One Who Had Authority

Matthew 7:28-29 - "And when Jesus finished these sayings, the crowds were astonished at His teaching, for He was teaching them as one who had authority, and not as their scribes."

These words close the section in Matthew's Gospel, which contains the Sermon on the Mount (Matthew 5-7).  Jesus had spent a great amount of time addressing many issues:

• The Beatitudes
• Salt and Light
• He Came to Fulfill the Law
• Anger
• Lust
• Divorce
• Taking an Oath
• Vengeance
• Loving our Enemies
• Giving to the Needy
• Prayer
• Fasting
• Laying Up Treasures in Heaven
• Don't be Anxious
• Judging Others
• Asking and Seeking God
• Do Unto Others
• A Tree is Known By Its Fruit
• Not All Who Claim to Know Him, Do Know Him
• Build Your House on the Rock

Quite the list.  One could spend an eternity studying each of the issues the Lord addressed.  That is not my purpose here.  I wish to zero in on the fact that the crowd was "astonished" because He was teaching them as one "who had authority" and not as the scribes.

What does it mean to be astonished?  The word employed here literally means to be struck with terror or panic or to be amazed or shocked.

After hearing all that Jesus had to say on each of these topics, this was the response of the crowd.  Funny thing about crowds is that you can always seem to get one with the promise of some great speaker or selling them on the fact that there will be something in it for them.  While there certainly was much for them in Jesus' teaching, I can't help but think that what they heard was not what they were expecting to hear when they went to the mount.

Had the crowd never heard teaching on these topics before?  I believe they did, because the teaching Jesus gave them was in stark contrast to the teaching from their scribes (Matt. 7.29).  His teaching was like nothing they had ever heard before.  It wasn't that it was just different from what they had been taught before; this teaching brought conviction.

As the crowd listened to Him, God's word was doing its work.  Think about it.  They were not merely hearing God's word from a good teacher.  They were hearing it taught by the Son of God.  When I was in college, I took a history course in which the professor was also the author of the textbook for the course.  I will never forget how that professor taught the book he authored.  How much more should this crowd have been amazed at the fact that the very one who authored the Word of God, was before them teaching it.

This is why they were astonished.  Not merely astonished as we would think, but struck in terror and shock as they had to search their hearts and understand that perhaps all they had been taught up to that point was, just that, merely teaching.  The words of Jesus penetrated their hearts, brought conviction and brought them face to face with their sin nature and their need of a Savior (Hebrews 4:12).

As they were searching their hearts regarding each of these topics, they recognized that Jesus was teaching like no other.  He was teaching with authority.  Webster's defines authority as the power to influence or command thought, opinion or behavior (http://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/authority).  They completely understood that these teachings were truth, because Jesus possessed the authority to teach them.  His teaching influenced their thoughts.  Perhaps not all changed, but they were confronted by the Word of God being taught by the Son of God.  Every dark and sinful thought they had ever had was being exposed.  If you are a child of God, you have experienced this.  While all the dark secrets and dreadful thoughts of our hearts may be hidden from the world, they can never be hidden from the Word of God!

As we observe the rampant sin and deceit in the world around us, I can't help but wonder where are the men of God, who will teach the Word of God with authority?  Certainly, a man cannot teach as the Son of God taught, but Jesus promised that the Comforter, the Holy Spirit, would guide us unto all truth (John 16:13).  The Holy Spirit would also come to convict the world of sin, righteousness and judgement to come (John 16:8-11).  Where are the men of God who will be completely surrendered to the Holy Spirit - so much so that they will teach with authority?  Where are the men of God whose teaching of the Scriptures results in the Holy Spirit guiding their listeners into all truth?  Where are the men of God who will teach with authority that results in the Holy Spirit convicting their listeners of sin, righteousness and the judgement to come?

Lord help me!  Lord help us all!  "...even so, come, Lord Jesus (Revelation 22:20)."

He must increase, I must decrease.

The Devil Made Me Do It? Really?

Isaiah 14:16-17 - "Those who see you will stare at you and ponder over you: Is this the man who made the earth tremble, who shook the kingdoms, who made the world like a desert and overthrew its cities, who did not let his prisoners go home."

In days gone by a popular phrase was, "the devil made me do it."  These words have been used in many ways.  As a joke or mockery in response to some sort of behavior.  As a way to relieve the guilty conscience from something that we have done that we know was terribly wrong.  In our churches we often hear that, "the devil is really at work."  This is usually in response to something going on in the church, i.e. gossip, contentions, divisions, etc...  We will also hear it in response to knowledge of people, brothers and sisters in Christ, in some sort of crisis, i.e. personal, family, etc...

I submit that at best these words are used flippantly and at worst they are used as justification.  Perhaps even the best intentioned Christian truly believes that all that ails the world is the devil, Satan.  While I would never deny the working of the devil in the world, I wonder if he is credited with more than his due. 

Certainly, we know that he lurks about as a roaring lion, seeking whom he may devour.  If he is as powerful as our worldly behaviors indicate, then why does he have to seek whom he may devour?   Why wouldn't he devour everyone he chooses?  When a wild animal seeks prey, the victim, many times, is that one that has become separated from the heard or flock.  The separation has come, perhaps without the victim even realizing it - following a new trail, following a scent, looking for greener pastures.  The victim has become so focused on what it is seeking that it has lost sight of the real danger.  It is in this state, the "lion" or any other predator pounces and devours.

For the Christian, we become separated from the flock and vulnerable when we become focused on our desires and not God's.  These desires can run the gamut.  It could be something that seems to be good, or it could be just seeking after worldly pleasures.  However, the bottom line is that no matter what it is, when we leave God out and become so focused on other things, the devil pounces.  Sometimes, as in the animal kingdom, we may escape from the clutches of the lion.  The escape will not come without cost.  Any encounter with a lion will leave wounds.  Sometimes the victim will recover and live with the scars of the encounter.  Other times the victim will escape the initial onslaught only to succumb to wounds later.  Still other times, the victim never escapes and is killed outright.  The fact is, that no animal is the same after an encounter with a predator.

The predator also seeks the one who is weaker than the rest of the flock.  Perhaps the victim has become physically ill or is just weak.  The christian becomes weak in the absence of the presence of God, the leading of His Spirit and failure to be in the Scriptures.  This, more often than not, results in leaving the protection that comes from being part of a body believers.  This makes us vulnerable and easy prey to the seeking lion.

The lion doesn't make the prey weak.  The lion doesn't entice the victim to leave the flock.  What sheep in its right mind would go willingly to the lion??  The lion only waits for an opportunity of extreme vulnerability and then he attacks.  Sadly, the vulnerability comes from the victim's own choices.  How can I say this?  1 Corinthians 10:13 reads, "There hath no temptation taken you but such as is common to man: but God is faithful, who will not allow you to be tempted above that you are able; but will with the temptation also make a way to escape that ye may be able to bear it."  Based on this passage, we see that succumbing to any temptation is our choice.  The way of escape is ever present, yet we choose to embrace the temptation.  More often than, not this occurs when we are spiritually weak.  Once we succumb to the temptation, we have placed ourselves at the mercy of the devil, who is like a roaring lion.

The irony in all of this, referring to our text verses, Isaiah 14.16-17, one day the curtain will be pulled back and of the many things that we will see, we will see the devil for who he really is.  Our response - this is this the one who made the earth tremble, shook the heavens and would not let his prisoners go??  This is what I made myself vulnerable to?  I chose this over God and His principles?  Really?  While the devil certainly is our adversary (Job), I submit that we give him far more credit that he deserves.

The devil made me do it?  Really?

He must increase, I must decrease.

I Will Be With You No More...

Joshua 7:12 - "... I will be with you no more, unless you destroy the devoted things from among you."

What would cause God to make this declaration and what are the devoted things??  Joshua had been given clear instructions regarding Jericho.  "And the city and all that is within it shall be devoted to the Lord for destruction... (Joshua 6:17)."  The entire city of Jericho was devoted to destruction.  The only exception was that the silver, gold and every vessel of bronze and iron were to go into the treasury of the Lord (Joshua 6:19).
What are the devoted things?  They are the entire city of Jericho, with the above exception.  Those items kept from destruction were to be placed in the treasury of the Lord.  The people were not to take these things for their personal gain.  God had also warned them that if they took any of the devoted things for themselves, trouble would come upon Israel (Joshua 6:18).

Joshua 7:1 provides the answer as to why God would declare, "... I will be with you no more."  "... for Achan... took some of the devoted things..."  The items taken by Achan are identified in Joshua 7:21  as a beautiful cloak from Shinar, and 200 shekels of silver, and a bar of gold weighing 50 shekels.  Achan coveted these items and then took them and hid them in his tent.

As I observe the world around me, I must wonder what we covet.  We see Achan coveted the material things.  That's easy to identify.  Our flesh is always wanting the material things.  What about the more subtle things we covet?  Do we covet the philosophy of the world?  Do we covet the world system both in our personal lives and in our churches?  I will leave that answer for each of us to discover in his or her own heart.  However, I believe we, as Christians, would say we don't, but what do we do?  Perhaps we can learn a lesson from King Saul in 1 Samuel 15.  Saul argued his case for obedience to the Lord's instructions, while Samuel heard the bleating of the sheep.

There appears to be a not so subtle shift in Christianity.  We preach against not having our lives wrapped up in the material things, but adopt worldly ideas and philosophies in our churches.  I cannot conjecture as to the motives for this, but can't help but wonder if this is the bleating sheep for us today (1 Samuel 15).  There seems to be less and less contrast between Christians individually and churches in general from the world.  The clear command is that we are to be in the world and not of  the world.  We have believed the lie that it takes more than just the word of God being used by His Spirit to change lives.  We have accepted the idea that we must be relevant and appealing to a lost world, while the scripture declares that friendship with the world is enmity with God (James 4:4).  We immerse ourselves in the latest and greatest "christian" author, theologian, etc... and neglect the principle that the Holy Spirit will guide us into all truth (John 16).  That is not just for the pastor, deacons, teachers et al.  It is for every man, woman and child of God to have complete and utter dependence on the Holy Spirit to illumine their hearts and minds concerning His Word.  We have weak personal lives because we have a lethargic spiritual life.  We have weak families because we have neglected this principle.  We have weak churches because only the pastors and teachers are searching the scriptures.  The end result - a nation that has for all practical purposes declared, with a clinched fist, that we do not need God.

What were the consequences of Achan's actions?  We like to believe our actions only affect us and do not affect those around us or those closest to us.  Achan made his decision.  He wanted the cloak from Shinar, the gold and the silver.  He either decided he knew better than God or God's warning never entered his mind.  He knew he wanted these things.  Achan's decision had severe and immediate consequences for a nation, his family and himself.

First we see that upon Israel's attempt to capture Ai, thirty-six men died (Joshua 7:5).  These deaths are directly attributed to Achan's actions (Joshua 7:1).  Today we would say, "That's not fair!"  These men had nothing to do with Achan's sin.  What we ignore is God's clear warning.  What we also ignore is that we have responsibilities as citizens.  While we may not know everything Achan was thinking, at best he never even considered that his actions would result in the deaths of thirty-six men.  At worst, he could have considered the possible consequences and decided to do it anyway, because he just had to have the cloak, the gold and the silver.  Do our choices to engage in things in which God has clearly warned against result in death?  How about the drunk driver who kills the innocent, yet he/she survives?  How about gross immorality?  I could name many more.  You see, our sin is our master.  As slaves to it, apart from God, we obey it and never realize that it could actually result in the physical death of another person.

Second, we see that Achan's choice resulted in embarrassment for his family.  The Lord instructed Joshua to bring all the tribes of Israel before him and He would show Joshua who had taken the devoted things.  I wonder what the entire tribe of Judah felt as they were singled out from the entire nation.  Then the clans and ultimately Achan's family was singled out before the nation.  I can't help but think of the embarrassment they must have felt as they stood before God, Joshua and the entire nation (Joshua 7:14-21).  Achan not only disregarded his responsibility as a citizen of the nation of Israel, he disregarded his responsibility as a member of the family of Carmi (Joshua 7:18).   This disregard resulted in Achan's own death by stoning.

Last, we see that Achan's actions resulted in God declaring, "I will be with you no more... (Joshua 7:13).  As bad as death and embarrassment are, to hear the words from God that He will be with us no more are completely and utterly devastating.  Do we even consider that our actions and choices may result in us losing God's presence in our lives; that in making our choices that go against clear scriptural teaching that we walk away from God's presence?  How about that because of His holiness God can't "walk" with us when we choose to walk in sin (Psalm 66:18).  This is a battle we all face.  Sadly, I believe, based on personal observation, we are not affected by the thought of being out of God's presence.  After all, to quote the trend of today, we are forgiven!  While, I would never, ever downplay the forgiveness offered to mankind through the death, burial and resurrection of Jesus Christ, for truly that is the greatest gift ever made available to a sinful world, I truly believe that the forgiveness offered in Jesus Christ is being as used as justification for sinful for behavior, i.e. "no body's perfect," or even worse, as justification to not even try to live a Spirit filled life. 

As we navigate through this life, should we, as Christians, not desire the presence of God in our life above all else??  If that is the case then why are we choosing to walk away from Him?  We must search our hearts and ask, "What am I hiding inside my tent?"

He must increase, I must decrease!

12 Stones

Joshua 4:20-24 - "And those twelve stones, which they took out of the Jordan...And he said to the people of Israel, "When your children ask their fathers in time to come, 'What do these stones mean?'...then you shall let your children know... so that all the peoples of the earth may know that the hand of the Lord is mighty, that you may fear the Lord your God forever."

After forty long years of wilderness wanderings, the time had come for the children of Israel to enter the promised land.  Joshua was commanded to have one man from each tribe (12) take twelve stones from the Jordan River.  These stones were to be placed as a memorial for generations to come.  Specifically, they were to be a reminder of how God had stopped the waters of the Jordan in order for the nation of Israel to cross on dry land.

There are references to these stones throughout Joshua 4, with verses 20 through 24 being the climax.  Although the stones were to be a specific reminder to Israel, verse 24 reveals a more far-reaching purpose.

"When your children ask their fathers in time to come..."  Future generations were going to take note of these stones.  Apparently these stones did not just blend into the landscape.  They were going to be noticed.  They were going to stand out - stand out in such a way that future generations would know something was different about them.  So different, in fact, that they were going to inquire as to their meaning.

As time marches on, I wonder if my life for Christ is like these stones.  Does it stand out in such a way that people notice it?  Are they repulsed by it, or do they actually see that there is something completely different about me that makes me stand out from the landscape of the world and not blend in with it?  Does it stand out so much that people inquire as to what is so different about me.

Where are the the fathers today?  Men of God who will be there to answer their children's questions concerning the stones.  Children notice things and they seek answers.  The world is always ready to give them answers.  Fathers, does your life stand out like these stones?  Is your life so different from the landscape of the world that your children actually come to you instead of the world?  Are you ready to give them an answer?

The purpose of these stones was and is "so that all the peoples of the earth may know that the hand of the Lord is mighty, that you may fear the Lord your God forever."  These stones were to point people to to God.  Two specific purposes are named:

1. "...that the hand of the Lord is mighty..."  God had just stopped a river from flowing showing that all of creation is His and is subject to Him.  He is in complete control and will accomplish His purposes.  The stones were to be a reminder of God's omnipotent power.  Is my life like these stones?  Does my life show those around me God's omnipotent power?  Am I submitted to Him in such a way that He can demonstrate His power not for my glory, but His?
2. "...fear the Lord your God forever."  The ultimate purpose of my life is so that others may fear the Lord forever.  This includes the obvious meaning of fear.  As I observe the world around me, there is little fear of God.  There is very little mention of His power as it relates to His power over all the earth.  Seems we only mention it to the degree that it benefits us and no more.  Fear also means a respect and reverence.  How do we do here?  Sadly, there is very little respect and reverence for God.  Instead of, "Be ye holy, for I am holy, 1 Peter 1:16," Jesus is cool.

Does my life stand out like these stones?  In so doing, does it cause others to know that hand of the Lord is mighty?  Does it cause others to both fear and respect the Lord God??

He must increase, I must decrease!

Hearing Without Understanding; Seeing Without Perception

Isaiah 6.9-10, "And he said, "Go, and say to this people, keep on hearing, but do not understand, keep on seeing but do not perceive.  Make the heart of this people dull, and their ears heavy, and blind their eyes, lest they see with their eyes, and hear with their ears and understand with their hearts and turn and be healed."

A strange message the prophet Isaiah was instructed to deliver to the nation of Israel.  Note that the Isaiah has just seen the glory of the Lord (Isa. 6.1-7).  Isaiah's vision of God resulted in him declaring, "Woe is me..."

We know that the people of Israel had repeatedly ignored God's warnings.  We see that it is possible to hear and not understand and to see and not perceive.  We are so quick to look to a lost world and apply these words.  While they may ring to true to a world that has rejected God, one must wonder if they ring true about those who name the name of Christ.  We hear that most every method of evangelizing and worship is accepted throughout christendom. One can't help but wonder if the world system has been embraced, I John 2.15-17.  We think we do well, but we hear and do not understand and see and do not perceive.  Where is the evidence??  We just need to observe the state of the church and society around us.  Is it better or worse?  I would submit that it is worse.  If it is worse, then apparently all the worldy methods adopted in the name Christ have not worked.

Isaiah is told to make the heart of the people dull, the ears of the people heavy and to blind their eyes.  Why?  Lest they see...  Do we really see God at work??  When is the last time there has been testimony of someone saying, "Woe is me..." when in the presence of God.  On the contrary, we see all kinds of outward demonstrations of emotion without any evidence of an inward change of the heart.  Lest they hear...  Do we we really hear God?  Do we really believe that God speaks to us through His Word.  Do we believe that the Holy Spirit will guide the christian in "all truth?"  (John 16)  Or do we use God's Word to justfiy things that we desire rather than take it for what it says?

Seeing and hearing God as He intended will result in two things: 1) True understanding.  Understanding that takes place in the heart and not the head.  The principles of God's word will actually become part of who we are.  Not that we will be perfect, but they are now truly the desires of our heart. 2) Turn and be healed.  We will turn towards Him and all those things which are reaking havoc in our lives will be healed.  Remember that wounds leave scars and the healing process itself can be painful, but evntually those wounds will heal.  The biggest healing we need is that for our sinful heart which can only be healed by accepting Jesus Christ as Lord and Savior.

He must increase, I must decrease!

NDAA - Constitutional??

http://www.digitaljournal.com/article/317209

http://www.naturalnews.com/034537_NDAA_Bill_of_Rights_Obama.html

The NDAA (National Defense Authorization Act) and the unconstitutional congressional super committee --Please learn about these! Which candidate, if any, has come out against either of these? Make no mistake, they are not for the benefit of the American people! While all the saber rattling about Iran is going on, the damage is being done by what we don't pay attention to. Take note that the article states that in 1789 (signing of the Constitution), the NDAA would have been treasonous!

While I understand the stance on supporting Israel by most Christian conservatives, I find that as a nation we have very similar characteristics to the nation of Israel. Isaiah 29.13 says, referring to the nation of Israel, "...this people draws near with their mouth and honors me with their lips, while their heart is far from me, and their fear of me is a commandment taught by men." This same passage is quoted by Jesus to the Pharisees in Matthew 15.7-9, "Well did Isaiah prophecy of you, when he said, 'This people honors me with their lips, but their heart is far from me, in vain do they worship me, teaching as doctrines the commandments of men.'" The Apostle Paul, in the context of people in the last days, says they will, "have the appearance of godliness, but deny the power thereof," 2 Timothy 3.5.

Additionally, the Scriptures are clear that all nations will come against Israel (Zechariah 14.1-2; Joel 3.1-2). I firmly believe that God will fulfill every promise that He has made to Israel (Genesis 15.7-8). I see only the Prince of Peace, Jesus Christ, coming to their rescue (Revelation 19.11-21). I see no reference anywhere in the Scripture of any nation coming to their rescue. Yes, that includes the United States. We must keep in mind that Israel, as a nation, has and continues to reject Jesus Christ.

My grave concern is whether or not we will even be a nation in the coming years. With all that in mind, I do love this country and sacrificed much for it. For in this country is my heritage - a long line of courageous men and women who have stood for right. I will not let them down. I will do everything in my power not to let their sacrifices be in vain. For also in this country is my family.

Paul said in Romans 9 that he wished he could be accursed that his countrymen would come to Christ. That is true patriotism and love for one's countrymen. Maintaining our constitutional principles, in my estimation, allows an environment of freedom to share Christ to our countrymen.

Please, do not misunderstand, I am not anti-Israel. Where they are right I will applaud them. If they are attacked without provocation, we should come to their aid as we would any ally. For the reasons above, I can't make that a litmus test for any prospective candidate. We also have the challenge of disinformation and spin from the mainstream media to overcome. I do believe that we meddle too much in the affairs of other nations.

Please read about the founder's idea of separatism - not isolationism. I also don't believe that we, as a nation, can be as ungodly and godless as we have become and expect that God would bless us just because we support Israel. 1 Samuel 15 reveals that King Saul was claiming obedience while the evidence of his disobedience was bare before Samuel the prophet. As a result, he lost the kingdom and David became king.

I hope I do not offend. I have been told that I can be rather direct. I completely understand that we all must decide who God would have us to support. For me, I can no longer be in support of political theatre.

As for Ron Paul's stance on the legalization of some drugs-- Not sure where I come down with that one yet. I see the failure of the war on drugs everyday at work. I see the ruined lives and tragedies. After 10 years, I have to question whether the "war on drugs" is also more of the same. By that I mean a lot of hype with no real intention of stopping them by the government.

As near as I can tell, Ron Paul is the one candidate who will at least make an effort to adhere to the Constitution for which so many have sacrificed. I wish I had hours upon hours to be involved with family and extended family to discuss these issues.

A Place To Weep

When I read Genesis 43 the night before last, I did not make any comment. I guess the Lord did not want me to at that time. The message in my heart was 43.30, "Then Joseph hurried out, for his compassion grew warm for his brother, and he sought a place to weep. And he entered his chamber and wept there." In this instance Joseph wept for his brother Benjamin. He had not seen him since being sold into slavery and their mother Rachel had died. The point for me is that this is a beautiful illustration of family love. In recent days I have sought a place to weep for you girls - and have found it. Why weep? I weep that I have not been the protector I should have been. I weep because we are in a sinful, godless world that desires to eat you alive. I weep because I want nothing more than you both being used of God in tremendous ways. I weep because in recent days the world has won.

I have discovered anew that ultimately you both are gifts to me and your mom given by God. He is the Life-Giver and sustainer. Why he saw fit to allow us the blessing of being your parents, I do not know, but would not trade it for anything. In Mark 6, is the account of Jarius' daughter. We see insight in the heart of a father to his daughter. She was at the point of death. Humanly speaking there is not a more critical place to be. Jarius went to Jesus, fell at His feet and implored the Lord to come lay His hands on her that she might be healed. Jesus went and while dealing with the woman with the issue of blood, the daughter died.

Jarius knew where to go for his daughter to be well. Jesus agreed and went with him, but she died anyway. What heartbreak at that moment for Jarius. Thankfully the story doesn't end there. Jesus takes Jarius, his wife and Peter, James and John to witness Him raising her from the dead. When the parents thought all was lost and hopeless, Jesus came along side and allowed them to witness life restored to their most precious worldly possession. Please know, the world and the devil are seeking you to devour you. Know that as your dad I can't always be there to stop it. Sometimes I can't stop it simply because you choose what the world and the devil have offered. God is so real to me! Know that just as Jarius, I have fallen at the feet of Jesus and earnestly implored Him to lay His hands on both of you that you may live. The world in which we lives makes it seem hopeless. Just as Jarius felt all hope was gone for His daughter, there are times that I feel hopeless for both of you because of the lure of the world and the sin it offers. I earnestly await the day to witness Jesus take you both and raise you up as tremendous women of God!

God's Plan For Marriage

Genesis 2.24, "Therefore a man shall leave his father and mother and hold fast (cling) to his wife, and the two shall become one flesh."

As I have observed people for many years, I have come to the conclusion that, for the most part, marriage is not held in high esteem. So many just live together and have children together without ever considering marriage. What does this verse mean? What is God saying about marriage? If a person cannot commit to the marriage covenant, how are they going to commit to be a parent?

Do we understand that marriage is the first instituion ordained by God. Do we understand that marriage is a tangible picture of Christ's relationship to the church? This is why God cautions/warns us about a pure life prior to marriage and fidelity in marriage. It is amazing to me the older I get how many people I see who take a very dim view of marriage. Yes, our contemporary world has it all figured out - date around, try as many out as you can. The nauseating cycle of the spiritually immature - were together, break up, together, break up, together, break up. To use a Facebook term - in a relationship, single, in a relationship, single, in a relationship, single, in a relationship, single. I won't even address issues with announcing these things to the whole world - perhaps in a later devotion. For the christian, this is a poor testimony at best. For the world in general, what is this training for? I would submit it is preconditioning ourselves to fail - ultimately, divorce, remarriage, divorce, remarriage. I see no evidence of dating, at least as we know it, anywhere in Scripture, yet that is our goal, our norm. In stark contrast, I see examples of OT men and women seeking God's will for a spouse, i.e. Isaac and Rebekah. I see NT priciples of purity and accountability before marriage and fidelity in marriage. Dating is nothing more than a system the world has devised and has convinced us that we must participate in to find a spouse. I John 2.15-17, "Love not the world..." This is referencing a system of doing things, and the clear teaching is that a christian should not adopt the world's way of doing things, but God's." We adopt the world system and expect that we will be successful and then blame God, godly people and christian brother's and sister's when we're not. Really, the question is do I believe that God is able or will I just do it myself. That is true in everything.

Why is a father so concerned about a child's choice/selection of spouse? Because of one word - "leave". As revealed above, the man shall leave his father and mother. Obviously, the wife will have to leave her father and mother if they are to cling together. This is a father's (parent's) last opportunity to have any significant part/influence in their child's life. Once the "leaving" takes place, a change in the parental relationship occurs. The two now cling to each other.

It is my earnest prayer that, assuming it is God's will for you both to be married at some point, that you will allow Him to guide you, by His Spirit and in accordance with His word to the person whom He has made especially for you. Someone who will care for you and support (food and shelter) you

and truly love you as Christ loved the church.

Have You Made Your Parent's Lives Bitter??

Genesis 26.34-35 - "...they made life bitter for Isaac and Rebekah."

Genesis 27.46 - "...I loathe my life because of the Hittite women..."

What is the origin of the Hittites?

Who married the Hittite women? Compare to Jacob later.

Why would they make Isaac and Rebeka's life bitter?

Why would Rebekah loathe her life because of the Hittite women??

Are Isaac and Rebekah wrong for being affected by Esau's choice of wives?

Woe To The Worthless Shepherds

Zechariah 10.3

"My anger is hot against the shepherds and I will punish the leaders."

Zechariah 11.17

"Woe to my worthless shepherd, who deserts the flock!

God intended his leaders to shepherd His people. Shepherding means to look out for them. See that their needs are met and that they are protected. Above all that they are pointed to God. They failed miserably in this task. In fact, they failed so bad that God's anger was hot against them and he anounces that He would punish them. Additionally, He declares woe and describes them as worthless. Finally, He says that when they were to protect the flcok, they deserted the flock. See also Jonh 10 where Jesus describes Himself as the Good Shepherd as compared to a hierling.

As a husband and dad, these are sobering thoughts to me. Above all else, God has called me to shepherd each of you, which means, above all else, that I point our home to God.

Is God With You?

Zechariah 8.23

Thus says the Lord of hosts: In those days ten men from the nations of every tongue shall take hold of the robe of a Jew, saying, "Let us go with you for we have heard that God is with you."

What have people heard about us?? Have they heard that God is with you? Why are people attracted to you? Is it because God is with you, or for some other reason? For money? Popularity, etc...? Is your life known by this - that God is with you?

What kind of people are you attracted to? Is it those who have have God with them??

Where Are We?

Zechariah 7.8-14

The word through Zechariah the prophet:

v.7-10 - The people are told to render true judgements, show kindness and mercy to one another, do not oppress the widow, the fatherless, the soujourner or the poor and not to devise evil against another in your heart.

As these commands/instructions were obeyed, God's blessing would result. It is interesting to note that each of these commands refers to relationships between people. However, what did the people do??

1. Refused to pay attention, v.11

2. Turned a stubborn shoulder, v.11

3. Stopped their ears, v. v.11

4. Made their hearts diamond hard, v.12

What resulted??

1. Anger came from the Lord, v. 13

2. God would not hear, v. 13

3. Scattered among the nations, v. 14

4. Their land was desolate, v. 14

Why does God give us things in His word?? For our benefit/good and His blessing. What happens when we refuse to pay attention, turn a stubborn shoulder, stop up our ears and harden our hearts. Divine anger, Divine silence, scattered among the nations and their own land desolate.

Where are we?? We must evaluate and decide - will we follow God, or lean on our understsanding.

Jack in the Box

Zechariah 5.6-8

"...This is their iniquity in all the land. And behold, the leaden cover was lifted, and there was a woman sitting in the basket! And he said, this is the Wickedness. And he thrust her back into the basket..."

From verse 6, the basket is described as the iniquity of the land. The woman in the basket is identified as Wickedness. We see the Wickedness always tries to escape once the leaden cover is lifted. The angel thrust her back in the basket.

*Sinfulness always tries to escape and wreak havoc into our lives. Either from the world without, or from or sinful heart within. As the angel thrust the Wickedness back into the basket, so we must thrust it aside and out of our lives when it attempts to wreak havoc in our lives. It must be contained by the power of God's word and the leading of the Holy Spirit - both of which require our obedience.

The Day of Small Things

Zechariah 4.10

"For whoever has despised the day of small things, shall rejoice and shall see the plumb line in the hand of Zerubbabel."

1. What are the small things??

The rebuilding of the temple had begun under Zerubbabel. The captives had returned from the Babylonian captivity becuase the new Persian King allowed them to and gave them the freedom to rebuld their place of worship. Those who began working on the second temple apparently saw it as a small thing in comparison to the first temple. Perhaps the task of laying the foundation was, to them, trival in comaprison to the rest of the work.

*Never despise the small things if they are from God. What small things from God are we despising in our own lives?

2. What is a plumb line??

A plumb line is used by a brick layer to ensure that the bricks are layed straight.

*The temple was built in an orderly manner - the use of the plumb line. It wasn't just thrown together. What is the plumb line in our life?? God's word. Our lives, as we seek Him, are orderly like the bricks with His word as the plumb line. There is also the promise that those who did despise the small things would rejoice at some point. That rejoicing would be the sight of the plumb line. Do we rejoice at the sight of the plumb line of God's word in our life??