Going back out of town Sunday June 17th again for a week. Will be home on June 22nd in the evening.
Laurie
Laurie
Sunday, June 17, 2007
6-17-07 A Troubled Father "Luke 15:11-32"
Memory Verse: Luke 15:20 And he arose, and came to the father. But when he was yet a great way off, hi father saw him, and had compassion, and ran, and fell on his neck, and kissed him.
The prodigal father must have spent many troubled nights, burdened about his son who had gone into the far country. He may have reviewed his life again and again wondering what he might have done differently, reliving a thousand situations and speculating at the possible results had he chosen a different course in regard to his son.
But this troubled father lived to see his son's return. His tears were changed to laughter; his regret to rejoicing. What was there about this father that brought the prodigal back from the pig pen?
HE WAS APPROACHABLE. The account given by Jesus seems to indicate that the mother had died, adding to the father's load. It is clear that the family was wealthy. There were servants and a sizeable inheritance. With all these responsibilities, the father evidently remained approachable. When the son decided to leave to seek his fortune, he was able to go to his father and tell him about his dreams. So might have slipped away in the night, but he knew that his father wold listen, that he could communicate with him.
HE WAS AFFECTIONATE. When the son returned home, he ran and fell on his neck and kissed him. Away with the nonsense that says manhood calls for hardness or the maturity calls for coldness. Spurgeon describes this scene as "prodigal love for the prodigal son." The son was welcomed by an affectionate father's open arms, not glaring stares of condemnation.
IN HIS SON'S MIND, HE WAS ASSOCIATED WITH HEAVEN. Even when wayward, the prodigal couldn't think about his father without being reminded of heaven: "I have sinned against heaven, and before thee.: he confessed.
No wonder the prodigal came home!!
The prodigal father must have spent many troubled nights, burdened about his son who had gone into the far country. He may have reviewed his life again and again wondering what he might have done differently, reliving a thousand situations and speculating at the possible results had he chosen a different course in regard to his son.
But this troubled father lived to see his son's return. His tears were changed to laughter; his regret to rejoicing. What was there about this father that brought the prodigal back from the pig pen?
HE WAS APPROACHABLE. The account given by Jesus seems to indicate that the mother had died, adding to the father's load. It is clear that the family was wealthy. There were servants and a sizeable inheritance. With all these responsibilities, the father evidently remained approachable. When the son decided to leave to seek his fortune, he was able to go to his father and tell him about his dreams. So might have slipped away in the night, but he knew that his father wold listen, that he could communicate with him.
HE WAS AFFECTIONATE. When the son returned home, he ran and fell on his neck and kissed him. Away with the nonsense that says manhood calls for hardness or the maturity calls for coldness. Spurgeon describes this scene as "prodigal love for the prodigal son." The son was welcomed by an affectionate father's open arms, not glaring stares of condemnation.
IN HIS SON'S MIND, HE WAS ASSOCIATED WITH HEAVEN. Even when wayward, the prodigal couldn't think about his father without being reminded of heaven: "I have sinned against heaven, and before thee.: he confessed.
No wonder the prodigal came home!!
Thursday, June 7, 2007
6-7-07 In Hiding "Psalm 27"
Memory Verse: Psalm 27:5 For in the time of trouble he shall hide me in his pavilion: in the secret of his tabernacle shall he hide me; he shall set me up upon a rock.
Today you'd like to hang a "DO NOT DISTURB" sign on your door. You're embarrassed by a turn of events over which you had little or no control and you don't want to face people. You'd like to go into hiding. Interestingly, the Bible says that the Lord hides His own in His pavilion. What does that mean?
The pavilion of the kind was a tent that was placed right in the middle of the army. An honor guard protected the pavilion and was charged with the king's protection as well. Guests of the king were privileged to stay in the pavilion and so they were assured of all the protection afforded by the king's army. The pavilion was a safe place to be.
The Psalmist also speaks of the safety of the tabernacle. Being inside the tabernacle speaks of the safety of the presence of the Lord. In the New Testament, Paul wrote: "Set your affection on things above, not on things on the earth. For ye are dead, and your life is hid with Christ in God. When Christ, who is our life, shall appear, then shall ye also appear with him in glory" (Colossians 3:2-4).
Finally, David declares that the Lord has set his feet up upon a rock. The Lord says that He is the Rock: "He is the Rock, his work is perfect: for all his ways are judgment: a God of truth and without iniquity, just and right is he" (Deuteronomy 32:4).
What protection in trouble! We are safe within the Lord's pavilion, safe within His tabernacle and standing on the Rock.
Don't you feel secure?
Today you'd like to hang a "DO NOT DISTURB" sign on your door. You're embarrassed by a turn of events over which you had little or no control and you don't want to face people. You'd like to go into hiding. Interestingly, the Bible says that the Lord hides His own in His pavilion. What does that mean?
The pavilion of the kind was a tent that was placed right in the middle of the army. An honor guard protected the pavilion and was charged with the king's protection as well. Guests of the king were privileged to stay in the pavilion and so they were assured of all the protection afforded by the king's army. The pavilion was a safe place to be.
The Psalmist also speaks of the safety of the tabernacle. Being inside the tabernacle speaks of the safety of the presence of the Lord. In the New Testament, Paul wrote: "Set your affection on things above, not on things on the earth. For ye are dead, and your life is hid with Christ in God. When Christ, who is our life, shall appear, then shall ye also appear with him in glory" (Colossians 3:2-4).
Finally, David declares that the Lord has set his feet up upon a rock. The Lord says that He is the Rock: "He is the Rock, his work is perfect: for all his ways are judgment: a God of truth and without iniquity, just and right is he" (Deuteronomy 32:4).
What protection in trouble! We are safe within the Lord's pavilion, safe within His tabernacle and standing on the Rock.
Don't you feel secure?
Wednesday, June 6, 2007
6-6-07 The Refuge "Psalm 9:1-10"
Memory Verse: Psalm 9:9 The LORD also will be a refuge for the oppressed, a refuge in times of trouble.
Troubled people often long for a place to hide. That is exactly what the Lord offers. Refuge here means "fill-fort." David must have been thinking of one of the hill-forts where he had sought refuge during one of his many times of trouble. See how many times used this precious likeness to our Lord:
"Ye have shamed the counsel of the poor, because the LORD is his refuge" (Psalm 14:6). ". . . be merciful unto me: for my soul trusteth in thee: yea in the shadow of they wings will I make my refuge, until these calamities be over past" (Psalm 57:1). "But I will sing of thy power; yea, I will sing aloud of thy mercy in the morning: for thou hast been my defence and refuge in the day of my trouble" (Psalm 59:16). "In God is my salvation and my glory: the rock of my strength, and my refuge, is in God. Trust in him at all times; ye people, pour out your heart before him: God is a refuge for us" (Psalm 62:7-8). "I am as a wonder unto many: but thou art my strong refuge" (Psalm 71:7). "I will say of the LORD, He is my refuge and my fortress: my God; in him will I trust" (Psalm 91:2). " cried unto thee, O LORD: I said, Thou art my refuge and my portion in the land of the living" (Psalm 142:5).
Trouble can be going on all around one who is in a safe refuge and yet he will be secure. Perhaps your sad is storm-swept today. Unexpected problems have come upon you and you feel near the breaking point. You'd like to fly away somewhere and refuse to see anyone.
Here's good news. You do not need to flee to a different location to find peace and safety. Your refuge is available. Run to the hill-fort provided by Jesus.
He will keep you safe until the troubles are past!
Troubled people often long for a place to hide. That is exactly what the Lord offers. Refuge here means "fill-fort." David must have been thinking of one of the hill-forts where he had sought refuge during one of his many times of trouble. See how many times used this precious likeness to our Lord:
"Ye have shamed the counsel of the poor, because the LORD is his refuge" (Psalm 14:6). ". . . be merciful unto me: for my soul trusteth in thee: yea in the shadow of they wings will I make my refuge, until these calamities be over past" (Psalm 57:1). "But I will sing of thy power; yea, I will sing aloud of thy mercy in the morning: for thou hast been my defence and refuge in the day of my trouble" (Psalm 59:16). "In God is my salvation and my glory: the rock of my strength, and my refuge, is in God. Trust in him at all times; ye people, pour out your heart before him: God is a refuge for us" (Psalm 62:7-8). "I am as a wonder unto many: but thou art my strong refuge" (Psalm 71:7). "I will say of the LORD, He is my refuge and my fortress: my God; in him will I trust" (Psalm 91:2). " cried unto thee, O LORD: I said, Thou art my refuge and my portion in the land of the living" (Psalm 142:5).
Trouble can be going on all around one who is in a safe refuge and yet he will be secure. Perhaps your sad is storm-swept today. Unexpected problems have come upon you and you feel near the breaking point. You'd like to fly away somewhere and refuse to see anyone.
Here's good news. You do not need to flee to a different location to find peace and safety. Your refuge is available. Run to the hill-fort provided by Jesus.
He will keep you safe until the troubles are past!
Tuesday, June 5, 2007
6-5-07 Sharing Trouble "Job 30:25-31"
Memory Verse: Job 30:25 Did I not weep for him that was in trouble? Was not my soul grieved for the poor?
The Bible is careful with its compliments. Yet Job is called a perfect man: "There was a man in the land of Uz whose name was Job; and that man was perfect and upright, and one that feared God, and eschewed evil" (Job1:1). One of the characteristics of this good man was his compassion for those in trouble. He wept for those who were going through trials and was grieved over poverty.
Perhaps God will send you to help one who is going through a time of trouble today.
Dr. G. F. Pentecost was once trying to comfort a woman who had passed through serious trials. Failing in his efforts to cheer her and dispel her doubts, he took up some embroidery upon which she which she had been working and said, "What a confusion of threads! Why waste time on a thing like that?"
Turning the embroidery over, she said, "now look at it. You were seeing it from the wrong side."
That's it, exactly," said Dr. Pentecost. "You are looking at your trials from the wrong side. Turn them over and look at them from the right side -- that is, from God's side. The Lord is working out a design of His own for you life, and you must look at things from His point of view, and trust His workmanship."
We must be careful that we do not simply pass by those who are in trouble. Good Samaritans are needed who will show the compassion of Jesus to those who are weary in the race of life.
Those who really share burdens are few. Many are like Job's comforters -- quick to judge and condemn.
Weep with those who weep!
The Bible is careful with its compliments. Yet Job is called a perfect man: "There was a man in the land of Uz whose name was Job; and that man was perfect and upright, and one that feared God, and eschewed evil" (Job1:1). One of the characteristics of this good man was his compassion for those in trouble. He wept for those who were going through trials and was grieved over poverty.
Perhaps God will send you to help one who is going through a time of trouble today.
Dr. G. F. Pentecost was once trying to comfort a woman who had passed through serious trials. Failing in his efforts to cheer her and dispel her doubts, he took up some embroidery upon which she which she had been working and said, "What a confusion of threads! Why waste time on a thing like that?"
Turning the embroidery over, she said, "now look at it. You were seeing it from the wrong side."
That's it, exactly," said Dr. Pentecost. "You are looking at your trials from the wrong side. Turn them over and look at them from the right side -- that is, from God's side. The Lord is working out a design of His own for you life, and you must look at things from His point of view, and trust His workmanship."
We must be careful that we do not simply pass by those who are in trouble. Good Samaritans are needed who will show the compassion of Jesus to those who are weary in the race of life.
Those who really share burdens are few. Many are like Job's comforters -- quick to judge and condemn.
Weep with those who weep!
Monday, June 4, 2007
6-4-07 Answering Job's Questions "Job 14"
Memory Verse: Job 14:1 Man that is born of a woman is of few days, and full of trouble.
Job was a good and prosperous man. He was both rich and righteous -- a rare combination. His family consisted of seven sons and three daughters. Everything seemed to be going his way.
Then everything went wrong. Thieves stole his work animals. Lightning struck his sheep. A tornado hit his house where his children were gathered for a party and they were killed. His health failed. His wife became so depressed that she suggested that he end it all.
It is well known that Job came through this tough time triumphantly. Being human, however, he did ask some honest questions. Let's answer them.
QUESTION NUMBER ONE: "Who can bring a clean thing out of an unclean . . . (Job 14:4).
ANSWER: God can. He specializes in it. We are all unclean. Yet Christ died for us and invites us to come for cleansing. "Come now, and let us reason together, saith the Lord: though your sins be as scarlet, they shall be as white as snow . . ." (Isaiah 1:18).
QUESTION NUMBER TWO: " . . . yea, man giveth up the ghost, and where is he? (Job 14:10).
ANSWER: If he is a Christian, he is in heaven. "We are confident, I say and willing rather to be absent from the body, and to be present with the Lord" (II Corinthians 5:8).
QUESTION NUMBER THREE: "If a man die, shall he live again? (Job 14:14).
ANSWER: Yes, He will be resurrected. For Christians, it will happen when Christ returns, and will bring blessing. " . . . dead in Christ shall rise first" (I Thessalonians 4:16). The lost will be raised for judgment one thousand years later (Revelation 20:5).
Job was a good and prosperous man. He was both rich and righteous -- a rare combination. His family consisted of seven sons and three daughters. Everything seemed to be going his way.
Then everything went wrong. Thieves stole his work animals. Lightning struck his sheep. A tornado hit his house where his children were gathered for a party and they were killed. His health failed. His wife became so depressed that she suggested that he end it all.
It is well known that Job came through this tough time triumphantly. Being human, however, he did ask some honest questions. Let's answer them.
QUESTION NUMBER ONE: "Who can bring a clean thing out of an unclean . . . (Job 14:4).
ANSWER: God can. He specializes in it. We are all unclean. Yet Christ died for us and invites us to come for cleansing. "Come now, and let us reason together, saith the Lord: though your sins be as scarlet, they shall be as white as snow . . ." (Isaiah 1:18).
QUESTION NUMBER TWO: " . . . yea, man giveth up the ghost, and where is he? (Job 14:10).
ANSWER: If he is a Christian, he is in heaven. "We are confident, I say and willing rather to be absent from the body, and to be present with the Lord" (II Corinthians 5:8).
QUESTION NUMBER THREE: "If a man die, shall he live again? (Job 14:14).
ANSWER: Yes, He will be resurrected. For Christians, it will happen when Christ returns, and will bring blessing. " . . . dead in Christ shall rise first" (I Thessalonians 4:16). The lost will be raised for judgment one thousand years later (Revelation 20:5).
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