Continuing Promise

And the LORD smelled a sweet savor; and the LORD said in his heart, I will not again curse the ground any more for man's sake; for the imagination of man's heart is evil from his youth; neither will I again smite any more every thing living, as I have done.
While the earth remaineth, seedtime and harvest, and cold and heat, and summer and winter, and day and night shall not cease. (Gen 8:21-22)

The context of this verse is illuminating. It is God’s promise, given to Noah after the flood. The inhabitants of the earth have been destroyed as a consequence of their wickedness and disobedience, but Noah has obeyed God, and has built an altar and sacrificed to thank God. Even though mankind has an evil heart from youth, (the flood didn’t change that) God still grants this promise. There will still be the cycle of days and seasons, planting and harvest. This is not a promise conditioned on man’s obedience (good thing it’s not, because we aren’t). It is not conditioned on man’s goodness or faithfulness or believing. It is simply that as long as the earth exists, so will the promise of seasons and harvest be fulfilled.

This is the season of coming cold. The ground is cooling; grass and crops no longer grow. Trees loose their leaves. Soon the snow will come and the ponds will ice over. But the proof of this promise is still evident. Scratch a twig, and see the green under the bark. Turn over a rock, and see the grubs in torpid hibernation. Under the pond ice fish, toads and frogs wait for spring. God is still faithful to His promise.

Couples

When we go to Church, we see families, couples, newlyweds, golden agers. We see children, parents and single people. It is good to worship God as a family. It is good to sit in Church beside your spouse. Worship with family strengthens the family in following Christ.

But sometimes you see a couple in Church, and they are not together. One bows in prayer, the other lifts up hands to praise. Or maybe one dances and the other sits in quiet contemplation. There is no division between them; they simply are pursuing their personal relationship with God. This is a couple that knows the importance of family worship, but one that also knows each one of us is responsible for our own relationship with God.

The most important relationship in our spiritual life is our relationship with God. The individual’s second most important relationship is to the spouse. Each one of us must put the relationship with God first and sometimes this means a separation from the spouse. After becoming close to God, the couple comes back together, and their individual’s closeness to God will bless the marriage bond, and strengthen and deepen it.

More Promises

Abram believes God’s promises. This is now a “teachable moment”. So God continues, and He reminds Abram that He has given Abram the land. So Abram asks for more information. Notice that Abram didn’t ask when he didn’t believe, but when he believes, he wants more of God.

Abram follows God’s instructions to make a sacrifice, and God gives Abram a vision of the future concerning the 400 years in Egypt, and then He seals the covenant with Abram by passing His light through the sacrifice. And this covenant is even more specific:

Unto thy seed have I given this land, from the river of Egypt unto the great river, the river Euphrates: The Kenites, and the Kenizzites, and the Kadmonites, And the Hittites, and the Perizzites, and the Rephaims, And the Amorites, and the Canaanites, and the Girgashites, and the Jebusites. (Gen 15)

Unfortunately, the next thing that Abram and Sarai do is an act of unbelief. Thinking that God is taking too long in fulfilling His promise, they decide to “help”. Sarai gives her handmaid, Hager, to Abram to obtain children.

Promises to Abram

When God gives a promise, He sometimes doesn’t reveal it all at once. The first recorded promise to Abram was that God would make of thee a great nation, and I will bless thee and make thy name great; and thou shalt be a blessing; and I will bless them that bless thee and curse him that curseth thee; and in thee shall all the families of the earth be blessed. (Gen 12) After Abram separated from Lot, God told him that all the land which thou seest, to thee will I give it, and to thy seed forever. And I will make thy seed as the dust of the earth. (Gen 13) And then some years go by; Abram was still childless, so he asked God about a son. And God was more specific. He that shall come forth out of thine own bowels shall be thine heir. And God showed Abram the stars and said So shall thy seed be. Only now does Abram believe God’s promises.

So why did God not tell Abram everything at once? Even Abram is as a child to God, and how do we teach our children? We teach them gradually, a little at a time. In kindergarten, we learn to share toys, stand in line for recess and clean up for snack. In elementary school, we learn the shape and sound of letters and how to swing very high. Only after years do we learn algebra, the history of Mongolia or how to drive a car. God was teaching Abram, giving him a little more each time. God wanted Abram to experience the faithfulness of God himself and to know that God would not withdraw His promise. Abram believed God in other matters, and moved his family where God directed.

Even Abram, the father of believing, did not immediately believe all that God told him. He needed time to learn and grow.

Wisdom

I have given thee a wise and understanding heart; so that there shall be none like thee before thee, neither after thee shall any arise like unit thee.

So do you think that when Solomon asked for wisdom that God just opened his head and poured it in? That he was like some comic book superhero, the Wisdom Hulk, and he became instantly wise? Solomon started out wiser than most of us because he asked for wisdom, not power or wealth or status, but that was just his beginning.

Solomon had more than one kind of wisdom. One kind was the instant and reliable wisdom to judge the people that didn’t come from experience, but from listening to God. How else would Solomon know that the true mother of a baby would be revealed by offering to cut the child in half?

But Solomon also learned some of his knowledge through long, hard experience. He records in Ecclesiastes his search for meaning in life. Wealth, learning, great accomplishments and various pleasures all failed to satisfy. It was only after trying all these and experiencing the emptiness for himself that Solomon reached his full wisdom.

Fear God and keep His commandments; for this is the whole duty of man.

Cast Your Cares

The balloon rises into the air, bobbing near the tree branches.

God wants us to give Him our cares. (I Peter 5:7) But sometimes a sorrow does not diminish with time. Sometimes unforgiveness or anger is not replaced with peace. Sometimes a situation becomes overwhelming, consuming our thoughts, dominating every waking moment and robbing us of sleep.

A hand holds the string, as the balloon rises further and further into the air.
As the string lengthens, the balloon becomes smaller, further away.
The balloon seems to touch the clouds.

We pray about these things. We ask God to take these cares; to relieve us of these burdens. We give these burdens to God, asking for peace. And yet, the burdens do not lessen. Our prayers seem ineffectual. Where is the peace of God; where is the care God promises?

Higher still. Surely the balloon will touch the hand of God.

We pray; we ask God to take our burden. But God will not take anything from us unless we give it completely. We ask God to take our burden, but when the prayer is ended, we take back the burden.

Cut the string.

Toaster Tidbit #2

The Oscar and Mark Caravan was in Columbia, SC for the first part of this week. They are now back in Laurens, and plan to start for home on Friday. Their days have been full of ministering to the body of believers. There has been a release of God’s energy, which will continue to work powerfully in the days to come.

The church members remaining in Bennington have been under assault from our adversary, but we remain in praise and worship to God, and assured of His faithfulness to His promises. Like the Believers in Acts 5:24, we held prayer meeting tonight, and we lifted up our voices with one accord to praise God. Though we have been threatened, we still pray for more boldness to speak Thy Word.

We also talked about change, and that change is not always comfortable. We are in the midst of change, because God is bringing us to a new place. Because we are trusting the Lord, and we delight in Him, and have committed our ways to Him, He is giving us new desires, the desire to serve Him. As He places these new desires in our hearts, we know that we shall dwell in the land God provides, and be fed by Him. (Ps 37)

Protective Dogs

Visualize the house by the road, a dog sleeping in the yard. A stranger comes to knock on the door. The dog knows no one is home, and so he hides under the porch. But when the owner is home, the dog goes out to the property line to confront the intruder. It’s not only that the dog is protecting the owner; the dog feels braver, more able to deal with he intruder, because he has the backing of a more powerful force. The owner is his pack leader, and the dog feels protected by his owner.

Our relationship with God is similar. We don’t have to go it alone. We have the backing of a larger, more powerful force, so we feel more able to confront the things sent against us by the Adversary.

The LORD is my rock, and my fortress, and my deliverer; my God, my strength, in whom I will trust; my buckler, and the horn of my salvation, and my high tower.

Christ Jesus our Lord…In whom we have boldness.

Justice

In righteousness shalt thou be established: thou shalt be far from oppression; for thou shalt not fear: and from terror; for it shall not come near thee. Behold, they shall surely gather together, but not by me: whosoever shall gather together against thee shall fall for thy sake. I have created the blacksmith who fans the coals beneath the forge and makes the weapons of destruction. And I have created the armies that destroy. But in that coming day, no weapon turned against you will succeed. And everyone who tells lies in court will be brought to justice. These benefits are enjoyed by the servants of the Lord; their vindication will come from me. I, the Lord, have spoken!

Pruning the Vine

I am the true vine, and my Father is the husbandman.
Every branch in me that bears no fruit, he takes away; and every branch that does bear fruit, he prunes, that it may bear more fruit.
In this is my Father glorified, that you bear much fruit; so shall you be my disciples. John 15, 1-2, 8

Why are fruit trees pruned? What does it accomplish? The reason is that an unpruned tree puts all its strength and energy into growing leaves and new shoots. In a tree that has been properly pruned, the excess branches that will not bear fruit are removed. The tree then will put its energy and growth into the fruit. After all, it doesn’t have the barren shoots and leaves anymore, so that energy goes into fruit. A tree is pruned annually, because the tree still tries to grow those barren shoots, and they must be removed regularly.

In John, we are compared to a vine. When we follow God’s will for us, we make the choice to leave behind things that distract us from Him. A true disciple of Jesus examines his own life and asks God what needs to be pruned away to be the bearer of God’s fruit.

Joy in the Morning

Have joy in the morning. Awake to praise the new day and the Lord who has made it. His joy comes from a deep wellspring, and flows without end. You know the trueness of His joy, because unlike the happiness of the world, it is pure. There is no taint of acquisition, no sense of yourself in the Lord’s joy. It comes regardless of circumstance.

In Acts 4, Peter and John were imprisoned and brought to court for their boldness in obeying God. When they were let go, they were threatened to not teach in the name of Jesus again. And yet, when they returned to the church, everyone prayed for more boldness to speak God’s Word. They prayed for boldness, and they prayed with joy. They rejoiced because they knew that God was moving among them, and that God was glorified in their actions.

And now, Lord, behold their threatenings; and grant unto Your servants, that with all boldness they may speak Your word…And when they had prayed, the place was shaken where they were assembled together; and they were all filed with the holy spirit, and they spoke the word of God with boldness. Acts 4:29, 31

Silence

What fills the void of silence? When the routine of every day seems to repeat without change or progress, what brings you joy?

Tonight, the power is out, the result of a “lack of supply from the power suppliers in this area”. I have the chance to hear the silence, and am reminded that we fill our days with noise and our hours with a full schedule. The balanced life includes time for quiet closeness to God, as well as exuberant praise and worship. So tonight the loudest sound I hear is the ticking of the battery clock on the wall. The candles glow intimately. And I bless the presence of God.

When we feel the need to fill our hours with activity, we separate ourselves from God. Our daily lives become a fog that drifts over the face of God. Instead, take time for silence, the one-to-one with God. Refresh yourself with His presence, and then go out with joy in praise and worship, go out again to the daily duties. But remember with me, to return always to God’s closeness.

This is the rest, give you rest to him who is weary; and this is the refreshing.

Toaster Tidbit #1

Pastors Mark Herrick and Oscar Caraballo are on their way to a Christian conference in South Carolina. On the way, they are following the leading of the spirit to stop at Churches to fellowship with believers.

Tuesday
Mark and Oscar left Bennington early and headed south in an RV, “the toaster”. They stopped in New Jersey to fix a mechanical problem. They were able to find a parts store with the correct CV valve and a mechanic to install it. Proceeding onward, they had great fellowship with some believers that evening.

Wednesday
The pastors continued the journey, this time as far as Maryland. My news of Mark and Oscar is sparse because I had a sick horse to care for. My thanks for his kindness go to the veterinarian, Dr. Ted Johnson, who came to tend to Ren. Unfortunately, Ren was extremely sick, and was put down late Wednesday night.

Thursday
I am also thankful to Leon Knapp for his kindness and gentleness to me when he came with a backhoe to bury Ren. Oscar’s wife, Gloryvee, was hit on the head today by an object falling off a high shelf. The prayer meeting at Alpha and Omega Church in Bennington was full of praise for God, and the great work He is doing with Mark and Oscar. We know that we are truly walking out in boldness for God when the adversary moves against us.

Be sober, be vigilant; because your adversary the devil, as a roaring lion, walketh about, seeking whom he may devour.
I Peter 5:8

Formula for Life

MULTIPLY

sufficient unto the day is the evil thereof

BY

the multitude of thy tender mercies

SUBTRACT

the cares of this world

DO THE MATH


And the peace of God, which passeth all understanding, shall keep your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus.

A Prayer Request

Study to shew thyself approved unto God, a workman that needeth not to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth.

“Approved” is also used to describe a coin of full weight and value.

This is an important scripture, because by study we gain God’s approval. But study does not have to be some long arduous task. It does not need to consume endless hours. The study of scripture should be a joy that brings us closer to God. It should help us to understand His plans and desires for us. Scripture should excite, encourage, comfort.

Study seems difficult because we make it so. God can bring understanding, if only we ask. Make part of your prayer this request:

Lord, show me one new thing each day.

The Bee

Deborah was a woman who led the Hebrew people. For years, the people brought their problems and disputes to her, and she gave judgment. By the time the story of Sisera begins, she is no longer young. Perhaps she is grey-haired, stout, like a kind grandmother.

She starts by summoning Barak, and tells him to gather an army to defeat the army of the conqueror Jabin, led by Sisera. Sisera’s army is very strong, outnumbering the Hebrews, and is better equipped with chariots. The battle takes place on a wide plain between Mount Tabor and the River Kishon. It is Deborah who summoned the army; Deborah who encouraged Barak when he hesitated; Deborah who sent Barak and his army after the chariots of Sisera. And the army of Sisera was completely defeated.

Deborah means “a bee”. And she is like a bee, not like a wasp. Wasps are carnivores. They hunt other insects, and scavenge carrion. They are aggressive, and will attack without cause. Bees are herbivores, eating only the nectar of flowers. They sting only when threatened. Deborah, like a bee, attacked only in defense. She used a small force to defeat a larger. And though small and ineffectual in appearance, she was able to defeat a large enemy, because she listened to God.

Jogging

Jogging down the road. Thud, thud, thud, thud; the sound of feet on the ground. No cars; the house far behind. Breathe in and out; arms swing. Alone with the road and the running.

If I stumble, who will see it? If I fall, who will help? If I tire, I am still far from home. If I walk or if I run, the distance is the same.

But God is with us. His presence is no weight. He lets us choose our own course, our own pace. And if we let Him, He will guide our steps and remove the rocks from the path.

Paradox

Have you ever noticed that the things of God are often paradoxes? He uses the weak to defeat the strong, the foolish to confound the wise, and He puts the first last and the last first. And the things of God are good and honest. When things happen God’s way, everyone feels better. When things happen God’s way no one loses. That doesn’t happen by man’s way. So this is why the things of this world don’t make sense. This is why so many of man’s ideas have a bad result.

You can use this to test the things around you. Look at children’s games. Someone wins, and someone loses. Look at the losers face, and see how unhappy that makes the child. When we are grownups, similar situations occur. One person wins the lottery, and is very happy. Thousands of people lose and are unhappy: proof that lotteries are not part of God’s plan.

God makes win-win results. We all win, no one looses. This is why salvation is available for all, no one gets left out, we can all be winners. God has enough Blessings to give to everyone. God never runs out of Blessings and has to say: “Come back in a week, after the next delivery”. What in the world works this way?

The Duty of Man

Each one of us is alone. No one can know your thoughts, unless you voice them. No one can experience your feelings as you experience them. The connection to others is based on the shared understanding of words, not the actual sharing of the feelings. And what is there to do when there is no other to share even the small words we give each other? What is there to do when friends are gone, when family dies? Who is left to understand, and more importantly, what else is there left to do with life?

In Ecclesiastes is the experience of a man who looked for meaning in life. He experimented with pleasure, drunkenness and sex. He accumulated knowledge, wealth and power. He built great structures that amazed all who beheld them. And yet, he was unsatisfied. Everything that he tried, no matter how great or pleasurable, became stale. It was only when he turned his devotion fully to God, and to doing the will of God, that he found an activity that satisfied, and did not become stale.

Don’t wait till the end of your life to do God’s will. Don’t wait till friends and family are gone before experiencing the closeness of God. Don’t be deceived by the busyness of your life into thinking you are fulfilled. Only through nearness to God and the doing of His will does life have meaning.


Remember now your Creator in the days of your youth, Before the difficult days come, And the years draw near when you say, "I have no pleasure in them"…Now all has been heard; here is the conclusion of the matter: Fear God and keep his commandments, for this is the whole duty of man.

A Prayer

In times of trouble, O God, remind me of Your goodness. When I am discouraged, give me hope. If my friends desert me, comfort me with Your nearness. When I am alone, let Your presence fill me.

I am so often weak, and unworthy of your kindness. I so often forget the mercies and benefits that You have showered upon me. How fleeting is the mindfulness that I have for You, O my hope for eternity. My desire should always be to serve You. My thoughts should abound with Your Words.

What is there left for the child who wishes to be close to You? Only to contemplate Your greatness. Only to be thankful that You are faithful when I am not.

Bless the Lord, O My soul: and all that is within me, bless his holy name. Ps 103:1