"Then the prophet Haggai and Zechariah, the son of Iddo, prophets, prophesied to the Jews who were in Judah and Jerusalem, in the name of the God of Israel, who was over them."
Ezra 5:1
Because of the opposition, the people began to question whether it was really the right time to rebuild the temple (Haggai 1:2). So they turned their attention to other interests, such as building their homes, farming, eating, drinking, and making money. But none of these pursuits were successful (Haggai 1:3-4). God sent Haggai to provoke them to return to their main calling – to build the temple. God said, "Be strong Zerubbable ... be strong Joshua ... be strong all you people of the land ... and work, for I am with you" (Haggai 2:4). The temptation to put God's calling on the back burner when opposition comes is great. But let me not be distracted by the "good life" and lose sight of the task God has given me to do. Be strong!
Today's Thought: Satan wants to distract us by the things of this world from doing what God has called us to do.
Have a "focused" day. Love you.
Friday, October 29, 2010
Thursday, October 28, 2010
Dad's Ramblings -- Death of a Vision
"In the days of Artaxerses also, Bishlam, Midredath, Tabel, and theset of their companions wrote to Artaxerxes king of Persia....Now when the copy of King Artaxerxes' letter was read before Rehum, Shimshai the scribe, and their companions, they went up to Jerusalem against the Jews, and by force of arms made them cease. Thus the work of the house of God which is at Jerusalem ceased, and it was discontinued until the second year of the reign of Darius king of Persia."
Ezra 4:7, 23-24
The kings at Babylon changed. After Cyrus came Ahasuerus. The enemies of the Jews complained to Ahasuerus about the work the Jews were doing (Ezra 4:6) but apparently with no success. When a new king, Artaxerses, ascended to power in Babylon, the enemies of the work of God saw another chance to stop the work. So they appealed to Artaxerses. The enemies of God do not give up. Artaxerxes responded with a letter commanding that the rebuilding of the temple be stopped. Religious freedom can be affected by the governmental authorities that are in power (whether presidents, mayors, or judges). Some are more amenable to religious freedom than others. The Jews experienced the death of a vision caused by someone beyond their control. But God was not finished. He changed the governmental authority so that Darius became ruler. It may take time, but when the vision seems dead, God is still in control and can change the situation so that His work will be accomplished. In the meantime, we remain faithful and pray. And be sure to vote!
Today's Thought: God's work may be hindered by earthly authorities, but His power is greater than government administrations and He can change them.
Have a trusting day. Love you.
Ezra 4:7, 23-24
The kings at Babylon changed. After Cyrus came Ahasuerus. The enemies of the Jews complained to Ahasuerus about the work the Jews were doing (Ezra 4:6) but apparently with no success. When a new king, Artaxerses, ascended to power in Babylon, the enemies of the work of God saw another chance to stop the work. So they appealed to Artaxerses. The enemies of God do not give up. Artaxerxes responded with a letter commanding that the rebuilding of the temple be stopped. Religious freedom can be affected by the governmental authorities that are in power (whether presidents, mayors, or judges). Some are more amenable to religious freedom than others. The Jews experienced the death of a vision caused by someone beyond their control. But God was not finished. He changed the governmental authority so that Darius became ruler. It may take time, but when the vision seems dead, God is still in control and can change the situation so that His work will be accomplished. In the meantime, we remain faithful and pray. And be sure to vote!
Today's Thought: God's work may be hindered by earthly authorities, but His power is greater than government administrations and He can change them.
Have a trusting day. Love you.
Wednesday, October 27, 2010
Dad's Ramblings -- Enemies of God's Work
"Then the people of the land tried to discourage the people of Judah. They troubled them in building, and hired counselors against them to frustrate their purposes all the days of Cyrus, king of Persia, even until the reign of Darius, king of Persia."
Ezra 4:4-5
There will always be those in the land who conspire to discourage, trouble, and frustrate the work of the Kingdom. In our day, these "enemies of the cross" are the ACLU, People for the American Way, Citizens for the Separation of Church and State, and other such groups dedicated to stopping the work of God. But Jesus said that He would build His church, so it will be built, regardless of the efforts of the opponents. Look Up!!!!
Today's Thought: Jesus will build His Church despite those who conspire against it.
Have a confident day. Love you.
Ezra 4:4-5
There will always be those in the land who conspire to discourage, trouble, and frustrate the work of the Kingdom. In our day, these "enemies of the cross" are the ACLU, People for the American Way, Citizens for the Separation of Church and State, and other such groups dedicated to stopping the work of God. But Jesus said that He would build His church, so it will be built, regardless of the efforts of the opponents. Look Up!!!!
Today's Thought: Jesus will build His Church despite those who conspire against it.
Have a confident day. Love you.
Tuesday, October 26, 2010
Dad's Ramblings -- Volunteers
"Now when the adversaries of Judah and Benjamin heard that the descendants of the captivity were building the temple of the LORD God of Israel, they came to Zerubbabel and Jeshua and the heads of the fathers' houses, and said to them, 'Let us build with you, for we seek your God as you do; and we have sacrificed to Him since the days of Esarbaddon King of Assyria, who brought us here.' "
Ezra 4:1-2
These who claimed to be worshipers of the God of Israel were not descendants of Abraham. They were alien settlers who were brought in to occupy the land after the Israelites were taken to Babylon. They did not want to see the Israelites to be reformed as a nation with its temple because it would threaten their claim to the land. So they pretended to be supportive but their true intent was to disrupt. It is important to understand that not everyone who claims to be a part of the kingdom work has pure motives. Some are there to destroy the work of the Lord. Jesus Himself said there would be wolves who come in sheep's clothing. We are admonished: "Do not believer every spirit, but test the spirits, whether they be of God; because many false prophets have gone out into the world" (I John 4:1). To accept everyone at face value is to invite problems. It is wise when a newcomer presents himself for service to have a time of testing before giving him or her a place of ministry.
Today's Thought: Not everyone who claims to be a worshiper of God should be accepted immediately into kingdom work.
Have an "alert" day. Love you.
Ezra 4:1-2
These who claimed to be worshipers of the God of Israel were not descendants of Abraham. They were alien settlers who were brought in to occupy the land after the Israelites were taken to Babylon. They did not want to see the Israelites to be reformed as a nation with its temple because it would threaten their claim to the land. So they pretended to be supportive but their true intent was to disrupt. It is important to understand that not everyone who claims to be a part of the kingdom work has pure motives. Some are there to destroy the work of the Lord. Jesus Himself said there would be wolves who come in sheep's clothing. We are admonished: "Do not believer every spirit, but test the spirits, whether they be of God; because many false prophets have gone out into the world" (I John 4:1). To accept everyone at face value is to invite problems. It is wise when a newcomer presents himself for service to have a time of testing before giving him or her a place of ministry.
Today's Thought: Not everyone who claims to be a worshiper of God should be accepted immediately into kingdom work.
Have an "alert" day. Love you.
Monday, October 25, 2010
Dad's Ramblings -- Emotions
"But many of the priests and Levites and heads of the fathers' houses, old men who had seen the first temple, wept with a loud voice when the foundation of the temple was laid before their eyes. Yet many shouted aloud for joy so that the people could not discern the noise of the shout of joy from the noise of the weeping of the people, for the people shouted with a loud shout, and the sound was heard afar off."
Ezra 3:12-13
The people got emotional when they saw God's work being accomplished. Some segments of Christianity have criticized Pentecostals for being too emotional. It's okay to shout and cry at a ball game, but it's a no-no in church. The work of God in our midst will cause people to respond differently. Some will sit quietly; some will fall on their knees in tears; some will stand with hands raised and shout. Although the presence of God will elicit different responses, there will be a response. Religion without emotion is dead. If I touch live electrical wires, I will react – often with a shout. But a dead person does not feel. So whether I weep or shout, I'm glad for emotions. It shows I'm alive.
Today's Thought: An emotional response to God indicates spiritual life.
Have an emotional day. Love you.
Ezra 3:12-13
The people got emotional when they saw God's work being accomplished. Some segments of Christianity have criticized Pentecostals for being too emotional. It's okay to shout and cry at a ball game, but it's a no-no in church. The work of God in our midst will cause people to respond differently. Some will sit quietly; some will fall on their knees in tears; some will stand with hands raised and shout. Although the presence of God will elicit different responses, there will be a response. Religion without emotion is dead. If I touch live electrical wires, I will react – often with a shout. But a dead person does not feel. So whether I weep or shout, I'm glad for emotions. It shows I'm alive.
Today's Thought: An emotional response to God indicates spiritual life.
Have an emotional day. Love you.
Friday, October 22, 2010
Dad's Ramblings -- Crazy Worship!
"And they sang responsively, praising and giving thanks to the LORD: 'For He is good, for His mercy endures forever toward Israel.' Then all the people shouted with a great shout, when they praised the LORD, because the foundation of the house of the LORD was laid."
Ezra 3:11
The Hebrew word translated "praise" in this verse is halal from which we get "hallelujah." The halal type of praise was loud, boastful, showy, exuberant, to seem like a fool, even to the point of being like a madman. It was "crazy worship" and nobody cared what other people thought. There is a time for dignified and refined praise. But the foundation for God's temple has been laid – Jesus Christ – and His mercy endures forever. Now that's something to get excited and emotional about! How long has it been since someone has thought I was crazy because of my praise to God? It's time to set aside my pride and shout praises to the Lord! Hallelujah!!!!
Shout to the Lord all the earth, let us sing,
Power and majesty, praise to the King.
Today's Thought: Christians have a right to be loud in their praises to their King.
Have a Hallelujah Day. Love you.
Ezra 3:11
The Hebrew word translated "praise" in this verse is halal from which we get "hallelujah." The halal type of praise was loud, boastful, showy, exuberant, to seem like a fool, even to the point of being like a madman. It was "crazy worship" and nobody cared what other people thought. There is a time for dignified and refined praise. But the foundation for God's temple has been laid – Jesus Christ – and His mercy endures forever. Now that's something to get excited and emotional about! How long has it been since someone has thought I was crazy because of my praise to God? It's time to set aside my pride and shout praises to the Lord! Hallelujah!!!!
Shout to the Lord all the earth, let us sing,
Power and majesty, praise to the King.
Today's Thought: Christians have a right to be loud in their praises to their King.
Have a Hallelujah Day. Love you.
Thursday, October 21, 2010
Dad's Ramblings -- Work and Worship
"Now in the second month of the second year of their coming to the house of God at Jerusalem, Zerubbabel...Jeshua...and the rest of their brethren and the priests and the Levites, and all those who had come out of the captivity to Jerusalem, began work....When the builders laid the foundation of the temple of the LORD, the priests stood in their apparel with trumpets, and the Levites, the sons of Asaph, with cymbals to praise the LORD, according to the ordinance of David, king of Israel."
Ezra 3:8, 10
It took over a year for the people to start building the temple. The first part of Chapter 3 tells that the people had already gathered once in Jerusalem for a time of worship before they began work on the temple of the LORD, and they also worshiped while the temple was being built. I must admit that at times I have become so preoccupied with working for the Lord that worship has been relegated to second place. Worship must be primary and working for God must be secondary -- preceding the work and continuing while working.
Today's Thought: Working for God can never take the place of worship.
Have a worshiping day. Love you.
Ezra 3:8, 10
It took over a year for the people to start building the temple. The first part of Chapter 3 tells that the people had already gathered once in Jerusalem for a time of worship before they began work on the temple of the LORD, and they also worshiped while the temple was being built. I must admit that at times I have become so preoccupied with working for the Lord that worship has been relegated to second place. Worship must be primary and working for God must be secondary -- preceding the work and continuing while working.
Today's Thought: Working for God can never take the place of worship.
Have a worshiping day. Love you.
Wednesday, October 20, 2010
Dad's Ramblings -- According to Ability
"Some of the heads of the fathers' house, when they came to the house of the LORD which is in Jerusalem, offered freely for the house of God, to erect it in its place: According to their ability they gave to the treasury for the work 61,000 gold drachmas, 5,000 minas of silver, and 100 priestly garments."
Ezra 3:68-69
Giving to God's work is always "according to ability." God does not ask me to give beyond my means, or to try to give like someone else. Each person is to set aside and give "as he may prosper" (I Corinthians 16:2). The Church at Macedonia gave freely "according to their ability" (II Corinthians 8:3), but they had such a willing heart that they gave beyond their ability. Nevertheless, Paul gave the principle: "For if there is first a willing mind, it is accepted according to what one has and not according to what he does not have" (II Corinthians 8:12). Our offerings are pleasing to God if they come from a willing heart, regardless of the size.
Today's Thought: A willing heart will cause me to give freely.
Have a giving day. Love you.
Ezra 3:68-69
Giving to God's work is always "according to ability." God does not ask me to give beyond my means, or to try to give like someone else. Each person is to set aside and give "as he may prosper" (I Corinthians 16:2). The Church at Macedonia gave freely "according to their ability" (II Corinthians 8:3), but they had such a willing heart that they gave beyond their ability. Nevertheless, Paul gave the principle: "For if there is first a willing mind, it is accepted according to what one has and not according to what he does not have" (II Corinthians 8:12). Our offerings are pleasing to God if they come from a willing heart, regardless of the size.
Today's Thought: A willing heart will cause me to give freely.
Have a giving day. Love you.
Tuesday, October 19, 2010
Dad's Ramblings -- Listed In The Book
"Now these are the people of the province who came back from the captivity....The whole assembly together was 42,360, besides their male and female servants...and they had 200 men and women singers."
Ezra 2:1, 64-65
This chapter is a list of the families that returned to Jerusalem from Babylon. There are notable groups such as the Levites, the gatekeepers, and the sons of Asaph and other singers – bring on the choir 328 voices strong! There are the Nethinim and the priests. Sadly, among the sons of the sons of the priests were those who could not prove their lineage (vss. 59-63). They were not registered in the genealogy. They were "preacher's kids" who thought they were okay because they were sons of priests, but who were "defiled" and excluded from the priestly ministry. In any church there are people think they are Christians because they are a part of the group, but there is no heavenly record of being born again into God's Family. How sad it will be on Judgment Day when the books will be opened and whoever is not found written in the Book of Life will be excluded from heaven (see Revelation 3:8; 17:8; 20:12, 15; 21:27; 22:19). Jesus will say, "I never knew you" (Matthew 7:23). It takes more than being from a "religious" family. One's name has to be found written in the Book of Life.
Today's Thought: A requisite for being accepted into Heaven is to be listed in Christ's genealogy.
Have a "written in the Book" day. Love you.
Ezra 2:1, 64-65
This chapter is a list of the families that returned to Jerusalem from Babylon. There are notable groups such as the Levites, the gatekeepers, and the sons of Asaph and other singers – bring on the choir 328 voices strong! There are the Nethinim and the priests. Sadly, among the sons of the sons of the priests were those who could not prove their lineage (vss. 59-63). They were not registered in the genealogy. They were "preacher's kids" who thought they were okay because they were sons of priests, but who were "defiled" and excluded from the priestly ministry. In any church there are people think they are Christians because they are a part of the group, but there is no heavenly record of being born again into God's Family. How sad it will be on Judgment Day when the books will be opened and whoever is not found written in the Book of Life will be excluded from heaven (see Revelation 3:8; 17:8; 20:12, 15; 21:27; 22:19). Jesus will say, "I never knew you" (Matthew 7:23). It takes more than being from a "religious" family. One's name has to be found written in the Book of Life.
Today's Thought: A requisite for being accepted into Heaven is to be listed in Christ's genealogy.
Have a "written in the Book" day. Love you.
Monday, October 18, 2010
Dad's Ramblings -- The Importance of Encouragers
"Then the heads of the fathers' houses of Judah and Benjamin, and the priests and the Levites, with all whose spirit God had moved, arose to go up and build the house of the LORD which is in Jerusalem. And all those who were around them encouraged them...."
Ezra 1:5-6a
There are no second-class citizens in God's kingdom-work. There is nothing to indicate that the "goers" were considered more spiritual than the "senders." They were each fulfilling their place as God lead them. Paul and Apollos had different callings " as the Lord gave to each one" (I Corinthians 3:5). They were "God's fellow workers" (I Cor. 3:9). We need to get over the idea that some people are on a higher level in the kingdom just because their ministries get more attention. Encouragers are just as important as the "goers" as they each fulfill their God-given callings.
Today's Thought: Encouragers are not second-class but are a vital part of kingdom-work.
Have an encouraging day. Love you.
Ezra 1:5-6a
There are no second-class citizens in God's kingdom-work. There is nothing to indicate that the "goers" were considered more spiritual than the "senders." They were each fulfilling their place as God lead them. Paul and Apollos had different callings " as the Lord gave to each one" (I Corinthians 3:5). They were "God's fellow workers" (I Cor. 3:9). We need to get over the idea that some people are on a higher level in the kingdom just because their ministries get more attention. Encouragers are just as important as the "goers" as they each fulfill their God-given callings.
Today's Thought: Encouragers are not second-class but are a vital part of kingdom-work.
Have an encouraging day. Love you.
Friday, October 15, 2010
Dad's Ramblings -- Goers and Senders
" 'And whoever is left in any place where he dwells, let the men of his place help him with silver and gold, with goods and livestock, besides the freewill offerings for the house of God which is in Jerusalem.' "
Ezra 1:4
Some of the Jews returned to Jerusalem to build the House of God. Others stayed in Babylon. Those who stayed were involved in the project by supporting those who went. The same principle is in effect today. There are goers and there are senders. Some are called to build the Temple in other parts of the world. Others are involved by their support of giving financially. Paul understood this paradigm: In order to believe, the unsaved need to hear; to hear they need someone to tell them – like a preacher or missionary; "And how shall they preach unless they are sent?" (Romans 10:14-15) Foremost, they are sent by God, but they are also sent and supported by those who stay. An illustration of this format is found in Acts 13:1, and also the church at Philippi supporting Paul's ministry (Philippians 415-18). I have never been to Africa or Asia or South America, but I get to participate in building God's Temple around the world through my "freewill offerings."
Today's Thought: Some go and some stay, but all are involved.
Have an "involved" day. Love you.
Ezra 1:4
Some of the Jews returned to Jerusalem to build the House of God. Others stayed in Babylon. Those who stayed were involved in the project by supporting those who went. The same principle is in effect today. There are goers and there are senders. Some are called to build the Temple in other parts of the world. Others are involved by their support of giving financially. Paul understood this paradigm: In order to believe, the unsaved need to hear; to hear they need someone to tell them – like a preacher or missionary; "And how shall they preach unless they are sent?" (Romans 10:14-15) Foremost, they are sent by God, but they are also sent and supported by those who stay. An illustration of this format is found in Acts 13:1, and also the church at Philippi supporting Paul's ministry (Philippians 415-18). I have never been to Africa or Asia or South America, but I get to participate in building God's Temple around the world through my "freewill offerings."
Today's Thought: Some go and some stay, but all are involved.
Have an "involved" day. Love you.
Thursday, October 14, 2010
Dad's Ramblings -- Building The Temple
[Cyrus said,] " 'Who is among you of all His people? May his God be with him, and let him go up to Jerusalem which is in Judah, and build the house of the LORD God of Israel (He is God), which is in Jerusalem.' "
Ezra 1:3
The Jewish captives were commissioned by Cyrus to build the house of the LORD God in Jerusalem. What joy there must have been when they heard this decree. They would finally, after all those long years, be able to have a temple again where God could dwell and they could worship. But what of us? We are God's building (I Corinthians 3:10). We are the temple of God where the Spirit of God dwells (vs. 16), built on the foundation of Jesus Christ (vs. 11). But we have the commission to be careful how we build (vs. 10b). No shoddy workmanship. No mediocre work just to get by inspection. If we are indeed God's house, it calls for intentional care to be a temple that will bring Him honor and glory.
Today's Thought: Since we are God's temple and He dwells in us, we need to be the best we can be.
Have a "building" day. Love you.
Ezra 1:3
The Jewish captives were commissioned by Cyrus to build the house of the LORD God in Jerusalem. What joy there must have been when they heard this decree. They would finally, after all those long years, be able to have a temple again where God could dwell and they could worship. But what of us? We are God's building (I Corinthians 3:10). We are the temple of God where the Spirit of God dwells (vs. 16), built on the foundation of Jesus Christ (vs. 11). But we have the commission to be careful how we build (vs. 10b). No shoddy workmanship. No mediocre work just to get by inspection. If we are indeed God's house, it calls for intentional care to be a temple that will bring Him honor and glory.
Today's Thought: Since we are God's temple and He dwells in us, we need to be the best we can be.
Have a "building" day. Love you.
Wednesday, October 13, 2010
Dad's Ramblings -- Living In Hope
"Now in the first year of Cyrus, king of Persia, that the word of the LORD by the mouth of Jeremiah might be fulfilled, the LORD stirred up the spirit of Cyrus, king of Persia, so that he made a proclamation throughout all his kingdom, and also put it in writing, saying, 'Thus says Cyrus, king of Perisa: All the kingdoms of the earth the LORD God of heaven has given me. And he has commanded me to build him a house at Jerusalem which is in Judah.' "
Ezra 1:1-2
Fulfilled prophecy validates the reliability of the Bible. Jeremiah had prophesied that Israel would be released from captivity after 70 years (Jeremiah 29:10), and Isaiah even identified Cyrus by name as the king who God would order the release of the Jews to return to Jerusalem and rebuild the city (Isaiah 45:13). The Jews in captivity lived in this hope. God revealed Himself to Cyrus, even though Cyrus had not known Him (Is. 45:4), as the only true God besides whom there was no other (vss. 5, 7, 14, 18, 21, 22). God's timing and way of working things out is always right. He can "stir up the spirit" even of those who do not know Him. He has a plan of me and for the world. It will all happen in His time and His way. I live in that hope.
Today's Thought: The God of the universe is in control.
Have a hope-filled day. Love you.
Ezra 1:1-2
Fulfilled prophecy validates the reliability of the Bible. Jeremiah had prophesied that Israel would be released from captivity after 70 years (Jeremiah 29:10), and Isaiah even identified Cyrus by name as the king who God would order the release of the Jews to return to Jerusalem and rebuild the city (Isaiah 45:13). The Jews in captivity lived in this hope. God revealed Himself to Cyrus, even though Cyrus had not known Him (Is. 45:4), as the only true God besides whom there was no other (vss. 5, 7, 14, 18, 21, 22). God's timing and way of working things out is always right. He can "stir up the spirit" even of those who do not know Him. He has a plan of me and for the world. It will all happen in His time and His way. I live in that hope.
Today's Thought: The God of the universe is in control.
Have a hope-filled day. Love you.
Tuesday, October 12, 2010
Dad's Ramblings -- Rejected
The armies of the Philistines were going to war against the Israelites. Joining the group was David and his men because they were aligned with Achish. The other Philistine princes rejected David. They knew his reputation and were afraid he would turn on them in the heat of battle and join forces with the Israelites. So David and his men returned to their home base of Ziklag.
I Samuel 29 – a summary
I don't know what David was thinking when he joined forces with the very enemies of his own people. Thankfully, they rejected him and he was saved from making a terrible mistake. I wonder how many times I have been kept from doing evil simply because I don't fit in with the world. Jesus said to pray, "Deliver us from evil" (or the evil one) (Matthew 6:13). I take seriously the admonition to "be not unequally yoked with unbelievers" (II Corinthians 6:14). There should be no communion between light and darkness. Either I will be rejected by the ungodly or I will compromise my faith in order to be accepted. Being rejected by the world is a good thing because it keeps me from being sucked into their ungodliness. Besides, I have enough inside me to tempt me to sin without adding another external factor.
Today's Thought: Being rejected by the enemies of Christ will keep me from doing their evil.
Have a "reject" day. Love you.
I Samuel 29 – a summary
I don't know what David was thinking when he joined forces with the very enemies of his own people. Thankfully, they rejected him and he was saved from making a terrible mistake. I wonder how many times I have been kept from doing evil simply because I don't fit in with the world. Jesus said to pray, "Deliver us from evil" (or the evil one) (Matthew 6:13). I take seriously the admonition to "be not unequally yoked with unbelievers" (II Corinthians 6:14). There should be no communion between light and darkness. Either I will be rejected by the ungodly or I will compromise my faith in order to be accepted. Being rejected by the world is a good thing because it keeps me from being sucked into their ungodliness. Besides, I have enough inside me to tempt me to sin without adding another external factor.
Today's Thought: Being rejected by the enemies of Christ will keep me from doing their evil.
Have a "reject" day. Love you.
Monday, October 11, 2010
Dad's Ramblings -- Finishing the Race Well
"Then Samuel said [to Saul], 'So why do you ask me, seeing the LORD has departed from you and has become your enemy? And the LORD has done for Himself as He spoke by me. For the LORD has torn the kingdom out of your hand and given it to your neighbor, David....Moreover the LORD will also deliver Israel with you into the hand of the Philistines. And tomorrow you and your sons will be with me. The LORD will also deliver the army of Israel into the hand of the Philistines.' "
I Samuel 28:16-17, 19
Saul's final chapter plays out just as Samuel said, with Saul's three sons being killed and Saul himself being wounded and committing suicide (chapter 31). So ended a life that began with such great possibilities. How sorry it is when a life begins with such hope and finishes with such tragedy. Personally, I want my life to end well and victorious in the Lord. It is not the runners who start the race fast but the one who through endurance finishes the race well that receives the prize (I Corinthians 9:24). "And we desire that each one of you show the same diligence to the full assurance of hope until the end, that you do not become sluggish, but imitate those who through faith and patience inherit the promises" (Hebrews 6:11-12).
Today's Thought: Ending the race strong is more important than starting fast.
Have a strong day. Love you.
I Samuel 28:16-17, 19
Saul's final chapter plays out just as Samuel said, with Saul's three sons being killed and Saul himself being wounded and committing suicide (chapter 31). So ended a life that began with such great possibilities. How sorry it is when a life begins with such hope and finishes with such tragedy. Personally, I want my life to end well and victorious in the Lord. It is not the runners who start the race fast but the one who through endurance finishes the race well that receives the prize (I Corinthians 9:24). "And we desire that each one of you show the same diligence to the full assurance of hope until the end, that you do not become sluggish, but imitate those who through faith and patience inherit the promises" (Hebrews 6:11-12).
Today's Thought: Ending the race strong is more important than starting fast.
Have a strong day. Love you.
Friday, October 8, 2010
Dad's Ramblings -- Life After Death
"And when the woman saw Samuel, she cried out with a loud voice .... And Saul perceived that it was Samuel, and he stooped with his face to the ground and bowed down."
I Samuel 28:12a, 14b
Some have questioned whether this was truly the spirit of Samuel. Notwithstanding yesterday's Rambling about familiar spirits, the text here indicates that it was indeed the spirit of Samuel in his afterlife. Both the woman and Saul recognized it as Samuel. Except for the appearance of Moses and Elijah on the mount of Jesus' transfiguration, and of course Jesus after His resurrection, this is the only other instance that I'm aware of in Scripture where the spirit of a dead person appears. These are all indications that there is conscious, personal life after death. But since the appearance of departed souls is rare in Scripture, I think it would be rare today, and certainly not something to be sought after. We have all the contact with eternity that we need in this life through the Jesus.
Today's Thought: Jesus and the Holy Spirit are our links with the spirit world – not mediums.
Have a eternal-life day. Love you.
I Samuel 28:12a, 14b
Some have questioned whether this was truly the spirit of Samuel. Notwithstanding yesterday's Rambling about familiar spirits, the text here indicates that it was indeed the spirit of Samuel in his afterlife. Both the woman and Saul recognized it as Samuel. Except for the appearance of Moses and Elijah on the mount of Jesus' transfiguration, and of course Jesus after His resurrection, this is the only other instance that I'm aware of in Scripture where the spirit of a dead person appears. These are all indications that there is conscious, personal life after death. But since the appearance of departed souls is rare in Scripture, I think it would be rare today, and certainly not something to be sought after. We have all the contact with eternity that we need in this life through the Jesus.
Today's Thought: Jesus and the Holy Spirit are our links with the spirit world – not mediums.
Have a eternal-life day. Love you.
Thursday, October 7, 2010
Dad's Ramblings -- Familiar Spirits
"So Saul disguised himself and put on other clothes, and he went and two men with him; and they came to the woman [medium] by night. And he said, 'Please conduct a seance for me, and bring up for me the one I shall name for you.' .... Then the woman said, 'Whom shall I bring up for you?' and he said, 'Bring up Samuel for me.' "
I Samuel 28:8, 11
Saul consulted a medium to get a word from Samuel. The word "medium" is translated by the King James Version "consulter with familiar spirits." These "familiar spirits" are demons who are so familiar with the dead person that they can mimic the departed soul. When I was young, I did not understand the dangers of dabbling with the occult. It was mysterious and exciting and enticing. I had an Ouija Board at one point. I thought of it as a toy, but I became convinced that there were evil spirits involved and I destroyed it. God knows the danger. That's why He condemned spiritism -- witchcraft, soothsayers, those who interpret omens, or calls up the dead. They are an abomination to God (see Deuteronomy 18:10-11). That's why we need to be very careful about some of the things surrounding Halloween, with its emphasis on ghosts and witches. Getting candy may be innocent enough, but the spiritism is real and is nothing to play around with.
Today's Thought: Occult practices are an abomination to God, and dangerous to engage in.
Have an aware day. Love you.
I Samuel 28:8, 11
Saul consulted a medium to get a word from Samuel. The word "medium" is translated by the King James Version "consulter with familiar spirits." These "familiar spirits" are demons who are so familiar with the dead person that they can mimic the departed soul. When I was young, I did not understand the dangers of dabbling with the occult. It was mysterious and exciting and enticing. I had an Ouija Board at one point. I thought of it as a toy, but I became convinced that there were evil spirits involved and I destroyed it. God knows the danger. That's why He condemned spiritism -- witchcraft, soothsayers, those who interpret omens, or calls up the dead. They are an abomination to God (see Deuteronomy 18:10-11). That's why we need to be very careful about some of the things surrounding Halloween, with its emphasis on ghosts and witches. Getting candy may be innocent enough, but the spiritism is real and is nothing to play around with.
Today's Thought: Occult practices are an abomination to God, and dangerous to engage in.
Have an aware day. Love you.
Monday, October 4, 2010
Dad's Ramblings -- Hearing God Speak
"Now Samuel had died...And Saul had put the mediums and spiritists out of the land....And when Saul had inquired of the LORD, the LORD did not answer him either by dreams or by Urim or by the prophets. Then Saul said to his servants, 'Find me a woman who is a medium, that I may go to her and inquire of her.' "
I Samuel 28:3, 6-7
Saul had allowed his sin to break his relationship with God. When God did not answer his prayer, he sought out other sources which were not godly. It is important to keep the channel between myself and God clear so that I can hear His voice lest I turn to other voices for help. There is another thought that comes from this passage. Saul was right to banish the mediums from the land, but he was caught in the same vice that he so harshly condemned. Sometimes the person who speaks the loudest against a particular vice is trying to cover his own personal weakness, and ends up being trapped in that very sin.
Today's Thought: It pays to keep an uncluttered relationship with God.
Have a "clear-channel" day. Love you.
I Samuel 28:3, 6-7
Saul had allowed his sin to break his relationship with God. When God did not answer his prayer, he sought out other sources which were not godly. It is important to keep the channel between myself and God clear so that I can hear His voice lest I turn to other voices for help. There is another thought that comes from this passage. Saul was right to banish the mediums from the land, but he was caught in the same vice that he so harshly condemned. Sometimes the person who speaks the loudest against a particular vice is trying to cover his own personal weakness, and ends up being trapped in that very sin.
Today's Thought: It pays to keep an uncluttered relationship with God.
Have a "clear-channel" day. Love you.
Friday, October 1, 2010
Dad's Ramblings -- Living With The Enemy
"Then David arose and went over with 600 men who were with him to Achish the son of Maoch, king of Gath....Now the time David dwelt in the country of the Philistines was one full year and four months."
I Samuel 27:2, 7
This was a dark time in David's history when he fled from his own country and dwelled in the enemy's territory. In order to supply his army with food, he attacked neighboring cities in the area. He would then kill everyone – men and women – so that no one could report to Achish what he had done. When Achish would asked him what he was doing, David would say he was attacking cities in Judah, his own country. So he shed innocent blood, and then lied about it in order to be accepted by Achish. A murderer and a liar. Leaving God's country and dwelling in the enemy's country will cause a person to do bad things just to be accepted.
Today's Thought: A person who wants to be accepted by the world will do bad things.
Have a godly day. Love you.
I Samuel 27:2, 7
This was a dark time in David's history when he fled from his own country and dwelled in the enemy's territory. In order to supply his army with food, he attacked neighboring cities in the area. He would then kill everyone – men and women – so that no one could report to Achish what he had done. When Achish would asked him what he was doing, David would say he was attacking cities in Judah, his own country. So he shed innocent blood, and then lied about it in order to be accepted by Achish. A murderer and a liar. Leaving God's country and dwelling in the enemy's country will cause a person to do bad things just to be accepted.
Today's Thought: A person who wants to be accepted by the world will do bad things.
Have a godly day. Love you.
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