Not wanting to take anything out of context below you'll find the whole passage that leads us to the REAR GUARD.
Not being a theologian or a commentator the thoughts below are my own that have come as I've meditated on this passage.
Desiring to know that the Glory of the Lord IS my Rear Guard, I needed to search out how to be assured of the fact.
Please read the passage again and I'll comment after you have read it.
True Fasting
1 "Shout it aloud, do not hold back.
Raise your voice like a trumpet.
Declare to my people their rebellion
and to the house of Jacob their sins.
2 For day after day they seek me out;
they seem eager to know my ways,
as if they were a nation that does what is right
and has not forsaken the commands of its God.
They ask me for just decisions
and seem eager for God to come near them.
3 'Why have we fasted,' they say,
'and you have not seen it?
Why have we humbled ourselves,
and you have not noticed?'
"Yet on the day of your fasting, you do as you please
and exploit all your workers.
4 Your fasting ends in quarreling and strife,
and in striking each other with wicked fists.
You cannot fast as you do today
and expect your voice to be heard on high.
5 Is this the kind of fast I have chosen,
only a day for a man to humble himself?
Is it only for bowing one's head like a reed
and for lying on sackcloth and ashes?
Is that what you call a fast,
a day acceptable to the LORD ?
6 "Is not this the kind of fasting I have chosen:
to loose the chains of injustice
and untie the cords of the yoke,
to set the oppressed free
and break every yoke?
7 Is it not to share your food with the hungry
and to provide the poor wanderer with shelter—
when you see the naked, to clothe him,
and not to turn away from your own flesh and blood?
8 Then your light will break forth like the dawn,
and your healing will quickly appear;
then your righteousness will go before you,
and the glory of the LORD will be your rear guard.
The traditional thought on fasting for most folks,is to do without food for a period of time in order to get closer to God or get some answer to prayer. As I read this passage again it would seem to me that what God is asking is for us to fast from sin. The reason God did not answer their prayers during their fast was that they were fasting for the wrong reasons. They supposedly humbled themselves yet it was a show, bowing their heads putting on sackcloth and ashes, at the same time they exploited their workers, were quarreling and fighting literally.
Verses 6&7 tell us how to obtain verse 8.
Does one have to fast literally from food in order to do verses 6&7? The Lord may lead you to fast from food or some activity, do so as He leads but do it for the right reasons.
Think about it.
Is the Glory of the Lord Your Rear Guard?
Sunday, June 20, 2010
Wednesday, June 16, 2010
Summer
Can’t think brain dumb, inspiration won’t come” .The old saying seems to be my thought process since leaving home two months ago. Result, I'm taking the advice of a friend who suggests just sitting down and start writing whatever comes to mind, so here goes!
In case you didn't know Florida is a gorgeous state. It not only has beautiful beaches, at least most of them are still beautiful, but also many many lakes and breathtaking rivers that wind through the interior and out to sea. One result of the Civilian Conservation Corps of the 30's and early 40's is over fifty family campgrounds and many day use preserves known as the Florida State Park system. If you happen to be a Florida resident over 65, camping is half price. That's $8 to $12 per night. There are advantages to getting old.
Today I had the privilege of hiking through Hardwood hammocks, and sand-hills along the Santa Fe River, just south west of Lake City. O'Leno State Park is so peaceful, and my view is deep woods all around. Three cardinals, one male, bright red and two females, brownish red cavorted beside our picnic table. The magnificent chorus of birds early this morning lent a special majesty to my devotions, as they seem to answer one another through the trees. On our hike we saw a large brown, white tailed buck, doe and fawn, they just stood in the middle of the path and stared at us, at least long enough to get some pictures.
This park was once part of a thriving community with a working mill, hotel, general store and folks to keep it all going until the railroad came through the area bypassing O'Leno rendering it a lost town. The coming of the railroad created the booming community of High Springs. The remains of the mill's dam are still visible in the river. The swinging suspension bridge, built by the CCC boys still spans the river where paths take you along its banks to where the river goes underground, to reappear at what is known as the River Rise. Amazing things one learns while spending a few days in the woods.
Skies are clear all is quiet, as our world spins, it would seem out of control. Yet I am reminded as I look into the clear blue of the sky or watch the sun rise and set as it has for centuries that our Great God is in control and to quote Winston Churchill "We have nothing to fear but fear itself". 2 Timothy 1:7 "God has not given us a spirit of fear but of power and love and a sound mind".
In case you didn't know Florida is a gorgeous state. It not only has beautiful beaches, at least most of them are still beautiful, but also many many lakes and breathtaking rivers that wind through the interior and out to sea. One result of the Civilian Conservation Corps of the 30's and early 40's is over fifty family campgrounds and many day use preserves known as the Florida State Park system. If you happen to be a Florida resident over 65, camping is half price. That's $8 to $12 per night. There are advantages to getting old.
Today I had the privilege of hiking through Hardwood hammocks, and sand-hills along the Santa Fe River, just south west of Lake City. O'Leno State Park is so peaceful, and my view is deep woods all around. Three cardinals, one male, bright red and two females, brownish red cavorted beside our picnic table. The magnificent chorus of birds early this morning lent a special majesty to my devotions, as they seem to answer one another through the trees. On our hike we saw a large brown, white tailed buck, doe and fawn, they just stood in the middle of the path and stared at us, at least long enough to get some pictures.
This park was once part of a thriving community with a working mill, hotel, general store and folks to keep it all going until the railroad came through the area bypassing O'Leno rendering it a lost town. The coming of the railroad created the booming community of High Springs. The remains of the mill's dam are still visible in the river. The swinging suspension bridge, built by the CCC boys still spans the river where paths take you along its banks to where the river goes underground, to reappear at what is known as the River Rise. Amazing things one learns while spending a few days in the woods.
Skies are clear all is quiet, as our world spins, it would seem out of control. Yet I am reminded as I look into the clear blue of the sky or watch the sun rise and set as it has for centuries that our Great God is in control and to quote Winston Churchill "We have nothing to fear but fear itself". 2 Timothy 1:7 "God has not given us a spirit of fear but of power and love and a sound mind".
Sunday, April 25, 2010
The Bible
The Bible reveals the mind of God, the state of man, the way of salvation, the doom of sinners, and the happiness of believers. Its doctrines are holey, its precepts blinding, its histories are true, its decisions are immutable. Read it to be wise, believe it to be safe, and practice it to be holy. It contains light to direct you, food to support you, and comfort to cheer you. It is the traveler’s map, the pilgrim’s staff, the pilot’s compass, the soldier’s sword, and the Christian’s charter. Here, Heaven is opened and the gates of hell disclosed. Christ is its grand subject; our good is its design, the glory of God its end. I should fill you memory, rule your heart, and guide the feet. Read it slowly, frequently, and prayerfully. It is given in life, will be opened in the judgment, and will be remembered forever. It involves the highest responsibility, will reward the greatest labor, wand will condemn all those who trifle with its sacred contents. Owned, it is riches” studied, it is wisdom” trusted, it is salvation” loved, it is character” and obeyed, it is power. Author Unknown. Published by the Billy Graham Evangelistic Association
Blessings
What does it mean when we say God Bless You, Blessed, Blessings, Bless You ?
The various forms of the word bless have left a question in my mind for some time, so I set out to do some research. Heading for my concordance, multiple translations of God’s Word along with some commentary, the Lord gave some insight that might prove helpful to you. Meanings or uses are many in the Word. I would challenge you to find the Scripture passages that accompany the words listed below and see if they fit with bless.
To consecrate
Make Holy
Save.
Happy
Blissful
Comfort
Joy
Invoke divine care
Protect
Preserve
Endow with favor
Praise
Glorify
Speak well of
Approve
To bless someone is to set them aside for God to work in their life. When asking God the Father to bless me I am applying the blood sacrifice of Jesus, confessing my sin, seeking and receiving forgiveness through Jesus blood applied.
Blessings to all who read.
The various forms of the word bless have left a question in my mind for some time, so I set out to do some research. Heading for my concordance, multiple translations of God’s Word along with some commentary, the Lord gave some insight that might prove helpful to you. Meanings or uses are many in the Word. I would challenge you to find the Scripture passages that accompany the words listed below and see if they fit with bless.
To consecrate
Make Holy
Save.
Happy
Blissful
Comfort
Joy
Invoke divine care
Protect
Preserve
Endow with favor
Praise
Glorify
Speak well of
Approve
To bless someone is to set them aside for God to work in their life. When asking God the Father to bless me I am applying the blood sacrifice of Jesus, confessing my sin, seeking and receiving forgiveness through Jesus blood applied.
Blessings to all who read.
Tuesday, March 30, 2010
Holy Hands
Have you ever wondered why God's Word talks about lifting our hands, Holy Hands unto Him. Depending on the spiritual roads you have traveled over the years, this practice may or may not be new to you.
My first recollection of anyone lifting their hands to the Lord was in the church of my childhood. Each Sunday at the close of the service the pastor would walk to the rear of the sanctuary lift both hands in a large V over his head and repeat the benediction.
Numbers 6:25 is the passage that comes to mind. "May the Lord bless you and keep you, the Lord make His face to shine upon you and be gracious unto you. The Lord lift up His countenance upon you and give you peace." These were the words the Lord gave Moses to give to Aaron and his sons, with which to bless the Israelites. Jews to this day use this blessing. I challenge you to meditate on this verse and gain a new understanding of it's scope. We would do well to lift our hands and offer these words in prayer over our mates, our children, our friends and our enemies.
In a cursory search of the Scriptures I found more than fifteen references to lifting ones hands in supplication to the Lord.
Psalm 119:48 says "I will lift up my hands to (for) Your commands, which I love, and I will meditate on your decrees." How do we know His commands? By reading and meditating on His Word. Open, lifted hands, mean surrender.
1st Timothy 2:8 reads "Therefore I want the men in every place to pray, lifting up holy hands, without wrath or dissension." We can pray where ever we are.
Psalm 141:2 " May my prayer be counted as incense before Thee; the lifting up of my hands as the evening offering." Their custom was to pray a minimum of three times a day.
My challenge is to find the other twelve plus scriptures that talk about lifting up of Hands, Holy Hands and re-evaluate your thinking on the subject.
Blessings on all as Passover begins and Resurrection Day arrives. May these next days have even greater meaning for you this year.
My first recollection of anyone lifting their hands to the Lord was in the church of my childhood. Each Sunday at the close of the service the pastor would walk to the rear of the sanctuary lift both hands in a large V over his head and repeat the benediction.
Numbers 6:25 is the passage that comes to mind. "May the Lord bless you and keep you, the Lord make His face to shine upon you and be gracious unto you. The Lord lift up His countenance upon you and give you peace." These were the words the Lord gave Moses to give to Aaron and his sons, with which to bless the Israelites. Jews to this day use this blessing. I challenge you to meditate on this verse and gain a new understanding of it's scope. We would do well to lift our hands and offer these words in prayer over our mates, our children, our friends and our enemies.
In a cursory search of the Scriptures I found more than fifteen references to lifting ones hands in supplication to the Lord.
Psalm 119:48 says "I will lift up my hands to (for) Your commands, which I love, and I will meditate on your decrees." How do we know His commands? By reading and meditating on His Word. Open, lifted hands, mean surrender.
1st Timothy 2:8 reads "Therefore I want the men in every place to pray, lifting up holy hands, without wrath or dissension." We can pray where ever we are.
Psalm 141:2 " May my prayer be counted as incense before Thee; the lifting up of my hands as the evening offering." Their custom was to pray a minimum of three times a day.
My challenge is to find the other twelve plus scriptures that talk about lifting up of Hands, Holy Hands and re-evaluate your thinking on the subject.
Blessings on all as Passover begins and Resurrection Day arrives. May these next days have even greater meaning for you this year.
Tuesday, March 23, 2010
Morning Watch
Ezekiel 3:17 "Son of man, I have made you a watchman for the house of Israel; so hear the word I speak and give them warning from me".
During my high school years I was privileged to attend "Church Camp". One of the exercises we were given was to attend "Morning Watch" each day. As I recall we were given a little book containing devotions. We were to take our Bibles and devotional book, find a quite spot under a tree or down by the river and spend fifteen minutes "with the Lord". That experience has stayed with me to varying degrees for the last fifty years.
Since then I've come in contact with the words of Francis Thompson 1859-1907, "The Hound of Heaven". To be honest I have only read three quarters of this lengthy poem, the point being, The "Hound of Heaven" pursued me, caught up with me in the early seventies and continues to dog my steps.
Since then the "Morning Watch" has taken on new meaning, ever changing as the years have past. In Old Testament times there were watchmen set on the walls or in watch towers during the night especially, to protect from wild animals or armed enemies. They waited patiently for the dawn so they could relinquish their post. Psalm 130:6 "My soul waits for the Lord more than the watchmen wait for the morning, more than the watchmen wait for the morning".
If I were to admit to having an addiction, it would be my morning coffee, just let me omit it for one day and my body screams, at least my head does. Yet there is another omission that causes another kind of pain. that is the omission of my "Morning Watch", my time with the Lord in prayer and in His Word. It is the food that nourishes my soul and my spirit, it is the fresh manna, it is the my daily bread. Admittedly there have been days and even weeks when "Morning Watch"been omitted but gratefully the "Hound Of Heaven" reminds me of my need. He is always right there waiting. He is waiting for you.
During my high school years I was privileged to attend "Church Camp". One of the exercises we were given was to attend "Morning Watch" each day. As I recall we were given a little book containing devotions. We were to take our Bibles and devotional book, find a quite spot under a tree or down by the river and spend fifteen minutes "with the Lord". That experience has stayed with me to varying degrees for the last fifty years.
Since then I've come in contact with the words of Francis Thompson 1859-1907, "The Hound of Heaven". To be honest I have only read three quarters of this lengthy poem, the point being, The "Hound of Heaven" pursued me, caught up with me in the early seventies and continues to dog my steps.
Since then the "Morning Watch" has taken on new meaning, ever changing as the years have past. In Old Testament times there were watchmen set on the walls or in watch towers during the night especially, to protect from wild animals or armed enemies. They waited patiently for the dawn so they could relinquish their post. Psalm 130:6 "My soul waits for the Lord more than the watchmen wait for the morning, more than the watchmen wait for the morning".
If I were to admit to having an addiction, it would be my morning coffee, just let me omit it for one day and my body screams, at least my head does. Yet there is another omission that causes another kind of pain. that is the omission of my "Morning Watch", my time with the Lord in prayer and in His Word. It is the food that nourishes my soul and my spirit, it is the fresh manna, it is the my daily bread. Admittedly there have been days and even weeks when "Morning Watch"been omitted but gratefully the "Hound Of Heaven" reminds me of my need. He is always right there waiting. He is waiting for you.
Saturday, March 20, 2010
The Heavens Declare
Psalm 19:1 in the NIV begins "The heavens declare the glory of God; the skies proclaim the work of his hands.
Today is the first day of Spring. Gratefully here in West Central Florida the day fit it's name. The azaleas were in full bloom, the trees in glorious stages of leaf and the sky a fabulous shade of periwinkle blue.
My middle daughter sent my oldest daughter on a search and explore mission. I was invited to go along. Heading west brought us to one of the bridges that traverses Tampa Bay, the water was nearly the color of the sky, shimmering in the sunlight. Not only do the heavens declare God's glory, He has placed in our view a mirror that magnifies that beauty.
Even with all the turmoil in this country and the world our God is gracious to minister peace and tranquility.
Psalm 19 ends with verse 14 which reads "May the words of my mouth and the meditations of my heart be pleasing in your sight, O Lord, my rock and my Redeemer."
Blessings.
Today is the first day of Spring. Gratefully here in West Central Florida the day fit it's name. The azaleas were in full bloom, the trees in glorious stages of leaf and the sky a fabulous shade of periwinkle blue.
My middle daughter sent my oldest daughter on a search and explore mission. I was invited to go along. Heading west brought us to one of the bridges that traverses Tampa Bay, the water was nearly the color of the sky, shimmering in the sunlight. Not only do the heavens declare God's glory, He has placed in our view a mirror that magnifies that beauty.
Even with all the turmoil in this country and the world our God is gracious to minister peace and tranquility.
Psalm 19 ends with verse 14 which reads "May the words of my mouth and the meditations of my heart be pleasing in your sight, O Lord, my rock and my Redeemer."
Blessings.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
