Ebenezer

(1 Sam 7:12 KJV)  Then Samuel took a stone, and set it between Mizpeh and Shen, and called the name of it Ebenezer, saying, Hitherto hath the LORD helped us.

As I reflected on the year 2022 this passage came to mind. In the context of this passage, God had provided the children of Israel a miraculous deliverance from the armies of the Philistines. They earnestly sought God’s help and He answered them miraculously. Samuel set up a memorial stone to commemorate this great event.  He called the name of the place Ebenezer, which means “hither to hath the Lord helped us”.  We need to set an “Ebenezer” to mark the end of 2022.  Hitherto hath the Lord helped us.  It is by the grace and help of God that we have come through this year of unexpected twists and turns. God has brought us safely to today. We can have confidence that God will lead us safely on.  We can have confidence and hope for the future because God is with us.  God has brought us this far and will continue to help us as we rely on Him.  Hitherto hath the Lord helped us……and we are confident He will lead us safely home.  Trust Him.

God is still God

Psa 135:5  For I know that the LORD is great, and that our Lord is above all gods.  Psa 135:6  Whatsoever the LORD pleased, that did he in heaven, and in earth, in the seas, and all deep places.

  Here is one of the truths that we need often to be reminded of: our God is a sovereign God.  God is above all; He is greater than all.  God created this world with a purpose and a plan.  God is carrying out that plan; nothing has taken Him by surprise, nothing will thwart His plans and purposes.  God did what He pleased in all of creation and He continues to do all He pleases.  When the forces of evil seem so very strong, we need reminded that our God still is God.  Take courage, our God reigns supreme.

Do good

Jas 4:17  Therefore to him that knoweth to do good, and doeth it not, to him it is sin.

 This Christian life is not just a life of restraining from doing evil.  This Christian life is also a life of actively seeking to do good.  We do well to refrain from evil, but we also need to do those things which please God.  We are to show compassion, to witness to those around us and work to build and promote the kingdom of God.  Let’s take care that we live a full Christian life, both in the avoidance of evil and also in the promotion of good.

God's kindness

 Isa 54:10  For the mountains shall depart, and the hills be removed; but my kindness shall not depart from thee, neither shall the covenant of my peace be removed, saith the LORD that hath mercy on thee.

 When we think of something stable, we think of good solid ground, the rock mountains, the tree covered hills.  Yet there is something more stable, more solid, more enduring than this earth.  God’s kindness will outlast these fixtures of stability of the earth.  The covenant of His peace, this great salvation, shall not be shaken, though everything else crumble.  This is the promise we have from our God, our Savior, who has had mercy on us.  In these uncertain times, trust in the kindness of our merciful, dependable God.    

Oh praise the Lord!

Psa 117:1  O praise the LORD, all ye nations: praise him, all ye people.  Psa 117:2  For his merciful kindness is great toward us: and the truth of the LORD endureth for ever. Praise ye the LORD.

  Our God is worthy of praise, He is worthy of great praise.  Throughout the Word of God there are two things that we are often reminded to praise God for:  His merciful kindness and His truth.  His mercy is great toward us, His compassion and love is unfailing.  His truth in this passage refers to God’s great faithfulness.  God is true to all His promises. God is true and faithful to us in every way.  It is for His great mercy and faithfulness that we owe Him praise.  He is worthy!  Let’s praise God for His great mercy and faithfulness to us in every situation. 

Doing our part and trusting Giod

(2 Ki 3:16 KJV)  And he said, Thus saith the LORD, Make this valley full of ditches. (2 Ki 3:17 KJV)  For thus saith the LORD, Ye shall not see wind, neither shall ye see rain; yet that valley shall be filled with water, that ye may drink, both ye, and your cattle, and your beasts.

 God is able to do the impossible; there is a part only God can do. But we must first do our part; do what God has asked us to do. By faith, the Israelites were told to dig the valley full of ditches. They were in the wilderness, where there was no water, no source of water.  By faith in God they obeyed and worked to dig the ditches. Obedience to God is a prerequisite to receiving help from God.  We must do what God has called us to in order to receive the blessing of God.  Do what you know God would have you to do and trust God to that which only He can do.

Merry Christmas!

Luk 2:1  And it came to pass in those days, that there went out a decree from Caesar Augustus, that all the world should be taxed.  Luk 2:2  (And this taxing was first made when Cyrenius was governor of Syria.)  Luk 2:3  And all went to be taxed, every one into his own city.  Luk 2:4  And Joseph also went up from Galilee, out of the city of Nazareth, into Judaea, unto the city of David, which is called Bethlehem; (because he was of the house and lineage of David:)  Luk 2:5  To be taxed with Mary his espoused wife, being great with child.  Luk 2:6  And so it was, that, while they were there, the days were accomplished that she should be delivered.  Luk 2:7  And she brought forth her firstborn son, and wrapped him in swaddling clothes, and laid him in a manger; because there was no room for them in the inn.  Luk 2:8  And there were in the same country shepherds abiding in the field, keeping watch over their flock by night.  Luk 2:9  And, lo, the angel of the Lord came upon them, and the glory of the Lord shone round about them: and they were sore afraid.  Luk 2:10  And the angel said unto them, Fear not: for, behold, I bring you good tidings of great joy, which shall be to all people. Luk 2:11  For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Saviour, which is Christ the Lord.  Luk 2:12  And this shall be a sign unto you; Ye shall find the babe wrapped in swaddling clothes, lying in a manger.  Luk 2:13  And suddenly there was with the angel a multitude of the heavenly host praising God, and saying,  Luk 2:14  Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace, good will toward men.  Luk 2:15  And it came to pass, as the angels were gone away from them into heaven, the shepherds said one to another, Let us now go even unto Bethlehem, and see this thing which is come to pass, which the Lord hath made known unto us.  Luk 2:16  And they came with haste, and found Mary, and Joseph, and the babe lying in a manger.  Luk 2:17  And when they had seen it, they made known abroad the saying which was told them concerning this child.  Luk 2:18  And all they that heard it wondered at those things which were told them by the shepherds.  Luk 2:19  But Mary kept all these things, and pondered them in her heart.  Luk 2:20  And the shepherds returned, glorifying and praising God for all the things that they had heard and seen, as it was told unto them.

Good tidings of great joy!

(Luke 2:8 KJV)  And there were in the same country shepherds abiding in the field, keeping watch over their flock by night. (Luke 2:9 KJV)  And, lo, the angel of the Lord came upon them, and the glory of the Lord shone round about them: and they were sore afraid.  (Luke 2:10 KJV)  And the angel said unto them, Fear not: for, behold, I bring you good tidings of great joy, which shall be to all people.

 This should be a joyous time for those of us who truly know the meaning of Christmas. It brings hope, excitement and cheerfulness to us.  Good tidings of great joy!  Good news - this is good news!!  Here is the good news:Jesus came to bring salvation.  He came to bring forgiveness for our sins, to bring us back into fellowship with God, to turn away God’s anger,  to bring us into a place where we can enjoy God’s love and fellowship, to bring us eternal life. This is great news…..really there can be no greater news than this. This is great news, and it is for everyone, not just for a lucky few, not just one big winner. Good news is cause for great joy, celebration.  Let the joy of the coming of Jesus fill your heart today

Take care of your own stuff

1 Th 4:11  And that ye study to be quiet, and to do your own business, and to work with your own hands, as we commanded you;

 Here we find some sound advice for a good life.  First, we would strive to live a quiet life, not stirring up discord with gossip and meddling.  We should mind our own business, keeping our own affairs in order.  Finally, we should work to provide our own living and meet our own needs.  We do well to give most of our attention to making sure that we do what we ought.       

The God of the future

(Isa 40:21 KJV)  Have ye not known? have ye not heard? hath it not been told you from the beginning? have ye not understood from the foundations of the earth?(Isa 40:22 KJV)  It is he that sitteth upon the circle of the earth, and the inhabitants thereof are as grasshoppers; that stretcheth out the heavens as a curtain, and spreadeth them out as a tent to dwell in: (Isa 40:23 KJV)  That bringeth the princes to nothing; he maketh the judges of the earth as vanity. (Isa 40:24 KJV)  Yea, they shall not be planted; yea, they shall not be sown: yea, their stock shall not take root in the earth: and he shall also blow upon them, and they shall wither, and the whirlwind shall take them away as stubble. (Isa 40:25 KJV)  To whom then will ye liken me, or shall I be equal? saith the Holy One. (Isa 40:26 KJV)  Lift up your eyes on high, and behold who hath created these things, that bringeth out their host by number: he calleth them all by names by the greatness of his might, for that he is strong in power; not one faileth.

 Many things are happening in our world that can cause us to fear… the sickness, the unrest, the economy, the moral decline in our nation. If we are not careful, we can begin to fear the future. What is going on in our world should cause us to be awakened, but not cause us to lose our faith, or despair. We can trust the future to our God. The future belongs to God. This is God’s world: God planned it; God created it; God sustains it. God will accomplish His purposes while the world stands. God will end this world according to His plan and wisdom, in His time. Nothing has taken God by surprise. We can trust the future to our God. He is truly in control.  Our God is the one and only great Creator and God.  Trust Him.

Generosity

Pro 11:24  There is that scattereth, and yet increaseth; and there is that withholdeth more than is meet, but it tendeth to poverty. Pro 11:25  The liberal soul shall be made fat: and he that watereth shall be watered also himself.

 Generosity is a Christian attribute.  It is a Christian attitude toward those who are around us. We are cautioned against selfishness.  Notice the Proverb, it’s a bit of a riddle: Scatters but increases, holds tight but tends to poverty.  Verse 25 tells us why:  God is at work, God takes care of those who take care of others. We are called to be generous in meeting the needs around us; It is a visible example of love.  This is not a call to give away all, but a call to generosity, “withholdeth more than is meet”.  Our heart ought to be moved with compassion on the needs around us. One of our responses should be generosity, sharing what God has blessed us with.  Let’s strive to be good stewards of what God has blessed us with, and be generous in meeting the needs of those around us.

Without murmuring and complaining

Php 2:14  Do all things without murmurings and disputings:

 Perhaps very few things are less attractive than a complaining Christian.  It is not enough just to do what we ought to do…we are to carry out our duties with a good attitude and good motives.  This scripture admonishes us to obey without murmuring and disputing.  We are to obey without grumbling, arguing and complaining.  If we are not careful, we can leave the impression that the Christian life is difficult and unpleasant.  Let’s endeavor to carry out our Christian duties cheerfully and willingly.

God thinks about us

Psa 139:17  How precious also are thy thoughts unto me, O God! how great is the sum of them!  Psa 139:18  If I should count them, they are more in number than the sand: when I awake, I am still with thee.

 The fact that God thinks on us is a marvelous thing. This passage tells us that God’s thoughts toward us are too great to be numbered.  God’s thoughts toward us are good, for our good.  The truth that God thinks on us, and considers us with loving kindness, is truly a wonderful thing.  He watches over us with faithfulness.  Consider God’s care for you, and allow that truth to give you courage and faith.  

Moved with compassion

Mat_14:14  And Jesus went forth, and saw a great multitude, and was moved with compassion toward them, and he healed their sick.

 Compassion is one of the attributes of God which we see clearly in the life of Jesus.  Most of the recorded miracles of Jesus are accompanied by the phrase “moved with compassion”.  Compassion is a deep sympathy for another who is suffering, accompanied by a strong desire to alleviate the suffering.  The love of God in our heart should cause us to have compassion on those in need around us.  The love of God should cause us to move beyond just seeing the need; it should move us to do what we can to help.  Let’s show the love of God by being moved with compassion to help those around us who are in need and suffering. 

Show love

1 Jn 3:16  Hereby perceive we the love of God, because he laid down his life for us: and we ought to lay down our lives for the brethren. 1Jn 3:17  But whoso hath this world's good, and seeth his brother have need, and shutteth up his bowels of compassion from him, how dwelleth the love of God in him? 1Jn 3:18  My little children, let us not love in word, neither in tongue; but in deed and in truth.

 We know God loves us because Jesus was willing to suffer and die for us.  We know He loves us by what He has done.  In the same way, those around us will know our love by what we do.  One of the measures of our love is how we respond to our brothers and sisters needs.  True love will be moved with compassion, as Jesus was.  If we are not moved to help, our claim to have the love of God is simply not true.  Let’s be challenged to show the reality of God’s love in how we live and how we respond to the needs around us.

Faith comes by hearing

(Rom 10:17 KJV)  So then faith cometh by hearing, and hearing by the word of God.

 God’s Word is vital to our salvation.  It is the word of God that awakens us.  It is the word of God that shows us God and His great salvation.  It is the word of God that convinces and produces faith in our heart to accept the offer of salvation.  It is by the word of God that we have faith for the battles and challenges of life. We are privileged to have easy access to God’s Word.  Don’t allow your faith to wither for lack of the nourishment of God’s Word.  

The Lord goes before to prepare the way

Deu 31:7  And Moses called unto Joshua, and said unto him in the sight of all Israel, Be strong and of a good courage: for thou must go with this people unto the land which the LORD hath sworn unto their fathers to give them; and thou shalt cause them to inherit it. Deu 31:8  And the LORD, he it is that doth go before thee; he will be with thee, he will not fail thee, neither forsake thee: fear not, neither be dismayed.

As God’s children, we can live confidently and courageously. Why? Because we have God. The Lord will be with you.  He will not fail.  He will not forsake. God will not call us where He cannot take us. God will not take us where He cannot keep us. We are safe with the Lord.  Is there anything too difficult for the very living God of all creation? When the fear comes, go to the One who has promised to never leave us or forsake us. When you know the path God has chosen for you, start down that path confidently.  When fears come, go to Him for your help and strength. Not only will God be with us, He will prepare the way. For God to go before us means that He knows already what the future holds. He knows and He has made provision.  He has already fought and won the battles we will face.  He has already made a path through the confusion we will encounter.  He has broken down the impassable places we will come to.  In these dark days, let’s live like we have a God who can be depended on.   

Walk as He walked

(1 John 2:6 KJV)  He that saith he abideth in him ought himself also so to walk, even as he walked.

 The evidence of the reality of salvation is in the life that we live.  If we claim that we live in Him, and He lives in us, then that reality will be shown in the way we live.  We will live our life like He lived His life, endeavoring to have His attitudes, to talk and act as He would.  If we claim to live in Him, our life should give evidence of His presence with us.    

Show the effects of the gospel

(Phil 1:27 KJV)  Only let your conversation be as it becometh the gospel of Christ: that whether I come and see you, or else be absent, I may hear of your affairs, that ye stand fast in one spirit, with one mind striving together for the faith of the gospel;

 Our lives are to be lived in a way that is worthy of the gospel of Christ.  Part of the life that shows the effect of the gospel is our unity with one another.  We are expected to stand firm in one spirit, with one purpose, with oneness of mind.  We are to be contending for the faith, for the truth of the gospel.  Let’s make sure we walk worthy of the salvation that we have been given.

Seek Him while He is near

Isa 55:6  Seek ye the LORD while he may be found, call ye upon him while he is near:

 There is an accepted time to seek the Lord.  We are to call on God while we have the opportunity.  If you have a need, don’t put off seeking God.  Whatever the need is, seek Him while you have the opportunity.  If we neglect to seek Him when we have opportunity, we don’t have a promise of that opportunity returning.  It is a trick of Satan to get us to procrastinate in seeking God.  But in doing so, we risk missing out on His help.  Whatever the need, seek Him now, while He is near and accessible.