In connection to church discipline, I think the key is if it’s habitual. Different than someone trying to change, looking to God for help.
I John 3.9 Those who have been born into God’s family do not make a practice of sinning because God’s life is in them. So they can’t keep on sinning, because they are children of God.
The habitual person isn’t trying to change but continues on in it. Feels no shame & may even brag about it. The other person is open to correction & follows thru. They desire to chage.
It is sad when we have lost our way and act as the world and not set apart. However to have someone like Ezra fill the gap by prayer. That is a wonderful thing.
We have to be careful we don’t boast in our ways and only boast in the Lord and His goodness. It is He who sets us apart..not ourselves..be careful not to fall in the trap of Me-ism..
Love , hope and truth in the Lord. He leads me through anything and he protects me.
After so short a time the Israel nation is disobeying God again. Maybe the intermarriages happened because:
-the women were beautiful, exotic, or different.
-it was a way to get land or riches.
-to ensure peace between the neighbors.
Regardless the intermarrying violated God’s command.
In the past, intermarriage led to worshipping false gods. My guess – it will lead to those practices again.
Yet, not everybody disobeyed God, there was a remnant within the remnant.
I was struck by the end of Ezra’s prayer that “we” are before you in gulit…”not one of us” can stand in your presence. God’s promises were made to the nation of Israel, and in the eyes of Ezra the nation had let God down. (those that married, and perhaps those that tacitly approved by their silence, and those same people not stopping the intermarriage actively??????)
Interesting how this might complement Paul’s talk of “unity” in Romans and 1 Corinthians???? Or the silence, winking and nodding, and tacit approval going on in todays reading of 1Cor5.
1 Corinthians 5:1-13
Sexual Sin in the Church
Interesting how Paul spends very little time on the sin, but in addressing the “church” regarding the sin.
By the Greek verb tense, the sin is an ongoing relationship, not a onetime fling. The reaction of the Corinthian Christians – they were puffed up, proud? Perhaps this means they were so enamored with the idea of possessing spiritual gifts and still attached to the idea of man’s wisdom – that they could rationalize this act.
As Ramona said regarding possible reasons for Solomon’s downfall – perhaps the Corinthians thought in this area they knew better or that they were above it. Sexual freedom had been a way of life in Corinth for so long, maybe they thought it was really outside the scope of religion????
“…one of the most dramatic places where the ethics of Greek culture clashed with the ethics of Jesus. Sexual immorality was an accepted fact of life for the common person in Greek culture, but it was not to be so among the followers of Jesus….It wasn’t hard for a Corinthian to think you could be religious, yet still act any way you pleased when it came to sex….. More than anything, the Corinthian Christians were probably allowing this in the name of “tolerance.” They probably were saying to themselves, “Look how loving we are. We are accepting this brother just as he is. Look how open-minded we are!” We should never underestimate what people will allow in the name of “open-mindedness.” – David Guzik
http://www.enduringword.com/commentaries/4605.htm
They should have grieved over it:
-for the man
-for themselves -because they did not confront the sinner
-and for the church – that attitude and committing of sin may spread, for if this is allowed, what else may be allowed? Much less how this reflects on God.
Paul has already established his right as an apostle and as a spiritual father to the church: not being there, in spirit Paul has already passed judgment on the man.
WHOA! What about the sermon on the mount…’judge not, lest you be judged.’
Paul is not being disobedient in the slightest way. Jesus’ command in Matthew 7:1-5 forbids hypocritical judgment, and judging others by a standard that we ourselves do not want to be judged by. Paul is perfectly willing to apply the same standards to himself that he is applying to the Corinthian Christians. – David Guzik
Some judgment is permitted, and some is not. “While Christians are not to judge one another’s motives or ministries, we are certainly expected to be honest about each other’s conduct.” (Wiersbe)
Jesus in Matthew 18 addresses this issue of sin of a brother, much less continual sin. Confront him individually, if not resolved with two or three others, if not resolved:
MAtt 18:17 If he refuses to listen to them, tell it to the church; and if he refuses to listen even to the church, treat him as you would a pagan or a tax collector. NIV
[NOTE: (an aside) There was no church in Jesus’ day. The church Jesus mentions is “ekklesia” meaning an assembly or gathering of people (with common interest like citizens of city or Christians). It in no way here or in epistles refers to “a building” or “institution”.]
That is have nothing to do with them (like pagans and tax collectors). I believe that Jesus is not talking about judging the man, but rather in restitution and restoration of brotherhood. If it cannot be acheived, then “shunning” is appropriate. It is not that we are not to have anything to do with pagans or tax collectors (Paul says as much in 1 Co 5:10) – we share, love and pray for them. BUT as non-believers they are not to be a part of the church. That is the way they are to treat the sinner in ! Cor 5.
I kind of disagree with David Guzik. Personally, I think Paul is not judging him in place of God, nor as God will judge him, but assessing and determining in the spirit what his sin is doing to the church – how the sinners conduct reflects on the Church and God.
So what is Paul’s solution? If the man is continuosly sinning in this affair, does not repent – how do we deal with this guy?
So what is Paul’s solution? If the man is continuosly sinning in this affair, does not repent – how do we deal with this guy?
The same way Jesus advised.
1Cor5:5 hand this man over to Satan, so that the sinful nature may be destroyed and his spirit saved on the day of the Lord. NIV
[There is also precedent in that Job was turned over to Satan – and he passed that test. Satan asked to sift Peter as wheat. Peter was turned over to Satan – Peter hated what he did (denying Jesus) and repented. Also mentioned in 1Tim1:18.
This is a hard concept, and I can only trust in the Lord, that for a believer it is what is needed to bring him back in line with the Holy Spirit. For a non-believer, it is necessary so that the body of Christ not be mocked.]
This is a very difficult passage to interpret. Not the expelling of the sinner from the church, but the implications of what will happen to the man. I am open to other’s thoughts.
Paul spent a lot of time in Romans talking about the security of “salvation”. So what is going on here?
The man is a member of the church – a brother. So although we may assume he is saved, we, as readers, really do not know. The man should know. Definately God knows.
If saved: Then the man is released to the world (Satan), and in Corinth wallows in the sexual sin. Like the Prodigal son wallowed with the pigs! The man by the power of the Spirit will realize how low he has sunk and realize what he is missing from being banned from Church – and come back in repentance. Like the father in prodigal son, the church should receive him back after repentance. Remember the prodigal son did not regain or become a “son” to the Father, he never lost his “sonship”.
If he does not repent and come back, then he will die in his flesh in the earthly pleasures, but yet his spirit will be saved on the day of the Lord. His rewards at that time though will be insignificant or possibly nothing.
If not saved: then by handing over to the World, Satan can buffet him like Job.Or he can sink so low and be so broken, that he may truly turn back to the Lord, repent and actually be saved. The idea being God was drawing him originally when he joined church (even if not saved), and if “chosen” this man will be worked on by God through the “world” until he is broken and repents. For our God is a faithful God who will complete his works.
Personally, I lean to the “saved” version, but Truthfully – I do not know.
John
====== Vance:
I REALLY enjoyed the comment from the Jewish rabbi on the radio that, in effect, was:
“You will never be the master of the Torah– God’s Word– only the student.”
I don’t know about you, but I find that my flesh, my humanity gets tired of always wanting to learn and grow… tired of always needing to go out of my comfort zone and grow.
Well… I will just have to bring this to the Lord!
Speakiing of our wonderful Jewish roots, I was reading the “Tehillim” which means “Psalms”. I was reading Psalm 114:9.
Below is the English translation of this verse in the “Tehillim”, along with a comment about this verse that really challenged me.
“Rescue me from my enemies, HASHEM (God of Mercy),
I hid my plight from all but you.”
This is the comment on the SECOND PART of the verse,
“I hid my plight from all but you” :
“The Psalmist says that despite all his tribulations, he keeps his troubles hidden from everyone, because no human beings can help him. Only to God does he pour out his heart.”
The next comment REALLY blessed me —
“David immersed his soul in Divine love and ‘concealed himself’ in the Almighty. This positive attitude is expressed by King Solomon (Proverbs 10:12): ‘And love covers over all sins.’
ISN’T THAT EXCELLENT ?? !
~~~~~~~
For myself, I thank God for James 5:16 —
“Confess your sins (weaknesses, faults) one to another so that you may be healed.”
This verse obviously tells me that, according to His will and design, God ministers to me directly.
However, also according to His will and design, God will also speak through believers who are yielded to Him and filled with His Spirit.
“The manifestation of the Spirit is given for the common good.” (I Cor. 12:7)
I need to listen to James 5:15 as well as other passages (Romans 12,
I Corinthians 12, Ephesians 4, etc.)
~~~~~~~
So.. how do I put the verse in Psalms to only to God and also to the body of Christ (“Where two or more are gathered in My Name, there I am in the mdist of them”)?
I do it by hearing in my head the challenge of my wife. We need to go to God for ourselves and receive from him. She often tells me that people go to church expecting to receive from men what only God can give.
HOW TRUE !
So..
I THANK GOD for this challenge to “IMMERSE MY SOUL IN DIVINE LOVE AND CONCEAL MYSELF IN THE ALMIGHTY.”
I do not want my lips to “sound” close to God, yet my heart be “far” from Him.
So…
God ALONE is my Source.
What I give, I give to Him FIRST out of love. This is a seed of love that I sow.
“What I sow to the Spirit, I will reap.” (Galatians 6)
Vance
======= Vance:
Ezra 9 (NKJV)
5
At the evening sacrifice I arose from my fasting; and having torn my garment and my robe, I fell on my knees and spread out my hands to the LORD my God.
6
And I said: “O my God, I am too ashamed and humiliated to lift up my face to You, my God; for our iniquities have risen higher than our heads, and our guilt has grown up to the heavens.
I Corinthians 5 (NKJV)
6
Your glorying is not good. Do you not know that a little leaven leavens the whole lump?
7
Therefore purge out the old leaven, that you may be a new lump, since you truly are unleavened. For indeed Christ, our Passover, was sacrificed for us.
8
Therefore let us keep the feast, not with old leaven, nor with the leaven of malice and wickedness, but with the unleavened bread of sincerity and truth.
11
But now I have written to you not to keep company with anyone named a brother, who is sexually immoral, or covetous, or an idolater, or a reviler, or a drunkard, or an extortioner—not even to eat with such a person.
Psalm 31 (NKJV)
5
Into Your hand I commit my spirit; You have redeemed me, O LORD God of truth.
6
I have hated those who regard useless idols; but I trust in the LORD.
Proverbs 21 (NKJV)
2
Every way of a man is right in his own eyes, but the LORD weighs the hearts.
NOTE:
May we have the truest spirit of being “poor in spirit” and of true, lasting, and deep repentance.
Not just because we need to see where we have sinned, and not just because sin is wicked—though this is true.
This verse keeps ringing in my spirit—the true substance and reality of who we are IN CHRIST:
Colossians 3 (NKJV)
1
If then you were raised with Christ, seek those things which are above, where Christ is, sitting at the right hand of God.
2
Set your mind on things above, not on things on the earth.
3
For you died, and your life is hidden with Christ in God.
4
When Christ who is our life appears, then you also will appear with Him in glory.
5
Therefore put to death your members which are on the earth: fornication, uncleanness, passion, evil desire, and covetousness, which is idolatry.
YES…
I need to repent so God can show me any way I have displeased and dishonored Him. I need to repent for any sin I have committed.
YOU AND I ARE COMPLETE IN CHRIST, and we truly “have died” and our life is “truly hidden with Christ in God”, and Christ “is our life”.
It is NOT true to our new nature in the Spirit to live in sin.
PEOPLE NEED TO SEE THE TRUE MAGNIFICENT GLORY OF THE FATHER AND JESUS in us. The Lord Jesus longs to manifest HIS CHARACTER THROUGH US. May that ALSO be a reason for me – for you – to repent.
Romans 6:4 (NKJV)
4
Therefore we were buried with Him through baptism into death, that just as Christ was raised from the dead by the glory of the Father, even so we also should walk in newness of life.
GREEK: Buried – sunthapto {soon-thap’-to} – to bury together with
Through baptism believers “thereby declare that they put faith in the expiatory death of Christ for the pardon of their past sins; therefore Paul likens baptism to a burial by which the former sinfulness is buried, i.e. utterly taken away.
GREEK: Glory – doxa {dox’-ah}
1.
splendour, brightness
a.
magnificence, excellence, preeminence, dignity, grace – of God, of Jesus
b.
kingly majesty which belongs to him as supreme ruler, majesty in the sense of the absolute perfection of the deity
c.
the absolutely perfect inward or personal excellency of Christ; the majesty
d.
a most glorious condition, most exalted state
e.
weighty substance—eternal, true, of true value
~~~
As Jesus was physically, literally raised from the dead by the magnificent splendor, moral excellence, and true substance of the Father—
So we are called to walk in newness of life by the glory of the Father.
Jesus has made provision for us to do that.
~~~
WE WILL NEVER ARRIVE FULLY IN THIS LIFE—and the more I learn the more questions I have.
But, also by grace, the more I want to GROW!
Philippians 3 (NKJV)
12
Not that I have already attained, or am already perfected; but I press on, that I may lay hold of that for which Christ Jesus has also laid hold of me.
13
Brethren, I do not count myself to have apprehended; but one thing I do, forgetting those things which are behind and reaching forward to those things which are ahead,
14
I press toward the goal for the prize of the upward call of God in Christ Jesus.
YET… in the middle of real longing and real questions—we ARE COMPLETE IN CHRIST
Colossians 2 (Amplified Bible)
9
For in Him the whole fullness of Deity (the Godhead) continues to dwell in bodily form [giving complete expression of the divine nature].
10
And you are in Him, made full and having come to fullness of life [in Christ you too are filled with the Godhead–Father, Son and Holy Spirit–and reach full spiritual stature]. And He is the Head of all rule and authority [of every angelic principality and power].
11
In Him also you were circumcised with a circumcision not made with hands, but in a [spiritual] circumcision [performed by] Christ by stripping off the body of the flesh (the whole corrupt, carnal nature with its passions and lusts).
12
[Thus you were circumcised when] you were buried with Him in [your] baptism, in which you were also raised with Him [to a new life] through [your] faith in the working of God [as displayed] when He raised Him up from the dead.
13
And you who were dead in trespasses and in the uncircumcision of your flesh (your sensuality, your sinful carnal nature), [God] brought to life together with [Christ], having [freely] forgiven us all our transgressions,
14
Having cancelled and blotted out and wiped away the handwriting of the note (bond) with its legal decrees and demands which was in force and stood against us (hostile to us). This [note with its regulations, decrees, and demands] He set aside and cleared completely out of our way by nailing it to [His] cross.
15
[God] disarmed the principalities and powers that were ranged against us and made a bold display and public example of them, in triumphing over them in Him and in it [the cross].
Vance
Nehemiah 5:14-7:73
I seem to be in a “silly” mood today because when I read this in the sixth chapter, “2 Sanballat and Geshem sent me a message asking me to meet them at one of the villages in the plain of Ono,” I added “Don’t go!” Sanballat and Tobiah continue to be busy in keeping up their intimidation tactics. But Nehemiah doesn’t say that he isn’t disturbed by what he hears and reads because this kind of assault will go into your core and plant fear and terror. But Nehemiah knows who his source and strenghth is and it ain’t the gang headed by Sanballat and Tobiah.
Also take note that someone saying, “Thus saith the Lord …” can be of the devil. They come, like Paul has stated, “They will maintain the outward appearance of religion but will have repudiated its power. So avoid people like these. (2Ti 3:5 NET.)” Those folks were around then and they are around now.
What they are all about is control and power. Like the Pharisees during the time of Jesus, if their status is threatened they move to kill those they feel threaten by.
I Corinthians 8:11-13
Meat eating, to eat or not that is the question here in this text. I’m assuming, possibly wrongly, that the only place were one could get fresh meat was in the temple as people brought sacrifices. Since Corinth was nowhere near Jerusalem, they could not readily partake of the feasts or festivals, such as Passover. And since they were not converted from Judaism to Christianity, although during that time, Christians were considered a sect of the Jewish religion, they were unfamiliar with the Jewish festivals. Therefore, the only place where fresh meat was available was in the temples dedicated to the Greek gods. This could be a problem.
Quench not the Spirit. Despise not prophesyings. Prove all things; hold fast that which is good. Abstain from all appearance of evil. (1Th 5:19-22 KJVR)
Going in and out of the meat market (the Greek temples) could give off the “appearance of evil,” though you may just be going there to get your rump roast.
Psalm 33:1-11
3Sing new songs of praise to him;
play skillfully on the harp and sing with joy.
4For the word of the LORD holds true,
and everything he does is worthy of our trust.
No matter how we feel, no matter what our circumstances look like we are to sing with joy to the Lord because what God has said He will do and He is trustworthy. I also take note that we are told to sing with joy, not in tune.
Proverbs 21:8-10
It is better to dwell in a corner of the housetop [on the flat oriental roof, exposed to all kinds of weather] than in a house shared with a nagging, quarrelsome, and faultfinding woman. (Pro 21:9 AMP)
The New Living Translation uses wife instead of woman; however, I can attest whether the relationship is husband wife, or traveling friends on vacation, no matter how luxurious the accommodations , when you have someone who is nagging quarrelsome and faultfinding, in short someone who is bitter, one is more desirous to stay at a Motel 6 (For those outside the USA–a cheap motel), then the best suite in the hotel.
Grace and peace,
Ramona
====== Nasser:
psalm 33:11 ,proverb 21:19 are a great reminder for today and make me to sit still and remember and revise my decisions that i made as a father ,leader in church and responsible of others to ask my self this questions are my decisions due to god’s plan or my own. and i wanted to say how important to learn more and more from god’s word and his action that we read through the bible second it is important to ask others ‘s opinion about any issue you face and keep comparing and asking yourself if your plans was God’s plan or not . to make the job easy we have to dwell and explore, study god’s word each day .
i just wanted to thank mike for your website and the effort you do to help us continue exporing and looking for god’s treasure in the bible every day i found a new treasure (verse ) that really taking to my heart and shaping myself as christlike. Amin
Nasser
====== Zenimah:
Nehemiah went through a lot to build the wall.He persevered and exceeded even though Sanballat and Geshem persecuted him and sent others to come against him to stop his work. I am thinking of all kinds of ways to apply this to my life when persecution comes to stop me from following the will of God.Those in high authority might come saying stop the work, however if God has instructed me I will continue to pray and continue to follow God’s will
Zenimah
====== Maria:
I thank God for the message that is publish in this site where in every one who are in this network., can be able to read the Gospel in just one click , at least their is a site where in we could view the words of God and can share to those we are also been connected with love ones , friends , relatives , office-mate , co church member other more who are tying to seek his will and and his commandments .
God speed to everyone…………
Maria
====== Cheryl:
Hello,
I’ve been reading this blog now for a couple weeks and really enjoying it.
What struck me today was how Nehemiah did not get distracted by the letters of intimidation and just kept doing the work of the Lord. He didn’t even stop to address them or respond to them in anyway. How many times do we in our work get a verbal or written message from someone trying to put us down or intimidate us and we think we need to stop and address it or respond to them to “win the argument”?? All it ends up doing is to distract us from what we know the Lord wants us to do. It’s pride in ourselves trying to defend our actions. Nehemiah was humble enough to know he was doing the Lord’s work and it needed no defense, it just needed to get done.
Also, I don’t think it’s mere coincidence that Psalm 33:11 says “But the Lord’s plans stand firm forever; his intentions can never be shaken”. It’s a good verse to remember next time we get distracted by someone trying to put us down for our faith or our work in the Lord and we want to respond to defend ourselves. God’s intentions can never be shaken and his plans stand firm forever!! Comforting! 🙂
God Bless!
Cheryl
====== Bob:
Proverbs 21:9
An interesting concept to consider when a man is dealing with those tough times in his marriage when he is questioning the contention of his wife. My experience has given me some insight that I will share. At those times the roof would have been a part of the home but the least frequented by the rest of the family. A husband would still be in the house but out of sight and not an interference with the wife’s running the household. Her job was to maintain and organize the daily routines associated with family. When problems arose and she wasn’t able to respect the husband/wife relationship anymore, one of the consequences may result in quarreling. An astute man would give up this sharing the house and quietly move to the safest place in the home until a resolution was achieved. If some of this wisdom was applied to our family situation today, we may see a strengthening of the family unit rather than its dissolvent.
Bob
====== Renee:
Nehemiah’s response to all the opposition was priceless. He knew he had a greater work and was not moved by Sandballat. Nehemiah kept his eyes on God. That was more important to him and that made him see through the 5 lame attempts to sidetrack him.
This scripture reminds me of an important and encouraging word: Ex nihlo. Which means “Out of nothing”. God is the God of the impossible. Only He can create something out of nothing!
Ps. 33:8-11
8 Let all the earth fear the Lord;
let all the people of the world revere him.
9 For he spoke, and it came to be;
he commanded, and it stood firm.
10 The Lord foils the plans of the nations;
he thwarts the purposes of the peoples.
11 But the plans of the Lord stand firm forever,
the purposes of his heart through all generations.
Shalom to all 🙂
Renee
====== Robert:
Proverbs 21:9 and Proverbs 21:19
Don’t get me wrong, I love my wife and she loves me but all those words….quarrelsome, contentious, ill-tempered applies to us in so many ways that it became an extra burden on our relationship. When we prayed to God about it he had a solution that blew me away. Two Houses! Our marriage, raising our kids, peace of mind, happiness was so perfect because we both had our “own” space. Honestly, we never worked toward this idea, it was all in Father’s best interest for us and our family to do it this way. Praise God.
Robert
====== Dee:
Leadership..it was great to see Nehemiah lead today and distribute evenly based on the tribes and groupings. That was no short task and he sought the Lord to be strengthened.
There is but one God..knowledge is important but love builds the church. We exist through our life by God..idol worship is futile..be careful of freedom..don’t want weak Christians watching u and following the wrong things. When you know more, much is required of you.
The word controls our being and what a mighty word it is. His word is worthy of our trust. The Lord breathed the word..let everyone in the world fear him and be in awe at the same time. Let God’s plans for our life be true and lovely and our will but thy will be done.
I pray that the course of our life is straight and we keep the straight path that leads to our Lord..
Dee
====== John:
Nehemiah
6:18
Intermarriage seems to not be completely done away with in Jerusalem. In this case, the intermarriages seemed to foster a relationship with the nobles? for Tobiah and family. Not only does Tobaih have access to nobles, but he exchanges information with them – often.
Today’s readings:
Enemies offers –
1)Let’s conference and iron out our differences, but on our “turf” not yours.
(rejected)
2)Disinformation – Make up a story about Nehemiah’s quest for kingship and revolt of the Jews with a threat to tell king. Seems an open letter mught imply a public posting in Jerusalem. Come let us conference. (Disinformation with the intent to force a meeting).
(Rejected)
3)Hired an insider to lull Nehemiah into sin. Thus possibly giving enemies leverage over Nehemiah.
(Nehemiah turns down temple refuge offer)
The enemies of Jerusalem seemed to have originated the original “dirty playbook” for corporate and political manipulators.
John
====== John:
1Cor8
Another question.
1) What about meat offered to an idol, some say it is ok to eat, others think it is a sin – what do we do?
Already covered in Romans.
An idol is nothing, therefore the sacrifice of meat is meaningless. If you know this and want to eat the meat – fine.
Apparently:
If the(pagan)priest didn’t want to eat his portion, he sold it at the temple restaurant or meat market ….The meat served and sold at the temple was generally cheaper; and then, as well as now, people loved a bargain (including Christians!). – David Guzik
But don’t get superior about all this. Show love to a brother who is “convinced in his own mind” that eating the meat from an idol sacrifice is wrong. Do not eat it.
If the “weaker” brother sees you he may emulate you – thus violating his conscience.
Consicence – Gk.”suneidesis” – the soul as distinguishing between what is morally good and bad, prompting to do the former and shun the latter, commending one, condemning the other.
Thus if you get him to go against his conscience, the weaker brother may not listen to promptings of Holy Spirit through his conscience in the future. You will have then provided a stumbling block to Spiritual (Christian) growth in the weaker brother. That is a sin against Christ.
NOTE: There is a fine line between a brother who is convinced in his own mind and one who is being “legalistic” in his approach to the matter.
“In Galatians 2, Paul rebuked Peter, who by his association and approval of Jewish legalists, was making Gentiles think they had to come under the Jewish customs and law to be saved. Even if the Jewish legalists would have said to the Gentiles, “Your lack of obedience to our customs stumbles us. We are stumbled brothers. You must do what we want.” Paul would have said, you are not stumbled, because you aren’t being tempted to sin through their actions. Your legalism is being offended. Out of love, I will never act in a way that might tempt you to sin, but I don’t care at all about offending your legalism. In fact, I’m happy to do it!” – David Guzik
Probably discernible by being a member of a legalistic group rather than an individual’s convinced mind.
John
====== Vance:
Psalm 33:11 (KJV) reads:
The counsel of the LORD standeth for ever,
==> the thoughts of his heart to all generations.
The Amplified Bible also reads: “… the thoughts of His heart…”
Nehemiah is an excellent picture understanding the “intentions” of the Father:
“…His intentions can never be shaken.”
Nehemiah is a wonderfully convicting picture of Psalm 33:1 (Amplified):
1
REJOICE IN the Lord,
=> O [you uncompromisingly] righteous [you upright in right standing with God];
for praise is becoming and appropriate for those who are upright [in heart].
==========
It seems to me that to make the choice to be “uncompromisingly” righteous is another way of saying we need to be “PRESSING IN” to Who God is and what He has for us to be, to do, to have.
Nehemiah is an excellent picture of PRESSING IN.
Thank You, God, for the necessary challenge to me, as well.
For those who “press in”, more verses in Psalm 33 reveal the result of their faith, obedience, and worship: (Amplified Bible)
11
The counsel of the Lord stands forever, the thoughts of His heart through all generations…
==> the intention of those who PRESS IN will be KNOW THE INTENTIONS of the Father as they press in…
and they know them in their relationship with God
14
From His dwelling place He looks [intently] upon all the inhabitants of the earth–
15
He Who fashions the hearts of them all, Who considers all their doings…
==> Consider this: God fashions my heart and considers all that I do!
That means that every thought, action, and word NEED TO BE SEEN as TREMENDOUS TOOLS to bring my heart closer to the loving Lord…
God responds to me, in part, based on how I respond to Him
==> THANK GOD FOR HIS MERCY AND GRACE… that gives us time to repent !
18
Behold, the Lord’s eye is upon those who fear Him [who revere and worship Him with awe], who wait for Him and hope in His mercy and loving-kindness,
19
To deliver them from death and keep them alive in famine.
20
Our inner selves wait [earnestly] for the Lord; He is our Help and our Shield.
21
For in Him does our heart rejoice, because we have trusted (relied on and been confident) in His holy name.
22
==> Let Your mercy and loving-kindness, O Lord, be upon us,
==> in proportion to our waiting and hoping for You.
Did you notice that last verse in Psalm 33? —
a.
God’s supply and Who He is: His Goodness, His Mercy, His Righteousness, His Will are always in ABUNDANCE
b.
Yet, His Mercy (steadfast, unfailing, covenant Love ==> the basis of the certain, guaranteed HOPE of the GOSPEL!)
will only be (or REST) UPON US
=> to the degree to our waiting, hoping (certain, guaranteed expectation based on the certain, guaranteed hope of HIS WORD)
and YIELDING AND RECEIVING FROM HIM !
Nehemiah yielded to and received from the Father all of Who God was for himself.
Nehemiah yielded to and received from the Lord of glory God’s will to take the people to Jerusalem and rebuild that wall.
AM I ALLOWING GOD TO DO HIS WILL IN ME?
or… I am allowing myself to get distracted with “mixed” signals?
Remember James 1:6-8 (NKJV)
6
But let him ask in faith, ==> with no doubting, for he who doubts is like a wave of the sea driven and tossed by the wind.
7
For let not that man suppose that he will receive anything from the Lord;
8 he is a double-minded man, unstable in all his ways.
“… let not that man suppose that he will receive anything from the Lord for he is a double-minded man, unstable in all his ways.”
What the brother of our Lord Jesus is saying
a.
is not a call to “work up faith” within ourselves (as if we were the source of faith!)
b.
is not to condemn us
Rather, I see it as a necessary call to PRESS IN, as in the example of Nehemiah and stated in Psalm 33:1 (Amplified)–
1
REJOICE IN the Lord,
O you [uncompromisingly] righteous [you upright in right standing with God];
for praise is becoming and appropriate for those who are upright [in heart].
Vance
====== Vance:
NEHEMIAH
NOTE:
I really admire the life of Nehemiah: He is uncompromisingly righteous. The single focus of determination and loyalty to God and to the people of God is a wonderful example to follow.
The wall of a city was very important. The wall provided protection for a city. In modern society—because of the invention of missles and similar war technology—physical walls are no longer impregnable.
Yet, the wall also provided a sense of identity: “This is our city, and we are separate and distinct from all other cities. When you see our will, you will know we are a city.”
There is a very interesting passage in Zechariah where the Lord Himself promises that the safety, security, and identity of Israel will be restored.
Zechariah 2 (NKJV)
1
Then I raised my eyes and looked, and behold, a man with a measuring line in his hand.
2
So I said, “Where are you going?” And he said to me, “To measure Jerusalem, to see what is its width and what is its length.”
~~~
God is preparing the identity and shape of the city of Jerusalem. Normally, an ancient city would have to have a wall. Yet, note how God provides.
Zechariah 2 (NKJV)
3
And there was the angel who talked with me, going out; and another angel was coming out to meet him,
4
who said to him, “Run, speak to this young man, saying: ‘Jerusalem shall be inhabited as towns without walls, because of the multitude of men and livestock in it.
5
FOR I,’ SAYS THE LORD, ‘WILL BE A WALL OF FIRE ALL AROUND HER, AND I WILL BE THE GLORY IN HER MIDST.’”
~~~
We are the temple of God today, and God inhabits the praises of His people. May we be planted deeply into the clarity of the certain, guaranteed hope of God’s protection. May we reflect God’s glory today.
May we really seek the Lord and be filled continually to overflowing so His Presence of Glory will be revealed in and through us. As Andrew Murray said in “With Christ in the School of Prayer”:
“If we but yield ourselves entirely to the disposal of the Spirit, and let Him have His way with us, He will manifest the life of Christ within us. He will do this with a Divine power, maintaining the life of Christ in us in interrupted continuity.”
“Surely, if there is one prayer that should draw us to the Father’s throne and keep us there, it is this: for the Holy Spirit, whom we as children have received, to stream into us and out from us in greater fullness.”
Psalm 33 (NKJV)
1
Rejoice in the LORD, O you righteous! For praise from the upright is beautiful.
I really like this rendering of the same verse:
Psalm 33 (Amplified Bible)
1
REJOICE IN the Lord, O you [uncompromisingly] righteous [you upright in right standing with God]; for praise is becoming and appropriate for those who are upright [in heart].
NOTE:
Surely Nehemiah exhibits this kind of life. May we always spend quality time—and set aside a regularly scheduled quantity of time—to praise God. As such, we will be rooted and grounded in His Presence, Wisdom, Love, and His Spirit.
Why should be praise the Lord? The answer is provided in the following verses from Psalm 33 (NKJV):
4
For the word of the LORD is right, and all His work is done in truth.
5
He loves righteousness and justice; the earth is full of the goodness of the LORD.
10
The LORD brings the counsel of the nations to nothing; He makes the plans of the peoples of no effect.
11
The counsel of the LORD stands forever, the plans of His heart to all generations.
I Corinthians 8 (NKJV)
12
But when you thus sin against the brethren, and wound their weak conscience, you sin against Christ.
NOTE:
May we really honor one another for who we are—the literal temples of the true and living God.
Note the riches of God’s grace in each Christian—and in His Body of Christ as a whole in Colossians 1 (Amplified Bible):
27
To whom God was pleased to make known how great for the Gentiles are the riches of the glory of this mystery, WHICH IS CHRIST WITHIN AND AMONG YOU, THE HOPE OF [REALIZING THE] GLORY.
As Zechariah 2:5 (NKJV) reads: “…AND I WILL BE THE GLORY IN HER MIDST.”
2 Corinthians 4 (NKJV)
7
But we have this treasure in earthen vessels, that the excellence of the power may be of God and not of us.
11
For we who live are always delivered to death for Jesus’ sake, that the life of Jesus also may be manifested in our mortal flesh.
Vance