THE LORD SPOKE (September 30)

Daily Reflections from Scripture:

Isaiah 32-34

Are we heading into difficult times? It would appear so. Israel was in bad times in Isaiah’s day and headed for more of the same. The prophet, by inspiration, gives us some wise counsel and very helpful encouragement on how to face tough times.

The Lord is exalted, for he dwells on high.... He will be the sure foundation for your times.... The fear of the Lord is the key to this treasure. (Is. 33:5-6)

It is the man who fears the Lord that can survive a depression. Even when everything around him is crashing down, because he is in step with the Lord, he is able to carry on. He is steadfast, like a rock, because he is founded on the Rock that can’t be moved. So the question must be, who is that man? How do I “fear the Lord”? Isaiah answers:

He who walks righteously
and speaks what is right,
who rejects gain from extortion
and keeps his hand from accepting bribes,
who stops his ears against plots of murder
and shuts his eyes against contemplating evil -
this is the man who will dwell on the heights,
whose refuge will be the mountain fortress.
His bread will be supplied,
and water will not fail him. (Is. 33:15-16)

When people have lost hope, he hasn’t. When those around him are stressing out, he isn’t. When others are going hungry, he won’t.

There is hope in the darkest of days because God is there. He is the ultimate source of any and all hope. Hang on to Him and don’t let go.

O Lord, be gracious to us;
We long for you.
Be our strength every morning,
our salvation in time of distress. (Is. 33:2)


Psalms 27-28

Hamlet had his soliloquy. This is David’s! Psalm 27 is one man’s confident monologue of trust in God. David was surrounded by foes. Probably more so than any of us. He had many reasons to look over his shoulder and to seek ways to harden himself. But this triumphant prayer reveals what he was as the ultimate source of strength.

Ps. 27:1 - “the Lord is my light”. This is both a recognition that, without Him, all is black darkness and a confident confession that He is the source of life itself. He’s a shelter in the time of storm. He is my stronghold in life.

Ps. 27:4 - “one thing I ask of the Lord”. To be in His presence is to know peace. It may be storming all around but He gives tranquility. Not only is He a shelter in the storm, He is the source of beauty and fulfillment. He makes life worth living. He is my satisfaction in life.

Ps. 27:6 - “I will sing and make music to the Lord”. He puts a spring in my step and makes it worth getting up in the morning. He does so much more than just provide the bare necessities of life. He adds beauty and grace. He writes the melody and supports it with harmony. He is my song in life.

Ps. 27:8 - “your face, Lord, will I seek”. When I come to Him, He does not hide, or turn away in anger, or reject me. His arms are always open to enfold me. I can be sure that even when all else may fail me, He will not. He is my security in life.

Ps. 27:11 - “teach me your way, O Lord”. I want to know more. I want to apply what I know. I want to observe Him and learn by His example. He is the master teacher. He is my supervisor in life.

I am confident of this: I will see the goodness of the Lord in the land of the living. Wait for the Lord; be strong and take heart and wait for the Lord. (Ps. 27:13-14)

It’s worth it!

THE LORD SPOKE (September 29)

Daily Reflections from Scripture:

Isaiah 30-31

Yet the Lord longs to be gracious to you; he rises to show you compassion.... How gracious he will be when you cry for help! As soon as he hears, he will answer you. (Isaiah 30:18-19)

God wants to bless us! So enough of our pleading with Him to do so. The God of the Universe is trying to find ways to be gracious to us. God actually rises - gets up off His throne - to show us He cares! There’s not even any need to say, “please” - though that’s okay and it’s still quite right to say, “Thank you.” It’s our own sin that withholds good things from us (Ps. 84:11).

What does this text (Is. 30) tell us about how we should follow through on this?

Is. 30:1 - stop being obstinate
Is. 30:2 - stop looking to the wrong things for your help
Is. 30:9 - listen to the Lord’s instruction
Is. 30:11 - allow yourself to be confronted by the Holy One
Is. 30:15 - repent and trust in Him for your strength
Is. 30:21 - listen to the Voice that is directing you (Remember: this is not some Mystical Impression - it is the Word of God, i.e. Scripture!)
Is. 30:22 - destroy any idols you’ve let take His place

Somehow we’ve come up with the idea that we have to plead with God for His showers of blessing. As a consequence, when it begins to sprinkle a little bit, we think that’s as good as it gets. By the way, did you notice? None of this has anything to do with high gas prices, a falling economy, or the crash of the stock market. On second thought...maybe it does. Will it take that for us to finally trust Him?


Psalms 25-26

The 22 verses in Psalm 25 form an acrostic using the letters of the Hebrew alphabet to begin each verse. Like Psalm 119, where each succeeding letter of the alphabet gets eight verses, this psalm shows a word craftsman at work. He is identified in the superscription. David, the shepherd, was a master in using words to exalt the Lord.

English seems to lose something in the translation, but here’s an attempt to internalize this psalm in the acrostic tradition:

All that is in me is for You, O Lord,
Because You alone are the one I trust.
Cause me to overcome my own weaknesses and
Do not let me bring shame upon Your name.
Excuses will have no place with me,
For my every hope is in You.
Guide me in the way I should go;
Hear my prayer, forgive my sin, and
Instruct me in the way You have chosen for me.
Just as You have done for others, help me to
Keep the demands of Your covenant.
Let me learn to fear You properly;
May I experience the blessing of Your gracious provision.
Never let me get my eyes off of You
Or lose my perspective for that which has real value.
Pardon my many failures and please be
Quick to forgive my sin.
Rescue me from myself and
Save me from all that would pull me down.
To You alone I turn for help;
Unto You do I go for my daily strength.
Vitalize my walk with You in such a way that
We may live in constant communion.
EXamine all my ways that I might
Yield to You in full submission and may
Zeal for You consume me always. Amen.

THE LORD SPOKE (September 28)

Daily Reflections from Scripture:

Isaiah 27-29

These people come near to me with their mouth and honor me with their lips, but their hearts are far from me. Their worship of me is made up only of rules taught by men. (Isaiah 29:13)

Religion! For some people, it’s a whole way of life. Nearly every waking moment is occupied with thoughts of religious devotion and activity. Priests and laymen of every imaginable faith or denomination may fall into this category.

Many other people think of religion as a bad thing. Some because they have no place for God in their lives and see religion as a weakness, something for people who need a crutch, the opiate of the people. Others reject any religion as a man-made system that has nothing to do with genuine faith in the living God. Either way, one shouldn’t get caught up in religion - it’s meaningless.

Usually, “religion” implies a list of “thou shalt nots”, or a holier-than-thou attitude, or a hierarchical system of church authority. For some it might be characterized by lit candles, backwards collars, and images of saints. Others might think of it more in terms of an ornate temple, multiple baptisms, and tithes withheld. Many would equate it with good deeds or mitzvot as a way to heaven.

But the term “religion” is actually a very good thing. Coming from the Latin terms re (again) + ligare (unite or link), it refers to that which reconnects or brings back together things that are separated. Because of our sin, we are separated from God and religion is that which brings us back into fellowship with Him. True religion then is a personal relationship with God restored. That’s what Isaiah was getting at when he cries for "these people [who] come near to me with their mouth and honor me with their lips, but their hearts are far from me. Their worship of me is made up only of rules taught by men" (Is. 29:13).

In another context, James also refers to the link between our words and our walk:

If anyone considers himself religious and yet does not keep a tight rein on his tongue, he deceives himself and his religion is worthless. Religion that God our Father accepts as pure and faultless is this: to look after orphans and widows in their distress and to keep oneself from being polluted by the world. (James 1:26-27)

Psalms 23-24

The Shepherd Psalm (Ps. 23) is a message of hope and God’s promises. Each of the phrases describes one of God’s attributes and reminds us of another of God’s names in Scripture.

Ps. 23:1 - The Lord is my shepherd; I shall not want.

This speaks of God’s promise of care and provision. In Genesis 22:8, He is called Jehovah-Yireh (sometimes spelled Jirah in English). Literally, it means “Yahweh sees”, but the intent is that He sees and cares, with a view to making provision. Abraham knew God as the One who provides.

Ps. 23:2 - He makes me to lie down in green pastures; He leads me beside the still waters.

God’s promise of rest and peace is seen in this idyllic frame. He made himself known as Jehovah-Shalom to Gideon in Judges 6:24.

Ps. 23:3 - He restores my soul; He leads me in paths of righteousness for His name’s sake.

Moses knew Him as Jehovah-Rophe - Yahweh the Doctor - in Exodus 15:26. This tells us of God’s promise of healing and guidance.

Ps. 23:4 - Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil, for You are with me; Your rod and your staff, they comfort me.

“The God Who Is There” (Jehovah-Shammah) was the name revealed to Ezekiel when he was comforted by God’s promise of His presence and comfort in Ezek. 48:35. Though He is certainly transcendent above all His creation, His immanence is a source of continual comfort. He is right here beside me!

Ps. 23:5 - You prepare a table before me in the presence of mine enemies. You anoint my head with oil. My cup overflows.

Moses told Joshua that was his banner, Jehovah-Nissi, in Exodus 17:15. God would lead the way and give him the victory. He was assured of God’s promise of friendship and exaltation.

Ps. 23:6 - Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life and I will dwell in the house of the Lord forever.

God’s promise of hope and home is wrapped up in His name Jehovah. He is the eternal “I AM” who revealed Himself as such on Mount Sinai in Exodus 3:14. Bound up in the four letters of the divine tetragrammaton (יהוה) are all the tenses of the verb “to be”. He constitutes eternal Being.

As the writer of Hebrews puts it, “Without faith it is impossible to please him; for he that cometh to God must believe that he is, and that he is a rewarder of them that diligently seek him.” (Heb. 11:6)

THE LORD SPOKE (September 27)

Daily Reflections from Scripture:

Isaiah 24-26

You will keep in perfect peace him whose mind is steadfast because he trusts in you. (Isaiah 26:3)

Coming, as it does, after Isaiah 24 and 25, this verse is one of the great promises of Scripture. These two chapters scream judgment. “The Lord is going to lay waste the earth and devastate it” (24:1). As you read on through, it just keeps getting worse. All the earth’s inhabitants will be ruined and scattered (24:1-3) and the earth itself will be “broken up...split asunder...[and] thoroughly shaken” (24:19).

Yet in the midst of all that, there can be peace for the individual. When prices keep going up and the economy is falling to pieces, there can still be peace for the individual. When problems come faster than you can handle them and there’s too much month left at the end of the paycheck, there can still be peace for the individual. How, you may ask? This verse tells you. You must learn to trust the Lord. You must learn to trust the Lord in everything. Your mind must be steadfast on Him. It’s so simple, it seems hard. Here’s how:

(1) Read the Bible every day. When you are sick physically, it’s not possible to get well without eating food. It doesn’t matter if you “don’t feel like it”. Eat anyway! That will give you the possibility of getting well because your body needs that sustenance to heal itself. Likewise, your spirit needs food to regain health and spiritual food comes from God’s Word. So do it! Read the Scriptures every day and listen to God’s voice on those pages. Feed yourself from the Bible so that you can hear Him speak to you. His Spirit will commune with your spirit and you will soon find that your mind is steadfast on Him.

(2) Pray every day. It’s probably more important that God speaks to you than it is that you speak to Him, so read your Bible first. Then, begin to talk to Him. Whether or not prayer changes other “things”, it’s certain that prayer does change us. Speaking to God helps you to think His thoughts. If you’ve read Scripture first, you’ll have something to work with in that process. Then, talk to Him. Tell Him your troubles. Ask for His help. He delights to care for us! As the hymn says,

O, what peace we often forfeit;
O, what needless pain we bear,
All because we do not carry
Everything to God in prayer.

There you have it! There are probably a few other things you can do to fix your mind upon the Lord but it’s really not so complicated. It’s not so much about doing something - it’s about believing someone! “Faith comes by hearing and hearing by the Word of God” (Romans 10:17).


Psalms 21-22

A thousand years before the words were on the lips of Jesus as He hung on the cross (Mat. 27:46), this anguished prayer expressed David’s distress. He cried out to the Almighty,

My God, my God, why have you forsaken me? (Ps. 22:1)

The words of this psalm so perfectly fitted the crucifixion of Christ that it became the most frequently quoted in the New Testament. From hurled insults (Ps. 22:7) to pierced hands and feet (Ps. 22:16) the psalm pre-figured the passion of Jesus’ last hours. With bones out of joint and dry tongue sticking to the roof of His mouth (Ps. 22:14-15), He watched as they cast lots for His clothing (Ps. 22:18) and heaped scorn upon Him.

The author of Hebrews placed the words of Psalm 22:22 on Jesus’ lips also: “I will declare your name to my brothers; in the congregation I will praise you” (Heb. 2:12). There follows (Ps. 22:25-31) a description of the worldwide company that will join in praise - both rich and poor, young and old, all the families of nations, and people yet unborn. Future generations will proclaim His righteousness.

As the psalm ends, so ended Jesus’ last words on the cross: “for he has done it” (Ps. 22:31b), “It is finished!” (Jn. 19:30).

“Man of Sorrows!” what a name
For the Son of God, who came
Ruined sinners to reclaim!
Hallelujah, what a Savior!

Bearing shame and scoffing rude,
In my place condemned He stood -
Sealed my pardon with His blood:
Hallelujah, what a Savior!

Guilty, vile and helpless we,
Spotless Lamb of God was He;
Full atonement! Can it be?
Hallelujah, what a Savior!

Lifted up was He to die,
“It is finished”, was His cry;
Now in heav’n exalted high:
Hallelujah, what a Savior!

When He comes, our glorious King,
All His ransomed home to bring,
Then anew this song we’ll sing:
Hallelujah, what a Savior!

THE LORD SPOKE (September 26)

Daily Reflections from Scripture:

Isaiah 21-23

Does archaeology prove the Bible? There have been many articles and even whole books written on that subject in the last century. This chapter actually touches on several points addressed by modern archaeology but here are two of them of recent interest:

Hezekiah’s Defenses of Jerusalem
Is. 22:10 - “you counted the houses in Jerusalem and tore down houses to strengthen the wall”

Several other details of Hezekiah’s Jerusalem are also given in this passage but one interesting archaeological find was a house from the 8th century BC which was torn down in order to build “The Broad Wall” right over the top of it - a direct illustration of Isaiah 22:10!

Shevna, the Royal Steward
Is. 22:16 - “hewing your grave on the height and chiseling your resting place in the rock”

This tomb was first discovered in 1870 but its inscription was only deciphered a hundred years later. It’s located on the Mount of Olives (“the height” of Is. 22:16) but the inscription itself is today found in the British Museum. It refers to a palace administrator from the days of Hezekiah, probably named “[Shevna]yahu”. The tomb was found empty, no doubt because the inscription announced, “There is no silver and no gold here...cursed be the man who will open this!” Nothing like inviting the thieves to take a look!

So, does archaeology prove the Bible? In the first place, the Bible doesn’t need to be proven. Being God’s Word it is true [period]. However, it may be said, and amply illustrated, that archaeology...

1. illustrates and illuminates the Bible (e.g. in determining biblical dates, aiding in the interpretation of obscure texts, providing information concerning customs and cultures of Bible times, etc.)
2. supplements the information given in the Bible (e.g. by supplying details missing in the biblical account, providing information not found in the Bible at all, etc.)
3. regularly authenticates the Bible (e.g. it has destroyed false theories and many times demonstrated the accuracy of the Bible)

The famous quote from archaeologist Nelson Glueck (Rivers in the Desert, p. 31) is now half a century old but nothing has turned up in the meantime to change the truth of his words:

It may be stated categorically that no archaeological discovery has ever controverted a Biblical reference. Scores of archaeological findings have been made which confirm in clear outline or in exact detail historical statements in the Bible.

In spite of all the recent and greatly multiplied archaeological explorations of the past fifty years, that statement is still true.


Psalm 19-20

To please God is the highest of aspirations. David closes Psalm 19 with that prayer. He longs that the words of his mouth and the meditation of his heart would put a smile on the face of God. When God thinks of you, what is His response? Is He pleased with what He sees? Does He smile?

David’s request comes at the end (and is the result) of an extended declaration of God’s means of revealing Himself. The two halves of the psalm speak to the two types of divine revelation. General revelation is that which is known to all men by means of the creation (Ps. 19:1-6). Special revelation is the written content of Scripture in which He has spoken to us in words (Ps. 19:7-11).

General revelation cannot be hidden for “there is no speech or language where [its] voice is not heard” (Ps. 19:3). All men everywhere may see and hear that word from God and are therefore held accountable. All of creation declares that there is a God and that He is its powerful Maker (see Rom. 1:20). Any man who says otherwise is a liar and falls under just condemnation. (Kinda puts our educational system in a bad light, doesn’t it?)

As clear and as valuable as it is, general revelation has its limitations. Its vocabulary is colorful, awe-inspiring, and has over-powering weight on ontological and teleological questions. But it is limited; it can’t give all the necessary details.

That’s where special revelation comes in. God has spoken through recorded laws, statutes, precepts, commands, and ordinances to give us a clear and sufficient understanding of Himself. His plan and His requirements for us are revealed in words that revive the soul, give joy to the heart, and bring light to the eyes. They are more precious than gold and sweeter than honey.

When heard and obeyed, those words bring forgiveness, wisdom, and direction in life. They give life itself. Does it not bring you also to your knees, whispering...

May the words of my mouth
And the meditations of my heart
Be pleasing in your sight
O Lord, my Rock and my Redeemer.

THE LORD SPOKE (September 25)

Daily Reflections from Scripture:

Isaiah 17-20

There’s power in a metaphor. Isaiah was a master of metaphors, employing them constantly to drive home his meaning and fix their message in our minds by means of a mental image.

This chapter is directed against the Arameans of Damascus, some of Israel’s chief opponents and oppressors. These people frequently resisted God’s revealed will, specifically in their opposition to His chosen people. There are more than a dozen metaphors in this chapter to illustrate God’s judgment upon them (e.g. a reaper gathering the standing grain, places abandoned to thickets and undergrowth, a raging sea, chaff driven before the wind, tumbleweed before a gale) but take a look at just two of them more closely and consider how they might apply to you today.

Like “when an olive tree is beaten, leaving two or three olives” (Is. 17:6)

This may sound odd to you but it is still one common way to harvest olives in the Middle East today. Rather than picking the olives individually, long flailing sticks are used to beat the branches of the olive trees and knock out all the olives. In the process leaves and whole branches are sent flying, leaving a near-naked and rather ragged tree with little fruit still on it. The ground beneath is strewn with leaves and branches mixed with the olives. It’s a brutal process for harvesting and for pruning at the same time.

So too does God reap and sometimes cut us back so that the next harvest will be better. It can be a painful process but the intention is positive and we are left better able to produce the fruit He desires next time.

Like when you “set out the finest plants...[to] make them grow...yet the harvest will be as nothing” (Is. 17:6)

Haven’t you experienced this before? You buy the best seed or starts, nurse the baby plants along until it’s time to get them into the ground, feed them faithfully, rejoice in the new growth and the tiny fruit that begins to appear. Then, come fall, you can’t wait to enjoy the results and you find that it is shriveled, or rotten in the middle, or the bugs got it first. What a disappointment when you can’t obtain the results of your labor.

So too does God have the right to expect good fruit and is disappointed when we yield no harvest. Keep in mind that the context of Isaiah is God’s judgment upon wicked nations surrounding Israel. However, there is a message here for us too. When we shrivel on the vine and produce only stunted fruit, He is displeased and may judge us. More often, He chides us and woos us back. Don’t ever let yourself become hardened to His chiding. Be sensitive to His voice in Scripture and to the still, small voice of the Holy Spirit. Produce a harvest that brings joy to the Lord.


Psalm 17-18

It’s not the only time to do so, but it’s a good time! David said, “in my distress, I called to the Lord” (Ps. 18:6). There are many, more positive, times that we should cry out to the Lord, but He is there to help us in our time of need. He delights to be our refuge and our stronghold. There’s nothing wrong with calling out to Him when we need help.

How wonderful it is when we see Him “part the heavens and come down” (Ps. 18:9). Sometimes (due to our own sin and hardness), the heavens seem like brass. But when we cry out to Him, He “reaches down from on high and takes hold” of us (Ps. 18:16). In our moments of extremity and desperation, He brings peace and comfort. He brings us out of the valleys to a bright and “spacious place” (Ps. 18:19) and He “turns our darkness into light” (Ps. 18:28).

Even more! David’s testimony is that God helps us to gain the victory over every foe, to slay our giants, and to rise above the evil all around us (Ps. 18:37-45). He’s even concerned that we have a level path “so that our ankles do not turn” (Ps. 18:36).

I will call upon the Lord.
Who is worthy to be praised.
So, shall I be saved from mine enemies.

The Lord liveth, and blessed be the Rock,
And let the God of my salvation be exalted!
The Lord liveth, and blessed be the Rock,
And let the God of my salvation be exalted!

Jesus Christ has died for me.
And He took away my sins.
Now I’ll live with Him eternally.

The Lord liveth, and blessed be the Rock,
And let the God of my salvation be exalted!
The Lord liveth, and blessed be the Rock,
And let the God of my salvation be exalted!

I will call upon the Lord.

THE LORD SPOKE (September 24)

Daily Reflections from Scripture:

Isaiah 14-16

Isaiah 14:12-15

This passage does not speak of Satan. Though that has been a common interpretation, there is no basis for it in the text itself. Consider the following:

1. The passage is addressed directly to Babylon (12:1 & 14:3) and is part of a larger unit in the prophecy of Isaiah which includes judgments of Babylon (13:1-14:23), Assyria (14:24-27), Philistia (14:28-32), Moab (15:1 - 16:13), Damascus (17:1-14)...and so forth. It is clearly in the context of God’s judgment upon the nations surrounding Israel.
2. Satan is nowhere mentioned in the text. Some would argue with that and point to “Lucifer” in vs. 12. But Lucifer isn’t in vs. 12! The Hebrew for “O morning star, son of the dawn” is hillel ben shahar, which was translated lucifer in Jerome’s Latin Vulgate in the early 5th century AD. Thus a Roman Catholic doctrine was born and found its way into the King James Version of 1611, thus twisting our theology ever since. Simply put, “Lucifer” is not a biblical name for Satan and Satan is not in Isaiah 14 except by circular reasoning.
3. Satan has not yet been cast out of heaven. It is true that the fall of Satan and other angels took place already but the Devil has not been banned from heaven. He still has access to the throne of God (Job 1:6-12; 2:1-7) and accuses the saints. In fact, the Hebrew term satan means “accuser” and from that it came to be a proper name for the Devil. He will only be cast out (banned) after the final war in heaven in Revelation 12:7-9.

No, this passage is about the wicked king of Babylon, pure and simple. Do make this comparison though...his self-exaltation stands in stark contrast to the Lord Jesus as described in Philippians 2:6-9.

Who, being in very nature God, did not consider equality with God something to be grasped, but made himself nothing, taking the very nature of a servant, being made in human likeness. And being found in appearance as a man, he humbled himself and became obedient to death - even death on a cross! Therefore God exalted him to the highest place and gave him the name that is above every name....

The king who tried to be higher than God was “brought down to the grave, to the depths of the pit” (Is. 14:15) but the King who humbled himself was exalted by the Father in Heaven. The result will be

...that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, in heaven and on earth and under the earth, and every tongue confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father. (Philippians 2:10-11)

Psalm 15-16

Priests got to “dwell in His sanctuary” and “live on His holy hill”. But could anyone else? Or is this psalm about something less physical? Might it be speaking of a personal walk with God that is so close that it may be defined as dwelling with Him? Who has that?

Certainly by application, at least, that is true. Psalm 15 employs beautiful Hebraic parallelism to give six answers to the question of who may dwell with the Lord.

1. BLAMELESS WALK - “he whose walk is blameless and who does what is righteous” (vs. 2a) - David has just told us that “there is none righteous, no not one” (Ps. 14:3) but by God’s grace we are to pursue a “walk that is blameless” (c.f. Ps. 84:11; 101:2). New Testament truth tells us of a “righteousness not our own” (Phil. 3:9; c.f. Eph. 1:4; Rom. 10:5-6).
2. TRUTHFUL TALK - “who speaks the truth from his heart and has no slander on his tongue” (vs. 2b-3a) - Literally, it says “speaks the truth in his heart”. Apart from having truth embedded in your heart, keeping slander off the tongue will be a hard task (Jas. 3:7-8 says no man can do it perfectly). When truth is found at the source, the tributaries will reflect that.
3. GOOD NEIGHBOR - “who does his neighbor no wrong and casts no slur on his fellow man” (vs. 3b) - All those around him recognize it because they’ve been the beneficiaries of his good deeds and they’ve heard him talk. They know he guards his tongue and can be trusted. His life and lip match up.
4. STRAIGHT-SHOOTER - “who despises a vile man but honors those who fear the Lord” (vs. 4a) - He doesn’t call evil, good, and is more concerned with truth and justice than with PC and CW. Those who order their lives in accordance with God’s will are his closest associates and he has nothing to do with those given over to sin.
5. PROMISE-KEEPER - “who keeps his oath even when it hurts” (vs. 4b) - He is a man of his word who can be counted on. He doesn’t just disappear when things get tough. Furthermore, he’s one who will give his word in the first place - not the kind you can never pin down, unwilling to commit to anything.
6. WISE WALLET - “who lends his money without usury and does not accept a bribe against the innocent” (vs. 5a) - He’s not a tight-wad and he can’t be bought. Money matters are in proper balance with him. He’s both generous and above reproach in the area of finances.

Now, there’s a man who reflects God in the way he lives. He dwells with God. Latch on to him!

THE LORD SPOKE (September 23)

Daily Reflections from Scripture:

Isaiah 11-13

The Day of the Lord. Never a very easy subject and especially in Isaiah where it is sometimes presented as a bright shining hope (e.g. chapters 11 & 43) and other times as a day of doom and judgment (e.g. chapters, 2, 24, & 34). The key to unlocking this difficulty is found in understanding the Hebrew concept of a day. Already in Genesis 1, we find the calculation of a day to begin with the hours of darkness. Six times it says, “there was evening, and there was morning - the _______ day”. The Jewish reckoning of a day began with the night and ended with the daylight.

So too “the Day of the Lord”. It will begin with judgment and then turn to the dawning. That is not to agree with the chorus of the well-known hymn, We’ve a Story to Tell to the Nations. There it says that “the darkness shall turn to the dawning and the dawning to noon-day bright, and Christ’s great kingdom shall come to earth....” The error of that song is it’s amillennial eschatology. The idea there is that our missionary endeavors - preaching to the nations - will bring in Christ’s kingdom.

But Scripture teaches that Christ’s kingdom will come in with great judgment upon the nations and all who have rejected Him. This is the many-times-repeated message of Isaiah, starting in Is. 2:11 & 17...

The eyes of the arrogant men will be humbled and the pride of men brought low; the Lord alone will be exalted in that day.

The book of Revelation confirms this view. Revelation 6-19 speaks of great judgment upon all the earth and her inhabitants before the glorious appearing of Christ (Rev. 9:11-16) and the establishment of His millennial kingdom on earth (Rev. 20:4-6).

Here in Isaiah 11 we read of the mid-point dawning of the Day of the Lord. The messianic introduction (Is. 11:1-5) tells of His judgment in striking the earth but then there follows a description of millennial conditions (Is. 11:6-9) and, in particular, the restoration of the remnant of Israel to the Land (Is. 11:10-16). Twice (Is. 11:10 & 11) it speaks of “that day” which will be glorious.

A most significant phrase is used in Is. 11:11. It says that God would do this “a second time”. Some would say that the first time was from Egypt (prior to Isaiah some 750 years) and the second time was in the days of Ezra (about 230 years after Isaiah). But Is. 11:11 eliminates that possibility when you consider from where the people return! They come from the four corners of the earth.

The better interpretation is that the first return in Isaiah’s prophecy happened in the days of Ezra and the second is that which is happening before our very eyes today. That leads us to the conclusion that the current return of the Jewish people to the Land of Israel is the not-yet-completed fulfillment of Isaiah’s prophecy. Note further, there will only be two such returns according to Isaiah so we should expect this one to lead into the Day of the Lord. We are not to expect or suggest that what’s happening now could all fade away and start over again at some future time - a third, fourth, or more return. No, we are seeing prophecy fulfilled in our time and the next event on God’s prophetic calendar is the return of Jesus Christ to take His Bride before the judgment of the Day of the Lord begins. Are you looking up?


Psalms 13-14

Are we there yet? Are we there yet? Are we there yet? Are we there yet?

Like a child tired of traveling in the car, David begins Psalm 13 with a whine. How long? How long? How long? How long? Four times! Should you talk to God like that? Do you?

How do you think He feels about that kind of questioning? Just as we get perturbed at our nagging child, it seems He must grow weary of listening to such whining. If the psalm did not progress and then end as it does, there would be just cause for divine disfavor. If the whining did not stop and then turn to joyful praise, there would be reason for the wrath of heaven to fall.

Psalm 13 is composed like a Richard Strauss symphony. Eine Alpensinfonie is written like a climb up a mountain side, beginning during the darkness just before dawn. The ascent takes you through a forest, by a brook, near a waterfall, and through flowery meadows. From the glacier near the summit you see rising mists and then an approaching storm. The thunder strikes and passes before a swift descent to get off the mountain before nightfall. All that with music.

David does the same with words, expressing a shift in spiritual mood:

I. In the Valley (Ps. 13: 1-2)
II. Starting to Climb (Ps. 13: 3-4)
III. At the Peak (Ps. 13: 5-6)

It describes our common experience, does it not? It’s so important that we follow through in the symphony of life and don’t stay down in the valleys. Just as David turned his eyes to the Lord and called out to Him for help, so must we. This will bring us also to say, “I trust in your unfailing love” (Ps. 13: 5).

Simply trusting every day,
Trusting through a stormy way;
Even when my faith is small,
Trusting Jesus, that is all.

Trusting as the moments fly,
Trusting as the days go by;
Trusting Him whate’er befall,
Trusting Jesus, that is all.

Singing if my way is clear,
Praying if the path be drear;
If in danger for Him call;
Trusting Jesus, that is all.

Trusting Him while life shall last,
Trusting Him till earth be past;
Till within the jasper wall,
Trusting Jesus, that is all.

                              Edgar P. Stites

THE LORD SPOKE (September 22)

Daily Reflections from Scripture:

Isaiah 9-10

It still rings joy into our hearts! The promise of a Savior to be born who will be a Wonderful Counselor, the Mighty God, the Father of Eternity, and the Prince of Peace. We didn’t need Handel to give us goose-bumps. The very “zeal of the Lord Almighty” (Is. 9:7) stirs us. To think that His government will never end and it will be characterized by absolute justice and righteousness!

But close on the heals of Isaiah’s great messianic prophecy come four repetitions of this phrase:

Yet for all this, his anger is not turned away,
his hand is still upraised.
(Is. 9:12b, 17b, 21b, and Is. 10:4a)

Why so harsh? Take a good look at Israel’s sins for which she is being judged in each of these sections:

• “pride and arrogance of heart” (Is. 9:9)
• “not returned to...nor...sought the Lord” (Is. 9:13)
• “wickedness burns like a fire” (Is. 9:18)
• “unjust...oppressive...withhold justice” (Is. 10:1-2)

Now ask yourself, am I any better? Am I not frequently guilty of the same? And more? Worse, Israel’s leaders only contributed to the apostasy. “Those who guide this people mislead them, and those who are guided are led astray” (Is. 9:16). Their leaders didn’t lead.

So God turns to wicked Assyria to punish Israel (Is. 10:5-6). Assyria, of course, thinks she’s in control and plans to use such power to personal advantage (Is. 10:7). How foolish! In the end, God judges Assyria even more (Is. 10:12,16-19). That part of the prophecy has happened. Assyria has been wiped out. It is no more. We look at some of the pitiful evidence in museums today. Such is the nation that forgets God.

And so the attention turns back to Israel in chapter ten. A remnant will finally “truly rely on the Lord” (Is. 10:20). They will “return to the Mighty God” (Is. 10:21) and the “burden will be lifted from [their] shoulders” (Is. 10:27). And another amazingly encouraging prophecy follows - chapter eleven and the “shoot from the stump of Jesse” which becomes the Righteous Branch.

If we did not have a God of mercy, where would we be? It is “because of the LORD's great love [“mercies”, KJV] we are not consumed, for his compassions never fail. They are new every morning; great is your faithfulness” (Lam. 3:22). Aren’t you glad? Tell Him so.


Psalm 11-12

Have you ever heard voices saying to you, “Flee like a bird to your mountain” (Ps. 11:1)? Has the temptation ever struck you to fly away when things start to get tough? When it feels like the foundations are crumbling (Ps. 11:3), have you wanted to beat it, skip town, fly the coop, cut and run, hightail it out of Dodge, make a fast getaway, skedaddle, or make yourself scarce?

David was, no doubt, tempted along similar lines many times but he came up with a better solution. He decided that, “In the Lord I take refuge” (Ps. 11:1). The problem with flying away to a mountain retreat is that it doesn’t solve the real problem. You carry that away with you in your own heart. You might even find a way to get away, but if you don’t know how to give your troubles over to the Lord, you just take them into your refuge with you.

So, David’s way is best. Cast yourself upon the Lord, trust in Him, and find your refuge in His presence.

• don’t listen to bad advice (Ps. 11:1b)
• don’t pay attention to the enemy’s threats (Ps. 11: 2a)
• don’t focus on the shadows (Ps. 11: 2b)
• don’t trust in the wrong things (Ps. 11: 3)
• don’t think that you need to, or can, take things into your own hands and wrestle them straight (Ps. 11: 5)

God is always watching. His eyes are on your every way. He is looking at you, so if you look to Him you “will see his face” (Ps. 11:7). That’s a promise!

The Lord's our Rock, in Him we hide;
A shelter in the time of storm.
Secure whatever ill betide;
A shelter in the time of storm.

A shade by day; defense by night;
A shelter in the time of storm.
No fears alarm, no foes affright;
A shelter in the time of storm.

The raging storms may round us beat;
A shelter in the time of storm.
We'll never leave our safe retreat;
A shelter in the time of storm.

O Rock divine, O Refuge dear;
A shelter in the time of storm.
Be Thou our helper ever near;
A shelter in the time of storm.

THE LORD SPOKE (September 21)

Daily Reflections from Scripture:

Old Testament: Isaiah 6-8

“The Lord spoke” (Is. 8:11)

If He doesn’t speak, you can’t hear Him. But just because He speaks is no guarantee that you’ll hear Him. What must be done to hear Him when He speaks?

1. Be in the right place where you can hear Him when He speaks. For us today that will mean the daily listening post of personal devotions - a regular, consistent time when you expect Him to speak to you through His word. It should also mean a weekly listening post where you can corporately listen to His voice and mutually encourage one another to obey. We call it “church”.
2. Be with the right people so His voice is not lost in the clutter and clatter. Friends can help or hinder the voice of God in our lives. Make sure you choose the right friends. (Notice the rest of Isaiah 8:11.) The starting place would be with other believers.
3. Be in the right position to act upon His words. You need the right disposition so you don’t find yourself in opposition to Him. God might have to get your attention by imposition or deposition. So pre-position yourself with the supposition that you will always conform to the exposition of Scripture. Translation: “humble yourself under God’s mighty hand” (I Pet. 5:6).

“The Lord spoke to me” (Is. 8:11)

Did you notice? The prophet made it very personal and you can/should too. He was told, “do not follow” the popular way (8:11) and “do not fear” the peoples’ phobias (8:12). God is a sanctuary (8:14a) - a place of refuge and protection - for those who regard Him as holy (8:13). To the contrary, He is a stumbling stone (8:14b) or a snare (8:14c) to entrap those who refuse to do so.

“The Lord spoke to me with his strong hand upon me” (Is. 8:11)

If you want some real encouragement try tracking that idea in the ministry of Ezra! It’s found six times in Ezra 7 and 8. Do you sense God’s strong hand upon you? If you ever have, you’ll not want to live without it!


Psalm 9-10

What will happen to the man who forgets God?

• Ps. 9:3 - he will miss the trail (“turn back”, “stumble”, “perish”)
• Ps. 9:5 - he will go over the cliff (“rebuked”, “destroyed”, “blotted out”)
• Ps. 9:6 - his search team will give up (“ruin[ed]”, “uprooted”, “perished”)
• Ps. 9:15-16 - he will fall into his own traps (“fall into the pit”, “caught in the net”, “ensnared”)
• Ps. 9:17-20 - he will eventually lose all hope of rescue (“return to the grave”, “judged”, “struck with terror”)

But what will happen to the man who remembers the Lord?

• Ps. 9:2 - he will go on his way singing (“be glad”, “rejoice”)
• Ps. 9:4 - he will stay on track (“upheld my right and my cause”)
• Ps. 9:9 - he will reach the cabin before the story (“a refuge”, “a stronghold”)
• Ps. 9:10 - he will always see some tracks on the trail ahead (“trust”, “never forsaken”)
• Ps. 9:11 - he will have great stories to tell around the campfire (“sing praises”, “proclaim”)

What does God do in the meantime?

• Ps. 9:1,4 - He established all the trails in the first place and He’s still making new ones (“all your wonders”, “sat on your thrown”)
• Ps. 9:7-8 - He puts up the signs and trail markers (“reigns”, “established”, “govern”)
• Ps. 9:10,12 - He maintains them and has His own safety patrol system (“never forsaken those who seek”, “does not ignore their cries”)
• Ps. 9:19-20 - He expects and gets full compliance (“judge”, “strike”, “let them know”)

It’s a good trail! There are some dangerous and scarey parts but it leads through some of the most spectacular scenery to be found. The signs and sounds in the valleys are no less awe-inspiring than the alpine meadows and craggy peaks as you approach the summit. The panoramic vista from on top is worth it all. You’re a lot closer to Heaven up there. The trail is less worn up there but it’s well-marked if you know how to follow the signs.

THE LORD SPOKE (September 20)

Daily Reflections from Scripture:

Isaiah 3-5

The Song of the Vineyard (Is. 5:1-7)

The farmer’s love for his land is described in this pointed piece of prophetic poetry and applied to the description of God’s love for Israel. By application, we may see ourselves here too.

To start, Isaiah describes the planning and hard work that goes into creating an excellent vineyard. Great care and no little expense is coupled with huge effort and on-going labor to obtain the desired result - “a crop of good grapes” (Is. 5:2b, 4b). In an attempt to guarantee these results, the vinedresser makes sure his vineyard is:

• well-located (“on a fertile hillside”, Is. 5:1b) - good drainage, proper soil, will catch the morning sun
• properly cultivated (“cleared it of stones”, Is. 5:2a) - ever noticed how many stones there are on the Israeli landscape?
• best seed/starts (“planted it with the choicest vines”, Is. 5:2b)
• protected (“built a watchtower in it”, Is. 5: 2c, “hedge...wall”, Is. 5:5b) - essential to keep the top soil from washing downhill, to keep out animals, and to stop thieving invaders
• easily serviced (“cut out a winepress”, Is. 5:2d)
• properly maintained (“pruned...cultivated...[no] briers and thorns”, Is. 5:6)

Having done all that, the farmer sits back and waits expectantly for the desired results. But they don’t come. In fact, it’s worse than that. Contrary to all reasonable expectations, the fruit is enough to turn your stomach.

In case anyone misses the point, Isaiah spells it out in verse seven. This is a parable about Yahweh’s relationship to Israel, “the garden of his delight”. After all He has done for His chosen people they should now be producing the sweet fruits of righteousness. Given the effort that has gone into them, He has every right to expect better results.

The author uses a double Hebrew pun to express the miserable produce in the closing scene (Is. 5:7b):

He looked for justice [mishpat], but saw bloodshed [mishpah];
for righteousness [tzdakah], but heard cries of distress [tza’akah].

Are we any better? When you consider all that the Lord has done for us, doesn’t He have every right to expect more return on His labor? Like the old chorus says,

After all He’s done for me, After all He’s done for me,
How can I do less than give Him my best,
And live for Him completely,
After all He’s done for me?


Psalm 7-8

Psalm 8 begins, as everything should, with THE MAJESTY OF GOD (Ps. 8:1-3). In the opening verses we’re reminded that this may be observed “in all the earth” and even “above the heavens”. His glory fills the creation so that, no matter where we turn, we are reminded of Him.

He is Praise-Worthy. All creation points to His majesty. Even from the mouth of infants, God has “ordained praise” (Ps. 8: 2). Literally, the text says He has “established strength”. Every single element of creation proclaims His glory and contributes to His greatness. Even the smallest child knows that there is a God and is prepared (by God) to respond to Him. Unfortunately, as he “grows up” he becomes steeled to that and denies the very existence of God.

He is Powerful. When we pause to consider any part of God’s creation, we are immediately impressed with His omnipotence. Romans 1:20 and Psalm 19 tell us that this general revelation about Him is available to all men so that “they are without excuse”. But, creation is limited in what it reveals. Man can know that God exists and that He is powerful. Yet, that is enough that man is held accountable. From that starting point, man is responsible to God. Thereafter, special or more specific information has been made available to him through God’s self-revelation in Scripture.

Two things should result from this knowledge: we will see (1) the magnificent glory of God, and (you would expect) this would result in seeing (2) the miserable littleness of man. But the middle of the psalm surprises us a bit with THE MAJESTY OF MAN (Ps. 8: 4-8). His majesty is, to be sure, a derived majesty. It is the result of the imago dei which is stamped upon him. Therefore, even this truth is still in praise of the Creator!

He is given Purpose. God has “crowned him” and “made him ruler” over His creation. Man is not just some little “king of the mountain”; he is literally the “king of the earth”. Ever since the Garden of Eden, he has been the “keeper of the garden” but he is also given dominion over all the earth. This is both a privilege and a heavy responsibility. It involves both domesticated animals and wild animals. It should drive us to formulate a biblical theology of the environment. It can even give us a theology of hunting and fishing! As Spurgeon said, “Every dish of fish and fowl that comes to our table is an example of this dominion man has over the works of God’s hands.”

He is given Power. God has “put everything under him”. Though he is “lower than the angels” in creation (they are immortal), when time is over he’ll be higher because he will be glorified. For now, he is to exercise his dominion.

The psalm returns to the opening thought: “how majestic is your name in all the earth” or, as Nehemiah expressed it:

Blessed be your glorious name, and may it be exalted above all blessing and praise. You alone are the LORD. You made the heavens, even the highest heavens, and all their starry host, the earth and all that is on it, the seas and all that is in them. You give life to everything, and the multitudes of heaven worship you. (Neh. 9:5-6)

THE LORD SPOKE (September 19)

Daily Reflections from Scripture:

Isaiah 1-2

“Stop bringing meaningless offerings.” (Is. 1:13)

It’s not too hard to picture that with hundreds of bleating sheep around, buckets of blood underfoot, and the pungent aroma of burnt flesh filling the air. How quickly did it move from the sacrifice of a lamb to the slaughter of a lot? As so often occurs, we think, “one is good - a bunch is gooder” and God cries out “Stop!”

I have had more than enough of burnt offerings....
I have no pleasure in the blood of bulls and lambs and goats....
Stop bringing meaningless offerings! (Is. 1:11-12)

The point of the sacrifices (ordained by God!) was never merely to multiply the bloodshed. Man invariably goes for the wrong application and then overdoes it in his zeal. God says, “without the shedding of blood there is no remission of sins” (Heb. 9:22) so we get out the butcher knife and start slicing jugular veins. The more the merrier and soon the misplaced emphasis becomes a cover-up. In our frenzy we miss the main point - clearing up the sin problem in our relationship with God. It’s like we never miss a chance to miss a chance.

We’re still doing it today. Frantic last-minute preparation, a frenzy of “church stuff”, the flurry of spiritual activity and God-words. Where’s the substance? God says, “I’ve had enough” (Is. 1:11a), “I have no pleasure” in it (Is. 1:11b), “stop” (Is. 1:13a), “I cannot bear it” (Is. 1:13b), “I am weary” (Is. 1:14), “I will hide my eyes” (Is. 1:15a), and “I will not listen” (Is. 1:15b).

So what is the answer?

STOP! Stop the meaningless activity. Not, stop all activity - it was still necessary to shed blood for the remission of sins. But, slow down the squirrel cage a little. Cut out the ineffectual activity-for-activity’s-sake stuff.

LOOK! - Get your eyes back on the Lord. Get back to making the main point the main point! Fix your stare on Him. Like Peter, you’ll sink if you take your eyes off Him.

LISTEN! “Let us reason together...for the mouth of the Lord has spoken” (Is. 1:18,20). Are you hearing His voice anymore? He wrote it down for you so you could always find your way back. Are you reading it long enough and deeply enough so you can hear Him?


Psalm 5-6

In the morning, O Lord, you hear my voice. In the morning I lay my requests before you and wait in expectation. (Ps. 5:3)

Think about it for a minute: what do these people all have in common? Abraham, Moses, Joshua, David, Solomon, Isaiah, Jeremiah, and Jesus.

Answer? They all “rose up early in the morning” on three or more occasions (recorded in Scripture) to meet with God. There are 14 others mentioned in the Bible who did it at least once. Next question: Are you detecting a pattern here? Do you think that you can do better than these people? Or, maybe would you say that their example might be a good thing to follow?

Why is it that getting up early in the morning is such a good way to meet with God?

1. You demonstrate the value you place on meeting with Him. You have to make some effort in order for it to work out. You probably have to set an alarm. Maybe you need to go to bed a little earlier the night before. The Bible calls it “vanity” to waste your sleep. “In vain you rise early and stay up late, toiling for food to eat - for he grants sleep to those he loves” (Ps. 127:2).
2. You give him the “first fruits” of your day. You give him your best time, when you’re fresh and before other thoughts and plans begin to crowd into your day. It’s clear that He’s not just an afterthought in your planning. “I love those who love me, and those who seek me early [the Hebrew word comes from shahar, “dawn”] will find me” (Prov. 8:17).
3. There are fewer distractions. One nice thing about getting up early in the morning is that you’ll probably be alone. Things are quieter. The phone’s not ringing. The TV and the radio are still off (or should be!). You’ll have some time before the noises of life begin to take over.
4. There’s a better chance that you’ll have Him with you for the rest of the day. It’s less likely that you’ll miss the trail if you get started right. “O God, you are my God, earnestly [there’s that word, “early” or “dawn” again] will I seek you; my soul thirsts for you, my body longs for you, in a dry and weary land where there is no water” (Ps. 63:1).

So, would you like to be like Abraham, Moses, Joshua, David, Solomon, Isaiah, Jeremiah, and Jesus? Here’s a good way to get started.

THE LORD SPOKE (September 18)

Daily Reflections from Scripture:

Song of Solomon 6-8

This book does not teach us what true marital love is all about from God’s perspective. If that were the case, why is Solomon the chief character? He’s hardly the pattern of monogamous marriage that we ought to follow!

Song of Solomon 8:6-7 provides the key to understanding the book. To begin with, from the Hebrew language we can determine that the speaker here is a female and she is addressing her lover. It’s probably the Shulamite speaking to a third person in the story - not to Solomon. Though her friends had encouraged her to give in to the king’s offers of love (chapter 3, wouldn’t she have “had it made”?), she returned to her shepherd whom she had courted with affection previously. The love the two had for each other became Solomon’s lesson on love. What his wealth could not purchase nor his power persuade, he was left to observe from a distance. By the Spirit of God, he was able to record these words:

Place me like a seal over your heart, like a seal on your arm;
for love is as strong as death, its jealousy unyielding as the grave
It burns like blazing fire, like the very flame of the LORD.
Many waters cannot quench love; rivers cannot wash it away.
If one were to give all the wealth of his house for love,
it would be utterly scorned.

Marital love is meant by God to be:

• intimate - “roused” (vs. 5)
• invincible - “a seal over your heart”
• intense - “love is as strong as death”, “like a blazing fire”
• indestructible - “unyielding as the grave...cannot quench...[or] wash it away”
• ineluctable (Webster: “not to be avoided, changed, or resisted”, from “struggle clear of”)

That last one is an important lesson for the 21st century. Too many today are unwilling or unable to commit. People are getting married much later in life and, even then, many enter it as a contractual relationship, rather than a covenantal relationship. Second marriages will almost invariably struggle in this area. We’re afraid to get burned twice so we hold back. Frankly, on a first marriage you’re afraid to get burned and may tend to hold back there too. But a genuine, God-honoring marriage must be characterized by total openness and trust.

That’s what the Shulamite had with her shepherd and she wasn’t about to give it up, even for the palace of the king. Solomon found out that even “all the wealth of his house” wasn’t enough to buy real love. And so the wisest man on earth had to find out what true marital love is all about from a young maiden on a Judean hillside.


Psalm 3-4

I will lie down and sleep in peace, for you alone, O Lord, make me dwell in safety. (Ps. 4:8)

What a wonderful gift is sleep. And it is a gift. From God! Scripture tells us that God gives his beloved sleep (Ps. 127:2) but He Himself does not slumber or sleep (Ps. 121:4) because He is watching over us continually.

SLEEP IS A DAILY REMINDER OF OUR FRAILTY. We daily wear out and need to be refreshed and restored by a period of sleep. Our need for sleep catches us up short and reminds us that we are not all-powerful. Our physical tiredness often results in low resistance to both sin and sickness. We become short-tempered and grouchy, or worse. Our body may succumb to germs more easily because our physical guards are weakened. Our need for sleep is a constant reminder that we have limitations.

SLEEP IS A DAILY GIFT FROM GOD. Though you might even manage to go a night or two without sleep, it’s not easy, nor common, nor good for you. God gives us sleep every day to restore our strength, to refresh our mind, to repair our body, and to allow us peace even in turmoil (look up Prov. 3:24). You can ask Him for this! Be aware though. Sleep can be abused. It’s wrong to get too little but it’s also wrong to get too much. Proverbs 6:1-11 give us two cases where it’s wrong to sleep: (1) when you have an unfixed problem, and (2) when you should be getting your work done (c.f. Prov. 10:5; 20:13; 24:33-34). You need to determine your own optimal amount. Do this by going to bed at a decent hour and waking up without an alarm clock over a period of several days. After you’ve gotten over the initial fluctuations, calculate how many hours you normally need. Then start using an alarm to get up every day at that optimal point. Don’t sleep more and don’t sleep less on a regular basis.

SLEEP IS A DAILY OPPORTUNITY TO EXAMINE OUR HEARTS BEFORE GOD. As you first hit the pillow each night you have a perfect opportunity to review the day just past and to plan for tomorrow. As you do so, speak to God. Confess your sins and commit your way to Him. Nothing on earth will be a better preparation for sleeping than that.

God knows how to give good gifts. He seems to have the perfect gift for every occasion and this is one of His best!

THE LORD SPOKE (September 17)

Daily Reflections from Scripture:

Song of Solomon 1-5

It’s not about Jesus. The opening phrase and everything in it tells us that this book is about Solomon. Either he wrote it or it was written to/for/about him. The Hebrew preposition in the first verse can be taken as “belonging to” in the sense that he wrote it or that it was written by someone else and dedicated to him. Either is a legitimate understanding of the syntax. King Solomon is actually named seven times in the book (1:1,5; 3:7,9,11; 8:11,12) and several other references to “the king” may be found but none say specifically that he wrote the book.

But, in any case, it’s not about Christ and the Church. Maybe, maybe a stretch could be made and an application to God’s love for Israel could be found, as in the book of Hosea. But definitely not Christ and the Church.

The book best fits into the category of ancient “wisdom literature”. It is, pure and simple, a love song about a young maiden’s attachment to her out-doorsy shepherd lover. She rejects Solomon’s enticements to bring her into his royal harem. The most probable allegorical application is to an amorous relationship with wisdom, much like the descriptions found in Proverbs 5,6,7 and Job 28. The sensuous imagery in these lyrics of love depict the anguish and ecstasy of wisdom. Such literature is commonly found in ancient Egypt, Babylon, and other Semitic sources.

Both love and wisdom, two of God’s great gifts to mankind, draw man with the subtlety and mystery of a woman’s allurements. (Notice that it is primarily a woman’s voice speaking throughout the book.) Both relationships are intended to be:

• spontaneous - “do not arouse or awaken love until it so desires (2:7)
• exclusive - “my lover is mine and I am his” (2:16a)
• explored - “browsing among the lilies” (2:16b)
• pursued - “I will search for the one I love” (3:2)
• enjoyed - as a garden of delights (4:12-16)
• experimented - “taste its choice fruits” (4:16b)

Such should be our delight both in physical love and in the pursuit of God’s wisdom. Both are gifts from Him, intended for our pleasure. Both have restrictions and limitations. Neither is perfect this side of heaven. But both can be experienced with reverent joy that fulfills a part of God’s purpose for us.


Psalm 1-2

Note: The Scripture readings are part of a yearly calendar designed to get you through the entire Bible in one year. Until yesterday, there was a passage from the Old Testament and another from the New Testament. With the completion of the book of Revelation, the second reading is now a repeat of Psalms and Proverbs for the remainder of the year. A copy may be obtained by request.

“Walk...stand...sit.” It’s a progression all too familiar to us, isn’t it? What we read in Psalm 1:1 is what we experience when we dabble with sin.

We begin by casual meandering. Without any specific intention, we walk without clear direction and begin to pick up “the counsel of the wicked”. Imperceptibly at first, we imbibe some of that way of thinking. The world’s solutions don’t sound too bad and we begin to think that way ourselves.

Before we realize it, we’ve adopted a new position. We’ve come to where we stand smack in the middle of “the way of sinners”. Little or nothing identifies us as anything different from the world. It’s just a short step to sit down and unwittingly we’re right there in “the seat of the mockers”. We’re just one of the boys at the office. We’re just as catty as the other girls during the coffee break. Nothing distinguishes us as belonging to Christ. The other kids at school think (because that’s what we told them) that we just go to church because Mom and Dad make us.

How different is this man of Psalm 1. He’s separated from the world because he’s saturated by the Word. His delight is in the Scriptures and it’s there that he finds his sustenance. It’s what keeps him going. It’s the only thing that keeps him going. It’s a stream of refreshing water to him. It’s the fruit that nourishes him and keeps him from withering.

When he compares his life to what the world has to offer, it’s a no-brainer. That life is like just so much fluff. One puff will blow it off. When it comes to examination time, it won’t even give you one foot to stand on. It will leave you alone and out in the cold. What little satisfaction it can offer is entirely in this lifetime and is fleeting. Even if you can manage to grab some of it, it will slip through your fingers and smash to smithereens. In the end, it offers only death.

In stark contrast, “the way of the righteous” has the eye and the blessing of the Lord. He is fully aware of those who walk therein and is looking to bless them. Remember? “Blessed is the man....”

O Master, let me walk with Thee,
In lowly paths of service free;
Tell me thy secret; help me bear
The strain of toil, the fret of care.

Help me the slow of heart to move
By some clear, winning word of love;
Teach me the wayward feet to stay,
And guide them in the homeward way.

Teach me thy patience; still with Thee
In closer, dearer company,
In work that keeps faith sweet and strong,
In trust that triumphs over wrong,

In hope that sends a shining ray
Far down the future's broadening way,
In peace that only Thou canst give,
With thee, O Master, let me live.

THE LORD SPOKE (September 16)

Daily Reflections from Scripture:

Old Testament: Ecclesiastes 10-12

Growing old brings...

• sadness - “I find no pleasure” (Eccl. 12:1c)
• dullness - “the sun...grows dark” (Eccl. 12:2a)
• incontinence - “the clouds return after the rain” (Eccl. 12:2b)
• tremors - “the keepers of the house tremble” (Eccl. 12:3a)
• curvature - “the strong men stoop” (Eccl. 12:3a)
• toothlessness - “the grinders cease because they are few” (Eccl. 12:3b)
• blindness - “those looking out the windows grow dim” (Eccl. 12:3c)
• constipation - “the doors to the street are closed” (Eccl. 12:4a)
• stomach ailments - “the sound of grinding fades” (Eccl. 12:4b)
• sleeplessness - “rise up at the sound of birds” (Eccl. 12:4c)
• deafness - “all their songs grow faint” (Eccl. 12:4d)
• phobias - “afraid of ________” (Eccl. 12:5a)
• impotence - “almond tree...grasshopper...desire is no longer stirred” (Eccl. 12:5b)

Not a very pleasing prospect - growing old. When the parts start to fail and things break down, age comes creeping in and begins to claim ever more ground. What can you do about it?

1. Treasure your vigor now. Enjoy what God has given you today. That’s, for sure, one of the main messages of the book of Ecclesiastes.
2. Don’t let yourself grow old before your time. Stay active. Atrophy is the result of disuse.
3. Keep your mind sharp even as your body slows down. Read good books that make you think. Talk to interesting people who sharpen your senses. Get yourself a good hobby.
4. Serve others. No matter how decrepit you are, there’s someone else who’s worse off (after all, you’re not dead yet!).
5. Look forward to future events. Imagine the joy of sitting down around the table with everybody at Thanksgiving. Dream of having all the kids around for opening presents on Christmas. Dream of that fishing trip in the spring.
6. Do just what Solomon tells you to do in this chapter - remember now your Creator. You’re probably going to see Him sooner than the rest of us. Are you ready for that?

New Testament: Revelation 22

“Even so, come, Lord Jesus!” Is that the cry of your heart? Or do you find yourself attached to this world in such a way that it’s hard to give it up? Like a bit of metal caught between two magnets, which has the greater pull upon you? Which will win?

This chapter contains the sixth and the seventh beatitudes of Revelation. “Blessed is he who keeps the words of the prophecy in this book” (Rev. 22:7) echos the promise of Revelation 1:3 and reminds us that this book was never meant to sit on the shelf. “Keeping prophecy” involves an important series of steps:

1. hear it - listen to the words and pay attention to the details
2. think it - try to get the big picture and understand the components
3. believe it - hold to it, don’t doubt, accept even what you don’t understand
4. anticipate it - watch expectantly for the signs of its fulfillment
5. impart it - tell others, share the anticipation, be the means of drawing another myriad to the Master

The last beatitude is a reminder to be ready. “Blessed are those who wash their robes” (Rev. 22:14). Earlier in the book (Rev. 7:14) we’re told of those who wash their robes in the blood of the Lamb. This is the cleansing agent that washes whiter than snow. It grants two privileges: entrance through the celestial gates into the city and access to the tree of life. Cut off by our sin since Adam’s fall, we are finally purged of our sin nature and allowed to reenter Eden.

Three times in this chapter Jesus reminds us that he is coming. In fact, all three times He says, “I am coming soon” (Rev. 22:7,12,20). Are you watching? Are you ready to fly away? Have you washed your robe? Could your next step be through those gates made of pearl?

This world is not my home, I'm just passing through.
My treasures are laid up somewhere beyond the blue.
The angels beckon me from Heaven's open door
And I can't feel at home in this world anymore.

O Lord you know I have no friend like you.
If Heaven's not my home then Lord what will I do?
The angels beckon me from Heaven's open door
And I can't feel at home in this world anymore.

Just up in Glory Land we'll live eternally.
The saints on every hand are shouting victory.
Their song of sweetest praise drifts back from Heaven's shore
And I can't feel at home in this world anymore.

THE LORD SPOKE (September 15)

Daily Reflections from Scripture:

Old Testament: Ecclesiastes 7-9

Do not say, “Why were the old days better than these?” For it is not wise to ask such questions. Ecclesiastes 7:10

“Back in the good ol’ days...”
When I was a kid, we...”
“It didn’t used to be that way!”

Have you heard things like that before? Have you said them yourself? God’s Word in Ecclesiastes tells us it’s not wise to make such comparisons all the time. Oh, it’s okay to reminisce. The Bible has lots to say about remembering the past. But always comparing the present unfavorably to the past is not a smart thing to do. Here’s why:

1. It’s probably not even true. Check out your facts, you may not be remembering so well. Or, maybe you’re operating under a selective memory. Was it really so good back then?
2. It discourages the young folks. They get tired of hearing about it. They don’t really believe you anyway.
3. It widens the gap between the young and the old. You lose touch with them because they feel you’re out of touch with reality.
4. It leads you to live in the past. That’s always wrong. It destroys what you could be accomplishing in the present and never lets you look to the future.
5. If feeds your discontent. You get grumpy when you do that. You always feel dissatisfied and it rubs off on others around you.
6. It causes you to under-value or not appreciate fully the present. You end up missing out on what could be good times right now.
7. It results in a fantasy world. If it was really as good as you say it was, would you go back to it if you could?

Asaph gave us some useful advise in the Psalms, that will help to put our thinking about the past in a better balance...

I thought about the former days, the years of long ago; I remembered my songs in the night. My heart mused and my spirit inquired: Will the Lord reject forever? Will he never show his favor again? Has his unfailing love vanished forever? Has his promise failed for all time? Has God forgotten to be merciful? Has he in anger withheld his compassion?

Then I thought, “To this I will appeal: the years of the right hand of the Most High. I will remember the deeds of the Lord; yes, I will remember your miracles of long ago. I will meditate on all your works and consider all your mighty deeds. (Psalm 77:5-12)

Solomon’s own advice in today’s Scripture selection is still very valid for our day...

So I commend the enjoyment of life, because nothing is better for a man under the sun than to eat and drink and be glad. Then joy will accompany him in his work all the days of the life God has given him under the sun. Ecclesiastes 8:15

New Testament: Revelation 21

The curse has run its course! Everything is new. Take note of everything that “is no more”:

Rev. 21:1 - no more sea
Rev. 21:4 - no more tears
- no more death
- no more mourning
- no more crying
- no more pain
Rev. 21:8 - no more cowardliness
- no more unbelief
- no more vileness
- no more murder
- no more sexual immorality
- no more magic arts
- no more idolatry
- no more lies
Rev. 21:22 - no more temple
Rev. 21:23 - no more sun
- no more moon
Rev. 21:25 - no more closed gates
Rev. 21:27 - no more impurity
- no more shame
- no more deceit
Rev. 22:3 - no more curse
Rev. 22:5 - no more night

There will be a new heaven and a new earth. Have you ever tried to take a mental walk around the new Jerusalem? She is “as a bride, beautifully dressed for her husband”. Consider that glow like a precious jewel. Look at her twelve gates with angels standing at each one. On each one is written the name of one of the twelve tribes of Israel (can you name them?). On the foundations of the wall are written the names of the twelve apostles (can you recite them?). Everything is of purest gold. Every possible kind of precious stone has been incorporated in the structures with a majestic display of light and color that baffles the imagination.

But look at the gates! Each one is an enormous pearl with an opalescence that reflects a new kind of light. There’s no sun or moon but the light you see is the very glory of God. The Lamb is the lamp!

Oh, glory! No wonder John ends the next chapter and the book with “just take me away”. “Even so, come Lord Jesus!”

THE LORD SPOKE (September 14)

Daily Reflections from Scripture:

Old Testament: Ecclesiastes 4-6

You probably won’t have more than one at a time. And you may go through long dry spells when you won’t have even one. But it should be your objective to find that one. Chances are, it will be your mate. In fact, once you have a mate, it will be complicated to have another one of these. A close friend.

Even Jesus had a special friend among many friends. Besides the seventy, he had twelve who were especially close to him. He spent more time and had more intimate contact with three of those twelve but, even then, there was one who was known as “the disciple whom Jesus loved”. We can do no better. It’s okay to have several, even many, friends. But it’s essential to have one special friend upon whom we can lean. By the way, we also need to have someone lean on us too. Both to lean on us for our correction and to lean on us for our support. We need that. It’s as important to give as it is to take in a genuine friendship.

In all probability, that one special friend will be the mate God gives you. In most cases it would be difficult to have a mate and another special friend who is equally close. We’re just not made that way - either to divide our intimate attention between two or to allow our best friend to have another best friend. That’s a contradiction in terms. Best no longer means best if there is more than one object.

One of the main reasons for having a best friend is explained in our reading today:

Two are better than one, because they have a good return for their work: If one falls down, his friend can help him up! Also, if two lie down together, they will keep warm. But how can one keep warm alone? Though one may be overpowered, two can defend themselves. A cord or three strands is not quickly broken. Ecclesiastes 4:9-12

When one is down, the other can pick him up. Tomorrow, the reverse may be true. One’s strengths compliment those of the other. A genuine friend knows when to talk to you and when to shut up. A genuine friend knows what you need to hear and how to get you to listen, even when you don’t really want to hear it. A genuine friend doesn’t give up on you. Even when you blow up, he keeps on listening. He loves you enough to confront you. “Faithful are the wounds of a friend” (Prov. 27:6, KJV - the NIV says they “can be trusted”).

Take a look at the missionary teams formed in the Book of Acts. Sometimes they’re larger or smaller but they usually include three main components:

• a Paul - the dynamic leader, up front, speaking out, making mistakes, forging ahead
• a Barnabas - the grey-haired counselor, encouraging, calming down, correcting mistakes
• a Timothy - the young disciple, learning by observing, making his own mistakes

Together, they make an unbeatable team. In fact, they rub off on others who do more of the same (II Timothy 2:2). Even 2000 years later.


New Testament: Revelation 20

If something is said once in the Bible, that surely settles it. But if it’s repeated six times, should we not sit up and take notice? So how, pray tell, can an amillennialist look God in the eye and say there’s no such thing as a Millennium?

Nothing could be more clear or more absolute from Revelation 20 than the truth of a 1000-year period during which:

Rev. 20:2 - Satan will be bound
Rev. 20:3 - the nations will be freed from his deceit
Rev. 20:4 - Jesus Christ will reign
Rev. 20:6 - those resurrected beforehand will reign with Him

and after which:

Rev. 20:5 - many other saints will be resurrected
Rev. 20:7 - Satan will be released for a short time (c.f. Rev. 20:3)

So, how can an amillennialist deny that? Only by resorting to a non-literal interpretation. Only by ignoring the prophecies of Isaiah. And Zechariah. And Daniel. And a host of other passages of Scripture. Only by denying the biblical distinction between Israel and the Church. How else can all those prophecies regarding Israel’s future kingdom be ripped out of their context and misapplied to the Church? By spiritualizing, allegorizing, and mythologizing you can make them say anything you want.

But the fact is, they say “one thousand years”. And they say it emphatically.

By the end of the chapter, an awesome crescendo rises before a great white throne. The very earth and sky flee away. Myriads stand before the throne as the Book of Life is opened. The righteous Judge of all creation has the last word. The curse will have run its course and everything is new thereafter. The end of time has come.

When all my labors and trials are o’er,
And I am safe on that beautiful shore,
Just to be near the dear Lord I adore,
Will through the ages be glory for me.

O that will be glory for me,
Glory for me, glory for me,
When by His grace I shall look on His face,
That will be glory, be glory for me.

When, by the gift of His infinite grace,
I am accorded in heaven a place,
Just to be there and to look on His face,
Will through the ages be glory for me.

THE LORD SPOKE (September 13)

Daily Reflections from Scripture:

Old Testament: Ecclesiastes 1-3

The 60's produced a lot of it. We were reading Camus and Sarte. We listened to Timothy Leary as he offered his solution. Vietnam pushed more than a few over the edge. We filled our numbed heads with black lights, rock music, marijuana, and psychedelic thoughts. We burned our bras and our draft cards. We tuned in, turned on, and dropped out. We thought we were cool (back then it was “groovy”) but when we looked out our kaleidoscope eyes we saw that “there is nothing new under the sun” (Eccl. 1:9) and we concluded, like Solomon, that it was all “Meaningless! Meaningless! Utterly meaningless! Everything is meaningless” (Eccl. 1:2).

So in the 70's and 80's we “undertook great projects” (Eccl. 2:4). Some of us inherited a bunch from Mom and Dad and thought that was great. Some of us got jobs and worked hard. And we played harder. We settled down in “the burbs”. Like Solomon, we filled our garages with toys. But all the stuff didn’t make us happier. Like Solomon, we found ourselves saying:

I denied myself nothing my eyes desired;
I refused my heart no pleasure.
My heart took delight in all my work,
and this was the reward for all my labor.
Yet when I surveyed all that my hands had done
and what I had toiled to achieve,
everything was meaningless, a chasing after the wind;
nothing was gained under the sun. (Eccl. 2:10-11)

By Y2K we had found our niche and were pretty comfortable. The new millennium gave us a momentary thrill of expectancy but when that non-event was over we settled back and started coasting downhill. The grandkids make us peddle a little occasionally and we can get excited if our team makes it to the playoffs. The World Series was pretty good and the football game has our attention right now. But mainly we’re coasting.

Spiritually the story is identical. We “rededicated” our lives to God at camp. For awhile we were making some plans to go to the mission field. We maybe even made it as far as Bible college. But then the buts started. We had to pay off the school bills. Of course we needed to have a place to live and that lousy apartment was no good so we took on house payments because “at least we’ll have some equity later and won’t just throw our money away on rent”. With both of us working we needed two cars and there’s no sense in buying someone else’s problems so if we get a new car at least one will be dependable. Besides, we’re both working now so we should be able to make those payments. Then the kids started to be born and life got more difficult. So we just put five bucks in the plate for the missionaries and started coasting.

So, is that really all there is? Is this as good as it gets? Are we having fun yet? What’s the point? If you stop reading in Ecclesiastes you’ll mostly be left with those questions unanswered. OK, Solomon does bring it back around by chapter twelve and give us some answers. But he’s sure no example for finishing strong. Read through the Gospels and see if there isn’t a better reason for living. Acts and the epistles will flesh that out for you. If you make it to Revelation, you’ll get eternity’s values in view.

To what are you giving your life? Is it worth living for?


New Testament: Revelation 19

“Blessed are those who are invited to the wedding supper of the Lamb” (Rev. 19:9). This is the fourth of seven beatitudes in the book (c.f. 1:3; 14:13; 16:15; 20:6; 22:7,14). “Blessed” means much more than “happy” though it could be translated that way. It describes the deep satisfaction of one who has experienced favorable circumstances from the hand of God.

This wedding supper is exciting! Can you imagine the delights that will come out of the kitchen of heaven? But surpassing that by far will be the awesome wonder of sitting down at the table with the Lamb. Such joy and godly revelry will there be! We’ll hear Him speak; we’ll gaze upon His face; we’ll be in His presence and the clock will never strike midnight. But here’s what caps it all - we are the bride at this wedding feast! It’s all about Him but He has made it all about us. His robe was “dipped in blood” (Rev. 19:13) for us and He has clothed us in “fine linen, white and clean”.

By the way, take a closer look at that part of the story. Revelation 19:14 mentions “the armies in heaven”. The Greek preposition en (“in”) is used so it’s not the armies of heaven as some translations have it. Those would be the angels or other creatures who await to do His bidding. These are the armies in heaven. That’s us! The clue is the white linen. Verse 18 has just told us that fine linen has been given to the bride and represents the good works of the saints (c.f. Rev. 3:4-5).

So we will be riding behind Him on white horses also. This sovereign and almighty Lamb will lead us in triumph as Lord of lords and King of kings.

Mine eyes have seen the glory of the coming of the Lord:
He is trampling out the vintage where the grapes of wrath are stored;
He hath loosed the fateful lightning of His terrible swift sword:
His truth is marching on.

Glory, glory, hallelujah!
Glory, glory, hallelujah!
Glory, glory, hallelujah!
His truth is marching on.

I have read a fiery Gospel writ in burnished rows of steel:
"As ye deal with my condemners, so with you my grace shall deal;
Let the Hero, born of woman, crush the serpent with His heel,
Since God is marching on."

He has sounded forth the trumpet that shall never call retreat;
He is sifting out the hearts of men before His judgment seat:
Oh, be swift, my soul, to answer Him! be jubilant, my feet!
Our God is marching on.