Bible Study - Going Right - Giving in a Greedy Culture - Deuteronomy 15 and 24 - January 29, 2012

Bible Study – Going Right – Giving in a Greedy Culture – January 29, 2012

This is our final lesson in our series entitled “Going Right in a Culture Gone Wrong.”

Our scripture is Deuteronomy 15:7-11; 24:10-15, 17-18.

Our lesson this week focuses on giving. Our thoughts generally go to giving of our material resources. But we can share things other than our material wealth. We can share our time, our talents such as cooking, sewing, baking, repairing various things, managing our resources and the list goes on. But the greatest gift we can share with others is salvation through JESUS CHRIST.

We receive many requests for financial help from many organizations every year and we must pray and decide which we will support and those we will not support.

This lesson will reflect much of my journey with giving and managing resources. This is a very delicate area in the lives of many:

-         We can give from a heart that has been made perfect through the renewing of our minds through our relationship with CHRIST and the indwelling Holy Spirit. This does not mean that we give to everything that comes along. But we seek to give as led by the Holy Spirit. Even here, we often give because we have always given to such and such until we allow the Spirit to rule our flesh through the process of sanctification. Faith is a gift and so is making money. Each person must take a step of faith to receive CHRIST as his/her Savior. But there is another kind of faith that GOD gives after we become Christians. GOD gifts some Christians to step out in faith. HE gifts some Christians to give all of their wealth and to live by faith. We hear stories where Christians have been called to either live on faith or to give all and live by faith. The caution is for Christians not to step out on their own faith without being called to do so. It is very important that Christians are led to step out in faith. I learned this the hard way. I wanted to have a wonderful story to be able to tell. It was an oblique way of testing the LORD. I did and things did not work according to my plan. So, I had to struggle with why, which usually brings up the question of that my faith must have not strong enough. Then GOD teaches us that it is not our faith brings about what we want to take place but it is faith in HIM. GOD can do all things and HE will when it is according to HIS will and purpose. That is why we must build the right relationship with HIM. HE allows us to test HIM to teach us because it helps us separate truth from error and false notions. HE often refines our relationship with HIM by fire, according to the way HE knows what will teach us and open our eyes to truth. Christians need to allow HIM, through the indwelling Holy Spirit, to perfect them according to HIS will and purpose. It is like being a pen in the hand of a writer. As a pen, our role is to be available to the writer to write what HE chooses. It is often a struggle for the pen (us) to submit to the writer (GOD) and let HIM be the author. That is when we see that GOD can write something far more precious than we ever dreamed possible.  

-         Christians can walk in the flesh and we can give out of obligation or peer pressure. Some non-Christians attempt to play like Christians or attempt to earn their way to heaven by giving. Often in either situation the person does not give from a joyful heart.

-         We can give in hopes of getting. The Bible is very clear that those who give cannot out give the generosity of GOD. So giving is a good investment strategy. But what does that reveal about our heart and motive. When our heart and motives for giving are pure before GOD, HIS grace does abound.

Giving is a reflection of our heart. Giving will not earn our way to heaven. Obedient giving will earn Christians rewards. We saw in last week’s lesson that Cornelius was seeking a personal relationship with GOD through the things he was doing. GOD saw his heart and brought Peter into his life who would present truth to him, which is the gospel of CHRIST. By Cornelius accepting CHRIST as his Savior, he would have this personal relationship with GOD that he was seeking. All Christians know the truth and have the light that leads to salvation, which is CHRIST. GOD calls us to respond to the needs of others but we must be available and willing for HIM to use us. Peter’s traditions were a barrier for him to minister to the Gentiles until GOD revealed that stumbling block in his life. He had to be willing to give it up to obediently minister and expand his boundaries.

Our scripture is taken from the Old Testament and focuses on GOD’S guidance regarding giving and lending to those in need. This was directed to the Israelites after they entered the Promised Land, the land of plenty. Some would be prosperous and others would not. GOD wanted those who prospered to help those who had not. It was not welfare because on the receiving end were to pay back to those who were helping them. It was an interest free loan.

This lesson could be titled "Being Poor With Diginity" but it is more than being materially poor. It includes being Spiritually poor.

Let’s read Deuteronomy 15:7-11: Lending to the Poor

⁷ “If there is a poor person among you, one of your brothers within any of your gates in the land the Lord your God is giving you, you must not be hardhearted or tightfisted toward your poor brother.
⁸ Instead, you are to open your hand to him and freely loan him enough for whatever need he has.
⁹ Be careful that there isn’t this wicked thought in your heart, ‘The seventh year, the year of canceling debts, is near,’ and you are stingy toward your poor brother and give him [nothing]^* The bracketed text has been added for clarity. . He will cry out to the Lord against you, and you will be guilty.
¹⁰ Give to him, and don’t have a stingy heart^[3] Lit and let not your heart be grudging when you give, and because of this the Lord your God will bless you in all your work and in everything you do.^[4] Lit you put your hand to
¹¹ For there will never cease to be poor people in the land;^[5] Mt 26:11 that is why I am commanding you, ‘You must willingly open your hand to your afflicted and poor brother in your land.’

GOD was instructing how Godly people are to respond to the needs of others. When we see a need we are to respond. Here it is very important that what we see and discern what we see. What resonates in our hearts regarding this needy person prompts us to either act or not. In that process there are all sorts of filters – what will this person do with what I give to him/her? Are they using the system to avoid working? In last week’s study, Peter had to deal with prejudice based upon his religious heritage. We have to know where we are coming from and what triggers our thought process. This is why GOD needs to search our hearts and reveal the things that are barriers to our obedient response to both Spiritual and physical needs.

As we study this scripture, we will consider that the poor mentioned in our scripture are in genuine need and are not milking the system. Our scripture provides guidelines for us to consider when helping those in need.

The scripture mentions that those giving should examine their heart and their motives when deciding to give and how much to give. According to Jewish law every seventh year debts were to be cancelled. This was referred to as the Sabbatical Year and is a fixed year according to the Jewish calendar. Therefore, lenders aware of this law were not to let that cause them to lend less than they would do otherwise. Jewish law also had the Year of Jubilee which was the fiftieth year or the year after seven Sabbatical years, when slaves were to be set free. Deuteronomy 15:12-18 addresses freeing servants who sell themselves and serve for six years.   

Verse 10 gives us a promise, that when we obediently respond to genuine needs, GOD will bless all that we do. This could be with material resources or any way HE chooses. We need to keep in mind that GOD will not give us something that will harm us. JESUS made this clear in Matthew 7:10-12:

9 What man among you, if his son asks him for bread, will give him a stone?
10 Or if he asks for a fish, will give him a snake?
11 If you then, who are evil, know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more will your Father in heaven give good things to those who ask Him!
12 Therefore, whatever you want others to do for you, do also the same for them—this is the Law and the Prophets.[8]

GOD made it clear that the poor will always be around us. How we respond to the needs of the poor reflects our hearts. Notice, I used the word needs. In my opinion, it is far better to teach the poor how to fish than to feed them. This is to teach them to be independent of the system. Most people want to be independent and provide for themselves and their loved ones rather than depend on the system. But there are others that want to live off the system. The Bible is clear that those who are able to work should work – Genesis 2:15 - 15 The Lord God took the man and placed him in the Garden of Eden to work it and watch over it. Proverbs 14:23 - 23 There is profit in all hard work, but endless talk[22] Lit but word of lips leads only to poverty.[23]     

   Pr 21:5  When capitalized, the Law and the Prophets = the OT

Let’s read Deuteronomy 24:10-15:  Consideration for People in Need

¹⁰ “When you make a loan of any kind to your neighbor, do not enter his house to collect what he offers as security.
¹¹ You must stand outside while the man you are making the loan to brings the security out to you.
¹² If he is a poor man, you must not sleep in [the garment]^* The bracketed text has been added for clarity. he has given as security.
¹³ Be sure to return it^[5] Lit return what he has given as security to him at sunset. Then he will sleep in it and bless you, and this will be counted as righteousness to you before the Lord your God.^[6] Ex 22:26–27
¹⁴ “Do not oppress a hired hand who is poor and needy, whether one of your brothers or one of the foreigners residing within a town^[7] Lit within the gates in your land.
¹⁵ You are to pay him his wages each day before the sun sets, because he is poor and depends on them.^[8] Lv 19:13 Otherwise he will cry out to the Lord against you, and you will be held guilty.

GOD gave guidelines to those who lend money to the poor. What a contrast to how it is done today. GOD said to respect the poor person’s property. Do not go into the poor person’s home and take what you want for security. Let the poor person choose.

It was customary for a poor person to give their cloak as collateral for a loan. They used their cloak as a blanket at night to keep them warm. Therefore, the lender had to return the poor person’s cloak before sundown so they could use it to keep warm during the night. This but was a burden on the lender therefore the lender would rather get something else of value for collateral. If the lender did not obey this command they were accountable to GOD.

This law applied to the Jew or to the Gentile (foreigner) that was lent money.

Those who had hired hands, who where poor and needy, were to pay them their wages before the sun set because they needed it and depended upon it. It was the right thing to do because GOD had blessed them and did not withhold blessings from them. If you wanted the wrath to come down on you, then ignore this law.

Let’s read Deuteronomy 24:17-18:

17 Do not deny justice to a foreign resident [or]* The bracketed text has been added for clarity. fatherless child, and do not take a widow’s garment as security.
18 Remember that you were a slave in Egypt, and the Lord your God redeemed you from there. Therefore I am commanding you to do this.

GOD instructs those with influence and material means not to take advantage of the Gentiles, orphans or widows. HE admonishes them to consider that they were once in bondage and slavery in Egypt and GOD redeemed them from a situation that they were helpless to redeem themselves from. Therefore, just as GOD showed HIS mercy and grace toward them, they, in turn, should show mercy and grace towards those who are in helpless situations.

As we studied in our previous lessons, GOD knows our genetic structure and our DNA. HE is rebuilding and rewiring us through the renewing of our minds through our relationship with CHRIST and the indwelling Holy Spirit. This is being achieved through the process of sanctification. HIS goal is for every Christian to be made into the image of HIS ONLY SON, JESUS. When we see HIM we will be like HIM. First John 3:2 -
2 Dear friends, we are God’s children now, and what we will be has not yet been revealed. We know that when He appears, we will be like Him, because we will see Him as He is.

The love of GOD abounds to mankind through CHRIST. When we consider that CHRIST redeemed us from a debt that we cannot pay, it should cause us to pause and consider our fellow human beings.

Colossians 2:14 -
14 He erased the certificate of debt, with its obligations, that was against us and opposed to us, and has taken it out of the way by nailing it to the cross.

Christians have the light of CHRIST in them and have been redeemed from certain death. They are surrounded by so many who are in Spiritual poverty and are in desperate need of salvation. Share your Spiritual wealth with them as you minister to their physical needs, as led by the Holy Spirit. Blessings and May all grace abound as you grow in HIM and obediently serve HIM.

Bible Study - Going Right - Loving in a Divided Culture - Acts 10 - January 22, 2012

Bible Study – Going Right – Loving in a Divided Culture – January 22, 2012

This is lesson four (4) in our series entitled “Going Right in a World Gone Wrong.”

Our scripture is Acts 10:9-15, 22-23, 28-29a, 34-36.

The last three (3) lessons have focused on us as a human but more importantly us as a Christian human. GOD chose to make Adam and Eve. They had no choice. Neither did any of us have a choice in our creation. But GOD in HIS foreknowledge knew when, where and to whom we would be born. HE has a plan and a purpose for each person who chooses to become complete by accepting CHRIST as his/her Savior and allowing HIM through the Holy Spirit to lead and guide him or her. The born-again Spirit lives eternally with GOD but those not accepting CHRIST as their Savior refuse the gift of the rebirth of their spirit and live eternally separated from GOD, which is death.

When we see that we had no choice in when, where or to whom we would be born and how blessed we are to live in a miracle called the body, we should not look down on anyone. Most of us do not look down on others because of their race, color, national or ethnic background or the way they look. It is by the grace of GOD that we are who we are but our attitude can help define us as a person. Our genetic structure and environment help shape our characteristics. We can be different through determination but real permanent change can only occur through the renewing of our minds which is accomplished through the indwelling Holy Spirit. Our prejudice can be a stumbling block to obediently serving the LORD. We see this potential in our focus scripture.

This is why we must be honest before GOD and reveal our hearts to him which includes any prejudices and hang-ups that we have. We are to ask HIM to search our hearts to reveal the hidden things that need to be brought to the forefront of our minds to be worked upon. Committing our lives to GOD can be a scary thing for many of us because HE may ask us to do something that we fear or might be beyond our ability. It is very likely that HE will challenge us but the beauty is that HE equips and prepares those who are willing to obediently follow HIM. If we feel this way, our part is to confess this fear to HIM and ask HIM to help us. HE will. I have found that HE gives us baby steps and as we gain confidence and trust in HIM, HE will increase the size of those steps or the size of our territory of service. Trust and confidence are very important as we build a loving, obedient relationship with HIM. HE teaches us trust and confidence as we obediently serve HIM.

Our scripture focuses on the Apostle Peter. This is what I love about the Bible - it tells it like is. Peter walked with JESUS, denied HIM three (3) times, repented, was forgiven and went on to serve our LORD. Our scripture deals with an issue in Peter’s life which prepared him to expand his territory and obediently serve CHRIST. Many Christians have prayed the prayer of Jabez, which is found in 1 Chronicles 4:10 - 10 Jabez called out to the God of Israel: “If only You would bless me, extend my border, let Your hand be with me, and keep me from harm, so that I will not cause any pain.”[6] LXX reads and act in knowledge which doesn‘t hurt me And God granted his request. Many of us need to be prepared by GOD before HE can expand our borders or territory. GOD had to prepare Peter before HE could expand his borders. This event occurred about 10-15 years after the ascension of JESUS. Peter was a Jew through and through. Christianity was considered a sect of the Jewish religion and its followers became steeped in the Jewish lifestyle and practices which included circumcision. Peter’s ministry was to present the gospel of CHRIST to Jews.

Let’s read Acts 10:1-8: (This is background which leads into our focus scripture.)

Cornelius’ Vision

¹ There was a man in Caesarea named Cornelius, a • centurion of what was called the Italian • Regiment.
² He was a devout man and feared God along with his whole household. He did many charitable deeds for the [Jewish]^* The bracketed text has been added for clarity. people and always prayed to God.
³ At about three in the afternoon^[1] Lit about the ninth hour he distinctly saw in a vision an angel of God who came in and said to him, “Cornelius!”
⁴ Looking intently at him, he became afraid and said, “What is it, Lord?” And he told him, “Your prayers and your acts of charity have come up as a memorial offering before God.
⁵ Now send men to Joppa and call for Simon, who is also named Peter.
⁶ He is lodging with Simon, a tanner, whose house is by the sea.”
⁷ When the angel who spoke to him had gone, he called two of his household slaves and a devout soldier, who was one of those who attended him.
⁸ After explaining everything to them, he sent them to Joppa.

Our background scripture reveals that a centurion named Cornelius was a devout worshiper of the GOD of the Israelites. He was a Gentile and a soldier. He reverenced GOD. Notice that GOD called him by his name. GOD knows each of us by name.

Cornelius was GOD-fearing but we do not know if he belonged to a specific group called the GOD-fearers. This was a group of Gentiles that followed the ways of the synagogue but had not taken the final step of becoming a proselyte of the Jewish religion. The Jews followed three (3) acts of piety which were prayer, fasting and charitable deeds. We see from our scripture that Cornelius was observing two (2) of the three – prayer and charitable deeds.

GOD knew his heart and his desire to serve HIM but he was still lacking that which would make him complete. He needed a personal relationship with CHRIST. Through CHRIST, Cornelius could get to know GOD, grow and mature Spiritually. By accepting CHRIST as his Savior it would make him complete through the miracle of the rebirth and would open the path to personally know GOD. We know that Cornelius’ entire household also worshiped GOD. This likely meant that his slaves also worshipped GOD along with his family. Cornelius was a man who put his faith into action by meeting the needs of others. He was seeking truth and his household was following in his footsteps.

Moms, dads, leaders and those of influence, who are you influencing and leading through your life? Are you leading them in the right direction?

GOD knew that all of Cornelius’ human efforts fell short of what he needed for salvation. When people seek GOD, HE will lead them to the truth. Once they find the truth, which is CHRIST, they must make a decision to either accept or reject that truth. (Tradition can rob us of finding truth.) GOD revealed Himself to Cornelius and revealed a message. Cornelius had to decide whether he would respond to the message or reject it. We know that Cornelius was obedient and sent two (2) household slaves and one (1) devout soldier to Joppa to find this person named Simon, called Peter. Peter was staying with a man named Simon, the tanner.

It was about thirty-six (36) miles from Caesarea to Joppa. It would take a person about 14-15 hours to walk it. It was about 3 PM when Cornelius encountered GOD. We see in our next scripture that Cornelius’ group arrived the next day about noon at the house where Peter was staying.

This is so neat that this story has been recorded because we have the privilege of seeing the working of GOD in the lives of two (2) faithful men who had Spiritual needs. Cornelius needed Salvation and Peter needed to deal with his prejudice to help him increase his territory of obedient service to GOD through the leading of the indwelling Holy Spirit. It is so exciting when GOD brings people together and meets their needs.  

Cornelius’ group was traveling to get Peter to come to Caesarea. GOD needed to prepare Peter for service beyond his comfort zone. GOD knew that Peter had the truth and light of salvation through CHRIST. All Christians have the truth and light of salvation. GOD called Peter to serve outside of his comfort zone and HE prepared Peter for the calling he was about to receive. Christians must trust that GOD will prepare them to serve HIM as HE leads them by the indwelling Holy Spirit.

In our scripture, we have two (2) men who GOD will bring together to meet the needs of both, as well as, serve HIM. This is why those of us who know the truth, need to stay alert to the call of GOD to serve. HE knows where the needs are; it is just a matter of getting the need met with the right person or persons.

Let’s read Acts 10:9-15:

Peter’s Vision

⁹ The next day, as they were traveling and nearing the city, Peter went up to pray on the housetop at about noon.^[2] Lit about the sixth hour
¹⁰ Then he became hungry and wanted to eat, but while they were preparing something he went into a visionary state.
¹¹ He saw heaven opened and an object coming down that resembled a large sheet being lowered to the earth by its four corners.
¹² In it were all the four-footed animals and reptiles of the earth, and the birds of the sky.
¹³ Then a voice said to him, “Get up, Peter; kill and eat!”
¹⁴ “No, Lord!” Peter said. “For I have never eaten anything common^[3] Perhaps profane, or non-sacred; Jews ate distinctive food according to OT law and their traditions, similar to modern kosher or non-kosher foods. and unclean!”
¹⁵ Again, a second time, a voice said to him, “What God has made clean, you must not call common.”
¹⁶ This happened three times, and then the object was taken up into heaven.

Cornelius’ group was getting close to the house where Peter was staying. GOD needed to prepare Peter’s heart for service. It was about noon and Peter went up on the roof top to pray. Cornelius’ group was getting close. Peter became very hungry and while food was being prepared he went into a visionary state. We must keep in mind that GOD knows us in minute detail. HE communicates with us the best way possible for us to get HIS message. In this case, Peter went into this state where he could focus on the message GOD had for him. Peter was steeped in the Jewish culture and prided himself on still being a devout Christian Jew. But being a devout Christian Jew limited Peter and the ministry that GOD had for him with the Gentiles.

We see how GOD dealt with Peter in order to prepare him for greater service. What are our hang-ups? In last week’s lesson, we studied that GOD knows us in minute detail. HE knows how our genetic structure came together and what makes us tick. HE will reveal our hang-ups to us. We can also ask GOD to search us and reveal them to us. It is vital that once GOD reveals our hang-ups that we do something about them or ask HIM to help us do something about them. Believe me HE will give you an opportunity to put into action what HE has revealed to you.

When we obediently respond to the leading of the Holy Spirit and we see the hand of GOD working, it is the most exciting experience possible. But Christians must be careful that they wait upon the leadership of the LORD before responding. Often such an experience is so overwhelming that our desire is to experience it again and again. Some of the times, we make the mistake of seeing things as the leading of the Holy Spirit, which are coming from our desire to experience the overwhelming joy of serving HIM. How do I know that? Because, I have been there! GOD wants us to keep in step with HIM, not ahead of HIM or behind HIM but in step with HIM. When we are in right relationship with HIM then we will always be in step with HIM.

GOD prepared Peter to go beyond his comfort zone to serve HIM. When GOD instructed him to kill and eat the animals, Peter, being a faithful Jew, responded with “No, LORD.” I understand from Bible scholars that his response was a courteous “no” but a firm “no” that came from the conviction that it was wrong to eat anything which had been declared common or unclean. Peter had to deal with a teaching that came from the old school of religion. Many Christians have to confront notions and teachings which they have carried over from their early Christian development. This is why it is important to ask GOD to search our hearts and reveal things in our lives that need to be changed in order to better serve HIM.

The Greek word for “unclean” can refer to ceremonial and moral unclean. The way it is used in our scripture refers to being ceremonially unclean. The Jewish religion considered anyone who had eaten or even had come in close contact with food considered unclean, rendered that person unclean. Since Gentiles did not follow the ceremonial laws of the Jews, the Jews considered them unclean.

In Ephesians 5:5 -
⁵ For this ye know, that no whoremonger, nor unclean person, nor covetous man, who is an idolater, hath any inheritance in the kingdom of Christ and of God (KJV) we see that the definition of “unclean” shifted from a person being ceremonially unclean to meaning “morally unclean.”  We studied verse 5 in our January 8, 2012 lesson.

Although Peter had not ministered to the Gentiles Acts 8:5 reveals -
5 Philip went down to a[1] Other mss read the city in Samaria and preached the • Messiah to them. Philip had a ministry to the Gentiles.

It was likely that Peter was puzzled about what had just happened. Since what he had just encountered was against what he believed as truth, did he question the source of the vision? GOD did not let him wait long before he found out. GOD made it clear that what HE had declared clean, he was not to call common or unclean. WOW!!! Just think of the many people who have lived a life of wretched sin and feel so unclean because of their past. What a joy it is for all Christians to know that the precious shed blood of JESUS washes them whiter than snow the instant they receive HIM as their Savior.

Notice that in verse 16 -
16 This happened three times, and then the object was taken up into heaven. I think it is interesting that the LORD revealed this to Peter three (3) times considering that he denied CHRIST three (3) times. Was it to emphasize the importance of the revelation? Was it to emphasize, that false notions can lead to wrong conclusions? This is something to ponder.

Let’s read Acts 10:22-23 and 28-29a:

22 They said, “Cornelius, a centurion, an upright and God-fearing man, who has a good reputation with the whole Jewish nation, was divinely directed by a holy angel to call you to his house and to hear a message from you.”
23 Peter[4] Lit He then invited them in and gave them lodging. The next day he got up and set out with them, and some of the brothers from Joppa went with him.
24 The following day he entered Caesarea. Now Cornelius was expecting them and had called together his relatives and close friends.
25 When Peter entered, Cornelius met him, fell at his feet, and worshiped him.
26 But Peter helped him up and said, “Stand up! I myself am also a man.”
27 While talking with him, he went on in and found that many had come together there.
28 Peter[5] Lit He said to them, “You know it’s forbidden for a Jewish man to associate with or visit a foreigner. But God has shown me that I must not call any person common or unclean.
29 That’s why I came without any objection when I was sent for. So I ask, ‘Why did you send for me?’ ”

The group of three explained why they had come to find Peter. Did the fact that Cornelius’ encounter with an angel from GOD helped remove some of the barrier for Peter? We do not know but it was clear that Peter put aside his prejudice. He got the message GOD intended for him to get from the vision. We know this when he immediately invited them to spend the night and eat with them. The next day they set out to return to Cornelius.

Can you imagine how excited Cornelius must have been when he received word that those he dispatched were returning with more people than they left with? Had Cornelius questioned his encounter with the angel or GOD? People were coming along with his trusted soldier, so he knew they likely found the person called Peter. It is exciting when our encounter with GOD is confirmed. Cornelius did not wait to invite his relatives and friends over to meet this person GOD had directed him to called Peter. Cornelius had a house full of people ready to listen to what GOD had for them through the man called Peter.

It would be natural for us to consider someone special who the LORD has led us to. That person has the endorsement of GOD and that is a very good stamp of approval. So when Peter entered his home Cornelius bowed down to him. If Peter had been egotistical he could have enjoyed the veneration that Cornelius showed him but NO! Peter told him to “Stand up! I myself am also a man.” That is exactly where we all are. We are sinners saved by grace. Anyone of us is subject to committing grievous sin at any moment. We live in a body of flesh.

Peter acknowledged that he too had an encounter with GOD that allowed him to enter the home of a Gentile. GOD was working in the lives of both men. Peter asked the question, which in essence was, “Since we have both encountered GOD, why am I here?”

Why are we at a certain point as we journey through life? Christians have the truth and are the light. We travel in a world with those searching for truth and those who need a word of encouragement. Life’s journey is a two (2) way street. We may be the one in need, we may be needed or as we serve, our needs are met and we meet the needs of others. Christians must stay in tune with the Holy Spirit Who knows all things and leads those willing, to go where they are needed to serve or to be served.

Let’s read Acts 10:34-36:

Good News for Gentiles

³⁴ Then Peter began to speak: “In truth, I understand that God doesn’t show favoritism,
³⁵ but in every nation the person who fears Him and does righteousness is acceptable to Him.
³⁶ He sent the message to the sons of Israel, proclaiming the good news of peace through Jesus Christ—He is Lord of all.

What a message Peter had for all people because his heart had been changed and his territory expanded and his prejudice had been dealt with by GOD. He spoke with great freedom because GOD had anointed his message to the Gentiles. Peter was no longer shackled by tradition. Yes, the message of salvation came through Israel because JESUS was a Jew. But salvation is for anyone who accepts CHRIST as his/her Savior. Is HE your Savior? If not, ask HIM to forgive you for your sins and to come into your life now.

Printed below are two (2) true stories which reveal the working of the Holy Spirit that I felt led to pass along.

I recall a friend many years ago telling several of us about the leading of the Holy Spirit in her life. She was in the grocery buying food for her family and felt led to purchase bread, milk and eggs. She did not need those items but she purchased them. Now that she had them, what was she to do with them? When she left the grocery, she prayed and asked the LORD what she should do with the items she had purchased. HE led her to make several turns and finally to a house where an elderly man and a little girl were sitting on the front porch of the house. The Holy Spirit told her that she had arrived. She went up to the man and said she had some food for them. The little girl led the lady back to their kitchen and refrigerator. When she opened the refrigerator, it was completely empty. She placed the milk and eggs into the refrigerator and the bread on the table. As I recall, the little girl stated that they had no food. GOD is still in the business of leading Christians to meet the needs of others whether it is the need of physical or Spiritual food. When HE calls, will we respond? When HE calls HE also prepares us for the task ahead.

I recall a time many years ago when I was driving to Raleigh, NC for a meeting, which was expected to last to the next day. I had reservations in Raleigh for that night. I was listening to a pastor on the radio and he was preaching on “Ask and you will receive.” That sent me into a tail-spin, so-to-speak. I told GOD that I had asked and had not received. When I finally shut up the still small voice of GOD spoke and said, “When you asked, was it according to MY will?” I thought likely not. So, I said, “Okay, I will do whatever YOU ask me to do.” We pressed on to complete our meeting that day but it was late. The conversation I had with the LORD that morning came to mind. I prayed and asked the LORD what HE wanted me to do. I said, I can stay in Raleigh or drive back toward Spartanburg. HE said drive toward Spartanburg.” I cancelled my reservation in Raleigh and headed toward Spartanburg.

As I drove toward Spartanburg I asked HIM where HE wanted me to stay. He gave me an answer, “I want you to drive to Greensboro.” As I approached Greensboro, I saw billboards that stated the NCAA tournament was in Greensboro. I had no reservations there. I began looking for a motel but every sign I saw stated “No Vacancy.” I said, “LORD, with the NCAA tournament in Greensboro, there are no rooms available.” I continued to drive and then asked as I got near Greensboro, I asked the LORD again, “Where do you want me to stay?” HE brought a name to my mind, which was a motel near the airport.

When I arrived at the motel, I asked the desk clerk for a room. He said, “Sir where are you from? Don’t you know that the NCAA is in town and there is not a room within fifty (50) miles of here?” I said, LORD this is where YOU told me to go.” He paused and looked at his list of reservations and said, “I have one (1) room and if the person does not show in “X” minutes, you can have his room.” I sat in the lobby. As I waited, I asked the LORD what HE wanted me to do in Greensboro. I suggested getting tickets to the NCAA tournament would be nice. I could witness to those I sat next to at the tournament. But HE said, “I want you to go to church.”

It was Wednesday night. I asked how would I know which church to go to? I went over to the telephones and began looking through the “Yellow Pages.” GOD communicates anyway HE chooses. I found the listing for churches. I went up and down the list of churches. I ran my finger up and down the pages asking is this one or is it this one? Oh, this one looks good. I went past one and was prompted to go back to it. I went back but then purposely went to another listing. I was led to go back to one specific church. I have forgotten the name of the church but it was a Baptist church in Greensboro. It was clear to me which church HE wanted me to attend.

I went back to the lobby and waited to see if I had the room. As I waited, I was getting anxious and it was getting late to attend a church service. The LORD said, “He (meaning the desk clerk) will call you in two (2) minutes and tell you that have the room.” I am sure it was two (2) minutes on the nose because the desk clerk called me over to tell me I had the room. As I checked in, I asked the desk clerk if he knew where this church was located. He gave me general directions. It was in the direction of downtown Greensboro. I put my luggage in the room and left to find the church.

I drove in the general direction the clerk had given me. I knew that I was running late for a Wednesday night church service. I asked the LORD, “Can you guide me to the church?” It was dark and HE said, “Look up.” I saw three (3) lighted church steeples in the distance. HE said, “Do you see the church steeple in the middle, drive to it.”I did and you guessed it, it was the church. I thought this is great! So I said, “LORD I am running late, if YOU could have someone who could show me where the worship service will be, that would be great.”  I was feeling reassured of HIS leading. So when I entered the back of the church, I expected to see someone who could guide me to where I needed to go. Do you see a little self confidence or cockiness?

As I entered the back of the church there was a man propped against a table at the end of a hallway. I thought this is great! I went up to the man and asked him if he could tell me where the Wednesday night service would be held.  He said, he did not know. My heart sank for a second. He quickly said, “I do not know but” reaching out his hand “But this lady may know because she is the preacher’s wife.” She turned and told me to follow her. She introduced herself and said that she was going to the service. She told me that her husband was out of town and a deacon would be leading the service.

We sat on the same pew about four or five feet apart. They had their preliminary program and the deacon got up to speak. He had his Bible marked with various slips of paper. The LORD said that HE wanted me to give my testimony. I said, “LORD, this man has prepared his message for tonight and it would be impolite for me to speak but if YOU work it out I will speak.” I felt comfortable that would not happen. The man told us that the pastor was out-of-town and he had asked him to speak. He said, “As you can see by these slips of paper in my Bible, I have tried for “X” period of time to prepare what to say tonight but I have nothing to say.” He asked, “Does anyone here have anything to say?” My heart about jumped out of my body. I said, “LORD, I will speak but I want to be asked.” At that moment, the pastor’s wife leaned over stretching out her arm and touched my arm turning toward me and said, “Sir, don’t you have something to say.” It was like I had been sitting on a spring that had just been released. I sprang up. I told those present what I just wrote plus I gave my testimony. I recall folks thanking me for sharing my testimony. As I left that church rejoicing in the LORD, HE reminded me, “When you are doing MY will, ask and you will receive.” It was an exciting and learning experience.

I do not know how the LORD used what I just related to you in the lives of those to whom I spoke. I do know, HE used it to teach me a lesson in obedience. Ask according to HIS will and you will receive. Does this event in my life make me special? No, it makes me more accountable to GOD.  

Bible Study - Going Right - Caring in an Expendable Culture - Psalm 139 - Januray 15, 2012

Bible Study – Going Right – Caring in an Expendable Culture – January 15, 2012

This is lesson three (3) in our series entitled “Going Right in a World Gone Wrong.”

Our Scripture is Psalm 139:1-6, 13-18.

In last week’s lesson, we studied that GOD did not make human to be robots. HE made mankind with the freedom to choose. HE also made mankind with sensual feelings and natural curiosity – notice Genesis 3:6a -
6 Then the woman saw that the tree was good for food and delightful to look at, and that it was desirable for obtaining wisdom. So she took some of its fruit and ate [it]* The bracketed text has been added for clarity. --- GOD designed mankind to be curious and desire things with the ability to choose. GOD placed a restriction on Adam, as caretaker and overseer of the garden, and Eve who lived in the garden with her husband. That restriction was a form of governance. They were not to eat fruit from the tree of the knowledge of good and evil without serious life changing consequences. Yet, right along with the forbidden tree was the tree of life, without any restrictions. We know they were free to choose and they went for the fruit of the forbidden tree.

GOD’S foreknowledge gave HIM the ability to see the choices mankind (each person) would make without forcing them to make certain choices. So what was missing in the nature of Adam and Eve that resulted in them disobeying GOD? Mankind has a nature that needs to be brought under the authority or governance of GOD. When GOD says not to do something or for us to do something, we need to obey because it is for our own good. GOD’S desire is for all people to come under HIS authority freely by receiving CHRIST as their Savior but that choice is for each person to make. Some do and receive eternal life. Some do not and will suffer eternal death. Those who come under HIS authority through CHRIST come under HIS circle of protection, which allows GOD, through the indwelling Holy Spirit, to work in their lives and to mold them into the image of JESUS. Even though Christians are HIS children, they still have the right to choose. GOD’S foreknowledge gives HIM a blueprint for working in the weak areas of our lives. This concept is captured to some degree in Romans 8:26-30 and Romans 12:2 without overriding our right to choose.

Romans 8:26-30: 26 In the same way the Spirit also joins to help in our weakness, because we do not know what to pray for as we should, but the Spirit Himself intercedes for us[15] Some mss omit for us with unspoken groanings.
27 And He who searches the hearts knows the Spirit’s mind-set, because He intercedes for the saints according to the will of God.
28 We know that all things work together[16] Other mss read that God works together in all things for the good[17] The ultimate good of those who love God: those who are called according to His purpose.
29 For those He foreknew[18] From eternity God knew His people and entered into a personal relationship with them He also predestined to be conformed to the image of His Son, so that He would be the firstborn among many brothers.
30 And those He predestined, He also called; and those He called, He also justified; and those He justified, He also glorified.

Romans 12:2:
2 Do not be conformed to this age, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, so that you may discern what is the good, pleasing, and perfect will of God.

Mankind attempts to control its nature through physical restraint and control, which proves to be useless. This begs the question of what can mankind do to control its nature? GOD had the answer. It was to make mankind into a completed being who contains the Spirit of GOD. This required the rebirth of the spirit of mankind.

GOD allowed JESUS to come to earth to accomplish this by JESUS giving HIS life to pay for the original sin of Adam. The fact that CHRIST paid the penalty for the original sin opened the way between GOD and mankind. All who believe in CHRIST and HIS passion and ask HIM to forgive them for their sin, receive salvation from sin and its consequences, which is death – physical and spiritual. All who receive CHRIST as their Savior experience the miracle of the rebirth and are born into the family of GOD as Sons or Daughters. They receive the gift of eternal life; their names are written in the Lambs Book of Life, receive Spiritual gifts, citizenship in heaven, are made righteous, indwelled by the Holy Spirit and receive GOD’S grace, to name a few things.

Christians are made whole in a body that is made of clay. The infusion of GOD’S Spirit into this body of clay establishes a dynamic where the Spirit is able to bring the clay under the control of GOD as one yields the will of the flesh to be ruled by the Spirit. This is accomplished through the process of sanctification.

GOD’S desire is for all Christians to be made into the image of CHRIST through the renewing of their minds. This process must be the result of the natural process of sanctification through the Holy Spirit or else we are subject to becoming self-righteous. A Christian’s part is to be available to GOD for an extreme makeover. Allow HIM to do the work, which may take a lifetime. But remember we were not made for time but for eternity. Therefore, time is not important. The renewing of our minds takes precedence over longevity on earth.

Psalm 139 reveals David’s relationship with GOD.

Let’s read Psalms 139:1-6:

The All-Knowing, Ever-Present God
For the choir director. A Davidic psalm.

¹ Lord, You have searched me and known me.
² You know when I sit down and when I stand up; You understand my thoughts from far away.
³ You observe my travels and my rest; You are aware of all my ways.
⁴ Before a word is on my tongue, You know all about it, Lord.
⁵ You have encircled me; You have placed Your hand on me.
⁶ [This]^* The bracketed text has been added for clarity. extraordinary knowledge is beyond me. It is lofty; I am unable to [reach]^* The bracketed text has been added for clarity. it.

Not much is known about the stage of life David was in when he wrote this Psalm. It is clear that he knew GOD intimately and that he knew that GOD knew him intimately. This generally occurs when we have done some serious walking and talking with HIM. There has been a lot of water, so-to-speak, that has flowed over the dam. David had come to an honest, above board relationship with GOD.

Those who have studied the life of David know the ups and downs of his walk with GOD. In spite of his missteps, David was a man after GOD’S own heart. He had opened himself up to GOD, the good and the bad. GOD had access to every area of David’s life. David had committed grievous sin. But David confessed his sin and he knew that GOD had forgiven him.

David began his Psalm by using the personal name of GOD, “YAHWEH” in verse 1. GOD knew him and he knew GOD. That is what having a personal relationship is about, knowing each other.

It is an awesome experience to open yourself to GOD and reveal your innermost thoughts to HIM. What you like and what you do not like about HIM. Let HIM know how you feel about how HE is interacting with you and your life. HE already knows all about us so why try to hide something from HIM. GOD likes complete honesty. 

Remember every human that has or will ever exist was in the mind of GOD before HE formed the world. Ephesians 1:4  - 4 for He chose[3] Rm 11:5–7; 1 Co 1:26–31; 1 Th 1:4; 2 Th 2:13; 1 Pt 1:1–2 us in Him, before the foundation of the world, to be holy and blameless in His sight.[4] Vv. 3–14 are 1 sentence in Gk. In love[5] Or In His sight in love - GOD has known us before HE created the foundation of the world. HE knew the moment we were conceived and as we were being formed in our mother’s womb. HE knows all about genetics and DNA and all that came together that resulted in us being us. Therefore, we have no reason to hide anything from GOD. When we open our lives before GOD and hold nothing back is, to me, the beginning of building an intimate relationship with GOD. Keep in mind that building such a relationship does not happen overnight. It is a process. It is a daily walk with HIM and learning as we walk with HIM.

Notice how intimate GOD knew David. It wasn’t just in the “big” things in his life that GOD knew about but the mundane things like every movement he made and every word he uttered or would utter before he uttered it.

Notice in verse 5, that GOD had encircled him. Being encircled had a dual purpose. Being encircled by GOD protects Christians from the evil that surrounds them, that is to keep the enemy out, but GOD also protects them by keeping them in HIS circle of grace. As Christians obediently serve HIM, HIS protective power goes where ever they go.

Let’s read Psalm 139:8:

8 If I go up to heaven, You are there; if I make my bed in • Sheol,[1] Jb 17:13; Isa 14:11 You are there.

Was David saying that GOD was in Hell (Sheol)? GOD was in Hell, only if he was in Hell. GOD is wherever HIS children are.

Christians must keep in mind that they can remove themselves from this circle of protection through disobedience. But their loving Savior can restore the breach in the circle of protection through confession as found in 1 John 1:9 -
9 If we confess our sins, He is faithful and righteous to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.

This intimate knowledge that GOD has of David, boggles his mind. He cannot comprehend GOD’S ability to know him in such detail but HE does. Guess what, GOD knows you in the same detail.

This becomes a wonderful praise to GOD. GOD WHO is omniscient, omnipresent and omnipotent and does not need to bother with such details but chooses to do so. GOD, the creator of the universe and all that is in it, takes the time and interest to be so intimately involved in his every detail of his life is awesome. This reveals the love GOD has for each human. GOD is interested in the salvation of every human and once a person receives CHRIST as his/her Savior, HE is just as interested in his/her Spiritual growth, which is to be made (Made carries the idea of what GOD begins, HE carries to completion.) into the image of JESUS.

Do you believe that GOD knows you and cares about you? Whether you believe it or not, HE does. HE cares so much that HE allowed HIS ONLY SON, JESUS, to leave heaven and come to earth to be born, live as a human and give HIS life to pay the sin-debt for all who would believe upon HIM. We know that JESUS paid the debt for sin because GOD raised JESUS from the dead as proof that HE conquered death which was the consequence of sin.

Have you asked JESUS to forgive you of your sins and to come into your life? If not, now is your opportunity. Maybe you have asked JESUS into your heart but you have not been living for HIM. Confess your sins of disobedience and rededicate your life to HIM. GOD never leaves you or forsakes you. HE is waiting for you to return to HIM. HE is at the spot where you left HIM.

Let’s read Psalm 139:13-16:

13. For it was You who created my inward parts;[3] Lit my kidneys You knit me together in my mother’s womb.
14 I will praise You, because I have been remarkably and wonderfully made.[4] DSS, some LXX mss, Syr, Jer read because You are remarkable and wonderful [5] Hb obscure Your works are wonderful, and I know [this]* The bracketed text has been added for clarity. very well.
15 My bones were not hidden from You when I was made in secret, when I was formed in the depths of the earth.
16 Your eyes saw me when I was formless; all [my]* The bracketed text has been added for clarity. days were written in Your book and planned before a single one of them began.[6]

GOD is supreme and sovereign. As Christians, do we acknowledge this in our lives? Every human is living in a miracle, the human body. Sin in the world caused death and decay. GOD did not cause disease and death but sin did.

Ponder for a moment about the body you are living in. All the nerves, blood vessels, muscles, glands, the senses – sight, hearing, feel, taste, smell, we eat food that is processed into energy without us having to think about it, the ability to think and reason, to repair itself and it goes on and on. Truly we have been remarkably and wonderfully made.

The word “made” is an exciting word. When GOD makes something, it carries the idea that the initial making is only the beginning of a process to see it to completion. When GOD wonderfully “made” you, HE was not through with you. It was only the beginning of the process to complete you and make you into the image of HIS SON, JESUS. But in order for HIM to do that, you must be willing. You must see your need of CHRIST in you. CHRIST in you is what makes you a Christian. CHRIST in you is the beginning of your Spiritual journey with HIM.

David referred to being formed in the depths of the earth. This was his way of saying that he was formed in a place where no one could see what was being formed in his mother’s womb, not even his mother.

GOD, with HIS foreknowledge, knows all about us. This foreknowledge does not predestine us to follow a prescribed path but GOD knows how we will choose and what we will do before we do it. This, to me, allows HIM to work in the lives of HIS children to bring about the best that can be achieved in our lives by the choices we make as captured in Romans 8:28, which was printed earlier.

 Ps 69:28; Ex 32:32; Jb 14:5Let’s read Psalm 139:17-18:

17 God, how difficult[7] Or precious Your thoughts are for me [to comprehend]* The bracketed text has been added for clarity. ; how vast their sum is!
18 If I counted them, they would outnumber the grains of sand; when I wake up,[8] Other Hb mss read I come to an end I am still with You.

It is very difficult for David to comprehend GOD and HIS knowledge of him (David). Have you figured GOD out? HE has figured us out. HE knows why we do what we do. HE knows that HIS job is to renew our minds to make us into what HE knows we can be according to HIS plan and purpose. GOD loves HIS children and HIS desire is for HIS children to explore HIM and get to know HIM. That is one reason why I love to ponder questions regarding GOD. HE likes it because when we concentrate on HIM, we are learning of HIM and from HIM.

David found it difficult to comprehend that GOD was concerned about him and thought about him in such detail.  How often does GOD think about us? HE thinks of us more than the grains of sand. GOD is with us 24/7. 

Since GOD cares so much about us and our welfare, step one is to get to know HIM and that is done through our relationship with CHRIST. When we love GOD as much as HE loves us, everything else will begin to fall into place.

In verse 18, David referred to waking up and GOD was still with him. It could be that he thought about GOD watching over him while he slept since he was unable to watch over himself. But could it be that David thought of the times that he was not in fellowship with GOD, or was deep in sin and when he came to this realization, GOD was still there? GOD still loved him unequivocally and completely. GOD loves us even when we do not love HIM and are out of fellowship with HIM.

This lesson was intended to focus on the sanctity of life. Life is precious and must be handled with care. When we comprehend our relationship with GOD and HIS love and care for us, all of life is brought into perspective.

It is likely that some reading this lesson might have aborted a child. Know that GOD still loves you and cares for you. Confess it and accept GOD’S forgiveness. Do not let that become a stumbling block to your walk with JESUS.

For those who might be contemplating an abortion, consider the life within. Adoption is an option for your child. I am so glad that the Christian community responds to unwed pregnancy in a more loving and caring way than it did many years ago. As Christians, we need to encourage and support those who choose life over death any way we can.

But this lesson goes beyond abortion. When we understand how much GOD values every life, we should not look down on anyone. When we understand the personal involvement of GOD in our lives, it should challenge us to get to know HIM and build a relationship with HIM through CHRIST. Most of us love the skin we are in. JESUS came that those who accept HIM as their Savior might have life more abundantly. Embrace life and enjoy it as you walk with GOD through CHRIST. Life is a gift from GOD, use it wisely. Blessings!!!