Wednesday, April 30, 2014

Christ In The Book Of Hebrews: “Though he were a Son”

SIH HALTAL ICONJesus Is The Only Begotten Son Of God

  Hebrews 5:8 - Though he were a Son, yet learned he obedience by the things which he suffered;

1 John 4:9 - In this was manifested the love of God toward us, because that God sent his only begotten Son into the world, that we might live through him.

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“SIH’s Think On These Things: Proverbs 28:1-3”


He layeth up sound wisdom for the righteous (Prov 2:7)

Our Relationship To The Law Of God: Role Of Our Conscience: Proverbs 28:1-3
1) The wicked flee when no man pursueth: but the righteous are bold as a lion.
2) For the transgression of a land many [are] the princes thereof: but by a man of understanding [and] knowledge the state [thereof] shall be prolonged.
3) A poor man that oppresseth the poor [is like] a sweeping rain which leaveth no food.

In this chapter, Solomon directs our attention to having the proper relationship to the moral laws of the Lord (this would include the 10 commandments and the other manifold laws of God that are based upon His person and His characteristics.  As such, these laws are in effect for all time periods and peoples...

EXPOSITION:
In this devotion, we will be looking at the role of our conscience in aiding us in the keeping of God’s laws…

1) The wicked flee when no man pursueth: but the righteous are bold as a lion.
How the conscience guides us…
1. Those who are guilty of breaking the laws of God will fly away when no one is chasing them.
2. Those who are aligned with God’s laws are confident and sure of themselves much like a young lion on the prowl

The role of our conscience in keeping God’s laws cannot be underestimated.  When we willful choose to break the laws of God, our conscience is our guide to reveal our infraction and testify of our guilt.  Its testimony of guilt will continue for a length of time, always working to bring us back to obedience. 

This is much like when a man mistreats others, he then lives under conscience conviction of guilt.  It is this guilt that causes him to become paranoid and fearful of those whom he has mistreated.  In comparison, the righteous man, who is not afflicted by his guilt, can walk boldly in life, not being paranoid nor fearful, much like a young lion who fears no one due to his ability to overcome his enemies

Have the workers of iniquity no knowledge? who eat up my people [as] they eat bread: they have not called upon God.  There were they in great fear, [where] no fear was: for God hath scattered the bones of him that encampeth [against] thee: thou hast put [them] to shame, because God hath despised them.   (Psalms 53:4-5)

 
2) For the transgression of a land many [are] the princes thereof: but by a man of understanding [and] knowledge the state [thereof] shall be prolonged.
The importance of having leaders that follow their conscience…
1. Because a nation has “crossed the lines” God has set for them, their leadership will be replaced frequently.
2. When their leaders can understand things from God’s perspective and possess a knowledge of His Word, the nation will be continue to exist and prosper.

A nation’s sinfulness will take them out of existence, with other wicked nations taking control and establishing other wicked leaders over them.  However, when a nation revers the Lord and submits to His leadership, the nation is blessed with longevity and security.

[There was] a little city, and few men within it; and there came a great king against it, and besieged it, and built great bulwarks against it:  Now there was found in it a poor wise man, and he by his wisdom delivered the city; yet no man remembered that same poor man.  Then said I, Wisdom [is] better than strength: nevertheless the poor man's wisdom [is] despised, and his words are not heard.  The words of wise [men are] heard in quiet more than the cry of him that ruleth among fools.  Wisdom [is] better than weapons of war: but one sinner destroyeth much good.   (Ecclesiastes 9:14-18)


3) A poor man that oppresseth the poor [is like] a sweeping rain which leaveth no food.
The importance of the conscience for all of us, even the poor among us….
1.  A needy man who defrauds those who are weaker is like
2.  A hard rain that tears off the fruit and grain from the plant, leaving nothing usable for nourishment.

This is the ultimate abuse of others.  When a man who experiences the pain of being needy, and he is willing to actually bring more of the same pain on others for his own selfish purposes.  It is not simply that he is abusing others in need that is sinful, but it is an increased infraction because, after suffering under such agony, he does not think twice about multiplying this same suffering in the lives of others.

If anyone has compassion for others, they would think of their own suffering and seek to relieve others of that suffering, not increase the suffering of others for their own selfish purposes.

Thus speaketh the LORD of hosts, saying, Execute true judgment, and shew mercy and compassions every man to his brother:  And oppress not the widow, nor the fatherless, the stranger, nor the poor; and let none of you imagine evil against his brother in your heart.  But they refused to hearken, and pulled away the shoulder, and stopped their ears, that they should not hear.  Yea, they made their hearts [as] an adamant stone, lest they should hear the law, and the words which the LORD of hosts hath sent in his spirit by the former prophets: therefore came a great wrath from the LORD of hosts.  Therefore it is come to pass, [that] as he cried, and they would not hear; so they cried, and I would not hear, saith the LORD of hosts:  But I scattered them with a whirlwind among all the nations whom they knew not. Thus the land was desolate after them, that no man passed through nor returned: for they laid the pleasant land desolate.   (Zechariah 7:9-14)


SUMMARY:
Our conscience is a wonderful gift that encourages us to continue in faithful service.  The role of conscience in the lives of our leaders, is centered on leading the nation to be faithful to the Lord, and therefore to be blessed of Him. Even in the lives of the weakest and poorest among us, the role of our conscience is to benefit us and others around us.

May we all possess Godly wisdom and live our lives for Him.

By God’s grace, let us all study these proverbs diligently, giving them the value that they deserve.

May the Lord bless us as we receive this sound wisdom and then “Think On These Things”.


Tuesday, April 29, 2014

Christ In The Book Of Hebrews: “…was heard in that He feared”

SIH HALTAL ICONJesus Prayers Were Heard Because He Reverenced His Father.

    Hebrews 5:7 KJV - Who in the days of his flesh, when he had offered up prayers and supplications with strong crying and tears unto him that was able to save him from death, and was heard in that he feared;

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Monday, April 28, 2014

Christ In The Book Of Hebrews: “Who in the days of his flesh, when he had offered up prayers and supplications with strong crying and tears unto him that was able to save him from death”

SIH HALTAL ICONJesus, As A Man, Cried To His Father To Remove His Cup Of Suffering And Death.

Hebrews 5:7 KJV - Who in the days of his flesh, when he had offered up prayers and supplications with strong crying and tears unto him that was able to save him from death, and was heard in that he feared;
Luke 22:41-44 KJV - And he was withdrawn from them about a stone's cast, and kneeled down, and prayed, Saying, Father, if thou be willing, remove this cup from me: nevertheless not my will, but thine, be done. And there appeared an angel unto him from heaven, strengthening him.And being in an agony he prayed more earnestly: and his sweat was as it were great drops of blood falling down to the ground.
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“SIH’s Think On These Things: Proverbs 27:12-16”


He layeth up sound wisdom for the righteous (Prov 2:7)

Earthly Blessings From The Lord: Godly Foresight: Proverbs 27:12-16
12) A prudent [man] foreseeth the evil, [and] hideth himself; [but] the simple pass on, [and] are punished.
13) Take his garment that is surety for a stranger, and take a pledge of him for a strange woman.
14) He that blesseth his friend with a loud voice, rising early in the morning, it shall be counted a curse to him.
15) A continual dropping in a very rainy day and a contentious woman are alike.
16) Whosoever hideth her hideth the wind, and the ointment of his right hand, [which] bewrayeth [itself].

In this chapter, Solomon directs our attention to several different earthly blessings that given to us by our gracious Lord…

EXPOSITION:
In this devotion, we will begin looking at the blessing of foresight…. The ability to see the results of our actions beforehand…

12) A prudent [man] foreseeth the evil, [and] hideth himself; [but] the simple pass on, [and] are punished.
The need for Godly foresight…
1.  A man who plans ahead, will see harm before it takes place, and conceal himself from it.
2.  Those who are naïve will keep on the same path and be penalized

If we are watchful and foresee the results of our actions, we can avoid much harm by keeping ourselves from those harmful actions.  However, if we are naïve to the dangers of sin and disobedience we will continue in their pursuit and reap punishment for their actions.  

But the day of the Lord will come as a thief in the night; in the which the heavens shall pass away with a great noise, and the elements shall melt with fervent heat, the earth also and the works that are therein shall be burned up.  [Seeing] then [that] all these things shall be dissolved, what manner [of persons] ought ye to be in [all] holy conversation and godliness,  Looking for and hasting unto the coming of the day of God, wherein the heavens being on fire shall be dissolved, and the elements shall melt with fervent heat?  Nevertheless we, according to his promise, look for new heavens and a new earth, wherein dwelleth righteousness.  Wherefore, beloved, seeing that ye look for such things, be diligent that ye may be found of him in peace, without spot, and blameless.  (2 Peter 3:10-14)


13) Take his garment that is surety for a stranger, and take a pledge of him for a strange woman.
The use of Godly foresight in our financial dealings…
1.  Receive his outer coat for a security for a person who is unknown to us
2.  Receive a security from those who live sinful lifestyles for they cannot be counted as reliable

Foresight will allow us to recognize those who cannot be trusted in our business dealings.  Both those who we do know thoroughly and those who live lifestyles that are sinful should not be trusted to be honest in their dealings with us.  Therefore, we should take extra precautions to assure we will not be taken advantage of.  In this case, we should take security for money that is lent to them.

Be not thou [one] of them that strike hands, [or] of them that are sureties for debts.  If thou hast nothing to pay, why should he take away thy bed from under thee?   (Proverbs 22:26-27)



14) He that blesseth his friend with a loud voice, rising early in the morning, it shall be counted a curse to him.
The use of Godly foresight to avoid the abuse of others…
1.  A person who speaks well of his “friend” so that all others hear it
2.  If he gets up early in the morning to take advantage of every possible chance to publically praise him
3.  The praised one will consider it a curse

Godly foresight will allow us to not be affected by flattery, because we will have the foresight to see that the one who is praising us has ulterior motives of self-profit.

And the people gave a shout, [saying, It is] the voice of a god, and not of a man.  And immediately the angel of the Lord smote him, because he gave not God the glory: and he was eaten of worms, and gave up the ghost.   (Acts 12:22-23)



15) A continual dropping in a very rainy day and a contentious woman are alike.  16) Whosoever hideth her hideth the wind, and the ointment of his right hand, [which] bewrayeth [itself].
The use of Godly foresight to choose our relationships wisely…
1.  A  systematic, consistent dripping on a day filled with rain is like
2.  A person who argues and quarrels which leads to brawling and contentiousness
3.  A person who tries to restrain or cover the contentious one is like
4.  trying to restrain the blowing wind or
5.  trying to restrain the smell of ointment by holding it in our hand

By looking ahead with Godly wisdom, we can understand the type of person that we should be looking for to enter into a Godly, pleasant relationship.    We can also discern the futility of trying to restrain those who are bent on causing disruption and quarreling.

The waters wear the stones: thou washest away the things which grow [out] of the dust of the earth; and thou destroyest the hope of man.   (Job 14:19)


SUMMARY:

Godly foresight can deliver us from a multitude of troubles in our earthly life, as well as show us the results of sin in our lives and the need to tell others of Christ…

Wherefore we labour, that, whether present or absent, we may be accepted of him.  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.  Knowing therefore the terror of the Lord, we persuade men; but we are made manifest unto God; and I trust also are made manifest in your consciences.   (2 Corinthians 5:9-11)






May we all possess Godly wisdom and live our lives for Him.

By God’s grace, let us all study these proverbs diligently, giving them the value that they deserve.

May the Lord bless us as we receive this sound wisdom and then “Think On These Things”.


Friday, April 25, 2014

“SIH’s Think On These Things: Proverbs 27:7-11”


He layeth up sound wisdom for the righteous (Prov 2:7)

Earthly Blessings From The Lord: Godly Desires: Proverbs 27:7-11
7) The full soul loatheth an honeycomb; but to the hungry soul every bitter thing is sweet.
8) As a bird that wandereth from her nest, so [is] a man that wandereth from his place.
9) Ointment and perfume rejoice the heart: so [doth] the sweetness of a man's friend by hearty counsel.
10) Thine own friend, and thy father's friend, forsake not; neither go into thy brother's house in the day of thy calamity: [for] better [is] a neighbour [that is] near than a brother far off.
11) My son, be wise, and make my heart glad, that I may answer him that reproacheth me.


In this chapter, Solomon directs our attention to several different earthly blessings that given to us by our gracious Lord…

EXPOSITION:
In this devotion, we will be looking at the blessing of Godly desires...

7) The full soul loatheth an honeycomb; but to the hungry soul every bitter thing is sweet.
Godly desires help us to seek out what is beneficial and refuse that which is harmful…
1.  When our life is entirely satisfied and wanting nothing even the nourishment of honey is rejected
2.  When our life is in desperate need the bitter, irritating, harmful things are enjoyed greatly

Our flesh’s desires are based upon immediate gratification, therefore it will reject what is good for it, if it does not currently desire it.  Likewise, it will partake of that which is harmful, if it is driven by hunger.  This is why it is imperative that we seek to possess Godly desires in our lives.  To desire the things of the Lord is to desire that which is for our long term good and to reject that which is harmful to our lives.

Can that which is unsavoury be eaten without salt? or is there [any] taste in the white of an egg?  The things [that] my soul refused to touch [are] as my sorrowful meat.   (Job 6:6-7)



8) As a bird that wandereth from her nest, so [is] a man that wandereth from his place.
Godly desires help keep us on track in our life which is dedicated to the service of Christ…
1.  As a young bird flies away from its nest, going from tree to tree and branch to branch so too is
2.  a man that turns from his chosen life goals and calling.

As young bird that leaves its nest (its place of protection and nourishment) and flies to places that are filled with danger and lack; so too, a man who follows his fleshly desires and departs from his service to Christ.  It is only through the possession of Godly desires which overrule the desires of our flesh can we remain on track in our service to our Lord.  

Let every man abide in the same calling wherein he was called.   (1 Corinthians 7:20)



9) Ointment and perfume rejoice the heart: so [doth] the sweetness of a man's friend by hearty counsel.
Godly desires help us to appreciate that which is helpful to us spiritually…
1.  Oil for healing and incense brings health and satisfaction to our fleshly desires
2.  Likewise the graciousness shown to us by the encouragement for our spirit from our friends

Just like our physical senses finds joy and pleasure in sweet smells and medicines that aid in healing; when our desires are Godly, we will find joy and pleasure in the encouraging, spiritually strengthening words of our friends.

And David saw that Saul was come out to seek his life: and David [was] in the wilderness of Ziph in a wood.  And Jonathan Saul's son arose, and went to David into the wood, and strengthened his hand in God.  And he said unto him, Fear not: for the hand of Saul my father shall not find thee; and thou shalt be king over Israel, and I shall be next unto thee; and that also Saul my father knoweth.  And they two made a covenant before the LORD: and David abode in the wood, and Jonathan went to his house.   (1 Samuel 23:15-18)


10) Thine own friend, and thy father's friend, forsake not; neither go into thy brother's house in the day of thy calamity: [for] better [is] a neighbour [that is] near than a brother far off.
Godly desires help us to appreciate those who love and choose to stand with us in times of need…
1.  Your own associates and those of your father do not loosen the bond of commitment between you and them.
2.  Do not travel to your family member’s dwelling in the time of ruin.
3.  More beneficial is a fellow-citizen that is closer to you than a family member that is farther away

We should cultivate and cherish the friendships of our fathers and ourselves.  They are very beneficial to us when we are faced with the catastrophes of life.  In these cases, our friends are of more benefit to us than our family members.  How can this be?  Many times our friends (who are emotionally closer to us) can be trusted in a greater way that a family member who is (estranged from us) is only helping us due to “obligation” not because they are choosing to do so.

It is far better to receive help from those who are dedicated and loving to us than to receive help begrudgingly from those who are obligated to us due to family relationships.

A man [that hath] friends must shew himself friendly: and there is a friend [that] sticketh closer than a brother.
 (Proverbs 18:24)


11) My son, be wise, and make my heart glad, that I may answer him that reproacheth me.
Godly desires help keep us on track in our life which is dedicated to the service of Christ…
1. The one I love and am concerned about… apply God’s Word to your life
2. … it will fulfill my desires and cause me to shout for joy
3. … that I can properly respond to those who criticize me.

Solomon is writing these Proverbs out of a heart of love, desiring his pupils to grow in grace and knowledge of the Lord and a lifestyle of service to Him.  When the readers apply the Word of God to their lives it: fulfills his desires for us; gives him great joy; and, it allows him to justify and defend his ministry in the face of those who find fault with him.

VAU. Let thy mercies come also unto me, O LORD, [even] thy salvation, according to thy word.  So shall I have wherewith to answer him that reproacheth me: for I trust in thy word.  And take not the word of truth utterly out of my mouth; for I have hoped in thy judgments.  So shall I keep thy law continually for ever and ever.   (Psalms 119:41-44)





SUMMARY:

Godly desires can help us in many areas of our lives…. how do we attain Godly desires?  By God’s grace through a renewal of our minds…

But ye have not so learned Christ;  If so be that ye have heard him, and have been taught by him, as the truth is in Jesus:  That ye put off concerning the former conversation the old man, which is corrupt according to the deceitful lusts;  And be renewed in the spirit of your mind;  And that ye put on the new man, which after God is created in righteousness and true holiness.   (Ephesians 4:20-24)

May we all possess Godly wisdom and live our lives for Him.

By God’s grace, let us all study these proverbs diligently, giving them the value that they deserve.

May the Lord bless us as we receive this sound wisdom and then “Think On These Things”.