Words of Encouragement

As I looked at this picture my daughter did sometime ago, I thought about how black our lives are without the Spirit of God.  There is nothing we can do to remove that darkness. Only the holiness of God can remove that darkness.  If we want God's presence to dwell with us, we must willing give ourselves to him, so he can make us holy as he is holy.

He must burn incense again when he lights the lamps at twilight so incense will burn regularly before the LORD for the generations to come.  Do not offer on this altar any other incense or any burnt offering or grain offering, and do not pour a drink offering on it. Once a year Aaron shall make atonement on its horns. This annual atonement must be made with the blood of the atoning sin offering for the generations to come. It is most holy to the LORD." - Exodus 30:8-10

Aaron's sons Nadab and Abihu took their censers, put fire in them and added incense; and they offered unauthorized fire before the LORD, contrary to his command. So fire came out from the presence of the LORD and consumed them, and they died before the LORD. Moses then said to Aaron, "This is what the LORD spoke of when he said: 'Among those who approach me I will show myself holy; in the sight of all the people I will be honored.' " Aaron remained silent. - Leviticus 10:1-3

Where is God? Where Holiness is Present. The scripture from Exodus gives some of the instruction that went out to the people to obey. In the first verses of scripture it is clear that God says you are to offer to him what he has approved as an offering.  No other incense is to be used other that what has been approved, nor is any other time approved other than what God has appointed.

So we now turn to the second section of scripture.  We see that Aaron's son making executive decisions to burn incease before the Lord.  The scripture says they offered unauthorized fire before the Lord.

Scripture clearly shows how God handle this disobedience.  It reads that fire came up and killed them right there.  Well we may first read this and want to say, that seemed really unfair that they had to die, couldn't God simply have told them what they were doing was wrong?  Well, he already did.  He gave clear instruction on what he wanted his people to do, how to live holy before him.

We do not know the reason they decided to do things their own way, but we do know it met with destruction.  It is imperative for us to understand the holiness of God.  Because fire does not quickly come up and consume us for disobedience doesn't mean our foolishness of doing things our own way are any less serious to God. We cannot use any excuses either when we find ourselves dealing with the consequences of our disobedience.  We have been given the instructions on how to worship a holy God in his holy word.

When we wonder why we are not experiencing the fellowship with God as we desire we must first check ourselves to see if we are behaving as the holy people he has called us to be.  These were the sons of the priest and that did not stop God's wrath from coming upon them.  We too must realize that if we refuse to obey God's way we too stand as one that will face God's wrath.  Do not try to hide your disobedience by saying, "I'm covered under the blood". 

The blood does not simply cover our sins so that we can continue in them.  The blood frees us from the curse of the sins we committed and frees us to live holy.  God's presence is evidence in the places where holiness dwells.

Lord, today we seek you and ask that you would help us to careful to hear you and heed your commandments.  Help us to be the holy people you have called us to be so that we can truly experience you presence.

The Words of Encouragement

God is a God of excellence.  He took great care in creating this world we live in and the beauty we see around us, are we to be slack in our honoring his excellence?

Then have them make a sanctuary for me, and I will dwell among them. Make this tabernacle and all its furnishings exactly like the pattern I will show you. - Exodus 25:8-9

Where is God? Where Things are Done His Way. I was speaking with someone about the presence of God, and it lead me in this direction of us examining this topic.  The scripture today is from God giving Moses instruction on how to build his sanctuary.  If you read the entire section of scripture you will see the detail that was expected to be carried out.

For today, we will look at these two verses of scripture.  The instruction is, have them make me a santuary and furnish it exactly like the pattern I will show you.  These words to us may seem like light instructions but when it comes from God, they are not to be taken lightly.

If you have every read about the tabernacle you would know that the presence of God would not even inhabit the tabernacle until everything was set up and done just as instructed.  They did not get the opportunity to say, "we can leave this out, or that out and it will be okay".  If they ever did, God's presence would not show up to inhabit the tabernacle.

While we look at this and think that was "Old Testament" and we do not have to look at that today.  That would be a wrong belief.  We say it often, God is the same today as yesterday.  Then that means he still expects us to set up worship his way.

That means he still is expecting his people today to place "excellence" as a standard for him.  That is what the Israelites did.  They knew that excellence was what was needed to ensure God's appearance.  It is the same today.  God's presence will be where his children are in line with his purpose, his way and his will. We cannot expect to have church "our way" and still expect God to show up.  We will simply be a building with people and no "spiritual" substance. This excellence is not man's excellence but us following what God has instructed us to follow and thus lining up with the excellency put in place by God.

That means we seek God's direction on everything we do.  What do you want us to sing today?  What do you want us to preach today?  Who do you want to pray today?  We ask God everything.  We do not leave that up to our ideas or our thoughts.  As soon as we do, we move from God's excellency to us just doing things our way.

Today, Lord help us understand you still expect your children to come to worship your way.  You still expect your children to come with the mindset of excellence.  For you are worthy of our praise and honor.  Help us to worship you, your way.

The Week in Review

What could "overturn" such a big house? While this is a exhibit in Wisconsin Dell, it is a good example of what can happen in our lives. God can overturn any forces that come against us.  it doesn't matter how powerful they seem, God is stronger than even our strongest enemy (the devil).  We have victory in Jesus, today.

II Chronicles 20

Taught at Langley Avenue Church of God

Wednesday, July 18, 2007

Now we finish the end of this lesson as we review the last verses of this chapter.

Verse 25 through 27 – "So Jehoshaphat and his men went to carry off their plunder, and they found among them a great amount of equipment and clothing and also articles of value—more than they could take away. There was so much plunder that it took three days to collect it. On the fourth day they assembled in the Valley of Beracah, where they praised the LORD. This is why it is called the Valley of Beracah to this day. Then, led by Jehoshaphat, all the men of Judah and Jerusalem returned joyfully to Jerusalem, for the LORD had given them cause to rejoice over their enemies."

When the battle was over, God gave them the plunder from the battle. There was so much that it took 3 days to gather it. What this tells us is that when we come through the battle, God will give us the increase. He will increase us so much, that we won’t be able to gather it all in on one single day. The increase will come over time. He will increase us from the provision of his riches. He will increase us in power and he will increase us in standing. He increased Jehoshaphat in such a way that the fear of God fell on other nations. God will increase us so that we can put the enemy on notice that God is alive and reigning in our life.

We will face some unusual battles in our lives. We will face those battles were the enemy will come at us even through those that we think should be walking with us, and those situations may shake our faith. But when we put our faith in God, God will never let us down. God wants us to praise him; because that is our greatest weapon we have for the battles were we are being overtaken by great forces. We must acknowledge that we don’t have the power in ourselves, but in God alone.

We must take our position in the battle and be still, stop trying to fix it ourselves, or do things in our own understanding, but wait on God and praise him in the process. As we do that, God says he will show up and save us from the enemy. And when we trust the instructions of God, no matter how strange the instruction, we can win the battle without being wounded or tired from the assault. And then the wonder of it all is when we get to the end he will increase us. He will take what the enemy was using to destroy us, to bring us increase. So I remind you, the battle is not yours but it is the Lords. He will show up and save you, so stand still and know. Where is your faith? Are you trusting in those around you or are you aligning yourself up with God and God alone? So tonight, God says we must put all of our trust in him. When we do, we will be victorious in the unusual assignments.

The Week in Review

The Nature of Salvation

Written January 2006 by Jewel D. Williams

Jesus gathered disciples, who later came to be called apostles, to show them how to have a true relationship with his Father. The lives of two of Jesus’ apostles, Peter and Thomas, will be examined to see how they handled their relationship with Jesus. This relationship with Jesus brought newness to their life in belief and fellowship with God. They both had their own struggles, but they also had successes. These two apostles’ lives will be looked at to see what they can tell believers today about the struggles and successes of being new in Christ.


Thomas, also called Didymus the Greek word for twin, was given power against unclean spirits, to cast them out and heal all manner of sickness by Jesus (Matthew 10:1). Thomas, like the other disciples, was equipped for the service of Jesus. Thomas was willing to walk with the Lord and even die for Christ as we see in this scripture, “Then said Thomas, which is called Didymus, unto his follow disciples, Let us also go, that we may die with him” (John 11:16).


Thomas, however, did not always understand the things Jesus spoke of when referring to his death and resurrection. This is evident when Jesus spoke of his death and his leaving to prepare a place for his followers. Thomas did not understand the spiritual implication of what Jesus spoke of as stated, “Thomas saith unto him, Lord, we know not whither thou goest; and how can we know the way?” (John 14:5). Jesus did not rebuke Thomas but gave him the answer to his question. Jesus responded by telling Thomas he was the way, the truth and the life and that it was only through him that one could get to the father (John 14:6).


Thomas was best known for doubting Jesus’ resurrection. Nelson’s New Illustrated Bible Dictionary states, “For that inability to believe, he forever earned the name ‘doubting Thomas.’” (1247). When the other disciples came to Thomas to tell him of Jesus’ resurrection, he wanted proof. Thomas voices his doubt in this verse, “Except I shall see in his hands the print of the nails, and put my finger into the print of the nails, and thrust my hand into his side, I will not believe” (John 20:25). Jesus came to them and this time Thomas had his proof that Jesus was in fact raised from the dead.


Jesus offered to Thomas the proof he needed when he spoke these words to him, “Then saith he to Thomas, Reach hither thy finger, and behold my hands; and reach hither thy hand, and thrust it into my side: and be not faithless, but believing” (John 20:27). Thomas was able to believe because his own eyes had in fact seen the risen Jesus. This scripture speaks of what Thomas himself could very well have said, “That which was from the beginning, which we have heard, which we have seen with our eyes, which we have looked upon, and our hands have handled, of the Word of life;” (1 John 1:1). Many look at Thomas’ doubt and condemn him for it, yet Jesus does not. He heard Jesus speak of what was to come, but Thomas did not understand it, so therefore he doubts. It was not until Thomas has the Word before him that he understands and believes. For believers, when faced with difficult situations, doubt can also lead to unbelief or lack of faith. Yet, Jesus in his love for his people, will allow the living word to bring clarity to any situation, to remove all doubt. Even though Thomas walked with Jesus and saw the miracles, he was not able to fully grasp the true message and purpose of Jesus.


This was a new way of thinking for Thomas. Jesus’ resurrection may have been hard to accept because it went against what the physical eyes could see. The apostles walked with Jesus but now they would have to go on without his physical presence. To walk with Jesus without “seeing him”, is still challenging for believers today. Jesus knew this would be a challenge so he called for someone else to walk with the believers, the Holy Spirit, until he returned.


The second apostle reviewed is Peter. Peter was deeply moved when he encounter the Lord. “When Simon Peter saw it, he fell down at Jesus’ knees, saying, Depart from me; for I am a sinful man, O Lord” (Luke 5:8). Peter saw Jesus do the miraculous and realized Jesus was more than just a man. Jesus tells him that from that point forth, he would catch men.


“Peter was the first disciple to be called (Mark 1:16-18) and the first to be named an apostle (Mark 3:14-16). His name heads every list of the Twelve in the New Testament” (Nelson 974). Peter had a close relationship with Jesus. He was present for the miracles that Jesus performed (Mark 5:37; Luke 8:51). Peter was one of the first to recognize truly who Jesus was when he stated he was the Son of the living God (Matthew 16:13-16).


Peter shows a willingness to trust Jesus when he went to him on the water (Matthew 14:28). Peter sank because he looked away from the Lord, but his willingness and faith to try, speaks about Peter’s readiness to follow Jesus. Peter wanted to understand the deeper issues when he asked Jesus how many times should one forgive (Matthew 18:21). Even though Peter recognized Jesus as the Messiah, he still denied him before men when he felt his own life was in jeopardy (Matthew 26:75). This is important for believers to understand, even in the strongest of relationships, one can be tempted to deny Christ when faced with personal difficulties. Peter was moved with grief when he realized he had denied knowing Jesus. This response from Peter shows what repentance looks like. One should be grieved at their sin because of what it causes to happen to the relationship with God. Jesus’ love, however, was evident when the message sent was to let the disciples and Peter know of his resurrection (Mark 16:7). This is encouraging to know that when one sins and asks for forgiveness, God is ready to forgive and bring you back into a right relationship.


Peter is instrumental in the growth of the Church after Jesus’ ascension. “The earliest information about the early church comes from the Book of Acts. This shows clearly that Peter continued to exercise a key leadership role in the church for a number of years. Indeed, the first 11 chapters of Acts are built around the activity of the apostle Peter” (Nelson 975). Peter received a vision from God about eating “unclean” animals (Acts 10:9-16). Peter’s response was no, but God was showing Peter a bigger message, that the Gospel would be available to all people. Peter was able to preach the Gospel to the Gentiles because he accepted God’s directive.


Peter’s relationship with Jesus was close. If there were questions he willing asked Jesus to give him clarity. Peter did not always get it right. Peter could have clarity one moment and not fully understand something the next. Jesus rebukes Peter when he does not fully understand why Jesus would be crucified (Matthew 16:20-23). Peter was willing to trust Jesus (when he walked on the water). Peter, however, like others when faced with difficult situations, can deny whom they belong to. Yet, Jesus continued to love Peter (when message sent including him to come to meet the risen Jesus).


Thomas’ coming to the Lord is not listed as Peter’s, which was a more stirring encounter. Either way, both became followers of Jesus. This stands as evidence to all that come to Jesus that one’s experience may not be like another’s, but it is equally important to God. These apostles serve to show that a close relationship with Jesus is necessary to be able to do what Jesus calls for believers to do. Peter and Thomas both were given power to do the work for the Lord. Without this power, they could not have accomplished God’s mission or made any impact on the future church.


Both of these apostles were drawn to follow Jesus because they understood he was offering something they could not find in themselves. Their lives show that one can love the Lord and yet struggle. They questioned what the message meant and did not always have a complete understanding of it. Their own doubts were placed before the Lord at times, yet they were able to continue to live for the Lord. These apostles show that when one walks with Jesus, there will be questions, doubts, and regrets. There will also be great successes when one continues to trust in Jesus. The apostles’ lives were changed in many ways. They learned from Jesus the importance of relationship with him (to get to the father) and of a relationship with each other. When Jesus sent them out two-by-two it was to show them the importance of working in fellowship with one another. They had to adjust to a different lifestyle and reevaluate their pursuits in life. The apostles’ gave up their lives for the work of Jesus. He told them their reward would be in heaven. This is a new way of thinking for all believers. The rewards one looks to receive should be eternal. These apostles, regular men, were able to allow Jesus to change their lives, and their thinking, to change the world. God is still requiring his people to be willing to allow him to change their lives and thinking to change this world for Christ.

Work Cited

Alden, Robert L., et al. Nelson’s New Illustrated Bible Dictionary. Nashville, TN: Thomas Nelson Publishers, 1995.


Thompson, Frank Charles, D.D., PH.D. The Thompson Chain-Reference Bible, 5th ed. Indianapolis, IN: B. B. Kirkbridge Bible Co., Inc., 1988.

Words of Encouragement

We could see the mountains in the backdrop of the landscape.  What a wonderful sight.

He called his twelve disciples to him and gave them authority to drive out evil[a] spirits and to heal every disease and sickness - Matthew 10:1

Discipleship. Bestows Power. I was once joking with someone (but yet I was serious) about the power of the disciples. What I said to this person was, I have not laid hands on anyone and they rose from the dead, so Jesus' got some more work to do in me.

What I was saying is this.  The scripture plainly states what Jesus was doing to his disciples.  He was giving them power and authority to drive out evil spirits, to heal diseases and sickness.  Now I believe there are individuals with the gift of healing.  Yet I also believe this scripture speaks to the ability of disciples to have the power of God in their lives.

We should be able to pray, fast and seek God to pray for those sick in sin and he change them.  We should be able to pray for individuals that have sickness in their body and they get well.

I think this is a scary thing for many to believe they can pray for someone and it really happen.  That is why I believe Jesus continually showed his disciples first what he could do so they could believe they would be able to do it likewise. I am radical enough to believe if Jesus said I can have power to pray and the sick get well, then I will continue to believe that is what he can do.

I had the opportunity to pray for someone that was bothered in their mind with voices.  When I was first asked to pray, I will admit fear first gripped me.  I said, I can't do that, who should we call?  God spoke to me and said, you call on me.  I am the power you need.  So that is what was done.  I later got a praise report from the person that as soon as I laid my hands on her and prayed, the voices went away and have not come back.

That is praises to our God that he is able to do in us what he first showed capable through his Son.  So today you and I as disciples of Christ can gain understanding and wisdom on how to follow after God.  We can grow through our storms that following Jesus will bring.  We can experience the miracles that others miss because they refuse to step out of the comfort zone.  We can have the power and authority of God because we belong to him.

Lord today we say thank you for this covenant relationship that brings us many benefits, protection and stability.  So when you go to worship this week, go seeking from God how you can be a stronger disciple for Christ.

Words of Encouragement

Just as quickly as the storm came, the light broke through the clouds and the sun shown.  It is a glimpse of what happens with us.  As quickly as the storms strike our lives, the "light of Christ" breaks through the clouds of doubt, the clouds of fear and Son shines bright.  Lord shine bright in our lives today.

The disciples went and woke him, saying, "Lord, save us! We're going to drown!" He replied, "You of little faith, why are you so afraid?" Then he got up and rebuked the winds and the waves, and it was completely calm. The men were amazed and asked, "What kind of man is this? Even the winds and the waves obey him!" - Matthew 8:26-27

Discipleship. Grows Your Understanding. The disciples went and woke Jesus because they were sure that he was not aware of what was happening outside and that he needed to come and save them.

Jesus' response when they woke him was, you have little faith, why are you afraid?  Then he rebuke the winds and everything was completely calm.  There was amazement at what Jesus could do.

Let's look at these few verses to see what Jesus was really saying to his disciples.  Why would he question their faith?  Well, they were afraid that the storm raging outside of the boat was more power than the one on the boat.  Isn't that how we are sometimes?  We look at our storms around us raging and we become afraid and say, Jesus are you sleep?  Wake up and come and see about me!

We then have to realize just as the disciples learned, that Jesus is far greater than any storm we face.  The winds that blow the storm are under his command.  The waters that fall are under his command.  The dark clouds are all under his command.

No matter what comes our way, it does not have more power than our savior. So just as Jesus asked his disciples, why are you afraid, Jesus asks us the same today. Why are you afraid of your sickness, or your lack of money or you relationship problems?  Then Jesus will take the time to teach us.  He will increase our understanding in that storm and let us know that he is the one that will calm it.  Jesus is going to calm the storms of our money problems, our relationship problems, our sickness problems and any other problems that rise up suddenly.

So today, Lord we thank you for giving us a greater understand as you bring us through our storms.  If we follow you from the comfortable shores you are going to teach us how to better trust you in our stormy situations.

Words of Encouragement

As the storm was coming, what must these individuals must have felt?  Could it be fear that the boat would not contain them?  God has a way of removing our fears and letting us know we can trust in him in every situation and circumstances. Do you?

Then he got into the boat and his disciples followed him. Without warning, a furious storm came up on the lake, so that the waves swept over the boat. But Jesus was sleeping. - Matthew 8:22-24

Discipleship. Calls for Sudden Storms. I have read this scripture like many of you before, but as I was reading it now, it struck me in a different way.  Jesus got into a boat and his disciples followed him.  When they did, a storm came without warning upon them.

What struck me was this, if the disciples had not been following Jesus, would they have entered this storm?  If they had decided to stay on the shore, they would have missed this experience of the storm on the water.  While you and I might say, that is a good thing, let's look at it differently.

There was something that the disciples had to experience and see that needed them to be in the midst of the storm.  Jesus needed to teach them something about themselves.  He was going to teach them something they would not have gotten if they were still standing on the "safe" shores.  Jesus needed them to leave the comfort of the shores and be on the boat in the midst of this storm.

They needed to be in this storm and Jesus needed to be "sleep".  These factors were all part of what God was going to use to teach as well as show his power to the disciples.

Did you know that is true for us today.  To be disciples of Christ we must be willing to follow him, even into the storms.  We cannot try to be safe by staying on the shores because we don't want to face the sudden things that hit our lives.

Jesus wants us to follow him so that he can teach us something about our hearts and where we are in him.  He want to use the "stormy" situations to grow us and help us to find just how sure our faith in him is.

Today Lord help us when we find ourselves in the midst of the sudden storms and you seem to be "sleep".  Help us to learn what you want us to learn so that we can grow as well as experience the miracles that we will only experience if we have left the shores and gone into the "storms".