biblereadersanonymous

Did Jesus do what his name said he would do?

2009-07-23T07:44:00.000-07:00

Jesus:
Jehovah is Salvation

“…and thou shalt call his name JESUS: for he shall save his people from their sins.”
Matt 1:21

That is exactly what made Jesus so very unique, he actually did do what his name described him as doing.

The rest of the proclamation is very simple in what it says but is very profound as to what it is describing.
“…for he shall save his people from their sins.”

One of the primary purposes of the Levitical system of worship that God had instituted back in the day of Moses was to make it clear that there was a problem with sin and that it must be dealt with. And to deal with it properly meant the person had to acknowledge the sin and offer the prescribed sacrifice. There was no guess work; everything was laid out as to what was required.

Requirement #1 was the personal recognition of the sin.
It should be no surprise that when Jesus began his ministry among his people that the first thing he said to them was to repent. The angel is saying that the reason he has come is to save us from our sin so it only stands to reason that our personal recognition of the sin in our lives is a must.

Requirement #2 a required offering for that sin.

Let me ask you a question.
What if you were required to pay for a speeding ticket that I had acquired during my travels? Probably the first question you would ask would be, why should I pay it? I had nothing to do with your traffic violation. I must admit I can see where your objection would be quite in order.

Well let’s change the question around a bit. What did Jesus have to do with, my sin, or your sin that he should pay for it?
Is that what it means when the angel said that he will save his people from their sins?

I’m sorry, my time is up and I must get back on the road. But I will continue from here next time.

Jesus death, his burial and his resurrection have become my daily reality.
Dave

I'm Glad I'm Here!

2009-07-22T17:56:00.000-07:00

2009-07-22T17:42:00.000-07:00

With a Typhoon raging above, only a gentle rocking motion below...sleep was sweet as we glided beneath the tumult.

What's in a name

2009-07-22T17:15:00.000-07:00

Matthew 1:20 & 21
But while he thought on these things, behold, the angel of the Lord appeared unto him in a dream, saying, Joseph, thou son of David, fear not to take unto thee Mary, thy wife: for that which is conceived in her is of the Holy Ghost. And she shall bring forth a son, and thou shalt call his name JESUS:
for he shall save his people from their sins.

When we are around other people we naturally, even instinctively, pay attention to the body language of whoever is talking with us, or working with us. There is a very good reason that we do this, we expect that what is being said and what is being done to match up. That way we are able to give credibility to what is being said, we all do it and it is good that we do.[ although we do hope that others don’t hold us to that same standard] Echem…
Here in this opening statement from the angel of the Lord let’s look for a moment as to why he says that Jesus was sent to us. The first thing to note is the way the name Jesus is written.
( JESUS)
Why all caps? Why not simply write Jesus? Here I can only give my opinion but I make the observation for a reason. It was one of the first questions I asked when I read these verses the very first time some 30 years ago and I am reminded of it each time I read it. I have not been able to locate anyone who specifically explains why from a Greek grammatical point of view, all caps were used, so my confidence lies in the translators using caps for emphasis as to the uniqueness of this very common name during those times.
The name Jesus carries within it the idea of:
“Jehovah is Salvation” and what makes his name so unique is that what he did actually matched up with what was said in his name.

Who is Jesus and why did he come?

2009-07-21T06:18:00.000-07:00

Matthew 1:20 & 21
But while he thought on these things, behold, the angel of the Lord appeared unto him in a dream, saying, Joseph, thou son of David, fear not to take unto thee Mary, thy wife: for that which is conceived in her is of the Holy Ghost. And she shall bring forth a son, and thou shalt call his name JESUS:
for he shall save his people from their sins.

I have decided that to pick up with the book of Ephesians right now would be the wrong way for me to begin because understanding of the book of Ephesians needs some foundational work done first. The Bible is not just some collection of wise sayings and writings but is rather a progressive revelation of who Jesus Christ is and why he came. So I have decided to begin in Matthew. Which, by the way in my own personal journey through the Bible, I started reading again a couple of weeks ago and so to bring you along as I am reading it through again is my pleasure.
In the above verse we have the first mention of Jesus by name is the entirety of the Bible. This was said by an angel to Joseph as he slept, pondering what to do with his pregnant, espoused, wife. In that day in the Jewish culture the man and woman were legally married for a year before they actually lived together as husband and wife.
Here she was, pregnant and it was not by him. Although it is not recorded in the Bible that Mary had told Joseph of the visit by the angel, as recorded for us in the first chapter of the book of Luke, I believe it is a fair assumption that she had indeed told him not only about what the angel had said to her but also what had happened to her cousin Elizabeth and why she had journeyed there.
Joseph had a lot to sort through and I can only imagine the heavy weight that was on his heart as he was deciding his and Mary’s future.
If you would please, read through the verses at top one more time…First I want to make an observation that holds true time and time again.

God is the one that comes to us.

How He comes to us is his choice to make, but he comes to us first. Whether it be through preaching, or personal contact with one of his children, or God’s written word, or a personal visit himself, God always makes the first move toward us.
That’s where I will end this today and pick up here next time with these same two verses because there are some more foundations to lay before we can build a sturdy understanding of Jesus Christ and why he came.
Bro. Dave

Rock of Offence

2007-01-30T04:17:00.000-08:00

Romans 9:33
As it is written, Behold, I lay in Sion a stumblingstone and rock of offence: and whosoever believeth on him shall not be ashamed.

This past Sunday as I listened to my pastor, he was preaching on the text found in Mark chapter 8 where Jesus spits in the eyes of the blind man before he touches him. As he exposited the passage showing how Jesus led the man out of town to heal him, that Jesus would not simply be a side show but cared about the man himself, the age old question as to why Jesus spit in his eye was brought up.

I started wondering if I were to spit in your eye, what would be your normal reaction? Would you be offended wouldn’t you?
If you don’t think so, try it. Go and spit in your spouses eyes, or one of your children’s eyes, they will at least be quicker to forgive you, but none-the-less they will be offended. Of course there is also the fella that Jesus put mud in his eyes that he made from spit and told him to go wash (John 9:6-7) but I started going over other places where Jesus purposefully did something that could offend them.
John 6:54-57
54. Whoso eateth my flesh, and drinketh my blood, hath eternal life; and I will raise him up at the last day.
55. For my flesh is meat indeed, and my blood is drink indeed.
56. He that eateth my flesh, and drinketh my blood, dwelleth in me, and I in him.
57. As the living Father hath sent me, and I live by the Father: so he that eateth me, even he shall live by me.

This time is wasn’t something that he did, it was something that he said, as a matter of record, what Jesus said was what most often offended. I am sure you can come up with quite a few different places on your own, not only recorded in scripture as to the reactions of others, but take what God’s word says and recall your own reaction at different times. Ever been offended by what God’s Word says? But back to scripture for a moment.

Matthew 15:21-28
21. Then Jesus went thence, and departed into the coasts of Tyre and Sidon.
22. And, behold, a woman of Canaan came out of the same coasts, and cried unto him, saying, Have mercy on me, O Lord, thou Son of David; my daughter is grievously vexed with a devil.
23. But he answered her not a word. And his disciples came and besought him, saying, Send her away; for she crieth after us.
24. But he answered and said, I am not sent but unto the lost sheep of the house of Israel.
25. Then came she and worshipped him, saying, Lord, help me.
26. But he answered and said, It is not meet to take the children's bread, and to cast it to dogs.
27. And she said, Truth, Lord: yet the dogs eat of the crumbs which fall from their masters' table.
28. Then Jesus answered and said unto her, O woman, great is thy faith: be it unto thee even as thou wilt. And her daughter was made whole from that very hour.

Do you see an opportunity for taking offence here, like in verse 26?

Here’s a classic:
Matthew 16:23
23. But he turned, and said unto Peter, Get thee behind me, Satan: thou art an offence unto me: for thou savourest not the things that be of God, but those that be of men.

What Peter said offended Jesus and it is quite clear that Jesus was not about to allow an offence stop him from following God’s will for him. Do you think Peter was offended by what Jesus said? Well the scriptures do not record that he was offended, but you must admit, the opportunity to be offended at what Jesus said is there.

I also must admit as I was sitting there thinking of all the different places where people in the gospels had an opportunity to be offended by Jesus himself, I sort of stopped listening to the preaching so I should probably get the tape.

Here is the conclusion that I reached, and I believe I can show example after example of it in the scriptures:

Offence toward Jesus or his words is the filter that God uses to extract the faith in Christ Jesus the Lord that is genuine.

Drop Me A Line

2007-01-22T19:08:00.000-08:00

I'm Not Blogging for a bit. Send me an e-mail if you would like to talk.
davestrout@gmail.com

The Ingredient…

2007-01-19T05:15:00.000-08:00

38. Give, and it shall be given unto you; good measure, pressed down, and shaken together, and running over, shall men give into your bosom. For with the same measure that ye mete withal it shall be measured to you again.

Take this ingredient out of the recipe and all you have is a series of examples piled on top of each other. The Egg is missing because this statement exposes the heart of the matter and the individual.

This section starts with verse 27 and ends with verse 38, the last statement in the paragraph.

O.K. do I need to copy these verses down for you to read…or are you going to go get your bible and read them your self? Hmmmm…( tapping foot ) I’m waiting…

Very good, now read Luke Chapter 6. I mean why Mickey Mouse around here just start at the beginning of the chapter and when you get to verse 27 look at the message behind the words as he speaks, what is being dealt with here is the response of our heart isn’t it. Actually verse 38 is the concluding statement not only of the paragraph, but also the statement made in verse 37.

My point is this…we are not single out one ingredient but rather read the entire recipe so the Holy Spirit can prove our heart by adding the heat. That way we will taste good to God and to others.

A Song

2007-01-19T05:11:00.000-08:00

Judges Chapter 5 is a song sung by Israel after the battle had been won by following Deborah. A Song Born Of Victory!

Petty Socker Continued

2007-01-18T19:12:00.000-08:00

“…Wait a minute.” He thought to himself, “Forcing the ingredients of the recipes to be subjected to heat or cold seems ethically wrong.”
Taking out his calculator he, began to run some equations dealing with the chemistry of one of the recipes. Pouring over the Zucchini Bread recipe he noticed 4 large eggs were needed. The Professor started busily calculating the contents of the recipe and the inter-reaction that the eggs would have ESPECIALLY when heat was forced upon the mixture! And that with only 100 calories of heat an irreversible chemical reaction would begin to alter the chemistry of the eggs, salt and baking powder! This is a horrendous atrocity of epic proportions!
The Professor sat there at his desk with his hands in his head as he mourned the loss of the individual ingredients. The salt crystals had been in total unity until miners had separated them from the salt bed, they were moved from the salt bed and take far from home where all the other salt crystals were gathered. The Professor started to weep has he thought about the eggs, each one individually were a perfect unit, in need of nothing but…the Professors thoughts were interrupted as the word “Heat” past across his lips in a whisper.
The professors thoughts started reeling, thinking of all the places in which heat was actually beneficial like if the egg was warmed slowly by a hen a chick would emerge, if warm water was added to the naturally cold water when he took a shower how good it felt, or when the air was heated on a cold day that the shivers simply went away…just then the professor looked back down at his Petty Crocker Cookbook and realized how completely impossible it was for him to ever understand it. He now realized that it was necessary for him to leave cooking to the experts. So the Professor simply started watching the cooking channel to enjoy the professionals making everything work. He could never eat any of their cooking so he would go to the local Hardees and McDonalds and marvel a the skills and agility daily on display. Professor D. slowly walked out of McDonalds with a Big Mac, Fries and a Coke satisfied that he no longer needed to be puzzled by his Petty Socker Cookbook.
Prolog
Even though Professor D. has made himself happy, day by day he is headed for disaster with his health.
If the Professor had only read a recipe all the way through, kept it in context and followed directions instead of picking out little portions of the recipes and making of them something they were not, he could have enjoyed his Petty Socker Cookbook and enjoyed eating what he made.

When we read our Bible like Professor D. read his cookbook we will always end up confused. Read your Bible a book at a time instead of a verse or a chapter here and there it will surprise you how much sense the Bible makes. All the ingredients come together when the common denominator is included:
JESUS

The Petty Socker Blues

2007-01-17T05:51:00.000-08:00

In a well lit room furnished with four leather sitting chairs and a couple of tables surrounded by straight back chairs for study, Professor D. sat quietly pouring over his newly acquired Petty Socker cookbook.
The professor was a very smart and well-educated man; he was no body’s fool as was proved by his many accomplishments in business, but today Prof. D. is a very frustrated man. On the corner of the table is a stack of cookbooks of different varieties from different cultures written in different languages and today in the mail Prof. D. received his latest cookbook, the renowned Petty Socker Cookbook.
Cooking was such a frustrating experience to him, but he was determined to make it work some how, now, with his new cookbook he was sure it would all come together for him this time.
Let’s be real quiet and see if we can pick up on what he is saying to himself.
“I can’t believe it!” the professor mumbles under his breath. “It looks like it is organized like all of the others…what ever am I to do?” There is a long pause before we see his slumped form sit up a little straighter and a determined look replaces the look of despair on his face. The professor scoots the chair back and goes over to a desk and pulls out a note pad and a pencil and gets ready to write down a recipe, mumbling again says, “ I will learn to cook if it kills me!” then snickering to himself, “Naa…I’ll let my wife eat it.” Sitting back down at the table Prof. D. turns to the book of “Breads” and starts scanning the recipes and saw that recipe after recipe called for salt. “Hmmm…” the Professor said thoughtfully stroking his chin. “If I recall correctly…salt is in the other cookbooks too.” Reaching over to the stack of cookbooks on the corner of the table he looked in the Mexican cookbook, yep sure enough salt is in it, then he picked out the German cookbook, and there was salt there and as well as in the Asian cookbook. Pushing the others aside for the time being, the professor once again focused his Petty Socker Cookbook, pulling it slowly towards him, Prof. D. mused thoughtfully.
“So…salt is in very recipe that I could find in breads, I wonder if it is also in the book of “Pie’s and Cakes?”
The professor eagerly opened up the book and started pouring over its contents and sure enough there was not a recipe in that book that didn’t contain salt!
Moving on into the book of Cookies and Candies the professor made a startling discovery, there were actually recipes in this book that didn’t contain salt! The professor sat there stunned for a moment, he had never noticed that before. Why wasn’t there salt in some of the candy recipes? Were they produced in an anti salt culture or was salt not available in that culture from which it originated? The professor stood up and paced the floor his right hand stroking his chin as he went deep in thought. He paced back and forth for several minutes trying to make sense as to why salt was not in Chocolate Truffles, Triple Chocolate Marble Fudge, Caramels or Peanut Brittle. This puzzled the professor and he took several minutes with a dazed look on his face and a question on his lips as he began mumbling to himself again. Why, why, why was there no salt in some recipes.
Moving on to the book of “Desserts” Prof. D. continued his search and salt was repeated over and over and over and was estimated by the Professor that a full 95% of all recipes contained salt in them. Professor D. then started at the beginning of the book again and noticed another startling discovery, “Heating or Cooling! In other words there was to be an outside force applied to each recipe to make it work!
Standing up the professor began pacing excitedly around the room…“Think of it...” the professor said almost breathlessly, the application of Heat or Cold is required in EVERY recipe to make it work…” The professor stopped abruptly…“Wait a minute!”

To Be Continued…

Dave Speaks Out!

2007-01-14T19:39:00.000-08:00

Jesus Christ is so precious to me and the holy scriptures are my only window into God’s heart. It is through the words of the Apostles and those taught by them that the record of our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ, has been preserved for us all.
I almost got caught up in some old teaching and some old thinking as I have been traveling through the gospel of Luke this time and I am so thankful that I have come to know and trust the scriptures to be clear and through to reveal the character of Jesus.

I really got angry today at a teaching that is commonly taught, one that I have heard for many years and now has to be un-learned.

Luke 4
1. And Jesus being full of the Holy Ghost returned from Jordan, and was led by the Spirit into the wilderness,…

Luke 4:14 And Jesus returned in the power of the Spirit into Galilee: and there went out a fame of him through all the region round about.
15. And he taught in their synagogues, being glorified of all.

In the ten verses that separate these two portions of scripture
outline Satan’s direct attack on Jesus during his 40 day fast, and there is much that could be said about that but I want to focus today on the teaching of others making a case stating that Jesus went in to the wilderness “being full of the Holy Ghost” but came out of his experience “in the power of the Spirit”

I protest the inference that Jesus resisting temptation is to be connected with some added power of the Spirit exhibited in his life upon his return to Galilee. Said differently; that Jesus went in to the wilderness with only the Holy Ghost but returned with the power of the Spirit.
Matthew records this:
Matthew 4:11 Then the devil leaveth him, and, behold, angels came and ministered unto him.
Did you catch that…angels came and ministered unto him.
Jesus is still dependent.

This teaching also leaves us with the assumption that this is the way that we can control, or maybe a better word would be “harness” the power of the Spirit. Every temptation that I resist my power bar goes up another notch until finely I can whip up on the bad guy at the end of the game. Do you see how subtle this teaching is?

No! It was through the power of the Spirit that the temptations were met with such force from the very heart of Jesus! Jesus did not return to Galilee with an extra-added boost of power! Instead he continued right on schedule, not skipping a beat, following God’s will and the Spirits leading in his life.

The teaching should rather be that we, like Jesus, are dependent upon the Spirit’s power to be strong in our spirit when true and powerful temptations are presented to us by Satan.

I’m starting to loose my concentration, I should probably go to bed and continue tomorrow if I think I need to. TTFN

Story Time

2007-01-14T05:54:00.000-08:00

Introduction:
This little story will be written in one sitting this morning. It is a description of a picture associated with self-discipline and what happens when we forget who we are in Christ.

Doctor D,the coroner, hummed happily as he sped on his way down the road to his next appointment. He loved his job because he had found a way that he could actually contribute to the good of the community, by helping people rid themselves of old pesky habits. A deep satisfying grin, mixed with a little wicked laugh accompanied him in his Hurst as he looked at the directions he had written down. He turned off of the black top road and started down the country road mumbling to himself the address…917 Newnata Cutoff, he looked back up as he avoided the pot holes and the boulders in the road with the dust pluming behind him hiding the dusty road he had just traveled on. Each trip he made always provided such an interesting array of circumstances. One thing Doctor D. looked forward to was the fight, just with the thought of a genuine life and death battle caused his pulse to accelerate and his mind to quicken.

Mean while as Doctor D. is gleefully approaching Dave’s house, Dave is totally unaware of the approaching Hurst. Sitting in his easy chair, Dave is reading a diet book as he is busily psyching himself up for another attempt at loosing weight. Dave is a nice guy and all, but is a real wimp when a cream puff is around. Dave had been looking for a permanent solution to his weight problem for many years, and on different occasions has had a measure of success until today! Today there would be no going back and the problem would never plague him again.

Doctor D, seeing the mail-box, turned down the lane leading to Dave’s house. Doctor D. had been warned about a big black mean dog that Dave owned so he proceeded with caution. This was Dave’s day, not his. Pulling up to the gate of the fence, it was time to get it on and let the battle begin.

Dave turned the page of his book in the chapter titled:
“You Can Do It!” (it was a Tony Little diet book) when he heard a knock at the door. Getting up out of his chair, Dave answered the door seeing a man in a top hat standing on his porch.

“Dave, Dave Strout?” Doctor D. said with a smile.
“Yes.”
“Dave today is your day to be buried.” Doctor D. always loved the looks he got when he said that and Dave didn’t disappoint him in the least.

Dave, stunned at the comment looked at the classic undertaker garb and assumed that this was a gag of some sort. Dave said nothing for the moment and looked out the door and saw the Hurst waiting outside the gate. Dave looked at Doctor D. and asked:

“Who are you and who sent you?”
“My name is Doctor D. and you sent for me.”
“You must be mistaken, I didn’t send for you.”
“Sure you did, you want to loose weight don’t you?”
“Well yes…I do, but how does that involve you?”
“Dave your desire to over eat must die and I am here to kill that desire by burying you.”

Dave’s jaw simply dropped in shock as Doctor D. spoke, he couldn’t believe what this man was saying.

“So Dave, you can come with me voluntarily or I will put you in the casket myself.” Dave’s hesitation said all he needed to hear and with a solid right to the jaw, Dave was out like a light.
“Hmph, that was easy, I love these fat guys they have no endurance and their reaction time is so slow.”
The problem facing Dr. D. now was moving this fat guy into the casket. Leaving Dave in the doorway Dr. D. he took the gurney with the casket on it out of the Hurst and rolled it over to the porch to roll Dave into it. Just as he reached the porch Dave started to regain consciousness, he had to act quickly to put Dave out again.

As Dave opened his eyes he saw Dr. D. approaching and rolled off the side of the porch away from the casket. Getting his wits about him again, Dave grabbed a near by shovel and prepared to swing it.

“What are you doing!” shouted Dave, “Get out of here and leave me alone.”
“No can do.” Responded Dr. D. “Your desire to over eat must die today, there is no tomorrow!”
“What!”
“Dave get a grip!! Your already dead, don’t your remember!”
“What do you mean” Dave shouted in a panic.

Dave…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.
Mortify therefore your members which are upon the earth;

Colossians 3:2-5

What! No Miracles?

2007-01-13T07:29:00.000-08:00

Chapter 3 of Judges and Chapter 4 of Luke, once again we have some interesting correlations between the two. Let’s start with God’s explanation as to why he did what he did.
Judges 3

1. Now these are the nations which the Lord left, to prove Israel by them, even as many of Israel as had not known all the wars of Canaan;
2. Only that the generations of the children of Israel might know, to teach them war, at the least such as before knew nothing thereof;
3. Namely, five lords of the Philistines, and all the Canaanites, and the Sidonians, and the Hivites that dwelt in mount Lebanon, from mount Baalhermon unto the entering in of Hamath.
4. And they were to prove Israel by them, to know whether they would hearken unto the commandments of the Lord, which he commanded their fathers by the hand of Moses.

What we have here is a failure to Dominate!

God left these peoples in the land to prove the children of those who had seen God’s miracles. They had not seen any miracles first hand, they had only heard of them, now would they harken unto the commandments of the Lord?

Now lets fast forward to:
Luke 4

1. And Jesus being full of the Holy Ghost returned from Jordan, and was led by the Spirit into the wilderness,
2. Being forty days tempted of the devil. And in those days he did eat nothing: and when they were ended, he afterward hungered.

Interesting isn’t it? The very he we have the second test of obedience for Jesus being publicly tested as I count them. First being obedient in being baptized and secondly being obedient to, of his own free will, go into the wilderness… 2. Being forty days tempted of the devil.

So before the devil ever got turned loose on him, Jesus understood that he had a couple of specific commands to harken unto, to put it in Judges terminology. There is a difference here though, Jesus didn’t have a written command to be baptized, or to go into the wilderness, but he understood the leading of the Holy Ghost for each one.

Dave? Are you saying that Jesus was lead by the Holy Ghost even before John baptized him?
Yep, that’s exactly what I am saying.
O.K…I was just wondering.

Here’s Mark’s account:
Mark 1:12 And immediately the Spirit driveth him into the wilderness.
13. And he was there in the wilderness forty days, tempted of Satan; and was with the wild beasts; and the angels ministered unto him.
Short and sweet isn’t it?
Luke says: And Jesus being full of the Holy Ghost returned from Jordan, and was led by the Spirit into the wilderness,

Mark says: And immediately the Spirit driveth him into the wilderness.

Matthew’s account says:
Then was Jesus led up of the Spirit into the wilderness to be tempted of the devil.

There is an urgency detected in each of these accounts of Jesus’ life as he had to face planned opposition just as they did in the book of Judges, and God’s purpose in each case is to test the heart.

The nation of Israel chose not to heed God’s commands given by Moses, to engage the enemy and was powerless against them with the exception of a select few leaders.

Jesus chose to heed God’s commands directed by the Holy Ghost to engage the enemy and allow his heart to be tested and…

14. And Jesus returned in the power of the Spirit into Galilee:

Do I Have To Change?

2007-01-12T02:59:00.000-08:00

Judges chapters 2 & 3 will be where I begin today. I have gotten a little behind here but I don’t want to skip what is occurring as I am reading my bible.
Do I Have To Change?

God is so careful with us, he wants us to really get a hold of his full council as we come to the scriptures and so picture after picture is painted for us to understand the heart dealings of the Holy Ghost. It just so happens…hehe….that where I am reading in Luke now provides us with some comparisons as well as some contrasts with these two chapters in Judges. I may just go ahead and mingle the two instead of using two different posts. Yep, that’s exactly what I will do.

Judges 2

1. And an angel of the Lord came up from Gilgal to Bochim, and said, I made you to go up out of Egypt, and have brought you unto the land which I sware unto your fathers; and I said, I will never break my covenant with you.
2. And ye shall make no league with the inhabitants of this land; ye shall throw down their altars: but ye have not obeyed my voice: why have ye done this?

Echem… Their reaction?

3. And it came to pass, when the angel of the Lord spake these words unto all the children of Israel, that the people lifted up their voice, and wept.

Let’s Check out Luke chapter 3:6-7
7. Then said he to the multitude that came forth to be baptized of him, O generation of vipers, who hath warned you to flee from the wrath to come?
8. Bring forth therefore fruits worthy of repentance, and begin not to say within yourselves, We have Abraham to our father: for I say unto you, That God is able of these stones to raise up children unto Abraham.

This is a correction, or a challenge or a warning that is repeated over and over again through out the scriptures. I think I will summarize it in the form of a question, here goes.
Is our experience with God actually changing our heart to understand and do things God’s way, or is our experience with God merely platform of comparison so we can say: My God is Better Than Your God, yet our identity is with the world around us.

Back to Judges chapter 2…

11. And the children of Israel did evil in the sight of the Lord, and served Baalim:
12. And they forsook the Lord God of their fathers, which brought them out of the land of Egypt, and followed other gods, of the gods of the people that were round about them, and bowed themselves unto them, and provoked the Lord to anger.

Now Luke 3…

9. And now also the axe is laid unto the root of the trees: every tree therefore which bringeth not forth good fruit is hewn down, and cast into the fire.
10. And the people asked him, saying, What shall we do then?

This is a good sign! The people in Luke would like some clarification on what John is talking about. The folks in Judges were given clarification too, but I don’t recall seeing where they really wanted to know.

Judges 3

1. Now these are the nations which the Lord left, to prove Israel by them, even as many of Israel as had not known all the wars of Canaan;

You may be asking yourself why do I write about repenting and repentance so much, Hey… I’m just reading the bible, the bible is the one talking about it and giving different pictures concerning it and since it is a subject that God brings over and over, I suspect that it is something that we need to hear.

Luke chapter 3
13. And he said unto them, Exact no more than that which is appointed you.
14. And the soldiers likewise demanded of him, saying, And what shall we do? And he said unto them, Do violence to no man, neither accuse any falsely; and be content with your wages.

I love the gospel of Luke, it is so very unique, as Luke was gathering his information he was sure to include verses 13 and 14, which are unique to all the other gospels. So before we can get all spiritual about repentance, the simple truth is laid out before us.

I have to quit for today, I’m still behind, but that’s O.K. I know where I’m at.

Just God's Word Today

2007-01-08T03:09:00.000-08:00

Luke 1:46. And Mary said, My soul doth magnify the Lord,
47. And my spirit hath rejoiced in God my Saviour.
48. For he hath regarded the low estate of his handmaiden: for, behold, from henceforth all generations shall call me blessed.
49. For he that is mighty hath done to me great things; and holy is his name.
50. And his mercy is on them that fear him from generation to generation.
51. He hath shewed strength with his arm; he hath scattered the proud in the imagination of their hearts.
52. He hath put down the mighty from their seats, and exalted them of low degree.
53. He hath filled the hungry with good things; and the rich he hath sent empty away.
54. He hath holpen his servant Israel, in remembrance of his mercy;
55. As he spake to our fathers, to Abraham, and to his seed for ever.

Luke 1:63. And he asked for a writing table, and wrote, saying, His name is John. And they marvelled all.
64. And his mouth was opened immediately, and his tongue loosed, and he spake, and praised God.
65. And fear came on all that dwelt round about them: and all these sayings were noised abroad throughout all the hill country of Judaea.
66. And all they that heard them laid them up in their hearts, saying, What manner of child shall this be! And the hand of the Lord was with him.
67. And his father Zacharias was filled with the Holy Ghost, and prophesied, saying,
68. Blessed be the Lord God of Israel; for he hath visited and redeemed his people,
69. And hath raised up an horn of salvation for us in the house of his servant David;
70. As he spake by the mouth of his holy prophets, which have been since the world began:
71. That we should be saved from our enemies, and from the hand of all that hate us;
72. To perform the mercy promised to our fathers, and to remember his holy covenant;
73. The oath which he sware to our father Abraham,
74. That he would grant unto us, that we being delivered out of the hand of our enemies might serve him without fear,
75. In holiness and righteousness before him, all the days of our life.
76. And thou, child, shalt be called the prophet of the Highest: for thou shalt go before the face of the Lord to prepare his ways;
77. To give knowledge of salvation unto his people by the remission of their sins,
78. Through the tender mercy of our God; whereby the dayspring from on high hath visited us,
79. To give light to them that sit in darkness and in the shadow of death, to guide our feet into the way of peace.
80. And the child grew, and waxed strong in spirit, and was in the deserts till the day of his shewing unto Israel.

To Be Continued?...

2007-01-08T02:17:00.000-08:00

I must admit to grand plans of really going through chapters
14-15-16 of Mark, but I am already in Luke so I will sort of recap the last chapters in Mark.
First of all I would like to point out that there is no portion of these chapters that is more important than the other, they come as a whole. The very essence of our new life with God is lived out daily by experiencing our:
1. Our commitment to God in recognizing the need for the death of our flesh revealed by the Holy Ghost.
2. The blood atoning for our sin applied by the Holy Ghost.
3. The burial of the old man of sin accomplished by the Holy Ghost.
4. The resurrection to new life in the power of the Holy Ghost.

Our part in all of this is to heed the call and submit to God’s authority, the Holy Ghost does the rest. We experience all that God has through his Spirit, the spirit of life in Christ Jesus:
Romans 8:2 For the law of the Spirit of life in Christ Jesus hath made me free from the law of sin and death.

On to Luke…

The Beginning of the End

2007-01-06T16:34:00.000-08:00

I tried to just pick out something and write about it today and it just wasn’t going to happen because I was trying to write just about chapter 15 in Mark. Starting with the last supper Jesus had with his disciples till Jesus is buried is about 24 hours and is covered in chapters 14 & 15. It’s simply impossible to leave with Jesus in the tomb! So I had to gone to chapter 16.
That leaves me with a question; just how tough are you because this article may end up being a real record setter. So if you insist on reading the entire article I would recommend that you go to the bathroom if you need to, then get a cup of tea or coffee or some other beverage and cozy up to your computer, because you will be here for a while.
It is so easy for us to isolate different sections of the life of Jesus, and discuss different conversations and events that occur at different times in his 3 ½ years of ministry but to break this up just ain’t gonna happen with me today so hold on to your hats because it will take me three times longer to write this than it will for you to read it. So if you will stop here and read from Mark chapter 14 to the end of the book you will enjoy this trip just a little more.

Jesus said:
18. And as they sat and did eat, Jesus said, Verily I say unto you, One of you which eateth with me shall betray me.
19. And they began to be sorrowful, and to say unto him one by one, Is it I? and another said, Is it I?
20. And he answered and said unto them, It is one of the twelve, that dippeth with me in the dish.
21. The Son of man indeed goeth, as it is written of him: but woe to that man by whom the Son of man is betrayed! good were it for that man if he had never been born.

Let me paint a little picture for you. It might have been the day before, or maybe a little more than that but Judas had made his move.
14:10 & 11
10. And Judas Iscariot, one of the twelve, went unto the chief priests, to betray him unto them.
11. And when they heard it, they were glad, and promised to give him money. And he sought how he might conveniently betray him.

Would you say that Judas has decided to sin? What sin would we call this? How about lying? He is pretending to be devoted to Jesus and conspiring with those who Judas knows want to do him harm. Are you with me so far? Judas then joins back with his group. I would suppose that Judas didn’t engage in any intimate conversation with Jesus after making the deal with the chief priests because he wouldn’t have wanted to take the chance of being confronted with his sin by Jesus, I mean after all Peter was confronted point blank.
Let me ask you another question, what is the kindest thing God can do for us when we are in blatant sin? Your right! Let us know about it so we can repent of it, and that is exactly what Jesus is doing with his announcement of betrayal. We are never forced obey God, none of us, on the other hand each of us can attest to the force exhibited upon our will by sin in our lives. So Jesus speaks a general word of warning in the presence of them all so the one who is guilty can make his own choice.
22. The last words that Jesus spoke were: but woe to that man by whom the Son of man is betrayed! good were it for that man if he had never been born.

That’s about as strong a warning that can be given, and when Jesus said it, I don’t hear him using a commanding voice but the same tone of genuineness that had stirred the other disciples who were deeply concerned that it might be one of them could do this! Here we have the mercy of God at work speaking the truth in love.
After Jesus strong warning Matthew records Jesus and Judas speaking one on one.
Matthew 26:25 Then Judas, which betrayed him, answered and said, Master, is it I? He said unto him, Thou hast said.

O.K. Let’s just sit down and chat here for a little while and take a fresh look at this and note the sequence of events.
1. Judas decides to betray Jesus
2. Jesus makes the act(sin) known to all
(self examination of each)
3. Jesus identifies the traitor when he asks
(thus making the sin personal)

I just wanted to go through this to make it easier for us to recognize when the Holy Ghost is doing the same thing for us now today. We decide to sin, we sin, God exposes the sin and identifies us personally to help us know our need for repentance.

I would like to ask the question, What if Judas had repented and not betrayed Jesus after all? We will never know the answer to that question because he didn’t repent. Could he have? Well aren’t we just full of questions today. Of course he could have, but his heart was already committed, he had entered into a contract by taking the money from the chief priests and was obligated to follow through just as a matter of pride if nothing else.

I will have to quit for now and come back tomorrow and continue.
To Be Continued…

Back One Step

2007-01-06T05:23:00.000-08:00

I know that today I read chapter 15 of Mark, but I want to say one more thing about chapter 14 before I do.
Jesus, in the garden of Gethsemane, prayed saying:
Abba, Father, all things are possible unto thee; take away this cup from me: nevertheless not what I will, but what thou wilt.

This is just a reminder that all the good things that Jesus did and the wise things that he said add up to just another religion without his obedience to the father in the sacrifice of his life and the shedding of his blood.
There are plenty of other religions that welcome and even include Jesus, but leave out the blood and the meaning of his sacrifice on our behalf both in the past and today in our daily lives.

Supper Time

2007-01-04T21:30:00.000-08:00

Mark 14:3 And being in Bethany in the house of Simon the leper, as he sat at meat, there came a woman having an alabaster box of ointment of spikenard very precious; and she brake the box, and poured it on his head.

Matthew 26:6 Now when Jesus was in Bethany, in the house of Simon the leper,
7. There came unto him a woman having an alabaster box of very precious ointment, and poured it on his head, as he sat at meat.

Simon the leper is what I find interesting here in the beginning of chapter 14 of Mark. I also included Matthews account.

Is Simon currently a leper as Jesus sups with him, or is Simon an ex-leper? The text would indicate that he was a leper at the time of the supper; I can find no other history on him.

Nobody objects to the woman, only to the ointment and the application of it. It’s nice to see that by this time the disciples accepted the fact that with Jesus, men and women and children were all welcome to come to him. The fuss about the ointment is a smoke screen to cover up their own lusts and Jesus knows it.

Mark 14:8 She hath done what she could: she is come aforehand to anoint my body to the burying.

Jesus only asks us to do what we are able to do, but he does ask that it be done from the heart.

HELP, I need somebody!

2007-01-04T21:27:00.000-08:00

Chapter 20 of Joshua,
Since there is no sheriff in town, and the Erps are't born yet, an open jail is all that is avalible before your trial if you are in Israel and you kill someone by accident.

Prophesy for today

2007-01-04T05:00:00.000-08:00

Mark chapter 13 really gets me to thinking. I have heard enough teachers who claim they have it all together use words like… “Now I believe that” “It could be that” “It should happen in this fashion” and there are plenty that claim that they not only know what the prophesies mean, but that they are the fulfillment of them!

When it comes to prophetic things in the bible, I am one that is interested, but I am not one that will let that which is obscure sway me from the task at hand, living with Jesus today. With all the prophecies that were announced prior to Jesus arriving on the scene, none of them were really fully recognized until after Jesus resurrection, and that by the Holy Spirits’ revelation.
So I choose to relax, if the Holy Spirit doesn’t reveal it, I don’t know it anyway. Besides, if the only thing that gets me thrilled inside is the thought of upcoming events concerning eschatology it won’t be long and I will begin loose my passion for people, which is what Jesus came for in the first place.
So I read chapter 13 kind of in wonder, and the more I search the scriptures I expect that I will understand more, but I will allow that to come in time.

Mark 13:31
Heaven and earth shall pass away: but my words shall not pass away.

Tucked in chapter 13 is this Gem. When Jesus says this, keeping it in context, he is simply letting them know that they can count on the things he has just said will come to pass as he has said them. But beyond that, it is obvious that Jesus words will not pass away because those who believed them will carry them into eternity for one, and according to what the Holy Ghost brought us through Matthew what we say will not pass away either.

Matthew 12:36 But I say unto you, That every idle word that men shall speak, they shall give account thereof in the day of judgment.
37. For by thy words thou shalt be justified, and by thy words thou shalt be condemned.

Since that is true for us, it is most certainly true of Jesus.

Divie it up!

2007-01-04T03:51:00.000-08:00

Joshua chapter 19 is all about dividing up the land into different sections and is reminiscent to me of what is written many years later by Isaiah in chapter 53.

Isaiah 53:12
Therefore will I divide him a portion with the great, and he shall divide the spoil with the strong;

OVERLOAD!!!

2007-01-03T04:05:00.000-08:00

Mark chapter 12 today and I will make a few short comments because there is just so much in this chapter.
Jesus tells a parable that describes the Pharisees to a tee so they send for the Big Guns!

13. And they send unto him certain of the Pharisees and of the Herodians, to catch him in his words.

Next come the Sadducees!
18. Then come unto him the Sadducees, which say there is no resurrection; and they asked him, saying,

Next comes a scribe!
28. And one of the scribes came, and having heard them reasoning together, and perceiving that he had answered them well, asked him, Which is the first commandment of all?

And the scribes answer to Jesus!
32. And the scribe said unto him, Well, Master, thou hast said the truth: for there is one God; and there is none other but he:
33. And to love him with all the heart, and with all the understanding, and with all the soul, and with all the strength, and to love his neighbour as himself, is more than all whole burnt offerings and sacrifices.

Jesus’ recognition of the scribes understanding.
34. And when Jesus saw that he answered discreetly, he said unto him, Thou art not far from the kingdom of God. And no man after that durst ask him any question.

Jesus recognizes the Holy Ghost in the prophesy of David!
35. And Jesus answered and said, while he taught in the temple, How say the scribes that Christ is the Son of David?
36. For David himself said by the Holy Ghost, The Lord said to my Lord, Sit thou on my right hand, till I make thine enemies thy footstool.
37. David therefore himself calleth him Lord; and whence is he then his son? And the common people heard him gladly.

I have always heard verses 41 and 42 quoted in sermons dedicated to preaching on giving. I would like to ask a question.
In verses 38 – 40 Jesus is specifically identifying a practice of the scribes and one of them is they “devour widow’s houses” is it simply coincidence that the next scene is that of Jesus standing and watching as they come in to put their monies in the treasury?
Was Jesus waiting at the well, so to speak, as he did for the woman of Samaria?
Or is Jesus once again contrasting the hardened heart of those who gave much, with the dependence of the heart of the woman who gave her all?

Can we trust Jesus with everything? Are we willing to trust Jesus with everything?
Jesus is watching as we give our lives.

38. And he said unto them in his doctrine, Beware of the scribes, which love to go in long clothing, and love salutations in the marketplaces,
39. And the chief seats in the synagogues, and the uppermost rooms at feasts:
40. Which devour widows' houses, and for a pretence make long prayers: these shall receive greater damnation.
41. And Jesus sat over against the treasury, and beheld how the people cast money into the treasury: and many that were rich cast in much.
42. And there came a certain poor widow, and she threw in two mites, which make a farthing.
43. And he called unto him his disciples, and saith unto them, Verily I say unto you, That this poor widow hath cast more in, than all they which have cast into the treasury:
44. For all they did cast in of their abundance; but she of her want did cast in all that she had, even all her living.

Keep movin movin movin...

2007-01-03T04:01:00.000-08:00

Joshua 18:3
And Joshua said unto the children of Israel, How long are ye slack to go to possess the land, which the Lord God of your fathers hath given you?

Do I need to say more?

Have faith in God.

2007-01-02T04:35:00.000-08:00

Mark 11:22 Jesus says; Have faith in God.
Jesus spoke to the fig tree the day before and today it is withered away.
I have heard simply years of preaching on verses 23 & 24.
Without fail I have been taught that following this guide-line, described in these verses, is how I get my prayers answered.
According to the context of this passage I would say that Jesus, in verses 23 and 24, is indeed describing his statement, Have faith in God.
Jesus life is an example of faith in God and not only was what happened to the fig tree one proof of his faith in God, but his entire life is an example of his faith in God. Here are some of the things that are absent from Jesus' requests in his prayers.
1. Selfish motives to promote himself were absent
2. Selfish motives to gain materially were absent
3. Selfish motives to manipulate others was absent
4. Selfish motives of vindication were absent
5. The quoting of the scriptures and calling them prayers was absent.
Have faith in God.

Le me at em

2006-12-31T10:35:00.000-08:00

Joshua chapter 14 verses 6 - 15!!!!!
O.K. Bible readers...get after it!
Have you ever known that there was a mountain God had for you to CONQUER instead of it being moved?
Listen to what Caleb says to Joshua and see if there is anything there for you today.

Get Thee Behind Me, Satan:#6

2006-12-30T04:41:00.000-08:00

O.K. Posts 3-4-5 are so we can all read the scriptures together and as I am writing we can simply scroll down and look at what is written in the bible. I want to take some time here because we have here a critical pivot point in understanding the "how too's" of God's shaping of our life.
If you haven't already, please take the time and read posts 3-4-5 of "Get Thee Behind Me, Satan:" and take note of the similarities and the differences that you see.
A....Dave....why should I be noticing similarities and differences? Shouldn't there only be identical accounts?
Identical accounts would most certainly be fraudulent. One of the mistakes often made by criminals is by getting their story straight, and saying the exact same thing to investigators, from beginning to end. If that is the case the investigators know to keep digging to find the crime because the story is a con from a master mind, since no one person can catch everything, getting several witnesses around a central core issue is the only way to see what really happened, but then at the same time, there will be items of note with in the event that will be seen by all.

Go back and forth over what each apostle remembers Jesus saying, and in such a way, capturing the full impact of his words.
As you read these through, please feel free to post your comments on this site or e-mail me at davestrout@gmail.com if you just want to talk.

Please allow Jesus words to try your heart.

Get Thee Behind Me, Satan:#5 / Luke

2006-12-30T04:32:00.000-08:00

Here's Luke's account starting in chapter 9.

18. And it came to pass, as he was alone praying, his disciples were with him: and he asked them, saying, Whom say the people that I am?
19. They answering said, John the Baptist; but some say, Elias; and others say, that one of the old prophets is risen again.
20. He said unto them, But whom say ye that I am? Peter answering said, The Christ of God.
21. And he straitly charged them, and commanded them to tell no man that thing;
22. Saying, The Son of man must suffer many things, and be rejected of the elders and chief priests and scribes, and be slain, and be raised the third day.
23. And he said to them all, If any man will come after me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross daily, and follow me.
24. For whosoever will save his life shall lose it: but whosoever will lose his life for my sake, the same shall save it.
25. For what is a man advantaged, if he gain the whole world, and lose himself, or be cast away?
26. For whosoever shall be ashamed of me and of my words, of him shall the Son of man be ashamed, when he shall come in his own glory, and in his Father's, and of the holy angels.

On to #6

Get Thee Behind Me, Satan:#4 / Mark

2006-12-30T04:28:00.000-08:00

Here is Mark chapter 8 verses 29 - 38:

29. And he saith unto them, But whom say ye that I am? And Peter answereth and saith unto him, Thou art the Christ.
30. And he charged them that they should tell no man of him. 31. And he began to teach them, that the Son of man must suffer many things, and be rejected of the elders, and of the chief priests, and scribes, and be killed, and after three days rise again.
32. And he spake that saying openly. And Peter took him, and began to rebuke him.
33. But when he had turned about and looked on his disciples, he rebuked Peter, saying, Get thee behind me, Satan: for thou savourest not the things that be of God, but the things that be of men.
34. And when he had called the people unto him with his disciples also, he said unto them, Whosoever will come after me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross, and follow me.
35. For whosoever will save his life shall lose it; but whosoever shall lose his life for my sake and the gospel's, the same shall save it.
36. For what shall it profit a man, if he shall gain the whole world, and lose his own soul?
37. Or what shall a man give in exchange for his soul?
38. Whosoever therefore shall be ashamed of me and of my words in this adulterous and sinful generation; of him also shall the Son of man be ashamed, when he cometh in the glory of his Father with the holy angels.

Now we go to Luke.

Get Thee Behind Me, Satan:#3 / Matthew

2006-12-30T04:10:00.000-08:00

First we will start of with scriptures from Matthew, Mark and Luke so we can read through them.

Here is Matthew Chapter 16:
15. He saith unto them, But whom say ye that I am?
16. And Simon Peter answered and said, Thou art the Christ, the Son of the living God.
17. And Jesus answered and said unto him, Blessed art thou, Simon Barjona: for flesh and blood hath not revealed it unto thee, but my Father which is in heaven.
18. And I say also unto thee, That thou art Peter, and upon this rock I will build my church; and the gates of hell shall not prevail against it.
19. And I will give unto thee the keys of the kingdom of heaven: and whatsoever thou shalt bind on earth shall be bound in heaven: and whatsoever thou shalt loose on earth shall be loosed in heaven.
20. Then charged he his disciples that they should tell no man that he was Jesus the Christ.
21. From that time forth began Jesus to shew unto his disciples, how that he must go unto Jerusalem, and suffer many things of the elders and chief priests and scribes, and be killed, and be raised again the third day. 22. Then Peter took him, and began to rebuke him, saying, Be it far from thee, Lord: this shall not be unto thee.
23. But he turned, and said unto Peter, Get thee behind me, Satan: thou art an offence unto me: for thou savourest not the things that be of God, but those that be of men.
24. Then said Jesus unto his disciples, If any man will come after me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross, and follow me.
25. For whosoever will save his life shall lose it: and whosoever will lose his life for my sake shall find it.
26. For what is a man profited, if he shall gain the whole world, and lose his own soul? or what shall a man give in exchange for his soul?
27. For the Son of man shall come in the glory of his Father with his angels; and then he shall reward every man according to his works.

Now we will move on to Mark

Get Thee Behind Me, Satan:#2

2006-12-30T02:43:00.000-08:00

On Saturday December 23 I wrote an article called "Where He Leads Me" based on the events recorded in Mark 1:11 and Matthew chapter 16 and talked about how our hearts are proved by God after he has revealed, or should I say, opened our hearts to clearer a understanding of who He is, what he is doing and our part in his plan.
That's exactly were I am going today, but I will be diving in a little deeper this time, which is a dangerous thing really because it increases my responsibilty obey. Now to my old nature this is a scary deal, but to the deepest yearnings of heart it is something that I crave. So if you are among the few, the brave, the saved...let's do it! and move to "Get Behind Me, Satan"#3

Get Thee Behind Me, Satan:

2006-12-29T02:46:00.000-08:00

Here I am in Mark Chapter 8 and we come across a couple of statements that are recorded here in Luke 8 that are identical to what Matthew records for us in chapter 16.
"Get thee behind me, Satan"
But that's not what I'm going to talk about. Remember a few posts back where I identified a process God uses of proving the heart after we receive a revelation from Him? How that after we receive a revelation from the Father, that our heart is proved when it is also revealed how we will react when we understand how this new revelation will effect us personally.
Well, I didn't catch what Jesus did next in Matthew, but I jolly well did in Mark, look at what Jesus says in right after that in verses 34 - 38!

"34. And when he had called the people unto him with his disciples also, he said unto them, Whosoever will come after me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross, and follow me.
35. For whosoever will save his life shall lose it; but whosoever shall lose his life for my sake and the gospel's, the same shall save it.
36. For what shall it profit a man, if he shall gain the whole world, and lose his own soul?
37. Or what shall a man give in exchange for his soul?
38. Whosoever therefore shall be ashamed of me and of my words in this adulterous and sinful generation; of him also shall the Son of man be ashamed, when he cometh in the glory of his Father with the holy angels."

Right after Jesus rebukes Peter he brings every body to him and lets them know how to avoid the pitfall of being used of Satan, Oh, and by the way, that is what he is doing for us here as well as we go over verses 34 -38

I have to leave this morning I will continue tomorrow and express what has touched my heart very deeply.

Mark 6:14 - 29

2006-12-27T09:05:00.000-08:00

This was just precious to me as I read this section of scripture today. Note that we have an entire little story here sandwitched inbetween the account of the disciples going out and preaching repentance to Israel and casting out demons and healing those they came in contact with. Read though the section and see what I mean, the account of Harod is like an additional though as the account of the experience of being sent out by Jesus is recalled by Peter as he relates these events to Mark, the author of the gospel of Mark.

In Todays Terms

2006-12-27T04:08:00.000-08:00

As we are traveling along in our walk in the Lord there are times in which we know we are to go, or do a certain thing. (Let the reader understand)[remember Ai]
On our way to accomplish this simple and uncomplicated task of what ever sort, we get gripped by fear and we shy away from what we know God has told us to do.
I believe that I could right here include each and every one of us in this synerio, because each and every one of us who attempt to do what God has for us while sin lies deep with in, will experience weakness and ultimately, defeat in doing what God whats done in his way in his timing.
If your confused about what I am talking about, be sure and read Joshua chapters 6-7-8.
Here's the deal, even though we experinece weakness and ultimately a defeat in what we are attempting, once the sin is confessed and forsaken and we are cleansed by God, now we can proceed with God's plan, God's way and God will use us to accomplish what he wanted done in the first place.
"Well how will I know if there is sin for me to confess and forsake?" This is the question that I would have to ask myself, and here is the answer that I would give me.
Allow God's word to do the work of opening my heart and my eyes and allow God's spirit to bring conviction, then after my admitting my wrong and cofessing and forsaking it, the Holy Ghost applys the forgiveness purchased by Jesus blood, now I can move forward in God's plan in God's power. That's how it is said in religious jargan.

Here is the thing about this, this is never a one time deal and it's overwith. Like any other relationship we have committed ourselves to, there must be the recognition that we need to understand the heart of the other person that we are commited to adjusting our actions to their benifit.
My only hope of knowing God's heart is God's Spirit! And this is only done through relationship with him through His Son, and this is only accomplished by Jesus death, burial and ressurection active in my life today.
How is this possible? You ask...well my friend, keep asking and keep seeking and keep knocking, this is the heart of the whole issue knowing God, and is discovered by revelation to your heart. Do you really want to know? Keep seeking, keep asking, keep knocking.

A Little Joshua Today

2006-12-24T04:37:00.000-08:00

Today I want to look into chapters 7 & 8 of Joshua. I will give just a brief summery here because I do what you to read it as well.
Chapter 7 starts out recognizing the sin of Achan. If you want to know what that sin was before we start dive into Chapter 6 first, but here's the deal. After God lead Joshua in battle against the walled city of Jericho, Joshua was pretty confident that overtaking and defeating the city of Ai was not going to be a problem.
The reason for my writing this is to look at the heart, that is was is emphasized over and over in the scriptures. When they took off to mop up Ai, they didn't know that there was sin in the camp. Just because they didn't know there was sin in the camp didn't prevent them from being run out of town and losing thirty six fighting men in the process.
My point...sin puts us in a position were a victory would be a given with God, but defeat is experience instead.
Back to the event...Joshua realized really quick that they were in deep trouble and that an it was obvious they had to turn to God for the answer, which they did by being extremely sorrowful and waited upon God for the answer.
Have you started reading yet? Hope so...
Now God has them deal with the sin first. It is no different with God today than it was in Joshua's day. When there is an obvious defeat happening in our walk with Christ but we know it is an area of victory in God's plan, we must come to him and wait on him to start the exposing process of the sin.
God tells Joshua how to isolate the sin in the camp and to then go on to victory.
In Chapter 8 something amazing really occurs. Joshua has followed God's instructions for isolating the sin, and getting rid of the sin, but then in the plan for defeating Ai it is noteworthy to see how God uses the past failier as a springboard for the defeating of the city.
When Israel was defeated...Ai had chased them away...sin had taken the heart out of Israel...this time in the defeating of Ai God instructed Joshua to send troups behind the city and wait while they made a direct assult as they had before. This time as the warriors of Ai attacked the assult and were drawn away from the city, because they were full of courage from defeating Israel before, the went all out after them. Once they were clear of the city the flanking troops came in and burned the city and everybody in Ai was killed.
The point...God can take a past defeat and turn it into a victory by following him His way.
You might say...Dave you could have simply started there and skipped all the story stuff. Well then let's put it in today's terms. Please go to the next article

Where He Leads Me

2006-12-23T04:13:00.000-08:00

Mark 1:11 And there came a voice from heaven, saying, Thou art my beloved Son, in whom I am well pleased.
12. And immediately the Spirit driveth him into the wilderness.

Remember Matthew 16? Jesus is asking the disciples who he is and Peter makes his confession saying:
" Thou art the Christ, the Son of the living God."
And that right after that Jesus begins telling them that he is going to go to Jerusalem and be killed and Peter gets all up set.

What I was saying then I am seeing now...namely that once God has revealed something openly to us, then comes the time in which we will be confronted with an event to prove our heart. Just as Peter after his confession had the revelation that he had received from the Father was tested by Jesus announcement of events about to occur, Jesus here is tested in the same manner. Jesus is baptized, God speaks from heaven and now Jesus is compelled to have his own heart tested as to the revelation that God has published. Was it for Jesus that God said what he said at the time of his baptism? Nope! It was most certainly for us and for those who were there at the time, but none the less, just as when we have a revelation of scriptures come alive for us, and we gain understanding, the next thing in line is for God to prove our hearts on the matter. Will we allow that which God has revealed to us to not only touch our hearts and thrill our spirit, or will we say with Peter:
"Be it far from thee, Lord: this shall not be unto thee."
You may ask? Isn't Peter really talking to Jesus instead of not moving with the revelation of God?
I will ask you, how often will we shift the subject of our fears to what we believe will cover our own weaknesses?

I Send My Messenger

2006-12-23T04:00:00.000-08:00

As in the opening of each of the four gospels, there is someone whose heart has been moved by God to being heralding, and announcing what God has done in the past and he is doing today. It's simply a fact repeated over and over in the scriptures.

Filled with the Holy Ghost

2006-12-22T04:08:00.000-08:00

Luke 1:15 For he shall be great in the sight of the Lord, and shall drink neither wine nor strong drink; and he shall be filled with the Holy Ghost, even from his mother's womb.

Luke 1: 35 And the angel answered and said unto her, The Holy Ghost shall come upon thee, and the power of the Highest shall overshadow thee: therefore also that holy thing which shall be born of thee shall be called the Son of God.

Luke 1:41 And it came to pass, that, when Elisabeth heard the salutation of Mary, the babe leaped in her womb; and Elisabeth was filled with the Holy Ghost:

Luke 1:67 And his father Zacharias was filled with the Holy Ghost,

Filled with the Holy Ghost. Quite fascinating really, and one part of our experience with God that cannot be totally isolated each and every day and hour. But here in Luke we have some very specific instances in which all that lived around Elizabeth, Mary and Zacharias at this time; it was obvious that this is what had occured.
Luke was a little different in that he was after the fact in his knowledge of the events of Jesus. He went back and interviewed those who were involved with Jesus after the events of his life had occurred and was resurrected and is able to give us a lot of insight on a personal level.
As I read Luke I can almost see him sitting down with Elizabeth, Mary, Zacharias and finding out what had been going on. Also he himself being familiar with the Holy Ghost personally himself was able to identify the places in which the Holy Ghost was actively working to bring about the events that are unique to Jesus.
The other thing I like as I read Luke is Luke 1:37...
"For with God nothing shall be impossible."

It is always a good reminder to me in times when faith in what God is doing in my life seems to be waining these words of Gabriel are words that I remind myself of.

Teaching them to do...

2006-12-21T03:43:00.000-08:00

Matthew 28:18-20
18 And Jesus came and spake unto them, saying, All power is given unto me in heaven and in earth.
19. Go ye therefore, and teach all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost:
20. Teaching them to observe all things whatsoever I have commanded you: and, lo, I am with you alway, even unto the end of the world. Amen.

Teaching them to do all whatsoever I have commanded you:...

This is statement made by Jesus is one of those that have given me the opportunity to not really understand what Jesus is saying. I have asked different pastors at different churches if they could clarify this statement and all I get back are variations of what Jesus said himself making it obvious that they don't know either.
This time has I have read through the book of Matthew I have come to a much clearer understanding at to what the "kingdom of heaven" and "the kingdom of God" are referring to as Jesus speaks of them. Each one, in context, is a here and now situation where the heart of the individual is being addressed, and in essence, is a back door method, or should I say, a softer method of letting the commands of God to be known to us.
So this time when I read the last statement recorded by the apostle Matthew, I mused over what I had read concerning the parables and the examples given by Jesus concerning the "kingdom of God" and "the kingdom of heaven" probably because this morning as I was praying what Paul said to the Philippians was still ringing in my heart as I read this morning:
Philippians 2:12 Wherefore, my beloved, as ye have always obeyed, not as in my presence only, but now much more in my absence, work out your own salvation with fear and trembling. 13. For it is God which worketh in you both to will and to do of his good pleasure.

Paul's way of admonishing the Philippians was to make them aware of the responsibility of recognizing what God was himself, stirring within them, and wanting them to recognize that this is no small matter, or something to sit and enjoy for a topic of discussion.

So I believe that I am just a little closer to understanding what Jesus was referring to in his command and understanding the grace of God and how to obey in my walk with him.

Giving

2006-12-18T07:56:00.000-08:00

If I have no desire to give of myself, my resources and my time to the cause of reaching others with the gospel of Jesus Christ, I would question the reality of my salvation experience. The new birth, my sins forgiven, the Holy Ghost living within changes my passions and my loyalties.
Making saint and sinner aware of sin, calling for repentance and exposing the needs of others to the church was lived out by Jesus and the apostles and does not pollute the gospel message of Jesus Christ.

The Polluted Gospel-Part 2

2006-12-18T06:31:00.000-08:00

In the process 0f preaching the polluted money message, reference is made using statements that insinuate:
1. Giving money is a sure sign that you are saved
2. Giving money is the measure of your spirituality
3. Giving money is a sure fire way to get more blessings (that's Gods measure of faithfulness you know)
4. "Giving money doesn't mean you will get money back "is what is said, but every statement after that insinuates that that is indeed what they are saying.
5. "Jesus talked more about money than he did Heaven or Hell"is what they preach but are simply stating a fact without proof hoping we will accept it without question and blindly follow their logic.
6. Going into debt to give is really living by faith because their god promises to repay you.

There are tons of preachers who now preach the polluted money message on almost any religious television station, and our only hope to know the truth is to read our bibles our selves and where God speaks of money in the scriptures, keep what is taught in context and we will know the truth.

The Polluted Gospel

2006-12-18T05:23:00.000-08:00

I feel like Jude today, where my desire is to share our common faith and go over Joshua chapters 2 & 3, or Matthew chapter 23 & 24 but I must instead speak on the blatant misuse of scripture for the sake of money.
The first thing I will do is to copy the scripture that is used as the foundational teaching of "The Money Principle." It is from the quoting of this scripture [out of context] an entire case is built chasing every money scripture that can be found.

Luke 6:38 Give, and it shall be given unto you; good measure, pressed down, and shaken together, and running over, shall men give into your bosom. For with the same measure that ye mete withal it shall be measured to you again.

Those who have been deceived by the Money Message use this passage of scripture to weave their web of deception. It was the same scripture used to deceive them, and is carried on by themselves to deceive others. Men and women who have otherwise been truly devoted in their lives and their passions to gospel of Jesus Christ and the purity of the Word of God, leave the truth of the scriptures and begin the process of manipulating scriptures instead to satisfy what ever the current [perceived] need of the church is.
I must ask you, are you willing to read Luke Chapter 6? I can copy and past it here on this post, but that defeats the purpose of my blog in helping others to read their bible for themselves. So if you would, stop here and read Luke Chapter 6.
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Verse 27 is where the section that includes verse 38 starts! And money is only referred to in these passages in the context of lending to others and not expecting a return!

Verse 35 But love ye your enemies, and do good, and lend, hoping for nothing again; and your reward shall be great, and ye shall be the children of the Highest: for he is kind unto the unthankful and to the evil.
Verse 36 Mercy is being admonished!
Verse 37 Not Judging is emphasized!
Verse 38 is about giving of ourselves in love and mercy and not being judgmental in the process as is expounded upon in verses 39 thru 42!

Verse 38 has absolutely not one iota of reference to money, nor the foundation upon which a money principle is to be built!

It Takes Guts

2006-12-16T03:52:00.000-08:00

Joshua 5-9
5. There shall not any man be able to stand before thee all the days of thy life: as I was with Moses, so I will be with thee: I will not fail thee, nor forsake thee.
6. Be strong and of a good courage: for unto this people shalt thou divide for an inheritance the land, which I sware unto their fathers to give them.
7. Only be thou strong and very courageous, that thou mayest observe to do according to all the law, which Moses my servant commanded thee: turn not from it to the right hand or to the left, that thou mayest prosper whithersoever thou goest.
8. This book of the law shall not depart out of thy mouth; but thou shalt meditate therein day and night, that thou mayest observe to do according to all that is written therein: for then thou shalt make thy way prosperous, and then thou shalt have good success.
9. Have not I commanded thee? Be strong and of a good courage; be not afraid, neither be thou dismayed: for the Lord thy God is with thee whithersoever thou goest.

I may not be going out to battle other countries and leading an army like Joshua here, but it is easy to see that what God is saying to Joshua holds true in any battle entered into by someone God is leading.
Note: God is leading and at the same time confirming to Joshua that he is with him and that in this process Joshua is not to allow the words of the law to be set aside or forgotten.
From the beginnings of God working with us, relationship is always the focus, and yes, it does include words that have been spoken in the past as well as the leading of what is going on today and having the courage to stick with it.
We don't always know when God is leading us, but that doesn't stop him from doing it. In conversation with a brother the other day he was telling how he had seen a need and jumped in and did something about it and the comment was made, God moved the heart, he moved his feet. The out come proved that it was indeed God was working through him at the end of the events.
We can say the same for Joshua, the end result proves God was with him.
So What If It Takes Guts!
It feels so much better than caving in.

Matthew Chapter 22

2006-12-16T03:07:00.000-08:00

Kind of a catchy title isn't it. My my my.... there are so many places to go here, I mean Jesus starts right off with "the kingdom of heaven is like..." and I am immediately transported to the here and now, today. This is what it is like in my heart with God while I am experiencing heaven on earth. Heaven on earth is what is happening in my day to day living through God's invasion of my heart.
You may not agree with me, and that's O.K. but are you reading your bible yourself? Are you studying God's word so you too can understand what, "the kingdom of heaven is like...?"
The rest of the first section here is about the wedding and those who wouldn't come, and those who finely did and the dude that came with out the proper garment. I mean the text says that they came both good and bad, but when one doesn't have a wedding garment,
13. Then said the king to the servants, Bind him hand and foot, and take him away, and cast him into outer darkness; there shall be weeping and gnashing of teeth.
14. For many are called, but few are chosen.
Pretty stiff stuff isn't it.
If you are asking what does it mean? Either communicate with me in the comments section, or e-mail me at davestrout@gmail.com and we can talk.
Jesus says "many are called, but few are chosen" here, but if you recall in chapter 20 verse 16 Jesus says;
So the last shall be first, and the first last: for many be called, but few chosen.

So it's not just some side comment but a sincere call to really listen to what he is saying.

Happy Art Thou

2006-12-15T05:01:00.000-08:00

Deuteronomy 33:29 Happy art thou, O Israel: who is like unto thee, O people saved by the Lord, the shield of thy help, and who is the sword of thy excellency! and thine enemies shall be found liars unto thee; and thou shalt tread upon their high places.

Moses is saying his farewell to Israel and speaking the blessings over each tribe here. I chose this verse because it is more the conclusion, or the end result of the process that Israel has begun living. The "why" of the "Happy" is identified by who they are now, "O people saved by the Lord" the whole of being happy is not simply a mindless air head happiness "Oh, I've been saved by the Lord." then ignores the covenant. On the contrary, it is a confident continuing within the covenant that God has made with Israel which provides the happiness in "Happy art Thou"

There are many "how two" resources that we can go to and find how how to do one thing or another, and God makes it quite clear how to be happy in a relationship with him. Do What He Says! Now that is simple, wouldn't you agree?
What? Am I seeing some raised eye brows out there? You got a problem with what God requires? Yes, God does to require we do what he says to be in relationship with him, if you find someplace in the bible that says something to the contrary just let me know, but in the mean time we are required to do what God says to be in relationship with him, still got a problem with that?
He he he....Yea...me too. So....What happens next? We are all happy and everything and as long as..." O people saved by the Lord, the shield of thy help, and who is the sword of thy excellency!"

Feel Rejected?

2006-12-15T04:33:00.000-08:00

Matthew 21:42 Jesus saith unto them, Did ye never read in the scriptures, The stone which the builders rejected, the same is become the head of the corner: this is the Lord's doing, and it is marvellous in our eyes?

Matthew chapter 21 today, lots and lots to discuss and acknowledge and very beneficial in every way. The scripture that Jesus is referring to here is Psalms 118:22 this is the passage in Psalms:

19. Open to me the gates of righteousness: I will go into them, and I will praise the Lord:
20. This gate of the Lord, into which the righteous shall enter.
21. I will praise thee: for thou hast heard me, and art become my salvation.
22. The stone which the builders refused is become the head stone of the corner.
23. This is the Lord's doing; it is marvellous in our eyes.
24. This is the day which the Lord hath made; we will rejoice and be glad in it.

The other thing that I would like to make note of is the reference here to praise, and earlier in this chapter, in verses 15 and 16 there are children in the temple giving saying "Hosana to the son of David" and really ticked off the chief priests and scribes, to which Jesus responded in verse 16,
"And said unto him, Hearest thou what these say? And Jesus saith unto them, Yea; have ye never read, Out of the mouth of babes and sucklings thou hast perfected praise?"

The reason that bring this up is because of how many times Jesus and children have been mentioned in the past several chapters I believe is note worthy.

For the Lord's portion is his people;

2006-12-14T05:36:00.000-08:00

The song that Moses taught the children of Israel is chapter 32 and tucked away in verse 9 is this:

9. For the Lord's portion is his people;

It was no easy path for God to raise up a people so God's son could be raised under God's law. A lot of people, both Abraham's decendants as well as the nations surrouning them, lost their lives in the quest to disguard God's covenant and his people which were both nessessary to bring Jesus to us.

John 3:14 And as Moses lifted up the serpent in the wilderness, even so must the Son of man be lifted up:
15. That whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have eternal life.
16. For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life.
17. For God sent not his Son into the world to condemn the world; but that the world through him might be saved.
18. He that believeth on him is not condemned: but he that believeth not is condemned already, because he hath not believed in the name of the only begotten Son of God.

The Kingdom of Heaven

2006-12-14T05:09:00.000-08:00

Matthew Chapter 20 starts out with:
1. For the kingdom of heaven is like unto a man that is an householder, which went out early in the morning to hire labourers into his vineyard.
the kingdom of heaven....the kingdom of heaven....not being another place some where up yonder in the blue or nor being way out in the future in another time, but rather the kingdom of heaven being here and now and living in my heart has changed the parable told by Jesus in chapter 20 of Matthew so that it is very simple to understand.
Now reading this parable it is easy to understand that regardless of the time in which a person comes into the kingdom of heaven, in their heart, here on earth, gets the same reward. And what do you think that reward is?

Matthew 19:13

2006-12-14T04:28:00.000-08:00

O.K. I may be a little on the quick side here because I am a day behind in my posting, but have forged on a head in my reading so I will see if I can catch up here.
Matt 19:13
There is plenty here to keep on occupied and interested in what Jesus is saying but I am going to start with verse 13 because Jesus is once again talking about children. If you remember (just look down a post or two) and I got this epiphany that the kingdom of heaven is not some future place and time, but is rather what Jesus is exposing to us as something that he is here to show us now. Also Jesus is showing us how those who are in the kingdom of heaven behave! Now for some this may be no big deal, but it is for me, and since I am the one writing the post your welcome to watch as I do some exploring.
So as I re-read chapter 18's opening verses, Jesus called a little child over to him and told the adults around him that:
...Except ye be converted, and become as little children, ye shall not enter into the kingdom of heaven.
and as I read the rest of the chapter, except for the reference to the visual that he gave them by looking at a little child, the rest of the chapter is referring to those who have been converted, but identifying them as little ones or little child and then in the next paragraph as sheep.
If you want to read through that again please do, but as I read chapter 19, in verse 13 the disciples stopped children from coming to Jesus! Jesus corrected his disciples and laid his hands on the children and departed.
If perhaps you what to talk to me more about why I am so excited about what I am reading here, e-mail me and we can talk, or give me a call. I have to move on to the next topic.

I'll Be Back!

2006-12-13T05:03:00.000-08:00

I've got some good stuff in both old and new, but I must be on my way.

Don't forget the O.T.

2006-12-12T04:16:00.000-08:00

I know I have been writing primarily about the book of Matthew, and I am doing just like I have written, but I am still reading the book of Deuteronomy at the same time. It's not the specific book that I am concerned with, it is the matter of reading both the Old and the New Testaments daily.
Today I am reading chapters 29 and 30. I have written little about what has been going on there because most of it is specific instructions for the time they are living, but today a couple of real Gems were found.

Deut 29: 29 The secret things belong unto the Lord our God: but those things which are revealed belong unto us and to our children for ever, that we may do all the words of this law.

Here we are simply told that God does indeed have secret things that belong to him alone then along come that magic word "BUT" to let us know that everything is not a secret kept only to God. What God reveals to us is for us and our children for ever.
So when we come across people and teachings that have God all figured out we can simply smile and understand they don't know as much as they think they do.

In Chapter 30 verses 11 - 14 really matches quite well what I have been reading in Matthew Chapter 18.
Deut. 30:11 For this commandment which I command thee this day, it is not hidden from thee, neither is it far off.
12. It is not in heaven, that thou shouldest say, Who shall go up for us to heaven, and bring it unto us, that we may hear it, and do it?
13. Neither is it beyond the sea, that thou shouldest say, Who shall go over the sea for us, and bring it unto us, that we may hear it, and do it?
14. But the word is very nigh unto thee, in thy mouth, and in thy heart, that thou mayest do it.
Paul actually quotes Deut 30:12 - 14
in Romans 10:6 - 8 to introduce verses 9 - 13.
I sure hope that you read those verses.

I just want you to know the benefit of reading the bible in this fashion. I had no idea that everything would come together today as it has as far as the coherency of the word of God is concerned, but I have learned through experience that God wants me to understand what he has revealed in the Word of God, not only me, but everyone! God is not trying to be hard to find, but since we are separated from God because of our sin, that makes him impossible for us to find unless he shows himself to us, and the center piece that God has provided so we can know him is Jesus. It's not a matter of simply changing our thinking, it is a matter of recognition that what we cannot do God has done and that what he has done effects our heart.

The Kingdom of Heaven

2006-12-12T02:09:00.000-08:00

Matthew 18:1 At the same time came the disciples unto Jesus, saying, Who is the greatest in the kingdom of heaven?

Yes, I know I didn't come back yesterday, but I'm here today and I have some more questions to ask. You may be thinking that the reason that I am writing here is to tell everybody what the bible says, and I want to remind you my purpose is to show you the value of reading the bible for yourself.

As I was re-reading, I was paying attention to a few things here and "the kingdom of heaven" is one of them. Well... it just so happens that that phrase is used 33 times in the book of Matthew so the question they are asking is good one to ask Jesus to clarify.
The next question I have to ask is where is the kingdom of God? For all of my Christian life I have assumed that the kingdom of heaven is some future place and some future event. I believe that I have been wrong in that assumption because all the examples Jesus is laying out in the rest of this chapter are situations that happen here and now among us as human beings. Further more Jesus differentiates between "the kingdom of heaven" and "in heaven." as he is answering their question.
So I will now re-read this section again, only this time with the understanding that the kingdom of heaven is here and now and within me and see how it fits.

Matthew 18:1

2006-12-11T06:51:00.000-08:00

Matthew 18:1 At the same time came the disciples unto Jesus, saying, Who is the greatest in the kingdom of heaven?
Please note that chapter 18 starts with the words, at the same time came. I just what us all to get accustomed to hearing transition phrases to help us recognize context. The way chapter 18 starts lets us know that the following events are occurring along with what was happening in chapter 17.
I would hope that you would read all of chapter 18, I found some very interesting things here. I will start with some other transitional words or phrases in chapter 18.

11. For the Son of man is come to save that which was lost.
12. How think ye? if a man have an hundred sheep, and one of them be gone astray, doth he not leave the ninety and nine, and goeth into the mountains, and seeketh that which is gone astray?

Verse 11 is the end of one paragraph and verse 12 is the beginning of the next paragraph, but the phrase How think ye? indicates that we are still dealing with the same subject, or a clarification of what was said in
verses 1 - 11.

Next in verse 15 we have a new sentence and a new paragraph starting with the word, "Moreover" we are still connected, still expounding and expanding upon what has been said previous to this.

It looks very much like Chapter 18 verses 1-20 are all dealing with the question that Jesus asked about who is the greatest in the kingdom of heaven because Jesus moves quite fluidly from the child to the offence of the one of these little ones and the offender of the little ones. In verse 10 still dealing with the little ones in verse 11 says that he as come to seek and to save that which was lost in to seeking one that is lost and in verse 14 reference to "one of these little ones" is stated again.
Then in verses 15 to 20 the title could very well be "Sheep's instructions for not being offended by an offender."

I am going to go over this all again and come back to it later this afternoon. When I read this chapter this morning, what I have written to you now is was I was seeing as I read it. I will be doing some other studying and come back to this. Sound Good? You may not agree, but at least you will understand why I am saying what I am saying and see how I have come to my conclusions. My desire is to understand what the bible is saying, and not trying to make the bible say what I think it should.

What does Repent mean?

2006-12-11T04:47:00.000-08:00

I'm glad you asked.
In "Parable of The Sower-a closer look" I used a term in the last sentence that I wanted to focus in on and that is the word "repent." The reason I want to do that is because of the picture, or the feeling that is so often associated with it, which I, as well as you I am sure, have had arise at it's mention. That feeling is one of Stark Raving Terror at the thought of not doing something that we have been doing for such a long time! Am I right?
As we read the bible we will come across the word "repent" quite a number of times and it is word designed to make us think, or reconsider the course that we are on, or the direction that we are going.
How about a real life experience that each of us have had that gives us a picture of what repentance, or the act of actually going beyond reconsidering (repent) and actually deciding we are not going the direction we really want to.
While driving along we see a sign that indicates we have gone past where we really wanted to go, we must have been day dreaming or something. When we see the sign we repent, we consider going a different direction than we are now because we realize that the direction we are going is the wrong direction but we still have a choice. We now know that we are going the wrong direction, and we have considered turning around and going the right direction but until we put on the brakes and go the other direction we are not going to get to our destination.
I suppose that would be the simplest way to picture repentance, but there is one more aspect of repentance, or the call to repent, that is not in the car picture. That I think would be better expressed by another scenario.
We have a job. The job we have is O.K. but it does not supply what we really need. So now we repent, we reconsider the direction we are going. In the process of our reconsideration we explore what is available and who is willing to accept us all we have to do is fill out an application.
This would all be under the idea of the word "repent."
The next thing we do is fill out the application and give notice. We are now repenting, or in the process of repentance because we are not only changing directions we are changing loyalties. After we are hired to our new job we are done with the old job.
The next example I want gets just a little closer to home. Driving is quite impersonal, getting a job is a little more personal, but the next example is just a little more personal yet, Marriage.
One who is getting married is, in so many words, promising to repent of a single life and the proof of that repentance is loyalty to another person in all aspects of life especially in the issues of (but not limited to) sex. In essence it is the leaving of one way of living and engaging in a new way of living.
So when we come across the word repent in the bible it is because it's purpose is to initiate the process of recognizing wrong and right courses for our heart by looking at the context of the scriptures, and recognizing our dependence upon Jesus and the new birth to accomplish what only a changed heart can do.

Matthew 17:8

2006-12-10T18:48:00.000-08:00

Matthew 17:8 And when they had lifted up their eyes, they saw no man, save Jesus only.
Now of course I have no intent on building anything out of context here so be sure and read the entire chapter and not just this verse.
It is obvious from the context that Jesus was not alone a moment ago, and now, all of the sudden, all they saw was Jesus. But it will do me good as I read my bible and I'm exposed to the people and events that are expounded upon there in, that when I lift my eyes I see no man save Jesus only.

Matthew 16:21

2006-12-09T05:19:00.000-08:00

Matthew 16:21 From that time forth began Jesus to shew unto his disciples, how that he must go unto Jerusalem, and suffer many things of the elders and chief priests and scribes, and be killed, and be raised again the third day.
Jesus does not want us to misunderstand what he is saying; you can see by the many examples of Jesus explaining to things to his disciples primarily and once in a while to the general public. The disciples were a chosen group, but they were still volunteers. Obviously they believed that Jesus was worth leaving what they had known.
Peter's acknowledgement to Jesus that he believed him to be; "Thou art the Christ, the Son of the living God." shows an understanding of what Peter had received from the Father and believed, and now Jesus was going to help fill in some of the missing details of that revelation. Well...the missing details were not as well received compared to the revelation of the Father.

What's the difference you ask? Well I'm glad you did ask.

What Peter received of the Father required nothing of him, it was knowledge, it was a revelation; but as soon as the details of that revelation effected Peter and his life, now comes the rub. This is always the reaction of our human nature to the details of how God effects out life. It is something to be aware of but not afraid of because God has also provided the solution to the problem we are experiencing, Christ himself.
After Jesus' resurrection Peter was all about Christ effecting his life, so much so that God entrusted Peter with the beginning leadership of the church.
Keep reading my friend! Read and receive knowledge, and as you can see Jesus showing you the details that are to effect your life, fear not, Jesus will see you through.

I feel like Solomon

2006-12-09T05:01:00.000-08:00

When I say I feel like Solomon it's not because I think I'm all that smart, but because as I am writing and going over what I am reading in the bible it is sort of like someone leaving something for their unborn child to read because of the knowledge that death will claim their life before they meet them and they what them to know what God reveled to their heart from his word.
Going both Old and New Testament in a sitting will take to long to write so I will do, either - or, but not both in a sitting.
I would also like to ask you, if you are reading this post to just say hi in the [comments] section just so I have an idea of who is reading, I would appreciate it.
This is just sort of an informational post, the next one will be where I am reading in Matthew.

Did I Scare You?

2006-12-08T17:15:00.000-08:00

Matthew 15:9 has a rather scary sound to it doesn't it? And if you were in that particular crowd you had a right to think that it sounded scary, but I wanted to bring out the underlying point Jesus is getting across to this hard hearted bunch. Here's the verse again:
9. But in vain they do worship me, teaching for doctrines the commandments of men.

The reason I included the verse in Isaiah is that it is the section of scripture Jesus is referring to as he is speaking to them. He is also addressing a specific question they are asking, if you'll be so kind as to read this section of scripture in your bible you'll know what is going on. Matt 15:1 - 20
So why am I writing about it? The underlying point of Jesus discussion with the scribes and Pharisees is the lack of a true rendering of God's word. Read it through and you'll see what I mean.
Is truth from the heart what you really want?
Then you are in the right book at the right time. The bible you hold in your hand deals exclusively with truth from the heart God to us.

Scriptures for Tomorrows Disscussion

2006-12-08T05:55:00.000-08:00

Matthew 15:9 But in vain they do worship me, teaching for doctrines the commandments of men.

Isaiah 29:13 Wherefore the Lord said, Forasmuch as this people draw near me with their mouth, and with their lips do honour me, but have removed their heart far from me, and their fear toward me is taught by the precept of men:

AND THEN IN DEUTERONOMY

Deut. 18:1 The priests the Levites, and all the tribe of Levi, shall have no part nor inheritance with Israel: they shall eat the offerings of the Lord made by fire, and his inheritance. 2. Therefore shall they have no inheritance among their brethren: the Lord is their inheritance, as he hath said unto them.

Deut. 18:15 The Lord thy God will raise up unto thee a Prophet from the midst of thee, of thy brethren, like unto me; unto him ye shall hearken;

Alright people, I will be including these texts tomorrow. It will not necessarily be just one subject, and I will not be isolating these texts and building a doctrine I want us to read and understand what God is saying to us. So read the whole chapter, read where the context starts and ends concerning these verses please.

When I named this site I thought it was just a clever way of saying it, but as I have been thinking about it, Alcoholics Anonymous is an organization dedicated to helping people break the habit of drinking booze. Bible Readers Anonymous is dedicated to helping people break the habit of not reading their bible. Whatcha think?

Parable of the Sower-a closer look

2006-12-08T05:17:00.000-08:00

In reading the parable of the sower Jesus makes it plane that the parable is about God's word being sowen into a persons heart, and the types of hearts encountered.
The example of what Jesus is doing takes us a step further than the words of the parable. Like so much of what God says in the bible where our short comings are exposed the answer to those short comings are also exposed. Prior to this time in which Jesus is teaching in parables, there was a time, in chapter 5, in which Jesus did not teach in parables but laid it out plainly with very few parables, and what parables he did say were to help clarify the clear teaching he had just given. If you go back and read chapters 5, 6 and 7 of Matthew you will see what I mean. Mixed in with the clear open teaching are three simple parables two in chapter 5 (you are the salt of the earth and light of the world) and in chapter 7 (the houses on the rock and sand). Once it was obvious that the straight teachings were just to much to be absorbed Jesus used strictly parables when teaching to try to help people recognize themselves in the stories while teaching the truths of the kingdom. At least that is what I see him doing.
My point is this, Jesus doesn't want the person with the heart that the devil immediately steals the word out of his heart to stay that way! Jesus wants that person to recognize that's who he is and look to Jesus as the solution to his hard heart! It's the same with the heart represented by the stony ground. Jesus is telling these parables so they can recognize themselves in it and turn to him.
Do you see what I mean? The reason more Christians don't read the bible
that has been brought to us through the blood of past saints preserving it, is that we are simply comfort seekers and the bible tells us the truth. It exposes our sin and calls us to repent now, just like Jesus' words did then.

To Good To Pass Up

2006-12-07T04:56:00.000-08:00

Matthew Chapter 13 is a series of parables spoken by Jesus that I will probably just spend a little time on for a couple of reasons, first of all it's good for me. Sorry folks, but I will probably spend some time where I am being benefited.
While I was teaching in the jail last Sunday chapter 13 was the main portion of what I was teaching on and even though my personal reading has gone on beyond this chapter I want to sit down and write out the things that stir me within.
Verses 1 - 8 are the verses that Jesus speaks first telling the parable with out any explanation. Verses 18 - 23 is where Jesus makes clear what the meaning of the parable is. I do encourage you, the anonymous reader, to take your bible and read those sections first. I will continue along these lines the next time I write because I want share with you what stirred my heart.

P.S.
By the way as I am writing these posts I will be using both the Old and the New Testaments because that is the only way I have been able to stay ballenced in my understanding of the Word of God.

How to look at others

2006-12-06T18:55:00.000-08:00

If you take the time to read chapter 17 of Deuteronomy, it is a harsh chapter and really shows what living by the letter of the law entails.
The sacrifice that is mentioned in the first verse of this chapter is what God used to be an example of how perfect his sacrifice would be and that theirs must be also. But on to the last verse...

20. That his heart be not lifted up above his brethren, and that he turn not aside from the commandment, to the right hand, or to the left: to the end that he may prolong his days in his kingdom, he, and his children, in the midst of Israel.

When I read this I couldn't help but see our own estate in comparison to those who do not yet know the truth of the gospel of Jesus. It is in reference to a king that God would choose and actually a word of instruction to him not to forget where he came from. We who know Christ would do well to bare that in mind as we daily engage in life and living with those around us. We were just like them and if someone would have come to us with a condescending attitude we would not have given their words any credence. Instead we responded to those who we knew loved us as we were and yet we knew they were experiencing a peace we did not have. Peter admonishes us to win our spouse without a word but by simply observing how we live.
So just like the king that hadn't been chosen yet was being given instructions not to think he was better than those he ruled, I would say that it fits for me to do the same with those around me.

Let's start easly like...

2006-12-06T13:06:00.000-08:00

Understanding the bible is an important issue for all of us who have responded to the call of the gospel.There are many people that know a whole lot more than I do about the bible, but that does not dis wade me from diving in and enjoying what God has put there for me to find and understand.
Sooooooo...I would like to say to you that just because you don't understand everything that the bible has to say, I can absolutely positively guarantee you that there are things the bible says that you will understand 100%. So Take Heart! Soak in what you do understand and leave the rest for a later time.

In The Begining

2006-12-06T11:59:00.000-08:00

Everybody has to start some where and this is the beginning of Bible Readers Anonymous. I am convinced that number of Christians who actually read the Bible is woefully low and I wanted to start a place where what I am reading in the Holy Bible can be seen and that what I have to say about it can be read. I'm not sure exactly how this will work, but I am sure that the delete icon is near by and I can opt out of this formatt any time I wan to. So if you like, read and enjoy.

biblereadersanonymous

Did Jesus do what his name said he would do?

I'm Glad I'm Here!

What's in a name

Who is Jesus and why did he come?

Rock of Offence

Drop Me A Line

The Ingredient…

A Song

Petty Socker Continued

The Petty Socker Blues

Dave Speaks Out!

Story Time

What! No Miracles?

Do I Have To Change?

Just God's Word Today

To Be Continued?...

The Beginning of the End

Back One Step

Supper Time

HELP, I need somebody!

Prophesy for today

Divie it up!

OVERLOAD!!!

Keep movin movin movin...

Have faith in God.

Le me at em

Get Thee Behind Me, Satan:#6

Get Thee Behind Me, Satan:#5 / Luke

Get Thee Behind Me, Satan:#4 / Mark

Get Thee Behind Me, Satan:#3 / Matthew

Get Thee Behind Me, Satan:#2

Get Thee Behind Me, Satan:

Mark 6:14 - 29

In Todays Terms

A Little Joshua Today

Where He Leads Me

I Send My Messenger

Filled with the Holy Ghost

Teaching them to do...

Giving

The Polluted Gospel-Part 2

The Polluted Gospel

It Takes Guts

Matthew Chapter 22

Happy Art Thou

Feel Rejected?

For the Lord's portion is his people;

The Kingdom of Heaven

Matthew 19:13

I'll Be Back!

Don't forget the O.T.

The Kingdom of Heaven

Matthew 18:1

What does Repent mean?

Matthew 17:8

Archives

Matthew 16:21

I feel like Solomon

Did I Scare You?

Scriptures for Tomorrows Disscussion

Parable of the Sower-a closer look

To Good To Pass Up

How to look at others

Let's start easly like...

In The Begining