"But they did not listen or incline their ears to turn from their wickedness, so as not to turn to burn sacrifices to other gods. Therefore My wrath and My anger were poured out and burned in the cities of Judah and in the streets of Jerusalem, so they have become a ruin and a desolation as it is to this day."
Jeremiah 44:5-6
The Lord is good and merciful to all. He warns those that are not His to turn to Him and He warns those that are His to continue turning to Him. But why? Because there are dreadful consequences for turning away.
For the unbeliever, the consequences are the full force of God's wrath. "For the wrath of God is revealed from heaven against all ungodliness and unrighteousness of men who suppress the truth in unrighteousness." (Romans 1:18) I believe in the Biblical doctrine of sovereign election (Ephesians 1:4-6). However, no one can deny that there is a general call to men to repent (Isaiah 65:2, Acts 17:30). But the warnings will not last forever and one day all will be judged. As the unknown author writes, "[H]ow shall we escape if we neglect so great a salvation?" (Hebrews 2:3a) If you are an unbeliever reading this, do not delay. Repent while you still have life. Do not wait another second. "Today if you hear His voice, do not harden your hearts..." (Hebrews 3:7b-8a) "Behold, now is 'the acceptable time', behold, now is 'the day of salvation'..." (2 Corinthians 6:2b)
However, there are also warnings for the believer. Now I am not saying that the believer is in danger of hell or losing their salvation. "Therefore, having been justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ..." (Romans 5:1) "Therefore, there is now no condemnation for those are in Christ Jesus." (Romans 8:1) But God still gives us statutes to live by and there are consequences for ignoring them. David was a true believer, a true son of God, yet he sinned in the matter of Bathsheba and Uriah. As a consequence, a child died and Uriah's family was devastated. God's commands are for our good. "The precepts of the LORD are right, rejoicing the heart; the commandment of the LORD is pure, enlightening the eyes." (Psalm 19:8) Do not ignore them. Our Father loves us and desires the best for us.
Whoever you are, believer or unbeliever, heed the warnings of God. The Holy Spirit uses the preaching of the gospel and the word of God to convict the hearts of men (John 16:8, Romans 1:16, Ephesians 6:17). Come to the Lord. He is mighty to save.
For Christ,
Daniel
Wednesday, November 24, 2010
Sunday, May 23, 2010
The Lord is all satisfying
"Thus says the LORD, 'What injustice did your fathers find in Me, that they want far from Me and walked after emptiness and became empty?'"
Jeremiah 2:5
God is the source of all goodness. "Every good thing given and every perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of lights..." (James 1:17) There is no goodness to be found outside of Him. Outside of the Lord, there is no happiness, no peace, no joy, nothing. Sure non-believers possess these things, but they receive them from the very God they spurn. "... He causes His sun to rise on the evil and the good, and sends rain on the righteous and the unrighteous." (Matthew 5:45)
But the believer has so much more. "Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who has blessed us with every spiritual blessing in the heavenly places in Christ..." (Ephesians 1:3) We have Christ Himself. We have eternal life. We have the indwelling of the Holy Spirit of God.
In light of that, how absurd is apostasy? That was the question the Lord raised through the prophet Jeremiah. It was not as if Judah was leaving God for something better. God said that they walked after emptiness and became empty. They left "the fountain of living waters" (Jeremiah 2:13) and chased after nothing. The call of the gospel is never to forsake wonderful things in order to slave under a stingy and harsh master. Read the parable of the prodigal son in Luke 15. The son knew what he was doing. He forsook starvation and a pig's sty for the fattened calf and his father's love.
So often the temptation comes upon us to forsake Christ and to join the world. I have to admit that it is a powerful temptation. But I have noted that the temptation is at its strongest when I fail to keep the glories of Christ in the forefront of my mind. When I am satisfied with all that God has given to me and done in me and promised to me and how wonderful He is, in those times the temptation is pathetically weak. Always keep this in mind.
For Christ,
Daniel
Jeremiah 2:5
God is the source of all goodness. "Every good thing given and every perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of lights..." (James 1:17) There is no goodness to be found outside of Him. Outside of the Lord, there is no happiness, no peace, no joy, nothing. Sure non-believers possess these things, but they receive them from the very God they spurn. "... He causes His sun to rise on the evil and the good, and sends rain on the righteous and the unrighteous." (Matthew 5:45)
But the believer has so much more. "Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who has blessed us with every spiritual blessing in the heavenly places in Christ..." (Ephesians 1:3) We have Christ Himself. We have eternal life. We have the indwelling of the Holy Spirit of God.
In light of that, how absurd is apostasy? That was the question the Lord raised through the prophet Jeremiah. It was not as if Judah was leaving God for something better. God said that they walked after emptiness and became empty. They left "the fountain of living waters" (Jeremiah 2:13) and chased after nothing. The call of the gospel is never to forsake wonderful things in order to slave under a stingy and harsh master. Read the parable of the prodigal son in Luke 15. The son knew what he was doing. He forsook starvation and a pig's sty for the fattened calf and his father's love.
So often the temptation comes upon us to forsake Christ and to join the world. I have to admit that it is a powerful temptation. But I have noted that the temptation is at its strongest when I fail to keep the glories of Christ in the forefront of my mind. When I am satisfied with all that God has given to me and done in me and promised to me and how wonderful He is, in those times the temptation is pathetically weak. Always keep this in mind.
For Christ,
Daniel
Thursday, May 13, 2010
Lessons from the Psalms
Well, because of my lack of discipline to do my devotions every day, it took me just under a year to go through the Psalms. However, I'm really glad I went through them because I've learned a lot about the Christian walk.
One of the main themes I saw being repeated is the proper attitude towards worship. The praise of our God must not be a cold religious duty. Instead, "Let the godly ones exult in glory; let them sing for joy on their beds. Let the high praises of God be in their mouth." (Psalm 149:5-6a) Worship must always be joyful. It must be something we want to do. What should we do if we find in ourselves a lack of zeal for worship? Pray through Psalm 136. "Give thanks to the LORD, for He is good, for His lovingkindness is everlasting." (Psalm 136:1)
An important lesson I've started to learn from the Psalms is the right way to complain to God. Several times through my depression I was told something along the lines of "It's okay to scream at God and tell Him you don't think He's doing a good job. He can take it." That is not okay. That is sin. "Woe to the one who quarrels with his Maker - an earthenware vessel among the vessels of the earth! Will the clay say to the potter, 'What are you doing?' Or the thing you are making say, 'He has no hands'?" (Isaiah 45:9)
So, what is the right way to complain to God? Or is it even okay to complain to God at all? Yes, it is. "My God, my God, why have You forsaken me? Far from my deliverance are the words of my groaning. O my God, I cry by day, but You do not answer; and by night, but I have no rest." (Psalm 22:1-2) David poured out the contents of his heart under the inspiration of the Holy Spirit. The Bible commands us to be honest with God, no matter what it is we're feeling. "Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God." (Philippians 4:6) But this must always be done reverently. Never accuse God. You can scream. You can ask why. But never, ever, call into question the character of God. "Yet You are holy, O You who are enthroned upon the praises of Israel." (Psalm 22:3) "Tremble, and do not sin; meditate in your heart upon your bed, and be still. Offer the sacrifices of righteousness, and trust in the LORD." (Psalm 4:4-5)
On a side note, if we ever do get bitter, God will not abandon us. Do not be bitter, but take heart if you are. "When my heart was embittered and I was pierced within, then I was senseless and ignorant; I was like a beast before You. Nevertheless I am continually with You; You have taken hold of my right hand. With Your counsel You will guide me, and afterward receive me to glory." (Psalm 73:21-24)
Finally, trust in the Lord. He is faithful. He is good. If you are in Christ, He loves you dearly. "O LORD, You have heard the desire of the humble; You will strengthen their heart, You will incline Your ear..." (Psalm 10:17) "But I have trusted in Your lovingkindness; my heart shall rejoice in Your salvation." (Psalm 13:5) "The LORD is their strength, and He is a saving defense to His anointed. Save Your people and bless Your inheritance; be their shepherd also, and carry them forever." (Psalm 28:8-9) I could keep going, but I'd be here all day.
I'll send out a post soon on the first couple chapters of Jeremiah.
For Christ,
Daniel
One of the main themes I saw being repeated is the proper attitude towards worship. The praise of our God must not be a cold religious duty. Instead, "Let the godly ones exult in glory; let them sing for joy on their beds. Let the high praises of God be in their mouth." (Psalm 149:5-6a) Worship must always be joyful. It must be something we want to do. What should we do if we find in ourselves a lack of zeal for worship? Pray through Psalm 136. "Give thanks to the LORD, for He is good, for His lovingkindness is everlasting." (Psalm 136:1)
An important lesson I've started to learn from the Psalms is the right way to complain to God. Several times through my depression I was told something along the lines of "It's okay to scream at God and tell Him you don't think He's doing a good job. He can take it." That is not okay. That is sin. "Woe to the one who quarrels with his Maker - an earthenware vessel among the vessels of the earth! Will the clay say to the potter, 'What are you doing?' Or the thing you are making say, 'He has no hands'?" (Isaiah 45:9)
So, what is the right way to complain to God? Or is it even okay to complain to God at all? Yes, it is. "My God, my God, why have You forsaken me? Far from my deliverance are the words of my groaning. O my God, I cry by day, but You do not answer; and by night, but I have no rest." (Psalm 22:1-2) David poured out the contents of his heart under the inspiration of the Holy Spirit. The Bible commands us to be honest with God, no matter what it is we're feeling. "Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God." (Philippians 4:6) But this must always be done reverently. Never accuse God. You can scream. You can ask why. But never, ever, call into question the character of God. "Yet You are holy, O You who are enthroned upon the praises of Israel." (Psalm 22:3) "Tremble, and do not sin; meditate in your heart upon your bed, and be still. Offer the sacrifices of righteousness, and trust in the LORD." (Psalm 4:4-5)
On a side note, if we ever do get bitter, God will not abandon us. Do not be bitter, but take heart if you are. "When my heart was embittered and I was pierced within, then I was senseless and ignorant; I was like a beast before You. Nevertheless I am continually with You; You have taken hold of my right hand. With Your counsel You will guide me, and afterward receive me to glory." (Psalm 73:21-24)
Finally, trust in the Lord. He is faithful. He is good. If you are in Christ, He loves you dearly. "O LORD, You have heard the desire of the humble; You will strengthen their heart, You will incline Your ear..." (Psalm 10:17) "But I have trusted in Your lovingkindness; my heart shall rejoice in Your salvation." (Psalm 13:5) "The LORD is their strength, and He is a saving defense to His anointed. Save Your people and bless Your inheritance; be their shepherd also, and carry them forever." (Psalm 28:8-9) I could keep going, but I'd be here all day.
I'll send out a post soon on the first couple chapters of Jeremiah.
For Christ,
Daniel
Friday, February 26, 2010
Clothed with Christ
"The LORD God made garments of skin for Adam and his wife, and clothed them."
Genesis 3:21
"Let Your priests be clothed with righteousness, and let Your godly ones sing for joy."
Psalm 132:9
"I will rejoice greatly in the LORD, my soul will exult in my God; for He has clothed me with garments of salvation, He has wrapped me with a robe of righteousness, as a bridegroom decks himself with a garland, and as a bride adorns herself with her jewels."
Isaiah 61:10
"Then I said, 'Let them put a clean turban on his head.' So they put a clean turban on his head and clothed him with garments, while the angel of the LORD was standing by."
Zechariah 3:5
"But the father said to his slaves, 'Quickly bring out the best robe and put it on him, and put a ring on his hand and sandals on his feet...'"
Luke 15:22
"For all of you who were baptized into Christ have clothed yourselves with Christ."
Galatians 3:27
For Christ,
Daniel
Genesis 3:21
"Let Your priests be clothed with righteousness, and let Your godly ones sing for joy."
Psalm 132:9
"I will rejoice greatly in the LORD, my soul will exult in my God; for He has clothed me with garments of salvation, He has wrapped me with a robe of righteousness, as a bridegroom decks himself with a garland, and as a bride adorns herself with her jewels."
Isaiah 61:10
"Then I said, 'Let them put a clean turban on his head.' So they put a clean turban on his head and clothed him with garments, while the angel of the LORD was standing by."
Zechariah 3:5
"But the father said to his slaves, 'Quickly bring out the best robe and put it on him, and put a ring on his hand and sandals on his feet...'"
Luke 15:22
"For all of you who were baptized into Christ have clothed yourselves with Christ."
Galatians 3:27
For Christ,
Daniel
Friday, February 19, 2010
The Lord is good
"Enter His gates with thanksgiving and His courts with praise. Give thanks to Him, bless His name. For the LORD is good; His lovingkindness is everlasting and His faithfulness to all generations."
Psalm 100:4-5
The Lord is good. This is one of the hardest and yet one of the most important truths in Christianity to grasp. Because let's be honest, often the world looks like it's in complete and utter chaos. There doesn't seem to be any rhyme or reason to anything. People suffer and people die. What's going on?
The Lord is good. Not only is He good, but He's powerful. He's in control. "The LORD reigns, let the earth rejoice..." (Psalm 97:1) So, what's going on? I don't know.
The Lord is good. This is not religious wishful thinking. This is not a cute saying we teach our children in Sunday school. He really is good. Rest in that and worship.
For Christ,
Daniel
Psalm 100:4-5
The Lord is good. This is one of the hardest and yet one of the most important truths in Christianity to grasp. Because let's be honest, often the world looks like it's in complete and utter chaos. There doesn't seem to be any rhyme or reason to anything. People suffer and people die. What's going on?
The Lord is good. Not only is He good, but He's powerful. He's in control. "The LORD reigns, let the earth rejoice..." (Psalm 97:1) So, what's going on? I don't know.
The Lord is good. This is not religious wishful thinking. This is not a cute saying we teach our children in Sunday school. He really is good. Rest in that and worship.
For Christ,
Daniel
Monday, December 7, 2009
God alone
"Whom have I in heaven but You? And besides You, I desire nothing on earth. My flesh and my heart fail, but God is the strength of my heart and my portion forever."
Psalm 73:25-26
There is really nothing like a trial to remind you what you're trusting in. It is when the pillars of your life come crumbling down that you realize that all of the earthly things you were trusting in can and will fail you. It is when the storms come crashing over your head and threaten to drown you that you have no choice but to cry out, "Lord, save me!" (Matt. 14:30) Even though the pain is unbelievable and life seems the most hopeless, there is an odd, paradoxical sense of desperate serenity. God is good and God is faithful.
For Christ,
Daniel
Psalm 73:25-26
There is really nothing like a trial to remind you what you're trusting in. It is when the pillars of your life come crumbling down that you realize that all of the earthly things you were trusting in can and will fail you. It is when the storms come crashing over your head and threaten to drown you that you have no choice but to cry out, "Lord, save me!" (Matt. 14:30) Even though the pain is unbelievable and life seems the most hopeless, there is an odd, paradoxical sense of desperate serenity. God is good and God is faithful.
For Christ,
Daniel
Wednesday, December 2, 2009
Sons of God
"For all who are being led by the Spirit of God, these are sons of God."
Romans 8:14
Assurance of salvation, or rather lack of it, is something that plagues the mind of many Christians. Not all the time, but often this doubt stems from our great general failure to live our lives according to the will of God. If you have been saved, you have indeed been born again by the Spirit of God and God will "cause you to walk in [His] statutes" (Ezekiel 36:27). However, we still sin. In fact, one of the evidences of salvation that the apostle John gives in his letter is that we are conscious and repentant of our sin (1 John 1:8-10).
But to sin is one thing. How can we be saved if our days are marked by incessant sin? Are we really alive in Christ? This is a question that many Christians have struggled with throughout the centuries. Paul knew this agony very well: "Wretched man that I am! Who will set me free from the body of this death?" (Romans 7:24) A few verses later, however, Paul gave the answer. If we are being led by the Spirit of God, then we are children of God. I struggle so much with my sin it makes me sick; literally, some times. Yet I see the hand of God upon my life. I see God convicting me of sin. When I am stubborn in my sin He will not let me go but "[His] hand [is] heavy upon me" (Psalm 32:4). Therefore, on the authority of scripture I can say without fear of arrogance that God has "wrapped me with a robe of righteousness" (Isaiah 61:10).
Take a look at your life. Is God in it? I'm not talking about sinless perfection. Is the Holy Spirit leading you? Do you see the signs of a great and merciful God with His hand upon your shoulder guiding you along? Then you are a child of God.
For Christ,
Daniel
Romans 8:14
Assurance of salvation, or rather lack of it, is something that plagues the mind of many Christians. Not all the time, but often this doubt stems from our great general failure to live our lives according to the will of God. If you have been saved, you have indeed been born again by the Spirit of God and God will "cause you to walk in [His] statutes" (Ezekiel 36:27). However, we still sin. In fact, one of the evidences of salvation that the apostle John gives in his letter is that we are conscious and repentant of our sin (1 John 1:8-10).
But to sin is one thing. How can we be saved if our days are marked by incessant sin? Are we really alive in Christ? This is a question that many Christians have struggled with throughout the centuries. Paul knew this agony very well: "Wretched man that I am! Who will set me free from the body of this death?" (Romans 7:24) A few verses later, however, Paul gave the answer. If we are being led by the Spirit of God, then we are children of God. I struggle so much with my sin it makes me sick; literally, some times. Yet I see the hand of God upon my life. I see God convicting me of sin. When I am stubborn in my sin He will not let me go but "[His] hand [is] heavy upon me" (Psalm 32:4). Therefore, on the authority of scripture I can say without fear of arrogance that God has "wrapped me with a robe of righteousness" (Isaiah 61:10).
Take a look at your life. Is God in it? I'm not talking about sinless perfection. Is the Holy Spirit leading you? Do you see the signs of a great and merciful God with His hand upon your shoulder guiding you along? Then you are a child of God.
For Christ,
Daniel
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