Moment With The Master
Christ, the Healer
Tuesday, December 23, 2014
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Bless, Magnify, Exalt
Tuesday, December 16, 2014"I will bless the LORD at all times; his praise shall continually be in my mouth. My soul makes its boast in the LORD; let the humble hear and be glad. Oh, magnify the LORD with me,and let us exalt his name together!" (Psalms 34:1-3)
Times of stress can be used to remind God’s disciples of who God is and how much he means to them. When one weighs the blessings that come from God, the trials become light in comparison. Sorrowful prayer turns to thanksgiving and praise.
David, the sweet Psalmist, calls us to express our feelings about God. To “bless” means to salute, or bend the knee. To “boast” is to shout or shine or celebrate. To “magnify” means to promote or to make great. Such thoughts not only spring from duty, but privilege. Our sense of God's goodness should never die.
We are called to continual praise of God. Praise and adoration springs from one’s contemplation of God. When gazing at his creation we will surely marvel at his infinite power. Each day his providence reminds us of his wisdom. An anticipation of heaven should cause us to ponder God’s grace. We are surrounded by reasons to praise.
Apparently David has experienced various afflictions. He acknowledges his fears (vs.4). There are times when the righteous are brokenhearted and crushed (vs.18). They face numerous afflictions (vs. 19). Through it all He exalts the goodness of God (vs.8). David is determined to make his boast in God's goodness and grace.
Such worship of God is the noblest of man's activities. Such praise hallows our enjoyment of him. It can turn the night to day, and lift our hearts toward heaven.
In your busy day do not forget the mercies of God. Let your heart be filled with gratefulness. Do not allow your worship to be just an impulse, but resolve that you will praise him at all times.
By George Slover
The Light Has Dawned
Tuesday, December 09, 2014"The people who sat in darkness have seen a great light, and upon those who sat in the region and shadow of death Light has dawned.” (Matthew 4:16)
In these verses Matthew records the beginning of Jesus’ earthly ministry. Matthew specifically notes that the Lord was fulfilling prophecy Isaiah had spoken of 750 years before.
This prophecy specifically details geographically the place where this ministry was to begin. (vs.15) The immediate reference is to the inhabitants of Northern Palestine. Isaiah tells us these people sit in a spiritual stupor, content with their deplorable spiritual condition.
The darkness is a picture of spiritual ignorance and superstition. It represents the dismal moral condition of most of the world. It is a symbol of the kingdom and power of Satan. (Acts 26:18) This miserable state is pictured as the region and shadow of death.
To dispel this darkness the light has dawned. He is the Messiah that has been spoken of and sought after for centuries. Many would welcome him. However, others would reject him because he did not fit their theology.
The light of Christ provides correct information concerning our life on earth. The light of Christ offers peace and joy and hope. Christ is able to perfect us in holiness and point us toward an eternal home.
There is no limit to the penetrating power of light. The light of Christ is able to reach the darkest places of man. Christ can touch the hearts of men and women of every nation and social status. He is to be heralded in the prisons, homes, churches, and streets of the world!
God's Great Leader
Tuesday, December 02, 2014
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Humbled by God
Tuesday, November 25, 2014And at the end of the time I, Nebuchadnezzar, lifted my eyes to heaven, and my understanding returned to me; and I blessed the Most High and praised and honored Him who lives forever: For His dominion is an everlasting dominion, And His kingdom is from generation to generation. All the inhabitants of the earth are reputed as nothing; He does according to His will in the army of heaven And among the inhabitants of the earth. No one can restrain His hand Or say to Him, "What have You done?" (Daniel 4:34-35)
Nebuchadnezzar was one of the most successful rulers of the ancient world. By ruthless and violent tactics he amassed an empire whose domain reached the end of the earth. Ironically, God subdued this powerful ruler, thus prompting this inspiring ascription of praise.
This Babylonian ruler marks a typical example of misguided worldly achievement. Both nations and individuals alike may have little material prowess yet have great moral stature. One's worth is not measured by the sum of one's earthly possessions, but by his understanding of his true purpose in this world.
Before arriving at this lofty goal, one must conquer himself. Nebuchadnezzar, from the lofty heights of Babylon, the Great became prideful. “Look what I have done!”, was his attitude. There is no sin that so frequently condemns as selfish pride. This is especially true when self becomes the center of the universe.
God has a limit on his patience, and when his boundaries are crossed God takes action! When the sin of any nation or individual is full or complete God will punish! Thus, in an instant, the sovereignty of this great Babylonian king was removed.
At the end of seven days Nebuchadnezzar's sanity was restored. In Homer Hailey's commentary of Daniel he states: “when one's mind is demented and his reason warped toward self and God by pride and arrogance, these can only be corrected when the individual looks to heaven and realizes the truth concerning himself and God.” The spirit of self-sufficiency must be removed and replaced by humility and dependence.
Thus, Nebuchadnezzar breaks forth in praise of Jehovah. God was ruling long before any king appeared on earth. He is the Most High God, the Everlasting. His purpose will be accomplished, and no man or nation can restrain Him.
By George Slover