“Excellent speech becometh not a fool: much less do lying lips a prince.” Proverbs 17:7 (KJB)
Speech
In Demonstration Of The Spirit And Power
“And I, brethren, when I came to you, came not with excellency of speech or of wisdom, declaring unto you the testimony of God. For I determined not to know any thing among you, save Jesus Christ, and him crucified. And I was with you in weakness, and in fear, and in much trembling. And my speech and my preaching was not with enticing words of man’s wisdom, but in demonstration of the Spirit and of power: that your faith should not stand in the wisdom of men, but in the power of God.” 1 Corinthians 2:1-5 (KJB)
Prepared for the Battle
There is treasure to be desired and oil in the dwelling of the wise; but a foolish man spendeth it up.
He that followeth after righteousness and mercy findeth life, righteousness, and honour.
A wise man scaleth the city of the mighty, and casteth down the strength of the confidence thereof.
Whoso keepeth his mouth and his tongue keepeth his soul from troubles.
Proud and haughty scorner is his name, who dealeth in proud wrath. The desire of the slothful killeth him; for his hands refuse to labour. He coveteth greedily all the day long: but the righteous giveth and spareth not.
The sacrifice of the wicked is abomination: how much more, when he bringeth it with a wicked mind?
A false witness shall perish: but the man that heareth speaketh constantly.
A wicked man hardeneth his face: but as for the upright, he directeth his way. There is no wisdom nor understanding nor counsel against the LORD.
The horse is prepared against the day of battle: but safety is of the LORD. Proverbs 21:10-31 (KJB)
Prepared for the Battle – Proverbs 21:20-31
Verse 20 – The treasure to be desired. The oil in the dwelling of the wise. Foolish spending.
Verse 21 – Following righteousness and mercy. The fruit of the find is righteousness and honor.
Verse 22 – While the mighty may believe their wall is impregnable; the wise will scale the wall and defeat the city. The confidence of the city is then cast down too.
Verse 23 – More wisdom concerning the mouth and the tongue. Keeping the mouth equals guarding what you say. Those who will guard their mouth and tongue will have far less troubles and sorrows of soul.
Verse 24 –
“If you meet a proud and haughty man, just call him “Scoffer.” That’s his name! The name, of course, stands for what a person is. “For as his name is, so is he” (1 Sam. 25:25).” From Believer’s Bible Commentary.
Verses 25-26 – A difference in the slothful and the righteous. The slothful desires big things, but refuses to labor; while the righteous labor in order that they might have to give to need.
Verse 27 – Sacrifice of the wicked; the wicked mind. Compare Cain’s sacrifice with Abel’s (Genesis 4:1-15); King Saul’s sacrifice (1 Samuel 15:10-15ff) with the heart of David (Psalm 51:1-19).
Verse 28 –
“The contrast of a false witness with one who hears indicates that a person who testifies falsely has chosen not to listen carefully to either the matter at hand or the requirements that a witness act justly. Both the person and the perjury of such a witness will ultimately perish, because it is the Lord who clearly sees and judges these things (vv. 2, 12) and causes the word of the faithful witness to endure (cf. 12:19; 19:5, 9).” From the ESV Study Bible notes.
Verse 29 –
“A wicked man hardeneth his face,…. Against all corrections and reproofs of parents, masters, ministers, and others; he blushes not at sins committed, and is not ashamed of them, but glories in them: or, he “strengthens with his face” (l); he puts an impudent face upon his words, and confirms them by his impudence; if he tells the most notorious lies, and says things the most shameful and scandalous, his countenance does not alter, by which he would be thought to have spoken what is right and true;
but as for the upright, he directeth his way; or “his ways” (m); according to the various reading; the man that is upright in heart, and walks uprightly, he directs his way according to the word of God; and, if he does amiss, when sensible he is ashamed of it, and amends.” John Gills Expostion of the Bible.
Verses 30-31 – “And the land shall tremble and sorrow: for every purpose of the LORD shall be performed against Babylon, to make the land of Babylon a desolation without an inhabitant.” (Jeremiah 51:29). Note; “…for every purpose of the LORD shall be performed…” No plan working against God will succeed.
The Believer’s Bible Commentary summarizes verses 30 and 31 this way:
“Verse 30: Nothing avails against God.
Verse 31: Nothing avails without God.”
No one is prepared for a victorious battle whose heart, mind, weapons, and armor are against the LORD.
Loving God, Loving Others
In some years back there was started this phrase, “You must love yourself before you can love others”, or something along that line of thought. They based that on Jesus’s words, “Love your neighbor as you love yourself”.
“Honour thy father and thy mother: and, Thou shalt love thy neighbour as thyself.” Matthew 19:19
“And the second is like unto it, Thou shalt love thy neighbour as thyself.” Matthew 22:39
“And the second is like, namely this, Thou shalt love thy neighbour as thyself. There is none other commandment greater than these.” Mark 12:31
After a lesson the Lord gave me today I can see where that concept of “Loving ourselves to love others” could come from; but I still have a problem just leaving it with loving ourselves.
Look at what Jesus said, first, though not printed above, but in the Biblical context we see Jesus saying to love God, then to love our neighbor, or others, as ourselves.
After someone spieled out hateful speech in a continual, rude, even very crude manner today, I asked, “Why do you hate yourself so much?” As I asked the question I thought of Jesus’s words.
We must also remember the words Jesus spoke, “Do unto others as you would have them do unto you.” That is where the Lord spoke to me through the speech of this individual.
Does a person desire to be treated the way we too often treat others? If we do it must be a sure sign of self hatred. Remember the principles of sowing and reaping (Galatians 6:7).
Genuine love starts with loving God with all your hear, all your soul, all your mind, and with all your strength; then, loving God you can and will love others too, thus rewarding yourself.
Just a thought from this morning.
Wisdom Speaks – Christmas Day One Hundred Sixty and Seven
“Seest thou a man that is hasty in his words? There is more hope of a fool than of him.” Proverbs 29:20 (KJV)
What do I want for Christmas?
I want to always be wise in the use of words, the timing of speech, and to not just speak because I feel strongly about an issue, but for the purpose of influence, encouragement, repentance, hope, peace, and redemption; and to never fail in presenting Jesus Christ and His death on the cross, His burial and resurrection; because He is our hope and redemption.
Christmas Day Two Hundred Forty and One
What do I want for Christmas?
I want to always guard my mouth and tongue that I not speak, or write anything that unnecessisarily offends others; or attacks them personally; and that I might always speak what lifts up my Lord and God Jesus Christ.
Set a watch, O LORD, before my mouth; keep the door of my lips. Incline not my heart to any evil thing, to practise wicked works with men that work iniquity: and let me not eat of their dainties.” Psalm 141:3-4 (KJV)
Music, Singing and GOD
A prayer of Habakkuk the prophet upon Shigionoth. O LORD, I have heard Thy speech, and was afraid: O LORD, revive Thy work in the midst of the years, in the midst of the years make known; in wrath remember mercy.” Habakkuk 3:1-2 (KJV)
There is much that could be said about music and singing and for that matter GOD. Habakkuk, at the beginning of his prophecy was asking questions. It was like he was blaming God for not watching over His people, protecting them, but letting the enemies of the earth run rough shod over them.
At the end of his prophecy he uses a term which is probably related to music somehow. It is not quite clear what the meaning of “Shigionoth” is. God, however, must enjoy music and singing; and I know that the human race enjoys it very well. Billions of dollars have been spent on buying recordings over the past 50 years in order for us to be able to drive down the road, put in a tape, a CD, plug in an iPod, or a jump drive, and listen to our hearts content.
Yesterday morning I heard on a radio program that NASA has discovered a “Plasma ring” around our planet; and within that ring are radio waves. Evidently NASA sent up listening devices, and recorded sounds within that Plasma ring. It almost sounds like a form of music. Our Creator has made the earth to sing.
The greatest song ever sung was in the death of God’s only begotten Son dying to pay the sin debt of the human race.
-T.A.
Above His Name
The name of GOD is a name above every name. The name Jesus is the name above every other name (Philippians 2:9-10). Jesus is the Living Word of God; the Word become flesh (John 1:14) and dwelling among us.
Sometime ago I read a comment someone made on Facebook, about something they had said in writing. They were sorry for the abusive, expletive use of a word or words they had used. It is as though they wrote without thought. I can somewhat understand a sudden outrage in speech, but not in writing. Writing something down takes some thought; although I have read some things that did not take much thought; probably some of my own writing would fit into that category 🙂 .
Anyhow, I only mention that to say, God has spoken His Word, and it is sure and steadfast, it is eternal, and He has said that it would not return unto Him void (Isaiah 55:11), so it will not. He has also given us His written word, and by this Word we know Him, His name, His Son and His name, and the person of His Spirit.
The Psalmist has written,
“I will worship toward Thy holy temple, and praise Thy name for Thy lovingkindness and for Thy truth: for Thou hast magnified Thy word above all Thy name.” Psalm 138:2 (KJV)
I have probably written too much already. Let me let the writer of the Treasury of David clarify it for you;
“I will worship toward thy holy temple,” or the place of God’s dwelling, where the ark abode. He would worship God in God’s own way. The Lord had ordained a centre of unity, a place of sacrifice, a house of his indwelling; and David accepted the way of worship enjoined by revelation. Even so, the true-hearted believer of these days must not fall into the will-worship of superstition, or the wild worship of scepticism, but reverently worship as the Lord himself prescribes. The idol gods had their temples; but David averts his glance from them, and looks earnestly to the spot chosen of the Lord for his own sanctuary. We are not only to adore the true God, but to do so in his own appointed way: the Jew looked to the temple, we are to look to Jesus, the living temple of the Godhead. “And praise thy name for thy lovingkindness and for thy truth.” Praise would be the main part of David’s worship; the name or character of God the great object of his song; and the special point of his praise the grace and truth which shone so conspicuously in that name. The person of Jesus is the temple of the Godhead, and therein we behold the glory of the Father, “full of grace and truth.” It is upon these two points that the name of Jehovah is at this time assailed – his grace and his truth. He is said to be too stern, too terrible, and therefore “modern thought” displaces the God of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob, and sets up an effeminate deity of its own making. As for us, we firmly believe that God is love, and that in the summing up of all things it will be seen that hell itself is not inconsistent with the beneficence of Jehovah, but is, indeed, a necessary part of his moral government now that sin has intruded into the universe. True believers hear the thunders of his justice, and yet they do not doubt his lovingkindness. Especially do we delight in God’s great love to his own elect, such as he showed to Israel as a race, and more especially to David and his seed when he entered into covenant with him. Concerning this there is abundant room for praise. But not only do men attack the lovingkindness of God, but the truth of God is at this time assailed on all sides; some doubt the truth of the inspired record as to its histories, others challenge the doctrines, many sneer at the prophecies; in fact, the infallible word of the Lord is at this time treated as if it were the writing of imposters, and only worthy to be carped at. The swine are trampling on the pearls at this time, and nothing restrains them; nevertheless, the pearls are pearls still, and shall yet shine about our Monarch’s brow. We sing the lovingkindness and truth of the God of the Old Testament, – “the God of the whole earth shall he be called.” David before the false gods first sang, then worshipped, and then proclaimed the grace and truth of Jehovah; let us do the same before the idols of the New Theology.
“For thou hast magnified thy word above all thy name.” The word of promise made to David was in his eyes more glorious than all else that he had seen of the Most High. Revelation excels creation in the clearness, definiteness, and fulness of its teaching. The name of the Lord in nature is not so easily read as in the Scriptures, which are a revelation in human language, specially adapted to the human mind, treating of human need, and of a Saviour who appeared in human nature to redeem humanity. Heaven and earth shall pass away, but the divine word will not pass away, and in this respect especially it has a pre-eminence over every other form of manifestation. Moreover, the Lord lays all the rest of his name under tribute to his word: his wisdom, power, love, and all his other attributes combine to carry out his word. It is his word which creates, sustains, quickens, enlightens, and comforts. As a word of command it is supreme; and in the person of the incarnate Word it is set above all the works of God’s hands. The sentence in the text is wonderfully full of meaning. We have collected a vast mass of literature upon it, but space will not allow us to put it all into our notes. Let us adore the Lord who has spoken to us by his word, and by his Son; and in the presence of unbelievers let us both praise his holy name and extol his holy word.
Believe the LORD. Trust His Word and be saved.
-Tim A. Blankenship
Observations From Matthew – 030711
Reading today in Matthew 11 – 13
We have all heard the language people use on the street, many times in business, at work, at recreation and play. We hear it from children, both special needs children and “normal” children; and that is most generally because the children hear it from their parents or legal guardians.
When I read the following Scriptures that tell me, “…out of the abundance of the heart the mouth speaketh” then there are an massive amounts of people; young and old; who have corrupted abundance in their hearts:
“O generation of vipers, how can ye, being evil, speak good things? for out of the abundance of the heart the mouth speaketh. A good man out of the good treasure of the heart bringeth forth good things: and an evil man out of the evil treasure bringeth forth evil things. But I say unto you, That every idle word that men shall speak, they shall give account thereof in the day of judgment. For by thy words thou shalt be justified, and by thy words thou shalt be condemned.” Matthew 12:34-37 (KJV)
Maybe the next time you let a vile, corrupted word fly from you tongue and lips you better check your heart. It is corrupt if you let words fly that are vile, dirty, rude, hurtful, filthy, and/or ungodly.
These are the words of Jesus Christ; the purest of men; the God man who gave His life for our sins.
Consider that before you open you mouth to speak.
-Tim A. Blankenship
The Error Of Balaam
Numbers 31:16
There are some in the work of the ministry for the ministry of keeping, or getting into others wallets, billfolds, and purses. Maybe it should be called the taking of others wallets, billfolds, and purses. This is not a new thing. The man who is called by God to proclaim the message of God’s word can find himself in many temptations. One of the strongest is that of obtaining all the wealth of this world he can.
That tends to be the problem with Balaam.
The Bible says;
“Woe unto them! for they have gone in the way of Cain, and ran greedily after the error of Balaam for reward, and perished in the gainsaying of Core.” Jude 1:11 (KJV)
There are two other men named in this verse; Cain of Genesis 4, and Korah [Core] from Numbers 16. Cain killed his brother; Korah verbally attacked and led a rebellion against Moses and Aaron. What is the “error of Balaam”? Greed for reward. And that is not only gold, silver, precious stones; but it can be power, prestige, position, performance, and/or profit.
Let’s look at Balaam, and his life, his acts – both good and bad, and his demise.
I. KNOWN TO BE A PROPHET; HE IS REQUESTED TO CURSE THOSE WHOM GOD HAS BLESSED (Numbers 22:6-14).
II. SEEN TO BE AN ANXIOUS PROPHET TO CURSE WHOM GOD HAS BLESSED (vv. 15-21).
III. GOES TO BALAK, BECAUSE HE CANNOT SEE (vv. 22-35).
IV. BALAAM EVIDENTLY HAS THE RIGHT WORDS; BUT NOT THE RIGHT HEART (23:7-12, 18-24).
V. BALAAM’S EYES ARE OPENED TO THE TRUTH OF ISRAEL (24:2-9, 15).
VI. BALAAM PROPHESIES OF ISRAEL AND THEIR FUTURE BLESSING (vv. 15-24).
VII. BALAK BRINGS A CURSE UPON THE CHILDREN OF ISRAEL (chapter 25).
VIII. WHAT BALAAM DID TO AID IN THE CURSE UPON THE PEOPLE OF ISRAEL (Numbers 31:16)
NO ONE CAN CURSE THOSE WHOM GOD HAS BLESSED (Numbers 22:6-14). God has previously told, and promised, “I will bless those who bless you, and curse him who curses you” (Genesis 12:3). What Balak was requesting was a curse on himself, but then, they were already cursed by their own fear, hatred, and rejection of God’s people.
Balaam seems to be a sorcerer that was well known among the people of the land of Moab. His sorcery is spoken of,
“And when Balaam saw that it pleased the LORD to bless Israel, he went not, as at other times, to seek for enchantments, but he set his face toward the wilderness.” (Numbers 24:1)
He dealt with “enchantments”, “ritual”, or “performance”, and this is probably the very first time God has intervened in his greedy pursuits; and because it was going to relate to His people. It can only be but by the mercy and grace of God that He intervened. This could have been nothing more than God showing them, ie., Balaam, Balak, and the Moabites the power of the One True God of Israel.
The thought of Balaam’s face being set toward the wilderness is that he may find a way to curse them. He at least desires that he may find a cause for God to judge them. In other words he is not interested in doing the will of YHWH; he is interested in lining his pockets from the wealth of Moab, and their king.
TOO ANXIOUS, FROM GREED FOR WEALTH, LEADS TO THE ATTEMPTED CURSING OF WHAT GOD HAS BLESSED (22:15-21). Remember Esau, and Jacobs stew (Genesis 25:29-34)? Esau had gone to hunt or something; may have been gone for a day and without any game on returning. He is hungry, tired, and the scent of Jacob’s stew makes his mouth water. At what price will Esau feed his stomach? At what price will Balaam feed his greed? At what price will a pastor sell out his calling, ministry, family, or church? At what price will the Christian man sell his faith and home for that woman at work who pays him more attention than his wife at home? At what price will that Christian woman sell her faith, her children, her husband, for that more lavish lifestyle?
Is our faith something we can sell? Some seem to think they can. When Balaam set out on the journey which was fanned by the flames of greed and fear; the voice he heard louder than any other was the jingle of the gold and silver coins in their purses, the position, power, prestige and profit he could receive if he would just “curse” these people wandering in the wilderness.
He did the right thing in turning down Balak the first time. He heard the word of the LORD there. Then, the servants of Balak returned with a better offer, and if he would have been the man of God he should have been; his answer would have been an immediate, NO!
When God has given a clear answer in the negative; especially in this type of situation; there is no need to seek God’s advice again. He is simply wanting God’s approval to go with the men (Numbers 22:1-21). God in his patience with Balaam gives him a clear message which he disobeys (vv. 20-21). Balaam is one of those who merely use God for his own means. He is a sorcerer (he uses enchantments (24:1)), and he is also known for using all other kinds of sorcery, thus seeking the guidance of the devil as well. He is a man, a prophet, with a divided heart, and no loyalty to God, holiness, righteousness, or justice.
What price did Esau pay? He paid the sum of his birthright. What price will Balaam pay? That will become apparent by the end of the message.
WHEN THE DUMB CAN SEE AND SPEAK THE LORD MAY COME AND OPEN BLIND EYES THAT THEY MIGHT SEE (vv. 22-35). Balaam, being anxious to sin against the will of God, and to get him his wealth arises early the next morning saddles his donkey, and gets himself ready to go. Did Balaam not hear what God had said? Hear God’s words to Balaam:
“If the men come to call thee, rise up, and go with them; but yet the word which I shall say unto thee, that shalt thou do.” 22:20 (KJV)
The text tells us nothing of the men coming to him; he just rises up and gets ready to go. His mind, his heart is not on God but wealth.
Why is it that we can get out of the will of God, then blame God for not working in our lives? “I can’t see God doing anything anymore”; someone might say. “What have you done to shun God or His Word?” would be my first question. Have you gone your own way? It could be that God may have some “donkey” to speak to you so as to spare your life. And He might for me when I am in a similar situation.
Here are some signs of the blindness of Balaam:
1. It is quite clear that the first approach was from enemies of God’s people;
2. Their payment method of divination, shows us that he was viewed by the haters of Israel as connected with sorcery;
3. He listened to them and their payment a second time without reservation;
4. When God tried to stop him, or at least to get his attention, he could not see it.
When it got right down to the truth it was his lowly donkey who saw the “angel of the LORD” standing in the way, which would have killed him had it not been for the donkey. Balaam could not see the hand of the Lord ready to slay him; he only thought it to be his donkey.
THOSE WHO SAY THE RIGHT THINGS; BUT DON’T HAVE THE RIGHT HEART (vv. 23:7-12, 18-24). Can a prophet or preacher say the right words without being in right relationship with God? Is it possible for the preacher or prophet to know the Gospel of Jesus Christ without knowing the Jesus Christ of the Gospel? It is certain that Balaam knew the right words to say, and evidently God was giving him those words to say. So the answer to those questions must be; YES!
That can go for the Sunday School Teacher, the Deacon, the Elder, the church Treasurer, or the pastor to the man and woman in the pew. There are many professors in our churches who are not possessors of the person of Jesus Christ, ie., His Spirit within. They know the right words to say in a personal word testimony, but their life bears no fruit.
Balaam’s life bore no fruit of righteousness. Even John the apostle writing to the church of Pergamum,
“But I have a few things against thee, because thou hast there them that hold the doctrine of Balaam, who taught Balac to cast a stumblingblock before the children of Israel, to eat things sacrificed unto idols, and to commit fornication.” Revelation 2:14 (KJV)
This plot between Moab, and the Midianites prove too that it doesn’t matter who is in your family line. Moab is the eldest of the incestual sons of Lot [Nephew of Abraham] (Genesis 19:36-38). The Midianites come from Abraham as well; through the wife named Keturah (Genesis 25:1-5); whom Abraham married following Sarah’s death. Moab gets the Midianites to join them in trying to overthrow Israel. It is not the bloodline that counts; it is the blood of Jesus Christ that cleanses all our sin.
WITH EYES WIDE OPEN; YET CONTINUE TO DENY THE TRUTH FOR SAKE OF LUST (vv. 24:2-9, 15). It is the confession of Balaam himself that says his eyes were opened. It is the LORD who opened his eyes (v. 4) to see Israel for who they were. Yet, this man, who divines, who deceives, who has the revelation from the only true and wise God of the identity, work, and uniqueness of this nation, still hungers, craves, lusts for power, prestige, position, and profit.
Jesus said;
“But seek ye first the kingdom of God, and his righteousness; and all these things shall be added unto you.” Matthew 6:33 (KJV)
and the “things” He speaks of is not wealth, riches, power, prestige, position or profit.
There are many who say they know Christ, but have a greater heart for making wealth than they care to know the One who makes wealth. All things are in His hands, and no one can take them away from Him. We are, as Christians, “seated with Christ in heavenly places” (Ephesians 1:20; 2:6). The thing is the soul that is with Jesus does not have their hearts on the things of the earth. Those who do fit into the same category with the “earth dwellers” of the Revelation.
Many of these know the truth of the Gospel, may profess to know Jesus Christ as Lord and Savior; but they bear no fruit for Christ, thus are eternally lost. These fit into the same type relationship with Balaam.
THE FUTURE OF ISRAEL, AND THEIR BLESSINGS (vv. 24:15-24). God has opened the eyes of Balaam. Remember he couldn’t even see the “angel of the LORD” that would have killed him, but his donkey saved his life; thus the LORD was merciful to this false prophet.
His eyes have been opened to the blessing of God upon the nation of people called Israel. This term [“eyes open”] is used by the prophet himself in a parable he speaks; and uses it at least three times (vv. 4 third parable, 15, and 16 fourth parable).
In this “parable” is a prophecy of the Lord Jesus; “there shall come a Star out of Jacob, and a Sceptre shall rise out of Israel…” (v. 17). Moab and Edom had been sources of conflict with Israel; even though related; and the coming King would and will deal with them according to His power and might.
The prophecies of Balaam are promises of Israel, and Balaam never fully realizes the truth of what he has spoken. The mere mention of his name throughout Scriptures seem to indicate that he was false in his life, and that is one of the keys to the recognition of the man of God.
1. The man of God is true to God;
2. The man of God is faithful to God and His Word;
3. The man of God lines his life with the Word of God;
4. The man of God speaks and the Word of God comes to pass.
There are two examples of these in the five books of Moses (Deuteronomy 13:1-5; 18:20-22). Both of these examples speak of turning the hearts of God’s people to other gods (which are not gods at all), and the worship of demons (1 Corinthians 10:19-20).
The God of Israel is the Holy One; He is the only One; He is the righteous One; beside Him there is no other. He is known as Father, Son and Holy Spirit; working in the flesh of His Son. One day all of Israel will turn from their unbelief; and see their God through their Messiah. The King of kings is coming to rule on His throne in Jerusalem.
AN EVIL THAT CAN BRING GOD’S CHASTISEMENT UPON HIS CHILDREN AND THE ANSWER (Chapter 25). When God’s people sin it causes grief in the heart of God. Yet, as the loving, forgiving God and Father that He is He desires to bring them back to Himself. I have said it many times, and believe it to be a quote from Charles H. Spurgeon, “God will not allow His children to sin successfully”. His children, His people are those who believe Him and His Son Jesus Christ; and live their lives for Him and His glory.
Since Balaam could not curse the people of Israel; he did one of the worse things that a pretender, hypocrite can do; cause evil to come into the heart of God’s people. There are those in 2009 who believe that just because they are descendants of Abraham they are God’s children; even John the Baptist and Jesus has something to say about that:
“And think not to say within yourselves, We have Abraham to our father: for I say unto you, that God is able of these stones to raise up children unto Abraham.” Matthew 3:9 (KJV) [words of John Baptist.]
“I speak that which I have seen with my Father: and ye do that which ye have seen with your father. They answered and said unto him, Abraham is our father. Jesus saith unto them, If ye were Abraham’s children, ye would do the works of Abraham. But now ye seek to kill me, a man that hath told you the truth, which I have heard of God: this did not Abraham.” John 8:38-40 (KJV)
Notice those words of Jesus; “If ye were Abraham’s children, ye would do the works of Abraham. Abraham believed God, and it was counted unto him for righteousness (Genesis 15:6; Romans 4:3; Galations 3:6; James 2:23).
The only righteousness of God available is that righteousness which comes through the shed blood of Jesus on Calvary’s cross.
Though the death of Jesus Christ has paid the price for our sins we still sin; but as a child of God we have the power, and ability through Jesus Christ not to sin. When we sin God is not pleased, but He does want us to know that we have and Advocate with the Father (1 John 1:9 – 2:1).
The deception of Balaam brought evil into Israel, and a plague destroyed many of the people, and Phineas acted jealously for God, and stopped the plague. Some of the people of Israel had fell to the lust of other gods which involved prostitution, and it is the worship of demons. In this plague 24,000 people died. God will not, and does not allow His children to sin successfully. There may be times that it seems; at least in our eyes; that He is letting some things slip by. If you profess to be a child of God and can sin without guilt, shame, or fear of God’s judgment; you are not His child.
We are not to live in fear, but in peace and love and contentment with God. You cannot have that if there is sin in your life. Deal with it. Paul said, “Examine yourselves to see whether you are in the faith” (2 Corinthians 13:5). Deal with sin quickly. “Keep short accounts”.
THE HEART OF BALAAM WHICH WORKS RUIN (Numbers 31:16). Now, we come to the opening Scripture verse.
“Behold, these caused the children of Israel, through the counsel of Balaam, to commit trespass against the LORD in the matter of Peor, and there was a plague among the congregation of the LORD.”
We see the trespass which Moses mentions in chapter 25, the wrath and judgment of God; the plague upon Israel taking the lives of 24,000 people; and some dying due to God’s commandment to slay all the guilty.
Though the heart of Balaam was with the Moabites and the Midianites; and for the wealth and perks that went along with it; there is in the midst of this immorality, and debauchery; many people who are grieved by the sins taking place in the camp of God. These are found at the “…door of the tabernacle of the congregation”, and weeping because of this great sin against God and the people of God.
As the people of God we are to seek to bring good and blessing into people’s lives; not ruin, and harm. We are to be springs of living water – cool and fresh; refreshing the weary soul. We are to be hotsprings for healing, renewing and strength. We are to be especially so to our brothers and sisters in Christ.
If we do things to cause a brother to sin; or to stumble and fall; then we fall into the category of the error of Balaam. If we do or say something that causes us to look good while harming another; then that is the error of Balaam. You may think, “I am not doing or saying it for pay?” Oh! You’re not? You have taken away something that belonged to another. You are in the “Error of Balaam”. The heart of Balaam was to work ruin in the people of Israel.
Let’s always to seek to lift up our Lord Jesus Christ, glorify His name; and we will not be tearing others down to build up ourselves. Nor, will we be leading others into sin. Balaam died at the hands of Israel, along with the kings of Midian (Numbers 31:8). Though the child of God cannot sin successfully; neither will God overlook those who treat His children poorly.
-Tim A. Blankenship
Speaking From the Mind
SPEAKING FROM THE MIND
Thou shalt not take the name of the LORD thy God in vain; for the LORD will not hold him guiltless that taketh his name in vain. Exodus 20:7 (KJV)
Again, Jesus said, “And thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all thy heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy mind, and with all thy strength: this is the first commandment.” Mark 12:30 (KJV).
It is certain, at least to me, that many people of our society need a renewed mind. I know that Jesus also said that, “…From the abundance of the heart the mouth speaketh…” (Matthew 12:34; Luke 6:45), but is it not the mind that gives the mouth the ability to speak. And, we do often “Speak our mind”. We say things like, “…I will give them a piece of my mind…”, and usually when we cannot afford to give them any.
God’s name is often used, even by professing Christians who use His name without thought. It has been said that the Hebrew scribes, when writing the Scriptures would change “pens” to write the name of God. It was so special that the name of God is not even clearly revealed in the original languages. In the Hebrew language all we know of the name God is YHWH. That name has been transliterated to Jehovah or Yahweh. The best name we have for God is J-E-S-U-S. And, how often we hear His name used vainly.
The precious name of God. He is precious because there is no other like Him. God, of whom I am writing, is the Creator of all that is, both seen and unseen with the human eye. He also made those things that can only be seen by microscopic means, as well. Even those things that have not yet been discovered by the finite mind of man.
Often when we hear this commandment our first thought is of those who use the name in cursing or swearing. We often think that is the only way of “Taking God’s name in vain”. The name of God is precious we must use our lips and our mind to honor Him.
We have looked at loving God “…with all our heart, soul…” and now we look at loving God ” …with all your mind…”. That requires thought. Before you speak – THINK. From the way I have heard many people speaking their minds have gone into the “Amusement” mode. The word “Muse” means ‘to think’ and anytime you add the letter “A” to another word like “Muse” it means “No”. So to “amuse” is to not think.
His name is PRECIOUS. Let us THINK before we speak.
The heart that is abundant with the things of God and Jesus His Son will speak from that abundance. An abundant heart will have a clear, thinking mind. The abundant heart will speak things which will glorify the Father and the whole God-head. When your heart and soul are filled with God, are you going to speak vainly of God? No way.
There are those who use God’s name in vain by cursing and swearing. What about those who speak God’s name, seemingly in a reverent manner on Sunday at church, but the rest of the week live like the world in the way they speak? It seems to me to be the height of hypocrisy. Not just a hypocritical act but the act of a Hypocrite.
There is nothing that turns off a person away from God quicker than someone who professes Christianity on Sunday, but imbibes in the world the rest of the week. This is a taking of God’s name in vain as well. God help us to guard our minds, by always speaking reverently of God. “He sent redemption unto his people: he hath commanded his covenant for ever: holy and reverend is his name.” (Psalm 111:9).
What about those who do all the churchy, traditional things, but overlook doing right toward their neighbor? “Wherefore the Lord said, Forasmuch as this people draw near me with their mouth, and with their lips do honour me, but have removed their heart far from me, and their fear toward me is taught by the precept of men:” (Isaiah 29:13). “This people draweth nigh unto me with their mouth, and honoureth me with their lips; but their heart is far from me. But in vain they do worship me, teaching for doctrines the commandments of men.” (Matthew 15:8-9). “And why call ye me, Lord, Lord, and do not the things which I say? Whosoever cometh to me, and heareth my sayings, and doeth them, I will shew you to whom he is like: He is like a man which built an house, and digged deep, and laid the foundation on a rock: and when the flood arose, the stream beat vehemently upon that house, and could not shake it: for it was founded upon a rock.” Luke 6:46-48 (KJV)
There is judgment for taking this precious, holy, loving, righteous name in vain. God says in the commandment itself, that, “…the LORD will not hold him guiltless…”. If you have ever used God’s name vainly/emptily you are guilty before God.
Give your heart, soul, mind and strength to the Lord through the Lord Jesus Christ. He took your guilt upon Himself, died for all our sins, carried them away, and was raised from death to life. “Whosoever shall call upon the name of the Lord shall be saved.” (Romans 10:13).
The Fire and Hammer 