One Year Bible, August 23

JOB 8:1 - 11:20                                                                                                                    
ELIPHAZ (EMOTIONAL RESPONSE): He called Job a hypocrite. He said what he FEELS about suffering, based on EXPERIENCE. All suffering is brought on by hidden sin in our lives.

BILDAD (INTELLECTUAL OR REASONED RESPONSE):  Right off, he called Job a "wind-bag"! His arguments are based on what LOGIC tells him, based on RELIGIOUS TRADITION. Therefore, the sudden deaths of Job's children are "obviously" Divine judgment on them for sin. Then Satan whispers through Bildad, "IF you were pure and upright...."  you wouldn't be in this condition. because Job is in trouble. "God will not cast away a perfect man." Therefore, if Job would just turn to God, all would be well again.

JOB 'S REPLY:  Job believes his condition is hopeless. Why is God destroying him?  Does God really care about what happens to him?  Has God abandoned him?  Or is God stalking him as prey?  It's getting tough, but Job is not ready to curse God yet!  He wanted God to show Himself and he cried out for a mediator with God to bring reconciliation.    Job wishes he had been stillborn.  He cried out bitterly, "You KNOW that I am not wicked"...."I am in Your hands, Lord."

DEFINITION OF "DEATH": (10:22) A place of deepest darkness and chaos (without any order).

ZOPHAR'S TURN (THE WILL):  He accused Job of talking too much when he didn't know what he was talking about!   He exhorted Job to repent so he could be restored.  Now get this: Zophar told Job that his punishment is actually less than he deserved!  Zophar reaffirmed the wisdom of God in all this, and appears to be indignant on God's behalf.  If Job would just repent, he would be restored to the point where he wouldn't even remember all this torment!

RESPONSE:  These "friends" kicked Job when he was down.  Even if he HAD sinned, he deserved better "handling" than they gave him.  There is little compassion in what they have said so far.  And it doesn't get any better!  My hat is off to Job for not telling them all to get out! He is in a lot of pain, both physical and emotional.   I like Job's speeches because he is not just sitting there taking all this pain without expressing his emotions.   He does not bewail his losses, but is tormented because he seems to have lost GOD.   And it true: We can endure almost anything if we know that God is with us.  But notice this: His friends talk ABOUT God. Job talks TO God! 

I CORINTHIANS 15:1-28                                                                                                       
WHERE DO WE GO WHEN WE DIE?  IF we are born again, IF we know God (and He knows us), then we are immediately in the visible Presence of God in Heaven.  There is no such thing as "soul sleep". There is no intermediate holding place of the dead.  The Apostle Paul said that if we are "absent from the body", then we are "present with the Lord". (2 Cor 5:8) Jesus told the thief on the Cross next to Him, "Today shalt thou be with me in paradise". (Luke 23:43)  And we know that when Jesus resurrected, He brought everyone with Him: "Wherefore he saith, When he ascended up on high, he led captivity captive..." (Eph 4:8)  "By which also he went and preached unto the spirits in prison..." (1Pet 3:19)   And in case you were wondering, we are NOT disembodied spirit either.

BOTTOM-LINE FOUNDATION:  If there is no resurrection, there is no Christianity.  If you don't believe in the resurrection, YOU ARE NOT SAVED!  If Christ had not risen, there would be no justification or salvation. (Rom 4:25; 1:4) Paul states here that a dead Jesus Christ cannot save, and we can't have communion with a Jesus who is still in death.  In fact, Paul uses OT Scripture and NT sightings of the resurrected Jesus and proves both the resurrection of Jesus and the resurrection of the believer.

WHAT GETS "RESURRECTED?"  Again, Paul proves that there is BODILY resurrection. The tomb is empty.  Jesus' resurrected body was touched by Thomas, had nail-prints, but still was able to move through walls! (John 20:25, 27)   If OUR BODIES are not also raised up, then Christ is not raised up (15:16).   Paul speaks of the "natural body" which is a body that is susceptible to death, pain, etc. And a "spiritual body" (NOT "spirit body") which is ruled by God, is immortal, and is free from misery and corruption, and is splendid, glorious and holy.

BAPTIZED FOR THE DEAD?  We don't know what "these people" were doing or why.  Only that they were being baptized for the dead, and then saying there was no resurrection.  All Paul is saying here is, why do they bother being baptized for the dead, if the dead aren't coming back anyway?   Whoever the ones were who did not believe in the resurrection, Paul called them "evil companions" who will corrupt us through their influence.  Even though we have already sacrificed our flesh and died to ourselves, we know we are raised to newness of life in Christ Jesus.  We are not afraid to risk our lives because we know we will go on living on the other side of the veil - resurrected like Jesus.

RESPONSE:   I find that as I get older, I think about "stepping through the veil" (dying) at times. I KNOW that I will never see death. BUT...what happens if we don't know Jesus?  If we are in rebellion against God?  I believe when those people die, they go directly to judgment. Heb 9:27 says, "And as it is appointed unto men once to die, but after this the judgment:"  And after the judgment comes the Lake of Fire (Hell). This really, really bothers me, because there are people I love a great deal who are not saved.  This means that when they die, there are not any more opportunities for them to be rescued.  That they will suffer forever. This motivates me like nothing else to say something to them about Jesus.  Do you know anyone you should talk to about this?

PSALM 38:1-22                                                                                                                     
RELATIONSHIP BETWEEN SIN AND SICKNESS: David was physically ill and overwhelmed by his own sin.  Because of his sin, he had no rest for his body.  Whatever it was, he called it "loathesome".  He is sick enough that his friends don't come around, but his enemies do!   He hasn't asked for healing, but for God not to abandon him.  Although his enemies are cruel, spiteful, hateful, accusing, railing on him, threatening, and so forth, David has held his temper and clung to God.  His only "desire" is for God Himself.  "I will declare my iniquity; I will be sorry for my sin."

PROVERBS 21:28-29                                                                                                         
Lies are private, a false witness is public and usually premeditated.  The wicked are brazen.

RESPONSE: In Job's case, he was sick even though he had NOT sinned. When you are born again, the Holy Spirit won't let you sin without warning you. The guilt and the sense of impending judgment can make us sick.  Ask people who are bitter and unforgiving about their ailments, and they can give you a list!

One Year Bible, August 22

JOB 4:1 - 7:21                                                                                                                     
CAN WE SAY SOMETHING?  The first three "friends" represent our own emotions (Eliphaz), mind (Bildad), and will (Zophar).  They have incomplete information and are actually giving their opinions.   These friends represent our FLESH, or even well-meaning, walking-in-the-flesh friends in the Church.   Each gives three speeches.  Their "theories" are too narrow, but even may be correct, but they don't apply to Job.  Remember, God had NO CAUSE AGAINST JOB. (2:3)

ELIPHAZ (EMOTIONAL RESPONSE):  He flat-out called Job a hypocrite! (4:5 - You can talk, but not walk.) In HIS observation and experience, all suffering is brought on by hidden sin in our lives. (5:17)  V.8 he said, "If I were you, I'd repent!" But his theology and "revelation" are LEGALISM, the "law of sin and death".   And Yes! A man can be "made pure" before his Maker (because of Jesus).

JOB'S REPLY:  "I am so miserable that I want to die!" His reasoning and his strength have come to an end and they should feel sorry for him instead of passing judgment!   But they think he sinned, and that if they offered him comfort they would be participating in his sin.   And to God, Job said: "I won't shut up!  I am so sick and wounded that people can't stand to look at me! I am afraid of suicide. God, what have I done to You?  Please just leave me alone and let me die!"

RESPONSE:  I know a lot of people that think God ALWAYS prospers the righteous and ALWAYS punishes the wicked.  Therefore, if you are suffering, you much be WICKED.  But it's NOT always the wicked who suffer, neither do the wicked always suffer.  Mat 5:45 says that "the rain falls on the just and the unjust alike".   What do we do when our experience does not line up with our established beliefs?  The smart thing to do would be to go back to the Word of God and ask the Holy Spirit for help.  Job didn't have a Bible, of course.  He had to go directly to God and trust Him no matter what it looked like!  Sometimes we just have to GROW UP!  Quit thinking like a child (1 Cor).  There may be no discernable reason for your suffering. Of course, we know from Scripture that God may be using us to prove something to the creatures in the heavenlies (Eph 3:10-11).

1 CORINTHIANS 14:18-40                                                                                                  
PEACE! PEACE!  Peace is the result of ORDER.  The word "order" means "by rank and appointment".  The word "decently" means "with elegance and extravagance" - "excellently".   Go one at a time, giving preference to the elders or those who are appointed to lead.   Do it with "class" - don't be rude or interrupting.  Everyone will eventually get their turn.

THE "WOMAN QUESTION":  Let's establish something right here and now: (1) The Apostle Paul NEVER advocated the silence of women in church.   (2) He NEVER said that women couldn't teach men. (Apollos had Priscilla for a teacher and mentor.) (Acts 18:24-26)  (3)The Jerusalem Council (Acts 15:19-22) never mentioned any "law" concerning women. Nowhere is there any Bible reference to women being silent, or shamed if she speaks!  Paul would never put anyone under Jewish law anyway.  (4) (14:34-35) is a quote from a letter sent to Paul - Paul does not believe or teach what it says.  (5) In fact, v.36-40 refute these statements. He had just said, (11:5) "WHEN women pray or prophesy..." He also said in Gal 3:27-29 that in the Church, in Christ - there is no GENDER, RACE OR CLASS DISTINCTION.  Just like there are no special rules if you are poor, or not white, neither are there special rules for being a woman. The problem Paul combats here may have been caused by Judaizers in Corinth.   (6)Women were not silent on the day of Pentecost when the Spirit was poured out.  They were not silent at the Tomb on Resurrection Day, neither was the Samaritan woman silent when Jesus saved her (John 4:28).   So Paul asks, "Did the Word of God come FROM men only? Or go out TO men only?" The answer is "of course not!"

RESPONSE:   When I get to 1 Timothy, I will give you "Round 2" about women!   What does this have to do with spiritual maturity?  It is spiritually immature to capitalize on division in the Body of Christ.   A body depends on relationships to keep it together, not LAW.

PSALM 37:30-40                                                                                                                 
"MARK ("watch") THE PERFECT MAN":  He is "blameless, not sinless."  He is "without guile, having integrity."  Because his "end" (in the end) is "PEACE" - "SHALOM".  "Safety, health, and wholeness, with nothing missing, nothing broken".  How do I know a "perfect man" when I see him?  In other words, whom should I be watching?  This Scripture connects him with being the opposite of a "transgressor" and the "wicked".   Transgressors are those who rebel against and cross the boundaries that separate us from sin and indulgence. The wicked are destroyers and are marked with inner chaos and restlessness.   So then a "perfect man" is submissive and obedient to God's Word. He is spiritually mature, totally dependent on and trusting in the Lord.

PROVERBS 21:27                                                                                                            
Some people bring a "sacrifice" (money, volunteer work, etc.) because they have already sinned!   They think they can atone for their lifestyle through good works or charity.  What is so terribly evil about their thinking is that they not only put too cheap a price on their transgressions, but they indirectly make God a minister of sin!

RESPONSE:   It makes me nervous to think that someone might be watching me.  It's only a matter of time before I disappoint them.  If you want to "ring my bells", just say that self-justifying, excuse-making, phrase: "Nobody's perfect!"  Those people are just ignorant! The Bible says that we are what we are because of FAITH in Jesus - not anything we've done! And Jesus IS perfect.  Perfect is not sinless - it is blameless. Thanks to Jesus, I am blameless. He took my blame on Himself.

One Year Bible, August 21

JOB 1:1 - 3:26                                                                                                                     
GOD DID THIS TO JOB:  Job was a REAL PERSON. Job's Name means, "hated, persecuted, calamitous, afflicted, adversity." (That should have told him something!)  Job actually lived another 140 years beyond these dramatic events. It probably took place before Abraham, and over a period of a few months to a year, about 1800 BC.   Job is one of the greatest Christians that ever lived. He had no Bible, no Holy Spirit, no pastor or church, no Temple or altar, and yet he stood up under tremendous opposition from Satan and accusations from his "friends" without caving in.  Job did not read chapters 1, 2 or 42 and had no knowledge of the deal that God had made concerning him.  God called him "perfect and upright" (1:8; 2:3)   Job was probably a desert Caliph or Sultan of great wealth and power, and was known as "the greatest of all the sons of the east." (1:3)

SUFFERING OF THE GODLY:  How do we reconcile suffering of the godly with the justice and love of God?  Especially when Job was INNOCENT of wrongdoing!  James 5:11 says we are to examine the PATIENCE of Job - not just his faith or his questions about "why". "Behold, we count them happy which endure. Ye have heard of the patience of Job."

OVERWHELMED BY TROUBLE:  Job lost his fortune, family, and his health.  He was abandoned by relatives, accused by friends, afflicted by Satan.  He didn't understand WHY, or what he had done to deserve this!  WE KNOW that God is proving to the devil that Job's faith and integrity are genuine.  His three "friends": ELEPHAZ, BILDAD, ZOPHAR "comforted" him by calling him a hypocrite and telling him that he was being punished by God because of hidden sin. Then ELIHU tried to convince him that this was chastisement sent to purify Job.   While there is some truth in what everyone said, it wasn't true about JOB! Job 2:3 says that God had NO CAUSE against Job!

THE TRUTH ABOUT JOB:  God pointed Job out to Satan.  We know that Satan NO LONGER HAS ACCESS to God or to heaven (the abode of the Throne of God) (Luk 10:18).(1:8)  The best explanation we have for what happened to Job is this:

"To the intent that now unto the principalities and powers in heavenly places might be known by the church the manifold wisdom of God, According to the eternal purpose which he purposed in Christ Jesus our Lord:" (Eph 3:10-11)

Job's suffering was designed as a TRIAL in which Job could prove himself in opposition to Satan.  God declared Job to be in the right and restored his prosperity and happiness with a DOUBLE PORTION.  Job was tested and triumphed.  Christian character can be maintained in adverse circumstances.

REASONS FOR SUFFERING:  Satan is somewhere behind pain and suffering.  All sin leads to death (chaos, darkness, suffering).  Suffering purifies (refining, sifting), reveals character and exposes areas of weakness that need to be dealt with.  Suffering is providentially allowed to bring God glory (martyrs, eg.)   Apostle Paul said, "That I may know him, and the power of his resurrection, and the fellowship of his sufferings, being made conformable unto his death..." (Phil 3:10)   And in Hebrews 5:8-9 it says of Jesus, "Though he were a Son, yet learned he obedience by the things which he suffered; And being made perfect, he became the author of eternal salvation unto all them that obey him;"   Through the crucifixion of the SELF, we can manifest the nature and character of Jesus to the cosmos.  The Book of Job reveals deeper lessons of the just suffering for the unjust, of patience and endurance as we finish our course, and the total inadequacy of the natural mind in trying to understand how God is dealing with us. There is a mysterious relationship between suffering and God's unfolding plans.  Man looks for "cause and effect", but God has His purposes. God does not have to explain Himself to us!

SATAN'S INSULT:  Job 2:4 states that Satan believers that we will do anything and pay anything to save ourselves.  That man is totally self-defensive and into preserving SELF.  Yet, Rev 12:11 says, "And they overcame him (Satan) by the blood of the Lamb, and by the word of their testimony; and they loved not their lives unto the death."   Added to this, Job's own wife told him to "curse God and die".  And in all this, "Job did not sin with his lips."  But he did say, "I can't relax. I can't rest. I can't get settled down."

RESPONSE:   There is way more here than I can comment on.  I am trying to hit the highlights. (or are these lowlights?)  I have been through some painful things that I STILL can't figure out.  It is spiritually immature to always look for "cause and effect", instead of PURPOSE.   Something that I have learned through trials is that GOD IS FAITHFUL.  I thank God that we have a Bible, a reliable Church, pastors, the Holy Spirit, fellow-believers, and on and on.  We have no excuse for letting go of our faith.

1 CORINTHIANS 14:1-17                                                                                                  
THE ADVANTAGES OF SPEAKING IN TONGUES (in private): (1) We speak "mysteries" understood by God, directly to God (Rom 8:26 Sometimes we don't know what to pray because we have a "prayer infirmity".)  (2) We edify ourselves when we pray in tongues - build ourselves up (Jude 20).  (3) I am praying with my spirit, and so I won't pray selfishly.

PROPHESYING: (1) Anyone can do it - and should desire it.  (2) Unless you are a recognized church elder, (giving direction or correction) your prophesy MUST "comfort, strengthen or encourage."   (3) Outsiders and anyone else can understand prophecy. (4) It is spiritually immature to "show off" in a public message in tongues without an interpretation. (I am NOT talking about praying or singing "in the spirit" collectively.)

RESPONSE:   The people listed as thinking "tongues" are weird are "unbelievers or unlearned" (ignorant). The original language, Greek, word for "unlearned" is "idiotes".  Guess what word we get from that!  So, I used to tell people (when I got into arguments about it), that the ONLY people who think "tongues" are weird are unbelievers and idiots!  Of course, now I am much more tolerant - and even invite questions, because I have been guilty of some weird behavior.

THE REAL POINT IS:  It is spiritually immature to show off in church, just because we can.  It alienates people.

PSALM 37:12-29                                                                                                                  
WHY DO THE WICKED PROSPER & THE RIGHTEOUS PERISH? The wicked's prosperity is short-lived and has within itself the seeds of self-destruction.  We can say with the Apostle Paul:

"We are troubled on every side, yet not distressed; we are perplexed, but not in despair; Persecuted, but not forsaken; cast down, but not destroyed; Always bearing about in the body the dying of the Lord Jesus, that the life also of Jesus might be made manifest in our body." (2 Cor 4:8-10)

We are never "cast down" - This word means "to pitch over like a sheep on its back." (with NO hope of recovery!)  If a sheep gets "cast down" - upside-down, it can't right itself, and becomes prey to wolves. Though we FALL, we won't get "cast down" and fall prey to our enemies. 

PROVERBS 21:25-26                                                                                                        
My mother used to say, "Wish in one hand and spit in the other, and then see which one fills up the quickest."   If you are lazy, you'll never have anything!  That's just a fact!  But the righteous: believers can give without diminishing themselves. That's a fact, too!

RESPONSE:   In a fight, as long as we are still standing, we can win.  If we quit or give up, we'll lose for sure!  I am talking about our war with the flesh.  The war with our own misery and pain because our thinking is messed up.  This Psalm was NOT written by a man full of self-pity. He knew that the principle of "death and resurrection"  a fact of the believer's life.   We share in the "dying of Jesus Christ" (the old man) so that "the life of Jesus might be made manifest in our body." TA-DAAAAAA!

One Year Bible, August 20

ESTHER 8:1 - 10:3                                                                                                                  DELIVERANCE & REVERSALS:  Uncle Mordecai was set over the House of Haman (his persecutor). This means he was given Haman's confiscated property.  Then he was also given the "signet ring" - he was made Prime Minister, next to King Ahasuerus. The King's decree to kill the Jews could not be reversed, but another decree was stacked on top of it - the Jews were allowed to defend themselves. As a result, the fear of the Jews fell on the natives. "The Law of the Spirit of Life in Christ Jesus has made me free from the law of sin and death." (Rom 8:2)

"THE JEWS had Light, and Gladness, and Joy, and Honor." In fact, they made converts! Mordecai became increasingly prominent, and all their enemies were slaughtered and destroyed. (75,000 plus palace workers, plus Haman's 10 sons) God's people had gone from "sorrow to joy, and from mourning into a good day." (9:22)

RESPONSE:   People who persecute Christians don't realize who they are messing with!  Our finest vindication is the resurrection.  No one can keep us down!  Even as Esther realized her purpose only as she is under the influence of Mordecai; we realize OUR PURPOSE as we are under the influence of the Holy Spirit. Esther demonstrates RENEWED PURPOSE for which we are in the Kingdom.  God puts His people in positions in His timing.  Pay attention!

1 CORINTHIANS 12:27 - 13:13                                                                                             
DIVERSITY OF THE SPIRIT PRODUCES UNITY:  God loves diversity but not divisiveness. All the differing backgrounds of people have been FUSED into One Body. At the same time, the One Body is full of diversity - and every member is needed to make the body whole.  Spiritual gifting is not to benefit the individual who is expressing them, but to benefit the WHOLE.   Having been baptized AND made to drink into the Spirit - we should be SATURATED with new forces that enable us to function as One, while still maintaining our diversity.   No single "gifting" is any better than another - just like Body parts are all valuable.  In fact, our "favorite and most important parts" are kept HIDDEN!  ZNo individual is self-sufficient and no one is unnecessary.

THE "MORE EXCELLENT WAY": The Way par excellence:  This way must be CHOSEN.  It is the way that commits to the obedience and plan of God no matter what the cost.  The mature spiritual man is a man of love.  It must be noted here that this is not the LOVE of desire, or a LOVE that seeks its own satisfaction.  This LOVE spoken of here is an emanation from God.  It is self-sacrificial deeds. 1 John 3:18 says, "Let us not love in word, neither in tongue; but in deed and in truth."  This is because LOVE is what we DO, not what we FEEL.  The feeling is actually infatuation or affection.   Love is action and commitment. "And this is love, that we walk after his commandments." (2 Jo 1:6)  And so LOVE gets defined here as kind, not arrogant, not envious, not unseemly, not selfish, not easily offended, keeps no accounts of wrongdoing, hates perversity, loves Truth, covers over with silence when insults are received, believes the best of people, hopes for the best, endures hardship with patience and silence.  LOVE mellows out all which would have been harsh and austere.  Love is not a "gift", but the "fruit" of being spiritual.   LOVE is ETERNAL and we "can take it with us".   And, in fact, LOVE is "that which is perfect".

IT'S TIME TO GROW UP!  If you are not a new believer, then it's time you quit talking, understanding, and thinking like an immature baby.   If you are fleshly and selfish, then you are still spiritually immature, and that's why your understanding and "seeing" are not complete! The "glass" spoken of is not a window but a mirror.  The mirrors were made of polished brass, and so their reflection wasn't real clear.   When we are spiritually immature (childish) we see ourselves as if we were looking in a brass mirror, but THEN (when we grow up)  we will have a clear mirror-image of ourselves, we will see ourselves as we really are, being changed "from glory to glory".

RESPONSE:   I realize that this isn't the customary interpretation of this passage. BUT, most interpretations IGNORE the meaning of the words! ”Looking in the mirror" is "Bible-speak" for examining the Word, studying it, placing yourself in the passage. (Jam 1:23-25)  What we actually SEE in the Word of God is JESUS, walking through our lives, shining light everywhere He looks.  We see Him IN US, His faith, His joy, His ministry, His strength, His grace, His love, etc. etc.  Immature believers focus on their weaknesses, limitations, fears, sorrows, inabilities, etc.   They SEE "in part", because they pay more attention to appearing spiritual, than to BEING spiritual!   2 Cor 3:18 says that when we look "with unveiled face beholding as in a mirror, the glory of the Lord..."  that we are changed to what we are seeing!

PSALM 37:1-11                                                                                                                      
"INHERIT THE EARTH":  Five times (v.9, 11, 22, 29, 34) the phrase, "inherit the earth" appears in this chapter.  It is promised to "those that wait on the Lord" (cling to Him); "the meek" (willingly endure with submission what they might escape from); "such as be blessed of Him" (opposite of "cursed" - to be called and empowered to be a "son of God"); "the righteous" (opposite of "wicked" - the righteousness by faith); those who "wait on the Lord and keep His way" (cling to Him and "stay in the fences" - walk accurately with God).  Faith says to "trust, delight, commit, rest, wait."

But what does it mean to "inherit the earth"?   It means to benefit from its physical blessings.   It means to be in possession of all things. (2 Cor 6:10; 9:10; 1 Tim 6:17; 2 Pet 1:3' 1 Cor 6:12)   It means to "trust, delight, commit, rest, wait."

RESPONSE:   We could say that Abraham inherited the earth (had mastery of the Land).  Noah certainly inherited the earth (when he emerged from the Ark after the Flood).  We inherit the earth just like Jesus inherited the Nations (Ps 2:8): We pray, we commit to obeying the Gospel, we cling to God, and submit to the Word. I have inherited my world - and now must "occupy till He comes." (Luke 9:13)   If you noticed, it is the "wicked" who are "taken away" - or "cut off" and the "righteous" who are "left behind."

PROVERBS 21:23-24                                                                                                         
He guards his mouth and his tongue who knows when to shut up. And he saves himself a lot of trouble.

Anger is self-righteous and arrogant.  It gives people a bad name (bad reputation) because an angry person shows reverence for nothing.

One Year Bible, August 19

ESTHER 4:1 - 7:10                                                                                                                 REACTIONS TO THE THREAT OF DEATH:  Sackcloth, ashes, grieving, distress. ACTION: Unity in assembling, fasting, going before the King.  Jesus IS the "golden scepter" (our Righteousness, giving us access to the Throne) - we are privileged to come into His Presence.  WE are "come to the kingdom for such a time as this" - it is time to bring deliverance and forgiveness.

"BANQUET OF WINE":  (Acts 2:13) This is the Holy Spirit's outpouring in us to destroy the FLESH (Haman).   Our King Jesus has given us "all things" (5:3).  Haman's 50-cubit (7-stories) gallows (it pleased the Flesh to kill the Spirit) - will come back on him.  The Flesh is destined to hang!  Actually, they hanged Haman and his 10 sons (the Law). The Flesh, Satan, the carnal mind have been dealt with.

RESPONSE:   Sometimes I feel the weight of the responsibility of the Gospel. We have been entrusted to spread the Gospel "at such a time as this..." and we KNOW the import of the timing.   Haman is in power and the decree has gone out - we have been targeted for persecution if we are born again.   We are not allowed to speak against anyone EXCEPT Christians!  But God has His person in places where their influence counts.  His Name may not be in the book of Esther or NOW, but He is CLEARLY SEEN at work.

1 CORINTHIANS 12:1-26                                                                                                      
NOW CONCERNING SPIRITUAL MATTERS (the word "gifts" does not appear in the original language):  What are "spiritual matters"?  They are the behavior of spiritual people,  the manifestations of the Holy Spirit, as opposed to the manifestations of the FLESH.   Gal 5:17 says that the two are OPPOSED to each other.   Paul contrasts the manifestations of each in this chapter, pressing home his concern that manifestations of the flesh, especially in a church service, are inappropriate in spiritual people.   There is no occasion for offensive inequality, but for grateful remembrance of all the Lord has done in delivering us from the flesh, the world, and the devil.

BEFORE WE START: EXACTLY WHAT IS GOD'S GOAL IN REFORMING US?   As Paul has already stated, JESUS has purposed a BODY, of which He is the Head, and we are all parts of that Body.  One cohesive body - not two.   Eph 2:15 calls it "one new man".   The Body of Christ is a corporate being and together reflects the character and ministry of Jesus. In addition, GOD THE FATHER wants "MANY SONS" made in the image of His Son, Jesus. (Heb 2:10; Rom 8:14). The HOLY SPIRIT comes into our "temple" (1 Co 6:19), bringing GLORY AND DUNAMIS , radically weighing things in God's favor.   "Glory and dunamis " are the impact of the Presence of the Living God in us.   And when He manifests, it is for the common good. The Holy Spirit is a Spirit of Unity (Eph 4:3).

LEGITIMATE DIVERSITY:  God LOVES diversity, but not divisiveness.  1 Corinthians stresses over and over that we are ONE PEOPLE, ONE BODY, ONE BAPTISM, ONE SPIRIT, ONE LOAF.  The diversity comes in expression.

Diversities of Gifts               Differences of Administrations          Diversities of Operations
(1 Co 12:4)                          (1 Co 12:5)                                     (1 Co 12:6)
(what motivates us to work) (church servants)                             (spontaneous expressions of HS)
Gr: charismata                    Gr: doma                                        Gr: pneumatikos
Romans 12:6-8                    Ephesians 4:7-16                            1 Corinthians 12:7-11
Divine endowment                People-gift to the church                  Manifestation of the Spirit

MANIFESTATIONS OF THE SPIRIT: They are just that...manifestations of the HOLY SPIRIT, and consequently they BELONG to the Spirit of God, NOT to individuals who may express these gifts. And ALL may prophesy, but not all are prophets!   Prophets are an "administration" -  they are the ELDERS in the church, and do the "work of the ministry" and lead the church in spiritual matters.   The "gift of prophesy" in Romans is an orientation and perception of life in a person, who sees things and sorts them out all the time. They tend to see life as or good-or-evil, with no gray areas.  The "gift of prophesy" in 1 Corinthians is something that COMES ON a person for a specific time, specific message, and then leaves; because that "gift" belongs to the Holy Spirit.

RESPONSE:  There are people who seem to "flow" in some manifestations better than others. But EVERYONE who has the Holy Spirit can manifest in ANY of the gifts at any time, on an as-needed basis. I am always asking the Holy Spirit for help in finding things that I have misplaced. He gives me a "word of knowledge" as to where they are! When I don't know what to do in a given situation, I ask for wisdom, and often He gives me a "word of wisdom". I have even interpreted my prayers in tongues at times! The Holy Spirit distributes HIS "gifts" however He will. Isn't that exciting? As we get to know Him better, and as we learn how to "stir Him up" inside us, we can cooperate with Him better.

PSALM 36:1-12                                                                                                                       
THE WICKED (1-4) VS THE SERVANT (5-9):  The "fear of the Lord" is learned through discipline and correction. We must be BROKEN to really understand it. The fear of God is manifested in submission and obedience, worship, hating sin, repentance.   On the other hand, the characteristics of a wicked man are rebellion, no hatred for sin, no fear of God, perverse tongue.

**IMPORTANT: HOW IS ONE "ABUNDANTLY SATISFIED"?  (v.8) Through WORSHIP. In John 4 Jesus promised to satisfy and fulfill us to the point that we would never thirst afterwards. The worship that disappoints, and leaves us empty and frustrated is not TRUE WORSHIP.  We must stimulate the flow of the "satisfying water of the Spirit" through NEED and through CRYING OUT. This is just like a hungry baby who stimulates its mother's milk to produce and "come down".  We must stay in His Presence long enough to receive all we need, otherwise we are just "teasing Him".   We "call out" through praise and thanks for all God's goodness and God's greatness.

PROVERBS 21:21-22                                                                                                           
Jesus, Who is the most savvy Person ever to live, said we were not to pursue longevity, things, or honor.   They are temporal and external. Rather, we are to pursue the "kingdom of God and His righteousness".   (Mat 6:33) BUT....in the pursuit of God's Kingdom and God's Righteousness, we also RECEIVE the "things".   Maybe not always in the form we want them, or even when we want them, but God's sufficiency is there when it is necessary.  And really, how do you define "enough"?

Wisdom is better than strength. Wise counsel is better than brute strength.

RESPONSE:   Long ago, someone told me that if it takes MORE THAN JESUS to make me happy, that I had a problem!   I did not know that Jesus could satisfy the abysmal hungers that were in me.  I didn't know that happiness was a choice, either.  I had TWO problems, and didn't know it!  When we are discontent, complaining, restless, want something but don't know what it is --- THAT'S JESUS.   The ONLY way to satisfy that kind of problem is with more of God.  BUT, we have to train ourselves to believe it.  Our hearts are so deceptive, so deceived, so insistent on doing it "my way" - that we have to make up our minds that we are going to pursue God until we get results.  Don't trust your emotions or your opinions, or what you knew before.  LEARN THE TRUTH.  Teach your heart to trust God for satisfaction and fulfillment.  Everything else is only temporary, and carries with it the law of diminishing returns. Most thing don't have the ability to really satisfy us, but only to stimulate more hunger.

I started at home. I cried out like I meant it.  I was like a baby who insists on being fed right now! I called out to Jesus to COME FILL ME UP.  I cried desperately and loudly.  I opened myself up for all He would pour on me.  I refused to go away disappointed.  AND I WAS FILLED!  Again and again.

One Year Bible, August 18

ESTHER 1:1 - 3:15                                                                                                           
DIVINE PROVIDENCE:  The book of Esther pictures the conditions of God's people during their exile in Persia; the time period was between the 6th and 7th chapters of Ezra, between the restoration of the Temple in Jerusalem, and the return of the second group under Ezra. While the Name of God is not mentioned in the whole book, His activity is clearly seen.  The hand of God is seen guiding, guarding and over-ruling the affairs of man, as He keeps watch and preserves His elect.  Our God reigns!

WOMAN IS THE GLORY OF THE MAN:  When Vashti refused to glorify King Ahasuerus, she was deposed and stripped of her authority as Queen, and Esther was raised up to be Bride and Queen.  She was prepared by Uncle Mordecai and Hegai (eunuch of the Harem). The two men represent the cleansing and beautifying work of the Holy Spirit in us.

THE BAD GUY:  "Haman" means "proud, magnificent, trouble."  He represents the antichristian world-spirit that persecutes God's people.   He is also the picture, then, of the FLESH, beast nature, and the carnal mind.  Haman was a swaggering bully!

THE DEVIL'S (HAMAN'S) PLOT:   Haman got the king to decree that all Jews were to be killed and their belongings taken. This is because Haman hated Esther and Uncle Mordecai, and the King obviously didn't realize that they were both Jews!   This is the decree that has gone out on all of us, the "Law of Sin and Death".

RESPONSE:   There are lots of "coincidences" in this story. Too many. God brought the events together just right, with His people in the right places at the right time.  He continually "trumps" Haman.  When our daughter was about 3 years old, we attended a Purim (Celebrating Esther) service at a local synagogue.   The children were all given noisemakers.  When Esther was read, we listened for the mention of Haman - and when his name was spoken, everyone rattled their noisemakers.   It was a modern version of "Boo! Hiss!"

1 CORINTHIANS 11:17-34                                                                                                    TURNING A CARNAL, NATURAL-THINKING MAN INTO A SPIRITUAL ONE:   This obviously requires spiritual maturity, in not alienating outsiders or other believers either.   Jesus gave specific instructions regarding the Lord's Supper and any abuse of this act of worship is disgraceful.   Even common decency and decor demands better manners than these immature Christians had.

EAT AND DRINK "UNWORTHILY":  The elements of communion (The Lord's Supper) represent the blood and body of Jesus Christ.   When we make a farce out of it, we have brought judgment on ourselves.  What farce?  The communion is not just between us and Jesus, but it is to be SHARED among ourselves as "drinking from the same cup" and "being from one loaf".  The Lord's Supper is a SHARED EXPERIENCE.   The elements we eat and drink represent the Lord's Body - which we all are!  When we are cliquish or rude to anyone, we are "unworthy" to eat the Lord's Supper.  If we will judge ourselves and accept chastening from the Lord, we won't be condemned with the world.   Even "the world" is friendlier and behaves better than some people in the Church!

RESPONSE:   Because of germs, a lot of churches use individual cups and breadcrumbs for communion service. We don't see the picture as well - that we are considered "one loaf" (1Cor 10:17) and that we drink from the same cup - meaning our Christian experience is a shared one because we are ONE BODY. That's what made the Corinthian experience so terrible! So, the next time we take communion, we had better look around. Do we need to repent to anyone?

PSALM 35:17-28                                                                                                                  
Neither David, nor Jesus, "escaped those who hated Him without cause".  Our vindication is in the resurrection from the dead.  We are resurrected spiritually when we are born again of the Spirit. We will bodily resurrected in the future.

PROVERBS 21:19-20                                                                                                           
Well, the rooftop is already occupied, so this hubby can live in the desert.   "Quarrelsome AND angry"..... hmmmmm, I wonder what he did?

If you spend all you have on your human lust, you won't have anything to buy true treasures. When our children were young, they wanted the EXPENSIVE tennis shoes for school. We couldn't afford them, but even if we could have, we wouldn't have gotten them. We explained that as Christians, we don't spend our money that way. We are replenishers, not just consumers. We invest, we share, we give offerings.

RESPONSE:   Early in our marriage, my husband and I used to disagree about EVERYTHING! It seems like I just kept stirring the pot. One time, he had had all he could stand, and he locked himself in our bedroom. I pounded on the door and yelled, "You come out here and fight like a man!" Even our teen-aged kids laughed at that one. I wasted so many years being angry. Praise God, my hubby continued walking with the Lord in peace, praying for me, trying to help when he could.   I came from a quarreling, strife-filled home, and had no idea how to get along with anyone.  I thought all that yelling and arguing was normal!   My husband came along and set the example for me to follow.   He would make me so mad when I was ready to fight, and he would just sit there!   He wouldn't let me disturb his peace!

One Year Bible, August 17

NEHEMIAH 12:27 - 13:31                                                                                                   
THANKSGIVING CHORUS: Two groups led by Ezra and Nehemiah walked in opposite directions through the city, mounted the walls, circled the city, and met by the Temple, where they converged for the anthem. (12:30) The dedication was a time for purifying everyone.

DON'T MAKE ME COME BACK THERE!  BUT.....Nehemiah left soon after the dedication- to return to Persia like he had promised. Apparently he heard "rumors" about the condition of Jerusalem, because about 12 years later, he returned.  As a REFORMER, Nehemiah was always bringing the people back to God, back to faithfulness, back to purity.  Now we find out how much the Holy Spirit (Nehemiah) hates MIXTURE (When we try to be spiritual AND "natural" at the same time). Nehemiah ranted and raved, struck with his fists, pulled hair - against the idolaters and other miscreants.

THE CARNAL MIND:  Tobiah is like our flesh - it doesn't look for a foothold, it wants a penthouse!  (in the Holy of Holies where God lives in us)   So, Nehemiah (the Holy Spirit) THREW HIS STUFF OUT ON THE LAWN!   What's worse - the high priest's grandson was married to a daughter of Sanballat the Horonite, with the result that he allowed Tobiah to take liberties with the Temple.   The NT calls this "the mystery of iniquity" . The antichristian world-spirit had taken the place of the true anointing - and Tobiah (the flesh) had robbed the Levites, the singers, the porters and the priests!   And "defiled the priesthood".

EXTERNAL EVIDENCE OF INGRATITUDE:  The Jews had "profaned the Sabbath" - had despised what God had provided for them (Rest).   There was also a grudging attitude toward giving the tithes and offerings.   Some had married outsiders, resulting in grandchildren who couldn't even speak Hebrew! (were not taught the Word of God).

RESPONSE:   Nehemiah opens and closes with prayer. Nehemiah's greatness sprang from being a man of prayer.  He was utterly frank, and utterly godly.  He made a point of staying separate from the antichristian world-spirit.  He jealously watched over the people and the Temple.  Nehemiah's last recorded act in Jerusalem was to chase away a defiled priest from the Temple!  I wish I could have seen that!  On the other hand, Nehemiah had already told them about intermarrying once!

Has the Holy Spirit ever had to tell you anything more than once?  Or twice?  Sometimes when I won't give something up, God has to take it away from me by force.   You know what they say, "You can come easy, or you can come hard."

1 CORINTHIANS 11:3-16                                                                                                     

"GIVE NO OFFENSE, NEITHER TO THE JEWS, NOR TO THE GENTILES, NOR TO THE CHURCH OF GOD". (10:32)  Yup! That's the heading for this whole discussion.  IF you want to be "spiritually mature",  THIS is what it is: don't alienate people because of the way you dress, or behave, or talk. You will bury your message of the Gospel that way. Dressing to CONFUSE GENDER IDENTIFICATION makes us ineffective witnesses of the Gospel.  Dressing in order to PROVOKE CONTROVERSY alienates people from the Gospel, too.  The point is not whether or not your head is covered, but what you are SAYING with what you have on your head!   Women's heads were covered because of oral Jewish law; however, (v.11) "in the Lord," it isn't so.  Traditions (customs, appearances) are important, but unity is more important.

WHAT DOES IT MEAN TO BE SOMEONE'S "HEAD"?  This word for "head" is also used of the origin of a river - meaning "source", something that is self-emptying for the purpose of redemption."  V. 10 says that because woman is the "glory of the man", she should have power/authority OVER THAT HEAD (man), because angels spoke to women (Mary and at the Tomb).   If being created BEFORE women makes men greater, then COWS are greater than men because they were created before Adam!  Relationship is more important than a stand on religious controversy.

RESPONSE:   It really "rings my bells" when people twist Scripture to make women appear to be second-class, or second-best. If it weren't for women, who would have spread the Word on Resurrection day? If it weren't for women, who would have cared for Jesus' temporal needs? If it weren't for women, what would happen to most churches? Or missions? But, Paul warns about being "contentious" (v.16) so I'll get off my soapbox FOR NOW. 

I understand about my husband being my "head", much like Jesus is "head" to the Body.  Hubby wouldn't like it if I went outside the home to get my needs met! He is my Source.  He has always treated me like his "joint-heir"(1 Pet 3:7), and insisted that he wasn't my "priest" - that I make my own decisions and go to Jesus for myself! And he would certain never tell me to be quiet in church!  Or anywhere else!

PSALM 35:1-16                                                                                                                      
"WITHOUT CAUSE":  Sometimes people talk about us or conspire against us behind our backs, when we have not provoked it.   When we are the victims of this kind of persecution, it causes hurt, and even agony...especially when we have no way to fight back.   Phil 2 tells us not to defend ourselves, and then not to complain about it!  We gave up our rights and reputation when we submitted to God to obey the Word.  Our only recourse is prayer! David was a MAN OF WAR, and was never vindicated of being a "bloody man" (2 Sam 16:7). His temperament is revealed in this Psalm.

"REJOICE IN GOD'S SALVATION":  Even though David is obviously distraught with his enemies, even he knows he can still rejoice in God.  He took his joy where he could find it: in God, and in his belief that God would deliver him.  He prayed for his persecutors.  He had even fasted for them at one time. (By the way, did you notice that fasting "humbles the soul"? - that is, it takes authority over the flesh and denies it.).

PROVERBS 21:17-18                                                                                                              
Someone told me one time that rich people are rich, because they live like poor men.   And poor men are poor, because they live like rich men.   If you NEED anything besides Jesus to be content or fulfilled, then you have a real problem.   I have known people who can't pay their bills, but they always seem to have enough money to buy entertainment or eat out.

When things begin falling apart, the righteous rise and the wicked go down into destruction.  The SAME calamity that brings the righteous into prominence, causes the wicked to be destroyed.

RESPONSE:   I have found that the best way to survive persecution "without cause" is to be quiet and wait for God to take care of it.  There really is no way to talk someone out of it or to defend yourself.  Jesus didn't do it, even when they were planning to kill Him!  IF we are being persecuted WITH cause - because we acted like a jerk, or lied, or whatever, then we aren't supposed to "SURVIVE".  We submit to the Word of God and obey - repenting to God and to the person we wronged.  Our flesh won't like it, but it's the only way to stop the Holy Spirit from driving you crazy!