White Clover Blossoms

508.  "White Clover Blossoms"                     April 30, 2012
James 1-Part 4
Let the brother of low degree rejoice in that he is exalted.  James 1:9 KJV

LET IT GLOW

This brother is a believer in Christ, is considered poor in the world's eyes, of humble circumstances, as the NIV describes.
Liberty Bible Commentary states that low degree (tapeinos in Greek) is of a "lowly" economic or social status, but there is reason for joy.
So we po' folk have reason to rejoice. In God's esteem we are exalted.
Rejoice means to glory in a thing; exalted means rank, high station.
What gives me reason to rejoice and something to boast about?

• Through the grace of God I have been lifted out of the mirey clay (Ps.40:2).
• I have a heavenly position in Christ (Eph. 1:3).
• I can rejoice in having a high spiritual standing before God, though a poor believer, by grace and the hope which that brings.  (MacArthur)
• I am an adopted child of God and join-heir with Christ (Rom. 8:17).
• I have an inheritance that is incorruptible and undefiles, that fades not away, reserved in heaven for me (1Peter 1:4).
• I am justified, pardoned, and sanctified by the grace of God through Jesus Christ.
• I am a priest unto God.

There must be more things that could be added to this list. Perhaps you have some to share with us. How encouraging it is to think that there is more to come-heaven.

LET IT GROW

But the rich, in that he is made low: because as the flower of the grass he shall pass away. For the sun is no sooner risen with a burning heat, but it withereth the grass, and the flower thereof falleth, and the grace of the fashion of it perisheth: so also shall the rich man fade away in his ways.  James 1:10 KJV

I recall spending recess time of our early elementary years, sitting on the grass and conversing with my girlfriends. We would tie together the stems of white clover blooms. Our purpose was making a crown or laurel. Sometimes we would put them together and make a long jump rope. It didn't matter whether you were a child of a rich family in the community or a child of a poor family, we all worked together. We all wore the beautiful crowns, pretending to be princesses, and jumped the unique ropes of white clover. In God's kingdom, it doesn't matter if you are rich or poor in this world. the blooms would soon pass away and our adventure was over, and we little girls were onto another.

Verse 10 talks about the rich being made low. He may rejoice because temporal things are not all he has. When he humbles himself, repenting of sin, he becomes a child of God and a joint-heir with Christ (Rom. 8:1-7).  (Falwell)

The illustration of the sun in the middle of the day, shines in full strength, with its heat very great and scorching, causes the flower to shrivel and dry up, then drops to the ground; the beauty that  is pleasant to the eye is lost and no more recovered. Earthly riches, like the flower of the field, have an outward show and glory in them, which attract the mind, and fix attention to them for a while; glittering and looking lovely, pleasant to behold, desirable to enjoy; when the sun of persecution , or any other outward calamity arises, they are quickly destroyed, and are no more.
So the rich man fades away, Riches are uncertain things, make themselves wings and fly away; they are things that are not, a vain show. riches often fade away in a man's lifetime, before he dies and he fades away; comes to decay; his glory does not descend after him, but falls off from him as the flower of the field before the heat of the sun. (John Gill)

Christ was rich in heaven, stripped of all His riches, and came in a low estate, condescended to men of low estate. Now He is seated next to the Father on the throne, high and lifted up.

As the poor brother forgets all his earthly poverty, so the rich brother forgets all his earthly riches. By faith in Christ the two are equals. (Hiebert, citing Lenski)

If we put our life and identity into things that fade away, we will fade away also. How much better it is to put our life and our identy into things that will never fade! If a man is only rich in this world, when he dies, he leaves his riches. But if a man is rich before God, he goes to the riches!  (Guzik)

Do I consider myself better than others just because I have more riches? On the other hand, do I consider myself poorer than others because I don't have as much as they do? In the spiritual realm, I would rather be rich in faith and Christ than worldly riches.

Charles Swindoll says,"When stretched, faith doesn't break; it produces genuine stability."

Am I considering it a joy when my faith is tested? Do I lack wisdom in handling the trial? If so, do I ask God for wisdom? Do I have sustaining faith that surrenders to God and His purposes in my trials?

LET IT GO

Turn to Jesus for my sustaining faith and stronghold during trials.

Joyfully accept trials, inconveniences, for my good and the testing of my faith.

Stay humble; trust Jesus.

Sailboats

507.  " Sailboats"                           April 27, 2012
James 1-Part 3
 If any of you lack wisdom, let him ask of God, that giveth to all men liberally, and upbraideth not; and it shall be given him. But let him ask in faith, nothing wavering. For he that wavereth is like a wave of the sea driven with the wind and tossed. For let not that man think that he shall receive any thing of the Lord. A double minded man is unstable in all his ways.   James 1:5-8

LET IT GLOW

How's it going friends? I'm so glad you are walking with me along this country road of faith today. Some of you have been with me for a while now. You are blessing my heart in your faithfulness. Others are newcomers-welcome. I feel like we can sit down on my front porch this morning and share a glass of iced tea, troubles, trials, and temptations in our lives. I just wanted to say thank you for your love that travels through these wires of modern technology.
Friends, how is your joy doing in the midst of problems? We all have problems because that is life. I have already learned, after only studying 4 verses in James, that as a Christian, I am to have joy in the midst of trials. I suppose that is possible because I am supposed to have it before that trial comes. Hmm. Yes, Lord.
Another thing I have learned is that faith is tested through trials, not produced by trials. So I am to already have the faith ahead of the trial. How is the testing of your faith going? Are you still trusting Jesus?

Several times I have been to the oceans' front and watched sailboats on the water.  It is amazing to me how they can go sailing across the water so effortlessly. The wind is the source of its power. Without a rudder,though, it would go wherever the wind sends it. I don't want to be like that kind of sailboat, tossed around, moved up and down by the waves of troubles. Come to think about it, I don't have to be like it because all I need do is ask God for wisdom as to what to do in my trial. There's more to learn, friends.

Joy, faith, patience. Oh you how I need it all!  In other words, keep on keepin' on, friends. Don't let trials discourage you. Our God is still on His throne, in control. Enough review, I'm ready for some good food for my soul today. How about you?
Verse 5 says that if I lack wisdom, boy do I, all I need to do is ask God for some. After all, He is the only wise God and is available to us through Jesus.
Wisdom is the knowledge and practice of the requisites for godly and upright living. (Thayer's Lexicon)
Knowledge is raw information, but wisdom knows how to use it. (Guzik)
Knowledge is the ability to take things apart, but wisdom is the ability to put things together. (Unknown)
What does wisdom have to do with enduring trials? It may refer to some solution or answer to the trial, or it may pertain to the wisdom to trust God. Job had no solutions or explanations regarding his trial. Instead, God taught him why it was wise to trust Him without knowing why his suffering was taking place. God will help the individual know what course of action is the most "trusting."
(William Baker)

Back to verse 5, God gives to me wisdom, when I ask for it. How? He gives it liberally and upbraideth not. According to Thayer's Lexicon, liberally means simply, openly, frankly, sincerely (led solely by His desire to bless); upbraideth means cast (favors received) in one's teeth.
Young's Concordance says upbraideth means reproach, revile. Webster's Dictionary says upbraideth means blame, rebuke.
Wow! God is ready to pour out wisdom upon me, since He doesn't look down on me for asking for wisdom in how to handle this problem or trial. He doesn't rebuke me for not being able to handle it myself. I need God's help and wisdom concerning this matter. (I think that is the way He wants it.)

God is the giver of all things, in nature, providence, and grace. He isn't prejudice about to whom He gives wisdom, but He gives it to rich and poor, high and low, more and less sinners. He gives widsom readily, freely, cheerfully, abundantly. (Gill)

God has wisdom in abundance (Rom. 11:33) available for those who seek it. (MacArthur)
Charles Swindoll, in his Bible Study guide, James, Practical and Authentic Living says:

All of us knows what it's like to flunk a trial. We remember the wrong responses-resistant attitudes, temper tantrums demanding instant relief-that have advanced nothing but our immaturity and misery. Why do we do these things? Why don't we hang in there? James offers two reasons why our troubles often get the best of us. Lack of wisdom and lack of faith are the reasons. James is referring to the ability to view a test from Godd's perspective. Without this kind of wisdom, the ability to endure becomes elusive, and the goal of maturity may never be reached.

Yes indeed, I need God's wisdom. I better to asking for it. I have a few problems to solve.
Am I letting trials bring me to maturity as a Christian? Do I seek God in the midst of trials? Are the fruit of the Spirit evident in my life? Do others see my faith growing and continuing?

LET IT GROW

How am I supposed to ask for wisdom? Verses 6-8 tell us:

• Ask in faith. I am to ask without doubting God's ability or desire to give me His wisdom. Do I have faith in His power and faithfulness to perform His promises? Whatever is asked, according to the will of God, is for His glory and my. Falwell said to ask myself, "How can I find purpose in this predicament?" (Wanting in verse 4 and lack in verse 5 stem from the same word, leipo, that mean " to leave." Prayer must be offered with confident trust in a sovereign God.
• Ask in faith with nothing wavering. Wavering means to be at variance with one's self, hesitated, doubt. (Thayer's Lexicon) Do I have second thoughts about my prayer? Don't doubt about the thing asked for, whether it's right or not to ask for it, settle that before asking. Determine if it is His will to do it. If it is God's will, He will do it; God has the power to do it.  He is faithful to His promises. What's proper and suitable, God will give in His own time and way.
• Don't be like the wave of the sea, driven by the wind and tossed. This doubter is driven and tossed by circumstances. I am to avow that God is all He claims to be under any any circumstances. God intends that trials will drive believers to greater dependency upon Him, by showing them their own inadequacy. The person who doubts God's ability or willingness to provide this wisdom is like the billowing, restless sea, moving back and forth with its endless tides, never able to settle.
• If I am a waver, I may expect nothing from the Lord. He wants a 100% . Is my faith up and down, here today and gone tomorrow, strong in the easy times and weak in the trials, or is it stedfast, always strong and believing God?
• If I am a double minded person, I will be unstable in all my ways. (verse 8) Double minded means two souled; unstable means inconstant, restless. (Thayer's Lexicon) It refers to having one's mind or soul divided between God and the world. Am I confused in my thinking, restless in thoughts, or shifting and moving? Swindoll describes this double minded person as one who wants his or her own will and God's at the same time.

[Resources: James, Practical and Authentic Living by C. Swindoll, The MacArthur Bible Commentary, The Book of James and First and Second Peter, by William Baker, Liberty Bible Commentary]


LET IT GO

Stay full-full of joy and faith.

Ask for God's wisdom when unsure about a situation, how to solve a problem.

Trust God in everything. He has a purpose and a will. His thoughts are higher than mine.

Keep praying, studying the Bible, meditating on Scripture, in fellowship with God and others.

Slam That Door

506.  "Slam That Door"                                April 26, 2012
James 1-Part 2
My brethren, count it all joy when ye fall into divers temptations;  Knowing this, that the trying of your faith worketh patience. But let patience have her perfect work, that ye may be perfect and entire, wanting nothing.   James 1:2-4  KJV

Consider it all joy, my brethren, when you encounter various trial; knowing that the testing of your faith produces endurance.  New American Standard

Dear brothers and sisters, when troubles come your way, consider it an opportunity for great joy. For you know that when your faith is tested, your endurance has a chance to grow.
New LivingTranslation

LET IT GLOW

Brethren refers to both male and female believers, born again of the same grace, belong to the same family and household of faith, to the same Father, being all children of God, by faith in Christ.

Joy means to count the cause or occasion of joy; fall means to fall around; divers is veriegated, spotted, various, different; temptations are adversity, affliction (distress), trouble (our trial) sent by God and serving to test or prove ones faith, holiness, character.

What do we know about temptations, trials, troubles, testing?

• They are inevitable. James didn't use the word if, but the word when I encounter various trials.That's the way life is-one test, trial, temptation after another. I can expect them to come, and they will come, in various, different, all kinds of sizes, shapes, and colors.
• They have a purpose. Start seeing tests specifically designed by God to stretch our faith, not simply our pocketbooks, friendships, or health. View them as servants that bring about the circumstances needed to help us grow. (Swindoll's Bible Study Book on James)

David Guzik said, "Trials are occasions for joy, not discouraged resignation. Faith is tested through trials, not produced by trials. Trials reveal what faith we do have, not because God does not know how much faith we have, but to make it evident to ourselves and those around us. If trials don't produce faith, what does? Romans 10:17 says, So then faith cometh by hearing, and hearing by the Word of God. Faith is built in us as we hear, understand, and trust in God's Word."

LET IT GROW

During the hot summer days, the front and back doors of our country house would be left open. We had screen doors with wooden frames to keep the flies out.  Those were the days before we had air conditioning. It allowed any breeze that was passing by our way to enter the house and cool us off. But as a child who was running outside to play, I always let the screen door slam shut behind me. How many times did Mom tell me not to slam the screen door? It didn't matter to me, with chores done, I was running to a life of freedom outside.
After studying today's scriptures, I realize there is a door I need to slam, the door of temptation to sin. An idle mind is the devil's playground is a saying of long ago. I find that is where he tempts me to dwell on thoughts that I shouldn't be thinking. Now that I recognize his techniques, I say, "I slam the door on that thought." It stops. Now I am trying to replace a bad thought with Scripture. Give it a try, friends. Philippians 4:8 tells us the good things on which we are to think.

Now that I understand about this testing and troubles, that they'll come and for a purpose, how do I handle them? How can I overcome temptations so they don't overcome me?
If I don't, then temptation will lead me to sinful actions. Sin waits at the door of my life. (Cain's jealousy grew and resulted into murder.)

I found some answers as I read Blackaby's devotional book, Experiencing God Day by Day:

• Temptations can come at unexpected moments; immediately after a spiritual victory.
• Stop and deal with sinful thoughts and selfish feelings.
• Evaluate my life to reveal temptations I should remove.
• Remove anything in my environment that tempts me to sin. (Deut. 22:21)
• Avoid every kind of temptation (1Thess. 5:22).
• Renounce sin.
• Run; Joseph fled immediately (Gen. 39:12).
• Stay close to God; ask for His strength to resist.
• Refuse to compromise my integrity; David did in 1 Sam. 26:8.
• Watch over my heart.
• Rely on God's Word.
• Jesus is my model.

Since I know all of this, then the test, trials, and troubles that come my way are supposed to produce patience, they do. Ha! I'm guilty of griping and complaining. I probably could get an award for it.

Patience means steadfastness, constancey, endurance, according to Thayer's Leixicon.
Guzik says that patience means to remain under.

Webster's Dictionary defines patience as endurance of pain or provocation without complaint; the power to wait calmly; perseverance.

Oh boy, I don't need a cupful of patience, I need a gallon. No complaining? Waiting calmly? Hmmm.

When trials are received with faith, it produces patience. but patience isn't inevitably produced in times of trial. If difficulties are received in unbelief and grumbling, trials can produce bitterness and discouragement. this is why James exhorts us to count it all joy. Counting it all joy is faith's response to a time of trial. (Guzik)

When stretched, faith doesn't break, it produces genuine stability.  (Swindoll)

What are we told to do in verse 4? Let means cooperate. Give in to the testing. Let the test go on, regardless of your circumstances. Don't cut short the process that will bring about your maturity. (Swindoll)

Here are the Greek meanings of more words:
perfect-brought to its end, finished; wanting nothing necessary to completeness;
work-toil or struggle with hindrances;
entire-free from sin, faultless;
wanting-to lag, be inferior;
nothing-in nothing.

So I am to cooperate, enduring so the trial's purpose is completed in me, in order to be complete, free from sin, lagging in nothing. Even when those little agitations come, I'm not to sin in my attitude. Wow!

Too often we grasp relief from trouble so eagerly that we fail to receive the entire lesson that God intended for us. We are cautioned to observe our attitudes more than our circumstances. If one does this, he will realize the road to Christian maturity. Perfection is reserved for the life to come (1John 1:8). (Falwell)

One who has patience is able to remain under a potential threat without panicking. (Baker)


LET IT GO

Slam the door on temptation to sin.

Remove any thing that causes me to be tempted.

Stay in God's Word; yield to the Holy Spirit.

Strive to pass the tests with patience, keeping faith.

Stop complaining about the little things that go wrong.

Smile :0)

Bam, Bang, Boom

505.  "Bam, Bang, Boom"                       April 25, 2012
Introduction to James
James, a servant of God and of the Lord Jesus Christ, to the twelve tribes which are scattered abroad, greeting.   James 1:1
Background:
Author:
Which one of the five men named "James" that are mentioned in the Bible is this author? They were:

1. the father of Judas the apostle, not Iscariot (Luke 6:16).
2. the son of Alphaeus, another apostle (Matt. 10:3)
3. James the Little/James the Less(Mark 15:40)
4. the brother of John and the son of Zebedee (Matt. 4:21)
5. the oldest half brother of Jesus (Matt. 13:55, Mark 6:3) and brother of Jude (Jude 1). (Swindoll)

According to MacArthur, the first two were not seriously considered as the writer of this letter, and the son of Zebedee was martyred, under Herod Agrippa I, no later than A.D. 44,  too early to have written it (Acts 12:2). That leaves the last James, the half-brother of Jesus and brother of Jude, who shared the same mother, but not the same father. All five men were living in the first century; the last two were apostles. "Most conservative New Testament scholoars agree that this James was Jesus' half brother, born and raised in the same family," said Charles Swindoll in his Bible study guide on James.

When Jesus claimed to be the Messiah, James, his older brother, and other sibliings, thought Jesus had lost his senses (Mark 3:21) and did not believe in Jesus (John 7:5). James' unbelief may have persisted up to the time of Jesus' death on the cross. But 1 Corinthians 15:1-7 tells us that, afterward, the resurrected Lord Jesus visited James; and from that moment on, James appears in the Scriptures as a different man. He became a significant leader in the Jerusalem church.
Readers:
Written to the "brethren," people dispersed abroad, meaning "scattered throughout," as one might scatter seed. (Swindoll)

In his book, The book of James and First and Second Peter-Faith, Suffering, and Knowledge, William Baker says:

James was speaking to believing Jews who were part of the early Diaspora (dispersion) throughout the Mediterranean region. The gospel had traveled quickly out of Jerusalem by the many Jewish pilgrims who were there for Passover when the Lord Jesus had been crucified and come forth from the grave. The news of this event traveled fast to the synagogues throughout the Roman world, and many Jews realized that Jesus was their promised King and Savior. It appears that James' audience had been believers for some time.

Date:
Most scholars place the date of this book around A.D. 45, just before the Jerusalem Council (Acts 15; A.D. 48-49). (Baker)
The date was about A.D. 45 and Claudius was emperor in Rome. Under his rule the Jews had been persecuted and driven out of Rome and their homeland, Palestine. (Swindoll)
This book was the earliest written of the New Testament cannon books/letters. It was written before Paul wrote Galatians in 48-49 A.D. and the earliest gospel-Matthew (50-60 A.D.) This is a new realization for me. Of course, James wrote this book prior to his death by stoning in A.D. 62.

MacArthur says that James is dated A.D. 44-49.

LET IT GLOW

James doesn't identify his physical relationship with Jesus, half-brother, but his spiritual relationship, by God's grace alone. (verse 1)
James' influence extended to Christian Jews throughout the empire. Tradition nicknames James "the Just." It describes him as a man of great piety and constant prayer. His writing provides us with insights into the earliest day of the church.
Christ's name is only found twice in this book (1:1 and 2:1).He gives over 50 imparitives, warnings and reproofs. He doesn't teach doctrine as Paul did. Instead, James instructs how to live the Christian life. In looking at several outlines of James, a common word or thread is the word "test" or "testing."

The main theme of this book, according to Swindoll, is "Real faith produces genuine works. If you say you've come to know the Lord Jesus, then that should be reflected by your life."
James speaks a lot of works and is practical rather than theological. (MacArthur)

LET IT GROW

How does James describe himself in verse 1? He is a servant of God and the Lord Jesus Christ.

Servant, in this passage, refers to those whose service is used by Christ in extending and advancing His cause among men: used of apostles. (Thayer's Lexicon)

Bam, boom, bang. During their growing up years, our children loved sleeping-in on Saturdays. No hurried schedule, no school to go to, so we let them. As for me, my body stayed on the same schedule-up at 5:30. It didn't know Saturdays and Sundays were for sleeping in. So I would get up at the same time, get the chores of house cleaning done, and fix breakfast for them. That sounds nice, but actually, their memories are different from mine. (I did it out of love.) I hear complaints about the noises I made as I cleaned-a mop hitting the hallway walls-bam, boom; dishes being put away-bang; bathrooms' running water, and washer going. Now that they have a family of their own, I think they appreciate what I did for them. Sixteen years later, I still get up early on Saturdays. Oh, well.

How's my attitude in serving my family? How's their attitude in helping me? Do I grumble during the dishwashing duty? Do I complain when I have to pick up clothes to be washed? Do I tire of the endless dusting and vaccuming of the house? Am I creative in cooking or just pour it out of a can? Where is the love in serving those I love most? Oh my, those household duties, they never end, but children do grow up and leave home. Spouses do die. Am I serving the Lord Jesus as I do those mundane duties?  Time for an attitude adjustment.


LET IT GO

Leave those bad attitudes and serve the Lord Jesus.

Let love prevail.

Hearer or Doer

504.  " Hearer or Doer"                          April 24, 2012
Summary of Hebrews

Review:
Even though the author of Hebrews is unknown to us, he was known to his readers, since he did not identify himself. Most scholors consider Paul as the author. It was probably written in the first century. the readers are second generation Christians, so the date would be earlier than A.D. 70. That is when the Roman army destroyed the Temple. Timothy is still alive as the letter was written. It is interesting to recall that many quotes were from the Old Testament and were written in Greek, not Hebrew. (That was the language in which the OT was written.)

Topics covered by the author include: The superiority of:

• Jesus Christ's position: A better name, better than angels, Moses
• Jesus Christ's priesthood: a High Priest, fulfillment, like Melchizedek
• Jesus Christ's priestly ministry: a better covenant, sanctuary, sacrifice
• the believer's privileges: faith that saves, is false, genuine, heroes of faith, persevering faith
• Christian behavior in relation to: others, ourselves, God
• the postscript. 

[Resource: The MacArthur Bible Commentary]

LET IT GLOW

Actually, in thinking about any lesson, whether it is given in a classroom setting, a church setting, or a home setting, is designed to encourage the listener to a course of action, to get up and do it. Isn't that why we have the teachings of Jesus-He told His New Testament followers and modern Christians how to live. We have the teachings of Moses-the law which God gave to instruct the way of life and worship by His chosen people, the Israelites. We have the teachings of Paul-directed by the Lord as encouragement to increase our faith, and living by faith. We have the Holy Spirit to guide us in faith and obedience.

James 1:22 says, But be ye doers of the word, and not hearers only, deceiving your own selves.

I want to be a hearer and a doer, a sort of Mary and Martha in one. "I can't hear what you're saying for seeing your actions" is not what I want said of me. How about you?

The book of Hebrews is intensely practical in its application to everyday living. The writer himself even refers to his letter as a "word of exhortation." Exhortations were designed to stir the readers into action. Those exhortations were given in the form of six warnings against:

1. drifting from "the things we have heard" (2:1-4)
2. disbelieving the "voice" of God (3:7-14)
3. degenerating from "the elementary proinciples of Christ" (5:11-6:20)
4. despising "the knowledge of the truth" (10: 26-39)
5. devaluing "the greace of God" (12:15-17)
6. departing from Him "who speaks" (12:25-29).

{Resource: The MacArthur Bible Commentary]

LET IT GROW

I always like to review some scriptures that were special to me, those which I highlighted. Here they are:
God, who at sundry times and in divers manners spake in time past unto the fathers by the prophets, Hath in these last days spoken unto us by his Son, whom He hath appointed heir of all things, by whom also He made the worlds; Who being the brightness of His glory, and the express image of His person, and upholding all things by the word of His power, when He had by Himself purged our sins, sat down on the right hand of the Majesty on high. (1:1-3)

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.  (2:3)

What is man, that Thou art mindful of him? Or the Son of man, that Thou visitest Him? (2:6)

Thou hast put all things in subjection under His feet. (2:8a)

For it became Him, for whom are all things, and by whom are all things... (2:10)

For every house is builded by some man; but He that built all things is God. (3:4)

Wherefore as the Holy Ghost saith, Today if ye will hear His voice, Harden not your hearts...
(3:7-8a)

But exhort one another daily... (3:13)

For the Word of God is quick, and powerful, and sharper than any twoedged sword, piercing even to the dividing asunder of soul and spirit, and of the joints and marrow, and is a discerner of the thoughts and intents of the heart. (4:12)

For we have not an high priest which cannot be touched with the feeling of our infirmities; but was in all points tempted like as we are, yet without sin. (4:15)

Let us therefore come boldly unto the throne of grace, that we may obtain mercy, and find grace to help in time of need. (4:16)

...it was impossible for God to lie... (6:18)

Which hope (Jesus) we have as an anchor of the soul, both sure and stedfast, and which entereth into that within the veil.  (6:19)

Wherefore He is able also to save them to the uttermost that come unto God by Him (Jesus), seeing He ever liveth to make intercession for them.  (7:25)

And as it is appointed unto men once to die, but after this the judgment. (9:27)

By the which will  we are sanctified through the offering of the body of Jesus Christ once for all. 
(10:10)

And their sins and iniquities will I remember no more.  (10:17)

For we know him that hath said, Vengence belongeth unto Me, I will recompense, saith the Lord. And again, The Lord shall judge His people.  (10:30)

It is a fearful thing to fall into the hands of the living God.  (10:31)

Now the just shall live by faith: but if any man draw back, my soul shall have no pleasure in him. (10:38)

Now faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen.  (11:1)

But without faith it is impossible to please him. (11:6)

For whom the Lord loveth he chasteneth, and scourgeth every son whom he receiveth. (12:6)

Jesus Christ the same yesterday, and to day, and for ever. (13:8)

By him therefore let us offer the sacrifice of praise to God continually, that is, the fruit of our lips giving thanks to his name. But to do good and to communicate forget not: for with such sacrifices God is well pleased.  (13:15)

LET IT GO


Be a hearer of the Word and a doer of the Word of God.

Saying Good Bye

503.  "Saying Good Bye"                         April 23, 2012
Hebrews 13-Part 10
And I beseech you, brethren, suffer the word of exhortation: for I have written a letter unto you in few words.   Hebrews 13:22


LET IT GLOW

How did I say good bye? I always knew there would come a day when it was the last time I saw him or I would say my last good bye. We visited at Thanksgiving, but not at Christmas. I had plans to call him on his birthday, but it was too late. We buried Dad on his birthday. However, I did send new pictures of the kids, which he got in time. It's been 25 years so I can't remember the exact words we spoke.  So now, I should consider how I leave someone I love. What would I say if I knew those were the last words I would ever speak to them? Is there something else I would want to say?
Here we are at the end of another book in the Bible. It's hard to believe. How did the writer close his letter?

Because the most majestic and memorable benediction in the whole Bible is recorded in Hebrews 13:20-21, it is fitting to use it as the benediction for us.

May the God of peace, who through the blood of the eternal covenant brought back from the dead our Lord Jesus, that great Shepherd of the sheep, equip you with everything good for doing his will, and may he work in us what is pleasing to him, through Jesus Christ, to whom be glory for ever and ever.  (NIV)

Before we depart from our friends, don't we often wish them the best? "Have a good time, be safe, come again, see you later," sometimes  are our fairwells.

LET IT GROW

The primary nature and purpose of this epistle has been for exhortation. His last adminition is that they might bear with it. (Falwell)

New International Version says, Brothers, I urge you to bear with my word of exhortation, for I have written you only a short letter.

The KJV uses the word suffer, which means to bear with, to listen; exhortation means to admonish (warn against, reprove mildly), to exhort (urge to a course of action).

In his Bible Study guide on Hebrews, Charles Swindoll says:
In verses 22-25, the writer give three comands:

1. Bear with the truth of God. (verse 22) He is encouraging his readers to do more than just listen to the Word and read its concepts. He wants his readers to abide by the concepts, to apply them to readers to take pains to absorb them.
2. Take notice of the people of God. (verse 23) It is likely that Timothy had been released from prison. it was a common experience, back in days, to be incarcerated. We're surrounded by peoplein a variety of prisons. Instead of being prisoners of steel bars, they may be captives of illness, grief, the unwanted horror of divorce, or the battle of trying to discover themselves. We must take notice of them and reach out with acceptance.
3. Express and accept greetings. (verse 24) Salute means to bid welcome, greet. In New Testament times, it referred to delicate affection and touching, kissing, embracing, and hugging. Chirstians in modern times usually shake hands. At times we need to embrace, not in a romantic or seductive sense, but as a way of exhibiting care and providing affirmation. This kind of touch says, "You're a part of me. You mean something to me."
4. Grace: A Final Farewell. (verse 25) He didn't say, "Obey my warnings or else!" nor "Live and let live. Have fun!" He simply says, "Grace be with you all!"

Do I apply the Word of God and not just read it? Do I help those in their own prison to be set free by Jesus and His Word? How friendly am I with greeting someone? do I share the grace of God with others?

LET IT GO

Greet people like they are special.

Instead of just walking away, say a special fairwell to my loved ones.

Listen and apply God's Word to my life.

Ask God to open my eyes to see those in their own prison, who need Jesus to free them.

Spread grace around.

In Need of Mending

502.  "In Need of Mending"                          April 20, 2012
Hebrews 13-Part 9
Now the God of peace, that brought again from the dead our Lord Jesus, that great shepherd of the sheep, through the blood of the everlasting covenant, Make you perfect in every good work to do his will, working in you that which is wellpleasing in his sight, through Jesus Christ; to whom be glory for ever and ever. Amen.  Hebrews 13:20-21


LET IT GLOW

I have not been a fisherman, soldier, a sailor, nor a doctor, but my broken heart has been in need of mending, my ways need mending or changed, I need outfitted with the Armor of God in preparation for spiritual battle, even equiped for my journey of life. God sees to it that I have these things. Let's stop our walk and look closer.

In this benediction, we see the major themes  of Hebrews:

• peace-Concerning Christianity, peace is the tranquil state of a soul assured of its salvation through Christ, and so fearing nothing from God and content with its earthly lot, of whatsoever sort that is; the Lord who is the author and promoter of peace. (Thayer's Lexicon)                      mmIn Numbers 6:24-26, God told Moses to tell Aaron and his sons how to bless the children of Israel saying:The Lord bless thee, and keep thee: The Lord make his face shine upon thee, and be gracious unto thee: The Lord lift up his countenance upon thee, and give thee peace.
• the resurrected Christ-He is brought again from the dead. (Acts 2:24) Jesus said,"I am the resurrection and the life..." (John 11:25)
• the blood-We are justified by Jesus' blood. (Rom. 5:9)
• the covenant-Genesis 9:16 talks about the rainbow as a reminder of this everlasting covenant of not flooding the earth again as to destroying all flesh; Genesis 17:7-8 tells of the everlasting covenant God made with Abraham: possession of the land of Canaan, and He would be their God, the covenant would continue with his seed.
• spiritual perfection (maturity)-integrity, clear mind, clean heart, lively affections, regular and resolved wills, which result from the work of God. 
• God's work in the believer-He works through and in us by way of His Holy Spirit.(Gal. 5:22-26)

We also see the titles of Christ: God of peace, our Lord, Great Shepherd of the sheep (who died for the sheep, lives in us today and in heaven( John 10:11). As Chief Shepherd, He will come for the sheep (1Peter 5:4). As our High Priest, Jesus interceeds for us now.

Do I praise Him for being the God of Peace, my Great Shepherd that leads me and provides for me daily?


LET IT GROW

In the rest of his closing prayer, the writer asks God to "make you perfect in every good work to do His will." Make perfect is translated in the word katartidzo, to doctors means "to set a broken bone;" to fishermen it meant "to mend a broken net;" to sailors it meant "to outfit a ship for voyage;" to soldiers it meant "to equip an army for battle."

Our Savior in heaven wants to equip us for life on earth. He tenderly sets our broken bones in our lives so that we might walk straight and run our life-races successfully. He wants to repair the breaks in the nets so that we might catch fish and win souls. He wants to equip us for battle and outfit us so that we will not be battered in the storms of life. He wants to marture us, work in us and through us, that which pleases Him and accomplishes His will.

Do you have anything in need of mending-marriage, relationships, feelings, ways, etc.? Jesus is waiting to help.

What does God use to equip us? He uses the Word of God (2Tim. 3:16-17), prayer (1Thess. 3:10), and fellowship of the local church (Eph. 4:11-12).

Do I ask the Lord to make me perfect ion every good work to do His will? Do I ask Him to work in me that which is well-pleasing in His sight? Do I live through Jesus for His glory? 
[Resource: Warren Wiersbe's book Be Confident]


LET IT GO

Praise the God of Peace, the Great Shepherd, my Resurrected Savior.

Don't resist His breaking me, since it is for my good and His glory.

Watch as He equips me for the storms and battles of life.

Live to please Jesus and to do His will.