Saturday 21 January 2012

Humbly unify around Jesus gift of salvation that God built (Genesis 11:4)

Scripture:

Genesis 11:4 Then they said, "Come, let us build ourselves a city, with a tower that reaches to the heavens, so that we may make a name for ourselves and not be scattered over the face of the whole earth."

Observation:

The people after the flood were going about living in on the earth. Some stayed closer to God than others it would seem. Some took the path of Abel and others the path of Cain which manifested its self in a unified act. The decided together as a unit to build a city with a tower in the middle by which they could ascend to the heavens. By ascending to the heavens they would touch divinity and become great, make a name for themselves. Maybe become as gods. Such false religion and pride could not be left unchecked; it would have bad consequences and sadly affect all the people of the earth. This is very similar to the tempting of inner pride the serpent tempted Eve with, ‘you will become like God’. It is also similar to the fall and nature of ‘Lucifer’ or ‘Morning Start’ in Isaiah who declared five statements of ascension above the stars of God and become like the Most High. (Isaiah 14:12-15. The self centred pride of man is his downfall.

Application:

I must remember that unity is a very powerful thing in accomplishing any task and if that goal is built around a common purpose, even if that purpose is against God’s will, it still has a great sense of belonging, community, city, society, togetherness (not scattered) that can make people feel for a time as if they are reaching their full purpose in life – yet it can be an affront against God and detrimental to the people themselves and those they affect. Sometimes mob rule has a strange unifying factor that captivates people to even do things they normally would not do; example Nazi Germany or even a football match riot. But it can be even more subtle than that in causes that seem good on the outside but on the inside are full of human pride. One clear way is a false spirituality that tries to reach the heavens and become spiritual powerful (whatever that is to the persons view) without true submission to God and his way of salvation. Such spirituality is based on human works, pride and the desire to look good before others. False religion is based on that foundation, the foundation of Cain’s works or Adam’s fig leafs. But true spirituality is based not on our works (even though it should if genuine produce good works and fruit) but on the provision of God’s grace which culminated in the sending of his Son, Jesus, who is both king and saviour. It is by the blood of the Lamb of God and only by that way can we enter into a relationship with the God of the heavens. It is a gift to be received with total dependent humility. It is in this faith and humility as I depend upon the blood of Jesus that I am lifted up to seat with him in heavenly places (Eph 2:6). Let me examine myself and make sure that I am not building any false arguments for heavens blessing nor my pride stopping me from humbly receiving the gift of Jesus.

Prayer:

May I build my spiritual life on noting else but the gift of Jesus Christ and his righteousness. Holy Spirit I welcome you to tear down in me every false edifice that tries to bring me to the heights of heaven that are built on self centred pride. By your grace help me to be more dependent on you and the work of the cross of Jesus, that in my weakness I find your strength and grace, Amen

Humbly unify around Jesus gift of salvation that God built (Genesis 11:4)

Scripture:

Genesis 11:4 Then they said, "Come, let us build ourselves a city, with a tower that reaches to the heavens, so that we may make a name for ourselves and not be scattered over the face of the whole earth."

Observation:

The people after the flood were going about living in on the earth. Some stayed closer to God than others it would seem. Some took the path of Abel and others the path of Cain which manifested its self in a unified act. The decided together as a unit to build a city with a tower in the middle by which they could ascend to the heavens. By ascending to the heavens they would touch divinity and become great, make a name for themselves. Maybe become as gods. Such false religion and pride could not be left unchecked; it would have bad consequences and sadly affect all the people of the earth. This is very similar to the tempting of inner pride the serpent tempted Eve with, ‘you will become like God’. It is also similar to the fall and nature of ‘Lucifer’ or ‘Morning Start’ in Isaiah who declared five statements of ascension above the stars of God and become like the Most High. (Isaiah 14:12-15. The self centred pride of man is his downfall.

Application:

I must remember that unity is a very powerful thing in accomplishing any task and if that goal is built around a common purpose, even if that purpose is against God’s will, it still has a great sense of belonging, community, city, society, togetherness (not scattered) that can make people feel for a time as if they are reaching their full purpose in life – yet it can be an affront against God and detrimental to the people themselves and those they affect. Sometimes mob rule has a strange unifying factor that captivates people to even do things they normally would not do; example Nazi Germany or even a football match riot. But it can be even more subtle than that in causes that seem good on the outside but on the inside are full of human pride. One clear way is a false spirituality that tries to reach the heavens and become spiritual powerful (whatever that is to the persons view) without true submission to God and his way of salvation. Such spirituality is based on human works, pride and the desire to look good before others. False religion is based on that foundation, the foundation of Cain’s works or Adam’s fig leafs. But true spirituality is based not on our works (even though it should if genuine produce good works and fruit) but on the provision of God’s grace which culminated in the sending of his Son, Jesus, who is both king and saviour. It is by the blood of the Lamb of God and only by that way can we enter into a relationship with the God of the heavens. It is a gift to be received with total dependent humility. It is in this faith and humility as I depend upon the blood of Jesus that I am lifted up to seat with him in heavenly places (Eph 2:6). Let me examine myself and make sure that I am not building any false arguments for heavens blessing nor my pride stopping me from humbly receiving the gift of Jesus.

Prayer:

May I build my spiritual life on noting else but the gift of Jesus Christ and his righteousness. Holy Spirit I welcome you to tear down in me every false edifice that tries to bring me to the heights of heaven that are built on self centred pride. By your grace help me to be more dependent on you and the work of the cross of Jesus, that in my weakness I find your strength and grace, Amen

Friday 20 January 2012

It is always his will that I be fruitful and increase in life (Genesis 9:1,7)

Scripture:

Genesis 9:1, 7 Then God blessed Noah and his sons, saying to them, "Be fruitful and increase in number and fill the earth...... As for you, be fruitful and increase in number; multiply on the earth and increase upon it."

Observation:

In Genesis 1:28 we are told that God said to Adam and Eve "Be fruitful and increase in number; fill the earth and subdue it.” We get the clear sense that God desires for us and made us to succeed in life. But with the fall of mankind, judgment consequences and the general pressures of life one may wonder is it still his will for us to increase. After Noah and his family came out of the Boat and he reaffirmed his gratitude and faith in God and God’s way to righteousness by building an altar and offering a sacrifice, God speaks his word of purposes and blessing once again. This empowering word from God reaffirms his will for each and every person to be fruitful and increase in life. This has more to it that just the idea of increase through offspring. To subdue the earth and be on top rather that it on top of you - of course within his parameters of being under his Lordship are we to find our ruler-ship in the earth. 3 John 2 also affirms this as God’s present will for our lives where it says, “Dear friend, I pray that you may enjoy good health and that all may go well with you, even as your soul is getting along well.”

Application:

May we look towards our God and creator with the eyes of faith trusting that he made us with a good purpose in mind. That purpose being to ‘to prosper us and not to harm us, to give us a hope and a future’ (Jer 29:11) He not only desires us to do well but made us with the ability to do well in life, even in this fallen world, that we still may increase and be fruitful in life. Let us be thankful and have a positive disposition knowing that he has given us everything we need for life and godliness. We too need to be like Adam, Abel and Noah, offering only the type of substitute lamb sacrifice that is acceptable by faith and not the prideful work of our own hands. Lets us come to God knowing that he has give us his Son and will give us with him everything else we need in order to be all that he calls us to be, to do all that he calls us to do and to have all that he calls us to have. So let us go about our day positively and with great gratitude knowing that it is his will for us to be in good health where everything is going well and our souls are sound in him, being fruitful in all things and increasing in the earth today.

Prayer:

Lord God creator of the universe, you who made me and know the number of my days, speak your word to my heart today that I may be confirmed in your will and purpose for my life. Let me know with every fibre of my being that it is your will for me to be fruitful and increase. Take all doubt and fear away for they are lies of destruction that are an affront to your word and good character. We tear down every thought that is contrary to your thoughts and word towards us. Dear Holy Spirit help me live in the truth and positive life giving word that I may act in faith this day and every day and see more of the kingdom of God manifest though me. Amen

Wednesday 18 January 2012

Three things for a life of favour – righteous, holiness and fellowship (Genesis 6:9)

Scripture:

Genesis 6:9 “... Noah was a righteous man, blameless among the people of his time, and he walked with God.”

Observation:

Even though God was grieved with mankind because every inclination of the thoughts of his heart was only evil all the time, Noah found favour in the eyes of the LORD. We are told three things about Noah, he was a righteous man, blameless in the sight of others and he walked with God. These are three quality that seemed to please God and bring favour upon know to the point that judgment came upon all mankind but provision of salvation offered Noah and his family. But please note that even though know was blameless compared to rest of the people, which is pleasing and commendable. It was not because of such holiness but grace-unmerited favour that brought about his salvation. He was one who walked with God in fellowship and communication. He would have know about Adams and Eves covering (Gen 3:21) and like Abel trusted in God’s provision of righteousness as we see his understanding of sacrifice displayed after the flood. (Gen 8:20-21). Noah was righteous by faith, blameless in appearance and walked with God in fellowship.

Application:

These three aspects are needed to be part of my life so that I can enjoy the favour of God. God has graced us all – or brought favour on all in many ways, such as the general gift of life. But he has abundantly shown us favour and grace in the provision of the Lamb sacrifice as a covering for us all, his son Jesus Christ. But in order for me to be a righteous man I need to by faith take hold of this gift and stand before God with noting of my own but only the blood of the lamb. It is in and covered by the name of Jesus Christ I stand. But with that stand I am called to a life worthy of the calling and live out of this grace by his Spirit blameless before man, displaying the fruit of such a work of grace. And thirdly the end being to actually walk in full fellowship with my LORD and God, naked and unashamed, enjoying his presence forever.

Prayer:

Lord God I desire to live in the good of these three aspects, righteous by faith, blameless by love and the hope of glory in shared fellowship with Father, Spirit and Son. In the name of Jesus and only by his name and righteous do I come to you, confident that this lambs blood is abundantly more than enough to make me right in your sight – thank you. Amen

Tuesday 17 January 2012

Call on the name of the LORD today and every day and invite him into your life (Genesis 4:26)

Scripture:
Genesis 4:26 “..... At that time men began to call on the name of the LORD.”
Observation:
There obviously was a time when they felt no need to call on the name of the LORD. Why? Because God’s presence was still somewhat with them and even dialoguing with them though they had been removed from the garden. Until Cain committed murder he could encounter God’s presence and it was only after that God’s presence was hidden (hidden form sight and experience not gone). At some point God did not take it for granted that people in their free will and by the choices of evil they made want his presence in their lives. His presence became hidden to most but some sensed this loss and began to call upon and ask for the LORD’s presence, relationship and intervention. The LORD respected free will and could not stay around evil thinking and life styles, but obviously when they called upon him they found he was willing to come to them, hence the continued to call on the name of the LORD that his presence would be revealed and his saving grace bestowed upon their lives.
Application:
God is still waiting for may people to call upon him today and those who call find the hidden one will be revealed to those who truly call upon the name of the LORD. Those who seek will find. But he respect people free will and the choice has to be real with a full about face turn towards him and away from all that is evil and of the flesh. But all those who call upon the name of the Lord will be saved and not ashamed. I need to use my gift of free choice and intentionally call upon the name of the LORD daily, welcoming his presence, his relationship and his intervention into my life. This is a decision I have to make with complete commitment to all that God is (his full name) and not some puppet sugar daddy self-centred idol of my on making or desire. Daily I will welcome the Lord and all that he is into my life, placing my total dependence upon him and by his grace following his leadership and commands, trusting in his good character towards me and wisdom way beyond mine.
Prayer:
LORD God, in the name of Jesus Christ your son I stand. Look not upon my sin but let us together see the blood of the lamb that paid in full and redeemed me. I am adopted into your family through Jesus your son. Father I call upon your name, may it be hallowed in my heart and mind, and ask that your kingdom and government would reign in my life and in all the earth just as it is in heaven. Let your presence be revealed and always be with me, Amen

Monday 16 January 2012

God's dream of me (Gen 1:26-2:25)

Scripture:

Genesis 1:26-2:25 “The God said, “Let us make man in our image, in our likeness, and let them........no shame”

Observation:

In this passage of scripture there are a number of things set out at creation that mankind is to be and to do. Image of God, Likeness of God, rule over all the earth, subdue all, be fruitful, fill the earth, increase, work the ground/garden, take care of it, depended on the breath of God, be a living being, obey God, freedom in God’s boundaries, live in community helping and being helped, name things, (become one flesh), be naked and unashamed before God and people. (Like God, speak and create good things, rest on the seventh day)

Application:

Remind myself what God created me to be and to do and in reminding myself these things believe and stretch for them for it is my destiny and purpose for living. I am what God created me to be, I can do what he called me to do and I can have when he said I could have. His will is the only true will for my life, far above any others ideas including my own. His will is that I be his image and likeness in the earth and it hasn’t changed.

Prayer:

Lord God my creator I submit to your will for my life and existence, by your creative spoke word and the breath of your Holy Spirit my I become all that you dreamed of me and noting less. In Christ Jesus let me be your image and likeness, Amen.