Proverbs 18:16 (RSV) A man's gift makes room for him and brings him before great men. No one is born without a gift to bless humanity. Alot of gifts are locked up in us that require being discovered and stirred up. Many are using their own wrongly- to achieve self goals, to kill and destroy, to cheat others, to oppress, to enhance satanic works and so on. It is very pathetic that few are using theirs rightly. Whether spiritual or natural gift, no one is devoid of either. Have you any gift or special ability or talent? How have you been using it?
JOSEPH, the dreamer, God gave him special ability to interpret dreams. He interpreted the dreams of the Chief Baker and the Chief Butler (Pharaoh officers) in the prison. Little did he know that, that singular act would speak volumes for him in the palace one day. After two good years, King Pharaoh dreamt and no one was able to interpret the dream. At the end Joseph was remembered and so he was sent for. He made use of his God-given gift to interpret the dream. He became the Prime Minister of the land and several lives were saved from the famine that ravaged the land shortly after. Before then; he had opportunity to compromise his faith, but he refused to short cut his destiny and mortgage his life. He refused to bow to the desire of the flesh in the house of potiphar. Though he suffered for it, at the end holiness triumphed.
ESTHER; it was beauty that God gave her. She did not allow the death of her parents to stop her from being what God had called her to be. Through Mordecai's help and godly counsel,shewas brought up in the fear of the Lord. How did she use her beauty? She neither hawked her beauty nor give her body for material gain. though very beautiful, she was cultured. Hers was beauty with the fear of God. By the King's commandment, she took part in the selection of the new queen. One year of beauty enhancement therapy was given to all the selected queens-to-be. She surpassed them in beauty and godly character. She followed the instructions of Mordecai and Hegai to the letter. She was preferred.
Many of us today are rejected because we refuse to obey our parents, teachers, elders, Pastors, the word of God and the Holy Spirit. We refer to them as 'old school.' We snub the Holy Spirit, and reject His instructions. We don't care about what we wear-anything goes. We dressed to seduce and kill. We exposed those parts that should be covered. We resemble Jezebel in outlook though professed to be Christians.
BEZALEEL and AHOLIAB
Ex 31:2-6 (KJV) See, I have called by name Bezaleel the son of Uri, the son of Hur, of the tribe of Judah:3. And I have filled him with the spirit of God, in wisdom, and in understanding, and in knowledge, and in all manner of workmanship, 4.To devise cunning works, to work in gold, and in silver, and in brass, 5.And in cutting of stones, to set them, and in carving of timber, to work in all manner of workmanship.6. And I, behold, I have given with him Aholiab, the son of Ahisamach, of the tribe of Dan: and in the hearts of all that are wise hearted I have put wisdom, that they may make all that I have commanded thee;
They were given wisdom to assist Moses in the work of the tabernacle in the wilderness. God has given you also something unique to assist others and fulfilling a particular purpose. Have you discovered yours?
NEHEMIAH also had a unique gift that put him in a vantage position as the king's cup bearer. He knew how to mix wine to satisfy the king's taste. As the king's cup bearer, he had direct access to the king which at the end helped him concerning the rebuilding of the broken wall of Jerusalem. Nehemiah 2:1-8.
AHITHOPHEL, David counselor, was one of the king's right hand men and a close confidant. The Bible reffered to the counsel given by him as coming from the oracle of God. And the counsel of Ahithophel, which he counselled in those days, was as if a man had enquired at the oracle of God: so was all the counsel of Ahithophel both with David and with Absalom, 2 Samuel 16:23 (KJV). He joined himself to a rebel. His counsel was turned into foolishness and he later died of frustration. 2Sa 17:23 (KJV) And when Ahithophel saw that his counsel was not followed, he saddled [his] ass, and arose, and gat him home to his house, to his city, and put his household in order, and hanged himself, and died, and was buried in the sepulchre of his father. Who are you using your gift to aid? Whoever you pitch your tent with, with respect to the use of your gift will either make or mar you. 1Co 15:33 (KJV) Be not deceived: evil communications corrupt good manners.
MOSES and AARON Exodus 4:10,14-16.
The ability given to Moses was different from that of Aaron. The gifts were meant to complement each other.
You have something from the Lord which you need to discover. Gold is not found on the surface; the miner digs deep for it. Afterward, he polishes the gold with fire. You need to 'search' or ask for your gift, dig deep for it and polish it and put it to use.
YOUR GIFT IS GIVEN YOU TO BLESS YOUR GENERATION. USE IT WISELY!
Wednesday, March 9, 2011
Monday, March 7, 2011
LITTLE THINGS THAT COUNT (PART 3)
Half Obedience is Gross Disobedience
"It repenteth me that I have set up Saul to be king: for he is turned back from following me, and hath not performed my commandments. And it grieved Samuel; and he cried unto the LORD all night." 1Samuel 15:11(kjv)
1Sa 15:11 (BBE) It is no longer my pleasure for Saul to be king; for he is turned back from going in my ways, and has not done my orders. And Samuel was very sad, crying to the Lord in prayer all night.
1Sa 15:18 (KJV) And the LORD sent thee on a journey, and said, Go and utterly destroy the sinners the Amalekites, and fight against them until they be consumed.
The instruction given to Saul was to utterly destroy the Amalekites. He kept Agag, the king, and the best among the cattle, sheep and goats. His aim was to sacrifice them to the Lord. 1Sa 15:21 (KJV) But the people took of the spoil, sheep and oxen, the chief of the things which should have been utterly destroyed, to sacrifice unto the LORD thy God in Gilgal.
Thus, he endeavoured to excuse the people. They did not take the spoil in order to enrich themselves by iy, but to sacrifice unto the Lord; and did not this justify their conduct? This action grieved God and caused anguish of heart to samuel. "Then came the word of the Lord unto Samuel...... and the Samuel rose early to meet Saul in the morning......" 1Samuel 15:10,12 (jkv). God could not wait for the following morning before baring His mind unto Samuel. Repentance in God is not a change of mind, as it is in us; but a change of method. The Lord's messengers must point out and condemn the sins of rulers as well as of people; and let nothing hinder them from declaring with plainness and fidelity the whole revealed will of God.
Saul rolled out a barrage of excuses when he was confronted with his sins. He honoured God with his mouth, but his heart was far from Him.
THE VERDICT
And Samuel said, Hath the LORD as great delight in burnt offerings and sacrifices, as in obeying the voice of the LORD? Behold, to obey is better than sacrifice, and to hearken than the fat of rams. For rebellion is as the sin of witchcraft, and stubbornness is as iniquity and idolatry. Because thou hast rejected the word of the LORD, he hath also rejected thee from being king. And Saul said unto Samuel, I have sinned: for I have transgressed the commandment of the LORD, and thy words: because I feared the people, and obeyed their voice. 1Samuel 15:22-24(kjv)
Who do you fear? Whose voice will you obey? "And they called them, and commanded them not to speak at all nor teach in the name of Jesus. But Peter and John answered and said unto them, Whether it be right in the sight of God to hearken unto you more than unto God, judge ye. For we cannot but speak the things which we have seen and heard." Acts 4:18-20(kjv). The Apostles were not intimidated by the threat from the church leaders but further they preached Jesus. David was encouraged by his men to kill Saul on two different occasions but he declined. 1Samuel 24:4-7; 26:8-11. Don't be encouraged to do evil. The people Saul was leading encouraged him to do evil. His action grieved God and Samuel. What have you been doing or have done that is causing grief, heartache, pain,etc? What has made God to regret creating you as a human being? or giving you a child, wealth or placing you in a position of authority? Many had caused the whole world great pain- Hitler, suicide bombers, etc Is God not saying, it repenteth me that I put you in that position or gave you such thing as you have now? How have you been using them? To glorify God or self. To please God or man. After all they were the ones who put you there. Your kingdom is at stake!
Then he said, "I have sinned: yet honour me now, I pray thee, before the elders of my people, and before Israel, and turn again with me, that I may worship the LORD thy God." 1Sam. 15:30(kjv). Where there is sin, where is honour? Righteousness exalts a nation, sin ai a reproach to many people. This was not a true repentance, but deceit out of fear for the loss of his kingdom. I will not return with thee, Samuel said in verse twenty six. In essence Samuel was saying that he would not acknoledge Saul as king, since the Lord had rejected him. In sin, Saul was still seeking for personal honour. He insisted that Samuel must honour him even in the presence of the elders. He acknowledged his sin but refused to repent of them. He lacked courage, the boldness to confess and repent.
"Yes, I have sinned, what else? What is the big deal about it? Other people are also doing the same thing. Why am I special? Why are you making a mountain out of a mole hill? Anyway, I deserve to be honoured in the presence of the elders." No contrite heart, and no broken spirit. 'He that is often rebuked and hardens his heart, shall perish suddenly without remedy' You will be held accountable for whatever you do. And I saw a great white throne, and him that sat on it, from whose face the earth and the heaven fled away; and there was found no place for them. MyNotes
12 And I saw the dead, small and great, stand before God; and the books were opened: and another book was opened, which is the book of life: and the dead were judged out of those things which were written in the books, according to their works. Revelation 20:11-12 (kjv).The punishment king Saul got wasn't for everyboy, even not for his follower/advisers, but for Him alone. What he did to gain popularity with man led to his being unpopular with God. How do I react to sin and unrightheousness?
".......tun again with mme, so that I may worsip the Lord thy God" 1Sam. 15:30.(kjv). Not my God but your God. From here nit was evidence that Saul did not have a personal relationship mwith God. Do you know God? Does God know you as one of His own? Check your self and your walk with God. Samuel turned again after Saul-not to worship along with him; but first, that people might have no ground, on pretense of Saul's rejection, to withdraw their allegiance from him; and secondly, to compensate for Saul's error by executing God' judgement upon Aga
As you follow God in your daily walk with Him, your total obedience to His revealed will is of paramount importance to your success in the Christian journey.
Remember that half obedience is gross disobedience.
"It repenteth me that I have set up Saul to be king: for he is turned back from following me, and hath not performed my commandments. And it grieved Samuel; and he cried unto the LORD all night." 1Samuel 15:11(kjv)
1Sa 15:11 (BBE) It is no longer my pleasure for Saul to be king; for he is turned back from going in my ways, and has not done my orders. And Samuel was very sad, crying to the Lord in prayer all night.
1Sa 15:18 (KJV) And the LORD sent thee on a journey, and said, Go and utterly destroy the sinners the Amalekites, and fight against them until they be consumed.
The instruction given to Saul was to utterly destroy the Amalekites. He kept Agag, the king, and the best among the cattle, sheep and goats. His aim was to sacrifice them to the Lord. 1Sa 15:21 (KJV) But the people took of the spoil, sheep and oxen, the chief of the things which should have been utterly destroyed, to sacrifice unto the LORD thy God in Gilgal.
Thus, he endeavoured to excuse the people. They did not take the spoil in order to enrich themselves by iy, but to sacrifice unto the Lord; and did not this justify their conduct? This action grieved God and caused anguish of heart to samuel. "Then came the word of the Lord unto Samuel...... and the Samuel rose early to meet Saul in the morning......" 1Samuel 15:10,12 (jkv). God could not wait for the following morning before baring His mind unto Samuel. Repentance in God is not a change of mind, as it is in us; but a change of method. The Lord's messengers must point out and condemn the sins of rulers as well as of people; and let nothing hinder them from declaring with plainness and fidelity the whole revealed will of God.
Saul rolled out a barrage of excuses when he was confronted with his sins. He honoured God with his mouth, but his heart was far from Him.
THE VERDICT
And Samuel said, Hath the LORD as great delight in burnt offerings and sacrifices, as in obeying the voice of the LORD? Behold, to obey is better than sacrifice, and to hearken than the fat of rams. For rebellion is as the sin of witchcraft, and stubbornness is as iniquity and idolatry. Because thou hast rejected the word of the LORD, he hath also rejected thee from being king. And Saul said unto Samuel, I have sinned: for I have transgressed the commandment of the LORD, and thy words: because I feared the people, and obeyed their voice. 1Samuel 15:22-24(kjv)
Who do you fear? Whose voice will you obey? "And they called them, and commanded them not to speak at all nor teach in the name of Jesus. But Peter and John answered and said unto them, Whether it be right in the sight of God to hearken unto you more than unto God, judge ye. For we cannot but speak the things which we have seen and heard." Acts 4:18-20(kjv). The Apostles were not intimidated by the threat from the church leaders but further they preached Jesus. David was encouraged by his men to kill Saul on two different occasions but he declined. 1Samuel 24:4-7; 26:8-11. Don't be encouraged to do evil. The people Saul was leading encouraged him to do evil. His action grieved God and Samuel. What have you been doing or have done that is causing grief, heartache, pain,etc? What has made God to regret creating you as a human being? or giving you a child, wealth or placing you in a position of authority? Many had caused the whole world great pain- Hitler, suicide bombers, etc Is God not saying, it repenteth me that I put you in that position or gave you such thing as you have now? How have you been using them? To glorify God or self. To please God or man. After all they were the ones who put you there. Your kingdom is at stake!
Then he said, "I have sinned: yet honour me now, I pray thee, before the elders of my people, and before Israel, and turn again with me, that I may worship the LORD thy God." 1Sam. 15:30(kjv). Where there is sin, where is honour? Righteousness exalts a nation, sin ai a reproach to many people. This was not a true repentance, but deceit out of fear for the loss of his kingdom. I will not return with thee, Samuel said in verse twenty six. In essence Samuel was saying that he would not acknoledge Saul as king, since the Lord had rejected him. In sin, Saul was still seeking for personal honour. He insisted that Samuel must honour him even in the presence of the elders. He acknowledged his sin but refused to repent of them. He lacked courage, the boldness to confess and repent.
"Yes, I have sinned, what else? What is the big deal about it? Other people are also doing the same thing. Why am I special? Why are you making a mountain out of a mole hill? Anyway, I deserve to be honoured in the presence of the elders." No contrite heart, and no broken spirit. 'He that is often rebuked and hardens his heart, shall perish suddenly without remedy' You will be held accountable for whatever you do. And I saw a great white throne, and him that sat on it, from whose face the earth and the heaven fled away; and there was found no place for them. MyNotes
12 And I saw the dead, small and great, stand before God; and the books were opened: and another book was opened, which is the book of life: and the dead were judged out of those things which were written in the books, according to their works. Revelation 20:11-12 (kjv).The punishment king Saul got wasn't for everyboy, even not for his follower/advisers, but for Him alone. What he did to gain popularity with man led to his being unpopular with God. How do I react to sin and unrightheousness?
".......tun again with mme, so that I may worsip the Lord thy God" 1Sam. 15:30.(kjv). Not my God but your God. From here nit was evidence that Saul did not have a personal relationship mwith God. Do you know God? Does God know you as one of His own? Check your self and your walk with God. Samuel turned again after Saul-not to worship along with him; but first, that people might have no ground, on pretense of Saul's rejection, to withdraw their allegiance from him; and secondly, to compensate for Saul's error by executing God' judgement upon Aga
As you follow God in your daily walk with Him, your total obedience to His revealed will is of paramount importance to your success in the Christian journey.
Remember that half obedience is gross disobedience.
Tuesday, March 1, 2011
LITTLE THINGS THAT COUNT (PART 2)
Moreover, Saul said, "The Phillistines gathered themselves together......" The situation is becoming more tense.People have started passing comments. the condition is no longer bearable. The Phillistines that gathered will dsperse at the appearance of God, the Man of war. Don't cut short your destiny; wait for God. "All things work together for good....." Romans 8:28 (KJV).
Therefore said I, The Philistines will come down now upon me to Gilgal, and I have not made supplication unto the LORD: I forced myself therefore, and offered a burnt offering, 1Sam. 13 vs 12. He was a hypocrite, and tried to cover his rebellious act by pretending great zeal for outward religion. And Samuel said, "Hath the LORD as great delight in burnt offerings and sacrifices, as in obeying the voice of the LORD? Behold, to obey is better than sacrifice, and to hearken than the fat of rams." 1Samuel 15 vs 22 (KJV) What I fear came on me. The fear of man shall kill him. FEAR, False Evidence Appearing Real! The so call Philistines had not come upon him by the time Samuel arrived. So, why the stress. He shifted his attention from God to the problem. When Peter was walking on water to meet Jesus, he shifted his focus from Jesus to the boisterous wind blowing. Therefore, he became afraid and began to sink, until Jesus rescued him. Whoever focuses on the problem instead of God is bound to sink.
"I forced myself " Why? You need not hurt yourself to do what is not right in order to please man. You need to stay on course. Stay in your office. Maintain your position and fulfil the purpose of God for your life. If you are not given to prophecy don't prophesy. Maintain your role. Do not usurp authority. Follow God's protocol. Don't get engage in another person's ministry: you may die like Uzzah (2Samuel 6:7).
Consequences
1Samuel 13: 13-14.
"And Samuel said to Saul, Thou hast done foolishly: thou hast not kept the commandment of the LORD thy God, which he commanded thee: for now would the LORD have established thy kingdom upon Israel for ever. But now thy kingdom shall not continue: the LORD hath sought him a man after his own heart, and the LORD hath commanded him to be captain over his people, because thou hast not kept that which the LORD commanded thee.
At first sight Saul's offence appears little, but no sin is little, because there is no little God to sin against. He had virtually cast off Jehovah's sovereignty, and therefore the Lord would not establish his kingdom. It should be a shock for Saul to hear that his kingdom will not continue as a result of this singular act. But this wasn't so because, he took it calmly. No sign of remorse or appeal over such pronoucement. If he had repented, perhaps God would have forgiven him in mercy. But he was obsinate, so to say. Therefore, he went on his normal business as if nothing of grave consequences had happened, to him .
And Samuel arose, and gat him up from Gilgal unto Gibeah of Benjamin. And Saul numbered the people that were present with him, about six hundred men. 1Samuel 13 : 15.
WHEN IT SEEMS GOD IS SLOW CONCERNING YOUR CASE, WHAT WILL YOU DO?
Therefore said I, The Philistines will come down now upon me to Gilgal, and I have not made supplication unto the LORD: I forced myself therefore, and offered a burnt offering, 1Sam. 13 vs 12. He was a hypocrite, and tried to cover his rebellious act by pretending great zeal for outward religion. And Samuel said, "Hath the LORD as great delight in burnt offerings and sacrifices, as in obeying the voice of the LORD? Behold, to obey is better than sacrifice, and to hearken than the fat of rams." 1Samuel 15 vs 22 (KJV) What I fear came on me. The fear of man shall kill him. FEAR, False Evidence Appearing Real! The so call Philistines had not come upon him by the time Samuel arrived. So, why the stress. He shifted his attention from God to the problem. When Peter was walking on water to meet Jesus, he shifted his focus from Jesus to the boisterous wind blowing. Therefore, he became afraid and began to sink, until Jesus rescued him. Whoever focuses on the problem instead of God is bound to sink.
"I forced myself " Why? You need not hurt yourself to do what is not right in order to please man. You need to stay on course. Stay in your office. Maintain your position and fulfil the purpose of God for your life. If you are not given to prophecy don't prophesy. Maintain your role. Do not usurp authority. Follow God's protocol. Don't get engage in another person's ministry: you may die like Uzzah (2Samuel 6:7).
Consequences
1Samuel 13: 13-14.
"And Samuel said to Saul, Thou hast done foolishly: thou hast not kept the commandment of the LORD thy God, which he commanded thee: for now would the LORD have established thy kingdom upon Israel for ever. But now thy kingdom shall not continue: the LORD hath sought him a man after his own heart, and the LORD hath commanded him to be captain over his people, because thou hast not kept that which the LORD commanded thee.
At first sight Saul's offence appears little, but no sin is little, because there is no little God to sin against. He had virtually cast off Jehovah's sovereignty, and therefore the Lord would not establish his kingdom. It should be a shock for Saul to hear that his kingdom will not continue as a result of this singular act. But this wasn't so because, he took it calmly. No sign of remorse or appeal over such pronoucement. If he had repented, perhaps God would have forgiven him in mercy. But he was obsinate, so to say. Therefore, he went on his normal business as if nothing of grave consequences had happened, to him .
And Samuel arose, and gat him up from Gilgal unto Gibeah of Benjamin. And Saul numbered the people that were present with him, about six hundred men. 1Samuel 13 : 15.
WHEN IT SEEMS GOD IS SLOW CONCERNING YOUR CASE, WHAT WILL YOU DO?
Monday, February 28, 2011
LITTLE THINGS THAT COUNT (PART 1)
1Samuel 13 vs 8-9 (KJV)
And he tarried seven days, according to the set time that Samuel had appointed: but Samuel came not to Gilgal; and the people were scattered from him.And Saul said, Bring hither a burnt offering to me, and peace offerings. And he offered the burnt offering.
God can never be too early or too late concerning any case. What has God promised you that is still pending? Is it job, money admission, healing, deliverance, help, promotion, child, husband or wife? God hasn't forgotten. He will never forget. The delay you may be experiencing now is not a denial. He will come at the appropriate time. He makes everything beautiful at His own time.Trying to help God as Saul did here will compound the case. Are you in a position of authority? Don't allow pressure from your boss or surbodinate to push you to do something contrary to His injuctions. Stand your ground and be yourself. Saul could have waited a little longer. Looking at the situation at hand, he lost hope of Samuel's coming. ....... and he offered the burnt offering. This he had no right to do, for it was an assumption of the priestly office, and virtual disowning of his position as the viceroy of the Lord. He ought to have waited for directions from the Lord through Samuel; but in his self-will he proceeded to act as if he were quite independent of God's guidance.. His impatience cost him his kingdom.
Wait for God, though He may tarry long, wait. The of waiting is not a waste. Don't give up trying. And Samuel said "What you has thou done?" And Saul said, "Because I saw that the people were scattered from me, and that thou camest not within the days appointed, and that the Philistines gathered themselves together at Michmash", 1Samuel 13 vs 11 (KJV). Saul became unpopular as he was waiting for Samuel. The people started leaving him, so became worried. You may also become unpopular because of your trust in God. You need not worry, hold on to God. God's way is never man's way. Your friends' spouse or parents may even not be on your side; don't worry. " I saw ......", what do you see? Negative! Negative!! Negative!!! Rachel saw the same thing, and she cried out to her husband, "Give me children or else I die", Genesis 30 vs 1 (KJV). Cry to God, not man.
(To be continued)
And he tarried seven days, according to the set time that Samuel had appointed: but Samuel came not to Gilgal; and the people were scattered from him.And Saul said, Bring hither a burnt offering to me, and peace offerings. And he offered the burnt offering.
God can never be too early or too late concerning any case. What has God promised you that is still pending? Is it job, money admission, healing, deliverance, help, promotion, child, husband or wife? God hasn't forgotten. He will never forget. The delay you may be experiencing now is not a denial. He will come at the appropriate time. He makes everything beautiful at His own time.Trying to help God as Saul did here will compound the case. Are you in a position of authority? Don't allow pressure from your boss or surbodinate to push you to do something contrary to His injuctions. Stand your ground and be yourself. Saul could have waited a little longer. Looking at the situation at hand, he lost hope of Samuel's coming. ....... and he offered the burnt offering. This he had no right to do, for it was an assumption of the priestly office, and virtual disowning of his position as the viceroy of the Lord. He ought to have waited for directions from the Lord through Samuel; but in his self-will he proceeded to act as if he were quite independent of God's guidance.. His impatience cost him his kingdom.
Wait for God, though He may tarry long, wait. The of waiting is not a waste. Don't give up trying. And Samuel said "What you has thou done?" And Saul said, "Because I saw that the people were scattered from me, and that thou camest not within the days appointed, and that the Philistines gathered themselves together at Michmash", 1Samuel 13 vs 11 (KJV). Saul became unpopular as he was waiting for Samuel. The people started leaving him, so became worried. You may also become unpopular because of your trust in God. You need not worry, hold on to God. God's way is never man's way. Your friends' spouse or parents may even not be on your side; don't worry. " I saw ......", what do you see? Negative! Negative!! Negative!!! Rachel saw the same thing, and she cried out to her husband, "Give me children or else I die", Genesis 30 vs 1 (KJV). Cry to God, not man.
(To be continued)
Monday, February 14, 2011
THE ADVENTURE OF DINAH (PART 4)
BURSTING OF BOTTLED ANGER
GENESIS 34
25 Now it came to pass on the third day, when they were in pain, that two of the sons of Jacob, Simeon and Levi, Dinah's brothers, each took his sword and came boldly upon the city and killed all the males.
26 And they killed Hamor and Shechem his son with the edge of the sword, and took Dinah from Shechem's house, and went out.
27 The sons of Jacob came upon the slain, and plundered the city, because their sister had been defiled.
28 They took their sheep, their oxen, and their donkeys, what [was] in the city and what [was] in the field,
29 and all their wealth. All their little ones and their wives they took captive; and they plundered even all that [was] in the houses (NKJV).
Jacob’s children were circumcised, were well taught and prayed for, and had very good examples set them; yet some of them proved very untoward. Levi and Simeon allowed the bottled anger became uncontrollable.
Proverbs 6:34 (KJV) For jealousy [is] the rage of a man: therefore he will not spare in the day of vengeance.
Proverbs 14
17(NKJV) A quick-tempered [man] acts foolishly, and a man of wicked intentions is hated.
29 (WEB) He who is slow to anger has great understanding, but he who has a quick temper displays folly.
Proverbs 27:4 (WEB) Wrath is cruel, and anger is overwhelming; but who is able to stand before jealousy?
Proverbs 29:22 (WEB) An angry man stirs up strife, and a wrathful man abounds in sin.
Dinah’s brothers committed two criminal offences-they killed every man in the town (murder); they looted/stole everything in the town (armed robbery). Why? Because, someone defiled their sister. Tame your anger before it tames you. Because of anger, Moses could not enter the Promised Land. What have you done in anger? Ninety nine percent of things done in anger were never done right. Take heed.
Proverbs 19:11 (RSV) Good sense makes a man slow to anger, and it is his glory to overlook an offense.
UNFORGIVENESS
GENESIS 34
30 (BBE) And Jacob said to Simeon and Levi, You have made trouble for me and given me a bad name among the people of this country, among the Canaanites and the Perizzites: and because we are small in number they will come together against me and make war on me; and it will be the end of me and all my people.
31 (ASV) And they said, Should he deal with our sister as with a harlot?
There is no justifiable reason for us to commit sin. Simeon and Levi said, “Should he deal with our sister as with a harlot?” Were they justified? No!
Proverbs 20:22 (RSV) Do not say, "I will repay evil"; wait for the LORD, and he will help you.
Two wrongs can never make right. If you were offended by somebody, go and meet the person and resolve the matter as soon as possible. Don’t allow it to ‘ferment.’ Don’t wait for an opportunity to revenge. Forgive and forget.
Proverbs 6
16 These six [things] the LORD hates, Yes, seven [are] an abomination to Him:
17 A proud look, A lying tongue, Hands that shed innocent blood,
18 A heart that devises wicked plans, Feet that are swift in running to evil,
19 A false witness [who] speaks lies, And one who sows discord among brethren. (NKJV)
Jacob failed to forgive Simeon and Levi for the role they played in the destruction of the people of Shalem. He only expressed his fears, no other disciplinary measures taken against them. They were proscribed from the blessings of the covenant, so that they barely retained a name among the tribes of Israel, being in general small, and ever disreputable, except merely in the service of the sanctuary, in which Levi was employed.
Genesis 49
5 Simeon and Levi are brothers; deceit and force are their secret designs.
6 Take no part in their secrets, O my soul; keep far away, O my heart, from their meetings; for in their wrath they put men to death, and for their pleasure even oxen were wounded.
7 A curse on their passion for it was bitter; and on their wrath for it was cruel. I will let their heritage in Jacob be broken up, driving them from their places in Israel. (BBE)
As parents, we should not hold anything against our children for whatever wrongs they committed against us. Let us discipline them and forget about it rather than keep quiet and later curse them and their descendants. Noah cursed Ham and his descendant as a result of beholding his father’s nakedness.(Genesis 9:18-25). A simple reprimand would have settled the issue rather than cursing him. Perhaps he was inexperienced because he was the youngest of his sons. Let us give no room to anger to destroy the lives of generation unborn.
Dear reader, do you know that Dinah lost her place in destiny. She was not reckoned with in the genealogy of the Israelites though she was numbered with them at the beginning. She failed to be keepers at home and hence lost her place (Titus 2:5).
Shechem had his kingdom destroyed for lack of self control and failure to respect the dignity of other people. The elders perished with him for their greed and lack of discernment.
Hamor is a disgrace to fatherhood. Sin should be exposed and judged. Hamor spared the rod and spoiled the Shechem.
Simeon and Levi were cursed because of their inability to control their anger which arose from unforgiveness.
Let us hear the conclusion of the whole matter: Fear God, and keep His commandments. For this is the whole duty of man, Ecclesiastes 2:13 (MKJV).
A CHILD THAT IS LEFT TO HIMSELF / HERSELF SHALL BRING HIS/HER PARENTS SHAME.
GENESIS 34
25 Now it came to pass on the third day, when they were in pain, that two of the sons of Jacob, Simeon and Levi, Dinah's brothers, each took his sword and came boldly upon the city and killed all the males.
26 And they killed Hamor and Shechem his son with the edge of the sword, and took Dinah from Shechem's house, and went out.
27 The sons of Jacob came upon the slain, and plundered the city, because their sister had been defiled.
28 They took their sheep, their oxen, and their donkeys, what [was] in the city and what [was] in the field,
29 and all their wealth. All their little ones and their wives they took captive; and they plundered even all that [was] in the houses (NKJV).
Jacob’s children were circumcised, were well taught and prayed for, and had very good examples set them; yet some of them proved very untoward. Levi and Simeon allowed the bottled anger became uncontrollable.
Proverbs 6:34 (KJV) For jealousy [is] the rage of a man: therefore he will not spare in the day of vengeance.
Proverbs 14
17(NKJV) A quick-tempered [man] acts foolishly, and a man of wicked intentions is hated.
29 (WEB) He who is slow to anger has great understanding, but he who has a quick temper displays folly.
Proverbs 27:4 (WEB) Wrath is cruel, and anger is overwhelming; but who is able to stand before jealousy?
Proverbs 29:22 (WEB) An angry man stirs up strife, and a wrathful man abounds in sin.
Dinah’s brothers committed two criminal offences-they killed every man in the town (murder); they looted/stole everything in the town (armed robbery). Why? Because, someone defiled their sister. Tame your anger before it tames you. Because of anger, Moses could not enter the Promised Land. What have you done in anger? Ninety nine percent of things done in anger were never done right. Take heed.
Proverbs 19:11 (RSV) Good sense makes a man slow to anger, and it is his glory to overlook an offense.
UNFORGIVENESS
GENESIS 34
30 (BBE) And Jacob said to Simeon and Levi, You have made trouble for me and given me a bad name among the people of this country, among the Canaanites and the Perizzites: and because we are small in number they will come together against me and make war on me; and it will be the end of me and all my people.
31 (ASV) And they said, Should he deal with our sister as with a harlot?
There is no justifiable reason for us to commit sin. Simeon and Levi said, “Should he deal with our sister as with a harlot?” Were they justified? No!
Proverbs 20:22 (RSV) Do not say, "I will repay evil"; wait for the LORD, and he will help you.
Two wrongs can never make right. If you were offended by somebody, go and meet the person and resolve the matter as soon as possible. Don’t allow it to ‘ferment.’ Don’t wait for an opportunity to revenge. Forgive and forget.
Proverbs 6
16 These six [things] the LORD hates, Yes, seven [are] an abomination to Him:
17 A proud look, A lying tongue, Hands that shed innocent blood,
18 A heart that devises wicked plans, Feet that are swift in running to evil,
19 A false witness [who] speaks lies, And one who sows discord among brethren. (NKJV)
Jacob failed to forgive Simeon and Levi for the role they played in the destruction of the people of Shalem. He only expressed his fears, no other disciplinary measures taken against them. They were proscribed from the blessings of the covenant, so that they barely retained a name among the tribes of Israel, being in general small, and ever disreputable, except merely in the service of the sanctuary, in which Levi was employed.
Genesis 49
5 Simeon and Levi are brothers; deceit and force are their secret designs.
6 Take no part in their secrets, O my soul; keep far away, O my heart, from their meetings; for in their wrath they put men to death, and for their pleasure even oxen were wounded.
7 A curse on their passion for it was bitter; and on their wrath for it was cruel. I will let their heritage in Jacob be broken up, driving them from their places in Israel. (BBE)
As parents, we should not hold anything against our children for whatever wrongs they committed against us. Let us discipline them and forget about it rather than keep quiet and later curse them and their descendants. Noah cursed Ham and his descendant as a result of beholding his father’s nakedness.(Genesis 9:18-25). A simple reprimand would have settled the issue rather than cursing him. Perhaps he was inexperienced because he was the youngest of his sons. Let us give no room to anger to destroy the lives of generation unborn.
Dear reader, do you know that Dinah lost her place in destiny. She was not reckoned with in the genealogy of the Israelites though she was numbered with them at the beginning. She failed to be keepers at home and hence lost her place (Titus 2:5).
Shechem had his kingdom destroyed for lack of self control and failure to respect the dignity of other people. The elders perished with him for their greed and lack of discernment.
Hamor is a disgrace to fatherhood. Sin should be exposed and judged. Hamor spared the rod and spoiled the Shechem.
Simeon and Levi were cursed because of their inability to control their anger which arose from unforgiveness.
Let us hear the conclusion of the whole matter: Fear God, and keep His commandments. For this is the whole duty of man, Ecclesiastes 2:13 (MKJV).
A CHILD THAT IS LEFT TO HIMSELF / HERSELF SHALL BRING HIS/HER PARENTS SHAME.
Friday, February 11, 2011
LOVE PERSONIFIED
Joh 3:16 (WEB) For God so loved the world, that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him should not perish, but have eternal life.
Joh 3:17 (WEB) For God didn't send his Son into the world to judge the world, but that the world should be saved through him.
Joh 3:18 (TCNT) He who believes in him escapes condemnation, while he who does not believe in him is already condemned, because he has not believed in the only Son of God.
Ro 10:9 (WEB) that if you will confess with your mouth that Jesus is Lord, and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved.
Ro 10:10 (WNT) For with the heart men believe and obtain righteousness, and with the mouth they make confession and obtain salvation.
Joh 3:17 (WEB) For God didn't send his Son into the world to judge the world, but that the world should be saved through him.
Joh 3:18 (TCNT) He who believes in him escapes condemnation, while he who does not believe in him is already condemned, because he has not believed in the only Son of God.
Ro 10:9 (WEB) that if you will confess with your mouth that Jesus is Lord, and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved.
Ro 10:10 (WNT) For with the heart men believe and obtain righteousness, and with the mouth they make confession and obtain salvation.
THE ADVENTURE OF DINAH (PART 3)
(CONTINUE FROM PART 2)
Genesis 34:8, 11-12 (WEB)
Hamor talked with them, saying, "The soul of my son, Shechem, longs for your daughter. Please give her to him as a wife.
Shechem said to her father and to her brothers, "Let me find favor in your eyes, and whatever you will tell me I will give.
Ask me a great amount for a dowry, and I will give whatever you ask of me, but give me the young lady as a wife."
Neither Shechem nor his father addresses the sin issue (the rape he committed); instead they were clamouring for the hand of Dinah in marriage. Proverbs 19:18 (KJV) Chasten thy son while there is hope, and let not thy soul spare for his crying.
Proverbs 28:13 (RSV) He who conceals his transgressions will not prosper, but he who confesses and forsakes them will obtain mercy.
Proverbs 28:16 (BBE) The prince who has no sense is a cruel ruler; but he who has no desire to get profit for him will have long life.
When sin is not confessed, forgiveness will not be received. There is no point in time when Hamor condemned the action of his son, Shechem. As fathers, we should not condone sin in our homes. The Bible says, “He who makes signs with his eyes is a cause of trouble, but he who makes a man see his errors is a cause of peace, Proverbs 10:10 (BBE).” Don’t pat your child on the back for doing wrong; reprove him immediately. Show your disapproval of his dismal behaviour.
Hamor was playing prank on Dinah’s family by offering them juicy offer without dealing with the sin issue in the life of his son. In order to win you to his side, the devil can offer you anything, name it.. What can you give in exchange for your life?
CONSEQUENCES OF UNCOFESSED SIN
Genesis 34:13-24 (KJV): 13. And the sons of Jacob answered Shechem and Hamor his father deceitfully, and said, because he had defiled Dinah their sister: 14. And they said unto them, we cannot do this thing, to give our sister to one that is uncircumcised; for that [were] a reproach unto us: 15. But in this will we consent unto you: If ye will be as we [be], that every male of you be circumcised; 16. Then will we give our daughters unto you, and we will take your daughters to us, and we will dwell with you, and we will become one people.17. But if ye will not hearken unto us, to be circumcised; then will we take our daughter, and we will be gone. 18. And their words pleased Hamor, and Shechem Hamor's son.19. And the young man deferred not to do the thing, because he had delight in Jacob's daughter: and he [was] more honourable than all the house of his father. 20. And Hamor and Shechem his son came unto the gate of their city, and communed with the men of their city, saying, 21 These men [are] peaceable with us; therefore let them dwell in the land, and trade therein; for the land, behold, [it is] large enough for them; let us take their daughters to us for wives, and let us give them our daughters.22. Only herein will the men consent unto us for to dwell with us, to be one people, if every male among us be circumcised, as they [are] circumcised. 23. [Shall] not their cattle and their substance and every beast of theirs [be] ours? Only let us consent unto them, and they will dwell with us. 24. And unto Hamor and unto Shechem his son hearkened all that went out of the gate of his city; and every male was circumcised, all that went out of the gate of his city.
Because the brothers of Dinah were still angry with Shechem, therefore they deceived him in order to revenge. Shechem and Hamor accepted the condition put forward –circumcision of all men in the land. It took them some time to convince their country men. They said one thing to Jacob’s family and different thing to their country men just to get their consent. Sin has no respect for anybody be they old or young, man or woman, boy or girl, poor or wealthy, the ruler or the subject.
Circumcision was the external rite by which persons were admitted members of the ancient church (Exodus 12:48). But that outward rite could not make the Shechemites true Israelites. Nothing is said of their teaching the people to worship the true God, but only of their insisting on their being circumcised; and it is evident that they did not seek to convert Shechem, but only made a show of religion- a cloak to cover their diabolical design which is yet to be revealed. Because the issue of rape was still pending, unresolved and the offender was yet to admit being guilty, seek forgiveness and probably restitute, therefore the grief was still there and the anger was hot and bottled. As a result they answered Shechem deceitfully. They were aiming at revenge.
PROVERBS 6:32-35(KJV)
32. [But] whoso committeth adultery with a woman lacketh understanding: he [that] doeth it destroyeth his own soul.
33. A wound and dishonour shall he get; and his reproach shall not be wiped away.
Proverbs 6:34 (WEB) For jealousy arouses the fury of the husband. He won't spare in the day of vengeance.
Proverbs 6:35 (RSV) He will accept no compensation, nor be appeased though you multiply gifts.
GREED
Shechem, his father and the leaders of the town fell for the bait.
Proverbs 13:16 (RSV) In everything a prudent man acts with knowledge, but a fool flaunts his folly.
Proverbs 14:12 (RSV) There is a way which seems right to a man, but its end is the way to death.
Proverbs 14:15 (WEB) A simple man believes everything, but the prudent man carefully considers his ways.
Shechem fell because of his inordinate affection for Dinah; his father fell because he wanted Dinah to marry his son at all cost thereby satisfy his son’s desire; the leaders fell because of their greed (quest for material gain), Genesis 34:23. They were after Jacob’s livestock and his other possessions to be gained from this bilateral relationship. They did not think twice before they ‘signed memorandum of understanding’ and agreed to be circumcised.
Proverbs 28:22 (DBY) He that hath an evil eye hasteth after wealth, and knoweth not that poverty shall come upon him.
Proverbs 28:25 (RSV) A greedy man stirs up strife, but he who trusts in the LORD will be enriched.
Proverbs 27:12 (RSV) A prudent man sees danger and hides himself; but the simple go on, and suffer for it.
(TO BE CONTINUED IN PART 4)
Genesis 34:8, 11-12 (WEB)
Hamor talked with them, saying, "The soul of my son, Shechem, longs for your daughter. Please give her to him as a wife.
Shechem said to her father and to her brothers, "Let me find favor in your eyes, and whatever you will tell me I will give.
Ask me a great amount for a dowry, and I will give whatever you ask of me, but give me the young lady as a wife."
Neither Shechem nor his father addresses the sin issue (the rape he committed); instead they were clamouring for the hand of Dinah in marriage. Proverbs 19:18 (KJV) Chasten thy son while there is hope, and let not thy soul spare for his crying.
Proverbs 28:13 (RSV) He who conceals his transgressions will not prosper, but he who confesses and forsakes them will obtain mercy.
Proverbs 28:16 (BBE) The prince who has no sense is a cruel ruler; but he who has no desire to get profit for him will have long life.
When sin is not confessed, forgiveness will not be received. There is no point in time when Hamor condemned the action of his son, Shechem. As fathers, we should not condone sin in our homes. The Bible says, “He who makes signs with his eyes is a cause of trouble, but he who makes a man see his errors is a cause of peace, Proverbs 10:10 (BBE).” Don’t pat your child on the back for doing wrong; reprove him immediately. Show your disapproval of his dismal behaviour.
Hamor was playing prank on Dinah’s family by offering them juicy offer without dealing with the sin issue in the life of his son. In order to win you to his side, the devil can offer you anything, name it.. What can you give in exchange for your life?
CONSEQUENCES OF UNCOFESSED SIN
Genesis 34:13-24 (KJV): 13. And the sons of Jacob answered Shechem and Hamor his father deceitfully, and said, because he had defiled Dinah their sister: 14. And they said unto them, we cannot do this thing, to give our sister to one that is uncircumcised; for that [were] a reproach unto us: 15. But in this will we consent unto you: If ye will be as we [be], that every male of you be circumcised; 16. Then will we give our daughters unto you, and we will take your daughters to us, and we will dwell with you, and we will become one people.17. But if ye will not hearken unto us, to be circumcised; then will we take our daughter, and we will be gone. 18. And their words pleased Hamor, and Shechem Hamor's son.19. And the young man deferred not to do the thing, because he had delight in Jacob's daughter: and he [was] more honourable than all the house of his father. 20. And Hamor and Shechem his son came unto the gate of their city, and communed with the men of their city, saying, 21 These men [are] peaceable with us; therefore let them dwell in the land, and trade therein; for the land, behold, [it is] large enough for them; let us take their daughters to us for wives, and let us give them our daughters.22. Only herein will the men consent unto us for to dwell with us, to be one people, if every male among us be circumcised, as they [are] circumcised. 23. [Shall] not their cattle and their substance and every beast of theirs [be] ours? Only let us consent unto them, and they will dwell with us. 24. And unto Hamor and unto Shechem his son hearkened all that went out of the gate of his city; and every male was circumcised, all that went out of the gate of his city.
Because the brothers of Dinah were still angry with Shechem, therefore they deceived him in order to revenge. Shechem and Hamor accepted the condition put forward –circumcision of all men in the land. It took them some time to convince their country men. They said one thing to Jacob’s family and different thing to their country men just to get their consent. Sin has no respect for anybody be they old or young, man or woman, boy or girl, poor or wealthy, the ruler or the subject.
Circumcision was the external rite by which persons were admitted members of the ancient church (Exodus 12:48). But that outward rite could not make the Shechemites true Israelites. Nothing is said of their teaching the people to worship the true God, but only of their insisting on their being circumcised; and it is evident that they did not seek to convert Shechem, but only made a show of religion- a cloak to cover their diabolical design which is yet to be revealed. Because the issue of rape was still pending, unresolved and the offender was yet to admit being guilty, seek forgiveness and probably restitute, therefore the grief was still there and the anger was hot and bottled. As a result they answered Shechem deceitfully. They were aiming at revenge.
PROVERBS 6:32-35(KJV)
32. [But] whoso committeth adultery with a woman lacketh understanding: he [that] doeth it destroyeth his own soul.
33. A wound and dishonour shall he get; and his reproach shall not be wiped away.
Proverbs 6:34 (WEB) For jealousy arouses the fury of the husband. He won't spare in the day of vengeance.
Proverbs 6:35 (RSV) He will accept no compensation, nor be appeased though you multiply gifts.
GREED
Shechem, his father and the leaders of the town fell for the bait.
Proverbs 13:16 (RSV) In everything a prudent man acts with knowledge, but a fool flaunts his folly.
Proverbs 14:12 (RSV) There is a way which seems right to a man, but its end is the way to death.
Proverbs 14:15 (WEB) A simple man believes everything, but the prudent man carefully considers his ways.
Shechem fell because of his inordinate affection for Dinah; his father fell because he wanted Dinah to marry his son at all cost thereby satisfy his son’s desire; the leaders fell because of their greed (quest for material gain), Genesis 34:23. They were after Jacob’s livestock and his other possessions to be gained from this bilateral relationship. They did not think twice before they ‘signed memorandum of understanding’ and agreed to be circumcised.
Proverbs 28:22 (DBY) He that hath an evil eye hasteth after wealth, and knoweth not that poverty shall come upon him.
Proverbs 28:25 (RSV) A greedy man stirs up strife, but he who trusts in the LORD will be enriched.
Proverbs 27:12 (RSV) A prudent man sees danger and hides himself; but the simple go on, and suffer for it.
(TO BE CONTINUED IN PART 4)
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