Thoughts on Christ and His Word

Before God uses a person and fulfills the purpose for their life he will always bring testing. Testing matures the person and also also proves that they're ready for the task. This was the case for Joseph. They bruised his feet with fetters and placed his neck in an iron collar. Until the time came to fulfill his dreams, the Lord tested Joseph’s character .  Psalms 105:18‭-‬19 NLT Joseph was tested by God and then raised up and fulfilled the purpose of his life. If God us going to use you on mighty ways,  expect mighty trials. 

What is the role of a leader? We get a picture of what God expects of His leaders in how the Bible describes David's role: In times past, even when Saul was king, you were the one who led out and brought in Israel; and the Lord your God said to you, ‘You shall shepherd My people Israel, and you shall be prince over My people Israel.’ ” 1 Chronicles 11:2 NASB1995 God gave David two responsibilities as leader. 1. To shepherd the people. In Hebrew the literal term is to "feed my people". A good leader cares for his people, physically, emotionally and spiritually. David 2nd responsibility was to be their Prince or govern them. A good leader cannot be afraid to lead his people, especially in the ways of God. 

So what do you do when you want to do some ministry for God but he prevents you from doing it? This was Paul's problem. At one point he wanted to go in to a place called Bithynia. But he was prevented by the Holy Spirit (Acts 16:17). But who would preach the gospel to the people of Bithynia? That was God's problem. In 1st Peter 1:1, Peter addresses his letter to several cities including Bithynia. It was clear that there were Christians and churches in Bithynia but that Paul had nothing to do with them. Who started those churches in Bithynia? No one knows. There is no historical record that Peter went there. And we know Paul was prevented from going there. So who started these churches? Obviously God raised up other men and women in order to start churches in Bithynia and they preached the gospel there. Who were these unknown people? They are unknown but to God. Just because God doesn't allow us to do a ministry does not mean that it won't get done. So when we find

Moses told the people of Israel: “Only give heed to yourself and keep your soul diligently..." Deut. 4:9 NASB  Each of us is responsible for guarding our own soul from things that contaminate it and move us away from God. We cannot expect parents, pastors, nor anyone else to do this for us. We are solely responsible for guarding our hearts, mind and soul.  Many years later Solomon reminded us of the same thing:   "Above all else, guard your heart, for everything you do flows from it." Proverbs 4:23 NIV

 What is the "Fear of the Lord"? In Deut. 10:11-17 we read: "Go," the LORD said to me, "and lead the people on their way, so that they may enter and possess the land that I swore to their fathers to give them." 12 And now, O Israel, what does the LORD your God ask of you but to f ear the LORD your God, t o walk in all his ways , to love him , to serve the LORD your God with all your heart and with all your soul , 13 and to observe the LORD's commands and decrees that I am giving you today for your own good? 14 To the LORD your God belong the heavens, even the highest heavens, the earth and everything in it. 15 Y et the LORD set his affection on your forefathers and loved them, and he chose you, their descendants, above all the nations, as it is today. 16 Circumcise your hearts, therefore, and do not be stiff-necked any longer. 17 For the LORD your God is God of gods and Lord of lords, the great God, mighty and awesome , who shows no partiality and a

Everywhere in scripture God is moving us to do his will and motivates us by pointing to his love, power, and presence.  When the Israelites saw the power of God as they crossed the red sea and then saw the Egyptian army drown they proclaimed:   In your unfailing love you will lead the people you have redeemed. In your strength you will guide them to your holy dwelling. Exodus 15:13 Promising his love, power and presence to Joshua he commanded Joshua: Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be terrified; do not be discouraged, for the Lord your God will be with you wherever you go. Joshua 1:9 God always motivates His people to act while promising His Love, Presence and Power.