Todays scripture...

There are times in each of our lives that rain falls, hard times come and it helps to reach out to our friends and to our God for a little support. This is the place to express those needs, concerns and situations so others in the AAPK family can keep you in their prayers.
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WillyCamaro
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Re: Todays scripture...

Post by WillyCamaro »

"Shall a man make gods unto himself, and they are no gods."
Jeremiah 16:20

One great besetting sin of ancient Israel was idolatry, and the spiritual Israel are vexed with a tendency to the same folly. Remphan's star shines no longer, and the women weep no more for Tammuz, but Mammon still intrudes his golden calf, and the shrines of pride are not forsaken. Self in various forms struggles to subdue the chosen ones under its dominion, and the flesh sets up its altars wherever it can find space for them. Favourite children are often the cause of much sin in believers; the Lord is grieved when he sees us doting upon them above measure; they will live to be as great a curse to us as Absalom was to David, or they will be taken from us to leave our homes desolate. If Christians desire to grow thorns to stuff their sleepless pillows, let them dote on their dear ones.

It is truly said that "they are no gods," for the objects of our foolish love are very doubtful blessings, the solace which they yield us now is dangerous, and the help which they can give us in the hour of trouble is little indeed. Why, then, are we so bewitched with vanities? We pity the poor heathen who adore a god of stone, and yet worship a god of gold. Where is the vast superiority between a god of flesh and one of wood? The principle, the sin, the folly is the same in either case, only that in ours the crime is more aggravated because we have more light, and sin in the face of it. The heathen bows to a false deity, but the true God he has never known; we commit two evils, inasmuch as we forsake the living God and turn unto idols. May the Lord purge us all from this grievous iniquity!

"The dearest idol I have known,

Whate'er that idol be;

Help me to tear it from thy throne,

And worship only thee."
"Never, never, never give up."
Winston Churchill

Take therefore no thought for the morrow: for the morrow shall take thought for the things of itself. Sufficient unto the day is the evil thereof.
Matthew 6:34
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WillyCamaro
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Re: Todays scripture...

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Luke 4:18-19
The Spirit of the Lord is upon me, because he hath anointed me to preach the gospel to the poor; he hath sent me to heal the brokenhearted, to preach deliverance to the captives, and recovering of sight to the blind, to set at liberty them that are bruised, To preach the acceptable year of the Lord.
"Never, never, never give up."
Winston Churchill

Take therefore no thought for the morrow: for the morrow shall take thought for the things of itself. Sufficient unto the day is the evil thereof.
Matthew 6:34
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WillyCamaro
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Re: Todays scripture...

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The Aim of the Sabbath

Matthew 12:9–14 “Of how much more value is man than a sheep! So it is lawful to do good on the Sabbath” (v. 12).

We dare not miss the christological significance of our Lord’s teaching on the Sabbath (Matt. 12:1–14). Scripture emphasizes the Sabbath as God’s special possession; Israel was given a day of rest in order to imitate our Creator’s own cessation of work (Ex. 20:8–11). Furthermore, God asserted His right to determine what can and cannot be done on the Sabbath day (Isa. 56:4–5). Jesus equates Himself with God, the owner and ruler of the day of rest, when He claims, as the Son of Man, to be lord of the Sabbath (Matt. 12:8).

Jesus continues to display His authority as lord of the Sabbath when, in a synagogue, He meets a man with a “withered hand.” Seeking a chance to show that Jesus is a Sabbath-breaker, the Pharisees ask Him if it is right to heal on the day of rest (vv. 9–10). Should He do a healing “work,” Jesus can be charged with violating the Sabbath. The man will still be ill the next day, and Christ could wait until then to heal him so that He may keep Pharisaic tradition.

John Calvin reminds us “to beware lest, by attaching undue importance to ceremonial observances, we allow other things to be neglected, which are of far higher value in the sight of God.” The Pharisees have made this error, elevating minutiae above God’s intent. As Jesus says in Mark 2:27: “The Sabbath was made for man, not man for the Sabbath.” God gave the nation of Israel a day of rest for their benefit — to recover from a week’s labor and recall His goodness and grace. These principles are to guide the specifics of Sabbath observance, not vice versa. When rules designed to cover every possible instance of work are exalted above God’s gracious intent, the Sabbath is changed from “a delight into a burden,” according to the Reformation Study Bible’s note on Matthew 12:9–14.

The Pharisees are legal experts and should embrace this principle. Even they know the Father puts an animal’s health and safety above the avoidance of anything that smacks of work (v. 11). But the Pharisees are so incensed at Christ’s denial of their teaching that they miss the obvious. If God is pleased when animals are rescued on the Sabbath, He certainly approves when men, who are of more value than animals, find healing on His day of rest (vv. 12–14).

Coram deo: Living before the face of God

John Calvin comments, “Nothing could be more unreasonable than to pronounce a man, who imitated God, to be a transgressor of the Sabbath.” The Father gives His law for our benefit, and we must never forget this lest we improperly apply it to our lives here and now. Take some time today to read through the Ten Commandments (Ex. 20:1–17) and think on how each one carries with it a specific benefit for mankind.

For further study: Ps. 119:97–104
"Never, never, never give up."
Winston Churchill

Take therefore no thought for the morrow: for the morrow shall take thought for the things of itself. Sufficient unto the day is the evil thereof.
Matthew 6:34
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WillyCamaro
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Re: Todays scripture...

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"He that was healed wist not who it was."
John 5:13

Years are short to the happy and healthy; but thirty-eight years of disease must have dragged a very weary length along the life of the poor impotent man. When Jesus, therefore, healed him by a word, while he lay at the pool of Bethesda, he was delightfully sensible of a change. Even so the sinner who has for weeks and months been paralysed with despair, and has wearily sighed for salvation, is very conscious of the change when the Lord Jesus speaks the word of power, and gives joy and peace in believing. The evil removed is too great to be removed without our discerning it; the life imparted is too remarkable to be possessed and remain inoperative; and the change wrought is too marvellous not to be perceived. Yet the poor man was ignorant of the author of his cure; he knew not the sacredness of his person, the offices which he sustained, or the errand which brought him among men. Much ignorance of Jesus may remain in hearts which yet feel the power of his blood. We must not hastily condemn men for lack of knowledge; but where we can see the faith which saves the soul, we must believe that salvation has been bestowed. The Holy Spirit makes men penitents long before he makes them divines; and he who believes what he knows, shall soon know more clearly what he believes. Ignorance is, however, an evil; for this poor man was much tantalized by the Pharisees, and was quite unable to cope with them. It is good to be able to answer gainsayers; but we cannot do so if we know not the Lord Jesus clearly and with understanding. The cure of his ignorance, however, soon followed the cure of his infirmity, for he was visited by the Lord in the temple; and after that gracious manifestation, he was found testifying that "it was Jesus who had made him whole." Lord, if thou hast saved me, show me thyself, that I may declare thee to the sons of men.
"Never, never, never give up."
Winston Churchill

Take therefore no thought for the morrow: for the morrow shall take thought for the things of itself. Sufficient unto the day is the evil thereof.
Matthew 6:34
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WillyCamaro
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Re: Todays scripture...

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Acts 4:12
Neither is there salvation in any other: for there is none other name under heaven given among men, whereby we must be saved.
"Never, never, never give up."
Winston Churchill

Take therefore no thought for the morrow: for the morrow shall take thought for the things of itself. Sufficient unto the day is the evil thereof.
Matthew 6:34
Reverand
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Re: Todays scripture...

Post by Reverand »

Amen!
Jesus is life.
Everything else is just a hobby.

~Reverand
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WillyCamaro
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Re: Todays scripture...

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A Mission of Service

Matthew 12:15–21 “A bruised reed he will not break, and a smoldering wick he will not quench, until he brings justice to victory; and in his name the Gentiles will hope” (vv. 20–21).

Jesus describes Himself as “gentle and lowly in heart” (Matt. 11:29), but this gentleness is by no means weakness. The Lord is unafraid to confront authorities who lead His people astray (23:1–36). Neither does He let opposition from the religious leaders keep Him from cleansing the temple when necessary (21:12–13). Jesus also allows the people to pay homage to Him as the Christ on Palm Sunday (vv. 1–11), though it must be admitted that He generally discourages such enthusiasm prior to His triumphal entry (16:20).

These controversies and Jesus’ self-identification as the Messiah will occur in Jerusalem a few days before His death, which explains His reticence to draw attention to Himself in Galilee. Today’s passage tells us of Christ’s withdrawal after proclaiming His messianic authority on the Sabbath (12:1–14). He also continues to forbid those whom He has healed from spreading the word about Him (vv. 15–16). Jesus knows such acclaim will earn Him enemies and notoriety beyond what is prudent if He is to complete His work before going to Calvary. When the time comes in Jerusalem to die, Jesus will thrust Himself into places where hatred will certainly meet Him. Until then, He walks away from trouble and asks others to refrain from saying too much. To do otherwise would fan the flames of messianic expectation and jeopardize His life before the proper time.

If the people really knew what the Messiah would have to do, Jesus could proclaim Himself as the Christ. But the Israelites want a conquering king, not the Suffering Servant who goes to the cross before receiving the crown. Thus, as Matthew says in verses 17–21, Jesus’ hiding of Himself fulfills Isaiah 42:1–4. As the prophet predicted, the servant does not cry aloud; that is, He does not make His identity known at first. Christ will wait until He has fulfilled His mission to broadcast the truth about Himself far and wide (Matt. 28:18–20).

The son of David comes first as the Suffering Servant unwilling to break the bruised reed and smother the smoldering wick (12:20) — to discard what may otherwise appear useless. His army will be made up of the broken and oppressed who through their suffering help usher in God’s kingdom.

Coram deo: Living before the face of God

The truth that Jesus will not snuff out a smoldering wick or break a bruised reed is one of the most encouraging truths of Christianity. When others would give up on us because of our failures, lack of money, talent, or experience, Jesus still sees fit to use us. If your faith is weak this day, know that Christ will not put it out but will, by His Word and Spirit, fan it into a glowing flame by which He will guide others into His fold.

For further study: Judges 7
"Never, never, never give up."
Winston Churchill

Take therefore no thought for the morrow: for the morrow shall take thought for the things of itself. Sufficient unto the day is the evil thereof.
Matthew 6:34
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WillyCamaro
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Re: Todays scripture...

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Philippians 2:9-10
Wherefore God also hath highly exalted him, and given him a name which is above every name: That at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, of things in heaven, and things in earth, and things under the earth
"Never, never, never give up."
Winston Churchill

Take therefore no thought for the morrow: for the morrow shall take thought for the things of itself. Sufficient unto the day is the evil thereof.
Matthew 6:34
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WillyCamaro
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Re: Todays scripture...

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Ecclesiastes 3:11
He hath made every thing beautiful in his time: also he hath set the world in their heart, so that no man can find out the work that God maketh from the beginning to the end.
"Never, never, never give up."
Winston Churchill

Take therefore no thought for the morrow: for the morrow shall take thought for the things of itself. Sufficient unto the day is the evil thereof.
Matthew 6:34
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Meridian_Mike
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Re: Todays scripture...

Post by Meridian_Mike »

Thanks Willy!

::tu::
"Life is tough.... but it's tougher if you're stupid."....John Wayne
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WillyCamaro
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Re: Todays scripture...

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Revealing the Heart

Matthew 12:33–37 “The good person out of his good treasure brings forth good, and the evil person out of his evil treasure brings forth evil” (v. 35).

Christ moves from His warning about the unforgivable sin to a warning about speaking “careless” words. The Pharisees may think that their comments are innocuous rather than evidence of their own spiritual states (Matt. 12:24). Even the people who speculate correctly that Jesus could be the son of David (v. 23) do not go unheard by others. But today’s passage soberly reminds us that there are no neutral words, for what we say reveals the condition of our hearts.

Those who have thus far opposed our Lord do not suffer merely from an external problem. The fruit of their lips is bad, Jesus is saying, and therefore the tree is bad. Accusing Him of being possessed by Satan, even if it is a casual comment, reveals that the hearts of the Pharisees are evil. The tree is rotten and it bears only spoiled fruit (vv. 33–34). If these opponents are to bear good fruit, they need cleansing not only on the outside, but on the inside as well. In fact, the tree of evil that is growing within them must be uprooted and replaced with a holy tree. Augustine tells us “a person must first be changed in order for his works to be changed” (Sermons on New Testament Lessons, 72.1.1).

Argos, the Greek word translated as “careless” in Matthew 12:36, refers to words that we might consider insignificant. They are said without thinking and reveal the state of one’s heart according to many commentators. Anyone can hide his inward nature with a poetic turn of phrase or other carefully constructed statement, but when someone lets his guard down, the abundance of the heart overflows (v. 34b). Jesus is not telling us to be humorless, but He is highlighting our need to speak with care, especially if we think we can repeat gossip or make unfounded accusations with impunity. If such speech brings condemnation, how much more will our Father judge those who speak with malice aforethought? In his commentary on Matthew 12, John Calvin says, “If every idle word is to be called in question, how would God spare the open blasphemies and sacrilegious insolence of those who bark against his glory?”

Remember that God hears all that we say. Our words will either reveal that we love the Lord above all or show that we are self-centered hypocrites (v. 37).

Coram deo: Living before the face of God

Dr. John MacArthur teaches that “no infraction against God’s holiness is a trifling thing, and each person will ultimately give account of such indiscretion” (The MacArthur Bible Commentary, p. 1,146). The Lord hears and remembers every word we speak; therefore, we should not think there is such a thing as a throwaway phrase. How thoughtful are you before you speak, and what do your jokes and whispered comments say about the state of your heart?

For further study: Proverbs 17:27
"Never, never, never give up."
Winston Churchill

Take therefore no thought for the morrow: for the morrow shall take thought for the things of itself. Sufficient unto the day is the evil thereof.
Matthew 6:34
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Re: Todays scripture...

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The Cost of Discipleship

Matthew 8:18–22 “Another of the disciples said to him, ‘Lord, let me first go and bury my father.’ And Jesus said to him, ‘Follow me, and leave the dead to bury their own dead’” (vv. 21–22).

A great crowd gathers about Christ as His acclaim spreads in Capernaum, and He prepares to cross the sea of Galilee (Matt. 8:18). We are not certain why He makes this move, but many interpreters believe Jesus is seeking rest. After all, He is found asleep in the episode following today’s passage (v. 24).

Seeing that our Savior is about to depart, a scribe trained in the law of Moses expresses His desire to follow Jesus wherever He goes (v. 19). Christ does not turn this would-be disciple away, but He explains to this scholar the cost of discipleship. Following Jesus, the scribe learns, might even entail the loss of a permanent home (v. 20). The Redeemer’s people must accept that they are strangers and exiles in this present world (Heb. 11:13–16). In Christ we will one day rule over all (2 Tim. 2:12a), but the Christian life, as the church father Tertullian says, is a call to follow the Lord’s pattern: “He walked in humility and obscurity. He had no definite home. …He is unadorned as to dress. He exercised no right of power even over his own followers. …Though conscious of his own kingdom, he shrank back from being made a king” (On Idolatry, 18.4–5).

Like Jesus, we must be willing to tell people that there is a cost to following the Savior. We do not help the non-believer if we teach or imply that Jesus can be folded into the fabric of our lives without the world hating us (Matt. 24:9).

Even family duties take second place when Jesus calls. After speaking to the scribe, another man says he is willing to follow Christ if he can first go bury His father. Yet Jesus allows no hesitation (8:21—22). This is a difficult saying, since Scripture tells us to honor our parents (Ex. 20:12), but it is likely that our Lord’s reply to the dead man’s son is a universal principle, not a universal application. Jesus alone deserves our supreme devotion, but the ways in which this principle is applied may vary. John Calvin comments, “Children should discharge their duty to their parents in such a manner that, whenever God calls them to another employment, they should lay this aside, and assign the first place to the command of God. Whatever duties we owe to men must give way, when God enjoins upon us what is immediately due to himself.”

Coram deo: Living before the face of God

John Chrysostom comments on today’s passage that Jesus would not have us “think lightly of the honor due to parents.” His words only signify “that nothing ought to be to us more urgent than the affairs of the kingdom of heaven” (Homilies on the Gospel of Saint Matthew, 27.3). It can be hard to know how to honor one’s parents and follow Jesus, but let us remember that His will alone deserves our undivided submission.

For further study: Exodus 20:3
"Never, never, never give up."
Winston Churchill

Take therefore no thought for the morrow: for the morrow shall take thought for the things of itself. Sufficient unto the day is the evil thereof.
Matthew 6:34
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Re: Todays scripture...

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Worse than the First

Matthew 12:43–45 “It goes and brings with it seven other spirits more evil than itself…and the last state of that person is worse than the first. So also will it be with this evil generation” (v. 45).

In stating that something greater than both the Ninevites’ repentance and King Solomon is present in Israel (Matt. 12:41–42), Jesus teaches us an important point about Himself (Christology). Jonah and Solomon represent the offices of prophet and king, respectively, and that which is greater is, of course, Christ Jesus and His coming. In short, Jesus is better than all the prophets and kings who came before Him. He is also greater than the priesthood because He is greater than the temple, which represents the priestly office (v. 6). Jesus, then, is clearly presenting Himself as the consummate prophet, priest, and king, a teaching found elsewhere in the New Testament (Heb. 1:1–4).

Knowing the greatness of Christ’s threefold office as our prophet, priest, and king helps us to interpret today’s passage. The magnificence of Jesus means that there can be no neutral ground once you have seen the working of His power. Either you are for Jesus or you are against Him (Matt. 12:30). Christ has delivered many people from demons; therefore, those who have been rescued from Satan’s grip must make a decision. A life of discipleship must follow such great healings. He who tries to remain on the fence about his allegiance to Jesus once he has seen the might of the Savior is going to be worse off than he was before meeting the Lord. If the place the Devil formerly occupied is not filled with love for the Redeemer, the evil spirit will return and bring with him seven demons more wicked than himself (vv. 43–45). The one who tastes the goodness of Jesus and then does not respond in faith will end up enslaved to Satan with stronger chains and will be more inclined toward degeneracy (see Heb. 6:1–8).

Jesus’ main point in today’s passage is not to provide a thorough explanation of demon-possession and exorcism, though these verses do have bearing on that subject. Instead, Christ is emphasizing once again the necessity of whole-hearted commitment to Himself. It is not enough to experience the good things of the kingdom; repentance and obedience must follow. Life-transforming discipleship must fill the void left by sin and evil. Otherwise it would be better not to be freed from such slavery at all (Matt. 12:38–42).

Coram deo: Living before the face of God

Modern commentators like James Boice have expressed grave concern for the present generation of Americans. Like those who lived during the time of Jesus, many people in the United States have experienced profound material blessings without turning from their sin and rebellion. Our pews are filled with people who lack faith even though they have seen the power of the Gospel in preaching and in answers to the prayers of others. Are you one of these individuals?

For further study: 1 Sam. 15:22– 23; 16:14
"Never, never, never give up."
Winston Churchill

Take therefore no thought for the morrow: for the morrow shall take thought for the things of itself. Sufficient unto the day is the evil thereof.
Matthew 6:34
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WillyCamaro
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Re: Todays scripture...

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The Heavenly Choir

Isaiah 6:1–3 “Above him stood the seraphim. …And one called to another and said: ‘Holy, holy, holy is the Lord of hosts; the whole earth is full of his glory!’” (vv. 2–3).

As we have seen, Matthew 12 includes several instances of our Lord’s encounter with demons and His teaching about these wicked spirits (vv. 22, 43–45). The forces of evil, however, are not the only supernatural agents at work during the ministry of Jesus. Matthew also writes of the role of angels in the life of Christ (for example, 1:18–21; 4:11). In order to examine the nature and activities of these figures, we will now take a short break from Matthew and follow Dr. R.C. Sproul’s teaching series Angels and Demons as our guide.

It would be hard to discount the role of angels in the history of redemption. As an indication of their importance, note that the Greek word for angel, angelos, occurs more frequently in the New Testament than hamartia, the term for sin, and agape, one of the words we translate as “love.” Although angels are frequently mentioned, we must also admit that there is not as much information about them as there is on other topics like salvation and ethics. Angels are mentioned frequently, but the focus is often more on the messages they bring than the nature of the angels themselves. Nevertheless, we can learn much from the descriptions of angelic activity found in Scripture.

Today’s passage illustrates that at least some of the angels are tasked with the continual worship of God in heaven. The seraphim described have six wings: two for flying, two for covering the face, and two for covering the feet (Isa. 6:1–2). In the Bible, men and women are often blinded when in the presence of the Almighty (Acts 9:1–9), presumably because of the glorious light of His splendor. Thus it would seem that the angels in Isaiah 6 cover their eyes to protect themselves from this light. This underscores just how different the Lord is from His angels. These angels have not sinned and are holy, yet they must shield themselves from God’s transcendent and majestic holiness.

These angels worship the Creator, emphasizing His moral perfection and otherness with the threefold repetition: “Holy, holy, holy.” (v. 3). In our corporate worship we are privileged to enter heaven and join with these magnificent creatures in praise of God’s glory and grace (Heb. 12:18–24).

Coram deo: Living before the face of God

Hebrews 12:18–24 tells us that worship is more than just the gathering of saints in an earthly sanctuary. When we praise God alongside His people we actually enter heaven itself, bearing witness with the angels to our Lord’s holiness and beauty. We should, therefore, never consider worship as something dull and dreary, for we enter into the gates of heaven and join the angels in God’s throne room singing praises of His majesty.

For further study: Genesis 28:10–17
"Never, never, never give up."
Winston Churchill

Take therefore no thought for the morrow: for the morrow shall take thought for the things of itself. Sufficient unto the day is the evil thereof.
Matthew 6:34
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Meridian_Mike
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Re: Todays scripture...

Post by Meridian_Mike »

Thanks Willy!

May God bless you greatly for posting these wonderful lessons from God's word!

::tu::
"Life is tough.... but it's tougher if you're stupid."....John Wayne
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WillyCamaro
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Re: Todays scripture...

Post by WillyCamaro »

The Lord bless us together, while we share The Word with each other.
::tu::
"Never, never, never give up."
Winston Churchill

Take therefore no thought for the morrow: for the morrow shall take thought for the things of itself. Sufficient unto the day is the evil thereof.
Matthew 6:34
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WillyCamaro
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Re: Todays scripture...

Post by WillyCamaro »

A very beautiful study for today. Brings a tear to my eye, joy to my soul.

The Heavenly Host

Revelation 4 “Around the throne, on each side of the throne, are four living creatures, full of eyes in front and behind” (v. 6b).

Centuries after Isaiah saw the angels in God’s heavenly throne room (6:1–3), John was given a vision of the divine throne room as well. Revelation 4 records the first part of this vision, which is remarkably similar to Isaiah 6.

The angels John witnesses praising the Lord declare the Creator’s holiness three times (Rev. 4:8), which suggests that these are the same creatures Isaiah witnessed (6:3). That the two prophets are granted the same or similar view of the angels is also seen in the fact that the angels in each vision have six wings (Rev. 4:8; Isa. 6:2). However, unlike Isaiah’s vision, the angels whom John sees are covered with eyes (Rev. 4:6b, 8), and no attempt is made to shield their eyes in the presence of God (see Isa. 6:2). The reason why the angelic creatures do not cover their eyes in Revelation 4 is a mystery. It may be that in the book of Revelation, John’s description of the angels is more concerned with a theological truth than the angels’ precise appearance. The abundance of uncovered eyes on these angels might indicate that the Lord sees all.

In any case, there is a veritable army of angels, the heavenly host, that has as its primary purpose the continual praise of the Lord. These angels experience today the ultimate hope of all believers — the beatific vision. We will see God face to face once the remaining presence of sin is removed from us in our glorification (1 John 3:1–2). Enjoying the soul-satisfying beauty of the Lord will be our eternal delight, the greatest reward we can ever be given.

It is difficult to conceive of what it will mean to see God because He is invisible. Yet Scripture assures us that it is indeed possible for us to see Him. Before evil entered the world, Adam and Eve saw God as they walked with Him in Eden. It is only our sin that prevents us from looking at Him.

Jonathan Edwards suggests that our experience of the beatific vision will be with our minds, not our eyes. Everything we see is mediated through the optic nerve and interpreted by the mind. Perhaps, Edwards suggests, there will be no mediation of our vision in the eternal state and our minds will experience directly the vision of God.

Coram deo: Living before the face of God

What is the highest calling of the Christian? The continual praise of God by the angels in heaven is one of the many depictions in the Bible that emphasize the importance of worship. Praising our Creator in heaven is the highest duty for the believer; indeed, we are exhorted to worship the Lord in all that we do (1 Cor. 10:31). And we should look forward to corporate worship each Sunday, for it is there that we glorify God in the presence of His people and the angels.

For further study: Exodus 25:10–22
"Never, never, never give up."
Winston Churchill

Take therefore no thought for the morrow: for the morrow shall take thought for the things of itself. Sufficient unto the day is the evil thereof.
Matthew 6:34
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WillyCamaro
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Re: Todays scripture...

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Earthly Enforcers

Daniel 12:1 “At that time shall arise Michael, the great prince who has charge of your people” (v. 1a).

Central to the biblical description of God is the doctrine of divine providence. Scripture is clear that the Lord did not make the world and then leave it alone to run its course. Rather, He continues to uphold and sustain His creation (Heb. 1:1–4). God’s continuing involvement with creation is according to His design as He works out “all things according to the counsel of his will” (Eph. 1:11).

What is often forgotten when considering divine providence is that the angels are some of the many secondary agents through which the primary agent — God Himself — works out His plan. Angels themselves are not divine; they are creatures who, along with everything else the Almighty has made (Rev. 4:11), have an origin in space and time.

That the Lord uses angels to govern His creation is clear from many places in Scripture. We are familiar with the involvement of angels in certain miraculous events, such as the resurrection of Jesus, when an angel rolled the stone away from the opening of the tomb (Matt. 28:1–10). Yet the Bible seems to teach that angels are involved in everyday events as well, such as the rise and fall of human governments. This is a point made by the twentieth-century Swiss scholar Oscar Cullmann. In a series of essays, Professor Cullmann analyzed passages like Daniel 12:1 and noted that certain angels are apparently linked to certain societies and nations. The influence of the supernatural can be either heavenly or demonic, as illustrated in the conflict between Michael, the one with charge over God’s people, and the prince of Persia (chap. 10). Still, both angels and demons apparently hold great sway and influence over the course of human events, which does not surprise the Father, of course, as He is the Creator.

Scripture also reveals a difference in rank among the angels. Jude 9 refers to the archangel Michael who has a leadership role in the angelic host (archangel means “head angel” or “ruling angel”). Gabriel may also function in this role, though the Bible never calls him an archangel. In any case, this order and rank is not surprising. After all, the angels were created by the God of order.

Coram deo: Living before the face of God

Knowing that the Lord has an army in heaven who wages war against His enemies is very encouraging. Since we are His people, we know that God’s angels are fighting on our behalf and advancing the good plans our Creator has for each of His children. Who knows how many times we each have been rescued from trouble because of the intervention of the Lord’s army? The close calls we experience may just be evidence of God’s angels at work.

For further study: Joshua 5:13–15
"Never, never, never give up."
Winston Churchill

Take therefore no thought for the morrow: for the morrow shall take thought for the things of itself. Sufficient unto the day is the evil thereof.
Matthew 6:34
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Meridian_Mike
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Re: Todays scripture...

Post by Meridian_Mike »

AMEN!!
"Life is tough.... but it's tougher if you're stupid."....John Wayne
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WillyCamaro
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Re: Todays scripture...

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1 Peter 1:3-4
Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, which according to his abundant mercy hath begotten us again unto a lively hope by the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead, To an inheritance incorruptible, and undefiled, and that fadeth not away, reserved in heaven for you,
"Never, never, never give up."
Winston Churchill

Take therefore no thought for the morrow: for the morrow shall take thought for the things of itself. Sufficient unto the day is the evil thereof.
Matthew 6:34
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WillyCamaro
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Re: Todays scripture...

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Angels as Messengers

Luke 1:5–38 “The angel answered him, ‘I am Gabriel, who stands in the presence of God, and I was sent to speak to you and to bring you this good news’” (v. 19).

We have noted that angelos is the Greek word normally translated into English as “angel.” Basically, angelos means “one who brings a message,” and it often refers to human messengers as well as the heavenly host. The biblical authors’ use of angelos when recounting angelic appearances indicates that a chief task of these supernatural creatures is to bring a message from on high.

This angelic role is clear in today’s passage, which describes Gabriel’s visit to Zechariah and Mary to announce the births of John the Baptist and Jesus, respectively (Luke 1:5–38). Gabriel is a special emissary, privileged to stand in God’s presence and carry our Father’s word to His servants (v. 19). To receive a visit from an angel is a unique experience, and that explains Zechariah’s fear when Gabriel appeared (vv. 5–12). Contrary to what we might think, angels did not appear before the biblical saints on a regular basis; they only showed themselves to God’s people when they were needed to announce a specific advance in the Lord’s plan of salvation (for example, Gen. 18:1–15). When Gabriel revealed himself to Zechariah, he commanded the priest to name his son “John” and to keep him away from strong drink (Luke 1:13–17). Significantly, to dictate what someone will be named is, in biblical categories, to take authority over him. Yet Gabriel did not claim possession of John for himself. He was speaking on behalf of God Almighty. As a mouthpiece for the Creator, Gabriel and the other angels are invested with God’s authority because they speak God’s commands.

Centuries before Gabriel was sent to Zechariah and Mary, Joshua met another heavenly messenger — “the commander of the army of the Lord” (Josh. 5:13–14a). Angels are not to be worshiped because they are sent from God and are not God Himself. But in this case, Joshua worships the commander (vv. 14b–15). Though angels are created beings, church tradition has seen in this episode an encounter between Joshua and a pre-incarnate manifestation of the Son of God since Joshua is not rebuked for praising the angel like others are rebuked for angel worship elsewhere (Rev. 22:8–9). Many scholars throughout church history have identified the “angel of the Lord” with Jesus Himself.

Coram deo: Living before the face of God

Interest in angels is at an all-time high in our culture, and many people long to have an encounter with them. However, while seeing an angel would be a remarkable event, even the angels themselves are far more concerned that we heed God’s messages to us than they are that we see them face to face. We have in Scripture a message from the Lord delivered through the angels (Heb. 2:1–4). It is that message we must trust and obey.

For further study: Genesis 16
"Never, never, never give up."
Winston Churchill

Take therefore no thought for the morrow: for the morrow shall take thought for the things of itself. Sufficient unto the day is the evil thereof.
Matthew 6:34
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Re: Todays scripture...

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WillyCamaro wrote: Wed May 04, 2022 12:01 pm "Shall a man make gods unto himself, and they are no gods."
Jeremiah 16:20

One great besetting sin of ancient Israel was idolatry, and the spiritual Israel are vexed with a tendency to the same folly. Remphan's star shines no longer, and the women weep no more for Tammuz, but Mammon still intrudes his golden calf, and the shrines of pride are not forsaken. Self in various forms struggles to subdue the chosen ones under its dominion, and the flesh sets up its altars wherever it can find space for them. Favourite children are often the cause of much sin in believers; the Lord is grieved when he sees us doting upon them above measure; they will live to be as great a curse to us as Absalom was to David, or they will be taken from us to leave our homes desolate. If Christians desire to grow thorns to stuff their sleepless pillows, let them dote on their dear ones.

It is truly said that "they are no gods," for the objects of our foolish love are very doubtful blessings, the solace which they yield us now is dangerous, and the help which they can give us in the hour of trouble is little indeed. Why, then, are we so bewitched with vanities? We pity the poor heathen who adore a god of stone, and yet worship a god of gold. Where is the vast superiority between a god of flesh and one of wood? The principle, the sin, the folly is the same in either case, only that in ours the crime is more aggravated because we have more light, and sin in the face of it. The heathen bows to a false deity, but the true God he has never known; we commit two evils, inasmuch as we forsake the living God and turn unto idols. May the Lord purge us all from this grievous iniquity!

"The dearest idol I have known,

Whate'er that idol be;

Help me to tear it from thy throne,

And worship only thee."
Cool little poem! 8) ::super_happy::
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WillyCamaro
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Re: Todays scripture...

Post by WillyCamaro »

TPK wrote: Mon May 23, 2022 5:59 am
WillyCamaro wrote: Wed May 04, 2022 12:01 pm "Shall a man make gods unto himself, and they are no gods."
Jeremiah 16:20

One great besetting sin of ancient Israel was idolatry, and the spiritual Israel are vexed with a tendency to the same folly. Remphan's star shines no longer, and the women weep no more for Tammuz, but Mammon still intrudes his golden calf, and the shrines of pride are not forsaken. Self in various forms struggles to subdue the chosen ones under its dominion, and the flesh sets up its altars wherever it can find space for them. Favourite children are often the cause of much sin in believers; the Lord is grieved when he sees us doting upon them above measure; they will live to be as great a curse to us as Absalom was to David, or they will be taken from us to leave our homes desolate. If Christians desire to grow thorns to stuff their sleepless pillows, let them dote on their dear ones.

It is truly said that "they are no gods," for the objects of our foolish love are very doubtful blessings, the solace which they yield us now is dangerous, and the help which they can give us in the hour of trouble is little indeed. Why, then, are we so bewitched with vanities? We pity the poor heathen who adore a god of stone, and yet worship a god of gold. Where is the vast superiority between a god of flesh and one of wood? The principle, the sin, the folly is the same in either case, only that in ours the crime is more aggravated because we have more light, and sin in the face of it. The heathen bows to a false deity, but the true God he has never known; we commit two evils, inasmuch as we forsake the living God and turn unto idols. May the Lord purge us all from this grievous iniquity!

"The dearest idol I have known,

Whate'er that idol be;

Help me to tear it from thy throne,

And worship only thee."
Cool little poem! 8) ::super_happy::
::tu::
"Never, never, never give up."
Winston Churchill

Take therefore no thought for the morrow: for the morrow shall take thought for the things of itself. Sufficient unto the day is the evil thereof.
Matthew 6:34
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WillyCamaro
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Re: Todays scripture...

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The Adversary

1 Peter 5:8–9 “Be sober-minded; be watchful. Your adversary the devil prowls around like a roaring lion, seeking someone to devour. Resist him, firm in your faith” (vv. 8–9).

During the Middle Ages, the common people were acutely aware of the presence and power of the supernatural. They were especially sensitive to the reality of the Devil and sought ways to attack him where he is most vulnerable. After determining that Satan’s pride was a good avenue of attack, the Evil One was routinely depicted as having horns, cloven feet, and other such things that we normally associate with cartoon illustrations of the Devil today. It was thought that these caricatures would weaken Satan by deflating his pride.

Unfortunately, many people are unaware of the origin of this depiction of the Devil and, having seen only this silly illustration of Satan, do not take him seriously at all. This is the first mistake we can make whenever we consider the Devil. For as today’s passage indicates, the Evil One is real indeed, and he is looking for those whom he may devour (1 Peter 5:8–9).

We can also make the mistake of ascribing too much power to Satan, viewing him as if he is a being on par with God. However, Scripture knows no such dualism. Compared to our Creator the Devil is nothing — merely a creature who is subject ultimately to the Lord’s sovereign designs (Job 1:1–2:10). Nevertheless, the Evil One is mighty and we dare not underestimate him.

The Bible gives us significant information about the nature of the Devil. He is our Adversary (1 Peter 5:8), the chief enemy of God’s people and therefore the archfoe of the Almighty. Satan is crafty and subtle (Gen. 3:1a), apt to emphasize what God has forbidden rather than the true liberty found within the boundaries of His law (vv. 1b–5; James 1:25). Jesus says the Adversary is the “father of lies” (John 8:44) who tempts us to believe our desires should always take first place and that we have every right to throw off God’s “tyrannical” rule. Finally, Satan is potent, more than a match for even the great Simon Peter when the apostle placed confidence in himself (Luke 22:31–34, 54–62).

Despite his strength and our relative weakness, in Christ we have all we need to ward off the Devil’s assaults. Satan will flee if we resist him by relying on the Holy Spirit and the truths of Scripture (James 4:7; 1 John 4:4).

Coram deo: Living before the face of God

It is unlikely that Satan himself comes after us directly, for he is not omnipresent and can only go after one person at a time. He himself probably goes after targets who have great influence over the world and church, while he sends his evil minions after the entire church. But we can defeat the Devil when we trust in the power of the Holy Spirit, who prompts us to flee temptation and believe what God says, not Satan’s lies.

For further study: 1 Chronicles 21:1–17
"Never, never, never give up."
Winston Churchill

Take therefore no thought for the morrow: for the morrow shall take thought for the things of itself. Sufficient unto the day is the evil thereof.
Matthew 6:34
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WillyCamaro
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Re: Todays scripture...

Post by WillyCamaro »

Psalm 37:23-24
The steps of a good man are ordered by the Lord: and he delighteth in his way. Though he fall, he shall not be utterly cast down: for the Lord upholdeth him with his hand.
"Never, never, never give up."
Winston Churchill

Take therefore no thought for the morrow: for the morrow shall take thought for the things of itself. Sufficient unto the day is the evil thereof.
Matthew 6:34
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