OVERCOMING THE SIFTING OF SATAN

     It is one thing to endure tribulations.  It is quite another to be happy about it.  Paul writes to the Romans (5:1-5) that our faith is strengthened and our hope made secure through tribulations which serve to reveal our godly character and the depth of our faith.  We exult in our tribulations for those who understand the love of God also realize the goal of our adversary.
     In Luke 22:31,32 Jesus tells Peter (Simon) Satan has demanded to sift him like wheat.  Imagine Jesus telling you that Satan has demanded to sift you like wheat.  When you sift wheat or flour there is a certain shaking action performed designed to separate the good from the bad.  In the sifting of wheat there is a removal of the chaff from the wheat.  In life Satan is looking to shake us in order to separate us from God.
     But notice that something is said to take the pain away from the sifting process.  Jesus said to Peter, "But I have prayed for you, that your faith may not fail" (vs. 32).  We are told that Satan prowls about as a roaring lion seeking whom he may devour (1 Pet. 5:8).  And yet just as Peter can take comfort in knowing that Jesus has prayed for him, so we too have this advocate and mediator who cares for us and intercedes for us (1 Tim. 2:5).
     When Jesus serves as our advocate it is a reminder that God is in control.  As Satan sought to test Job it was God who established the boundaries of the testing in that Satan could not take His life (Job 1:10-12).  So it is with us today.  Satan is going to tempt us in order to sift us as wheat in hopes of separating us from our God.  We must realize his power, though strong, is limited, and we can escape through the power of God (Ja. 4:8-10).
     Also to be noted is that Jesus spoke of Peter's turning again to help strengthen his brothers.  I believe this is telling us that Peter's sifting was his denials of Jesus, though other events could also be included in that sifting.  We know that after the third denial Peter went out and wept bitterly.  He had failed to do what he said.  He said he was ready to go to prison and to death for Jesus (Lu. 22:33), and yet did neither one.  But we also read where Peter was restored to service for Jesus, and from then on he was a powerful spokesman for God (Jn. 21:15-17; Acts 2; 15:7ff).
     What we learn from this sifting of Peter, as well as that of Job is our God is always in control.  We also learn it is possible to flee from temptation and the attacks of the devil if we seek the refuge of God for protection.  There is always going to be times in life when our faith is going to be tested or sifted.  If we truly believe God then this sifting should leave us a stronger person, knowing we can persevere and that ultimately our hope will not be disappointed.  Remember, the victory that overcomes the world is our faith (1 Jn. 5:4).  Rodger

                                                DID MOSES SEE A UNICORN?
     When reading the pages of Scripture there are those passages we come upon that raise questions in our mind.  We realize God's word is inspired and therefore, inerrant.  So when we come across particular words we begin to wonder just what the real truth is. 
     One such subject is the unicorn.  Having been somewhat jaded by the popular song of the 1960's there may be a lingering belief that unicorns used to exist, and because they didn't want to stop playing long enough for Noah to get a male and female on the ark, they became extinct.  Others believe unicorns never existed except in mythological stories and epics, and the wonderful world of make believe.
     What then do we do when we read of unicorns in Scripture?  This was brought to my attention recently in questions that were asked by inmates at the Grayson County Detention Center.  In the writings of Moses 'unicorn' appears in Numbers 23:22;24:8; and Deut. 33:17.  Before the days of Moses were the days of Job and in Job 39:9,10, we find the unicorn mentioned again.  After the days of Moses we find the unicorn mentioned in Psalm 22:21; 29:6; and 92:10.  Isaiah 34:7 also mentions the unicorn.  It must be pointed out that these passages of Scripture speak of the unicorn only in the King James Version.
     As I began to research the subject of the unicorn from the Hebrew language, the word in the Hebrew text in translated 'buffalo.'  There is a note saying 'unicorn' is from the Greek word monokeros, 'mono' meaning one and the 'keros' perhaps having reference to the horn, since that is our depiction of the unicorn.  This Greek term is found in the Septuagint, the Greek translation of the Hebrew Scriptures.  It is not found in the Greek New Testament or in the Greek lexicons used to translate from the Greek to other languages.
     Most translations will render the Hebrew term 'wild ox,' with antelope also used in places.  Another rendering of monokeros is rhinoceros.  The unicorn of Numbers 23:22 and 24:8 as well as the other passages may just be depictions of the popular thinking of the time when the Septuagint was translated (around the 3rd century B.C.) and is simply the choice of the translators.  It should also be noted that during this time of the Septuagint's being translated the Grecian Empire ruled and Greek mythology would be on the rise.  Why only the King James Version translators chose to use 'unicorn' is not clear.
     It is important to keep in mind that when you read the passages listed which make mention of the unicorn, the emphasis seems to be on the horn and its meaning is tied to the strength often associated with the horn of an animal.  With this in mind the rendering of the Hebrew term re'em as rhinoceros or wild ox is most likely the better translation.
     Concerning the question that serves as the title for this article, it is reasonable to conclude Moses, as well as David and Isaiah, did not see a unicorn.  Rodger

                                          THE WORD AND ITS WORK     
       As children of God we are given many blessings, some of which we fail to engage.  One such blessing is our time of Bible study either on Sunday morning or Wednesday evening.  These times are there to encourage us and also to help us become stronger in our faith as we learn from one another through study and discussion.
     Not one of us knows everything and through the sharing of thoughts from God's word we can learn valuable truths to help us in our understanding of God's word and its application to our lives.  I experienced this through the jail ministry and the lesson being presented by Jim Long.  He was speaking on the subject "What The Bible Demands From Us" and one passage in particular caught my attention during his presentation.
     In 1 Thessalonians 2:13 Paul records, "And for this reason we also constantly thank God that when you received from us the word of God's message, you accepted it not as the word of men, but for what it really is, the word of God, which performs its work in you who believe" (NASB).  In connection to our discussion last Lord's day concerning the Holy Spirit, I found this verse extremely helpful in my understanding of  the Spirit and the word and the role they are to fill in my life.
     The role and work of the Holy Spirit is highly misunderstood as is the role and work of the word of God.  To begin with we need to understand the Spirit cannot be separated from the Father and the Son, any more than the Father can be separated from the Son and His Spirit.  When addressing subjects such as the direct operation of the Holy Spirit one will find that many will try and get the Spirit to act apart from the Father and Son.  Jesus said this cannot be (Jn. 12:49; 14:10; 16:13).  These words are spoken to the disciples in the upper room and are not intended for the church in general, but the principle applies.  If the Spirit cannot speak on His own initiative with the disciples (apostles), He will not do it with us either.
     The fact that our bodies are to be a temple of the Holy Spirit (1 Cor. 6:19) speaks of relationship and not the function of the Holy Spirit.  If the Spirit lives in us then we are living according to the truth of God's word, thus growing in knowledge and walking as faithful children of God.  This would relate to what Paul writes in Romans 8:16, "The Spirit Himself bears witness with our spirit that we are children of God..."  If we walk according to God's truth, the word, the Spirit lives in us.  If we are unfaithful to God in our walk, the Spirit will not remain in us, thus causing us to lose our salvation (Ro. 6:1ff; 8:12,13; Ga. 5:19-21: Acts 13:46). 
     If the Spirit is living in us then we are spiritual people, for God gives to us His Spirit upon our obedience to the gospel and becoming clothed in Christ Jesus (Acts 2:38; Ga. 3:26,27).  It is at this time that the Father adds us to the church (Acts 2:47).
If we are being prompted by the Spirit to do any good work, then that prompting is going to come through the word.  Is through the word of God we receive instruction and godly counsel, for only through the word does the Father communicate with His children (Heb. 1:1ff).  It is for this reason we are to contend earnestly for this faith, God's teaching, which has been once and for all delivered to the saints (Jude 3).  There is no other revelation to come.
     What we learn most of all from God's words is our need to study so that we can become a workman who needs not be ashamed, but one who is approved, thus handling accurately, or rightly, the word of God (2 Tim. 2:15).  This is the work of the word but that work can only be performed by us giving ourselves to God's word and the truth it contains.  Rodger

                                    WORTHY OF LOVE AND PRAISE
     Just how great is your God?  I don't ask that with the implication that there may be more than one, but in your personal relationship, just how great is your God?  We know He is the creator of the universe.  We know He is the giver of life.  And we acknowledge He is the fount of all blessings.  With all of that knowledge, the question still remains, how great is your God?
     A song that used to be sung quite often is "Worthy Art Thou."  The last two lines of that song's chorus are, "Worthy of earth and heaven's thanksgiving, Worthy art Thou, Worthy art Thou."  The rest of the words relate His greatness and why he is worthy of our praise and admiration, not to mention our worship.  I often wonder if we really comprehend the privilege we have of entering into God's presence, and the love He has for us.
     When we ask why our God is worthy of our love and praise, we must begin with acknowledging what He has done for us.  This is going to get us to focus on forgiveness.  When we fully realize the forgiveness we have received from God, or can receive from Him, it will help us to understand just how much He loves us.  The basis of our relationship with God is based on love.  His love for us and our response to Him by showing our love for Him in the lives we live for Him.
     This is brought out in Psalm 99.  The beginning verses of this psalm speak of the exalted position of our God, and that He is worthy to be praised.  The last several verses give to us explanation through the lives of three men we hold in high esteem.  They are Moses, Aaron and Samuel.  We are told in verse 6 they called upon the Lord.and the Lord answered them.  God spoke to them in various ways because they kept His testimonies.
     But the reason of God's love for them and their love for God is brought out in verse 8.  We are told that God was a forgiving God to them, yet an avenger of their evil deeds.  Even though they were faithful men, they were not perfect men.  When they sinned against God they were disciplined for their wrong, but the Lord never stopped loving them.  And they never stopped loving Him. 
     The psalm closes with the exhortation to, "Exalt the Lord our God, and worship at His holy hill; For holy is the Lord our God," (vs. 9; NASB).  What we can learn from this psalm is very valuable and uplifting.  First, those so-called great people of the Bible are no different than we are; they sinned too.  Secondly, when we sin our God loves us enough to correct us, to help strengthen us against the temptations of life and to know that He is there to help us.  Thirdly, He does hear us and will give answer to our prayers, but desires we will be faithful to Him in obedience to His word.  The key here is that they kept His testimonies and statutes, though they somethings fell short, as we do today.  Fourthly, love is the key.  God has proven His love for us.  We show our love for Him in giving ourselves to His teaching and growing in our knowledge of Him.  This will lead to more fully understand why He is worthy of our love and our praise.  No one is as forgiving and longsuffering as He.
     I hope and pray God is worthy of your love and praise.  Let Him know that everyday and you will be greatly blessed.  Rodger

                                       WE HAVE NOTHING TO FEAR

     One of the most famous sayings from the World War II era was, "We have nothing to fear but fear itself."  You will hear those words used quite often when uncertain times come upon you or your family, or when deeply troubling circumstances have entered our lives.
     There is more to those words than just a catchy slogan.  There is a purpose behind them.  Sometimes when we are afraid, and quite possibly most of the time when fear strikes us, we become so frightened we are afraid to do anything.  We become frozen in time because we are not quite sure how to approach a particular problem.  It is usually about this time we don't even seek counsel.  So when the words of this phrase come to our mind, we must know we can't be so fearful we don't do anything. 
      The devil wants us to be afraid.  He brings things into our lives hoping to paralyze us from being able to do what we know is the right thing to do.  The right thing is always seeking God regardless of the situation.  The psalmist said, "I sought the Lord, and He answered me, And delivered me from all my fears (34:4).  Now we know how to overcome fear.  We do so by seeking the Lord's counsel and waiting for Him to guide us to a solution.
     It is interesting to note the psalmist began this psalm by praising the Lord and telling his brethren to magnify the Lord with him, so that they might exalt His name together.  Have you ever been so happy you needed to share your joy with someone?  What is more joyful than knowing the Lord is there hearing your prayers and answering them?
     The 34th Psalm begins by telling us the Lord is worthy to be praised.  The remainder of the psalm tells us why.  Those who fear the Lord will be rescued by Him.  The fear of verse 7 is a reverential fear that acknowledges the awesome power of our God, not a fear borne out of anxiety or sense of danger.  It is the sense of danger that causes us to do nothing when fear grips us, but having a confidence in our God that He is able to deliver should dispel that fear.
     No one will live a life free from trials and temptation.  But we do have an avenue of escape.  We should daily be echoing the words of the psalmist as we encourage our brothers and sisters today to come and exalt the name of God with us, so we may share our joy with one another because of His great love for us.  It is then that our boast will be only in the Lord as we magnify His name. 
     As we do this we will grow stronger in our faith and love for God.  For we are continually living in the knowledge we truly have nothing to fear.  Rodger

                                     THE APPEARING OF GOD'S LOVE     
     To make an appearance is to actually be someplace physically.  If we are told to appear in court, that means our presence is required.  The same is true when we were told to go to the principal's office during our childhood days.  Even worse was being called into the presence of your mom or dad.  You always knew how mad they were by the manner in which you were called.  When you were called by your full name (first, middle, last) there was trouble ahead.
     Scripture speaks to us about the appearing of our Savior, and the love that led to His appearing.  In the much quoted passage of John 3:16 we are told of God's love, and the appearing of Jesus as our sacrifice because of that love.  The appearing that is mentioned here is in general terms for it reveals the availability of God's love for all men.  Jesus did not die for just a few men, but for the whole world.
     Paul speaks of those who have loved His appearing.  In reading this passage in 2 Timothy 4:8, I was struck by the past tense of Paul's reference to the appearing of Jesus.  Most often you will read this passage and think of the second coming of Christ.  But Paul didn't speak of those who will love His appearing, but who have loved His appearing.  It is not the second coming that Paul has in mind but another appearance that has already taken place.
     So we must ask ourselves when did that appearance take place?  To answer that question we turn to Paul's letter to Titus.  In the third chapter of Titus, verse 4, Paul cites the appearance of the kindness of God our Savior and His love for mankind.  In the context of this verse, Paul is writing to Titus about godly living and reminds us of our foolish ways and how we used to live.  Our foolishness was revealed in how we deceived ourselves into thinking all was well when indeed it wasn't.  We were disobedient and slaves to our passions, following, and even pursuing,  the cares of this world.
     But then something wonderful happened.  The appearance of God's kindness and love came through the gospel, that good news that is able to change our lives through the regeneration that takes place when we put aside our disobedience and give ourselves to God.  This washing of regeneration and the renewing by the Holy Spirit takes place as we are clothed with Christ, as we put Him on in baptism.  When we came into contact with the gospel, we came face to face with God, and He was able to appear to us as we listened to that wonderful story of His love.
     The appearing of God is no longer a general revealing of His love's availability, but now a personal appearing to those have come face to face with Him through the gospel.  The brethren cleansed of their sin by the washing of regeneration (vs. 5) are those who have loved His appearing.  They are now His covenant children and are indeed longing for His second coming.
     There are many, some reading this article, who know that God's love is available.  How many have actually allowed His appearance to take place?   Each heart must answer.  The good news is that God is always ready to appear when we decide we really need Him in our lives.  Rodger

                                WHAT WE STORE SAYS WHO WE ARE

     Living in this rapidly growing age of technology certainly has its advantages, and in many ways its blessings. Unfortunately it is not without its problems.  If you have been the victim of a clerical billing error you know full well the difficulties often involved in trying to correct that mistake.  You will hear the words, "The computer does not make mistakes!"  There is some truth to that statement, but only to a certain point.
     What we have come to realize is the computer is not the problem.  The problem is the one entering the data.  We lived this first-hand recently on a trip to the grocery store.  As careful a shopper as Denise is, it was disheartening to find out she had spent more than she had estimated.  It wasn't just a few cents or a couple of dollars, but nearly $27.00.  A closer look at the receipt revealed the problem.  The checker had entered 14 heads of cauliflower when Denise had purchased only 1.  You would think the checker would have caught this mistake for no one can eat that much cauliflower.  This situation was easily resolved, but many times it can be quite a struggle to fix the mistake of someone else.
     In life there is an instrument that is constantly with us and we feed information into this instrument daily.  It is our heart.  Jesus addressed the problem of data processing when He addressed the Pharisees about their heart.  It didn't help when He stated they were a brood of vipers.  The Pharisees and other Jewish leaders must have gotten tired of hearing this since John the Baptist used the same words in his ministry (Mt. 3:7).  Vipers have forked tongues and it may be this is what Jesus made reference to as He confronted the Pharisees about their hypocrisy.
     The Pharisees claimed to speak what was good but Jesus called them evil.  So how can someone who is evil speak something that's good? In today's world Jesus might use the illustration of us putting something into our computer we say is good, when in fact it may be evil.  Very simply Jesus says, "For the mouth speaks out of that which fills the heart" (Mt. 12:34)  This teaching is given to admonish us against some of those thoughts we may encounter through the course of a day.
     This is on a personal level.  The only one who can program my heart is me.   The checker made a mistake by entering a wrong number.  On a deeper level we may be sinning if we are not paying attention to what we are putting into our heart.  For out of the heart come our words and our actions.  What we are storing in our heart on a regular basis says much about who we really are.  The damage that can be caused by the tongue springs from what is stored in the heart (Ja. 3:1-6).
     If we are to pursue after what is godly then we must pay constant attention to what we allow to enter our heart.  Just because a thought may enter our mind doesn't mean we have sinned (2 Cor. 10:5).  Sin enters our heart when we allow such thoughts to tempt us to the point of ungodly action (Ja. 1:13-16).  Remember, what we choose to store in our heart says clearly who we really are.  Let us store only what is good in the sight of God.  Rodger