Lessons In The Valleys: The Valley Of The Shadow Of Death - Part One

Lessons In The Valleys:
The Valley Of The Shadow Of Death
Part One

Before he was a king, David was a shepherd. He knew all the responsibilities and requirements of a shepherd. He knew how to care for and protect his own sheep. As a believer, he knew the contentment and satisfaction of being one of the Lord's sheep. The Lord was David's Shepherd. Like an earthly shepherd cares for his sheep in all ways - feeding, watering, leading, protecting from the dangers of the wild, nurturing - so too does the Lord God care for His sheep.

Psalms 23:1 A Psalm of David. The LORD is my shepherd; I shall not want.

In order for the Lord to be your Shepherd, you must be one of His sheep.

Has there ever been a time and place in your life when you have repented of your sin (turned from sin in your heart, turned from going your way) and turned to the Saviour to save you?

The Bible teaches in Leviticus 17:11, that the blood of an animal sacrifice must be shed to cover our sins, "for it is the blood that maketh an atonement for the soul." The Biblical requirement for the sacrifice was for a lamb to be slain and its blood poured on the altar, a lamb without blemish or defect. All of the Old Testament sacrifices pictured Jesus Christ (the Lamb of God, the Passover Lamb) who would one day die for the sins of all mankind.

John 1:29 The next day John seeth Jesus coming unto him, and saith, Behold the Lamb of God, which taketh away the sin of the world.

1 Peter 1:18-19 Forasmuch as ye know that ye were not redeemed with corruptible things, as silver and gold, from your vain conversation received by tradition from your fathers; But with the precious blood of Christ, as of a lamb without blemish and without spot:

When Jesus shed His blood and died on the cross, He paid the complete penalty for sin that we deserved. He was our substitute - He suffered the wrath of God for sin in our place. He was buried in a borrowed tomb and then arose triumphantly three days later. He is alive forevermore, willing to save all those who come to Him in repentance and faith. Have you received God's free gift of salvation? (See John 1:12; Ephesians 2:8-9; Romans 6:23) Have you received the Lord Jesus Christ as your personal Saviour? If you have, from that moment on the Lord made you a new creature in Christ (2 Corinthians 5:17) - you became one of His sheep and He became your Shepherd.

The Lamb of God who died and arose is also the Shepherd of His sheep.

John 10:11 I am the good shepherd: the good shepherd giveth His life for the sheep.

Hebrews 13:20 Now the God of peace, that brought again from the dead our Lord Jesus, that great shepherd of the sheep, through the blood of the everlasting covenant,

1 Peter 5:4 And when the chief Shepherd shall appear, ye shall receive a crown of glory that fadeth not away.

Isaiah 53:6 All we like sheep have gone astray; we have turned every one to his own way; and the LORD hath laid on Him (Christ) the iniquity of us all.

1 Peter 2:25 For ye were as sheep going astray; but are now returned unto the Shepherd and Bishop of your souls.

"...one property of a good shepherd is, skill to know and judge aright of his sheep, and hence is it that it is a usual thing to set mark upon sheep, to the end that if they go astray (as of all creatures they are most subject to wander), the shepherd may seek them up and bring them home again. The same thing is affirmed of Christ, or rather indeed Christ affirms the same thing of himself, "I know them, and they follow me." John 10:27. Yea, doubtless, he that hath numbered the stars, and calleth them all by their names, yea, the very hairs of our head, taketh special notice of his own children, "the sheep of his pasture", that they may be provided for and protected from all danger it is the property of a good shepherd, that if any of his sheep be weak and feeble, or his lambs young, for their safety and recovery he will bear them in his arms. The Lord is not wanting to us herein. Isaiah 40:11. And lastly, it is the property of a good shepherd to rejoice when the strayed sheep is brought home. The Lord doth thus rejoice at the conversion of a sinner. Luke 15:7." (Quote from Samuel Smith on Psalm 23:1, The Treasury Of David, C.H. Spurgeon)

The LORD is my shepherd; I shall not want.

Jesus has compassion on the lost and longs to be their Shepherd. During His public ministry, He wanted to teach them the Gospel (the good news of salvation - see 1 Corinthians 15:1-4; Romans 1:16); He wanted to seek and to save that which was lost; He wanted to gather the lost sheep and bring them into His fold. He still does!

Matthew 9:36 But when He saw the multitudes, He was moved with compassion on them, because they fainted, and were scattered abroad, as sheep having no shepherd.

Mark 6:34 And Jesus, when He came out, saw much people, and was moved with compassion toward them, because they were as sheep not having a shepherd: and He began to teach them many things.

Luke 19:10 For the Son of man is come to seek and to save that which was lost.

Luke 15:3-7 And He spake this parable unto them, saying, What man of you, having an hundred sheep, if he lose one of them, doth not leave the ninety and nine in the wilderness, and go after that which is lost, until he find it? And when he hath found it, he layeth it on his shoulders, rejoicing. And when he cometh home, he calleth together his friends and neighbours, saying unto them, Rejoice with me; for I have found my sheep which was lost. I say unto you, that likewise joy shall be in heaven over one sinner that repenteth, more than over ninety and nine just persons, which need no repentance.

The Shepherd loves and cares for His sheep. The word want - as used here in the King James Bible - means to lack, to go without. The Lord Jesus Christ, the Shepherd, has promised to meet all the needs of His sheep when they walk with Him and do His will. (See Matthew 6:25-34; Romans 8:32; Psalm 34:9; 84:11; Philippians 4:19; Hebrews 13:5; 2 Corinthians 9:8; 2 Peter 1:3-4)

Psalms 23:2-3 He maketh me to lie down in green pastures: He leadeth me beside the still waters. He restoreth my soul: He leadeth me in the paths of righteousness for His name's sake.

With Jesus Christ the Shepherd leading the way in the paths of righteousness, it is our duty simply to follow Him. Therein lies full assurance and safety. No one can ever take us away from the Shepherd or separate us from His love!

John 10:4 And when He putteth forth His own sheep, He goeth before them, and the sheep follow Him: for they know His voice.

John 10:27-30 My sheep hear My voice, and I know them, and they follow Me: And I give unto them eternal life; and they shall never perish, neither shall any man pluck them out of My hand. My Father, which gave them Me, is greater than all; and no man is able to pluck them out of My Father's hand. I and My Father are one.

Romans 8:38-39 For I am persuaded, that neither death, nor life, nor angels, nor principalities, nor powers, nor things present, nor things to come, Nor height, nor depth, nor any other creature, shall be able to separate us from the love of God, which is in Christ Jesus our Lord.

Green pastures of abundance and blessings, still waters of peace and contentment. There is a saying that "still waters run deep," and it is so true - there is no turbulence within. The peace that Jesus gives passes all understanding, is perfect (complete), and is not of this world. (See Philippians 4:6-7; Isaiah 26:3-4; John 14:27 and 16:33) His is a spiritual peace within, regardless of outward circumstances. When you have His peace within your heart and mind, you can face all that He allows into your life, knowing that the Lord has a purpose and plan to it, and that He is working out all things for your good in order to make you more like Himself. (See Romans 8:28-29)

There may indeed be times in our lives where the waters are temporarily stirred up by outward or inward strife, but when we put our eyes back on Jesus, He will calm the waters again. "Peace, be still!" (See Mark 4:37-39; Psalm 107:23-32; 46:10)

Charles Spurgeon has made this refreshing application of the green pastures: "What are these green pastures but the Scriptures of truth -- always fresh, always rich, and never exhausted? There is no fear of biting the bare ground where the grass is long enough for the flock to lie down in it. Sweet and full are the doctrines of the gospel; fit food for souls, as tender grass is natural nutriment for sheep. When by faith we are enabled to find rest in the promises, we are like the sheep that lie down in the midst of the pasture; we find at the same moment both provender and peace, rest and refreshment, serenity and satisfaction. But observe: He maketh me to lie down. It is the Lord who graciously enables us to perceive the preciousness of his truth, and to feed upon it. How grateful ought we to be for the power to appropriate the promises!" (Comments on Psalm 23:2, The Treasury Of David, C.H. Spurgeon)

When we walk with the Saviour, He gives us rest and refreshing. He also quickens and revives us when our spirits get cold, when sin has cooled our fervour for the Lord. He brings us back to Him, and draws us ever closer. Upon true repentance and confession of our sin, He freely pardons His childrens' waywardness.

Psalms 119:176 I have gone astray like a lost sheep; seek Thy servant; for I do not forget Thy commandments. (See also verses 67, 71, 75, 107)

Proverbs 28:13 He that covereth his sins shall not prosper: but whoso confesseth and forsaketh them shall have mercy.

1 John 1:6-7, 9 If we say that we have fellowship with Him, and walk in darkness, we lie, and do not the truth: But if we walk in the light, as He is in the light, we have fellowship one with another, and the blood of Jesus Christ His Son cleanseth us from all sin. If we confess our sins, He is faithful and just to forgive us our sins, and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.

When Christians walk in sin, the mud and filth of the world gets on us, and we need to turn from the sin and confess it to the Lord in order to have the mud washed off again. The word cleanseth in the verse above is in the present tense and means continual cleansing. As we walk with Jesus Christ in the light of His Word, His blood will continually cleanse us, and the filth of the world will not cling to us.

Here is a picture that will help get the idea across: Imagine your life as a small stone lying on a muddy riverbank. When you allow sin into your life, it is as if the mud was clinging to you. Confession of sin results in the mud being washed off again, but you are still lying on the riverbank where the mud abounds. If we walk in the light of God's Word day by day, and maintain our fellowship with our Heavenly Father, then it is as if we were in the midst of the flowing river - sure, there is mud there, but it does not cling to us, we are continually being cleansed through the water of the Word of God. (See Ephesians 5:25-27)

Surely Goodness And Mercy
(Lyrics: John W. Peterson and Alfred B. Smith)

A pilgrim was I and a-wand'ring,
In the cold night of sin I did roam,
When Jesus the kind Shepherd found me,
And now I am on my way home.

Chorus:
Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me
All the days, all the days of my life;
Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me
All the days, all the days of my life.
And I shall dwell in the house of the Lord forever,
And I shall feast at the table spread for me;
Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me
All the days, all the days of my life.

He restoreth my soul when I'm weary,
He giveth me strength day by day;
He leads me beside the still waters,
He guards me each step of the way.

When I walk thro' the dark lonesome valley,
My Savior will walk with me there;
And safely His great hand will lead me
To the mansions He's gone to prepare.

Study written February, 2004
Jerry Bouey

The Rock Of Horeb

The Rock Of Horeb

Water Out Of The Rock - Living Water

Exodus 17:1-6 And all the congregation of the children of Israel journeyed from the wilderness of Sin, after their journeys, according to the commandment of the LORD, and pitched in Rephidim: and there was no water for the people to drink. Wherefore the people did chide with Moses, and said, Give us water that we may drink. And Moses said unto them, Why chide ye with me? wherefore do ye tempt the LORD? And the people thirsted there for water; and the people murmured against Moses, and said, Wherefore is this that thou hast brought us up out of Egypt, to kill us and our children and our cattle with thirst? And Moses cried unto the LORD, saying, What shall I do unto this people? they be almost ready to stone me. And the LORD said unto Moses, Go on before the people, and take with thee of the elders of Israel; and thy rod, wherewith thou smotest the river, take in thine hand, and go. Behold, I will stand before thee there upon the rock in Horeb; and thou shalt smite the rock, and there shall come water out of it, that the people may drink. And Moses did so in the sight of the elders of Israel.

As the nation of Israel wandered through the wilderness, they became parched, thirsty, desperate for water, but there was no water to be found for the people to drink. They came to the rock in Horeb, which means "desolate" from a root word meaning "to parch (through drought)". Truly, it was an arid, hot, barren land that they wandered in! They began to complain and argue with the man of God, Moses. He, in turn, cried unto the Lord, and the Lord responded with a beautiful picture of the salvation found in Jesus Christ - water from the Rock. What did all this mean?

Moses was commanded to smite the rock of Horeb with his rod and the water would flow forth. He promptly did so in the sight of the people, and there was enough water to quench the thirst of all the nation of Israel.

In the New Testament, we learn that the Rock represented Jesus Christ in 1 Corinthians 10:4. And did all drink the same spiritual drink: for they drank of that spiritual Rock that followed them: and that Rock was Christ. Drinking the living water from the Rock pictured salvation.

What had to happen first before the living water could flow forth from the Rock and the people could partake of it? It needed to be smitten! This word means to "strike severely," and is also translated in other passages as "kill, slay, slaughter." (You will understand in a moment why I am emphasizing the definition of this word!) What had to happen before Jesus could freely offer the gift of eternal salvation found only in Him? He needed to die for our sins - He needed to be smitten on the cruel cross of Calvary! Isaiah 53:4-6 Surely He hath borne our griefs, and carried our sorrows: yet we did esteem Him stricken, smitten of God, and afflicted. But He was wounded for our transgressions, He was bruised for our iniquities: the chastisement of our peace was upon Him; and with His stripes we are healed. All we like sheep have gone astray; we have turned every one to his own way; and the LORD hath laid on Him the iniquity of us all.

He was sacrificed once for all! His sacrifice paid the complete price for our salvation, and now His gift of salvation is freely offered to all who will receive it by faith. Revelation 22:17 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.

John 4:14 But whosoever drinketh of the water that I shall give him shall never thirst; but the water that I shall give him shall be in him a well of water springing up into everlasting life.

John 6:35 And Jesus said unto them, I am the bread of life: he that cometh to Me shall never hunger; and he that believeth on Me shall never thirst.

Have you come to Jesus Christ for salvation? Have you turned from your sins and accepted His free gift of eternal life believing that He died on the cross for your sins, was buried, and three days later physically arose from the grave? Have you tasted of the Living Water? If you come to Him, Jesus will fill the aching void - the emptiness - you have inside. You need never thirst again! Come to Jesus today.

We have another incident recorded in Scripture where water was to flow forth from a rock. But this situation is a little different than the first. Here Moses is only commanded to speak to the rock:

Numbers 20:2, 7-12 And there was no water for the congregation: and they gathered themselves together against Moses and against Aaron. And the LORD spake unto Moses, saying, Take the rod, and gather thou the assembly together, thou, and Aaron thy brother, and speak ye unto the rock before their eyes; and it shall give forth his water, and thou shalt bring forth to them water out of the rock: so thou shalt give the congregation and their beasts drink. And Moses took the rod from before the LORD, as He commanded him. And Moses and Aaron gathered the congregation together before the rock, and he said unto them, Hear now, ye rebels; must we fetch you water out of this rock? And Moses lifted up his hand, and with his rod he smote the rock twice: and the water came out abundantly, and the congregation drank, and their beasts also. And the LORD spake unto Moses and Aaron, Because ye believed Me not, to sanctify Me in the eyes of the children of Israel, therefore ye shall not bring this congregation into the land which I have given them.

In both of these situations, the Lord was attempting to teach the Israelites something about the coming Messiah. Moses obeyed the Lord's command in the first case, and clearly brought across the picture that the Lord wanted to give. The second time he disobeyed, with tragic consequences - being barred from entering the Promised Land. What was the type being illustrated, and why were the consequences so serious?

Where did Moses go wrong the second time? This time he was commanded to only speak to the rock, and the rock would bring forth water. Instead, he disobeyed and struck the rock. Why just speak to the Rock this time? Because it had already been smitten! Jesus has already died for our sins - once for all - and He doesn't need to be offered again and again! The New Testament, especially the book of Hebrews, makes this fact so plain to all who will see.

Hebrews 7:27; 9:12, 26-28; 10:10, 12, 14 Who needeth not daily, as those high priests, to offer up sacrifice, first for His own sins, and then for the people's: for this He did once, when He offered up Himself. Neither by the blood of goats and calves, but by His own blood He entered in once into the holy place, having obtained eternal redemption for us. For then must He often have suffered since the foundation of the world: but now once in the end of the world hath He appeared to put away sin by the sacrifice of Himself. And as it is appointed unto men once to die, but after this the judgment: So Christ was once offered to bear the sins of many; and unto them that look for Him shall He appear the second time without sin unto salvation. By the which will we are sanctified through the offering of the body of Jesus Christ once for all. But this Man, after He had offered one sacrifice for sins for ever, sat down on the right hand of God; For by one offering He hath perfected for ever them that are sanctified.

Jesus Himself said in John 19:30 It is finished. The salvation He offers is full and complete! You cannot add to or take away from His finished work upon the cross!

The second time, the water flowed forth from the rock abundantly. Now, to receive the blessings of salvation and to drink of the abundant life in Jesus Christ, the Rock, we only need to speak to Him in faith (call on His name, cry out in prayer); we don't need Him to be sacrificed for us again. He already paid the full price for our redemption! This was the beautiful picture that Moses had marred. No wonder the terrible consequences! The Lord wanted to emphasize that salvation (and the Bible's pictures of it) was a serious matter.

Romans 10:13 For whosoever shall call upon the name of the Lord shall be saved.

Have you called upon the Lord for salvation? Have you received Jesus' gift of eternal life by believing that He paid the complete penalty for your sin and trusting Him to save you? If not, please come to the Saviour today. The Living Water is available for whosoever will come.

Springs Of Living Water
(John W. Peterson)

I thirsted in the barren land of sin and shame,
And nothing satisfying there I found;
But to the blessed cross of Christ one day I came,
Where springs of living water did abound.

Chorus:
Drinking at the springs of living water,
Happy now am I, my soul they satisfy.
Drinking at the springs of living water,
O wonderful and bountiful supply.

How sweet the living water from the hills of God!
It makes me glad and happy all the way.
Now glory, grace, and blessing mark the path I've trod
I'm shouting "Hallelujah" every day.

0 sinner, won't you come today to Calvary?
A fountain there is flowing deep and wide.
The Saviour now invites you to the water free,
Where thirsting spirits can be satisfied.

The Cleft Of The Rock

Exodus 33:18-23 And he (Moses) said, I beseech Thee, shew me Thy glory. And He (the LORD) said, I will make all My goodness pass before thee, and I will proclaim the name of the LORD before thee; and will be gracious to whom I will be gracious, and will shew mercy on whom I will shew mercy. And He said, Thou canst not see My face: for there shall no man see Me, and live. And the LORD said, Behold, there is a place by Me, and thou shalt stand upon a rock: And it shall come to pass, while My glory passeth by, that I will put thee in a clift of the rock, and will cover thee with My hand while I pass by: And I will take away Mine hand, and thou shalt see My back parts: but My face shall not be seen.

Moses asked to see the glory of the Lord. The Lord agreed to give him his request, but he first needed to be hid in the cleft of the rock. Hidden within this cleft, he would then be able to see the glory of the Lord.

A careful studying of this and related passages reveals that this is the same Rock, which is Christ. The Bible teaches that God is a Spirit and that no man can see the Father at any time. It is only in Jesus Christ that we can see God, because He is in fact God manifested in the flesh.

Hebrews 1:1-3 God, who at sundry times and in divers manners spake in time past unto the fathers by the prophets, Hath in these last days spoken unto us by His Son, whom He hath appointed heir of all things, by whom also He made the worlds; Who being the brightness of His glory, and the express image of His person, and upholding all things by the word of His power, when He had by Himself purged our sins, sat down on the right hand of the Majesty on high;

The fullness of the Godhead dwells bodily in Him. (See Colossians 2:9) Jesus said in John 14:9 He that hath seen Me hath seen the Father.

If you want to know God the Father, you must come to Him through Jesus Christ, the Son of God. John 14:6 Jesus saith unto him, I am the way, the truth, and the life: no man cometh unto the Father, but by Me. In order to see the Lord's glory, we must first be hid in Christ. There is no other way. When we come to Jesus for salvation, we are then placed in Christ forever, and no one (not even ourselves) can separate us from His love.

2 Corinthians 4:6 For God, who commanded the light to shine out of darkness, hath shined in our hearts, to give the light of the knowledge of the glory of God in the face of Jesus Christ.

Some of our most loved hymns are based on Exodus 33:22, including the two wonderful ones I quote below:

He Hideth My Soul
(Fanny Crosby)

A wonderful Savior is Jesus my Lord,
A wonderful Savior to me;
He hideth my soul in the cleft of the rock,
Where rivers of pleasure I see.

Chorus:
He hideth my soul in the cleft of the rock
That shadows a dry, thirsty land;
He hideth my life with the depths of His love,
And covers me there with His hand,
And covers me there with His hand.

A wonderful Savior is Jesus my Lord,
He taketh my burden away;
He holdeth me up, and I shall not be moved,
He giveth me strength as my day.

With numberless blessings each moment He crowns,
And filled with His fullness divine,
I sing in my rapture, oh, glory to God
For such a Redeemer as mine!

When clothed in His brightness, transported I rise
To meet Him in clouds of the sky,
His perfect salvation, His wonderful love
I'll shout with the millions on high.

Rock Of Ages
(Augustus Toplady)

Rock of Ages, cleft for me,
Let me hide myself in Thee;
Let the water and the blood,
From Thy riven side which flowed,
Be of sin the double cure;
Save me from its guilt and power.

Not the labor of my hands
Can fulfill Thy law's demands;
Could my zeal no respite know,
Could my tears forever flow,
All for sin could not atone;
Thou must save, and Thou alone.

Nothing in my hand I bring,
Simply to the cross I cling;
Naked, come to Thee for dress;
Helpless, look to Thee for grace;
Foul, I to the fountain fly,
Wash me, Savior, or I die.

While I draw this fleeting breath,
When mine eyes shall close in death,
When I soar to worlds unknown,
See Thee on Thy judgment throne,
Rock of Ages, cleft for me,
Let me hide myself in Thee.

Are you trusting in Jesus' payment for your sin? The moment you turn to Him for salvation, the Father hides you in Christ, the Rock.

Are you hidden in the cleft of the Rock?

For those who are interested in a little more in-depth study on Mount Horeb, read Exodus 3, about Moses' call to service and the burning bush where the Angel of the Lord revealed Himself. (See especially verses 1 and 12) Also read 1 Kings 19, about the account of Elijah's flight from Jezebel. The mountain that he fled to was Horeb. (See verse 8)

Written February 4th, 2003
By Jerry Bouey

True Worship

 True Worship

Many people in our day call attending a church service or listening to some music (for example, a Christian rock concert) as worshipping the Lord (ie. a worship service, praise and worship). While we certainly can worship the Lord through our singing (ie. praising Him and giving Him glory through song - of course, through God-honouring music!), but worship is not primarily that or limited to that. Many can go through the motions; and getting some feeling (or emotional high) through the music is not worship.

Basic definitions of worship, based on the words used in the Bible: to bow down or prostrate onself in humble submission/homage; glorifying the Lord through praise, prayer, and song; to serve; to kiss or adore; to revere (to have Godly fear of the Lord); to be pious towards (ie. devoted to).

Way Of Life Encyclopedia gives this definition: "To bow down; to honor; to exalt; to pay homage; to reverence."

The word worship basically means to give worth to something. What do you give worth to in your life?

As mentioned, worship involves serving, spending time with, adoration. What do you spend all your time and focus on? There are people that worship their possessions, their money and cars, themselves.

One of the words for worship in the Bible is latreuo or latreia, which means "to serve." We get our word "idolatry" from this - which is serving or revering idols (false gods), whether physical or spiritual.

Ways Of Worship:

A) Praise: Job 1:20-21 Then Job arose, and rent his mantle, and shaved his head, and fell down upon the ground, and worshipped, And said, Naked came I out of my mother's womb, and naked shall I return thither: the LORD gave, and the LORD hath taken away; blessed be the name of the LORD.

This is something the Bible refers to as "the sacrifice of praise" - praising the Lord when it is not easy. That is real worship.

Hebrews 13:15 By him therefore let us offer the sacrifice of praise to God continually, that is, the fruit of our lips giving thanks to his name.

See also Jeremiah 33:11.

B) Adoration: Matthew 2:2 Saying, Where is he that is born King of the Jews? for we have seen his star in the east, and are come to worship him.

Matthew 2:11 And when they were come into the house, they saw the young child with Mary his mother, and fell down, and worshipped him: and when they had opened their treasures, they presented unto him gifts; gold, and frankincense, and myrrh.

Worship - "(meaning to kiss, like a dog licking his master's hand); to fawn or crouch to, i.e. (literally or figuratively) prostrate oneself in homage (do reverence to, adore)."

- In a negative sense, regarding the world following the Antichrist:

2 Thessalonians 2:4 Who opposeth and exalteth himself above all that is called God, or that is worshipped; so that he as God sitteth in the temple of God, shewing himself that he is God.

Worshipped - "something adored, i.e. an object of worship (god, altar, etc):--devotion, that is worshipped."

C) Service: Luke 4:8 And Jesus answered and said unto him, Get thee behind me, Satan: for it is written, Thou shalt worship the Lord thy God, and him only shalt thou serve.

D) Fear/Reverence: Acts 16:14 And a certain woman named Lydia, a seller of purple, of the city of Thyatira, which worshipped God, heard us: whose heart the Lord opened, that she attended unto the things which were spoken of Paul.

Worshipped - "to revere, i.e. adore:--devout, religious, worship."

- Notice: Lydia did not yet know the Lord, but her reverence (fear of God) led her to pay attention to the Word of God when she heard it. Before I got saved, my fear of the Lord led me to cast off certain sins that were in my life when I was younger - but I still needed the knowledge of the truth and understanding/reception of the Gospel to worship the Lord in a manner that would please Him.

How To Worship:

1) In The Beauty Of Holiness:

Psalms 29:2 Give unto the LORD the glory due unto his name; worship the LORD in the beauty of holiness.

Beauty - decoration, from a word meaning "magnificence, i.e. ornament or splendor."

Holiness - "from 6942; a sacred place or thing; rarely abstract, sanctity:--consecrated (thing), dedicated (thing), hallowed (thing), holiness, (X most) holy (X day, portion, thing), saint, sanctuary."

6942: "to be (causatively, make, pronounce or observe as) clean (ceremonially or morally)."

Psalms 95:6 O come, let us worship and bow down: let us kneel before the LORD our maker.

Kneel - "to kneel; by implication to bless God (as an act of adoration)." Also, "praise."

2) In Spirit/Sincerity And Truth:

John 4:20-24 Our fathers worshipped in this mountain; and ye say, that in Jerusalem is the place where men ought to worship. Jesus saith unto her, Woman, believe me, the hour cometh, when ye shall neither in this mountain, nor yet at Jerusalem, worship the Father. Ye worship ye know not what: we know what we worship: for salvation is of the Jews. But the hour cometh, and now is, when the true worshippers shall worship the Father in spirit and in truth: for the Father seeketh such to worship him. God is a Spirit: and they that worship him must worship him in spirit and in truth.

In spirit - means that our worship of God is not to be some external show, but coming from our heart, from our inner man.

- God is not limited by location. We can seek Him and worship Him anywhere.

- He is not some physical object that we make offerings or pray towards. He is a Spirit.

Philippians 3:3 For we are the circumcision, which worship God in the spirit, and rejoice in Christ Jesus, and have no confidence in the flesh.

Joshua 24:14-15 Now therefore fear the LORD, and serve him in sincerity and in truth: and put away the gods which your fathers served on the other side of the flood, and in Egypt; and serve ye the LORD. And if it seem evil unto you to serve the LORD, choose you this day whom ye will serve; whether the gods which your fathers served that were on the other side of the flood, or the gods of the Amorites, in whose land ye dwell: but as for me and my house, we will serve the LORD.

Sincerity - "entire (literally, figuratively or morally); also (as noun) integrity, truth:--without blemish, complete, full, perfect, sincerely (-ity), sound, without spot, undefiled, upright(-ly), whole."

In truth - means that our worship of the Lord God must be according to His Word - His way. That means our worship of God the Father must be through the Son. We can't worship the Lord any old way we choose.

3) By Our Whole Life And Our Daily Service:

Romans 12:1-2 I beseech you therefore, brethren, by the mercies of God, that ye present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable unto God, which is your reasonable service. And be not conformed to this world: but be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind, that ye may prove what is that good, and acceptable, and perfect, will of God.

Reasonable - rational, logical.

Service - Latreia, "from 3000; ministration of God, i.e. worship."

3000: "from latris (a hired menial); to minister (to God), i.e. render religious homage:--serve, do the service, worship(-per)."

In Heaven for all eternity, we will be worshipping the Lord:

Revelation 4:8-11 And the four beasts had each of them six wings about him; and they were full of eyes within: and they rest not day and night, saying, Holy, holy, holy, Lord God Almighty, which was, and is, and is to come. And when those beasts give glory and honour and thanks to him that sat on the throne, who liveth for ever and ever, The four and twenty elders fall down before him that sat on the throne, and worship him that liveth for ever and ever, and cast their crowns before the throne, saying, Thou art worthy, O Lord, to receive glory and honour and power: for thou hast created all things, and for thy pleasure they are and were created.

Revelation 5:11-14 And I beheld, and I heard the voice of many angels round about the throne and the beasts and the elders: and the number of them was ten thousand times ten thousand, and thousands of thousands; Saying with a loud voice, Worthy is the Lamb that was slain to receive power, and riches, and wisdom, and strength, and honour, and glory, and blessing. And every creature which is in heaven, and on the earth, and under the earth, and such as are in the sea, and all that are in them, heard I saying, Blessing, and honour, and glory, and power, be unto him that sitteth upon the throne, and unto the Lamb for ever and ever. And the four beasts said, Amen. And the four and twenty elders fell down and worshipped him that liveth for ever and ever.

Revelation 7:9-12 After this I beheld, and, lo, a great multitude, which no man could number, of all nations, and kindreds, and people, and tongues, stood before the throne, and before the Lamb, clothed with white robes, and palms in their hands; And cried with a loud voice, saying, Salvation to our God which sitteth upon the throne, and unto the Lamb. And all the angels stood round about the throne, and about the elders and the four beasts, and fell before the throne on their faces, and worshipped God, Saying, Amen: Blessing, and glory, and wisdom, and thanksgiving, and honour, and power, and might, be unto our God for ever and ever. Amen.

Revelation 11:15-17 And the seventh angel sounded; and there were great voices in heaven, saying, The kingdoms of this world are become the kingdoms of our Lord, and of his Christ; and he shall reign for ever and ever. And the four and twenty elders, which sat before God on their seats, fell upon their faces, and worshipped God, Saying, We give thee thanks, O Lord God Almighty, which art, and wast, and art to come; because thou hast taken to thee thy great power, and hast reigned.

Revelation 19:1-4 And after these things I heard a great voice of much people in heaven, saying, Alleluia; Salvation, and glory, and honour, and power, unto the Lord our God: For true and righteous are his judgments: for he hath judged the great whore, which did corrupt the earth with her fornication, and hath avenged the blood of his servants at her hand. And again they said, Alleluia. And her smoke rose up for ever and ever. And the four and twenty elders and the four beasts fell down and worshipped God that sat on the throne, saying, Amen; Alleluia.

On My Knees

On my knees I will worship
the King of heaven and earth.
Lord of all creation,
You alone are worth
More than a million diamonds,
or pearls from the sea,
For they will pass away, my Lord,
but You will always be.

When troubles come, my God,
I know You will conquer all.
You will heal my heart and rescue me
every time I fall.
In the darkest night of despair,
my Jesus, You'll pull me through.
There is no other Saviour, Lord,
there is only You.

When my heart is tempted away, Lord,
I know You will pull me back.
When riches start to sway me,
remind me there's no lack
Of Your glorious blessings.
I have no use for greed.
You are love eternal;
that is all I really need.

When the world grabs at my attention
don't let me be lured away.
All the money I can dream of
is not worth one single day
Of being without You,
my Lord, my God, my King.
You alone are worth forever,
You're worth everything!

Poem May 18th, 1994
Outline June 7, 2010
Jerry Bouey

1 Corinthians 13:12

 

1 Corinthians 13:12

1 Corinthians 13:12 For now we see through a glass, darkly; but then face to face: now I know in part; but then shall I know even as also I am known.

As with other passages of Scripture (such as John 8:32; Isaiah 11:6; 1 Corinthians 2:9), this verse is one that is often misquoted in such a manner as to give a meaning contrary to what the context states. Many use this verse to justify ecumenical gatherings and doctrinal confusion by stating that now we can only see through a glass darkly, and we will not be able to see clearly (ie. understand the Scriptures completely - at least in a way to remove all doctrinal confusion) until we get to Heaven, but is this verse really teaching that? I emphatically say, "no, it isn't!"

As a matter of fact, this verse and whole passage is stating that when we get the perfect (complete) canon of Scripture we will be able to see clearly. The Holy Spirit has revealed the truth and opened up many things to us in the New Testament that clearly shed light on the Old Testament, things that the believers living prior to the end of the first century could not fully understand apart from that inspired written revelation.

1 Corinthians 2:9-10 But as it is written, Eye hath not seen, nor ear heard, neither have entered into the heart of man, the things which God hath prepared for them that love Him. But God hath revealed them unto us by His Spirit; for the Spirit searches all things, yea, the deep things of God.

I know that my study on this verse will be controversial to some, but I have studied out each word in its proper context, as well as diligently compared parallel passages, and I believe that I am interpreting this verse correctly, and not according to my own private interpretation. (See 2 Peter 1:20; Isaiah 28:9-13; 1 Corinthians 2:12-14) I have also studied out what solid men of God had to say on this verse, and I believe that I am standing on the same ground as they stood on, as declared in their own writings. This would include fundamental Baptist preachers such as Charles Spurgeon, Oliver B. Greene, Dennis Corle, David Cloud, among others.

In this study on 1 Corinthians 13:12, I want to first cover a little bit of the context, and then take an in-depth look at the 12th verse. Chapters 12 to 14 of this book are dealing with the use of spiritual gifts in the church, to build up the body and equip the individual believers for service - so that the Gospel of Christ would be proclaimed to a lost and dying world. (See chapter 15)

Chapter 12 deals how all the members of a local New Testament church are to work together, and all need to have a part and be in their place in order for the whole body to work effectively. The gifts were distributed by the Holy Spirit to equip the believers for service (they were not given to unbelievers, nor for personal gain or edification). Notice that not all Christians have the same gift(s). (See verses 7, 11, 29-30)

Chapter 13 deals with charity (love towards God and man), and how it is more important than any specific spiritual gift. The spiritual gifts - especially what is referred to as the sign gifts - were temporary, and it is only charity (the greatest motivation) that will endure forever. (See 13:13)

Chapter 14 deals with the edifying of the body and the proper use of these spiritual gifts, especially tongues (which were literal foreign languages) and prophesying (which is preaching). In Acts chapter 2, the tongues spoken of were earthly languages that the Apostles and other early Christians did not know; though in 1 Corinthians 14 the tongues spoken of there were foreign languages that the members of a local church assembly did not know - hence the need for an interpreter.

It is also interesting to note that chapter 15 goes to show that preaching and witnessing of the Gospel are more important than any specific gift - as that is how an individual receives the saving knowledge of Jesus Christ. In fact, it was a shame when a church was not actively engaged in witnessing to their community or city and people did not know the Gospel of Jesus Christ. (See verses 1-4, 34)

First a little of the context. All I am presenting here, in verses 8-11, are word definitions as defined by Strong's Concordance and Webster's 1828 Dictionary. I am asking you to prayerfully consider each definition in its context.

1 Corinthians 13:8 Charity never faileth: but whether there be prophecies, they shall fail; whether there be tongues, they shall cease; whether there be knowledge, it shall vanish away.

Fail

Strong's Concordance defines this word as: to be (render) entirely idle (useless), literally or figuratively.

Webster's 1828 Dictionary gives these definitions:
To decay; to decline; to sink; to be diminished.
To be extinct; to cease; to be entirely wanting; to be no longer produced.
To be entirely exhausted; to be wanting; to cease from supply.
To cease; to perish; to be lost.

Cease = to stop (transitively or intransitively), i.e. restrain, quit, desist, come to an end.

Webster's:
To stop moving, acting or speaking; to leave of; to give over;
To fail; to be wanting.
To stop; to be at an end;
To be forgotten.
To put a stop to; to put an end to.

Vanish away = to be (render) entirely idle (useless), literally or figuratively.

Webster's:
Eng. to wane. The primary sense is to withdraw or depart.
To disappear; to pass away; to be annihilated or lost.

From the context of 1 Corinthians chapter 13 and from this verse we can see that these sign gifts were only intended to be temporary, that there would come a time when they would be done away with. When would that be? Read on:

1 Corinthians 13:9 For we know in part, and we prophesy in part.

Part = (to get as a section or allotment); a division or share.

Webster's:
A portion, piece or fragment separated from a whole thing;
A portion or quantity of a thing not separated in fact, but considered or mentioned by itself.

These sign gifts were needed because we had only partial knowledge at the time of Paul's writing to the Corinthians. This first letter to the Corinthian church was one of the first New Testament books written. The early church did not yet have God's complete revelation; they only had it in part up till this point in time.

1 Corinthians 13:10 But when that which is perfect is come, then that which is in part shall be done away.

Perfect = complete.

Webster's:
Finished; complete; consummate; not defective; having all that is requisite to its nature and kind;
To finish or complete so as to leave nothing wanting; to give to any thing all that is requisite to its nature and kind.

There would be coming a time when the church would have the complete Word of God. That did not happen until the Apostle John wrote the last word of the New Testament in the final chapter of the book of Revelation. This was approximately 96 A.D.

1 Corinthians 13:11 When I was a child, I spake as a child, I understood as a child, I thought as a child: but when I became a man, I put away childish things.

The three concepts expressed here (spake, understood, thought) correspond to the three specific temporary sign gifts mentioned in verse 8 (the gift of tongues, prophecy, knowledge). According to this verse, they were intended until the church became more mature - in this case, until the church received God's complete, finished, inspired revelation. Once the Bible was completed, there was no more need for the church to have or use these "childish things."

The following verse, taken in its context and cross-referenced with related passages in the New Testament, will bear out this meaning and help us better to grasp what the Apostle Paul and the Holy Spirit are teaching us.

1 Corinthians 13:12 For now we see through a glass, darkly; but then face to face: now I know in part; but then shall I know even as also I am known.

The word for "see" here means "to behold; perceive." "Glass" means "mirror", and is a compound word. The second part (Strong's #3700) means "to gaze (i.e. with wide-open eyes, as at something remarkable.)" This is in contrast with Strong's #3708, which means "to stare at, i.e. (by implication) to discern clearly (physically or mentally)." "Darkly" is from the Greek word that we get "enigma" from. Webster's defines enigma as "A dark saying, in which some known thing is concealed under obscure language; an obscure question; a riddle." In other words, something that we haven't figured out yet, or that we don't have the whole picture. This corresponds to having only part of the New Testament written at this point in time. (Remember that the Apostle Paul's first letter to the Corinthian church was one of the earliest, if not the earliest, letter he penned.)

"Face to face" doesn't necessarily mean that we see someone's face, but that we see the front of an object, i.e. that it is towards our view. (#4383) "Now" means "just now; this day (hour); present." The first word for "know" (know in part) is "ginosko" which means "be aware (of), feel, (have) know(-ledge), perceived, can speak, be sure, understand." In other words, at that point in time the believers only had partial revelation, partial knowledge.

The second word for "know" is "epiginosko", and means "to know upon some mark, i.e. recognize; by implication, to become fully acquainted with, to acknowledge." This doesn't have to refer to when we get "full knowledge" in Heaven, but when we get the finished (perfect), full canon of Scripture, which was completed when the Apostle John wrote the final book of the Bible: the book of Revelation. Now that we have the complete Bible we can understand the types and pictures of Christ, prophecies, etc. in the Old Testament which were just enigmas to us before. We need the New Testament to completely understand and properly interpret the Old Testament. Up until the end of the first century, believers were missing part of the picture; they only knew in part. Now we can know fully what the Lord intends to reveal to His children, by interpreting the Old Testament in light of the New. (See 2 Peter 1:3-4 and Deuteronomy 29:29) There will not be further revelation beyond the complete (perfect - Psalm 19:7; James 1:25) Bible. (See the warning at the end of the Bible: Revelation 22:18-19)

James 1:22-25 is a perfect capstone to this train of logic, and is a parallel passage of Scripture speaking about the same things.

But be ye doers of the word, and not hearers only, deceiving your own selves. For if any be a hearer of the word, and not a doer, he is like unto a man beholding his natural face in a glass: For he beholdeth himself, and goeth his way, and straightway forgetteth what manner of man he was. But whoso looketh into the perfect law of liberty, and continueth therein, he being not a forgetful hearer, but a doer of the work, this man shall be blessed in his deed.

Here we have many of the same Greek words again. "Beholding" (#2657) means "to observe fully:--behold, consider, discover, perceive." "Face" is Strong's #4383 again. The idea here is being face to face with our own reflection, not face to face with the Saviour. I believe the first passage I covered is referring to the same thing. And James said that as we look into the Scriptures we "observe fully" ourselves. The word for "looketh" in verse 25 means "to bend beside, i.e. lean over (so as to peer within); look (into)."

Finally, there is one more parallel passage:

2 Corinthians 3:18 But we all, with open face beholding as in a glass the glory of the Lord, are changed into the same image from glory to glory, even as by the Spirit of the Lord.

The word for "open" means "to unveil." Face is the same word. To "behold as in a glass" means "to mirror oneself, i.e. to see reflected (figuratively)." We are seeing ourselves (our own reflections) in the glass (mentioned in all three passages.) As we see ourselves as we really are, and as we see Jesus Christ in the Scriptures we are changed into His image, His likeness. We are transformed, "metamorphosized" (Strong's #3339) through the reading and studying of God's Word! (See Romans 12:2 and Colossians 3:10)

I have written a poem based on Romans 1:17 and 1 Corinthians 13:12. I hope it is a blessing to you.

Faith To Face

Looking through a glass darkly,
I find many things hard to explain,
But as I steadfastly gaze within God's Word,
The Lord makes all things plain.

Faith to faith is what I'm living.
Day by day, I learn to see,
In a life that's so uncertain,
I know that Jesus still walks with me.

Faith means I learn to trust Him
And forget walking by sight.
As I'm filled with His peace and wisdom,
God's Word lights up the night.

Faith to face, it's a tiring journey,
Walking through this pilgrim land.
Though I cannot see around every corner,
I'm clinging tightly to my Saviour's hand.

He's preparing me for service,
Enabling me to walk through open doors;
I fight the battles that Christ gives me,
Knowing that He's already won the war.

Face to face, the day of His return is coming,
Until then, there are mountains to climb.
I will keep looking for that blessed hope -
Someday soon - It's just a matter of time.

Faith to face, I look forward to seeing Jesus -
What a glorious day that will be.
It will no longer be by faith,
Because, face to face, my Lord I will see.

Faith to face.

Poem written November 23rd, 2002
Study written September 22nd, 2004
Jerry Bouey

Come - Invitations From God

Come - Invitations From God

Come to the Marriage Supper of the Lamb:

Luke 14:16-23 Then said he unto him, A certain man made a great supper, and bade many: And sent his servant at supper time to say to them that were bidden, Come; for all things are now ready. And they all with one consent began to make excuse. The first said unto him, I have bought a piece of ground, and I must needs go and see it: I pray thee have me excused. And another said, I have bought five yoke of oxen, and I go to prove them: I pray thee have me excused. And another said, I have married a wife, and therefore I cannot come. So that servant came, and shewed his lord these things. Then the master of the house being angry said to his servant, Go out quickly into the streets and lanes of the city, and bring in hither the poor, and the maimed, and the halt, and the blind. And the servant said, Lord, it is done as thou hast commanded, and yet there is room. And the lord said unto the servant, Go out into the highways and hedges, and compel them to come in, that my house may be filled.

Come reason with the Lord:

Isaiah 1:18 Come now, and let us reason together, saith the LORD: though your sins be as scarlet, they shall be as white as snow; though they be red like crimson, they shall be as wool.

Isaiah 41:1 Keep silence before me, O islands; and let the people renew their strength: let them come near; then let them speak: let us come near together to judgment.

Come, walk in the light of the Lord:

Isaiah 2:2-5 And it shall come to pass in the last days, that the mountain of the LORD'S house shall be established in the top of the mountains, and shall be exalted above the hills; and all nations shall flow unto it. And many people shall go and say, Come ye, and let us go up to the mountain of the LORD, to the house of the God of Jacob; and he will teach us of his ways, and we will walk in his paths: for out of Zion shall go forth the law, and the word of the LORD from Jerusalem. And he shall judge among the nations, and shall rebuke many people: and they shall beat their swords into plowshares, and their spears into pruninghooks: nation shall not lift up sword against nation, neither shall they learn war any more. O house of Jacob, come ye, and let us walk in the light of the LORD.

Come learn of the Lord (let Him take your burdens):

Matthew 11:28-30 Come unto me, all ye that labour and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you, and learn of me; for I am meek and lowly in heart: and ye shall find rest unto your souls. For my yoke is easy, and my burden is light.

John 1:37-39 And the two disciples heard him speak, and they followed Jesus. Then Jesus turned, and saw them following, and saith unto them, What seek ye? They said unto him, Rabbi, (which is to say, being interpreted, Master,) where dwellest thou? He saith unto them, Come and see. They came and saw where he dwelt, and abode with him that day: for it was about the tenth hour.

John 1:45-46 Philip findeth Nathanael, and saith unto him, We have found him, of whom Moses in the law, and the prophets, did write, Jesus of Nazareth, the son of Joseph. And Nathanael said unto him, Can there any good thing come out of Nazareth? Philip saith unto him, Come and see.

Come seek the Saviour at the throne of grace:

Hebrews 4:14-16 Seeing then that we have a great high priest, that is passed into the heavens, Jesus the Son of God, let us hold fast our profession. For we have not an high priest which cannot be touched with the feeling of our infirmities; but was in all points tempted like as we are, yet without sin. Let us therefore come boldly unto the throne of grace, that we may obtain mercy, and find grace to help in time of need.

Come worship the Lord:

Psalms 66:5 Come and see the works of God: he is terrible in his doing toward the children of men.

Psalms 66:16 Come and hear, all ye that fear God, and I will declare what he hath done for my soul.

Psalms 95:1 O come, let us sing unto the LORD: let us make a joyful noise to the rock of our salvation.

Psalms 95:6 O come, let us worship and bow down: let us kneel before the LORD our maker.

Come away from the distractions of this world:

Song of Solomon 2:10 My beloved spake, and said unto me, Rise up, my love, my fair one, and come away.

Come, eat and drink:

Isaiah 55:1-3 Ho, every one that thirsteth, come ye to the waters, and he that hath no money; come ye, buy, and eat; yea, come, buy wine and milk without money and without price. Wherefore do ye spend money for that which is not bread? and your labour for that which satisfieth not? hearken diligently unto me, and eat ye that which is good, and let your soul delight itself in fatness. Incline your ear, and come unto me: hear, and your soul shall live; and I will make an everlasting covenant with you, even the sure mercies of David.

Isaiah 55:6-7 Seek ye the LORD while he may be found, call ye upon him while he is near: Let the wicked forsake his way, and the unrighteous man his thoughts: and let him return unto the LORD, and he will have mercy upon him; and to our God, for he will abundantly pardon.

John 7:37-39 In the last day, that great day of the feast, Jesus stood and cried, saying, If any man thirst, let him come unto me, and drink. He that believeth on me, as the scripture hath said, out of his belly shall flow rivers of living water. (But this spake he of the Spirit, which they that believe on him should receive: for the Holy Ghost was not yet given; because that Jesus was not yet glorified.)

John 21:9-13 As soon then as they were come to land, they saw a fire of coals there, and fish laid thereon, and bread. Jesus saith unto them, Bring of the fish which ye have now caught. Simon Peter went up, and drew the net to land full of great fishes, an hundred and fifty and three: and for all there were so many, yet was not the net broken. Jesus saith unto them, Come and dine. And none of the disciples durst ask him, Who art thou? knowing that it was the Lord. Jesus then cometh, and taketh bread, and giveth them, and fish likewise.

Revelation 3:20 Behold, I stand at the door, and knock: if any man hear my voice, and open the door, I will come in to him, and will sup with him, and he with me.

Matthew 5:6 Blessed are they which do hunger and thirst after righteousness: for they shall be filled.

Psalms 34:8-11 O taste and see that the LORD is good: blessed is the man that trusteth in him. O fear the LORD, ye his saints: for there is no want to them that fear him. The young lions do lack, and suffer hunger: but they that seek the LORD shall not want any good thing. Come, ye children, hearken unto me: I will teach you the fear of the LORD.

Revelation 21:6 And he said unto me, It is done. I am Alpha and Omega, the beginning and the end. I will give unto him that is athirst of the fountain of the water of life freely.

Revelation 22:17 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.

Come to the Lord Jesus Christ today:

Isaiah 45:22 Look unto me, and be ye saved, all the ends of the earth: for I am God, and there is none else.

It's Jesus

There's a refuge to be found in the midst of life's storms,
There's a peace so profound it will guard your heart from harm,
Where is this shelter under the everlasting arms?
It's Jesus.

There's only one Saviour who died to make men free,
One source of Living Water that flows abundantly,
One plan of salvation - Are you thirsty? Come and see.
It's Jesus.

God was manifest in the flesh when He came down to earth,
The Son of God who became a Man through the virgin birth,
One sacrifice for sins forever - His love gives us worth,
It's Jesus.

There's only one sinless Man whose life He gave,
Only one Man who arose victorious over the grave,
There's only one Saviour who can ever save,
It's Jesus.

There's only one fountain of blood that can cleanse from all sin,
Only one Spirit of Life that will dwell within,
True righteousness is found only in Him -
It's Jesus.

Poem written October 22nd, 2003
(Edited slightly and added middle verse on February 19th, 2022)
Devotional put together May 18, 2009
Jerry Bouey

14 Gospel invitations to come and seek the Lord:

1) Proverbs 9:1-5  Wisdom hath builded her house, she hath hewn out her seven pillars: She hath killed her beasts; she hath mingled her wine; she hath also furnished her table. She hath sent forth her maidens: she crieth upon the highest places of the city, Whoso is simple, let him turn in hither: as for him that wanteth understanding, she saith to him, Come, eat of my bread, and drink of the wine which I have mingled.

2) Song of Solomon 2:10-13  My beloved spake, and said unto me, Rise up, my love, my fair one, and come away. For, lo, the winter is past, the rain is over and gone; The flowers appear on the earth; the time of the singing of birds is come, and the voice of the turtle is heard in our land; The fig tree putteth forth her green figs, and the vines with the tender grape give a good smell. Arise, my love, my fair one, and come away.

3) Isaiah 1:18  Come now, and let us reason together, saith the LORD: though your sins be as scarlet, they shall be as white as snow; though they be red like crimson, they shall be as wool.

4) Isaiah 2:2-3  And it shall come to pass in the last days, that the mountain of the LORD'S house shall be established in the top of the mountains, and shall be exalted above the hills; and all nations shall flow unto it. And many people shall go and say, Come ye, and let us go up to the mountain of the LORD, to the house of the God of Jacob; and he will teach us of his ways, and we will walk in his paths: for out of Zion shall go forth the law, and the word of the LORD from Jerusalem.

5) Isaiah 55:1-3  Ho, every one that thirsteth, come ye to the waters, and he that hath no money; come ye, buy, and eat; yea, come, buy wine and milk without money and without price. Wherefore do ye spend money for that which is not bread? and your labour for that which satisfieth not? hearken diligently unto me, and eat ye that which is good, and let your soul delight itself in fatness. Incline your ear, and come unto me: hear, and your soul shall live; and I will make an everlasting covenant with you, even the sure mercies of David.

6) Micah 4:1-2  But in the last days it shall come to pass, that the mountain of the house of the LORD shall be established in the top of the mountains, and it shall be exalted above the hills; and people shall flow unto it. And many nations shall come, and say, Come, and let us go up to the mountain of the LORD, and to the house of the God of Jacob; and he will teach us of his ways, and we will walk in his paths: for the law shall go forth of Zion, and the word of the LORD from Jerusalem.

7) Matthew 11:28-30  Come unto me, all ye that labour and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you, and learn of me; for I am meek and lowly in heart: and ye shall find rest unto your souls. For my yoke is easy, and my burden is light.

8) Matthew 22:2-4  The kingdom of heaven is like unto a certain king, which made a marriage for his son, And sent forth his servants to call them that were bidden to the wedding: and they would not come. Again, he sent forth other servants, saying, Tell them which are bidden, Behold, I have prepared my dinner: my oxen and my fatlings are killed, and all things are ready: come unto the marriage.

9) Matthew 25:34  Then shall the King say unto them on his right hand, Come, ye blessed of my Father, inherit the kingdom prepared for you from the foundation of the world:

10) Mark 1:17  And Jesus said unto them, Come ye after me, and I will make you to become fishers of men.

11) Luke 14:16-23  Then said he unto him, A certain man made a great supper, and bade many: And sent his servant at supper time to say to them that were bidden, Come; for all things are now ready. And they all with one consent began to make excuse. The first said unto him, I have bought a piece of ground, and I must needs go and see it: I pray thee have me excused. And another said, I have bought five yoke of oxen, and I go to prove them: I pray thee have me excused. And another said, I have married a wife, and therefore I cannot come. So that servant came, and shewed his lord these things. Then the master of the house being angry said to his servant, Go out quickly into the streets and lanes of the city, and bring in hither the poor, and the maimed, and the halt, and the blind. And the servant said, Lord, it is done as thou hast commanded, and yet there is room. And the lord said unto the servant, Go out into the highways and hedges, and compel them to come in, that my house may be filled.

12) John 1:35-39, 46  Again the next day after John stood, and two of his disciples; And looking upon Jesus as he walked, he saith, Behold the Lamb of God! And the two disciples heard him speak, and they followed Jesus. Then Jesus turned, and saw them following, and saith unto them, What seek ye? They said unto him, Rabbi, (which is to say, being interpreted, Master,) where dwellest thou? He saith unto them, Come and see. They came and saw where he dwelt, and abode with him that day: for it was about the tenth hour... And Nathanael said unto him, Can there any good thing come out of Nazareth? Philip saith unto him, Come and see.

13) John 21:12  Jesus saith unto them, Come and dine. And none of the disciples durst ask him, Who art thou? knowing that it was the Lord.

14) Revelation 22:17  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.

See also this final invitation the church is waiting for - the rapture, the call to come up hither:

Revelation 4:1  After this I looked, and, behold, a door was opened in heaven: and the first voice which I heard was as it were of a trumpet talking with me; which said, Come up hither, and I will shew thee things which must be hereafter.

I Will Trust In Thee

I Will Trust In Thee

The Blessings Of Assurance

Isaiah 32:17 And the work of righteousness shall be peace; and the effect of righteousness quietness and assurance for ever.

I have to admit: out of all the books of the Bible, the books of Isaiah and Psalms are the ones I personally keep coming back to over and over, the ones I get the most blessings from. (You will probably notice many references to these two books in my devotionals and studies.) I am continually intrigued by the multitude of references to safety, trust, refuge, sanctuary, rock, shelter, fortress, among many others. This life is not easy, especially for the child of God. As Paul stated in 1 Corinthians 15:19, If in this life only we have hope in Christ, we are of all men most miserable. Why did he say that? Because there are many trials that the Christian goes through, that the lost do not experience chastisement, pruning, refining, being made more like the Lord Jesus Christ. In light of eternity and the glory that awaits us, all these trials pale in comparison, but that doesn't diminish the trials, it just makes them more bearable. This world is not Heaven, nor is it intended to be. As a friend of mine stated in one of her beautiful poems, we're Not Home Yet!

Because this life at times seems so tough, we continually need to run to the Lord for sanctuary, for a refuge in the storms of life. I have dealt before with who our Refuge is - Jesus Christ, and the importance of finding our refuge in Him. This study will deal with the blessings of assurance, the benefits of trusting in the Lord through our trials, and through our day to day interaction with this lost world.

Psalm 35:3 Say unto my soul, I am thy salvation. While the context of this Psalm of David deals with physical salvation (deliverance) from enemies, I believe we could pray for the Lord to give us assurance of our spiritual salvation. Lord, for everyone who will be reading this study who has placed personal faith in Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of sin, I pray that You would strengthen their faith and say unto their souls that You are their salvation. Teach us, Heavenly Father, what it means to trust in You.

The central verse of the King James Bible is Psalm 118:8 It is better to trust in the LORD than to put confidence in man. It is interesting to note that the theme of this verse is also the grand theme of the whole Bible. Truly, it is better to place our confidence, our trust, in the Lord - both for salvation from sin, and confidence in our daily spiritual walk - than to trust in anything else. All else will fail us in time, whether it be the philosophies of man, the strength of our armies, the "righteousnesses" of our own "good works" (see Isaiah 64:6), or whatever other broken reeds we may be relying on. The only sure thing in this life (and in eternity) is the Lord Jesus Christ, and He never changes! (See Malachi 3:6 and Hebrews 13:8) We can believe that He will fulfill all His promises, including the promise of the victorious, abundant life, if we will abide in Him.

If you have never trusted in the Lord for salvation, I encourage you to do so. Jesus has paid the price for all our sins by shedding His blood on Calvary. He died, was buried in a rich man's tomb, and arose three days later to prove that His sacrifice was well-pleasing to God. You don't need to work your way to Heaven (in fact, you will never be able to!) - you just need to receive the Lord Jesus Christ as your personal Saviour, acknowledging and turning from your sins, and trusting in His righteousness to save you. Believe that He can and will save you, and trust Him to do so. From that moment on, you will become a new creature, all things will be made new in your life, and Heaven will be your eternal home. (See 2 Corinthians 5:17)

Isaiah 32:17 And the work of righteousness shall be peace; and the effect of righteousness quietness and assurance for ever. The word for quietness used here means "to repose." Repose, according to Webster's 1828 Dictionary means "to lay at rest; rest of mind, tranquility, freedom from uneasiness." The outlook of those trusting in the Lord should be peace, quietness, assurance, tranquility. I believe that those who truly rely on the Lord will demonstrate a calm demeanor while their focus remains steadfast on Him. Isaiah 30:15 For thus saith the Lord GOD, the Holy One of Israel; In returning and rest shall ye be saved; in quietness and in confidence shall be your strength: and ye would not. I pray that we would return to Him for our rest, and that our confidence in Him would not waver.

In Isaiah 32:17 (quoted above), the word for assurance is Strong's #983, which means "a place of refuge; abstract, safety, both the fact (security) and the feeling (trust)." This assurance can be seen in the following verses:

Psalm 4:8 I will both lay me down in peace, and sleep: for Thou, LORD, only makest me dwell in safety.

Psalm 16:9 Therefore my heart is glad, and my glory rejoiceth: my flesh also shall rest in hope.

Proverbs 1:33 But whoso hearkeneth unto me shall dwell safely, and shall be quiet from fear of evil.

Proverbs 3:23 Then shalt thou walk in thy way safely, and thy foot shall not stumble.

Proverbs 10:9 He that walketh uprightly walketh surely: but he that perverteth his ways shall be known.

Psalm 56:3 What time I am afraid, I will trust in Thee. The word for trust in this verse is Strong's #982, which means "to hasten (run with haste) for refuge; figuratively, to trust, be confident or sure." The following verses all contain this same Hebrew word. For the sake of convenience, I have underlined and bolded the word or phrase that this word is translated into in our King James Bible. There are many other verses that could be covered in this study, but I have chosen mainly to focus on this Hebrew word (in verses dealing with our trust in the Lord), and the blessings that come with this unwavering confidence in Jesus Christ.

2 Kings 18:5 He trusted in the LORD God of Israel; so that after him was none like him among all the kings of Judah, nor any that were before him. I pray that all those who read this study will grow in their faith, like King Hezekiah did, and that the Lord will be able to say that our faith and trust in Him exceeded that of those around us.

Spiritual Blessings

Psalm 84:12 O LORD of hosts, blessed is the man that trusteth in Thee.

Jeremiah 17:7 Blessed is the man that trusteth in the LORD, and whose hope the LORD is.

Abounding Mercy

Psalm 32:10 Many sorrows shall be to the wicked: but he that trusteth in the LORD, mercy shall compass him about.

Psalm 52:8 But I am like a green olive tree in the house of God: I trust in the mercy of God for ever and ever.

Freedom From Debilitating Fear

Psalm 27:3 Though an host should encamp against me, my heart shall not fear: though war should rise against me, in this will I be confident.

Psalm 56:4 In God I will praise His word, in God I have put my trust; I will not fear what flesh can do unto me.

Psalm 112:7 He shall not be afraid of evil tidings: his heart is fixed, trusting in the LORD.

Proverbs 29:25 The fear of man bringeth a snare: but whoso putteth his trust in the LORD shall be safe.

Proverbs 28:1 The wicked flee when no man pursueth: but the righteous are bold as a lion. Those who put their trust in Christ will find they have the boldness and confidence they need in their service to Him.

Deliverance From Enemies And Troubles

1 Chronicles 5:20 And they were helped against them, and the Hagarites were delivered into their hand, and all that were with them: for they cried to God in the battle, and He was intreated of them; because they put their trust in Him.

Psalm 22:4-5 Our fathers trusted in Thee: they trusted, and Thou didst deliver them. They cried unto Thee, and were delivered: they trusted in Thee, and were not confounded.

Jeremiah 39:18 For I will surely deliver thee, and thou shalt not fall by the sword, but thy life shall be for a prey unto thee: because thou hast put thy trust in Me, saith the LORD.

Refuge In The Storms Of Life

Psalm 62:8 Trust in Him at all times; ye people, pour out your heart before Him: God is a refuge for us. Selah. Selah means "pause, meditation." The Lord is telling us to meditate on these truths. We should let this promise sink deep into our hearts, and trust the Lord to fulfill His Word to be our refuge.

Psalm 91:2 I will say of the LORD, He is my refuge and my fortress: my God; in Him will I trust.

Isaiah 50:10 Who is among you that feareth the LORD, that obeyeth the voice of His servant, that walketh in darkness, and hath no light? let him trust in the name of the LORD, and stay upon his God.

Daily Guidance And Provision

Psalm 37:3, 5 Trust in the LORD, and do good; so shalt thou dwell in the land, and verily thou shalt be fed. Commit thy way unto the LORD; trust also in Him; and He shall bring it to pass.

Proverbs 3:5-6 Trust in the LORD with all thine heart; and lean not unto thine own understanding. In all thy ways acknowledge Him, and He shall direct thy paths.

Proverbs 28:25 He that is of a proud heart stirreth up strife: but he that putteth his trust in the LORD shall be made fat.

His Peace, His Presence, And His Prevention From Falling

Isaiah 26:3-4 Thou wilt keep him in perfect peace, whose mind is stayed on Thee: because he trusteth in Thee. Trust ye in the LORD for ever: for in the LORD JEHOVAH is everlasting strength:

Psalm 9:10 And they that know Thy name will put their trust in Thee: for Thou, LORD, hast not forsaken them that seek Thee.

Psalm 26:1 Judge me, O LORD; for I have walked in mine integrity: I have trusted also in the LORD; therefore I shall not slide.

Rejoicing Hearts And A Song In Our Mouths

Psalm 28:7 The LORD is my strength and my shield; my heart trusted in Him, and I am helped: therefore my heart greatly rejoiceth; and with my song will I praise Him.

Psalm 33:21 For our heart shall rejoice in Him, because we have trusted in His holy name.

Psalm 40:3 And He hath put a new song in my mouth, even praise unto our God: many shall see it, and fear, and shall trust in the LORD.

Isaiah 12:2 Behold, God is my salvation; I will trust, and not be afraid: for the LORD JEHOVAH is my strength and my song; He also is become my salvation.

There are three places in the New Testament where the phrase full assurance is mentioned:

Colossians 2:2 That their hearts might be comforted, being knit together in love, and unto all riches of the full assurance of understanding, to the acknowledgement of the mystery of God, and of the Father, and of Christ;

Hebrews 6:11 And we desire that every one of you do shew the same diligence to the full assurance of hope unto the end:

Hebrews 10:22-25 Let us draw near with a true heart in full assurance of faith, having our hearts sprinkled from an evil conscience, and our bodies washed with pure water. Let us hold fast the profession of our faith without wavering; (for He is faithful that promised;) And let us consider one another to provoke unto love and to good works: Not forsaking the assembling of ourselves together, as the manner of some is; but exhorting one another: and so much the more, as ye see the day approaching.

This last phrase is the one I want to emphasize in this study - the full assurance of faith. This is spoken in the context of approaching the throne of grace in prayer, and comes just before the great Faith chapter. Paul says here that He is faithful that promised. If we truly believe that the Lord is faithful to keep all His promises and to answer His children's prayers according to His perfect will, our lives will be transformed. We see in Hebrews chapter eleven how the Lord mightily used those who had a confident, unwavering faith in Him. Think what an impact this type of faith can have in your life!

I hope that these verses and promises have made you realize the importance of trusting in the Lord every moment of every day. There are so many blessings to keeping our focus on Jesus Christ, especially the benefit of the victorious Christian life. It is not a myth or an unreachable goal, but it is one that involves a steadfast heart that chooses to focus on the Lord no matter what. A heart that looks to Him in the good times, and still keeps looking to Him when the storm clouds break overhead. Keep looking unto Jesus - You will be blessed in your walk with Him if you do.

Psalm 4:5 Offer the sacrifices of righteousness, and put your trust in the LORD.

"Do not, dear reader, look so much upon painful circumstances and difficult situations as unpleasant trials of faith which have to be endured, but rather thankfully regard them as golden occasions for you to prove afresh the sufficiency of Him who never fails those who fully trust Him." - Arthur Pink.

Full Assurance
(To the tune of So Little Time)

Full assurance - we pray - of understanding
Is yours in Christ - you are complete in Him.
Riches above, are stored in Heaven waiting.
Rejoice, my friend, you're a child of the King.

Chorus:
Today we serve, with fullness of understanding,
Assurance of hope, through eyes of faith;
So let us love our dear Lord supremely.
Let us be faithful, as we run this race.

Full assurance, stand fast in this your hope now.
Be diligent, be faithful to the end.
A crown of life, rewards for those who serve Christ -
Jesus remembers all that's done for Him.

Full assurance - steadfast is the eye of faith.
Approach God's throne, with boldness, plead for souls.
Let us draw near, give all our cares to Jesus;
Behold the prize - press on towards the goal.

2nd Chorus:
Today we serve, with fullness of understanding,
Assurance of hope, through eyes of faith;
So let us love our Saviour supremely.
Brethren, be faithful, as you run this race.

Poem written January 22nd, 2004
Study written August 30th, 2002
By Jerry Bouey

Secrets Of The Lord

Secrets Of The Lord

Have you ever told someone a secret; something just between you and a friend, that the world could never know? Have you ever been told a secret; some mysterious thing just meant for you to know, and no one else? I'm sure we all have shared secrets with friends at one time or another.

Webster's 1828 Dictionary defines secret as something "concealed from the notice or knowledge of all persons except the individual or individuals concerned."

There are some passages in the Bible that refer to secrets.

Deuteronomy 29:29 The secret things belong unto the LORD our God: but those things which are revealed belong unto us and to our children for ever, that we may do all the words of this law. This is an example of things that we are not meant to know in our pilgrimage down here on earth. But there are many things that the Lord has revealed to us in His Word, and it is up to us to study it and find the treasures hidden within, so to speak.

Daniel 2:22 He revealeth the deep and secret things: He knoweth what is in the darkness, and the light dwelleth with Him.

Psalm 119:18 Open Thou mine eyes, that I may behold wondrous things out of Thy law.

1 Corinthians 2:9-11 But as it is written, Eye hath not seen, nor ear heard, neither have entered into the heart of man, the things which God hath prepared for them that love Him. But God hath revealed them unto us by His Spirit: for the Spirit searcheth all things, yea, the deep things of God. For what man knoweth the things of a man, save the spirit of man which is in him? even so the things of God knoweth no man, but the Spirit of God. The precious treasures the Lord has hid in His Word are revealed to us by His Holy Spirit, as we diligently study and search the Scriptures.

Some of the secrets in the Word of God are:

1) Finding Jesus Christ, the Pearl of Great Price, at the heart of all the Bible, in types and pictures throughout the Old Testament and in living colour in the New Testament. (Matthew 13:44-46)

2) Finding Precious Promises to claim. They are hidden all through the Bible, just waiting like gold nuggets to be picked up and treasured. (2 Peter 1:4)

3) Finding the answers to all of life's questions, especially the answers we need to live the victorious Christian life. (2 Peter 1:3)

But there is another type of secret found in the Word of God. It is the secret of close (intimate) fellowship with the Lord Jesus Christ.

Firstly, there is the secret of His name. Judges 13:18 And the angel of the LORD said unto him, Why askest thou thus after My name, seeing it is secret? Secret here means "remarkable, wonderful", and the name of Jesus is wonderful and remarkable. His name means Saviour, and such He is. (Matthew 1:21)

Secondly, there is the secret of His counsel. Psalm 25:14 The secret of the LORD is with them that fear Him; and He will shew them His covenant. Proverbs 3:32 For the froward is abomination to the LORD: but His secret is with the righteous. The word secret in these verses means "close (intimate) counsel". This close fellowship is only found as we walk close to the Lord, walk righteously, walk in the fear of the Lord, walk in the light. (1 John 1:7)

And thirdly, there is the secret of dwelling safely in His presence during trials and afflictions; He is our refuge in the storms of life. Psalm 27:5 For in the time of trouble He shall hide me in His pavilion: in the secret of His tabernacle shall He hide me; He shall set me up upon a rock. Psalm 31:20 Thou shalt hide them in the secret of Thy presence from the pride of man: Thou shalt keep them secretly in a pavilion from the strife of tongues. Psalm 91:1 He that dwelleth in the secret place of the most High shall abide under the shadow of the Almighty. The word secret in these passages means "to hide (by covering)". Secretly means "to hide (by covering over); to protect". If we walk closely with the Lord and cling to Him in our times of trouble, if we trust in Him to deliver us, He will protect us and be our fortress. Psalm 91:2 I will say of the LORD, He is my refuge and my fortress: my God; in Him will I trust.

For God's children, these secrets are definitely worth searching the Word of God for, worth living for, and someday worth dying for, as we will go home to glory to be with Jesus, and dwell in that Heavenly city with streets made of gold.

Proverbs 2:1-11 My son, if thou wilt receive My words, and hide My commandments with thee; So that thou incline thine ear unto wisdom, and apply thine heart to understanding; Yea, if thou criest after knowledge, and liftest up thy voice for understanding; If thou seekest her as silver, and searchest for her as for hid treasures; Then shalt thou understand the fear of the LORD, and find the knowledge of God.

For the LORD giveth wisdom: out of His mouth cometh knowledge and understanding. He layeth up sound wisdom for the righteous: He is a buckler to them that walk uprightly. He keepeth the paths of judgment, and preserveth the way of His saints. Then shalt thou understand righteousness, and judgment, and equity; yea, every good path.

When wisdom entereth into thine heart, and knowledge is pleasant unto thy soul; Discretion shall preserve thee, understanding shall keep thee.

God's Precious Promises

God's precious promises are tried,
In the furnace of life - they are purified.
Every single promise of the Lord is true;
Test them yourself and watch Him come through.

For these precious promises there are conditions;
For this treasure, not everyone can stake a claim.
God's precious promises are only for His children -
For whosoever has called upon the Saviour's name.

For Noah's family, there was the rainbow,
For Abraham, there was his greatly beloved son,
For every child of God, there's perfect peace of mind,
Blessings innumerable, and victories to be won.

In Jesus Christ, all these promises abound;
In the pages of His holy Word they are found.
They have been purified in this furnace of earth,
Test them yourself and discover their worth!

Poem written April 8th, 2002
Study written May 7th, 2002
By Jerry Bouey