An Answer to Michael Catt:
Greetings brother,
I read your blog post for the call to pray and see revival. We continue to hear more and more about the desperate need of a spiritual awakening. Although there is not a true desperation yet. As you probably know there has been a few movements within the last year. One in Georgia, in Bartow County, where the county churches have come together for prayer and service together. Another one at Bill Elliff’s church in Little Rock; and then another deep prayer time which was almost simultaneous with Bill’s church in East Tennessee.
Both of these took place through April into May. Bill was very careful not to use the word ‘revival’. Perhaps a better term would be ‘a glorified prayer meeting’. Bringing confession, supplication, petition and intercession as churches should be practicing normally. We both know, or should be in agreement, that for the vast majority of the churches in America there is no prayer. The ‘house of prayer’ is not a place of prayer. I know that you have prayer at Sherwood which you shared with me. Deep and lasting prayer times are not evidence in our society today though.
For the last 6 years I have assembled and ran Broken Before the Throne. An 8 day prayer meeting, lasting 9 hours each day. I had many of the same speakers that you have used at Refresh. Many that we know of in our desire and pursuit for revival. Men such as: TW Hunt, Henry Blackaby, Al Whitthinghill, Greg Frizzell, to name a few. I went looking for what you mentioned in your blog, men who have seen and experienced real revival. I went and sat down with Dennis Kinlaw at Asbury to hear of the revival there in 1972. I went to the Canadian Revival Fellowship 35th reawakening time and heard the tesitmonies from that revival of 1971. I have gleaned from Duncan Campbell’s minister and messages telling of the 1949 revival in the Hebrides. I am concluding reading right now, the books on revival of Jonathan Goforth at the turn of the century in 1900 in China. Culpepper’s and Bertha Smith’s account of the Shantung Revival., I am also reading. All of these coupled with the deep desire to see it done here in this land.
There is only one thing to do. It is not talk about it; it is not simply pray for it. In all honesty, brother, if we really want revival, the very fullness of God’s glory to come down on the church then we will have to get before God and wait for it. Simply to pray for it and ask God to send it, is not the prevailing prayer necessary. Prevailing prayer of importunity is found only in saying, ‘I will not be denied this blessing. I will not let You go until You speak the words, ‘So let it be done’.” Are you willing for such a sacrifice? Are these 1000 pastors who tweeted you? Talk the talk, yes many of them do. They will say passionately, ‘We want revival.’ They profess it but there hearts are far from it. For the very thing that pleases God, is the dying to self and sin. Too many are daily in practice of selfish and sinful living. Entertainment, habits, hobbies, recreation, money, pleasures, food, etc, that does not bring glory but self-gratification.
I have sought the SBC leadership for 4 years to do something to set a mandate, make a proclamation. I made the motion last year for the call for the Solemn Assembly. And only 7% of SBC churches participated in that. Talk - yes they will; action - that is something else. I still appeal to Bryant Wright, Tom Elliff, Frank Page and Kevin Ezell that in order to win the masses at home and abroad, we must posses the power of God. No power, no Presence; no Presence, no power. I am no longer organizing for Broken Before the Throne, the Lord has given me another theme and title to employ, ‘A Serious Call to Prayer’. I am, of course, using a portion of William Law’s book, ‘A Serious Call to a Devout and Holy Life’.
If you truly would want to something, may you consider such things to implement. I am currently working with Greg Gordon from Sermonindex.org on his fall conference. It is based on the question, ‘Has the church lost the fear of the Lord?’ and will be this October in Atlanta. There is time to do something more readily if you are willing to help and speak on this. I will wait to hear from you for your thoughts on this.
I believe you take 2 weeks in August to be alone; do you still do that? Perhaps that time might be for seeing what the Lord would want to do through your ministry, mine and perhaps Life Action to coordinate something for ‘A Serious call to Prayer’.
Until,
Dan biser
Rdbiser@live.com
3048137084
http://dbiser.blogspot.com
http://www.brokenbeforethethrone.com
http:// danbiser.blogspot.com
Wednesday, June 22, 2011
Friday, June 17, 2011
CHEAP EVANGELISM VS. THE FULLNESS OF THE SPIRIT
CHEAP EVANGELISM VS. THE FULLNESS OF THE HOLY SPIRIT
I recently read of a man stating it this way, ‘Many were converted to Christianity but not to Christ.’ I stopped to analyze that statement. It is much what we see and hear of today. Finney preached this and many others have put the church on notice of its error. It is false conversion. You hear very little of it today. Yet, when one man was asked about revival coming to the North American church, he said, ‘If revival would come to the church today, one of the first evidences of it would be that 95% of the church would be truly born again.
It is nothing new, we see this false conversion in the New Testament, we see it warned and preached against. We hear of its awful accounts to many that had this cheap evangelism, yet they was still pawns to the devil and his work. They are seen as hypocrites, clouds without water, without any substance of eternity in their souls. They are lost, without Christ and onward moving toward hell. They are the picture of Judas. He saw all the miracles, he heard the words of Christ and yet, was ’the son of perdition.’ Oh,, the ravages of religion from Satan’s lies that compels men to accept cheap evangelism and reject the full Gospel message of the cross of Christ.
Let us examine this and see what it is. Let us lay a foundation on the fullness of the Spirit and His mighty workings. With Him there is hope and power; without Him there is no hope and no power. And what this dying world needs today is found in only One Name, the Name of Jesus Christ. ‘there is no other name given among men whereby we must be saved.’ And there is no fullness of the Spirit without laying this sure foundation in Christ Jesus alone.
I. What Do I mean by ‘Cheap Evangelism’?
Dietrich Bonheoffer, wrote a book on ‘Cheap Grace’. In this he implies and demonstrates the church’s hazardous treating of Christ and God’s worthy grace. Having a God that looks upon us while yet in sin, and yet still loves us, speaks volumes of His loving-kindness. The old song says it, ‘While He was on the cross, I was on His mind. He knew me, yet He loved me.’ ‘The scripture declares this truth, ‘While yet in sin, Christ loved us and died for us; for the remission of all our sin.’ What other way, can lost, sinful, vile man find salvation unless holy, loving, merciful, gracious God makes a way? There is no other way. The ineffectiveness of the Gospel is upon those who receive the gift of salvation in Christ death, yet never follows the way of salvation. What is that way? ‘Unless a man takes up his cross and comes follow me, there is no salvation.’
Cheap evangelism is reflective of this half truth. Yes, Christ died for us out of His love for us. Yet, man’s reply must be in accordance with the instructions given and demonstrated in the Scriptures. To accept Christ without death is not full salvation. Death to self is the only way to find life in Him. A man cannot be saved unless he knows that he is lost. If a man is drowning in the river, a person will attempt to save him. If the man drowning does not believe he is drowning he will reject or refuse the help of salvation. But if he knows he is drowning, he will seize every help and effort to rescue him. But a man must know that he is lost, in sin and without Christ first before they will look to Him for salvation. ‘Thou shalt call His Name Jesus, for He shall save His people from their sins.’’
Another half truth extended to a lost world today is found in the knowledge about God’s love. ‘God is love.’ ‘Love is one of God’s attributes and pure, Divine love proceeds from Him. Yet, to believe that a God Who is love will simply excuse or allow and permit sin, which is contrary to His holy Divine love is not sane. A holy God cannot be holy if sin is present. Therefore, sin must be removed and abolished. This is done only through the shed blood of Christ that cleanses men from their sins.
Another false hope and truth is the work of religion - humanism. ’If I try hard enough and do enough good deeds, then God will accept me.’ The works of baptism, good acts, prayer, church, and all the other labors that men seek to do to find favor from God. This is humanism for it is directly related to the approach of salvation from man’s side. Salvation is never from man’s side, it is from God’s side. It is planned by God, provided by God and presented by God. To seek it any other way, is to search for cheap evangelism. Leave the word of salvation alone that begins with “I” or ends with “I”. Humanism is so deeply engrained in the church today, it is covered by layers of tradition, religion and good intentions.
Cheap evangelism does not recognize the value of ’looking unto Jesus, the Author and Finisher of our faith.’ It holds forth a small portion of the truth and seems on track. Many have gone half way but not the whole way. This is the reason that a real revival from God would cause many to see their lostness and know they are missing something. That something cannot be filled with cheap evangelism. The only thing to fill the void in heart and soul that will bring peace and joy is found in Christ. And without seeing Jesus, crucified, glorified, in His power and majesty they will not see what they need to see.
what evidence is there in this 'cheap evangelism'?
One of the things we see evident today among the churches is the carnaltiy and love of sin. Christ did not love sin nor pracitice sin. Great saints of old demonstrated a mirror reflection of Christ attitude and life away from sin and toward holiness. Yet, today we see the opposite; away from holiness and toward sin. The evidence of this 'cheap evangelism' is that there are many in the churches today that profess their Christianity all the while pracitcing and loving sin. Sin is so much apart of the American church and the majority of Chrsitians today. I truly wonder at how many discern the differnce. Or even acknowledge what I am trying to say here. And so what we see as a result today is so many that fall away into sin, and then get stirred up when tragedy or difficulty happen and then return to the Lord.
I cling fast to Duncan Campbell's testimony of the Hebrides revival of 1949. He declares this truth about the church and work of salvation in the midst of the revival. 'We know nothing of back-sliding today.' And this was years after the revival. there in the midst of the brethren, they remained faithful, strong, steadfast, holy, and perservering. Oh, praise His Name for such power and redemption. Is this not what the plan of salvation is all about? Are we not to be saved completely from our sins and sinful nature, resting in Him completely? then what is this method fo the church today, to fall in and out of relationship with Christ weekly, daily monthly? It is not the work of God; so therefore, it must be the work of Satan. What is this work? It is the deception of being 'born again'. Religion, humanistic appraoch and effort has blinded the eyes to see who and what Christ has done andwill do for the soul that puts their faith in Him wholeheartedly.
II. The evidence of God's fullness in the work of salvation.
Is there anything greater than the great work of salvation? Delivering lost men from hell into the safe haven of Christ. Seeing the captives set free and lives changed, all due to the benevloence of His mercy and grace. HOw glorious to see the blind receive their sight; to see the dead in trespasses and sins raised in glorious attainement of deliverance. This is the great work of God upon lost men. The soul that has received it, knows the truth and perfect peace of it. 'To as many as would receive Him to them gave He power to become the sons of God.' And upon these souls of salvation they have been drawn, invited and gathered by His mercy and grace to redeem them, for they were chosen before the creation of all. For God knowing all things, knew those that would receive and respond to the leading and pulling of the Holy Spirit and to those that would not and reject it. How dreadful to live a lifetime here with invitations, Bibles, sermons, truth, and opportunity to only throw it all away and spend an eternity in hell for failure to respond to His great love. The power of the Gospel is to redeem lost men. And because it is so great and powerful it is only a work of God. No man can do this. No religion can do this. Only the blood of One can cleanse from all iniquity; can purify; can set free from the chains of sin and self - only Jesus Christ.
Herein is the testimony of the saints that declare all these things have happened unto them. It is said that the Chinese worker, Marie Monsen, would ask everyone 'Have you been born again?' Many was the response that she got. Only one answer was right. Those that were saved rejoiced to answer of Who saved them and how it happened in His grace and mercy. It is the witness and evidence of His mighty hand that did it. Hear the praises of the saints that declare, 'Look what the Lord has done.' 'Stand still and consider the wondrous works of God.'
Hear the proof of drug addicts, alchol addicts, worldly figures, lovers of self to declare that all those things died and Christ now reigns supreme. This is the evidence borne from men that have met Christ and died in Him. 'Nevertheless, not I but Christ Who lives in me.' Upon these souls all to say, whether they understand it or not; whether they agree or not, they must say, 'Here comes these men that have turned the world upside down.'
The world declares, 'They are not the same, something has happened to them.' Report after report of lives being changes, delivered, and God being glorified for it. Not all the world receives it nor likes it. But they cannot change it.
updated: 6/18/11
Posted 6/17/11
I recently read of a man stating it this way, ‘Many were converted to Christianity but not to Christ.’ I stopped to analyze that statement. It is much what we see and hear of today. Finney preached this and many others have put the church on notice of its error. It is false conversion. You hear very little of it today. Yet, when one man was asked about revival coming to the North American church, he said, ‘If revival would come to the church today, one of the first evidences of it would be that 95% of the church would be truly born again.
It is nothing new, we see this false conversion in the New Testament, we see it warned and preached against. We hear of its awful accounts to many that had this cheap evangelism, yet they was still pawns to the devil and his work. They are seen as hypocrites, clouds without water, without any substance of eternity in their souls. They are lost, without Christ and onward moving toward hell. They are the picture of Judas. He saw all the miracles, he heard the words of Christ and yet, was ’the son of perdition.’ Oh,, the ravages of religion from Satan’s lies that compels men to accept cheap evangelism and reject the full Gospel message of the cross of Christ.
Let us examine this and see what it is. Let us lay a foundation on the fullness of the Spirit and His mighty workings. With Him there is hope and power; without Him there is no hope and no power. And what this dying world needs today is found in only One Name, the Name of Jesus Christ. ‘there is no other name given among men whereby we must be saved.’ And there is no fullness of the Spirit without laying this sure foundation in Christ Jesus alone.
I. What Do I mean by ‘Cheap Evangelism’?
Dietrich Bonheoffer, wrote a book on ‘Cheap Grace’. In this he implies and demonstrates the church’s hazardous treating of Christ and God’s worthy grace. Having a God that looks upon us while yet in sin, and yet still loves us, speaks volumes of His loving-kindness. The old song says it, ‘While He was on the cross, I was on His mind. He knew me, yet He loved me.’ ‘The scripture declares this truth, ‘While yet in sin, Christ loved us and died for us; for the remission of all our sin.’ What other way, can lost, sinful, vile man find salvation unless holy, loving, merciful, gracious God makes a way? There is no other way. The ineffectiveness of the Gospel is upon those who receive the gift of salvation in Christ death, yet never follows the way of salvation. What is that way? ‘Unless a man takes up his cross and comes follow me, there is no salvation.’
Cheap evangelism is reflective of this half truth. Yes, Christ died for us out of His love for us. Yet, man’s reply must be in accordance with the instructions given and demonstrated in the Scriptures. To accept Christ without death is not full salvation. Death to self is the only way to find life in Him. A man cannot be saved unless he knows that he is lost. If a man is drowning in the river, a person will attempt to save him. If the man drowning does not believe he is drowning he will reject or refuse the help of salvation. But if he knows he is drowning, he will seize every help and effort to rescue him. But a man must know that he is lost, in sin and without Christ first before they will look to Him for salvation. ‘Thou shalt call His Name Jesus, for He shall save His people from their sins.’’
Another half truth extended to a lost world today is found in the knowledge about God’s love. ‘God is love.’ ‘Love is one of God’s attributes and pure, Divine love proceeds from Him. Yet, to believe that a God Who is love will simply excuse or allow and permit sin, which is contrary to His holy Divine love is not sane. A holy God cannot be holy if sin is present. Therefore, sin must be removed and abolished. This is done only through the shed blood of Christ that cleanses men from their sins.
Another false hope and truth is the work of religion - humanism. ’If I try hard enough and do enough good deeds, then God will accept me.’ The works of baptism, good acts, prayer, church, and all the other labors that men seek to do to find favor from God. This is humanism for it is directly related to the approach of salvation from man’s side. Salvation is never from man’s side, it is from God’s side. It is planned by God, provided by God and presented by God. To seek it any other way, is to search for cheap evangelism. Leave the word of salvation alone that begins with “I” or ends with “I”. Humanism is so deeply engrained in the church today, it is covered by layers of tradition, religion and good intentions.
Cheap evangelism does not recognize the value of ’looking unto Jesus, the Author and Finisher of our faith.’ It holds forth a small portion of the truth and seems on track. Many have gone half way but not the whole way. This is the reason that a real revival from God would cause many to see their lostness and know they are missing something. That something cannot be filled with cheap evangelism. The only thing to fill the void in heart and soul that will bring peace and joy is found in Christ. And without seeing Jesus, crucified, glorified, in His power and majesty they will not see what they need to see.
what evidence is there in this 'cheap evangelism'?
One of the things we see evident today among the churches is the carnaltiy and love of sin. Christ did not love sin nor pracitice sin. Great saints of old demonstrated a mirror reflection of Christ attitude and life away from sin and toward holiness. Yet, today we see the opposite; away from holiness and toward sin. The evidence of this 'cheap evangelism' is that there are many in the churches today that profess their Christianity all the while pracitcing and loving sin. Sin is so much apart of the American church and the majority of Chrsitians today. I truly wonder at how many discern the differnce. Or even acknowledge what I am trying to say here. And so what we see as a result today is so many that fall away into sin, and then get stirred up when tragedy or difficulty happen and then return to the Lord.
I cling fast to Duncan Campbell's testimony of the Hebrides revival of 1949. He declares this truth about the church and work of salvation in the midst of the revival. 'We know nothing of back-sliding today.' And this was years after the revival. there in the midst of the brethren, they remained faithful, strong, steadfast, holy, and perservering. Oh, praise His Name for such power and redemption. Is this not what the plan of salvation is all about? Are we not to be saved completely from our sins and sinful nature, resting in Him completely? then what is this method fo the church today, to fall in and out of relationship with Christ weekly, daily monthly? It is not the work of God; so therefore, it must be the work of Satan. What is this work? It is the deception of being 'born again'. Religion, humanistic appraoch and effort has blinded the eyes to see who and what Christ has done andwill do for the soul that puts their faith in Him wholeheartedly.
II. The evidence of God's fullness in the work of salvation.
Is there anything greater than the great work of salvation? Delivering lost men from hell into the safe haven of Christ. Seeing the captives set free and lives changed, all due to the benevloence of His mercy and grace. HOw glorious to see the blind receive their sight; to see the dead in trespasses and sins raised in glorious attainement of deliverance. This is the great work of God upon lost men. The soul that has received it, knows the truth and perfect peace of it. 'To as many as would receive Him to them gave He power to become the sons of God.' And upon these souls of salvation they have been drawn, invited and gathered by His mercy and grace to redeem them, for they were chosen before the creation of all. For God knowing all things, knew those that would receive and respond to the leading and pulling of the Holy Spirit and to those that would not and reject it. How dreadful to live a lifetime here with invitations, Bibles, sermons, truth, and opportunity to only throw it all away and spend an eternity in hell for failure to respond to His great love. The power of the Gospel is to redeem lost men. And because it is so great and powerful it is only a work of God. No man can do this. No religion can do this. Only the blood of One can cleanse from all iniquity; can purify; can set free from the chains of sin and self - only Jesus Christ.
Herein is the testimony of the saints that declare all these things have happened unto them. It is said that the Chinese worker, Marie Monsen, would ask everyone 'Have you been born again?' Many was the response that she got. Only one answer was right. Those that were saved rejoiced to answer of Who saved them and how it happened in His grace and mercy. It is the witness and evidence of His mighty hand that did it. Hear the praises of the saints that declare, 'Look what the Lord has done.' 'Stand still and consider the wondrous works of God.'
Hear the proof of drug addicts, alchol addicts, worldly figures, lovers of self to declare that all those things died and Christ now reigns supreme. This is the evidence borne from men that have met Christ and died in Him. 'Nevertheless, not I but Christ Who lives in me.' Upon these souls all to say, whether they understand it or not; whether they agree or not, they must say, 'Here comes these men that have turned the world upside down.'
The world declares, 'They are not the same, something has happened to them.' Report after report of lives being changes, delivered, and God being glorified for it. Not all the world receives it nor likes it. But they cannot change it.
updated: 6/18/11
Posted 6/17/11
Thursday, June 9, 2011
A VIEW OF GOD AND SINFUL MAN
Job 1, 'And in all this Job sinned not; nor charged God foolishly.'
Job 40: 3- 5, "Then Job answered the Lord, and said, v. 4 Behold, I am vile; what shall I answer Thee? I will lay mine hand upon my mouth. v. 5 Once have I spoken; but I will not answer: yea, twice; but I will proceed no further."
Job 42: 1-8, "Then Job answered the Lord, and said, v.2 I know that thou canst do everything, and that no thought can be witholden from Thee. . .v. 5 I have heard of Thee by the hearing of the ear: but now mine eye seeth Thee. v. 6 Wherefore I abhor myself, and repent in dust and ashes. . .
We want to take a look at this relationship of God and Job. It is a open window for us to see how man sees God; and how God sees us. And this is very important for the life that we are leading and the life that is to come.
I am captured by the beginning and end of Job. The account is before us of how Satan sought to destroy Job. And in essence he did. He took all his possessions; all his children; and his health. And I mean destroyed to describe the things outwardly in his physcial world. What did he have left? Friends that forsook him with their counsel and words; a wife that sought an early end to his sorrows; and nothing left but him and God. He sought an audeince with God to answer the question of 'why, Lord?' Many of us have been there. 'Why is this happening Lord?' 'Lord, I don't understand this; help me'. But the sky is brass and the voice of God is silent for a season. That is one lesson that we need to learn, it is only a season. If it is any longer than a season, then there is something else wrong in the relationship.
We want to examine these points:
I. How did God see Job?
II. How did Job see God?
III. What was the final verdict of it all? (what does it teach us?)
I How did God see Job?
Satan comes and appears before God in the first chapter of Job. God asks of him, 'Where have you been?' He has been in the earth, watching, observing and no doubt, afflicting. He is still in the earth; he is still doing what he has always done, seeking to devour and destroy the lives of men, women and children. And as he answer the Lord God, God puts before him Job, His servant. 'Have you considered my servant Job, that there is none like him in the earth, a perfect and an upright man, one that fearthe God, and escheweth evil?' Is there such a man to be found today? Can God declare such a statement about you or me?
Now isn't this interesting to note, that God, Who speaks absolute truth, declares this about Job. Is He lying? No, for God cannot lie. He is speaking the truth about His servant Job. Yet what does Satan do, he questions God about such a statement. I am convinced that Satan holds no regard for man, no respect and this is another reason for him to seek our destruction. So that he may approach back to God each time we sin, each time we fail and say, 'See, I told you; those humans are full of sin, full of disobedience, full of disappointment.' And how often the great liar, Satan, is found speaking truth about God's people. What shame, what reproach we cast before His great Name.
Knowing all the while that God is just and must judge sin. Satan knows that he shall be judged and is already condemned. It is just that his sentencing has not happened yet. But Satan tries to destroy Job, for he knows what he means to the Lord. Just like he attacked and lead Adam and Eve into sin, so he seeks for all of God's chosen children. Have you been tried? have you been tempted? Has he sought your destruction? It is because you are chosen and beloved by the Lord. And when God makes such a profound statement about Job, SAtan immediately sets to work to destroy him.
And the reason being that Satan sought to destroy Job was because he could not stand it that God had also searched the earth and knew of Jobs faithfulness. Oh, the blessed favor that God has searched all the earth and found one that has such a perfect heart before Him. Is this not what He desires today? Does God see a Job among us? Does He see perfectness? Does He see one the 'escheweth evil'? God is always looking unto the sons of men to see their heart. He knows the intent, He knows the thoughts that we think. He is able to discern whether we are truly His or not.
Job is perfect before the Lord. And when Satan unleashes his hand against him and takes his possessions, his children, and his health, we read those blessed words, 'And in all this Job sinned not.' What did he say? 'The Lord giveth and the Lord taketh away; blessed be the Name of the Lord.' Learn this statement and have it ready at such a moment that life is cruel to you. And be not as one of the fools who charge God foolishly, but know it is Satan, himself, seeking to rid you of your perfect walk with God. use this statement then to maintain your integrity before the heavenly hosts. Job is perfect and has kept his perfect status. Then we read at the very end of the book, when God has appeared, He begins to make Job give an account.
Job 38: 1 - 3, 'Then the Lord answered Job out of the whilrwind, and said, v.2 Who is this that darkeneth counsel by words without knowledge? v. 3 Gird up now thy loins like a man; for I will deman of thee, and answer thou Me.'
Job 40: 1 - 2, "Moreover the Lord answered Job, and said, v.2 Shall he that contendeth with the Almighty instruct Him? he that reproveth God, let him answer it. "
Job 40: 6, 7, "Then asnwered the Lord unto Job out of the whirlwind, and said, v. 7 Gird up thy loins now like a man: I will demand of thee, and declare thou unto Me."
We see by these verse that after God has declared Job to be perfect and upright in all his ways; He reproves Job for questioning Him and calls him to give an account. This is not the first time we see such a condition. WE see over in the book of Numbers another scenario. In Numbers 23: 20, 21, "Behold, I have received commandment to bless: and He hath blessed; and I cannot reverse it. v. 21 He hath not beheld iniquity in Jacob, neither hath he seen perverseness in Israel: The Lord his God is with him, and the shout of a king is among them."
What?? No sin in Israel? Is this not the people that murmured agains the Lord? against Moses? Is this not the people that bowed down to serve a false god in the form of a calf? Is this not the same people right after this blessing with Balaam is found sinning wiht the children of the Moabites?
6/9/11 - began;
Continue. . . . .
Job 40: 3- 5, "Then Job answered the Lord, and said, v. 4 Behold, I am vile; what shall I answer Thee? I will lay mine hand upon my mouth. v. 5 Once have I spoken; but I will not answer: yea, twice; but I will proceed no further."
Job 42: 1-8, "Then Job answered the Lord, and said, v.2 I know that thou canst do everything, and that no thought can be witholden from Thee. . .v. 5 I have heard of Thee by the hearing of the ear: but now mine eye seeth Thee. v. 6 Wherefore I abhor myself, and repent in dust and ashes. . .
We want to take a look at this relationship of God and Job. It is a open window for us to see how man sees God; and how God sees us. And this is very important for the life that we are leading and the life that is to come.
I am captured by the beginning and end of Job. The account is before us of how Satan sought to destroy Job. And in essence he did. He took all his possessions; all his children; and his health. And I mean destroyed to describe the things outwardly in his physcial world. What did he have left? Friends that forsook him with their counsel and words; a wife that sought an early end to his sorrows; and nothing left but him and God. He sought an audeince with God to answer the question of 'why, Lord?' Many of us have been there. 'Why is this happening Lord?' 'Lord, I don't understand this; help me'. But the sky is brass and the voice of God is silent for a season. That is one lesson that we need to learn, it is only a season. If it is any longer than a season, then there is something else wrong in the relationship.
We want to examine these points:
I. How did God see Job?
II. How did Job see God?
III. What was the final verdict of it all? (what does it teach us?)
I How did God see Job?
Satan comes and appears before God in the first chapter of Job. God asks of him, 'Where have you been?' He has been in the earth, watching, observing and no doubt, afflicting. He is still in the earth; he is still doing what he has always done, seeking to devour and destroy the lives of men, women and children. And as he answer the Lord God, God puts before him Job, His servant. 'Have you considered my servant Job, that there is none like him in the earth, a perfect and an upright man, one that fearthe God, and escheweth evil?' Is there such a man to be found today? Can God declare such a statement about you or me?
Now isn't this interesting to note, that God, Who speaks absolute truth, declares this about Job. Is He lying? No, for God cannot lie. He is speaking the truth about His servant Job. Yet what does Satan do, he questions God about such a statement. I am convinced that Satan holds no regard for man, no respect and this is another reason for him to seek our destruction. So that he may approach back to God each time we sin, each time we fail and say, 'See, I told you; those humans are full of sin, full of disobedience, full of disappointment.' And how often the great liar, Satan, is found speaking truth about God's people. What shame, what reproach we cast before His great Name.
Knowing all the while that God is just and must judge sin. Satan knows that he shall be judged and is already condemned. It is just that his sentencing has not happened yet. But Satan tries to destroy Job, for he knows what he means to the Lord. Just like he attacked and lead Adam and Eve into sin, so he seeks for all of God's chosen children. Have you been tried? have you been tempted? Has he sought your destruction? It is because you are chosen and beloved by the Lord. And when God makes such a profound statement about Job, SAtan immediately sets to work to destroy him.
And the reason being that Satan sought to destroy Job was because he could not stand it that God had also searched the earth and knew of Jobs faithfulness. Oh, the blessed favor that God has searched all the earth and found one that has such a perfect heart before Him. Is this not what He desires today? Does God see a Job among us? Does He see perfectness? Does He see one the 'escheweth evil'? God is always looking unto the sons of men to see their heart. He knows the intent, He knows the thoughts that we think. He is able to discern whether we are truly His or not.
Job is perfect before the Lord. And when Satan unleashes his hand against him and takes his possessions, his children, and his health, we read those blessed words, 'And in all this Job sinned not.' What did he say? 'The Lord giveth and the Lord taketh away; blessed be the Name of the Lord.' Learn this statement and have it ready at such a moment that life is cruel to you. And be not as one of the fools who charge God foolishly, but know it is Satan, himself, seeking to rid you of your perfect walk with God. use this statement then to maintain your integrity before the heavenly hosts. Job is perfect and has kept his perfect status. Then we read at the very end of the book, when God has appeared, He begins to make Job give an account.
Job 38: 1 - 3, 'Then the Lord answered Job out of the whilrwind, and said, v.2 Who is this that darkeneth counsel by words without knowledge? v. 3 Gird up now thy loins like a man; for I will deman of thee, and answer thou Me.'
Job 40: 1 - 2, "Moreover the Lord answered Job, and said, v.2 Shall he that contendeth with the Almighty instruct Him? he that reproveth God, let him answer it. "
Job 40: 6, 7, "Then asnwered the Lord unto Job out of the whirlwind, and said, v. 7 Gird up thy loins now like a man: I will demand of thee, and declare thou unto Me."
We see by these verse that after God has declared Job to be perfect and upright in all his ways; He reproves Job for questioning Him and calls him to give an account. This is not the first time we see such a condition. WE see over in the book of Numbers another scenario. In Numbers 23: 20, 21, "Behold, I have received commandment to bless: and He hath blessed; and I cannot reverse it. v. 21 He hath not beheld iniquity in Jacob, neither hath he seen perverseness in Israel: The Lord his God is with him, and the shout of a king is among them."
What?? No sin in Israel? Is this not the people that murmured agains the Lord? against Moses? Is this not the people that bowed down to serve a false god in the form of a calf? Is this not the same people right after this blessing with Balaam is found sinning wiht the children of the Moabites?
6/9/11 - began;
Continue. . . . .
Monday, June 6, 2011
June letter of prayer
JUNE LETTER OF PRAYER
GREETINGS,
MINISTRY OPPORTUNITIES
--work continues at Zoar and Fox’s Hollow with services, prayer times and Bible studies; plans have been made for VBS at Zoar in July;
--Sermonindex conference in October in Atlanta, GA; ‘Has the Church lost the Fear of the Lord?’ is the theme; with Carter Colon, Paul. Washer, Al Whittinghill and a few others; I am scheduled to lead prayer time on Friday, October 21 from 9 - 3 PM; and then moderate Q&A panel about Leonard Ravenhill’s biography book; the first of every month is prayer conference call;
--have approached local pastors in Hampshire county to have us meet and begin to pray for our county; we have a population of 20,000, there are roughly 90 churches and only 2000 are in church on Sunday, that means 18,000 are out of church; I have contacted them to win our county for Christ;
--I have a meeting with a church on June 8 about future role as pastor; I have no leading of the Holy Spirit on this, but please pray for the Lord’s will to be done;
--travel to Phoenix for the SBC convention with Elizabeth; pray for Divine leading and opportunities; they have rejected prayer during the convention, ‘Far be it from me that I should cease to pray for you’; ‘I will give myself unto prayer’ during these days;
FAMILY
--Hannah’s graduation went well; went to Penn. For another family members graduation party on my mom’s side; haven’t seen a lot of these for quite a while;
--Joshua and Chip are finishing up their educational trip to Europe where they went to Paris and Rome; they return June 8;
--Hannah and Elizabeth are babysitting for the summer;
--sporting and band are always having practices throughout the month;
--hope to go to the beach for our family vacation in July;
--Mommabear is home for the summer and we are trying to establish routines for the family;
--love the evenings we are home to do the camp fire out back and enjoy that long evenings;
--Hannah and Joshua went to states for track and did very well with their times; Hannah medaled;
--all the kids did well on their report cards with grades;
PRAYER FOCUS
--one of the things I found in Charleston at the state track meet was plastic table mats; they are the world and each continent, this is a blessed way to pray for Europe; for Africa, for China and other Asian countries; what a blessed gift from God to help me as I pray for missionaries and others;
--Hampshire county
--SBC; I added a whole page for prayer in my prayer notebook; this includes each person, SBC entity, school and those that I know of to bring before the Lord each day; Frank Page, Kevin Ezell, Tom Elliff, Bryant Wright, Richard Land are at the head of this page right now;
--world countries with problems and persecution Nigeria, Egypt, China;
--revival;
--Sermonindex conference;
--22 marriages;
--100 lost souls;
--two church families;
--over 100 saints and their ministries;
--Mineral country and drug use;
Books
-finished my Bible through for the 1st time this year; makes 33 times through;
--working on Psalm 119 for the month of June to rememorize;
--want to memorize Isaiah 53 all the way;
--finished Rees Howell’s Intercessor book by Norman Grubbs; what a powerful book!
--5 devotional books daily;
--reading the following acouple of pages a day just to feed my soul ‘A Present Day Challenge to Prayer’ about John Hyde; ‘The Calloused Knees’ about John Smith, Methodist pastor in early 1800’s, powerful prayer life; ‘Diary of John Sung’; ‘Revival Fire’ by Wesley Duewel; ‘the christian in complete armour’ by gurnall - simple what of the most in-depth blessed books to have and glean from; ‘The Spirit Filled Life’ by Andrew Murray;
I am waiting on William Law’s books that I just recently ordered.
ANSWERED PRAYER
--rejoicing at several healings for sick;
--financial needs met;Praise His Name of Jehovah-Rophi;
--continued leading and direction for service;
--taking me deeper in prayer times;
--open doors
So as you pray with me and for me, I thank you. May we continue to grow in grace and knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. He is moving us to seek and find Him; ‘As for me, I will give myself unto prayer. . .and not cease till I see it answered or God takes my last breath from me.
Until,
Dan Biser
Rdbiser@live.com
http://danbiser.blogspot.com - articles, letters and messages about what God is saying to me;
http://dbiser.blogspot.com - blog of devotionals of every chapter in the Bible;
http://www.brokenbeforethethrone.com
GREETINGS,
MINISTRY OPPORTUNITIES
--work continues at Zoar and Fox’s Hollow with services, prayer times and Bible studies; plans have been made for VBS at Zoar in July;
--Sermonindex conference in October in Atlanta, GA; ‘Has the Church lost the Fear of the Lord?’ is the theme; with Carter Colon, Paul. Washer, Al Whittinghill and a few others; I am scheduled to lead prayer time on Friday, October 21 from 9 - 3 PM; and then moderate Q&A panel about Leonard Ravenhill’s biography book; the first of every month is prayer conference call;
--have approached local pastors in Hampshire county to have us meet and begin to pray for our county; we have a population of 20,000, there are roughly 90 churches and only 2000 are in church on Sunday, that means 18,000 are out of church; I have contacted them to win our county for Christ;
--I have a meeting with a church on June 8 about future role as pastor; I have no leading of the Holy Spirit on this, but please pray for the Lord’s will to be done;
--travel to Phoenix for the SBC convention with Elizabeth; pray for Divine leading and opportunities; they have rejected prayer during the convention, ‘Far be it from me that I should cease to pray for you’; ‘I will give myself unto prayer’ during these days;
FAMILY
--Hannah’s graduation went well; went to Penn. For another family members graduation party on my mom’s side; haven’t seen a lot of these for quite a while;
--Joshua and Chip are finishing up their educational trip to Europe where they went to Paris and Rome; they return June 8;
--Hannah and Elizabeth are babysitting for the summer;
--sporting and band are always having practices throughout the month;
--hope to go to the beach for our family vacation in July;
--Mommabear is home for the summer and we are trying to establish routines for the family;
--love the evenings we are home to do the camp fire out back and enjoy that long evenings;
--Hannah and Joshua went to states for track and did very well with their times; Hannah medaled;
--all the kids did well on their report cards with grades;
PRAYER FOCUS
--one of the things I found in Charleston at the state track meet was plastic table mats; they are the world and each continent, this is a blessed way to pray for Europe; for Africa, for China and other Asian countries; what a blessed gift from God to help me as I pray for missionaries and others;
--Hampshire county
--SBC; I added a whole page for prayer in my prayer notebook; this includes each person, SBC entity, school and those that I know of to bring before the Lord each day; Frank Page, Kevin Ezell, Tom Elliff, Bryant Wright, Richard Land are at the head of this page right now;
--world countries with problems and persecution Nigeria, Egypt, China;
--revival;
--Sermonindex conference;
--22 marriages;
--100 lost souls;
--two church families;
--over 100 saints and their ministries;
--Mineral country and drug use;
Books
-finished my Bible through for the 1st time this year; makes 33 times through;
--working on Psalm 119 for the month of June to rememorize;
--want to memorize Isaiah 53 all the way;
--finished Rees Howell’s Intercessor book by Norman Grubbs; what a powerful book!
--5 devotional books daily;
--reading the following acouple of pages a day just to feed my soul ‘A Present Day Challenge to Prayer’ about John Hyde; ‘The Calloused Knees’ about John Smith, Methodist pastor in early 1800’s, powerful prayer life; ‘Diary of John Sung’; ‘Revival Fire’ by Wesley Duewel; ‘the christian in complete armour’ by gurnall - simple what of the most in-depth blessed books to have and glean from; ‘The Spirit Filled Life’ by Andrew Murray;
I am waiting on William Law’s books that I just recently ordered.
ANSWERED PRAYER
--rejoicing at several healings for sick;
--financial needs met;Praise His Name of Jehovah-Rophi;
--continued leading and direction for service;
--taking me deeper in prayer times;
--open doors
So as you pray with me and for me, I thank you. May we continue to grow in grace and knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. He is moving us to seek and find Him; ‘As for me, I will give myself unto prayer. . .and not cease till I see it answered or God takes my last breath from me.
Until,
Dan Biser
Rdbiser@live.com
http://danbiser.blogspot.com - articles, letters and messages about what God is saying to me;
http://dbiser.blogspot.com - blog of devotionals of every chapter in the Bible;
http://www.brokenbeforethethrone.com
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