No one can Ignore God and get away with it

2 Chronicles 33:1-202Ch 33:1 Manasseh was twelve years old when he began to reign, and he reigned fifty and five years in Jerusalem:
2 But did that which was evil in the sight of the LORD, like unto the abominations of the heathen, whom the LORD had cast out before the children of Israel.
3 For he built again the high places which Hezekiah his father had broken down, and he reared up altars for Baalim, and made groves, and worshipped all the host of heaven, and served them.
4 Also he built altars in the house of the LORD, whereof the LORD had said, In Jerusalem shall my name be for ever.
5 And he built altars for all the host of heaven in the two courts of the house of the LORD.
6 And he caused his children to pass through the fire in the valley of the son of Hinnom: also he observed times, and used enchantments, and used witchcraft, and dealt with a familiar spirit, and with wizards: he wrought much evil in the sight of the LORD, to provoke him to anger.
7 And he set a carved image, the idol which he had made, in the house of God, of which God had said to David and to Solomon his son, In this house, and in Jerusalem, which I have chosen before all the tribes of Israel, will I put my name for ever:
8 Neither will I any more remove the foot of Israel from out of the land which I have appointed for your fathers; so that they will take heed to do all that I have commanded them, according to the whole law and the statutes and the ordinances by the hand of Moses.
9 So Manasseh made Judah and the inhabitants of Jerusalem to err, and to do worse than the heathen, whom the LORD had destroyed before the children of Israel.
10 And the LORD spake to Manasseh, and to his people: but they would not hearken.
11 Wherefore the LORD brought upon them the captains of the host of the king of Assyria, which took Manasseh among the thorns, and bound him with fetters, and carried him to Babylon.
12 And when he was in affliction, he besought the LORD his God, and humbled himself greatly before the God of his fathers,
13 And prayed unto him: and he was intreated of him, and heard his supplication, and brought him again to Jerusalem into his kingdom. Then Manasseh knew that the LORD he was God.
14 Now after this he built a wall without the city of David, on the west side of Gihon, in the valley, even to the entering in at the fish gate, and compassed about Ophel, and raised it up a very great height, and put captains of war in all the fenced cities of Judah.
15 And he took away the strange gods, and the idol out of the house of the LORD, and all the altars that he had built in the mount of the house of the LORD, and in Jerusalem, and cast them out of the city.
16 And he repaired the altar of the LORD, and sacrificed thereon peace offerings and thank offerings, and commanded Judah to serve the LORD God of Israel.
17 Nevertheless the people did sacrifice still in the high places, yet unto the LORD their God only.
18 Now the rest of the acts of Manasseh, and his prayer unto his God, and the words of the seers that spake to him in the name of the LORD God of Israel, behold, they are written in the book of the kings of Israel.
19 His prayer also, and how God was intreated of him, and all his sin, and his trespass, and the places wherein he built high places, and set up groves and graven images, before he was humbled: behold, they are written among the sayings of the seers.
20 So Manasseh slept with his fathers, and they buried him in his own house: and Amon his son reigned in his stead.
(KJV)  Today’s devotional thought comes from the disobedience of Manasseh.  God allowed him to rule in Jerusalem for 55 years.  Most of his life was disobedient to God however verse 12 says that eventually he sought God.  This is where we can see the saying “too little, too late.”  King Manasseh of Judah stands as an example of what can happen when someone ignores God. Despite the example of his godly father Hezekiah, Manasseh abandoned the Lord and led his people into idolatry. He was deaf to God’s voice and carried on with this evil for quite a while. But in time God finally got his attention through a painful situation involving the Assyrian military. Humbled, Manasseh repented and began obeying the Lord instead of ignoring Him.    

People all around us are disregarding God’s offer of salvation through faith in His Son. If we look at their lives, it may not seem that they are not facing any divine judgment, but we must remember that repercussions don’t always follow immediately. Ignoring the Lord is rebellion and idolatry in His eyes, and unless the offender turns to Him in humble repentance and faith, consequences will come.

Are you sensitive to God’s voice, or does He have to bring hardship and suffering into your life to get your attention? Disregarding Him is a serious matter, but God is merciful and responds to the cries of a truly repentant heart.

Remember dear friend it is only those who hear God that will make it to heaven.  Are you one who is listening to God or are you defiant to Him.

FOR GOD SO LOVED, HE GAVE

Jim Harris

Bethel Baptist Church – Texarkana

Most people can quote John 3:16, and many do so while missing many great truths from this simple verse. Of course the verse is often quoted to prove that salvation is totally by God’s grace, through faith in Jesus Christ. But even then, without a deep study into the wording of this verse, we miss the deepest points of it. In this short (we hope it’s short) article we will look at the word “gave.” “For God so loved, he gave . . . ” According to Greek scholar Kenneth Wuest, this is a “specialized word.” He says, “It denotes not merely a gift, but a gift which is given out of the spontaneous generosity of the giver’s heart, with no strings tied to it. The Greek word grace (charis) has the same root and the same meaning. Thus the word refers, not to an undertaking based upon terms of mutual agreement, but upon the free act of one who gives something, expecting no pay for it. This at once shows the difference between law and grace.” If God had intended for us to understand that our salvation is based upon a combination of works (law) and faith, He could have used a word which refers to an offer based upon the terms of a mutual agreement. If that were the case, God would have offered salvation based upon our performance of certain acts – totally void of faith. When it comes to salvation, faith and works are mutually exclusive. In Romans 4:1-5 Paul said, “What shall we say then that Abraham our father, as pertaining to the flesh, hath found? (2) For if Abraham were justified by works, he hath whereof to glory; but not before God. (3) For what saith the scripture? Abraham believed God, and it was counted unto him for righteousness. (4) Now to him that worketh is the reward not reckoned of grace, but of debt. (5) But to him that worketh not, but believeth on him that justifieth the ungodly, his faith is counted for righteousness.” And then in Romans 11:6 he points out, “And if by grace, then is it no more of works: otherwise grace is no more grace. But if it be of works, then is it no more grace: otherwise work is no more work.” Furthermore, the verb is in the perfect tense which speaks of a past completed act having present results. In other words, “the past act of God giving the inheritance (salvation) on the basis of a promise (faith) has present results – present to Paul in his day, and to us in our day. God does not offer us salvation on any merit or goodness on our part. It is “out of the spontaneous generosity” of His great love and mercy for His fallen creation. “In my hand no price I bring. Simply to thy cross I cling.” (“Rock of Ages”)

EASTER

Jesus had no servants, yet they called Him Master.
Had no degree, yet they called Him Teacher.
Had no medicines, yet they called Him Healer.
Had no army, yet kings feared Him.
He won no military battles, yet He conquered the world.
He committed no crime, yet they crucified Him.
He was buried in a tomb, yet He lives today.

WORSHIPFUL EATING

William Andrew Dillard

“Hast thou found honey? Eat so much as is sufficient for thee, lest thou be filled therewith, and vomit it.” Prov. 25:16

When you walk into the bookstore and see a table filled with books on dieting, you know it must be early spring. After several weeks largely cabin-bound life of overeating all kinds of foods, people in many cultures turn their attention to not eating.

Surprisingly, food plays an important role in Scripture. God uses it not only to bless us but also to teach us. Misuse of food keeps us from knowing God in ways He wants to be known.

In the Old Testament, God gave instructions to Adam as to what to eat and what not to eat (Gen. 2:16-17). Later He gave the Israelites manna to convince them that He was God and to test them to find out if they believed Him (Ex. 16:12; Deut. 8:16). In the New Testament, the apostle Paul stated the proper attitude for everything we do, including eating: “Whether you eat or drink, . . . do all to the glory of God” (1 Cor. 10:31).

When we think of food as a friend that comforts us or an enemy that makes us fat, we miss the wonder of receiving with gratitude a splendid gift from God. Obsessive eating or not eating indicates that we are focused on the gift rather than on the Giver, which is a form of idolatry.

When eating becomes a true act of worship, we will no longer worship food. Our appetite for the bread of life is diminished when we make physical food our god.

To preach on the sin of gluttony is far from a popular thing to do, but the Bible has much to say about it, and none of it is good. It is ironic that some folks who would vehemently denounce bad language, alcohol consumption, and a number of other things often follow up their disparaging comments by gorging themselves at a laden table without any noticeable compunction.

Such were the Cretans of Old. Although not specifically labeled as epicurean, enough is said to give the distinct impression that they were just that. The Apostle Paul left Titus in Crete to set things in order and ordain elders in the newly formed church, but he had quite a bit to say about the nature of the Cretans. “Slow bellies” is what he quoted one of their own poets as calling them. Those words simply mean that they were culturally lazy and loved to lay around stuffing their gut.

The apostle admonished Titus to “rebuke them sharply” that they may be turned in their focus from material food and other sins to becoming sound in the faith.

Seeing food as a physical necessity to continue life is supposed to depict the necessity of spiritual food that sustains the life of the soul. Few overeat at that table, but all are invited to do so.

LETTING OUR LITTLE LIGHT SHINE

“For the time is come that judgment must begin at the house of God: and if it first begin at us, what shall the end be of them that obey not the gospel of God? And if the righteous scarcely be saved, where shall the ungodly and the sinner appear? I Peter 4:17-18.

What are these verses of scripture talking about? They are talking about judgment upon life’s works of faith. Why must that judgment begin at the house of God which is the church of the living God? Because those are the only ones on earth that can be judged on God’s standards and meet any degree of approval.

Then what will the end be of them that obey not the gospel of God? Their works will be as wood, hay and stubble and will be burned up in the judgment seat of Christ. I Cor. 3:9-15. They will be spiritually saved if they were saved while here on earth, but they will be saved yet so as by fire with nothing to show for a life lived on earth.

What does it mean that the righteous scarcely be saved? The term “Scarcely” comes from the Greek “Molis” which means with great difficulty, hard work. Doesn’t this teach salvation by works then? Not at all. It is a reference to one’s life and its eternal reward, not to who will be in heaven or hell. God expects His saved people to grow in grace and produce fruit appropriate to the indwelling Spirit. That requires effort. Those not doing so will suffer great loss.

Then where shall the ungodly and the sinner appear? Notice that there are two classes of people mentioned here: the ungodly and the sinner. All men are sinners. Some are saved sinners and some are lost sinners. Saved sinners who do not live for the Lord then live ungodly lives. They shall appear before the Lord empty handed and suffer consequential loss of reward FOREVER. The sinner (implying the lost sinner) has nothing to be judged that is good. He is not even qualified to appear at the judgment seat of Christ, but must appear at the Great White Throne Judgment mentioned in Revelation 20.

Folks, these verses of scripture are a sober warning to all. Lost sinners desperately need to be saved. Saved sinners desperately need to live their lives to the honor of God: growing in grace and knowledge of the Lord. Are you saved? Have you followed the Lord in baptism? Are you actively honoring the Lord in a New Testament Church? Are you studying the Bible, praying and growing as a Christian? Underlying these things is the desire to do it. The believer does well to pray for that desire.

The children’s song summarizes it well, “This little light of mine, I’m going to let it shine!” IS YOUR LIGHT SHINING FOR JESUS?

PRAISE AND PRAYER

Psa_40:3, – And he hath put a new song in my mouth, even praise unto our God: many shall see it, and fear, and shall trust in the LORD.

Psa_40:13. – Be pleased, O LORD, to deliver me: O LORD, make haste to help me.

What the Lord has done for me brings songs to my lips. When my end on earth was destined to be a place of horror, God sent His Son for my salvation. He brought me out of a place of damnation and put me on a solid rock, His own Son, the sacrifice without sin that I might be saved.

He gave me purpose and reason for living. He has established my path that I might not stray. His words thrill my soul and challenge my life and living to become acceptable to God. That is why I sing a new song of praises unto Him. He is my everything, my reason for living. God Bless this Day.

FOLLOW THAT GOOD THING

Psa 38:20  They also that render evil for good are mine adversaries; because I follow the thing that good is. 

21  Forsake me not, O LORD: O my God, be not far from me. 

22  Make haste to help me, O Lord my salvation. 

How many have adversaries, enemies do we have in this world today. Do not be misled, those that ridicule you are your enemies. They stand against you. They will label you as “conspiracy theorist.” By labeling you with names they are setting you up as deranged and demented. There are not 80 million nor 40 million nor 10 million conspiracy theorists today. This simply an attempt to shut people up and cause people not to express what they believe the truth is.

David said, “because I follow the thing that good is.” David is making a statement that even though he is a sinner and does commit sin, that he will confess that sin before God. He wants to live a life that is good but occasionally slips. He declares his iniquity and is sorry for his sin.

His enemies use his mis-steps against him. His enemies rejoice over his mistakes. This is a common malady to this day. There are those that are hateful from their youth. There are those that are deniers of God and live a contrary life. Then there are those that know better but will attempt to tear down any that attempt to live a life that they envy and mock and ridicule.

David said, “Forsake me not,” and, “Make haste to help,.” We must always remember who created us, who saved us and who we serve. God almighty stands with us and for us. NEVER BE SHAMED BY FOOLS

Prosperity of the wicked and the Affliction of the Righteous

Psalm 37:1-8

There are several explicit statements that begin the thirty seventh Psalm The first eight verses really define what a Christian should be.

1. Fret Not
2. Trust in the Lord
3. Delight thyself also in the Lord
4. Commit thy way unto the Lord
5. Rest in the Lord
6. Cease from anger and forsake wrath.

Let me cover this real quick.

1. Do not let the success of the wicked bother you, because their end is terrible.
2. Trust in the Lord because He will always stand with His faithful servants to protect and bless them.
3. Be happy that you are a child of the King and receive His blessings and an inheritance that fadeth not away.
4. Give yourself completely to the Lord. Allow Him to direct your path through the pitfalls of this degenerate world.
5. Take a break in the Lord, not from the Lord. Get away from the noise and bustle of the world. Settle into the arms of the Lord and find rest and peace.
6. Quit being mad at everyone. Realize your own faults and failures and you can better understand that others are not perfect. Get over yourself.

CRY AND THE LORD HEARS

Psa 34:6  This poor man cried, and the LORD heard him, and saved him out of all his troubles. 

David refers to himself as he shows God’s response to those that cry unto God. Now he sees the need to praise God. Many times, we are stressed because of events that are, seemingly destroying our lives and the lives of family and loved ones. David experienced these things and always “cried” unto God.

We must understand that God desires to help us through the tough times, through the difficult times, through the distresses and turmoils of this life. We must communicate with God and call upon Him. Through out the Old Testament and New Testament, we find the saints calling upon God. God is waiting for our call and then He will respond to our need. He already knows our need. Much like our earthly father that knows our need but patiently waits for us to express that need and then responds to the call we give unto he as our earthly father.

David praises God for His response. Praise God from whom all blessings flow. He is there in the morning. He is there at noon. He is there in the evening. He is there at night. Let us praise Him at all times for the marvelous work He does for us. He brings us through the valley of the shadow of death. Praise God and Give Him all Glory.

BLESSED FORGIVENESS

Psa 32:1  A Psalm of David, Maschil. Blessed is he whose transgression is forgiven, whose sin is covered. 

2  Blessed is the man unto whom the LORD imputeth not iniquity, and in whose spirit there is no guile. 

The wickedness of sin is apparent in our lives. Then we need to come to the Lord and confess that we have been sinful. Confession brings the forgiveness of the Lord. This Psalm tells us what happens when we neglect confession of our sins. This is a confession, not to man or priest or rabbi, but to the Lord.

Sin brings guilt into our lives. Guilt can cause misery and bring sorrow that mars our spirit and our days and nights. David describes the lack of confession of sin and how miserable he was.

The Lord is our hiding place. A place of forgiveness and rest. A place of ease and comfort. To the Lord is where we need to rush and confess our sins and be healed of guilt in the precious arms of Jesus. In His arms we find mercy, and gladness and shout for joy. We have been forgiven.