Absalom was prideful, even vain about his hair. If that be the case, and due to his rebellious acts, against God, and his father king David, then, he was literally caught up, and left hanging by his own vanity, and pride. The mule of strength and endurance went on his way. God has a way of dealing with pride (Proverbs 16:18).

A message for all of God’s people: Pride and vanity is not the source of our strength, endurance or victory. God through His Son Jesus Christ is. He is the one who gives the mule strength and endurance, and He is the one who gives us the victory.

The Fear of God

/ Tim A. / 5 Comments

“And the fear of God was on all the kingdoms of those countries, when they had heard that the LORD fought against the enemies of Israel. So the realm of Jehoshaphat was quiet: for his God gave him rest round about.” 2 Chronicles 20:29-30 (KJV)

Jehoshaphat was noted as a man who did right in the sight of the LORD (v. 32).  He was facing a large contingent of  united armies against Judah, and he sought the LORD, believed Him and was delivered.

For the Christian of today the enemy is sin and the devil.  The reason there is little or no fear of God in our land is due to the unconfessed, lack of repentance of the Christian; and tolerance of evil deeds and men.

MY PRAYER:

Father send down Your Spirit in power, glory, and honor to Your name upon all who are Your people.  Send down fire from heaven.

Put the fear of God back in Your people; then there will be a fear of God in the hearts of the enemy – all who are evil, all who exalt themselves against You, Your Spirit and Your Word.

Bless the Lord. Amen.

Always Trust, Rely on the LORD

/ Tim A. / Leave a comment

“And at that time Hanani the seer came to Asa king of Judah, and said unto him, Because thou hast relied on the king of Syria, and not relied on the LORD thy God, therefore is the host of the king of Syria escaped out of thine hand. Were not the Ethiopians and the Lubims a huge host, with very many chariots and horsemen? Yet, because thou didst rely on the LORD, He delivered them into thine hand. For the eyes of the LORD run to and fro throughout the whole earth, to shew Himself strong in the behalf of them whose heart is perfect toward Him. Herein thou hast done foolishly: therefore from henceforth thou shalt have wars. Then Asa was wroth with the seer, and put him in a prison house; for he was in a rage with him because of this thing. And Asa oppressed some of the people the same time.” 2 Chronicles 16:7-10 (KJV)

It has previously been written that Asa did right in the eyes of the LORD (14:2). He also trusted the LORD in a battle against a massive enemy from Ethiopia (14:9-15).

It shows the man, the king of Judah, who did right in the eyes of the LORD, also was a weak, fickle, man and king; when we see him dependent upon an enemy [Syria] against his brethren of the northern kingdom (16:1-6).

We can see in these verses that the word of God is sure, it will stand; and even though kings and presidents do not like it; GOD is correct, and His word will come to pass.

The One we are to rely on is the LORD our God, through His Son Jesus Christ who died on the cross for our sins, was buried, and rose again. You or I cannot depend or rely on anything or anyone else but Him.

Walk with GOD

/ Tim A. / 2 Comments

“Now Mine eyes shall be open, and Mine ears attent unto the prayer that is made in this place. For now have I chosen and sanctified this house, that My name may be there for ever: and Mine eyes and Mine heart shall be there perpetually. And as for thee, if thou wilt walk before Me, as David thy father walked, and do according to all that I have commanded thee, and shalt observe My statutes and My judgments; then will I stablish the throne of thy kingdom, according as I have covenanted with David thy father, saying, There shall not fail thee a man to be ruler in Israel.” 2 Chronicles 7:15-18 (KJV)

Chapter six records Solomon’s prayer to Jehovah (the LORD). In chapter seven God comes to Solomon and gives him this promise.

He is promised a continuing kingdom… “I you will walk before Me…” Of course we know that Solomon’s heart is turned by his many wives. However, God’s promise to David still stands.

To walk before GOD is to walk in obedience to His law, His statutes, His judgments, and to love the Lord with all your heart, soul, mind and strength.

The promise of God stands eternally. It will never fail. If you have fallen, then He awaits your plea for help.

Christ Jesus is the descendant of David who fulfills the eternal kingdom promise.

Loyal to the King

/ Tim A. / Leave a comment

Notes from a recent message preached at Shiloah Baptist Church.

Loyal to the King
“Then said the king to Ittai the Gittite, Wherefore goest thou also with us? Return to thy place, and abide with the king: for thou art a stranger, and also an exile. Whereas thou camest but yesterday, should I this day make thee go up and down with us? Seeing I go whither I may, return thou, and take back thy brethren: mercy and truth be with thee. And Ittai answered the king, and said, As the LORD liveth, and as my lord the king liveth, surely in what place my lord the king shall be, whether in death or life, even there also will thy servant be. And David said to Ittai, Go and pass over. And Ittai the Gittite passed over, and all his men, and all the little ones that were with him.” 2 Samuel 15:19-22 (KJV)

There is much that could be said for loyalty. It should probably be left to someone who knows more about such things, but here are my thoughts, and a short study of the matter.

Loyalty is shown in Ittai the Gittite. He is relatively new to serving king David, and he finds himself the servant of a king who is now losing, or seems to be losing his throne of the kingdom. The king’s own son, Absalom has turned against his father. This is a part of the fulfillment of Nathan’s prophecy (2 Samuel 12:11), and it is God’s judgment upon David for his adultery and murder of Uriah.

We see Ittai rewarded by David later in chapter 18 verses 2, 5, and 12 he is mentioned as being the commander over one third of the army of David, with Joab and Abishai.

David gives Ittai freedom to leave and return to his own, but he stays with David, in flight from his own son.

Now, how many people would stay with a falling king when they see his kingdom crumbling around them? Some might think, “Only a fool would do such a thing”. Ittai shows that he is trusting the GOD of David; he even calls Him by His name Jehovah [YHWH]. He is faithful to God, and loyal to king David, despite the circumstances.

The Son of David, King Jesus deserves our faithfulness, and our loyalty. He has not failed us. He has died for us, carried our sins away in His burial, and risen victoriously over sin, death, hell and the grave. Call on His name, believe Him and be delivered from all you sins.

I Will Show You Kindness

/ Tim A. / Leave a comment

The following are notes from a recent message preached at Shiloah Baptist Church

I Will Show You Kindness
“Now when Mephibosheth, the son of Jonathan, the son of Saul, was come unto David, he fell on his face, and did reverence. And David said, Mephibosheth. And he answered, Behold thy servant! And David said unto him, Fear not: for I will surely shew thee kindness for Jonathan thy father’s sake, and will restore thee all the land of Saul thy father; and thou shalt eat bread at my table continually. And he bowed himself, and said, What is thy servant, that thou shouldest look upon such a dead dog as I am?” 2 Samuel 9:6-8 (KJV)

The son of Jonathan; David’s best and dearest friend; comes before David the king at his direction, and bows before him in fear and out of humility.

The king’s first word, after speaking his name is, “Fear not…”. Mephibosheth is crippled from a childhood accident while being carried by an adult (2 Samuel 4:4), fell and left him crippled. He sees himself as unworthy of the king’s attention; a dead dog.

In this moment is seen the mercy and grace of God. David knew of these. He himself was a recipient of both. He displays them both. In the name of Jonathan he gives all the lands back to Mephibosheth which had belonged to Saul.

Mephibosheth was also at David’s table continually.

O, the grace and mercy of God shown to us through the death, burial and resurrection of Jesus the Son of God. In His name, for His name’s sake we are made “joint heirs with Him” (Romans 8:17).

House of Glory

/ Tim A. / 2 Comments

“And it came to pass, when the priests were come out of the holy place: (for all the priests that were present were sanctified, and did not then wait by course: also the Levites which were the singers, all of them of Asaph, of Heman, of Jeduthun, with their sons and their brethren, being arrayed in white linen, having cymbals and psalteries and harps, stood at the east end of the altar, and with them an hundred and twenty priests sounding with trumpets:) It came even to pass, as the trumpeters and singers were as one, to make one sound to be heard in praising and thanking the LORD; and when they lifted up their voice with the trumpets and cymbals and instruments of musick, and praised the LORD, saying, For He is good; for His mercy endureth for ever: that then the house was filled with a cloud, even the house of the LORD; so that the priests could not stand to minister by reason of the cloud: for the glory of the LORD had filled the house of God.” 2 Chronicles 5:11-14 (KJV)

There is nothing more glorious than the glory of the LORD. There are more details given us in the Chronicles of the building of Solomon’s temple than in the Kings, and these details are helpful to us; and to the generations which returned from captivity.

Thinking of the “glory of the LORD” it would be good to remember the events of 1 Samuel 4:11-22. Remember the ark of the covenant represents the person, power and glory of God.

It would also be good to read Matthew 23:37 – 24:1. Jesus is the Person of the glory of God. His name “Immanuel” meaning “God with us”. Also see Hebrews 1:1-3.

If Jesus Christ; the Son of God, God the Son; is not present the glory is gone.

Robes of Priests and Kings

/ Tim A. / 1 Comment

“And David was clothed with a robe of fine linen, and all the Levites that bare the ark, and the singers, and Chenaniah the master of the song with the singers: David also had upon him an ephod of linen. Thus all Israel brought up the ark of the covenant of the LORD with shouting, and with sound of the cornet, and with trumpets, and with cymbals, making a noise with psalteries and harps. And it came to pass, as the ark of the covenant of the LORD came to the city of David, that Michal the daughter of Saul looking out at a window saw king David dancing and playing: and she despised him in her heart.” 1 Chronicles 15:27-29 (KJV)

The “linen robe” and the “ephod of linen” were garments of the priests (Exodus 28:5-14). King David was celebrating the bringing of the ark of the covenant to Jerusalem because in his first attempt he had failed to consult the LORD and His word on the matter (15:13).

There was singing. There was dancing. There was such a jubilant celebration of worship to the LORD as the ark is brought into the city.

Michal, David’s wife, was not pleased with David. What was her problem. It was not because he was actually naked as what some suppose; but it was because he had stripped off his robes, the garments of being king, and put on the garments of a priest.

On David’s part it was an act of humility. On Michal’s part it was vanity and pride. Because of Michal’s act she would never have children.

David is representative of all Christians, in that when we come to God through His Son Jesus we are made priests ourselves and can through the blood of Jesus go directly to the throne room of the Most High (1 Peter 2:9;  Hebrews 4:16).

For further reading you may want to check out Shoulders of Blessing and On a Cart

Single Minded

/ Tim A. / 4 Comments

“And of the half tribe of Manasseh eighteen thousand, which were expressed by name, to come and make David king. And of the children of Issachar, which were men that had understanding of the times, to know what Israel ought to do; the heads of them were two hundred; and all their brethren were at their commandment. Of Zebulun, such as went forth to battle, expert in war, with all instruments of war, fifty thousand, which could keep rank: they were not of double heart.” 1 Chronicles 12:31-33 (KJV)

These verses make up a part of a list of men of war who came to David to establish him as king in the stead of Saul (v. 23). These three particular tribesmen caught my attention.

The half tribe of Manasseh, came with one purpose “To come and make David king”. The men of Issachar had that purpose as well as having an “understanding of the times, to know what Israel ought to do”; and I take that to mean establishing David as king starting in Hebron. The men of Zebulon are “expert in war”, they also had “all the instruments of war”, and “could keep rank”. These all made for a strong military force.

There is one thing said of the Zebulonites that catches my heart, mind and thoughts; “They were not of double heart”. They had a singleness of mind and heart; and that most likely was to make David the king of all Israel.

One day Jesus Christ the Son of God, God the Son will be King; not just of Israel, but over the whole earth, and He will reign in Righteousness, Justice, and Peace.

In the mean time those of us who are Christians must live with singleness of mind for Him, His honor, His glory, and praise. We cannot be double-minded:

“A double minded man is unstable in all his ways.” James 1:8

You cannot glorify the God of glory with a mind on the things of the flesh and the world; and on the things of God. Like Jesus said, “No one can serve two masters…” (Matthew 6:24).

Loving the King

/ Tim A. / 1 Comment

“And David was then in the hold, and the Philistines’ garrison was then at Bethlehem. And David longed, and said, Oh that one would give me drink of the water of the well of Bethlehem, that is at the gate! And the three brake through the host of the Philistines, and drew water out of the well of Bethlehem, that was by the gate, and took it, and brought it to David: but David would not drink of it, but poured it out to the LORD, and said, My God forbid it me, that I should do this thing: shall I drink the blood of these men that have put their lives in jeopardy? For with the jeopardy of their lives they brought it. Therefore he would not drink it. These things did these three mightiest.” 1 Chronicles 11:16-19 (KJV)

This is an historical account of the events of 2 Samuel 23:15-17. It is written following the returning of the Babylonian exiles some 430 plus years before the birth of Jesus Christ.

What would you do for love of the king? These three mighty men of David heard his desire for a drink of the cool, fresh water from the well of Bethlehem; and they broke through enemy lines; risking their lives; to get king David a drink of it.

For the Christian; we have no king but King Jesus. He is the Son of God, and God the Son. He is the Redeemer of all men. He gave His life for all upon the cruel, rugged cross of calvary. He gave His life that we might live. Yet, He rose again, and came out of that grave three days later victorious over sin and death, hell and the grave; and He lives forever. He will save all who will call upon His name. He saves from sin’s condemnation, death, hell, shame.

What would you do now; for love of the King?

The Archers Arrow of Accuracy

/ Tim A. / 2 Comments

“And the sons of Ulam were mighty men of valour, archers, and had many sons, and sons’ sons, an hundred and fifty. All these are of the sons of Benjamin.” 1 Chronicles 8:40 (KJV)

The names of this genealogy are of the lineage of Benjamin. This genealogy from chapter one through ten is of the returning remnant from the Babylonian captivity; that they might remember who goes where, and proof of ownership of any land in the land of Promise.

It is noted by the above verse that the “sons of Ulam were mighty men of valor, archers…” What is valor? It can be defined as bravery in the face of seeming defeat; it is courage when it seems that defeat is inevitable. That is what Christians need in the world today.

Christian men, especially need to step up and stand in the face of the enemy; whatever that enemy may be; whoever that enemy may be; and we know the enemy of us all is the devil himself. He hates Christ Jesus, he hates Christians who love Jesus more than life itself. Christian men and women need to stand in this day.

Ulam’s sons must have been excellent archers, being recognized for it in Scriptures. May God Jehovah direct every word to accomplish that which He pleases in the hearts of men and women.

Praising and Honoring God With Music

/ Tim A. / Leave a comment

“And these are they whom David set over the service of song in the house of the LORD, after that the ark had rest. And they ministered before the dwelling place of the tabernacle of the congregation with singing, until Solomon had built the house of the LORD in Jerusalem: and then they waited on their office according to their order.” 1 Chronicles 6:31-32 (KJV)

These verses begin a chronicled list of Levites whom David placed as the authority over the singing in the “Tabernacle of the congregation” after it was brought to Jerusalem thus the phrase “after that the ark had rest”. You find that genealogy from verses 33-48.

I believe the LORD likes us to sing unto Him in worship. I also believe He is glorified with instruments of music, as they are played unto Him. He is glorified when we are enjoying Him. John Piper has written, “God is most glorified in us; when we are most satisfied in Him” and music is one way that is expressed when it honors His name, His holiness, and His righteousness.

I sometimes laugh as I drive in a city once in a while, and occasionally I will see folks in their cars tapping the steering wheel, or moving to the rhythm of a song they are listening; maybe even singing along. I laugh, because I find myself doing that, just about every time I have the car radio on, and listening to a good uplifting God honoring song.

Sing a song today, and honor God in your music.

When We Pray God Hears: When We Sin God Chastises

/ Tim A. / 1 Comment

“The sons of Reuben, and the Gadites, and half the tribe of Manasseh, of valiant men, men able to bear buckler and sword, and to shoot with bow, and skilful in war, were four and forty thousand seven hundred and threescore, that went out to the war. And they made war with the Hagarites, with Jetur, and Nephish, and Nodab. And they were helped against them, and the Hagarites were delivered into their hand, and all that were with them: for they cried to God in the battle, and He was intreated of them; because they put their trust in Him…” 1 Chronicles 5:18-20
“…And they transgressed against the God of their fathers, and went a whoring after the gods of the people of the land, whom God destroyed before them.” 1 Chronicles 5:25 (KJV)

These tribes had their inheritance on the east side of the Jordan River. They had to fight to keep it. It is believed that these Hagarites were a desert people, that were growing restless due to the numbers of Israelites dwelling in the land.

They attack, and by the prayers of God’s people have God’s help in the victory over the Hagarites. “They cried to God in the battle…” He heard them, gave them the victory, because they trusted Him.

The people of God are warned to trust only in Him; remember the first commandment – “Thou shalt have no other gods before Me.” Then these 2 and one half tribes transgress the law.

Because of the transgression God sent Tilgathpilneser to judge and discipline them to bring them back to Himself.

“And the God of Israel stirred up the spirit of Pul king of Assyria, and the spirit of Tilgathpilneser king of Assyria, and he carried them away, even the Reubenites, and the Gadites, and the half tribe of Manasseh, and brought them unto Halah, and Habor, and Hara, and to the river Gozan, unto this day.” (v. 26)

God does not leave His people without discipline, without correction, without judgment. Peter says, “Judgment must begin at the house of God” (1 Peter 4:17). One thing we must remember; and that is that “God loves us the way we are when we are coming to Him, but He loves us too much to leave us the way we are.” He will accomplish His work in us. He will be glorified.

Prayer from Sorrow

/ Tim A. / Leave a comment

“And Jabez was more honourable than his brethren: and his mother called his name Jabez, saying, Because I bare him with sorrow. And Jabez called on the God of Israel, saying, Oh that Thou wouldest bless me indeed, and enlarge my coast, and that Thine hand might be with me, and that Thou wouldest keep me from evil, that it may not grieve me! And God granted him that which he requested.” 1 Chronicles 4:9-10 (KJV)

Several years ago I was reading the genealogies of 1 Chronicles, as I was following my daily reading schedule, and I discovered these two verses; and I had not noticed them before. It was like finding a diamond in a trainload of coal. It still is. After discovering this verse I preached a sermon on it, then a year or so later a man wrote a book on it; and it was very popular.

It still blesses my heart as I look through these genealogies, and find this oasis reminding us of the power of prayer to GOD.

The name Jabez means sorrowful. It seems that in giving birth to the child he had caused great pain to his mother – not his fault though. This prayer is asked that he might be a blessing rather than a curse to others. God answered.

We all ought to pray a prayer similar to this; maybe every day. Especially that we be a blessing to others. God more than meets needs – enlarging our “coast” or “borders”. His hand is with us continually protecting us, keeping us; and Jesus taught us “Deliver us from evil for Thine is the kingdom, and the power, and the glory forever” (Matthew 6:13).

Still we must pray. Still we must trust. Still we must bless others.

The Surrender

/ Tim A. / 2 Comments

“And Gedaliah sware to them, and to their men, and said unto them, Fear not to be the servants of the Chaldees: dwell in the land, and serve the king of Babylon; and it shall be well with you.” 2 Kings 25:24 (KJV)

Surrender is never a pleasant topic; especially for those with strong personalities, and stubborn hearts.

The prophet Jeremiah had told the people of Judah to surrender to Babylon’s Nebuchadnezzar, because he was going to come and capture the people, take the articles from the temple, and leave it in ruins (Jeremiah 27:12ff). Now it had occurred and a governor of Judea had been appointed. Gedaliah (Jehovah is great) was speaking words of encouragement to some people who had came to him seeking advice.

Surrendering to the enemy is not easy. Surrendering to God is often not easy, because we have our own ideas; our own way; and God’s way is not always what we desire at the start. The question is: Do we want God as our enemy? That is what we make Him when we say no to His plan, His way

In the end; this is not so much surrender to Nebuchadnezzar as it is surrender to GOD.

“Fear not” God will have His way with our enemy, and He will have His way in your life and mine.

Enquire of the LORD

/ Tim A. / 2 Comments

“Go ye, enquire of the LORD for me, and for the people, and for all Judah, concerning the words of this book that is found: for great is the wrath of the LORD that is kindled against us, because our fathers have not hearkened unto the words of this book, to do according unto all that which is written concerning us.” 2 Kings 22:13 (KJV)

The words of God’s book is the word of God. The most important book ever penned down by the hands of men; and sadly it is the most rejected book. Though it was written down by the hands of men the word of God is the verbally inspired, inerrant, and infallible word.

Josiah, the youngest king of Judah to begin ruling, saw the importance of the word of God. It is said of Josiah that “he did right in the sight of the LORD”; and that was due to his reverence, trust, and faith in God and His word.

Upon hearing the word of God Josiah took action. It would have first been upon his own heart and life. The first place of action for us today is to hear the word of God; then to act upon it.

We are sinners according to the word of God (Romans 3:23), and we need a Saviour if we are to be in fellowship with God, and that is Jesus Christ Son of God, and God the Son.

Turn to God, to His word, and to His Son.

Praying for Help

/ Tim A. / 4 Comments

“Now therefore, O LORD our God, I beseech Thee, save Thou us out of his hand, that all the kingdoms of the earth may know that Thou art the LORD God, even Thou only.” 2 Kings 19:19 (KJV)

The king of Assyria had sent Rabshakeh his commander of the Assyrian army to threaten, to defame, to despise, to show contempt for Judah, her king, and her God.

Being the man of God king Hezekiah was he went to God in prayer, laid the letter of mockery out before the LORD and prayed.

An ongoing theme through out all of the Old Testament, is “Know that the LORD is God” or that “GOD is the Lord”. That phrase can be found at least 63 times in the prophecy of Ezekiel. Here it is again in the prayer of Hezekiah.

The LORD God is our only help.  He alone will hear prayer.  We access His throne only through the sacrifice of His Son.

Since it is so readily mentioned throughout Scripture, then, we should get the strong impression that the world needs to know that the He is “the LORD God”, and that there is no other; and that He is known solely through His only offering for sin. That is His Son Jesus Christ.

Putting Away Evil

/ Tim A. / 2 Comments

“He removed the high places, and brake the images, and cut down the groves, and brake in pieces the brasen serpent that Moses had made: for unto those days the children of Israel did burn incense to it: and he called it Nehushtan. He trusted in the LORD God of Israel; so that after him was none like him among all the kings of Judah, nor any that were before him. For he clave to the LORD, and departed not from following Him, but kept His commandments, which the LORD commanded Moses. And the LORD was with him; and he prospered whithersoever he went forth: and he rebelled against the king of Assyria, and served him not.” 2 Kings 18:4-7 (KJV)

Hezekiah, a king that did right in the sight of the LORD (v. 3). He was the son of an ungodly king (Ahaz), and “did not that which was right in the sight of the LORD” (16:2).

Hezekiah loved God, the LORD with all that he had. He even destroyed an article which Moses had made in the wilderness – the brazen serpent (Numbers 21:4-9). He called it “Nehushtan” believed to mean “that bronze thing”. The people of Judah had gone to worshipping it making an idol of it, even burning incense to it. It is believed that they may have taken on the Canaanite demonism of believing that serpents were fertility symbols.

A symbol that had been lifted up in the wilderness portraying sin being put to death on a tree (John 3:14-15); and looking to it to live; made a source of grief to a godly king.

Evil in any form should be scorned, despised and held in contempt by any child of God. It is evil to worship any God, but Jehovah. He is worshipped solely though the death, burial and resurrection of the Son of God, God the Son Jesus Christ.

As Hezekiah “clave to the LORD”; so too must we who are called Christian. To be Christian is to be “Christ like” or “Like Christ”; and He hated evil. He hated it so much He went to the cross in our place and took the punishment for our sin; even becoming sin for us (2 Corinthians 5:21); and taking the wrath of the Father in our place.

Believe Him today, and be saved for eternity.