Marching Forth!

" O God, You are my God;  e arly will I seek You;  m y soul thirsts for You;  m y flesh longs for You  i n a dry and thirsty land  w here there is no water ." Psalm 63:1 David made it a daily practice to seek the LORD early and often.  He had the perspective that seeking and  communing with God was necessary for his life, even as those who exert themselves need to drink more water to stay hydrated.  In a dry and thirsty land where there was no water, God proved Himself able and powerful to reveal Himself to David--the God who gives living water for our souls. It is important to realise seeking God for David was his rule of life and not just an exception in dire times of need.  We do well to examine ourselves and see what our established rules of life are, especially concerning seeking the LORD.  Considering this in light of diet and exercise is a good illustration to see why we can languish physically and apply it to our spiritual walk...

In the book of Revelation , chapter 11 begins with John being given a reed and told to measure the temple, the altar and those who worship there.  This prompted me to look at other times in the Bible where God's house was measured, notably in Ezekiel 40-43 .  In the 25th year of Israel's captivity, Ezekiel saw a vision of the new temple that would be constructed in Jerusalem.  This would have been a thrilling revelation to Ezekiel and God's devout people who knew the temple had been destroyed by Nebuchadnezzar and the Babylonians.  Ezekiel saw a man with a line of flax and a reed who carefully measured the temple and rooms in great detail.  Because this temple far exceeds the size and scope of the second temple--including the extensive renovations later done by Herod--many see this as the pattern of the Millennial temple which has yet to be built. Ezekiel 40:4 says,  “ And the man said to me, "Son of man, look with your eyes and hear with your ears, and f...

I remember feeling a bit indignant in my youth when someone claimed a phrase quoted in Benjamin Franklin's 1757  Almanac was in the Bible:  " God helps those who help themselves ."  While there is likely debate about where the maxim originated, there is no question theologically speaking it is heretical.  The sentiment denies the grace of God and suggests not only can we earn God's favour or help, but that we can indeed help ourselves!  Paul said that in his flesh dwelt no good thing, and he said this as a man filled with the Holy Spirit.  Indeed, only one born again and illuminated by the Holy Spirit could know and willingly acknowledge such a thing. I was reminded of this quote by a similar comment quote from a politician in the news today.  In urging prospective voters to consider voting for her, it was reported she said:  " In just nine days, we have the power to decide the fate of our nation for generations to come. And on this day, then on...

My evening Bible reading has been from the NIV, a translation I am not as familiar with as the KJV or NKJV.  I have found it more similar to those other versions than different, and sometimes there are renderings that put a fresh spin on verses I can finish by memory.  An example that illustrates this well is found in  Isaiah 29:13 :  " The Lord says: "These people come near to me with their mouth and honor me with their lips, but their hearts are far from me. Their worship of me is made up only of rules taught by men. "  This translation makes it abundantly clear how distant, impersonal and rule-oriented the worship of God had become.  God desired a relationship with the Hebrews made possible through faith in Him shown by obedience to His Law, yet it was reduced to what people did or didn't do.  Such "worship" falls woefully short of God's design. People thought they were worshipping God through their offerings, sacrifices, tithes, songs and observ...

A passage in scripture mentioned last night during Bible study was in my morning Bible reading today, the time when David's mighty men brought him water from the well in Bethlehem.  It seems they overheard David's longing for a drink of water from the well at the gate of Bethlehem and three of his mighty men decided to take action.   1 Chronicles 11:18-19 says, " So the three broke through the camp of the Philistines, drew water from the well of Bethlehem that was by the gate, and took it and brought it to David. Nevertheless David would not drink it, but poured it out to the LORD .  19  And he said, "Far be it from me, O my God, that I should do this! Shall I drink the blood of these men who have put their lives in jeopardy? For at the risk of their lives they brought it." Therefore he would not drink it. These things were done by the three mighty men ." After "breaking through" the camp of the Philistines, it is highly unlikely these men we...

One of the great compliments seen in scripture is all by God's grace given to people loyal and zealous for His sake:  that God was with a person.  Sometimes I have been riding along with a friend who is driving and takes a call on speakerphone.  As a courtesy so the caller knows the conversation is not private, typically my friend will say something like, "Ben's with me in the car."  If the person knows me we may even greet one another, and the phone conversation will continue.  Wouldn't it be amazing to call someone and hear them say, "By the way, God's with me."  For the believer in Jesus Christ, this can actually always be the case because our Saviour will never leave or forsake us. In my morning reading, I came across a reminder of this in  1 Chronicles 9:20 :  " And Phinehas the son of Eleazar had been the officer over them in time past; the LORD was with him ."  What we see throughout Scripture is God draws near to those who draw n...

The children of Israel reveal how natural it is to go from looking to God in faith to what He has given us, to look to ourselves, resources and our God-given abilities rather than seeking and relying upon Him.  This is evident in the prophet of God's rebuke of Israel in  Isaiah 22:8-11 :  " He removed the protection of Judah. You looked in that day to the armor of the House of the Forest;  9 you also saw the damage to the city of David, t hat it was great;  a nd you gathered together the waters of the lower pool.  10  You numbered the houses of Jerusalem, a nd the houses you broke down  t o fortify the wall.  11  You also made a reservoir between the two walls f or the water of the old pool. But you did not look to its Maker,  n or did you have respect for Him who fashioned it long ago ."  When Jerusalem was damaged by enemies, they took it upon themselves to assess and repair the broken wall.  Afraid or unable to l...

In 1 Chronicles 7 , there is an obscure account of the tragic deaths of the sons of Ephraim, Ezer and Elead, at the hands of the men of Gath over the theft of cattle.  It is unclear whether the sons of Ephraim or the men of Gath were the aggressors.  It seems most likely men from Gath came to steal cattle from the sons of Ephraim during their sojourn in Egypt.  It is also possible the sons of Ephraim, during a trip to Gath before the enslavement of the Hebrews, attempted to take cattle from Philistines and it resulted in their death.  Ephraim was rightly devastated by the death of his sons, and his grief and sorrow continued for some time.  His mourning for the evil which had befallen his house continued to the birth of his next son as  1 Chronicles 7:23 tells us:  " And when he went in to his wife, she conceived and bore a son; and he called his name Beriah, because tragedy had come upon his house ."  Beriah means, "in evil."  It seems evi...

When buying clothes at the shops, often there are changing rooms where clothes can be tried on in privacy to determine how well they fit.  It makes perfect sense to try before buying something, like when free samples of food are being offered at Costco.  If a shopper is curious to see what food tastes like, trying it themselves helps them make an educated decision.  It is common these days with the amount of online shopping available to have a period of time where free returns are possible if something does not fit, match the description or a buyer is dissatisfied with the product.  There are even a host of influencers who "try before you buy" and provide feedback for prospective buyers based on their experiences.  The whole point of trying before buying is to see if a product fits your needs and meets your expectations. Because these are the common implications of trying things for ourselves, I am not a fan of encouraging others to "give Jesus a try," almost re...

During a Bible study last night we discussed how the words of Jesus are commonly rendered, "Turn the other cheek."  It is significant, however, that Jesus specifically mentioned the right cheek in  Matthew 5:38-40 :  " You have heard that it was said, 'An eye for an eye and a tooth for a tooth.'  39   But I tell you not to resist an evil person. But whoever slaps you on your right cheek, turn the other to him also.  40   If anyone wants to sue you and take away your tunic, let him have your cloak also ."  Our study leader has an Assyrian background, and he explained that to hit someone on the right cheek meant a backhand slap as the left hand was reserved for unclean tasks.  In the Middle East to slap someone with the back of the hand is a personal insult and was intended to shame and demean rather than wound.  If someone slapped your right cheek with their left hand, that may have been even more insulting than a backhand! ...

As I read of the line of king David in 1 Chronicles , there is a notable contrast between the consistency of David's sons reigning in Jerusalem and the upheaval in the northern kingdom.  While kings in the north and their many sons were snuffed out again and again for a new line to be established, David's sons ruled until the Babylonians destroyed Jerusalem and took Israel into captivity for 70 years.  Amazingly and according to God's promise, David's line continued even without a throne and went all the way to Jesus--where in a natural sense it ended because Jesus was never married and did not sire a son or daughter.  With eyes of faith we comprehend what Jesus did by the power of the Gospel, for He has innumerable progeny as  John 1:12-13 says:  "... But as many as received Him, to them He gave the right to become children of God, to those who believe in His name:  13  who were born, not of blood, nor of the will of the flesh, nor of the will of ...

When we read the Sermon on the Mount delivered by Jesus to His disciples, it ought to be deeply challenging to us Christians because it is not our natural way of living and thinking.  To people who grew up under the Law of Moses it was shocking how Jesus went beyond the letter of the Law and illuminated and emphasised matters of the heart.  It is important to recognise the teachings of Jesus were a monumental shift from allegiance from the Law of Moses and to Jesus Christ as the original lawgiver and present LORD.  In our day of grace it is possible to dismiss the Law because we are not "under it" but neglect to submit to Jesus our KING and sovereign.  The teachings of Jesus demonstrate all who call Him LORD ought to hear and do as He says. For instance, Jesus said in  Matthew 5:38-42 :   " You have heard that it was said, 'An eye for an eye and a tooth for a tooth.'  39   But I tell you not to resist an evil person. But whoever slaps you o...

When the sin of God's people in Israel multiplied before the LORD, judgment by the hand of their enemies was the LORD's righteous remedy.  They sold themselves to rebellion, sin and idolatry, so God sold them as slaves into the hands Nebuchadnezzar, king of Babylon.  It is ironic that Israel had been given the Law of Moses, had built the temple as God's dwelling place and had priests and Levites who conducted worship and corrupted themselves, yet it was Nebuchadnezzar who did God's will in destroying Jerusalem.  God had a good purpose and plan even in displacing the people and making the city a ruin, for He would refine them and cause them to return to Him (and the land He gave them as an inheritance) at His appointed time. Consider what is written in  Isaiah 10:20-23 :  " And it shall come to pass in that day t hat the remnant of Israel,  a nd such as have escaped of the house of Jacob,  w ill never again depend on him who defeated them,  b u...

Regardless how many times we have read the Bible or done in-depth study of it, one can never predict what God will say to us through His word.  Yesterday I received instruction concerning a defining factor in relation to conspiracies or conspiracy theories.  I differentiate the two by the first being one as a matter of fact (like when Absalom declared himself king over Israel whilst king David reigned) and the other as a fanciful, far-fetched report gained second-hand through individuals who claim to have inside information (with regular updates!), have an online presence and often are selling something. Last night I read  Isaiah 8:11-13 (NIV) that says:  " The LORD spoke to me with his strong hand upon me, warning me not to follow the way of this people. He said:  12  "Do not call conspiracy everything that these people call conspiracy; do not fear what they fear, and do not dread it.  13  The LORD Almighty is the one you are to regard as...

This morning at church I did something out of the ordinary for me by inviting people to stand in repentance for sin and to pray together.  I explained to the congregation that until now God has given us all opportunity to repent of our sin, yet repentance is something we can neglect.  We can feel shame or guilt over sin, be disappointed in ourselves for continuing to sin, or be troubled by the consequences for our sin but never actually repent of it with contrition before the LORD.  As a shepherd leads sheep to the water and it is up to them to drink, so it is for those who preach and teach the word of God and seek to lead people to walk in God's ways.  Those who drink deeply of the living water of the Holy Spirit only do so because God has first drawn them. One reason why it is not my first inclination to ask people to respond to a sermon in church publicly is because it is the easy thing to do.  Please don't misunderstand me:  there can be quite a battle ...

Today I had a chat with Christians about our need to count the cost in following Jesus.  Our saviour Jesus is not a useful addition or convenient accessory that improves our life but He  is our life.  Jesus spoke about considering the cost of following Him and drew upon practical examples to teach His disciples. Jesus said in Luke 14:25-33 , " Now great multitudes went with Him. And He turned and said to them, 26   " If anyone comes to Me and does not hate his father and mother, wife and children, brothers and sisters, yes, and his own life also, he cannot be My disciple.  27   And whoever does not bear his cross and come after Me cannot be My disciple.  28   For which of you, intending to build a tower, does not sit down first and count the cost, whether he has enough to finish it-- 29   lest, after he has laid the foundation, and is not able to finish, all who see it begin to mock him,  30   saying, 'This man began to bui...

We have been studying through the book of Ruth at Teen Camp this year and I have been blessed to consider Christ as our Redeemer through the book.  During this study I have better observed the choices Ruth made beyond deciding to accompany Naomi to Bethlehem.  After clinging to Naomi at the crossroads between Moab and Israel, Ruth continued to listen to and follow her guidance. When Boaz saw Ruth gleaning in his field, he told her not to go in anyone else's field and to stay with his servant girls.  Naomi said the same thing after she brought back a large haul of grain.  Then Ruth was bold and courageous to obey her mother-in-law when instructed to go to Boaz as he slept on the threshing floor and to uncover his feet.  "I'll do everything you say," Ruth responded and followed through on all she said.  Her inclination may have been to bustle around and distract herself with activity as she awaited word from Boaz, but she hearkened to the wise advice:  ...

" The nations raged, the kingdoms were moved; He uttered His voice, the earth melted.  7  The LORD of hosts is with us; t he God of Jacob is our refuge. Selah " Psalm 46:6-7 The contrast presented here between the kingdoms of the earth and the power of God is striking.  While the nations rage like the sea, troubled and powerful, the LORD rules on high over all.  Kingdoms and nations are agitated in rage; people are moved even as the earth rotates around the sun.  Yet God does not need to move to utter His voice and melt the earth in majesty.  People react in response to what they see or feel, but God acts to further His divine plans and purposes.  He is always ahead of the most perceptive person or spirit, for the intent of hearts are laid bare before Him. The sons of Korah acknowledged " The LORD of hosts is with us, " and this remains true when nations rage.  When the rhetoric starts flying, the sabres are rattling or missiles are firing, th...

" But God forbid that I should boast except in the cross of our Lord Jesus Christ, by whom the world has been crucified to me, and I to the world.  15  For in Christ Jesus neither circumcision nor uncircumcision avails anything, but a new creation ." Galatians 6:14-15 Being born again by grace through faith in Jesus Christ is the one way to be righteous in God's sight.  Though the Gentile believers in the church in Galatia once knew this, they caved to the influence of pressure exerted from Jewish legalists to keep the Law of Moses as a means of righteousness.  What appeared to be submission and humility before God and His Law was in reality the strivings of the flesh to accomplish what only the Spirit of God could do.  People began to pride themselves in their sacrifices and looked down on others who did not follow their legalistic convictions.  Circumcision did not make anyone closer to God, and ironically taking pride in subjection to the rite did the ...

When we first moved into our current house, it wasn't long before we had an uninvited visitor:  a mouse that easily slipped under the garage door to explore what had previously been his domain.  I suppose during the build phase of the house the mouse had become accustomed to scouring the place for snacks left by workers, and with no garage door or interior doors this was easily done under the cover of night.  I immediately took steps to set out traps in the garage and constructed an aluminium "mouse guard" mounted underneath the door to prevent any further incursions.  Thankfully, it wasn't long before the mouse problem was no more. One thing I discovered after baiting mousetraps with a little peanut butter (I recommend American style) is it can attract crickets that chirp all night.  Crickets and roaches love peanut butter and easily clean those traps in a night without setting them off.  Since I didn't want to trade one pest for another, I decided to keep...