Permanent and Unshakeable (Hebrews 12:28)

 

"Therefore ... we are receiving a kingdom that cannot be shaken" (Hebrews 12:28).

We really do have an unshakeable kingdom as God is the author and Jesus is our King.  They are for ever and ever.

Nothing is permanent in this world but the Heavenly kingdom, is eternal.  When you glean through the book of Hebrews you'll see such words as "remains the same" (referring to God's Throne); "for ever and ever" (Hebrews 1:8); "Jesus our High Priest for ever and ever" (Hebrews 6:20; 7:17);  a "permanent priesthood...always lives" (Hebrews 7:24); "eternal redemption"  (Hebrews 9:12); "promised an eternal inheritance" (Hebrews 9:13); "offered for all time ... made perfect forever" (Hebrews 10:12-14); "Jesus Christ is the same yesterday and today and forever" (Hebrews 13:8); "enduring city" (Hebrews 13:14); and "eternal covenant" (Hebrews 13:20).  It's all very reassuring, and secure sounding, don't you think?

We can trust these promises of God who is ever faithful.  Give Him Your praise and adoration and trust.

Father God, we humbly bow at Your feet in adoration and worship.  You are ever the same and have given us an enduring kingdom to be with You - a Kingdom that can never be shaken.  Grow our trust in You, Your word and Your kingdom.  May Your Kingdom come.  Help us as individuals and as Your children, to not be shaken as we cling on to You throughout life's earthly journey, which is temporary.  We look for Your city and the time when we can be with you in incorruptibility - forever.

In Jesus' name, Amen.

                                               ~ERC  December 2023~

Based on Hebrews 12:28 NIV.

Sing, He Will Hold Me Fast, along with Keith and Kristyn Getty.

Rights, Rewards and Blessings

 Sharing the gospel of Jesus Christ has its rights, rewards and blessings.  Here's some that Paul wrote about...

"Don't we have the right to take a believing wife along with us, as do other apostles and the Lord's brothers and Cephas?...the plowman plows and the thresher threshes, they ought to do so in the hope of sharing in the harvest...If we have sown spiritual seed among you, is it too much if we reap a material harvest among you?  If others have this right of support from you, shouldn't we have it all the more?  But we did not use this right.  On the contrary, we put up with anything rather than hinder the gospel of Christ...In the same way, the Lord has commanded that those who preach the gospel should receive their living from the gospel...But I have not used any of these rights.  And I am not writing this in the hope that you will do such things for me, for I would rather die than allow anyone to deprive me of this boast...What then is my reward?  Just this:  that in preaching the gospel I may offer it free of charge, and so not make full use of my rights as a preacher of the gospel....I do all this for the sake of the gospel, that I may share in its blessings" (1 Corinthians 9:5, 9-12, 14, 18, 23 NIV YouVersion).

Those who preach the gospel have the right to bring along a believing wife and to be supported financially, among other types of support.  In preaching the gospel there are also rewards and blessings in which to share.

When we look back in Old Testament times and see that the children of Israel were to give tithes of their produce such as grains, wine, olive oil, and cattle to the Levites, as return for the work they did while serving in the tent of meeting (see Numbers 18:21-32), we will understand more readily the principle Paul wrote about to the Corinthians.  That is, those who preached the gospel of Jesus Christ were entitled to a "material harvest".  It was one of their rights.

The children of Israel were to give their "best parts" of the fruit of their labors.  This is an excellent guideline for those of us who give our 'tithe' for the support of preachers and teachers of God's Word today.  They have a right to it.  

It behooves each believer in Christ to look out for our "Levites" in urban and rural settings.  Often the rural ones struggle the most since many of those congregations experience 'hand-to-mouth' existence as well.  It's good to look into this and see who legitimately needs our support and in what capacity, whether it be monetary or material or otherwise.

The point is, where are our hearts and are we giving willingly and of our best to those "treading out the grain" (see vs 9).  This is our right to cater to their rights.

Besides this, it is good for the preacher-teacher to have his wife along.  You can imagine this out on a variety of levels.  Therefore, we should not criticise him for doing so.  Our support should then be commensurate with "two-mouths" to feed.  Taking this to logical conclusions, if both man and wife are traveling, there will likely be children in tow.  Commensurate rights should correspond accordingly.

For example, I know of a brother who became a full-time itinerate preacher-teacher.  He had six children.  When he traveled with his family, other families actually took them into their home giving them beds to sleep on (or the floor with sleeping bags), food to eat and fellowship.  This was two-way blessing and the hospitality of a family with a big expandable, willing and cheerful heart.

This is part of the right that also feels like a blessing to the recipient.  Having said that, the blessing Paul referred to as sharing in, would likely have been those who had accepted Christ as Savior, and then to see them walking in faith and in committed Christian living.  This may even have extended into these "treasures for heaven" (see Matthew 6:19-21) passing the teaching and preaching baton on, as well.

Due to this, Paul was even willing to forego his right to the Corinthians' support as he offered his preaching of the gospel "free of charge" (see vs 18).

Jehovah Jireh, God our Provider, thank You for all You give us and the care and support that preachers and teachers of Your Word receive.

Open our hearts, minds, and eyes to see and discern what such a preacher or teacher needs.  Help us to then willingly and cheerfully give our best to You our Master as we give and support the harvesters in Your field.  It is essential and crucial for these "Levites".  May they receive their rights and much blessing as they serve You.

In Jesus' name we give.

                                                  ~ERC  December 2023~

Based on 1 Corinthians 9:5, 9-12, 14, 18, 23 NIV YouVersion.

Sing, Give of Your Best to the Master, along with The NCrew.

The Sheep Dogs

 

"Surely goodness and love will follow me all the days of my life, and I will dwell in the house of the Lord forever" (Psalm 23:6 NIV).

No fear, God's goodness and love is with us during our lifespan and then for all eternity with Him in His house.

The comfort and assurance David had springs out to us too as we read and ponder upon his penned words.  Sometimes our lives may seem to be 'the pits' instead of the cherries.  But no, God gives us His word as otherwise.

We can sing to Him with a song of praise with a grateful heart.  As my Dad liked to describe it:   'Goodness' and 'Mercy' (or 'Love') are two sheep dogs the shepherd (see vs 1) employs throughout our lifetime even in the midst of dark valleys and in the presence of enemies.

HIS presence is with us and so Goodness and Mercy dog our heels too, all through our days and will never let us out of 'their' sight.  Upon our passing from this earth and the release our spirits and souls have from our earthy bodies, we will dwell in His house - forever.  There is no gap or time lapse - it'll be instantaneous, so we need fear no evil.

Lord Jesus, You are our Good Shepherd and we give You thanks for Your presence which is with us all our days and into our eternity with You at the end of our earthly toils and troubles and joys.  What confidence and comfort You give us with these words!

What's more!  Your 'sheep dogs', Goodness and Mercy, follow us and keep us in the right pasture and following after You as Your goodness, love and mercy are poured out in showers of blessing and hope upon us.  

Thank-You, Good Shepherd.

In Your name Lord Jesus, we give Your our praise and thanksgiving.

                                             ~ERC  November 2023~

Based on Psalm 23:1-6, especially v. 6.

Sing, Psalm 23 (The Lord's My Shepherd), along with New Scottish Hymns.

Book Review - Pray For Her - By Holly S. Roberts - Publication Date: 12 December 2023

 Although this book is a work of fiction, I believe the unfolding story reflects true-to-life events.  It is good to have awareness of some of the evils of mens' hearts.  This one reveals polygamy and a whole lot of other 'bad' associated therewith, perpetuated from nefarious religious beliefs' perspectives.  The author doesn't mince words.  It is great that this also reflects good, as in Detective Eve Bennet and her team.  This is Book 3 in  the series.  I feel that it is ok as a stand alone book but it would have been great to have read the previous two for context.

                                            ~Eunice C.,  Reviewer/Blogger~

                                                          November 2023

Disclaimer:  This is my honest opinion based on the complimentary review copy sent by Net Galley and the publisher.

Read review on Goodreads.

Lord's Day Devotion - God's Time Out

 

This Lord's Day, let us make way in our hearts and lives for the Lord.  After all, He made way for us.  See here...

"A voice of one calling:  "in the wilderness prepare the way for the LORD; make straight in the desert a highway for our God" (Isaiah 40:3 NIV).

Prepare the way for the LORD, He is coming to the wilderness, and desert.  There's a voice calling to listeners with those intructions.

"Prepare the way..."  There are many things we prepare for, such as:  weddings, which take months of preparation; or even just to go to work, school or church.  You get ready and then you go.

In the Isaiah verse, it feels like there are things that need to be moved out of the way, smoothened out and untangled.  This, to make way for the new.  It could literally be like if a king or other dignitary is coming to town.  Roads get repaved, highways decked with flags of visiting countries and so forth.

Spiritually, we may need a time out to assess our lives.  What is praiseworthy and God pleasing can be kept, renewed and refreshed.  What is not, can be relinquished and cleared out of our lives.  In this way we 'prepare the way for the LORD' to come in and for us to draw near to Him, minus the distractions or influences,  even in the wildernesses and deserts our lives may be enduring.

Jesus was sent to Earth by God His Father for a big 'time out'.  John the Baptizer called out in the wilderness for the people of his time to prepare the way for Jesus' coming.  They had to repent and be baptized.  They were set apart and made ready for Jesus to come (see John 1:19-27, especially verse 23 NIV).

The 'time out' Jesus had was His mission to be punished for our sins.  He was redeeming us, and making atonement for our souls.  He prepared all those who believe, for His second coming.

Many of those John the Baptizer had 'prepared' for Jesus' first coming, then received Him, and became children of God (see John 1:12) after His resurrection and ascension.

As we prepare our hearts and minds to remember the Lord and Savior Jesus Christ's death and resurrection, let us keep in mind all His 'time out' accomplished for us.  

Take of the broken bread and drink from the cup of wine with hearts attuned to Him.  Let us then go out rejoicing, continually keeping our hearts prepared.  Make regular 'time outs' for God.  Prepare for Him to come and commune with you in the best and worst of days.  Go to Him in prayer.

Lord Jesus, our hearts bow humbly before You, thanking You for the time out You took to prepare the way for us to get back into relationship with God our Heavenly Father.

Help us through Your Holy Spirit to always take time outs to prepare for time out with You.  May it be our 'norm' even in times of great trouble and turmoil in our lives where it feels like our foundations are shaking and crumbling.  Draw us ever closer to You despite the wilderness and desert.  Make a smooth highway to You.

In Your name Lord Jesus, we give You our thanks and prepared hearts.  

Amen.

                                                           ~ERC  December 2023~

Based on isaiah 40:3 NIV.

Sing, Prepare Ye the Way of the Lord, along with Michael W. Smith.

Separation From One's Spouse

 

Among Christians, confusion often abounds regarding divorce and separation.  When circumstances become unfavorable and in the angst of the situation, guilt may take over because of all the wobbly, uncertain teaching.  Regarding separtation, look at these verses...

"To the married I give this command (not I, but the Lord):  A wife must not separate from her husband.  But if she does, she must remain unmarried or else be reconciled to her husband.  And a husband must not divorce his wife" ( 1 Corinthians 7:10-11 -[emphasis mine]).

At first glance it appears separation from ones spouse is NOT an option.  However, there is conditional allowance.  The wife, if she separates, must remain unmarried.  The husband must not divorce his wife.

True enough, it is not ideal to be separated from one's spouse.  God is not in favor of it.  However, because of the conditional allowance, it can be considered as an option.

I'm thinking - what are the scenarios in which a wife would wish to separate from her husband?

How about severe emotinal abuse, manipulation and lies so much so that the spirit of the wife is so damaged and altered?  These are wounds and bruises which are not visible to the eye but are every bit as damaging as physical abuse.

Whether it is from an alcoholic husband, a womanizer, a simply ill-tempered man, you name it, the wife may feel safety in separation for herself and any children there may be.  No doubt the reverse could be true where the husband needed to seek separation but likely it is mostly the wife and children who are the ones in harm's way.

For the Christian wife to consider and activate separation she should keep the conditions in mind.  This is a serious chain of events and other believers would do well to authentically and compassionately care for and support such a decision and beware the manipulating spouse.  Pray with her for the time of reconciliation to take place; if indeed it could ever be possible.  LISTEN to her heart cry.

Divorce is not supposed to be in the equation for this type of situation.  We do know from the other Scriptures that God hates divorce (see Malachi 2:16) but He did allow it due to the hardness of mens' hearts (see Mark 10:1-5 NIV).

Let other brothers and sisters-in-Christ view each situation with love, care and compassion.  You may not know or understand to full extent of what a wife endures, often for years and years on end.

Father God, we are fully aware that You hate divorce and that what you join together, man should not put asunder.  Yet because of the hardness of mans' hearts to get themselves right with You, harmful situations happen.  Such situations, which cause a wife to separate from her husband. 

Protect these women and give them the courage they need to step aside for a time of separation.  Help them, especially if there are children who also need Your protection.  Help these wives through it all and to remain celebate despite need for comfort and consolation.  May these wives turn to You for direction and rest from their anxiety, pain and consternation of the detrimental situation.  Alleviate any feelings of guilt they may have in seeking safety away from their spouse.

May there be compassionate friends and family to reach out in love and care.  Bring about reconciliation and a mended heart when the time is right and the believer husband has repented and can be truly trusted to behave correctly, as Christ with the Church.

This I ask in Jesus' name.

                                                   ~ERC  November 2023~

Based on 1 Corinthians 7:10-11 NIV.

Sing, My Prayer For You, along with Alisa Turner - Integrity Music.

The Bought Bride Behavior

 In many cultures brides are bought.  Sometimes the payment is with the buffalo 'currency,' or with jewelry, and/or cash, among other things.  God bought a bride for His Son Jesus.  Look at the following verses...

"Do you not know that your bodies are temples of the Holy Spirit, who is in you, whom you have received from God?  You are not your own; you were bought at a price.  Therefore honor God with your bodies" (1 Corinthians 6:19-20 NIV).

All believers in Jesus Christ have been bought with the price of His life and blood.  He then made us each a temple of His Holy Spirit.  This 'seal' or sign that we belong to Him would be like our engagement ring.  Because of this we must honor Him with our bodies.

Reading these two verses in context of the previous verses shows us that there had been sexual sins, which is sin against ones own body.  These things should not be allowed by us for the BIG reason that our bodies are now NOT our own but belong to the Holy Spirit.

Therefore, we do not have a right to be mastered by sexual sins or any other type of sin or influence.  Jesus is our Lord and Master and we need to honor God by what we do and allow ourselves to be involved in.

If you want to see this from ancient times and "old fashioned" cultural practices, the buying of a bride then means she belongs not just to the groom but also his family who have dibs on her.  She will become part of this new family and they can treat her however they wish, whether for good or bad.  She may even have to have severed ties with her own family.

When we relate this to the Christian life, we indeed need to sever ties with all that old life without Christ.  We, the bride of Christ, now belong to God's family and need to behave in Christlike manner with good Christian living as seen in the Bible; especially in the New Testament.

He is not harsh.  He is caring, loving and a good, good Father.  Jesus our groom, is just like that too.  When we keep this in mind along with His having bought us at such a costly cost, then out of love and gratitude, let us allow the Holy Spirit to help us to live a life that honors God with our bodies.

Father in Heaven, You are our good, good Father.  You love us and care about us and when You brought us into Your family through the costly price of Jesus' death and resurrection, as the Bride of Christ, we give You our thanks.  We realize, in theory, we now belong to You.  Help us through Holy Spirit's power and indwelling to remember this and so honor you in all we do, especially with our bodies.

In Jesus' name we thank You.

                                           ~ERC  November 2023~

Based on 1 Corinthians 6:19-20.

Sing, Bought with a Price,  The Bible Truth Music.