by David Scott Robertson
“And a voice came from heaven: "You are my Son, whom I love; with you I am well pleased." (Mark 1:11 NIV)
Wouldn’t you like to insert your name in the scripture above?
How about it?
Wouldn’t it be great if God’s audible voice from heaven spoke this out:
“You [insert your name here] are my Son [or son or daughter], whom I love; with you I am well pleased.”
There are certain statements quoted in the Bible,
Like this scripture found in the gospel of Mark,
That I can’t help but desiring with an earnest desire
That they could be said of me.
Now I know theologically that obedience pleases the Lord
And causes us to find favor with God.
But contained in the text of scriptures are remarkable comments
That the Lord God makes about particular individuals in certain circumstances.
Somehow, someday, some way,
Under the right circumstances,
I pray that my obedience to His explicit commands
Will position me to please Him and likewise cause Him to make remarkable comments.
I’m not pushing for power
Grappling for glory
Or foraging for fame –
I just plain want to please God.
I want to give Him “bragging rights.”
I want Jesus to be glad He made me.
I want the Holy Spirit to be able to comment “now this guy cooperates with Us.”
As I live,
And when I stop living at the God-appointed time,
I want it to be said of me what Jesus said in John 17:4:
“I glorified you [talking to His Father] on earth, having finished the work which you gave me to do.”
Oh that I would finish the work!
Oh that I would please the Lord!
Oh that it could be said of me such incredible statements found in the Bible like:
(1 Ki 21:29 NIV) "Have you noticed how [David Robertson] Ahab has humbled himself before me? Because he has humbled himself, I will not bring this disaster in his day…”
(Job 1:8 NIV) Then the LORD said to Satan, "Have you considered my servant [David Robertson] Job? There is no one on earth like him; he is blameless and upright, a man who fears God and shuns evil."
(Gen 18:17 NIV) “Then the LORD said, "Shall I hide from [David Robertson] Abraham what I am about to do?”
(1 Ki 3:5 NIV) At Gibeon the LORD appeared to [David Robertson] Solomon during the night in a dream, and God said, "Ask for whatever you want me to give you."
(1 Ki 3:9 NIV) [Oh that I would make wise requests like Solomon did here!] So give your servant a discerning heart to govern your people and to distinguish between right and wrong. For who is able to govern this great people of yours?"
(1 Ki 3:10 NIV) The Lord was pleased that [David Robertson] Solomon had asked for this.”
(Acts 7:55 NIV) But [David Robertson] Stephen, full of the Holy Spirit, looked up to heaven and saw the glory of God, and Jesus standing at the right hand of God.
(Acts 7:56 NIV) "Look," he said, "I see heaven open and the Son of Man standing at the right hand of God."
(Stephen provokes Jesus, who is seated at the right hand of His Father, to actually stand up!)
(Gen 6:8 NIV) “But [David Robertson] Noah found favor in the eyes of the LORD.”
(Heb 11:5 NIV) “By faith [David Robertson] Enoch was taken from this life, so that he did not experience death; he could not be found, because God had taken him away. For before he was taken, he was commended as one who pleased God.”
(John 13:23 NIV) “One of them, [David Robertson] the disciple whom Jesus loved, was reclining next to him.”
(Rev 1:10 NIV) “On the Lord's Day [David Robertson] I was in the Spirit, and I heard behind me a loud voice like a trumpet,”
(Acts 5:15 NIV) “As a result, people brought the sick into the streets and laid them on beds and mats so that at least [David Robertson’s] Peter's shadow might fall on some of them as he passed by.”
(Acts 4:13 NIV) “When they saw the courage of [David Robertson] Peter and John and realized that [he] they [was an] were unschooled, ordinary [man] men, they were astonished and they took note that [David] these men had been with Jesus.”
(Rom 4:20 NIV) “Yet [David Robertson] he did not waver through unbelief regarding the promise of God, but was strengthened in his faith and gave glory to God,
(Rom 4:21 NIV) being fully persuaded that God had power to do what he had promised.”
(2 Ki 10:16 NIV) “[David Robertson] Jehu said, "Come with me and see my zeal for the LORD." Then he had him ride along in his [red Buick Reatta) chariot.”
(1 Chr 11:24 NIV) “Such were the exploits of [David Robertson] Benaiah son of [Bill Robertson] Jehoiada; he too was as famous as the three mighty men.”
Oh that my name could be included anywhere in God’s catalog of faithful people
Like that found in the New Testament’s “Hall of Fame” in Hebrews chapter 11!
Oh that I could do exploits for God by His power!
Oh that it could be said of me that I have the testimony that I pleased God.
As it is written:
(2 Cor 10:18 NIV) “For it is not the one who commends himself who is approved, but the one whom the Lord commends.”
I can’t help it…
I want to bring glory to His magnificent Name!
I want to be about my Father’s business (Luke 2:49 KJV).
It is not wrong for me to want these things.
As a matter of fact,
I think it pleases the Lord for me to want such things.
It has nothing to do with self-promotion,
On the contrary it requires dying to self that Christ might live in and through me.
It is through Christ alone that anything of eternal, lasting value happens.
I can do NO things WITHOUT Christ who strengthens me (Philippians 4:13).
In Him I live and move and have my being (Acts 17:28).
I am dead and my life is hidden with Christ in God (Colossians 3:3).
If for some reason I don’t do great things for God
At least I can do small things in a great way for my Master!
Oh that it could be said of me:
“At least David Robertson tried…”
“David never gave up…”
“David gave it his all…”
“David ran the race, finished the course, kept the faith.”
One day,
You and I have an appointment to appear before the Judge of all the earth.
Our record will be reviewed.
Our account will be settled.
Our reward (or punishment) will be dispensed.
If you are saved, then you will appear HERE:
(2 Cor 5:10 NIV) “For we must all appear before the judgment seat of Christ, that each one may receive what is due him for the things done while in the body, whether good or bad.”
If you are not saved you will appear HERE:
(Rev 20:11 NIV) Then I saw a great white throne and him who was seated on it. Earth and sky fled from his presence, and there was no place for them.
(Rev 20:12 NIV) And I saw the dead, great and small, standing before the throne, and books were opened. Another book was opened, which is the book of life. The dead were judged according to what they had done as recorded in the books.
By God’s grace,
I’m going to begin now preparing for that interview at the Judgment Seat of Christ!
Oh that it could be said of me at that time:
(Mat 25:21 NIV) "His master replied, 'Well done, [David Robertson] good and faithful servant! You have been faithful with a few things; I will put you in charge of many things. Come and share your master's happiness!'”
DSR
8/30/01
Thursday, August 30, 2001
Wednesday, August 29, 2001
Walk by Faith Not by Sight
by David Scott Robertson
(Mat 28:16 NIV) Then the eleven disciples went to Galilee, to the mountain where Jesus had told them to go.
(Mat 28:17 NIV) When they saw him, they worshiped him; but some doubted.”
“…but some doubted.”
But some doubted?
What? How? Why?
The Twelve (minus Judas)
Had obeyed Jesus’ first command to them since His resurrection from the dead
Given through the two Mary’s and Salome (Mark 16:1):
(Mat 28:10 NIV) Then Jesus said to them [the women at the tomb], "Do not be afraid. Go and tell my brothers to go to Galilee; there they will see me."
Jesus had plainly told them before His crucifixion:
(Mat 26:32 NIV) But after I have risen, I will go ahead of you into Galilee."
Never mind the fact that all eleven disciples weren’t in Caiaphas’ courtyard to support Jesus
During the darkest hours of His life.
They weren’t at the foot of the cross weeping at Golgotha.
They weren’t at the tomb.
At least they could have headed for Galilee after the crucifixion based on Jesus’
Without having to have the Lord’s order come through three women.
What? How? Why?
“…but some doubted.” (Matthew 28:17)
At this point we pick up with Jesus actually appearing in bodily form to the disciples.
And still, go figure, still some doubted!
I don’t get it.
What’s wrong with this picture?
But is that not what the text of the scriptures says?
(Mat 28:17 NIV) When they saw him, they worshiped him; but some doubted.”
They had not believed the report of Mary Magdalene
To whom Jesus had appeared first (Mark 16:9).
(Mark 16:11 NIV) When they heard that Jesus was alive and that she had seen him, they did not believe it.”
Then they didn’t believe two additional witnesses of the resurrection.
(Mark 16:12 NIV) Afterward Jesus appeared in a different form to two of them while they were walking in the country.
(Mark 16:13 NIV) These returned and reported it to the rest; but they did not believe them either.”
Is it any wonder that Jesus’ first reunion with His beloved disciples
Was to deliver a message of rebuke?
(Mark 16:14 NIV) Later Jesus appeared to the Eleven as they were eating; he rebuked them for their lack of faith and their stubborn refusal to believe those who had seen him after he had risen.”
No wonder Jesus instructed them:
(Luke 24:49 NIV) I am going to send you what my Father has promised; but stay in the city until you have been clothed with power from on high."
(Acts 1:8 NIV) But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes on you; and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the ends of the earth."
So it seems apparent that faith is far superior than sight.
(2 Cor 5:7 NIV) We live by faith, not by sight.”
Seeing isn’t always believing.
It wasn’t just “Doubting Thomas” who proved that.
(John 20:27 NIV) Then he said to Thomas, "Put your finger here; see my hands. Reach out your hand and put it into my side. Stop doubting and believe."
Thomas bears the bad reputation but please note that he had company…
“…but some doubted.” (Matthew 28:17)
The Apostle Paul sums it all up well for me
In His excellent observation found in Galatians 2:20:
(Gal 2:20 NIV) I have been crucified with Christ and I no longer live, but Christ lives in me. The life I live in the body, I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave himself for me.”
Paul [then Saul] saw Christ on the road to Damascus
And was from that point forth faithful to the heavenly vision.
Let’s resolve to walk by faith.
Let’s believe the word of the Lord regardless
Of what we see or don’t see.
(James 1:6 NIV) But when he asks, he must believe and not doubt, because he who doubts is like a wave of the sea, blown and tossed by the wind.
(James 1:7 NIV) That man should not think he will receive anything from the Lord…”
DSR
8/29/01
(Mat 28:16 NIV) Then the eleven disciples went to Galilee, to the mountain where Jesus had told them to go.
(Mat 28:17 NIV) When they saw him, they worshiped him; but some doubted.”
“…but some doubted.”
But some doubted?
What? How? Why?
The Twelve (minus Judas)
Had obeyed Jesus’ first command to them since His resurrection from the dead
Given through the two Mary’s and Salome (Mark 16:1):
(Mat 28:10 NIV) Then Jesus said to them [the women at the tomb], "Do not be afraid. Go and tell my brothers to go to Galilee; there they will see me."
Jesus had plainly told them before His crucifixion:
(Mat 26:32 NIV) But after I have risen, I will go ahead of you into Galilee."
Never mind the fact that all eleven disciples weren’t in Caiaphas’ courtyard to support Jesus
During the darkest hours of His life.
They weren’t at the foot of the cross weeping at Golgotha.
They weren’t at the tomb.
At least they could have headed for Galilee after the crucifixion based on Jesus’
Without having to have the Lord’s order come through three women.
What? How? Why?
“…but some doubted.” (Matthew 28:17)
At this point we pick up with Jesus actually appearing in bodily form to the disciples.
And still, go figure, still some doubted!
I don’t get it.
What’s wrong with this picture?
But is that not what the text of the scriptures says?
(Mat 28:17 NIV) When they saw him, they worshiped him; but some doubted.”
They had not believed the report of Mary Magdalene
To whom Jesus had appeared first (Mark 16:9).
(Mark 16:11 NIV) When they heard that Jesus was alive and that she had seen him, they did not believe it.”
Then they didn’t believe two additional witnesses of the resurrection.
(Mark 16:12 NIV) Afterward Jesus appeared in a different form to two of them while they were walking in the country.
(Mark 16:13 NIV) These returned and reported it to the rest; but they did not believe them either.”
Is it any wonder that Jesus’ first reunion with His beloved disciples
Was to deliver a message of rebuke?
(Mark 16:14 NIV) Later Jesus appeared to the Eleven as they were eating; he rebuked them for their lack of faith and their stubborn refusal to believe those who had seen him after he had risen.”
No wonder Jesus instructed them:
(Luke 24:49 NIV) I am going to send you what my Father has promised; but stay in the city until you have been clothed with power from on high."
(Acts 1:8 NIV) But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes on you; and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the ends of the earth."
So it seems apparent that faith is far superior than sight.
(2 Cor 5:7 NIV) We live by faith, not by sight.”
Seeing isn’t always believing.
It wasn’t just “Doubting Thomas” who proved that.
(John 20:27 NIV) Then he said to Thomas, "Put your finger here; see my hands. Reach out your hand and put it into my side. Stop doubting and believe."
Thomas bears the bad reputation but please note that he had company…
“…but some doubted.” (Matthew 28:17)
The Apostle Paul sums it all up well for me
In His excellent observation found in Galatians 2:20:
(Gal 2:20 NIV) I have been crucified with Christ and I no longer live, but Christ lives in me. The life I live in the body, I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave himself for me.”
Paul [then Saul] saw Christ on the road to Damascus
And was from that point forth faithful to the heavenly vision.
Let’s resolve to walk by faith.
Let’s believe the word of the Lord regardless
Of what we see or don’t see.
(James 1:6 NIV) But when he asks, he must believe and not doubt, because he who doubts is like a wave of the sea, blown and tossed by the wind.
(James 1:7 NIV) That man should not think he will receive anything from the Lord…”
DSR
8/29/01
Monday, August 27, 2001
The Word Answered Not a Word
by David Scott Robertson
(Rev 19:13 NIV) He [Jesus] is dressed in a robe dipped in blood, and his name is the Word of God.”
Jesus did not just speak the words of God.
He WAS the Word of God.
(John 1:1 NIV) In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God.
(John 1:14 NIV) The Word became flesh and made his dwelling among us…”
When the Word spoke words,
They carried weight, authority, and revelation.
His words also inspire awe, wonder, and utter amazement.
(John 7:45 KJV) Then came the officers to the chief priests and Pharisees; and they said unto them, Why have ye not brought him?
(John 7:46 KJV) The officers answered, Never man spake like this man.”
(Luke 4:36 KJV) And they were all amazed, and spake among themselves, saying, What a word is this! for with authority and power he commandeth the unclean spirits, and they come out.”
Now here’s a twist.
Jesus had the unusual ability to inspire awe, astonishment, and amazement
Not only by the words He spoke,
But by the words He did not speak!
(Mat 27:11 NIV) Meanwhile Jesus stood before the governor, and the governor asked him, "Are you the king of the Jews?" "Yes, it is as you say," Jesus replied.
(Mat 27:12 NIV) When he was accused by the chief priests and the elders, he gave no answer.
(Mat 27:13 NIV) Then Pilate asked him, "Don't you hear the testimony they are bringing against you?"
(Mat 27:14 NIV) But Jesus made no reply, not even to a single charge--to the great amazement of the governor.”
Jesus could literally just stand there
Not “doing anything,”
Not “saying anything”
And provoke “great marvel and astonishment” (v. 14, NKJV).
Why is that so significant?
The context tells the story.
There are situations where questions DEMAND a response:
(Mat 27:11 NIV) Meanwhile Jesus stood before the governor, and the governor asked him, "Are you the king of the Jews?" "Yes, it is as you say," Jesus replied.
Then, there are circumstances where questions do not DESERVE a response:
(Mat 27:12 NIV) When he was accused by the chief priests and the elders, he gave no answer.”
(Mat 27:13 NIV) Then Pilate asked him, "Don't you hear the testimony they are bringing against you?"
So what can we learn from our Master Mentor?
Here are “Eight Principles of Effective Communication”
Gleaned from this passage of scripture:
1. In speech, timing is important.
(Eccl 3:1 NIV) There is a time for everything, and a season for every activity under heaven:
(Eccl 3:7 NIV) a time to tear and a time to mend, a time to be silent and a time to speak…”
2. You don’t have to be super-intelligent to benefit from shutting your mouth.
(Prov 17:28 NIV) Even a fool is thought wise if he keeps silent, and discerning if he holds his tongue.”
3. It’s never too late to stop talking.
(Job 40:4 NIV) "I [Job] am unworthy--how can I reply to you? I put my hand over my mouth.
(Job 40:5 NIV) I spoke once, but I have no answer-- twice, but I will say no more."
4. Like a professional boxer, you need to wear a mouth-guard.
(Psa 141:3 NIV) Set a guard over my [King David’s] mouth, O LORD; keep watch over the door of my lips.”
5. You need a heart transplant to speak well.
(Mat 12:34 NIV) You brood of vipers, how can you who are evil say anything good? For out of the overflow of the heart the mouth speaks.”
6. God richly rewards good speech.
(James 3:2 NIV) We all stumble in many ways. If anyone is never at fault in what he says, he is a perfect man, able to keep his whole body in check.”
7. Listen twice as much as you speak (you have two ears and one mouth for a purpose!)
(James 1:19 NIV) My dear brothers, take note of this: Everyone should be quick to listen, slow to speak and slow to become angry…”
8. The ability to keep silent is a fruit of the Spirit.
(Gal 5:22 NIV) But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness,
(Gal 5:23 NIV) gentleness and self-control. Against such things there is no law.” – emphasis mine
One of Jesus’ most impressive works,
At least to me,
Was the unnatural and uncanny ability to NOT speak!
When He was violated and blasphemed…
When He was despised and rejected of men…
When He was lied about and profoundly misunderstood…
When He was mocked and crucified…
Jesus, the Christ, remained silent.
When He did speak during traumatic experiences,
Out of the abundance of His heart His mouth spoke:
(Luke 23:34 NIV) Jesus said, "Father, forgive them, for they do not know what they are doing."
Let’s determine, with the help of the Holy Spirit, to do the works of the Jesus,
Even the greater works…
Speaking the truth in love
Or keep our mouths shut.
My mother was right after all –
“David, if you can’t say something nice don’t say anything at all.”
DSR
8/27/01
(Rev 19:13 NIV) He [Jesus] is dressed in a robe dipped in blood, and his name is the Word of God.”
Jesus did not just speak the words of God.
He WAS the Word of God.
(John 1:1 NIV) In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God.
(John 1:14 NIV) The Word became flesh and made his dwelling among us…”
When the Word spoke words,
They carried weight, authority, and revelation.
His words also inspire awe, wonder, and utter amazement.
(John 7:45 KJV) Then came the officers to the chief priests and Pharisees; and they said unto them, Why have ye not brought him?
(John 7:46 KJV) The officers answered, Never man spake like this man.”
(Luke 4:36 KJV) And they were all amazed, and spake among themselves, saying, What a word is this! for with authority and power he commandeth the unclean spirits, and they come out.”
Now here’s a twist.
Jesus had the unusual ability to inspire awe, astonishment, and amazement
Not only by the words He spoke,
But by the words He did not speak!
(Mat 27:11 NIV) Meanwhile Jesus stood before the governor, and the governor asked him, "Are you the king of the Jews?" "Yes, it is as you say," Jesus replied.
(Mat 27:12 NIV) When he was accused by the chief priests and the elders, he gave no answer.
(Mat 27:13 NIV) Then Pilate asked him, "Don't you hear the testimony they are bringing against you?"
(Mat 27:14 NIV) But Jesus made no reply, not even to a single charge--to the great amazement of the governor.”
Jesus could literally just stand there
Not “doing anything,”
Not “saying anything”
And provoke “great marvel and astonishment” (v. 14, NKJV).
Why is that so significant?
The context tells the story.
There are situations where questions DEMAND a response:
(Mat 27:11 NIV) Meanwhile Jesus stood before the governor, and the governor asked him, "Are you the king of the Jews?" "Yes, it is as you say," Jesus replied.
Then, there are circumstances where questions do not DESERVE a response:
(Mat 27:12 NIV) When he was accused by the chief priests and the elders, he gave no answer.”
(Mat 27:13 NIV) Then Pilate asked him, "Don't you hear the testimony they are bringing against you?"
So what can we learn from our Master Mentor?
Here are “Eight Principles of Effective Communication”
Gleaned from this passage of scripture:
1. In speech, timing is important.
(Eccl 3:1 NIV) There is a time for everything, and a season for every activity under heaven:
(Eccl 3:7 NIV) a time to tear and a time to mend, a time to be silent and a time to speak…”
2. You don’t have to be super-intelligent to benefit from shutting your mouth.
(Prov 17:28 NIV) Even a fool is thought wise if he keeps silent, and discerning if he holds his tongue.”
3. It’s never too late to stop talking.
(Job 40:4 NIV) "I [Job] am unworthy--how can I reply to you? I put my hand over my mouth.
(Job 40:5 NIV) I spoke once, but I have no answer-- twice, but I will say no more."
4. Like a professional boxer, you need to wear a mouth-guard.
(Psa 141:3 NIV) Set a guard over my [King David’s] mouth, O LORD; keep watch over the door of my lips.”
5. You need a heart transplant to speak well.
(Mat 12:34 NIV) You brood of vipers, how can you who are evil say anything good? For out of the overflow of the heart the mouth speaks.”
6. God richly rewards good speech.
(James 3:2 NIV) We all stumble in many ways. If anyone is never at fault in what he says, he is a perfect man, able to keep his whole body in check.”
7. Listen twice as much as you speak (you have two ears and one mouth for a purpose!)
(James 1:19 NIV) My dear brothers, take note of this: Everyone should be quick to listen, slow to speak and slow to become angry…”
8. The ability to keep silent is a fruit of the Spirit.
(Gal 5:22 NIV) But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness,
(Gal 5:23 NIV) gentleness and self-control. Against such things there is no law.” – emphasis mine
One of Jesus’ most impressive works,
At least to me,
Was the unnatural and uncanny ability to NOT speak!
When He was violated and blasphemed…
When He was despised and rejected of men…
When He was lied about and profoundly misunderstood…
When He was mocked and crucified…
Jesus, the Christ, remained silent.
When He did speak during traumatic experiences,
Out of the abundance of His heart His mouth spoke:
(Luke 23:34 NIV) Jesus said, "Father, forgive them, for they do not know what they are doing."
Let’s determine, with the help of the Holy Spirit, to do the works of the Jesus,
Even the greater works…
Speaking the truth in love
Or keep our mouths shut.
My mother was right after all –
“David, if you can’t say something nice don’t say anything at all.”
DSR
8/27/01
Friday, August 24, 2001
Biblical Extravagance
by David Scott Robertson
(Mat 26:6 NIV) While Jesus was in Bethany in the home of a man known as Simon the Leper,
(Mat 26:7 NIV) a woman came to him with an alabaster jar of very expensive perfume, which she poured on his head as he was reclining at the table.
(Mat 26:8 NIV) When the disciples saw this, they were indignant. "Why this waste?" they asked.
(Mat 26:9 NIV) "This perfume could have been sold at a high price and the money given to the poor."
“Why this waste?”
That’s the carnal, worldly, shortsighted, uneducated, and thoroughly unspiritual response
Of many people who are confronted with biblical extravagance.
What God values
And what man values
Are often world’s apart.
I can imagine this indignant attitude cropping up repeatedly throughout scripture:
(1 Chr 22:14 NIV) "I have taken great pains to provide for the temple of the LORD a hundred thousand talents of gold, a million talents of silver, quantities of bronze and iron too great to be weighed, and wood and stone. And you may add to them.”
“Why this waste? "This treasure could have been sold at a high price and the money given to the poor!"
Biblical extravagance.
(1 Ki 3:4 NIV) The king went to Gibeon to offer sacrifices, for that was the most important high place, and Solomon offered a thousand burnt offerings on that altar.”
“Why this waste? "These thousand animals could have been sold at a high price and the money given to the poor!"
Biblical extravagance.
(1 Ki 19:21 NIV) So Elisha left him and went back. He took his yoke of oxen and slaughtered them. He burned the plowing equipment to cook the meat and gave it to the people, and they ate. Then he set out to follow Elijah and became his attendant.”
“Why this waste? "These two strong oxen could have been sold at a high price and the money given to the poor."
Biblical extravagance.
(Ezra 8:25 NIV) and I weighed out to them the offering of silver and gold and the articles that the king, his advisers, his officials and all Israel present there had donated for the house of our God.
(Ezra 8:26 NIV) I weighed out to them 650 talents of silver, silver articles weighing 100 talents, 100 talents of gold,
(Ezra 8:27 NIV) 20 bowls of gold valued at 1,000 darics, and two fine articles of polished bronze, as precious as gold.
(Ezra 8:28 NIV) I said to them, "You as well as these articles are consecrated to the LORD. The silver and gold are a freewill offering to the LORD, the God of your fathers.
“Why this waste? "These incredibly valuable articles could have been sold at a high price and the money given to the poor."
Biblical extravagance.
(1 Ki 17:10 NIV) So he went to Zarephath. When he came to the town gate, a widow was there gathering sticks. He called to her and asked, "Would you bring me a little water in a jar so I may have a drink?"
(1 Ki 17:11 NIV) As she was going to get it, he called, "And bring me, please, a piece of bread."
(1 Ki 17:12 NIV) "As surely as the LORD your God lives," she replied, "I don't have any bread--only a handful of flour in a jar and a little oil in a jug. I am gathering a few sticks to take home and make a meal for myself and my son, that we may eat it--and die."
(1 Ki 17:13 NIV) Elijah said to her, "Don't be afraid. Go home and do as you have said. But first make a small cake of bread for me from what you have and bring it to me, and then make something for yourself and your son.
“Why this waste? Isn’t that just like a preacher? Down to your last meal and the preacher wants you to give part of it to him!”
Biblical extravagance.
(Mark 12:42 NIV) But a poor widow came and put in two very small copper coins, worth only a fraction of a penny.
(Mark 12:43 NIV) Calling his disciples to him, Jesus said, "I tell you the truth, this poor widow has put more into the treasury than all the others.
(Mark 12:44 NIV) They all gave out of their wealth; but she, out of her poverty, put in everything--all she had to live on."
“Why this waste? Down to her last two coins and she gives it away!”
Biblical extravagance.
(Gen 22:9 NIV) When they reached the place God had told him about, Abraham built an altar there and arranged the wood on it. He bound his son Isaac and laid him on the altar, on top of the wood.
(Gen 22:10 NIV) Then he reached out his hand and took the knife to slay his son.
“Why this wasted life? Why proceed to offer your own son? Your only son?”
Biblical extravagance.
There have always been,
And I suppose always will be
Those who have no stomach, patience, or heart for biblical extravagance.
The god of this world has blinded the eyes of their understanding
So that their value system gets skewed and out of alignment with God’s Word.
What is trivial, meaningless, senseless and even “wasteful” to them
Is in fact of great value and worth to the Lord.
God’s response is spelled out plainly in scripture:
(Mat 16:26 NIV) What good will it be for a man if he gains the whole world, yet forfeits his soul? Or what can a man give in exchange for his soul?”
(Luke 12:15 NIV) Then he said to them, "Watch out! Be on your guard against all kinds of greed; a man's life does not consist in the abundance of his possessions."
(1 Tim 6:10 NIV) For the love of money is a root of all kinds of evil. Some people, eager for money, have wandered from the faith and pierced themselves with many griefs.”
(1 Tim 6:6 NIV) But godliness with contentment is great gain.”
(Prov 22:1 NIV) A good name is more desirable than great riches; to be esteemed is better than silver or gold.”
(1 Sam 15:22 NIV) But Samuel replied: "Does the LORD delight in burnt offerings and sacrifices as much as in obeying the voice of the LORD? To obey is better than sacrifice, and to heed is better than the fat of rams.”
Our Heavenly Father knows all about biblical extravagance.
He invented it and constantly practices it:
From the inexpressible extravagances of creation spelled out in the book of Genesis (1:1-31).
To the indescribable extravagances of the New Jerusalem spelled out in the book of Revelation (21:18-21).
But the ultimate example of biblical extravagance would doubtless be this:
(John 3:16 NIV) "For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life.”
“What a waste! The life of the very Son of God in exchange for my life!
It’s too high a price for me!”
This may be true but the value that God placed on the redemption and reconciliation of a race
Exceeded His infinite love for His own Son, Jesus Christ.
Biblical extravagance is difficult for servants, slaves, and hirelings
But it is easy for lovers of the Bridegroom.
DSR
8/24/01
(Mat 26:6 NIV) While Jesus was in Bethany in the home of a man known as Simon the Leper,
(Mat 26:7 NIV) a woman came to him with an alabaster jar of very expensive perfume, which she poured on his head as he was reclining at the table.
(Mat 26:8 NIV) When the disciples saw this, they were indignant. "Why this waste?" they asked.
(Mat 26:9 NIV) "This perfume could have been sold at a high price and the money given to the poor."
“Why this waste?”
That’s the carnal, worldly, shortsighted, uneducated, and thoroughly unspiritual response
Of many people who are confronted with biblical extravagance.
What God values
And what man values
Are often world’s apart.
I can imagine this indignant attitude cropping up repeatedly throughout scripture:
(1 Chr 22:14 NIV) "I have taken great pains to provide for the temple of the LORD a hundred thousand talents of gold, a million talents of silver, quantities of bronze and iron too great to be weighed, and wood and stone. And you may add to them.”
“Why this waste? "This treasure could have been sold at a high price and the money given to the poor!"
Biblical extravagance.
(1 Ki 3:4 NIV) The king went to Gibeon to offer sacrifices, for that was the most important high place, and Solomon offered a thousand burnt offerings on that altar.”
“Why this waste? "These thousand animals could have been sold at a high price and the money given to the poor!"
Biblical extravagance.
(1 Ki 19:21 NIV) So Elisha left him and went back. He took his yoke of oxen and slaughtered them. He burned the plowing equipment to cook the meat and gave it to the people, and they ate. Then he set out to follow Elijah and became his attendant.”
“Why this waste? "These two strong oxen could have been sold at a high price and the money given to the poor."
Biblical extravagance.
(Ezra 8:25 NIV) and I weighed out to them the offering of silver and gold and the articles that the king, his advisers, his officials and all Israel present there had donated for the house of our God.
(Ezra 8:26 NIV) I weighed out to them 650 talents of silver, silver articles weighing 100 talents, 100 talents of gold,
(Ezra 8:27 NIV) 20 bowls of gold valued at 1,000 darics, and two fine articles of polished bronze, as precious as gold.
(Ezra 8:28 NIV) I said to them, "You as well as these articles are consecrated to the LORD. The silver and gold are a freewill offering to the LORD, the God of your fathers.
“Why this waste? "These incredibly valuable articles could have been sold at a high price and the money given to the poor."
Biblical extravagance.
(1 Ki 17:10 NIV) So he went to Zarephath. When he came to the town gate, a widow was there gathering sticks. He called to her and asked, "Would you bring me a little water in a jar so I may have a drink?"
(1 Ki 17:11 NIV) As she was going to get it, he called, "And bring me, please, a piece of bread."
(1 Ki 17:12 NIV) "As surely as the LORD your God lives," she replied, "I don't have any bread--only a handful of flour in a jar and a little oil in a jug. I am gathering a few sticks to take home and make a meal for myself and my son, that we may eat it--and die."
(1 Ki 17:13 NIV) Elijah said to her, "Don't be afraid. Go home and do as you have said. But first make a small cake of bread for me from what you have and bring it to me, and then make something for yourself and your son.
“Why this waste? Isn’t that just like a preacher? Down to your last meal and the preacher wants you to give part of it to him!”
Biblical extravagance.
(Mark 12:42 NIV) But a poor widow came and put in two very small copper coins, worth only a fraction of a penny.
(Mark 12:43 NIV) Calling his disciples to him, Jesus said, "I tell you the truth, this poor widow has put more into the treasury than all the others.
(Mark 12:44 NIV) They all gave out of their wealth; but she, out of her poverty, put in everything--all she had to live on."
“Why this waste? Down to her last two coins and she gives it away!”
Biblical extravagance.
(Gen 22:9 NIV) When they reached the place God had told him about, Abraham built an altar there and arranged the wood on it. He bound his son Isaac and laid him on the altar, on top of the wood.
(Gen 22:10 NIV) Then he reached out his hand and took the knife to slay his son.
“Why this wasted life? Why proceed to offer your own son? Your only son?”
Biblical extravagance.
There have always been,
And I suppose always will be
Those who have no stomach, patience, or heart for biblical extravagance.
The god of this world has blinded the eyes of their understanding
So that their value system gets skewed and out of alignment with God’s Word.
What is trivial, meaningless, senseless and even “wasteful” to them
Is in fact of great value and worth to the Lord.
God’s response is spelled out plainly in scripture:
(Mat 16:26 NIV) What good will it be for a man if he gains the whole world, yet forfeits his soul? Or what can a man give in exchange for his soul?”
(Luke 12:15 NIV) Then he said to them, "Watch out! Be on your guard against all kinds of greed; a man's life does not consist in the abundance of his possessions."
(1 Tim 6:10 NIV) For the love of money is a root of all kinds of evil. Some people, eager for money, have wandered from the faith and pierced themselves with many griefs.”
(1 Tim 6:6 NIV) But godliness with contentment is great gain.”
(Prov 22:1 NIV) A good name is more desirable than great riches; to be esteemed is better than silver or gold.”
(1 Sam 15:22 NIV) But Samuel replied: "Does the LORD delight in burnt offerings and sacrifices as much as in obeying the voice of the LORD? To obey is better than sacrifice, and to heed is better than the fat of rams.”
Our Heavenly Father knows all about biblical extravagance.
He invented it and constantly practices it:
From the inexpressible extravagances of creation spelled out in the book of Genesis (1:1-31).
To the indescribable extravagances of the New Jerusalem spelled out in the book of Revelation (21:18-21).
But the ultimate example of biblical extravagance would doubtless be this:
(John 3:16 NIV) "For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life.”
“What a waste! The life of the very Son of God in exchange for my life!
It’s too high a price for me!”
This may be true but the value that God placed on the redemption and reconciliation of a race
Exceeded His infinite love for His own Son, Jesus Christ.
Biblical extravagance is difficult for servants, slaves, and hirelings
But it is easy for lovers of the Bridegroom.
DSR
8/24/01
Tuesday, August 21, 2001
Love at First Sight
by David Scott Robertson
(Mat 20:30 NIV) Two blind men were sitting by the roadside, and when they heard that Jesus was going by, they shouted, "Lord, Son of David, have mercy on us!"
(Mat 20:31 NIV) The crowd rebuked them and told them to be quiet, but they shouted all the louder, "Lord, Son of David, have mercy on us!"
(Mat 20:32 NIV) Jesus stopped and called them. "What do you want me to do for you?" he asked.
(Mat 20:33 NIV) "Lord," they answered, "we want our sight."
(Mat 20:34 NIV) Jesus had compassion on them and touched their eyes. Immediately they received their sight and followed him.
Can you imagine what it must have been like to be blind all your life –
Not knowing, really, what anything at all looks like?
And the first sight,
The very first sight you see by a miraculous hand of God,
Is the face of Jesus Christ!
Can you stretch your imagination to consider this thought?
Can you at least attempt to fathom the unparalleled wonder,
The inexpressible amazement,
The sheer joy of it all?
Think of it!
To have your eyes, brain, and senses
Begin to function in a way that is unprecedented in your life experience
And, and, and
Being initiated into that experience
By seeing the beautiful face of Jesus of Nazareth,
The very Son of God!
The face the prophets longed to see but never did.
The face that modern-day followers of The Way longed to see but rarely have.
The face that agnostics and atheists would have their false paradigms dashed in one steady gaze.
What a rare and unusual privilege
These two obscure and extremely blessed ex-blind men had!
Can you meditate on the implications?
How many people on planet Earth in all it history and culture
Can testify of this experience?
Out of the personal tragedy these two blind men had endured in their lifetimes…
The heart-breaking disappointment their parents must have experienced
Realizing at some point that their precious new sons were born blind…
The hardships this must have created in trying to raise these handicapped children…
The inability to function properly in society,
The absence of a normal childhood,
The teasing of unkind teenagers,
The inability to work and make a living but consigned to beg to sustain themselves,
The impossible thought of marrying and having a family…
Who among us that has the gift of sight to read these words can even begin to understand?
(John 9:2 NIV) His disciples asked him, "Rabbi, who sinned, this man or his parents, that he was born blind?"
(John 9:3 NIV) "Neither this man nor his parents sinned," said Jesus, "but this happened so that the work of God might be displayed in his life.
God had a plan from the foundation of the world for these two blind boys.
God knew them,
He loved them from the beginning,
He orchestrated time, space, events, culture, schedules, traffic flows, and other minute details
To get these two blind men to the place where
Destiny would intersect the timing and power of God.
Their blindness had been,
In a sense,
Their “school of hard-knocks.”
It had in fact uniquely prepared them,
Groomed them,
Trained them to be released to an unqualified ministry.
(Mat 20:34 NIV) “Jesus had compassion on them and touched their eyes. Immediately they received their sight and followed him.” [emphasis mine]
And they followed Him.
Hundreds, thousands saw the face of Jesus of Nazareth
When the Son of God literally and physically walked the dusty roads of the ancient Middle East.
The multitudes saw His face but never knew Him
In the way these two healed blind men had come to know Him.
Who knows what this one encounter with Jesus
Did for these two men beyond restoring their sight?
Perhaps they on to live fruitful, productive lives in society.
Perhaps they had the delight and pleasure of learning a trade,
Using a newly acquired skill to “earn” a living and make a contribution to their family’s income.
Wouldn’t you like to have been at the dinner table with their parents
Describing story after story of how things used to be compared to how things are?
Maybe these men even went on to meet woman,
Fall in love,
Get married and raise a family.
What bedtime stories these men could tell their own sons and daughters
About the time the Messiah came to town and changed everything.
For all we do not know about the lives of these two former blind men
This one thing we do know…
…they followed him (Matthew 20:34).
Here’s where I’m going with this thought today:
To be born blind is not the worst thing that could ever happen to a person.
To see Jesus Christ
And not become His follower,
I should think,
Is a far greater tragedy than blindness.
DSR
8/21/01
(Mat 20:30 NIV) Two blind men were sitting by the roadside, and when they heard that Jesus was going by, they shouted, "Lord, Son of David, have mercy on us!"
(Mat 20:31 NIV) The crowd rebuked them and told them to be quiet, but they shouted all the louder, "Lord, Son of David, have mercy on us!"
(Mat 20:32 NIV) Jesus stopped and called them. "What do you want me to do for you?" he asked.
(Mat 20:33 NIV) "Lord," they answered, "we want our sight."
(Mat 20:34 NIV) Jesus had compassion on them and touched their eyes. Immediately they received their sight and followed him.
Can you imagine what it must have been like to be blind all your life –
Not knowing, really, what anything at all looks like?
And the first sight,
The very first sight you see by a miraculous hand of God,
Is the face of Jesus Christ!
Can you stretch your imagination to consider this thought?
Can you at least attempt to fathom the unparalleled wonder,
The inexpressible amazement,
The sheer joy of it all?
Think of it!
To have your eyes, brain, and senses
Begin to function in a way that is unprecedented in your life experience
And, and, and
Being initiated into that experience
By seeing the beautiful face of Jesus of Nazareth,
The very Son of God!
The face the prophets longed to see but never did.
The face that modern-day followers of The Way longed to see but rarely have.
The face that agnostics and atheists would have their false paradigms dashed in one steady gaze.
What a rare and unusual privilege
These two obscure and extremely blessed ex-blind men had!
Can you meditate on the implications?
How many people on planet Earth in all it history and culture
Can testify of this experience?
Out of the personal tragedy these two blind men had endured in their lifetimes…
The heart-breaking disappointment their parents must have experienced
Realizing at some point that their precious new sons were born blind…
The hardships this must have created in trying to raise these handicapped children…
The inability to function properly in society,
The absence of a normal childhood,
The teasing of unkind teenagers,
The inability to work and make a living but consigned to beg to sustain themselves,
The impossible thought of marrying and having a family…
Who among us that has the gift of sight to read these words can even begin to understand?
(John 9:2 NIV) His disciples asked him, "Rabbi, who sinned, this man or his parents, that he was born blind?"
(John 9:3 NIV) "Neither this man nor his parents sinned," said Jesus, "but this happened so that the work of God might be displayed in his life.
God had a plan from the foundation of the world for these two blind boys.
God knew them,
He loved them from the beginning,
He orchestrated time, space, events, culture, schedules, traffic flows, and other minute details
To get these two blind men to the place where
Destiny would intersect the timing and power of God.
Their blindness had been,
In a sense,
Their “school of hard-knocks.”
It had in fact uniquely prepared them,
Groomed them,
Trained them to be released to an unqualified ministry.
(Mat 20:34 NIV) “Jesus had compassion on them and touched their eyes. Immediately they received their sight and followed him.” [emphasis mine]
And they followed Him.
Hundreds, thousands saw the face of Jesus of Nazareth
When the Son of God literally and physically walked the dusty roads of the ancient Middle East.
The multitudes saw His face but never knew Him
In the way these two healed blind men had come to know Him.
Who knows what this one encounter with Jesus
Did for these two men beyond restoring their sight?
Perhaps they on to live fruitful, productive lives in society.
Perhaps they had the delight and pleasure of learning a trade,
Using a newly acquired skill to “earn” a living and make a contribution to their family’s income.
Wouldn’t you like to have been at the dinner table with their parents
Describing story after story of how things used to be compared to how things are?
Maybe these men even went on to meet woman,
Fall in love,
Get married and raise a family.
What bedtime stories these men could tell their own sons and daughters
About the time the Messiah came to town and changed everything.
For all we do not know about the lives of these two former blind men
This one thing we do know…
…they followed him (Matthew 20:34).
Here’s where I’m going with this thought today:
To be born blind is not the worst thing that could ever happen to a person.
To see Jesus Christ
And not become His follower,
I should think,
Is a far greater tragedy than blindness.
DSR
8/21/01
You Are Mistaken Because...
By David Scott Robertson
(Mat 22:23 NIV) That same day the Sadducees, who say there is no resurrection, came to him with a question.
(Mat 22:24 NIV) "Teacher," they said, "Moses told us that if a man dies without having children, his brother must marry the widow and have children for him.
(Mat 22:25 NIV) Now there were seven brothers among us. The first one married and died, and since he had no children, he left his wife to his brother.
(Mat 22:26 NIV) The same thing happened to the second and third brother, right on down to the seventh.
(Mat 22:27 NIV) Finally, the woman died.
(Mat 22:28 NIV) Now then, at the resurrection, whose wife will she be of the seven, since all of them were married to her?"
(Mat 22:29 NIV) Jesus replied, "You are in error because you do not know the Scriptures or the power of God.”
The Sadducees claimed there was no resurrection.
(One preacher explained that’s why they were “sad-you-see!”)
Where in the world did the Sadducees get the idea that there was no resurrection?
The answer is in the question.
They got that doctrine “in the world” not from God.
Jesus set the record the record straight once for all
As to why the Sadducees (a very sincere and religious people group)
Missed entirely the important doctrinal truth of the resurrection.
Jesus revealed to them two things they did not know:
1. The scriptures
2. The power of God
The same could be said of
Mormons,
Jehovah’s Witnesses,
Muslims,
Hindus,
Buddhists,
New-agers,
And any other cult or pseudo-Christian cult.
(Mat 22:29 NIV) Jesus replied, "You are in error because you do not know the Scriptures or the power of God.”
(Hosea 4:6 NIV) “My people are destroyed from lack of knowledge…”
(Col 2:2 NIV) My purpose is that they may be encouraged in heart and united in love, so that they may have the full riches of complete understanding, in order that they may know the mystery of God, namely, Christ,
(Col 2:3 NIV) in whom are hidden all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge.”
It takes God to know God.
It takes the Holy Spirit to life words of the printed page
And transfer them to a sincere and hungry heart.
(1 Cor 2:14 NIV) The man without the Spirit does not accept the things that come from the Spirit of God, for they are foolishness to him, and he cannot understand them, because they are spiritually discerned.”
Lord Jesus, help us to do two things better this year:
1. To know the scriptures
2. To experience the power of God
DSR
8/21/01
(Mat 22:23 NIV) That same day the Sadducees, who say there is no resurrection, came to him with a question.
(Mat 22:24 NIV) "Teacher," they said, "Moses told us that if a man dies without having children, his brother must marry the widow and have children for him.
(Mat 22:25 NIV) Now there were seven brothers among us. The first one married and died, and since he had no children, he left his wife to his brother.
(Mat 22:26 NIV) The same thing happened to the second and third brother, right on down to the seventh.
(Mat 22:27 NIV) Finally, the woman died.
(Mat 22:28 NIV) Now then, at the resurrection, whose wife will she be of the seven, since all of them were married to her?"
(Mat 22:29 NIV) Jesus replied, "You are in error because you do not know the Scriptures or the power of God.”
The Sadducees claimed there was no resurrection.
(One preacher explained that’s why they were “sad-you-see!”)
Where in the world did the Sadducees get the idea that there was no resurrection?
The answer is in the question.
They got that doctrine “in the world” not from God.
Jesus set the record the record straight once for all
As to why the Sadducees (a very sincere and religious people group)
Missed entirely the important doctrinal truth of the resurrection.
Jesus revealed to them two things they did not know:
1. The scriptures
2. The power of God
The same could be said of
Mormons,
Jehovah’s Witnesses,
Muslims,
Hindus,
Buddhists,
New-agers,
And any other cult or pseudo-Christian cult.
(Mat 22:29 NIV) Jesus replied, "You are in error because you do not know the Scriptures or the power of God.”
(Hosea 4:6 NIV) “My people are destroyed from lack of knowledge…”
(Col 2:2 NIV) My purpose is that they may be encouraged in heart and united in love, so that they may have the full riches of complete understanding, in order that they may know the mystery of God, namely, Christ,
(Col 2:3 NIV) in whom are hidden all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge.”
It takes God to know God.
It takes the Holy Spirit to life words of the printed page
And transfer them to a sincere and hungry heart.
(1 Cor 2:14 NIV) The man without the Spirit does not accept the things that come from the Spirit of God, for they are foolishness to him, and he cannot understand them, because they are spiritually discerned.”
Lord Jesus, help us to do two things better this year:
1. To know the scriptures
2. To experience the power of God
DSR
8/21/01
Lord, You Enlarge My Border
by David Scott Robertson
"Jabez cried out to the God of Israel, "Oh, that you would bless me and enlarge my territory! Let your hand be with me, and keep me from harm so that I will be free from pain." And God granted his request." (1 Chronicles 4:10 NIV)
The "Prayer of Jabez" has been brought from obscurity to popularity in recent times.
It has been popularized by a well-written book of the same title
That has made the New York Times best-seller list.
This prayer chronicles how a man,
Whose name means "Pain,"
Cried out to God from a desperate and honorable heart that Jehovah,
Among other things,
Would "enlarge his territory" or borders, or coast (KJV).
The text plainly tells us the Almighty's response:
God granted him his request.
Millions have gathered strength and hope from Jabez' simple but potent prayer.
His brief prayer seemed to have captured the heart of God to grant the petition.
"Enlarge my territory [border]" has been a phrase that has experienced revival.
But notice another group of people mentioned in scripture
Who, like Jabez, were also interested in enlarging their borders.
(Mat 23:5 KJV) But all their [scribes and Pharisees] works they do for to be seen of men: they make broad their phylacteries, and enlarge the borders of their garments…
(Mat 23:13 KJV) But woe unto you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites! for ye shut up the kingdom of heaven against men: for ye neither go in yourselves, neither suffer ye them that are entering to go in." (emphasis mine).
Quite a different response from God concerning enlarging borders!
In the Old Testament, God granted Jabez an enlargement of his territory.
In the New Testament the Pharisees took matters into their own hands.
They enlarged their own borders of their garments (to be seen of men)
And received public rebuke from the Messiah as a result.
Jabez probably would have made a crummy Pharisee.
Jabez' motives were right in the sight of God.
The Pharisees were filled with ambitious conquest.
Anytime you see a "my kingdom come" instead of a "thy kingdom come" mentality – watch out!
When you observe this kind of attitude:
"Well, if God won't do anything about it, I will!"
You'd better steer clear – danger is present and judgement is forthcoming.
(Prov 16:18 NIV) Pride goes before destruction, a haughty spirit before a fall."
The moral of this story is:
Let God "enlarge your territory."
If you don't,
He may allow you to take on land that has giants in it
And leave you there to fight them all by your prideful self.
DSR
8/21/01
"Jabez cried out to the God of Israel, "Oh, that you would bless me and enlarge my territory! Let your hand be with me, and keep me from harm so that I will be free from pain." And God granted his request." (1 Chronicles 4:10 NIV)
The "Prayer of Jabez" has been brought from obscurity to popularity in recent times.
It has been popularized by a well-written book of the same title
That has made the New York Times best-seller list.
This prayer chronicles how a man,
Whose name means "Pain,"
Cried out to God from a desperate and honorable heart that Jehovah,
Among other things,
Would "enlarge his territory" or borders, or coast (KJV).
The text plainly tells us the Almighty's response:
God granted him his request.
Millions have gathered strength and hope from Jabez' simple but potent prayer.
His brief prayer seemed to have captured the heart of God to grant the petition.
"Enlarge my territory [border]" has been a phrase that has experienced revival.
But notice another group of people mentioned in scripture
Who, like Jabez, were also interested in enlarging their borders.
(Mat 23:5 KJV) But all their [scribes and Pharisees] works they do for to be seen of men: they make broad their phylacteries, and enlarge the borders of their garments…
(Mat 23:13 KJV) But woe unto you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites! for ye shut up the kingdom of heaven against men: for ye neither go in yourselves, neither suffer ye them that are entering to go in." (emphasis mine).
Quite a different response from God concerning enlarging borders!
In the Old Testament, God granted Jabez an enlargement of his territory.
In the New Testament the Pharisees took matters into their own hands.
They enlarged their own borders of their garments (to be seen of men)
And received public rebuke from the Messiah as a result.
Jabez probably would have made a crummy Pharisee.
Jabez' motives were right in the sight of God.
The Pharisees were filled with ambitious conquest.
Anytime you see a "my kingdom come" instead of a "thy kingdom come" mentality – watch out!
When you observe this kind of attitude:
"Well, if God won't do anything about it, I will!"
You'd better steer clear – danger is present and judgement is forthcoming.
(Prov 16:18 NIV) Pride goes before destruction, a haughty spirit before a fall."
The moral of this story is:
Let God "enlarge your territory."
If you don't,
He may allow you to take on land that has giants in it
And leave you there to fight them all by your prideful self.
DSR
8/21/01
Monday, August 20, 2001
Are You Dead Yet?
by David Scott Robertson
“An offended brother is more unyielding than a fortified city, and disputes are like the barred gates of a citadel.” (Prov 18:19 NIV)
“Great peace have they which love thy law: and nothing shall offend them.” (Psa 119:165 KJV)
“For you died, and your life is now hidden with Christ in God.” (Col 3:3 NIV)
“You will keep in perfect peace him whose mind is steadfast, because he trusts in you.” (Isa 26:3 NIV)
If you are a Christian,
You have no RIGHT to be offended.
If you are offended at someone as you read this…
Then you have satisfactorily met one of the three conditions
Listed in the above mentioned scriptures:
1. You do not love the law of the Lord (Psalm 119:165).
2. You are not keeping your mind on God (Isaiah 26:3).
3. Your fleshly, carnal nature is not dead yet (Colossians 3:3).
YOU are the guilty party if you are offended!
YOU are the one who is guilty of violating the scriptures!
And this to your own hurt!
Make it right now!
(Eph 4:26 NIV) "In your anger do not sin" : Do not let the sun go down while you are still angry,
(Eph 4:27 NIV) and do not give the devil a foothold.”
(James 1:20 NIV) for man's anger does not bring about the righteous life that God desires.”
(Mat 5:23 NIV) "Therefore, if you are offering your gift at the altar and there remember that your brother has something against you,
(Mat 5:24 NIV) leave your gift there in front of the altar. First go and be reconciled to your brother; then come and offer your gift.”
God’s Word is explicit.
His counsel is always right and He is never wrong.
(Rom 3:4 NIV) “…Let God be true, and every man a liar. As it is written: "So that you may be proved right when you speak and prevail when you judge."
God has provided in His Word more than three methods to steer clear of offense.
However, if we just practice the three mentioned here
All will go well with us.
Instead of offense, we can reap:
Great and perfect peace (Psalm 119:165; Isaiah 26:3)
And hidden-ness in Christ (Colossians 3:3).
Which would you prefer?
(Mat 18:7 NIV) "Woe to the world because of the things that cause people to sin! Such things must come, but woe to the man through whom they come!”
DSR
8/20/01
“An offended brother is more unyielding than a fortified city, and disputes are like the barred gates of a citadel.” (Prov 18:19 NIV)
“Great peace have they which love thy law: and nothing shall offend them.” (Psa 119:165 KJV)
“For you died, and your life is now hidden with Christ in God.” (Col 3:3 NIV)
“You will keep in perfect peace him whose mind is steadfast, because he trusts in you.” (Isa 26:3 NIV)
If you are a Christian,
You have no RIGHT to be offended.
If you are offended at someone as you read this…
Then you have satisfactorily met one of the three conditions
Listed in the above mentioned scriptures:
1. You do not love the law of the Lord (Psalm 119:165).
2. You are not keeping your mind on God (Isaiah 26:3).
3. Your fleshly, carnal nature is not dead yet (Colossians 3:3).
YOU are the guilty party if you are offended!
YOU are the one who is guilty of violating the scriptures!
And this to your own hurt!
Make it right now!
(Eph 4:26 NIV) "In your anger do not sin" : Do not let the sun go down while you are still angry,
(Eph 4:27 NIV) and do not give the devil a foothold.”
(James 1:20 NIV) for man's anger does not bring about the righteous life that God desires.”
(Mat 5:23 NIV) "Therefore, if you are offering your gift at the altar and there remember that your brother has something against you,
(Mat 5:24 NIV) leave your gift there in front of the altar. First go and be reconciled to your brother; then come and offer your gift.”
God’s Word is explicit.
His counsel is always right and He is never wrong.
(Rom 3:4 NIV) “…Let God be true, and every man a liar. As it is written: "So that you may be proved right when you speak and prevail when you judge."
God has provided in His Word more than three methods to steer clear of offense.
However, if we just practice the three mentioned here
All will go well with us.
Instead of offense, we can reap:
Great and perfect peace (Psalm 119:165; Isaiah 26:3)
And hidden-ness in Christ (Colossians 3:3).
Which would you prefer?
(Mat 18:7 NIV) "Woe to the world because of the things that cause people to sin! Such things must come, but woe to the man through whom they come!”
DSR
8/20/01
Inhale and Breathe
by David Scott Robertson
(Ezek 47:3 NIV) As the man went eastward with a measuring line in his hand, he measured off a thousand cubits and then led me through water that was ankle-deep.
(Ezek 47:4 NIV) He measured off another thousand cubits and led me through water that was knee-deep. He measured off another thousand and led me through water that was up to the waist.
(Ezek 47:5 NIV) He measured off another thousand, but now it was a river that I could not cross, because the water had risen and was deep enough to swim in--a river that no one could cross.”
There are many references to water in the Word of God.
The crystal sea (Revelation 4:6).
The river of life (Revelation 22:1).
The former rain and the latter rain (Deuteronomy 11:14).
The springs of living water (Revelation 7:17).
Jesus even said that whoever drinks the water He gives will never thirst again (John 4:14).
Many of these references to water in its various forms
Are symbolic of deep spiritual truths.
I submit the following thought to you that was a revelation to me:
When a scuba diver plunges into the ocean,
He or she has strapped on their back a device called “air tanks.”
Obviously the tanks contain oxygen to enable the diver to breathe underwater.
The diver is immersed in a hostile environment that cannot sustain his or her life.
To remove the air tube from their mouth is to remove life from their bodies.
It’s called drowning.
Water displaces air in the lungs and the human body dies.
The message of this writing today is a message about control.
Holding on versus letting go.
Struggling and striving versus entering God’s rest.
Laboring versus ceasing from our labor.
Trusting in ourselves versus trusting in the Lord.
Living versus dying
And dying versus living.
May I suggest to you
That in a very real spiritual sense our Christian experience
Is very much like the scuba diver submerged in the ocean.
Figuratively, we are all swimming, snorkeling, or scuba diving in the river of God.
As we are swimming in the river of God,
Often we are exerting effort and energy to fight against the current.
We want to go a different way than the current is leading us.
If we are snorkeling in the river of God,
We have brought along some man-made equipment
To try and help us see underwater better.
Snorkeling emphasizes the visual aspect of the experiences.
Looking, gazing, gawking at the “signs and wonders” of it all.
If we are scuba diving in the river of God,
We are actually immersed in the river.
We have, in a sense, become a part of the river but not one with it.
To us, it still is an alien environment
Because we carry with us a life support system of human design strapped to our backs.
We want to experience God but not totally experience God.
We are still drawing our life’s breath from the world – our natural habitat.
Now here’s the thought I want to share with you today –
Swimming, snorkeling, and scuba diving in a natural river is one thing.
We understand that we must either hold our breath or use artificial means to sustain our air supply
While submerged in the water of a natural river.
However, in the river of God
It’s exactly the opposite.
In God’s ecosystem, we must remove any man-made effort,
Any mechanical approach to God,
Any life-sustaining device from our mouths and while underwater in the river of God
We must do something that our entire natural body resists with everything within it…
We must inhale.
We must breathe IN the water.
We must do the exact opposite of what our flesh screams out to do, to “hold” our breath!
But it’s in the process of inhaling,
Of drowning,
Of dying
That we enter into true life.
In the supernatural order of God,
To breathe in the river means life…spiritual life, abundant life.
The act of “letting go” and yielding actually leads to a greater experience.
An experience that is alien to our natural world.
Paul said in Galatians 2:20:
“ I have been crucified with Christ and I no longer live, but Christ lives in me. The life I live in the body, I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave himself for me.”
Paul inhaled the river water.
In the Book of Revelation,
John entered into the flow of God’s river:
(Rev 1:17 NIV) When I saw him, I fell at his feet as though dead. Then he placed his right hand on me and said: "Do not be afraid. I am the First and the Last.
(Rev 1:18 NIV) I am the Living One; I was dead, and behold I am alive for ever and ever! And I hold the keys of death and Hades.”
John inhaled the river water.
Ezekiel watched an entire army of dead, dry bones come together by the breath of God:
(Ezek 37:9 NIV) Then he said to me, "Prophesy to the breath; prophesy, son of man, and say to it, 'This is what the Sovereign LORD says: Come from the four winds, O breath, and breathe into these slain, that they may live.'"
(Ezek 37:10 NIV) So I prophesied as he commanded me, and breath entered them; they came to life and stood up on their feet--a vast army.”
The army inhaled the river water.
(Phil 1:21 NIV) For to me, to live is Christ and to die is gain.”
Inhaling river water has its advantages!
What about you?
Are you dead yet?
Are you ready to dive into the river of God and drown?
DSR
8/20/01
(Ezek 47:3 NIV) As the man went eastward with a measuring line in his hand, he measured off a thousand cubits and then led me through water that was ankle-deep.
(Ezek 47:4 NIV) He measured off another thousand cubits and led me through water that was knee-deep. He measured off another thousand and led me through water that was up to the waist.
(Ezek 47:5 NIV) He measured off another thousand, but now it was a river that I could not cross, because the water had risen and was deep enough to swim in--a river that no one could cross.”
There are many references to water in the Word of God.
The crystal sea (Revelation 4:6).
The river of life (Revelation 22:1).
The former rain and the latter rain (Deuteronomy 11:14).
The springs of living water (Revelation 7:17).
Jesus even said that whoever drinks the water He gives will never thirst again (John 4:14).
Many of these references to water in its various forms
Are symbolic of deep spiritual truths.
I submit the following thought to you that was a revelation to me:
When a scuba diver plunges into the ocean,
He or she has strapped on their back a device called “air tanks.”
Obviously the tanks contain oxygen to enable the diver to breathe underwater.
The diver is immersed in a hostile environment that cannot sustain his or her life.
To remove the air tube from their mouth is to remove life from their bodies.
It’s called drowning.
Water displaces air in the lungs and the human body dies.
The message of this writing today is a message about control.
Holding on versus letting go.
Struggling and striving versus entering God’s rest.
Laboring versus ceasing from our labor.
Trusting in ourselves versus trusting in the Lord.
Living versus dying
And dying versus living.
May I suggest to you
That in a very real spiritual sense our Christian experience
Is very much like the scuba diver submerged in the ocean.
Figuratively, we are all swimming, snorkeling, or scuba diving in the river of God.
As we are swimming in the river of God,
Often we are exerting effort and energy to fight against the current.
We want to go a different way than the current is leading us.
If we are snorkeling in the river of God,
We have brought along some man-made equipment
To try and help us see underwater better.
Snorkeling emphasizes the visual aspect of the experiences.
Looking, gazing, gawking at the “signs and wonders” of it all.
If we are scuba diving in the river of God,
We are actually immersed in the river.
We have, in a sense, become a part of the river but not one with it.
To us, it still is an alien environment
Because we carry with us a life support system of human design strapped to our backs.
We want to experience God but not totally experience God.
We are still drawing our life’s breath from the world – our natural habitat.
Now here’s the thought I want to share with you today –
Swimming, snorkeling, and scuba diving in a natural river is one thing.
We understand that we must either hold our breath or use artificial means to sustain our air supply
While submerged in the water of a natural river.
However, in the river of God
It’s exactly the opposite.
In God’s ecosystem, we must remove any man-made effort,
Any mechanical approach to God,
Any life-sustaining device from our mouths and while underwater in the river of God
We must do something that our entire natural body resists with everything within it…
We must inhale.
We must breathe IN the water.
We must do the exact opposite of what our flesh screams out to do, to “hold” our breath!
But it’s in the process of inhaling,
Of drowning,
Of dying
That we enter into true life.
In the supernatural order of God,
To breathe in the river means life…spiritual life, abundant life.
The act of “letting go” and yielding actually leads to a greater experience.
An experience that is alien to our natural world.
Paul said in Galatians 2:20:
“ I have been crucified with Christ and I no longer live, but Christ lives in me. The life I live in the body, I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave himself for me.”
Paul inhaled the river water.
In the Book of Revelation,
John entered into the flow of God’s river:
(Rev 1:17 NIV) When I saw him, I fell at his feet as though dead. Then he placed his right hand on me and said: "Do not be afraid. I am the First and the Last.
(Rev 1:18 NIV) I am the Living One; I was dead, and behold I am alive for ever and ever! And I hold the keys of death and Hades.”
John inhaled the river water.
Ezekiel watched an entire army of dead, dry bones come together by the breath of God:
(Ezek 37:9 NIV) Then he said to me, "Prophesy to the breath; prophesy, son of man, and say to it, 'This is what the Sovereign LORD says: Come from the four winds, O breath, and breathe into these slain, that they may live.'"
(Ezek 37:10 NIV) So I prophesied as he commanded me, and breath entered them; they came to life and stood up on their feet--a vast army.”
The army inhaled the river water.
(Phil 1:21 NIV) For to me, to live is Christ and to die is gain.”
Inhaling river water has its advantages!
What about you?
Are you dead yet?
Are you ready to dive into the river of God and drown?
DSR
8/20/01
Saturday, August 18, 2001
With Vision Comes God's Provision
by David Scott Robertson
As I write these words,
I am facing an enormous challenge in my ministry.
I have been tasked to do something
So big,
So outside my natural abilities,
So beyond my training and education and experience
That I simply cannot do it.
I don’t question the leadership under whose authority I gladly submit to
However the immensity of the ministry assignment that they have given me
Has, well, left me staggering.
What will I do?
What can I do?
What should I do?
Oh God, what in the world am I going to do?
I am going to do the only thing I know to do in such an impossible situation –
Cry out to God!
Fast and pray!
Use the P.U.S.H. method of prayer - P-ray U-ntil S-omething H-appens!
Call on the Name (Oh that Name!) of my Lord and Savior Jesus Christ!
Believe God for supernatural intervention to do a miracle.
You know the kind of miracles I’m talking about:
I roll the stone, God raises the dead.
I bring Him water, He turns it in to wine.
I bring what little have, just some loaves of bread and a few fish, He feeds the multitude.
Now we’re talking!
With God little is much even if it is me we’re dealing with!
Hey, I’ve got enough faith inside me to believe that God is able!
Let me do a quick inventory of all the faith in my life to face this “giant in my land”…
Oh here it is,
Final tally?
I have faith about the size of a mustard seed!
God says that’s enough!
(Mat 17:20 NIV) “He replied, "Because you have so little faith. I tell you the truth, if you have faith as small as a mustard seed, you can say to this mountain, 'Move from here to there' and it will move. Nothing will be impossible for you."
Yes!
That mustard seed is going to germinate and generate some God-sized power
To address my present crisis!
(Mat 13:31 NIV) “He [Jesus] told them another parable: "The kingdom of heaven is like a mustard seed, which a man took and planted in his field.
(Mat 13:32 NIV) Though it is the smallest of all your seeds, yet when it grows, it is the largest of garden plants and becomes a tree, so that the birds of the air come and perch in its branches."
My tiny mustard seed of faith is growing into a large garden of plants and is becoming a tree!
Lo, behold what God is going to provide me to face my enormous task:
An entrepreneur spirit
Prophetic strategies
Divine creativity
Godly visitations
Rhythm and synchronicity with God’s will
Perfect timing
Radical love for the Bridegroom
A fresh anointing for a new wineskin
A militant, combat faith
The ministry and favor of Joseph and Daniel
A new day of hope
A year of Jubilee
With the call comes the anointing to fulfill it.
With vision comes God’s pro-vision.
The equipping tools listing above
Are tools that I have an authentic need for in my situation.
How about you?
Are you facing a similar giant in your land?
Is there something you’ve been asked to do that stretches you to the max?
Are you concerned that you are going to fail?
Are you convinced that you are not the right person for the job?
Does your pedigree fall miserably short?
Hey, I feel your pain.
But feel the pleasure
Of letting go and letting God have His wonderful way in and through you!
I assure you,
He will not buckle under the pressure.
Why not swap yokes with Christ?
(Mat 11:29 NIV) “Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls.
(Mat 11:30 NIV) For my yoke is easy and my burden is light."
One final thing:
When you obtain victory,
And you will obtain victory,
Do not, I repeat, do not take any glory for yourself!
Do not disqualify yourself from being trusted by God
To be given future tough assignments because you have a problem
Differentiating between His glory and yours.
(John 15:5 NIV) "I am the vine; you are the branches. If a man remains in me and I in him, he will bear much fruit; apart from me you can do nothing.”
DSR
8/18/01
As I write these words,
I am facing an enormous challenge in my ministry.
I have been tasked to do something
So big,
So outside my natural abilities,
So beyond my training and education and experience
That I simply cannot do it.
I don’t question the leadership under whose authority I gladly submit to
However the immensity of the ministry assignment that they have given me
Has, well, left me staggering.
What will I do?
What can I do?
What should I do?
Oh God, what in the world am I going to do?
I am going to do the only thing I know to do in such an impossible situation –
Cry out to God!
Fast and pray!
Use the P.U.S.H. method of prayer - P-ray U-ntil S-omething H-appens!
Call on the Name (Oh that Name!) of my Lord and Savior Jesus Christ!
Believe God for supernatural intervention to do a miracle.
You know the kind of miracles I’m talking about:
I roll the stone, God raises the dead.
I bring Him water, He turns it in to wine.
I bring what little have, just some loaves of bread and a few fish, He feeds the multitude.
Now we’re talking!
With God little is much even if it is me we’re dealing with!
Hey, I’ve got enough faith inside me to believe that God is able!
Let me do a quick inventory of all the faith in my life to face this “giant in my land”…
Oh here it is,
Final tally?
I have faith about the size of a mustard seed!
God says that’s enough!
(Mat 17:20 NIV) “He replied, "Because you have so little faith. I tell you the truth, if you have faith as small as a mustard seed, you can say to this mountain, 'Move from here to there' and it will move. Nothing will be impossible for you."
Yes!
That mustard seed is going to germinate and generate some God-sized power
To address my present crisis!
(Mat 13:31 NIV) “He [Jesus] told them another parable: "The kingdom of heaven is like a mustard seed, which a man took and planted in his field.
(Mat 13:32 NIV) Though it is the smallest of all your seeds, yet when it grows, it is the largest of garden plants and becomes a tree, so that the birds of the air come and perch in its branches."
My tiny mustard seed of faith is growing into a large garden of plants and is becoming a tree!
Lo, behold what God is going to provide me to face my enormous task:
An entrepreneur spirit
Prophetic strategies
Divine creativity
Godly visitations
Rhythm and synchronicity with God’s will
Perfect timing
Radical love for the Bridegroom
A fresh anointing for a new wineskin
A militant, combat faith
The ministry and favor of Joseph and Daniel
A new day of hope
A year of Jubilee
With the call comes the anointing to fulfill it.
With vision comes God’s pro-vision.
The equipping tools listing above
Are tools that I have an authentic need for in my situation.
How about you?
Are you facing a similar giant in your land?
Is there something you’ve been asked to do that stretches you to the max?
Are you concerned that you are going to fail?
Are you convinced that you are not the right person for the job?
Does your pedigree fall miserably short?
Hey, I feel your pain.
But feel the pleasure
Of letting go and letting God have His wonderful way in and through you!
I assure you,
He will not buckle under the pressure.
Why not swap yokes with Christ?
(Mat 11:29 NIV) “Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls.
(Mat 11:30 NIV) For my yoke is easy and my burden is light."
One final thing:
When you obtain victory,
And you will obtain victory,
Do not, I repeat, do not take any glory for yourself!
Do not disqualify yourself from being trusted by God
To be given future tough assignments because you have a problem
Differentiating between His glory and yours.
(John 15:5 NIV) "I am the vine; you are the branches. If a man remains in me and I in him, he will bear much fruit; apart from me you can do nothing.”
DSR
8/18/01
Thursday, August 16, 2001
Whatever
by David Scott Robertson
I want the fullness of Jesus Christ working in and through me…
…whatever it looks like.
…wherever it takes me.
…however much it costs.
…whomever it puts me in front on.
…whenever it requires me to move into action.
No matter how unqualified I may think I am
And how undignified it may make me appear
I want the fullness of God’s Spirit to rest on me!
I don’t want 99.9% of God.
I desire,
I crave,
I yearn for the 100%!
I won’t settle for less that the whole deal.
I don’t want to fall short of God’s glorious ideal for me.
I don’t want to stop at a place only a half-mile before entering His rest.
I need God!
I want the Lord!
I desire with an earnest desire the Holy Spirit!
Whatever that looks like,
Absolutely whatever it involves
I simply must obtain the fullness of God in my life.
DSR
8/16/01
I want the fullness of Jesus Christ working in and through me…
…whatever it looks like.
…wherever it takes me.
…however much it costs.
…whomever it puts me in front on.
…whenever it requires me to move into action.
No matter how unqualified I may think I am
And how undignified it may make me appear
I want the fullness of God’s Spirit to rest on me!
I don’t want 99.9% of God.
I desire,
I crave,
I yearn for the 100%!
I won’t settle for less that the whole deal.
I don’t want to fall short of God’s glorious ideal for me.
I don’t want to stop at a place only a half-mile before entering His rest.
I need God!
I want the Lord!
I desire with an earnest desire the Holy Spirit!
Whatever that looks like,
Absolutely whatever it involves
I simply must obtain the fullness of God in my life.
DSR
8/16/01
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