Encouragement and Instructions to Judges

 

After reading these few paragraphs this morning, hopefully this note will encourage and instruct our Judges.

2 Chronicles 19:6, 7, 9, 10

He [King Jehoshaphat] said to the judges, “Consider what you are doing, for you do not judge for man but for the LORD who is with you when you render judgment.

“Now then let the fear of the LORD be upon you; be very careful what you do, for the LORD our God will have no part in unrighteousness or partiality or the taking of a bribe.”

Then he charged them saying, “Thus you shall do in the fear of the LORD, faithfully and wholeheartedly.

Whenever any dispute comes to you from your brethren who live in their cities, between blood and blood, between law and commandment, statutes and ordinances, you shall warn them so that they may not be guilty before the LORD, and wrath may not come on you, and your brethren. Thus you shall do and you will not be guilty.”

 Judge, may this encourage you to look to God for wisdom and knowledge, PRAY!!!

 Psalm 82:

A psalm of Asaf:

⁽¹⁾ Elohim [God] stands in the divine assembly;
there with the elohim [judges], he judges:
² “How long will you go on judging unfairly,
favoring the wicked? (Selah)
³ Give justice to the weak and fatherless!
Uphold the rights of the wretched and poor!
⁴ Rescue the destitute and needy;
deliver them from the power of the wicked!”

⁵ They don’t know, they don’t understand,
they wander about in darkness;
meanwhile, all the foundations of the earth
are being undermined.

⁶ “My decree is: ‘You are elohim [gods, judges],
sons of the Most High all of you.
⁷ Nevertheless, you will die like mortals;
like any prince, you will fall.’”

⁸ Rise up, Elohim, and judge the earth;
for all the nations are yours.

Complete Jewish Bible (CJB) © 1998 by David H. Stern. BibleGateway.com

May ALL Americans come together and pray for our country and our leaders!!! May we pray that our judges and leaders will seek wisdom, knowledge and integrity!! This was my heart after reading from The CharlesF. Stanley Life Principles Daily Bible, July 12. The daily reading also includes Life Principle 10, “If necessary, God will move heaven and earth to show us His will, 2 Chronicles 20:12. God always wants the best for us, and He is committed to showing us how to follow the specific plan He has designed for each of our lives….” Dr. Stanley continues with nine ways God may help us to take notice of His will.

May this be a blessing and encouragement to us ALL to pray and seek integrity in our individual life.

Blessings for the New Year 2021

 

“…Thus says the Lord of hosts, ‘Return to Me,’ declares the LORD of hosts, ‘That I may return to you,’ says the LORD of hosts.”  Zechariah 1:3 NASB

 If we want peace with God, we must draw near to God, be obedient to His Word, and repent of our sin. The New Testament agrees: “Draw near to God and He will draw near to you” (James 4:8). God judged Israel, not to vent His anger, but to bring the hearts of His people back to Him. Brokenness is God’s requirement for maximum usefulness.     Stanley, Charles F. Life Principles Daily Bible. page 1611.

    6Continue the daily reading on page 1614, Never Give Up, Psalm 147:12-18. Winston Churchill, the United Kingdom’s Prime Minister during World War II, included a now-famous quote in a speech to students of his former school. ‘Never give in ̶ never, never, never, never, in nothing great or small, large or petty… Never yield to force; never yield to the apparently overwhelming might of the enemy.’

   As Christians, we are called to wait on God until He acts on our behalf. In order to resist the urge to give up, we must no focus on our circumstances; rather we must focus on the power of the very One who protects us.

   Speaking about Moses, Hebrews 11:27 says, ‘He endured, as seeing Him who is unseen.’ Moses consistently looked for God and His will. Standing on the shore of the Red Sea while the Egyptians prepared to attack, Moses clung to God’s promise of protection and called out, ‘Do not fear! Stand by and see the salvation of the Lord’ Ex. 14:13). God parted the sea and the Israelites escaped what seemed to be an impossible situation. Moses triumphed over many dangerous and difficult situations because he was committed to doing God’s work and was focused on the Lord.

   Psalm 147:12-15 tells us, ‘Praise the LORD, O Jerusalem. . . He has strengthened the bars of your gates: He has blessed your sons within you. He makes peace in your borders; He satisfies you with the best of the wheat. His sends forth His command to the earth; His word runs very swiftly,..’ God strengthens us, protects us, and provides whatever we need to serve Him ̶ no matter how dire the situation may appear or how vulnerable we feel.

   Too often, believers are distracted by their circumstances. When the Lord’s will calls us to step out in faith, we sometimes falter. But a genuine commitment to God with no exceptions means nothing can induce us to give up.

   Our unchanging Lord never deserts His children; He encourages us to cast our cares on Him (Heb. 13:5, 8; 1 Pet. 5:7) and to remember that although we may not see Him, He is continually working out His will (2 Cor. 4:16-18)

   Even now He is answering you, Even now He is sending out His command, and His word is running very swiftly on your behalf. Therefore, remember His power and faithfulness whenever you are tempted to quit. Put your faith in Him, cling to His promises, and commit to Hs way. Never give up! 

    Zachariah 13:1, Life Lesson (page 1629), God often uses a fountain to picture Himself as our source of salvation. As a fountain, He overflows with mercy and grace. As a fountain, He refreshes. And as a fountain, His love must be individually taken in. Water brings life, and living water brings eternal life. God calls Himself our spring of living water (Jer. 2:13); the Spirit is a stream of living water in us (John 7:38, 39), and His living water is ours forever (Rev. 7:17)

Praying God's Desires

Colossians 1:9-12

9 For this reason we also, since the day we heard it, do not cease to pray for you, and to ask that you may be filled with the knowledge of His will in all wisdom and spiritual understanding; 10 that you may walk worthy of the Lord, fully pleasing Him, being fruitful in every good work and increasing in the knowledge of God; 11 strengthened with all might, according to His glorious power, for all patience and longsuffering with joy; 12 giving thanks to the Father who has qualified us to be partakers of the inheritance of the saints in the light.

New King James Version (NKJV)https://www.biblegateway.com

   As Christians, we all long to make necessary changes in our life so we'll become more like Jesus. And we're also concerned about the spiritual growth of fellow believers - especially our loved ones. But trasformation doesn't come about by trying harder or putting Bible verses on sticky notes in hopes that family members will read them and shape up. The most powerful resource we have is prayer, and Paul has given us a pattern that is Christ-centered and specific.

   Too often, believers pray without giving much thought to what God wants to do in a person's life. Instead, we focus on our own ideas regarding what He should do. How much more effective our prayers would be if we prayed according to God's will by using His Word as our source for requests.

   The prayer from Colossians 1 focuses on the heavenly Father's desires for His children. When we go before the Lord and substitute our own name or the name of a friend or family member for "you" in versus 9 and 10, we are praying His specific will for that person. The Lord delights in responding to requests that someone be filled with knowledge of His will and walk in a manner pleasing to Him.

   However, we must be careful not to think of this prayer as a magic charm. It doesn't work that way. These godly qualities take time to develop in a life. And if we are praying these things for ourselves, we must avail ourselves of the means God has provided for our sanctification or transformation - namely, His Word. If we want to know and understand God's will, we should ask Him and search the Bible.

Stanley, Charles F. "Praying God's Desires." In Touch: Daily Readings for Devoted Living. InTouch.org: Atlanta. April 2019, page 9

Living Above Circumstances

Philippians 1:12-18

Paul’s Chains Advance the Gospel

¹² Now I want you to know, brothers and sisters, that what has happened to me has actually served to advance the gospel. ¹³ As a result, it has become clear throughout the whole palace guard and to everyone else that I am in chains for Christ. ¹⁴ And because of my chains, most of the brothers and sisters have become confident in the Lord and dare all the more to proclaim the gospel without fear.
¹⁵ It is true that some preach Christ out of envy and rivalry, but others out of goodwill. ¹⁶ The latter do so out of love, knowing that I am put here for the defense of the gospel. ¹⁷ The former preach Christ out of selfish ambition, not sincerely, supposing that they can stir up trouble for me while I am in chains. ¹⁸ But what does it matter? The important thing is that in every way, whether from false motives or true, Christ is preached. And because of this I rejoice.
Yes, and I will continue to rejoice,  NIV Bible Gateway.com        
   
   While under house arrest, Paul wrote his letter to the Philippians. The apostle could receive visitors but couldn't travel. Despite living in a home, Paul was more than likely chained to a Roman soldier 24 hours a day. Moreover, because he knew that a trial was years away, these were his living conditions for the foreseeable future—perhaps for the rest of his life. 
   Under such circumstances, Paul might have thought to ask the Lord to release him. After all, God had called him to preach, to disciple believers, and to reach the Gentiles. But he was stuck in Rome, unable to plant new churches or visit those whom he was nurturing by letter. Besides being unjust, the imprisonment, was keeping him from important work. Surely, if anyone had a right to gripe, it was Paul, who had endured persecution, shipwreck, and beatings for the gospel. Yet he never once complained. His letter to the church at Philippi is filled with rejoicing, as focusing on God let him live above his circumstances (Phil. 4:8).
    The more we talk and complain about a situation, the worse it looks, until the problem looms larger in our mind than our faith does. Conversely, carrying challenges straight to God keeps matters in perspective. The Lord is bigger than any hardship. On His strength, we rise above the difficulty.
   Problems can look so big and unwieldy that they distort our perspective. God invites us to live above our circumstances by fastening our eyes on Him. The trials of this life shrink when compared to our loving, powerful Lord, who exercises His might in defense of His people. 
Stanley, Charles F. "Living Above Circumstances." In Touch: Daily Readings For Devoted Living November 2016. Atlanta: In Touch Ministries. page 23.

The Powerful Practice of Fasting

Nehemiah 1

Nehemiah’s Prayer

1 The words of Nehemiah son of Hakaliah:

In the month of Kislev in the twentieth year, while I was in the citadel of Susa, ² Hanani, one of my brothers, came from Judah with some other men, and I questioned them about the Jewish remnant that had survived the exile, and also about Jerusalem.

³ They said to me, “Those who survived the exile and are back in the province are in great trouble and disgrace. The wall of Jerusalem is broken down, and its gates have been burned with fire.”
⁴ When I heard these things, I sat down and wept. For some days I mourned and fasted and prayed before the God of heaven. ⁵ Then I said:

“Lord, the God of heaven, the great and awesome God, who keeps his covenant of love with those who love him and keep his commandments, ⁶ let your ear be attentive and your eyes open to hear the prayer your servant is praying before you day and night for your servants, the people of Israel. I confess the sins we Israelites, including myself and my father’s family, have committed against you. ⁷ We have acted very wickedly toward you. We have not obeyed the commands, decrees and laws you gave your servant Moses.
⁸ “Remember the instruction you gave your servant Moses, saying, ‘If you are unfaithful, I will scatter you among the nations, ⁹ but if you return to me and obey my commands, then even if your exiled people are at the farthest horizon, I will gather them from there and bring them to the place I have chosen as a dwelling for my Name.’
¹⁰ “They are your servants and your people, whom you redeemed by your great strength and your mighty hand. ¹¹ Lord, let your ear be attentive to the prayer of this your servant and to the prayer of your servants who delight in revering your name. Give your servant success today by granting him favor in the presence of this man.”

I was cupbearer to the king.   NIV Bible Gateway.com

Nehemiah's brother arrived from Judah with some bad news: The Israelites living in Jerusalem were in great trouble. After hearing about their plight, Nehemiah fasted and prayed to the Lord for several days. During this time, he discovered God wanted him to ask the king of Persia for help.

   Fasting is a spiritual discipline that helps us center our attention on the Lord and discover His will so we may act according to it. People fast in different ways: Some abstain from food while others refrain from various activities. The period of time can vary as well. But the focus in each case is to be the same - to seek God and know His will.

   When we deny ourselves in this way, several things happen. First, the Holy Spirit will enable us to set aside earthly matters. Relationships, work, and pleasure will take a lesser place in our mind as we concentrate on God and His purposes. Second, our attention will shift from ourselves to the Lord. Thinking will become clearer, and our ability to understand His plans will sharpen because we are not distracted by other things. Third, the Lord is probably going to do some spiritual housecleaning in our life. His Spirit will convict us of sinful atitudes or behaviors. Then, upon confession of our sin, we'll be forgiven and cleansed (1 John 1:9).

   When unexpected news greets us, we - like Nehemiah - may find our emotions in turmoil. He wisely sought God through fasting and prayer. This powerful practice can also help us to hear clearly from our heavenly Father, who knows the best way through every situation. 

Stanley, Charles F. "The Powerful Practice of Fasting." In Touch: Daily Readings For Devoted Living September 2016. Atlanta: In Touch Ministries. page 10.

Speaking Through Sickness

Acts 9:1-19

Saul’s Conversion

9 Meanwhile, Saul was still breathing out murderous threats against the Lord’s disciples. He went to the high priest ² and asked him for letters to the synagogues in Damascus, so that if he found any there who belonged to the Way, whether men or women, he might take them as prisoners to Jerusalem. ³ As he neared Damascus on his journey, suddenly a light from heaven flashed around him. ⁴ He fell to the ground and heard a voice say to him, “Saul, Saul, why do you persecute me?”

⁵ “Who are you, Lord?” Saul asked.
“I am Jesus, whom you are persecuting,” he replied. ⁶ “Now get up and go into the city, and you will be told what you must do.”
⁷ The men traveling with Saul stood there speechless; they heard the sound but did not see anyone. ⁸ Saul got up from the ground, but when he opened his eyes he could see nothing. So they led him by the hand into Damascus. ⁹ For three days he was blind, and did not eat or drink anything.
¹⁰ In Damascus there was a disciple named Ananias. The Lord called to him in a vision, “Ananias!”
“Yes, Lord,” he answered.
¹¹ The Lord told him, “Go to the house of Judas on Straight Street and ask for a man from Tarsus named Saul, for he is praying. ¹² In a vision he has seen a man named Ananias come and place his hands on him to restore his sight.”
¹³ “Lord,” Ananias answered, “I have heard many reports about this man and all the harm he has done to your holy people in Jerusalem. ¹⁴ And he has come here with authority from the chief priests to arrest all who call on your name.”
¹⁵ But the Lord said to Ananias, “Go! This man is my chosen instrument to proclaim my name to the Gentiles and their kings and to the people of Israel. ¹⁶ I will show him how much he must suffer for my name.”
¹⁷ Then Ananias went to the house and entered it. Placing his hands on Saul, he said, “Brother Saul, the Lord—Jesus, who appeared to you on the road as you were coming here—has sent me so that you may see again and be filled with the Holy Spirit.” ¹⁸ Immediately, something like scales fell from Saul’s eyes, and he could see again. He got up and was baptized, ¹⁹ and after taking some food, he regained his strength.   NIV Bible Gateway.com



   We never enjoy illness or affliction. After all, what good could possibly result from our ailments? God would never allow us to get sick for any reason—would He?
   The answer, surprisingly, is yes. Suffering is one of the consequences of living in a fallen world, so we shouldn't be surprised when it comes our way. However. God can use it to get our attention. If illness is what it takes for us to refocus on Him, that's exactly what He will allow to happen.
   Think about the apostle Paul. When we hear his name, we recall the missionary who spread the gospel during the first century. But this wasn't always the case. When we are first introduced to him, he is known as Saul, Christianity's enemy (Acts 9:1-2). So how did God get Saul's attention?
   The Acts account explains that the Lord appeared in a brilliant flash of light that only Saul could see. After revealing Himself, Jesus left Saul completely blind. This enemy of the church was now brought low, having to be led into town by hand, completely at the mercy of others.
   What went through Saul's mind during those three days of blindness? No doubt he was focused on one thing: Christ. By removing his sight, God took away all distractions during this vital time in the man's life.
   God's primary goal is our ultimate good, not our comfort or short-term happiness—He wants what is best for us in light of eternity. At times, this means He'll lay us flat on our backs for a season. If you experience such hardship, do pray for healing, but also play to discern His message to you in your sickness.
Stanley, Charles F. "Speaking Through Sickness."  In Touch: Daily Readings For Devoted Living October 2016. Atlanta: In Touch Ministries. page 13.