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I Am Blessed 24 · Sep 2, 2003

For they stumbled at that stumblingstone
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People today are still stumbling.

Thanks Dan!

Barnabas H. · Sep 2, 2003

Thanks Brother Dan for continuing the posting of the daily devotional. As I was reading Dr. Boice's comments on Jesus being a stumbling stone for many, in retrospect (in a negative way), I could not help myself wondering on the possibility of me becoming a stumbling block to somebody in getting to know the Lord. My prayer is that it may never happen!

Jim1999 · Sep 2, 2003

Looking on the positive side, Brother Barnabas, one can also become the head stone, giving out pertinent information, or a stepping-stone, leading the way and giving direction.

The cornerstone is foundational in a building, whilst the stumbling-block is just that. Every stone in place and we have completeness. Any stone out of place can be a stumbling-block.

Good lesson for us all, Brother Dan.

Cheers,

Jim

Jim1999 · Sep 3, 2003

Wednesday, Sept 3rd, 2003

Every now and then we come across a passage of scripture we tend to skip over. It is all the begats. Well, this morning we run into such a passage. Here in Ezra two we have all the children. I might add, not the most exciting passage of all the Old Testament. It is, however, God word, and surely there is a message for us.

In verse one we learn that these are the children of the captivity, the descendents of those who were taken captive by Nebuchadnezzar, the king of Babylon.

Now these folk are free. They can go wherever they please. There are no constraints. Where do they go? Verse one: "Everyone unto his city."

What then can we learn from this? (1) The children went home. (2) They had no fear. (3) They had a sense of loyalty. (4) They had a sense of responsibility. (5) They had a sense of Who God is.

Now apply those things in our own lives as Christians. Do we indeed have a home toward which we are going? This must have been planned for a long time, yet they didn't give it second thought.(2) They advanced without fear. How far do we advance without fear when it comes to the Lord's business? How many times do we shrug the things we ought to be doing for the things that we want to do? Indeed there ought to be a balance in our lives. My greatest fear is that someone has their thumb on the scale and altering the balance.

(3) A sense of loyalty. How many have seen the pictures about slavery? The master's whip cutting across the back of those who labour? This is what these children endured. Yet, there is a sense of loyalty to the God of both their captivity and their freedom. How much love that one would lay down his life for another. Ye are my friends. To-day you will be with me in Paradise. Loyal to the end. Loyal to God, and God's loyalty to man.

(4)They had a sense of responsibility. In verse 62, a goodly number were challenged, Their names were not recorded in the book, and they were considered polluted. Their names were not written down in the book. Have we made certain that our names are recorded in the lamb's book of life? These people, despite their names not appearing in the book, remained loyal. You may claim your rights, they are saying, WE will SHOW you ours....verse 69..They gave after their ability unto the treasure of the work... How many of us have claimed a crown of Gold, but refuse to adorn the crown of thorns? We want to share of the streets of gold, but want nothing to do with the sewers of service.

(5) Finally, a sense of who God is. One does not surrender his freedom without fear, with absolute loyalty, service and giving or sacrifice without knowing the living God.

The amazing thing in Chapter two of Ezra is that not once do they ask anything of God, but volunteer what they can do for God. It is amazing what we can learn from the "begats". It takes a lot of patience and perseverance to read through these passages, but there are often rewards to be had. God bless.

Cheers,

Jim

I Am Blessed 24 · Sep 3, 2003

How many times do we shrug the things we ought to be doing for the things that we want to do?
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This one pulled me up short Jim! On top of that, there are times when I rationalize or excuse what I am doing.

Blessings,
§ue

Dan Todd · Sep 3, 2003

We want to share of the streets of gold, but want nothing to do with the sewers of service.
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Great play on words!

All of God's Word is profitable for our instruction - thanks Jim.

following-Him · Sep 3, 2003

Thank you Jim, it has certainly made me think and sent me back to reading Ezra.

Blessings

Sheila

Dan Todd · Sep 3, 2003

September 4

Romans 9:32-33, “For they stumbled at that stumblingstone; As it is written, Behold, I lay in Sion a stumblingstone and rock of offence: and whosoever believeth on him shall not be ashamed.”

My least favorite classes in school had something in common, they were both languages, English and French. Born in America, French was a foreign language, but many times my native tongue also seemed a foreign language to me. Biblical Greek is probably the most expressive of languages known to man. Often, what is quite clear in Greek, is muddled at best in English, and this causes translation problems.

One of the best examples of this translation problem in found in John 21:15-17, “So when they had dined, Jesus saith to Simon Peter, Simon, son of Jonas, lovest thou me more than these? He saith unto him, Yea, Lord; thou knowest that I love thee. He saith unto him, Feed my lambs. He saith to him again the second time, Simon, son of Jonas, lovest thou me? He saith unto him, Yea, Lord; thou knowest that I love thee. He saith unto him, Feed my sheep. He saith unto him the third time, Simon, son of Jonas, lovest thou me? Peter was grieved because he said unto him the third time, Lovest thou me? And he said unto him, Lord, thou knowest all things; thou knowest that I love thee. Jesus saith unto him, Feed my sheep.”

As a young man, this passage meant little to me. I was particularly confused as to why “Peter was grieved” in verse 17. In the Greek language, there are at least three words that are translated “love” in the English language: “Agape” which can best be expressed by our Lord’s example, is a love that gives oneself for another (He gave Himself for us); “Phileo” which is a term of affection (Philadelphia finds its root in this Greek word - City of brotherly love); and “eros” which is a sensual love (this word is not found in the Bible). Jesus said to Peter, “Do you agape me,” and Peter said, “I phileo you.” Both repeated the same words in verse 16, but in verse 17, Jesus used Peter’s word “phileo” and Peter was grieved or cut by the change in words. If I might paraphrase this conversation, so the difference is more apparent, Jesus said, “Peter, do you love me enough to die for me?” Peter said, “Jesus, I’m fond of you.” Jesus said again, “Peter, do you love me enough to die for me?” Peter replied again, “Jesus, I’m fond of you?” Finally Jesus asked, “Peter, are you even fond of me?” Peter replied, “Lord, you know I’m fond of you.” And Peter was cut to the quick, because Jesus questioned his allegiance to Him.

The same type of translation problem is found in Matthew 16:18, “And I say also unto thee, That thou art Peter, and upon this rock I will build my church; and the gates of hell shall not prevail against it.” Dr. Bob should appreciate Boice’s words on this verse, “In the Greek language in which the New Testament is written, there is a pun on the word Peter. The Greek word for Peter is petros, which means a piece of rock and can mean something as small as a slingshot stone or pebble. But when Jesus said, ‘On this rock I will build my church,’ the word He used was petra( a feminine form of the same root word), which means ‘bed rock.’ It was as if He were saying, ‘You are a little pebble, Petros, but I am going to build My church on Myself, because I am the bed rock, petra. I am the only foundation on which anyone can securely build.”

I am quite aware that there is a vast “Christian Organization” that claims that Christ built His church on Peter, and that Peter was its first pope. I find it interesting that this first “infallible” pope was chastised by the Apostle Paul in Galatians 2:11, “But when Peter was come to Antioch, I withstood him to the face, because he was to be blamed.” But according to the evolution of Catholic doctrine, it was not until 1870 that the pope was declared “infallible in matters of faith.” The early Roman Catholic Church believed that Christ told Peter that He was building His church upon Himself, but that belief changed with the need for an infallible papacy.

The problem lies in what you use for your foundation. If God’s Word, the Bible, is your final authority, then we have an unchanging document upon which to base our theology and build our church. But if the whims (church tradition and papal encyclicals and edicts) of an ecclesiastical organization determine doctrine, then you have an ever changing foundation upon which to build your church. Jesus told a story about foundations that is applicable to this discussion in Matthew 7:24-27, “Therefore whosoever heareth these sayings of mine, and doeth them, I will liken him unto a wise man, which built his house upon a rock: And the rain descended, and the floods came, and the winds blew, and beat upon that house; and it fell not: for it was founded upon a rock. And every one that heareth these sayings of mine, and doeth them not, shall be likened unto a foolish man, which built his house upon the sand: And the rain descended, and the floods came, and the winds blew, and beat upon that house; and it fell: and great was the fall of it.”

Drawing Romans 9 to a conclusion, my prayer is that you Build on the Rock, the Lord Jesus Christ. Boice writes, “If you will not have Jesus Christ, He will become a stumbling stone to you that will cause you to fall spiritually. That fall will mean your eternal destruction. But if you trust in Him, you will find Him to be the foundation stone that God has Himself established, and you will learn, as you live the Christian life, that ‘the one who trusts in him will never be put to shame.’”

Adapted from “Romans” by Boice.

In Christ,
Dan Todd

Jim1999 · Sep 4, 2003

Thanks Dan. To add to this study consider that Peter was the one who denied even knowing the Lord Jesus three times at the very crucifixion. How careful we ought to be in making our assertions.

Cheers,

Jim

I Am Blessed 24 · Sep 4, 2003

Peter was the one who denied even knowing the Lord Jesus three times at the very crucifixion.
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And yet God called Peter beloved. I am so thankful that we serve a God who does not count us out after three strikes.

Thanks Dan and Jim!

Faith Lilly · Sep 4, 2003

Praise the Lord and Him Crucified, dead, buried and risen again. "On Christ the Solid Rock I stand all other ground is sinking sand!

Jim1999 · Sep 5, 2003

Friday, September 5, 2003

Ezra 3

It is amazing how many believers do not spend time in many Old testament books. There is so much to learn. Ezra is telling about the Jews return to Jerusalem. They were mostly judites who returned, and this is where the name Jews comes from.

Only the elite of society were taken into captivity. The poor and undesireable were left behind to fend for their survival.(Jeremiah 24:5-8) Many were born in captivity and had grown comfortable where they were. Fancy homes, neat surroundings and family life. They had no desire to return to Jerusalem. It was the devout Jew, the religious, who took the 700 mile trek back to Jerusalem. Much like modern Israel. The prosperous are less desireable about returning to resettle Palestine.

There are some interesting things to learn about those who did return. They took no thought for themselves, and laid the foundation for the what? Fancy homes for their comfort? No. They laid the foundation for an altar Verse 2 "And builded the altar of the God of Israel..." They set their spiritual priorities. We will have a place to worship God, to atone for our sins and listen to the small voice of God.

Another interesting thing about these returnees is found in verse one: "the people gathered themselves together as one man..." They had unusual unity. Unity in purpose and goal and desire to meet with God. They set their spiritual priorities. Compare this with the wandering in the wilderness. The grumbling and complaining about everything from water to fire to food. These people were unified as one. Would to God that we to-day could get this. What a force for God we would be if we could only get along with each of the brethren, the church of Jesus Christ.

The next thing we learn about these Jews is the source of their knowledge and unity. Verse 2 "as it is written in the law of Moses, the man of God." What they did was based on the word. They were biblical. Do we seek the book for all our life solutions? Are we a people of the book? Nevermind the quirks and fancies of men, but a people given to what saith the scriptures.

Now, verse 6, "the foundation of the temple of the Lord was not yet laid." First things first. They established their relationship with God; their personal attachment to the Almighty. Then came the time to establish and build the temple. How often to-day do people talk about building the fancy houses of worship. The early Christians met in sewers and rooftops and it was only in a modernized Europe that they built the fancy cathedrals, the architectural giants, the attractive sites for all time. Are we content where we are? Is a living room a good place for prayer and worship and meetings? How many churches of to-day got their start in such meagre settings.

The next thing we learn about these people is that they started a training program for the youth. Verse 8.."and appointed the Levites, from twenty years old and upward, to set forward the work of the house of the Lord." If you want biblical evidence for the Sunday School, here you have it in essence. Train up a youth in the way he should go, and when he is old, he will not go astray."

Finally, the sang together in praising and giving thanks to God (verse 11). They were so boisterous their singing could be heard afar off (verse 13). Are we prepared to make a loud, joyous noise for the Lord and not hide our delight under a bushel?

Let us always be ready to praise our God and not be ashamed or timid about who we serve and whowe love and what great things the Lord has done.

Cheers, and God bless.

Jim

following-Him · Sep 5, 2003

Thank you Jim,

Blessings

Sheila

Dan Todd · Sep 5, 2003

Are we a people of the book?
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I often said that the only text we need is the Bible. In it, God has provided all we need to:

1. Run our families;
2. Run our churches;
3. Get access to Him in terms of salvation and blessings.

Thanks Jim for that gentle reminder!

Dan

I Am Blessed 24 · Sep 5, 2003

Nevermind the quirks and fancies of men, but a people given to what saith the scriptures.
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The Bible is my final authority. I wish that we, as Christians, could agree on the same interpretation of a verse...ANY verse.

Thanks Jim!

Dan Todd · Sep 5, 2003

September 6

Romans 10:1-2, “ Brethren, my heart's desire and prayer to God for Israel is, that they might be saved. For I bear them record that they have a zeal of God, but not according to knowledge.”

When does a sense of frustration become stronger than a sense of duty? When do we finally throw up our hands and say, “I’ve done all I can do, now you’re going to have to sink or float all on your own!”

Most of us have probably said or felt just this way on more than one occasion. Perhaps the Apostle Paul felt like doing the same thing, because of the unbelief of his countrymen, or because of how badly he was treated by his countrymen.

But Paul did not give up on his countrymen, the Jews. In fact, in the beginning of each chapter in Romans 9-11, Paul prays for or shows his deep concern for Israel. We should follow Paul’s example when it comes to dealing with those who are unbelievers, or those who try to create problems for Christians who are witnessing to them about Jesus.

In Romans 9 Paul says that he has “great heaviness and continual sorrow” in his heart for Israel. In Romans 11 Paul declares “Hath God cast away his people? God forbid,” even though Israel had rejected Jesus. In Romans 10 Paul’s “desire and prayer to God for Israel is, that they might be saved.”

There are questions that are constantly being raised regarding God’s plan for Israel. Some even suggest that the church has supplanted Israel in God’s plan. There is no question that God has raised up the church to be the bride of His Son, Jesus Christ. But God has not and will not throw His people, Israel, off. Paul’s purpose in writing Romans 9-11 is to refute this accusation. Boice outlines these three chapters as follows, with each section providing a firm No to the question, “Has God’s saving purpose toward the Jewish nation failed?”

1. God’s historical purpose toward the Jewish nation has not failed, because all whom God has elected to salvation are or will be saved (Romans 9:6-23).

2. God’s historical purpose toward the Jewish nation has not failed, because God had previously revealed that not all Israel would be saved and that some Gentiles would be (Romans 9:25-29).

3. God’s historical purpose toward the Jewish nation has not failed, because the failure of the Jews to believe was their own fault, not God’s (Romans 9:30-10:21).

4. God’s historical purpose toward the Jewish nation has not failed, because some Jews (Paul himself was an example) have believed and have been saved (Romans 11:1).

5. God’s historical purpose toward the Jewish nation has not failed, because it has always been the case that not all Jews but only a remnant has been saved (Romans 11:2-10).

6. God’s historical purpose toward the Jewish nation has not failed, because the salvation of the Gentiles, which is now occurring, is meant to arouse Israel to envy and thus be the means of saving some of them (Romans 11:11-24).

7. Finally, God’s historical purpose toward the Jewish nation has not failed, because in the end all Israel will be saved, and thus God will fulfill His promises to Israel nationally (Roman 11:25-32)

As you will notice, the beginning of Romans 10 finds us still in part three of Paul’s response to the question of whether God’s historical purpose toward the Jewish nation has failed. The failure of the Jews to believe is their own fault, just as the failure of a Gentile to believe is his or her own fault and not God’s. The primary “reason people do not believe is that they are trying to earn salvation by their own good works. And they are proud of their efforts, which is why they refuse to receive salvation as God’s gift.” (Boice)

This argument continues throughout Romans 10. Paul’s “heart's desire and prayer to God for Israel is, that they might be saved” is striking, because, in spite of Israel’s persistent unbelief, and in spite of Israel’s cruel treatment of Paul, he did not write them off, as we would, but he continues to pray for them.

What a lesson to us. We ask God to save a loved one or friend, and when God does not answer that petition in five minutes, we most often quit praying for that one. Persistent prayer is Scriptural. Abraham gives us a great example of persistence in Genesis 18:17-33. Abraham asked God to spare Sodom and Gomorrah for the sake of fifty righteous, forty-five righteous, forty righteous, thirty righteous, twenty righteous, and finally ten righteous. While God did not spare the “cities of the plain,” He did spare the righteous who were in those cities and the City of Zoar.

When there is nothing else left that we can do, we can still pray. Paul prayed that Israel might be saved. Let us pray that our loved ones and friends might be saved. “The effectual fervent prayer of a righteous man availeth much.” (James 5:16)

Adapted from “Romans” by Boice.

In Christ,
Dan Todd

Jim1999 · Sep 6, 2003

Believe and pray, and run. True belief requires some activity, doesn't it? Good message, Brother Dan.

Cheers,

Jim

Watchman · Sep 7, 2003

Yes, indeed, a good post. Israel is Israel and the Church is the Church. Israel is still the natural olive tree, some of the natural branches have been pulled out because of unbelief, but, they a blessed do to the promises of God to their forefathers.

Jim1999 · Sep 7, 2003

Sunday, September 7, 2003.

Ezra 4 & 6

If you get confused reading Ezra, you have a perfect right, and you are not losing it. There are parallels in Ezra, Nehemiah and Esther. That's why the book publisher put the names of the various books at the top of page.

Your dreams are all realized. You can build that house of your dreams with everything you will ever need. Blueprints are all in place and a building permit has been issued. Your contractor and financier has laid everything in order, and the workers commence.

The Building Inspector, however, comes along and says, "I don't like what you think about having a red roof, or your ideas on religion. I am putting a halt to this building. He has the power, and some have exercised it that way.

The king had given the Jews permission to build. Now who can hinder the work? Well, there are always little people with power-possessing positions, who will pose a threat to your well-being.

So it is with the Jews. These people who worshipped this god and that god and the other god just in case they missed one, wanted to call a halt to this building of the one true house of God.

This is exactly the way it is to-day. When a few people don't like something, they raise a petition and put a halt to progress. The leaders fear losing their popularity. Thus it is in this case. The petition was successful and the building was halted. The children of God, however, resting on the kings original edict, recommenced building the walls and temple.

Once again they were halted by the people. Then the original edict of Cyrus was found and now nothing can come between this people and this building.

Darius not only orders that the building continue, but provided the financing as well. Isn't this just like our God? He provides, not only the drink of water, but includes the fountain, and we shall never thirst again.

So it is with buildings to-day. If we are building to please man, we may find little opposition because it will build on the frailty of man's ego and false hopes. When we are building as unto the Lord, man will find every method to bring about a halt. Here read 6:12.".....and...destroy all kings and people that shall put to their hand to alter and to destroy this house of God..." "If God be for us, who shall be against us?"

Being Sunday, I am trying to be brief, but it is difficult when we consider the magnitude of our God; the power he possesses and us through Him; the blessings He bestows and we to others. We are not to be just builders of buildings, but builders of kingdoms. We are not to cease despite the opposition of governors, princes or even earthly kings. We have the decree of a sovereign King who has written an eternal decree and we need to present this decree and lay hold on the promises.

"Nothing in my hands I bring,
Simply to Thy cross I cling..."

Nothing fancy, Lord. Just this poor sod who would make his way along Your path of service. Grant your blessing and the fulfillment of your decree, that we may humbly glorify Thy name.

Cheers,

Jim

Barnabas H. · Sep 7, 2003

This must be the dinamic duo! Good job Brothers Dan and Jim. Enjoy reading your Bible expositions and devotionals daily - even if I do not respond to them frequently. At times I feel like walking on holy ground... for the Word of God is holy ground. Thanks for your devotions and for your faithfulness!

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