And you he made alive, who were dead in trespasses and sins, in which you once walked according to the course of this world, according to the prince of the power of the air, the spirit who now works in the sons of disobedience, among whom also we all once conducted ourselves in the lusts of our flesh, fulfilling the desires of the flesh and of the mind, and were by nature children of wrath, just as the others. But God, who is rich in mercy, because of His great love with which He loved us, even when we were dead in trespasses, made us alive together with Christ (By grace you have been saved)
Ephesians 2: 1-5 NKJV
I'm in the process of weeding through my belongings as I prepare to possibly move to a smaller man cave. Now, cleaning has never been one of my strong points! In fact, if one were to visit my abode they would see just what controlled chaos looks like. Despite this lack of domestic talent, I've plugged along at a pretty decent pace. One thing I've noticed, however, is just how much "stuff" I've managed to hang onto all of these years. From past writings to old magazines, there has been no shortage of trash that at one time I must have thought was important. In fact, I've never seen such a large collection of old church bulletins. Despite this, going through things that no longer hold my interest seems to be a good thing, it certainly opens up more space to add new things. So, I've been asking myself, why did I ever hang on to all of this stuff? Good question.
Like the accumulated junk in my home, I've also found myself hanging onto something else I wish to get rid of. This extra "Baggage" is something we are all familiar with I'm sure. For the baggage I speak of is that of our guilt and shame of our past sins. Trust me, if anyone knows the baggage of guilt it's me. With the passing of my mother, this baggage has only increased. Why is it that we manage to hang onto so much baggage in our lives that our Lord no longer recognizes? Is it God who points the finger of blame at us when we recall our past failures? No, for as far as our lord in concerned, the iniqities we worry about were dealt with by Christ at the cross! We may come to God asking for his forgiveness, but he will more than likely reply, "Forgiveness? That slate has been wiped clean". Which begs the question, who is it that points that finger of blame in our direction? For we know that our loving heavenly Father has provided for the cleansing of all that we are ashamed of.
Be sober, be vigilant; because your adversary the devil walks about like a roaring lion, seeking whom he may devour.
1 Peter 5:8 NKJV
From the story of the man Job, we know that when asked by God from where he came from, satan replies, "From going to and fro on the earth and from walking back and forth on it". Obviously, after being expelled from Gods presence, Lucifer was banished to the earth below. Truly, satan is our enemy among us. In fact, you may just have passed him by in your daily travels and never knew it. However, satan knows us very well. For each and every temptation we've ever faced can be traced directly to him! As Christ was tempted by this fallen angel, so are we daily. So, if you're wondering just where those old feelings of condemnation came from, you can rest assured that satan has something to do with it. Take heart, fellow believer, for our Lord has wiped clean all that we continue to feel guilty for. As far as that old baggage we carry with us is concerned, it turns out it's nothing but empty bags! I just wish the bags in my home were just as empty, it would make my job all the more easier.
~Scott~
Sunday, February 7, 2016
Thankful
Pray without ceasing, in everything give thanks; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you.
1 Thessalonians 5: 17-18 NKJV
I heard a old radio preacher relate a story this morning that got me thinking. It seems this old padre was on a road trip with his wife in a motor home that a kind church elder had borrowed him for a sabatical. Well, long story short, in the midele of the trip, this motor home started to loose power and have engine trouble. Stranded out of town, the old preacher struggled with how to repair the vehicle. Finaly, and perhaps by Gods intervention, his wife reminded him, "Have you thanked God?" Floored by her suggestion, but agreeing that it was a good idea, the old preacher thanked the Lord for his vacation and the kindness of the old couple who loaned him the vehicle. To hear the old parson tell it, almost immediately they came across someone who, with a few tweaks with a screw driver, had the rig up and running like normal! Now, some may dismiss this as just another feel good church story, but I know better! For indeed I have much to thank my Lord for.
Rejoice in the Lord always. Again I will say, rejoice! Let your gentleness be known to all men. The Lord is at hand. Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication, with thanksgiving, let your requests be made known to God; and the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus.
Philippians 4: 4-7 NKJV
Somewhere I have a old T shirt that reminded me at one time of the message of 1 Thesolonians 5:17. The shirt depicts the cross of Jesus just above the words PRAY HARD! Many of us think of prayer as a request made to God on our behalf in times of need. While this is indeed true, it is in verse 18 of 1 Thesolonians 5 that we see the other side of prayer. "In everything give thanks." How many of us, like that old radio preacher, have seen prayer as just an opportunity to ask a favor from God? I know I have. That's not to say that I don't thank God, I do. However, what I failed to realize, was that EVERYTHING I have is from my loving Father. Every gift, every blessing and, yes, even every trial. Everything I have is from God. In his loving nature towards us, he promises to never give us something that we cannot handle. In fact, his promise to us is that HE KNOWS his plans for us are for good!
For I know the thoughts that I think towards you, says tthe LORD, thoughts of peace and not of evil, to give you a future and a hope.
Jeremiah 29:11 NKJV
God is not in it to make sure we fail! As we see in Jeremiah 29:11, Gods true heart for us is for our well being! Too often, we see our Lords blessings as confirmation of his love and caring for us. However, we do well to realize that it is in times of our deepest distress that God is working behind the scenes on our behalf. Yes, even as we go through that valley of the shadow of death, we will have no fear, for our loving God is walking with us. I think we do well when we see our prayers not only as requests to our Lord, but also as a heart to heart level conversation.
~Scott~
1 Thessalonians 5: 17-18 NKJV
I heard a old radio preacher relate a story this morning that got me thinking. It seems this old padre was on a road trip with his wife in a motor home that a kind church elder had borrowed him for a sabatical. Well, long story short, in the midele of the trip, this motor home started to loose power and have engine trouble. Stranded out of town, the old preacher struggled with how to repair the vehicle. Finaly, and perhaps by Gods intervention, his wife reminded him, "Have you thanked God?" Floored by her suggestion, but agreeing that it was a good idea, the old preacher thanked the Lord for his vacation and the kindness of the old couple who loaned him the vehicle. To hear the old parson tell it, almost immediately they came across someone who, with a few tweaks with a screw driver, had the rig up and running like normal! Now, some may dismiss this as just another feel good church story, but I know better! For indeed I have much to thank my Lord for.
Rejoice in the Lord always. Again I will say, rejoice! Let your gentleness be known to all men. The Lord is at hand. Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication, with thanksgiving, let your requests be made known to God; and the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus.
Philippians 4: 4-7 NKJV
Somewhere I have a old T shirt that reminded me at one time of the message of 1 Thesolonians 5:17. The shirt depicts the cross of Jesus just above the words PRAY HARD! Many of us think of prayer as a request made to God on our behalf in times of need. While this is indeed true, it is in verse 18 of 1 Thesolonians 5 that we see the other side of prayer. "In everything give thanks." How many of us, like that old radio preacher, have seen prayer as just an opportunity to ask a favor from God? I know I have. That's not to say that I don't thank God, I do. However, what I failed to realize, was that EVERYTHING I have is from my loving Father. Every gift, every blessing and, yes, even every trial. Everything I have is from God. In his loving nature towards us, he promises to never give us something that we cannot handle. In fact, his promise to us is that HE KNOWS his plans for us are for good!
For I know the thoughts that I think towards you, says tthe LORD, thoughts of peace and not of evil, to give you a future and a hope.
Jeremiah 29:11 NKJV
God is not in it to make sure we fail! As we see in Jeremiah 29:11, Gods true heart for us is for our well being! Too often, we see our Lords blessings as confirmation of his love and caring for us. However, we do well to realize that it is in times of our deepest distress that God is working behind the scenes on our behalf. Yes, even as we go through that valley of the shadow of death, we will have no fear, for our loving God is walking with us. I think we do well when we see our prayers not only as requests to our Lord, but also as a heart to heart level conversation.
~Scott~
Saturday, February 6, 2016
Inside Man
Or do you not know that your body is the temple of the Holy Spirit who is in you, whom you have from God, and you are not your own? For you were bought at a price; therefore glorify God in your body and in your spirit, which are God's.
1 Corinthians 6: 19-20 NKJV
I am constantly being reminded, as I go through my writing, of an important part of Gods gift to us. It is a important part of the new life which we now have in Christ Jesus. Who, having been tormented, was crucified in our place on a Roman cross. I am assuming that we all know the reason for Christs torture and ultimate execution. For it is for us that Jesus ultimately sacraficed Himself unto death. I don't think it's wrong for me to envision myself hanging on the very cross Jesus died upon. No, for if anyone deserved that righteous punishment meant for sin, it was I, not the innocent man who carried that burden for me!
He is despised and rejected by men, A Man of sorrows and aquainted with grief. And we hid, as it were, our faces from Him; He was despised, and we did not esteem Him. Surely he has born our griefs and carried our sorrows; Yet we esteemed Him stricken, Smitten by God, and afflicted. But He was wounded for our transgressions, He was bruised for our iniquities; The chastisement for our peace was upon Him, and by His stripes we are healed.
Isaiah 53: 3-5 NKJV
It was long before the time of Jesus that the prophet Isaiah foretold of the wonderful gift that our Lord would give to us. Sinful man, whom God had banished from the Garden of Eden, would now be redeemed! The stain of sin being washed by the love and mercy of God. Keeping in mind, that this was OUR sin and not his.
In 1 Corinthians 6:19 we are given the story behind the crucifiction. Yes, Jesus died for our iniquities, but as he bled on that cross, WE died there with him!
"I have been crucified with Christ; it is no longer I who live, but Christ lives in me; and the life which I now live iin the flesh I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave Himself for me."
Galations 2:20 NKJV
The truth that we have been "Purchased" at a price for our very sin is one that I'm guessing few of us understand fully. I know it took me a good deal of time to realize this. However, we know, understand and believe when we stand on Gods holy word. For instead of dealing with the traditional thinking that we walk alone on this journey of life, we understand that a change has indeed occured. That change occured as Jesus breathed his last breath, beaten and shamed for our sake. For the "Temple" that Christ had predicted would rebuilt in just three short days was in fact Jesus himself. As the sun rose on that third day, mankind stared unbelieving into an empty tomb. For where this Jesus had been, he was no longer! He was risen! Not only that, as the scriptures tell all with ears to hear, it is this Jesus who now resides within all who willingly receive him. We have been crucified with Christ!
~Scott~
1 Corinthians 6: 19-20 NKJV
I am constantly being reminded, as I go through my writing, of an important part of Gods gift to us. It is a important part of the new life which we now have in Christ Jesus. Who, having been tormented, was crucified in our place on a Roman cross. I am assuming that we all know the reason for Christs torture and ultimate execution. For it is for us that Jesus ultimately sacraficed Himself unto death. I don't think it's wrong for me to envision myself hanging on the very cross Jesus died upon. No, for if anyone deserved that righteous punishment meant for sin, it was I, not the innocent man who carried that burden for me!
He is despised and rejected by men, A Man of sorrows and aquainted with grief. And we hid, as it were, our faces from Him; He was despised, and we did not esteem Him. Surely he has born our griefs and carried our sorrows; Yet we esteemed Him stricken, Smitten by God, and afflicted. But He was wounded for our transgressions, He was bruised for our iniquities; The chastisement for our peace was upon Him, and by His stripes we are healed.
Isaiah 53: 3-5 NKJV
It was long before the time of Jesus that the prophet Isaiah foretold of the wonderful gift that our Lord would give to us. Sinful man, whom God had banished from the Garden of Eden, would now be redeemed! The stain of sin being washed by the love and mercy of God. Keeping in mind, that this was OUR sin and not his.
In 1 Corinthians 6:19 we are given the story behind the crucifiction. Yes, Jesus died for our iniquities, but as he bled on that cross, WE died there with him!
"I have been crucified with Christ; it is no longer I who live, but Christ lives in me; and the life which I now live iin the flesh I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave Himself for me."
Galations 2:20 NKJV
The truth that we have been "Purchased" at a price for our very sin is one that I'm guessing few of us understand fully. I know it took me a good deal of time to realize this. However, we know, understand and believe when we stand on Gods holy word. For instead of dealing with the traditional thinking that we walk alone on this journey of life, we understand that a change has indeed occured. That change occured as Jesus breathed his last breath, beaten and shamed for our sake. For the "Temple" that Christ had predicted would rebuilt in just three short days was in fact Jesus himself. As the sun rose on that third day, mankind stared unbelieving into an empty tomb. For where this Jesus had been, he was no longer! He was risen! Not only that, as the scriptures tell all with ears to hear, it is this Jesus who now resides within all who willingly receive him. We have been crucified with Christ!
~Scott~
911
Beloved, do not think it strange concerning the fiery trial which is to try you, as though some strange thing happened to you; but rejoice to the extent that you partake of Christ's sufferings, That when His glory is revealed, you may also be glad with exceeding joy.
1 Peter 4: 12-13 NKJV
I've often wondered, what trials have I faced that Jesus did not also partake of? Better yet, when Jesus' trials came, who did he turn to? Well, I am confident that when Jesus Himself faced His trials, His help rested in the very same place that ours does today. The bible makes no secret of the fact that WE WILL fall into various trials and tribulations. Knowing this, my question is, where do I turn when they come? Of course, the scriptures tell us this as well.
Seeing then that we have a great High Priest who has passed through the heavens, Jesus the Son of God, let us hold fast to our confession. For we do not have a High Priest who cannot sympathize with our weaknesses, but was in all points tempted as we are, yet without sin. Let us therefore come boldly to the throne of grace, that we may obtain mercy and find grace to help in time of need.
Hebrews 4: 14-16 NKJV
Can you imagine yourself facing the very same trials that Jesus faced? However, the scriptures once again tell us that Jesus Himself was TEMPTED AS WE ARE, yet without sin. We've read of the temptations of Jesus by satan after His baptism, but was this the only time Christ was tempted in His lifetime? I think not. For part of the true beauty of the gift that Jesus has given to us lies not in his deity, but in his humanity! As he walked the paths of Galilee, Jerusalem and Judea, Jesus was more than likely tempted again, as we are each day. Jesus' humanity, his very flesh, guaranteed that he would bear the same temptations as we do. His deity guaranteed his holy, sinless nature. However, despite being tempted without sin, it is this Jesus that BECAME sin in our place!
For he made Him who knew no sin to be sin for us, that we might become the righteousness of God in Him.
2 Corinthians 5:21 NKJV
If you must know, it was WE and not HE who deserved to be hung on that Roman cross! It is the gift of God that our Lord Jesus became sin for us. Therefore, the punishment we deserved for our iniquity, was shouldered by one man! Our stain, our sins, died with Jesus on that cross long ago. The slate has been wiped clean! When we come before our Lords throne of grace to seek his forgiveness for our iniquities, we shouldn't be surprised when our Lord whispers to us, "What sin, my child?"
When those trials and temptations that plague us come knocking, we can rest assured that not only did our Lord Jesus face the very same afflictions, but that because of this we can come to him for help when we desperately need it most! After all, who would know more about our afflictions than He who has been there?
~Scott~
1 Peter 4: 12-13 NKJV
I've often wondered, what trials have I faced that Jesus did not also partake of? Better yet, when Jesus' trials came, who did he turn to? Well, I am confident that when Jesus Himself faced His trials, His help rested in the very same place that ours does today. The bible makes no secret of the fact that WE WILL fall into various trials and tribulations. Knowing this, my question is, where do I turn when they come? Of course, the scriptures tell us this as well.
Seeing then that we have a great High Priest who has passed through the heavens, Jesus the Son of God, let us hold fast to our confession. For we do not have a High Priest who cannot sympathize with our weaknesses, but was in all points tempted as we are, yet without sin. Let us therefore come boldly to the throne of grace, that we may obtain mercy and find grace to help in time of need.
Hebrews 4: 14-16 NKJV
Can you imagine yourself facing the very same trials that Jesus faced? However, the scriptures once again tell us that Jesus Himself was TEMPTED AS WE ARE, yet without sin. We've read of the temptations of Jesus by satan after His baptism, but was this the only time Christ was tempted in His lifetime? I think not. For part of the true beauty of the gift that Jesus has given to us lies not in his deity, but in his humanity! As he walked the paths of Galilee, Jerusalem and Judea, Jesus was more than likely tempted again, as we are each day. Jesus' humanity, his very flesh, guaranteed that he would bear the same temptations as we do. His deity guaranteed his holy, sinless nature. However, despite being tempted without sin, it is this Jesus that BECAME sin in our place!
For he made Him who knew no sin to be sin for us, that we might become the righteousness of God in Him.
2 Corinthians 5:21 NKJV
If you must know, it was WE and not HE who deserved to be hung on that Roman cross! It is the gift of God that our Lord Jesus became sin for us. Therefore, the punishment we deserved for our iniquity, was shouldered by one man! Our stain, our sins, died with Jesus on that cross long ago. The slate has been wiped clean! When we come before our Lords throne of grace to seek his forgiveness for our iniquities, we shouldn't be surprised when our Lord whispers to us, "What sin, my child?"
When those trials and temptations that plague us come knocking, we can rest assured that not only did our Lord Jesus face the very same afflictions, but that because of this we can come to him for help when we desperately need it most! After all, who would know more about our afflictions than He who has been there?
~Scott~
Friday, February 5, 2016
Glorified
God, who at various times and in various ways spoke in time past to the fathers by the prophets. Who being the brightness of His glory and the express image of His person, and upholding all things by the word of His power, when He had by Himself purged our sins, sat down at the right hand of the Majesty on high, having become so much better than the angels, and He has by inheritance obtained a more excellent name than they.
Hebrews 1: 1-4NKJV
From time to time, we may miss that opportunity to see Jesus glorified through us. I was reminded of this once again lately by a dear friend. It may be, as in my case, a situation we simply cannot see our way out of. Or, it may be a area of our life which God has chosen not to reveal to us quite yet. Whatever it may be, when that answer comes, we can be assured that Jesus will be glorified through us! For it is not our sweat and toil nor our labor that is delivering us, but it is definately through the hand of God. Therefore, we allow our Lord Jesus to receive the glory he deserves! For who does the man stuck in a impossible situation cry out to? How many times have we witnessed someone, when faced with a impossible situation suddenly cry out, "HELP ME GOD!" At a time of His choosing, even a unbeliever will be brought to his knees! THIS is the pivital moment in ones life where we either choose devine deliverance or our own self reliance.
"All things have been deliverd to Me by My Father, and no one knows the Son except the Father. Nor does anyone know the Father except the Son, and the one to whom the Son wills to reveal him."
Matthew 11:27 NKJV
Yes, I glorify the Lord Jesus who is in me, for it is Christ Himself who revealed the Father to me in due time. As it is with the free gift of our own salvation, so it is with God being revealed to us in our hearts. This revelation has NOTHING to do with our own efforts, yet has everything to do with Christ being revealed to us. Yes, others may "plant the seeds" of the gospel, but these followers of Jesus are not ultimately responsible for Jesus being revealed within us. My mother was a dear christian woman who taught me alot about our Lord. However, it was in Gods own timing that he revealed Himself to me. Yes, my mother was happy that day! We can consider ourselves truly blessed when God chooses to reveal Himself within us.
The Lord is not slack concerning His promise, as some count slackness, but is longsuffering toward us, not willing that any should perish but that all should come to repentance.
2 Peter 3:9 NKJV
God is not counting the days until our final demise. Rather, he is counting the days until he reveals himself to us! When that day comes, we can happily glorify our Lord Jesus not only for being the blood sacrafice in our place, but for revealing the Father in us.
~Scott~
Hebrews 1: 1-4NKJV
From time to time, we may miss that opportunity to see Jesus glorified through us. I was reminded of this once again lately by a dear friend. It may be, as in my case, a situation we simply cannot see our way out of. Or, it may be a area of our life which God has chosen not to reveal to us quite yet. Whatever it may be, when that answer comes, we can be assured that Jesus will be glorified through us! For it is not our sweat and toil nor our labor that is delivering us, but it is definately through the hand of God. Therefore, we allow our Lord Jesus to receive the glory he deserves! For who does the man stuck in a impossible situation cry out to? How many times have we witnessed someone, when faced with a impossible situation suddenly cry out, "HELP ME GOD!" At a time of His choosing, even a unbeliever will be brought to his knees! THIS is the pivital moment in ones life where we either choose devine deliverance or our own self reliance.
"All things have been deliverd to Me by My Father, and no one knows the Son except the Father. Nor does anyone know the Father except the Son, and the one to whom the Son wills to reveal him."
Matthew 11:27 NKJV
Yes, I glorify the Lord Jesus who is in me, for it is Christ Himself who revealed the Father to me in due time. As it is with the free gift of our own salvation, so it is with God being revealed to us in our hearts. This revelation has NOTHING to do with our own efforts, yet has everything to do with Christ being revealed to us. Yes, others may "plant the seeds" of the gospel, but these followers of Jesus are not ultimately responsible for Jesus being revealed within us. My mother was a dear christian woman who taught me alot about our Lord. However, it was in Gods own timing that he revealed Himself to me. Yes, my mother was happy that day! We can consider ourselves truly blessed when God chooses to reveal Himself within us.
The Lord is not slack concerning His promise, as some count slackness, but is longsuffering toward us, not willing that any should perish but that all should come to repentance.
2 Peter 3:9 NKJV
God is not counting the days until our final demise. Rather, he is counting the days until he reveals himself to us! When that day comes, we can happily glorify our Lord Jesus not only for being the blood sacrafice in our place, but for revealing the Father in us.
~Scott~
Wednesday, February 3, 2016
The Destroyer
And they had a King over them the angel of the bottomless pit, whose name is Hebrew is Abaddon, but in Greek he has the name Apollyon.
Revelation 9:11 NKJV
From the begining, our enemy has carried many names with him. The serpent, satan, Lucifer and the deceiver just to name a few. It is in Revelation that we see satan refered to by yet another name, "Destroyer." One of satans main objectives from the timme of his expulsion from Gods presence has been to destroy what God has created. What is it that satan sought to accomplish in the Garden of Eden? To destroy Gods fellowship with his creation. In this he ultimately succeeded. What is it that satan sought from Job? To destroy all that God had blessed his servant with.
So satan answered the LORD and said, "Does Job fear God for nothing? Have you not made a hedge around him, around his household, and around all that he has on every side? You have blessed the work of hishands, annd his possesions have increased in the land. But now, stretch out your hand and touch all that he has, and he will surely curse you to your face!" And the LORD said to satan, "Behold, all that he has is in your power; only do not lay a hand on his person." So satan went out from the presence of the LORD.
Job 1: 9-12 NKJV
Does this sound like satans good intentions towards Job? From the get go, the destroyers sole purpose here is to strike Job where it hurts. He reasons, incorrectly I might add, that if he brings enough turmoil on Gods servant Job, that this "Blameless and upright" servant of the Lord would certainly curse the God he loves to his face. Instead, what we see is Job agonizing over the storms that have suddenly afflicted his life without once cursing God!
I believe that it is in the book of Job where we see satans true feelings towards the crown jewel of our Lords creation. The destroyer is angry, fuming that this man Job would receive such favor from God. After all, it had been God who had ultimately banished satan from his presence so long ago.
And war broke out in heaven: Micheal and his angels fought with the dragon; and the dragon and his angels fought, but they did not prevail, nor was a place found for them in heaven any longer. So the great dragon was cast out, that serpent of old, called the Devil and Satan, who deceives the whole world; he was cast to the earth, and his angels were cast out with him.
Revelation 12: 7-9 NKJV
In Revelation 12, we see the very same unprovoked attack on Gods creation that we have seen in Job. Ultimately, this led to Satans expulsion from Gods presence. Not only for him, but his followers as well. Interestingly enough, where was Satan cast out to? To earth! Thus, the destroyer had gone from exalted to outcast in a pretty short time! I've also heard satan refered to as the "Prince of the power of the air," having his kingdom here on earth. However, as we have seen in the life of Job, the destroyer does not have free reign! For before afflicting Job, satan had come into Gods presence to seek his permission to attack Job! If there is one thing that we can take away from this interaction is that satan DOES NOT have free reign over Gods creation.
And the LORD said to satan, "From where do you come?" So satan answered the LORD and said, "From going to and fro on the earth, and from walking back and forth on it."
Job 1:7 NKJV
Perhaps the destroyer has passed us as he's walked upon the earth?
~Scott~
Revelation 9:11 NKJV
From the begining, our enemy has carried many names with him. The serpent, satan, Lucifer and the deceiver just to name a few. It is in Revelation that we see satan refered to by yet another name, "Destroyer." One of satans main objectives from the timme of his expulsion from Gods presence has been to destroy what God has created. What is it that satan sought to accomplish in the Garden of Eden? To destroy Gods fellowship with his creation. In this he ultimately succeeded. What is it that satan sought from Job? To destroy all that God had blessed his servant with.
So satan answered the LORD and said, "Does Job fear God for nothing? Have you not made a hedge around him, around his household, and around all that he has on every side? You have blessed the work of hishands, annd his possesions have increased in the land. But now, stretch out your hand and touch all that he has, and he will surely curse you to your face!" And the LORD said to satan, "Behold, all that he has is in your power; only do not lay a hand on his person." So satan went out from the presence of the LORD.
Job 1: 9-12 NKJV
Does this sound like satans good intentions towards Job? From the get go, the destroyers sole purpose here is to strike Job where it hurts. He reasons, incorrectly I might add, that if he brings enough turmoil on Gods servant Job, that this "Blameless and upright" servant of the Lord would certainly curse the God he loves to his face. Instead, what we see is Job agonizing over the storms that have suddenly afflicted his life without once cursing God!
I believe that it is in the book of Job where we see satans true feelings towards the crown jewel of our Lords creation. The destroyer is angry, fuming that this man Job would receive such favor from God. After all, it had been God who had ultimately banished satan from his presence so long ago.
And war broke out in heaven: Micheal and his angels fought with the dragon; and the dragon and his angels fought, but they did not prevail, nor was a place found for them in heaven any longer. So the great dragon was cast out, that serpent of old, called the Devil and Satan, who deceives the whole world; he was cast to the earth, and his angels were cast out with him.
Revelation 12: 7-9 NKJV
In Revelation 12, we see the very same unprovoked attack on Gods creation that we have seen in Job. Ultimately, this led to Satans expulsion from Gods presence. Not only for him, but his followers as well. Interestingly enough, where was Satan cast out to? To earth! Thus, the destroyer had gone from exalted to outcast in a pretty short time! I've also heard satan refered to as the "Prince of the power of the air," having his kingdom here on earth. However, as we have seen in the life of Job, the destroyer does not have free reign! For before afflicting Job, satan had come into Gods presence to seek his permission to attack Job! If there is one thing that we can take away from this interaction is that satan DOES NOT have free reign over Gods creation.
And the LORD said to satan, "From where do you come?" So satan answered the LORD and said, "From going to and fro on the earth, and from walking back and forth on it."
Job 1:7 NKJV
Perhaps the destroyer has passed us as he's walked upon the earth?
~Scott~
Tuesday, February 2, 2016
A Brave New World
And I heard a loud voice from heaven saying, "Behold, the taberbacle of God is with men, and He will dwell with them, and they shall be His people. God Himself will be with them and be their God. And God will wipe away every tear from their eyes; there shall be no more death, nor sorrow, nor crying. There shall be no more pain, for the former things have passed away." Then He who sat on the throne said, "Behold, I make all things new." And he said to me, "Write, for these words are true and faithful."
Revelation 21: 3-5 NKJV
If there is one verse that comforted me during the recent loss of my mother, it was Revelation 21:4. My mother had been in periodic pain in her last years, so knowing that she was finaly home with God and free of pain and tears was a huge comfort to me. Far from comforting my mother, I look forward to the day when I will see her again, when I will also breathe that celestial air and leave my pain and tears behind me as well. Scripture gives us quite a few descriptions of the life we have waiting for us when we finaly pass from this world into our Lords presence.
"In my fathers house are many mansions; if it were not so, I would have told you. I go to tprepare a place for you. And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again and receive you to myself; that where I am, there you may be also."
John 14: 2-3 NKJV
I think about Jesus' words in John 14:3, if it were not true that He would go and prepare a place for us, He would have told us so. For we both know and understand that the Lord Jesus is incapable of saying something that is not true. Therefore, we stand on his words as true!
Some may wonder just where this new world, this new dimension, this heaven actually exists. I believe that we will obtain this knowledge in Gods own timing. There is definately a reason that our Lord reserves entry into his kingdom for the that final lap of our lifetime race. The apostle Paul was indeed looking forward to finnishing his race well.
I have fought the good fight, I have finnished the race, I have kept the faith. Finally, there is laid up for me the crown of righteousness, which the lord, the righteous judge, will give to me on that day, and not to me only but also to all who have loved His appearing.
2 Timothy 4: 7-8 NKJV
I've heard that realm that we all eventually pass into refered to as another "dimension." What is obvious, is that we've read of this promised land, but few living souls have apparently experienced it. This majesty, this ultimate glory is reserved for those who enter into His presence. There is another passage, one I've turned to more than a few times since my mothers passing, when I often wonder just what she is experiencing.
But I saw no temple in it, for the Lord God Almighty and the Lamb are its temple. The city had no need of the sun or of the moon to shine in it, for the glory of God illuminated it. The Lamb is its light. And the nations of those who are saved shall walk in its light, and the kings of the earth bring their glory and honor into it. Its Gates shall not be shut at all by day (there shall be no night there). And they shall bring the glory and the honor of the nations into it.
Revelation 21: 22-26 NKJV
If there is one thing that I am certain of, is that this woman of God has dispensed of all of her pain and tears for her eternity with her Lord Jesus who she loved. I wouldn't have it any other way!
~Scott~
Revelation 21: 3-5 NKJV
If there is one verse that comforted me during the recent loss of my mother, it was Revelation 21:4. My mother had been in periodic pain in her last years, so knowing that she was finaly home with God and free of pain and tears was a huge comfort to me. Far from comforting my mother, I look forward to the day when I will see her again, when I will also breathe that celestial air and leave my pain and tears behind me as well. Scripture gives us quite a few descriptions of the life we have waiting for us when we finaly pass from this world into our Lords presence.
"In my fathers house are many mansions; if it were not so, I would have told you. I go to tprepare a place for you. And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again and receive you to myself; that where I am, there you may be also."
John 14: 2-3 NKJV
I think about Jesus' words in John 14:3, if it were not true that He would go and prepare a place for us, He would have told us so. For we both know and understand that the Lord Jesus is incapable of saying something that is not true. Therefore, we stand on his words as true!
Some may wonder just where this new world, this new dimension, this heaven actually exists. I believe that we will obtain this knowledge in Gods own timing. There is definately a reason that our Lord reserves entry into his kingdom for the that final lap of our lifetime race. The apostle Paul was indeed looking forward to finnishing his race well.
I have fought the good fight, I have finnished the race, I have kept the faith. Finally, there is laid up for me the crown of righteousness, which the lord, the righteous judge, will give to me on that day, and not to me only but also to all who have loved His appearing.
2 Timothy 4: 7-8 NKJV
I've heard that realm that we all eventually pass into refered to as another "dimension." What is obvious, is that we've read of this promised land, but few living souls have apparently experienced it. This majesty, this ultimate glory is reserved for those who enter into His presence. There is another passage, one I've turned to more than a few times since my mothers passing, when I often wonder just what she is experiencing.
But I saw no temple in it, for the Lord God Almighty and the Lamb are its temple. The city had no need of the sun or of the moon to shine in it, for the glory of God illuminated it. The Lamb is its light. And the nations of those who are saved shall walk in its light, and the kings of the earth bring their glory and honor into it. Its Gates shall not be shut at all by day (there shall be no night there). And they shall bring the glory and the honor of the nations into it.
Revelation 21: 22-26 NKJV
If there is one thing that I am certain of, is that this woman of God has dispensed of all of her pain and tears for her eternity with her Lord Jesus who she loved. I wouldn't have it any other way!
~Scott~
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