The Biblical Path of Life

Tag: Lord

  • A Heart for God

    “The LORD looked down from heaven upon the children of men, to see if there were any that did understand, and seek God.”

    Psalm 14:2

    In the life of King Hezekiah, we can read of a hope for someone whose family does not know of God or the things of God. Remember, King Hezekiah was the son of a terrible king of Judah. King Ahaz had not only forsaken God, but also worshiped idols – even sacrificing a son to the false god Molech. He replaced the worship of God with idolatry, and then finally “… and shut up the doors of the house of the LORD …” (2 Chronicles 28:24b); “… and provoked to anger the LORD God of his fathers” (2 Chronicles 28:25b). In spite of all of that, Hezekiah knew God and pleased Him in all that he did. “And he did that which was right in the sight of the LORD, according to all that David his father had done” (2 Chronicles 29:2). Hezekiah was twenty-five years old when he became king and reigned for twenty-nine years. “He trusted in the LORD God of Israel; so that after him was none like him among all the kings of Judah, nor any that were before him” (2 Kings 18:5).

    How was Hezekiah able to come to know God, knowing the family into which he was born? Read the following encouraging verse: “But if from thence thou shalt seek the LORD thy God, thou shalt find him, if thou seek him with all thy heart and with all thy soul” (Deuteronomy 4:29). One has to seek God.

    We can read many of the things that Hezekiah did as king of Judah revealing the process to seek and find God. We can recognize that King Hezekiah took the time to seek God’s Word so he would know what God required to reestablish the relationship that had been severed by the previous bad kings. See where King Hezekiah began. In the first month of the first year of King Hezekiah’s reign, he “opened the doors of the house of the LORD, and repaired them” (2 Chronicles 29:3). His kingship began the right way. He then called the Levites together. “And said unto them, Hear me, ye Levites, sanctify now yourselves, and sanctify the house of the LORD God of your fathers, and carry forth the filthiness out of the holy place” (2 Chronicles 29:5). They had to begin by cleaning themselves, and then the house of the Lord (the Temple).

    King Hezekiah acknowledged something very important. “For our fathers have trespassed, and done that which was evil in the eyes of the LORD our God, and have forsaken him, and have turned away their faces from the habitation of the LORD, and turned their backs” (2 Chronicles 29:6). He recognized that the people had turned away from God, doing evil. Not only did he recognize the sin of the nation, Judah, but he also recognized God’s chastisement upon His people (see 2 Chronicles 29:8-9). What was in King Hezekiah’s heart? “Now it is in mine heart to make a covenant with the LORD God of Israel, that his fierce wrath may turn away from us” (2 Chronicles 29:10). Hezekiah had to have his heart right before God.

    Hezekiah then gave direction to the Levites. After declaring what needed to be done, the work began. The Temple was cleansed (2 Chronicles 29:11-19). They restored the service in the Temple and the relationship with God. “And when they had made an end of offering, the king and all that were present with him bowed themselves, and worshipped” (2 Chronicles 29:29). When it was done God’s way, the people could worship God. After this, King Hezekiah sent letters to all of Judah, calling them to keep the Passover. Hezekiah led the people by example when he brought great offerings into the house of the Lord (see 2 Chronicles 30).

    Once they reestablished the service to the Lord, and the relationship was restored, they had work to do. They removed all of those high places where King Hezekiah’s father worshiped and even broke down all of those images the people worshiped. “Now when all this was finished, all Israel that were present went out to the cities of Judah, and brake the images in pieces, and cut down the groves, and threw down the high places and the altars out of all Judah and Benjamin, in Ephraim also and Manasseh, until they had utterly destroyed them all…” (2 Chronicles 31:1). They had to eliminate. The period of King Hezekiah’s reign has been called the greatest revival Judah experienced.

    Read what God did for Hezekiah for seeking Him with all of his heart. “And in every work that he began in the service of the house of God, and in the law, and in the commandments, to seek his God, he did it with all his heart, and prospered” (2 Chronicles 31:21). God made King Hezekiah to prosper.

    Who does not seek after God? “The wicked, through the pride of his countenance, will not seek after God: God is not in all his thoughts” (Psalm 10:4).

    What should we do? “O God, thou art my God; early will I seek thee: my soul thirsteth for thee, my flesh longeth for thee in a dry and thirsty land, where no water is” (Psalm 63:1).

    Also read the following: “The LORD looked down from heaven upon the children of men, to see if there were any that did understand, and seek God” (Psalm 14:2). God knows when someone seeks after Him, for He is watching and waiting! Just as King Hezekiah sought God early, we should, too. “I love them that love me; and those that seek me early shall find me” (Proverbs 8:17).

    Have you sought God, desiring your heart to be right before Him, cleaning your life and eliminating all things contrary to God?

    How to be Saved

  • A Warning

    “Thou shalt be visited of the LORD of hosts with thunder, and with earthquake, and great noise, with storm and tempest, and the flame of devouring fire”

    Isaiah 29:6

    God often uses the weather to speak. “Thou shalt be visited of the LORD of hosts with thunder, and with earthquake, and great noise, with storm and tempest, and the flame of devouring fire” (Isaiah 29:6). Sometimes God visits man with thunder, earthquake, or storms. He may even send droughts.

    There is one memorable time where God dwelt with His people through a three and a half year drought. It was in the days of King Ahab and Jezebel (see 1 Kings 17-18). God sent Elijah to warn King Ahab. This even culminated in a memorable event on Mount Carmel. Consider a few of the people involved.

    Elijah was a great prophet of the Lord. He was vocal for God.

    King Ahab and Jezebel (his wife) were wicked and worshiped Baal (see 1 Kings 16:30-33). Ahab said Elijah was a trouble maker, but Ahab was the one who troubled Israel (see 1 Kings 18:17-18).

    There was a man named Obadiah, who was a compromiser (see 1 Kings 18:3-6). Obadiah feared the Lord, but he was a servant of wicked King Ahab. During this great drought, Obadiah was looking for grass. No mention of prayer in repentance or asking God for rain. Instead, he was just trying to survive. No one knew that he served the Lord but those men he hid. When Elijah met him, Obadiah had to explain to Elijah that he feared the Lord. Elijah told Obadiah to deliver a message to King Ahab, and Obadiah reluctantly obeyed (see 1 Kings 18:7-16).

    Notice the state of the Isrelites. They appeared confused (see 1 Kings 18:19-21). When Elijah asked the question, who is God – the people had no answer. It was as if they did not know enough about God to know that He is God.

    Elijah presented a challenge (see 1 Kings 18:22-35), and whoever answered by fire is the true God.

    After the prophets of Baal had their opportunity, Elijah restored the broken down alter of the Lord and prepared the burnt sacrifice. When it came time for the evening sacrifice, Elijah prayed. “36. And it came to pass at the time of the offering of the evening sacrifice, that Elijah the prophet came near, and said, LORD God of Abraham, Isaac, and of Israel, let it be known this day that thou art God in Israel, and that I am thy servant, and that I have done all these things at thy word. 37. Hear me, O LORD, hear me, that this people may know that thou art the LORD God, and that thou hast turned their heart back again” (1 Kings 18:36-37). God answered with fire from heaven. “Then the fire of the LORD fell, and consumed the burnt sacrifice, and the wood, and the stones, and the dust, and licked up the water that was in the trench” (1 Kings 18:38). The fire consumed the sacrifice, the water, the wood and the stones. When the fire fell, the people believed and declared God was the God. It wasn’t until then that the people recognized God is the God (see 1 Kings 18:39).

    With this response (and the destruction of the prophets of Baal by death), God told Elijah to pray for rain. Elijah prayed, and God sent the rain. The drought ended.

    Remembering that God often uses the weather to speak, consider the following.

    Living in the capital of Tornado Alley can be interesting at times. Often the weather is volatile, and ever changing. Late one night, ripe tornado conditions appeared. It was later declared an EF-3 tornado that traveled about 24 miles, right through a town. In a populated area, this can cause tremendous damage and death. Although this tornado struck in the middle of the night, passing through town, there were only two lives lost in this storm. Surveying the damage the next day, one could notice that although it was extremely damaging, many of the monstrous trees missed or only clipped homes and property. Although there were several homes, churches, and businesses damaged. a majority of those huge trees were just blown over. Some were only stripped of leaves and limbs while still standing. Yes, the power lines that were taken out and the utility poles that were destroyed were many. Yet, even though this tornado was disastrous, it could have been so much worse.

    After this, I was reminded that God does use the storms. God often sends a warning. He gives people the opportunity to acknowledge Him, and to respond in repentance before He sends catastrophic judgment. Remember that God sent Jonah to warn Nineveh of pending doom because of their wickedness before God. The entire city repented, and God turned from the wrath they deserved because of that repentance. About one hundred years later, the people of Nineveh forgot God. Read the following verses from the book of Nahum: “3. The LORD is slow to anger, and great in power, and will not at all acquit the wicked: the LORD hath his way in the whirlwind and in the storm, and the clouds are the dust of his feet… 6. Who can stand before his indignation? and who can abide in the fierceness of his anger? his fury is poured out like fire, and the rocks are thrown down by him. 7. The LORD is good, a strong hold in the day of trouble; and he knoweth them that trust in him” (Nahum 1:2-7). The book of Nahum was written to proclaim judgment upon Nineveh for turning away from God.

    “26. For if we sin wilfully after that we have received the knowledge of the truth, there remaineth no more sacrifice for sins, 27. But a certain fearful looking for of judgment and fiery indignation, which shall devour the adversaries” (Hebrews 10:26-27).

    To which person can you identify:

    • are you vocal for God (like Elijah)
    • are you wicked and a troubler (like Ahab and Jezebel)
    • are you a compromiser, who has to explain you fear God (like Obadiah)
    • are you confused, not knowing who God is (like the Isralites)

    Do you recognize God’s warnings for repentance in your life, turning and avoiding His judgment?

  • Unfruitful Works

    “And have no fellowship with the unfruitful works of darkness, but rather reprove them.”

    Ephesians 5:11

    Jehoshaphat was a good king in Judah. He sought to the Lord God of his father, and walked in His commandments (see 2 Chronicles 17:4). Read the description of his heart. “And his heart was lifted up in the ways of the LORD: …” (2 Chronicles 17:6a). Notice that his heart was “lifted up” in the ways of the Lord. He strengthened the cities of Judah – physically and spiritually. By placing mighty soldiers in the different cities, he strengthened them physically. When he sent princes, priests, and Levites into every city teaching the Word of God to the people, he strengthened them spiritually (see 2 Chronicles 17:7-9). Recognize what happened after the people were taught the Word of God: “And the fear of the LORD fell upon all the kingdoms of the lands that were round about Judah, so that they made no war against Jehoshaphat” (2 Chronicles 17:10). When they honored God, learning His Word, God put fear upon the nations around – and there was no war, just peace. This was all good.

    We read something very interesting in 2 Chronicles 18: “Now Jehoshaphat had riches and honour in abundance, and joined affinity with Ahab” (2 Chronicles 18:1). Joined affinity means “to give (a daughter) away in marriage; hence (generally) to contract affinity by marriage”. Jehoshaphat’s son married Ahab’s daughter. “And after certain years he went down to Ahab to Samaria. …” (2 Chronicles 18:2). It is interesting to note that earlier we read that Jehoshaphat’s heart was “lifted up in the ways of the LORD”, and shortly thereafter we read that “he went down to Ahab”. Remember the description we have of Ahab: “30. And Ahab the son of Omri did evil in the sight of the LORD above all that were before him. 31. And … he took to wife Jezebel … and went and served Baal, and worshipped him. 32. And he reared up an altar for Baal in the house of Baal, which he had built in Samaria. 33. … and Ahab did more to provoke the LORD God of Israel to anger than all the kings of Israel that were before him.” (1 Kings 16:30-33). Jehoshaphat should never have become involved in the life of King Ahab in any way. He went from being “lifted up” to going “down” to meet with Ahab. We are warned often in the Bible to not do this. Read just a couple of verses that he should have heeded:

    • “Blessed is the man that walketh not in the counsel of the ungodly, nor standeth in the way of sinners, nor sitteth in the seat of the scornful” (Psalm 1:1).
    • “I have hated the congregation of evil doers; and will not sit with the wicked” (Psalm 26:5).

    Amazingly enough, King Jehoshaphat appeared to have kept his heart pure before the Lord – even with the relationship he had with wicked King Ahab, the worst king of Israel. However, we can read the devastating effect it had upon his children and the nation of Judah. Not only did his son marry wicked King Ahab and Jezebel’s daughter, Athaliah, but she ended up killing almost all of her grandchildren to take the throne of Judah (see 2 Kings 11:1-3).

    Relationships like these are recorded in the Bible so that Christians, today, can learn from them. Remember what King Jehoshaphat did a few times. Something of which we are today warned. “Be ye not unequally yoked together with unbelievers: for what fellowship hath righteousness with unrighteousness? and what communion hath light with darkness?” (2 Corinthians 6:14). According to what we read today, King Jehoshaphat should not have had any dealings with the wicked kings of Israel. All it caused him was grief and troubles.

    We have the following verse to help us: “Be not deceived: evil communications corrupt good manners” (1 Corinthians 15:33). Use the following definitions to better understand this verse:

    • deceived means “to be misled or deceived”
    • evil means “evil works”
    • communications means “lifestyles, conversations”
    • corrupt means “to spoil or violate in a spiritual or moral sense”
    • good means “in a moral sense – good, useful, virtuous”
    • manners means “morals or character – this is the word from which ethics is derived.”

    After reading these definitions, we can understand this verse is a warning to not be deceived but to understand something – evil deeds and conversations will spoil good morals and good character in a person’s life. We can also understand that we are to be very careful about the kind of people with whom we have dealings, and especially to be careful of those that we choose as friends.

    “And have no fellowship with the unfruitful works of darkness, but rather reprove them” (Ephesians 5:11). Christians are to be set apart from the wicked things (and even people) of this world. We may not think these things affect us, but at the very least, it has an effect upon the people around us.

    Nevertheless, see what we are exhorted to do in the following verse: “Awake to righteousness, and sin not; for some have not the knowledge of God: I speak this to your shame” (1 Corinthians 15:34). Often it is because of the choices and friends we make that keep us from being a good witness to others. It is a shame when Christians’ lives are contrary in any way to God’s Word. It is worse when Christians are the ones keeping others from the knowledge of God (allowing them to recognize their need for Jesus).

    Have you chosen to not go down into the unfruitful works of darkness, instead allowing your heart to be lifted up in the ways of the Lord?

  • The Consequence of Apostasy

    “The LORD is slow to anger, and great in power, and will not at all acquit the wicked …”

    Nahum 1:3a

    Remember Jonah? God sent Jonah to warn Nineveh of destruction for their wickedness. “Arise, go to Nineveh, that great city, and cry against it; for their wickedness is come up before me” (Jonah 1:2). In addition, he told them, “… Yet forty days, and Nineveh shall be overthrown” (Jonah 3:4b). We also learned of the repentance that city showed. “So the people of Nineveh believed God, and proclaimed a fast, and put on sackcloth, from the greatest of them even to the least of them” (Jonah 3:5). Because of that repentance, God spared the city. “And God saw their works, that they turned from their evil way; and God repented of the evil, that he had said that he would do unto them; and he did it not” (Jonah 3:10). For a brief period in history, the people of Nineveh believed in God. For that turning to God, God spared them.

    The book of Nahum took place over 100 years after Jonah. The words Nahum preached were against the nation of Assyria with the capital of Nineveh. Nineveh was the world’s greatest city at this time in history. Although the nation repented in Jonah’s time, they had reverted back to their sin, falling even deeper. See what we should recognize about God. “The LORD is slow to anger, and great in power, and will not at all acquit the wicked …” (Nahum 1:3a). (Another verse to consider is Psalm 9:17: “The wicked shall be turned into hell, and all the nations that forget God.”) Assyria, especially Nineveh, had forsaken God, becoming exceedingly wicked. In the book of Nahum we learn that God’s wrath would fall upon those wicked, sinful men. God would send complete and utter destruction upon Nineveh because they forsook God and were against His people. The people of Nineveh saw complete physical destruction.

    The problem with Nineveh was that God had revealed Himself to them, and they had believed. Just a few generations later, the people forsook God. They rejected God and worshiped false gods. This is apostasy. In the book of Nahum, there was no longer a call to repentance. Only a decree of the wrath of God to come.

    The longer this world is in existence, the worse mankind becomes. “1. This know also, that in the last days perilous times shall come. 2. For men shall be lovers of their own selves, covetous, boasters, proud, blasphemers, disobedient to parents, unthankful, unholy, 3. Without natural affection, trucebreakers, false accusers, incontinent, fierce, despisers of those that are good, 4. Traitors, heady, highminded, lovers of pleasures more than lovers of God; 5. Having a form of godliness, but denying the power thereof: from such turn away” (2 Timothy 3:1-5).

    Today, we are warned of hearing of God, living a good life (yet without the saving faith of Christ), and then living like the rest of the world. Unless one truly trusts Christ, it would be better to never have tried to live a Christian life. Read of what we are warned: “20. For if after they have escaped the pollutions of the world through the knowledge of the Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ, they are again entangled therein, and overcome, the latter end is worse with them than the beginning. 21. For it had been better for them not to have known the way of righteousness, than, after they have known it, to turn from the holy commandment delivered unto them. 22. But it is happened unto them according to the true proverb, The dog is turned to his own vomit again; and the sow that was washed to her wallowing in the mire” (2 Peter 2:20-22). Head knowledge of Jesus and the Christian life is not enough. Without Jesus in one’s heart, it is impossible to live a true Christian life. That one will eventually return to “wallow in the mire.” That is an apostate without hope.

    Just as Nineveh saw complete physical destruction, there is another kind of judgment that one must consider as well. Each person will be accountable for his or her own actions; good or evil. After we die, we will all stand before the Lord and He will pass eternal judgment upon each individual according to what that person has done with his or her life. “10. For we must all appear before the judgment seat of Christ; that every one may receive the things done in his body, according to that he hath done, whether it be good or bad. 11. Knowing therefore the terror of the Lord, we persuade men …” (2 Corinthians 5:10–11a). These verses are written as a warning to Christian people. Terror in this verse means “a deep and reverential sense of accountability to God or Jesus.” How many Christians are living their lives with a deep and reverential sense of accountability to God? Or are most just living a life pleasing self? In the book of Nahum, one can see the wrath of God fall upon a nation that had forgotten God and forsaken Him. Each person must consider the things done in his body, whether they are good or bad, knowing God is a perfect and righteous judge. Not only are we to be accountable, but we should live a life that persuades others to have a reverential fear as well. God had spared the city of Nineveh once before. Nevertheless, when they returned to sin, forsaking God, there was a price to pay.

    Have you truly trusted in Jesus, following Him?

    Or

    Have you once known of Jesus and turned from Him to live a life pleasing to self?

    http://biblicalpath.com/index.php/how-to-be-saved/

  • Know the Way and Live in It

    “For the LORD knoweth the way of the righteous: but the way of the ungodly shall perish”

    Psalm 1:6

    As you read through Israel’s history during the divided kingdom, one cannot help but notice how important it is to God that He be kept first in one’s life and even in the nation. At any point in Israel’s history, the kings could have sought God (remember the prophets constantly preached for the people to seek God!). The kings of Israel could have remembered God’s laws and commandments — and kept them. Instead, we read that they continued in the sin of Jeroboam I, who made Israel to sin. When the kings led the people to sin against God, He sent prophets to cry out to seek God; to return to Him. However, because they did not, the nation was not in favor with God. Read the following verses to remember this: “1. My son, forget not my law; but let thine heart keep my commandments: 3. Let not mercy and truth forsake thee: bind them about thy neck; write them upon the table of thine heart: 4. So shalt thou find favour and good understanding in the sight of God and man” (Proverbs 3:1, 3–4).

    As you continue reading through the history of Israel, keep in mind that none of the kings of Israel were considered good because they led Israel to sin against God. Read what is recorded in Proverbs that they should have known: “He that diligently seeketh good procureth favour: but he that seeketh mischief, it shall come unto him” (Proverbs 11:27). Because they sought mischief, they got it. Mischief means: “bad; wicked; evil; of inferior quality.”

    Since we are to learn from history, we must notice the progression of sin in the nation Israel. One of the best examples of this progression is in Psalm 1. “Blessed is the man that walketh not in the counsel of the ungodly, nor standeth in the way of sinners, nor sitteth in the seat of the scornful” (Psalm 1:1). Recognize what we are NOT to do: First, walk with sinners, then stop and talk with them, and finally to sit with them. Understand that desiring sin and walking with sinners begins with lust. Lust means “a strong desire; a longing; to satisfy carnal appetites.” Read what James 1:14–15 says, “14. But every man is tempted, when he is drawn away of his own lust, and enticed. 15. Then when lust hath conceived, it bringeth forth sin: and sin, when it is finished, bringeth forth death.”

    Instead, read on in Psalm 1 to learn what one should do. “2. But his delight is in the law of the LORD; and in his law doth he meditate day and night. 3. And he shall be like a tree planted by the rivers of water, that bringeth forth his fruit in his season; his leaf also shall not wither; and whatsoever he doeth shall prosper” (Psalm 1:2-3). Understand what happens when one does not do as one should. “4. The ungodly are not so: but are like the chaff which the wind driveth away. 5. Therefore the ungodly shall not stand in the judgment, nor sinners in the congregation of the righteous. 6. For the LORD knoweth the way of the righteous: but the way of the ungodly shall perish” (Psalm 1:4-6).

    Remember the turning point in the nation Israel, the point from which they did not return: when they refused to hear the Word of the Lord from the prophets of God. Even with all of the warnings, we found they did not return to God, but “… walked in the statutes of the heathen …” (2 Kings 17:8). God had no choice but to fulfill His promise of discipline and judgment upon His people.

    As we have learned, the Israelites sinned against God when they forsook Him and worshiped creatures (golden calves, Baal, etc.). They also walked in the ways of the heathen (the wicked and idolatrous nations around) instead of walking in God’s Laws and statutes they had been taught. Notice that in the New Testament, Paul preached to people in the same condition. He warned that the wrath of God would fall upon those who knew the truth, but did not live it out in their lives: “18. For the wrath of God is revealed from heaven against all ungodliness and unrighteousness of men, who hold the truth in unrighteousness; 19. Because that which may be known of God is manifest in them; for God hath shewed it unto them. 21. Because that, when they knew God, they glorified him not as God, neither were thankful; but became vain in their imaginations, and their foolish heart was darkened. 22. Professing themselves to be wise, they became fools … 24. Wherefore God also gave them up to uncleanness through the lusts of their own hearts … 25. Who changed the truth of God into a lie, and worshipped and served the creature more than the Creator, who is blessed for ever. Amen” (Romans 1:18–19, 21-22, 24–25).

    What should we learn from Israel’s obstinacy? When we know the truth and what is right, we should do it. “Therefore to him that knoweth to do good, and doeth it not, to him it is sin” (James 4:17). Seek God if one is not sure — remember Amos’ plea, “Seek the LORD, and ye shall live …” (Amos 5:6). We should never sin away our lives — as Israel did. For, “… There is a sin unto death …” (1 John 5:16).

    The following is an important question for each Christian to consider:

    Have you searched your heart to see if you are guilty of knowing the way of righteousness, yet not living in the truth of it?

  • The Mercies of the Lord

    “I will sing of the mercies of the LORD for ever: with my mouth will I make known thy faithfulness to all generations.”

    Psalm 89:1

    Consider the following song as you read Psalm 89.

    I Will Sing of the Mercies of the Lord Forever

    by James H. Fillmore

    I will sing of the mercies of the Lord forever,
    I will sing, I will sing,
    I will sing of the mercies of the Lord forever,
    I will sing of the mercies of the Lord.
    With my mouth will I make known
    Thy faithfulness, Thy faithfulness,
    With my mouth will I make known
    Thy faithfulness to all generations,
    I will sing of the mercies of the Lord forever,
    I will sing of the mercies of the Lord.

    Excerpt from The Biblical Path of Life – Year One Quarter Four, Lesson 4:

    “God’s Faithfulness:

    “Read Psalm 89:1–8. Do you notice anything about the first verse? “I will sing of the mercies of the LORD for ever: with my mouth will I make known thy faithfulness to all generations” (Psalm 89:1). Have you heard the song called “I Will Sing of the Mercies of the Lord forever”? The words to that song came from this Psalm. In verses 1–8, the writer recognized the great mercies of God. “For who in the heaven can be compared unto the LORD?” (verse 6a), “or to thy faithfulness round about thee?” (verse 8b). We must make God’s faithfulness known to “all generations” (parents and grandparents must pass it on!). One way we can show with our mouths is through singing (as verse 1 revealed).

    “Read Psalm 89:15–18. Notice verse 15: “Blessed is the people that know the joyful sound: they shall walk, O LORD, in the light of thy countenance.” Joyful sound here means “acclamation of joy.” We will be blessed if we know that sound of joy. Then we shall “walk” in the light of God’s countenance (light here refers to “life in contrast to death”,and countenance means“in the presence of the Lord. See Genesis 3:8, where God came to walk with Adam and Eve in the garden when they hid from the presence of the Lord; because of their sin”). When we know how to sing of God’s mercies and make that known to all people, we can be blessed people who walk with God. God is our king (see verse 18).”

    After reading Psalm 89, considering the song “I Will Sing of the Mercies of the Lord Forever”, and reading the excerpt from “The Biblical Path of Life” Bible study, consider the following thoughts.

    In Psalm chapter 89, it would be good to remember the promise God made to David in 2 Samuel 7:5-15. Then reread verses 3-4. “3. I have made a covenant with my chosen, I have sworn unto David my servant, 4. Thy seed will I establish for ever, and build up thy throne to all generations. Selah” (Psalm 89:3-4). David knew God would keep his promise.

    In this chapter, not only is the covenant of God remembered but the faithfulness of God is recalled over and over. However, more than that, we are encouraged to not only walk with God but to make God’s faithfulness known to our children and our children’s children.

    Have you recognized God’s faithfulness and shared these things with your children or grandchildren?

  • David

    “And David behaved himself wisely in all his ways; and the LORD was with him.”

    1 Samuel 18:14

    Saul was the first king of Israel. Samuel declared God would remove the kingdom from Saul and his family because of rebellion and disobedience to God’s Word. “And the LORD said unto Samuel, How long wilt thou mourn for Saul, seeing I have rejected him from reigning over Israel? fill thine horn with oil, and go, I will send thee to Jesse the Bethlehemite: for I have provided me a king among his sons” (1 Samuel 16:1). God rejected Saul as the king of His people, but He had chosen one who would fulfill God’s will (see Acts 13:22).

    Samuel anointed David with oil. Up to this point in the Bible, the priests were anointed, and Saul had been anointed. Yet, we do not read that Samuel mentions to David why he has been anointed. “Then Samuel took the horn of oil, and anointed him in the midst of his brethren: and the Spirit of the LORD came upon David from that day forward. So Samuel rose up, and went to Ramah” (1 Samuel 16:13). However, notice that the Spirit of the Lord came upon David from that day forward. It makes one wonder if at this point, David thought in his heart that all there was to that anointing was that the Spirit of the Lord upon him.

    In the next chapter of 1 Samuel, we read of David and his mighty victory over Goliath. See where David is in 1 Samuel chapter 18: “And David went out whithersoever Saul sent him, and behaved himself wisely: and Saul set him over the men of war, and he was accepted in the sight of all the people, and also in the sight of Saul’s servants” (1 Samuel 18:5). It is shortly after this, because the people ascribe the death of ten thousand of the enemy to David, “And Saul eyed David from that day and forward” (1 Samuel 18:9). Yet, understand the following: “And David behaved himself wisely in all his ways; and the LORD was with him” (1 Samuel 18:14).

    King Saul offered his daughter, Michal, to David as his wife if he would kill one hundred Philistines (the Israelite’s’ enemy). “… But Saul thought to make David fall by the hand of the Philistines” (1 Samuel 18:25b). Saul wanted David to die at the hand of the Philistines. David killed two hundred Philistines to win the hand of Michal. “And Saul was yet the more afraid of David; and Saul became David’s enemy continually” (1 Samuel 18:29). It tells us that David behaved himself more wisely than all of the servants of Saul (see 1 Samuel 18:30). David was just serving God and his king. We see nothing in David’s actions that reveal he had heard that he was to be the next king of Israel. Samuel knew, but up to this point we do not read that he had told David.

    During all of this, King Saul’s son, Jonathan became great friends with David. He helped David elude King Saul’s attempts upon David’s life more than once. David fled for his life from Saul (see 1 Samuel 19:8-17). “So David fled, and escaped, and came to Samuel to Ramah, and told him all that Saul had done to him. And he and Samuel went and dwelt in Naioth” (1 Samuel 19:18). One cannot help but wonder if David had many questions for Samuel. Why did Samuel anoint him? Why did King Saul continually try to kill David? What is going on? Do you suppose that it is at this point in time that Samuel tells David that God had chosen him to become the next king of Israel?

    When King Saul heard that David fled to Samuel, he sent messengers to take David. Some interesting things happen. When the messengers came to take David, the Spirit of God came upon them and they prophesied. This happened three times, so Saul decided to go himself. Read what happened: “23. And he (Saul) went thither to Naioth in Ramah: and the Spirit of God was upon him also, and he went on, and prophesied, until he came to Naioth in Ramah. 24. And he stripped off his clothes also, and prophesied before Samuel in like manner, and lay down naked all that day and all that night. Wherefore they say, Is Saul also among the prophets?” (1 Samuel 19:23-24). In this verse, stripped off his clothes means “he laid aside his armor and his royal vestments.” Do you suppose this happened to confirm to David what Samuel had told him? That one day, Saul would no longer be king, and that one day David would become the king of Israel? Wouldn’t that be like something God would do for David? To confirm that one day David would be king in place of Saul?

    At this point in David’s life, he began to flee. “And David fled from Naioth in Ramah, and came and said before Jonathan, What have I done? what is mine iniquity? and what is my sin before thy father, that he seeketh my life?” (1 Samuel 20:1). David had done nothing worthy of death by King Saul. However, as you read chapter twenty, there is a great covenant made between these friends: Jonathan and David. One can almost gather that Jonathan now understands that David will one day become the king of Israel. Moreover, Jonathan is fully supportive of his friend, David. David spends the next several years running from King Saul. Yet, one can recognize God’s hand upon David’s life. During these years, God was preparing David to become the great king of His people.

    Have you learned to behave yourself wisely (like David), even when you do not fully understand the plans God has for your life?

  • Trust in the Lord

    “Who is among you that feareth the LORD, that obeyeth the voice of his servant, that walketh in darkness, and hath no light? let him trust in the name of the LORD, and stay upon his God.”

    Isaiah 50:10

    What can we do when nothing seems to make sense?

    If you belong to Jesus and you feel as if you are walking in the dark, there is an important thing to be understood. Sometimes, Christians recognize that they are living a life pleasing to God, obeying His Word, yet one may still feel as if they are walking in darkness. See what Isaiah teaches us. “Who is among you that feareth the LORD, that obeyeth the voice of his servant, that walketh in darkness, and hath no light? let him trust in the name of the LORD, and stay upon his God.” (Isaiah 50:10). This verse teaches that we can be serving and obeying God and still experience times of darkness where we do not understand what God is doing in our lives. It is then we are to understand that the Christian life will be difficult and often times very lonely.

    It is in these times, as you hold fast to your profession of faith, you must remember the importance of trusting God. However, one will not always be able to understand what is happening. Remember what you should have learned in Proverbs. “5. Trust in the LORD with all thine heart; and lean not unto thine own understanding. 6. In all thy ways acknowledge him, and he shall direct thy paths” (Proverbs 3:5-6). We are to trust God. Just because something does not make sense to us now does not mean it will not make sense later. However, some things may never make sense to us on this side of heaven. “8. For my thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways my ways, saith the LORD. 9. For as the heavens are higher than the earth, so are my ways higher than your ways, and my thoughts than your thoughts” (Isaiah 55:8-9). Who am I to think I understand things better than God does? These words in Isaiah are a reminder that God knows all, and even when we do not understand, He knows.

    Remember Job. He stood alone in his trying times. Neither his wife nor his friends understood or truly encouraged him during his difficult days (see Job 1:9 to remember his wife’s words).

    When John the Baptist was in prison, he needed encouragement from Jesus (see Matthew 11:2-6).

    Genesis chapter thirty-nine tells the story of a godly young man named Joseph. Joseph had not sinned against God. He had done nothing wrong; he was doing what was right. He was hated by his brothers, sold into slavery, and falsely imprisoned. He was completely innocent… this did not make sense! Nevertheless, throughout these trying times when Joseph did not understand, Joseph trusted God. He remained faithful to God. Moreover, the men around Joseph recognized God’s hand working in Joseph’s life.

    Joseph did not fully understand what God was doing until Pharaoh called Joseph out of prison to interpret his dreams. It was at this time that Joseph began to understand God’s plan. God had placed Joseph in Egypt at that pivotal time in history. Joseph never forgot the dreams God had given him in his youth where the world’s resources and rulers would be at his feet (see Genesis 37:5-11). God never forgot them, either. Joseph’s dreams came to fruition in God’s perfect timing (see Genesis 41:38-44). Remember how Joseph explained these things to his brothers, years after they had sold him into slavery. “Now therefore be not grieved, nor angry with yourselves, that ye sold me hither: for God did send me before you to preserve life” (Genesis 45:5). Joseph understood.

    Sometimes God allows things to happen (we feel as if we are living in darkness) for a purpose that we may not understand at the time. Often times when trials come, things we do not understand, we are tempted to quit God. However, remember the following: “5. Commit thy way unto the LORD; trust also in him; and he shall bring it to pass. 6. And he shall bring forth thy righteousness as the light, and thy judgment as the noonday. 7. Rest in the LORD, and wait patiently for him: fret not thyself because of him who prospereth in his way, because of the man who bringeth wicked devices to pass. 8. Cease from anger, and forsake wrath: fret not thyself in any wise to do evil. 9. For evildoers shall be cut off: but those that wait upon the LORD, they shall inherit the earth” (Psalm 37:5-9). God will bring us out in His time. Be willing to wait upon the Lord. God knows where you are. God has His schedule. Do not hurry God. “Humble yourselves therefore under the mighty hand of God, that he may exalt you in due time” (1 Peter 5:6) Wait upon the Lord, and He will exalt you in His time.

    In the darkness, Joseph held onto what God had promised him. Keep in mind that some of the greatest saints in the Bible walked in darkness for parts of their lives, not fully understanding what God was doing. Darkness did not mean that sin had prevailed. These people simply trusted God and remained faithful. God was with Joseph.

    As you serve Jesus, remember that there is coming a day when God will make everything right. Just because it does not make sense to you now does not mean it will not make sense one day. Trust Him.

    Do you trust the Lord, remaining faithful, waiting for Him to make all things right?

  • The Righteous Cry, and God Delivers

    “The righteous cry, and the LORD heareth, and delivereth them out of all their troubles.”

    Psalm 34:17

    Have you ever wondered why God allows some things to happen? The world today seems to becoming overwhelmingly wicked. When Habakkuk did not understand what was going on in Judah – He asked God! 

     “The burden which Habakkuk the prophet did see” (Habakkuk 1:1). The first thing we can understand is that Habakkuk had a “burden”. Burden here means “a burden; a longing or yearning.” Many prophets had a burden. See in this verse means “a vision presented to the mind of a prophet; a revelation.” Habakkuk saw something that troubled him. Consequently, he took his trouble to God. “O LORD, how long shall I cry, and thou wilt not hear! even cry out unto thee of violence, and thou wilt not save!” (Habakkuk 1:2). Habakkuk saw God’s people living godless lives, lives in which God was greatly displeased. This sin became very overt to him, and it troubled him greatly. “3. Why dost thou shew me iniquity, and cause me to behold grievance? for spoiling and violence are before me: and there are that raise up strife and contention. 4. Therefore the law is slacked, and judgment doth never go forth: for the wicked doth compass about the righteous; therefore wrong judgment proceedeth” (Habakkuk 1:3-4). Habakkuk did not understand how God could allow this iniquity to continue. See the following to help understand some words from this verse to grasp why Habakkuk was so troubled:  

    • iniquity: vainness, falseness, idolatry, wickedness; the word focuses on the planning and expression of deception – it also pointed to the consequences of that sin; this is a major Hebrew word for sin;  
    • grievance: trouble, misery, distress, sorrow 
    • spoiling: oppression of the weak; havoc; destruction; mainly refers to social injustices
    • violence: wickedness, wrong, unrighteous gain; also remember that man’s violence was one of the main reasons for the flood (see Genesis 6:11 & 13) 
    • strife: to quarrel, to contest (personal or legal); contention; controversy; disputes   
    • contention: brawling; strife; discord   

    Can you better understand why Habakkuk was disturbed over what he was seeing in his world? Remember that it was this kind of living that caused God to decide to destroy the world by flood which we can read about in Genesis. “11. The earth also was corrupt before God, and the earth was filled with violence. 12. And God looked upon the earth, and, behold, it was corrupt; for all flesh had corrupted his way upon the earth. 13. And God said unto Noah, The end of all flesh is come before me; for the earth is filled with violence through them; and, behold, I will destroy them with the earth” (Genesis 6:11-13). 

    Can you better understand why Habakkuk was so very troubled?

    It is important to understand that God sees His people and hears their troubles. Read the following verse from Psalms that David wrote to help a little in the understanding of this concept. “The righteous cry, and the LORD heareth, and delivereth them out of all their troubles” (Psalm 34:17).   

    Just as Habakkuk was frustrated seeing all of the wickedness in the land, we can think of others in the Bible who seemed to feel that way. Think of Lot, from the cities of Sodom and Gomorrah. “7. And delivered just Lot, vexed with the filthy conversation of the wicked: 8. (For that righteous man dwelling among them, in seeing and hearing, vexed his righteous soul from day to day with their unlawful deeds)” (2 Peter 2:7-8).

    Remember a warning recorded in the Psalms. “2. But as for me, my feet were almost gone; my steps had well nigh slipped. 3. For I was envious at the foolish, when I saw the prosperity of the wicked” (Psalm 73:2-3). The writer was becoming envious of sinners who prospered, without any apparent judgment (see Psalm 73:4-15). It seemed as if they were getting away with their sin. However, read what he discovered: “16. When I thought to know this, it was too painful for me; 17. Until I went into the sanctuary of God; then understood I their end. 18. Surely thou didst set them in slippery places: thou castedst them down into destruction. 19. How are they brought into desolation, as in a moment! they are utterly consumed with terrors” (Psalm 73:16-19). Remember something we should have learned. God sees all, and your sin will find you out! “But if ye will not do so, behold, ye have sinned against the LORD: and be sure your sin will find you out” (Numbers 32:23). 

    God saw. God knew. God had a plan. (See Habakkuk 1:5-6).

    God told Habakkuk to look among the heathen (Israel’s enemies). Habakkuk was to get ready for God to do a mighty work among His people – one that would be almost impossible to believe. And God did just what He said He would do. Habakkuk had nothing to fear, God was in control.

    Remember what David learned. “The LORD is my light and my salvation; whom shall I fear? the LORD is the strength of my life; of whom shall I be afraid?” (Psalm 27:1). When God is in control, there is nothing to be feared.

    So today, when you become discouraged at the wicked world in which we live, remember that God sees, and He has a plan. When Habakkuk did not understand, he trusted God.

    Have you learned to trust in God and not be afraid of the wickedness in the world that you see?

  • Do not Disregard

    “How shall we escape, if we neglect so great salvation; which at the first began to be spoken by the Lord, and was confirmed unto us by them that heard him.”
    Hebrews 2:3

    Because of what Jesus did, Christians are to remember the following. “Therefore we ought to give the more earnest heed to the things which we have heard, lest at any time we should let them slip” (Hebrews 2:1). Give the more earnest heed means “to apply one’s mind to something; attend to that person or thing spoken of.” As Christians, who hear of the things of Christ, it is imperative that the things taught are implemented in one’s life “lest at any time we should let them slip.” Lest at any time we should let them slip means “to be cautious in allowing something to slip away, suggesting a gradual and almost unnoticed movement past a certain point; to move stealthily as a thief; to glide away; to swerve or deviate from something, i.e.: truth, law, precepts, to transgress, to disobey: lest we drift away from that which we have heard.” This is a warning not to depart from the foundational teachings of what Jesus did for Christians. Be careful that you do not disregard God’s Salvation given by the life of His Son, Jesus.

    “For if the word spoken by angels was stedfast, and every transgression and disobedience received a just recompence of reward” (Hebrews 2:2). The angels in the Old Testament that are referred to in this verse are the messengers of God who delivered His Word to the people. Moses was one who gave them the Ten Commandments that came from God. Do you remember the fourth commandment? “8. Remember the sabbath day, to keep it holy. 9. Six days shalt thou labour, and do all thy work: 10. But the seventh day is the sabbath of the LORD thy God: in it thou shalt not do any work …” (Exodus 20:8-10a). They were told to not do any work on the Sabbath day. However, we find an instance when one gathered sticks on the Sabbath day. “32. And while the children of Israel were in the wilderness, they found a man that gathered sticks upon the sabbath day. 33. And they that found him gathering sticks brought him unto Moses and Aaron, and unto all the congregation. 34. And they put him in ward, because it was not declared what should be done to him. 35. And the LORD said unto Moses, The man shall be surely put to death: all the congregation shall stone him with stones without the camp. 36. And all the congregation brought him without the camp, and stoned him with stones, and he died; as the LORD commanded Moses” (Numbers 15:32-36). Judgment was swift. The man who willingly broke God’s Law was put to death. This event is to put us in mind as to what Hebrews 2:2 is speaking: “every transgression and disobedience received a just recompence of reward.” (See also Hebrews 10:26-28.) In the Old Testament, “just recompense” was often swift and severe. However, we never hear again in the Scriptures of another person gathering sticks on the Sabbath. I believe all remembered that event and learned something important.

    Having that event in mind, read the following verse: “How shall we escape, if we neglect so great salvation; which at the first began to be spoken by the Lord, and was confirmed unto us by them that heard him” (Hebrews 2:3). Many people heard Jesus speak of this salvation, and it was confirmed by many witnesses who recorded this in the Bible (“first began to be spoken by the Lord, and was confirmed unto us by them that heard him”). What is this salvation? Read the three following verses to help in the understanding.

    • “But these are written, that ye might believe that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of God; and that believing ye might have life through his name” (John 20:31).
    •  “For with the heart man believeth unto righteousness; and with the mouth confession is made unto salvation” (Romans 10:10).
    • “But is now made manifest by the appearing of our Saviour Jesus Christ, who hath abolished death, and hath brought life and immortality to light through the gospel” (2 Timothy 1:10).

    Because of what Jesus did upon the cross, one can receive salvation. However, it must not be neglected. If we neglect means “to be careless of; make light of, neglect, be negligent, not regard.” It is sometimes easy for Christians who are living here on earth to forget that they belong to Jesus and are to obey His Word instead of compromising to the world’s ways. After understanding the previous verses, Christians are to recognize the importance of not “neglecting” the salvation we have received, purchased with the death of Christ on the cross. With this knowledge, we are to realize the importance of appropriating the faith of Christ in our hearts into the actuality of our lives. All of the world needs to see and understand by a Christian’s lifestyle just what has happened in that heart. A Christian is to live so like Christ that anyone who sees wants what that Christian has: Salvation only by faith in Jesus.

    Have you disregarded the “so great salvation” of God?

    Or

    Have you appropriated your faith in Jesus into the actuality of your life?

    How to be Saved