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The Christmas Story in Matthew’s Gospel — 2
Matthew 2:1-12
Now after Jesus was born in Bethlehem of Judea in the days of Herod the king, behold, wise men from the East came to Jerusalem, saying, "Where is He who has been born King of the Jews? For we have seen His star in the East and have come to worship Him."
When Herod the king heard this, he was troubled, and all Jerusalem with him. And when he had gathered all the chief priests and scribes of the people together, he inquired of them where the Christ was to be born.
So they said to him, "In Bethlehem of Judea, for thus it is written by the prophet: 'But you, Bethlehem, in the land of Judah, Are not the least among the rulers of Judah; For out of you shall come a Ruler Who will shepherd My people Israel.'"
Then Herod, when he had secretly called the wise men, determined from them what time the star appeared.
And he sent them to Bethlehem and said, "Go and search carefully for the young Child, and when you have found Him, bring back word to me, that I may come and worship Him also."
When they heard the king, they departed; and behold, the star which they had seen in the East went before them, till it came and stood over where the young Child was.
When they saw the star, they rejoiced with exceedingly great joy.
And when they had come into the house, they saw the young Child with Mary His mother, and fell down and worshipped Him.
And when they had opened their treasures, they presented gifts to Him: gold, frankincense, and myrrh.
[NKJV]
When Herod the king heard this, he was troubled, and all Jerusalem with him. And when he had gathered all the chief priests and scribes of the people together, he inquired of them where the Christ was to be born.
So they said to him, "In Bethlehem of Judea, for thus it is written by the prophet: 'But you, Bethlehem, in the land of Judah, Are not the least among the rulers of Judah; For out of you shall come a Ruler Who will shepherd My people Israel.'"
Then Herod, when he had secretly called the wise men, determined from them what time the star appeared.
And he sent them to Bethlehem and said, "Go and search carefully for the young Child, and when you have found Him, bring back word to me, that I may come and worship Him also."
When they heard the king, they departed; and behold, the star which they had seen in the East went before them, till it came and stood over where the young Child was.
When they saw the star, they rejoiced with exceedingly great joy.
And when they had come into the house, they saw the young Child with Mary His mother, and fell down and worshipped Him.
And when they had opened their treasures, they presented gifts to Him: gold, frankincense, and myrrh.
[NKJV]
The three wise men were in all probability astrologers, men who studied the heavens looking for signs foretelling the things to come. The Reverend E W Bullinger wrote a book called “Witness In The Stars”, which purported to reveal the Christ story from the constellations and stellar patterns in the manner of the astrologers. Even today’s ‘horoscopes’ in magazines and newspapers have their beginnings in this ancient wisdom.
The star over Bethlehem is only mentioned in Matthew, and many attempts have been made over the centuries to ‘explain’ this phenomenon — from Halley’s comet to planetary conjunctions. Is that important? My personal view is that I do not need scientific or historical confirmation. What I prefer to know is what The Lord is telling me through His word.
The Hebrew word for ‘star’ has an interesting origin. It comes from a word meaning ‘as strewn over the sky’. This gives me a picture of something spreading across or encompassing the heavenly realms, but also, as stars can be seen as a symbol for the sons of God, then The Star must represent The Son of God. No wonder that the wise men thought that When they saw the star, they rejoiced with exceedingly great joy.
Let our joy be unconfined, just as the wise men discovered, when we realise that our Lord is paramount and most worthy of worship and give Him our ‘treasures’, the best we have to give — the gold, frankincense, and myrrh that is within us — the ‘Christlife’ within, pure holy and sanctified; giving what He has given us back to Him, who paid the price for our salvation.
But we must take care, for there is an earthly king who wants to kill that precious life of our Lord, and who will use every device and subterfuge bring us into perdition. ‘Herod’ superficially means ‘heroic’, but further study reveals the name to mean ‘appearance of a hero’, just as the evil one is comes to us as an angel of light.
The star over Bethlehem is only mentioned in Matthew, and many attempts have been made over the centuries to ‘explain’ this phenomenon — from Halley’s comet to planetary conjunctions. Is that important? My personal view is that I do not need scientific or historical confirmation. What I prefer to know is what The Lord is telling me through His word.
The Hebrew word for ‘star’ has an interesting origin. It comes from a word meaning ‘as strewn over the sky’. This gives me a picture of something spreading across or encompassing the heavenly realms, but also, as stars can be seen as a symbol for the sons of God, then The Star must represent The Son of God. No wonder that the wise men thought that When they saw the star, they rejoiced with exceedingly great joy.
Let our joy be unconfined, just as the wise men discovered, when we realise that our Lord is paramount and most worthy of worship and give Him our ‘treasures’, the best we have to give — the gold, frankincense, and myrrh that is within us — the ‘Christlife’ within, pure holy and sanctified; giving what He has given us back to Him, who paid the price for our salvation.
But we must take care, for there is an earthly king who wants to kill that precious life of our Lord, and who will use every device and subterfuge bring us into perdition. ‘Herod’ superficially means ‘heroic’, but further study reveals the name to mean ‘appearance of a hero’, just as the evil one is comes to us as an angel of light.
‘Meditate On These Things’
2 CORINTHIANS 11:12-15 NKJV
But what I do, I will also continue to do, that I may cut off the opportunity from those who desire an opportunity to be regarded just as we are in the things of which they boast.
For such are false apostles, deceitful workers, transforming themselves into apostles of Christ. And no wonder! For Satan himself transforms himself into an angel of light. Therefore it is no great thing if his ministers also transform themselves into ministers of righteousness, whose end will be according to their works.
But what I do, I will also continue to do, that I may cut off the opportunity from those who desire an opportunity to be regarded just as we are in the things of which they boast.
For such are false apostles, deceitful workers, transforming themselves into apostles of Christ. And no wonder! For Satan himself transforms himself into an angel of light. Therefore it is no great thing if his ministers also transform themselves into ministers of righteousness, whose end will be according to their works.
“O Come O Come Emmanuel” — Voces8
A HOLY COMMAND: Oswald Chambers on Love
— Love With All Your Soul --
The true import of love is the surrender of my self.
I go out of myself in order to live in and for God. To be indwelt by the Spirit of Jesus means I am willing to quit my own abode and live in and for God. It is not the surrender to a conqueror, but the surrender of love, a sovereign preference for God. I surrender myself — not because it is bad, self is the best thing I have got, and I give it to God; then self-realisation is lost in God-realisation.
[from ‘God’s Workmanship”]
I go out of myself in order to live in and for God. To be indwelt by the Spirit of Jesus means I am willing to quit my own abode and live in and for God. It is not the surrender to a conqueror, but the surrender of love, a sovereign preference for God. I surrender myself — not because it is bad, self is the best thing I have got, and I give it to God; then self-realisation is lost in God-realisation.
[from ‘God’s Workmanship”]
Listen to this meditation by clicking on 'download file' below...
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THE CHRISTMAS STORY IN MATTHEW'S GOSPEL - 1
Matthew 1:18-25
Now the birth of Jesus Christ was as follows: After His mother Mary was betrothed to Joseph, before they came together, she was found with child of the Holy Spirit.
Then Joseph her husband, being a just man, and not wanting to make her a public example, was minded to put her away secretly.
But while he thought about these things, behold, an angel of the Lord appeared to him in a dream, saying, "Joseph, son of David, do not be afraid to take to you Mary your wife, for that which is conceived in her is of the Holy Spirit.
And she will bring forth a Son, and you shall call His name JESUS, for He will save His people from their sins."
So all this was done that it might be fulfilled which was spoken by the Lord through the prophet, saying:
"Behold, the virgin shall be with child, and bear a Son, and they shall call His name Immanuel," which is translated, "God with us."
Then Joseph, being aroused from sleep, did as the angel of the Lord commanded him and took to him his wife, and did not know her till she had brought forth her firstborn Son. And he called His name JESUS.
[NKJV]
Then Joseph her husband, being a just man, and not wanting to make her a public example, was minded to put her away secretly.
But while he thought about these things, behold, an angel of the Lord appeared to him in a dream, saying, "Joseph, son of David, do not be afraid to take to you Mary your wife, for that which is conceived in her is of the Holy Spirit.
And she will bring forth a Son, and you shall call His name JESUS, for He will save His people from their sins."
So all this was done that it might be fulfilled which was spoken by the Lord through the prophet, saying:
"Behold, the virgin shall be with child, and bear a Son, and they shall call His name Immanuel," which is translated, "God with us."
Then Joseph, being aroused from sleep, did as the angel of the Lord commanded him and took to him his wife, and did not know her till she had brought forth her firstborn Son. And he called His name JESUS.
[NKJV]
Matthew, at the beginning of his gospel message, speaks of the fulfilment of Isaiah’s prophecy, having first set out a genealogy showing that the birth of Jesus and the purpose of his story is truly the Messiah as foretold. Matthew is speaking to the Jewish people, and thus he portrays Joseph as anxious to follow the law, Mary being found with child, so he is minded to put her away secretly — in essence wishing to break off the betrothal, but away from the public gaze.
The appearance of the Angel of The Lord however, speaking to Joseph as he slept, changes his mind, but also crucially reveals this as a supernatural event and thus not something covered by man’s laws. This is God with us.
We can surely see that the story Matthew relates is not just a report of a historic event, but also a spiritual picture of the moment when Jesus is birthed in us — supernaturally, and we are aroused from being asleep to the realm of the Holy Spirit to find that ‘God is with us’ in the form of His son.
Always remember that there is a seed within each one awaited to be touched with the spark of the Angel of God. This Holy messenger arouses us from slumber to bring the Husband and His bride together within us so that we each birth the Son in a corporate expression of the power of God.
The appearance of the Angel of The Lord however, speaking to Joseph as he slept, changes his mind, but also crucially reveals this as a supernatural event and thus not something covered by man’s laws. This is God with us.
We can surely see that the story Matthew relates is not just a report of a historic event, but also a spiritual picture of the moment when Jesus is birthed in us — supernaturally, and we are aroused from being asleep to the realm of the Holy Spirit to find that ‘God is with us’ in the form of His son.
Always remember that there is a seed within each one awaited to be touched with the spark of the Angel of God. This Holy messenger arouses us from slumber to bring the Husband and His bride together within us so that we each birth the Son in a corporate expression of the power of God.
‘MEDITATE ON THESE THINGS’
ISAIAH 7:13-15
Then he said, "Hear now, O house of David! Is it a small thing for you to weary men, but will you weary my God also?
Therefore the Lord Himself will give you a sign: Behold, the virgin shall conceive and bear a Son, and shall call His name Immanuel.
Curds and honey He shall eat, that He may know to refuse the evil and choose the good.
Then he said, "Hear now, O house of David! Is it a small thing for you to weary men, but will you weary my God also?
Therefore the Lord Himself will give you a sign: Behold, the virgin shall conceive and bear a Son, and shall call His name Immanuel.
Curds and honey He shall eat, that He may know to refuse the evil and choose the good.
“Emmanuel” — Hannah Kerr
A HOLY COMMAND: Oswald Chambers on Love
— Love With All Your Soul --
“You are My child, the friend of My son, now exhibit to that mean and selfish person exactly the love I showed you when you were mean and selfish.”
We shall find ample room to eat ‘humble pie’ all the days of our life. The thing that keeps us going is to recognise the humour of our heavenly Father. When we meet the disagreeable person we know what God is doing, He is giving us a mirror that we may see what we have been like toward Him.
[from ‘Our Brilliant Heritage’]
We shall find ample room to eat ‘humble pie’ all the days of our life. The thing that keeps us going is to recognise the humour of our heavenly Father. When we meet the disagreeable person we know what God is doing, He is giving us a mirror that we may see what we have been like toward Him.
[from ‘Our Brilliant Heritage’]
Listen to this meditation by clicking below …
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Tuesday Gathering — 14th December 2021
Psalm 34:7-8
The angel of the LORD encamps all around those who fear Him, and delivers them.
Oh, taste and see that the LORD is good; Blessed is the man who trusts in Him!
[NKJV]
Oh, taste and see that the LORD is good; Blessed is the man who trusts in Him!
[NKJV]
I have long felt that the angel of The Lord in the Old Testament must represent a conception of The Holy Spirit. Others differ in this view, but ‘angel’ is ‘a messenger’ in whatever form that God reveals, and surely The Holy Spirit is a communicating intermediary between ourselves and the Divinity?
Psalm 34 invites us to ‘taste and see’; to discover for ourselves individually that He is good, and that there is none good but God! I love the notion that the Holy Spirit is encamped all around, but do I fear Him? Do I trust in Him? That is the point at which my rational mind intervenes and gives doubt to my faith.
In Scotland in the 18th and 19th centuries, what is known as ‘The Scottish Enlightenment’ brought a spirit of humanism and rationality into being, which sat uncomfortably beside the Scots strong religious conviction, but many attempts were made to reconcile this new scientific approach with religious belief. I would argue that this pragmatic spirit still prevails in our land and often acts as a roadblock to fear of the Lord and trust in Him. The eminent philosopher David Hume was very much agin religion, and that spirit in Scots generally leaves a legacy of mistrust which does not make ‘trusting in God’ an easy thing. There is an overcoming of the natural mindset which is a struggle and a mighty blessing at one and the same time.
There is the struggle to come to terms with the idea of ‘trusting’ in our Lord, when all of our thinking rejects this belief as unworkable and foolishness; yet there is the overwhelming blessing and unshakeable conviction that permeates every fibre, when rational outlook is overturned and faith is established. That natural scepticism is a useful quality to ensure one is not swept away with the latest religious fad or fashion, but can keep us grounded in the reality of Jesus.
PRAYER: Oh, Lord let Your Holy Spirit displace that rational mind with the deep conviction of the reality of Your presence and power, rejecting doubt and uncertainty, with passion for Your truth and Your life in us. Help us, Heavenly Father, that we might taste and see afresh that You are good and that there is none other who can save us from all the evil that seeks to pull us from You. May You encamp all around us as a heavenly shield, protecting each one from the enemy’s darts.
Psalm 34 invites us to ‘taste and see’; to discover for ourselves individually that He is good, and that there is none good but God! I love the notion that the Holy Spirit is encamped all around, but do I fear Him? Do I trust in Him? That is the point at which my rational mind intervenes and gives doubt to my faith.
In Scotland in the 18th and 19th centuries, what is known as ‘The Scottish Enlightenment’ brought a spirit of humanism and rationality into being, which sat uncomfortably beside the Scots strong religious conviction, but many attempts were made to reconcile this new scientific approach with religious belief. I would argue that this pragmatic spirit still prevails in our land and often acts as a roadblock to fear of the Lord and trust in Him. The eminent philosopher David Hume was very much agin religion, and that spirit in Scots generally leaves a legacy of mistrust which does not make ‘trusting in God’ an easy thing. There is an overcoming of the natural mindset which is a struggle and a mighty blessing at one and the same time.
There is the struggle to come to terms with the idea of ‘trusting’ in our Lord, when all of our thinking rejects this belief as unworkable and foolishness; yet there is the overwhelming blessing and unshakeable conviction that permeates every fibre, when rational outlook is overturned and faith is established. That natural scepticism is a useful quality to ensure one is not swept away with the latest religious fad or fashion, but can keep us grounded in the reality of Jesus.
PRAYER: Oh, Lord let Your Holy Spirit displace that rational mind with the deep conviction of the reality of Your presence and power, rejecting doubt and uncertainty, with passion for Your truth and Your life in us. Help us, Heavenly Father, that we might taste and see afresh that You are good and that there is none other who can save us from all the evil that seeks to pull us from You. May You encamp all around us as a heavenly shield, protecting each one from the enemy’s darts.
‘MEDITATE ON THESE THINGS’
REVELATION 22:16-17 NKJV
I, Jesus, have sent My angel to testify to you these things in the churches. I am the Root and the Offspring of David, the Bright and Morning Star."
And the Spirit and the bride say, "Come!" And let him who hears say, "Come!" And let him who thirsts come. Whoever desires, let him take the water of life freely.
I, Jesus, have sent My angel to testify to you these things in the churches. I am the Root and the Offspring of David, the Bright and Morning Star."
And the Spirit and the bride say, "Come!" And let him who hears say, "Come!" And let him who thirsts come. Whoever desires, let him take the water of life freely.
“O Taste And See That The Lord Is Good” — Shane & Shane
A HOLY COMMAND: Oswald Chambers on Love
— Love With All Your Heart --
“ Perfect love casteth out fear,” but to say “therefore will we not fear, though the earth be removed,” is only possible when the love of God is having its way.
[from ‘Run Today’s Race’]
[from ‘Run Today’s Race’]
Download audio presentation below
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GENESIS 2:15
Then the LORD God took the man and put him in the garden of Eden to tend and keep it.
[NKJV]
[NKJV]
There is something deeply stirring about the bare bones of a garden in Winter. All seemingly still and asleep. On the surface, that’s true. The seasons abundance spent, the annuals having taken their final bow.
To sit in the garden on a cold winter’s day is immensely refreshing. A new season to look forward to, to plan for. A time to make changes when all appears to be asleep. It was written the other day that ‘we don’t put the garden to bed’. The reason being, so much is happening underground. The song of a new season being grown. The theatre of Spring happening beneath our feet…when all appears still.
Seeds…I have been thinking a lot about seeds recently. Seeds we plant in the garden, but seeds sown in life too. At first nothing is seen. It’s a bit like growing a new business. Small shoots appear to offer encouragement, I often think of this if feeling a little despondent. Reminding myself, things take time, and indeed, tending.
Then we get spurts of growth, and we are carried on a wave of happiness. Ebbs and flows.
Each seed is born after its kind. Whatever is sown will yield that which was planted. Words are like that. They carry the power of life or death.
Sow seeds of life today, speak words of life…a word of encouragement, a smile of hope…
To sit in the garden on a cold winter’s day is immensely refreshing. A new season to look forward to, to plan for. A time to make changes when all appears to be asleep. It was written the other day that ‘we don’t put the garden to bed’. The reason being, so much is happening underground. The song of a new season being grown. The theatre of Spring happening beneath our feet…when all appears still.
Seeds…I have been thinking a lot about seeds recently. Seeds we plant in the garden, but seeds sown in life too. At first nothing is seen. It’s a bit like growing a new business. Small shoots appear to offer encouragement, I often think of this if feeling a little despondent. Reminding myself, things take time, and indeed, tending.
Then we get spurts of growth, and we are carried on a wave of happiness. Ebbs and flows.
Each seed is born after its kind. Whatever is sown will yield that which was planted. Words are like that. They carry the power of life or death.
Sow seeds of life today, speak words of life…a word of encouragement, a smile of hope…
Gill.
(This post first appeared on ‘Instagram’ for Love Dove Studio)
(This post first appeared on ‘Instagram’ for Love Dove Studio)
‘MEDITATE ON THESE THINGS’
MATTHEW 13:31-32 NKJV
Another parable He put forth to them, saying: "The kingdom of heaven is like a mustard seed, which a man took and sowed in his field, which indeed is the least of all the seeds; but when it is grown it is greater than the herbs and becomes a tree, so that the birds of the air come and nest in its branches."
Another parable He put forth to them, saying: "The kingdom of heaven is like a mustard seed, which a man took and sowed in his field, which indeed is the least of all the seeds; but when it is grown it is greater than the herbs and becomes a tree, so that the birds of the air come and nest in its branches."
“Hymn Of Promise” — Debra Nesgoda
A HOLY COMMAND: Oswald Chambers on Love
— Love With All Your Heart --
When the Holy Spirit comes in,
unbelief is turned out and the energy of God is put into us,
and we are enabled to will and to do of His good pleasure.
When the Holy Spirit comes in,
He sheds abroad the love of God in our hearts,
so that we are able to show our fellows the same love that God has shown to us.
When the Holy Spirit comes in,
He makes us as ‘light’ and our righteousness will exceed the righteousness of the most moral upright natural man,
because the supernatural has been made natural in us.
[from ‘Biblical Psychology’]
unbelief is turned out and the energy of God is put into us,
and we are enabled to will and to do of His good pleasure.
When the Holy Spirit comes in,
He sheds abroad the love of God in our hearts,
so that we are able to show our fellows the same love that God has shown to us.
When the Holy Spirit comes in,
He makes us as ‘light’ and our righteousness will exceed the righteousness of the most moral upright natural man,
because the supernatural has been made natural in us.
[from ‘Biblical Psychology’]
Listen to the audio version on the ‘download file’ below
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Colossians 4:2-5
Continue earnestly in prayer, being vigilant in it with thanksgiving; meanwhile praying also for us, that God would open to us a door for the word, to speak the mystery of Christ, for which I am also in chains, that I may make it manifest, as I ought to speak.
Walk in wisdom toward those who are outside, redeeming the time.
[NKJV]
Walk in wisdom toward those who are outside, redeeming the time.
[NKJV]
I used that expression “there’s a word in that”, yesterday in our email, but then realised that there is a word to be given in “there’s a word in that.”
So much of what we are shown, so much of what we experience has a word from God in it if we have the right spirit within us to recognise the Lord speaking. I used to tie myself in knots wanting the Lord to speak to my heart before eventually realising that He was speaking every moment of every day, except that I was drowning out His voice with my own.
I have been listening to the audiobook of Billy Connolly’s autobiography ‘Windswept and Interesting’, and he describes a period where he would be thinking about someone he knew but had not seen in a long time, only to meet them very soon afterwards. It disturbed him and he went for counselling about it. I found that fascinating, and although I would attribute such experiences to The Lord moving, Sir Billy did not. Reading the detail of his early life, we can understand why Billy has turned his back on faith in God, and yet we can say that The Lord has manifestly moved in his life in many ways. The Lord shows us many things and we are often unaware that it is He who speaks.
My email mentioned the distractions and interruptions which keep me from what I would consider more important tasks. For example it took me an hour from starting to write to sending this mornings email. The work — writing the meditation — was done the night before, but the easy task of letting folk know about it seemed thwarted at every turn. Why?
There could be many explanations, from my state of anxiety to the belief that it is the result of spiritual attack. Balderdash! It is nothing more than being out of the Spirit. If I am walking in the Holy Spirit then things happen … but …
Those things I seek to accomplish might not happen any quicker, or be better said, or even be what I felt to say. The truth is that if I speak for me, the words will fall on stoney ground, but when The Lord speaks through me, His purpose will be realised. It is not for me to decide. As a friend and anointed man of God once said, “I never know the result of what I preach. It is not for me to know. We must let God have His way.”
The interruptions and distractions can be God having His way, holding me back from untimely rushing forward. Of course, it could just be me allowing irritation to get in my way! Either way, the Lord is teaching me in that thing.
So much of what we are shown, so much of what we experience has a word from God in it if we have the right spirit within us to recognise the Lord speaking. I used to tie myself in knots wanting the Lord to speak to my heart before eventually realising that He was speaking every moment of every day, except that I was drowning out His voice with my own.
I have been listening to the audiobook of Billy Connolly’s autobiography ‘Windswept and Interesting’, and he describes a period where he would be thinking about someone he knew but had not seen in a long time, only to meet them very soon afterwards. It disturbed him and he went for counselling about it. I found that fascinating, and although I would attribute such experiences to The Lord moving, Sir Billy did not. Reading the detail of his early life, we can understand why Billy has turned his back on faith in God, and yet we can say that The Lord has manifestly moved in his life in many ways. The Lord shows us many things and we are often unaware that it is He who speaks.
My email mentioned the distractions and interruptions which keep me from what I would consider more important tasks. For example it took me an hour from starting to write to sending this mornings email. The work — writing the meditation — was done the night before, but the easy task of letting folk know about it seemed thwarted at every turn. Why?
There could be many explanations, from my state of anxiety to the belief that it is the result of spiritual attack. Balderdash! It is nothing more than being out of the Spirit. If I am walking in the Holy Spirit then things happen … but …
Those things I seek to accomplish might not happen any quicker, or be better said, or even be what I felt to say. The truth is that if I speak for me, the words will fall on stoney ground, but when The Lord speaks through me, His purpose will be realised. It is not for me to decide. As a friend and anointed man of God once said, “I never know the result of what I preach. It is not for me to know. We must let God have His way.”
The interruptions and distractions can be God having His way, holding me back from untimely rushing forward. Of course, it could just be me allowing irritation to get in my way! Either way, the Lord is teaching me in that thing.
‘Meditate on these things’
LUKE 8:11-15 NKJV
Now the parable is this: The seed is the word of God.
Those by the wayside are the ones who hear; then the devil comes and takes away the word out of their hearts, lest they should believe and be saved.
But the ones on the rock are those who, when they hear, receive the word with joy; and these have no root, who believe for a while and in time of temptation fall away.
Now the ones that fell among thorns are those who, when they have heard, go out and are choked with cares, riches, and pleasures of life, and bring no fruit to maturity.
But the ones that fell on the good ground are those who, having heard the word with a noble and good heart, keep it and bear fruit with patience.
Now the parable is this: The seed is the word of God.
Those by the wayside are the ones who hear; then the devil comes and takes away the word out of their hearts, lest they should believe and be saved.
But the ones on the rock are those who, when they hear, receive the word with joy; and these have no root, who believe for a while and in time of temptation fall away.
Now the ones that fell among thorns are those who, when they have heard, go out and are choked with cares, riches, and pleasures of life, and bring no fruit to maturity.
But the ones that fell on the good ground are those who, having heard the word with a noble and good heart, keep it and bear fruit with patience.
“The Word of God is Source and Seed” — Christopher Prestia (vocalist and pianist)
Good Shepherd Lancaster
Good Shepherd Lancaster
A HOLY COMMAND: Oswald Chambers on Love
— Love With All Your Heart --
Our notion of sacrifice is the wringing out of us something we don’t want to give up, full of pain and agony and distress. The Bible idea of sacrifice is that I give as a love- gift the very best thing I have.
[from ‘Run Today’s Race’]
[from ‘Run Today’s Race’]
Click on ‘download file’ below to hear the audio presentation.
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Matthew 8:28-34
When He had come to the other side, to the country of the Gergesenes, there met Him two demon-possessed men, coming out of the tombs, exceedingly fierce, so that no one could pass that way. And suddenly they cried out, saying, "What have we to do with You, Jesus, You Son of God? Have You come here to torment us before the time?"
Now a good way off from them there was a herd of many swine feeding. So the demons begged Him, saying, "If You cast us out, permit us to go away into the herd of swine."
And He said to them, "Go." So when they had come out, they went into the herd of swine. And suddenly the whole herd of swine ran violently down the steep place into the sea, and perished in the water.
Then those who kept them fled; and they went away into the city and told everything, including what had happened to the demon-possessed men. And behold, the whole city came out to meet Jesus. And when they saw Him, they begged Him to depart from their region.
[NKJV]
Now a good way off from them there was a herd of many swine feeding. So the demons begged Him, saying, "If You cast us out, permit us to go away into the herd of swine."
And He said to them, "Go." So when they had come out, they went into the herd of swine. And suddenly the whole herd of swine ran violently down the steep place into the sea, and perished in the water.
Then those who kept them fled; and they went away into the city and told everything, including what had happened to the demon-possessed men. And behold, the whole city came out to meet Jesus. And when they saw Him, they begged Him to depart from their region.
[NKJV]
The country of the Gergesenes (also known elsewhere in scripture as Girgashites, or the Gadarenes) is the land of those who ‘dwell on a clayey soil’, and were one of the seven nations greater and mightier than you mentioned in DEUTERONOMY 7. (See ‘Cast Out Many Nations — Complacency’). In general, plants do not grow well in clay soil and require the addition of organic matter to help them thrive. However, clay will anchor a plant well; it will stick in the mud. This suggests that the Gergesenes, as a ‘type’, were stubborn by nature, stuck in their ways, unlikely to change.
In this land, two demon-possessed men came out of the tombs — a place of death — fierce and savage. What is interesting here is that they immediately recognised Jesus as Son of God. You believe that there is one God. You do well. Even the demons believe—and tremble! [JAMES 2:19] Also notice how this is phrased. Even the demons believe. We can have difficulty with belief, but these bad boys know the reality of Jesus Christ and cower from Him.
When these demons are cast out of the men into the herd of swine, the pigs run into the sea. ‘Sea’ here comes from a root word meaning salt, so we can see a commonality between these demon-possessed men and Lot’s wife who looked back behind (Lot), and she became a pillar of salt. [GENESIS 19:26 NKJV] They seek death instead of life. But who then perished in the water? Only the herd of swine; the demons were merely cast into the sea to inhabit the dead pigs. In other words, Jesus put them where they belong, in the midst of death.
Stubbornness can be found anywhere, and we like to get comfortable in our accustomed mud patch — just like pigs in a sense. We must be open to change, to seeing new life as better than the old and complacent. It is surely challenging, whatever age we may be. Our ‘new life’ in Christ will constantly bring such challenges right into the heart of who we are. Embracing Christ casts out death and complacency.
In this land, two demon-possessed men came out of the tombs — a place of death — fierce and savage. What is interesting here is that they immediately recognised Jesus as Son of God. You believe that there is one God. You do well. Even the demons believe—and tremble! [JAMES 2:19] Also notice how this is phrased. Even the demons believe. We can have difficulty with belief, but these bad boys know the reality of Jesus Christ and cower from Him.
When these demons are cast out of the men into the herd of swine, the pigs run into the sea. ‘Sea’ here comes from a root word meaning salt, so we can see a commonality between these demon-possessed men and Lot’s wife who looked back behind (Lot), and she became a pillar of salt. [GENESIS 19:26 NKJV] They seek death instead of life. But who then perished in the water? Only the herd of swine; the demons were merely cast into the sea to inhabit the dead pigs. In other words, Jesus put them where they belong, in the midst of death.
Stubbornness can be found anywhere, and we like to get comfortable in our accustomed mud patch — just like pigs in a sense. We must be open to change, to seeing new life as better than the old and complacent. It is surely challenging, whatever age we may be. Our ‘new life’ in Christ will constantly bring such challenges right into the heart of who we are. Embracing Christ casts out death and complacency.
A HOLY COMMAND: Oswald Chambers on Love
— Love With All Your Heart --
It is pathetic the number of people who are piously trying to make their poor human hearts love God! The Holy Spirit sheds abroad in my heart, not the power to love God, but the very nature of God.
A saint is not a human being who is trying to be good, trying by effort and prayer and longing and obedience to attain as many saintly characteristics as possible; a saint is a being who has been re-created.
“If any man is in Christ, he is a new creation.”
A saint is not a human being who is trying to be good, trying by effort and prayer and longing and obedience to attain as many saintly characteristics as possible; a saint is a being who has been re-created.
“If any man is in Christ, he is a new creation.”
“Encounter” — Ian White
‘MEDITATE ON THESE THINGS’
JAMES 2:18-20 NKJV
But someone will say, "You have faith, and I have works." Show me your faith without your works, and I will show you my faith by my works. You believe that there is one God. You do well. Even the demons believe—and tremble! But do you want to know, O foolish man, that faith without works is dead?
But someone will say, "You have faith, and I have works." Show me your faith without your works, and I will show you my faith by my works. You believe that there is one God. You do well. Even the demons believe—and tremble! But do you want to know, O foolish man, that faith without works is dead?
Listen to this meditation by clicking on ‘download file’ below
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Tuesday Gathering - 7th December 2021
Philippians 1:2-8
Grace to you and peace from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ.
I thank my God upon every remembrance of you, always in every prayer of mine making request for you all with joy, for your fellowship in the gospel from the first day until now, being confident of this very thing, that He who has begun a good work in you will complete it until the day of Jesus Christ;
just as it is right for me to think this of you all, because I have you in my heart, inasmuch as both in my chains and in the defense and confirmation of the gospel, you all are partakers with me of grace.
For God is my witness, how greatly I long for you all with the affection of Jesus Christ.
[NKJV]
I thank my God upon every remembrance of you, always in every prayer of mine making request for you all with joy, for your fellowship in the gospel from the first day until now, being confident of this very thing, that He who has begun a good work in you will complete it until the day of Jesus Christ;
just as it is right for me to think this of you all, because I have you in my heart, inasmuch as both in my chains and in the defense and confirmation of the gospel, you all are partakers with me of grace.
For God is my witness, how greatly I long for you all with the affection of Jesus Christ.
[NKJV]
Reporting on our Tuesday Gatherings seemed like an easy task when we started, but it has become increasingly difficult. There are inevitably certain matters shared which it is not appropriate to broadcast — this was anticipated — but to capture the Spirit moving in a group of people is incredibly difficult. Even if our meetings were recorded on audio or video, we would undoubtedly lose that palpable sense of the moving of the Holy Spirit. It is something to be experienced in the moment and cannot be captured in a few words after the event.
It is a surer route to comment on some of the scripture that arose in our gathering, and on Tuesday we led with Philippians chapter 1. Gill noted that the first line (Philippians 1:2) formed the basis of an entire sermon some years ago, from an anointed preacher of our acquaintance. Even the smallest detail in the Bible can be incredibly uplifting and inspiring when the Spirit of The Lord brings it before us.
What stood out and reverberated in my spirit — and has done for these last three days — is the line being confident of this very thing, that He who has begun a good work in you will complete it until the day of Jesus Christ.
Jesus inspires confidence. He will complete what He has started, of that we should have no doubting; yet we so often do. I know that to be true of myself. Why do I lose my confidence? The answer can only be that I am not looking to Jesus. We might think we are choosing aright, but careful consideration of the circumstances will confirm that we are not looking in the right places.
In the same way that the disciples in Matthew 8 (see ‘Meditate on these things’ below) felt they had to awaken Jesus to calm the storm instead of faithfully trusting in His presence with them, we must learn to trust what Jesus says to us and carry that through the storms of life instead of panicking into prayer and for Him to tell us “Oh you of little faith”.
It is a surer route to comment on some of the scripture that arose in our gathering, and on Tuesday we led with Philippians chapter 1. Gill noted that the first line (Philippians 1:2) formed the basis of an entire sermon some years ago, from an anointed preacher of our acquaintance. Even the smallest detail in the Bible can be incredibly uplifting and inspiring when the Spirit of The Lord brings it before us.
What stood out and reverberated in my spirit — and has done for these last three days — is the line being confident of this very thing, that He who has begun a good work in you will complete it until the day of Jesus Christ.
Jesus inspires confidence. He will complete what He has started, of that we should have no doubting; yet we so often do. I know that to be true of myself. Why do I lose my confidence? The answer can only be that I am not looking to Jesus. We might think we are choosing aright, but careful consideration of the circumstances will confirm that we are not looking in the right places.
In the same way that the disciples in Matthew 8 (see ‘Meditate on these things’ below) felt they had to awaken Jesus to calm the storm instead of faithfully trusting in His presence with them, we must learn to trust what Jesus says to us and carry that through the storms of life instead of panicking into prayer and for Him to tell us “Oh you of little faith”.
A HOLY CONDITION: Oswald Chambers on Peace
— Life In The Spirit --
O Lord, I do thank You for the relief and inspiration that has flowed into me and visited my inner kingdom. Fill me now with Your calm peace.
[from ‘Knocking at God’s Door’]
[from ‘Knocking at God’s Door’]
“I’m Confident Of This Very Thing” — Pastor Chris
'Meditate On These Things'
MATTHEW 8:23-27 NKJV
Now when He got into a boat, His disciples followed Him. And suddenly a great tempest arose on the sea, so that the boat was covered with the waves. But He was asleep. Then His disciples came to Him and awoke Him, saying, "Lord, save us! We are perishing!"
But He said to them, "Why are you fearful, O you of little faith?" Then He arose and rebuked the winds and the sea, and there was a great calm. So the men marvelled, saying, "Who can this be, that even the winds and the sea obey Him?"
Now when He got into a boat, His disciples followed Him. And suddenly a great tempest arose on the sea, so that the boat was covered with the waves. But He was asleep. Then His disciples came to Him and awoke Him, saying, "Lord, save us! We are perishing!"
But He said to them, "Why are you fearful, O you of little faith?" Then He arose and rebuked the winds and the sea, and there was a great calm. So the men marvelled, saying, "Who can this be, that even the winds and the sea obey Him?"
Click on download below to listen to this meditation
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John 14:7-11
If you had known Me, you would have known My Father also; and from now on you know Him and have seen Him."
Philip said to Him, "Lord, show us the Father, and it is sufficient for us."
Jesus said to him, "Have I been with you so long, and yet you have not known Me, Philip? He who has seen Me has seen the Father; so how can you say, 'Show us the Father'?
Do you not believe that I am in the Father, and the Father in Me? The words that I speak to you I do not speak on My own authority; but the Father who dwells in Me does the works.
Believe Me that I am in the Father and the Father in Me, or else believe Me for the sake of the works themselves.
[John 14:7-11 NKJV]
Philip said to Him, "Lord, show us the Father, and it is sufficient for us."
Jesus said to him, "Have I been with you so long, and yet you have not known Me, Philip? He who has seen Me has seen the Father; so how can you say, 'Show us the Father'?
Do you not believe that I am in the Father, and the Father in Me? The words that I speak to you I do not speak on My own authority; but the Father who dwells in Me does the works.
Believe Me that I am in the Father and the Father in Me, or else believe Me for the sake of the works themselves.
[John 14:7-11 NKJV]
‘Father’ appears in John’s Gospel more than any other book in the Bible, and we are shown Jesus speaking of His relationship with The Father in a unique way; no wonder the disciples did not immediately grasp the truth that Jesus was revealing. They often must have felt — and on occasion voiced — that Jesus spoke in riddles.
Do you not believe that I am in the Father, and the Father in Me? Without the Holy Spirit guidance, (or indeed, without any spiritual understanding) this sentence can seem odd in the extreme, even a bit creepy. But hearing these words with the power of the Holy Spirit and they are incredible and beautiful beyond measure.
Philip said to Him, "Lord, show us the Father, and it is sufficient for us." ‘Philip’ means ‘fond of horses’, and it was he who became known as ‘the Evangelist’ — a preacher of the Gospel (good news). He seems to have been looking for a visible sign of The Father — maybe in the same way as the disciple Thomas would do — physical ‘proof’ of the truth of what Jesus proclaimed.
Essentially, Jesus’ truth could only be known in an individual, through faithful belief in Jesus’ word. The proof of ‘the truth’ is only realised in experiencing ‘the life’, something which Jesus stated as "I am the way, the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through Me.”, just a short moment before. John’s Gospel shows us profound and life-affirming truth, in words that bring comfort and hope, even if, like the disciples when those words were first uttered, we fail to fully understand the enormity of the promise laid before us.
Do you not believe that I am in the Father, and the Father in Me? Without the Holy Spirit guidance, (or indeed, without any spiritual understanding) this sentence can seem odd in the extreme, even a bit creepy. But hearing these words with the power of the Holy Spirit and they are incredible and beautiful beyond measure.
Philip said to Him, "Lord, show us the Father, and it is sufficient for us." ‘Philip’ means ‘fond of horses’, and it was he who became known as ‘the Evangelist’ — a preacher of the Gospel (good news). He seems to have been looking for a visible sign of The Father — maybe in the same way as the disciple Thomas would do — physical ‘proof’ of the truth of what Jesus proclaimed.
Essentially, Jesus’ truth could only be known in an individual, through faithful belief in Jesus’ word. The proof of ‘the truth’ is only realised in experiencing ‘the life’, something which Jesus stated as "I am the way, the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through Me.”, just a short moment before. John’s Gospel shows us profound and life-affirming truth, in words that bring comfort and hope, even if, like the disciples when those words were first uttered, we fail to fully understand the enormity of the promise laid before us.
A HOLY CONDITION: Oswald Chambers on Peace
— Life in the Spirit --
The preacher is there not by right of his personality or oratorical powers, but by right of the message he proclaims. Who is the man that attracts us today? The man with a striking personality and we don’t care about his message.
The New Testament preacher has to move men to do what they are dead-set against doing — giving up the right to themselves to Jesus Christ; consequently the preaching of the Gospel awakens a terrific longing, but an equally intense resentment.
The aspect of the Gospel that awakens desire in a man is the message of peace and goodwill — but I must give up my right to myself to get there.
[from ‘Biblical Ethics’]
The New Testament preacher has to move men to do what they are dead-set against doing — giving up the right to themselves to Jesus Christ; consequently the preaching of the Gospel awakens a terrific longing, but an equally intense resentment.
The aspect of the Gospel that awakens desire in a man is the message of peace and goodwill — but I must give up my right to myself to get there.
[from ‘Biblical Ethics’]
Listen to the audio version of this meditation below
‘THE LORDS PRAYER’ — Andrea Bocelli
‘MEDITATE ON THESE THINGS’
1 CORINTHIANS 8:5-6 NKJV
For even if there are so-called gods, whether in heaven or on earth (as there are many gods and many lords),
yet for us there is one God, the Father, of whom are all things, and we for Him; and one Lord Jesus Christ, through whom are all things, and through whom we live.
For even if there are so-called gods, whether in heaven or on earth (as there are many gods and many lords),
yet for us there is one God, the Father, of whom are all things, and we for Him; and one Lord Jesus Christ, through whom are all things, and through whom we live.
- Published on
John 14:1-6
The song displayed on our ‘You Tube’ offering today is the inspiration for today’s meditation. For whatever reason, I was profoundly moved by the words in this song when I first heard it sung recently, and the point that impressed so deeply came after two verses revealing the uncertainty of our existence, when three words turn chaos into order, doubt into knowing, and calamitous wandering into comfort and security … “but You said”
This world is broken, a ship with no anchor
Sailing through space always unchartered waters
Yet we seem to know where we want to go
But we don’t know why we’re here.
Millions get lost on their own little journey
Some only stay for a few passing moments
And the only thing that we know for sure
Is some day our journey ends.
But You said You are
The resurrection and the life
And whoever believes in you shall never die.
And you said, that by Your word and power
Even though we die, we’ll live forevermore.
And I believe, I believe, I believe in You
You are the way, You are the truth, You are the life everlasting
You are the light, You are the word, You are the Son of the Father
Robin Mark, Andrew McCann 2011 Inciite Publishing ©
As I thought about the words of the song, I was taken to the beginning of John 14 and “Let not your heart be troubled;” the reality that gives the power to “but You said” when we choose to turn again to Him.
It is simplicity itself to wander off on our own way, but so hard to get back to where we belong. We need to be anchored firmly where we can see the lighthouse and avoid the rocks. We cannot do it, only He can. So our part is to regularly bring to mind “but You said, Jesus.”
It is simplicity itself to wander off on our own way, but so hard to get back to where we belong. We need to be anchored firmly where we can see the lighthouse and avoid the rocks. We cannot do it, only He can. So our part is to regularly bring to mind “but You said, Jesus.”
"Let not your heart be troubled; you believe in God, believe also in Me.
In My Father's house are many mansions; if it were not so, I would have told you. I go to prepare a place for you.
And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again and receive you to Myself; that where I am, there you may be also.
And where I go you know, and the way you know."
Thomas said to Him, "Lord, we do not know where You are going, and how can we know the way?"
Jesus said to him, "I am the way, the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through Me.
[John 14:1-6 NKJV]
In My Father's house are many mansions; if it were not so, I would have told you. I go to prepare a place for you.
And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again and receive you to Myself; that where I am, there you may be also.
And where I go you know, and the way you know."
Thomas said to Him, "Lord, we do not know where You are going, and how can we know the way?"
Jesus said to him, "I am the way, the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through Me.
[John 14:1-6 NKJV]
A HOLY CONDITION: Oswald Chambers on Peace
— Life in the Spirit --
The devil is the adversary of God in the rule of man and Satan is his representative. Because a thing is satanic does not mean it is abominable and immoral. As our Lord said, ‘that which is highly esteemed among men is abomination in the sight of God.’ (Luke16:15).
Satan rules this world under the inspiration of the devil and men are peaceful: ‘when a strong man armed keeps his palace, his goods are in peace,’ there is no breaking out into sin and wrongdoing.
One of the most cunning travesties is to represent Satan as the instigator of external sins. The satanically-managed man is moral, upright, proud and individual; he is absolutely self-governed and has no need of God.
[from ‘Baffled To Fight Better’]
Satan rules this world under the inspiration of the devil and men are peaceful: ‘when a strong man armed keeps his palace, his goods are in peace,’ there is no breaking out into sin and wrongdoing.
One of the most cunning travesties is to represent Satan as the instigator of external sins. The satanically-managed man is moral, upright, proud and individual; he is absolutely self-governed and has no need of God.
[from ‘Baffled To Fight Better’]
Listen to this meditation by accessing the download file below ...
“You Said” — Robin Mark
‘MEDITATE ON THESE THINGS’
JOHN 15:26 KJV
But when the Comforter is come, whom I will send unto you from the Father, even the Spirit of truth, which proceedeth from the Father, he shall testify of me:
But when the Comforter is come, whom I will send unto you from the Father, even the Spirit of truth, which proceedeth from the Father, he shall testify of me:
- Published on
Tuesday Gathering — 23rd November 2021
Therefore,
"Come out from among them and be separate, says the Lord. Do not touch what is unclean, and I will receive you."
"I will be a Father to you, and you shall be My sons and daughters, says the LORD Almighty."
Therefore, having these promises, beloved, let us cleanse ourselves from all filthiness of the flesh and spirit, perfecting holiness in the fear of God.
[2 Corinthians 6:17-7:1 NKJV]
"Come out from among them and be separate, says the Lord. Do not touch what is unclean, and I will receive you."
"I will be a Father to you, and you shall be My sons and daughters, says the LORD Almighty."
Therefore, having these promises, beloved, let us cleanse ourselves from all filthiness of the flesh and spirit, perfecting holiness in the fear of God.
[2 Corinthians 6:17-7:1 NKJV]
This Tuesday’s gathering was beautiful in its simplicity and looking to the Lord for His guidance and covering. Prayer was more intercessory on behalf of others than we have seen recently and we who were there were much encouraged by the moving of The Holy Spirit in the midst of us, and realising that in turning to Him, either individually or gathered in the fear of God, holiness is being perfected in us. The challenge is always to hold on to the gains made and walk in them.
There is not too much to be expanded upon, other than looking at the scripture readings that His presence guided us to consider, and in particular REVELATION 18:4-8 reproduced in our endpiece below. We also looked at GALATIANS 5:16-26 and PHILIPPIANS 4:8-9.
We sang songs such as
Perhaps most meaningful from our meeting (outside of many prayers for healing) was this Oswald Chambers reading from ‘My Utmost For His Highest’.
There is not too much to be expanded upon, other than looking at the scripture readings that His presence guided us to consider, and in particular REVELATION 18:4-8 reproduced in our endpiece below. We also looked at GALATIANS 5:16-26 and PHILIPPIANS 4:8-9.
We sang songs such as
- Oh the blood of Jesus
- There is power in the blood
- I will magnify your name
- For All That I Have I will thank you
- In Him we live
- Rock of Ages, you are faithful and true
- We bow down and confess
Perhaps most meaningful from our meeting (outside of many prayers for healing) was this Oswald Chambers reading from ‘My Utmost For His Highest’.
“What we must beware of is not damage to our belief in God but damage to our Christian disposition or state of mind. “Take heed to your spirit, that you do not deal treacherously” (Malachi 2: 16*). Our state of mind is powerful in its effects. It can be the enemy that penetrates right into our soul and distracts our mind from God. There are certain attitudes we should never dare to indulge. If we do, we will find they have distracted us from faith in God. Until we get back into a quiet mood before Him, our faith is of no value, and our confidence in the flesh and in human ingenuity is what rules our lives. Beware of “the cares of this world” (Mark 4: 19). They are the very things that produce the wrong attitudes in our soul. It is incredible what enormous power there is in simple things to distract our attention away from God. Refuse to be swamped by “the cares of this world.” Another thing that distracts us is our passion for vindication. St. Augustine prayed, “O Lord, deliver me from this lust of always vindicating myself.” Such a need for constant vindication destroys our soul’s faith in God. Don’t say, “I must explain myself,” or, “I must get people to understand.” Our Lord never explained anything—He left the misunderstandings or misconceptions of others to correct themselves. When we discern that other people are not growing spiritually and allow that discernment to turn to criticism, we block”
— My Utmost for His Highest, Updated Edition by Oswald Chambers
* MALACHI 2:16 "For the LORD God of Israel says That He hates divorce, for it covers one's garment with violence," says the LORD of hosts.
"Therefore take heed to your spirit, that you do not deal treacherously." [NLT]
A HOLY CONDITION: Oswald Chambers on Joy
— Strength in the Lord --
People are tired of the preaching about a future heaven and they have gone to the other extreme and deal only with what is called the practical. Consequently they rob themselves of the unfathomable joy of knowing that everything that God has said will come to pass.
The Redemption covers more than men and women, it covers the whole earth. Everything that has been marred by sin and the devil has been completely redeemed by Jesus Christ. At present that is absolutely inconceivable to us.
The world represents the societies of men on God’s earth, and they do as they like; the earth remains God’s. “Blessed are the meek: for they shall inherit the earth.” The meek bide God’s time.
[from “Biblical Ethics”]
The Redemption covers more than men and women, it covers the whole earth. Everything that has been marred by sin and the devil has been completely redeemed by Jesus Christ. At present that is absolutely inconceivable to us.
The world represents the societies of men on God’s earth, and they do as they like; the earth remains God’s. “Blessed are the meek: for they shall inherit the earth.” The meek bide God’s time.
[from “Biblical Ethics”]
Click on the download below to listen to this meditation
“Holiness Unto You Lord” — Vineyard Music
“MEDITATE ON THESE THINGS”
REVELATION 18:4-8 NLT
Then I heard another voice calling from heaven,
“Come away from her, my people.
Do not take part in her sins,
or you will be punished with her.
For her sins are piled as high as heaven,
and God remembers her evil deeds.
Do to her as she has done to others.
Double her penalty for all her evil deeds.
She brewed a cup of terror for others,
so brew twice as much for her.
She glorified herself and lived in luxury,
so match it now with torment and sorrow.
She boasted in her heart,
‘I am queen on my throne.
I am no helpless widow,
and I have no reason to mourn.’
Therefore, these plagues will overtake her in a single day--
death and mourning and famine.
She will be completely consumed by fire,
for the Lord God who judges her is mighty.”
Then I heard another voice calling from heaven,
“Come away from her, my people.
Do not take part in her sins,
or you will be punished with her.
For her sins are piled as high as heaven,
and God remembers her evil deeds.
Do to her as she has done to others.
Double her penalty for all her evil deeds.
She brewed a cup of terror for others,
so brew twice as much for her.
She glorified herself and lived in luxury,
so match it now with torment and sorrow.
She boasted in her heart,
‘I am queen on my throne.
I am no helpless widow,
and I have no reason to mourn.’
Therefore, these plagues will overtake her in a single day--
death and mourning and famine.
She will be completely consumed by fire,
for the Lord God who judges her is mighty.”