Hebrews 12:4-12 - A Father's Discipline

Hebrews 12:4-13 NIV

A father who loves his children will discipline them when needed. No matter how difficult it may seem, he will not turn his eyes the other way and ignore it when his children are on a path of self-destruction. He will also continue to support them and love them just as our heavenly Father loves all of His children.

It can be difficult for a child to receive discipline or reproof from their parents. It causes many to feel as though they are no longer loved. It can be just as painful of an experience for a parent to discipline their child. Yet, it is sometimes necessary. Loving parents will discipline their children as they think best. Sometimes the discipline of earthly parents turns out not so much for the best. But, even then, it is usually because it is the best that the parents know and can give. It is what they have been taught. Most try to discipline lovingly and justly. Human parents make mistakes and sometimes with wrong motivations. However, God does not. He disciplines us for our good, in order that we may share in his holiness.

Life can be tough. Yet, through all the lessons we must learn, we will grow in Christ. We will grow up as children of God.

God's Peace - Pr. J

Zechariah 3 - Joshua/Yeshua; God Saves!

The accuser, Satan, stands at the High Priest Joshua's right side before the angel of the LORD to accuse him. But, the LORD rebukes Satan. The LORD will take away the filthy garments that the priest is wearing, even as He has removed Joshua's sin from him. He will clothe him with new, clean garments, with holiness. This man, Joshua, along with the other priests are symbolic of things to come. They are symbolic of the High Priest, the very Son of God, Jesus the Christ, who is to come and who will lead the people in holiness and righteousness. In the same manner, Jesus came to take away our sin so that we would be clothed with His righteousness and His holiness.

May we all live in the righteousness and holiness of Jesus the Christ, our LORD and Saviour.

God's Peace - Pr. J

A bit of a language lesson:  Joshua and Jesus are actually the same name... Joshua is Hebrew for "God Saves." Jesus (Yeshua) is Greek for "God Saves." God indeed saves His people. He saves us through the blood of Yeshua.

Amos 4 - Prepare To Meet Your God

More warnings... this morning...

"Hear this word, you cows of Bashan on Mount Samaria,
    you women who oppress the poor and crush the needy
    and say to your husbands, 'Bring us some drinks!'
The Sovereign Lord has sworn by his holiness:
    'The time will surely come
when you will be taken away with hooks,
    the last of you with fishhooks.
You will each go straight out
    through breaches in the wall,
    and you will be cast out toward Harmon,'
    declares the Lord." (Amos 4:1-3 NIV)

And.. the warnings go on. The people bring their offerings and brag about them. Yet, they do not worship the LORD. They spend their time doing as they please; that is to please themselves. They put themselves before God and before their neighbors. No matter what God does to try to wake them up to reality, they do not listen. They do not turn to the LORD. So, in turn, they are told, "Prepare to meet your God." (Amos 4:12)

Advent is a little over a week away. Are we prepared to meet our God. I know that in our minds we have this picture of a God who simply ignores all of our sins. Does he? Does he not see those who pay no heed to His name? Does He overlook those who oppress the poor and crush the needy? Does He overlook the sins of those who spend their hours in drunken stupor? Does He overlook the sins of those who will not repent and live in fellowship with Him and one another?

For, those who believe desire to walk in His Way. Those who believe that Jesus died to save them, will indeed love as He first loved us. It is not an option for the believer because the Spirit of the Living God abides in you and through you and all around you.

Whether you like it or not; whether you seek His face or not, one day we will all meet our God. Are you prepared to meet your God and live eternally in His presence; in His love?

God's Peace - Pr. J

Psalm 29 - Temple of Peace

"The Lord gives strength to his people; the Lord blesses his people with peace." (vs 11 NIV)

The LORD blesses His people with peace.  Everyone seems to want peace, but so few know where it comes from.  So many false gods to worship in this world, but those who dwell in the temple of the LORD, give glory to God. The members of the Body of Christ glorify God.  They focus on Him and know that He is the creator of all things.  They know that He is the recreator of all things.  Oh, if only eyes would be open to see and ears opened to hear!  

Turn away from all false idols.  Give to God the glory due His name and you will know, you will dwell, in His temple of peace.

"Ascribe to the Lord the glory due his name; worship the Lord in the splendor of his holiness." (vs 2)