Hebrews 10:29 is a sobering verse for all believers to be warned of disdaining the high cost of the Son of God's blood that made salvation possible.
Of how much sorer punishment, suppose ye, shall he be thought worthy, who hath trodden under foot the Son of God, and hath counted the blood of the covenant, wherewith he was sanctified, an unholy thing, and hath done despite unto the Spirit of grace? (Hebrews 10:29 KJV).
The word disdain comes from an Old French word deignier which means "to treat something as worthy." To disdain something, then, is to treat it with contempt (vocabulary.com).
Disdain begins when there is a change of attitude toward something once considered worthy or of great value. Disdain can lead to loathing – a form of hatred. Loathing what God does or supplies in our lives is to make Him the object of our disdain not necessarily what He so graciously provided.
In Numbers 21:5 it says "And the people spake against God, and against Moses, Wherefore have ye brought us up out of Egypt to die in the wilderness? for there is no bread, neither is there any water; and our soul loatheth this light bread (KJV). The Hebrew word for light in this verse means contemptible, worthless (Strong's Concordance).
The manna sent from heaven is a type of Christ who is the Bread of life (John 6:31-32). By calling the bread God supplied as light – meaning insufficient to satisfy their fleshly appetites – they were in turning despising God who is both the creator and supplier of bread.
Hebrews 10:29 uses the expression trodden underfoot the Son of God. The definition for trample means to cause damage or pain by walking or stepping heavily on something or someone or treat other people's rights, wishes, or feelings as if they are worthless or not important (merriam-webster.com).
We have the example of King Asa who made a covenant with God that was witnessed by the southern kingdom of Judah and those who settled in Jerusalem to seek God. Those who did not were to be put to death (2 Chronicles 15:10-15).
Then on his 36 year reign Asa took the gold and silver out of the temple’s treasury to make a treaty with the king of Aram to stop Baasha, the king of Israel from fortifying Ramah. Ramah was strategic outpost to prevent from anyone entering or leaving the territory. Three years later King Asa’s feet became afflicted but he refused to seek God, even when the disease worsen. He stopped seeking God and instead sought out physicians.
God took King Asa's covenant seriously but Asa treated his oath to seek God as a light thing. Asa trampled on the Spirit of grace that helped him win battles, to prosper and bring a spiritual awakening to his kingdom. No longer did Asa value the things of God but assumed he could take the silver and gold dedicated to God for his own means. He made a treaty with the enemy to attack his brother, the northern kingdom of Israel.
Beloved, freedom from disdain starts with confession. It means turning our feet from one direction to seek God once more - also called repentance. It means asking God for His supernatural help when the heart is angry and bitter over injustice. It requires Him to open our eyes to see things as He does...not what we want to see.
For those who seek God regardless to their present condition, He holds out a promise - His goodness will remove the stain of disdain. So we can say together, "How beautiful on the mountains are the feet of those who bring good news, who proclaim peace, who bring good tidings, who proclaim salvation, who say to Zion, "Your God reigns!" (NIV)
Saturday, February 27, 2016
Saturday, February 20, 2016
The Habitation Of Dragons
Isaiah 35:7 says, "And the parched ground shall become a pool, and the thirsty land springs of water: in the habitation of dragons, where each lay, shall be grass with reeds and rushes." (KJV). The Hebrew word for dragons is serpents. The devil is called a dragon, the ancient serpent (Revelations 20:2).
Beloved we are warned not give place to the Enemy (Ephesians 4:27). When we persist in disobeying God, the dragon will attempt to crawl, wiggle or slide into our lives to nest and devast any good thing in our lives.
If a believer is sincere with God - walking honestly before Him - not playing loosely with His word - then the Holy Spirit resides in his or her life to bring conviction and bear the fruit of repentance. So it's not a question of demon possession for the believer but rather demonic harassment. King Saul was troubled by an evil spirit sent by God. And Jesus warns us that if we do not forgive he will send torturers (Matthew 18:34-35).
Furthermore, the devil can not possess our will. We can still call out to God for help. When we submit to God then we can resist Satan (James 4:7). We have a choice through God's power to forgive (and to know His forgiveness) and the devil must flee.
Beloved, God promises to deliver us and make such a devilish habitation a place of where life once more flourishes and pure water overtakes the dry parch places. Such a habitation of dragons can be in our homes, at work or some area in our hearts that are sin bound. The Lord transforms these waste places and drives out the dragons.
Jesus tells us an evil spirit seeks out the waterless places (Luke 11:24). The purifying water of His word makes it impossible for the dragons to reside! Today the Lord says, "See, I am doing a new thing! Now it springs up; do you not perceive it? I am making a way in the wilderness and streams in the wasteland." (Isaiah 43:19 NIV).
Recently, the Lord has been speaking to my heart regarding a stronghold of anger (a demonic nesting place). After many years of acting like "the responsible child" to fix mistakes and problems even when others were clearly in the wrong or trying to be the "peace maker" to keep peace and harmony in relationships has given way to resentment and bitterness. The only remedy for lasting freedom is allow God to search my heart (Psalms 139:23). Despite repeated failure, I must keep presenting myself to Him. His word lights up my darkness so that I can see things through His eyes. It's far better to press into Him than to press into sin!
Be encouraged beloved - every stronghold and strongman - in our lives must fall like Jericho's walls. God promises to deliver us if we are only willing to bend the knee and agree to His work to free us. It may be painful and difficult but it's much better than living with a dragon!
Beloved we are warned not give place to the Enemy (Ephesians 4:27). When we persist in disobeying God, the dragon will attempt to crawl, wiggle or slide into our lives to nest and devast any good thing in our lives.
If a believer is sincere with God - walking honestly before Him - not playing loosely with His word - then the Holy Spirit resides in his or her life to bring conviction and bear the fruit of repentance. So it's not a question of demon possession for the believer but rather demonic harassment. King Saul was troubled by an evil spirit sent by God. And Jesus warns us that if we do not forgive he will send torturers (Matthew 18:34-35).
Furthermore, the devil can not possess our will. We can still call out to God for help. When we submit to God then we can resist Satan (James 4:7). We have a choice through God's power to forgive (and to know His forgiveness) and the devil must flee.
Beloved, God promises to deliver us and make such a devilish habitation a place of where life once more flourishes and pure water overtakes the dry parch places. Such a habitation of dragons can be in our homes, at work or some area in our hearts that are sin bound. The Lord transforms these waste places and drives out the dragons.
Jesus tells us an evil spirit seeks out the waterless places (Luke 11:24). The purifying water of His word makes it impossible for the dragons to reside! Today the Lord says, "See, I am doing a new thing! Now it springs up; do you not perceive it? I am making a way in the wilderness and streams in the wasteland." (Isaiah 43:19 NIV).
Recently, the Lord has been speaking to my heart regarding a stronghold of anger (a demonic nesting place). After many years of acting like "the responsible child" to fix mistakes and problems even when others were clearly in the wrong or trying to be the "peace maker" to keep peace and harmony in relationships has given way to resentment and bitterness. The only remedy for lasting freedom is allow God to search my heart (Psalms 139:23). Despite repeated failure, I must keep presenting myself to Him. His word lights up my darkness so that I can see things through His eyes. It's far better to press into Him than to press into sin!
Be encouraged beloved - every stronghold and strongman - in our lives must fall like Jericho's walls. God promises to deliver us if we are only willing to bend the knee and agree to His work to free us. It may be painful and difficult but it's much better than living with a dragon!
Saturday, February 13, 2016
Please, Stay With Me
In my high school year book is a quote from Hebrews 13:5 that says He will never leave or forsake me.
Over the years I wondered why I picked that verse. Why not some other cheerful or upbeat verse? Something about prosperity or health or some bright hopeful promise for the future.
But it was well fitting for someone who felt abandoned by my father and overlooked by my peers. Sadly, I was even criticized in the church community for a number of reasons. My health was frail with bouts of asthma and severe eczema deepening the isolation. Then there was deep personal problems starting to surface as I entered young adulthood. This added to an already miserable existence.
To be fair I wasn't always easy to get along. I'd rather be alone than figure out the dynamics of sustaining a friendship. I tend to be emotional and too open with my heart (and mouth) which was not a great draw for friends. To some I may have appeared to be too intense and a bit gloomy. All the while I'd prided myself in being a realist. Life was difficult and I was not about to sugar coat it.
Then there was prayer.
Alone and often in the dark I would talk to Jesus. I would pour out my anger and pain. I would tell Him my day and all the mundane details. I could tell Him everything and anything...and He responded in telling me secrets (Deuteronomy 29:29).
Jesus was not some imaginary friend but the living God who made me. So He understood me the best. Here in this place of prayer I found safety and protection. Minutes in His presence and I knew I was not alone or forsaken. God is with me.
As the years rolled on I was to learn that it worked both ways. At times I hear God whisper, "Stay with Me." I would glance at the chair where I sat moments before reading the Bible and praying. Now only to realize God was sitting there with His loving eyes fixed on me. Other times I would close the door to the closet with His voice still echoing, "Just a bit longer with Me."
Perhaps the reason for the Scripture in the high school book was God's message to me. When you grow older and face the trials and temptations of this life...don't leave me or forsake Me for I promise to be with you to the end (Matthew 28:20).
Beloved, how many hours or days or years have you neglected to talk to Jesus? Start today. Tell Him you love Him and miss His presence. He will immediately make Himself known to you. Why? Because He has been there all this time...waiting for you to stay with Him, just a moment longer.
Over the years I wondered why I picked that verse. Why not some other cheerful or upbeat verse? Something about prosperity or health or some bright hopeful promise for the future.
But it was well fitting for someone who felt abandoned by my father and overlooked by my peers. Sadly, I was even criticized in the church community for a number of reasons. My health was frail with bouts of asthma and severe eczema deepening the isolation. Then there was deep personal problems starting to surface as I entered young adulthood. This added to an already miserable existence.
To be fair I wasn't always easy to get along. I'd rather be alone than figure out the dynamics of sustaining a friendship. I tend to be emotional and too open with my heart (and mouth) which was not a great draw for friends. To some I may have appeared to be too intense and a bit gloomy. All the while I'd prided myself in being a realist. Life was difficult and I was not about to sugar coat it.
Then there was prayer.
Alone and often in the dark I would talk to Jesus. I would pour out my anger and pain. I would tell Him my day and all the mundane details. I could tell Him everything and anything...and He responded in telling me secrets (Deuteronomy 29:29).
Jesus was not some imaginary friend but the living God who made me. So He understood me the best. Here in this place of prayer I found safety and protection. Minutes in His presence and I knew I was not alone or forsaken. God is with me.
As the years rolled on I was to learn that it worked both ways. At times I hear God whisper, "Stay with Me." I would glance at the chair where I sat moments before reading the Bible and praying. Now only to realize God was sitting there with His loving eyes fixed on me. Other times I would close the door to the closet with His voice still echoing, "Just a bit longer with Me."
Perhaps the reason for the Scripture in the high school book was God's message to me. When you grow older and face the trials and temptations of this life...don't leave me or forsake Me for I promise to be with you to the end (Matthew 28:20).
Beloved, how many hours or days or years have you neglected to talk to Jesus? Start today. Tell Him you love Him and miss His presence. He will immediately make Himself known to you. Why? Because He has been there all this time...waiting for you to stay with Him, just a moment longer.
Saturday, February 6, 2016
Faithfulness There
The book of Hosea captures the broken heart of God for His people who rebelliously pursued false gods. They broke covenant with a God who never fails or lies. Still His heart yearned for their return so He can restore and heal them.
The greater sin was not so much the gross idolatry, violence in the streets or sexual immorality but forgetting God. They forgot His past deliverance when he freed them from Egypt. They were not mindful of His provision and care in the wilderness. Even now in the Promised Land, the victories He secured were largely ignored. As result of not acknowledging God they were captured by a spirit of prostitution (Hosea 5:4).
Today in this generation we are warned of a great falling away (2 Thessalonians 2:3) of unbelieving believers who simply fail to acknowledge God or believe He can do anything remotely possible to help them. Like Israel they are feverishly seeking other means of help and resources which lend to moral and spiritual bankruptcy.
Some may argue they are faithful to God. They read the Word, attend church and pray regularly. Their time is spent ministering both to the community of believers and at home with their family.
Until the Holy Spirit whispers, "Are you faithful to me there?" Hosea 6:7 says "...they have broken the covenant; they were unfaithful to me there." (NIV).
Here in this place deeply tucked in our hearts we shut out people and God. We have our so called protective or defensive reasons. A place hidden from the prying eyes of others but known only to us and God. A place where we retreat for solace and relief. A place often marked by dark and sinful imaginations. Here we have known repeated failures and the cycling in and out of sin and confession. We promise to do better...next time.
Sadly, there is a place where we fail to acknowledge God because we don't believe He can help us. If we allow Him, God is faithful to open our eyes to see it. And He provides a remedy. When we acknowledge that Assyria (type of our own human strength and resources) has failed and only God can deliver us (Hosea 14:3) He will restore us.
Beloved, what healing and restoration will be ours if we open our hearts for Him to come into the place - there in our hearts - a place which has known deep pain and sorrow - to makes us fruitful and faithful again (Hosea 14:8).
The greater sin was not so much the gross idolatry, violence in the streets or sexual immorality but forgetting God. They forgot His past deliverance when he freed them from Egypt. They were not mindful of His provision and care in the wilderness. Even now in the Promised Land, the victories He secured were largely ignored. As result of not acknowledging God they were captured by a spirit of prostitution (Hosea 5:4).
Today in this generation we are warned of a great falling away (2 Thessalonians 2:3) of unbelieving believers who simply fail to acknowledge God or believe He can do anything remotely possible to help them. Like Israel they are feverishly seeking other means of help and resources which lend to moral and spiritual bankruptcy.
Some may argue they are faithful to God. They read the Word, attend church and pray regularly. Their time is spent ministering both to the community of believers and at home with their family.
Until the Holy Spirit whispers, "Are you faithful to me there?" Hosea 6:7 says "...they have broken the covenant; they were unfaithful to me there." (NIV).
Here in this place deeply tucked in our hearts we shut out people and God. We have our so called protective or defensive reasons. A place hidden from the prying eyes of others but known only to us and God. A place where we retreat for solace and relief. A place often marked by dark and sinful imaginations. Here we have known repeated failures and the cycling in and out of sin and confession. We promise to do better...next time.
Sadly, there is a place where we fail to acknowledge God because we don't believe He can help us. If we allow Him, God is faithful to open our eyes to see it. And He provides a remedy. When we acknowledge that Assyria (type of our own human strength and resources) has failed and only God can deliver us (Hosea 14:3) He will restore us.
Beloved, what healing and restoration will be ours if we open our hearts for Him to come into the place - there in our hearts - a place which has known deep pain and sorrow - to makes us fruitful and faithful again (Hosea 14:8).