Walk with God

For this cause we also, since the day we heard [it],
do not cease to pray for you,
and to desire that ye might be filled with the knowledge of his will
in all wisdom and spiritual understanding;
That ye might walk worthy of the Lord unto all pleasing,
being fruitful in every good work,
and increasing in the knowledge of God;
Strengthened with all might, according to his glorious power,
unto all patience and longsuffering with joyfulness. Col 1.9-11

Sit Down

God… rested on the seventh day
from all His work which He had done. Gen 2.1-2

Why did God need to rest on the seventh day? Isn’t God all-powerful? Surely even the Creation could not tire Him! So many of God’s directives to us indicate that we should be balanced in our lives. God did not really need to rest, but He wanted to teach us. One thing He wanted to teach us is that we should be mindful of the balance between work and rest. Too much of either work or rest is not good. And if there is too much of one in our lives, then there must be too little of the other. Balance is when work and rest are in proportion.

When work and rest are in proportion, then the result is a refreshing. The refreshing in Ex 31.17 is “to breathe strongly, to pant, to take breath when wearied.” If there is only rest, then no refreshing is possible. Work must come first, and the work must be enough to produce weariness. Not exhaustion, just the tired sense of accomplishment. Then rest can be taken, and the refreshing results.

In the verse above, God “rested”, which can also be translated as “sat down”. Sitting down indicates a completed action. God finished something – He completed the work of Creation, and then He stopped because He was done. When we complete a day’s work, we come home and sit down. We rest because the day’s work is complete.

But rest resulting in refreshing is not accomplished by simply coming to the end of the day. The mind must turn to other things. Have you ever had a night when all the troubles of the day run through your mind, and rest cannot be found? The refreshing comes as a result of turning away from the things of the world, and all the details of daily life, and towards God. He is the source of refreshing; through Him we are renewed.

for in six days the LORD made heaven and earth,
and on the seventh day he rested, and was refreshed. Ex 31.17

The Distraction of Riches

And they took strong cities, and a fat land, and possessed houses full of all goods, wells digged, vineyards, and oliveyards, and fruit trees in abundance: so they did eat, and were filled, and became fat, and delighted themselves in thy great goodness. Nevertheless they were disobedient, and rebelled against thee, and cast thy law behind their backs, and slew thy prophets which testified against them to turn them to thee, and they wrought great provocations. Neh 9.25-26


People are inconstant. They pray and ask God for deliverance in time of trial, and forget Him when times are good. That happened to the people of Judah in the time of Nehemiah. But they did what God wanted. After disobedience spanning generations, the people came together and worshiped, read the Word, and prayed about their sin and disobedience. They confessed to their pride and hardness of heart, and remembered the goodness and mercy of God.

We see this same attitude today. People who have plenty rarely obey God with faithfulness and constancy. Instead, they focus on the things of the world and their possessions. But those people who are not distracted by the riches of the world are more mindful of the mercies of God, and go to God with an awareness of unworthiness and a desire for repentance.

The greatness of God is not just in His power, but in His willingness to forgive and to accept His people back. No matter how often we disobey or let Him down, He is ready to welcome us back.

…and many times didst thou deliver them according to thy mercies…

No One There

I looked on my right hand, and behold,
there was no man that would know me:
refuge failed me; no man cared for my soul. Ps. 142.4

David wrote this Psalm when he was hiding in a cave. King Saul was searching for David to kill him. This must have been a dark time for David. Not only was he in hiding, but he had a small group of followers with him, and David was responsible for these men. The best shelter was a cave, and he had no supplies of food. Anyone in the area might tell the King where David was hiding, and staying in the same place was also a danger.

The right hand is the hand of blessing. On David’s right there was no one to help him. It must have seemed as if the entire world was searching for him. None of his old friends would give him food or shelter when he needed it most. And yet, David does not blame God. He does tell God how he feels; that he is overwhelmed; that traps are laid for him; that no one will help him. And then he goes on to remind us what he has learned: that God is still there; that God will be a protection from his persecutors. Even though the enemies are stronger than David, God will bring about a blessing.

…for thou shalt deal bountifully with me.

Make a Direct Call Now!

Advertising is one way to sell your product. Ads are in magazines, on TV and radio and on the side of the road. But these ads are not targeted ads – they go out to everyone, so companies have found better and cheaper ways to make a sale. Rather than put out an ad that goes to many people who have no interest in the product, the ad goes directly to a targeted consumer. These are called “direct mailings” and “direct calling”. We also know these ads as “junk mail” and “telemarketing”. But they are effective because the company thinks there is a higher likelihood that you have an interest in their product, so more sales for the amount of effort. The key is that the seller has found a way to talk directly to the consumer.

Well, there’s a more effective way to get a message to God. First, what is it you want to say? Maybe a request for help; maybe a shoulder to cry on. Are you looking for sympathy, understanding, someone to listen without interrupting? Do you need someone who really understands and can still help?

Find a quiet spot and turn your thoughts to God. Remember the sacrifice of His son Jesus. God loved us enough to sacrifice His Son. And His Son knew the pain and sorrow of this world. Let out your troubles to Him. Lay down all your burdens at His feet. His peace comes quietly. He really does understand. And then let Him give you the strength to go on.

Go ahead. Make a direct call. Talk directly to the One who can help you. Call now!

But Everyone Says…

The world is full is things we just know, well, because everyone says so. Everyone says that if you pick up a toad, you will get warts. Everyone says that sharks never sleep. But are these things really true? How do you really know what is real and what is rumor? There are a lot of stories going around about God and His workings that are false, too.

Everyone knows that God is an old man with a long beard sitting in a cloud. He has to look like a man because we are made in His image, and we look like men, right? But turn this around and look at God first. John 4.24 says that God is a Spirit. If God is a spirit, then there must be a part of a Christian that is spirit, too.

Have you heard someone say they won’t worship a god who lets bad things happen? Well then, who has rulership over the earth right now? In Genesis God said, Let us make man … and let them have dominion …over all the earth…. So originally God gave the rulership (dominion) to mankind. What happened? Adam gave up the dominion to the adversary, who then offered a portion of it to Jesus, saying: All these things will I give thee (Matt 4.9). You can’t offer what you don’t possess. So of course bad things happen; the adversary has dominion over the earth!

The moral of the story is: when looking for the truth, don’t rely on rumor or what people say. Go to the authority, the one in charge, and find out. If you want to know about God, don’t ask an atheist, look in the Word of God.

Shaken Foundations

When a structure is built, it is fashioned so that it accomplishes several purposes. It should be pleasing to look at. It should be strong, to withstand weather and last for many years. And most importantly, it should shelter the inhabitants and provide them with a safe place to live. We build houses, and we constantly repair and maintain them.

But what do you do when your house is shaken? When it is damaged, or falls into disrepair, and suddenly it seems as if the roof will fall or the floor gives way? Unless you live in a climate warm enough to move into a tent, you will repair the house. Repairs are made by removing the damaged or weakened parts, and replacing them with stronger ones.

Our relationship with God should be built upon the foundation of the Word, with Jesus Christ as the first cornerstone. Sometimes though, our relationship with God is attacked. It seems as though the roof leaks, the walls lean and the very foundation shakes. We are not perfect builders, and through carelessness and ignorance, we sometimes build using ideas that are not from God. When we are attacked, the repair must be made with the building blocks of the Word. No other material will do. And when you remove the damaged or weakened parts, and replace them with stronger ones, the whole structure is stronger than before. If the attack is renewed, your relationship with God will be stronger. You have weathered the storm, and can rest in the shelter of God’s blessing.

Carried to Babylon

Nebuchadnezzar king of Babylon [came] unto Jerusalem,
and besieged it…
and brought certain of the children of Israel...
to stand in the king’s palace…
among these were of the children of Judah: Daniel…

Daniel 1.1, 3-4, 6

Daniel was among the many captives brought to Babylon. Jerusalem had been conquered and looted, and King Jehoiachin himself taken captive. The prophecies of Jeremiah foretold the destruction of Judah, but the people refused to listen or to return to God. Jeremiah was not the only prophet who warned Judah. For years prophets of God admonished the people to return to the worship of God. They all said that the destruction of Judah could be avoided only if the people turned their hearts towards God.

The people did not turn towards God, and so Nebuchadnezzar was able to conquer Judah. He brought many Israelites to Babylon, and one of these captives was Daniel. We know the story of Daniel in the lion’s den, and that he was faithful to God. So why was he captured and brought into slavery? If any deserved to escape the destruction of Judah, surely it should be someone like Daniel. And even after he escaped the lion’s den, he was still a captive. Surely he deserved deliverance!

But God does not promise that we will be unaffected by the troubles of the world. We still experience loss and sorrow and death. War, disease and famine impact our lives just as the weather does. So where are the promises of God? Where is the protection, the rest that He promises? God does not give us protection outside of danger; He gives us protection within danger. He does not give us rest away from turmoil, but rest inside turmoil. He gives us that small safe place within the eye of the hurricane.

Be a Model

…for the time would fail me to tell of Gideon, and of Barak, and of Samson, and of Jephthae; of David also, and Samuel, and of the prophets: Who through faith subdued kingdoms, wrought righteousness, obtained promises … Heb 11.32-33

Behavior modeling is a psychology theory that says that we learn by watching the behavior of others and then imitate what we see. We learn from others how to behave. It’s a valid theory, and explains why parents should model correct behavior for their children. Do you want them to say “please” and “thank you”? Then say “please” and “thank you” yourself, and they will imitate you. This is modeling.

It can be used in adult situations as well. Do you want to have a discussion with your spouse (co-worker, friend) without raised voices? Then you speak calmly and without anger. It’s not a technique with immediate results, but it is effective over the long term, especially with children. Many people believe that anger and violence in children is caused by modeling of violent behavior seen at home or in TV and movies.

The Bible is full of models, both good and bad. The ultimate model for good is Jesus Christ, but if he is too lofty to imitate, there are many more ordinary models. Look to Abigail, who gave aid to David when he was in hiding, because it was the right and fair action to take. Or to Peter, who at first thought that the Gentiles could not be accepted by God, but changed his mind when God showed him differently. Josiah postponed the destruction of Judah by his personal faith and devotion to God.

And there are models of behavior that lead to destruction and separation from God. King Saul started as a devoted follower of God, but was drawn away by the power and status of his kingship. Sisera lost a battle where he had the clear military advantage, and was executed because he betrayed the trust of his friend’s wife. Ahab and Jeroboam, kings of Israel, followed strange gods, and brought destruction to the country they ruled.

We can choose. Do we want to imitate the behaviors that result in God’s blessings? Or do we choose to imitate the behaviors that result in separation from God?

And do no wrong

Thus saith the LORD; Execute ye judgment and righteousness,
and deliver the spoiled out of the hand of the oppressor:
and do no wrong, do no violence to the stranger,
the fatherless, nor the widow,
neither shed innocent blood in this place…
But if ye will not hear these words,
I swear by myself, saith the LORD,
that this house shall become a desolation. Jer 22.3, 5

These are stark and unyielding words of prophecy. Jeremiah told the people of Judah over and over that if they continued in disobedience, destruction would follow. Jeremiah was very specific in his predictions. The Babylonians would conquer the country, destroy Jerusalem, loot the Temple and take all the wealth of the country. And they would take captives back to Babylon, including the King of Judah. These captives would never return to their native land. The people left behind would face a worse fate: disease, starvation and death with no one to mourn their passing.

God tells the people of Judah that the situation was a “according to the fruit of your doings”. The dire prophecy could have been avoided if the people turned back to God. We often think that what God wanted was a stricter adherence to the law, but look at what God actually asks for:
1. Execute ye judgment and righteousness, and
2. deliver the spoiled out of the hand of the oppressor: and
3. do no wrong, do no violence to the stranger, the fatherless, nor the widow,
4. neither shed innocent blood in this place

So what is this is plain English? Here goes:
1. Be fair. Be wise. Be honest.
2. Help those who have been hurt by those who are stronger and more powerful.
3. Don’t take advantage of people who cannot defend themselves; instead, be as fair to them as you would to a person well known and respected in the community.
4. Don’t allow an innocent person to be falsely accused or spoken of.

We could sum this all up by saying “be nice to people, be fair and consistently honest without regard for wealth or power.” This isn’t law, this is love.

A Prayer of Dedication

Dear God-

Immerse me in your presence. I desire to keep You before me, to know Your presence both night and day. Increase in me the hunger to learn Your Word and to do Your service. Let my words be your Words. Let my thoughts be of You.

I desire to speak Your Words, but I also desire that my words be fitly spoken, meet for the hearer and the circumstance. Show me, not just what to say, but how to say, so that the hearer is persuaded. Let my words go into the heart of the hearer, so that You are glorified.

The path to the mountaintop is narrow and steep. The climber must traverse rough ground, rocks and streams, go through brush and around crevasses. A wrong turn leads over no path and with no direction. But the mountain top view cannot be equaled at a lesser elevation. The long sight is not attained without sustained effort. Grant me the clear sight to always see Your directed path, so I attain the mountain view. Grant me the strength and the armor to withstand any assailant who tries to misdirect me into the directionless void. Grant me the favor of Your presence and Your direction.

Calling

For the gifts and calling of God are without repentance.
Rom 11:29

God calls every one of us. He calls us to different things at different seasons. First, we are called by God to Salvation. Salvation is that first great big step in becoming a Christian, but it is only the first step. God continues to call each one of us to take the next step, to make the deeper commitment. We make the choice to follow the call, or to delay, or to ignore.

We are members of the body; each one of us with a unique personality, desire and talent. Praise God that He knows this, and desires that we each do His will in our own individual ways. Did you ever call a dog? And did he come right when you wanted? If he didn’t come right away, did you keep calling? God’s patience is greater than our, and His love is greater then ours. He calls us to ever greater things. Sometimes we take a long time to answer. Isn’t it nice that He is patient?

God knows that each of us is capable of doing more, being better, in His service. That’s why He keeps calling. He never gives up or withdraws His callings. He calls us to better than what we have now. The word for “calling” is also use for the invitation to a feast, so His call to us is to a greater thing, a spiritual feast, sitting at table with God.

For ye see your calling, brethren,
how that not many wise men after the flesh,
not many mighty, not many noble, are called. 1Cr 1:26

God's Work

So the wall was finished in the twenty and fifth day
of the month Elul,in fifty and two days.
And it came to pass,
that when all our enemies heard thereof,
and all the heathen that were about us saw these things,
they were much cast down in their own eyes:
for they perceived that this work was wrought of our God.
Nehemiah 6.15-16

When a person obeys God great things result. God’s work is never pointless or ineffectual. Nehemiah worked very hard to rebuild the wall around Jerusalem. He persuaded the people to work together, then he personally supervised the daily work, he fed many of the workers, and took no pay for his efforts. But these are only the tasks visible in the secular realm. Nehemiah prayed for four months before beginning the rebuilding. During the rebuilding, he resisted the distractions and attempts to instill fear by the enemies of God. Much of Nehemiah’s works was not visible to those around him.

But God knew Nehemiah’s heart. God knew the dedication he brought to the work at hand. And when all was done, the enemy knew also. The enemies knew that their lord, the devourer, did not prevail. No, the work was done by OUR GOD, the creator of the heavens and the earth.

But wait, didn’t Nehemiah do the work? Didn’t he spend all that time in prayer? Wasn’t he the one standing in the hot sun to ensure that every detail was attended to? Nehemiah did the will of God. Without God nothing would have been accomplished. A work of a man, however impressive, will not dishearten our enemies. But the work of God, any work done by God, will cast our enemy into despair. No matter how small in appearance, when we do the work of God, He is glorified.

Rumors

It is reported among the nations,

and Geshem says…

Nehemiah 6.6

When Sanballat was unsuccessful in distracting Nehemiah from the work of rebuilding the walls of Jerusalem, he tried something else. He started a rumor – about Nehemiah. And then he told the rumor to Nehemiah, trying to make him fearful. What if people believed the rumor? What if the King of Persia heard that Nehemiah was plotting rebellion? The fearful thing about a rumor is that it does not need to be true in order to do damage. It’s bad enough when people talk behind your back, and think things that are not true. But when the rumors get to those in authority, and action is taken based on the rumor, the innocent suffers.

This rumor was started intentionally. It goes beyond rumor, and is almost propaganda. It is a complete lie, and is especially unfair because Nehemiah has been so pure in his desire to work for God. He heard while living in Babylon that the walls needed rebuilding, and the disrepair saddened him even before he saw Jerusalem. Nehemiah prayed for four months before starting the repairs, and upon arriving in Jerusalem was able to persuade the entire city to work together. And during the time of repair, Nehemiah took no pay for what he did. He even fed others, at an expense to himself. And for this he was falsely accused!

This rumor began the way many do, with a vague report of “someone told me” or “everyone says that….” As knowledgeable people, we should recognize a rumor by these phrases when one is told. We should be on guard, and not believe the many false reports we hear.

We should also be aware that attacks occur in areas that mean the most to us. If you have worked hard on a project, and it is dear to your heart, expect to be attacked there. An enemy will not attack a position that is valueless. An enemy will attack to destroy what you hold dear.

Now look at Nehemiah’s reaction. He does not argue. He does not defend himself. God is his defense. But he does say that the rumor is a lie. This is not a defense; it is a statement of truth. Remember that lies are revealed only when put next to the truth? Nehemiah knew that trying to prove the rumor false would be time consuming, and probably not work. And by defending himself, the work on the wall would suffer, and maybe not be completed. This is just what Sanballat wants!

So Nehemiah refused to be afraid. He put the matter into the hands of God. If God wanted the walls to be rebuilt, then the rumor would not stop the work. Nehemiah prayed to God, and asked for strength to do God’s will. This is a model for our lives – technology has changed, but not rumor. We can respond as Nehemiah did:

Now therefore, O God, strengthen my hands. Neh 6.9

Discernment

That Sanballat and Geshem sent unto me, saying,
Come, let us meet together
in some one of the villages in the plain of Ono.
But they thought to do me mischief. Nehemiah 6.2

Nehemiah was born in Babylon, and served the King of Persia. Jerusalem’s walls had been just piles of rubble for almost 160 years. But Nehemiah persuaded the King of Persia to let him return and try to help the people and rebuild the city. Nehemiah prayed often to God for help and for guidance in the task. He was so successful, that the rebuilding of the walls took only 52 days. But the task was not accomplished without difficulties.

When the walls were almost complete, Sanballat and Geshem sent letters to Nehemiah, with a pretense of friendship and asking for a meeting. Nehemiah refused to be distracted from his work. (How much real work gets done in most meetings?) Then they tried to make him afraid with false rumors. Finally, they sent false friends with offers of protection and religious behavior. Nehemiah was able to discern the truth behind these distractions, and know that they were all attempts to stop the rebuilding of the wall. Sanballat and Geshem had no concern for Nehemiah’s welfare. They had no wish for friendship, or desire to warn Nehemiah of a true pitfall. They only wanted to stop the work, and were willing to use lies, rumors and false religion to do it.

Nehemiah saw through all this. So how can we develop discernment for the distractions and falseness in the world? The first essential is to always go back to the Word. Falsehood is only revealed when it is compared with truth. Have you ever heard one side of a story, and thought it was plausible, until you heard the other side. Falsehood by itself seems unremarkable. But compare it to the Truth, and the inconsistencies are revealed.

Discernment increases with spiritual maturity. As you learn more about God and His ways, the things that are not of Him become clearer. Discernment is something spiritual babies don’t have; after all, a baby will stick anything in his mouth. Finally, learn to rely on the leading of the Comforter, the holy spirit given by God. Discernment between a distraction and the proper time to take action allows us to focus on the task at hand – the work we do for God.

But the Comforter, which is the holy spirit,
whom the Father will send in my name,
he shall teach you all things,
and bring all things to your remembrance,
whatsoever I have said unto you.