Today’s Reading:  Isa 5:1–6:13, Luke 1:67–2:21, Job 2:1–10

Today’s Theme: God Displayed

Today’s theme is God displayed. We will be looking at the various ways God is shown to and through us. God can be shown through fruit in our lives, judgement, glory, mercy, integrity and ultimately through the incarnation.

Isaiah 5:1–6:13

Fruit Displayed

What more was there to do for my vineyard, that I have not done in it? When I looked for it to yield grapes, why did it yield wild grapes? Isaiah 5:4 (ESV)

God wanted to see the fruit of His care, covenant and dwelling with His chosen people Israel. The fruit would be evidence of God being with His people and seeing the good fruit would bring God glory and pleasure (in a sense God would eat or be pleased by the fruit).

Jesus picks up the same theme when He speaks about His followers bearing good fruit that shows evidence of our changed natures.

Jesus sums this up well in Matthew 7:17–19 “So, every healthy tree bears good fruit, but the diseased tree bears bad fruit. A healthy tree cannot bear bad fruit, nor can a diseased tree bear good fruit. Every tree that does not bear good fruit is cut down and thrown into the fire.”

Also see Matthew 12:33, Matthew 13:23, Luke 6:43 and Luke 13:6-9.

Paul speaks about fruit that comes from the indwelling of God the Holy Spirit in Galatians 5:22–23 “But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control; against such things there is no law.”

We are called to display God by bearing good fruit today that others can come and taste and see through us that God is good which brings glory and pleasure to God.

Judgement Displayed

I will make it a waste; it shall not be pruned or hoed, and briers and thorns shall grow up; I will also command the clouds that they rain no rain upon it. Isaiah 5:6 (ESV)

This verse speaks about God’s judgement on His own people, the later verses speak about judgement on the wicked. God is displayed through His judgement on His people when we are wayward and on the ways of the wicked.

When the world sees God’s judgement it should show the fuller picture of God. He is not just a God of love, He is holy and actively brings judgement on the wicked.

You have a choice! You can display God through His judgement in your life which is not wise or you can use wisdom by displaying God through the proclamation of the gospel which includes the truth of God’s judgement.

We can depend on God the Holy Spirit to point to God by bringing conviction of judgement to come. Jesus said in John 16:8 “And when he comes, he will convict the world concerning sin and righteousness and judgment:”

We are called to display God by speaking the truth about the coming judgement.

Glory Displayed

In the year that King Uzziah died I saw the Lord sitting upon a throne, high and lifted up; and the train of his robe filled the temple. Isaiah 6:1 (ESV)

When God takes it upon Himself to display Himself it is just awesome. Isaiah had one of the most amazing visual encounters with God.

God showed His great, majestic glory as the King throughout the Bible to others like Moses, Elijah, Daniel and John.

Like Isaiah the reality of God’s glory should cause us to walk in humility.

This glory was seen most clearly through Jesus.

Let’s pray God’s glorious presence will be seen and felt in our times of private and corporate worship.

Luke 1:67–2:21

Mercy Displayed

to show the mercy promised to our fathers and to remember his holy covenant, Luke 1:72 (ESV)

God would show mercy to His people through His prophet John the Baptiser. He gives them the opportunity to repent and by fulfilling the promises He had made.

God’s mercy and goodness points us to God. It reveals God for who He is and God’s word declares the goodness of God should lead us to repentance.

When we show mercy we display God, when we forgive and show mercy we are most like God.

Jesus Displayed

For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Savior, who is Christ the Lord. Luke 2:11 (ESV)

God is most clearly displayed through the incarnation of God the Son in the person of Jesus the Christ, the Son of the Living God.

Jesus the God-Man displays God’s heart, ways and plan. John said in John 1:14–18 “And the Word became flesh and dwelt among us, and we have seen his glory, glory as of the only Son from the Father, full of grace and truth… For from his fullness we have all received, grace upon grace. For the law was given through Moses; grace and truth came through Jesus Christ. No one has ever seen God; the only God, who is at the Father’s side, he has made him known.”

Look to Jesus to see God’s greatest revelation. Show the world Jesus to show them God.

Job 2:1–10

Integrity Displayed

And the LORD said to Satan, “Have you considered my servant Job, that there is none like him on the earth, a blameless and upright man, who fears God and turns away from evil? He still holds fast his integrity, although you incited me against him to destroy him without reason.” Job 2:3 (ESV)

If we hold onto our integrity in the middle of suffering we display God in a way that the enemy can never counterfeit and cannot overcome.

This is the great mystery of the Gospel, that God is strong when we are weak. Let God be strong in the middle of your suffering so that He is displayed to all.

Most of the above post is a copy of the original notes from the same date in 2014.

Additional resources

The Gospel Coalition on Luke 2

Today’s Reading:  Isa 2:6–4:6, Luke 1:39–66, Job 1:13–22

Today’s Theme: The Traps of Idolatry or 10 idols to avoid

Today’s theme looks at the traps of idolatry. When we walk in pride, exalt man, our own desire, ideas or work we form idols and bow to them, and then are bound by them.

Don’t fall for the alluring trap of idolatry, worship and trust in God only.

To help us all apply this to our lives the Lord has shown me 10 idols that we need to look out for from today’s reading, they are listed below.

Isaiah 2:6–4:6

Idol 1: Your works

Their land is filled with idols; they bow down to the work of their hands, to what their own fingers have made. Isaiah 2:8 (ESV)

The land was filled with idols, idols the people had formed with their own hands.

What things have you made and now idolise? Is it your education, career, sports achievements, your house, your car, your religious works or your family?

God is the creator and expects us to use our hands to work and make things but He does not expect us to substitute Him for the things He gave us the wisdom to make.

We thank God for the gifts He has given us, we must not forget the creator and worship the creation or anything man made. Romans 1:25.

The works of our hands cannot save us. Idols always hold out a false promise albeit in our own minds as an idol is nothing. It has no mind or will or power only God can help us, only God should be trusted and only God deserves our worship and allegiance.

You cannot make God, God alone is God, cast down the idol of your own works today.

Idol 2: Pride

For the LORD of hosts has a day against all that is proud and lofty, against all that is lifted up—and it shall be brought low; Isaiah 2:12 (ESV)

Pride both creates idols and is an idol itself. God declares that He will cast down all pride, God will judge pride and bring it down.

The Hebrew root word for proud in this verse is “arrogance”.

To help us identify and avoid the trap of pride here are some working definitions (taken from the bible sense lexicon):

• Unreasonable and inordinate self-esteem.
• A person characterised by arrogance.
• Undue feelings of self-respect or pleasure in something by which self-worth is measured.

Pride can be a tricky idol, this is why we need to ask the Holy Spirit to watch over our hearts and why we need each other. It is possible to walk in pride without realising, this is why we need God’s help and need to live with a humble attitude.

Pride is such a large area of sin that it is one of sin’s three major type groupings which affect all in the world mentioned in 1 John 2:16 “For all that is in the world—the desires of the flesh and the desires of the eyes and pride of life—is not from the Father but is from the world.”

Don’t make pride your god, God alone is God, cast down the idol of pride and arrogance today.

Idol 3: Men

And the haughtiness of man shall be humbled, and the lofty pride of men shall be brought low, and the LORD alone will be exalted in that day. Isaiah 2:17 (ESV)

It is possible to lift a mere person up to the status of a false god or idol in our lives.

The obvious “idols of men” will be famous people like movie stars, musicians, authors, speakers, preachers and leaders. We need to watch our hearts with those we are fans of or look up to that they do not become idols.

There is nothing wrong with looking up to, respecting or holding someone in honour. In fact we should do this with our parents, elders and pastors for example but must stop short of idolatry, looking up to God above them all.

The less obvious “idols of men” can be our children, spouses or some other positive person in our lives who we look up to or worship in place of and above God.

Jesus dealt with this in Matthew 10:37 “Whoever loves father or mother more than me is not worthy of me, and whoever loves son or daughter more than me is not worthy of me.”

Don’t make people your god, God alone is God, cast down the idol of men and family today.

Idol 4: Arrogance

For the look on their faces bears witness against them; they proclaim their sin like Sodom; they do not hide it. Woe to them! For they have brought evil on themselves. Isaiah 3:9 (ESV)

There was arrogance in Israel, they boldly and happily proclaimed their sin like Sodom.

We live in a world where sin is paraded and championed. We have seen this most recently in the cultural upheaval and sexual revolution happening on both sides of the Atlantic where gay marriage, transgender and abortion advocates have made pride in sin their mantra i.e. Gay Pride.

Arrogance in sin must not be an idol in our lives. We must not burn our conscience. Arrogant and open sin makes the sin and apparent right to commit the sin the idol.

This 4th of our 10 idols is one of the worst. If you are in the grip of the evil one, taking pride in your sin you desperately need God to save you through His son Jesus Christ.

Remember the warning of 1 Timothy 4:1–2 “Now the Spirit expressly says that in later times some will depart from the faith by devoting themselves to deceitful spirits and teachings of demons, through the insincerity of liars whose consciences are seared”.

Don’t make sin your god, God alone is God, cast down the idol of arrogance and rebellion today.

Idol 5: Injustice

As for My people, children are their oppressors, And women rule over them. O My people! Those who lead you cause you to err, And destroy the way of your paths.” Isaiah 3:12 (ESV)

God calls his people to be champions of justice. God desires that men, women and children flourish in the world that he has made.

The idol we observe here is injustice, this is an idol we erect and worship through a sin of omission (not doing something we should do) rather than a sin of commission.

Our western culture teaches us to look out for number 1 and to pursue a comfortable life. It also pushes aggressive egalitarianism which would see inexperienced children ruling over us and women usurping authority over men.

This is a picture of a broken and cursed society. Our society is like this in ways today, we have been called to be lights in this world. Matthew 5:14.

Do not erect an idol of injustice through not pursuing justice. Speak up for the speechless, the oppressed, the poor and forgotten in Jesus name.

Don’t make injustice your idol, God alone is God, cast down the idol of injustice and indifference today.

Idol 6: Lust

therefore the Lord will strike with a scab the heads of the daughters of Zion, and the LORD will lay bare their secret parts. Isaiah 3:17 (ESV)

Our world is becoming more and more sexualised.

Sex is the biggest idol in today’s world.

We must not make sexual pleasure our god. We should not cherish sexual lust or hold it close, if we do we will be burned.

Concerning lust the proverbs warn us in Proverbs 6:27–28 “Can a man carry fire next to his chest and his clothes not be burned? Or can one walk on hot coals and his feet not be scorched?”.

Sexual lust wars against the soul. God has created sex to be enjoyed in the honour and security of marriage between one man and one woman only.

Beware if sex is your god, God will judge the idol and the judgement will bring you shame, for example; a child out of marriage, a sexual disease, being found out etc.

Parents protect and educate your children so they avoid the aggressive sexualisation of the culture around them.

Don’t make sexual lust your idol, God alone is God, cast down the idol of sex and lust today.

Idol 7: Self

And seven women shall take hold of one man in that day, saying, “We will eat our own bread and wear our own clothes, only let us be called by your name; take away our reproach.” Isaiah 4:1 (ESV)

The exhalation of self is the idol that strikes us closest.

Our world has pushed many women into a very difficult position through women’s liberation, extreme egalitarianism and libertarianism. Our world teaches women to pursue careers and self above the God given desire to be married and rear children.

A woman can be so desperate to pursue her career that she will stretch herself to provide for herself as long as she can have a child and a partner like the women in this verse.

This toxic mixture has fostered many unhealthy relationships where partnerships are entirely practical while each member pursues their own self centred agenda. This eventually destroys the individuals and hurts the children.

This is an example of the idol of self. The effect of self exaltation is a confrontation with the Self Sufficient One, God… you know who will win.

Don’t make self your god, God alone is God, cast down the idol of self and self exaltation today.

Luke 1:39–66

Idol 8: Mary

And blessed is she who believed that there would be a fulfillment of what was spoken to her from the Lord.” Luke 1:45 (ESV)

Now we look at a specific idol that has oppressed generations of faithful Roman Catholics, Mary.

This is so sad because Mary is a hero of the word. She exhibited great faith and trust in God and she was called blessed in scripture because God chose her and she responded in submission and obedience.

She is called blessed because of her faith in the word of God.

In her song of praise Mary magnifies the Lord, she did not see herself as an idol or god.

Let’s appeal to Catholics everywhere to follow Mary’s example from scripture, which was to worship God alone, to put faith in His word and submit to Him.

Pray today that the idol worship of Mary in the Roman Catholic church would be cast down and Catholics would worship God alone.

Idol 9: Tradition

but his mother answered, “No; he shall be called John.” Luke 1:60 (ESV)

Elizabeth boldly stood against the traditions of her people which we will see throughout the New Testament has become an idol.

We must not allow traditions of man to become idols that we worship especially in our families and in the church.

We must not put our trust in traditions but God alone.

The truth of God’s word trumps every tradition.

Don’t make tradition your god, God alone is God, cast down the idol of tradition and religion today.

Job 1:13–22

Idol 10: Things

Then Job arose and tore his robe and shaved his head and fell on the ground and worshiped. And he said, “Naked I came from my mother’s womb, and naked shall I return. The LORD gave, and the LORD has taken away; blessed be the name of the LORD.” Job 1:20–21 (ESV)

Every physical thing that Job had was wiped out in one day, but these things were not idols to Job so he worships the Lord in response to losing them.

Materialism is everywhere in our world. Materialism teaches us to make idols of things.

We should not make the things we possess idols, we should not let them possess us.

Let’s join Job in his worshipful perspective. His heart was consumed by God and not his riches, that is the only way he could respond like this. His very response is the opposite of materialism. What would our response be?

Don’t make things your idol, God alone is God, cast down the idol of things and materialism today.

Most of the above post is a copy of the original notes from the same date in 2014.

Additional resources

Desiring God on Luke 1

Today’s Reading:  Isa 1:1–2:5, Luke 1:1–38, Job 1:1–12

Today’s Theme: Rebellion, Repentance and Restoration

Today it’s all about change. We are starting three new books, and it is the first day of the 8th month – new beginnings.

Today’s themes are rebellion, repentance and restoration. We look at the foolishness and danger of rebellion, the required response of repentance in consciously turning from rebellion and the resulting restoration.

The pattern is Rebellion > Repentance > Restoration

Isaiah 1:1–2:5

Rebellion, biting the hand that feeds you

Hear, O heavens, and give ear, O earth; for the LORD has spoken: “Children have I reared and brought up, but they have rebelled against me. The ox knows its owner, and the donkey its master’s crib, but Israel does not know, my people do not understand.” Isaiah 1:2–3 (ESV)

God addresses Israel as His own child and declares that they have rebelled against Him, their Father. This was true of the nation at the time.

When the Hebrews refer to God as Father, they are pointing to His nurturing and rearing of them, this makes rebellion against their caring Father, even more striking and unnatural.

The reference to the dumb ox and donkey knowing the master that feeds them, puts this all into context. Rebellion is sin’s unnatural response to the one who cares for us.

We need to examine our hearts today, God provides for us so much and it is madness that we turn against Him in rebellion.

James 1:17 reads “Every good gift and every perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of lights with whom there is no variation or shadow due to change.”

Ask the Lord today, to help your eyes to be open to all that He does and provides for us, so that we will not walk in the madness of rebellion.

God’s remnant

If the LORD of hosts had not left us a few survivors, we should have been like Sodom, and become like Gomorrah. Isaiah 1:9 (ESV)

In the midst of rebellion and apostasy, God has always had a people. This was true in Israel. Just being Hebrew did not mean someone was saved. The remnant who do not walk in rebellion, but repent of their shortcomings and wholly follow the Lord, are the ones that are saved.

The remnant are not just better people, they are God’s elect people, set aside for His purposes. If God does not keep a remnant of people in the earth, we would all go the way of Sodom and Gomorra in rebellious sin.

Ephesians 5:8 reminds us “for at one time you were darkness, but now you are light in the Lord. Walk as children of light”.

Thank God that He has made you a part of His remnant in the earth, not just a church goer. However be mindful that you have work to do and need to take responsibility, as we will see later in the chapter.

There is no profit in religiousness

Bring no more vain offerings; incense is an abomination to me. New moon and Sabbath and the calling of convocations— I cannot endure iniquity and solemn assembly. Isaiah 1:13 (ESV)

God was fed up with empty religion and hypocritical prayers.

Some teach that if godly principles are followed, an unsaved man can benefit, but this is not true. It is a type of Karma teaching, found in new age movements like “The Secret”, which talks about the law of attraction.

For example, a wicked, wilfully sinful, unsaved man who pays tithes, should not expect to “be blessed” because he “followed the principle”.

Religion aside from a living relationship with God is of NO profit. God is not obligated by so called spiritual laws. God is a person and must be related to as a person, not a thing or force.

God is relational and created us to enjoy relationship with Him, so religious observance, no matter how strict, is of NO profit, aside from a relationship with God through His Son Jesus.

Religious observance cannot and will not save you. Going to church, reading the bible, praying, fasting, tithing, going on a pilgrimage, keeping feasts and having communion, will not save you or commend you to God.

We must repent of our wickedness and pursue a living relationship with God our Father, then the religious works all find their proper place and context.

Be honest, argue it out

“Come now, let us reason together, says the LORD: though your sins are like scarlet, they shall be as white as snow; though they are red like crimson, they shall become like wool. Isaiah 1:18 (ESV)

In the preceding verse, the children of Israel are called upon by God, to actively repent of their sin, to consciously turn from doing evil to doing good.

The call to repentance is the same for us today, God cannot repent for you, only you can repent (turn away) from your sin, so repent.

Here we see God’s appeal to His people, He calls them to come and reason with Him, with the aim that their sins will be covered and they will be restored.

The word ‘reason’ here, has the sense of arguing it out in the original Hebrew. God calls us to be honest with where we are, come before His word openly to argue it out, say what we feel, listen to what God says in His word, listen to the consequences of each position, and make a decision.

We need to come and talk with, relate to and reason with God’s revealed word, to cultivate a good and honest relationship with Him. As a result, we are delivered from sin and its consequences and are restored.

So come, honestly talk to God about it and allow His word to talk back to you.

The ultimate restoration

He shall judge between the nations, and shall decide disputes for many peoples; and they shall beat their swords into plowshares, and their spears into pruning hooks; nation shall not lift up sword against nation, neither shall they learn war anymore. Isaiah 2:4 (ESV)

The restoration that comes through repentance finds its ultimate consummation in the restoration of all things, which will happen at the second coming of the Messiah, Jesus.

This is a great prophetic hope that one day, Jesus will judge and rule over all people and war will be no more.

Until all people come and learn of God and submit to His ways, as mentioned in the previous verses, there can be no lasting peace.

We look forward as we walk in repentance daily, to the peace and restoration that will come in the Kingdom of God, under Jesus as the King.

Luke 1:1–38

You can be certain

that you may have certainty concerning the things you have been taught. Luke 1:4 (ESV)

God’s word is certain, reliable and trustworthy. We will be reading Luke’s account until the end of the month. It is worth noting that Luke was a skilled historian who was able to compile accounts from eyewitnesses and record them in one coherent story.

Luke was led by the Holy Spirit, to make his account of the events of the life of Jesus and the early church, so we could be sure about what happened and was said, so our faith would be firm.

You can be certain about the biblical record today and can look into its message to find life.

John the restorer

And he will turn many of the children of Israel to the Lord their God, and he will go before him in the spirit and power of Elijah, to turn the hearts of the fathers to the children, and the disobedient to the wisdom of the just, to make ready for the Lord a people prepared.” Luke 1:16–17 (ESV)

John was prophesied about in the old testament (Malachi 3:1), and now Gabriel tells his father that John will lead Israel in repentance to God, resulting in restoration, in preparation for Jesus.

Our call is similar to John’s, we should also call people to repentance, that they would turn to God. We often think of this for the world, but repentance in context, is really for God’s own people. An unsaved man has nothing to turn back to.

We should spur one another on to walk in repentance, to keep realigning ourselves with God.

When we call brothers in the church or a sinner in the world to repentance, it will lead to restoration of the relationship God intends us to have with Him and each other.

Jesus, the Son of God

And the angel answered her, “The Holy Spirit will come upon you, and the power of the Most High will overshadow you; therefore the child to be born will be called holy—the Son of God. Luke 1:35 (ESV)

Meditate on this breathtaking truth today!

This is the cornerstone of our faith, Jesus was incarnated, He came into the world through a chosen virgin from the house of David, named Mary. Jesus is the Son of God.

If we do not believe in the virgin birth, we are not Christians.

It is worth noting that the first imperative of Jesus’ public ministry was ‘repent’.

It is also worth noting Mary’s response. She was humble and submissive to the will of God, so should we be. We do not worship Mary but we do acknowledge that God specially chose her, as a Jewish virgin, to bring the incarnated Messiah, Jesus, the God-Man into the world.

Job 1:1–12

Job, one who repents

There was a man in the land of Uz whose name was Job, and that man was blameless and upright, one who feared God and turned away from evil. Job 1:1 (ESV)

Job was one who turned away from evil and walked in repentance. We should be like him, we should hate sin and turn away from it.

God, Sovereign over the enemy

And the LORD said to Satan, “Behold, all that he has is in your hand. Only against him do not stretch out your hand.” So Satan went out from the presence of the LORD. Job 1:12 (ESV)

We see that God is sovereign even over Satan.

Most of the above post is a copy of the original notes from the same date in 2014.

Additional resources

The Gospel Coalition on Luke 1

Today’s Reading:  2 Sam 23:1–24:25, Jude 17–25, Ps 148:1–150:6

Today’s Theme: Praise the Lord

Today’s theme is about praise; praising the Lord in the good and bad times, praising God in the battle, swinging the sword of praise, building our faith through praise and affirmation of the truth, and the sheer pleasure and joy of praise.

2 Samuel 23:1–24:25

The weapon of praise

These are the names of the mighty men whom David had: Josheb-basshebeth, a Tahchemonite; he was chief of the three. He wielded his spear against eight hundred whom he killed at one time. 2 Samuel 23:8 (ESV)

We read today about the three mighty warriors from David’s men:

1. Josheb-basshebeth, who killed 800 at one time, with his spear.
2. Eleazar, who struck the enemy until the sword stuck to his hand, while Israel withdrew.
3. Shammah, who took his stand while others retreated to defend the field of lentils, striking  down the enemy.

These men showed remarkable bravery, skill and determination. We can learn from their example, we do not turn back, we never retreat, we stand and fight, as we studied yesterday.

As we stand, our very stand will bring praise to God’s name. Praising God in the midst of the battle, is like the three mighty warriors standing and swinging their swords.

We need to swing the sword today, through praising God, according to His word.

No retreat, no surrender, take your stand. Hold your sword (the bible), so tightly that it becomes a part of you and swing. Swing the sword of the Spirit through praise and see the enemy slain and flee from you.

If you are under attack in your mind, swing the sword of word based praise, to our great King, God. Praise the Lord.

Be like Benaiah

And Benaiah the son of Jehoiada was a valiant man of Kabzeel, a doer of great deeds. He struck down two ariels of Moab. He also went down and struck down a lion in a pit on a day when snow had fallen. 2 Samuel 23:20 (ESV)

As a side note from our theme of praise, we must not forget the example of Benaiah and his exploits for his king, let us show his faith, courage and loyalty in our lives, for our King, Jesus.

Pastor Dennis brought a life changing message from the character of Beniah, clips and reflections can be found on our website.

here http://www.wwmf.org/2012/08/04/resources/benaiah-the-heart-of-the-king/

and here http://www.wwmf.org/2013/01/05/media/video/the-heart-of-the-king-dvd/

Jude 17–25

The affirmation of praise

Now to him who is able to keep you from stumbling and to present you blameless before the presence of his glory with great joy, to the only God, our Savior, through Jesus Christ our Lord, be glory, majesty, dominion, and authority, before all time and now and forever. Amen. Jude 24–25 (ESV)

Today’s new testament passage begins with Jude encouraging us to build ourselves up in the faith we have been called to contend for, by doing two things; 1) praying by the leading of the Holy Spirit 2) Keeping in the love of God.

If we live lives led by the Spirit and walk in love as we wait on God’s mercy, which leads to eternal life, we will show mercy on others too.

God wants us to live our lives in submission and we can only do that if we are filled with and led by the Holy Spirit, living a life of sanctification, obedience and service, which keeps us in the love of God.

All of this leads to the final doxology, a praise of affirmation. We know we can’t keep ourselves or live for God without His help.

We can make the affirmation of our Spirit-filled, living faith, through praise today. Declare God to be who He is, it will build your faith and encourage you as you proclaim the truth, that God can and will keep you from stumbling.

To Him be glory, majesty, dominion, and authority.

Psalm 148:1–150:6

Praise the King

Let them praise the name of the LORD, for his name alone is exalted; his majesty is above earth and heaven. Psalm 148:13 (ESV)

God’s majesty is far above the earth and the heavens, He is the great King, worthy of our praise.

The Pleasure of God

For the LORD takes pleasure in His people; He adorns the humble with salvation. Psalm 149:4 (ESV)

God takes pleasure and gets enjoyment from His people as they walk in humility. Be humble today, to bring God pleasure.

The joy of praise

Praise him with trumpet sound; praise him with lute and harp! Psalm 150:3 (ESV)

As we praise God let us do it with joy, our praise of our great God should bring God and us pleasure, we should both enjoy it as we celebrate and praise God. Shout praises to God today, for His great deeds.

Most of the above post is a copy of the original notes from the same date in 2014.

Additional resources

Desiring God on Jude 1

Today’s Reading:  2 Sam 22:1–51, Jude 1–16, Ps 147:1–20

Today’s Theme: FIGHT!

Today’s theme is all about us fighting for the glory of God, using the weapons of humility, praise and truth. We have all been called to contend for the faith.

One of the best ways to fight spiritually, is to declare the truth about who God is.

2 Samuel 22:1–51

I will pull out the odd verse here and there, but there are wonderful lessons to learn in this song of David, if you have time to read and meditate on it today.

God, my stronghold

He said, “The LORD is my rock and my fortress and my deliverer, my God, my rock, in whom I take refuge, my shield, and the horn of my salvation, my stronghold and my refuge, my savior; you save me from violence. 2 Samuel 22:2–3 (ESV)

As believers we are constantly at war and always under attack. We begin the study of the fight that we must engage in, from the only place we should, hiding behind God as our fortress, shield and stronghold.

David was a man of war and knew how important a good fortress was in a battle. He likens God to a fortress and a rock, because God is steadfast, dependable and does not change. He is well able to protect His people collectively, when they come under attack.

As a warrior, David knew how crucial a shield was to fend off personal attacks. A weak shield would not do the job of saving the fighter. We hold our faith up against the attacks of the enemy. God is our shield. Ephesians 6:16

David makes this song of praise personal by constantly saying ‘my’, he can’t speak for anyone else, he just knows that this is true in his own life and we should be the same, knowing who God has proven and declared Himself to be, to us.

‘God is my stronghold’ – this is so powerful in the fight. 2 Corinthians 10:4 tells us that a stronghold is a way of thinking, a thought, belief, philosophy or idea. So the truth of God’s word becomes a stronghold in our minds, in a positive way, which is where we retreat to, refuel and attack from.

God’s arrows

And he sent out arrows and scattered them; lightning, and routed them. 2 Samuel 22:15 (ESV)

David gives an amazing and striking image of God as the great warrior of the heavens, the mighty God who fights and responds to his plea for help (7 – 14).

Here David speaks about God sending down arrows to scatter the enemy, now we must remember that this is a poem and so the imagery should be taken in that form, which means the arrows are not mere arrows, they represent something.

The previous verse told us that God uttered His voice and in the book of Revelation, we read about Jesus fighting against the enemy with the sword of His mouth. Revelation 19:15.

So the arrows that God sends to scatter the enemy, are His words found in the bible and His voice heard through the Holy Spirit.

God’s word as the King of all creation, is so powerful that it goes and accomplishes all that God intends it to. We can rely on God’s word today as we fight.

God, my rescuer

He rescued me from my strong enemy, from those who hated me, for they were too mighty for me. 2 Samuel 22:18 (ESV)

We are not stronger than all our enemies, in our own strength we would surely lose the fight.

We need to humbly depend on God to rescue us from enemies that are too strong for us.

We will go on to read in Jude that even the Angels did not contend with Satan, knowing that Satan is an accomplished and strong enemy and once held the regal angelic office of the cherub that covers before he sinned. See Ezekiel 28:14

We must not be presumptuous as we fight, or have a false sense of confidence. We should not really address Satan in our prayers, other than to do what Michael did, which is to say ‘the Lord rebuke you’.

As we fight, we address our prayers  past the enemy to the God who is stronger than all our enemies, and is able to rescue us from them and defeat them.

Humble people

You save a humble people, but your eyes are on the haughty to bring them down. 2 Samuel 22:28 (ESV)

God has called us to be a humble people.

Humility is the attitude we must have as we fight, if we are proud, arrogant, harsh and unteachable, then God will have to humble us Himself and may even need to fight against us.

This is why we must humble ourselves like David did, then we will see God come through for us.

When we are in humble submission to the Lord, we can say with David that by God’s power, we can run through a troop of attackers and leap over the enemies walls of defence.

Fight with humility. Philippians 2:3

God, The Rock

“For who is God, but the LORD? And who is a rock, except our God? 2 Samuel 22:32 (ESV)

God alone is God. One of God’s unique attributes is that He is immutable which means He does not change, this is where the rock imagery comes from. We also see God as dependable, stable, enduring and strong, as the rock.

Jesus said that the revelation that He was the Christ, the Son of the Living God, was the rock on which He would build the church. Matthew 16:18

Jesus also said that those who obey His commandments are like those building their house on a rock. Matthew 7:24

So we see that the unchangeable God has an unchangeable word that we can totally rely on as we fight.

You can stand today in the assurance that God by His very nature, as faithful and unchangeable, will fulfil His word. We can boldly put our faith in God, our rock, as we fight.

Jude 1–16

We only have time to look at one verse here, but there is a lot more to dig into if you can.

Contend for the faith

Beloved, although I was very eager to write to you about our common salvation, I found it necessary to write appealing to you to contend for the faith that was once for all delivered to the saints. Jude 3 (ESV)

The body of Christ cannot be passive, we are called to fight for what we believe. We are constantly at war with false teaching, false believers, the influence of the world, etc.

The faith handed down to us must be preserved personally, but more importantly, corporately as a church.

Jude is moved by the Holy Spirit to call the church to spiritual and mental arms (like calling soliders to fight against an encroaching enemy) against the onslaught and schemes of the enemy.

We should embrace apologetics and the studying of God’s word so that we can stand and defend the truth of our faith. We are not post modernist or relativist, we have a firm, absolute, central, single, historical faith, which can be articulated and defended consistently from age to age.

Our faith is not novel, it is old and true, it was handed down and must be preserved so beware of strange or new teachings. Jude spends time describing false teachers who come to challenge the truth and lifestyle of the gospel.

Contend for the ancient, pure and true faith today.

Psalm 147:1–20

A wonderful and encouraging Psalm, take time to mediate on this today.

Hope in God’s love

but the LORD takes pleasure in those who fear him, in those who hope in his steadfast love. Psalm 147:11 (ESV)

We once watched the moving and inspiring account of Maryam Rostampour and Marziyeh Amirizadeh who were imprisoned for their faith in Iran but were used by God’s grace, to lead many to the Lord and have since been released.

The Lord takes pleasure in His people, who like these two women, fear Him and put their hope in Him.

As we hope in God’s love, we bring God pleasure and win the battle, as we humble ourselves before Him.

Most of the above post is a copy of the original notes from the same date in 2014.

Additional resources

The Gospel Coalition on Jude 1

Today’s Reading:  2 Sam 20:1–21:22, 2 Pet 3:14–18, Ps 146:1–10

Today’s Theme: Procrastination vs Action

Today’s theme will explore the many pitfalls of procrastination, which is putting off what should be done today (delaying or postponing necessary action), and is synonymous with laziness, idleness and sluggishness. On the other hand, we will look at the alternative to procrastination, which is action.

2 Samuel 20:1–21:22

The deadly danger of delay

So Amasa went to summon Judah, but he delayed beyond the set time that had been appointed him. 2 Samuel 20:5 (ESV)

Amasa was given an allocated time to gather the men of Judah into an army, to pursue Sheba. He did not use his time wisely, he foolishly delayed and went beyond the set time.

Procrastination is an enemy to our own lives and to our King’s kingdom. It rots purpose and godly success, like decay.

Amasa in his first task as the head of the army, fails miserably. His procrastination and carelessness led to his untimely death later in verse 10.

Today we need to be alert and have hearts ready to go into action. Do not delay, do not be lazy, do not ‘chill’ – we are at war, get moving. If you stand still, you will die – be active.

As we mediate on the dangers of procrastination, consider the following New Testament passages:

• Delaying the Lord’s call: Matthew 8:21–22 and Luke 9:59–62
• The parable of the five foolish virgins: Matthew 25:2–13
• Excuses!: Luke 14:16–21
• Now is the day for salvation: 2 Corinthians 6:2

Don’t delay, be active for the King today.

Be alert

But Amasa did not observe the sword that was in Joab’s hand. So Joab struck him with it in the stomach and spilled his entrails to the ground without striking a second blow, and he died. Then Joab and Abishai his brother pursued Sheba the son of Bichri. 2 Samuel 20:10 (ESV)

Joab murdered Amasa, but it should not have been so easy, Amasa should have been alert and able to defend himself. His sluggish character betrays him to his quick, violent and untimely death.

In one sense, Amasa dies for committing high treason against king David, which is what his procrastination amounts to.

We must not allow ourselves to become guilty of treason through procrastination, we should love and fear our King, carrying out His will with swiftness.

The bible calls us to be sober and alert, we need to be like an expert solider, in the spirit. Soldiers who are at war will be alert, their senses will be heightened and their reaction will be quick.

Paul warns us in 1 Thessalonians 5:6, “So then let us not sleep, as others do, but let us keep awake and be sober.” and in 1 Peter 5:8 we are told “Be sober-minded; be watchful. Your adversary the devil prowls around like a roaring lion, seeking someone to devour.”

Be alert, don’t get caught out, do not let the enemy catch you slipping. If he does, he will strike and you will fall, so let us be alert today.

Speak up, do something

Then a wise woman called from the city, “Listen! Listen! Tell Joab, ‘Come here, that I may speak to you.’ ” 2 Samuel 20:16 (ESV)

This wise woman saved the entire city by calling out to Joab, reasoning with him and without delay, beheading Sheba and throwing his head over the wall.

This woman was a heroine, she saved an entire city. If she was a lazy procrastinator, she would not have been concerned with the welfare of the city or bothered herself to do something about it.

Don’t keep thinking that someone else will do it, they won’t. It is up to you to make a plan and execute it.

Jesus told us to be bold, open and deliberate about our good works, in Matthew 5:16, “the same way, let your light shine before others, so that they may see your good works and give glory to your Father who is in heaven.”

If you see a problem today, be willing to be used by the Lord to solve it or to add to the solution. Get up and say something, get up and do something.

Do good today, do not be a selfish procrastinator. Here is some encouragement from the New Testament: Galatians 6:9, 2 Thessalonians 3:13 and Hebrews 12:3.

Get organised

Now Joab was in command of all the army of Israel; and Benaiah the son of Jehoiada was in command of the Cherethites and the Pelethites; and Adoram was in charge of the forced labor; and Jehoshaphat the son of Ahilud was the recorder; and Sheva was secretary; and Zadok and Abiathar were priests; and Ira the Jairite was also David’s priest. 2 Samuel 20:23–26 (ESV)

David reorganises his government, putting in place faithful men who are all men of action, with track records of pressing through and getting the job done.

Joab with all his faults, is a leader of men. A man who will lead in battle with courage, quickness and wisdom and so is reinstated as the General of the army.

One of the reasons for procrastination is a lack of organisation. Without adequate organisation in our personal lives or in a team, a task can seem insurmountable.

Jesus has not called any one of us to be the body on our own, we are all members of the body, as we studied yesterday. We need to know our position in the wider body and hold that position in honour to all other members, this is how we will be well organised as a people. 1 Corinthians 12:20

Ask God to guide you by His Spirit, to organise your own life and show you how you can bring better organisation and administration to the ministries you are involved in, which will deal a deathblow to one of procrastination’s favourite hiding places.

Be active but honourable

But the king spared Mephibosheth, the son of Saul’s son Jonathan, because of the oath of the LORD that was between them, between David and Jonathan the son of Saul. 2 Samuel 21:7 (ESV)

David needed to take action in the matter of the Gibeonites. He was not just driven by the need to be active, he was able to show restraint and was honourable towards Jonathan’s son and later orders that the house of Saul be given a good burial.

We need to make sure that in our desire to not procrastinate, that we do not become callous active people. We must be active, but must be led by God the Holy Spirit, living with His fruit showing in our lives and actions. Romans 8:14

Kill the giants

But Abishai the son of Zeruiah came to his aid and attacked the Philistine and killed him. Then David’s men swore to him, “You shall no longer go out with us to battle, lest you quench the lamp of Israel.” 2 Samuel 21:17 (ESV)

David was saved by Joab’s brother, who killed the Giant for him, and as we read to the end of the chapter, we see Goliath’s four brothers are all killed by David’s faithful, active men.

We need to take action to kill the giants in our lives. As we battle each day, we will face giants, one of the giants is procrastination, so kill it today.

Here are a few things to consider today while slaying the giant of procrastination:*

Procrastination robs you

• Procrastination Robs You of Opportunities for Service
• Procrastination Robs You of the Opportunity to Be Successful
• Procrastination Robs You of the Opportunity for Salvation

Consider the Procrastinator

• Consider the Identity of the Procrastinator
• Consider the Instruction of the Procrastinator
• Consider the Impact on the Procrastinator
• Consider the Intention of the Procrastinator

Procrastination’s Two Big Problems:

• Procrastination Produces a False Sense of Control
• Procrastination Ignores the Uniqueness of Conviction

*adapted from the contents page of David Jeremiah’s ‘Facing the giants in your life’.

2 Peter 3:14–18

Grow in grace and knowledge

But grow in the grace and knowledge of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ. To him be the glory both now and to the day of eternity. Amen. 2 Peter 3:18 (ESV)

This is a great summary of the Christian life, we should not be inactive, lazy, lawless or selfish, we should be active members of the body of Christ, growing every day.

This is not theoretical head-knowledge, this is personal and experiential knowledge from the truth of God’s word, which informs our relationship with God.

The gift of God in the truth of the scriptures and the gift of grace, will keep us stable as we grow and will keep us from error. Thank God for the gift of true knowledge and grace today.

Psalm 146:1–10

Our help is the Lord

Blessed is he whose help is the God of Jacob, whose hope is in the LORD his God, Psalm 146:5 (ESV)

We don’t need to let fear cause us to procrastinate, we can move forward and take action because the Lord is our help.

Most of the above post is a copy of the original notes from the same date in 2014.

Additional resources

Desiring God on 2 Peter 3

Today’s Reading:  2 Sam 19:1–43, 2 Pet 3:1–13, Ps 145:1–21

Today’s Theme: Knowing your position

Today’s theme is about us knowing and staying within our position in Christ, the church and the world. We will also look at God’s position toward us.

2 Samuel 19:1–43

Speaking out of position

Then Joab came into the house to the king and said, “You have today covered with shame the faces of all your servants, who have this day saved your life and the lives of your sons and your daughters and the lives of your wives and your concubines, 2 Samuel 19:5 (ESV)

Joab was again completely out of line, he had no right to come so boldly before the king and rebuke him. This all goes back to Joab’s sedition which had him thinking of himself more highly than he should have, causing him to lose perspective on his position and so speak out of turn. Romans 12:3

David listens to Joab in wisdom, but later in the same chapter, replaces Joab with Amasa.

Paul warns that we should not rebuke those who are older than us and in higher positions of authority than us, in 1 Timothy 5:1. He goes on to give further instruction in 1 Timothy 5:19.

We must not allow ourselves to be caught out by our emotions or an unbalanced view of ourselves or our leaders. We need to know ours and their positions before God, and so walk in humility and not the hot headed folly of Joab.

Do not rebuke those in positions of leadership in your life, don’t even do it in your mind as you will allow seeds of sedition to be planted, which is your own undoing.

Do not speak out of turn, know your position and behave in accordance with that.

No insecurity

But David said, “What have I to do with you, you sons of Zeruiah, that you should this day be as an adversary to me? Shall anyone be put to death in Israel this day? For do I not know that I am this day king over Israel?” 2 Samuel 19:22 (ESV)

King David did not suffer from the same insecurities as Saul.

Insecurity is often a hiding place for pride so do not nurse insecurity, reject those thoughts and feelings in Jesus’ name.

We must have the same attitude as David, we do not need to prove anything to anyone else or ourselves, we need to know who we are in Christ and walk in that confidence.

Paul encourages us in Ephesians 5:8 “for at one time you were darkness, but now you are light in the Lord. Walk as children of light.” Mediate on that fact today, to dispel the clouds of insecurity.

Our position before God is secure in Christ.

Know your calling and place

Please let your servant return, that I may die in my own city near the grave of my father and my mother. But here is your servant Chimham. Let him go over with my lord the king, and do for him whatever seems good to you.” 2 Samuel 19:37 (ESV)

Brazillai was no opportunist, nor was he insecure, he had a pure and loyal heart. He did not get caught up with the superficial aspect of the King’s kind offer, he knew his position in life and before God, so knew how to say no.

We need to be able to (like Brazillai) say no, even to the good offers that are made to us, which are not in God’s will and plan for us.

God has placed us in certain positions and places in life and we need to know the place and scope of our calling.

As you seek to emulate Brazillai’s balanced attitude and thinking, consider these verses from the New Testament; Acts 17:26, 1 Corinthians 12:18 and 2 Peter 1:10.

It is significant that our youth retreat is on now and that Brazillai sought to give the king’s opportunity to his young servant. We too must have a heart to see the upcoming generations used to the glory of God.

Quarrelling and arguments

And the men of Israel answered the men of Judah, “We have ten shares in the king, and in David also we have more than you. Why then did you despise us? Were we not the first to speak of bringing back our king?” But the words of the men of Judah were fiercer than the words of the men of Israel. 2 Samuel 19:43 (ESV)

James said in James 4:1, “What causes quarrels and what causes fights among you? Is it not this, that your passions are at war within you?”

Paul mentions quarrels at that start of his letter to the troubled church at Corinth, in 1 Corinthians 1:11, “For it has been reported to me by Chloe’s people that there is quarrelling among you, my brothers.”

We should not be fighting over positions, and living to feed the appetites of our flesh or pride, as this will lead to quarrels and fights.

We must confidently live in the position we have in Christ and not be green-eyed little monsters, always wanting what someone else has.

The tribes of Israel are on the brink of entering a pointless battle over where the king should live. We all have King Jesus, let us not be tricked by the enemy and go to war with each other in pride.

Avoid foolish arguments today, be confident in your position before God.

2 Peter 3:1-13

The King will return

that you should remember the predictions of the holy prophets and the commandment of the Lord and Saviour through your apostles. 2 Peter 3:2 (ESV)

It is amazing that we read in the OT today, about King David returning to his kingdom and now we read about the return of The King, Jesus.

As a church, we must always be in a position where we are ready for the Lord’s return.

We do not need to get caught up in signs of the times, although they are important. We should instead aim to have our hearts focused and expectant of the Lord’s imminent return, or of His decision to call us home.

Live in a ready position for the return or call.

God’s salvific stance

The Lord is not slow to fulfil his promise as some count slowness, but is patient toward you, not wishing that any should perish, but that all should reach repentance. 2 Peter 3:9 (ESV)

God’s position before the world is a salvific one, He stands and offers salvation to all and does not desire that anyone should be lost, but that all should repent.

The atonement is sufficient for all and effective for God’s elect. The sacrifice Jesus made on the cross is sufficient for anyone to be saved and is fully effective for those chosen by God, who repent and put their faith in Jesus.

This is why we need to maintain and confirm our position as the heralds of His kingdom, bringing the good news of the gospel to everyone, calling all to repent.

Psalm 145:1–21

Take time to read over and mediate on this psalm today. The following are just two points from a very rich psalm, which includes verses relevant to praying for our youth in light of our current youth retreat.

God’s kingdom

Your kingdom is an everlasting kingdom, and your dominion endures throughout all generations. [The LORD is faithful in all his words and kind in all his works.] Psalm 145:13 (ESV)

God’s position is as a merciful King, showing goodness to all. He has called us into His everlasting kingdom. Mediate on your position in God’s kingdom today and more importantly, on God as your King.

God’s near position

The LORD is near to all who call on him, to all who call on him in truth. Psalm 145:18 (ESV)

God has positioned Himself near to all those who call on Him in truth, call upon the Lord in truth today.

Most of the above post is a copy of the original notes from the same date in 2014.

Additional resources

The Gospel Coalition on 2 Peter 3

Today’s Reading:  2 Sam 18:1–33, 2 Pet 2:12–22, Ps 144:1–5

Today’s Theme: The Bondage of Vanity

Today’s theme is about the bondage of vanity, we will see how Absalom’s vanity left him trapped. Joab’s vanity made him seditious and Ahimaaz wasted time and energy. The theme carries over into the New Testament, where we read about the vanity of greed and the vanity of man, in the Psalms.

A definition of vanity (in the context we will look at it this morning), is that which is empty of meaning, purpose, or content and in general just empty, worthless, or futile. Vanity can also speak of pride and conceit.

Something does not gain value because we treasure it. We cannot add quality or substance to something that is empty and meaningless, instead like a black hole, the vain areas of life will suck meaning, purpose and worth from our lives.

2 Samuel 18:1–33

Trapped by vanity

And Absalom happened to meet the servants of David. Absalom was riding on his mule, and the mule went under the thick branches of a great oak, and his head caught fast in the oak, and he was suspended between heaven and earth, while the mule that was under him went on. 2 Samuel 18:9 (ESV)

The fact that Absalom was vain is quite obvious when we consider the fact that he tried to take his father’s kingdom by force. We also read in 2 Sam 14:26, that Absalom had long hair and would cut and weigh out his hair each year.

It is likely that Absalom became trapped in the great oak tree by the asset he was most vain about, his hair. You can imagine the scene now, his long hair getting caught up and tangled in the branches.

The vain things that we place most pride in, are the things we are likely to be trapped by. These things can cause us to stumble and hinder our walk.

We read in Hebrews 12:1, “Therefore, since we are surrounded by so great a cloud of witnesses, let us also lay aside every weight, and sin which clings so closely, and let us run with endurance the race that is set before us.”

Whatever the vain thing is in your life, that you hold closely must be cast aside or you will get entangled, trapped, stuck and be left open to the cruel attacks of the enemy.

The vanity of sedition

Joab said, “I will not waste time like this with you.” And he took three javelins in his hand and thrust them into the heart of Absalom while he was still alive in the oak. 2 Samuel 18:14 (ESV)

Joab was so often driven by his own sense of what was right and wrong, and in his proud and vengeful vanity, showed contempt for David’s command and so walked in open sedition.

We must not let the emptiness of an elevated view of ourselves, cause us to walk in sedition and blatantly disobey the Lord or our leaders.

Paul tells us in Romans 12:3, “For by the grace given to me I say to everyone among you not to think of himself more highly than he ought to think, but to think with sober judgment, each according to the measure of faith that God has assigned.”

The vanity of thinking of ourselves above others and walking in rebellion to authority, will not only eventually cause us great harm, but will bring pain and death (spiritually and even physically), to those around us.

What we do also affects those looking up to us, Joab’s armour bearers all got involved in his murder and sedition.

Don’t run in vain

“Come what may,” he said, “I will run.” So he said to him, “Run.” Then Ahimaaz ran by the way of the plain, and outran the Cushite. 2 Samuel 18:23 (ESV)

Ahimaaz was a man who was loyal to David and he demonstrated his devotion by risking his life to bring a message to David and his men, in the previous chapter.

However in this case, we see vanity in his act rather than in him as a person. The text makes clear that this is a pure man who loves the Lord and his king.

God wants us to use wisdom, He does not want us to act in vain and run unnecessarily like Ahimaaz, who came to the king with only half of the facts.

We must not run in vain, we must not waste our time or energy on missions and work that the Lord has not called us to, or equipped us for.

Paul mentions in Galatians 2:2, “I went up because of a revelation and set before them… the gospel that I proclaim among the Gentiles, in order to make sure I was not running or had not run in vain.”

He also wrote in Philippians 2:16, “holding fast to the word of life, so that in the day of Christ I may be proud that I did not run in vain or labour in vain.”

2 Peter 2:12–22

The vanity of sin

They have eyes full of adultery, insatiable for sin. They entice unsteady souls. They have hearts trained in greed. Accursed children! 2 Peter 2:14 (ESV)

The appetites of sin are vain. The definition of the word includes empty, worthless and meaningless; this is the essence of sin, it is empty.

The false teachers are children of the devil, they have an insatiable thirst for sinful experience and lust after married women.

The false promise of the heretics and the empty promises of sin go hand in hand.

Our souls must be steady, filled with the substance, worth and meaning of God’s word and the Holy Spirit. This is the only way to guard against the vanities of sin and heresy.

The greed and covetousness that drives sin can never be satisfied, it is just vanity upon vanity, no amount of having or buying will ever satisfy, the void just gets deeper.

The strange vanity of greed

Forsaking the right way, they have gone astray. They have followed the way of Balaam, the son of Beor, who loved gain from wrongdoing. 2 Peter 2:15 (ESV)

As just mentioned in the last note, greed is a strange thing, it presents itself as a desire for more but because it is vain (empty and worthless), it adds to our emptiness and takes away from the worth of what we already have.

Our culture teaches us to be greedy and to keep aiming for more, but the more we do this the less satisfied we become.

We should avoid the vain spirit of Balam, which is driven by greed and seeks to make an unrighteous profit from a gift or ministry that God has given us.

Let us learn to be content and have a godly sense of “enough” and generosity.

The vanity of walking on the borderline

For, speaking loud boasts of folly, they entice by sensual passions of the flesh those who are barely escaping from those who live in error. 2 Peter 2:18 (ESV)

We are called to live godly lives and to pursue God and His ways, we should not be borderline Christians, barely escaping the enemy.

Borderline Christians are always asking how far they are allowed to go and they walk as close to the border as possible, sometimes slipping over into no-man’s land.

If we live in or close to compromise, we make ourselves susceptible to being picked off by heretics and devils.

Don’t live an empty, worthless Christian life on the borderline, come inland and be a part of the kingdom. Let us live our lives filled with God’s purpose, not living in the gray lines but walking in the light.

The slavery of vanity

They promise them freedom, but they themselves are slaves of corruption. For whatever overcomes a person, to that he is enslaved. 2 Peter 2:19 (ESV)

Whatever we allow to overcome us will enslave us, this is the enslavement of vanity.

Vanity will drive us like a slave master, it will crack the whip for us to pursue empty sin and greed.

We must stay in the freedom which Christ has won for us and not turn back to the vanity and enslavement of sin.

Psalm 144:1–5

The vanity of man

O LORD, what is man that you regard him, or the son of man that you think of him? Psalm 144:3 (ESV)

Man is worthless and empty in comparison to the awesome majesty of God. Outside of Christ, everything about man is vanity.

This makes it all the more amazing that God is thinking of us and has visited us in the person of Jesus Christ, to die for our sins and save us for eternity.

Jesus defeated the vanity of sin on the cross and gave us a full and meaningful life. Jesus said in John 10:10, “The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy. I came that they may have life and have it abundantly.”

Most of the above post is a copy of the original notes from the same date in 2014.

Additional resources

Desiring God on 2 Peter 2

Today’s Reading: 2 Sam 16:1–17:29, 2 Pet 2:1–11, Ps 143:1–12

Today’s Theme: Characters in trying times or the different characters you may meet in trying times.

God has shown me today’s theme a little differently. We will be looking at the different characters and types of people you may face or interact with in trying times. Some of these characters are enemies, while others are friends.

This reminds us of the characters which Pilgrim met on his way to heaven, in John Bunyan’s Pilgrims Progress.

2 Samuel 16:1–17:29

Ziba – the Opportunist

Then the king said to Ziba, “Behold, all that belonged to Mephibosheth is now yours.” And Ziba said, “I pay homage; let me ever find favor in your sight, my lord the king.” 2 Samuel 16:4 (ESV)

In 2 Samuel 9, David showed kindness to Saul’s house, he asked Ziba if any of the children of Saul’s house were still alive. It is notable that Ziba knew about Mephibosheth but kept the riches of the house of Saul for himself.

David told Ziba in verse 9-10 that the house of Saul would belong to Mephibosheth and that Ziba would serve him. It is likely that this did not sit well with Ziba who had enjoyed the estate of Saul, before David called Mephibosheth back to the kingdom.

Now we see Ziba taking the opportunity to be manipulative, he lies to David that Mephibosheth was being an opportunist when in fact, it was his own scheme to regain the estate of Saul. We read later in 2 Samuel 19:24-30, Mephibosheth’s side of the story which is quite different and his response to David shows that his heart was right.

David judged too quickly in this situation because he was going through a difficult trial, which meant his powers of discernment had dulled.

We need to be aware of the opportunist around us when we are going through a difficult time, they will smell blood and make a plan like Ziba, to benefit themselves through our impaired judgement. See 2 Corinthians 11:13 and 1 Timothy 6:5

Ask God to guide you and give you supernatural discernment in trying times so that you can spot and not be fooled by the opportunists.

Shimei – the Accuser

It may be that the LORD will look on the wrong done to me, and that the LORD will repay me with good for his cursing today.” 2 Samuel 16:12 (ESV)

When we go through trying times, there will be those who come to accuse and mock us, these can be either people or demonic spirits. Revelation 12:10

David recognises the sovereignty of God, even over his accuser and enemy. We must realise too that there is not a single enemy that has free rein to do whatever they want to us, they can only do what God allows and God will never let us go through more than we can bear.

Paul encourages us in 1 Corinthians 10:13, “No temptation has overtaken you that is not common to man. God is faithful, and he will not let you be tempted beyond your ability, but with the temptation he will also provide the way of escape, that you may be able to endure it.”

We are called to stay faithful under trial. If we do stay faithful, God will reward us. David knew this and so he willingly endured the accusation and mockery of the enemy. See James 1:3 and 2 Corinthians 13:5

Know who you are in Christ, do not take the accusations, conjecture, lies and gossip of people or the enemy, to heart. Encourage yourself in the Lord today. See Colossians 3:3 and Ephesians 2:6

Ahithophel – the Traitor

Now in those days the counsel that Ahithophel gave was as if one consulted the word of God; so was all the counsel of Ahithophel esteemed, both by David and by Absalom. 2 Samuel 16:23 (ESV)

Ahithophel was a man driven by the vain worship of his own gift, a man concerned with position, prestige and performance.

He has a touch of the opportunist in him, but is worse. This man is a traitor, playing both sides of the fence to suit his needs, like Judas Iscariot. He betrays those who trust in him.

Notice the similarity between Ahithophel and Judas, they both betray their king and go on to commit suicide. Don’t be a Judas, it will end with your destruction.

At the height of his treachery, he advises Absalom to take David’s concubines and then gives him the advice that would have seen him defeat David.

Traitors are the most dangerous characters we encounter in the difficult times of our lives, they can be people who are close to us or who we trust in, they know us intimately and so can cause more damage than the average adversary.

If you are betrayed in a trying time, remember that Jesus was betrayed too but got the victory in the end.

One way to prepare for betrayal is to put all our trust in God. David and Absalom probably put too much faith in the counsel of this man, making him like an idol. We must remember that even the most gifted people are only human.

Hushai – the Advocate

And Absalom and all the men of Israel said, “The counsel of Hushai the Archite is better than the counsel of Ahithophel.” For the LORD had ordained to defeat the good counsel of Ahithophel, so that the LORD might bring harm upon Absalom. 2 Samuel 17:14 (ESV)

In our trying times, God will send advocates who will speak up for us, defend us and defeat the enemy’s schemes. Our ultimate Advocate (legal counsel) in difficult times is Jesus.

John encourages us in 1 John 2:1, “My little children, I am writing these things to you so that you may not sin. But if anyone does sin, we have an advocate with the Father, Jesus Christ the righteous.”

God gave Hushai great wisdom as an advocate for David, by countering the wise counsel of Ahithophel. If we are seeking to be advocates for others when they are going through hard times, we need to ask God to give us wisdom and favour like He did for Hushai.

We can advocate for our brothers and sister in the persecuted church around the world, through agencies like Open Doors and CSW.

Advocacy takes us beyond prayer to taking action, God can use His people powerfully if we boldly stand up against injustice.

If you are going through a difficult time, keep your eyes open for the advocates that God will send to defend you and even if you don’t see them, know that God is working it all out. Romans 8:28

Jonathan and Ahimaaz – the Counsellors

 After they had gone, the men came up out of the well, and went and told King David. They said to David, “Arise, and go quickly over the water, for thus and so has Ahithophel counseled against you.” 2 Samuel 17:21 (ESV)

In trying times God will send counsellors to give you guidance and advice. The ultimate counsellor is God the Holy Spirit, John 14:26.

Jonathan and Ahimaaz, the sons of the priests, put their lives at risk to bring news to David from Hushai.

If we are going to be counsellors to those going through difficult times, it will cost us personally, it will cost time, money and energy. We need to be willing to take the risk to help others, knowing that God has equipped us to be ministers.

God has called us to encourage one another, spur one another on and warn one another of danger. See 2 Corinthians 13:11, 1 Thessalonians 4:18, 5:11, Hebrews 3:13 and 10:25.

Even if we see a brother going off and seek to restore him, James tells us in James 5:20, “let him know that whoever brings back a sinner from his wandering will save his soul from death and will cover a multitude of sins.”

Ask God to help you identify the counsellors who come to help guide you in difficult times.

Sobi, Machir and Barzillai – the Carers

brought beds, basins, and earthen vessels, wheat, barley, flour, parched grain, beans and lentils, honey and curds and sheep and cheese from the herd, for David and the people with him to eat, for they said, “The people are hungry and weary and thirsty in the wilderness.” 2 Samuel 17:28–29 (ESV)

God will send carers in difficult times, to meet spiritual and physical needs.

One of the things that might happen in a difficult time is that we do not feed on the word as we should, so become hungry and do not rest in the Lord because of fear, anxiety and oppression and so become weary.

God has given us Pastors who feed us the word of God, in good and bad seasons. We should give God thanks for our Pastors who like Sobi, Machir and Barzillai, bring food to God’s people in the wilderness.

Jesus is our ultimate source of satisfying food and rest. Jesus said in Matthew 11:28 “Come to me, all who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest.” Jesus also encourages us in John 6:35 “Jesus said to them, “I am the bread of life; whoever comes to me shall not hunger, and whoever believes in me shall never thirst.”

Share the word of God with those going through difficult times and pray that they will come to Jesus, to drink from Him.

We are called to physically help those in actual need of food too, you can do this through Child Sponsorship with Compassion. When we feed the needy, we are feeding the Lord. Matthew 25:35

2 Peter 2:1–11

False Teachers (Heretics) – the Exploiters

And many will follow their sensuality, and because of them the way of truth will be blasphemed. And in their greed they will exploit you with false words. Their condemnation from long ago is not idle, and their destruction is not asleep. 2 Peter 2:2–3 (ESV)

Heresy is a BIG problem in the church today and because of the relative thinking in our culture, the only heresy today seems to be to call something heresy.

Peter is warning us that the church will be plagued by heretics bringing in destructive false teachings, driven by sensuality, greed and a callous desire to exploit God’s people. This has been true throughout church history.

Today’s heretics include those who form cults like Mormonism and Jehovah Witness.

The Heretics which are most dangerous, are those posing as Christians, like the health and wealth gospel proponents on TV.

These new heresies call men gods and say that our goal should be riches in this life. In reality, these false ministers are building their own kingdoms and becoming millionaires, while those who are naive and going through hard times are exploited.

Keep your eyes open to the false prophets that will come to exploit you in your hard times, your defence is the word of God and submission to your own loving Pastors.

God – the Rescuer

then the Lord knows how to rescue the godly from trials, and to keep the unrighteous under punishment until the day of judgment, 2 Peter 2:9 (ESV)

God is the greatest and most important person we meet in our trials, God is the one who has the ability and wisdom to rescue us from our trials.

God knows how to use everyone else we meet on the journey, to bring about our deliverance.

God’s past and present ability to rescue the righteous, while bringing judgment on the unrighteous, is the key theme in verses 5–7 and is now summarised in this verse.

Notice God doesn’t just deliver anyone, He delivers the righteous, those who devoutly live rightly before Him, even under trial. If you know you belong to the Lord then call out to Him in the trials, to help you, because He will.

Be sure to come face to face with God in the middle of your trial, He will deliver you from the schemes of the opportunist, the accusers, the traitors and the false teaching of the exploiters.

God may use you to help rescue one of His people, have your heart in a place to be used by God as an advocate, counsellor, carer or in some other way.

Psalm 143:1–12

The Holy Spirit – the Teacher

Teach me to do your will, for you are my God! Let your good Spirit lead me on level ground! Psalm 143:10 (ESV)

God will lead us back to level ground by His Holy Spirit. The Holy Spirit is the most important person in our lives, we need Him in the midst of life’s trials to help keep us on track, to guide us and to lead us back out to the steady ground, from the rocky road that our trials will have us travelling on.

God the Holy Spirit is our teacher, He will be teaching us in our trials, through our trials and in light of our trials.

Jesus said in John 16:13–15 “When the Spirit of truth comes, He will guide you into all the truth, for He will not speak on His own authority, but whatever He hears He will speak, and He will declare to you the things that are to come. He will glorify me, for He will take what is mine and declare it to you. All that the Father has is mine; therefore I said that He will take what is mine and declare it to you.”

Praise God for our teacher, the Holy Spirit. As you go through trials, continue to be led by the teacher, the Holy Spirit.

Most of the above post is a copy of the original notes from the same date in 2014.

Additional resources

The Gospel Coalition on 2 Peter 2

Today’s Reading:  2 Sam 14:1–15:37, 2 Pet 1:16–21, Ps 141:1–142:7

Today’s Theme: The allure and danger of sedition

Today’s theme is about sedition which is undermining and usurping authority. This is a dangerous thing, mostly for the offender but it disrupts the work of God, His kingdom and people. We have been called to be humble, to submit to the authority of God’s word and our leaders. Satan was the first one to express sedition.

A definition to help us think this through is “Sedition – conduct or language inciting rebellion against the authority of a state or other lawful government” – Nelson’s new illustrated Bible dictionary.

2 Samuel 14:1–15:37

Manipulation and discernment

In order to change the course of things your servant Joab did this. But my lord has wisdom like the wisdom of the angel of God to know all things that are on the earth.” 2 Samuel 14:20 (ESV)

Joab’s subtle sedition seems to be filled with good intent, but that is the allure of sedition. Often the one undermining authority thinks they are doing something worthwhile.

One of the elements of sedition is manipulation. The one usurping or undermining authority has no real authority of their own and so uses manipulative methods to put forward their case and achieve their goal.

Jesus warned us against being manipulative in Matthew 5:37 “Let what you say be simply ‘Yes’ or ‘No’; anything more than this comes from evil.”

God has given us Himself in the person of God the Holy Spirit. By Him and the clear revelation of God’s word in the Bible we can exercise discernment to see through manipulative and seditious schemes.

Here are a number of verses to help us think about discernment:
Romans 12:2
1 Corinthians 2:14
Ephesians 5:10
Philippians 1:9
Hebrews 4:12
Hebrews 5:14

Let’s ask God to help us sharpen our discernment today.

The battle for hearts and minds

Thus Absalom did to all of Israel who came to the king for judgment. So Absalom stole the hearts of the men of Israel. 2 Samuel 15:6 (ESV)

We are in a battle for hearts and minds. There are so many false stories being told to allure our people into bad ways of thinking and trying to distort the revelation of truth in the Bible.

We need to guard our minds and hearts, we do not want to be won over by the sedition of the devil or one of his proxies.

Paul encourages us that our hearts and minds can be guarded by God’s peace which Jesus left with us in Philippians 4:7 “And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.”

Paul also warns us in Romans 12:2 “Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewal of your mind, that by testing you may discern what is the will of God, what is good and acceptable and perfect.”

Loyalty vs Sedition

But Ittai answered the king, “As the LORD lives, and as my lord the king lives, wherever my lord the king shall be, whether for death or for life, there also will your servant be.” 2 Samuel 15:21 (ESV)

The attitude of this man and the priest in later verses shows their loyalty to and love for their king.

Rather than showing sedition to those God has put in positions of authority in our lives we should instead show them our loyalty in Christ. More importantly we should show allegiance and loyalty to God.

The author of Hebrews tells us in Hebrews 13:17 “Obey your leaders and submit to them, for they are keeping watch over your souls, as those who will have to give an account. Let them do this with joy and not with groaning, for that would be of no advantage to you.”

2 Peter 1:16–21

The true story vs myths

For we did not follow cleverly devised myths when we made known to you the power and coming of our Lord Jesus Christ, but we were eyewitnesses of his majesty. 2 Peter 1:16 (ESV)

At our 2014 youth conference we dealt with the false story of our origins called evolution pointing our youth to the truth of the Bible’s account of creation. You can see the video on our website here

The Gospel is not a fable, fantasy or fiction it is the one, ultimate true narrative, God’s great story of creation, the fall, redemption and consummation through Jesus the Christ.

We have eyewitness accounts in the New Testament which stand up under the scrutiny of any courtroom.

Have confidence in the record of the scriptures today.

The Bible was inspired

knowing this first of all, that no prophecy of Scripture comes from someone’s own interpretation. For no prophecy was ever produced by the will of man, but men spoke from God as they were carried along by the Holy Spirit. 2 Peter 1:20–21 (ESV)

We should submit to the word of God as the ultimate authority. Our private interpretations are worthless, we need to submit to the churches’ agreed interpretation of the scriptures and the teaching and guidance of our own pastors.

The Bible is the inspired, inerrant word of God. It is not just the words of men or just a good book. The Bible was written by God the Holy Spirit through the prophets and apostles.

Do not allow your own ideas and the opinions, ideals and philosophies of this world to usurp the authority of the Bible in your life. Do not be seditious to God, submit to His revealed word with joy today.

Psalm 141:1–142:7

Watch your mouth

Set a guard, O LORD, over my mouth; keep watch over the door of my lips! Psalm 141:3 (ESV)

Like David says in this Psalm we need to ask God to help us to guard the things we say. Our mouth can get us into a world of trouble and it is often with our mouths that we are insubordinate and express sedition and rebellion.

James warns us about the tongue in James 3:6 “And the tongue is a fire, a world of unrighteousness. The tongue is set among our members, staining the whole body, setting on fire the entire course of life, and set on fire by hell.”

Let’s be slow to speak today and watch what we say. James 1:19.

Most of the above post is a copy of the original notes from the same date in 2014.

Additional resources

The Gospel Coalition on 2 Peter 1