Remembrance Day 2013

I have just watched on TV a Remembrance Day ceremony at the Australian War memorial in Canberra, Australia. Today is the day the world pauses to remember the day the guns were silenced in Europe on Armistice Day on the 11th day on the 11th hour in the 11th month of 1918. Monday, 11-Nov-1918 was the day World War 1 ended.

People stop what they are doing for one minute's silence each year at the 11th hour of the 11th month; to honour those who have died in battle fighting for their nation.

Whilst it is time to reflect on those who have made the ultimate sacrifice for their nation; it also highlights man's inhumanity to man. War is the result of sin in men's hearts; from the need to conquer and dominate their fellow men.

There is another sacrifice that Christians all over the world remember. It is the sacrifice Jesus Christ, the Son of God made on a Roman cross for all mankind. He laid down His life for all mankind. He laid down His life to pay the penalty for our sins. That's why God chose to send His Son who died for my sins and your sins.

Easter is an annual event where Christian countries celebrate the death, burial and resurrection of the Lord Jesus Christ. However the Scriptures exhort us to remember Him on a weekly basis. Acts 20:7 gives us the Scriptural pattern. "Now on the first day of the week, when the disciples came together to break bread, Paul, ready to depart the next day, spoke to them and continued his messages until midnight."  Note it was the "...first day of the week..." not the end of the week, the Jewish Sabbath.

1 Corinthians 11:23-26,

"(23) For I received from the Lord that which I also delivered unto you; that the Lord Jesus on the same night in which He was betrayed took bread;

(24) and when He had given thanks, He broke it and said, 'Take, eat, this is My body which is broken for you; do this in remembrance of Me.'

(25) In the same manner He also took the cup after supper, saying, 'This cup is the new covenant in My blood, This do, as often as you drink it, in remembrance of Me.'

(26) For as often as you eat this bread and drink this cup, you proclaim the Lord's death till He comes."

What about you fellow believer in Christ? Do you remember the Lord Jesus Christ in His death, burial and resurrection each week by partaking of the bread and drinking from the cup?

The first day of the week should be your Remembrance Day every year. Acts 2:42, "And they continued steadfastly in the apostles' doctrine and fellowship, in the breaking of bread, and in prayers."

 If you are interested in learning more on this subject I invite you to download my free eBook 'So Simple Yet So Profound'. Simply click on my author page link below and head to the 'So Simple Yet So Profound' eBook and download it. It is available in various formats.

Jon Peasey

Biblical Perspectives blog www.jon-peasey.blogspot.com

Ebooks author page https://www.smashwords.com/profile/view/JRPeasey

[All Scriptures quoted are from the New King James version; unless otherwise noted. Words enclosed in [ ] are inserted for clarity. Words in bold type emphasise a point. You may notice some verses are quoted with ... at the beginning, ending or elsewhere in a verse. Only the relevant part or parts of the verse, that relate directly to the current subject matter is quoted.]

[If you have any questions or comments you are invited to contact me via the comments section below.]

He cares for you

1 Peter 5:7 states, "Casting all your care upon Him, for He cares for you." God cares for His own people.  The previous verse, verse 6 tells us to, "...humble yourselves under the mighty hand of God, that He may exalt you in due time."

Pride and arrogance have no place here! Verse 5 tells us that, "...God resists the proud, but gives grace to the humble." This is a quotation taken from Proverbs 3:34 in the Old Testament.

Let's take a look at a couple of verses in Philippians. Philippians 4:6, 7, "(6) Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving, let your requests be made known unto God; (7) and the peace of God, which surpasses understanding, will guard your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus." Where it states 'be anxious for nothing' it means be anxious about no thing.

We are prone to be like Martha in Luke 10:40-42, "(40) But Martha was distracted by much serving, and she approached Him and said, 'Lord, You care not that my sister has left me to serve alone? Therefore tell her to help me.' (41) And Jesus answered and said to her, 'Martha, Martha you are worried and troubled about many things. (42) But one thing is needed, and Mary has chosen that good part, which will not be taken away from her." We get so easily distracted and anxious about matters.

Now, what have we learned from Philippians 4:6?

1. Be anxious about no thing.

2. Let our requests be made known to God.

3. How? By prayer and supplication with thanksgiving, in everything.

4. When we pray it has to be with thanksgiving.

What are the results of this in Philippians 4:7?

1. We will have the peace of God.

2. The peace of God surpasses human understanding.

3. This peace will guard our hearts and minds.

4. The peace of God occurs through our Lord Jesus Christ.

This does not mean that we are not to care about our responsibilities towards our employers, or our families; after all we are stewards of all that God has provided us with. 1 Timothy 5:8, "But if anyone does not provide for his own, and especially for those of his household, he has denied the faith and is worse than an unbeliever."

God wants us to be free from anxiety. When the apostle Paul wrote to the Philippian believers he was encouraging them to bring all aspects of their lives before God in prayer. Such things as material needs, illnesses, relationships with others, trials and testing times, hopes and fears - to spread them out before the Lord. God does not just want information from us - He wants us to specifically tell Him what we need.

God already knows the circumstances we are in; however He wants us to let Him know what we require from Him. He will answer according to our needs and not necessarily our wants.

I have a lot of wants, but many of those things I do not need!

If we have the confidence to ask according to His will for us, then we will have the peace of God guarding our hearts and minds in our daily circumstances.

Colossians 3:15, "And let the peace of God rule in your hearts...and be thankful."

Jon Peasey

Biblical Perspectives blog www.jon-peasey.blogspot.com

Ebooks author page https://www.smashwords.com/profile/view/JRPeasey

[All Scriptures quoted are from the New King James version; unless otherwise noted. Words enclosed in [ ] are inserted for clarity. Words in bold type emphasise a point.  You may notice some verses are quoted with ... at the beginning, ending or elsewhere in a verse. Only the relevant part or parts of the verse, that relate directly to the current subject matter is quoted.]

[If you have any questions or comments you are invited to contact me via the comments section below.]

A Spiritual House

The term 'spiritual house' is found in the apostle Peter's writings. Let's look at 1 Peter 2:5, "You also, as living stones, are being built up a spiritual house, a holy priesthood, to offer up sacrifices acceptable to God through Jesus Christ."

Who is the apostle Peter writing to? 1Peter 1:1 states, "Peter, an apostle of Jesus Christ, to the pilgrims of the Dispersion in Pontus, Galatia, Cappadocia, Asia and Bithynia." These people were Jewish Christians who had been persecuted for their faith in Jesus Christ and had been forced to flee from Israel. They had left behind them the Jewish ordinances and traditions.

The apostle's letter to them encourages them to keep going on in faith and he points out to them that their inheritance is far superior to those under the law given via Moses. 1 Peter 1:3-5, "(3) Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who according to His abundant mercy has begotten us again to a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead, (4) to an inheritance incorruptible and undefiled and that does not fade away, reserved in heaven for you, (5) who are kept by the power of God..."

In Chapter 2 the image Peter is conveying is that of a building; and he thus uses words relating to this image. However, this is no ordinary bricks and mortar type of building. It is composed of living materials. In chapter 2:4 we read, "Coming to Him as a living stone, rejected indeed by men, but chosen by God and precious." Christ is the Living Stone!

Peter points out in chapter 2:6 that the Old Testament Scriptures foretold this. "Therefore it is also contained in the Scripture, 'Behold, I lay in Zion a chief corner stone, elect, precious, and he who believes on Him will by no means be put to shame."

I have a good friend who is a builder. Here in North Queensland, Australia we live in a Cyclone prone area (remember Cyclone Larry and Cyclone Yasi). The majority of houses are built of reinforced concrete blocks, laid on solid concrete slabs. My friend John carefully measures and marks out the foundation slab. When the reinforced concrete slab has been poured and is ready he then very carefully marks out the position of his 'chief corner stone'. The first concrete block laid is the most important! Every other block laid, and indeed the whole building, is measured from that first corner block. That block has to be perfectly level, both vertically and horizontally. Otherwise, the building will be out of alignment and out of square.

When it comes to perfection - there is only one Christ - Jesus the Son of God!

Now let's return to our lead verse. We have established from the Scriptures that Christ is the Living Stone and the 'chief corner stone'. In 1 Peter 2:5 we learned that born again believers in the Lord Jesus Christ are 'living stones'. We are being built up 'a spiritual house' - not a bricks and mortar house; but a 'spiritual house' where God dwells.

This verse also informs us that we are a 'holy priesthood'. Every born again believer in the Lord Jesus Christ is a priest before God 'to offer up sacrifices acceptable to God through Jesus Christ'. These are not the animal sacrifices made under the law given via Moses. These are the sacrifices of praise and worship to our God 'through Jesus Christ'. They are the outpourings of the heart expressed via praise and worship.

Hebrews 13:15, "Therefore by Him [Christ] let us continually offer the sacrifice of praise to God, that is, the fruit of our lips, giving thanks to His name." This is what a 'holy priesthood' does. This is the purpose of 'the spiritual house' to bring praise and worship; and to glorify God.

Although the apostle Peter wrote to Jewish Christians, the truths of 'the spiritual house' apply to every born again believer in the Lord Jesus Christ. If you are a believer in the Lord Jesus Christ are you exercising your rights as part of the 'holy priesthood' in God's 'spiritual house'?

Jon Peasey

Biblical Perspectives blog www.jon-peasey.blogspot.com

Ebooks author page https://www.smashwords.com/profile/view/JRPeasey

[All Scriptures quoted are from the New King James version; unless otherwise noted. Words enclosed in [ ] are inserted for clarity. Words in bold type emphasise a point

You may notice some verses are quoted with ... at the beginning, ending or elsewhere in a verse. Only the relevant part or parts of the verse, that relate directly to the current subject matter is quoted.]

[If you have any questions or comments you are invited to contact me via the comments section below.]

A Fragrant Gift - Part 2

In my last blog post 'A Fragrant Gift - Part 1' we noted that, "The costly, fragrant, perfumed oil 'Spikenard' is mentioned in the New Testament gospels in relation to the Lord Jesus Christ." Two different women are the focus of our attention in these incidents. In Part 1 the woman who was a sinner at Nain is the central figure.

In this blog post Mary of Bethany captures our attention. Bethany is about two miles east of Jerusalem. It is a long way from Nain in Galilee. The incident at Nain took place early in Jesus' public ministry of healing and teaching. The incidents at Bethany are at the close of Jesus' public ministry.

Let's look at John 12:1-7, "(1) Then six days before the Passover, Jesus came to Bethany, where Lazarus was who had been dead, whom He had raised from the dead.

(2) There they made Him a supper, and Martha served, but Lazarus was one of those who sat at table with Him.

(3) Then Mary took a pound of very costly oil of spikenard, anointed the feet of Jesus, and wiped His feet with her hair. And the house was filled with the fragrance of the oil.

(4) But one of the disciples, Judas Iscariot, Simon's son, who would betray Him, said,

(5) 'Why was this fragrant oil not sold for three hundred denarii and given to the poor?'

(6) This he said, not that he cared for the poor, but because he was a thief, and had the money box; and he used to take what was put in it.

(7) But Jesus said, 'Let her alone, she has kept this for the day of My burial'."

Mary, Martha and Lazarus were brother and sisters; who lived in their own home at Bethany. Jesus was always welcome in their home. Mary of Bethany was probably the only person who truly believed that Jesus was about to die, be buried and rise again. Luke 10:39, "And she [Martha] had a sister called Mary, who also sat at Jesus' feet and heard His word." Please note the incident in John chapter 12 was six days before the Passover.

Now let's look at Mark 14:1-10, "(1) After two days it was the Passover and the Feast of Unleavened Bread. And the chief priests and the scribes sought how they might take Him by trickery and put Him to death.

(2) But they said, 'Not during the feast, lest there be an uproar of the people.'

(3) And being in Bethany at the house of Simon the leper, as He sat at table, a woman came having and alabaster flask of very costly oil of spikenard. Then she broke the flask and poured it on His head.

(4) But there were some who were indignant among themselves, and said, 'Why was the fragrant oil wasted?

(5) For it might have been sold for more than three hundred denarii and given to the poor.' And they criticised her sharply.

(6) But Jesus said, 'Let her alone. Why do you trouble her? She has done a good work for Me. (7) For you have the poor with you always and whenever you wish you may do them good; but Me you do not have always.

(8) She has done what she could. She has come beforehand to anoint My body for burial.

(9) Assuredly, I say to you, wherever this gospel is preached in the whole world, what this woman has done will also be a memorial to her.'

(10) Then Judas Iscariot, one of the twelve, went to the chief priests to betray Him."

There are some important points for us to consider. Both incidents occurred at Bethany. The incident in John chapter 12 took place six days before the Passover. The incident in Mark chapter 14 took place two days before the Passover. It is therefore logical to assume the same woman, Mary of Bethany, was involved in both incidents.

In John chapter 12 some of Mary's spikenard was used to anoint Jesus' feet. This took place in Mary's house. In Mark chapter 14 Mary takes the remainder of her spikenard to Simon the leper's house in Bethany and pours it on Jesus' head.

Both of these loving acts from Mary cause indignation and outcry among the disciples. These acts seem to be the catalyst for Judas Iscariot to betray Jesus; for he only saw a lost opportunity to steal money. On today's labour market in Australia the fragrant oil would be worth a considerable sum of money.

A Roman denarius was the pay for a day's labour; so 300 denarii was equivalent to 300 days' wages. The basic minimum wage at present in Australia is AUD$622.20 per week for a five days' week. This is AUD$124.44 per day. If we multiply this by 300 we get a sum of AUD$37,322.00; a "very costly oil of spikenard."

Mary of Bethany's sacrificial, loving acts to Jesus only brought out greed and contempt in Judas Iscariot, the traitor, for he was a thief.

Judas Iscariot is remembered for his treachery and betrayal.

Mary of Bethany is remembered for her fragrant gift and acts of love.

Jon Peasey

Biblical Perspectives blog www.jon-peasey.blogspot.com

Ebooks author page https://www.smashwords.com/profile/view/JRPeasey

[All Scriptures quoted are from the New King James version; unless otherwise noted. Words enclosed in [ ] are inserted for clarity. Words in bold type emphasise a point]

[You are invited to comment on this post, by clicking on the comments section below]

A Fragrant Gift - Part 1

Luke 7:36-39, "(36) Then one of the Pharisees asked to eat with Him. And He went into the Pharisee's house, and sat down  [reclined] to eat. (37) And behold, a woman in the city who was a sinner, when she knew that Jesus sat at the table in the Pharisee's house, brought an alabaster flask of fragrant oil, (38) and stood at His feet behind Him weeping; and she began to wash His feet with her tears, and wiped them with the hair of her head; and she kissed His feet and anointed them with fragrant oil. (39) Now when the Pharisee who had invited Him saw this, he spoke to himself, saying, 'This man, if He were a prophet, would know who and what manner of woman this is who is touching Him, for she is a sinner'."

The costly, fragrant, perfumed oil 'Spikenard' is mentioned in the New Testament gospels in relation to the Lord Jesus Christ. As the oil was very costly it was only used for special occasions. The oil, or ointment, was imported into Israel from India, Arabia or the Far East in sealed alabaster boxes, or flasks.

In Luke 7:11 we find that Jesus and many of His disciples were in the city of Nain; which is in the region of Galilee near Nazareth. We are not given the name of the woman who entered the Pharisee's house. What we do know is that she was publicly known as a sinner, as a wicked woman. In other words, she would have been shunned by most of the population. We are not told what her sins were; however she was painfully aware of them.

She was obviously aware of Jesus' teachings and His miracles. Luke 6:17-19, "(17) And He came down with them and stood on a level place with a crowd of His disciples and a great multitude of people from all Judea and Jerusalem, and from Tyre and Sidon, who came to hear Him and be healed of their diseases. (18) As well as those who were tormented with unclean spirits. And they were healed. (19) And the whole multitude sought to touch Him, for power went out of Him and healed them all."

Luke chapter 7 also gives us the accounts of the Centurion's servant who was healed; and the bringing back to life of the widow of Nain's dead son.

When she came to the Pharisee's house this woman, the sinner, already knew of His great power and His teachings. However she did not come empty handed. She brings with her an alabaster flask of fragrant oil. Now let's look at the difference between the Pharisee and the sinner.

Luke 7:39, 40, "(39) Now when the Pharisee who had invited Him saw this, he spoke to himself, saying, 'This Man, if He were a prophet, would know who and what manner of woman this is who is touching Him, for she is a sinner. (40) And Jesus answered and said to him, 'Simon, I have something to say to you.' so he said, 'Teacher, say it'."

Jesus then tells him the parable of the two debtors; one who owed 500 denarii and the other 50 denarii. When neither debtor could pay, the creditor freely forgave them both. Jesus asks Simon who would love the creditor more. Simon answers "the one whom he forgave most."

Let's continue in Luke 7:44-50, "(44) Then He turned to the woman and said to Simon, 'Do you see this woman? I entered your house; you gave Me no water for My feet, but she has washed My feet with her tears and wiped them with the hair of her head. (45) You gave Me no kiss, but this woman has not ceased to kiss my feet since the time I came in. (46) You did not anoint My head with oil, but this woman has anointed My feet with fragrant oil. (47) Therefore I say to you, her sins, which are many are forgiven, for she loved much. But to whom little is forgiven, the same loves little.' (48) Then He said to her, 'Your sins are forgiven.' (49) And those that sat at the table with Him began to say to themselves, 'Who is this who even forgives sins?' (50) Then He said to the woman, 'Your faith has saved you. Go in peace'."

Back in Luke chapter 5 Jesus speaking to those in Levi's house told them, "I have not come to call the righteous but sinners to repentance." Simon the Pharisee in Luke chapter 7 was self righteous in his own eyes, but the woman knew she was a sinner and needed forgiveness of sins.

She went out justified, with her sins forgiven and a heart at peace with God. Can you say the same? Simon the Pharisee in his own self righteousness was still in his sins!

Jon Peasey

Biblical Perspectives blog www.jon-peasey.blogspot.com

Ebooks author page https://www.smashwords.com/profile/view/JRPeasey

[All Scriptures quoted are from the New King James version; unless otherwise noted. Words enclosed in [ ] are inserted for clarity. Words in bold type emphasise a point]

[You are invited to comment on this post, by clicking on the comments section below]

The Sun rose on him

The obvious question to ask is who is the person the sun rose on? The other question is what is the significance of the sun rising on him? The answers to both questions can be found in Genesis 32:24-31. It is a very significant event in the life of the patriarch, Jacob.

Genesis chapter 32 gives us the details of Jacob’s journey to visit his brother Esau in the land of Seir. However, when Jacob learns that Esau is coming to meet him with 400 men he is fearful that Esau is planning to do him and his family great harm.

Jacob has good reason to be afraid. As a young man he had forced Esau to sell his birthright as the eldest son, to Jacob. Later with the aid of their mother Rebekah, Jacob tricked their father Isaac into giving Esau’s blessing as the firstborn son to Jacob. So now the ever crafty Jacob divided his family into two companies. Genesis 32:8, “And he said, ‘If Esau comes to the one company and attacks it, then the other company which is left will escape.”

It is interesting what effect a guilty conscience has on a man. In verses 9-12 he prays to God to deliver him from Esau. However, Jacob is not content with that; he still carries on with his own arrangements to escape from Esau’s supposed attack, and organises to provide Esau with valuable gifts to appease him. So he sent ahead gifts via his servants. Then he sent over the ford Jabbok, his two wives, his two concubines and his eleven sons. It is now night-time.

Genesis 32:24-31,

“(24) Then Jacob was left alone, and a Man wrestled with him until the breaking of day.

(25) Now when He saw that He did not prevail against him, He touched the socket of his hip; and the socket of Jacob’s hip was out of joint as He wrestled with him.

(26) And He said, ‘Let Me go, for the day breaks.’  But he said, ‘I will not let You go unless You bless me!’

(27) So He said to him, ‘What is your name?’ He said, ‘Jacob’.

(28) And He said your name shall no longer be called Jacob, but Israel; for you have struggled with God and with men, and have prevailed.’

(29) Then Jacob asked, saying, ‘Tell me Your name, I pray.’ And He said, ‘Why is it that you ask about My name?’ And He blessed him there.

(30) So Jacob called the name of the place Peniel; ‘For I have seen God face to face, and my life is preserved,’

(31) Just as he crossed over Penuel the sun rose on him, and he limped on his hip.”

You often hear the saying, “What a difference a day makes!” In this instance what a difference a night makes! Jacob the usurper, Jacob the schemer, met God face to face. God appeared to him in the form of a man and wrestled with him. Jacob realised he was wrestling with God and hung on grimly during the night.

God could see that Jacob was not going to give up, so He put Jacob’s hip out of joint. But, still Jacob wrestled on, until just before dawn. God breaks off the struggle. “Let Me go for the day breaks.” Jacob replied, “I will not let You go unless You bless me.”

Now Jacob receives a name change from God. “Your name shall no longer be called Jacob, but Israel…” God blesses Jacob and departs. Note the significance of this name which literally means “Prince with God”; the Old Testament Scriptures are full of references to the children of Israel and the land of Israel.

Jacob, now called Israel, was a changed man. The man who limped over the ford, as the rising sun shone on him, was now a Prince with God! Israel now goes in front of his family to meet his brother Esau. Esau is happy to see him and runs up to him and embraces him. The outcome the man Jacob was dreading became for the man Israel a time of joy and blessing.

A guilty conscience causes dread! God’s intervention through the Lord Jesus Christ clears a guilty conscience. The shed blood of Christ on the cross is the answer for a guilty conscience. Hebrews 9:14, “How much more shall the blood of Christ, who through the eternal Spirit offered himself without spot to God, cleanse your conscience from dead works to serve the living God?”

Jon Peasey

Biblical Perspectives blog www.jon-peasey.blogspot.com

Ebooks author page https://www.smashwords.com/profile/view/JRPeasey

[All Scriptures quoted are from the New King James version; unless otherwise noted. Word enclosed in [ ] are inserted for clarity. Words in bold type emphasise a point]

[You are invited to comment on this post, by clicking on the comments section below]

Things new and old

Matthew 13:52, Then He [Jesus] said to them, 'therefore every scribe instructed concerning the kingdom of heaven is like a householder who brings out of his treasures things new and old."

Let's picture the householder. He has treasures that he has had for a long time. They hold fond memories for him and have sentimental as well as intrinsic value to this householder. In his older treasures there could be family heirlooms or items he has purchased in days gone by. They form part of the fabric of his daily life.

He also has new treasures, things he has acquired recently which give him satisfaction and also have an intrinsic value to him. From the context of verse 52 we get a distinct impression that the householder delights to show his visitors some of his newer treasures and some of his older treasures. He shows them things that are valuable to him; and he hopes his visitors will appreciate them also.

Verse 52 also mentions "...every scribe instructed concerning the kingdom of heaven." A scribe was skillful in writing and reading and was officially recognised as one who could write official documents. Scribes were also employed as clerks. A scribe could also be employed to write letters on behalf of people who were illiterate. In Israel due to his ability to read and write the scribe was often able to expound the Scriptures for the benefit of others.

How does this verse apply in a practical sense to you and me?

As true believers in the Lord Jesus Christ we have the treasures of the Scriptures. We have countless treasures in the word of God to dig up and display. If we value them highly, then we will want to share our appreciation of them to others. The Holy Bible is divided into the Old Testament and the New Testament; "things new and old."

It has been my experience over a long time to see how the New Testament Scriptures explain and enhance many of the Old Testament Scriptures. Conversely, without the Old Testament Scriptures we could not understand many of the Scriptures in the New Testament.

2 Timothy 3:16, 17, "(16) All Scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness, (17) that the man of God may be complete, thoroughly equipped for every good work."

1 Corinthians 10:11, "Now all these things happened to them [the Israelites] as examples, and they were written for our admonition, upon whom the end of the ages have come."

Psalms 119:103, "How sweet are Your words to my taste, sweeter than honey to my mouth!

When you read and search the Scriptures you have "things new and old" to bring out of your treasures. There are always new treasures to discover.

Jon Peasey

Words of Life blog www.jrpeasey.blogspot.com

Ebooks author page https://www.smashwords.com/profile/view/JRPeasey

[All Scriptures quoted are from the New King James version; unless otherwise noted. Word enclosed in [ ] are inserted for clarity. Words in bold type emphasise a point]

[You are invited to comment on this post, by clicking on the comments section below]

Created for His pleasure

The title for this blog post was derived from a verse in the KJV version in Revelation 4:11. "Thou art worthy, O Lord, to receive glory and honour and power: for Thou hast created all things, and for Thy pleasure they are and were created."

Looking at this verse in isolation we find someone, or, a number of people ascribing praise and exaltation to the Lord. The worthiness of this Majestic, Divine Being is brought before us; Thou art worthy, O Lord...to receive glory, and honour and power..."

Verse 11 is the last verse in Revelation chapter 4. It is a short chapter focusing on the throne of God and the One sitting on this throne. We also see four living creatures about the throne. Let's read verses 8-10 in the NKJV.

Revelation 4:8-10, "(8) The four living creatures, each having six wings, were full of eyes around and within. And they do not rest day or night, saying: 'Holy, holy, holy, Lord God Almighty, Who was and is and is to come! (9)  Whenever the living creatures give glory and honour and thanks to him who sits on the throne, who lives forever and ever, (10) the twenty-four elders fall down before Him who sits on the throne and worship Him who lives forever and ever, and cast their crowns before the throne..."

We see the holiness of God, the almighty power of God and His eternal presence.

Who is this Majestic, Divine Being? Revelation 5:6 gives us the answer. "And I looked, and behold, in the midst of the throne and of the four living creatures, and in the midst of the elders, stood a Lamb as though it had been slain..."

It is the Lord Jesus Christ - the Lamb of God; still showing the marks of Calvary! He is the One receiving the "glory, honour and power." But verse 11 gives us yet another powerful reason. "...Thou hast created all things, and for Thy pleasure they are and were created." (KJV).

All things, all created beings, are and were created by God; according to His divine will and according to His holy desires for His own pleasure. Do we give God pleasure in our daily lives?

How would we feel if we made something to have pleasure in, and it failed to do that? Would we cast it aside? Or would we try and rectify the problem? There is an old saying, 'What can't be mended must be ended!'

Genesis 1:31 tells us, "Then God saw everything He had made, and indeed it was very good. So the evening and the morning were the sixth day." However when we get to Genesis 6:7 we read these words, "So the Lord said, 'I will destroy man whom I have created from the face of the earth, both man and beast, creeping things and birds of the air, for I am sorry that I have made them."

What had happened to change God's mind? When Adam and Eve sinned and disobeyed God they brought sin into God's creation. From that time all mankind was cursed with a sinful nature passed down from Adam and Eve. By the time we get to Genesis chapter 6 we find that only one man - Noah, "...found grace in the eyes of the Lord." (Verse 8). The result of their sins was death in a universal, worldwide flood which rose above all the mountains. Only Noah and his family in the ark were saved. God continued the human race via Noah and his family.

God has not abandoned mankind. He sent His Son to rectify the situation. Galatians 4:4,5 states, "(4) But when the fullness of the time had come, God sent fort His Son, born of a woman, born under the law, (5) to redeem those who were under the law, that we might receive the adoption as sons."

The answer is Jesus Christ - the Messiah, the Son of Man, the Son of God, God the Son.

God has pleasure today in redeemed men, women and children! John 3:16, " For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him should not perish but have everlasting life."

Do you believe in the Son - Jesus Christ the Lord? Have you received Him as your Lord and Saviour? Then, and only then, can you give pleasure to God.

Jon Peasey

Biblical Perspectives blog www.jon-peasey.blogspot.com

Ebooks author page https://www.smashwords.com/profile/view/JRPeasey

[All Scriptures quoted are from the New King James version; unless otherwise noted. Word enclosed in [ ] are inserted for clarity. Words in bold type emphasise a point]

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Four Anchors for the Soul

I suppose most people would associate an anchor with boats or ships. A ship's anchor is used to grip the sea bottom so the ship does not drift about aimlessly.

Collins Concise Dictionary defines the word anchor as:

1. (noun) A device attached to vessel by a cable and dropped overboard so as to grip the bottom and restrict movement.

2. An object used to hold something else firmly in place.

3. A source of stability or security.

4. (verb) To use an anchor to hold a (vessel) in place.

5. To fasten or be fastened securely; fix or become fixed firmly.

In Acts chapter 27 we read the account of the apostle Paul's voyage as a prisoner to Rome. However the ship gets caught in a huge storm at sea; which lasts about fourteen days.

Acts 27:27-29, "(27) Now when the fourteenth night had come, and we were driven up and down in the Adriatic Sea, about midnight the sailors sensed that they were drawing near some land. (28) And they took soundings and found it to be twenty fathoms; and when they had gone a little farther, they took soundings again and found it to be fifteen fathoms. (29) Then, fearing lest we should run aground on the rocks, they dropped four anchors from the stern, and prayed for the day to come."

Note the extreme peril - they dropped four anchors to try and prevent the ship from being driven on to the rocks and smashing up. The anchors held the ship safely until daylight when they cut them loose and sailed into a place where two seas met. The bow stuck fast in the sand, but the stern began to break up with the violence of the waves.

The outcome was good - everyone on board made it safely to land. Two hundred and seventy six souls were saved. If it had not been for the four anchors the outcome would have been very different.

When the storms of life come along, and they will, what anchors of the soul can we use?

Jude verses 20 and 21 contain four solid anchors for our souls.  "(20) But you, beloved, building yourselves up on your most holy faith, praying in the Holy Spirit, (21) keep yourselves in the love of God, looking for the mercy of our Lord Jesus Christ unto eternal life."

Now an anchor is not much use unless it is used! The four anchors in these verses are action words. Building - praying - keep - looking. If you want these as anchors for your soul, you have to use them! In other words to gain maximum stability and security we have to drop the anchors ourselves. They need to be firmly grounded in God's love.

An anchor needs hooks to grip the sea bottom. Most anchors have either one hook or two hooks. I am going to suggest we use four hooks on our anchors.

Building, let's look at 1 Timothy 6:11, 12 for some practical instructions in building a good testimony and walk before God. "(11) But you, O man of God, flee these things and pursue righteousness, godliness, faith, love, patience, gentleness. (12) Fight the good fight of faith, lay hold on eternal life..."

Praying in the Holy Spirit; praying should be a habitual practice for all Christians. Let's consider the early church and their practices. Acts 2:42, " And they continued steadfastly in the apostles' doctrine and fellowship, in the breaking of bread and in prayers. One of the four main practices of those early believers was communal prayers. Not just individual prayers as an individual, but prayers on behalf of all those gathered together. It is our means of communication with our God. Praying in the Holy Spirit can only come from those who are indwelt by the Holy Spirit; in other words those who are led by the Holy Spirit.

Keep yourselves in the love of God. Keeping has the thought of maintaining ourselves in a set position and guarding this. 2 Timothy 3:16, 17, "(16) All Scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness. (17) That the man of God may be complete, thoroughly equipped for every good work."

Looking, not just a casual glance but looking expectantly for a desired outcome. 1 Peter 1:3, 4, "(3) Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who according to His abundant mercy has begotten us again to a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead. (4) To an inheritance incorruptible and undefiled and that does not fade away, reserved in heaven for you."

We have considered four anchors each with four hooks; anyone of which will stand you in good stead throughout life.  If huge storms come into your life you can let down all four anchors knowing you will be able to ride out those storms; because your soul is firmly anchored in God's words and God's love.

Jon Peasey

Biblical Perspectives blog www.jon-peasey.blogspot.com

Ebooks author page https://www.smashwords.com/profile/view/JRPeasey

[All Scriptures quoted are from the New King James version; unless otherwise noted. Word enclosed in [ ] are inserted for clarity. Words in bold type emphasise a point]

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The Lily and the Cedar

Hosea 14:5 states, "I will be like the dew to Israel; he shall grow like the lily, and lengthen his roots like Lebanon."

Hosea chapter 14 is an appeal to Israel to stop their backsliding ways and return to the Lord their God.  Hosea 14:4, "I will heal their backslidings, I will love them freely." This chapter is prophetical as it reveals God's restoration of the nation of Israel at the end of 'the times of the Gentiles' (Luke 24:24).

However, I want to look at some practical applications that can be gleaned from verse 5.

I will be like the dew..." Dew usually occurs overnight on still nights. It comes down from the heavens above us and waters everything it touches. Man has no say or part in it. It comes from God for the benefit of the earth and mankind.

In this verse the nation of Israel is personified in the lily and the roots.

"...he shall grow like the lily... A lily is a tall slender plant with a tubular stem and a trumpet shaped flower. It grows tall and straight. Lilies are renowned for their elegant beauty. Christ spoke of them in Luke 12:27, "Consider the lilies, how they grow: they neither toil nor spin; and yet I say to you, even Solomon in all his glory was not arrayed like one of these."

"...lengthen his roots like Lebanon." Lebanon is famous in Scripture for its magnificent Cedar trees. So the reference to lengthening his roots like Lebanon is a reference to the mighty cedars of Lebanon. Note however that it is not the tree that is spoken of here; it is the mighty roots of the trees.

What is significant about the roots? What do they do?

Tree roots provide a strong foundation for the tree to grow. A mighty tree needs a mighty root system to support it. Those self same roots absorb moisture and nutrients from the soil to provide life giving sap to the tree and its branches. As the tree grows the roots continue to grow thicker and spread further afield. The root system is hidden underground. The mighty support system for the tree and the life giving sap are not in plain view. Whether it is the lily or the cedar both need a root system and both need life giving sap.

We have been considering three different items in Hosea 14:5 - the dew - the lily - the roots of Lebanon's cedars.

The dew comes from the heavens; it is God given and provides the necessary moisture to grow plant life.

The lily is a picture of glory and beauty.

The roots of the cedar tree are hidden; yet they provide firm support to allow the mighty tree to grow. The life of the tree is hidden in the sap emanating from the roots.

Can you see some interesting lessons in what has been before us?

As the lily grows it becomes a thing of glory and beauty to the eye of the beholder. God wants us to reflect the glory and beauty of Christ in our lives. Yet that glory and beauty is supported by the mighty, hidden root system of faith and trust in our true and living God.

Neither the lily nor the cedar can survive without life giving moisture. Our lives are hidden in Christ (Colossians 3:3) yet without eternal life supplied to us via the Holy Spirit (the dew); we would not survive. There would be no growth in our Christian lives.

Jon Peasey

Biblical Perspectives blog www.jon-peasey.blogspot.com

Ebooks author page https://www.smashwords.com/profile/view/JRPeasey

[All Scriptures quoted are from the New King James version; unless otherwise noted. Word enclosed in [ ] are inserted for clarity. Words in bold type emphasise a point]

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The joy that was set before Him

Have you ever stopped and really considered this? Whatever the Lord Jesus passed through in this world, He always had this thought in mind.

Let's look at the setting in Hebrews 12:1-3 where we find the saying.

(1) "Therefore we also, since we are surrounded by so great a cloud of witnesses, let us lay aside every weight, and the sin which so easily ensnares us, and let us run with endurance the race that is set before us,

(2) looking unto Jesus the author and finisher of [our] faith, who for the joy that was set before Him endured the cross, despising the shame, and has sat down at the right hand of the throne of God.

(3) For consider Him who endured such hostility from sinners against Himself, lest you become weary and discouraged in your souls."

Life is like a marathon race; it will take endurance, stamina and courage to run the race and finish it. Verse 2 encourages us to keep looking to Jesus as our supreme example of endurance and patience.

Four things in verse 2 stand out

1. The joy that was set before Him.

2. He endured the cross.

3. He despised the shame of being crucified.

4. He sat down at the right hand of the throne of God.

What was the basis for this joy; the joy that was set before Him? It is like the crown the victor knows he will get when he wins the race. With the Lord Jesus there was a present joy and a future joy. The present joy was His because he delighted to do His Father's will, and all that entailed.

His future joy would come as a result of enduring the cross at Calvary. What is His future joy? Surely it is redeemed, blood bought sinners saved as a result of His sacrifice at Calvary for them. It has been said, "The fields of redemption will yield a far greater harvest than the fields of creation." He will spend eternity with all His redeemed people from Old and New Testament times. What a joy is His!

This blessed, perfect man whom the world hated and crucified, "...endured the cross, despising the shame..." The end result was He sat down at the right hand of the throne of God. As God the Son the throne was already His. As the Son of Man He acquired this exalted position as His right; because of what he endured, and because of His great victory over sin, death, hell and Satan

Are you part of His joy? If not, why not?

Jon Peasey

Biblical Perspectives blog www.jon-peasey.blogspot.com

Ebooks author page https://www.smashwords.com/profile/view/JRPeasey

[All Scriptures quoted are from the New King James version; unless otherwise noted. Words enclosed in [ ] are inserted for clarity. Words in bold type emphasise a point]

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