VIDEO Walking With God

Enoch walked with God. Genesis 5:24

What does it mean to walk with God? There’s a clue in Hebrews 11:5: “By faith Enoch was taken away so that he did not see death, ‘and was not found, because God had taken him’; for before he was taken he had this testimony, that he pleased God.”

To walk with God is to please God, and we please God by trusting Him with our troubles. Hebrews 11:6 says, “But without faith it is impossible to please Him, for he who comes to God must believe that He is, and that He is a rewarder of those who diligently seek Him.”

As we worship this powerful God we know, we should be encouraged in our walk with Him. We should come to know God better—His omnipotence, His holiness, His ever-present nature, His faithfulness and truthfulness, His justice and love. By coming to know Him better, we trust Him more. By trusting Him more, we please Him. By pleasing Him, we walk with Him as Enoch did.

Is there a burden you need to entrust into God’s care? Do it now, trust Him fully, and enjoy walking with Him through the ups and downs of life.

Day by day, morning by morning, begin your walk with Him in the calm trust that God is at work in everything. Anne Ortlund

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The Book of Genesis – Session 10 of 24 – A Remastered Commentary by Chuck Missler

God’s Handiwork

How majestic is your name in all the earth. Psalm 8:1

On July 12, 2022, scientists awaited the first images of deepest space from the new James Webb Space Telescope. The state-of-the-art telescope can look farther into the universe than mankind has ever looked before. Suddenly a breathtaking image emerges: a color space-scape of the Carina Nebula, never before seen like this. One NASA astronomer quoted Carl Sagan, a noted atheist: “Somewhere, something incredible is waiting.”

Sometimes people can look God in the eye and not see Him. But the psalmist David looked into the sky and knew exactly what he was seeing: “You have set your glory in the heavens” (Psalm 8:1). Sagan was right in saying that “something incredible is waiting,” but he failed to acknowledge what David clearly perceived: “When I consider your heavens, the work of your fingers, the moon and the stars, which you have set in place, what is mankind that you are mindful of them” (vv. 3-4).

When we see images of deepest space, we’re amazed, not so much because of technology, but because we’re witnessing the handiwork of God. We marvel because in the vastness of creation, God has made us “rulers over the works of [his] hands” (v. 6).  Indeed, “something incredible is waiting”—God, waiting to bring believers in Jesus to Him when He returns. That’s the most breathtaking image of all.

By:  Kenneth Petersen

Reflect & Pray

What thoughts do you have as you look at images of deep space? How do you experience God in them?

Creator God, I’m amazed at the glory of the heavens and the beauty of Your handiwork. Thank You for caring for me in the midst of Your wondrous creation!

Adjusting to the Lord’s Plan

While following God may involve change or, at times, even loss, we can trust Him for a just reward. Matthew 4:18-22

Peter, Andrew, James, and John were fishermen before they became Jesus’ disciples. Their lives revolved around the details of their occupation—weather conditions, equipment repair, catching fish, and turning a profit. But in today’s passage, when Jesus called them to become fishers of men, they made a dramatic change (v. 22).

In contrast, the rich young ruler walked away sad when he realized what he’d have to give up to follow Christ (Matthew 19:21-22). An invitation from the Lord usually means modifying our way of living. Whether this involves switching jobs or altering habits, God expects us to adapt to His plan.

At times, the Lord may call for a shift in our relationships. Before being invited to travel in Jesus’ company, James and John had worked in the family business with their father. Saying yes to God meant seeing friends and relatives less frequently. But Christ promises a great return on any sacrifice we make (Matthew 19:29).

Our heavenly Father’s plans are based on His goodness, justice, and mercy. Because of His perfect character, we can trust the direction He gives us. Adjusting to God’s design—accepting His will and making needed changes in our circumstances and relationships—is always the wisest action to take (Proverbs 3:5-6).

The Lord Our Maker

“O come, let us worship and bow down: let us kneel before the LORD our maker.” (Psalm 95:6)

Psalms 95–100 seem to form a unit with several common themes running through them, all involving praise to the Lord.

One of these major themes is the recognition of the Lord as Maker of heaven and Earth. For example, consider Psalm 95:5: “The sea is his, and he made it: and his hands formed the dry land.” Thus, God made the earth, including both land and sea. But He also made the heavens! “For all the gods of the nations are idols: but the LORD made the heavens” (Psalm 96:5).

Higher and far more complex than any planet of the solar system or any star in the heavens are the living organisms found only on planet Earth—especially human beings—and He made these, too. “Know ye that the LORD he is God: it is he that hath made us, and not we ourselves; we are his people, and the sheep of his pasture” (Psalm 100:3).

It is significant that these verses all emphasize the activities of God as Maker rather than as Creator. In the first chapter of Genesis, both types of activity are stressed, the account finally concluding with the summary: “All his work which God created and made” (Genesis 2:3).

The two types of work are almost synonymous when referring to the divine activity, but not quite (otherwise “created and made” would be redundant). Specifically, the three acts of true creation in Genesis are the creation of the physical elements of the cosmos, the entity of biological life, and the spiritual image of God in man (Genesis 1:1, 21, 27). These entities God simply called into being ex nihilo by His omnipotent Word.

Everything else He made, or formed or let be, out of the three basic entities that were specially created. He is both Creator and Maker of all things, and we should worship Him as such. HMM

On Maintaining An “Image”

For the past year I have been personally meeting one-on-one with a man who has a reputation in the Christian community as a “SUCCESSFUL CHRISTIAN BUSINESSMAN.”

I can remember on many occasions leaving our times together feeling God was wonderfully changing our lives, only to learn recently from outside sources that his marriage is in crisis, and his business practices are notoriously unethical and exploitive of others.

I have also become aware that sincere Christian friends have attempted to approach him over these issues only to be rebuffed by acrimonious, self-justification.

Yet in certain Christian circles this “SUCCESSFUL CHRISTIAN BUSINESSMAN” is known to be generous with his time and resources for the cause of Christ.

What is going on here? Why the contradictions?

The issue is “IMAGE”: Here is a man who desperately wants to be viewed around town as a “SUCCESSFUL CHRISTIAN BUSINESSMAN”. Therefore:

Maintaining a certain public image is more important than any serious quest for holiness.

By his actions, it has become obvious that he loves the “praise of man more than the praise of God.“(John 12:43)

In retrospect, what was lacking in our times together was:

• BROKENNESS over sin: “The sacrifices of God are a broken spirit; a broken and contrite heart… “(Psalm 51:17)
• TRANSPARENCY over failings: “Confess your sins to each other and pray for each other so that you may be healed… “(James 5:16a)
• The SURRENDER of the mind and will to the Lordship of Christ and His Word: “We take captive every thought to make it obedient to Christ… Listen to the word, and… do what it says.“(2 Corinthians 10:5; James 1:22)

The fact is that God despises our efforts to impress others in order to garner their approval, since “that which is highly valued among men is detestable in God‘s sight.“(Luke 16:15b)

So, what motivates you: The pursuit of holiness or maintaining your public image?

“The Lord openeth the eyes of the blind.”

Mark 8:22-38

Mark 8:22

Our Lord was never long without a case of sickness or infirmity to deal with, and if we are wise we shall each one keep him well employed by taking our own infirmities and sins to him. One touch of that dear hand will make us whole.

Mark 8:24

He saw indistinctly, as some of us do now in spiritual things; but when our Lord begins a cure he makes a perfect work of it. Meanwhile it is a great mercy to see at all.

Mark 8:30

Then he desired to avoid notoriety, and had wise reasons for commanding silence, but now we may publish his fame as much as we please; yea, the more we sound abroad his praises the better will he be pleased.

Mark 8:31, 32

In his great love he could not bear to hear his Lord talk of suffering even unto death; but still his affection did not excuse his gross presumption.

Mark 8:33

Satan or thou adversary

Mark 8:33

It was great impudence on Peter’s part to chide his Lord, nor could the Master endure that his servant should put a stumbling-block in his way by urging him to forego suffering and death. He counted even his best friend to be an adversary when he stood in the way of his work of love. Lord, thou wast angry with Peter because thou wast too fond of us to spare thyself

Mark 8:34, 35

Not only must Jesus make a sacrifice of himself, but the spirit of selfishness must be driven out of all who will be saved by him, and they also must be willing to die for the gospel’s sake. Nor need they be ashamed to do so, for in the end he will prove to have acted wisely who gave up all earthly things to gain the heavenly treasure.

Mark 8:36-38

Solemn words. Let us not go forth from this room till we have asked for grace, never to be ashamed of the name, people, doctrine, ordinances, or commands of Jesus.

Jesus! and shall it ever be?

A mortal man ashamed of thee!

Ashamed of thee, whom angels praise,

Whose glories shine through endless days.

Ashamed of Jesus! that dear Friend

On whom my hopes of heaven depend!

No; when I blush, be this my shame,

That I no more revere his name.

Holy Spirit, All Divine

It is the Spirit that beareth witness, because the Spirit is truth. (1 John 5:6)

I wonder if any Christian can ever show forth the transforming radiance of the love of God without a complete surrender to the indwelling Person of the Holy Spirit?

Surely that was in the mind of the songwriter, as he prayed and sang:

Holy Ghost, with light divine,

Shine upon this heart of mine;

Chase the shades of night away,

Turn my darkness into day.

Holy Spirit, all divine,

Dwell within this heart of mine;

Cast down every idol throne,

Reign supreme—and reign alone.

Our world is filled with hatred and conflict, violence and bloodshed. Through the plan of redemption God has dealt graciously with this global problem of hatred in the hearts of men and women. He has sent the source of love and light and radiance to the human bosom; Paul himself testifying: “The love of God is shed abroad in our hearts by the Holy Ghost which is given to us” (Romans 5:5).

VIDEO Not All Days Are Like This!

Sing to the Lord with thanksgiving. Psalm 147:7

 

Alexander Whyte, a famous Scottish preacher, was known by his people as a man who was very optimistic and positive. He always prayed and devoted the first two or three sentences of his prayer to gratitude and thanksgiving to God.

On one particularly miserable Sunday in his church, about ninety percent of the congregation could not even get to the service because the weather was so bad. Rain, snow, wind, and ice were howling around the church. Dr. Whyte got up to pray, and his people wondered what he could possibly say that would be positive in his prayer that day.

“We thank Thee, O Lord,” he prayed, “that it is not always like it is today.” 

Perhaps you’re having trouble feeling thankful today. Regardless of your circumstances and mood, you can lighten your heart today—and bless God’s heart—by developing your own personal thanksgiving prayer. Make a mental list. Think of things for which you’ve never before expressed gratitude.

Thanksgiving is a great antidote for self-pity, and it’s an effective cure for the blues!

Count your blessings, name them one by one; and it will surprise you what the Lord hath done. Johnson Oatman, Jr.

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Psalm 147 – Praising the God of Care and Creation

Lies and Truth

[Satan] is a liar and the father of lies. John 8:44

Adolf Hitler believed big lies were more powerful than small ones, and, tragically, he tested his theory successfully. Early in his political career, he claimed he was content to support others’ aspirations. When he came to power, he said his party didn’t intend to persecute anyone. Later, he used the media to portray himself as a father figure and moral leader.

Satan uses lies to gain power in our lives. Whenever possible, he provokes fear, anger, and despair because he’s “a liar and the father of lies” (John 8:44). Satan can’t tell the truth because, as Jesus said, he doesn’t have any truth inside of him.

Here are a few of the enemy’s lies. First, our prayers don’t matter. Not true. The Bible says, “The prayer of a righteous person is powerful and effective” (James 5:16). Second, when we’re in trouble, there’s no way out. Wrong again. “All things are possible with God” (Mark 10:27), and “he will also provide a way out” (1 Corinthians 10:13). Third, God doesn’t love us. That’s false. Nothing can “separate us” from God’s love through Christ Jesus (Romans 8:38-39).

God’s truth is more powerful than lies. If we obey Jesus’ teaching in His strength, then we “will know the truth,” reject what’s false, and “the truth will set [us] free” (John 8:31-32).

By:  Jennifer Benson Schuldt

Reflect & Pray

What are some lies you’re likely to believe? How might God want you to refresh your mind with His truth?

Dear Jesus, You’re the way, the truth, and the life. Please show me lies I’ve believed and help me to cling to the truth I read in the Bible.

God Comforts Us

Distractions offer only temporary relief from pain; in contrast, our heavenly Father promises healing Isaiah 66:12-13

In times of distress, we can fall into the habit of turning to God as a last resort. Food, relationships, careers, technology, and entertainment—these and other forms of escapism allure us with the false promise of relief. But whether we indulge in sweets, mindless scrolling on social media, or pointless busyness, we’ll always find ourselves empty and drained afterward. Worse still, the problem that sent us running is still there when we get back.

Reaching for God instead of our distractions requires the pain of being present in our distress—fully aware of our deep need, seeking a heavenly solution instead of the pleasures and diversions of this world. In our reading today, God reminds the children of Israel that even in the messy, painful space between promise and fulfillment, He never begins something that He doesn’t complete. In Israel’s struggle to become a nation after years of suffering and exile, God never left them. Instead, Israel experienced His deliverance in abundant and diverse ways.

Since we are children of God, Israel’s promised deliverance is extended to us—it’s an invitation to turn to Him with full confidence that we will be comforted. We are assured that “He who began a good work among [us] will complete it” and see us through to the end (Philippians 1:6).