“It is written again, Thou shalt not tempt the Lord thy God.” [Jesus Christ] Matthew 4:7 (KJV)
What do I want for Christmas?
I want to have the wisdom of God, the knowledge of God and His Word to be able to tell the devil when I am tempted to test the LORD, because of some foolish deed, what the Scripture says, and to watch him flee.
“Submit yourselves therefore to God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you.” James 4:7
My wife and I went to spend some time with our son in Arkansas, and to celebrate the fifth birthday of their youngest daughter. I had intended to do some post automatically, but I went off and forgot; so that is why there has been no Christmas countdown on Friday May 20, or Saturday May 21. Back to the countdown.
What do I want for Christmas?
This is another LORD’S Day; so I want Jesus to always be my treasure, and for nothing to come between my love for Him.
There is treasure to be desired and oil in the dwelling of the wise; but a foolish man spendeth it up.” Proverbs 21:20 (KJV)
“For where your treasure is, there will your heart be also.” [Jesus] Matthew 6:21
What do I want for Christmas?
I want to always rest in the mercy of GOD, and I want all people to know that God is merciful to all; He gives us each breath we breath, every beat of our heart; when you know of Him and His mercy you can trust His grace through the cross of Jesus Christ.
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. 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.” Psalm 136:1-9 (KJV)
What do I want for Christmas?
I want children, and youth who are students in public, private, and home schools to realize the greatest thing to know and learn is about God, His Word – the Holy Bible, and to do justly, love mercy, and to walk humbly with God through His Son Jesus Christ.
The fear of the LORD is the beginning of knowledge: but fools despise wisdom and instruction.” Proverbs 1:7 (KJV)
“The fear of the LORD is the beginning of wisdom: and the knowledge of the holy is understanding.” Proverbs 9:10
“Train up a child in the way he should go: and when he is old, he will not depart from it.” Proverbs 22:6
“Children, obey your parents in the Lord: for this is right. Honour thy father and mother; (which is the first commandment with promise;) that it may be well with thee, and thou mayest live long on the earth. And, ye fathers, provoke not your children to wrath: but bring them up in the nurture and admonition of the Lord.” Ephesians 6:1-4
What do I want for Christmas?
I want the wisdom and knowledge that comes only from God, and I want all those who love God to have them as well.
The fear of the LORD is the beginning of knowledge: but fools despise wisdom and instruction.” Proverbs 1:7 (KJV)
“The fear of the LORD is the beginning of wisdom: and the knowledge of the holy is understanding.” Proverbs 9:10
“But the wisdom that is from above is first pure, then peaceable, gentle, and easy to be intreated, full of mercy and good fruits, without partiality, and without hypocrisy. And the fruit of righteousness is sown in peace of them that make peace.” James 3:17-18
What do I want for Christmas?
Are you annoyed by my continued Christmas question when we are into the New year the 9th day of it? Good. So am I. However I am committed to take this through to Christmas of 2016, and have Christmas every day.
My want for today is that I might increase in wisdom, knowledge and understanding of God and His Word; and that the Body of Christ would do the same.
To do so would change our hearts, minds and lives and affect the rest of the world in a dramatic way.
“The fear of the LORD is the beginning of wisdom, And the knowledge of the Holy One is understanding.” Proverbs 9:10
In the United States of America people are easily offended. I will probably offend someone with this post today; but that is on your shoulders, not mine.
We have a Constitutional right of Free Speech. That right, however, does not mean that we can say hurtful, evil, things that will cause harm to others. It does mean that we have the right to speak what we believe to be the truth without fear of bad repercussion. If the truth offends someone else, then, they just need to deal with it.
Some who are offended easily by the Truth, turn to Jesus Christ as a picture of having never offended anyone. People who think that do not know Jesus Christ or anything about Him. For example:
“And He went out from thence, and came into His own country; and His disciples follow Him. And when the Sabbath day was come, He began to teach in the synagogue: and many hearing Him were astonished, saying, From whence hath this Man these things? And what wisdom is this which is given unto Him, that even such mighty works are wrought by His hands! Is not this the carpenter, the Son of Mary, the brother of James, and Joses, and of Juda, and Simon? And are not His sisters here with us? And they were offended at Him. But Jesus said unto them, A prophet is not without honour, but in his own country, and among his own kin, and in his own house. And He could there do no mighty work, save that He laid His hands upon a few sick folk, and healed them. And He marvelled because of their unbelief. And He went round about the villages, teaching.” Mark 6:1-6 (KJV)
Jesus had gone into His own city where He was raised, and the people recognized Him as the Son of Mary with brothers and sisters; yet they were offended by His life, and His teaching – “They were offended at Him”.
If Jesus offends you; it is because you do not know Him. Are there other times when Jesus offended others? Think of the two times He drove the money changers from the temple (John 2:13-17; Matthew 21:12-13). Do you think they were offended at Him? I would think so.
We as Christians should not seek to offend others; but if we live a life like Jesus lived; faithful to the Father, and our Saviour; then there will be people offended by our life, and walk, and our talk.
“I have been crucified with Christ, nevertheless I live; yet not I but Christ lives in me…” How about you?
“Buy the truth, and sell it not; also wisdom, and instruction, and understanding.” Proverbs 23:23 (KJV)
How much value do you place on Truth? There is one thing about Truth that cannot be said much of anything else. Truth is truth no matter what part of the world you are in, or what your culture may be, or whatever your traditions might be. Truth is not a philosophy, nor is it a religion. Truth stands pat, and never changes.
What is the worth of Truth? Without Truth there would be no wisdom, instruction or understanding.
The following are quotes from commentaries, and we all need to realize there is much value in the truth; and that value is to stand on the truth even if it cost us our lives, because without the truth there is really no life.
“Do not sell the truth at any price (v. 23)! It costs something to live by the truth, but it costs even more to abandon the truth.” Warren Wiersbe from With the Word Bible Commentary.
“We should be willing to pay a great price for truth, but unwilling to sell it for any consideration. The same goes for wisdom and instruction and understanding. We should spare no pains to acquire them, but never surrender them for anything in this world.” Believer’s Bible Commentary
Truth does not change with the times. It does not change with a changing culture. The Truth is personified in the person of Jesus Christ (John 14:6); and in Him we must trust.
“But whoso hearkeneth unto me shall dwell safely, and shall be quiet from fear of evil.” Proverbs 1:33 (KJV)
From verse 20 or Proverbs 1 through verse 33 Wisdom is personified, and is speaking to the reader. We can learn much by listening to the words of Wisdom.
When God’s wisdom is rejected, knowledge is rejected (v. 22), thus all kinds of foolish endeavors are awakened in the wicked minds of men.
When God’s wisdom is rejected, the call of wisdom is rejected, and so wise counsel is also rejected leading to the laughter of wisdom at the vain endeavors of the wicked minds, and the calamity to which that foolishness leads (vv. 23-26).
When God’s wisdom is rejected, fear comes as desolation with destruction; there is a call to wisdom, but she does not hear. Why will she not hear? Because they have hated knowledge, and “did not choose the fear of the LORD” (vv. 27-32).
Those who have chosen knowledge (ie. godly wisdom and knowledge learned from God’s Spirit, His Word, and believing Him) will be safe. They will also be quiet from fear. With all that is going on in today’s world; the wisdom of God being rejected; O child of God can you not see that the judgment of God is about to fall on this wicked world.
Reject the foolish wisdom of the world, and choose what God says. Choose His wisdom, His Word, His way. Choose to follow the One who died on the cross for your sins; and live for Him.
Always Faithful
1. APPRECIATE THE FAITH OF OTHERS WHO ARE FAITHFUL (Colossians 1:3-8).
2. ACKNOWLEDGE THE HIDDEN TREASURES WHICH ARE IN CHRIST (2:1-3)
3. PUT TO DEATH THE WORKS OF THE FLESH (3:5-11).
4. APPRECIATE THE FAITH OF YOUR FELLOW SERVANTS AND WORKERS (4:7-11).
-Tim A. Blankenship
“If any of you lack wisdom, let him ask of God, that giveth to all men liberally, and upbraideth not; and it shall be given him. But let him ask in faith, nothing wavering. For he that wavereth is like a wave of the sea driven with the wind and tossed. For let not that man think that he shall receive any thing of the Lord. A double minded man is unstable in all his ways.” James 1:5-8 (KJV)
Doubting God, and unbelief are a hazard to prayer. Double-minded people are unstable. Seek God’s strength. Believe God’s Word. Trust Him to the end.
-Tim A. Blankenship
“Howbeit we speak wisdom among them that are perfect: yet not the wisdom of this world, nor of the princes of this world, that come to nought: but we speak the wisdom of God in a mystery, even the hidden wisdom, which God ordained before the world unto our glory: which none of the princes of this world knew: for had they known it, they would not have crucified the Lord of glory.” 1 Corinthians 2:6-8 (KJV)
We know that none of us are perfect in the sense which we understand the word “Perfect”. In the text above it has to do with being complete in Christ Jesus. When it comes to salvation by grace through faith we are complete in Him.
No matter how hard we try we cannot open the eyes or ears of those who refuse to see, hear and understand that Jesus is the Christ Son of the Living God. It is a work of God. As Jesus told Peter in Matthew 16:17,
“…For flesh and blood hath not revealed it unto thee, but My Father which is in heaven.”
Part of our “Perfection” is understanding that all of salvation is God’s doing. By the Spirit of God; not by flesh and blood. Our commission is to Preach the gospel…
-Tim A. Blankenship
The Redeeming Love of God
The Healing Love of GOD
Hosea 13:1 – 14:9
In the study of Hosea we have seen that the doom of Israel/Ephraim was certain. They had rejected God’s ways for their lives, and their nation’s continued prosperity. Instead, they began to trust their prosperity and abilities, and began to build their own gods. God sent prophets to warn them. Certainly, there were individuals who turned [repented], but as a whole the nation was corrupt.
We will find in this message that the indulgence of sin has eternal consequences. Sin has the power to destroy forever, a nation, or an individual. God in His grace, however, provides a way to defeat the power of sin. Sin’s power could destroy Israel forever; however, God was not through with them. He would raise them up to fulfill His glorious purpose.
“When Ephraim spake trembling, he exalted himself in Israel; but when he offended in Baal, he died. And now they sin more and more, and have made them molten images of their silver, and idols according to their own understanding, all of it the work of the craftsmen: they say of them, ‘Let the men that sacrifice kiss the calves.’ Therefore they shall be as the morning cloud, and as the early dew that passeth away, as the chaff that is driven with the whirlwind out of the floor, and as the smoke out of the chimney.” Hosea 13:1-3 (KJV)
Ephraim has been used throughout Hosea to represent the total land of Israel. Now it appears to be speaking of the tribe. They have gone from glory to shame.
Ephraim was a respected tribe, and spoke with authority. Joshua the son of Nun was of the tribe or Ephraim (Numbers 13:8, 16). He, as you may remember, was Moses’ successor who would lead the people into Canaan, the land of promise. He would lead them in battle, and the settling of the land. By this tribe’s faithfulness to God they were exalted among all the people.
When Israel split as a nation, Jereboam also of the tribe of Ephraim, led the people into the worship of false deities, and rejected the true Go. Because of this they would die.
Molten images, the work of their own hands, became the object of their worship. Because of this they would soon disappear, as the chaff of whet, smoke from the chimney, the early dew, and the morning cloud.
“Yet I am the LORD thy God from the land of Egypt, and thou shalt know no god but Me: for there is no saviour beside Me. I did know thee in the wilderness, in the land of great drought. According to their pasture, so were they filled; they were filled, and their heart was exalted; therefore have they forgotten Me. Therefore I will be unto them as a lion: as a leopard by the way will I observe them: I will meet them as a bear that is bereaved of her whelps, and will rend the caul of their heart, and there will I devour them like a lion: the wild beast shall tear them.” Hosea 13:4-8 (KJV)
God would go from being their Saviour; to being their Destroyer.
From the time that Moses came back to the land of Egypt to the time of Canaan God brought them through. He worked powerfully in their deliverance from Egypt. He fed them, gave them water to drink, even when there was no water He was their source of supply.
God blessed them abundantly in the “Promised land”, and they soon forgot Him. They began to neglect the reminders of His deliverance for other things. Afterwards, they began to reject God’s will and way for them. Finally, they would forget God and be destroyed.
God would become to them as ravenous beasts seeking its prey. The lion is strong and brave. The leopard is an animal of stealth and speed, sometimes lying in wait to surprise its helpless prey. The mother bear is extremely dangerous, especially, if she thinks her cubs are in danger (Proverbs 17:12). They would be torn and ripped to pieces because of their sin.
There is hope for them. Because there would be a remnant left from which to accomplish God’s purposes.
“O Israel, thou hast destroyed thyself; but in Me is thine help. I will be thy King: where is any other that may save thee in all thy cities, and thy judges of whom thou saidst, ‘Give me a king and princes?’ I gave thee a king in Mine anger, and took him away in My wrath.” Hosea 13:9-11 (KJV)
They went away from God as King to destructive leaders.
Israel, was destroying themselves. It began when they determined to be life “Other nations” and wanted a king (1 Samuel 8:1-7). God was their King. In their unbelief they rejected God as King, and chose to have a foolish, and obstinate man rule over them.
Sure, God anointed Saul as king, but Go also knew that Saul would be representative fo the majority of the kings in Israel. In his rebellion and pride he rejected God’s way.
“The iniquity of Ephraim is bound up; his sin is hid. The sorrows of a travailing woman shall come upon him: he is an unwise son; for he should not stay long in the place of the breaking forth of children. I will ransom them from the power of the grave; I will redeem them from death: O death, I will be thy plagues; O grave, I will be thy destruction: repentance shall be hid from mine eyes. Though he be fruitful among his brethren, an east wind shall come, the wind of the LORD shall come up from the wilderness, and his spring shall become dry, and his fountain shall be dried up: he shall spoil the treasure of all pleasant vessels. Samaria shall become desolate; for she hath rebelled against her God: they shall fall by the sword: their infants shall be dashed in pieces, and their women with child shall be ripped up.” Hosea 13:12-16 (KJV)
The judgment of God is not fro revenge, nor only punitive. In judgment He seeks to redeem.
“The iniquity… is bound up” is communicating to us that God has a record of Israel’s/Ephraim’s sin. They cannot hide it (v. 12).
God likens their judgment to that of a woman giving birth to a child. He is a stubborn child. Unwilling to be born into what God desires, causing greater pain for his mother. The child represents the individual – the mother Israel. Before the nation can be healed, the individual must repent and accept the ways of God (v. 13).
“Death ultimately involves eternal punishment in hell (‘The second death’) for those who refuse God’s redemption (Revelation 20:13-15). Taken together in the larger biblical context, Sheol and death picture sin’s power to demand the penalty of eternal death. In the case of the people of Hosea’s day, Sheol and death would be the power of their sin to destroy them forever as God’s people.” John Traylor page 120.
God was determined to redeem Israel. He would ultimately do that through the death of His Son Jesus on the cross. Placing all the sins of mankind upon Him, God put the power of sin to death. Romans 8:3 says, “For what the law could not do in that it was weak through the flesh, God did by sending His own Son in the likeness of sinful flesh, on account of sin: He condemned sin in the flesh.” (NKJV)
The law of God demands eternal death because of sin. God says, “I will ransom them from the power of the grave.” See 1 Corinthians 15:55-56. God would raise Israel up once again. God would have compassion on them (v. 14).
Death, through judgment would have to come before resurrection. This shows the power of God to redeem. When there is no hope that appears, there is hope and possibility in God. He is the God of resurrection – of New Life.
“O Israel, return unto the LORD thy God; for thou hast fallen by thine iniquity. Take with you words, and turn to the LORD: say unto Him, ‘Take away all iniquity, and receive us graciously: so will we render the calves of our lips. Asshur shall not save us; we will not ride upon horses: neither will we say any more to the work of our hands, ‘Ye are our gods: for in Thee the fatherless findeth mercy.'” Hosea 14:1-3 (KJV)
God calls for Israel to truly repent.
Forget the rituals, the gifts of offering, and sacrifices. Offer to God “Words”. Not empty and vain words, but “Words” of a heart that is truly broken and repentant. Life that is changed, turned around, by God is true repentance.
Israel had to turn around to realize there was no hope in anyone or anything, but God. In God is mercy, grace, and hope.
“I will heal their backsliding, I will love them freely: for Mine anger is turned away from him. I will be as the dew unto Israel: he shall grow as the lily, and cast forth his roots as Lebanon. His branches shall spread, and his beauty shall be as the olive tree, and his smell as Lebanon. They that dwell under his shadow shall return; they shall revive as the corn, and grow as the vine: the scent thereof shall be as the wine of Lebanon. Ephraim shall say, ‘What have I to do any more with idols? I have heard him, and observed him: I am like a green fir tree. From Me is thy fruit found.” Hosea 14:4-8 (KJV)
After true repentance great things begin to occur.
Remember, God has brought them to repentance. God heals their backsliding hearts. Now, they cling only to Him.
Israel would experience the fullness of God’s love. There will be no need for His anger any longer. God is their source of refreshment, and blessing. The bringing forth of this fruit is the result of their trusting in God.
“Who is wise, and he shall understand these things? Prudent, and he shall know them? For the ways of the LORD are right, and the just shall walk in them: but the transgressors shall fall therein.” Hosea 14:9 (KJV)
The word of, and the way of the Wise.
The Wise receive the redemption of God, and stop depending on false gods.
Hosea points the one who is wise to the love and joy of our Saviour. There is life in God’s way. Death awaits the foolish who reject God’s way of life. Jesus said, “I am the way, the truth, and the life: no man [no one] cometh unto the Father, but by Me.” (John 14:6) Someone once said, “Without the Way there is no going; without the Truth there is no knowing; without the Life there is no living.” The way is hard it is not easy. The truth is all you can trust. The life is eternal through faith in this One who died for our sins.
-Tim A. Blankenship
The LORD of hosts hath sworn by Himself, saying, ‘Surely I will fill thee with men, as with caterpillers; and they shall lift up a shout against thee.’ He hath made the earth by His power, He hath established the world by His wisdom, and hath stretched out the heaven by His understanding. When He uttereth His voice, there is a multitude of waters in the heavens; and He causeth the vapours to ascend from the ends of the earth: He maketh lightnings with rain, and bringeth forth the wind out of His treasures. Every man is brutish by his knowledge; every founder is confounded by the graven image: for his molten image is falsehood, and there is no breath in them. They are vanity, the work of errors: in the time of their visitation they shall perish. The portion of Jacob is not like them; for He is the former of all things: and Israel is the rod of His inheritance: the LORD of hosts is His name.” Jeremiah 51:14-19 (KJV)
Also read Psalms 115 and 135.
-T.A.
My reading today was finishing up Romans, reading chapters 8 – 16, and then beginning the Corinthian letters; reading chapters 1 and 2.
The apostle goes to great lengths in chapter 8 of Romans to show what the Christian has in Christ Jesus. There is no condemnation. It is such a wonderful thing to know that because of Christ death, burial and resurrection God does not condemn us. Jesus said, “God sent not His Son into the world to condemn the world; but that the world through Him might be saved” (John 3:17). The human race is already condemned due to sin, but God sent His Son.
“There is therefore now no condemnation to them which are in Christ Jesus, who walk not after the flesh, but after the Spirit.” Romans 8:1 (KJV)
The Christian is “joint-heirs” with Christ, and though it does not sound too pleasant, and it is not to be; that includes suffering with Him-
“The Spirit itself beareth witness with our spirit, that we are the children of God: and if children, then heirs; heirs of God, and joint-heirs with Christ; if so be that we suffer with Him, that we may be also glorified together. For I reckon that the sufferings of this present time are not worthy to be compared with the glory which shall be revealed in us.” 8:16-18
In chapters 9-11 the apostle speaks of the nation of Israel and where they fit into God’s plan of salvation. He even asks some questions which were probably being asked concerning Israel, and Jesus. These chapters basically tell us that God is not finished with the nation of Israel; but that their initial rejection of Jesus and His crucifixion was in part to bring the Gentiles into the faith of Christ. There is a promise that “Israel will be saved”,
“For I would not, brethren, that ye should be ignorant of this mystery, lest ye should be wise in your own conceits; that blindness in part is happened to Israel, until the fulness of the Gentiles be come in. And so all Israel shall be saved: as it is written, ‘There shall come out of Sion the Deliverer, and shall turn away ungodliness from Jacob: for this is My covenant unto them, when I shall take away their sins.’ As concerning the gospel, they are enemies for your sakes: but as touching the election, they are beloved for the fathers’ sakes. For the gifts and calling of God are without repentance.” Romans 11:25-29 (KJV)
In the First Corinthian Letter we find that the wisdom of the world is not sufficient to know God, nor to understand spiritual things. In fact those who are hung up on knowledge, understanding, and in unbelief will not believe, because they cannot understand;
“But God hath chosen the foolish things of the world to confound the wise; and God hath chosen the weak things of the world to confound the things which are mighty; and base things of the world, and things which are despised, hath God chosen, yea, and things which are not, to bring to nought things that are: that no flesh should glory in His presence.” 1 Corinthians 1:27-29 (KJV)
“But the natural man receiveth not the things of the Spirit of God: for they are foolishness unto him: neither can he know them, because they are spiritually discerned. But he that is spiritual judgeth all things, yet he himself is judged of no man. For who hath known the mind of the Lord, that he may instruct Him? But we have the mind of Christ.” 2:14-16
The only hope for Paul, a Jew; the Jew, and the Corinthian (Gentiles) is to know Jesus Christ the Son of the Living God. Christian you need to grow more into the image and likeness of Him.
-Tim A. Blankenship
That is right. My reading today covered all of the prophecy of Daniel, and the first two chapters of Hosea. We will look at Hosea in the next post. God willing of course.
Daniel was one of many Jewish nobles who were taken by Nebuchadnezzar into Babylon as captives. Daniel and three of his friends, Hananiah, Mishael, and Azariah were chosen by the hand and appointment of God. They were four young men who were willing to risk their lives for the sake of the commandments of the LORD God.
“As for these four children, God gave them knowledge and skill in all learning and wisdom: and Daniel had understanding in all visions and dreams.” Daniel 1:17 (KJV)
These were not young people who would be given to pride with the power and authority which was given them by God. Many might say, “It was Nebuchadnezzar and Babylon who gave them their power and authority”. Not so. All power and authority comes from the God of heaven and earth.
One of the first test which came to Daniel was the king wanting the “wise men” of Babylon to tell him a dream he had dreamed and its interpretation. Of course the Chaldeans of Babylon had no clue as to the dream he dreamed. Daniel, however, called on Hananiah, Mishael and Azariah to pray and seek God for the answer, and God gave it to them (2:17-23). Daniel went to Nebuchadnezzar and told him the dream and its interpretation. It was a dream showing how the end of the earthly rule of the Gentiles would come about.
“And in the days of these kings shall the God of heaven set up a kingdom, which shall never be destroyed: and the kingdom shall not be left to other people, but it shall break in pieces and consume all these kingdoms, and it shall stand for ever. Forasmuch as thou sawest that the stone was cut out of the mountain without hands, and that it brake in pieces the iron, the brass, the clay, the silver, and the gold; the great God hath made known to the king what shall come to pass hereafter: and the dream is certain, and the interpretation thereof sure.” 2:44-45
All the prophecies of Daniel were fulfilled just as Daniel foretold them; or are yet to be fulfilled. The earthly kingdoms of men yet stand, but they will one day fall to the rule of the One who died on the cross for our sins, was buried carrying our guilt and sin away, than three days later He bodily arose and came out of the grave justifying forever, those who will believe in Him.
God tells Daniel to “seal the book, even to the time of the end” (12:4), and it seems to me that we are near the end, and the wisdom and understanding of the prophecy is becoming clear to those who will hear and believe.
Jesus Christ, the Son of the Living God will soon return, and set up His earthly kingdom. Know the wisdom and knowledge of Daniel. Know the LORD.
-Tim A. Blankenship
Many wise men have written wise sayings for people to follow. The wisest of men was King Solomon, because God gave him the wisdom to rule his people that he asked for. Then, because of his wise prayer and requests God gave him what he did not ask for; and it was many of those blessings which caused him to fall.
My reading today was Proverbs 1 – 14. I will not spend a whole lot of time here going through these chapters. There are two or three things about the “fear of the LORD” I do want to point out.
“The proverbs of Solomon the son of David, king of Israel; to know wisdom and instruction; to perceive the words of understanding; to receive the instruction of wisdom, justice, and judgment, and equity; to give subtilty to the simple, to the young man knowledge and discretion.” Proverbs 1:1-4 (KJV)
Solomon gives us the purpose for the Proverbs; to know wisdom and instruction; to perceive [discern] words of understanding; to receive instruction of wisdom, justice, judgment, and equity; or as the New Living Translation says it –
“Through these proverbs, people will receive instruction in discipline, good conduct, and doing what is right, just, and fair.” Proverbs 1:3 (NLT)
One thing we need to understand about these proverbs is that they are “Proverbs” not “Promises”. They are basically a general rule of things. God has given us many precious promises in His Word, these are not them. There is much to learn in Proverbs. How we deal with God, our fellow man, knowledge, understanding, wisdom – there are many individual verses of Proverbs dealing with wisdom, however, there are two complete chapters of Proverbs which personalize wisdom (chapters 8 – 9).
Let us proceed with a couple of more sets of Proverbs.
“The fear of the LORD is the beginning of knowledge: but fools despise wisdom and instruction.” 1:7
Of this verse Matthew Henry has written –
To make young people such as they should be,
I. Let them have regard to God as their supreme.
1. He lays down this truth, that the fear of the Lord is the beginning of knowledge (v. 7); it is the principal part of knowledge (so the margin); it is the head of knowledge; that is, (1.) Of all things that are to be known this is most evident, that God is to be feared, to be reverenced, served, and worshipped; this is so the beginning of knowledge that those know nothing who do not know this. (2.) In order to the attaining of all useful knowledge this is most necessary, that we fear God; we are not qualified to profit by the instructions that are given us unless our minds be possessed with a holy reverence of God, and every thought within us be brought into obedience to him. If any man will do his will, he shall know of his doctrine, Jn. 7:17. (3.) As all our knowledge must take rise from the fear of God, so it must tend to it as its perfection and centre. Those know enough who know how to fear God, who are careful in every thing to please him and fearful of offending him in any thing; this is the Alpha and Omega of knowledge.
2. To confirm this truth, that an eye to God must both direct and quicken all our pursuits of knowledge, he observes, Fools (atheists, who have no regard to God) despise wisdom and instruction; having no dread at all of God’s wrath, nor any desire of his favour, they will not give you thanks for telling them what they may do to escape his wrath and obtain his favour. Those who say to the Almighty, Depart from us, who are so far from fearing him that they set him at defiance, can excite no surprise if they desire not the knowledge of his ways, but despise that instruction. Note, Those are fools who do not fear God and value the scriptures; and though they may pretend to be admirers of wit they are really strangers and enemies to wisdom. MATTHEW HENRY COMMENTARY, LibronixDigitalLibrarySystem
The final verses I would point out in my reading for the day are,
“In the fear of the LORD is strong confidence: and His children shall have a place of refuge. The fear of the LORD is a fountain of life, to depart from the snares of death.” 14:26-27
Of these verses I have written previously. There is strong confidence for the children of the LORD who place their trust in the LORD. When we truly fear God there is absolutely nothing else to fear.
When we know the One who has taken all the wrath of God upon Himself, and that is Jesus Christ; then we have perfect peace with God, there is no condemnation, and we have an eternal resting place with the Creator of all that is.
-Tim A. Blankenship
Confidence is a good thing to have. Confidence is defined in The Mirriam/Webster Dictionary as, “Trust, reliance”; 2. SELF ASSURANCE, BOLDNESS; 3. a state of trust or intimacy”. Job had confidence that he was in the right with God, and no one was going to change his mind. Not his three friends. Not the young man who comes on the scene later [Elihu]; and it would almost sound as though, even God would have a hard time convincing Job of any wrong doing on his part.
Today’s reading consisted of Job 24 – 37. There are only three characters who speak in these 14 chapters. Job’s speech following Eliphaz’s final address continues in chapter 24. In chapter 25 Bildad gives us a final speech of short duration. The friends have run out of steam it seems. The remaining chapters are taken by Job (26-31), and we see some words of wisdom and knowledge from his words; such as involving science;
“He stretcheth out the north over the empty place, and hangeth the earth upon nothing.” 26:7 (KJV)
I include this to show that his faith in God has not wavered, and that it was known at that time that the earth was not suspended by some guy holding the earth on his shoulders, standing on a turtle, swimming in some cosmic sea. Job even goes into some details about the clouds and rain in chapter 26; and the oceans of the world, and their boundaries. He attributes these things all to the hands of God. “But the thunder of His power who can understand?” (26:14b).
Job knows from whence all things come. He even attributes wisdom and knowledge as coming from God, the LORD. That wisdom is greater than “rubies” (28:18). He assures the reader that the fear of the Lord is wisdom,
“And unto man He said, ‘Behold, the fear of the Lord, that is wisdom; and to depart from evil is understanding.'” 28:28
Chapters 32 – 37 are given to a young man who has evidently been standing by listening to the words of all four of these elder men; keeping silent himself, and waiting for an opportunity to speak. His name is Elihu; and he does seem wise for his younger years, yet he is probably ignorant of Job’s life and works.
Elihu seems a bit arrogant in some of his talk. Of course you can see an arrogance in the four elder men and their responses as well. It is amazing how when men get together, myself included, that talk keeps on getting louder, bolder, and more braggadocios. Often when stories are being shared and told, the next one has to be even better. It can be that way with the spiritual matters as well; if we are not cautious.
Were Elihu’s words helpful? In his words he does magnify the LORD. He shows us the difficulty of knowing God, especially in our own ways in 37:23,
“Touching the Almighty, we cannot find Him out: He is excellent in power, and in judgment, and in plenty of justice: He will not afflict.” 37:23
By the word of God we are told that no man can see God and live. If we were to turn our opened eyes toward the glowing, glaring noon day sun we would be blinded by its rays. How can we see God?
Job was confident that he would one day see God, through a mediator, and dear reader our Mediator is Christ Jesus.
Job had confidence in God. His faith was in God. There is yet one character in this story of Job to speak; His name is the name that is above every name. He is GOD. The Lord willing we will hear those words next time.
Be careful to listen as He speaks to you today; hear Him and do His will.
-Tim A. Blankenship
Not with tears, rather with words. I fear there is not much godly wisdom in humanity in our time. There is plenty of wisdom concerning economics, education, ecology, sex – moral and immoral, work ethic, but very little concerning God and His Word and way.
In chapters 8 and 9 of proverbs Wisdom is personified; that is speaks as though a person. Only an individual with wisdom could write such words, and that was Solomon who is considered the wisest of men to ever have lived. Of course the real person of Wisdom is the Son of God Jesus Christ.
“Doth not wisdom cry? and understanding put forth her voice?” Proverbs 8:1
Does the common person even know what wisdom is? Do I know what wisdom is? I believe I know a little about what it is. I get my understanding of what wisdom is by reading God’s Word the Bible. Proverbs 1:7 tells us –
‘The fear of the LORD is the beginning of knowledge: but fools despise wisdom and instruction.”
It seems to me that to have wisdom one must first have knowledge, and that knowledge begins with fearing GOD. So if there is no fear of God there is no knowledge; certainly not anything worth knowing anyway. Have you noticed how much people know about trivial matters? We have games called “Trivial Pursuit” and such whimsical things as that. We have more knowledge about what the latest craze among celebrities is, than we do about what is good, right, holy and just.
After knowledge there is understanding what we know. Then wisdom gives us the unction to do what we know.
I realized a few years back that I have learned more than I can remember; and I also realized – The more I know; the more I realize I don’t know. I know that I am no scholar; also that I am a very dependent person upon God and even others at times.
What is wisdom? It is putting to work the righteousness, justice, holiness of God in one’s own life. That begins with knowing God’s Son – Wisdom in Person.
-Tim A. Blankenship
Make Much of Prudence
Proverbs 16:21
references – Proverbs 12:16, 23; 13:16; 14:8, 18; 15:5; 18:15; 22:3; 27:12;
New Testament – Matthew 11:25; Luke 10:21; John 14:6; Romans 13:11-14; 2 Timothy 3:1-7
1. In our text the word “wise” is used of those who hearts are upon the ways of the LORD.
2. Again, the heart speaks of the inward man, the emotions, will, feelings, and even intellect.
3. The word “prudent” means to separate, distinguish, discern, to understand; and instruct.
4. The wise and prudent learn and are able to teach others wisdom and prudence.
I. WITH THE WORLD IN DARKNESS OF SIN THERE IS MUCH NEED FOR DISCERNMENT (Prov. 16:21).
II. GODLY WISDOM AND PRUDENCE ARE HIDDEN FROM THE WORLDLY WISE AND PRUDENT (Matthew 11:25; Luke 10:21).
III. THE WISE AND DISCERNING KEEP THEMSELVES FROM APPROACHING EVIL (Prov. 22:3; 27:12).
A. That means the wise are aware of evil.
1. What it is.
2. Where it is.
3. How to deal with it; or at least willing to learn how to deal with it.
B. It is the business of the LORD, His people to educate people about being discerning.
IV. THE DISCERNING WATCH THEIR STEPS – STEPS IN THE WAY OF THE CROSS OF THE LORD (Prov. 14:15; John 15:6; Romans 13:11-14; 2 Timothy 3:1-7).
Application –
i. With evil growing worse and worse; it is time for wise and discerning hearts to prevail against evil;
ii. We must realize that any “wisdom” or “prudence” which is against the Word of God is not godly wisdom or discernment; and rebuke it when it is spoken as the equal of the Word of God.
iii. As Christians we must maintain time with the Lord in His Word; His Word, not our emotions, or intellect dismissing or adjusting His Word.
iv. In this time of darkness and much dispair we must abide in the truth – what is truth for one is truth for all – keep your feet on the right path – and that is Christ Jesus.
-T.A.
These sermon notes are from a sermon preached by Tim A. Blankenship at Carr Lane Baptist Church morning worship 09/11/11
GOD Of My Righteousness
Psalm 4:1-8
1. The Psalmist pleads with God for help remembering past helps (v. 1).
2. The Psalmist confronts the “sons of men” concerning their unrighteous behaviors (vv. 2-5).
3. The Psalmist finds rest and peace in the safety of the LORD (vv. 6-8).
I. SPEAKING FIRST WITH GOD; THEN WITH MEN (v. 1)
“He who dares to face his Maker will not tremble before the sons of men.” C. H. Spurgeon from Treasury of David Psalm 4:1
II. THE CONFRONTATION OF THE RIGHTEOUS AND THE UNRIGHTEOUSNESS (vv. 2-5)
The unrighteous see little benefit to righteousness; and love vanity and “leasing” which is lying, empty fancies, vain conceits, wicked fabrications.
The unrighteous watch for the fall of the righteous.
Stop along the way and take pause, reflect on righteousness, and the GOD of righteousness.
“The godly are the chosen of God, and are, by distinguishing grace, set apart and separated from among men.” ditto
The cry for men to search their hearts, and believe in the righteous God; and the righteousness of His Son our Savior; the sacrifice of Calvary.
III. THE DWELLING PLACE OF REST AND SAFETY (vv. 6-8)
There are many who would see; rather than believe (Matthew 27:39-44).
Jesus said, “Blessed are they that have not seen, and yet have believed (John 20:29b).
There is gladness and joy in the LORD; more than just when the crops come in.
With the LORD of our righteousness there is peace, safety and sleep (Ps. 127:1-2).
Summary –
i. When the sons of God are in the righteousness of God, then we can and will stand before the sons of men.
ii. There will be confrontation between righteousness and unrighteousness; between the sons of God and the sons of men.
iii. There is peace, safety and rest for the righteous through the Lord our righteousness.
-T.A.
Preached at Carr Lane Baptist Church 08/07/11 a.m. worship.
This and future articles on Isaiah will be posted here at Fire and Hammer. On Sunday evenings at Carr Lane Baptist Church I am preaching through the book of Isaiah, only in a “survey” type fashion. I pray the Lord’s Spirit will guide you in the study of His Word.
“And there shall come forth a rod out of the stem of Jesse, and a Branch shall grow out of his roots: and the Spirit of the LORD shall rest upon Him, the spirit of wisdom and understanding, the spirit of counsel and might, the spirit of knowledge and of the fear of the LORD…” Isaiah 11:1-2 (KJV)
If we take a moment and consider the title of this post we might take a thought toward created things; and that would not be wrong to do. It is however necessary that we see the Creator becomes a created being in the “stem of Jesse”, “a Branch” and later on in the chapter (v. 10) “root of Jesse”
What we see of this one who will come from “the stem of Jesse” is that He is “a rod”, and “a Branch” shall grow out of His roots. This is a deep rooted prophecy of the coming of the Messiah of Israel. It speaks of His humanity. It speaks of His humility, and from whence He comes.
His life is lived in the “Spirit of the LORD” and that Spirit rest upon Him and I don’t believe it to be wrong to say, here, even within Him. Holy wisdom, spiritual understanding, and divine counsel and power comes only from the Spirit of God. When we have a good and healthy relationship and fellowship with the LORD, then there will also be a right reverent fear of the LORD as well.
In verse 4 we find that this Individual will, “with righteousness” judge the poor. Could this be the “Poor in spirit to which Jesus refers in Matthew 5:3? He will destroy the wicked with “the breath of His lips” (Revelation 1:16; 19:15).
In the future kingdom of this King there will be peace throughout the whole earth; even within the animal kingdom (vv. 6-9), and such knowledge increasing unlike anything we have ever known (v. 9).
This “root of Jesse” is an ensign or banner to the nations that are on earth. They will seek Him and find Him, and all His people [Israel] will come to Him from the ends of the earth (vv. 10-12). The return of Israel to the LORD will be even greater, more spectacular than was the first exodus from Egypt.
Be ready for our LORDs return. Jesus is coming soon.
-Tim A. Blankenship
…Giving What You Need For The Task
Daniel 1:17-21
Purpose – To see and show that when God calls us to certain tasks; even as captives in a foreign land; He provides what we need for those tasks.
OUTLINE –
I. GOD PROVIDED DANIEL, HANANIAH, MISHAEL, AND AZARIAH THE GIFTS THEY NEEDED FOR THE TASKS THEY HAD (v. 17).
II. GOD PROVIDED THAT THE FOUR HEBREW BOYS FOUND FAVOR WITH THE KING (vv. 18-19).
III. GOD EVEN PROVIDED THAT THE WISDOM AND KNOWLEDGE HE GAVE TO THEM EXCEEDED THAT OF THE OTHERS (v. 20).
IV. THE TIME OF DANIEL’S SERVICE WAS REWARDED BY ALLOWING HIM TO SEE ISRAELITES RETURNING TO THE PROMISED LAND (.v. 21).
Daniel, Hananiah, Mishael and Azariah had shown themselves faithful to the Lord’s commandments. They had done so without causing too much of a rift within the court; and they had God’s approval and blessing. When we honor God, by keeping His word, applying it to our lives on a daily basis, He will also honor us and bless us. There is, however, no promise of that blessing being immediate; nor, should we be obedient, nor attempting to honor God because we know we will be blessed for it.
We honor and bless and obey the Lord and His Word because He is worthy; and we thank Him for the priviledge of such service. By the blood of Jesus Christ we have the right to be called “The sons of God” (John 1:12). It is still a service we thank Him for, because He gifts us for that purpose.
I. AS GOD EQUIPPED THE FOUR HEBREW BOYS FOR THEIR TIME IN BABYLON; SO GOD HAS EQUIPPED THE CHURCH FOR THE DAYS IN WH ICH WE LIVE (v. 17).
The text we look at tells us that it was God who gave them “knowledge and skill in all learning and wisdom:”, and we must acknowledge that it comes from no one else except the one who designed and continues to give good minds to those He will. Even to the astonishment and dismay to the educational elite; God oft times speaks by confounding the “wise”
“But God hath chosen the foolish things of the world to confound the wise; and God hath chosen the weak things of the world to confound the things which are mighty;”1 Corinthians 1:27 (KJV).
We learn from this that it is God who gave Daniel the power of understanding dreams and visions. This by itself qualifies Daniel as a prophet of God.
“And he said, Hear now my words: If there be a prophet among you, I the LORD will make myself known unto him in a vision, and will speak unto him in a dream.” Numbers 12:6 (KJV)
These things which Daniel and His friends learned were not from the Chaldean educational system, nor the education they received. There were many things they learned which were in grave error; and they knew it to be error. They learned about astrology, and how it worked; they did not practice it. Astrology – interpreting the astrological charts, and the zodiac was very familiar to the Babylonian citizens.
The child of God today; the Christian of today needs to be grounded and stable in the riches of the Word of God. I want to stress that before I say what I’m going to say with some reservation. You and I need first and foremost to study, hear, practice, and heed the gospel of Jesus Christ, and the whole counsel of God’s Word. When we are able, then, it would be beneficial in some ways to learn about the deceptions and lies that permeate society; not practicing them in any fashion or form, but learning of them, to know where some of these people are coming from, and to know how to rebuke and rebut them. Some Christians of our day frown on the though of rebuke or rebutting some other belief system or religion; however, if we are to be salt, light, and an influence in society, then we must correct in love those we see in error with Scripture.
We have also been equipped for service to God in the day in which we live. The apostle Paul writes,
“And he gave some, apostles; and some, prophets; and some, evangelists; and some, pastors and teachers; For the perfecting of the saints, for the work of the ministry, for the edifying of the body of Christ: Till we all come in the unity of the faith, and of the knowledge of the Son of God, unto a perfect man, unto the measure of the stature of the fulness of Christ: That we henceforth be no more children, tossed to and fro, and carried about with every wind of doctrine, by the sleight of men, and cunning craftiness, whereby they lie in wait to deceive; But speaking the truth in love, may grow up into him in all things, which is the head, even Christ:” Ephesians 4:11-15 (KJV)
The above gifting is basically dealing with church leaders, however, every Christian is responsible to use the gift God has given you. Paul has also written,
“But now hath God set the members every one of them in the body, as it hath pleased him.” 1 Corinthians 12:18 (KJV)
“Every good gift and every perfect gift is from above, and cometh down from the Father of lights, with whom is no variableness, neither shadow of turning.” James 1:17 (KJV)
“For the gifts and calling of God are without repentance.” Romans 11:29 (KJV)
The gifts and calling of God are given to us for the benefit of the day in which you and I live. We need to rejoice in the gifts of others without desiring their gift or gifts for ourselves. Every Christian is gifted by God to do the work of ministry.
II. IT IS GOD WHO BRINGS FAVOR BEFORE THE KINGS AND PRESIDENTS OF THE WORLD (vv. 18-19).
King Nebuchaddnezar was most likely educated in the ways of the “wise men” of Babylon, and could carry on quite a conversation with them, and all the ones who had been educated in the Babylonian institution of learning. It was after the three years of training was over that the king had them all brought into him. The king discovered four young men, possibly twenty years of age now; who “…among them all was found none like Daniel, Hananiah, Mishael, and Azariah” (v.19). These four were chosen to stand in the king’s presence.
Daniel and his friends had spent the past three years learning the ways of Babylon, and remained faithful to the LORD. They were diligent in the task of living the life which God had given them; and they did it without complaint; and with praise. Even though they were in enemy territory God had given them peace without compromising their beliefs. Solomon, the writer of Proverbs has written,
“When a man’s ways please the LORD, he maketh even his enemies to be at peace with him.” Proverbs 16:7 (KJV)
“Seest thou a man diligent in his business? he shall stand before kings; he shall not stand before mean men.” Proverbs 22:29 (KJV)
Looking at those two verses we can see that, first of all “Peace” is more than the absence of war. Peace comes from God. When we are at war with God we will most likely be at war with everyone. Daniel, Hananiah, Mishael, and Azariah were at peace with God, so God gave them peace with their enemies. Secondly, they were diligent with God’s business, faithful in obedience to Him and they were the ones who found favor with the king Nebuchadnezzar.
It is said of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ when He was around twelve years of age, that He was found in “…favor with God and man” (Luke 2:52). Who makes it possible for us to be found in favor with God or kings? Only God can do that. God exalts one and brings down another. In doing so God accomplishes His will and maintains the order of the powers of man.
III. THERE IS GREAT WISDOM AND KNOWLEDGE FOR THOSE WHO WILL TRUST THE LORD IN ALL OF LIFE (v. 20).
There is much learning, knowledge and so called wisdom in our world. Education is a good thing, when it is guided by a godly heart and life. When “education” turns hearts away from God, and that is its sole purpose it is evil and and should be avoided at all cost. Everyone has the right to learn what they want to learn; but they don’t have the right to force me to learn godless evolution, evil monetary practices, and/or evil practices of law.
One man of year gone by made the statement, and I pray I am getting this correctly, or close at least, “Education without justification and sanctification is an abomination”. He meant by that word “justification” that all sin was paid for in the death, burial and resurrection of Jesus Christ, and that all the righteousness of Christ Jesus was ours through Him.
The writer of Proverbs speaks much of wisdom giving all of two chapters to wisdom, even personifying wisdom. In chapter eight wisdom is personified, and we can see wisdom in our Lord in His teachings, in His living, in His dying, and in His resurrection. The ninth chapter deals more with wisdom, and when you read this chapter you see the worth and value of wisdom, ie., godly wisdom versus worldly wisdom.
There is absolutely no doubt in my mind that these young men were smart, and wise in God. They could carry on a conversation with the king about the things of Babylon, and why, what and how he was the king of Babylon. It is a sad thing, but there are many people who have no care what so ever about “wisdom”. They speak without thought, act without thought; but merely to circumstances, and the behavior of others.
Who desires wisdom? The wise. How do we receive wisdom?
“Give instruction to a wise man, and he will be yet wiser: teach a just man, and he will increase in learning.” Proverbs 9:9 (KJV)
“If any of you lack wisdom, let him ask of God, that giveth to all men liberally, and upbraideth not; and it shall be given him.” James 1:5 (KJV)
IV. GOD IS FAITHFUL WHO HAS PROMISED; THERE IS REWARD FOR ALL WHO WILL BELIEVE AND RECEIVE (v. 21).
Though this verse is placed in the beginning of the book of Daniel doesn’t mean that this event tool place here. We are being told that Daniel was blessed by God and prospered under several kings while a captive. Daniel even lived to see his people returning to the Promised Land of Israel. He may have had a part in speaking with Cyrus and his leadership in the rebuilding of the temple in Jerusalem under Ezra’s ministry and work. We see clearly from Scripture that God is guiding the affairs of His people.
“A man’s heart deviseth his way: but the LORD directeth his steps.” Proverbs 16:9 (KJV)
Daniel, Hananiah, Mishael and Azariah could not have planned such lives for themselves. Neither can you or I. We can scheme and plot and plan, and many a time those things just don’t work for us. We must understand that GOD WILL TAKE CARE OF YOU, and He gives us what we need to perform the tasks He has for us to do.
God will never fail to fulfill His plans. He does have a plan for your life through His Son Jesus Christ.
APPLICATION –
i. God has equipped us through the gift of His Son Jesus Christ, and His Holy Spirit to live for Him, and serve Him in the time which we live;
ii. When you and I live for the Lord, faithfully serving, praising, thanking Him; then He will give us peace in our hearts, a pure conscience, and raise us in favor with the people of the world to accomplish His purposes;
iii. Let us be wise to seek godly wisdom; and to seek it from God by asking Him for it, then, use it rightly for His glory;
iv. You and I must trust the Lord to be faithful in CARING FOR YOU, and you what you need to do His will.
-Tim A. Blankenship
In the world of 2009 there are many who desire “New Thought”, or I believe some are called “New Progressives” who desire new thought concerning life, life issues, religion, government, politics, news, family, law, or whatever. However, it appears to me that there is nothing that is new under the sun. I know of a man who told us that, and wrote about thousands of years ago. He is known as the wisest of men who ever walked on earth. His name was Solomon. His words were, “There is nothing new under the sun”.
As I read the prophet Jeremiah, and the other prophets I see nothing new in today’s world. People are still people; desiring their own way, turning from God’s way, and yet there are those who profess to be God’s people, even Christian, who will tell us we have to change to get people’s attention. How do we change? What do we change? Are we to change the message of God’s Word. God remains the same. His message remains the same. If we change it we become liars, and liars have no part with God, nor His kingdom.
Hear the prophet –
“Thus saith the LORD, Stand ye in the ways, and see, and ask for the old paths, where is the good way, and walk therein, and ye shall find rest for your souls. But they said, We will not walk therein.” Jeremiah 6:16 (KJV)
The “Old paths” of which Jeremiah speaks of of walking with God. Walking with God means being in agreement with God. The people of the prophet’s day were attempting to worship YaHWeH on the Sabbath day, and worship their way of life, or other gods the other six days of the week. They had abandoned the “old paths” by doing so, and the prophet was trying to call the people back to God; to repentance.
At first the attempt was to call them to repentance to prevent their captivity; however when the captivity became inevitable then, for repentance, that they might learn to live for God in captivity and be a witness to the foreign government to which they were going. The people needed rest for their souls due to their torment.
People in the United States of America are living tormented lives due to failing health, failing finances, unemployment, or threats of unemployment; and many family issues. People of the world need rest for their souls. Many are seeking rest through yoga, meditations, even prayer, yet rest doesn’t come. The “old paths” or “the good way” is not found in these things. The “old paths” are found only in following the dictates of God’s law. The “good way” is only in God’s way.
The prophet’s call is “Stand in the ways and see…” The “good way” is in the “old paths”, and this is found only in the Living Word of God; that is the person of His Son. Rather than accepting God’s way, the “old paths” and living “the good way” people still seek the “New thought” of helping themselves, following the paths of false religion found in yoga, meditations, and even in prayers. Understand me when I mention meditations and prayer. Meditating upon God’s Word, hearing God speak through His Word is good; and that is good meditation; anything else is devilish thought. Genuine heart prayer, seeking God’s will, understanding of His word, gaining wisdom from God, and seeking His direction and glory is expected of us. The prayer I refer to is the reading of prayer, rosary, planned recitations, which are filled with religious and pious thought, but no connection to heaven.
The sort of meditation and prayer which allows you to consort with godlessness while supposedly maintaining a relationship with God is fruitless for God and His glory. That is what the world, Jerusalem in Jeremiah’s day was doing. That is what many of today’s world is doing as well. While wanting something new they follow the paths of the old rebels, rather than the “old paths” which we should follow in Jesus Christ the Son of the Living God.
The answer of the people to the prophet in that day was; “We will not walk therein”. If we choose to walk with the world, and take on their garments, we destroy our witness, our testimony of newness of life through Jesus Christ. We must put off the old man of flesh and sin; and put on the new man of life eternal (Ephesians 4:20-25); and also put away lying. The lying is done by confessing faith in Christ while also maintaining a life which is no different from the condemned and dying in sin.
I ask again, “Is anything really new?”
-Tim A. Blankenship
“To God our Savior, who alone is wise, be glory and majesty, dominion and power, both now and forever. Amen.” Jude 25 (NKJV).
In this closing statement by Jude he clearly declares the deity of the One we call Savior. “To God our Savior”. Anyone, person or religious organization who would deny the deity of Jesus Christ; or decrees deity to all who could or would achieve the “christ-spirit” or whatever they would call it; denies the very heart of Christ Jesus; therefore they do not know Him. They are in fact worshipping a different “Jesus”; a demon.
The Jesus whom Jude, Peter, James, John; and Matthew, Mark and Luke write of is Jesus Christ the Son of the living God, who is God made flesh, and “dwelt among us”. He alone is the One who died for the sins of the whole world, was buried in a dead human body; and rose victoriously over sin, death and hell in a glorified human body. If you don’t know the Jesus who died as the incarnate God, was buried as the incarnate God, and rose again as the bodily form of God, then you know not my Jesus.
Jude gives Jesus as the One “who alone is wise”. We can read the eighth and ninth chapters of Proverbs, and you see the Personification of wisdom, and that Person is none other than Jesus the Christ. Solomon is often given credit as being “the wisest man who ever lived”, but then, there is Jesus; the One who gave Him His wisdom. Jesus was wise to follow the guidance and direction of His heavenly Father. He desired to always do those things which pleased His Father, even to the death on the cross.
The glory of Jesus is in the fact that He did the Father’s will. We have all sinned and fell short of the glory of God (Romans 3:23). Jesus came, as like sinful men, yet without sin, and Himself was the glory of God on earth. He fulfilled the task which the first Adam failed to fulfill. As followers of Jesus Christ, and by imputation – the reckoning of God – we fulfill the glory of God. When we see Jesus we will see Him in all His glory and majesty. A couple of things we have which are symbols of majesty on earth are the eagle in the sky, and the lion. These pale in comparison to the majesty of Jesus.
With Jesus is all power, and He rules in the hearts of rulers, and will ultimately have His way in this world. One day the Lord Jesus will return to this earth, will overthrow the kingdoms of this world, and its rulers, and He Himself will rule, and sin will no more have rule and dominion in the hearts and minds of men or women. These qualities which Jude ascribes to Jesus are given to Him also by the angels, and the saints in heaven according to Revelation 4:10, 11; 5:12-14.
Give glory to the Lord Jesus Christ and the Father by believing in Jesus, and the work He has done on the cross, becoming sin for us, receiving the wrath of God that was ours, taking our sins away in His burial, then, rising victoriously over it all. Proving once and for all that He is all that He said He is. Proving that there is life after death, and that eternal life is found solely through the atoning work of Jesus Christ.
“To God our Savior, who alone is wise, be glory and majesty, dominion and power, both now and forever. Amen.”
-Tim A. Blankenship
The Fire and Hammer 