~ 1611 ~

I wanted to commemorate one thousand six hundred and eleven page views with this post but before I had a chance to write it my page view counter blew the doors off The Warming House.  Thank you all who have signed up to follow by email.  I especially hope these commentaries and stories are a help and blessing to both our New England Church and the Church in Russia.  Several of you overseas have been very faithful reading my ‘stuff’ and it is very humbling.  Thank You.

As Bible Believers we all accept that “All scripture [is] given by inspiration of God, and [is] profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness: That the man of God may be perfect, throughly furnished unto all good works.” (2 Timothy 3:16-17)

For we know that “the prophecy came not in old time by the will of man: but holy men of God spake [as they were] moved by the Holy Ghost.” (2 Peter 1:21)

It is certain that Timothy and his mentor Paul and Paul’s fellow Apostle Peter believed this.

And it goes without saying that the Incarnate Word, The Lord Jesus Christ, places a lot of emphasis on the writings of Moses and the Prophets.  He said, “If they hear not Moses and the prophets, neither will they be persuaded, though one rose from the dead.”  But the question is “Do they REALLY HEAR Moses and the Prophets?”…

Pastor Johnny Pope, who I have had the privilege of listening to on a few occasions here in New England, posted on Facebook recently,

“No less than fifteen times in Scripture our Lord says, “…He that hath ears to hear, let him hear” (Mark 4:9). If anyone believes that God is not speaking today, he is mistaken. God is most definitely speaking, the problem is - we are not listening. A good prayer to pray is, “Lord give me ears to hear what you are saying to me.” One important component to getting that prayer answered is a willingness to obey what He reveals.”

Now I don’t believe that my study notes and comments in my Centennial Edition KJV Red Letter Thompson Chain Reference Bible are also inspired but it’s certainly interesting to note that the reference items 1601 to 1614 all deal with the ministries and activities of the Holy Spirit.  Item 1611 in particular deals with ‘The Leadership of the Holy Spirit.’

He Guides into All Truth:

"Howbeit when he, the Spirit of truth, is come, he will guide you into all truth: for he shall not speak of himself; but whatsoever he shall hear, [that] shall he speak: and he will shew you things to come." (John 16:13)

He controlled the movements of Believers:

“While Peter thought on the vision, the Spirit said unto him, Behold, three men seek thee. Arise therefore, and get thee down, and go with them, doubting nothing: for I have sent them.” (Acts 10:19-20)

Sometimes quite literally…

“And when they were come up out of the water, the Spirit of the Lord caught away Philip, that the eunuch saw him no more: and he went on his way rejoicing.” (Acts 8:39)

He directed the selection of Christian leaders:

“As they ministered to the Lord, and fasted, the Holy Ghost said, Separate me Barnabas and Saul for the work whereunto I have called them.” (Acts 13:2)

He chose the fields of operation:

“Now when they had gone throughout Phrygia and the region of Galatia, and were forbidden of the Holy Ghost to preach the word in Asia, After they were come to Mysia, they assayed to go into Bithynia: but the Spirit suffered them not. And they passing by Mysia came down to Troas.” (Acts 16:6-8)

And He still teaches and guides, controls and directs, and chooses the circumstances in the lives of His Church, His children today:

“For as many as are led by the Spirit of God, they are the sons of God. For ye have not received the spirit of bondage again to fear; but ye have received the Spirit of adoption, whereby we cry, Abba, Father. The Spirit itself beareth witness with our spirit, that we are the children of God:” (Romans 8:14-16)

“And if ye be led of the Spirit, ye are not under the law.” (Galatians 5:18)

To repeat Pastor Pope a good prayer to pray is,

“Lord give me ears to hear what you are saying to me.”

One important component to getting that prayer answered is a willingness to obey what He reveals.”

The Apostle by the Spirit writes,

“Walk in the Spirit, and ye shall not fulfil the lust of the flesh.” 

If we walk in obedience to the inner promptings of God’s Holy Spirit, loving Him in gratitude for His presence in us, He will increase in us and we (our own selfish inclinations) will decrease.

“He must increase, WE must decrease!”

A Hammer in His Hand

As we look into the mirror of God’s Word one Sunday evening my sanctified imagination wanders and in my mind’s eye I am standing beside a Roman soldier whose head is bowed toward the earth.  He stands there; staring downward holding his spear.

I turn to look in the direction of his gaze and see lying on the ground before us one of a choice Roman instrument of torture, an instrument of capital punishment actually, a crude cross.  The wood is rough and splintered; its course fibers mocking its Occupant, showing no mercy as He lay there bleeding.

The cross has not been lifted upright yet and another soldier holds a hammer in his hand.  He waits; listening to his Prisoners heavy breathing, observing the strange symbols of royalty that belong to Him.  A crown of thorns is upon His head pressed deeply into the tender bleeding tissue.  A King’s robe that has been cast aside exposing the King’s abused body.  He is barely recognizable; ribbons of flesh quivering and blood pooling upon the cold dusty earth.

As I look around I see crowds of people staring blankly at the sight.  They have seen this numerous times before but this time it was different.  This time somehow it was personal.

The hammer is lifted high into the air and then with only a second of pause it comes crashing down onto the steel. 

A groan of pain. 

Just a groan;

no crying out,

no obscenities,

no complaint.

A simple groan.

And then another swing of the hammer.

Again and again the hammer comes down with force.

The soldier moves to the other cross beam and begins again.

With each clank of the iron upon iron I feel something tear within my soul.  My pride is chipped away.  Somehow I realize He does not deserve this.  Another clank.  My selfishness falls to the ground.  Somehow I feel this is my fault.  Another swing of the hammer.  A spark.  My hypocrisy falls away.  Somehow I know I deserve this.  That “the chastisement of my peace” was falling on Him.

When the soldier is finished the Man is lifted high into the air, the cross dropped into a hole in the ground to hold it upright,

and they watch Him there;

and wait.

In the mirror of the Word I not only see but I somehow hear His voice.  But it’s not a hearing like that of music, or the sweet sounds of children playing that echo in your ears.  It is sweet indeed but it is a hearing of the heart. 

A solid conviction that this is the voice of the Son of God.

“Father, forgive them; for they know not what they do.”

They know not what they do!? Of course they know! I watched them do it! It all seemed very intentional to me! Forgive them??? Wonderful words and puzzlement fills my soul.

“Father, into thy hands I commend my spirit:”

We watch as He gives up the Ghost. 

The crowd grows quiet.

The sky blackens.

The Roman soldier utters the very thoughts of my mind.

“Truly this man was the Son of God.”

My soul cries out.

“Father, forgive me!  I still am so proud and selfish.  My heart is so cold and hard.  Hard like stone.  I want it no more!  I want to be like Him!”

In the mirror of the Word I see the Man with a hammer.

The hammer is lifted high into the air and then with only a second of pause it comes crashing down onto the steel. 

I groan in pain. 

Just a groan;

no crying out,

no obscenities,

no complaint.

A simple groan.

And then another swing of the hammer.

Again and again the hammer comes down with force.

With each clank of the iron upon iron I feel something chipped away within my soul.  It is my pride.  Another clank.  A chunk of my selfishness falls to the ground.  Another swing of the hammer.  A spark.  My hypocrisy falls away.  Somehow I know I deserve more than this.

I look into the mirror of the Word and I see a reflection of the Son of God.

Not the Son Himself but one who is loved deeply by Him.

One who is becoming more of Him in likeness.

I hear His voice again, it is a still small voice.

“I am the resurrection, and the life: he that believeth in me, though he were dead, yet shall he live: And whosoever liveth and believeth in me shall never die. Believest thou this?”

I believe. Yes You know I believe!

“As many as I love, I rebuke and chasten:

be zealous therefore,

and repent.”

I repent.

I repent.

I confess my sin.

I agree with You LORD!

The preacher is reading the text “If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins, and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.” (1 John 1:9)

Soon the altar is opened but I’m blocked in on every side.  The pew is full and I’m sandwiched in the middle.  In my mind’s eye I’m at the altar bowing before the Son.

“I repent.”

“I repent.”

“I confess my sin.”

“I agree with You LORD! I beg of You God,”

“Forgive me, cleanse me of my unrighteousness.”

 He speaks to my restless heart,

“enter thou into the joy of thy Lord.”

I rejoice with joy unspeakable and full of glory; many tears and a glory that carries me on ‘wings as eagles’ as we leave the church building, board our car, and travel home.

My heart sings out, “God thank You for Your Word, evermore may You increase in my life and be visible through my all to all.”

“He must increase, WE must decrease!”

It Shall Be Given

Jesus said “Give, and it shall be given unto you; good measure, pressed down, and shaken together, and running over, shall men give into your bosom. For with the same measure that ye mete withal it shall be measured to you again.” Luke 6:38

Often this verse is thought of in the context of giving and receiving monetary gifts and needs but that is not the only way in which Jesus employed it.

It deals with…

 Blessing others, even our enemies. (v28)

Sharing with others. (v29)

Giving to others. (v30)

Doing to others what you expect from them. (v31)

Loving all others, even our enemies. (v32)

Doing good to all others, even our enemies. (v33)

Lending to others, even our enemies. (v34)

Luke 6:35 says, “But love ye your enemies, and do good, and lend, hoping for nothing again; and your reward shall be great, and ye shall be the children of the Highest: for he is kind unto the unthankful and to the evil.”

Be merciful to others. (v36) This definitely includes your enemies.

Don’t Judge but rather forgive. (v37)

“Give, and it shall be given unto you; good measure, pressed down, and shaken together, and running over, shall men give into your bosom. For with the same measure that ye mete withal it shall be measured to you again.”

It Shall Be Given; love, joy, peace, blessing, mercy, sharing, others respond in like kind.

And if they don’t, God notices.

It Shall Be Given.

“He must increase, WE must decrease!”

To Read The Bible Text Alone
Use This Link (Luke 6:38)

And Be Ye Thankful

“Lie not one to another,” Col. 3:9

“Forbearing one another,” Col. 3:13

“and forgiving one another,”

“and be ye thankful?” Col. 3:15

I have heard many a preacher say, “Ministry would be wonderful if it weren’t for all the people.”  This said rather tongue-in-cheek of course because they all know that ministry IS the people.  They know that “Even as the Son of man came not to be ministered unto, but to minister, and to give his life a ransom for many.”

But people, even believers do lie one to another, they (rather WE) do it all the time. 

Truth is we often lie to ourselves. 

But people, even believers do lie one to another. “Also of your own selves shall men arise, speaking perverse things, to draw away disciples after them.”

And often the enemy sits in the pew with a sheepish grin waiting for his opportunity to pounce.   “For I know this, that after my departing shall grievous wolves enter in among you, not sparing the flock.”

People hurt, they bite, they devour, they (rather WE) are often selfish to the core.  Not only so but often our pride keeps us from seeing it and getting it right...  

We think we’re right.

“Ministry would be wonderful if it weren’t for all the people.”

Preachers and believers in general are commanded to forbear (that is to say ’put up with’); forbear with a lot of nonsense.  (And all we believers also are to forbear and forgive.)

You want to know their secret?  You want to know how men of God do it?

1^st – They are determined not to be moved.

            “But none of these things move me, neither count I my life dear unto myself, so that I might finish my course with joy, and the ministry, which I have received of the Lord Jesus, to testify the gospel of the grace of God.”

2^nd- They know what they have been called to do and for Whom.

            “Take heed therefore unto yourselves, and to all the flock, over the which the Holy Ghost hath made you overseers, to feed the church of God, which he hath purchased with his own blood.”

3^rd – They keep their eyes on the Master.

            “If ye then be risen with Christ, seek those things which are above, where Christ sitteth on the right hand of God.”

4^th – They die to self.

            “Mortify therefore your members which are upon the earth;”

5^th – They wear holy ‘under’ garments.

            “put off all these; anger, wrath, malice,” Col. 3:8

            “Put on therefore, as the elect of God, holy and beloved,

bowels of mercies, kindness, humbleness of mind,

meekness, longsuffering;” Col. 3:12

6^th – They are at peace with the sovereignty of God saying…

            “It’s as God would have it.”

            “let the peace of God rule in your hearts,

to the which also ye are called in one body;

and be ye thankful.” Col. 3:15

And Finally and most importantly…

7^th- They are men of the Word.

“Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly in all wisdom; teaching and admonishing one another in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing with grace in your hearts to the Lord.” Col. 3:16

So that they are supernaturally enabled to do everything “in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God and the Father by him.”  (v17) In the face of opposition this is just not natural.

And they are examples to the flocks.

Therefore Christian…

“Lie not one to another,” Col. 3:9

“Forbearing one another,” Col. 3:13

“and forgiving one another,”

“and be ye thankful!” Col. 3:15

Have A HAPPY THANKSGIVING!

Today, Tomorrow, and Every Day!

“He must increase, WE must decrease!”

Sand In My Stockings

One Sunday morning as I was getting ready for church I discovered that to my dismay I had a grain of sand in my sock.  I was kind of in a hurry so I didn’t bother to remove it right away.  After about two minutes though I could stand it no longer and I stopped for another two minutes to remove my sock, turn it inside out, and find the pesky unwanted visitor.

It reminded me of a missionary or preacher I once heard about who was determined not to be too comfortable in this world of ours.  He intentionally placed and kept a pebble in his shoe as a constant reminder.

I wonder how many of the minor discomforts of life are placed there intentionally by our Heavenly Father as a constant reminder that we are not to be too comfortable in this world.

“If ye then be risen with Christ, seek those things which are above, where Christ sitteth on the right hand of God.”

“Set your affection on things above, not on things on the earth.”

And

“Love not the world, neither the things that are in the world. If any man love the world, the love of the Father is not in him.”

“For all that is in the world, the lust of the flesh, and the lust of the eyes, and the pride of life, is not of the Father, but is of the world.”

“And the world passeth away, and the lust thereof: but he that doeth the will of God abideth for ever.”

Set your affection on things above!

“He must increase, WE must decrease!”

Give Me A Man

A Faithful Saint ~ PART 2 ~ A Study of David

Read 1 Samuel 17: (It’s 58 verses ~ but you can do it!)

 “I defy the armies of Israel this day; give me a man, that we may fight together.” the Philistine said. (Verse 10)

What I noticed most here again is the arrogance of the colossal Philistine, and the various reactions of David, Saul, David’s brothers, and the men of Israel.

My question to you: What made David different?

Saul, the men of Israel, with the eldest three of Jesse were men of war.


But when they heard the words of the Philistine champion, Goliath, “they were dismayed, and greatly afraid.” (v11) When the men of Israel saw the man “they fled from him, and were sore afraid.” (v24)

But David was a very young man; just a youth.

And he was a shepherd;
He faithfully tended his father’s flocks; his sheep.

Jesse knew God was with David and that he would be the next king of Israel and sends him to the battle field on an errand saying, “Take now for thy brethren an ephah of this parched [corn], and these ten loaves, and run to the camp to thy brethren; And carry these ten cheeses unto the captain of [their] thousand, ‘and look how thy brethren fare’, and take their pledge."

Notice that David didn’t go looking for a fight; he was a shepherd.

(V20 says) David “shouted for the battle.” ~ He was very zealous for Israel.

(V22 says) David “left the carriage in the hands of a keeper” ~ this he did also earlier with the sheep. (verse20) ~ He was a responsible boy.

(V22 says) David “ran into the army, and came and saluted his brethren.”

He was a courageous lad. ~ And he was a respectful lad.

David said to Saul, “Let no man's heart fail because of him; thy servant will go and fight with this Philistine.” (v32) ~ He said “thy servant”; Again he was humble.  And he was courageous.

Pastor Laurence Brown asks, “Why did David insist that he could stand up to  Goliath, the evil superman of the Philistines?  Was he foolish or stupid?”  Then he says, “No, he had a very good reason for his confidence.” (See verse 36) Goliath will be killed just like the lion and the bear, because he has ‘taunted the armies of the living God.’” ~ David had great faith.

In fact David was so sure of it he told Goliath to his face.

“The Philistine said unto David, ‘Am I a dog, that thou comest to me with staves?’ And the Philistine cursed David by his gods.” (v43)

Then said David to the Philistine, “Thou comest to me with a sword, and with a spear, and with a shield: but I come to thee in the name of the LORD of hosts, the God of the armies of Israel, whom thou hast defied.” (v45)

“This day will the LORD deliver thee into mine hand; and I will smite thee, and take thine head from thee; and I will give the carcases of the host of the Philistines this day unto the fowls of the air, and to the wild beasts of the earth; that all the earth may know that there is a God in Israel.” (v46)

“And all this assembly shall know that the LORD saveth not with sword and spear: for the battle is the LORD'S, and he will give you into our hands.” (v47)

So back to my question to you: We have looked at how David was different but My question to you was: What made David different?

Do you know? The Answer is in Chapter 16.

“Then Samuel took the horn of oil, and anointed him in the midst of his brethren: and the Spirit of the LORD came upon David from that day forward.” 1 Sam. 16:13

The answer is not really a ‘what’ but a Who.

“and the Spirit of the LORD came upon David from that day forward.”

There is no indication how much time elapsed between 1 Sam.16:13, David’s anointing and chapter 17, the battle with the Philistines.  I suspect when he killed the lion and the bear defending the sheep, he did so in the power of the Spirit.  Certainly when he fought courageously against Goliath defending God’s honor, as a patriot of Israel, he did so in the power of the Spirit.

As New Testament believers;

When we are filled with the Spirit. (Eph. 5:18)

When we are led of the Spirit. (Rom. 8:14)

When we are walking in the Spirit. (Gal. 5:16,25)

When we are united in the Spirit. (Eph. 4:3)

We can do and be all these things and more. (Phil. 4:13)

We become humble, while the Spirit in us magnifies our Jesus.

“So David prevailed over the Philistine with a sling and with a stone, and smote the Philistine, and slew him;” 1 Samuel 17:50

“He must increase, WE must decrease!”

Let Us Go On

Every believer who has been a student of the Word for any length of time ought to be a teacher of some sort.  Teaching a Sunday school class perhaps.  Teaching friends.  Everyone has some who ‘look up’ to them and will listen.  Everyone is a ‘shepherd’ of sorts.  I placed that in hyphens because I do not mean to suggest that everyone is a  pastor.  I said “everyone is a ‘shepherd’ of sorts.”  Perhaps also ‘looking up’ is not the right term here because we are not to ‘look down’ on anyone.  We are to come along beside as many as we can.  We all ought to be teaching in some capacity.  Fulfilling the great co-mission is teaching.  Our testimony teaches.  If it teaches the right things then our words will be a powerful tool for the kingdom.


God says…


“For when for the time ye ought to be teachers,”


But he said to these Hebrew believers…


“ ye have need that one teach you again which be the first principles of the oracles of God; and are become such as have need of milk, and not of strong meat.” 
(Hebrews 5:12)


He said they were just babies and they needed to get off the milk.


“For every one that useth milk is unskilful in the word of righteousness: for he is a babe.” (Hebrews 5:13)


God gave the New Testament church pastors (shepherds) and teachers for the perfecting of the saints, so that the saints could be capable of fulfilling their role in the world.


Their role as witnesses.
Their role as ambassadors.
Thier resposiblility to Love one another.
Their responsibility to edify one another.
Their responsibility to speak the truth lovingly.
He said…


“That we henceforth be no more children, tossed to and fro, and carried about with every wind of doctrine, by the sleight of men, and cunning craftiness, whereby they lie in wait to deceive;” (Ephesians 4:11-16)


As I grew in the LORD I didn’t literally leave my ABC’s (I am learning my ABG’s though.(N.T. Greek is very intriguing to me.)); I didn’t literally leave my ABC’s because we need the building blocks to build the building.  Without the blocks the church could not be built.


Warren Weirsbe says in his book Be Strong that “A wise leader doesn’t completely abandon the past but builds on it as he moves towards the future.  Moses is mentioned fifty-seven times in the book of Joshua, evidence that Joshua respected Moses and what he had done for Israel.”


Weirsbe says “There was continuity from one leader to the next, but there wasn’t always conformity; for each leader is different and must maintain his individuality.”


At some point we who desire to be teachers (and by implication leaders of sorts) must leave the milk and move on to meat…


“strong meat belongeth to them that are of full age, even those who by reason of use have their senses exercised to discern both good and evil.” (Hebrews 5:14)


We must learn to discern between right and wrong.
We must fear God; hold to the good and eschew the evil.
We must be ‘philagathos’ ~
lovers of good men. (Titus 1:8)
or simply put "lovers of good".
As we feed on strong meat we become strong,

And those we influence become strong too,
Jesus increases in their lives,
And we decrease.


“He must increase, WE (teachers) must decrease!”

To quote the Karate Kid's master... 
Wax on, wax off, young apprentice. :)

Or to be more current...
Jacket on, Jacket off, strong arms. Smooth motion. :)

One last quote by Wiersbe... he said "Twice in these verses (Josh. 1:1-9) Moses is called God's servant, but Joshua was also the servant of God (Josh. 24:29).  The important thing is not the servant but the Master."  It is important to remember those who have taught us good things.

Galatians 6:6 Says... "Let him that is taught in the word communicate unto him that teacheth in all good things."

But also Hebrews 6:1 says "Therefore leaving the principles of the doctrine of Christ, let us go on unto perfection;  (Let us go on unto maturity.) not laying again the foundation of repentance from dead works, and of faith toward God,"


Let Us Go On Unto Perfection.
Let Us Grow Up
and Go ON Unto
Maturity.
Teach.
Share.
Grow
and
Go.

Go and tell what great things the LORD hath done for you.


“He must increase, WE must decrease!”

I highlighted some things in rainbow colors because I wanted to share Out of the Mouths of Babes with you...

God Looks on The Heart

(A Faithful Saint ~ The Life of David ~ PART 1)

Read 1 Samuel 16:1-13 

When God sent Samuel to anoint David to be king in the room or place of Saul because He had rejected Saul from continuing as king many things stand out in my mind as to Samuel’s, Jesse’s, and other persons mindset in the matter.

God said to Samuel “go, I will send thee to Jesse the Bethlehemite: for I have provided me a king among his sons.” (Verse 1)

Then He said “I will shew thee what thou shalt do: and thou shalt anoint unto me him whom I name unto thee.” (v3)

1^st     It’s interesting to me to note how the townspeople reacted to Samuel’s coming.  “the elders of the town trembled at his coming, and said, Comest thou peaceably?” (v4)  Many of them were confused and fearful, uncertainty had caused them to tremble.  Many were uncertain of Saul and thought that Samuel was in with Saul.  Perhaps because Saul was the 'peoples choice' and they witnessed Samuel rebuke Saul and hack Agag in little pieces. (1 Sam. 15:33); perhaps that's why they were afraid.  The text doesn't really say why.

2^nd    Samuel was definitely not in with Saul in the sense that they thought… When God told him to go anoint a new king he said… “How can I go? if Saul hear it, he will kill me.” (v2)

3^rd    Jesse called his sons to stand before Samuel. Well, at least the older, bigger, stronger, seemingly more favorable choices.  Perhaps he never thought to call David or perhaps he thought, “Someone has to tend the sheep.”  David was a good little shepherd boy in their eyes.

4^th     Also when Samuel looked on Eliab he said “Surely the LORD'S anointed is before him.”

God said, " No Samuel. You’re wrong.” (paraphrase mine) 

Likewise he did with the other six sons of Jesse.  It must have begun to get old… perhaps by the time the seventh passed by Samuel; Samuel could almost anticipate the answer. 

The last key in the bunch always opens the lock.  Unless you don’t have all the keys.  In this case they didn’t have all the keys.

Why is it that we almost always judge things based on externals instead of through prayer, patience, and trusting God’s providence?

God said to Samuel, “Look not on his countenance, or on the height of his stature; because I have refused him (Eliab): for the LORD seeth not as man seeth; for man looketh on the outward appearance, but the LORD looketh on the heart.”

God had a man in mind, a man after His own heart, and He had a plan to employ in order to reveal that man.

What a fine choice he was too… Oh would to God that we could be men after God’s own heart in every situation, in every way, every day!

“Then Samuel took the horn of oil, and anointed him in the midst of his brethren: and the Spirit of the LORD came upon David from that day forward.” (v13)

When we seek first the kingdom of God and His right,

when we acknowledge the Lord in all our ways,

when we call on Him.

He will show us great and mighty things

which we as of yet have not learned.

He will increase, we will decrease.

"He must increase, WE must decrease!"

These studies will be labeled "A Faithful Saint"

If you want to follow along.