Amos 3:3 – “Can two walk together, unless they are agreed?”  NKJV

What a tremendous assertion in this verse.  The idea presented is that in order for there to be an abiding relationship, with permanence, there must be agreement.  In this particular case, the ‘two’ are the Judgment of God and the Words of the prophet.  These two do not coincide by mere chance, any more than two persons pursue (in-company) the same end unless there is a previous agreement.

We must realize that in order to maintain an honest walk with God we must have agreement.  Being a Christian is more than accepting a creed or even accepting a loving savior.  It means to walk with God day by day all the days of our lives. 

For two to walk together in a relationship there must be agreement.  Simply, both parties agree on the objective and desire the same end.  There has to be common ground.  That is true in all relationships but especially true in Covenant with God.  To walk with God there must be agreement.  I want us to consider some of the agreements that must be established and maintained.

• There Must Be Agreement About the Natural Condition of Man.

We and God must come to full agreement as to the true nature of man.  I guess it would be better said, we must come into agreement with God and adopt His view of man.  He knows!  There must be agreement about man’s ability or inability regarding his actions, his transgressions, his life, attitude, and heart.  We must come into agreement as to the remedy for man’s dilemma or sinfulness.

There is the belief, shared by many, that man is born a sinner.  James 1:14-15 sheds a little different light on that subject, “But each one is tempted when he is drawn away by his own desires and enticed. 15 Then, when desire has conceived, it gives birth to sin; and sin, when it is full-grown, brings forth death.”   I would ask if man is born a sinner what about Adam?  Of course, one could argue Adam was innocent but fell and now we inherit his sin.  What of the angels?  Well, angels do not get saved is the objection.  What about the devil?  He was one of the angels of God and through rebellion (sin) fell from God’s favor and was evicted from heaven.

If we are born sinners, then is sin our fault?  That brings us to the opposing view that man becomes a sinner through an act of his will or through his missing the mark. 

Regardless of which view you hold, the one truth that we should all be able to agree upon is that without Christ man is lost, a sinner, and hopeless.

There are some biblical realities we need to interject here are:

All have sinned – (Romans 3:23).  The natural or carnal man and mind hates God. (Romans 8:7).  Those who have reached the age or mental state they know right from wrong and are accountable for their actions have sinned.  The natural mind (heart) is selfish and because the focus is on self, rejects God and His rightful rule.

Who does natural carnal sinful man blame for his condition?  If we are born sinners and cannot help sinning, then sin is not a crime against God it is a tragedy.  If I cannot help it and have no part in it, then it is not my fault but God’s for my condition.  If on the other hand I sin through an act of my will or in rebellion or choosing to disobey, as did Adam and Eve, then it is my fault and I am guilty.  I become fully accountable to God and in need of a Redeemer and Forgiveness. 

God says, “The soul that sins it shall die.”  Isaiah 53:6 declares, “All we like sheep have gone astray; we have turned, every one, to his own way…”  God holds each of us accountable for our own sins, not the sins of Adam, our brothers or sisters, nor our parents.  It is my sin that separates me from God, not your sin.  Therefore, as the song we used to sing, “It’s not my brother, nor my sister, but it’s me O LORD standing in the need of prayer.”  I have sinned and come short of God’s Glory and I need forgiveness. 

I want to delve a little deeper into this subject in the next devotional but will pause here and allow you time to reflect upon the thoughts I have presented.  You can receive them, reject them, or be indifferent, but I ask that you consider them.

God bless you as you enjoy this wonderful day in Jesus!

2 Samuel 7:14-15 – “I will be a father to him and he will be a son to Me; when he commits iniquity, I will correct him with the rod of men and the strokes of the sons of men, 15 but My lovingkindness shall not depart from him, as I took it away from Saul, whom I removed from before you.”  NASB

In my lifetime I have witnessed the shift in the view of parenting and watched the development of a philosophy where discipline has been eliminated.  We are witnessing the terrible fruit of that view, but alas, some believe it is ‘child abuse’ to discipline a child, especially if you use a measure of corporal punishment. 

That view flies in the face of the biblical approach to bringing up children and has filtered its way into the church and spiritual discipline.  It is rooted in the belief that “love never punishes.”  It is rooted in the view that if you punish a child you have lost control and the problem is you not the behavior of the child.  I believe those are fallacious views and have produced a condition in our world where respect for others and self-discipline have been severely damaged. 

The writer of Proverbs, known as the wisest man of the Old Testament, said regarding the discipline of a child, “punish him with the rod and save his soul from death.” (23:14).  The previous verse admonishes, “Do not withhold discipline for a child; if you punish him with the rod, he will not die.”  In a previous chapter we are informed, “He who spares the rod hates his son, but he who loves him is careful to discipline him.”  (13:14).

In the New Testament, we are taught regarding parental discipline, “They disciplined us for a little while as they thought best; but God disciplines us for our good, in order that we may share in His holiness.  11 No discipline seems pleasant at the time, but painful.  Later, however, it produces a harvest of righteousness and peace for those who have been trained by it.”  (Hebrews 12:10-11).  In Psalms 94:12-14 we find the amazing declaration, “Blessed is the one you discipline, LORD, the one you teach from your law; 13 You grant them relief from days of trouble, till a pit is dug for the wicked. 14 For the LORD will not reject His people; He will never forsake His inheritance.”

In Hebrews 12 we are given some powerful information regarding correction and discipline and how it reflects Love in Action. 

• Discipline is required to deter destruction (v.4). 

The context of that verse reveals that that haphazard living leads to destruction. The idea presented is, a disciplined life bears the fruit of God’s blessing and has great reward.

• Discipline requires Action and Words (v.5).

As parents, we are to discipline with words and actions or warnings and consequences.  This is true in our relationship with God.  He warns and there are consequences for disobedience but blessing and benefit for obedience.

• The Motive is always to Express and Demonstrate Love (vv. 6-9).
• The Goal of Discipline as Parents or By God is to Teach Obedience (v.9).
• The Result is Short-term Pain and Long-term Gain.  (vv. 10-11).

God does not discipline us to punish us. That is not a demonstration of love.  He disciplines us to bring us into conformance with His character, nature, and holiness and that preserves our lives and brings opens to us His incredible blessings.

It is time that we, once again, embrace, Discipline and show some Love in Action in our lives, families, and world.  The door to abundance is open to us. 

God bless you richly as you enjoy this day in Him!

Jeremiah 6:16 – “Thus says the LORD, “Stand by the ways and see and ask for the ancient paths, Where the good way is, and walk in it; And you shall find rest for your souls. But they said, ‘We will not walk in it.’”  NASB

Our modern society is possibly the most highly educated in human history.  With that education comes supposed sophistication and the influx of new and modern ideas regarding religion, God, humanity, morality, and the relevancy of the Bible.  Modern philosophy suggests that there are many roads that lead to heaven and sincerity is the key ingredient and all that truly matters.  It suggests that God is a God of Love and He would never condemn anyone to an Eternal Hell for if He did, he would no longer be a God of love. 

The spiritual pilgrim faces many crossroads in life, and it is vital to know the direction to travel.  Our spiritual GPS needs to be up to date and accurate.  If we are going to please God, we must walk in faith, and faith demands obedience to God’s principles and precepts. 

The passage here in Jeremiah gives the idea of a traveler who is traveling on foot and coming to a junction or fork in the road.  He must find the way, or he will be lost eternally and doomed.  God desires that we, do justice, love mercy, and walk humbly before Him. Solomon in Ecclesiastes said, “There is nothing new under the sun.”  Man thinks he has a “new revelation” but it is not new, at least not to God, only new to us.

There is a path to be discovered and it is what the Bible calls, “the old path” or the “sure way.”  If we still cannot see the way after consulting with our road map (the Word of God), then we must for guidance (the Holy Spirit) and follow His directions.  Once we discover the path, it is imperative that we walk in it.

Several things are worthy of consideration and I ask you to consider them with me. 

• Why Ask for The Old Paths?

I contend and the Bible reveals that the new paths (man-made paths) are delusive and deceptive.  The Old Path is what the Bible calls the Highway of Holiness.  Man seeks to substitute an alternate, less constraining highway for the old path.  That way is formed out of the carnal need for a convenient religion.  Paul said in Galatians 1:8, “But even if we, or an angel from heaven, should preach to you a gospel contrary to what we have preached to you, he is to be accursed!”  It is vital that we seek the Old Paths and Walk in them…  They lead to God.  Remember Jesus’ declaration in John 14:6, “I am the way the truth and the life.”  There no door but Jesus.  There are not many roads leading to heaven, there is a narrow way that leads to life.

• What Are the Old Paths?

They are the paths trodden by the biblical patriarchs.  The Psalmist reminds us in Psalms 119:105, the Word of God is a lamp and a light guiding us.  The old paths reveal the will of God and are an unerring path that leads to peace and God’s provisions.  The old paths are sprinkled with the Blood of the Atonement, not the new Rose Water of man’s pleasing.  The Old Paths produce Christlikeness.

• Why Should We Walk in the Old Paths?

Because it is there that we find the Blood of Jesus that cleanses, forgives, saves, and justifies.  Without the shedding of blood, there is no remission and it is the Blood of Jesus that atones for our sins.  That is only found on the Old Paths.  It is there that we discover the Word of God that fully satisfies.  The apostle Peter said, “For we did not follow cleverly devised tales when we made known to you the power and coming of our Lord Jesus Christ, but we were eyewitnesses of His majesty.”  (2 Peter 2:16). 

Nothing can satisfy the longing soul but God.  There is no other Light that lights the world.  Jesus is the Truth and there are not many truths that lead to the Father.  He is the Door and there are not many doors leading to heaven.  He is the Way and there are not many ways that lead us to Peace.  The Broad Way may look good and inviting but in it is death, disappointment, and destruction.

• Why Should We Seek the Old Paths?

Because in the Old Paths we find the Power of the Holy Spirit to Sanctify.  In the new modern convenient religious paths, there is no place for being set apart unto God and away from the world.  The Old Paths are paths of Peace, Provision, and Power because in them the Son of God still walks in the company of His followers.

Therefore, we should, “Ask for the Old Paths, where the good way is, and walk therein, and we will find rest for our souls.”   We should always test the paths as we do the spirits by the Word of God to ensure we are following the right paths and the paths that lead to life.

God bless you as you enjoy this wonderful day in Him!

Isaiah 1:3 – “The ox instinctively knows his owner, and the donkey his master’s crib; but Israel does not know or recognize Me (as Lord), My people do not consider or understand.”  Amplified.

Yesterday we came to the point of identifying some of the things the People of God fail to consider and then address the challenge of how those apply to each of us and what our response should be.  I ask you to consider them now.

• We Fail to Consider the Pit Out of Which We Have Been Dug.  If we did, we would be More Humble.  It is disturbing to see in the Church or recognize in ourselves self-centeredness, self-righteousness, and how quickly we forget the bondage of our Egypt and look fondly on the world.  We fail to remember from whence we have come.

• We Fail to Consider the Cost at Which We Have Been Redeemed.  If we truly took stock of the cost to God, we would always be much more thankful and careful to honor and please Him in all things. I am continually reminded that there is not one thing that I have ever done that was deserving of God’s Grace.  I am frequently reminded of the Peace I have and that it would not be possible without the Blood of Jesus.  His infinite Grace and Mercy is immeasurable and for His Love, I am eternally grateful.

• We Fail to Consider Our Relationship with and To Him Who Has Saved Us.  If we did, we would be more at peace and experience the Rest wherein the weary are made to rest more than we do.  We need to constantly remind ourselves that the word of 1 Corinthians 6:20, “For you have been bought with a price…”  We are not our own, we belong to Jesus.  He bought and paid for us with His blood.  We are members of His Body and because we are, we have nothing to fear.  The words of Jesus are our comfort, “Let not your heart be troubled, you believe in God, believe also in Me…”  (John 14:1).

• We Fail to Consider Our Privileges and Promises as Sons and Daughters.  If we did, we would overflow with Joy.  The powerful and comforting words of Galatians 4:6 echo in my spirit, “Because you are sons, God has sent forth the Spirit of His Son into our hearts, crying, ‘Abba! Father!”

• We Fail to Consider Our Responsibility as Servants.  If we did, we would be much more watchful and diligent in our lives.

• We Fail to Consider the Gift of the Holy Spirit.  If we did, we would be a Praising People far more than we are.  The glory of God that is yet to be revealed in and through the children of God, is the glory that belongs to the Son of God.    In 2 Corinthians 3:18, we read, “And we all, with unveiled face, continually seeing as in a mirror the glory of the Lord, are progressively being transformed into His image from [one degree of] glory to [even more] glory, which comes from the Lord, [who is] the Spirit.”  Amplified.

Therefore, my plea and challenge for each of us is to Consider our way and Consider Him. I become excited when I read Malachi 3:16-18 – “Then those who feared the LORD spoke to one another, and the LORD gave attention and heard it, and a book of remembrance was written before Him for those who fear the LORD and who esteem His name. 17 “And they will be Mine,” says the LORD of hosts, “on the day that I prepare My own possession, and I will spare them as a man spares his own son who serves him.” 18 So you will again distinguish between the righteous and the wicked, between one who serves God and one who does not serve Him.”  NASB

Let’s become people who Consider Him and Praise Him.  I pray that you will have a fantastic day as you walk in His fullness this day!

Isaiah 1:3 – “The ox instinctively knows his owner, and the donkey his master’s crib; but Israel does not know or recognize Me (as Lord), My people do not consider or understand.”  Amplified.

I would recommend reading Psalms 103 as an addendum to this passage.  I have noticed through my years of Christian service that thoughtfulness about the things of the world and thoughtlessness about the things of God and Eternity is a very common problem among God’s people.  I have learned that “superficial thinking leads to superficial living.”

Notice the words of the verse: “The ox knows his owner, and the donkey his master’s crib but…”  But?  There should be no but when it comes to the condition of God’s people, but God said, “But…”  How tragic that too frequently and once is too frequent, God’s people fail to recognize their Owner or Lord.   We sometimes fail to recognize His blessings and fail to express our gratitude.  I have no doubt that breaks God’s heart as much as ingratitude does ours.

Inconsiderateness is a hindrance to spiritual growth, development, and usefulness.  I say that because, in matters spiritual, it dishonors God.  Talking the talk without walking the walk makes us mechanical and that can never be a substitute for honest reflection of the heart and thankfulness of the soul. 

I can only imagine how changed our lives would be and how thrilled our heavenly Father would be if we would take time to meditate on His word until the fire begins to burn within our hearts.  I don’t know how many others have felt powerless at some point in their Christian testimony.  I don’t know how many others have been disturbed over the lack of fruit in their Christian experience and wanted more.  If we would seek to abide in Him and His word abide in us, seeking Him first, I am convinced we would see more demonstration of the power of God and God and more souls born into the Family of God.  I want that!

When I read the word of the passage, “My people do not consider…”  In that, I hear the cry and complaint of wounded love.  God desires deeply to have fellowship with us, transform us by the renewing of our minds, and empower us with His Spirit.  However, when we are slothful and negligent, He cannot, therefore we give Him cause to complain against us. 

I would like us to consider some of the things God’s People Fail to Consider and decide if they apply to us and what our response should be.  I will pause here and do that in the next devotional.

God bless you as you enjoy this wonderful day in Him!