Importance of God's Word!

(Exodus 20:12)  "Honor your father and your mother, that your days may be long in the land that the LORD your God is giving you.”

This is a simple example of a clear instruction to children, if they are to find favour from God and live a long life. The world has now instituted a law where a child may sue his parents. Whose instruction will we follow? The laws of democracy or the Word of God!

The Word of God is intuitive and full of valuable instructions. People have often made reference to the Bible as a book open to interpretation, but normally those who make these kinds of comments know very little about the Bible. It is more of a comment excusing them from any form of responsibility, yet it is another lie and all those who hold to this view will bear the consequences.

It is now becoming extremely evident that society has a different set of laws; democracy seems to be high on their agenda. And on the surface we would all agree that democracy with its principles is a respectful way to treat other human beings. Democracy means the right to a form of government in which power is invested in the people as a whole, usually exercised on their behalf by elected representatives. The problem with this lifestyle and enforcing government is that their laws now begin to breech the laws of God. In other words they are now declaring war on the only true righteous living God. What are their chances? What are our chances if we side with them over the Word of God? If we say we will stand with a particular democratic alliance and vote for them but they are in opposition to the Word of God, then how will that be to our benefit. We may end up with better sanitation, but how will that help us in the Day of Judgment? We have had such a shift with our reasoning that everything we do is designed to feed that part of the brain which will not and does not naturally seek out righteousness through God’s Word. We may on the other hand use our consciences to determine right from wrong, but if our conscience overrules the Word of God, then we are in trouble! Why? It should be obvious, God cannot lie and as much as He has loved the world by sending His Son to die for all those who would find repentance, He has also promise that those who oppose Him will face judgment and ultimately the Lake of Fire, which will be an eternal punishment.

Look at a country Like the United States of America, they have 52 states and they are governed independently. Who has the right to determine what is right and wrong, well when we use fallen mans reasoning, we will be left wanting. It is clear to see that most if not all the governments in the world are driven by greed. Although the world is full of corrupt leaders we must understand that God is righteous. He was neither created nor born as an infant as if He had to have to learn the lessons of life. He was and He is. He is the great I AM! His work is perfect and all His ways are just. Perfection means that nothing can be added to the equation to enhance it. Absolutely nothing! For if by adding something it would improve the outcome, it was never perfect to begin with.

Therefore if God is perfect, which He is, then His way alone will lead us to the place of perfection. However if we exalt ourselves above His Word then we are in grave danger of His wrath. How do we know that? The Word has warned us! We can only ever be in one of two camps; those who cleave to the Word as if their lives depend upon it and it does! Or those who are proud enough to think they know better that the Perfect One and chose to ignore God’s Word. If we say we are believers but we will only accept portions of scripture but reject what seems a little extreme, then I will say it will be to our own detriment. We have now moved from finding the mind of Christ to knowing better. Beware of this type of reasoning. We are not perfect, yes we are covered by the blood of the Lamb and we are righteous in the eyes of God, only because of His Son’s sacrifice. However we live within a body that is fallen and it wars against that which is perfect, we have a constant enemy that would want to rob us of finding life and it come from within. The Apostle John gives us this insight; “For all that is in the world--the desires of the flesh and the desires of the eyes and pride in possessions--is not from the Father but is from the world.” (1John 2:16)  - In other words that does not come from the place of perfection but from that which has fallen and tainted by sin. It is impossible for us to institute perfect righteousness as we are not perfect in ourselves. We therefore must seek instruction from our perfect Father, regardless of any opposition; we now know that He can only ever be right and if we oppose Him we will only ever be wrong. That may be an obvious deduction to most, but examine your life against His Word and see how much of our lives actually oppose God’s instruction.

What constitutes a good Bible teacher? A doctorate, years of study and examples of loving other as they love themselves? All of the above may have their part to play, but they will not complete the teacher. A great teacher will always point us to the Word of God, even if everything seems to be against it. The giants of life will not influence the teacher’s instruction, as they know that God has promise the Promised Land to all who endure unto the end. It may even cost them their lives but one thing that they would have understood is this; “By no means! Let God be true though every one were a liar, as it is written, "That you may be justified in your words, and prevail when you are judged." (Romans 3:4) – Why is this imperative? Because God is perfect and man is fallen! Regardless of opinions, he (teacher) will always value sound doctrine about all else. God has opened his eyes to this truth; “Heaven and earth will pass away, but my words will not pass away.” (Matthew 24:35) 

Therefore if we want to find ourselves founded upon the Rock when the storm comes, and it will come, we must cling to the perfect Word of God as our lives do depend upon it. If I was to breathe my last breath tomorrow, this is the message I would leave us with. Obviously understanding that the Lord Jesus is the Word! He is the rock of our salvation.

Signing off

Tyrone

Life with it's Seasons!

(Ecclesiastes 3:6)  “A time to seek, and a time to lose; a time to keep, and a time to cast away;”

How I relish the moments in my life when a thought about a particular attribute of God is heightened and then quicken to my understanding. It brings with it a fresh new glimpse of His brilliance to my consideration. In order to find that, we must listen to the small still voice that can be but a whisper at times, so if we are obsessively busy with the issues of life that soft voice will elude us, we must make time in our daily routines to draw aside, be still and listen for the voice of our great God and Father. How one may ask? Find a quite time, for me it is before the sunrises, I cherish these moments, but it was not always like that, but now that I am able by the grace of God to navigate towards the still waters, planting my feet upon the rock along the water’s edge I am afforded the privilege to meditate upon the Rock of our salvation. I would encourage you to put time aside, for without it, how will we hear that small still voice if it is but a whisper? We won’t as the issues of life drown it out!

Be encouraged, find grace as we know that the ways of the righteous will find life but as for the wicked they will perish. The only time we will ever be content is when we bring forth fruit and that can only be in its season. So do not lose hope, have you ever seen a tree bear its fruit in winter if not protected from the frost? Yet through the rest of the year we must fight a little harder looking to Jesus the author and finisher of our faith. Who enjoys tears of sorrow and chapped hands from the cold of winter? Yet without labourers who would eat from the produce? And so our lives also have seasons, it has been so ordained.

“For everything there is a season, and a time for every matter under heaven: a time to be born, and a time to die; a time to plant, and a time to pluck up what is planted; a time to kill, and a time to heal; a time to break down, and a time to build up; a time to weep, and a time to laugh; a time to mourn, and a time to dance; a time to cast away stones, and a time to gather stones together; a time to embrace, and a time to refrain from embracing; a time to seek, and a time to lose; a time to keep, and a time to cast away; a time to tear, and a time to sew; a time to keep silence, and a time to speak; a time to love, and a time to hate; a time for war, and a time for peace.” (Ecclesiastes 3:1-8)

Although our lives will experience all of the above, we must always be looking for the small still voice of God, as He speaks to us through His Son, as God the Holy Spirit astutely carries out His role in the believer’s life. He will teach and bring to remembrance all that the Lord Jesus has said. He will guide us into all truth and always glorify the Lord Jesus. The world cannot receive Him and yet He lives in all that have found repentance and believe in the finished work of Calvary. We now have the power to bear witness of our great Saviour, but just as our body needs food to sustain them, so too must we draw aside and drink from the waters of life in order to walk this sometimes tiresome rocky road toward the celestial city. It will be worth it all!

We have been instructed to exhort one another, so I would encourage you to find time in your daily routine to draw aside, habitually if you like, listening for our God’s glorious voice in and through His Word. There is not a place, where if we seek Him out that He will not be found. If we lie on our death bed He will be there. Whether we work, play, cry, laugh, morn, dance or even are in the process of having our financial security stripped from our lives, He will be there! Whatever our circumstance we must find solace in this truth, that our God cares for us. He has begun a perfect work and even though our lives are full of uncertainty at times, He will complete that which He has begun. All honour and praise belongs to our King. So remember to find the waters of life. Draw aside and drink, for He will never keep his love from us, all those you repent and believe on the finished work of Calvary have found life and will forever keep it.

Signing off

Tyrone

For your love is better than wine...

(Song of Solomon 1: 2) “For your love is better than wine...”

Do we hear the gentle whisper of our beloved, or is His voice drowned by the rumble of life. Is it like so many other relationships, seen together in public but living separate lives, or are we one with Him? Is He the one that corrects guides and caresses? Are we intimate with Him, do we share our deepest secrets, while leaning upon His shoulder? I Wonder! He was selfless and yet I am so selfish! I pray that our great God would quicken our feeble knees and our stammering lips equipping us to run to Him singing praises as we kiss our amazing Saviour, may we constantly remember His sacrificed; He came to do the will of His Father and it cost Him dearly, in fact it cost Him everything, the world with all its inhabitants eagerly swallowed up His spilt blood. Such amazingly love on display! Have we really understood, can we now hear the gentle whisper of our blessed Redeemer, are we walking side by side, hand in hand with eyes only for our companion or does our gaze peel back and forth, hoping to find something better... The thought in itself is even blasphemous. 

Search out our hearts O great God the Holy Spirit, reveal all that is perverse, all that hinders keeping us from a deeper love from our one and only true love.

There are many snares set to trap, open our eyes to them I pray. May we be quick to pack the picnic basket and venture up the hill to find a secluded place, anticipating a feast of unadulterated love with the one we and betrothed too. “Let him kiss me with the kisses of his mouth! For your love is better than wine; your anointing oils are fragrant; your name is oil poured out; therefore virgins love you. Draw me after you; let us run. The king has brought me into his chambers. We will exult and rejoice in you; we will extol your love more than wine; rightly do they love you.” (Song of Solomon 1: 2-4)

God’s law stipulates that a man and woman will come together in union and become one flesh. One man and one woman, until death do us part, is the vow. How many have broken that promise, sadly I am guilty as charged! Many of our forefathers had many wives; Solomon had 300 wives and 700 concubines, a thousand women he was intimate with. Do you think He was just with his committed to each of them? I seriously doubt it! And yet we eagerly await a marriage feast in the New Jerusalem, when the church will as the bride (all the saints), partake in the ultimate wedding feast. The thought which now grows as we deliberate is how amazing is our great Saviour ability to love, I have blundered two marriages and yet He is intimate with so many, in fact throughout history, they could not be numbered. What is even more astounding, not one of His relationships with anything perverse or tainted emotionally involved to it. Complete honest commitment for each and every one that belongs to Him. What Saviour is this we supply and love to serve? If any are in doubt about His pledge, how often do we need to find confirmation to His commitment, He too has made the pledge until death do us part, but for the believer there shall be no death, as our soul will live on for eternity, He therefore will be by our side forever. I hope this thought changes our lives from this day forth. As men struggle to be faithful to their wives, our great Husband, the Lord Jesus Christ has and will forever be faithful to millions. He has so much love to give that He still beckons all to come; “whosoever will to the Lord may come He will not turn one away.”  

Will we like Solomon cherish Him and give Him due benevolence, will we finally surrender our lives to Him and look no further afraid to miss out on some perverse union. Will we in turn prove our love to Him by having eyes for Him Only? Will we be like the Apostle John cherishing our Saviour that we too are permitted to listen to His heart beat as our heads finds rest on this breast.

O raise me, draw me. By your grace I am able. Send forth thy Holy Spirit to kindle sacred flames of love in my heart, and I will continue to rise in love to my Saviour until I leave life, time and all that hinders behind me as I indeed come away finding rest on the breast of my beloved Redeemer.

Signing off

Tyrone

  

Who's name is Jealous?

(Exodus 34:14) “(...for the LORD, whose name is Jealous, is a jealous God)”

To renew our covenant with God would seem to be the order of the day, especially with the celebration of the Easter Weekend. I know of some who ritually set aside this weekend to come together as a church and hear from God. I was amongst the number for many years and what I will say; without exception I always came away fired-up with new resolve to be better and more committed to my God and Saviour. It was like a supplement booster injection. Many nominal Christians, even now are reminded that they have finished their “lent” forgetting the motivation behind it as they get on with their lives until next year. This is the way man-centred religion operates; it is sickening to the stomach! Like we could ever do God a favour, He is so mighty He could squash us like a bug and yet with the mordacity we have as humans, we act as if we are doing God a favour, He nevertheless, beckons us to come, to Jesus His Son.

It fascinates me when I think of the goodness of Jesus when I think of what He has done for me my very soul cries out hallelujah and in spite of the snipe of religion and all its hypocrisy.

Tradition is honourable with God so long as the tradition is foundered upon Him alone, we see reference made to the children of Israel as they are commended or condemned depending upon which God they paid homage too. But we must understand what is acceptable and what is despises, for He is a jealous God and He will not share His glory with another, we must understand this very clearly, do not be deceived! In fact His name is Jealous! – (for you shall worship no other god, for the LORD, whose name is Jealous, is a jealous God) (Exodus 34:14) 

  

It is imperative that we find out what God requires from us as a church as well as individuals. If we have any false idols in our lives, and we chose to hang on to them that will be harmful. We must seek out His face to break down all those things in our lives that we chose to worship, the idols of compromise! History teachers that many worshiped God but simultaneously clung to their false gods, which was and is an abomination before a Jealous God! – "Solomon loved the LORD, walking in the statutes of David his father, only he sacrificed and made offerings at the high places." (1Kings 3:3)

It is possible to hold onto both, but not favourable! We have been clearly instructed to put off false religion and anything in our lives that compromise our relationship with our great Jehovah, the God of Abraham, Isaac and Jacob.

With that in mind; if God despises that type of false worship we must conclude that He would make every provision for us to find His will in our lives and be helpful in us achieving this objective. Yet I suppose we must first do some self searching and mirror gazing, and find all that look to rob us of a deeper and sincerer relationship with the only true God.

I know that His will for every believer is to be actively involved with other believers, it is imperative and yet I am still looking to find a place of fellowship where I can get stuck in. Limbo is not good for anyone, maybe you are in a similar situation, but we must seek out His will for our lives, we must find a local church and become part of it! We must supply, and not only receive! “So we, though many, are one body in Christ, and individually members one of another.” (Romans 12:5) – Has you finger ever said to your hand I am not part of the hand and I wish to operate independently, how ridiculous that would be! And yet if we choose to say we will do it our way without others then we too are as silly!

This is the way God has ordain it, it is not up to us to decide otherwise, if we do then we are no different to those who think they know better than God, we must remember that our God has a name, Jealous! Yet, having said that it would be just as foolish to attach ourselves to a denomination that still worships with the High places intact, those rituals that denounce the victory of Christ Jesus on His cross some two thousand years ago. We can no longer practise nominal Christianity, God demand our lives and our all! Surely, if He hath crowned us, we ought also to crown our God; For God to sit upon the throne of our love we need to lay down our lives for Him. When I look through the pages of my life I can but sing of mercies multiplied! As much as we all need to find fulfilment in new promise through life’s journey may we remember not to dishonour the old vows, may we set straight that which is crooked, may we look to align our wills with His will and may we break down and remove all the idols of our lives, whatever they may be.

Signing off

Tyrone

       

God will Test!

(Deuteronomy 13:3) “...For the LORD your God is testing you...”

What I find rather intriguing is how surprised I felt when I considered this portion of scripture; But why should this surprises us, did the Lord Jesus not have to endure tremendous temptation and much pain, He did you know, more than any other! Did God test these once enslaved Israelites, He sure did! I think it would be good for us to soberly consider what they went through and why; we know that their journey was for our admonition. How so? - “For who were those who heard and yet rebelled? Was it not all those who left Egypt led by Moses?” (Hebrews 3:16)

They were not only being tested for themselves and how they responded to the Word of God, but for future generations, for us to understand the consequences to our disobedience. “Take care, brothers, lest there be in any of you an evil, unbelieving heart, leading you to fall away from the living God. But exhort one another every day, as long as it is called "today," that none of you may be hardened by the deceitfulness of sin.” (Hebrews 3:12-13)

The writer of this book concludes the chapter like this; “So we see that they were unable to enter because of unbelief.” (Hebrews 3:19) 

That is a very interesting word (unbelief) he concludes with; it is not as if they did not believe something. They just didn’t believe the Word of God. Let us look at the context to our text as they put something above the Word of God, do you know what that was? "If a prophet or a dreamer of dreams arises among you and gives you a sign or a wonder, and the sign or wonder that he tells you comes to pass, and if he says, 'Let us go after other gods,' which you have not known, 'and let us serve them,' you shall not listen to the words of that prophet or that dreamer of dreams. For the LORD your God is testing you, to know whether you love the LORD your God with all your heart and with all your soul. (Deuteronomy 13:1-3)

Be on the lookout for many even now raise their heads and lure many from the truth of God’s Word. But do not be fooled, it is God who has allowed it to happen testing His people; “For the LORD your God is testing you!” We must see this as a positive influence to our lives, if our hearts are troubled then we have an anchor that is steadfast and sure, let us run to Him and not another. Be aware of His test, it is for our admonition; if we need to repent then He beckons us to come, but only on His terms and never our own.

Let us now unpack this warning a little deeper so that we may learn from it...

“Here is, I. A very strange supposition, Deu_13:1, Deu_13:2. 1. It is strange that there should arise any among themselves, especially any pretending to vision and prophecy, who should instigate them to go and serve other gods. Was it possible that any who had so much knowledge of the methods of divine revelation as to be able to personate a prophet should yet have so little knowledge of the divine nature and will as to go himself and entice his neighbours after other gods? Could an Israelite ever be guilty of such impiety? Could a man of sense ever be guilty of such absurdity? We see it in our own day, and therefore may think it the less strange; multitudes that profess both learning and religion yet exciting both themselves and others, not only to worship God by images, but to give divine honour to saints and angels, which is no better than going after other gods to serve them; such is the power of strong delusions. 2. It is yet more strange that the sign or wonder given for the confirmation of this false doctrine should come to pass. Can it be thought that God himself should give any countenance to such a vile proceeding? Did ever a false prophet work a true miracle? It is only supposed here for two reasons: - (1.) To strengthen the caution here given against hearkening to such a one. “Though it were possible that he should work a true miracle, yet you must not believe him if he tell you that you must serve other gods, for the divine law against that is certainly perpetual and unalterable.” The supposition is like that in Gal_1:8, If we, or an angel from heaven, preach any other gospel to you - which does not prove it possible that an angel should preach another gospel, but strongly expresses the certainty and perpetuity of that which we have received. So here, (2.) It is to fortify them against the danger of impostures and lying wonders (2Th_2:9): “Suppose the credentials he produces be so artfully counterfeited that you cannot discern the cheat, nor disprove them, yet, if they are intended to draw you to the service of other gods, that alone is sufficient to disprove them; no evidence can be admitted against so clear a truth as that of the unity of the Godhead, and so plain a law as that of worshipping the one only living and true God.” We cannot suppose that the God of truth should set his seal of miracles to a lie, to so gross a lie as is supposed in that temptation, Let us go after other gods. But if it be asked, Why is this false prophet permitted to counterfeit this broad seal? It is answered here (Deu_13:3): “The Lord you God proveth you. He suffers you to be set upon by such a temptation to try your constancy, that both those that are perfect and those that are false and corrupt may be made manifest. It is to prove you; therefore see that you acquit yourselves well in the trial, and stand your ground.”

II. Here is a very necessary charge given in this case,

1.      Not to yield to the temptation: “Thou shalt not hearken to the worlds of that prophet, Deu_13:3. Not only thou shalt not do the thing he tempts thee to, but thou shalt not so much as patiently hear the temptation, but reject it with the utmost disdain and detestation. Such a suggestion as this is not to be so much as parleyed with, but the ear must be stopped against it. Get thee behind me, Satan.” Some temptations are so grossly vile that they will not bear a debate, nor may we so much as give them the hearing. What follows (Deu_13:4), You shall walk after the Lord, may be looked upon, (1.) As prescribing a preservative from the temptation: “Keep close to your duty, and you keep out of harm's way. God never leaves us till we leave him.” Or, (2.) As furnishing us with an answer to the temptation; say, “It is written, Thou shalt walk after the Lord, and cleave unto him; and therefore what have I to do with idols?” 2. Not to spare the tempter, Deu_13:5. That prophet shall be put to death, both to punish him for the attempt he has made (the seducer must die, though none were seduced by him - a design upon the crown is treason) and to prevent his doing further mischief. This is called putting away the evil. There is no way of removing the guilt but by removing the guilty; if such a criminal be not punished, those that should punish him make themselves responsible. And thus the mischief must be put away; the infection must be kept from spreading by cutting off the gangrened limb, and putting away the mischief-makers. Such dangerous diseases as these must be taken in time.” (Matthew Henry)

These are words of a man who live in the 17^th Century and the warning was as relevant to him and those who lived back then as it is to us who live now. In fact they are probably more relevant as we are warned that in the last days many will come in the name of the Lord and deceive many and it is now some four hundred years later.

Let us therefore sit up and take note. Testing is good for the one who is being tested; it helps us see our own hearts in the matter. If there be anything we need to repent of, may God who is rich in mercy be merciful and lead us in repentance so that we may abide in Him and He in us. To God is the glory both now and forever more, Amen!

Signing off

Tyrone

Remember our Saviour!

(1Corinthians 11:23) "This is my body which is for you. Do this in remembrance of me."

Holiday Season again, even if it is only a long weekend, we celebrate time away from work and not much thought is given to why we commemorate this break. This is only one of two ordinances we are require to partake in as believers, the other is water baptism. I agree with the obvious thoughts of some, it is not only the Easter weekend when we remember the Lord Jesus’ death; we are instructed to do this as often as we remember Him. “For I received from the Lord what I also delivered to you, that the Lord Jesus on the night when he was betrayed took bread, and when he had given thanks, he broke it, and said, "This is my body which is for you. Do this in remembrance of me." In the same way also he took the cup, after supper, saying, "This cup is the new covenant in my blood. Do this, as often as you drink it, in remembrance of me." For as often as you eat this bread and drink the cup, you proclaim the Lord's death until he comes.” (1Corinthians 11:23-26) - Bunny rabbits and chocolate Easter eggs have nothing to do with the equation whatsoever, it is just another decoy thrown into the mix to get people to focus on something else, Eastern egg hunts and the like. Whether we have the actual dates correct or not I will not waste time with, but some religion around this holiday has perverted and made a mockery of what Christ actually achieve on Calvary. They are now ending their period of “lent”, a custom some religions practice, for forty days where their follows are expected to give up something as if they could earn acceptance from God by doing this. God will never ever accept any sacrifice from mankind to justify themselves before a Holy God outside of His own Son’s sacrifice. The message is clear, repent from our own works, confess our sin before God, call upon the name of Jesus Christ the Lord and then only will we find acceptance. In other words, if you are asked what you have given up for Lent, then our answers should all be the same, “we have given up Lent!” We must find repentance from dead works, as this custom is a dead work. What is a dead work? It is exactly what it claims to be, dead, it cannot produce life! “Therefore let us leave the elementary doctrine of Christ and go on to maturity, not laying again a foundation of repentance from dead works and of faith toward God.” (Hebrews 6:1)      

This is what we now must celebrate; “Jesus, our Lord, once crucified, dead and buried, now sits upon the throne of glory. The highest place that heaven affords is his by undisputed right. It is sweet to remember that the exaltation of Christ in heaven is a representative exaltation. He is exalted at the Father’s right hand, and though as Jehovah he had eminent glories, in which finite creatures cannot share, yet as the Mediator, the honours which Jesus wears in heaven are the heritage of all the saints. It is delightful to reflect how close is Christ’s union with his people. We are actually one with him; we are members of his body; and his exaltation is our exaltation. He will give us to sit upon his throne, even as he has overcome, and is set down with his Father on his throne; he has a crown, and he gives us crowns too; he has a throne, but he is not content with having a throne to himself, on his right hand there must be his queen, arrayed in “gold of Ophir.” He cannot be glorified without his bride. Look up, believer, to Jesus now; let the eye of your faith behold him with many crowns upon his head; and remember that you will one day be like him, when you shall see him as he is; you shall not be so great as he is, you shall not be so divine, but still you shall, in a measure, share the same honours, and enjoy the same happiness and the same dignity which he possesses. Be content to live unknown for a little while, and to walk your weary way through the fields of poverty, or up the hills of affliction; for by-and-by you shall reign with Christ, for he has “made us kings and priests unto God, and we shall reign for ever and ever.” Oh!, wonderful thought for the children of God! We have Christ for our glorious representative in heaven’s courts now, and soon he will come and receive us to himself, to be with him there, to behold his glory, and to share his joy.” (C.H.Spurgeon)

So when everyone else runs away with the festivities and the chocolate feasts let us be sure we are counted amongst the number proclaiming His sacrifice on our behalf, let us remember to highly exalt His name, for He alone is worthy!

Signing off

Tyrone

Our Redeemer Lives!

(Job 19:25) “I know that my Redeemer lives.”

I often find myself running off with my own little war; therefore I have decided when needed to bring in the influence of other trustworthy brothers and let them speak to us all, I surmise most of the time that it will be C.H.Spurgeon, as I have said in time past that He must be the most well rounded balance bible teacher I have encountered. He is true to the text and does not let pet subjects influence his deliberation. In fact even when he was bombarded by those who came at him for smoking, he liked a good cigar, he used the Word to build his chase, not that his cigar smoking needed defending. We must not chase straw-men (decoys to take our eyes off the ball) but the real issues of our faith. I have even seen portraits painted of Him where a cigar was remove from that particular photograph used for the visual rendering. He never pretended to be who he wasn’t! We have enough to contend with, so let us not look for added things to shackle fellow believers. “There is nothing outside a person that by going into him can defile him, but the things that come out of a person are what defile him." (Mark 7:15)

Let us rather stick to what is sound, what will save a man and keep him saved etc...  

“The marrow of Job’s comfort lies in that little word “My”-”My Redeemer,” and in the fact that the Redeemer lives. Oh! to get hold of a living Christ. We must get a property in him before we can enjoy him. What is gold in the mine to me? Men are beggars in Peru, and beg their bread in California. It is gold in my purse which will satisfy my necessities, by purchasing the bread I need. So a Redeemer who does not redeem me, an avenger who will never stand up for my blood, of what avail were such? Rest not content until by faith you can say “Yes, I cast myself upon my living Lord; and he is mine.” It may be you hold him with a feeble hand; you half think it presumption to say, “He lives as my Redeemer;” yet, remember if you have but faith as a grain of mustard seed, that little faith entitles you to say it. But there is also another word here, expressive of Job’s strong confidence, “I know.” To say, “I hope so, I trust so” is comfortable; and there are thousands in the fold of Jesus who hardly ever get much further. But to reach the essence of consolation you must say, “I know.” Ifs, buts, and perhapses, are sure murderers of peace and comfort. Doubts are dreary things in times of sorrow. Like wasps they sting the soul! If I have any suspicion that Christ is not mine, then there is vinegar mingled with the gall of death; but if I know that Jesus lives for me, then darkness is not dark: even the night is light about me. Surely if Job, in those ages before the coming and advent of Christ, could say, “I know,” we should not speak less positively. God forbid that our positiveness should be presumption. Let us see that our evidences are right, lest we build upon an ungrounded hope; and then let us not be satisfied with the mere foundation, for it is from the upper rooms that we get the widest prospect. A living Redeemer, truly mine, is joy unspeakable.” (C.H.Spurgeon)

It is no use to try to get more zeal except in the right way, knowing more of Christ; and if we seek to grow in zeal as certain people we might mention have done, we shall have a zeal like a house on fire! It will do more mischief than it will do good. There may be some heat, and a deal of illumination; but it will die away, by-and-by, into black ashes, poisoning the churches everywhere.

I have seen a certain kind of revival in England, and I can always tell where such "revivals" have been by the scarred state of the places after them. These so-called "revivals" have been wrought by excitable meetings, held by sundry preachers, who have invented strange doctrines, but have said nothing about the grace of God. They have for a time stirred up the people to a kind of religious furor, and they have left behind them a very desert. Before them it was like a garden of the Lord, but behind them barrenness and desolation.

The church has been divided; there has been a reaction, and the people have sunk into the most lamentable condition. If we would have true zeal, it must be by the preaching of the good old doctrine, proclaiming Jesus Christ and him crucified; for anything else comes of the devil, and to hell it shall tend; its issue shall be destruction, and not salvation.

But if we keep to the truth of God, there will be "revival" enough. We want nothing but the good old-fashioned gospel to stir the world again. Though men have tried new schemes, God will not own them. All these heresies must be swept away, and the true gospel—distinguishing grace of God in all the sovereignty of election—must yet again be preached; and when it is preached in all its fullness, then shall the church be zealous, and then shall Zion arise, and shake herself from the dust, and put on her beautiful garments. (C.H.Spurgeon)

Taken from the pyromaniacs blog sight http://teampyro.blogspot.com

Let us learn to challenge our energy in serving God and Glorifying Christ with the right impetrate.

Signing off

Tyrone

Giants!

(Deuteronomy 4:1) “Take possession of the land that the LORD, the God of your fathers, is giving you.”

I would say I am amazed, but that would not be accurate, nevertheless I must confess that it is rather foolish to travel to the river Jordan and be offered the Promised Land and then to somehow be side-tracked and to take our eyes off the original hope, which was a land flowing with milk and honey. And for us now living with today’s challenges and yet with so many promises available to all of God’s children. In fact it is no different in principle, this verse is still very appropriate in our everyday lives.

God our heavenly Father is for His children and not against them. Just as He made a promise to Abraham, Isaac and Jacob, even when the children of Israel purposefully went out of their way to make and worship a golden calf, God thought about destroying them but would not! He had made a commitment to their faithful forefathers and Moses intercedes on their behalf saving them from certain destruction. In like manner with far more power and authority the Lord Jesus now intercedes for us. He is the ultimate sacrifice and it is now over and done with, no more death in that sense ever needed ever again, “it is finished!”

So here we stand in the righteousness of Christ and His accomplishments with the roughness of the sand under our feet and the cool refreshing water from the river Jordan running between our toes. We are now faced with a challenge, and I pray we welcome it with both arms. As I know I am slow to accept what seems to be a rather daunting challenge; in fact it has been promise so it is no longer intimidating, but when we reason with human intellect it seem impossible, as it is if we operate with the carnal mind, we must put on the mind of Christ! I get rather frustrated when I make statements like these, they are sound and biblically based, and we all need to learn to apply sound doctrine to our lives, it is a must! But I tend to fall privy to exactly the opposite soon after I have made the point. Why? I do not take seriously what the Word teachers me; if I did then I would resist the flesh and its folly. Having said that and after walking in a circle I find myself back at the water’s edge, what are we all now to do, we move forward, we believe God and we press on. What if our live are full on the same repeated mistakes? Well then I suppose we are all alike and we must press on; “for the righteous falls seven times and rises again, but the wicked stumble in times of calamity.” (Proverbs 24:16) – We must wipe the dirt from our knees, even if we see blood and remember we will not be stopped by the giants of life. The Lord Jesus has overcome and when we realise that and take or eyes off our own circumstances and fix our gaze upon Him, then we will enter into His rest, we will take possession of the land that the LORD, the God of our fathers, is giving us.

What is on offer for every child of God, do not say I suffer from this illness or I have this character flaw. For when we reason like this we relinquish power to our carnal reasoning and we undermine the work of the cross. We all now have equal opportunity to possess the Promised Land. How can I make such a brash statement? It is obvious; it is not about us and our giants but rather about the Lord victory over all of life’s monster hurdles. We must put on the mind of Christ, we must walk by faith! This now is what has been promised; “But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control; against such things there is no law. (Galatians 5:22-23)

We have a simple test we can appropriate to our lives and it has nothing to do with wealth and prosperity. Is my life full of these fruits or do the giants of life keep me from the produce? I know where I am falling short, do you? Nevertheless the solution is the same for all as we now stand of the river edge and we look across towards the Promised Land, what do we see a land flowing with milk and honey or do we see so many giants that we are afraid to cross over? All may come and partake from the fruits of the Spirit, it has been promised and our great Saviour has cleared the way, only believe and find rest in Him.

Signing off

Tyrone

Endurance!

(Hebrews 12:1) “...Let us run with endurance...”

To be a successful athlete, what does that demand? It demands effort, ability but above all discipline, which in turn will produce endurance. So then what do we seek out above all? I would say it must be endurance! But to find endurance we must be disciplined.

The writer of Hebrews, some suggest Paul while other Timothy, it is possibly one of the two. Whoever it may have been is not that relevant, if it was that critical we would have been informed. But what is crucial is to be taught from the penned words in the book of Hebrews. The writer spends a whole episode in chapter in 11 on many characters of faith who overcame diverse odds. And although it almost seemed impossible at times, they finished their race with flying colours. Yes, some died and where sawn in half but nevertheless endure unto their end. They finished well, glorifying God and magnifying our great Saviours ability to get them home: - “Quenched the power of fire, escaped the edge of the sword, were made strong out of weakness, became mighty in war, put foreign armies to flight. Women received back their dead by resurrection. Some were tortured, refusing to accept release, so that they might rise again to a better life. Others suffered mocking and flogging, and even chains and imprisonment. They were stoned, they were sawn in two, they were killed with the sword. They went about in skins of sheep and goats, destitute, afflicted, mistreated-- of whom the world was not worthy--wandering about in deserts and mountains, and in dens and caves of the earth.” (Hebrews 11:34-38) 

What is rather fascinating is the world viewed them as the off-scouring of the earth, failures, and dropouts, yet the writer puts them in the category of “whom the world was not worthy!” two different views, a man-centred and then a God-centred outlook, I wonder how we reason? If we put on the mind of Christ, we must share the writer’s sentiments.

We all in some form have been called upon to endure various sorts of physical challenges. Some no doubt more than others but we all have been taught something about ourselves whilst having to endure. The greatest test I faced off against was when I was in Oudtshoorn Infantry School; the objective was a five day haul on foot throughout the surrounding mountains, our (soldiers on course) objective was to finish, but their (our instructors) objective was to break us down by preventing us from lasting. If this happened we would then be kicked off course and not qualify as instructors. This test taught me a lot about self, the body is an amazing creation, just when you think you can do no more, it somehow finds another gear. It is not the body that fails but rather the mind. Our mind sends signals to our body saying, ENOUGH! Some endure whilst others give-in. We see differences in shifting individual’s make-ups. That is why some made it to the end and others didn’t!  But we must all recognise that every Christian now has an equal opportunity to make it to the end, as we have the mind of Christ; "For who has understood the mind of the Lord so as to instruct him?" But we have the mind of Christ. (1Corinthians 2:16)

All that is now needed is for us to reason with faith; I agree that faith is a gift; “For by grace you have been saved through faith. And this is not your own doing; it is the gift of God. (Ephesians 2:8) – We have all been equipped with the ability to find endurance and that does not come from our ability as individuals but rather from God and it is “not a result of works, so that no one may boast.” (Ephesians 2:9)

We needn’t now depend on our carnal abilities but now we are instructed to walk not by sight but by faith. We now depend on Christ’s ability to get us home. We find our endurance in His achievements; all we now need to do is believe! It is as simple as that! I agree the trials of life press us hard at times, and it seems that some are pressed harder than others. Why? I believe that it has something to do with our gifting and calling. Let me explain; Why did Job have to endure such hardship, the answer is obvious! To glorify God! Why then would it be any different for us? It won’t be! What will however vary is the measure in which we are tried and tested. This now brings gifting into the equation, we are not meant to compare ourselves with one another, but all we need do is be found faithful with what we have been given. It would be unfair to expect a servant to do the same amount of work as ten servants. In like manner God will not require more from us than that which He has given us. David slew Goliath and never for a minute did he believed he would fail. God required it from him, but also with the necessity gave him the faith to believe that he could do it. He had previously killed lions and bears when guarding his flock. He understood God’s ability to get him through. But God does not hold it against any child who lived amongst David at that time, for not stepping up to the plate, for not wanting to take on Goliath. Why would He! In like manner God will only require from us what we are capable of achieving. It depends entirely on our individual measure of faith. If I have one measure of faith, another two and another then five, what then is require from us? We should in principle at least double our measures. The one with five would produce another five, but the one with two would not be required to make five but another two. Get the point! Let us now use a parable to illustrate; "For it will be like a man going on a journey, who called his servants and entrusted to them his property. To one he gave five talents, to another two, to another one, to each according to his ability. Then he went away. He who had received the five talents went at once and traded with them, and he made five talents more. So also he who had the two talents made two talents more.” (Matthew 25:14-17)

When we understand this truth, it should put to bed us wanting to compare ourselves amongst ourselves. It is not a competition in that sense, we must encourage and lay down our lives for one another, building up and not breaking down. We must not do the work of the devil! We must put on the mind of Christ!

Let me leave us with this encouraging thought, bearing in mind what we have just discussed; Let us train to become disciplined in putting on the mind of Christ, so that we may find endurance to run this glorious race. Discipline will produce perseverance! I have fallen terribly in this area of my life, but God who is rich in mercy has afford all who share a similar fate to now forget that which is behind and press on. Even if I have failed and not shared Paul’s testimony: - “But I discipline my body and keep it under control, lest after preaching to others I myself should be disqualified.” (1Corinthians 9:27) – As I have been disqulified in the past, I now say to all let us put on the mind of Christ and find discipline as a part of our lives. Regardless of where you may find yourself, while we have breathe we have hope, but more than that we now have the mind of Christ, it is time to change gears, remembering that our Saviour has overcome, so that we too may overcome. All honour and glory belongs to Him, praise his name, Amen!

Signing off

Tyrone

  

    

Goodness and Severity!

(Romans 11:22)  “Behold therefore the goodness and severity of God:”

Here are two of God’s attributes in the quoted verse, goodness and severity, opposite ends of the emotional spectrum, you could say. One is almost tempted to separate it as the good and bad side, BUT God is righteous and everything about His being and character is Holy and righteous. Therefore He will only ever judge from that platform; He is God and thankfully is in control and yet He always operates under the banner of all that is holy and righteous. His ways are far above our ways, all this means is when we think we reason with a sound mind and pass judgement on something or someone, even though we are fully convinced with are correct in our rational, we may be miles off the truth. Why? Because of our fallen natures, sin has affected even our reasoning. Remember our very first example of “I did it my way” in the book of Genesis when Cain and Abel offer a sacrifice. They both did something similar; they both offer a sacrifice to God. Cain’s sacrifice was rejected and Abel’s accepted. Abel was a beneficiary to God’s goodness whilst Cain eventually experienced the severity of God. We must remember both sacrifices were to the same God! I know I have laid my heart on the table and still believe that once a person is truly saved that they will never be lost. We have enough in scripture to prove this point. However, when God addresses those who call out to him, He has been very deliberate to show us that He can and will be very strict and stern when required. It is important that we get to know our Heavenly Father and the only way we can achieve this is to spend time with Him. Quality time! We must understand what it is He will accept and what He will never accommodate. Let us consider what pleases Him. We can say with assurance that His Son the Lord Jesus, pleases Him. He is also please when we follow Christ instruction by the Word, the Bible! Let’s prove that! “He was still speaking when, behold, a bright cloud overshadowed them, and a voice from the cloud said, "This is my beloved Son, with whom I am well pleased; listen to him." (Matthew 17:5)

And we know that His Son, the Lord Jesus Christ has himself said; Jesus said to him, "I am the way, and the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me. (John 14:6) 

So the only way we can experience the Father’s goodness is through His Son. This is why when we pray to God the Father we always pray in the name of the Lord Jesus. Not through Mary or any other saint, only through the One in which God the Father was well please, His Son! You could say Abel understood this in type as he offered his sacrifice to God, but Cain came in his own strength and in his own way, it was nevertheless the same God and not another and yet He was not on the receiving side of God’s goodness but rather after rejecting to repent when corrected by God he eventually became bitter and twisted and committed the first murder in history. He was then banished from the Garden of Eden and faced God’s severity. Only then did he appreciate the error of his way but then it was too late; “Cain said to the LORD, "My punishment is greater than I can bear.” (Genesis 4:13) 

We reason like this; if I am a good person, I give to the poor; I may even tithe to the local church and because of this God will accept me. You will be mistaken! As we have just proved that from scripture. God is love and is full of goodness but we will never embrace that side to Him if we sing this song, “I did it my way”, all we will then receive is His severity and we will then echo the words of Cain, “my punishment is greater than I can bear.” But then it will be too late! It needn’t be this way! Because if we follow God’s instruction we will be privy to His goodness; as He now gives us the same instruction that He gave to Cain, he was offered an opportunity to repent; “If you do well, will you not be accepted?” (Genesis 4:7)

The only possible way for us to do well is to repent of our own sacrifice, whatever form that may take for each individual, but rather to fall to our knees and call upon the name of the Lord Jesus and confess our sin before Him and ask for forgiveness. If we do this then we will find the goodness of God and escape His severity. Nothing else will ever cut it!

For all who have repented and called upon the Lord Jesus have the mind of Christ, if we have been born again; we then have His Spirit living within us. We have been instructed to put on the mind of Christ. "For who has understood the mind of the Lord so as to instruct him?" But we have the mind of Christ.” (1Corinthians 2:16)  - But it is clear that putting on His mind (to think like Him) is a process. New parameters have been set, so we must never forget our first love, the Lord Jesus Christ. We must not get “lost in translation”; we must never become too big for our boots! If we become confused and are not sure what we should do, remember the basics, remember to call upon the name of the Lord and we will be saved. Not only from hell, but from our current dilemma!

Signing off

Tyrone

Theory must become practise!

(Matthew 13:57) "A prophet is not without honor except in his hometown and in his own household."

What good is theory if we are never tested by its practical application? Would it help if I went to college to learn how to be a photographer and qualified top of my class in a theoretical exam. It would look good on my Curriculum Vitae (CV)! But unless I actually took that information and applied it practically with camera in hand, it would be useless. The more I practised the better my results, this is obvious and it is no different in principle, when it comes to the theory of how to live as a Christian. Trails we will have and we must face them. But what I find rather intriguing is how often those closest to us come against any progression we make as Christians, as they look to breakdown and not encourage. There could be numerous reasons why this happens, and we may be guilty of exactly the same mistake when dealing with others, in fact I am convinced that we have mostly if not all erred in this area of our lives. We know that the devil goes around like a roaring lion, seeking whom he may devour and I know he likes to sow discord amongst family and friends and even brothers/sisters in the Lord. Our character (old nature) is still something we all need to work through in our lives; sometimes we walk victoriously, whilst other times we fall privy to it; outbursts, anger, pride and the like. Nevertheless although we can never commend these traits we must accept the fact that we are still living in bodies that have a fallen nature. It is true that we no longer should be slaves to it. It is also true that we should no longer habitually practise what we once were slave too i.e. sexual immorality, impurity, sensuality, idolatry, sorcery, enmity, strife, jealousy, fits of anger, rivalries, dissensions, divisions, envy, drunkenness, orgies, and things like these. If we look honestly at the list, we will all realise that we fall privy to some of those traps at times. We must however seek out grace to overcome, but if we fall, we have a high Priest who is touched with the feelings of our infirmities and we are encouraged to repent and seek out God’s forgiveness and as He is a forgiving God, He will forgive us our sin: - “If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.” (1John 1:9)  

What would be wrong is if we tried to justify ourselves and our sin, when we do we then fail in our application to live correctly as Christians. Nevertheless having said that we must remember from where we have fallen. We must learn to forgive one another as Christ has forgiven us. It may be tiresome at times, but the Lord Himself instructs us on forgiveness and to what measure we should apply it to our lives; Then Peter came up and said to him, "Lord, how often will my brother sin against me, and I forgive him? As many as seven times?" Jesus said to him, "I do not say to you seven times, but seventy times seven.” (Matthew 18:21-22)

No matter what the sin, we must also remember that we too were once sinners. We may still sin but now because we have been covered by the blood of the Lamb we are not classified as sinners. How come you may ask? Well Christ has paid the price for all who have found repentance and confess Him as Lord. He has taken our punishment upon Himself and therefore we are no longer guilty as charged, past present and future sins. It is an amazing gift, the love of God. Once we were condemned to hell, but for all who have His Spirit, we now are no longer possible candidates for the Lake of Fire. Our great Saviour has redeemed us with His own blood, Priceless! When we are reminded about this truth we should then easily apply forgiveness where and when needed. “And as they continued to ask him, he stood up and said to them, "Let him who is without sin among you be the first to throw a stone at her." (John 8:7) 

Now without any practical confrontation in this area of our lives, how will we ever be tested by the theory, it will and must happen! It is part of our spiritual growth and we must seek out God’s grace to overcome.

I began with a reference of surprise, but we are taught once again by the Word what to expect from those closest to us; “a prophet is not without honor except in his hometown and in his own household.” Although this text refers to a prophet, it is clear to see that in principle we can and must apply it to all who confess Jesus as Lord. How so? A prophet by analogy, an inspired speaker, someone in this context who confesses to others that Jesus is the Way, the Truth and the Life and propagates that there is no other true means whereby a man may be saved outside of Christ. In other words someone who is a spokesperson on behalf Lord Jesus, in whatever forms that may take for Christians, as for me it is mostly through my blog.

Let us now look at the resistance God faced as a man here on earth.

“His own countrymen had rejected him once, yet he came to them again. Note, Christ does not take refusers at their first word, but repeats his offers to those who have often repulsed them. In this, as in other things, Christ was like his brethren; he had a natural affection to his own country; {(but although He faced much resistance in his own country, he nevertheless pursued their hearts.) – (My thought!)} It did not trouble his heart. It appears he was not much concerned at it; he despised the shame, Heb_12:2. Instead of aggravating the affront, or expressing an offence at it, or returning such an answer to their foolish suggestions as they deserved, he mildly imputes it to the common humour of the children of men, to undervalue excellences that are cheap, and common, and home-bred. It is usually so. A prophet is not without honour, save in his own country. Note, Prophets should have honour paid them, and commonly have; men of God are great men, and men of honour, and challenge respect. It is strange indeed if prophets have not honour. Notwithstanding this, they are commonly least regarded and reverenced in their own country, nay, and sometimes are most envied. Familiarity breeds contempt. It did for the present (to speak with reverence), in effect, tie his hands: He did not many mighty works there, because of their unbelief. Note, Unbelief is the great obstruction to Christ's favours. All things are in general possible to God (Mat_19:26), but then it is to him that believes as to the particulars, Mar_9:23. The gospel is the power of God unto salvation, but then it is to everyone that believes, Rom_1:16. So that if mighty works be not wrought in us, it is not for want of power or grace in Christ, but for want of faith in us. By grace ye are saved, and that is a mighty work, but it is through faith, Eph_2:8.” (Matthew Henry)

Now let us not run away with ourselves and just draw a simple assist from this statement; “a prophet is not without honor except in his hometown and in his own household.” I am not for one minute suggesting that I am a prophet, I am but a simple man who like all must work out our salvation with fear and trembling, but be encouraged if the Lord was not accepted in His home town and amongst family and friends why then should it be any different for us, it won’t be! But because we have been taught this, we now have the theory to take with us into our lives and guard our hearts against it. How I love the Word of God and the way it has been designed to help us press on. Father I pray that you will help us press on in humility bringing honour and glory to your name. For you alone are worthy of all honour and praise, Amen!

Signing off

Tyrone

                                                       

Justification!

(Romans 8:33)  “Who shall bring any charge against God's elect? It is God who justifies.”

How often are things said with a boastful confidence, yet if it is with a hint of pride, then we speak not with the Lord’s Authority but as fool’s! Whenever we look for justification because of what we have done, we have entered into error, but if commendation comes from another, then it is God who justifies. We stand and fall before Him and no other! How often will we sit up and listen to fools? How much time do we give to them that do not have it in their power to justify? We take advice from family and friends, yet we look to them hoping to find a way out of some sort of predicament, but what is frightening, this is often our position. Why do we continue to walk in circles? It is as if we want to escape the heat wave but we continue to visit the Sahara! Go figure! We all fall privy to this error in one form or another. Once again this just highlights the importance of God’s Word as it is a lamp for our footsteps; it illuminates the path to righteousness, not only for our ultimate goal, heaven, but also for our journey in the here and now as we run this race. We are warned that not all who run finish and receive the prize. But all who run the race with the Word as their guide will finish and finish well. It is as simple as that, God has promised it and He has sealed it with the Holy Spirit! “In him you also, when you heard the word of truth, the gospel of your salvation, and believed in him, were sealed with the promised Holy Spirit.” (Ephesians 1:13) - He has made a commitment to all His children and all because of Christ and him crucified. Will you believe His promise; we must suppose it with all our hearts, regardless of the trials in life.

Where do my thoughts wonder this morning you may ask? Although I have many considerations happening at the same time, I can thankfully say they do not run to the counsel of the worldly wise for their advice is foolishness when we understand the better and bigger picture, the will of God! We must seek out answers from the Bible and from all those who hold this great book as the final authority to all of life’s questions. Be sure of this, God will only ever sanction what He has penned by men under the divine inspiration of God the Holy Spirit. There is safety nowhere else! You may say God speaks to me, and I am sure He does, but He will never contradict His Word. It is impossible for God to lie! With that in mind – In times past, God did use prophets and visions and dreams, to give direction to those who were seeking His direction and His will for their lives. He even spoke directly, face to face with Moses. But He now has spoken and it is finished in that sense, let me explain.

Yesterdays blog highlighted the importance of faith to the Christians life, without it we cannot please God, it is actually impossible. And without faith it is impossible to please Him, but we must now, after embracing this truth be careful not to run away with ourselves. We must find the correct procedure and application for faith in our lives. We must not look to the mystical realm to find direction as they once did. They looked for proof by way of miracles and signs, I am not suggesting that they were wrong; on the contrary these signs were sanctioned by God. Here is one of the many examples; “behold, I am laying a fleece of wool on the threshing floor. If there is dew on the fleece alone, and it is dry on all the ground, then I shall know that you will save Israel by my hand, as you have said”. (Judges 6:37)  - Should we be following the same methodology? No! Why? The answer is a simple one and not complicated at all;  “Long ago, at many times and in many ways, God spoke to our fathers by the prophets, but in these last days he has spoken to us by his Son, whom he appointed the heir of all things, through whom also he created the world. He is the radiance of the glory of God and the exact imprint of his nature, and he upholds the universe by the word of his power. After making purification for sins, he sat down at the right hand of the Majesty on high...” (Hebrews 1:1-3)

The Canon of scripture has been fulfilled; nothing we now need is outside of scripture. It is sound doctrine that we must seek out. The Apostles were commissioned by God to pen and instruct all of God’s people; it is a map to equip us for battle and fierce is the mêlée. We needn’t now look for signs outside of what has been written. With all this rain around, we will be bound to see some rainbows, what do you see when you look upon a rainbow? It is no doubt beautiful to behold, it is pleasant on the eye. But is should remind us of the covenant between Noah and God, it must excite us and teach us that God has not forgotten his covenant with mankind; “I establish my covenant with you, that never again shall all flesh be cut off by the waters of the flood, and never again shall there be a flood to destroy the earth." And God said, "This is the sign of the covenant that I make between me and you and every living creature that is with you, for all future generations: I have set my bow in the cloud, and it shall be a sign of the covenant between me and the earth.” (Genesis 9:11-13)

God gives us his Spirit and the Word to train us for battle, if you need to see Him at work just read through the book of Judges and it is obvious that he does not need our help, only our obedience. Obedience to what you may ask? The Word of course, as it is His Word that will justify! The Word became flesh; the Lord Jesus is the Word! Come what may we must hold onto Jesus Christ our Lord and all of His promises, nothing else will justify us in this life or the life to come. If our minds reason outside of this truth then we are wrong and we must reject all and everything that opposes the Word of God. This is our only imperative!  How then will we be counted worthy? “And to the one who does not work but believes in him who justifies the ungodly, his faith is counted as righteousness...” (Romans 4:5)

I trust you get the point and it is this, we must look to God’s Word or to others that will seek out the truth of God’s Word so that we may find direction. Opinions will never be justified outside of God’s will, if we are to find His will, it has already been penned in and through His Word, the Bible! 

Signing off

Tyrone