Category: God’s faithfulness

Aged, But Strong, in the LORD

Thursday, February 5, 2015

“…I am this day fourscore and five years old. As yet I am strong this day as I was in the day that Moses sent me: as my strength was then, even so is my strength now, for war, both to go out, and to come in” (Joshua 14:10,11 KJV).

How could Caleb, despite his old age, be so bold?

Recall Israel’s rebellion entering the Promised Land with Moses (Numbers chapters 13 and 14). For 40 days, 12 Jewish spies scouted its landscapes. Ten spies reported back to Moses with a very negative report: “We cannot overcome the giants in the land.” They contradicted JEHOVAH’S promise to give them victory over all Gentile inhabitants. However, two spies—Joshua and Caleb—believed God’s Word.

Numbers chapter 14 continues: “[6] And Joshua the son of Nun, and Caleb the son of Jephunneh… rent their clothes: [7] And they spake unto all the company of the children of Israel, saying, The land, which we passed through to search it, is an exceeding good land. [8] If the LORD delight in us, then he will bring us into this land, and give it us; a land which floweth with milk and honey. [9] Only rebel not ye against the LORD, neither fear ye the people of the land; for they are bread for us: their defence is departed from them, and the LORD is with us: fear them not.” Israel still refused to enter Canaan, and thus wandered in the desert for 40 years!

Fast-forward to today’s Scripture. Caleb is now 85 years old… and still ready to fight the Gentiles to possess the land that God has given him! The verse following today’s Scripture reveals Caleb, despite agedness, is confident that the LORD will give him victory! “Now therefore give me this mountain, whereof the LORD spake in that day; for thou heardest in that day how the Anakims were there, and that the cities were great and fenced: if so be the LORD will be with me, then I shall be able to drive them out, as the LORD said.”

Like Caleb, a wise man will rely on his Almighty LORD, not his weakly flesh!

He Buried Him

Tuesday, February 3, 2015

“And he buried him in a valley in the land of Moab, over against Bethpeor: but no man knoweth of his sepulchre unto this day” (Deuteronomy 34:6 KJV).

As someone once said, “God buries His servants but never His program.”

Other than Jesus Christ, the GodMan, the God of the Bible used two men most mightily—Moses and the Apostle Paul. For 40 years, Moses led Israel, from her escape from Egypt to just before her entrance into Canaan. God used Moses to write the first five books of the Bible—Genesis through Deuteronomy. He was the great Lawgiver at Mount Sinai: his divinely-inspired writings formed the Jewish religion. Moses was the only man at that time who had spoken with God face-to-face on numerous occasions.

Deuteronomy 34:10-12, written by Moses himself under the moving of the Holy Spirit: “[10] And there arose not a prophet since in Israel like unto Moses, whom the LORD knew face to face, [11] In all the signs and the wonders, which the LORD sent him to do in the land of Egypt to Pharaoh, and to all his servants, and to all his land, [12] And in all that mighty hand, and in all the great terror which Moses shewed in the sight of all Israel.”

Moses was a faithful servant of God (Hebrews 3:2,5). After he finished writing Deuteronomy, the Torah (the Bible’s first five books) was finished. At age 120 years, Moses died (Deuteronomy 32:7). There is no doubt in this author’s mind that God had Moses write about his own death and burial in today’s Scripture.

Knowing full well that the Jews would make a shrine of Moses’ grave, today’s Scripture says that God Himself personally buried Moses in a secret place, somewhere northeast of the Dead Sea. To this day, some 3,500 years later, Moses’ remains are still awaiting resurrection. God buried Moses, dear friends, but He never buried His plan for the nation Israel. Even today, despite the dispensational change, Moses will be raised again, and he, along with all of Israel’s saints of old, will go into the Promised Land, the Kingdom of Heaven on Earth.

Yes, God buries His servants but never His plan! 🙂

Instant Christians #8

Tuesday, January 13, 2015

“Preach the word; be instant in season, out of season; reprove, rebuke, exhort with all longsuffering and doctrine” (2 Timothy 4:2 KJV).

In this day and age of “instant this and instant that,” we need more “instant” Christians!

To better understand today’s Scripture, we compare it to what the Holy Spirit said through the Apostle Peter. Speaking to Israel’s believing remnant suffering the horrors and persecution of the seven-year Tribulation (yet future from even today): “[15] But sanctify the Lord God in your hearts: and be ready always to give an answer to every man that asketh you a reason of the hope that is in you with meekness and fear: [16] Having a good conscience; that, whereas they speak evil of you, as of evildoers, they may be ashamed that falsely accuse your good conversation in Christ” (1 Peter 3:15,16).

In what the Bible calls “the time of Jacob’s trouble” (Jeremiah 30:7), the Antichrist (a political leader) will slaughter all Jews who reject him as false (they will believe Jesus is the true Messiah/Christ). Hence, Jesus said that “all nations” (all siding with Antichrist at that point) would “hate” Israel for His name’s sake (Matthew 24:9). Peter’s first epistle—yea, all of Israel’s Scriptures—are replete with the sufferings of Messianic Jews living (and dying) during that 70th week of Daniel.

Peter cheered on his Jewish brethren: “Be ready always” (similar to be “instant in season, out of season;” today’s Scripture) to tell others how you can be so positive/hopeful and joyful in such dire times! He had already wrote that Messiah was coming to save them, avenge their deaths, punish and destroy all of their (His) enemies, and bring in everlasting righteousness, His unfathomable, eternal, earthly kingdom (1:3-25). Unless these believing Jews knew their Bible, they could have no such logical answer to give!

As Israel was exhorted to be ready to answer her critics with sound Bible doctrine (notice how Peter intelligently answered his in 2 Peter 3:3-18), Paul urged us to be prepared to reply to ours (today’s Scripture). Why? To argue with them? Nay! Our answers just may lead to their salvation from false teaching and/or from hellfire….

Our latest Bible Q&A: “What were ‘Urim’ and ‘Thummim?’”

Their Ebenezer, Our Ebenezer

Monday, January 5, 2015

“Then Samuel took a stone, and set it between Mizpeh and Shen, and called the name of it Ebenezer, saying, Hitherto hath the LORD helped us” (1 Samuel 7:12 KJV).

Thankfully, Israel’s “Ebenezer” is our “Ebenezer” as well.

After some 20 years of pagan idol worship (verses 1,2), and at the order of Samuel the judge, priest, and prophet, “the children of Israel did put away Baalim and Ashtaroth, and served the LORD only” (verses 3,4). They had finally put their trust in the living and true God and renounced their dead, worthless, Canaanite idols. As Samuel promised them, JEHOVAH would now deliver them from the hands of their enemies the Philistines (just as He promised through Moses centuries before in Deuteronomy 28:1,2,7,14,15,25,49-58).

Samuel instructed all of Israel to gather and meet with him at Mizpeh (about 5 miles, or 8 kilometers, northwest of Jerusalem). There, he prayed for them to the LORD, confessing their national sin of idolatry; they then confessed their national sin, and let Samuel guide them into God’s truth (verses 5,6). The Philistines hear of Israel’s congregating in Mizpeh, and they go out to fight the Jews; Israel hears the news and grows afraid (verse 7). Israel is now wavering in their confidence in their God; they have lapsed into unbelief, forgetting His promise to help them win. The Jews beg Samuel to pray for them, that they may be delivered from the Philistines (verse 8).

Thus, Samuel offers a sucking (nursing) lamb by fire unto the LORD, and the LORD hears Samuel’s intercession for Israel (verse 9). As Samuel offers the burnt offering, the Philistines are coming closer, and JEHOVAH strikes them with a great thunder, confusing them, and Israel defeats the Philistines, never harassing Israel again during all of Samuel’s days!

Today’s Scripture states that Samuel thus set a stone between Mizpeh and Shen, and called it “Ebenezer,” from the Hebrew eben (“stone”) and ezer (“help”). That stone symbolized JEHOVAH, Israel’s “stone of help.” We are thus mindful of Paul’s words: “If God be for us, who can be against us?” (Romans 8:31b). Saints, no matter what happens in life, we have complete, total victory in Lord Jesus Christ, our “Ebenezer!”

God’s Perfect Timing

Tuesday, December 16, 2014

“But when the fulness of the time was come, God sent forth his Son, made of a woman, made under the law, to redeem them that were under the law, that we might receive the adoption of sons” (Galatians 4:4,5 KJV).

As today’s Scripture indicates, the birth of Jesus Christ was no accident—God planned its exact moment from eternity past.

When God placed the first man, Adam, on earth, He purposed that man would “subdue [control] it,” to “have dominion” over it and everything on it (Genesis 1:28). Nevertheless, Adam sinned by joining Satan in his rebellion against God. Because of sin, man was now unable to accomplish on earth what God originally created him to do. God left the human race a promise, however, that there would come a Man, who would do what Adam failed to do. Instead of cooperating with God’s adversary like Adam had, this “seed of the woman” would “bruise [Satan’s] head” (Genesis 3:15).

Traveling up through the Scriptures, we see how God lays the groundwork for that seedline. In Genesis 12:1-3, or 2,000 years after Adam’s sin, we read God’s covenant with Abraham, that through Abraham a nation, Israel, will be born, and salvation and blessing will flow to the Gentiles through Israel. The seed of the woman becomes the seed of Abraham (Galatians 3:16).

In 2 Samuel 7:12-16, and 1,000 years after Abraham, we read of God’s covenant with King David, that “his seed” will inherit his throne and reign forever. The seed of the woman and of Abraham becomes the seed of David.

About 1,000 years after David, Matthew 1:1 speaks of Christ’s birth, and declares, “…Jesus Christ, the son of David, the son of Abraham.” This is exactly what God had promised for thousands of years!

Jesus Christ’s birth was not some haphazard event of nature. God the Father had preplanned the exact moment of the incarnation of His Son, Jesus Christ (today’s Scripture). Over a period of some 4,000 years, the three members of the Godhead worked to bring about the birth of man’s Redeemer, a plan they had even before man was created! Amazing!

The Messiah Is Coming!

Sunday, December 14, 2014

“Behold, the days come, saith the LORD, that I will raise unto David a righteous Branch, and a King shall reign and prosper, and shall execute judgment and justice in the earth. In his days Judah shall be saved, and Israel shall dwell safely: and this is his name whereby he shall be called, THE LORD OUR RIGHTEOUSNESS” (Jeremiah 23:5,6 KJV).

Jerusalem, the Messiah is coming, the Messiah is coming!

The Old Testament “Major Prophets” (the five “large” books of Isaiah through Daniel) and the “Minor Prophets” (the 12 “small” books of Hosea through Malachi) have two main themes—God’s judgment on the Jews in response to their centuries of pagan idolatry by forcing them out of His land, and God’s forgiving and restoring Israel to return to that Promised Land and enjoy His earthly kingdom forever. Although Jeremiah (the prophet of today’s Scripture) devoted large portions of his ministry and book to that impending divine wrath, the Holy Spirit moved him to also preach and write verses that declared that God’s Messiah would come to deliver Israel from the religious (spiritual), social, and political mess in which she put herself (see today’s Scripture).

While Judah was captive in Babylon, JEHOVAH revealed to the Prophet Daniel that in addition to 70 years necessary for the Promised Land’s cleansing, 70 weeks of years (or 490 years) were needed to cleanse the Jewish people (Daniel 9:24-27). After this 490-year period, Messiah would come and deliver Israel from her sins and her enemies. Once Jesus Christ came, Israel had the prospect to be a redeemed people in a cleansed land. Just as that 69th week of years expired, they delivered Him to the Romans to have Him die on an awful Roman cross. He resurrected and returned to heaven rejected.

Now, one seven-year period (Daniel’s 70th week) remains on the prophetic calendar before Jesus Christ can return for Israel and establish her kingdom (today’s Scripture). When He comes the second time, He will use His blood shed at Calvary to establish a New Covenant to take away Israel’s sins (Jeremiah 31:31-34; Acts 3:19; Romans 11:26,27; Hebrews 8:8-13; Hebrews 10:15-17). Yes, Jeremiah 29:11 is still true—God’s wonderful plans for Israel are to be fulfilled in His own time! 🙂

Our latest Bible Q&A: “Is grace a ‘license to sin?’”

The Jews Are Coming!

Saturday, December 13, 2014

“And I will be found of you, saith the LORD: and I will turn away your captivity, and I will gather you from all the nations, and from all the places whither I have driven you, saith the LORD; and I will bring you again into the place whence I caused you to be carried away captive” (Jeremiah 29:14 KJV).

Jerusalem, the Jews are coming, the Jews are coming!

From 606 B.C. to 536 B.C., Judah was captive in Babylon. JEHOVAH told them that after those 70 years (Jeremiah 25:11-12; cf. Daniel 9:2), He would bring these Jews back to Jerusalem; He would not leave them hopeless, for He still had marvelous plans for them despite their unbelief and disobedience (Jeremiah 29:10-11, the context of today’s Scripture).

The Jewish Bible, which ends with 2 Chronicles, concludes with Israel back in her homeland (chapter 36): “[20] And them that had escaped from the sword carried he away to Babylon; where they were servants to him and his sons until the reign of the kingdom of Persia: [21] To fulfil the word of the LORD by the mouth of Jeremiah, until the land had enjoyed her sabbaths: for as long as she lay desolate she kept sabbath, to fulfil threescore and ten years. [22] Now in the first year of Cyrus king of Persia, that the word of the LORD spoken by the mouth of Jeremiah might be accomplished, the LORD stirred up the spirit of Cyrus king of Persia, that he made a proclamation throughout all his kingdom, and put it also in writing, saying, [23] Thus saith Cyrus king of Persia, All the kingdoms of the earth hath the LORD God of heaven given me; and he hath charged me to build him an house in Jerusalem, which is in Judah. Who is there among you of all his people? The LORD his God be with him, and let him go up.”

These two Jewish expeditions from exile to Jerusalem are recorded in the Bible books of Ezra and Nehemiah. Still, many Jews are still scattered worldwide today, and certainly not enjoying God’s earthly kingdom as they should have.

Jeremiah 29:11 is Israel’s hope in such a hopeless condition!

Our latest Bible Q&A: “Why do the wicked prosper?”

Israel, Be Still, and Know That He is God

Sunday, November 30, 2014

“Be still, and know that I am God: I will be exalted among the heathen, I will be exalted in the earth” (Psalm 46:10 KJV).

Today’s Scripture is a well-known verse from the book of Psalms; we look at it briefly within its context.

“[1] God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble. [2] Therefore will not we fear, though the earth be removed, and though the mountains be carried into the midst of the sea; [3] Though the waters thereof roar and be troubled, though the mountains shake with the swelling thereof. Selah.”

As believing Israel struggles through Daniel’s 70th week, persecution by the Antichrist and his followers, JEHOVAH is her shelter and strength. He has a watchful eye on her, to “see” her through the seven-year Tribulation!

“[4] There is a river, the streams whereof shall make glad the city of God, the holy place of the tabernacles of the most High. [5] God is in the midst of her; she shall not be moved: God shall help her, and that right early. [6] The heathen raged, the kingdoms were moved: he uttered his voice, the earth melted. [7] The LORD of hosts is with us; the God of Jacob is our refuge. Selah.”

Jesus Christ has now arrived on Earth, concluded those seven years, defeated Israel’s enemies in fire and wrath, redeemed and delivered His believing Jews, now become “Immanuel,” “God with us” (Isaiah 7:14; Zechariah 8:23).

“[8] Come, behold the works of the LORD, what desolations he hath made in the earth. [9] He maketh wars to cease unto the end of the earth; he breaketh the bow, and cutteth the spear in sunder; he burneth the chariot in the fire. [10] Be still, and know that I am God: I will be exalted among the heathen, I will be exalted in the earth. [11] The LORD of hosts is with us; the God of Jacob is our refuge. Selah.”

Israel rejoices that she is free from her captives, never again to fear oppression or war. Her King is sitting on David’s throne in Zion, Jerusalem, urging her to “be still,” rest, and enjoy Him, for she is now become His vessel to reach the Gentiles!

NOTE: As I announced Friday, I have been diagnosed with double-lung pneumonia (which can be fatal). Currently, I am on medication, improving in strength and appetite, recuperating slowly with much rest. Later this week, I visit my family doctor for a follow-up exam. I will provide additional info in the near future. Thank you for your continued prayer!

Keep Yourselves in the Love of God #7

Wednesday, October 22, 2014

“Keep yourselves in the love of God, looking for the mercy of our Lord Jesus Christ unto eternal life” (Jude 21 KJV).

How will today’s Scripture benefit the nation Israel in “the ages to come?”

Writing to the future seven-year Tribulation Jewish saints, the Apostle Peter exhorted: “[6] Humble yourselves therefore under the mighty hand of God, that he may exalt you in due time: [7] Casting all your care upon him; for he careth for you. [8] Be sober, be vigilant; because your adversary the devil, as a roaring lion, walketh about, seeking whom he may devour: [9] Whom resist stedfast in the faith, knowing that the same afflictions are accomplished in your brethren that are in the world. [10] But the God of all grace, who hath called us unto his eternal glory by Christ Jesus, after that ye have suffered a while, make you perfect, stablish, strengthen, settle you” (1 Peter 5:6-10).

With almost all of mankind united with the Antichrist to “cut them off from being a nation; that the name of Israel may be no more in remembrance” (Psalm 83:4), Israel’s believing remnant must cast all their worry upon God, for He cares for them. He loves them ever so much, even if no one else does. Jude reminds them that, as long as they keep God’s love for them foremost in their thinking, Satan cannot use their hateful enemies to intimidate them into surrendering. Their faith, their kingdom doctrine (particularly Hebrews through Revelation), will guard them against the deception engulfing the world.

Father God will make these precious Jewish saints “perfect” (spiritually mature). He will “strengthen” Israel’s believing remnant. He will “settle” these Messianic Jews. Jude 20 and 21 are the keys to Israel’s spiritual survival during Daniel’s 70th week: studying the Scriptures applicable to them (especially Hebrews through Revelation), praying according to the Holy Spirit’s revealed Word to them, constantly recalling God’s love for them, and anticipating Christ’s glorious return to usher in their “heaven-on-earth” kingdom. Just as Israel will rely on Him to see them through difficult times, may we study and believe Paul’s epistles, to rely on God in our times of sorrow. 🙂

Our latest Bible Q&A: “Does 1 Corinthians 15:11 disprove dispensational Bible study?”

Keep Yourselves in the Love of God #5

Monday, October 20, 2014

“Keep yourselves in the love of God, looking for the mercy of our Lord Jesus Christ unto eternal life” (Jude 21 KJV).

How will today’s Scripture benefit the nation Israel in “the ages to come?”

In the midst of all the seven-year Tribulation’s suffering and heartache, Jude encourages Israel’s believing remnant in verses 20 and 21: “But ye, beloved, [1] building up yourselves on your most holy faith, [2] praying in the Holy Ghost, [3] keep yourselves in the love of God, [4] looking for the mercy of our Lord Jesus Christ unto eternal life.” (Notice the four-fold edification the Holy Spirit has for them.)

Firstly, they are to “[build] up [themselves] on [their] most holy faith” (belief system). Paul declared, “the word of [God’s] grace… is able to build you up” (Acts 20:32). Just as we are to use God’s Word to us (Paul’s epistles, Romans through Philemon) to build an edifice of sound doctrine in our hearts and lives (see 1 Corinthians 3:10,12,14), Israel’s believing remnant is to use the Old Testament, the Four Gospels, and Hebrews through Revelation to build an edifice of sound doctrine in their hearts and lives.

Secondly, they are to “[pray] in the Holy Ghost.” To reinforce that kingdom doctrine in their hearts and minds, they are to pray according to what the Holy Spirit will be doing at that time, activity described in their Scriptures (particularly Hebrews through Revelation, but all of the Bible outside of Paul’s epistles). The Holy Spirit will teach them His Word (1 John 2:27; cf. Matthew 10:19,20; Luke 21:14,15).

Thirdly, they are to “keep [guard] [themselves] in the love of God.” They are to remember God’s love for them, and not worry about the nations and their relatives and friends who hate them. (Later, we will look at this more closely.)

Lastly, they are to “[look] for the mercy of our Lord Jesus Christ unto eternal life.” They are to anticipate Jesus Christ’s Second Coming, when He will show them mercy, defeating their enemies, delivering them and ushering them into the eternal life of His earthly kingdom (Mark 10:28-31)….

Our latest Bible Q&A: “What does ‘saved, if ye keep in memory’ mean in 1 Corinthians 15:2?”