Understanding Part 3

1 Chronicles 12:32 NKJV

of the sons of Issachar who had understanding of the times, to know what Israel ought to do, their chiefs were two hundred; and all their brethren were at their command;

Isn’t it interesting that God gave a tribe of the nation of Israel understanding about the times so they could help their people know what to do? Today, God raises up people with understanding about the times to help the church know what to do. The Lord wants all His people to have understanding about the times so we can know what to do. We must seek God for understanding and realize that sometimes that will come through people He has raised up to help in that area. If we watch what is happening around us we can see multitudes being led astray, deceived by wicked men just as the Bible predicted. In addition to seeking God for insight directly, we should know who the people are that God has raised up with understanding of the times and avail ourselves to their insight so we will not be stumbling in the dark in the difficult times we live in. We cannot listen just because someone says they understand the times. We need to examine what they say in light of the Word and see the evidence that they know what they are talking about. 1 Chronicles 12:32 lets us know that our Father does not want us ignorant about the times we are living in.

Understanding Part 2

1 Kings 3:9 NKJV

Therefore give to Your servant an understanding heart to judge Your people, that I may discern between good and evil. For who is able to judge this great people of Yours?”

King Solomon did not consider himself smart enough to handle the task of judging the nation he was called to serve. He prayed to God for an understanding heart. It would do us all good to humble ourselves when we have a task in front of us that involves other people. Instead of assuming we know what to do because of our credentials or experience, we should recognize that each human being is unique and only God could understand them perfectly. Therefore whatever we think we could do well when it comes to handling people, with God’s help we can do so much better.

Prayer: Lord, give us an understanding heart to help us with our interactions with precious human beings you created and gave your life for, that we may do the best job in dealing with them.

In Memory of Pastor Brooks

Psalm 23:6 NKJV

Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me All the days of my life; And I will dwell in the house of the LORD Forever.

In memory of our beloved Pastor Brooks (associate minister at VCC), who went to be with the Lord this week, I celebrate Psalm 23:6. As we practice resting in the Lord, the final rest should be a smooth transition if Jesus' return does not occur before we change our address. We dwell in His secret place here, then finally in His presence forever - uninterrupted. May our memories of Dr. Brooks inspire us to run our race with patience, realizing the sufferings of this present time cannot compare to the glory that awaits us. Thank God for precious people who help us look forward to Heaven.

"The Quiet Life"

1 Thessalonians 4:11 NKJV
"That you also aspire to lead a quiet life, to mind your own business, and to work with your own hands, as we commanded you..."

In the verse referenced above, the apostle Paul encouraged the Thessalonians to lead a quiet life minding their own business - things the Lord has told us to do, and reflect on how we are doing. We can plan to adjust where necessary so that we can stay on track and in His peace. 

NEW SERIES - Understanding Part 1

In Proverbs 4:7, Solomon advised that while we are getting everything on our list, there is one thing we do not need to leave out - understanding. Let us seek God for this important skill that will make our lives more productive and fruitful for ourselves and those we affect.

Exodus 31:3 NKJV

And I have filled him with the Spirit of God, in wisdom, in understanding, in knowledge, and in all manner of workmanship,

God told Moses that the person God wanted to be in charge of making certain parts of the tabernacle were gifted by Him to do so. He said that He filled him with the Holy Spirit, wisdom, understanding, knowledge and the skill to create what the Lord had designed for the place of worship. I want to focus on understanding. I marvel at the fact that this man, Bezalel, was given understanding by God for his God-given assignment. In order for him to accomplish the detailed work he was assigned to he needed knowledge but he also needed understanding to apply the knowledge he had. What is it the God wants us to do? If we are leaning on our own human understanding we are falling short of our potential. Let us ask God for understanding. We have a record where He distributed understanding to those he assigned to do His work. I believe He will do the same for us if we ask Him to. Perhaps He has done it already but we have not accessed it because we automatically consulted our brains first. My Prayer: "Lord, give us understanding where we need it. Help us access the understanding You have already provided. Our work is so futile and tedious without your gift of understanding. Have mercy on us and enlighten us for your glory."

Peace Part 53

Revelation 1:4 NKJV

John, to the seven churches which are in Asia: Grace to you and peace from Him who is and who was and who is to come, and from the seven Spirits who are before His throne,

As John, the beloved writes to the seven churches of Asia, he sends a blessing of peace from the Lord. He describes God as the One who is, was and is to come. In other words, the author of our peace is always present with us. That is not subject to change.  So if at any time peace seems to be missing, it is not hard to recover it. He who never leaves nor forsakes us is the source of our peace. Let us remember that and act like it.