December 7
The Rich Man and Lazarus (Author Unknown)
In the story that Jesus told in Luke 16, he referred to two characters, a “rich man” and a man named “Lazarus”, both of whom died (Luke 16:19, 20, 22). The “rich man” then found himself “being in torments” (Luke 16:23), and he proceeded to make some requests.
To start with, he sought relief and, oddly enough, in his appeal he included the petition “send Lazarus…” (Luke 16:24). The “rich man” was then told why that could not happen (Luke 16:25-26). Following this, the “rich man” made another appeal involving “Lazarus”, “send him [Lazarus] to my father’s house: for I have five brothers; that he [Lazarus] may testify to them” (Luke 16:27-28). Notice what Jesus did here with this story. The dead “rich man” was asking if someone named “Lazarus” could return from the dead to “testify” unto his “brethren”, who were still alive.
Jesus also underscores the fact that this was precisely what the “rich man” was requesting. When the “rich man” was told that his brothers “have Moses and the prophets” (Luke 16:29) he protested, because he thought that sending Lazarus back from the dead would lead them to respond differently – “if one went to them from the dead, they will repent” (Luke 16:30). Sadly, however, the “rich man” was informed, “If they hear not Moses and the prophets, neither will they be persuaded, though one rose from the dead” (Luke 16:31). Jesus ended the story here.
Imagine the effect that this story would have had on those who actually heard Jesus teach it, especially his disciples. The day that the disciples heard Jesus speak these words, it is likely that they assumed that this story was no different than Jesus’ other teaching stories. But what do you suppose went through their minds when they later saw part of this story come true? That is, when an individual named Lazarus did rise from the dead!
Who Was Jesus Speaking About?
Some will try to take the ‘moral of the story’ and apply it to the situation of the high priest, rulers, elders, and scribes who refused to repent after the resurrection of Jesus. While this might appear to be a good fit, let’s take a closer look at this. To begin with, note the contrast between the way Jesus ended the story (“if they hear not Moses and the prophets, neither will they be persuaded though one rose from the dead”) and the response to the news of the resurrection of Jesus, which has been persuading people for the last 2000 years!
Moreover, consider this fact: in the scriptures the resurrected Jesus did not appear to unbelievers. After the resurrection, every recorded appearance of Jesus was to those that believed or would believe. He did not appear before the chief priests, elders, and/or their council to “testify” to them. These facts seem to hinder a comparison between the resurrected Jesus and the person who was requested by the “rich man” in Luke 16:30, the one who the “rich man” was sure would bring about repentance in those who already had “Moses and the prophets” (Luke 16:29).
While it has frequently been related to Jesus’ resurrection, His witnesses in the New Testament, and the good news of the gospel, this story might be better understood if we consider the possibility that in Luke 16:19-31, Jesus was articulating a prophecy. Jesus’ delay and words prior to raising Lazarus may well support this idea.
The Luke 16 story has several parallels to the real life Lazarus. In both cases Lazarus died, but in the story, we don’t see him raised; we only hear the request. Also, while there are no words of Lazarus recorded in the Bible, it is certain that he did “testify” about Jesus to those with whom he spoke.
In addition, Lazarus became a living testimony to the power of Jesus and because of him “many of the Jews went away and believed on Jesus”. But just like the response described in Luke 16, the Jewish leaders (who had “Moses and the prophets”) were not persuaded – even though a Lazarus was sent to them from the dead.
Eyewitnesses to this miracle “went their ways to the Pharisees, and told them what things Jesus had done”; yet instead of repenting, “the chief priests and Pharisees” plotted to kill Jesus.
“Then one of them, named Caiaphas, who was high priest that year, spoke up, “You know nothing at all! 50 You do not realize that it is better for you that one man die for the people than that the whole nation perish. 51 He did not say this on his own, but as high priest that year he prophesied that Jesus would die for the Jewish nation, 52 and not only for that nation but also for the scattered children of God, to bring them together and make them one. 53 So from that day on they plotted to take his life,” John 11:49-53.
The “chief priests” sought to kill Lazarus also (John12:10). So, given the foregoing facts, do you think the reaction described by Jesus in Luke 16:31 was a prophecy of that response?
Sunday, December 7, 2014
Saturday, December 6, 2014
Focused on the Truth of Heaven
December 6
“For we dare not class ourselves or compare ourselves with those who commend themselves. But they, measuring themselves by themselves, and comparing themselves among themselves, are not wise,” II Corinthians 10:12.
“Examine yourselves as to whether you are in the faith. Test yourselves. Do you not know yourselves, that Jesus Christ is in you?—unless indeed you are disqualified,” II Corinthians 13:5.
Our holy God has used the above two passages of scripture to elucidate His people in the matter of self-evaluation. He makes it very clear that we are not to compare ourselves to those around us. We are not to compare ourselves to nonbelievers, nor are we to compare ourselves to other people of faith.
However, we are admonished to examine ourselves to discover any area that is wanting within us. The Lord makes it quite clear that how little or how much money we have is of no eternal profit to us by the parable He gives in Luke 16:19–31 which says:
“There was a rich man who lived in luxury every day and at his gate was a poor beggar named Lazarus…The time came when the beggar died and the angels carried him to the bosom of Abraham. The rich man also died and went to hades where he was in torment. From there, he cried out that Lazarus might be allowed to…go to his family to warn them so they would not end up in the same condemnation…however, Abraham assured them that even a visitation from the dead would not convince them if they refused to believe Moses and the prophets.”
We see that the rich man’s wealth profited him nothing without Christ and the beggar’s poverty kept nothing of eternal treasure from him. We understand that we must keep our eyes on the eternal throughout our lives so when our moment comes for departing the sphere of time, we will be carried by the angels into the presence of God.
This will happen not because we have compared ourselves to other people and have found ourselves in abundance or in want but because we have challenged ourselves to love the Lord Jesus and to serve Him in the beauty of holiness; it will be because we have allowed our lives to be focused upon the truth of Heaven which is life’s true treasure and not upon the trappings of the world that must fade away.
“For we dare not class ourselves or compare ourselves with those who commend themselves. But they, measuring themselves by themselves, and comparing themselves among themselves, are not wise,” II Corinthians 10:12.
“Examine yourselves as to whether you are in the faith. Test yourselves. Do you not know yourselves, that Jesus Christ is in you?—unless indeed you are disqualified,” II Corinthians 13:5.
Our holy God has used the above two passages of scripture to elucidate His people in the matter of self-evaluation. He makes it very clear that we are not to compare ourselves to those around us. We are not to compare ourselves to nonbelievers, nor are we to compare ourselves to other people of faith.
However, we are admonished to examine ourselves to discover any area that is wanting within us. The Lord makes it quite clear that how little or how much money we have is of no eternal profit to us by the parable He gives in Luke 16:19–31 which says:
“There was a rich man who lived in luxury every day and at his gate was a poor beggar named Lazarus…The time came when the beggar died and the angels carried him to the bosom of Abraham. The rich man also died and went to hades where he was in torment. From there, he cried out that Lazarus might be allowed to…go to his family to warn them so they would not end up in the same condemnation…however, Abraham assured them that even a visitation from the dead would not convince them if they refused to believe Moses and the prophets.”
We see that the rich man’s wealth profited him nothing without Christ and the beggar’s poverty kept nothing of eternal treasure from him. We understand that we must keep our eyes on the eternal throughout our lives so when our moment comes for departing the sphere of time, we will be carried by the angels into the presence of God.
This will happen not because we have compared ourselves to other people and have found ourselves in abundance or in want but because we have challenged ourselves to love the Lord Jesus and to serve Him in the beauty of holiness; it will be because we have allowed our lives to be focused upon the truth of Heaven which is life’s true treasure and not upon the trappings of the world that must fade away.
Friday, December 5, 2014
The Blessing That Covers It All
December 5
I love the precious promises of God. Psalm 133:3 says, “As the dew of Hermon, and as the dew that descended upon the mountains of Zion: for there the LORD commanded the blessing, even life for-evermore.”
When we agree with the things in God's heart—when we bless what God wants to bless—He releases His abundance into our lives.
Notice, this is not just “a” blessing, but “the” blessing. Throughout scripture, we see people talk about God as “the God of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob.” They used that phrase because they wanted the same blessing that those patriarchs had received.
That blessing—the one that touches every part of life and future generations, the one that sees the promises of God fulfilled through faith—is the blessing God offers to you today.
Mike Evans
Addendum by S.D.:
I challenge you to BE LIKE GOD HIMSELF WHO, "CALLS THINGS THAT ARE NOT AS THOUGH THEY WERE," ROMANS 4:17.
I challenge you to KEEP AFFIRMING YOUR FAITH, to KEEP AFFIRMING CHRIST'S LOVE FOR YOU AND YOUR LOVE FOR HIM, to KEEP WALKING BY FAITH, NOT BY SIGHT.
JESUS LOVES YOU. Remember that through the darkest, most tumultuous storm, JESUS HIDES HIS PEOPLE IN THE CLEFT OF THE ROCK WHERE THEY REMAIN SECURE. YOU AND THOSE FOR WHOM YOU PRAY ARE HIDDEN IN THE CLEFT OF THE ROCK.
JESUS IS THE ROCK and HE IS THERE WITH YOU, HIDING YOU FROM THE CONSEQUENCE OF YOUR STORM. EVEN AS SHADRACH, Meshach, AND ABEDNEGO EMERGED FROM THE FIERY FURNACE WITHOUT THE SCENT OF SMOKE UPON THEM (see Daniel 3:27) SO SHALL THE CHILD OF GOD EMERGE FROM HIS DIFFICULTY UNSCATHED!
The most important truth one can embrace is that Jesus loves you and He died to save you from your sins and to help you through your trials. As Isaiah 53:5 says, "He was wounded for our transgressions, He was bruised for our iniquities. The chastisement of our peace was upon Him, and by His stripes we are healed."
And THAT, Dear One, is "the" blessing that covers it all.
I love the precious promises of God. Psalm 133:3 says, “As the dew of Hermon, and as the dew that descended upon the mountains of Zion: for there the LORD commanded the blessing, even life for-evermore.”
When we agree with the things in God's heart—when we bless what God wants to bless—He releases His abundance into our lives.
Notice, this is not just “a” blessing, but “the” blessing. Throughout scripture, we see people talk about God as “the God of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob.” They used that phrase because they wanted the same blessing that those patriarchs had received.
That blessing—the one that touches every part of life and future generations, the one that sees the promises of God fulfilled through faith—is the blessing God offers to you today.
Mike Evans
Addendum by S.D.:
I challenge you to BE LIKE GOD HIMSELF WHO, "CALLS THINGS THAT ARE NOT AS THOUGH THEY WERE," ROMANS 4:17.
I challenge you to KEEP AFFIRMING YOUR FAITH, to KEEP AFFIRMING CHRIST'S LOVE FOR YOU AND YOUR LOVE FOR HIM, to KEEP WALKING BY FAITH, NOT BY SIGHT.
JESUS LOVES YOU. Remember that through the darkest, most tumultuous storm, JESUS HIDES HIS PEOPLE IN THE CLEFT OF THE ROCK WHERE THEY REMAIN SECURE. YOU AND THOSE FOR WHOM YOU PRAY ARE HIDDEN IN THE CLEFT OF THE ROCK.
JESUS IS THE ROCK and HE IS THERE WITH YOU, HIDING YOU FROM THE CONSEQUENCE OF YOUR STORM. EVEN AS SHADRACH, Meshach, AND ABEDNEGO EMERGED FROM THE FIERY FURNACE WITHOUT THE SCENT OF SMOKE UPON THEM (see Daniel 3:27) SO SHALL THE CHILD OF GOD EMERGE FROM HIS DIFFICULTY UNSCATHED!
The most important truth one can embrace is that Jesus loves you and He died to save you from your sins and to help you through your trials. As Isaiah 53:5 says, "He was wounded for our transgressions, He was bruised for our iniquities. The chastisement of our peace was upon Him, and by His stripes we are healed."
And THAT, Dear One, is "the" blessing that covers it all.
Thursday, December 4, 2014
What will you do?
December 4
Amos 5:1-15
(1) Hear this word which I take up against you, a lamentation, O house of Israel: (2) The virgin of Israel has fallen; She will rise no more. She lies forsaken on her land; There is no one to raise her up. (3) For thus says the Lord GOD: " The city that goes out by a thousand Shall have a hundred left, And that which goes out by a hundred Shall have ten left to the house of Israel." (4) For thus says the LORD to the house of Israel: " Seek Me and live; (5) But do not seek Bethel, Nor enter Gilgal, Nor pass over to Beersheba; For Gilgal shall surely go into captivity, And Bethel shall come to nothing. (6) Seek the LORD and live, Lest He break out like fire in the house of Joseph, And devour it, With no one to quench it in Bethel—
(8) He made the Pleiades and Orion; He turns the shadow of death into morning
And makes the day dark as night; He calls for the waters of the sea And pours them out on the face of the earth; The LORD is His name. (9) He rains ruin upon the strong,
So that fury comes upon the fortress.
(14) Seek good and not evil, That you may live; So the LORD God of hosts will be with you, As you have spoken. (15) Hate evil, love good; Establish justice in the gate. It may be that the LORD God of hosts Will be gracious to the remnant of Joseph.
Almighty God has here issued a dire warning to His people Israel. They have fallen away from the practice of faith; they have turned their backs on His law and His prophets.
The Holy One has admonished Israel to seek Him and to follow Him; to trust Him and to serve Him, but they had their own agenda and they fell away. In their plummet from grace, they became vulnerable to the infidels around them, they became the target of the evil one who is a master of using wicked men to do his bidding.
Yet even in the cauldron of sin and disobedience into which they had fallen, the Almighty called to them in love. He admonished them to eschew evil and to live righteously; He urged them to establish justice within their hearts and within their government—all that He might be gracious to them again. But they would not.
America today is at a similar crossroads as were God’s ancient people. This nation was established on Judeo-Christian principles by godly men who loved the Lord Jesus Christ, but our country has fallen from its lofty spiritual estate. We have succumbed to the seduction of false religions and to the gods of hedonism and power. The fabric of our once-strong commitment to Christianity has become like a moth-eaten garment that is useless. We are damaged goods.
Yet our Savior calls to us as He did to the Israelites of old. He admonishes us to turn from sin and to embrace Him once again. He desires to restore us in righteousness and justice if we will but hate evil and love good.
What will we do?
Our options are to call out to Him according to II Chronicles 7:14, which says, “If My people who are called by My name, will humble themselves and pray and seek My face and turn from their wicked ways, then will I hear from Heaven and forgive their sin and heal their land,” or we can perish by the hand of a ruthless and godless enemy.
What will you do?
Amos 5:1-15
(1) Hear this word which I take up against you, a lamentation, O house of Israel: (2) The virgin of Israel has fallen; She will rise no more. She lies forsaken on her land; There is no one to raise her up. (3) For thus says the Lord GOD: " The city that goes out by a thousand Shall have a hundred left, And that which goes out by a hundred Shall have ten left to the house of Israel." (4) For thus says the LORD to the house of Israel: " Seek Me and live; (5) But do not seek Bethel, Nor enter Gilgal, Nor pass over to Beersheba; For Gilgal shall surely go into captivity, And Bethel shall come to nothing. (6) Seek the LORD and live, Lest He break out like fire in the house of Joseph, And devour it, With no one to quench it in Bethel—
(8) He made the Pleiades and Orion; He turns the shadow of death into morning
And makes the day dark as night; He calls for the waters of the sea And pours them out on the face of the earth; The LORD is His name. (9) He rains ruin upon the strong,
So that fury comes upon the fortress.
(14) Seek good and not evil, That you may live; So the LORD God of hosts will be with you, As you have spoken. (15) Hate evil, love good; Establish justice in the gate. It may be that the LORD God of hosts Will be gracious to the remnant of Joseph.
Almighty God has here issued a dire warning to His people Israel. They have fallen away from the practice of faith; they have turned their backs on His law and His prophets.
The Holy One has admonished Israel to seek Him and to follow Him; to trust Him and to serve Him, but they had their own agenda and they fell away. In their plummet from grace, they became vulnerable to the infidels around them, they became the target of the evil one who is a master of using wicked men to do his bidding.
Yet even in the cauldron of sin and disobedience into which they had fallen, the Almighty called to them in love. He admonished them to eschew evil and to live righteously; He urged them to establish justice within their hearts and within their government—all that He might be gracious to them again. But they would not.
America today is at a similar crossroads as were God’s ancient people. This nation was established on Judeo-Christian principles by godly men who loved the Lord Jesus Christ, but our country has fallen from its lofty spiritual estate. We have succumbed to the seduction of false religions and to the gods of hedonism and power. The fabric of our once-strong commitment to Christianity has become like a moth-eaten garment that is useless. We are damaged goods.
Yet our Savior calls to us as He did to the Israelites of old. He admonishes us to turn from sin and to embrace Him once again. He desires to restore us in righteousness and justice if we will but hate evil and love good.
What will we do?
Our options are to call out to Him according to II Chronicles 7:14, which says, “If My people who are called by My name, will humble themselves and pray and seek My face and turn from their wicked ways, then will I hear from Heaven and forgive their sin and heal their land,” or we can perish by the hand of a ruthless and godless enemy.
What will you do?
Wednesday, December 3, 2014
James, Chapter One
December 3
James, Chapter 1
James, a servant of God and of the Lord Jesus Christ, to the twelve tribes which are scattered abroad, greeting. 2 My brethren, count it all joy when ye fall into divers temptations; 3 Knowing this, that the trying of your faith works patience. 4 But let patience have her perfect work, that you may be perfect and entire, wanting nothing. 5 If any of you lack wisdom, let him ask of God, that gives to all men liberally, and will not find fault; and it shall be given him.
6 But let him ask in faith, nothing wavering. For he that wavers is like a wave of the sea driven with the wind and tossed. 7 For let not that man think that he shall receive any thing of the Lord. 8 A double minded man is unstable in all his ways.
9 Let the brother of low degree rejoice in that he is exalted: 10 But the rich, in that he is made low: because as the flower of the grass he shall pass away. 11 For the sun is no sooner risen with a burning heat, but it withers the grass, and the flower thereof falls, and the grace of the fashion of it perishes: so also shall the rich man fade away in his ways.
12 Blessed is the man that endures temptation: for when he is tried, he shall receive the crown of life, which the Lord hath promised to them that love Him. 13 Let no man say when he is tempted, I am tempted of God: for God cannot be tempted with evil, neither tempts He any man; 14 But every man is tempted, when he is drawn away of his own lust, and enticed. 15 Then when lust hath conceived, it brings forth sin: and sin, when it is finished, brings forth death.
16 Do not err, my beloved brethren. 17 Every good gift and every perfect gift is from above, and comes down from the Father of lights, with whom is no variableness, neither shadow of turning. 18 Of His own will begat He us with the word of truth, that we should be a kind of first-fruits of his creatures.
19 Wherefore, my beloved brothers, let every man be swift to hear, slow to speak, slow to anger: 20 for the wrath of man works not the righteousness of God. 21 Therefore set apart from yourself all filthiness and indulgence of naughtiness, and receive with meekness the engrafted word, which is able to save your souls.
22 Remember to be doers of the word, and not hearers only, for if you hear only without acting on the word of truth, you will be deceiving yourselves. 23 For if any is a hearer of the word, and not a doer, he is like a man beholding his natural face in a glass: 24 For he sees himself, then goes his way, forgetting what manner of man he is.
25 But whoever looks into the perfect law of liberty, and continues in it, will not be a forgetful hearer, but a doer of the work, this man shall be blessed in his deed.
26 If any man among you seems to be religious, but does not control his tongue, he deceives his own heart, and his religion is vain, for 27 pure religion and undefiled before God and the Father is this: to visit the fatherless and widows in their affliction, and to keep himself unspotted from the world.
James, Chapter 1
James, a servant of God and of the Lord Jesus Christ, to the twelve tribes which are scattered abroad, greeting. 2 My brethren, count it all joy when ye fall into divers temptations; 3 Knowing this, that the trying of your faith works patience. 4 But let patience have her perfect work, that you may be perfect and entire, wanting nothing. 5 If any of you lack wisdom, let him ask of God, that gives to all men liberally, and will not find fault; and it shall be given him.
6 But let him ask in faith, nothing wavering. For he that wavers is like a wave of the sea driven with the wind and tossed. 7 For let not that man think that he shall receive any thing of the Lord. 8 A double minded man is unstable in all his ways.
9 Let the brother of low degree rejoice in that he is exalted: 10 But the rich, in that he is made low: because as the flower of the grass he shall pass away. 11 For the sun is no sooner risen with a burning heat, but it withers the grass, and the flower thereof falls, and the grace of the fashion of it perishes: so also shall the rich man fade away in his ways.
12 Blessed is the man that endures temptation: for when he is tried, he shall receive the crown of life, which the Lord hath promised to them that love Him. 13 Let no man say when he is tempted, I am tempted of God: for God cannot be tempted with evil, neither tempts He any man; 14 But every man is tempted, when he is drawn away of his own lust, and enticed. 15 Then when lust hath conceived, it brings forth sin: and sin, when it is finished, brings forth death.
16 Do not err, my beloved brethren. 17 Every good gift and every perfect gift is from above, and comes down from the Father of lights, with whom is no variableness, neither shadow of turning. 18 Of His own will begat He us with the word of truth, that we should be a kind of first-fruits of his creatures.
19 Wherefore, my beloved brothers, let every man be swift to hear, slow to speak, slow to anger: 20 for the wrath of man works not the righteousness of God. 21 Therefore set apart from yourself all filthiness and indulgence of naughtiness, and receive with meekness the engrafted word, which is able to save your souls.
22 Remember to be doers of the word, and not hearers only, for if you hear only without acting on the word of truth, you will be deceiving yourselves. 23 For if any is a hearer of the word, and not a doer, he is like a man beholding his natural face in a glass: 24 For he sees himself, then goes his way, forgetting what manner of man he is.
25 But whoever looks into the perfect law of liberty, and continues in it, will not be a forgetful hearer, but a doer of the work, this man shall be blessed in his deed.
26 If any man among you seems to be religious, but does not control his tongue, he deceives his own heart, and his religion is vain, for 27 pure religion and undefiled before God and the Father is this: to visit the fatherless and widows in their affliction, and to keep himself unspotted from the world.
Tuesday, December 2, 2014
Love Righteousness; Practice Holiness
December 2
“Bring no more futile sacrifices; Incense is an abomination to Me. The New Moons, the Sabbaths, and the calling of assemblies—I cannot endure iniquity and the sacred meeting. Your New Moons and your appointed feasts My soul hates; they are a trouble to Me, I am weary of bearing them. When you spread out your hands, I will hide My eyes from you; even though you make many prayers, I will not hear. Your hands are full of blood,” Isaiah 1:13-15.
This passage in the Old Testament is reflected in the words of Jesus in Matthew 7:22, 23, “Many will say to Me on that day, 'Lord, Lord, did we not prophesy in Your name, and in Your name cast out demons, and in Your name perform many miracles?' And then I will declare to them, ' never knew you; DEPART FROM ME, YOU WHO PRACTICE LAWLESSNESS.”
Isaiah 1:15 says, “.... Your hands are full of blood.” Matthew 7:22 says, “…You practice lawlessness.” We are all sinners saved by God’s grace but these verses make it evident that there is a line we cross of our own volition that we can only conclude will relegate us to a state that is beyond God’s forgiveness.
When we continually indulge our proclivity to sin, when sin becomes a way of life for us, our hearts become deafened to the sweet wooing of the Holy Spirit. We delight in our sin rather than in the salvation Jesus has purchased for us at so great a price to Himself.
That is not to say the hardened sinner has no chance of repentance and salvation; that is merely to recognize that the practice of sin becomes so ingrained within a person that to indulge the most wanton of acts is done without thought to eternal consequences. The saying, ‘Old habits die hard,’ is certainly on point where our proclivity to sin is concerned.
The serial adulterer is not touched by the magnitude of his wantonness. The embezzler regards his ill-acquired gain as the fruit of his well-thought-out scheme. The parent who neglects the child who needs his love and care justifies himself by indulging his child’s every whim rather than assuming his rightful parental responsibilities. The once-saved backslider blames the hypocrisy he finds in the church for his absence from the house of worship rather than his own penchant for the golf course or the football stadium.
No matter what sin we indulge; no matter what commandment we break habitually, we are warned that the repetitiveness of our practice of sin will harden us to the point that we will become established in it. May the Holy Spirit course through our minds and hearts with the candle of His truth. May He enlighten the dark recesses where our sin has taken residence within us and help us to cast it out.
May He help us to love righteousness and to practice holiness so we will never have to hear the words, “Depart from Me, you who practice lawlessness.”
“Bring no more futile sacrifices; Incense is an abomination to Me. The New Moons, the Sabbaths, and the calling of assemblies—I cannot endure iniquity and the sacred meeting. Your New Moons and your appointed feasts My soul hates; they are a trouble to Me, I am weary of bearing them. When you spread out your hands, I will hide My eyes from you; even though you make many prayers, I will not hear. Your hands are full of blood,” Isaiah 1:13-15.
This passage in the Old Testament is reflected in the words of Jesus in Matthew 7:22, 23, “Many will say to Me on that day, 'Lord, Lord, did we not prophesy in Your name, and in Your name cast out demons, and in Your name perform many miracles?' And then I will declare to them, ' never knew you; DEPART FROM ME, YOU WHO PRACTICE LAWLESSNESS.”
Isaiah 1:15 says, “.... Your hands are full of blood.” Matthew 7:22 says, “…You practice lawlessness.” We are all sinners saved by God’s grace but these verses make it evident that there is a line we cross of our own volition that we can only conclude will relegate us to a state that is beyond God’s forgiveness.
When we continually indulge our proclivity to sin, when sin becomes a way of life for us, our hearts become deafened to the sweet wooing of the Holy Spirit. We delight in our sin rather than in the salvation Jesus has purchased for us at so great a price to Himself.
That is not to say the hardened sinner has no chance of repentance and salvation; that is merely to recognize that the practice of sin becomes so ingrained within a person that to indulge the most wanton of acts is done without thought to eternal consequences. The saying, ‘Old habits die hard,’ is certainly on point where our proclivity to sin is concerned.
The serial adulterer is not touched by the magnitude of his wantonness. The embezzler regards his ill-acquired gain as the fruit of his well-thought-out scheme. The parent who neglects the child who needs his love and care justifies himself by indulging his child’s every whim rather than assuming his rightful parental responsibilities. The once-saved backslider blames the hypocrisy he finds in the church for his absence from the house of worship rather than his own penchant for the golf course or the football stadium.
No matter what sin we indulge; no matter what commandment we break habitually, we are warned that the repetitiveness of our practice of sin will harden us to the point that we will become established in it. May the Holy Spirit course through our minds and hearts with the candle of His truth. May He enlighten the dark recesses where our sin has taken residence within us and help us to cast it out.
May He help us to love righteousness and to practice holiness so we will never have to hear the words, “Depart from Me, you who practice lawlessness.”
Monday, December 1, 2014
Fruits and Gifts
December 1
“But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control. Against such there is no law. And those who are Christ"s have crucified the flesh with its passions and desires,” Galatians 5:22-24.
The fruits of the Spirit are enumerated for us in Galatians, Chapter Five. They are: Love, Joy, Peace, Longsuffering, Kindness, Goodness, Faithfulness, Gentleness, Self-control.
There are also nine gifts of the Holy Spirit listed for us in the scriptures. They are: the Word of Knowledge, the Word of Wisdom, the Gift of Prophecy, the Gift of Faith, the Gifts of Healings, the Working of Miracles, the Discerning of Spirits, Different Kinds of Tongues, the Interpretation of Tongues.
These fruits and gifts are imparted upon believers by God as He sees fit and as the person of faith allows himself to be open to them. God will not impose Himself upon anyone who disdains His presence in his life, but certainly, for all who allow themselves to be candidates for the fruits and gifts of the Holy Spirit, they may be bountifully manifested.
Just how are these fruits and gifts defined? Here is a brief description of first the fruits, then the gifts of the Spirit:
Love is the outgoing. true concern for all mankind. This love will not be the kind of self-centered emotion that seeks its own gratification but it will be doing for others what is right, despite their sins and foibles (I Corinthians 13).
Joy is related to happiness, but where happiness is contingent upon circumstances, joy is rooted in relationship with Jesus Christ and is present in good times and in times of trial (Hebrews 12:2).
Peace: Peace of mind and peace with God are the portion of those who place their confidence in the integrity and faithfulness of our Savior (Philippians 4:6-7).
Longsuffering: allows the person of faith to bear with others who are working out their salvation. It enables the believer to be slow to anger when he is pressed upon by the slights of men (Romans 15:1; Luke 21:19).
Kindness: is behaving toward others as God has behaved toward us; it is extending graciousness and courtesy even to those who are thoughtless and rude (Ephesians 4:31-32).
Goodness: can best be identified as the generosity of spirit that springs from imitating Jesus Christ (Psalm 33:4-5).
Faithfulness: is being reliable and this quality describes a person who is trustworthy and will stand up for God's truth, His will, His purposes, and His law (Philippians 1:6; Hebrews 13:5).
Gentleness: can be recognized best by its tenderness. It is noted to extend consideration and tact in its interaction with others; it will never be angry at anything but that which angers God (Matthew 5:22-24; Ephesians 4:26).
Self-Control: is the discipline which gives us victory over our proclivity for wrong-doing. It enables us to overcome the wiles of the evil one as well as the temptations that are common to all men (I John 2:15-17).
The Word of Knowledge is that discernment that allows the man of God to speak with conviction.
The Word of Wisdom is the insight that is imparted to a man by the Spirit of God rather than acquired by him through the gleaning of knowledge.
The Gift of Prophecy is the God-given insight into the plans and purposes of the Holy One.
The Gift of Faith is the ability to trust the Lord in spite of any negative circumstances that may be engulfing a believer’s life.
The Gifts of Healings are employed when a believer prays for the sick and they recover according to the assurance of the Word.
The Working of Miracles is the impartation of the ability to act as Jesus would in response to the trials of life that a believer encounters within his own life or within the lives of those around him.
The Discerning of Spirits is the ability of the person of faith to recognize the voice of Jesus when He speaks so the cacophony of lies of the enemy will not be mistaken for the guidance of the Lord.
Different Kinds of Tongues is the ability to speak languages that have not been learned; they may be the tongues of men or of angels, according to I Corinthians 13:1.
The Interpretation of Tongues is the essential companion gift to speaking in tongues, for without the ability to ‘translate’ (interpret) the message that is spoken, the gift of tongues can generate confusion.
With this cursory understanding of the fruits and the gifts of the Holy Spirit, may we be compelled to delve deeply into the water of life that we may drink fully of everything our great God and King desires to set before us that we may partake of His gifts of life freely according to Revelation 22:17.
“But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control. Against such there is no law. And those who are Christ"s have crucified the flesh with its passions and desires,” Galatians 5:22-24.
The fruits of the Spirit are enumerated for us in Galatians, Chapter Five. They are: Love, Joy, Peace, Longsuffering, Kindness, Goodness, Faithfulness, Gentleness, Self-control.
There are also nine gifts of the Holy Spirit listed for us in the scriptures. They are: the Word of Knowledge, the Word of Wisdom, the Gift of Prophecy, the Gift of Faith, the Gifts of Healings, the Working of Miracles, the Discerning of Spirits, Different Kinds of Tongues, the Interpretation of Tongues.
These fruits and gifts are imparted upon believers by God as He sees fit and as the person of faith allows himself to be open to them. God will not impose Himself upon anyone who disdains His presence in his life, but certainly, for all who allow themselves to be candidates for the fruits and gifts of the Holy Spirit, they may be bountifully manifested.
Just how are these fruits and gifts defined? Here is a brief description of first the fruits, then the gifts of the Spirit:
Love is the outgoing. true concern for all mankind. This love will not be the kind of self-centered emotion that seeks its own gratification but it will be doing for others what is right, despite their sins and foibles (I Corinthians 13).
Joy is related to happiness, but where happiness is contingent upon circumstances, joy is rooted in relationship with Jesus Christ and is present in good times and in times of trial (Hebrews 12:2).
Peace: Peace of mind and peace with God are the portion of those who place their confidence in the integrity and faithfulness of our Savior (Philippians 4:6-7).
Longsuffering: allows the person of faith to bear with others who are working out their salvation. It enables the believer to be slow to anger when he is pressed upon by the slights of men (Romans 15:1; Luke 21:19).
Kindness: is behaving toward others as God has behaved toward us; it is extending graciousness and courtesy even to those who are thoughtless and rude (Ephesians 4:31-32).
Goodness: can best be identified as the generosity of spirit that springs from imitating Jesus Christ (Psalm 33:4-5).
Faithfulness: is being reliable and this quality describes a person who is trustworthy and will stand up for God's truth, His will, His purposes, and His law (Philippians 1:6; Hebrews 13:5).
Gentleness: can be recognized best by its tenderness. It is noted to extend consideration and tact in its interaction with others; it will never be angry at anything but that which angers God (Matthew 5:22-24; Ephesians 4:26).
Self-Control: is the discipline which gives us victory over our proclivity for wrong-doing. It enables us to overcome the wiles of the evil one as well as the temptations that are common to all men (I John 2:15-17).
The Word of Knowledge is that discernment that allows the man of God to speak with conviction.
The Word of Wisdom is the insight that is imparted to a man by the Spirit of God rather than acquired by him through the gleaning of knowledge.
The Gift of Prophecy is the God-given insight into the plans and purposes of the Holy One.
The Gift of Faith is the ability to trust the Lord in spite of any negative circumstances that may be engulfing a believer’s life.
The Gifts of Healings are employed when a believer prays for the sick and they recover according to the assurance of the Word.
The Working of Miracles is the impartation of the ability to act as Jesus would in response to the trials of life that a believer encounters within his own life or within the lives of those around him.
The Discerning of Spirits is the ability of the person of faith to recognize the voice of Jesus when He speaks so the cacophony of lies of the enemy will not be mistaken for the guidance of the Lord.
Different Kinds of Tongues is the ability to speak languages that have not been learned; they may be the tongues of men or of angels, according to I Corinthians 13:1.
The Interpretation of Tongues is the essential companion gift to speaking in tongues, for without the ability to ‘translate’ (interpret) the message that is spoken, the gift of tongues can generate confusion.
With this cursory understanding of the fruits and the gifts of the Holy Spirit, may we be compelled to delve deeply into the water of life that we may drink fully of everything our great God and King desires to set before us that we may partake of His gifts of life freely according to Revelation 22:17.
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