September 24, 2021

Gentiles are basically any non-Jew. Which is most of us who identify as Christian. Amos says there is a day when the tabernacle of David will be restored. He also says there will be Gentiles who are called by the Lord’s name (9:11-12). Some see the tabernacle as the church of today. They base this on the fact that James quotes Amos 9:11-12 in the Book of Acts (15:16-17) to defend Peter’s decision to minister salvation to the house of Cornelius. Praise be to God that He not only provided the opportunity for Gentiles to be saved but that He inhabits those who worship Him. We are His temples, and we should be full of praise to Him.

Amos 5-9

September 23, 2021

We are told in verses 6 & 7 that we should not exalt ourselves by trying to take the place of someone great. We should wait until we are called to a lofty position rather than just assume it is ours. Jesus echoes this sentiment in Luke 14:7-11. Jesus sums it up with “For whoever exalts himself will be humbled and he who humbles himself will be exalted “. It is much better to be humble than to be humbled. “Humble yourselves in the sight of the Lord and He will lift you up” (James 4:10).

Proverbs 25

September 22, 2021

Both Ps. 111 & 112 are acrostic songs. Each line begins with successive letters of the Hebrew alphabet. 111 extols the Lord and 112 the man who fears the Lord. To fear God is to be in awe of Him and to worship Him. The benefits of doing this can be found in the last verse of 111 and the first verse of 112. “The fear if the Lord is the beginning of wisdom; a good understanding have all those who do His commandments. His praise endures forever (111:10). “Praise the Lord! Blessed is the man who fears the Lord, who delights greatly in His commandments (112:1).

Psalms 111-113

Pastor Roger Dean

September 21, 2021

Solomon builds a temple or house for the Lord (chapters 3-5). While they are praising Him the glory of the Lord fills the temple (5:13). I can praise God anywhere but there is a difference when I praise God in church with others. The Presence of God can be felt in corporate worship. His glory still fills His house. He still inhabits the praises of His people. Private worship alone is good, and we can sense God while doing so. But when we are together it seems to amplify His Presence. Let us magnify the Lord together and watch Him respond.

I have heard people say, “God said it, I believe it, that makes it so”. This is untrue. If God said it that makes it so. Whether you believe it or not does not change the truth of God’s Word. 23:19 : “ God is not a man that He should lie, nor the son of a man that He should repent. Has He said and will He not do? Or has He spoken, and will He not make it good?”. We can trust God’s Word because we can trust God.

Numbers 21-24

September 19, 2021

Apostle Paul is writing Philemon about Onesimus. Phil. is a brother in the Lord and a fellow worker for God. Because of this Paul feels he can be frank with him. This is not always the case between believers. Many times we are afraid to share our true feelings. We will not ask the hard questions and avoid conflict altogether. But Paul believed and practiced a Christianity that allowed for open discussions. Paul wasn’t afraid to offend Phil but saw an opportunity to further the gospel and repair Phil and Onesimus’s relationship. The closer we are to someone the more freedom we should have to intercede in their private lives. But this needs to be done out of love not because of our position.

Philemon

September 18, 2021

When we are having a difficult time in life, we need to remember that our source of peace is Jesus. “ These things I have spoken to you that in Me you may have peace. In the world you will have tribulation but be of good cheer, I have overcome the world “ (16:33). Tribulation can mean pressure, stress, adversity, affliction etc. All the things that bug us could be considered tribulation. But we can maintain a joyful attitude because Jesus has already won our victory. We have Him therefore we can have peace.

The Gospel of John 16-18

September 17, 2021

It is hard to be in relationships where there are disagreements. An occasional difference of opinion is one thing but to constantly be out of sorts with each other is another. “Can two walk together unless they are agreed?” (3:3). Being out of step with others results in not being able to accomplish all that is possible. Better is the power of agreement. Jesus said if two could agree in prayer they will see it done for them (Matt. 18:19). So, if you are having a difficult time with someone pray. First that both of your eyes be open to God’s will in the situation. Then pray if there is a compromise that you both will find it. And if possible, get them to pray with you for the answer to the problems. It is better to walk in agreement with another than to limp through life at odds with people the Lord loves.

Amos 1-4

Pastor Roger Dean