An explanation.

Acts 28:20-28, 30-31 NLT

I asked you to come here today so we could get acquainted and so I could explain to you that I am bound with this chain because I believe that the hope of Israel—the Messiah—has already come.” They replied, “We have had no letters from Judea or reports against you from anyone who has come here. But we want to hear what you believe, for the only thing we know about this movement is that it is denounced everywhere.” So a time was set, and on that day a large number of people came to Paul’s lodging. He explained and testified about the Kingdom of God and tried to persuade them about Jesus from the Scriptures. Using the law of Moses and the books of the prophets, he spoke to them from morning until evening. Some were persuaded by the things he said, but others did not believe. And after they had argued back and forth among themselves, they left with this final word from Paul: “The Holy Spirit was right when he said to your ancestors through Isaiah the prophet, ‘Go and say to this people: When you hear what I say, you will not understand. When you see what I do, you will not comprehend. For the hearts of these people are hardened, and their ears cannot hear, and they have closed their eyes— so their eyes cannot see, and their ears cannot hear, and their hearts cannot understand, and they cannot turn to me and let me heal them.’ So I want you to know that this salvation from God has also been offered to the Gentiles, and they will accept it.” For the next two years, Paul lived in Rome at his own expense. He welcomed all who visited him, boldly proclaiming the Kingdom of God and teaching about the Lord Jesus Christ. And no one tried to stop him.he

Have you listened, been persuaded, and joined?

Acts 17:1-4 NLT

Paul and Silas then traveled through the towns of Amphipolis and Apollonia and came to Thessalonica, where there was a Jewish synagogue. As was Paul’s custom, he went to the synagogue service, and for three Sabbaths in a row he used the Scriptures to reason with the people. He explained the prophecies and proved that the Messiah must suffer and rise from the dead. He said, “This Jesus I’m telling you about is the Messiah.” Some of the Jews who listened were persuaded and joined Paul and Silas, along with many God-fearing Greek men and quite a few prominent women.

*************************************
Once again Paul went where people were expecting to find God. And as always Paul used the Bible. It is the Bible that explains the good news. It is the Bible that reveals who Jesus is to hearts that God is preparing. The Bible told us God would send a rescuing Messiah who would have to suffer and rise from the dead. It's the Bible that proves to the heart that Jesus is the expected chosen one of God.

If you don't read the Bible looking for Jesus you won't understand. If you are not familiar with God's whole story you won't be able to prove to your own heart let alone anyone else that Jesus is the saviour. If you ignore the Bible or are mostly disinterested in God's story you will have nothing important to say, you'll have no way to share the good news about Jesus.

Read your Bible.  Understand what it says about Jesus.

Ask yourself,  "Do I know what the Bible says about each thing in the list below.

  - Messiah
  - Prophecies
  - Suffer
  - Die
  - Rise from the dead

Notice that the people of Thessalonica listened, were persuaded and joined.

It is a lot like the account of Lydia's conversion earlier.

We should look for people who God is preparing them by opening their hearts. We should use the Bible to tell them about Jesus. And the key things they should hear are that God had been telling mankind (prophecies) that they needed a saviour /Messiah that he would send who would have to suffer and die and then rise from the dead.

Then we should expect God to work so that some people would listen, be persuaded, and join.

Has the Lord opened your heart?

Acts 16:11-15 NLT

We boarded a boat at Troas and sailed straight across to the island of Samothrace, and the next day we landed at Neapolis. From there we reached Philippi, a major city of that district of Macedonia and a Roman colony. And we stayed there several days. On the Sabbath we went a little way outside the city to a riverbank, where we thought people would be meeting for prayer, and we sat down to speak with some women who had gathered there. One of them was Lydia from Thyatira, a merchant of expensive purple cloth, who worshiped God. As she listened to us, the Lord opened her heart, and she accepted what Paul was saying. She was baptized along with other members of her household, and she asked us to be her guests. “If you agree that I am a true believer in the Lord,” she said, “come and stay at my home.” And she urged us until we agreed.

************************************

The book of Acts is full of stories of how God changes lives. We can be confident that God is at work in the hearts of people he is preparing to hear the good news about Jesus. Paul was going about his business looking for people who might listen to the gospel. So Paul went where people might be praying.
Lydia wondered about God. She worshiped God but did not know about Jesus. Praying and worshiping were a good start but without Jesus it wasn't enough. God rewarded her seeking with the truth. God sent Paul.

There's a lot to be learned from this story.  Firstly, this is God's work. He opens hearts. Secondly, I think we'll find people ready for the gospel if we look for those already seeking. Third, seeking is good, worshiping God is good, but God intends for people to hear about Jesus. God wants people to accept the good news about Jesus. Third, Lydia not only accepted this good news but she acted on it. Lydia was baptized.  God opened her heart, so she opened her home. She brought the gospel and the messengers into her home and business and those she had influence over also believed.

The whole reproductive nature of the good news is seen here from God sending the messenger, to God opening her heart,  to completely identifying herself in baptism, to Lydia opening her home and seeing others believe too.

Please be encouraged.

What is the story's climax?

Acts 13:38-39 NLT

“Brothers, listen! We are here to proclaim that through this man Jesus there is forgiveness for your sins. Everyone who believes in him is declared right with God—something the law of Moses could never do.

***********************************
Everyone loves a good story. What often makes a story more interesting is when we can relate to it and it includes something of our own history.

Paul was invited to speak some words of encouragement to the Jews in Antioch of Syria.

Now my interest in this account is all the more keen these days because I have a number of Syrian friends. And actually Paul summarises hundreds of years of God's work in a few paragraphs.

But the most exciting part is the climax of the story found in Jesus.

Paul says, proclaiming Jesus is the whole reason for the story,and Jesus is the reason for the events of world history and telling the story climaxing in Jesus was specifically why Paul was there in Antioch of Syria talking to people.

The reason is the good news about Jesus.

Jesus forgives sins. In fact, Jesus would forgive their sins. The disobedience against God done by them right there in Antioch of Syria wound be forgiven by Jesus. The lies of the Jews and Gentiles right then and right there would be forgiven by Jesus. The adultery, the theft, the pride, the selfishness, the lusts and the greed were all able to be forgiven by Jesus. And Jesus could make them right with God. These blessed Jews and Gentiles listening to Paul in Antioch of Syria were told that it wasn't through striving to be good by keeping Moses' (God's) law that would make then right with God. No.

Belief in the forgiveness of the risen son of God, Jesus was what would make them right with God.

Admission that they needed forgiveness, belief that Jesus could and would forgive, trusting Jesus' forgiveness made them right with God rather than their own failed attempts at keeping the law of Moses (God), this was the climax of the whole story. This was the climax of every story ever told in the Bible.

Oh and in these few verses in this the most exciting climax to all good and true stories we learn so much theology. Paul teaches us that: (read the passage below the line to get the larger context.)

Jesus is man and yet...
Jesus is the son of God
Jesus can and will forgive our sin
Jesus can and should be believed in.
Jesus can and will make the believer right with God.
Our sin makes us not right with God.
The law of Moses (God's law), can not make us right with God.
We need to be made right with God.

Can you agree with Paul, you are a sinner who needs to be made right with God?
Can you trust the Good News about Jesus?
Those who believe that Jesus forgives their sin are made right with God!
You don't have to keep the law and measure up.
You have to believe in Jesus.

This is good news indeed.

Will you believe it today?
Will you tell someone else?

***********************************

Acts 13:15-43 NLT

After the usual readings from the books of Moses and the prophets, those in charge of the service sent them this message: “Brothers, if you have any word of encouragement for the people, come and give it.” So Paul stood, lifted his hand to quiet them, and started speaking. “Men of Israel,” he said, “and you God-fearing Gentiles, listen to me. “The God of this nation of Israel chose our ancestors and made them multiply and grow strong during their stay in Egypt. Then with a powerful arm he led them out of their slavery. He put up with them through forty years of wandering in the wilderness. Then he destroyed seven nations in Canaan and gave their land to Israel as an inheritance. All this took about 450 years. “After that, God gave them judges to rule until the time of Samuel the prophet. Then the people begged for a king, and God gave them Saul son of Kish, a man of the tribe of Benjamin, who reigned for forty years. But God removed Saul and replaced him with David, a man about whom God said, ‘I have found David son of Jesse, a man after my own heart. He will do everything I want him to do.’ “And it is one of King David’s descendants, Jesus, who is God’s promised Savior of Israel! Before he came, John the Baptist preached that all the people of Israel needed to repent of their sins and turn to God and be baptized. As John was finishing his ministry he asked, ‘Do you think I am the Messiah? No, I am not! But he is coming soon—and I’m not even worthy to be his slave and untie the sandals on his feet.’ “Brothers—you sons of Abraham, and also you God-fearing Gentiles—this message of salvation has been sent to us! The people in Jerusalem and their leaders did not recognize Jesus as the one the prophets had spoken about. Instead, they condemned him, and in doing this they fulfilled the prophets’ words that are read every Sabbath. They found no legal reason to execute him, but they asked Pilate to have him killed anyway. “When they had done all that the prophecies said about him, they took him down from the cross and placed him in a tomb. But God raised him from the dead! And over a period of many days he appeared to those who had gone with him from Galilee to Jerusalem. They are now his witnesses to the people of Israel. “And now we are here to bring you this Good News. The promise was made to our ancestors, and God has now fulfilled it for us, their descendants, by raising Jesus. This is what the second psalm says about Jesus: ‘You are my Son. Today I have become your Father. ’ For God had promised to raise him from the dead, not leaving him to rot in the grave. He said, ‘I will give you the sacred blessings I promised to David.’  Another psalm explains it more fully: ‘You will not allow your Holy One to rot in the grave.’  This is not a reference to David, for after David had done the will of God in his own generation, he died and was buried with his ancestors, and his body decayed. No, it was a reference to someone else—someone whom God raised and whose body did not decay. “Brothers, listen! We are here to proclaim that through this man Jesus there is forgiveness for your sins. Everyone who believes in him is declared right with God—something the law of Moses could never do. Be careful! Don’t let the prophets’ words apply to you. For they said, ‘Look, you mockers, be amazed and die! For I am doing something in your own day, something you wouldn’t believe even if someone told you about it.’ ” As Paul and Barnabas left the synagogue that day, the people begged them to speak about these things again the next week. Many Jews and devout converts to Judaism followed Paul and Barnabas, and the two men urged them to continue to rely on the grace of God.

Jesus is the judge of all

Acts 10:34-43 NLT

Then Peter replied, “I see very clearly that God shows no favoritism. In every nation he accepts those who fear him and do what is right. This is the message of Good News for the people of Israel—that there is peace with God through Jesus Christ, who is Lord of all. You know what happened throughout Judea, beginning in Galilee, after John began preaching his message of baptism. And you know that God anointed Jesus of Nazareth with the Holy Spirit and with power. Then Jesus went around doing good and healing all who were oppressed by the devil, for God was with him. “And we apostles are witnesses of all he did throughout Judea and in Jerusalem. They put him to death by hanging him on a cross,  but God raised him to life on the third day. Then God allowed him to appear, not to the general public, but to us whom God had chosen in advance to be his witnesses. We were those who ate and drank with him after he rose from the dead. And he ordered us to preach everywhere and to testify that Jesus is the one appointed by God to be the judge of all—the living and the dead. He is the one all the prophets testified about, saying that everyone who believes in him will have their sins forgiven through his name.”

***********************************

What we want is an impartial judiciary. The world needs honest people who know right from wrong and will execute judgment without falling prey to bribes.

Often it seems the rules only apply to the poor and the weak. Jobs, contracts, support, relief, and assistance in some cities is only available for the friends and family of the powerful. Nepotism, cronyism, inequality, and inequity abound in the world. Such behaviour is rife in nearly every culture, state, political party and religion.

In this global current and historical context it is good news that God does not show favoritism. The good news is that every human is welcome and equally welcome.

There is forgiveness for anyone who believes in Jesus.

No longer are we trapped by our sin and under the wrath of God. Jesus makes peace with God for us. We don't have to be rich. We don't have to be of noble birth. It is not required for us to be of a particular nation. All educational backgrounds are qualified. No past record can prohibit us from fearing God and trusting in Jesus. We don't have to save up or establish a credit record and previous experience isn't necessary.

Jesus is for everyone. Jesus is for you. Jesus is for your enemies. Jesus is for your boss. Jesus is for your neighbours. Jesus is for the fat cat. Jesus is for the oppressed and the down and outter. Jesus is for the corrupt bribe taking oppressive government official being rich of the poor.

Thankfully, this good news isn't exclusive.

Reconsider who you need to tell. Tell the unlikely.

Who are you keeping the good news from? Who have you excluded? What class isn't on your radar?

The gospel is classless, and cross generational.

Who will you tell.

Seek and you will find.

Acts 8:26-36, 38-40 NLT

As for Philip, an angel of the Lord said to him, “Go south down the desert road that runs from Jerusalem to Gaza.” So he started out, and he met the treasurer of Ethiopia, a eunuch of great authority under the Kandake, the queen of Ethiopia. The eunuch had gone to Jerusalem to worship, and he was now returning. Seated in his carriage, he was reading aloud from the book of the prophet Isaiah. The Holy Spirit said to Philip, “Go over and walk along beside the carriage.” Philip ran over and heard the man reading from the prophet Isaiah. Philip asked, “Do you understand what you are reading?” The man replied, “How can I, unless someone instructs me?” And he urged Philip to come up into the carriage and sit with him. The passage of Scripture he had been reading was this: “He was led like a sheep to the slaughter. And as a lamb is silent before the shearers, he did not open his mouth. He was humiliated and received no justice. Who can speak of his descendants? For his life was taken from the earth.” The eunuch asked Philip, “Tell me, was the prophet talking about himself or someone else?” So beginning with this same Scripture, Philip told him the Good News about Jesus. As they rode along, they came to some water, and the eunuch said, “Look! There’s some water! Why can’t I be baptized?”  He ordered the carriage to stop, and they went down into the water, and Philip baptized him. When they came up out of the water, the Spirit of the Lord snatched Philip away. The eunuch never saw him again but went on his way rejoicing. Meanwhile, Philip found himself farther north at the town of Azotus. He preached the Good News there and in every town along the way until he came to Caesarea.

*************************************

One of the questions I've encountered over the years is, "What about the people who've never heard about Jesus?".

Jesus wants the good news to be proclaimed and explained everywhere to everyone.

This story demonstrates God's commitment to seek and to save those who are lost.

Here in chapter 8 of Acts it seems like a lot has happened. But we need to think back over the beginnings of the church.
In chapter 1 the expectation is set that the good news would travel to the very end of the earth.

Acts 1:8 NLT

"But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes upon you. And you will be my witnesses, telling people about me everywhere—in Jerusalem, throughout Judea, in Samaria, and to the ends of the earth.”

In chapter 2 it seems that the whole world is hearing and responding to the good news when the Holy Spirit comes on the disciples.

Acts 2:9-11 NLT

"Here we are—Parthians, Medes, Elamites, people from Mesopotamia, Judea, Cappadocia, Pontus, the province of Asia, Phrygia, Pamphylia, Egypt, and the areas of Libya around Cyrene, visitors from Rome (both Jews and converts to Judaism), Cretans, and Arabs. And we all hear these people speaking in our own languages about the wonderful things God has done!”

So the seeds of the good news have been planted.

So it is no wonder that after the first persecution of the church scatters the believers some back presumably to their home lands that Luke the author of Acts shows us how God is sending his great news about Jesus to the ends of the earth, or at least to Africa.

See since the beginning God has been stirring the hearts of far flung folk to seek him and rewarding their seeking with finding.

God is more concerned about the world than you are. It had been good plan all along to get his message out. No one will be able to say to God that they wanted to know but God failed to get the message or to them.

Are you as concerned about getting the message out as God is?
Will you obey as Philip did? Will you leave an active growing needy work in "Samaria" to walk in a desert? Will you be led to tell those seeking Jesus?

So what about those who haven't heard the good news? Will God send you? Has he already sent them to you?

Experience much sharing, joy and generosity?

Acts 2:44-47 NLT

And all the believers met together in one place and shared everything they had. They sold their property and possessions and shared the money with those in need. They worshiped together at the Temple each day, met in homes for the Lord’s Supper, and shared their meals with great joy and generosity — all the while praising God and enjoying the goodwill of all the people. And each day the Lord added to their fellowship those who were being saved.
*******************************

Do you long for God to do this in your church?
Would your family and community benefit from this kind of environment?

God has kept his promise and his kingdom is coming. And Luke is writing a description of what that kingdom looks like.
It looks the way Jesus said it would.

There is unity, generosity, hospitality, sacrificial giving, inclusiveness, sensitivity and a party all the time. Whether in small groups or homes it seems being together was the order of the day. There were still needy people. But needs were met.

They remembered Jesus death and resurrection as a regular celebration.

This "ritual practice" bonded them and reminded these early church family members they needed Jesus. They were sinners who had repented and were being generously forgiven. No wonder there was so much joy and happiness. It is obvious that such freedom would make you a little bit happy and able to be generous.

God was taking care of them.

Are you excited to be part of God's family?  Have you celebrated the forgiveness for sins and the provision of new life with others as needy as you recently?  Are you happy to have your church in your home?  Are you experiencing joy as you regularly get together with the church?

*************************

I'm starting last night on two chapters of Acts at night and two in the morning and in doing so I'll finish Acts in seven days. How about joining me? This morning (Friday) I'll be reading Acts 3&4 and tonight 5&6.

What lasts?

Proverbs 31:30 NLT

Charm is deceptive, and beauty does not last; but a woman who fears the Lord will be greatly praised.

***********************************

The context of this verse has caused some to dismiss it as unattainable. But a further look into the whole of the Bible underlines the truth of this passage. Godliness is more important than beauty or charm.

The world around us values beauty far too much. And this fascination is especially unhelpful when you realise there is a contempt for the value of godliness.

Often the health and beauty industry touts longevity as the reason for looking great. Or we are encouraged to achieve a certain quality of life so we can enjoy it more. We want to look and feel great. We want to be charming and beautiful. Who wouldn't? People who are not charming and don't care for their appearance are the object of criticism. In fact, I'd go so far as to question whether we can really conceive of an ideal person (especially a woman), that we might aspire to be, considered "godly" who was not also charming and beautiful. We value charmingness and beauty so highly we can't conceive of godliness without it. Or if we can we do not desire it for yourselves, whether what we want in a man or woman.

Godliness is the goal. Fearing the Lord is the way.

Do you value godliness? What is it like? How well can you describe godliness?

We could discuss variations in beauty all day long. The nuances and words to describe beauty would and does fill books and magazines nearly infinitum. And to some extent, charm too, is a topic we are able to elaborate on extensively, from grace and deportment to conversation and knowledge.

But how extensive is your vocabulary describing what it means to be a godly woman?

How will do you know your goal?  What are its nuances?

It is interesting that we know so much about the two things that Proverbs says are of little value and at best fleeting.

But what do we know of godliness?

The sad thing is our image of beauty and charm are "photoshopped" beyond all reality and exist only in paintings, magazines and movies.

Yet it is this same unattainable argument used to diminished the image of a godly woman set out before us in Proverbs 31.

If Proverbs 31,isn't the poster image and goal of what becomes a godly woman what is?

Godliness should be our goal. And we should be well acquainted with it. Men should desire it. Women should aspire to it. Oh to be sure, men too should aspire to it and the Bible is replete with characters who serve as images of a godly man.

But man or woman, it is Jesus who sets the bar. And it is only Jesus who can make us able to achieve the goal.

How acquainted are you with Jesus? How much does your vocabulary and modelling reflect him as your object of admiration?
Is godliness your goal?
Is Jesus your model?

***********************************

Proverbs 31:10-31 NLT

Who can find a virtuous and capable wife? She is more precious than rubies. Her husband can trust her, and she will greatly enrich his life. She brings him good, not harm, all the days of her life. She finds wool and flax and busily spins it. She is like a merchant’s ship, bringing her food from afar. She gets up before dawn to prepare breakfast for her household and plan the day’s work for her servant girls. She goes to inspect a field and buys it; with her earnings she plants a vineyard. She is energetic and strong, a hard worker. She makes sure her dealings are profitable; her lamp burns late into the night. Her hands are busy spinning thread, her fingers twisting fiber. She extends a helping hand to the poor and opens her arms to the needy. She has no fear of winter for her household, for everyone has warm clothes. She makes her own bedspreads. She dresses in fine linen and purple gowns. Her husband is well known at the city gates, where he sits with the other civic leaders. She makes belted linen garments and sashes to sell to the merchants. She is clothed with strength and dignity, and she laughs without fear of the future. When she speaks, her words are wise, and she gives instructions with kindness. She carefully watches everything in her household and suffers nothing from laziness. Her children stand and bless her. Her husband praises her: “There are many virtuous and capable women in the world, but you surpass them all!” Charm is deceptive, and beauty does not last; but a woman who fears the Lord will be greatly praised. Reward her for all she has done. Let her deeds publicly declare her praise.

Will you praise?

Psalms 150:1-6 NLT

Praise the Lord! Praise God in his sanctuary; praise him in his mighty heaven! Praise him for his mighty works; praise his unequaled greatness! Praise him with a blast of the ram’s horn; praise him with the lyre and harp! Praise him with the tambourine and dancing; praise him with strings and flutes! Praise him with a clash of cymbals; praise him with loud clanging cymbals. Let everything that breathes sing praises to the Lord! Praise the Lord!
********************************

Will you praise God today?

What will it take for you to be full of praise? Will your praise be exuberant? Is your heart overflowing with admiration for your God so much so that it screams and blasts out with the power of a rock anthem. Is there a drum solo welling up in your soul for your Saviour?

Will the challenge of your work-a-day world be met with your loud, "I serve am awesome God!"?

Is musical praise part of your everyday life?

Do you have a song of praise in your heart?

What is more worthy of your attention? What do you have to do that's more important to do?
Why is your praise timid?

Praise is what you were made for!
You have no higher calling than praise.
Praise is the ultimate reason for your existence.

He is greater.
He is kinder.
He is wiser.
He is more powerful.
He is more worthy.
He is forgiving.
He is more clever.
He is more praiseworthy, than your technology, than your action film, than your holiday destination, than your accomplishments. He is more noteworthy than your breaking news, he is more captivating than your cheap novel or epic trilogy!!! Our God is worthy of a song, a shout, a dance..... 
a mention?

Will you mention him?
Will you consider him today?
Will your thoughts keep drifting towards him?

Will your praise seem inadequate? Will you need to beat the drum louder? Will you feel compelled to crash the cymbals harder?

Will you praise God today?  Will you praise him loudly?
Will you praise him at all?

" Let everything that breathes sing praises to the Lord! Praise the Lord!"

Humility comes before honor.

Proverbs 29:23 NLT

Pride ends in humiliation, while humility brings honor.

James 4:1-10 NLT

What is causing the quarrels and fights among you? Don’t they come from the evil desires at war within you? You want what you don’t have, so you scheme and kill to get it. You are jealous of what others have, but you can’t get it, so you fight and wage war to take it away from them. Yet you don’t have what you want because you don’t ask God for it. And even when you ask, you don’t get it because your motives are all wrong—you want only what will give you pleasure. You adulterers! Don’t you realize that friendship with the world makes you an enemy of God? I say it again: If you want to be a friend of the world, you make yourself an enemy of God. What do you think the Scriptures mean when they say that the spirit God has placed within us is filled with envy?  But he gives us even more grace to stand against such evil desires. As the Scriptures say, “God opposes the proud but favors the humble.” So humble yourselves before God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you. Come close to God, and God will come close to you. Wash your hands, you sinners; purify your hearts, for your loyalty is divided between God and the world. Let there be tears for what you have done. Let there be sorrow and deep grief. Let there be sadness instead of laughter, and gloom instead of joy. Humble yourselves before the Lord, and he will lift you up in honor.

************************************
Somewhere in the early 1980's I spoke in an evening church service to Cowden Lake Bible Church and the text of my talk was James chapter 4 verses 7-10.
About 30 years later I'm still learning this lesson. The way up is down. The verse in Proverbs this morning reminded me of that first sermon I'd preached as a teen.

The problem is that we don't believe it is true. We don't trust God.

Let me first remind you that it is first and foremost that you are to humble yourself before God. It is in the sight of God that you are to bend the knee. It should be easy, but we are head strong fools.

James points the finger and says with authority your problems are rooted in your pride. It is your pride that fuels your greed.  It is your pride that encourages your envy. Your pride causes you to harm your fellow man. Our pride tricks us into esteeming the praise of men more highly than the opinion of God, making us his enemy.
It is pride that convinces us that we know better than God. We'd stop the suffering, we'd heal the sick and lame and help the poor. If we were God, the world would be a better place. We'd rule it like we do our own little world. We'd bring order to everything. We'd be just. We'd judge the wicked.

Haven't you thought you knew what to do. Have you sat in judgement over your friend, family, or fellow christian? Haven't you spoke with confidence that you knew better than all the corrupt politicians? Haven't you laughed at the foolishness of the rich and famous because of course you'd not be as stupid?

Can't you see your pride?

(Of course you just need to be more assertive. You only need to speak up. You just need to take charge. You need to give people a piece of your mind. All you need to do is show them all how it is done.)

Listen to your heart. Hear your pride.

God is good. William is not good.
God is faithful and William is unfaithful.
God is just and William is unjust.
God is kind and William is unkind.

We need to see ourselves as we are before God.

We need to confess or pride and sin and praise God for his forgiveness.

Jesus humbled himself! Though he had no sin. Jesus humbled himself though he had all power. Jesus humbled himself though his plan is the most prefect plan. Jesus humbled himself though he had wealth beyond comprehension.

You and I are not greater than Jesus. So how can we too not so much more humble ourselves?

Take a good look at Jesus. Take a look at yourself.

Now get on your knees in humility and confess, repent and praise God Almighty righteous and good.

So do you agree that the highest purpose is praise and the biggest problem is pride?

Your feedback would be appreciated.
http://williambode.blogspot.co.uk/

https://groups.google.com/forum/m/?fromgroups#!topic/daily-verses_from_william/802TO0UoH0M

Where is God in the darkness?

Monday, February 18, 2013
Where is God in the darkness?
Psalms 88:18 NLT

You have taken away my companions and loved ones. Darkness is my closest friend.
**********************************

Jesus is the main character of all history. It was Jesus himself that revealed he was the key to understanding all the bible.
I've heard it suggested that we ought to consider that the Psalms may be more appropriately messianic prophecies rooted in King David's experience but more fully expressed in the life of Jesus. There are a few Psalms where it is easy to see that it describes the circumstances of the cross better than any thing David is recorded to have gone through. But it is easy to forget the link to Jesus when we read some of the Psalms and then we wonder what place it has in our daily life.

Jesus used the prophet Jonah's big fish saga to explain what his death would be like and maybe here we have a little hint of that too.

This Psalm is written before Jonah and before Jesus. But it foreshadows the judgement of sin that is bore by Jesus while on the cross and in death.

But don't stop there Jesus' has gone before and so we don't have to be judged but we will suffer in many ways as he did.

We will face rejection. We will be misunderstood. We may be oppressed and persecuted and some who follow Jesus will come against opposition so strong their own lives will be taken (only momentarily, for no evil can touch the soul.)

This is a dark Psalm and still we see the light within it :

It begins,  "God of my salvation..."  and then goes on to say that this individual so deep in despair is praying, crying out to God. No matter how low you feel, you can cry out to God, knowing he can save.

Yes it is true God judges sin but it is also true as this psalmist knew God is full of mercy, able to preform wonderful deeds, worthy of praise for His unfailing love, and he is entirely faithful.

See the lovely, uplifting, hope giving character of God can be found even at the darkest times. Praise is possible even in excruciatingly painful depression. Praise is what the psalmist sees as the reason for holding on to life. Will God's righteousness be your life line in your darkest hour?

Praise him and see the difference.

Repeat often the truth, he is good.

Our God is merciful, righteous, wonderful, just, faithful, and loving.

**********************************
Psalms 88:1-18 NLT

O Lord, God of my salvation, I cry out to you by day. I come to you at night. Now hear my prayer; listen to my cry. For my life is full of troubles, and death draws near. I am as good as dead, like a strong man with no strength left. They have left me among the dead, and I lie like a corpse in a grave. I am forgotten, cut off from your care. You have thrown me into the lowest pit, into the darkest depths. Your anger weighs me down; with wave after wave you have engulfed me. Interlude You have driven my friends away by making me repulsive to them. I am in a trap with no way of escape. My eyes are blinded by my tears. Each day I beg for your help, O Lord; I lift my hands to you for mercy. Are your wonderful deeds of any use to the dead? Do the dead rise up and praise you? Interlude Can those in the grave declare your unfailing love? Can they proclaim your faithfulness in the place of destruction? Can the darkness speak of your wonderful deeds? Can anyone in the land of forgetfulness talk about your righteousness? O Lord, I cry out to you. I will keep on pleading day by day. O Lord, why do you reject me? Why do you turn your face from me? I have been sick and close to death since my youth. I stand helpless and desperate before your terrors. Your fierce anger has overwhelmed me. Your terrors have paralyzed me. They swirl around me like floodwaters all day long. They have engulfed me completely. You have taken away my companions and loved ones. Darkness is my closest friend.

Williambode.blogspot.co.uk

https://groups.google.com/forum/m/?fromgroups#!forum/daily-verses_from_william

What more needs to be said?

Psalms 117:1-2 NLT

Praise the Lord , all you nations. Praise him, all you people of the earth. For he loves us with unfailing love; the Lord’s faithfulness endures forever. Praise the Lord!

*************************************

Psalm 117 only has two verses. You might think that was a bit short to be considered a complete Psalm, especially when compared to say Psalm 119 with its 176 verses.
And yet Psalm 117 is a complete thought and makes a profound impact.

Have you ever considered that God's praise is the primary reason for your existence?

So the Psalm gets right to the point and invites you to do what you were made for. And yet the invitation is for everyone in every nation. It is the widest possible, most inclusive invitation to participate in the most important responsibly ever. And if some how you missed it the first time or felt possibly the stateless individuals got left out, our Psalm sweeps up all of humanity and repeats the invocation to fulfil your single most important role.

There is nothing more important you can do than praise the Lord!

And you might ask why is praising God our most important job? And although it is really self-evident why you should praise your creator, and the maker of all there is, Psalm 117 declares the love of God as a motive for praise.

Consider, your maker, against whom you've rebelled, says he loves you. And the character of his love is unfailing. His love is undeterred. Oh, you've tried to undo his love, rebuff his love, repel God's love, and maybe worst, ignore God's love. But his love is unfailing.

We may love ourselves,  we may love the creation more than the creator, we may love our rebellion, we may even love lies and the Father of lies, but the Lord's love is faithful.

How can we not see we are free to do the most important thing in the whole universe, the thing for which were made.

We can praise the Lord.

Nothing is more important!

You can pack a lot into two verses.

Still besotted the day after Valentine's Day.

Psalms 145:3 NLT

Great is the Lord ! He is most worthy of praise! No one can measure his greatness.
*********************************

Besotted the day after Valentine's?

I wonder how many are still making the effort to express their love so deeply the day after Valentine's Day?

Psalm 145 is the love letter of someone who just can't get enough of his beloved. Are you so in love with God? Do you just go on and on and on about how great your God is?

No one can measure your greatness.

Read the Psalm pasted in full below and see if you too will fall in such deep love and admiration for your God.

Go on.

Love like this is not easily embarrassed. This God lover is convinced everyone should be as deeply moved as he is. He thinks everyone else should be talking about God.
God's greatness is all he can think about. He end up daydreaming about it all the time.
God is worthy of a song.
God is inspiration for a top ten list! Why stop there? Can you make a top one hundred great things about God list?

Every time I read this passage I'm encouraged to praise, to go overboard, to be OTT, about the wonderful things God has done.

When was the last time you could say enough good about God?

Do you have any insatiable appetites? Can you image if it was praise that you just can't get enough of. Could you be a glutton for glory, or an addict of adoration?

Oh Lord please convice is so deeply of your goodness that we too become besotted with your praise.

*********************************
Psalms 145:1-21 NLT

I will exalt you, my God and King, and praise your name forever and ever. I will praise you every day; yes, I will praise you forever. Great is the Lord ! He is most worthy of praise! No one can measure his greatness. Let each generation tell its children of your mighty acts; let them proclaim your power. I will meditate on your majestic, glorious splendor and your wonderful miracles. Your awe-inspiring deeds will be on every tongue; I will proclaim your greatness. Everyone will share the story of your wonderful goodness; they will sing with joy about your righteousness. The Lord is merciful and compassionate, slow to get angry and filled with unfailing love. The Lord is good to everyone. He showers compassion on all his creation. All of your works will thank you, Lord , and your faithful followers will praise you. They will speak of the glory of your kingdom; they will give examples of your power. They will tell about your mighty deeds and about the majesty and glory of your reign. For your kingdom is an everlasting kingdom. You rule throughout all generations. The Lord always keeps his promises; he is gracious in all he does. The Lord helps the fallen and lifts those bent beneath their loads. The eyes of all look to you in hope; you give them their food as they need it. When you open your hand, you satisfy the hunger and thirst of every living thing. The Lord is righteous in everything he does; he is filled with kindness. The Lord is close to all who call on him, yes, to all who call on him in truth. He grants the desires of those who fear him; he hears their cries for help and rescues them. The Lord protects all those who love him, but he destroys the wicked. I will praise the Lord , and may everyone on earth bless his holy name forever and ever.

Natural Church Development

http://www.ncd-uk.com/html/ncd_principles.html

" The Principles of NCD ( Natural Church Development)

Many church development processes are model-based; NCD is based on principles which seem to be universal for the church. There are NCD tools including the survey and books, but if we can get the principles really working in churches we will see a difference. So here goes to itemise some of them:

Healthy things grow
God has provided all we need in the church for health and growth
He calls us into partnership with him in the growth process
Real change and growth comes by working as though it is all us and praying as though it is all God
There are eight significant characteristics of a healthy, growing and effective church:

Empowering leadership
Gift-based ministry
Passionate spirituality
Effective structures
Inspiring worship services
Holistic small groups
Need-orientated evangelism
Loving relationships
There are six growth forces

Interdependence –the church is a complex organism with many parts that are interrelated according to God’s plan.
Multiplication – we cannot simply keep on getting bigger, we need to start reproducing
Energy transformation – instead of wasting energy by fighting the crisis or catastrophe, we can use it for the advance of God’s kingdom, like the surfer.
Sustainability – we can put to multiple uses the work we do and thereby sustain the ongoing work.
Symbiosis – it is precisely in our differences that we work together best, we need ever more cooperation.
Fruitfulness – Jesus frequently uses this description in his parables and teaching. We have been appointed to bear fruit, fruit that will last

Natural Church Development - UK Limited
Registered in England and Wales; Company No. 07124421. Registered Charity No. 1138298.
Registered Office: 113 Archery Grove, Woolston, Southampton, Hampshire SO19 9ET"

The Lord keeps me alive!

Psalms 54:1-7 NLT

Come with great power, O God, and rescue me! Defend me with your might. Listen to my prayer, O God. Pay attention to my plea. For strangers are attacking me; violent people are trying to kill me. They care nothing for God. Interlude But God is my helper. The Lord keeps me alive! May the evil plans of my enemies be turned against them. Do as you promised and put an end to them. I will sacrifice a voluntary offering to you; I will praise your name, O Lord , for it is good. For you have rescued me from my troubles and helped me to triumph over my enemies.

************************************

You can call out to God. You can ask him to rescue you. God will listen. God will answer. God will pay attention.

Have you found that there are people who ignore God? Are they the same people picking on you?

Although the writer of this Psalm is being attacked by evil people who act as if there is no God, he knows God is his helper.

Do you feel oppressed? Are you confident that God can give you victory?  Do you have faith in God?

See the situation was bad. The Psalmist is being oppressed, attacked for his faith, plotted against, troubled, and they are attempting to murder him.

Notice faith in God and trust in His rescue doesn't mean you won't have troubles!

It does mean you know you are not alone. It does mean you know there is justice from God. It does mean you can cry out in confidence that you are being heard.

Look at the difference between the psalmist and his enemies.

They care nothing for God.
He looks to God as a great defender.

They plan to take life.
He knows God keeps him alive.

They have evil plans.
He had plans to trust and voluntarily sacrifice.

Are you trusting the Lord with your life?

Is it really innocent or has it got you?

Proverbs 23:29-35 NLT

Who has anguish? Who has sorrow? Who is always fighting? Who is always complaining? Who has unnecessary bruises? Who has bloodshot eyes? It is the one who spends long hours in the taverns, trying out new drinks. Don’t gaze at the wine, seeing how red it is, how it sparkles in the cup, how smoothly it goes down. For in the end it bites like a poisonous snake; it stings like a viper. You will see hallucinations, and you will say crazy things. You will stagger like a sailor tossed at sea, clinging to a swaying mast. And you will say, “They hit me, but I didn’t feel it. I didn’t even know it when they beat me up. When will I wake up so I can look for another drink?”

***********************************

Drinking too much and making too much of drinking alcohol is a trap!

I've seen too many people who think being drunk is fun. I've seen too many people hurt by the "freedom" found at the bottom of a bottle.

It isn't clever and it's rather sad to see respectable people in positions of authority out of control because they've had to much to drink.

Read the warning above from God's word. Know your limit and then don't drink too much.

If you were Shepherded by Jesus would you want?

Psalms 23:1-6 NLT

The Lord is my shepherd; I have all that I need. He lets me rest in green meadows; he leads me beside peaceful streams. He renews my strength. He guides me along right paths, bringing honor to his name. Even when I walk through the darkest valley, I will not be afraid, for you are close beside me. Your rod and your staff protect and comfort me. You prepare a feast for me in the presence of my enemies. You honor me by anointing my head with oil. My cup overflows with blessings. Surely your goodness and unfailing love will pursue me all the days of my life, and I will live in the house of the Lord forever.
************************************

If the Lord were your Shepherd would you want for anything good? Would you have all you need?

If the Lord Jesus were you're Shepherd would your soul lack enough rest?

If the Son of God were your Shepherd would your strength be being renewed?

If the Saviour of the World were your Shepherd would your life be on a path that was right and brought glory to his name? Wouldn't you have confidence God's was using the path he had set you on for good?

If the Victor of the Cross were you're Shepherd wouldn't you be more peaceful than you thought you'd be even as you faced death or near death situations?

If the Host with the most, thrower of the biggest party of all time, bridegroom of the marriage feast of the Lamb were your Shepherd wouldn't you be holding the golden ticket and laughing all the way to the buffet?

If the man who turned water to wine and multiplied bread were your Shepherd wouldn't you be grazing without a care in the world?

If the God of Abraham, Joseph and Moses were your Shepherd wouldn't you be pretty sure that God would keep his promise and make an impossible situation, even after years, come good? Couldn't he because of his promise and great love extravagantly welcome you into his kingdom?

Is Jesus your Shepherd or not?

Who are you following? Who's your Shepherd?

Are you a delivery service?

Psalms 82:3-4 NLT

“Give justice to the poor and the orphan; uphold the rights of the oppressed and the destitute. Rescue the poor and helpless; deliver them from the grasp of evil people.

***********************************

Whose job is it to help the poor? Child of God it is yours! You are God's hands and feet. You are his eyes and the means he'll use to rescue the poor. God wants you to help the needy.

In what ways are you reducing the oppression of the poor? How are you making sure the courts are just? Have you helped the orphan or widow?

Often the rich are preferred over the poor.

The poor are made to feel shame for their situation. They are humiliated, looked down on because their clothes aren't nice enough, they don't have cars, nice homes, good gadgets or terrific holidays.

Don't make the poor feel shame.

Lift then up. Then you will be like God and show you are part of his family.

Lord of lips.

Psalms 141:3 NLT

Take control of what I say, O Lord , and guard my lips.

************************

Are you always proud of what you say? Or perhaps for you I should ask, are you ashamed of what you failed to say?

God can be master of your mouth! You are free to ask God as often as need be to be the Lord of your lips. You don't have to let what you say control your life. You can give your speech to God.

Ate you willing to put your words before the throne of God? Are you willing to put your Lord in control of what you say?

You can today.

Letting your heart have a voice.

Could you let these be your prayers?

Thoughts on being poor.

How or why is blessing is often equated with wealth and ease.

People usually think it is a blessing to be rich, but the Bible warns us against wanting to be rich. Why are we to be cautious about wealth?

Job 1:1-5 NLT

There once was a man named Job who lived in the land of Uz. He was blameless—a man of complete integrity. He feared God and stayed away from evil. He had seven sons and three daughters. He owned 7,000 sheep, 3,000 camels, 500 teams of oxen, and 500 female donkeys. He also had many servants. He was, in fact, the richest person in that entire area. Job’s sons would take turns preparing feasts in their homes, and they would also invite their three sisters to celebrate with them. When these celebrations ended—sometimes after several days—Job would purify his children. He would get up early in the morning and offer a burnt offering for each of them. For Job said to himself, “Perhaps my children have sinned and have cursed God in their hearts.” This was Job’s regular practice.

What problems did riches not solve for Job?

*************

Why is poverty is seen far too often as a curse brought on oneself.

Job 1:20-22 NLT

Job stood up and tore his robe in grief. Then he shaved his head and fell to the ground to worship. He said, “I came naked from my mother’s womb, and I will be naked when I leave. The Lord gave me what I had, and the Lord has taken it away. Praise the name of the Lord !” In all of this, Job did not sin by blaming God.

It is a shame in this world to be poor. The poor are treated with contempt and often thought of as lazy or lacking good moral character. Many people think poverty is a curse brought upon people for their own ignorance or sin.  How is that view challenged and supported by Job’s story?

************

What is the relationship between health and wealth?

Job 2:4-5 NLT

Satan replied to the Lord , “Skin for skin! A man will give up everything he has to save his life. But reach out and take away his health, and he will surely curse you to your face!”

How does wealth effect health?  Why are the poor vulnerable?  What value is wealth to a very sick person? What does Satan think of the relationship of health and wealth?

**************

What does an admirable righteous life look like?

Job 29:12-17 NLT

For I assisted the poor in their need and the orphans who required help. I helped those without hope, and they blessed me. And I caused the widows’ hearts to sing for joy. Everything I did was honest. Righteousness covered me like a robe, and I wore justice like a turban. I served as eyes for the blind and feet for the lame. I was a father to the poor and assisted strangers who needed help. I broke the jaws of godless oppressors and plucked their victims from their teeth.

Why did Job tell us about what he did for the poor?

************

What does a just life consist of?

Job 31:6, 16-25 NLT

Let God weigh me on the scales of justice, for he knows my integrity. “Have I refused to help the poor, or crushed the hopes of widows? Have I been stingy with my food and refused to share it with orphans? No, from childhood I have cared for orphans like a father, and all my life I have cared for widows. Whenever I saw the homeless without clothes and the needy with nothing to wear, did they not praise me for providing wool clothing to keep them warm? “If I raised my hand against an orphan, knowing the judges would take my side, then let my shoulder be wrenched out of place! Let my arm be torn from its socket! That would be better than facing God’s judgment. For if the majesty of God opposes me, what hope is there? “Have I put my trust in money or felt secure because of my gold? Have I gloated about my wealth and all that I own?

According to Job what should a wealthy person do with their wealth?
And what should they not do with their wealth?

**************
What do people think of God's opinion of the poor?

Job 34:28 NLT

They cause the poor to cry out, catching God’s attention. He hears the cries of the needy.

Job got a lot of bad advice from his friends and family. But among all this we learn a bit of what people think about God's view of the poor.  How does the view expressed here similar or different to views you encounter today?  What about among Muslims, Christians, conservatives, democrats, labour, Buddhists, Hindus?
***********************************

Psalms & Proverbs

Psalms 140:12 NLT

But I know the Lord will help those they persecute; he will give justice to the poor.

Proverbs 14:31 NLT

Those who oppress the poor insult their Maker, but helping the poor honors him.

19:17 - - God identifys with the poor.
22:09 - - Blessing is associated with helping the poor.
28:03 - - What are the consequences of individual oppression?
31:8-9 -  -  We are told to defend the poor.



Psalms 82:3-4 NLT

“Give justice to the poor and the orphan; uphold the rights of the oppressed and the destitute. Rescue the poor and helpless; deliver them from the grasp of evil people.

********

Gospels

Matthew 11:5
Luke 4:18, 11:41

**********

Jesus

2 Corinthians 8:9

Became poor so we could be rich.

How can we change our thinking about wealth and poverty?

In what ways can we be like Jesus concerning or attitudes of wealth and poverty?

What does it mean to be just or righteous towards the poor?

In what ways specifically van we change?
How will this change of view effect our spending, our earning, our giving, or generosity?
How proactive for the poor should we become?
Can you think of other places in the Bible that addresses the disparity between rich and poor in the Bible?  (James)

Further related thoughts :

http://williambode.blogspot.co.uk/2013/01/1-timothy-66-10-nlt-yet-true-godliness.html?m=1

http://williambode.blogspot.co.uk/2012/12/there-should-be-some-equality.html?m=1

http://williambode.blogspot.co.uk/2013/01/why-do-you-want-to-make-it-so-hard-on.html?m=1

http://williambode.blogspot.co.uk/2013/01/what-is-your-fate.html?m=1

Psalms 112:9 NLT They share freely and give generously to those in need. Their good deeds will be remembered forever. They will have influence and honor. Psalms 146:6-9 NLT He made heaven and earth, the sea, and everything in them. He keeps every promise forever. He gives justice to the oppressed and food to the hungry. The Lord frees the prisoners. The Lord opens the eyes of the blind. The Lord lifts up those who are weighed down. The Lord loves the godly. The Lord protects the foreigners among us. He cares for the orphans and widows, but he frustrates the plans of the wicked.

Poor in Psalms

Do you consider yourself fortunate in this life?

Psalms 49:16-20 NLT

So don’t be dismayed when the wicked grow rich and their homes become ever more splendid. For when they die, they take nothing with them. Their wealth will not follow them into the grave. In this life they consider themselves fortunate and are applauded for their success. But they will die like all before them and never again see the light of day. People who boast of their wealth don’t understand; they will die, just like animals.

************************************
God warms us about putting our hope in wealth throughout the Bible. And yet it seems we have a very convenient ignore button that we press whenever we read such warnings.

We want to get rich. We'd like to have a windfall, an inheritance, to win the lotto, or to get a really big pay raise! We'd like to be rich.

Yet God isn't impressed with our money, our nice house, or our car.

Why don't we believe, "we can't take it with us!"

I'm going to paste in the whole of the Psalm below because it is so good.

But I'd suggest you ask God to help you to stop envying the wealthy.

Ask God to help you deeply rearrange your desires and your priorities.

Your life will be better if you seek God and his kingdom, not if you get rich.

Please take the time to read about God's view of wealth.

**************************************

Psalms 49:1-20 NLT

Listen to this, all you people! Pay attention, everyone in the world! High and low, rich and poor—listen! For my words are wise, and my thoughts are filled with insight. I listen carefully to many proverbs and solve riddles with inspiration from a harp. Why should I fear when trouble comes, when enemies surround me? They trust in their wealth and boast of great riches. Yet they cannot redeem themselves from death by paying a ransom to God. Redemption does not come so easily, for no one can ever pay enough to live forever and never see the grave. Those who are wise must finally die, just like the foolish and senseless, leaving all their wealth behind. The grave is their eternal home, where they will stay forever. They may name their estates after themselves, but their fame will not last. They will die, just like animals. This is the fate of fools, though they are remembered as being wise. Interlude Like sheep, they are led to the grave, where death will be their shepherd. In the morning the godly will rule over them. Their bodies will rot in the grave, far from their grand estates. But as for me, God will redeem my life. He will snatch me from the power of the grave. Interlude So don’t be dismayed when the wicked grow rich and their homes become ever more splendid. For when they die, they take nothing with them. Their wealth will not follow them into the grave. In this life they consider themselves fortunate and are applauded for their success. But they will die like all before them and never again see the light of day. People who boast of their wealth don’t understand; they will die, just like animals.

**************************************

Please leave a comment here if this has been helpful.

Or email your or comments questions to

wkbode@gmail.com

Sunrise

Do you really want to mess with my Daddy's kids?

Psalms 18:6-19 NLT

But in my distress I cried out to the Lord ; yes, I prayed to my God for help. He heard me from his sanctuary; my cry to him reached his ears. Then the earth quaked and trembled. The foundations of the mountains shook; they quaked because of his anger. Smoke poured from his nostrils; fierce flames leaped from his mouth. Glowing coals blazed forth from him. He opened the heavens and came down; dark storm clouds were beneath his feet. Mounted on a mighty angelic being, he flew, soaring on the wings of the wind. He shrouded himself in darkness, veiling his approach with dark rain clouds. Thick clouds shielded the brightness around him and rained down hail and burning coals. The Lord thundered from heaven; the voice of the Most High resounded amid the hail and burning coals. He shot his arrows and scattered his enemies; his lightning flashed, and they were greatly confused. Then at your command, O Lord , at the blast of your breath, the bottom of the sea could be seen, and the foundations of the earth were laid bare. He reached down from heaven and rescued me; he drew me out of deep waters. He rescued me from my powerful enemies, from those who hated me and were too strong for me. They attacked me at a moment when I was in distress, but the Lord supported me. He led me to a place of safety; he rescued me because he delights in me.

*************************************

People really should think twice before bullying God's children. This Psalm pictures God's response to one of his children in distress.
The scene painted here with words is nothing short of epic cinematic drama. But it isn't fiction and it isn't hyperbole. God is protecting his family. He's a mad dad!
But why get so bent or of shape? Well, it is clear. It is because he delights in his children.
Are you God's child? He delights in you! He is rescuing you with a relentless force. He is pulling out all the stops. God is getting it in gear. And it's clobbering time!

That's how your dad (father in heaven) feels about you.

How often....?

How often do you eat?

How often do you think of eating?

How often do you play a game?

How often do you read some social media update or email?

How often do you bathe, dress, put on make-up, sleep?

How often do you work, think about work, do a job around the house, or plan to do jobs?

How often do you look after someone, check up on someone, take time for someone else?

How often do you read the bible?

How often do you pray?

How often do you serve?

18“So commit yourselves wholeheartedly to these words of mine. Tie them to your hands and wear them on your forehead as reminders.19Teach them to your children. Talk about them when you are at home and when you are on the road, when you are going to bed and when you are getting up. 20Write them on the doorposts of your house and on your gates, 21so that as long as the sky remains above the earth, you and your children may flourish in the land the Lord swore to give your ancestors.

22“Be careful to obey all these commands I am giving you. Show love to the Lord your God by walking in his ways and holding tightly to him. Deut. 11:18-22

When is less more?

Proverbs 17:27-28 NLT

A truly wise person uses few words; a person with understanding is even-tempered. Even fools are thought wise when they keep silent; with their mouths shut, they seem intelligent.

***********************************

Usually I've got something to say, and then some. Some say I could talk for England.
So truly I'm at a loss for words when I read this message in the Bible. And thankfully it isn't a one off isolated message. There are a few places in God's word that warn us about our use of words.

We need to remember we're not as wise as we think we are. We don't know everything.

Words are powerful. In a world that is constantly bombarding us with words,  we need to choose ours carefully.

Lord, please be the King of my lips. Please let my words be like apples of gold in settings of silver.

You don't really understand God's purposes!

Proverbs 16:4 NLT

The Lord has made everything for his own purposes, even the wicked for a day of disaster.

*************************************

You don't really understand God's purposes! I'm pretty sure most people have a real reluctance to accept the truth in the Proverbs 16:4. But like it or not there it is. So what did it mean? How should we think differently about God? What does this mean in reference to the world's terrible atrocities? Do this mean God made Hitler for his own purposes?
If God has even made evil people for his purposes and that purpose is to bring disaster upon them, then can you accept that?

God isn't simply allowing the circumstances of this world, he ordained them. Surely we need to think about this.

Everything has been made by God. You have been made by God. Your enemy had been made by God. God made all this for his purposes.

Does God rescue the rebellious?

Psalms 106:7-8 NLT

Our ancestors in Egypt were not impressed by the Lord ’s miraculous deeds. They soon forgot his many acts of kindness to them. Instead, they rebelled against him at the Red Sea. Even so, he saved them— to defend the honor of his name and to demonstrate his mighty power.

********************************
Do you think God will only help you if your good enough? Think again. God's own people were very bad. It's often the way out of it. God did amazing miracles and they were not impressed. The Son forgot his kindness to them. They rebel!
Even so, he saved them.

If you take the time to read the whole chapter posted in below you'll get an even clearer idea of their unworthy belligerent state.  Still God is good to them.

Can you accept the fact that God is good. You don't have to earn your keep. You can't somehow be worthy. It is not about cleaning up your own act so he'll help you.
God helps because of who he is. His character is what matters, not yours.
He is kind.
If you read the rest of the chapter you'll see that God's people really go of the deep end and even sacrifice their own children. They don't care at all about God. It gets very very nasty. But read how God ultimately responds:

" Even so, he pitied them in their distress and listened to their cries. He remembered his covenant with them and relented because of his unfailing love. He even caused their captors to treat them with kindness. Save us, O Lord our God!"

Please don't think you can bargain with God. Please don't think you can somehow earn his favour with your good works.

See that God is good. See his kindness and love. Yes, he is not pleased with our rebellion and may let us suffer in the results of our evil choices, but he does good to us and blesses us because of his character not ours.

Don't insult God by thinking you can earn his help.

Rather, praise his goodness. And accept his help, so willingly offered to the rebellious evil people he gave kindness to.

********************************

Psalms 106:2-48 NLT

Who can list the glorious miracles of the Lord ? Who can ever praise him enough? There is joy for those who deal justly with others and always do what is right. Remember me, Lord , when you show favor to your people; come near and rescue me. Let me share in the prosperity of your chosen ones. Let me rejoice in the joy of your people; let me praise you with those who are your heritage. Like our ancestors, we have sinned. We have done wrong! We have acted wickedly! Our ancestors in Egypt were not impressed by the Lord ’s miraculous deeds. They soon forgot his many acts of kindness to them. Instead, they rebelled against him at the Red Sea. Even so, he saved them— to defend the honor of his name and to demonstrate his mighty power. He commanded the Red Sea to dry up. He led Israel across the sea as if it were a desert. So he rescued them from their enemies and redeemed them from their foes. Then the water returned and covered their enemies; not one of them survived. Then his people believed his promises. Then they sang his praise. Yet how quickly they forgot what he had done! They wouldn’t wait for his counsel! In the wilderness their desires ran wild, testing God’s patience in that dry wasteland. So he gave them what they asked for, but he sent a plague along with it. The people in the camp were jealous of Moses and envious of Aaron, the Lord ’s holy priest. Because of this, the earth opened up; it swallowed Dathan and buried Abiram and the other rebels. Fire fell upon their followers; a flame consumed the wicked. The people made a calf at Mount Sinai ; they bowed before an image made of gold. They traded their glorious God for a statue of a grass-eating bull. They forgot God, their savior, who had done such great things in Egypt— such wonderful things in the land of Ham, such awesome deeds at the Red Sea. So he declared he would destroy them. But Moses, his chosen one, stepped between the Lord and the people. He begged him to turn from his anger and not destroy them. The people refused to enter the pleasant land, for they wouldn’t believe his promise to care for them. Instead, they grumbled in their tents and refused to obey the Lord . Therefore, he solemnly swore that he would kill them in the wilderness, that he would scatter their descendants among the nations, exiling them to distant lands. Then our ancestors joined in the worship of Baal at Peor; they even ate sacrifices offered to the dead! They angered the Lord with all these things, so a plague broke out among them. But Phinehas had the courage to intervene, and the plague was stopped. So he has been regarded as a righteous man ever since that time. At Meribah, too, they angered the Lord , causing Moses serious trouble. They made Moses angry, and he spoke foolishly. Israel failed to destroy the nations in the land, as the Lord had commanded them. Instead, they mingled among the pagans and adopted their evil customs. They worshiped their idols, which led to their downfall. They even sacrificed their sons and their daughters to the demons. They shed innocent blood, the blood of their sons and daughters. By sacrificing them to the idols of Canaan, they polluted the land with murder. They defiled themselves by their evil deeds, and their love of idols was adultery in the Lord ’s sight. That is why the Lord ’s anger burned against his people, and he abhorred his own special possession. He handed them over to pagan nations, and they were ruled by those who hated them. Their enemies crushed them and brought them under their cruel power. Again and again he rescued them, but they chose to rebel against him, and they were finally destroyed by their sin. Even so, he pitied them in their distress and listened to their cries. He remembered his covenant with them and relented because of his unfailing love. He even caused their captors to treat them with kindness. Save us, O Lord our God! Gather us back from among the nations, so we can thank your holy name and rejoice and praise you. Praise the Lord , the God of Israel, who lives from everlasting to everlasting! Let all the people say, “Amen!” Praise the Lord !

Can you control your response to life's circumstances?

Proverbs 15:13-17, 24, 28, 30 NLT

A glad heart makes a happy face; a broken heart crushes the spirit. A wise person is hungry for knowledge, while the fool feeds on trash. For the despondent, every day brings trouble; for the happy heart, life is a continual feast. Better to have little, with fear for the Lord , than to have great treasure and inner turmoil. A bowl of vegetables with someone you love is better than steak with someone you hate. The path of life leads upward for the wise; they leave the grave behind. The heart of the godly thinks carefully before speaking; the mouth of the wicked overflows with evil words. A cheerful look brings joy to the heart; good news makes for good health.

*******************************

Much of life truly is the old glass have full, half empty scenario.
What you want to see is to a great extent what you do see.
Today it snowed.  A beauty or a bother? A reminder of God's goodness or a blight?

I find it very interesting that what you feed your mind on, verse 14, is so contextually related your happiness (vv. 13,15,30)

Same day, same circumstances, different perspective. But the outcomes of being happy are contagious.
And the positive glass half full mindset helps others, it helps their attitude but it also helps their health.

Your well timed happy statement could make any situation into something "wonderful!"

Proverbs 15:23 NLT

Everyone enjoys a fitting reply; it is wonderful to say the right thing at the right time!

So let God show you that he is in control working out his amazing plan in the world. Show others that you see A Good God blessing many with life, love, liberty, beauty, and justice.

Point people further down the road, back to the cross where death, famine, evil and pain are defeated and further ahead to the day of the Lord. A day when all wrongs will be made right.

Can you see the good in the life Good is giving you today?  Can you have a cheerful heart, a happy outlook, and a positive perspective?

You can. But will you?

Who cares about the downtrodden?

Psalms 74:21 NLT

Don’t let the downtrodden be humiliated again. Instead, let the poor and needy praise your name.

***********

God cares about the the poor and needy. The writer of Psalm 74 knows the heart of God. The writer knows that being downtrodden can be humiliating. To be under the foot of some one uncaring doesn't lift you up. But God does lift you up.

And we can ask God to be the rescuer of the poor and needy. We can expect God to be concerned. If we are asking for him to intervene it isn't a long shot. God is concerned about the underdog and he wants us to be too.

Are you downtrodden, poor and needy?  You can praise God!

Do you know downtrodden, poor, and needy folk? You can pray to God trusting, God to fill them with reason for praise.

Why do the enviable wicked seem to live such painless lives?

Psalms 73:1-28 NLT

Truly God is good to Israel, to those whose hearts are pure. But as for me,
I almost lost my footing.
My feet were slipping, and I was almost gone. For I envied the proud when I saw them prosper despite their wickedness.

They seem to live such painless lives;
their bodies are so healthy and strong. They don’t have troubles like other people; they’re not plagued with problems like everyone else.

They wear pride like a jeweled necklace and clothe themselves with cruelty. These fat cats have everything their hearts could ever wish for! They scoff and speak only evil; in their pride they seek to crush others. They boast against the very heavens, and their words strut throughout the earth. And so the people are dismayed and confused, drinking in all their words. “What does God know?” they ask. “Does the Most High even know what’s happening?” Look at these wicked people— enjoying a life of ease while their riches multiply. Did I keep my heart pure for nothing? Did I keep myself innocent for no reason? I get nothing but trouble all day long; every morning brings me pain. If I had really spoken this way to others, I would have been a traitor to your people. So I tried to understand why the wicked prosper. But what a difficult task it is! Then I went into your sanctuary, O God, and I finally understood the destiny of the wicked. Truly, you put them on a slippery path and send them sliding over the cliff to destruction. In an instant they are destroyed, completely swept away by terrors. When you arise, O Lord, you will laugh at their silly ideas as a person laughs at dreams in the morning. Then I realized that my heart was bitter, and I was all torn up inside. I was so foolish and ignorant— I must have seemed like a senseless animal to you. Yet I still belong to you; you hold my right hand. You guide me with your counsel, leading me to a glorious destiny. Whom have I in heaven but you? I desire you more than anything on earth. My health may fail, and my spirit may grow weak, but God remains the strength of my heart; he is mine forever. Those who desert him will perish, for you destroy those who abandon you. But as for me, how good it is to be near God! I have made the Sovereign Lord my shelter, and I will tell everyone about the wonderful things you do.

***************************************
Are you green? Has envy stricken you? If it has you are vulnerable to slipping away from God.

It may appear now that life is not fair. Look at this Psalm. The writer is very honest. It doesn't seem right that evil, wicked, godless people look like they're getting away with it all. They've got nice tan healthy fit bodies and they live in huge homes with expensive cars. The godless appear to be getting one over on God.
And it doesn't seem fair. Why does God let them get away with murder?

It feels like, "I get nothing but trouble all day long;" and that "every morning brings me pain." Do you ever feel like that?

It doesn't stay that way though. God will make things right. We just have to be patient. God's apparent slowness to bring justice is motivated by his grace and mercy. It is the same grace and mercy you need to be saved.

And yet ultimately the wicked will slip off the cliff of justice! The godless will meet their destruction. All is not as it appears. It may seem like wicked people are making a mockery of God and his people but God promises that it is temporary!

But this envy you have misses the point and reveals an unbelief on your part. You and I need to get our focus off the wealth of the wicked and onto God.

God is offering us himself. And more than our health, more than our will to succeed, we can be in love with God.

Let God so captivate you that you are filled with all you desire. Look way into the future and see that nothing, not even death will separate you from God. A fall in the economy will not strip you of the wealth of His love, he is yours forever. Live threatening disease can not take away the strength of God's presence with you. Pain will only bring him closer. Suffering only serves to make him more glorious. Loss only reveals the great gain that is had in following him.
What the rich of this world have is fleeting,  empty and leads to certain destruction.

Tell everyone that God is better than anything this world has to offer!

Rivers are refreshed, canals are stagnant.

A generous person will prosper; whoever refreshes others will be refreshed.

Proverbs 11:25 NIV

*********** *********** ***********

The freshest water is flowing.

Do you feel a bit stagnant? Are your resources running low? When we're struggling our response is often to dam up our outflows and say, "I just need a little me time!, " When what we often need is to focus on others. It seems like turning in and focusing on self will pump us up. But or judgement is false. We need to give; we need to be in need. Because when we have an outflow that isn't selfish we make space for God to fill us up. And God works in this way. He will fill you up when you are genuinely generous.

I've spent a lot of time thinking about this verse over the years. And I can't help but see the truth in it. My experience bears it out.

Some of you may think you've been giving and you have run dry. And I'd suggest two things.

You weren't giving out of a generous heart. If your service, gift giving and "generosity" is actually motivated by your image, or your duty, or some other selfish motive, of course you'll run out. This is because you are giving out of your own self generated and hoarded resources.

To constantly be filled with new blessings every day you must be looking to an unending resource. You have to have an eternal supply. God must be your source. Let God's purposes be your aim. If you allow the limitless fountain of God's blessing become your supply and the generous just and righteous purposes of God be your reason for giving you will always have God's new blessings for yourself.

Give until you have nothing to give, so that you can only depend on God and like mana from heaven you'll have a new supply every morning.

I can tell you in the hardest situations under the most difficult circumstances I've found this to be true.

It won't make you rich but you'll be wealthy in refreshment from God and secure in his abundant spring of life bubbling up inside you.

Go give for God and get refreshed.