When We Fear the LORD
I. …WE ARE KEPT FROM EVIL PATHS (Psalm 17:4-7).
II. …WE SUBMIT TO GOD’S WORD AND PRAISE HIM (Psalm 19:7-11).
III. …WE REJOICE IN THE STRENGTH OF THE LORD (Psalm 21:1-6).
IV. …WE ARE WITH THE SECRET OF THE LORD (Psalm 25:8-14).
V. … WE REQUEST GOD’S ATTENTION (Psalm 28:1-5).
VI. WHEN WE FEAR THE LORD, WE WILL BLESS THE LORD (Psalm 34:1-10).
“Charity suffereth long, and is kind; charity envieth not; charity vaunteth not itself, is not puffed up, doth not behave itself unseemly, seeketh not her own, is not easily provoked, thinketh no evil; rejoiceth not in iniquity, but rejoiceth in the truth; beareth all things, believeth all things, hopeth all things, endureth all things.” 1 Corinthians 13:4-7 (KJV)
This “Charity” is the love God has for us. It is love that we as Christians are to have for one another, and others outside the Body of Christ. How much does God love us? Enough to give His only begotten Son to die on the cross to pay a debt that was mine and yours to pay.
The charity we show is not selfish; seeking something in return, but the glory of God. If we will practice this love there would be more marriages that will endure the tests of time. Practicing this love of God there would be less rejoicing in iniquity; and more rejoicing in the truth. This love “Endures all things”; but that does not mean we do not pray for change.
-Tim A. Blankenship
Rebellion and False Repentance
Hosea 5:1 – 6:11
To love God is to hate evil (Psalm 97:10). “The fear of the LORD is to hate evil (Proverbs 8:13). So declares the inspired Scriptures.
The problem with Israel as much as with people today, in general, even professing Christians, is that, we claim to love God, and hang onto evil as well. That cannot be, if we love God. God says so, and it is so often ignored.
God’s desire for His people is that we learn. Learn His ways, walk His paths of beauteous splendor. But, there is such (what seems like) an unwillingness to learn, such desire for ignorance, rather than for a knowledge of God.
Many times in Scriptures the words “hear”, “give heed”, and/or “listen” are verbalized with great vehemence, that God cries out for their attention, but they do not give it. Maybe I ought to say “We do not give it” just to be fair.
The Word of God has been rejected and despised by the priests and rulers of Israel. They have captured the people for their own gain. The priests, the common people, and the king are guilty before God. They all must repent and seek God.
“Hear ye this, O priests; and hearken, ye house of Israel; and give ye ear, O house of the king; for judgment is toward you, because ye have been a snare on Mizpah, and a net spread upon Tabor. And the revolters are profound to make slaughter, though I have been a rebuker of them all.” Hosea 5:1-2 (KJV)
Many times God cries out through His messengers, the prophets, for His people to “Hear”. Sometimes they listen and hear and turn form their path of destruction; many times they do not.
The judgment is toward all who are in the land. As a response to hearing the Word some will turn, but will still suffer in judgment along with the nation. Like we are told in Scripture “It rains on the just and the unjust” (Matthew 5:45), and that includes blessing and judgment.
The leaders; the priests, the king, tribal leaders had ensnared and exploited the people. The nobles and leaders were not only indulging in the practiced sin of the nation, but were also profiting from the immorality. They did not want to cease from their sin. There was too much profit, and an extravagant amount of pleasure to lose in doing so. As long as there is enjoyment in sin there is no chance for repentance, and no blessing from God.
There was much bloodshed “slaughter”. Slaughter of innocence. The baby to the fire, the elderly “No longer useful to society”, those who cry out against audacious and vile decadence. This will be judged. There are many people today who worship at the fiery idol of “Choice”.
“I know Ephraim, and Israel is not hid from Me: for now, O Ephraim, thou committest whoredom, and Israel is defiled. They will not frame their doings to turn unto their God: for the spirit of whoredoms is in the midst of them, and they have not known the LORD. And the pride of Israel doth testify to his face: therefore shall Israel and Ephraim fall in their iniquity; Judah also shall fall with them. They shall go with their flocks and with their herds to seek the LORD; but they shall not find Him; He hath withdrawn Himself from them. They have dealt treacherously against the LORD: for they have begotten strange children: now shall a month devour them with their portions.” Hosea 5:3-7
Rebellion and impenitence is the theme of these verses.
When a lost soul turns to God for salvation, that same soul has turned away from sin and the path of Hell. There has been a change of heart and of life, and of lifestyle.
This is what God was wanting for Israel. Israel’s problem is that, they wee caught in a trap. They were enslaved to their won devices of sin, and could find no way out. In fact they did not want out. That is the blindness of sins darkness. Jesus spoke of the bondage of sin and its darkness in John 3:19-20. He said, “And this is the condemnation, that the light has come into the world, and men loved darkness rather than light, because their deeds were evil. For everyone practicing evil hates the light and does not come to the light, lest his deeds should be exposed.” (NKJV).
In verses three through seven God cites five reasons He would chastise Israel, and ultimately Judah. There were probably some in Hosea’s audience who would not believe Israel could or would be destroyed, thus, the five reasons.
On the part of Israel was betrayal, rebellion, and an intensity to sin. On God’s part, He remained faithful. The result of Israel’s continued rebellion against God was destruction. Who are we to think that it cannot happen to us when we want to hang on to our sins?
“Blow ye the cornet in Gibeah, and the trumpet in Ramah: cry aloud at Bethaven, after thee, O Benjamin. Ephraim shall be desolate in the day of rebuke: among the tribes of Israel have I made known that which shall surely be. The princes of Judah were like them that remove the bound: therefore I will pour out My wrath upon them like water. Ephraim is oppressed and broken in judgment, because he willingly walked after the commandment. Therefore will I be unto Ephraim as a moth, and to the house of Judah as rottenness. When Ephraim saw his sickness, and Judah saw his wound, then went Ephraim to the Assyrian, and sent to king Jareb: yet could he not heal you, nor cure you of your wound. For I will be unto Ephraim as a lion, and as a young lion to the house of Judah: I, even I, will tear and go away; I will take away, and none shall rescue him. I will go and return to My place, till they acknowledge their offence, and seek My face: in their affliction they will seek Me early.” Hosea 5:8-15 (KJV)
Judgment would come from within and without. For those today who say, “Well, God wouldn’t do that” you better get a new thought. God does not allow His children to sin successfully.
This blowing of the “Ram’s horn” is a warning to invaders. There is a need for sounding a warning of invaders when people forsake God, and refuse to return to His way. The warnings, as with Israel, often go unheeded, and the people continue to live a life of indulgent sin. Wanting the blessings, of God, and yet clinging to godless living.
Judgment is inevitable when people hear the Word of warning, and refuse to turn. The judgment comes due to the lack of care. Complacent, and apathetic toward the warnings; the enemy then comes in tearing and ripping and killing fulfilling the rebuke of God to turn His people from their sins. Who can rescue one who is under the judgment? God says, “No one can.”
God leaves His children to face their own sin, and its fruit. “Be not deceived; God is not mocked: for whatsoever a man soweth, that shall he also reap.” (Galations 6:7). He will not come to their aid until they confess their evil and repent of it. God’s judgment upon His people is always redemptive. Do not deceive yourselves; there are consequences to your sin. You will reap the harvest of those sins.
“Come, and let us return unto the LORD: for He hath torn, and He will heal us; He hath smitten, and He will bind us up. After two days will He revive us: in the third day He will raise us up, and we shall live in His sight. Then shall we know, if we follow on to know the LORD: His going forth is prepared as the morning; and He shall come unto us as the rain, as the latter and former rain unto the earth.” Hosea 6:1-3
By all appearances these verses seem to be a sign of true repentance. At least what the Lord requires of His people for His promise to be fulfilled. Let us keep them in context with the verses which follow.
How long does it take us to learn that we cannot fool God? He knows our heart. He knows our thoughts. He knows when we are truly penitent, and when it is false.
Sorry they had been discovered, their sin found out, they want to avoid the judgment that was about to fall upon them. Notice, there is no mention of forsaking their evil ways, only seeking to return in order to get blessing again. They want healing, revival, and the rains, but God knows the heart.
“O Ephraim, what shall I do unto thee? O Judah, what shall I do unto thee? For your goodness is as a morning cloud, and as the early dew it goeth away. Therefore have I hewed them by the prophets; I have slain them by the words of My mouth: and thy judgments are as the light that goeth forth. For I desired mercy, and not sacrifice; and the knowledge of God more than burnt offerings. But they like men have transgressed the covenant: there have they dealt treacherously against Me. Gilead is a city of them that work iniquity, and is polluted with blood. And as troops of robbers wait for a man, so the company of priests murder in the way by consent: for they commit lewdness. I have seen an horrible thing in the house of Israel: there is the whoredom of Ephraim, Israel is defiled. Also, O Judah, He hath set an harvest for thee, when I returned the captivity of My people.” Hosea 6:4-11
God will, and does judge His people to produce godly knowledge, and loyalty to Him.
The two questions of verse four are very penetrating. They imply with force, “Why do you deceive Me?” The repentance of “Ephraim” is only fleeting. Clinging to their sin, loving their sin, they cry for forgiveness. The “Morning cloud” appears until the light and heat of the sun hits it, then, it is gone. The “Early dew” lingers on the leaves, grass, flowers, and the fields until the light of day causes it to evaporate into nothingness, and it is gone. The describes the repentance of Israel. Sadly, it also describes the feeble cries of repentance; if there are any; in the Church of the 21st century. While wanting the blessings of God we also want to cling to our sin that separates us from God. Wreaking havoc upon ourselves, our Church, our nation, and the world, sin continues while God calls us to repent. God’s people are to be a stabilizing force in society, and culture by being unmoved by passions of lust and greed.
The Word of God in written form, and from the mouths of His prophets inflicts wounds to cut out sin. “For the word of God is living and powerful, and sharper than any two-edged sword, piercing even to the dividing asunder of soul and spirit, and of the joints and marrow, and is a discerner of the thoughts and intents of the heart.” (Hebrews 4:12). The Word of God is the Law which shows the way of freedom. Sin is an evil, and cruel master destroying life, and godly relationships.
The LORD God desires permanence in our loyalties. His frustration is with words that have no commitment, no devotion, no perseverance. When judgment comes it is as a light revealing pitfalls, stumbling blocks, and dead-ends. Judgment shows that departure from God to sin has taken place.
False repentance is eager to sacrifice money, maybe time, and even attendance at worship, programs and feasts, but not personal commitment to change, to show mercy and kindness, to love as God loves – loving “God with all our heart, soul, mind, and strength; and our neighbor as we love ourselves”- to know God, and not just ritual.
The vileness of man’s heart continually transgresses God’s Law. Acts of treason are committed against Him daily. Treachery, the act to deceive, and that which destroys trust, is committed by refusing to obey what has been agreed to by all parties. God has no other choice but to judge. Remember our God is holy.
Bloodshed, robbery, harlotry seem to be permanent encroachments upon the land. God says, that it is “A horrible thing in the house of Israel.” The house of Judah will not be exempt. None who turn from God to serve self are exempt from God’s wrath. Is there hope in that? Those who experience God’s judgment, and confess their sins, and turn from their sins [repentance] to Jesus Christ, God’s holy Son will experience His mercy and grace.
-Tim A. Blankenship
In the book of Genesis there is a paragraph of mysterious Scripture. I say mysterious, because, of the various interpretations that have been given of it. My interpretation is not an uncommon one, but I do not believe it is the most popular among us. I think you understand my interpretation by the following commentary on the verses.
“And it came to pass, when men began to multiply on the face of the earth, and daughters were born unto them, that the sons of God saw the daughters of men that they were fair; and they took them wives of all which they chose. And the LORD said, ‘My Spirit shall not always strive with man, for that he also is flesh: yet his days shall be an hundred and twenty years.’ There were giants in the earth in those days; and also after that, when the sons of God came in unto the daughters of men, and they bare children to them, the same became mighty men which were of old, men of renown. And GOD saw that the wickedness of man was great in the earth, and that every imagination of the thoughts of his heart was only evil continually. And it repented the LORD that He had made man on the earth, and it grieved Him at His heart. And the LORD said, ‘I will destroy man whom I have created from the face of the earth; both man, and beast, and the creeping thing, and the fowls of the air; for it repenteth Me that I have made them.’ But Noah found grace in the eyes of the LORD.” Genesis 6:1-8 (KJV)
I will be looking at the “sons of God” as being the sons of Adam who were following the commands of the LORD as much as they were empowered to do so. However they were enticed by the beauty, and affections of the “daughters of men” who were the daughters of the ungodly; possibly men who were engulfed by evil in so called magical arts, reading the stars, etc. Christians of today; for the most part; know the commands given by Paul, and from the Old Testament; “Do not be unequally yoked together with unbelievers” (2 Corinthians 6:14ff).
The lesson is also taught in the commandments dealing with farming. See Deuteronomy 22:10; because the ox and the donkey have two completely different mindsets. The same is true with a believer and an unbeliever. There will be often excruciating pains and problems related to the differences. Marriage is tough enough without entering into already fully divided.
There is warning given in the above printed verses that “My Spirit shall not always strive with man…” Which seems; at least to me; to be saying their time is short. That mankind of that day had only 120 years until judgment would come on them. The wickedness had grown so monstrous that the holy and righteous One could not put up with it any longer; yet He gives them time to change their ways.
Some may ask, “What were the “Giants in the earth in those days…?” They were possibly those wicked men who were known and popular for their demonism, witchcraft, spells, and other kinds of evil practices. The imaginations of mankind had run wild. Could we not say that also of the day in which we live? I certainly think so.
More and more professing Christians see no wrong in participating the speech, behavior and acts of the world around them. Christians are marrying the “daughters of men”, joining in the practices, and at the same time attempting to worship the Creator.
When the sons of GOD marry the daughters of men evil increases. Good is diminished. The Word of God and the gospel of Jesus Christ is neglected, rejected, and despised.
Christian we might be complaining of losing our rights as citizens of the United States of America; however, we need to be more concerned that we have lost our power with God. We have lost that because we have joined ourselves with “the daughters of men”, the unrighteous and the unholy.
Thank GOD for His grace. Just as Noah found grace in the eyes of the LORD; so too do we all as we come to Him through His Son Jesus. I leave this for you to muse on. God loves you the way you are; however, He loves you too much to leave you the way you are.
-Tim A. Blankenship
The following is from the daily Spurgeon sponsored by Bible Gateway.
‘When the enemy shall come in like a flood, the Spirit of the Lord shall lift up a standard against him.’ Isaiah 59:19
Suggested Further Reading: Ephesians 6:10–18
Christian, you are in the land where foes abound. There are enemies within you; you are not clean delivered from the influence of inbred sin. The new nature is of divine origin, and it cannot sin because it is born of God; but the old nature, the carnal mind, is there too, and it is not reconciled to God, neither indeed can it be; and therefore it strives and struggles with the new nature. The house of Saul in our heart wars against the house of David, and tries to drive it out and despoil it of the crown. This conflict you must expect to have continued with more or less of violence till you enter into rest. Moreover, in the world without there are multitudes of foes. This vain world is no friend to the principle of the work of grace. If you were of the world the world would love its own, but as you are not of the world but of a heavenly race, you may expect to be treated as an alien and foreigner, no, as a hated and detested foe. All sorts of snares and traps will be laid for you; those who sought to entangle the Master in his speech will not be more lenient towards you. Moreover there is one whose name is called ‘the enemy,’ the ‘evil one;’ he is the leader among your adversaries; hating God with all his might, he hates that which he sees of God in you. He will not spare the arrows in his infernal quiver; he will shoot them all at you. There are no temptations which he knows of—and he understands the art well from long practice—there are no temptations which he will not exercise upon you. He will sometimes fawn upon you, and at other times will frown; he will lift you up, if possible, with self-righteousness, and then cast you down with despair. You will always find him your fierce, insatiable foe. Know this then, and put on the whole armour of God.
For meditation: Self, society and Satan are an unholy trinity to follow (Ephesians 2:2–3) and an unholy trinity to fight, but, in Christ, self (Romans 7:24–25), society (Galatians 1:3–4) and Satan (John 17:15; Hebrews 2:14–15) can all be overcome (Hebrews 2:18).
Sermon no. 718
28 October (1866)
What Spurgeon said on October 28, 1866 is just as applicable in October of 2012.
-T.A.
“Yet will I leave a remnant, that ye may have some that shall escape the sword among the nations, when ye shall be scattered through the countries. And they that escape of you shall remember Me among the nations whither they shall be carried captives, because I am broken with their whorish heart, which hath departed from Me, and with their eyes, which go a whoring after their idols: and they shall lothe themselves for the evils which they have committed in all their abominations. And they shall know that I am the LORD, and that I have not said in vain that I would do this evil unto them.” Ezekiel 6:8-10 (KJV)
God desires that people know that He is the LORD. Therefore He will do what it takes to get His people to Himself. Someone has said, “God loves us the way we are; but He loves us too much to leave us the way we are.” See Hebrews 12:6-8.
-T.A.
But it displeased Jonah exceedingly, and he was very angry. And he prayed unto the LORD, and said, ‘I pray thee, O LORD, was not this my saying, when I was yet in my country? Therefore I fled before unto Tarshish: for I knew that Thou art a gracious God, and merciful, slow to anger, and of great kindness, and repentest thee of the evil. Therefore now, O LORD, take, I beseech Thee, my life from me; for it is better for me to die than to live.” Jonah 4:1-3 (KJV)
This prophet who despised the people to whom the LORD had sent him, did not want to see this people forgiven, but rather his desire was to see this mass of people destroyed. The LORD was having mercy on Nineveh, when He saw their repentance. Due to their sin Nineveh was destroyed about 100 years later.
Of all things for a preacher to become angry about. People getting right with God, and changing their hearts and minds about the way they were living. That is why preachers preach. There are things worth getting angry about for the preacher. The murder of the innocent unborn. The slavery of women and children around the world. The captivity of drugs, alcohol, gambling, and pornography; and its destruction to our society. There are many other things for which the preacher to be angry. Rejoice, however, when people repent of their sins and get right with God.
To give us little bit of background on Jonah; he was a patriot of Israel. He loved his nation. He loved his God; and Nineveh was the enemy to himself, his nation and his God.
Let me just end by asking this question: Is patriotism; love for one’s country more important than following the call and will of God? I leave the answer with the reader.
-T.A.
Hear this word that the LORD hath spoken against you, O children of Israel, against the whole family which I brought up from the land of Egypt, saying, ‘You only have I known of all the families of the earth: therefore I will punish you for all your iniquities. Can two walk together, except they be agreed? Will a lion roar in the forest, when he hath no prey? Will a young lion cry out of his den, if he have taken nothing? Can a bird fall in a snare upon the earth, where no gin is for him? Shall one take up a snare from the earth, and have taken nothing at all? Shall a trumpet be blown in the city, and the people not be afraid? Shall there be evil in a city, and the LORD hath not done it? Surely the Lord GOD will do nothing, but He revealeth His secret unto His servants the prophets. The lion hath roared, who will not fear? The Lord GOD hath spoken, who can but prophesy?” Amos 3:1-8 (KJV)
Walking with the LORD might be considered a difficult endeavor; however, there is only one thing that it takes; and that is believing God. Believing Him means that I agree with what He says; and without doubt, without wavering, without fear I trust everything that He says. We must remember that He is the One who has even made it possible for man to walk with Him.
The LORD stepped down from heaven; in the person of His Son Jesus, and died for our sins. By His death on the cross He bridged the gap that was between GOD and mankind, making it possible to walk with Him.
One of the blessings and fruits of walking with God is that He reveals “His secret” to His servants the prophets. We are not all prophets, but through the prophets of Scripture, such as Amos we can better know GOD and walk with Him.
-T.A.
Unto the angel of the church of Ephesus write; ‘These things saith He that holdeth the seven stars in His right hand, who walketh in the midst of the seven golden candlesticks; I know thy works, and thy labour, and thy patience, and how thou canst not bear them which are evil: and thou hast tried them which say they are apostles, and are not, and hast found them liars: and hast borne, and hast patience, and for My name’s sake hast laboured, and hast not fainted. Nevertheless I have somewhat against thee, because thou hast left thy first love. Remember therefore from whence thou art fallen, and repent, and do the first works; or else I will come unto thee quickly, and will remove thy candlestick out of his place, except thou repent. But this thou hast, that thou hatest the deeds of the Nicolaitans, which I also hate. He that hath an ear, let him hear what the Spirit saith unto the churches; To him that overcometh will I give to eat of the tree of life, which is in the midst of the paradise of God.” Revelation 2:1-7 (KJV)
For further reading and study on these verses go read The Caretaker of the Light.
-T.A.
Beloved, when I gave all diligence to write unto you of the common salvation, it was needful for me to write unto you, and exhort you that ye should earnestly contend for the faith which was once delivered unto the saints. For there are certain men crept in unawares, who were before of old ordained to this condemnation, ungodly men, turning the grace of our God into lasciviousness, and denying the only Lord God, and our Lord Jesus Christ.” Jude 3-4 (KJV)
Now when it comes to pigs, no one sees a thing wrong with pigs being in the pigpen. That is pretty natural and normal; especially for the hog farmer. He pens them to work, to raise them and get them fat ready for sale, or the market. In the pigpen it gets pretty downright disgusting to see. Mud and waste product, mingled with wasted feed, from the fights among the pigs for their feed. It is pretty normal for pigs to be that way, live that way.
What does the pigpen have to do with Jude’s writing? Notice it says that “Pigs have crept in unawares”. NO! It does not say that exactly; but that is what they are. These that have “crept in” have taken the grace of God and turned it into a license to sin. Just a few days ago on Peter’s epistle it was written,
When we have these “Pigs” in the church we have chaos, unbelief, malicious conduct, selfishness, greed, lust, and all kinds of evil. Is it any wonder the world wants to accuse us of hate; especially when they see it among us toward one another. The pigpen is not natural or normal for the sheep.
Why is this happening? Many of the one’s who profess Christ, and to be ministers of the Gospel are profaning the Gospel, denying the Scriptures, and living like the world. Sir! If you do not believe God and His Word get out of the Church, and back where you belong; and take the pigpen with you.
-T.A.
Now we exhort you, brethren, warn them that are unruly, comfort the feebleminded, support the weak, be patient toward all men. See that none render evil for evil unto any man; but ever follow that which is good, both among yourselves, and to all men.
Rejoice evermore. Pray without ceasing. In every thing give thanks: for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus concerning you. Quench not the Spirit. Despise not prophesyings. Prove all things; hold fast that which is good. Abstain from all appearance of evil.
And the very God of peace sanctify you wholly; and I pray God your whole spirit and soul and body be preserved blameless unto the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ. Faithful is he that calleth you, who also will do it.”
1 Thessalonians 5:14-24 (KJV)
Since the time of the resurrection of Jesus and until today Christians have not been without troubles. Just like the rest of the world we have sickness, disease, financial setbacks, and ruin. “In the world you will have tribulation” Jesus said. He also said, “…Be of good cheer; for I have overcome the world.” I am so thankful for those words.
Many times I have asked myself the question, “What am I supposed to do in such a time as this?”. The answer is given in the above verses. In short we are to keep on doing what we are supposed to do; live by faith; trusting the outcome to our beloved Lord and Saviour, Jesus Christ.
-T.A.
Therefore hear ye the word of the LORD, all Judah that dwell in the land of Egypt; ‘Behold, I have sworn by My great name, saith the LORD, that My name shall no more be named in the mouth of any man of Judah in all the land of Egypt, saying, ‘The Lord GOD liveth.’ ‘Behold, I will watch over them for evil, and not for good: and all the men of Judah that are in the land of Egypt shall be consumed by the sword and by the famine, until there be an end of them. Yet a small number that escape the sword shall return out of the land of Egypt into the land of Judah, and all the remnant of Judah, that are gone into the land of Egypt to sojourn there, shall know whose words shall stand, Mine, or theirs. And this shall be a sign unto you,’ saith the LORD, ‘that I will punish you in this place, that ye may know that My words shall surely stand against you for evil.’ Thus saith the LORD; ‘Behold, I will give Pharaohhophra king of Egypt into the hand of his enemies, and into the hand of them that seek his life; as I gave Zedekiah king of Judah into the hand of Nebuchadrezzar king of Babylon, his enemy, and that sought his life.” Jeremiah 44:26-30 (KJV)
-T.A.
Now the word of the LORD came unto Jeremiah, while he was shut up in the court of the prison, saying, ‘Go and speak to Ebedmelech the Ethiopian, saying, Thus saith the LORD of hosts, the God of Israel; ‘Behold, I will bring My words upon this city for evil, and not for good; and they shall be accomplished in that day before thee. But I will deliver thee in that day,’ saith the LORD: ‘and thou shalt not be given into the hand of the men of whom thou art afraid. For I will surely deliver thee, and thou shalt not fall by the sword, but thy life shall be for a prey unto thee: because thou hast put thy trust in Me,’ saith the LORD.” Jeremiah 39:15-18 (KJV)
-T.A.
There is evil in the world. I do not think there is anyone with a clear and sober mind who would deny that is true. The definition of evil may be different for some people. Some who call evil good; and call good evil (Isaiah 5:20). Our understanding of evil must be based upon how the Word of God explains evil.
It is quite clear from our understanding of Scripture that what Ahab has done is evil. He has hated, and despised God, His Word, and His prophet greatly. There are some who would call the victory of Mount Carmel over the prophets of Baal, “evil”, because they were all put to death. Those who would call that evil are probably haters of God and righteousness.
Ahab was an evil king; the king of the Northern kingdom called Israel; and he had a very wicked wife. This all become more and more apparent as we get into chapter 21 of First Kings. There are a couple of verses I want to post in this article 21:20 and21:25.
First let me give you some background. It seems that the wicked, vile and evil king saw something he wanted, and he sought to get it. It was a beautiful vineyard owned by a man named Naboth. Now, Naboth had reverence for the commandments of the LORD,
“And Naboth said to Ahab, ‘The LORD forbid it me, that I should give the inheritance of my fathers unto thee.” verse 3
Naboth was thinking of the law of the LORD concerning land ownership and the law of God (Leviticus 25:23). When Naboth refused the land to the king, Ahab went home flopped himself down on his bed, because someone stood his ground; and he pouted and moaned; and I would not be surprised to know that he also cried like a baby who did not get what he wanted at the candy store. Guess what. His wicked wife Jezebel, set him straight, and promised him that she would get that vineyard for him.
Jezebel set about with a scheme – a wicked and vile plan – by which she would break the ninth commandment. “Thou shalt not bear false witness…” She set Naboth up; set up liars against him, accused him of blaspheming God and the king. It is not like she cared for God; because she hated and despised him as did her precious hubby. The accusations stuck, and they took Naboth out of the city and stoned him to death (v.13). Then, she tells Ahab, “Naboth is stoned, is dead, now go and claim your vineyard.
The prophet of fire hears of this evil deed the king and queen has devised and performed; because “the Word of the LORD came to Elijah”; and God’s Word to Ahab is this,
“And thou shalt speak unto him, saying, ‘Thus saith the LORD, ‘Hast thou killed, and also taken possession?’ And thou shalt speak unto him, saying, ‘Thus saith the LORD, ‘In the place where dogs licked the blood of Naboth shall dogs lick thy blood, even thine.” 1 Kings 21:19 (KJV)
The Word of the LORD is spoken thus it shall be done. Notice how the wicked king responds, and Elijah’s response to that,
“And Ahab said to Elijah, ‘Hast thou found me, O mine enemy?’ And he answered, ‘I have found thee: because thou hast sold thyself to work evil in the sight of the LORD.” verse 20
He sees Elijah as an enemy. It should be quite clear to all that if Elijah was his enemy; Ahab hated the Word of God, hated God, and he hated God’s prophet; thus Ahab considered God his enemy. The love of God for Ahab is quite apparent in these verses. He has sent Elijah time and time again to warn him, give him direction, and prove Himself to Ahab, but Ahab refuses the mercy, grace and love of God.
The two verses I mentioned at the beginning, was verse 20, and the last part of that verse,
“I have found thee: because thou hast sold thyself to work evil in the sight of the LORD.” verse 20
and verse 25,
“But there was none like unto Ahab, which did sell himself to work wickedness in the sight of the LORD, whom Jezebel his wife stirred up.”
Elijah tells Ahab, “You have sold yourself to work evil in the sight of the LORD”. Just what does it mean to “sell yourself”. When one sells themself; they are no longer the one in control. Their owner is in control. The owner of Ahab, and his wife Jezebel was their lustful, vile, and evil desires for possessions, power and prestige. Ahab sold himself to do evil. He loved evil and hated righteousness.
When Ahab hears the word of God he humbles himself (vv. 27-29). My first thought would be to say that he only humbled himself because he knew he was caught; but God knows the man’s heart. Nevertheless the word of God is true. It will not be voided; it will come to pass just as the LORD has spoken (1 Kings 22:27-29 and 2 Kings 9:30-37). It has been said, “Some sow their wild oats, then pray for a crop failure”. Some may sin against God, His Word and His prophets again and again, but judgment is coming.
O hear the Word of God. Repent of your sins and be saved through the blood of God’s only begotten Son Jesus Christ. Confront the evil of your life today.
-Tim A. Blankenship
For thus saith the LORD of hosts, the God of Israel; “Let not your prophets and your diviners, that be in the midst of you, deceive you, neither hearken to your dreams which ye cause to be dreamed. For they prophesy falsely unto you in My name: I have not sent them,” saith the LORD. For thus saith the LORD, “That after seventy years be accomplished at Babylon I will visit you, and perform My good word toward you, in causing you to return to this place. For I know the thoughts that I think toward you,’ saith the LORD, ‘thoughts of peace, and not of evil, to give you an expected end. Then shall ye call upon Me, and ye shall go and pray unto Me, and I will hearken unto you. And ye shall seek Me, and find Me, when ye shall search for Me with all your heart. And I will be found of you,’ saith the LORD: ‘and I will turn away your captivity, and I will gather you from all the nations, and from all the places whither I have driven you,’ saith the LORD; ‘and I will bring you again into the place whence I caused you to be carried away captive.” Jeremiah 29:8-14 (KJV)
-T.A.
In this post today I am attempting to post daily. My post will be from Scripture, the Word of the LORD. These be come from my reading of God’s Word for the day it is posted. Hear the word of the LORD.
The word that came to Jeremiah concerning all the people of Judah in the fourth year of Jehoiakim the son of Josiah king of Judah, that was the first year of Nebuchadrezzar king of Babylon; the which Jeremiah the prophet spake unto all the people of Judah, and to all the inhabitants of Jerusalem, saying, ‘From the thirteenth year of Josiah the son of Amon king of Judah, even unto this day, that is the three and twentieth year, the word of the LORD hath come unto me, and I have spoken unto you, rising early and speaking; but ye have not hearkened. And the LORD hath sent unto you all His servants the prophets, rising early and sending them; but ye have not hearkened, nor inclined your ear to hear. They said, ‘Turn ye again now every one from his evil way, and from the evil of your doings, and dwell in the land that the LORD hath given unto you and to your fathers for ever and ever: and go not after other gods to serve them, and to worship them, and provoke Me not to anger with the works of your hands; and I will do you no hurt. Yet ye have not hearkened unto Me, saith the LORD; that ye might provoke Me to anger with the works of your hands to your own hurt. Jeremiah 25:1-7 (KJV)
I will be finishing up the study of Elijah when I can get my thoughts to putting it down in print form.
-T.A.
Do we really stop to consider the way we live our lives? Are we a society that is consumed with doing our own thing; out for self fulfillment? It seems that way at times. Whether we like to admit it or not there is evil in the world. The only thing is who determines what is evil?
In our look at people we often see people joining in to help others. There have been many storms, tornadoes, tsunamis, as well as fires and earthquakes; and multitudes of neighbors come and help one another recover. That is a good thing. Right? I certainly see it as good. Yet there is something wrong.
The something wrong is how people react toward God and His Word.
My reading today was from Zephaniah 1 through Zechariah 9. There is a two chapter prophet within this reading by the name of Haggai where I got the title for this post. Four times Haggai uses the word “Consider”. Twice is to the returned people from Babylon to “Consider your ways”, and that is in the first chapter.
Though the words are not used in Zephaniah or Zechariah the cry is still with both of these prophets as well.
Zephaniah sees there is a departure from the LORD and calls for the people to return or suffer judgment. The prophecy takes place during the reign of Josiah, king of Judah; and Josiah was one who did right in the eyes of the LORD. Yet, even taking away the idols themselves does not remove the idol from the heart. They were still practicing the evil of their hearts.
“I will utterly consume all things from off the land, saith the LORD. I will consume man and beast; I will consume the fowls of the heaven, and the fishes of the sea, and the stumblingblocks with the wicked; and I will cut off man from off the land, saith the LORD. ‘I will also stretch out Mine hand upon Judah, and upon all the inhabitants of Jerusalem; and I will cut off the remnant of Baal from this place, and the name of the Chemarims with the priests; and them that worship the host of heaven upon the housetops; and them that worship and that swear by the LORD, and that swear by Malcham; and them that are turned back from the LORD; and those that have not sought the LORD, nor enquired for Him.” Zephaniah 1:2-6 (KJV)
The LORD defines “evil” much different than man does. Evil in God’s view is when His people turn from Him to serve and trust other things, such as gold, silver, friends, family; comfort and pleasure. Evil is also when the unbelieving refuse to believe in Him. The LORD desires those who are His to seek Him, to inquire of Him.
The prophet Haggai writes during the time of the return of Israel to the land of Promise, and they need to rebuild the temple, but they are neglecting doing so. They have their own houses built, but neglect the temple. Meaning, that they are neglecting the worship of the Most High GOD. Hear the word of the LORD through Haggai,
“Then came the word of the LORD by Haggai the prophet, saying, ‘Is it time for you, O ye, to dwell in your cieled houses, and this house lie waste? Now therefore thus saith the LORD of hosts; ‘Consider your ways. Ye have sown much, and bring in little; ye eat, but ye have not enough; ye drink, but ye are not filled with drink; ye clothe you, but there is none warm; and he that earneth wages earneth wages to put it into a bag with holes.” Haggai 1:3-6
The implication and clear message is that they are lacking due to their neglect of worshipping the LORD. That was their reason for being returned to Jerusalem; that is to rebuild the temple; yet they were neglecting the very One who was fulfilling His Word to them and for them. Notice the following word from the LORD;
“And I will shake all nations, and the desire of all nations shall come: and I will fill this house with glory, saith the LORD of hosts.” Haggai 2:7
Even before the temple is completed God gives the people promise and hope for days to come. The “desire of nations” is the Messiah of Israel. He is the Savior of the world. The seed of David. The Prince of peace. Wonderful Counselor. Mighty God. Everlasting Father. He is the Son of God. His name is Jesus. He is the desire of nations.
Zechariah speaks of this One as well;
“And speak unto him, saying, ‘Thus speaketh the LORD of hosts, saying, ‘Behold the Man whose name is The BRANCH; and He shall grow up out of His place, and He shall build the temple of the LORD: even He shall build the temple of the LORD; and He shall bear the glory, and shall sit and rule upon His throne; and He shall be a priest upon His throne: and the counsel of peace shall be between them both.” Zechariah 6:12-13 (KJV)
So, you may think that you are a “righteous person”, but by God’s standard you nor myself measure up. We fall short. There is only one hope to be rid of the evil in our hearts and lives. That is by believing and receiving the gift God gives in the person of His Son Jesus Christ. That gift is the sacrifice of Jesus on the cross for our sins. He was buried, and He rose again bodily from the grave. He cares for you. God cares enough to give the very best. Consider your ways.
-Tim A. Blankenship
Today marks our halfway point in 90 days of reading through the bible. We will have 45 more to go. It has been a blessing, and a challenge.
My reading today took me from Psalm 136 through Psalm 150 finishing the reading of the Psalms, and by reading 15 Psalms today. There is much mention of the term “Mercy” in the Bible; and in Psalm 136 it is framed in every verse; with the phrase, “For His mercy endureth forever”. And so it does.
There are two acts of God that are confused at times; and they are mercy and grace. There is much said of both.
I know an individual who frequently uses the word “Mercy” when someone says something that might be considered shocking. Both mercy and grace are needed by humanity. We need to receive both, and we need to practice both; but only God can give them in all their fulness.
Let me give you a definition of each one, then, we will deal with the mercy of the Psalms. First, “Mercy”, the way I understand it is; not receiving what we justly deserve – which is the wrath of God. Secondly, “Grace” is receiving from God what we do not deserve – that is His love, His mercy, His presence, power, glory, His Son, His redemption. Only those who submit to Him, His Word and the work of His Son Jesus on the cross experience His grace.
God gives the human race His mercy everyday. If He were to become unmerciful He would destroy the whole of creation, and there would not be one living person left. Because of the gift of His Son we can be assured that will not happen. Jesus Christ has paid the sin debt that humanity owed to God.
In Psalm 136 all 26 verses give tribute to the mercy of God. His mercy endures forever. There is nothing like His mercy.
We find that we are to give thanks for His mercy,
“O give thanks unto the LORD; for He is good: for His mercy endureth for ever. O give thanks unto the God of gods: for His mercy endureth for ever. O give thanks to the Lord of lords: for His mercy endureth for ever.” Psalam 136:1-3 (KJV)
We find His mercy in the wonders that He performs; and in the Universe He has created –
“To Him who alone doeth great wonders: for His mercy endureth for ever. To Him that by wisdom made the heavens: for His mercy endureth for ever. To Him that stretched out the earth above the waters: for His mercy endureth for ever. To Him that made great lights: for His mercy endureth for ever: the sun to rule by day: for His mercy endureth for ever: the moon and stars to rule by night: for His mercy endureth for ever.” 136:4-9
In His mercy God gave Egypt the chance to “Let My people go”, but they would not; so His mercy was displayed in the deliverance of Israel from Egypt –
“To Him that smote Egypt in their firstborn: for His mercy endureth for ever: and brought out Israel from among them: for His mercy endureth for ever: with a strong hand, and with a stretched out arm: for His mercy endureth for ever. To Him which divided the Red sea into parts: for His mercy endureth for ever: and made Israel to pass through the midst of it: for His mercy endureth for ever: but overthrew Pharaoh and his host in the Red sea: for His mercy endureth for ever.” 136:10-15
God was merciful when He was leading His people through the wilderness. There was many a time He would have destroyed them, but His mercy endured, and He delivered them, and took them to the land He had promised. Read verses 16 – 22.
The psalmist even goes on to state for all who are under His purview are provided for by Him –
“Who giveth food to all flesh: for His mercy endureth for ever.” v. 25
All of creation, God’s created order; whether they believe in Him or not; whether they are good or evil, are recipients of the mercy of God. O, wicked man; you deny God’s mercy and grace, yet you breathe His air, you walk on His dirt, you experience His gift of your beating heart; when He could at a word, stop it, and send you into a dark and Christless eternity.
“O give thanks unto the God of heaven: for His mercy endureth for ever.” v. 26
As the Psalm began,so it ends. With thanksgiving to the One who is merciful. How will you thank Him today. Begin by receiving His gift of grace given us in the person of His Son Jesus Christ, and His death on the cross, His burial, and bodily resurrection.
-Tim A. Blankenship
In reading through the Bible in 90 days there are passages which, to be honest, I find difficult to read; and today’s reading was no exception. I am speaking particularly of 1 Chronicles 1 – 9 which gives us a genealogy from Adam through the Babylonian captivity of Israel. I must admit that I cheat when I come to these and pretty much just scan the pages trying to take note of the main names. Ever once in a while I will notice something I had not seen before.
The one main thing I noticed this morning is that there is more mention of Bathsheba than I had noticed before, in the genealogy, and that may be due to the KJV use of “Bathshua” rather than Bathsheba. Bathsheba according to this text (1 Chronicles 3:5) is the daughter of Ammiel; who is known as Eliam in 2 Samuel 11:3. There is also the famous Jabez in chapter 4; who prayed and God answered his prayer (vv.9-10). His name [Jabez] means that he was a pain in birth.
My reading this morning started in 2 Kings 21 and extended through 1 Chronicles 9.
The statement in the title “What the LORD Does With Evil in His People” is answered in 2 Kings 21 – 25. The short answer to that question is – He judges it severely. I will not just leave it there though.
The first mention in the reading is of Manasseh, son of Godly king Hezekiah who was a man pretty much after the fashion of king David. Manasseh, however was a murdering, idol worshipping abomination to Judah. He led the people of Judah away from the worship of Jehovah/YHWH. He worshipped the sun, moon, stars, and all their supposed powers (21:5), he sacrificed his son to the fire (21:6), and to these things God will not turn away;
“And the LORD spake by His servants the prophets, saying, ‘Because Manasseh king of Judah hath done these abominations, and hath done wickedly above all that the Amorites did, which were before him, and hath made Judah also to sin with his idols: therefore thus saith the LORD God of Israel, ‘Behold, I am bringing such evil upon Jerusalem and Judah, that whosoever heareth of it, both his ears shall tingle. And I will stretch over Jerusalem the line of Samaria, and the plummet of the house of Ahab: and I will wipe Jerusalem as a man wipeth a dish, wiping it, and turning it upside down. And I will forsake the remnant of Mine inheritance, and deliver them into the hand of their enemies; and they shall become a prey and a spoil to all their enemies; because they have done that which was evil in My sight, and have provoked Me to anger, since the day their fathers came forth out of Egypt, even unto this day.’ Moreover Manasseh shed innocent blood very much, till he had filled Jerusalem from one end to another; beside his sin wherewith he made Judah to sin, in doing that which was evil in the sight of the LORD.” 2 Kings 21:10-16 (KJV)
In 2 Kings we get our first introduction to Nebuchadnezzar, king of Babylon. He will be the instrument of God’s judgment upon Judah. One of the things we should see about these things is that God is not pacified with good deeds. We have seen a few kings of Judah who were pleasing to God David, Asa, Hezekiah, Josiah to name a few. God does not have a set of balances weighing our good on one side and evil on the other; He judges sin, because He hates sin. It separates us from Him.
God sent the Southern kingdom of Judah into Babylonian captivity because of their sin; but we find when we get through 2 Chronicles that He does bring them back to Jerusalem. That is not a balancing of things; that is, however, grace.
The Son of God made it possible for all will call on His name to have eternal fellowship with the Creator of the Universe. His name is Jesus
-Tim A. Blankenship
Reading the fourteen chapters I read today left me a little bit bewildered, because there is so much to think about when it comes to writing and what there is to post. As I sat down to write I was not sure of what to post here at Fire and Hammer; and then I believe I saw the way this was to go.
My reading consisted of Joshua 23 – 24 and Judges 1 – 12. In Joshua his life is coming to an end and he offers a challenge to the people he is leading;
“And if it seem evil unto you to serve the LORD, choose you this day whom ye will serve; whether the gods which your fathers served that were on the other side of the flood, or the gods of the Amorites, in whose land ye dwell: but as for me and my house, we will serve the LORD.” Joshua 24:15 (KJV)
I know, I know a very familiar verse to every Christian; at least it should be. However, I think I see it a bit differently now after reading it this time. I noticed that Joshua puts the responsibility of their obedience upon their shoulders. I guess I knew that previously, but it seemed more pronounced today. Hear the conversation between Joshua and the people,
“And Joshua said unto the people, ‘Ye cannot serve the LORD: for He is an holy God; He is a jealous God; He will not forgive your transgressions nor your sins. If ye forsake the LORD, and serve strange gods, then He will turn and do you hurt, and consume you, after that He hath done you good.’ And the people said unto Joshua, ‘Nay; but we will serve the LORD.’ And Joshua said unto the people, ‘Ye are witnesses against yourselves that ye have chosen you the LORD, to serve Him.’ And they said, ‘We are witnesses.’ ‘Now therefore put away, said he, ‘the strange gods which are among you, and incline your heart unto the LORD God of Israel.'” vv. 19-23
God demands that His people be holy. Joshua gave them the truth of God and His Word, and they said we will be responsible. “We are willing to suffer the consequences of our disobedience when we do so”, “We are witnesses” of this.
We then enter the book of Judges, read of Joshua’s death, and how the people anger the LORD through their worship of foreign gods; which actually begins by departing from GOD. Disobedience is the first step of departure from GOD;
“And the LORD was with Judah; and he drave out the inhabitants of the mountain; but could not drive out the inhabitants of the valley, because they had chariots of iron.” Judges 1:19
The chariots would have appeared to them to be like a military tank to a man on foot in today’s army. Yet, I must ask, What of God and faith in Him? Is that not how the walls of Jericho came tumbling down? Is that not how the waters of the Red Sea parted? What about the water from the Rock? The Manna from heaven? Then we read,
“And an angel of the LORD came up from Gilgal to Bochim, and said, ‘I made you to go up out of Egypt, and have brought you unto the land which I sware unto your fathers; and I said, I will never break my covenant with you. And ye shall make no league with the inhabitants of this land; ye shall throw down their altars: but ye have not obeyed my voice: why have ye done this? Wherefore I also said, I will not drive them out from before you; but they shall be as thorns in your sides, and their gods shall be a snare unto you.” 2:1-3
So now, because of their absence of trust in the LORD, their departure from Him to other gods; GOD leaves the enemy in their midst to act as “thorns in your sides, and their gods shall be a snare unto you.” We as Christians can sit back and judge them and ask these questions concerning their faith; but what about our own. When it comes to holiness are there things in our hearts and lives that separate us from the blessing of God?
Our holiness is, of course, through the death, burial and bodily resurrection of Jesus Christ. It is His holiness, His righteousness, in which we must rest; however, we too have a responsibility to obedience in “… faith which worketh by love.” (Galations 5:6).
Grow in faith and love toward Jesus Christ.
-Tim A. Blankenship
In a day when there are people who think they are doing good by deceit and fraud; though they definitely would not see it as deceit and fraud; it is imperative that the people of God; those who are Christians be prudent in their lives.
The word means Cautious or discreet, cunning is even a good definition of prudent.
The wisdom of Solomon is found in Proverbs 22:3,
“A prudent man foreseeth the evil, and hideth himself: but the simple pass on, and are punished.” Proverbs 22:3 (KJV)
Of course this is mostly having to do with having an eye against that which is evil, and not just letting it creep up on you. Be aware, be alert; and that is probably what Peter had in mind as he was inspired to write,
“Be sober, be vigilant; because your adversary the devil, as a roaring lion, walketh about, seeking whom he may devour: whom resist stedfast in the faith, knowing that the same afflictions are accomplished in your brethren that are in the world.” 1 Peter 5:8
I will let a couple of the sages of the past give their comments on this verse:
See here, 1. The benefit of wisdom and consideration: A prudent man, by the help of his prudence, will foresee an evil, before it comes, and hide himself; he will be aware when he is entering into a temptation and will put on his armour and stand on his guard. When the clouds are gathering for a storm he takes the warning, and flies to the name of the Lord as his strong tower. Noah foresaw the deluge, Joseph the years of famine, and provided accordingly. 2. The mischief of rashness and inconsideration. The simple, who believe every word that flatters them, will believe none that warns them, and so they pass on and are punished. They venture upon sin, though they are told what will be in the end thereof; they throw themselves into trouble, notwithstanding the fair warning given them, and they repent their presumption when it is too late. See an instance of both these, Ex. 9:20, 21. Nothing is so fatal to precious souls as this, they will not take warning.
Matthew Henry Commentary.
and now John Gill,
A prudent man foreseeth the evil, and hideth himself,…. A wise man, whose eyes are in his head, who looks about him and before him, and is cautious and careful of his conduct and behaviour; he foresees the evil of sin he is liable to be drawn into by such and such company, snares, and temptations; and therefore he keeps from them, and abstains from all appearance of evil, or what would lead him to it; and he foresees the evil of punishment, or the judgments of God that are coming on for sin; and he betakes himself to the Lord, to those hiding places and chambers of retreat and protection he has provided for his people, till the indignation be overpast; see Isa_26:20;
but the simple pass on, and are punished: foolish persons, devoid of the grace of God and the fear of him, go on careless and unconcerned in their sinful course of life, transgressing the law of God; they proceed from evil to evil, from lesser to greater sins; they go on in the broad road to destruction, and are punished with temporal judgments here, and with everlasting destruction hereafter.
John Gill’s e-Sword Commentary
Be watchful, but trusting the LORD through it all to protect and keep you.
-Tim A. Blankenship
What is going on in the world? Or as one author has written, What in the World is Going On?
There are many people around the world living in fear of where world leaders are leading us; and maybe there should be some fear. However, those who are in Christ can know that He is involved in the affairs of this world, and her leaders; and that ultimately His will is going to be done and evil will be judged and righteousness shall reign.
The writer of Proverbs has written,
“The king’s heart is in the hand of the LORD, as the rivers of water: He turneth it whithersoever He will.” Proverbs 21:1 (KJV)
There are a lot of things about this that the human mind cannot comprehend, because we are finite beings – meaning our thinking is limited to what we see, hear, taste, touch and smell; and that is twisted due to our evil hearts. To believe that there is God who is intervening in our business, directing our steps, even our thoughts is indeed “thought provoking”.
There is evidence in Scripture of God turning kings hearts, and even using their evil toward accomplishing His will. I read this morning in my daily reading of the Pharoah in Egypt who hardened his heart against Moses and the Word of the LORD, and God was using that hard heart to direct His will in the land of Egypt (Exodus 5 – 7). Also in my studies of Isaiah I have seen where over 100 years before he was even born the prophet Isaiah names; by the Omniscience of God; the name of the king of Persia who would give the people of Israel the freedom to return to Jerusalem, and rebuild the temple; and his name was Cyrus (Isaiah 44:28-45:4).
The heart of every President of the United States of America is in the hands of the Lord, and He will direct it in the direction He has planned for the U.S. of A. and for the world and the rest of the leaders too; including the leader of Iran; however you spell his name.
As a young man on the family farm we had an irrigation system. It was used in the hot, dry Summer to keep the grass growing and green so the cows would keep producing milk. With the power of the propane powered engine we moved water from the Creek through the pump, through the lines and into the turbine powered irrigation machine which pulled itself across the pasture blasting out a stream of water about 1 and 1 half to two inches, and covering an area about two hundred feet in diameter. We were directing the flow of the water to accomplish what we wanted to do.
We see this done every day in our homes. We have water lines which comes from an underground supply of water, is pumped into a tank and then directed to your home. You control it with a faucet inside your home or business.
Is it not amazing that God even directs the heart of kings in such a fashion to accomplish His purposes and His will for His own glory? Find rest and peace in Christ today; knowing that He will be exalted, evil will one day be dealt with, and that God’s will is being done; even when we cannot see it, touch it, taste it, smell it, or hear it.
-Tim A. Blankenship
In my way of thinking “Greed” is the unethical gain of power and wealth. Gain by unethical means is always evil. Unethical could be defined as taking from those who cannot afford the loss. Using words of malice to destroy another’s reputation, character, or taking life to gain their possessions or power.
The desire to earn for the purpose of caring for your family is a god-given desire; and even to better one’s own situation in life. The object is being content with what you are doing and your present situation. Content with God’s direction for your life is probably what is meant by being content.
The writer of Proverbs; probably Solomon says,
“He that is greedy of gain troubleth his own house; but he that hateth gifts shall live.” Proverbs 15:27 (KJV)
This coming from a man who had more wealth than, Warren Buffet and Bill Gates combined, for the time he lived in.
It is implied by the latter part of the verse that this “greedy gain” has been gotten by the receipt of “gifts” or “bribes”. A bribe is given to get an individual or possibly a company, or someone in power to “look the other way” when an evil deed is taking place, is about to take place or will take place. A decision by a judge, law enforcement officer, or business associate, etc. Sometimes even a friendship can cause one to be “bought”; or even a family relationship.
It should be the heart of the Righteous to hate “Gifts”; the giving or receiving of “bribes”. Bribery will destroy the giver and the receiver ultimately. It may line the pockets of the bank account temporarily; but it will also work as a cancer in the heart, and destroy that life and loved one’s lives.
The following is commentary from Matthew Henry of Proverbs 15:27,
Note, 1. Those that are covetous entail trouble upon their families: He that is greedy of gain, and therefore makes himself a slave to the world, rises up early, sits up late, and eats the bread of carefulness, in pursuit of it—he that hurries, and puts himself and all about him upon the stretch, in business, frets and vexes at every loss and disappointment, and quarrels with every body that stands in the way of his profit—he troubles his own house, is a burden and vexation to his children and servants. He that, in his greediness of gain, takes bribes, and uses unlawful ways of getting money, leaves a curse with what he gets to those that come after him, which sooner or later will bring trouble into the house, Hab. 2:9, 10. 2. Those that are generous as well as righteous entail a blessing upon their families: He that hates gifts, that shakes his hands from holding the bribes that are thrust into his hand to pervert justice and abhors all sinful indirect ways of getting money—that hates to be paltry and mercenary, and is willing, if there be occasion, to do good gratis—he shall live; he shall have the comfort of life, shall live in prosperity and reputation; his name and family shall live and continue.
FROM Matthew Henry Commentery; e-SWord edition
Even if someone has fallen for the lie and given in to the temptation of this greed, there is forgiveness and cleansing through the sacrifice of Jesus Christ; His death, burial and resurrection. Be clean and go and sin no more in this evil.
-Tim A. Blankenship
“O LORD, rebuke me not in thine anger, neither chasten me in thy hot displeasure.” Psalm 6:1
There must have been something in David’s life that would cause him to make such a plea. Yet, there are times we as Christians even make such a plea. The Psalmist first words are directed to the Self-Existing One YaHWeH or JehovaH who relates to men who are redeemed by Him.
No one longs for the rebuke of the LORD, nor His anger; and God does get angry and is angry with sin and evil; because it is against everything He is. None of us long to experience the “hot displeasure” of GOD.
His displeasure is directed toward any sin that may be in our lives. He will do whatever it takes to rid us of our sin.
Let me give you a portion of what Charles H. Spurgeon writes of this Psalm, particularly verse 1 –
“O Lord, rebuke me not in thine anger.” The Psalmist is very conscious that he deserves to be rebuked, and he feels, moreover, that the rebuke in some form or other must come upon him, if not for condemnation, yet for conviction and sanctification. “Corn is cleaned with wind, and the soul with chastenings.” It were folly to pray against the golden hand which enriches us by its blows. He does not ask that the rebuke may be totally withheld, for he might thus lose a blessing in disguise; but, “Lord, rebuke me not in thine anger.” If thou remindest me of my sin, it is good; but, oh, remind me not of it as one incensed against me, lest thy servant’s heart should sink in despair. Thus saith Jeremiah, “O Lord, correct me, but with judgment; not in thine anger, lest thou bring me to nothing.” I know that I must be chastened, and though I shrink from thy rod yet do I feel that it will be for my benefit; but, oh, my God, “chasten me not in thy hot displeasure,” lest the rod become a sword, and lest in smiting, thou shouldest also kill. So may we pray that the chastisements of our gracious God, if they may not be entirely removed, may at least be sweetened by the consciousness that they are “not in anger, but in his dear covenant love.”
May we all who are in Christ Jesus find peace in knowing that God finds pleasure in blessing those who will call on His name.
-Tim A. Blankenship
The following is from “Morning and Evening” devotions by Charles H. Spurgeon. The morning reading for May 29.
Psalm 45:7
Thou hatest wickedness.“Be ye angry, and sin not.” There can hardly be goodness in a man if he be not angry at sin; he who loves truth must hate every false way. How our Lord Jesus hated it when the temptation came! Thrice it assailed Him in different forms, but ever He met it with, “Get thee behind me, Satan.” He hated it in others; none the less fervently because He showed His hate oftener in tears of pity than in words of rebuke; yet what language could be more stern, more Elijah-like, than the words, “Woe unto you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites! for ye devour widows’ houses, and for a pretence make long prayer.” He hated wickedness, so much that He bled to wound it to the heart; He died that it might die; He was buried that He might bury it in His tomb; and He rose that He might for ever trample it beneath His feet. Christ is in the Gospel, and that Gospel is opposed to wickedness in every shape. Wickedness arrays itself in fair garments, and imitates the language of holiness; but the precepts of Jesus, like His famous scourge of small cords, chase it out of the temple, and will not tolerate it in the Church. So, too, in the heart where Jesus reigns, what war there is between Christ and Belial! And when our Redeemer shall come to be our Judge, those thundering words, “Depart, ye cursed” which are, indeed, but a prolongation of His life-teaching concerning sin, shall manifest His abhorrence of iniquity. As warm as is His love to sinners, so hot is His hatred of sin; as perfect as is His righteousness, so complete shall be the destruction of every form of wickedness. O thou glorious champion of right, and destroyer of wrong, for this cause hath God, even Thy God, anointed thee with the oil of gladness above Thy fellows.
My prayer is that God will use these words to convict us to hate sin as He hates sin.
-posted by Tim A. Blankenship
The Fire and Hammer 