He Knew

When God brought Israel out of Egypt, He did so knowing that they would want to go back to their fleshpots, etc.

In a similar way, God is working with me, helping me to walk away from and turn my back on the sinful habits and pleasures in my own life, knowing that at some points during the journey I will complain and balk and want to go back.

It's part of the withdrawal process (sin is an addiction), and He knows that, and He's prepared for it. He won't give up on me and leave me to what I think I want (things which will hurt me and tarnish me).

He might let me taste those things again (like the quail in the desert), just to remind me why it's bad for me and why I'm walking away from it.

And then He'll keep on leading me out, away from sinful Egypt and towards the "land of promise," where "all nations" will know that He is my God, and I am His daughter. <3

Expect Victory

"Great peace have they which love thy law, and nothing shall offend them." ~Psalm 119:165

I remember when I was young, I would often hear this verse flung at one's opponent in an argument. One would say, "I'm offended that you _______," and the other would retort by quoting this verse. I even did it myself a few times.

However, when I did a word study on this verse recently, I discovered a completely different meaning—one rich with encouragement for me in my faltering walk with the Lord!

Ellen G. White says in the third volume of Bible Commentaries that this "peace" referred to in Ps. 119:165 is "harmony with heaven"! Wow! And of course, Strong's Concordance (as well as EGW's comments) reveals that "offend" simply means "to falter, stumble".

So check this out: "Great harmony with Heaven have they which love thy law, and nothing shall cause them to stumble (or fall into sin)."

But it doesn't end here. The next verse says, "Lord, I have hoped for thy salvation, and done thy commandments."

Again, Strong's helps to elucidate the meaning. "Hope" in the Hebrew means "to expect", and "salvation" means "deliverance; hence aid, victory, prosperity".

So check this out: I can expect victory if I love God's law, because I am in harmony with Heaven, which means that nothing will cause me to fall into sin. And David testifies that this was his experience: "I have. . .done Thy commandments" (verse 166).

As Christians, we claim to love God, and by extension, His Law (which is a transcript of His character). Do we expect victory?

"According to your faith be it unto you." ~Matthew 9:29

Come and See!

            The little girl was nearly bubbling over with exuberance. “Come and see, Daddy,” she insisted, tugging at her father’s sleeve. “Come and see what I found!” Her joy is contagious.

            . . .

            Startled passersby on the dusty road move aside for the speeding man in long traditional robes.  He sprints past them, grinning from ear to ear. What good news does he carry? they all wonder. Careening around the next bend, he spots his brother and the news tumbles out: “Simon, Simon! We have found the Messiah! Come and see!”

            . . .

            Philip simply couldn’t wait for an “appropriate time” to share his news. He tramped through the dense foliage to the secret hideaway where he knew his friend was praying. Ditching formalities, he interrupted without apology. “We have found him of whom Moses, in the law and the prophets, did write—Jesus of Nazareth. . . . Come and see!”

            . . .

            Joy must be shared. It’s a natural reaction. If we’ve found something good or exciting, we want to tell someone! Even John the Baptist, when He first set eyes on Jesus, forgot the rest of his sermon in his excitement. “Suddenly…his eye kindled, his face was lighted up, his whole being was stirred with deep emotion. With outstretched hands,” he announced the presence of the long-promised One—the Messiah. DA 135

            “With the calling of John and Andrew and Simon, of Philip and Nathanael, began the foundation of the Christian church. John directed two of his disciples to Christ. Then one of these, Andrew, found his brother, and called him to the Savior. Philip was then called, and he went in search of Nathanael. These examples should teach us the importance of personal effort, of making direct appeals to our kindred, friends, and neighbors.” DA 141

            When Christ starts working in our lives, when we start to see Jesus for who He really is, when we really start to realize the amazing depth of His love for us, we won’t be able to keep it to ourselves! “No sooner is one converted than there is born within him a desire to make known to others what a precious friend he has found in Jesus. The saving and sanctifying truth cannot be shut up in his heart.” DA 141

            The Bible itself ends with an invitation to “come”—“And the Spirit and the bride say, ‘Come.’ And let him that heareth say, ‘Come.’ And let him that is athirst come. And whosoever will, let him take the water of life freely.”

            Who have you invited?