The Manifested Word through Preaching Titus 1:3 - Equipped for Battle

Paul the apostle has been giving his credentials for sharing to Titus, and one by one we have examined his awesome characteristics. In verse two of chapter one we learned of Paul's hope for eternal life, and the promise of God who cannot lie purposed before the world began. Today we learn of Paul's current duties and the method by which he would convey them. He wrote in verse three of chapter one:

But has in due times manifested his word through preaching, which is committed unto me according to the commandment of God our Saviour;

God promised eternal life to all who would believe in His Son Jesus and His sacrifice for our sins. God's method for making this promise known in Paul's day was preaching. Paul said, “But has in due times manifested his word through preaching,” Preaching is defined as, “that which is proclaimed by a herald or public crier, a proclamation by herald”. The sounding out of the gospel or good news of God's promise for eternal life is performed by those who preach. Preachers “sound out” or “herald” that Jesus Christ came into the world to save sinners from their sins, and because He did, those who believe in Him will be granted eternal life. God's word is proclaimed to everyone, but not all will receive His word.

Paul also added, “which is committed unto me according to the commandment of God our Saviour.” With a commandment of God our Saviour, Paul was commissioned to preach. There are many callings by which men become preachers, but not all of them are from God. Paul's was, and Paul was committed to fulfilling the task to which God called him. Paul wrote his thoughts toward preaching in the book of First Corinthians in chapter one and verse twenty-one:

For after that in the wisdom of God the world by wisdom knew not God, it pleased God by the foolishness of preaching to save them that believe.

As foolish as it may seem to some, God was the one who chose preaching to be the instrument by which He spread His good news. Jesus preached. The disciples preached, and today preachers around the world declare the salvation message from God that eternal life is available to all who will believe that Jesus Christ died on the cross for their sins and was raised from the dead on the third day after His death. Paul declared this message to the Romans in the book of Romans in chapter ten and verses eight through ten. He wrote:

But what does it say? The word is near you, [even] in your mouth, and in your heart: that is, the word of faith, which we preach; That if you shall confess with your mouth the Lord Jesus, and shall believe in your heart that God has raised him from the dead, you shall be saved. For with the heart man believes unto righteousness; and with the mouth confession is made unto salvation.

God shares His word through preaching, and Paul the apostle was commissioned and commanded to share God's word. There are many who follow in Paul's footsteps today, and may all who preach the gospel of Jesus Christ not only preach it with all obedience, but also realize the gravity and eternal weight of the words they proclaim. Paul did.

Next time we will look at the actual address of Paul to Titus as we continue our study, so read ahead, and we shall join together then.

Until tomorrow...there is more...

Look for the new devotional book “Equipped for Battle – From Generation to Generation” in all major bookstore sites, www.amazon.com ; www.barnesandnobles.com ; download to e-books, and find it locally at www.mrzlc.com/bookstore

 

Hope of Eternal Life Promised Titus 1:2 - Equipped for Battle

Paul the apostle has given us a few of his credentials as he writes to his protege' Titus. Paul wrote that he was a bond-servant of God, an apostle of Jesus Christ, God's chosen elect, and his acknowledging of the truth after godliness. He now adds to these wonderful characteristics in chapter one and verse two where he wrote:

In hope of eternal life, which God, that cannot lie, promised before the world began;

Paul addresses one of the greatest questions we ever face, “If a man dies, will he live again?” Job in the Old Testament asked this question, and Paul gives us direction toward it. What would be the use of being a bond-servant, an apostle, God's elect, or acknowledging of the truth if there were no eternal life? Paul was indeed in hope of eternal life, and this life was the promise of Jesus Himself. Jesus said in the book of John and chapter sixteen:

For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believes in him should not perish, but have everlasting life.

Paul knew this truth, and he trusted what Jesus said. But why did he? He adds, “which God, that cannot lie,” God does not, can not, and will not lie. In the book of Numbers in chapter twenty-three and verse nineteen:

God [is] not a man, that he should lie; neither the son of man, that he should repent: hath he said, and shall he not do [it]? or hath he spoken, and shall he not make it good?

Finally Paul concludes this verse with this, “promised before the world began.” Whenever God promises anything, we can rely upon it. What time exactly before the world began He promised this we are not sure, but nonetheless, we can be assured that the idea is that God purposed that eternal life would be both Paul's and ours who believe in Him. Paul hoped in eternal life because he could fully trust that what God said, He would do.

Do we have hope of eternal life? Do we wonder if somehow God might not keep His word nor honor His promise? If we have doubts, may the greeting of Paul, and the credentials therein, bring us to a fuller hope and trust in the God in whom we serve. May we all have great hope in eternal life, and know that our God tells the truth. Our best is yet to come.

Next time we will look at Paul's commission to preach the word of God, so read ahead, and we shall join together then.

Until tomorrow...there is more...

Look for the new devotional book “Equipped for Battle – From Generation to Generation” in all major bookstore sites, www.amazon.com ; www.barnesa

 

Titus Titus 1:1

We begin a new book today as we journey on our studies through books of the Bible. There is not a lot known about Titus to whom this book is addressed, but we do know that Paul the apostle mentioned him in the books addressed to the Corinthians, Galatians and in the First book of Timothy. Paul calls him “mine own son in the faith” which is similar to Paul's address to Timothy, and the theme of this wonderful book that is written by Paul is to establish order and leadership for the church over which Titus is pastor. We begin in chapter one and verse one where Paul writes:

Paul, a servant of God, and an apostle of Jesus Christ, according to the faith of God's elect, and the acknowledging of the truth which is after godliness;

As with most of Paul's letters, Paul begins with his name. We usually end letters or emails with our signature, but it was common in the Bible days to begin a book with the author's name. Paper availability wasn't as abundant as it is today, so usually papyrus was employed. The words written upon it were valuable especially when Titus received it from his mentor.

Notice too how Paul refers to himself in the next phrase, “a servant of God.” This again is the Greek word, “doulos” which means “bond-servant.” The bond-servant was the willing servant of the one he served, and when Paul considered Jesus, he counted it a privilege.

In addition to being a bond-servant of God, Paul also knew himself to be “an apostle of Jesus Christ”. The word “apostle” means “sent one” or “called out one” or “one called for a special mission”. Paul knew that Jesus Christ had called him to be the apostle to the Gentiles as he stated in the book of Romans chapter fifteen and verse sixteen:

That I should be the minister of Jesus Christ to the Gentiles, ministering the gospel of God, that the offering up of the Gentiles might be acceptable, being sanctified by the Holy Ghost.

When Paul gives the reason for his selection he writes, “according to the faith of God's elect,” Paul knew that God elected him, and when God chooses His candidates they are “elect”, “picked out” and "chosen". God never chooses losers, and with God as the one served no one will eventually fail. God chooses according to His foreknowledge of those who win, and Paul knew himself to be among this group.

Finally Paul writes, “and the acknowledging of the truth which is after godliness;” Paul knew the truth, acknowledged the truth, taught the truth, and understood the importance of the truth being Godly. Truth is Godly, and although many people consent to the truth, many do not live Godly by it. Paul began this book with credentials, God given credentials, that demonstrate his ability and qualifications for being able to share what he is about to share with Titus.

When we consider the traits of Paul, could we say that we have them as well? Do we live as “bond-servants” of God, “apostles of Jesus Christ”, “according to the faith of God's elect,” and “acknowledging of the truth which is after godliness?” Perhaps our meditation today should be that we consider carefully these qualifications, and should we be short in any area, let this be our prayer to the Heavenly Father who desires to have us all live in this manner.

Next time we will look at more of the qualifications of Paul and consider God's promises, so read ahead, and we shall join together then.

Until tomorrow...there is more...

Look for the new devotional book “Equipped for Battle – From Generation to Generation” in all major bookstore sites, www.amazon.com ; www.barnesandnobles.com ; download to e-books, and find it locally at www.mrzlc.com/bookstore

 

The LORD God is My Strength Habakkuk 3:19 - Equipped for Battle

We have come to the final verse in the book of Habakkuk, and after learning along with him that our confidence and faith should be in the Lord our God, we now see more of the sum total of what Habakkuk has learned. We studied Habakkuk's confusion over why God would not intervene with the wicked that Habakkuk saw all around him. We learned of Habakkuk's unbelief that God would use the evil Chaldeans to execute his justice, and we watched as Habakkuk finally learned that “the just shall live by his faith.” After reviewing the power of God in previous occasions throughout the Hebrew history, we have been entwined within this final chapter that is a song of praise and adoration for God whom Habakkuk and we have come to know. Habakkuk ends his book in chapter three and verse nineteen where he wrote:

The LORD God [is] my strength, and he will make my feet like hinds' [feet], and he will make me to walk upon my high places. To the chief singer on my stringed instruments.

Habakkuk just shared his resolve in the last two verses that caused him to rejoice in the LORD and joy in the God of his salvation. Now he discloses where his ability to function comes from, “The LORD God is my strength”. If Habakkuk had doubts about God in previous verses, they are gone now. There is nothing that Habakkuk will face that can overpower God, and as long as Habakkuk looks to God for his strength, nothing will be too much for him to handle.

Habakkuk continues, “and he will make my feel like hinds' feet”. “Hinds” is the old testament word for deer or foe, and the nimbleness of deer feet make them quick to escape danger. In other words, whenever there are situations that arise that are overwhelming, Habakkuk knows that God will equip him with the ability to sidestep them. Sometimes the greatest defense is to flee.

Habakkuk also wrote, “and he will make me to walk upon my high places.” When problems seem top high, unreachable and overwhelming, God will make Habakkuk to walk upon them. There will be no mountain too high, and no situation so large and looming that God cannot help Habakkuk to scale them with ease.

We can learn much from this final verse. Where do we find our strength? Is it in ourselves? Our education? Our finances? Our relationships with people? Or do we rather find our strength for those “impossible” situations from Almighty God? We have the privilege of knowing this awesome Heavenly Father, and He invites us to have a relationship with Him that is based upon the trust and reliance of His abilities and not our own. When we consider the strength of God verses any other strength we may find, none compare to His power and might.

Finally, Habakkuk states to whom this third chapter is addressed, “To the chief singer on my stringed instruments.” As we leave this wonderful book may we all exit with a song in our hearts as Habakkuk did, and may we constantly be reminded that the God we serve is certainly worth putting our full trust and faith in Him even if our circumstances are not understood at all.

Next time we will begin a new book in the New Testament named “Titus”, so read ahead, and we shall join together then.

Until tomorrow...there is more...

Look for the new devotional book “Equipped for Battle – From Generation to Generation” in all major bookstore sites, www.amazon.com ; www.barnesandnobles.com ; download to e-books, and find it locally at www.mrzlc.com/bookstore

 

Rejoice in the Lord and Joy in God Habakkuk 3:18 - Equipped for Battle

We have been watching as Habakkuk has wondered about the workings and concern of God. After determining that there was extensive wickedness among his people, Habakkuk could not believe that God seemed unconcerned. When God told him that he was going to use the Chaldeans as His agent for judgment, as God stated to him, Habakkuk was even more challenged to understand. Finally, Habakkuk realized that “the just shall live by his faith”, and when he did not understand, God was still in control. After realizing and sharing the power and might of Almighty God, Habakkuk began in chapter three and verse seventeen sharing his resolve concerning God. We find the final portion of Habakkuk's new mindset in verse eighteen which says:

Yet I will rejoice in the LORD, I will joy in the God of my salvation.

Habakkuk wrote in verse seventeen:

Although the fig tree shall not blossom, neither [shall] fruit [be] in the vines; the labor of the olive shall fail, and the fields shall yield no meat; the flock shall be cut off from the fold, and [there shall be] no herd in the stalls:

In other words, even if everything tangible in Habakkuk's life disappears, “Yet I will rejoice in the LORD”. There is not a greater value than the relationship we may have with God. Nothing compares. Nothing exceeds, and nothing is more important than our fellowship with the Heavenly Father. Habakkuk has realized that even when he doesn't understand God, God has his best interest at heart. So it is with us. We may rejoice in the LORD even when we have material possessions or positions that are lost. We may have the confidence that we have not lost everything because we have God.

Habakkuk continued, “I will joy in the God of my salvation.” Habakkuk was resolved to find his joy in the God of his salvation. Happiness is contingent upon circumstances, but joy is a fruit of God's spirit. When we purpose with our will as Habakkuk did his that our joy will be in the God of our salvation, nothing on Earth will deter us from this joy. We find our greatest state of mind is as close as the purpose of our will to align with the Almighty God and placing full and complete trust in Him. This is where true rejoicing is found, and this is where fullness of joy is complete.

So what is our resolve when things go wrong? Can we take a serious lesson from Habakkuk and learn to trust our Heavenly Father even when we do not understand? Will we find ourselves rejoicing or moaning? Will we discover ourselves complaining or having joy? May the Lord help us all to have the same resolve as Habakkuk and find ourselves rejoicing in the LORD, and having joy in the God of our salvation.

Next time we will discover Habakkuk's new source of strength and we will end our study in Habakkuk, so read ahead, and we shall join together then.

Until tomorrow...there is more...

Look for the new devotional book “Equipped for Battle – From Generation to Generation” in all major bookstore sites, www.amazon.com ; www.barnesandnobles.com ; download to e-books, and find it locally at www.mrzlc.com/bookstore

 

Fig Tree, Vines, Olive, and Fields Habakkuk 3:17 - Equipped for Battle

When we read the Bible, there are sometimes when verses lead to another verse, and to keep things in context we must read both of them together. Habakkuk has written many verses in this third chapter which are lines in a song that remind us of the power and might of Almighty God. He has given us his reaction to his thoughts of God's power, and in chapter three and verse seventeen, Habakkuk begins to share his resolve concerning what he has learned about God. He wrote:

Although the fig tree shall not blossom, neither [shall] fruit [be] in the vines; the labor of the olive shall fail, and the fields shall yield no meat; the flock shall be cut off from the fold, and [there shall be] no herd in the stalls:

When we are expecting a fruit tree to produce fruit, there is much disappointment when we find none on it. Even Jesus cursed a fig tree for not having fruit upon it, so we too can associate with His disappointment. Yet, Habakkuk has learned something about God: God is always with him. He wrote, “Although the fig tree shall not blossom,” which denotes there may be a change in our lives which brings about a normal place of disappointment and discouragement, yet we realize that Habakkuk is beginning to make his resolve known.

He continues, “neither shall fruit be in the vines; the labor of the olive shall fail, and the fields shall yield no meat” In other words there is nothing producing as it should. No figs, no vine fruit, no olives, and no meat or wheat from the field, yet there will still be this resolve within Habakkuk.

Habakkuk moves from fruits and vegetables to flocks by writing, “the flock shall be cut off from the fold, and there shall be no herd in the stalls,” As with Job in the Old Testament, everything is gone. There is no substance being afforded for Habakkuk in his imagine state. We find Habakkuk counting the loss of all his possible resources, and his reckoning of the loss of anything valuable demonstrates the full account of his purpose.

Habakkuk places himself in a position that is enviable for none of us: He imagines himself as if he has lost it all. What would we be like if suddenly all our resources vanished, and the hope for their replacement was nil? Would we be anxious? Would we panic? Would we wonder if God has abandoned us? In addition, what do we think Habakkuk's reaction will be?

We'll have to wait till tomorrow to find out.

Next time we will discover Habakkuk's new resolve when he imagines that everything is gone, so read ahead, and we shall join together then.

Until tomorrow...there is more...

Look for the new devotional book “Equipped for Battle – From Generation to Generation” in all major bookstore sites, www.amazon.com ; www.barnesandnobles.com ; download to e-books, and find it locally at www.mrzlc.com/bookstore

 

Trembling, Quivering and Rottenness Habakkuk 3:16 - Equipped for Battle

What would we be like if we were to hear audibly the voice of God? Only a few people in the Bible have every heard the voice of God until the time of the end, but what if God were to reveal His plan to us as He has Habakkuk? Let it suffice to say that it would be awing, and more than likely we would all be extremely frightened. Habakkuk gives us a little insight to his reaction to God's voice in chapter three and verse sixteen where he wrote:

When I heard, my belly trembled; my lips quivered at the voice: rottenness entered into my bones, and I trembled in myself, that I might rest in the day of trouble: when he comes up unto the people, he will invade them with his troops.

Habakkuk wrote, “When I heard, my belly trembled;” Have we ever had something frighten us so greatly that our stomach hurt because of it? In other words the core of Habakkuk's insides were shaking. He adds, “my lips quivered at the voice.” Poor ole Habakkuk, he probably looked like a small child whose lips quiver in the cold weather. His stomach is trembling. His lips are quivering, and he more than likely begins to realize how foolish he was when he actually thought he could instruct God.

Habakkuk adds, “rottenness entered into my bones, and I trembled in myself.” All the substantial part of Habakkuk's structure felt as if it was decaying away. The strength of his frame was nil, and though Habakkuk thought himself to be something, he was nothing when he considered the Almighty God's words.

Let's notice too the benefit of this trembling, quivering and rottenness, “that I might rest in the day of trouble.” When all things are considered, it is to Habakkuk's benefit that God has such a powerful voice. If our Heavenly Father's voice was less impacting, less powerful, and without strength, none of us would be humbled before Him. The very idea that His voice is intimidating infers that God is in control and powerful, and nothing can rise up against Him.

Habakkuk concludes this verse by writing, “when he comes up unto the people, he will invade them with his troops.” God's army is stronger than any foe that comes against Him. Should He choose to invoke His power upon any people, He will invade them without any resistance at all. When Habakkuk considers this, He learns more about the God He serves, and when Habakkuk conceded to God's Almighty power, he put himself in the best place he could be.

Do we tremble at the word of God? Have we ever had such an encounter with God that our lips have quivered because of it? Have we felt as though our bones had no strength, and they were like rottenness and decay within us? Have we come to know God in such a way that we have assurance that we can rest in the day of trouble because of it? Perhaps the reminder from Habakkuk today will convince us once again that God is in control of our situations, and when He begins to move, no people or situation will pose any threat or resistance against Him.

Next time we will read about fig trees, fruit trees, olive trees and fields, so read ahead, and we shall join together then.

Until tomorrow...there is more...

Look for the new devotional book “Equipped for Battle – From Generation to Generation” in all major bookstore sites, www.amazon.com ; www.barnesandnobles.com ; download to e-books, and find it locally at www.mrzlc.com/bookstore

 

Walking through the Sea and Great Waters Habakkuk 3:15 - Equipped for Battle

The prophet Jeremiah wrote in chapter thirty-two and verse twenty-seven of his book:

Behold, I [am] the LORD, the God of all flesh: is there any thing too hard for me?

When we think about this question, the answer is a resounding “NO!” Nothing is too hard for God, and when it comes to Him taking vengeance upon those who have rejected Him, there is no obstacle that can impede Him. Such was the case with the wicked of Israel in Habakkuk's day, and thus it was with Chaldeans whom God used to invoke His judgment. Habakkuk continues the idea of God's power in his song recorded in chapter three and verse fifteen of his book where he wrote:

You did walk through the sea with your horses, [through] the heap of great waters.

Habakkuk said, “You did walk through the sea with your horses”. The Red Sea, the Jordan and the symbolic masses that flowed against God's people Israel were nothing in the site of God. He moved the waters of the sea, and He moved those who were the foes of Israel.

Habakkuk stated, “through the heap of great waters.” The depths of depths were created by God and none of them are an encumbrance to Him. He pushed aside the deep places and allowed His people to walk through them, and when the enemies arose in the wilderness like a towering heap, they were easily moved aside. Though the adversaries thought themselves great, they were no opponent for the power of God.

When we consider this, why would we ever doubt our Heavenly Father when He deals with our situations? Do we consider our problems heaping and beyond His ability to move or divide? Do we lean upon our own understanding and solutions instead of trusting in the one who knows everything? Do we rely upon the power of other people rather than turning our situations over to our Almighty God?

What is pressing like a massive sea right now? What looms great like heaping waters? Whatsoever they are we must remember that our God is an Awesome God, and there is nothing that is impossible for Him. May we learn to trust in our omnipotent Heavenly Father no matter how difficult life may be or become for us.

Next time we will look into the reaction of Habakkuk when He considers God's greatness, so read ahead, and we shall join together then.

Until tomorrow...there is more...

Look for the new devotional book “Equipped for Battle – From Generation to Generation” in all major bookstore sites, www.amazon.com ; www.barnesandnobles.com ; download to e-books, and find it locally at www.mrzlc.com/bookstore

 

Striking Down Their Intent Habakkuk 3:14 - Equipped for Battle

When God takes revenge, He takes it thoroughly, and in the case of Habakkuk with Israel and the Chaldeans, God's judgment is complete. Not only has Habakkuk shown the power and authority of God, but he also shares the ominous methods by which He operates. Habakkuk continues his description of God's power in chapter three and verse fourteen:

You did strike through with his staves the head of his villages: they came out as a whirlwind to scatter me: their rejoicing [was] as to devour the poor secretly.

First Habakkuk states, “You did strike through with his staves the head of his villages.” In other words, God used the weapons of Israel's foes against themselves, and not only against themselves, but also against their leaders. Those who were the heads of their villages were struck down by their own swords. In the past we have referred to Galatians chapter six and verse seven before where it says:

Be not deceived; God is not mocked: for whatsoever a man sows, that shall he also reap.

Habakkuk tells us how God uses any measure he likes to bring about justice, and the return of what the enemies of Israel have issued out has come back upon their leadership.

Next Habakkuk declares the enemies' original intent, “they came out as a whirlwind to scatter me:” The adversaries of Israel including Habakkuk was to scatter them like a whirlwind, but those enemies forgot one major factor, God was and is on Israel's side. God was watching when these pursuers came in, and His mighty hand was waiting to strike them down at the perfect time.

Finally, Habakkuk writes of the attitude of the enemies: “their rejoicing was to devour the poor secretly.” The enemies of Israel were celebrating over the idea of exploiting the poor in secret. Their thoughts were that no one was watching their actions, and if someone was, they would have no power to do anything against them. They were wrong. God saw. God was on the scene, and nothing that was done against those whom God favored would be in secret. Their assumption was that they could exploit the poor and nothing would be revealed.

What about us? Are there behaviors that we have toward others that we believe are unnoticed? Do we know of others who have plotted against us and wonder if anyone really notices their behavior? God sees us, and God sees them. The Bible is very clear when it states in the book of Luke in chapter twelve and verse two, “For there is nothing covered, that shall not be revealed; neither hid, that shall not be known.” God not only notices but he has a plan for justice. Fortunately for those who will recognize God's son as their Savior, grace is the plan He invokes. God is ready to provide justice, and He will strike down any attempt to destroy God's people, but He first offers His unmerited favor through knowing His Son Jesus for all who will turn to Him. May we all turn to Him while His hand of grace is extended.

Next time we will continue to look into God's revenge against Israel's enemies, so read ahead, and we shall join together then.

Until tomorrow...there is more...

Look for the new devotional book “Equipped for Battle – From Generation to Generation” in all major bookstore sites, www.amazon.com ; www.barnesandnobles.com ; download to e-books, and find it locally at www.mrzlc.com/bookstore

 

Salvation Completely Habakkuk 3:13 - Equipped for Battle

Salvation is part of God's agenda. The very idea of salvation infers that someone or something needs saving, and that someone in this case is God's people. When Habakkuk first began to write, he wondered about the interest of God about all the wicked that was before his eyes. Habakkuk reasoned questionably about God's choice for judgment when God mentioned the Chaldeans as His instruments. In these last few verses we have notice Habakkuk recounting God's previous “savings” as an illustration for believing He would save now. Habakkuk continues this thought in chapter three and verse thirteen. He wrote:

You went forth for the salvation of your people, [even] for salvation with your anointed; you wounded the head out of the house of the wicked, by discovering the foundation unto the neck. Selah.

Israel had been in trouble before, and God was their savior within it. Time after time God would use judges, prophets, and kings as His instrument of deliverance. Habakkuk says, “You went for for the salvation of your people,” which we see examples of all through the Old Testament. God would choose men and sometimes women to rescue His chosen people and bring them back into a relationship with Him. God would use these people, “even for salvation with your anointed;” and these men and women were the “called out” and “separated” ones for each time salvation was needed. God anointed them, gave them the power, and placed them in positions that would allow them to lead the children of Israel to safety.

Habakkuk states, “you wounded the head out of the house of the wicked”, and in other words, God took out the main person who lead the revolt against Israel. Sometimes those rebellious foes would be kings, but they were no match for God. Sometimes these enemy leaders would be soldiers, townsmen, infantry or civilians, but none were a match for God. No matter how strong the opposing people thought they were, the power of God prevailed.

Finally Habakkuk writes, “by discovering the foundation unto the neck. Selah.” In other words the conquering of the enemies was defeated from head to toe. There was no one who could march against God and His people and ultimately prevail. The salvation God provided was complete, thorough, and not one person escaped that God did not allow. With God there is no hiding, no power, and no protection that will be successful once He begins to move, and with the word “Selah” which means “pause and think about this” attached, we should faithfully think on these things.

So how do we relate to this verse? Do we have enemies currently to which we have no idea how to handle? Are there difficult circumstances where we find ourselves in a quandary as to what to do? Do we wonder if God can or will help us in our time of need? If so, reflection upon how God rescued Israel over and over again may help us know that He will be here for us as well. He is a great God, and when He comes to save in our situations, not one stone will be covered that He will not overturn.

Next time we will continue to look into God's work against Israel's enemies, so read ahead, and we shall join together then.

Until tomorrow...there is more...

Look for the new devotional book “Equipped for Battle – From Generation to Generation” in all major bookstore sites, www.amazon.com ; www.barnesandnobles.com ; download to e-books, and find it locally at www.mrzlc.com/bookstore

 

Marching and Threshing Habakkuk 3:12 - Equipped for Battle

Habakkuk appealed to God in prayer about the wicked of his day, and God answered that He would use the Chaldeans as His instrument of judgment. Habakkuk could not believe God would use such a more horrible nation to punish the Israelites, however after some thought and observation, Habakkuk realized that the just shall live by faith, and even though he did not understand God's ways, God could still be trusted. Afterward Habakkuk has broken out in this praise song of remembrance in chapter three which recalls the previous workings of God to encourage belief that God will work in present situations. In chapter three verse twelve Habakkuk continues to show the power of God as He marches and threshes any enemy that is before him. Habakkuk wrote:

You did march through the land in indignation, you did thresh the heathen in anger.

God is a God of love and grace, and He extends that love toward everyone. However, God is also a God of judgment and righteousness, and there is a limit to the offering of the former. As early in the Bible as the book of Genesis in chapter six and verse three it says, “And the LORD said, My spirit shall not always strive with man,...” The Heavenly Father invites all who will believe in Him to have a relationship with Him, but there comes a point when people reject Him so often that He allows them to stay in that state of rejection. Pharaoh of Egypt was an example of this. He rejected God ten times before Moses in advance of God setting Pharaoh's heart in the manner of rejection he exemplified.

Habakkuk likens God's judgment to a march, “You did march through the land in indignation,”. The idea behind “indignation” is anger or wrath. The Bible over and over states that God is “slow to anger”, and it takes a lot to bring God to this point. Those who were wicked and opposed the people of God were to know the march of God's anger when they felt the judgment of God. Can we imagine that they probably never saw it coming, and when the marching began there was probably the element of surprise. We don't know when that point of “not striving” is, and should God begin to march through any land in indignation, there will be no stopping Him.

Habakkuk continued, “you did thresh the heathen in anger.” Like the sickle and threshing floor used for wheat, God strikes down and sifts any foe that is against Him. The heathen have no hiding place in His site, and should He begin to “thresh” which means to trample on or trample down, there is no hope for their salvation. Notice too that Habakkuk states that He does so “in anger.” God does get angry, and woe be to the people who live in such a manner that they see the manifestation of that anger.

Habakkuk recalls the workings of God against prior heathen nations, and his recounting helps Habakkuk to know that God is able to work in his present situation. Sometimes we may have thoughts of revenge or be in such a state of anger that we wish that “God would strike them down.” Perhaps today we should use this verse as a stimulant for examining our own lives, our own state, and possibly our own country. Are there behaviors that would bring on the indignation and anger of God upon us? Are we so dependent and reliant upon God's grace and mercy that we have forgotten that He is also a God of judgment? One thing is for sure, when people repented of their works before God even if they were evil, God would turn from His anger and forgive them. If we have any areas in our lives where the relationship with God has been compromised, may today be a good day to turn back to Him and subside any anger He may have.

Next time we will continue our study by looking at God's saving power, so read ahead, and we shall join together then.

Until tomorrow...there is more...

Look for the new devotional book “Equipped for Battle – From Generation to Generation” in all major bookstore sites, www.amazon.com ; www.barnesandnobles.com ; download to e-books, and find it locally at www.mrzlc.com/bookstore

Controlling the Sun and Moon Habakkuk 3:11 - Equipped for Battle

If we think about it, how wonderful would it be if we had the power to move the sun and moon? If we somehow had control of those huge masses within the sky and could orchestrate their orbits and paths, what would people think of us? God Almighty controls the universe everyday, and yet, still people doubt Him. As Habakkuk considers the workings of God in Israel's past, He make reference to God's control of the sun and moon. He wrote in Habakkuk chapter three and verse eleven:

The sun [and] moon stood still in their habitation: at the light of thine arrows they went, [and] at the shining of your glittering spear.

There are several references to God being in control of the celestial bodies in the Old Testament of the Bible. In the very first book and chapter of the Bible, Genesis one, Moses wrote:

In the beginning God created the heavens and the earth.

Moses also wrote about God individually creating the sun, moon, stars and heavenly bodies as well.

In chapter eight and verses three and four in the book of Psalms, King David of Israel asked:

When I consider your heavens, the work of your fingers, the moon and the stars, which you have ordained; What is man, that you are mindful of him? and the son of man, that you visit him?

Later on Joshua had an encounter with God which involved the sun and the moon:

Then spake Joshua to the LORD in the day when the LORD delivered up the Amorites before the children of Israel, and he said in the sight of Israel, Sun, stand thou still upon Gibeon; and thou, Moon, in the valley of Ajalon. And the sun stood still, and the moon stayed, until the people had avenged themselves upon their enemies. [Is] not this written in the book of Jasher? So the sun stood still in the midst of heaven, and hasted not to go down about a whole day. And there was no day like that before it or after it, that the LORD hearkened unto the voice of a man: for the LORD fought for Israel. Joshua 10:12-14

And King Hezekiah was given a choice about the happenings with the sun as well.

And Hezekiah said unto Isaiah, What [shall be] the sign that the LORD will heal me, and that I shall go up into the house of the LORD the third day? And Isaiah said, This sign shall you have of the LORD, that the LORD will do the thing that he has spoken: shall the shadow go forward ten degrees, or go back ten degrees? And Hezekiah answered, It is a light thing for the shadow to go down ten degrees: no, but let the shadow return backward ten degrees. And Isaiah the prophet cried unto the LORD: and he brought the shadow ten degrees backward, by which it had gone down in the dial of Ahaz. 2 Kings 20:8-11

Habakkuk knew these stories and now references them for his writing, “The sun [and] moon stood still in their habitation:” There is no power like God's power. He created the universe, and manipulating the patterns of celestial bodies is within His command. Habakkuk likens God's control over them like a warrior going to battle, “at the light of thine arrows they went, [and] at the shining of your glittering spear.” Just the site of God approaching can make the greatest of stars flee. Is there any reason that we should wonder whether God can help us in any situation?

Habakkuk's references to God's power helps not only him but also his readers to know that God has ultimate power even over the sun and moon. God has power over the elements of the Earth, and nothing is more powerful than He. When we compare the daunting of our circumstances to the power of Almighty God, there is never a contest. Perhaps today we should measure our problems against the dynamic of our Heavenly Father being involved, and the greatest of our troubles will disappear in light of Him.

Next time we will continue to study examples of God's power as God goes on the march, so read ahead, and we shall join together then.

Until tomorrow...there is more...

Look for the new devotional book “Equipped for Battle – From Generation to Generation” in all major bookstore sites, www.amazon.com ; www.barnesandnobles.com ; download to e-books, and find it locally at www.mrzlc.com/bookstore

 

The Mountains, The Water, and the Deep Habakkuk 3:10 - Equipped for Battle

The descriptive words within the scripture do their best to share with us the attributes of God. The book of Habakkuk is no exception. As Habakkuk describes the power of God during his attention to those who are wicked, he used one part of nature after another to share. Today we look once again at features of nature that tell of God's wonder working power. Habakkuk wrote in chapter three and verse ten:

The mountains saw you, [and] they trembled: the overflowing of the water passed by: the deep uttered his voice, [and] lifted up his hands on high.

The majesty of mountains can be breathtaking for those who venture upon them. The views from their elevated positions can help us see for miles. However, in this case, Habakkuk says, “The mountains saw you, and they trembled.” No place on Earth is hidden or safe from the mighty power of God, and as Habakkuk tells of God's impending judgment against those who dare to come against His children, he reference the majestic mountains as intimidated before Him. They quake at the sight of God. This power must not be underestimated by we who often forget the omnipotence of the God we serve.

Habakkuk adds, “the overflowing of the water passed by:” When the Red Sea and the Jordan divided to allow for the crossing of the children of Israel, there was no resistance from them at all. God created the waters, and He can do as He desires with them. Division of waters, walking on waters, and sending torrents of waters are at His disposal, and this kind of power should help us realize within whom we have placed our trust.

Habakkuk continued, “the deep uttered his voice, and lifted up his hands on high.” Like a person who raises his or her hands in praise to God above, the deep waters of the Red Sea and Jordan river were lifted as walls on either side of the Israelites. What a marvelous site it must have been to have walked through those awesome water walls, but even more awing it must have been to realize the power of the one who orchestrated their positions.

So what can we learn from these manifestations of nature? Number one, God is in absolute power. Number two, God will move the Earth and its elements to come to our aid when we have a relationship with Him, and finally, God's power and the reminder of it should make any problem we face seem as nothing before Him. Our part is simply to place our trust in Him. He's God, and all of nature obeys His command.

Next time we will continue to observe God's workings in Israel's past, so read ahead, and we shall join together then.

Until tomorrow...there is more...

Look for the new devotional book “Equipped for Battle – From Generation to Generation” in all major bookstore sites, www.amazon.com ; www.barnesandnobles.com ; download to e-books, and find it locally at www.mrzlc.com/bookstore

 

Bows, Oaths, the Word, and Earthquakes Habakkuk 3:9 - Equipped for Battle

As we have studied through the larger part of the book of Habakkuk we have been learning about God's purposes and plans that are often unknown to us. Although Habakkuk thought God was distant, the Heavenly Father was very much on the scene. Lately Habakkuk has been reviewing God's past appearances for the children of Israel particularly during their Exodus from Egypt. Today Habakkuk continues those thoughts in chapter three and verse nine:

Your bow was made quite naked, [according] to the oaths of the tribes, [even your] word. Selah. You did cleave the earth with rivers.

Habakkuk's thoughts were that God was uninvolved with the wicked in His day. He assumed that since nothing was happening, God was not aware or attentive. Habakkuk wrote in this verse, “Your bow was made quite naked...” The idea is that God's bow was “unsheathed”. In other words God Almighty grabbed His weapon, and was ready for battle. Israel had foes, and Israel had enemies. In fact, it still does, but this all-caring, all-powerful God who loves them and watches over them was not and is not aloof. All those who rose up and rise up against His beloved should have been and should be aware. God's bow is ready to oppose any enemy to His chosen ones.

Secondly, Habakkuk states, “according to the oaths of the tribes, even your word.” There is nothing higher than God's word. The Psalmist wrote in Psalms in chapter one hundred thirty-eight and verse two:

I will worship toward your holy temple, and praise your name for your lovingkindness and for your truth: for you have magnified your word above all your name.

God gave promises to the children of Israel, and God keeps His promise. His word is magnified above all His name. This means He keeps it, and when God provides promises, they shall be met. This is so important to Habakkuk that he wrote the word, “Selah” after it. “Selah” means to pause and think about it. Remember that this third chapter of Habakkuk is a song as well as a prayer from Habakkuk, and this would be the perfect place for an interlude, a time of reflection and a time of pondering. God keeps His promises, and when they are unsheathed, no one will oppose them.

Finally Habakkuk wrote, “You did cleave the earth with rivers.” Earthquakes are no big feat for God nor is the parting or rivers. The Red Sea parted for the children of Israel, and when they entered the promised land, the Jordan river parted as well. God owns, directs and controls any element upon the earth that He desires, and His power is demonstrated and remembered as Habakkuk recalls His workings of the past. We too may take great comfort and assurance in this with our situations and circumstances as we realize that God Almighty is on the scene. He intervened in the lives of the Israelites, and He will intervene within our lives as well. We should take from this lesson today what Job concluded in his book in chapter twenty-three and verse twelve:

Neither have I gone back from the commandment of his lips; I have esteemed the words of his mouth more than my necessary [food]. Job 23:12

If we will regard the word of God more necessary than food, we shall have all the defense that we need to enable us to be victorious in any situation no matter how difficult it may seem.

Next time we will examine the earth's reaction to God's intervention, so read ahead, and we shall join together then.

Until tomorrow...there is more...

Look for the new devotional book “Equipped for Battle – From Generation to Generation” in all major bookstore sites, www.amazon.com ; www.barnesandnobles.com ; download to e-books, and find it locally at www.mrzlc.com/bookstore

 

Rivers, the Sea, Horses and Chariots Habakkuk 3:8 - Equipped for Battle

We have been learning from Habakkuk a wonderful way to conduct ourselves whenever we do not understand what God is doing. We remember our past, and as Habakkuk was recalling the past appearances of God in the activities of the Israelites as they left Egypt, we begin to understand that God had a plan back then, and He has one now. Habakkuk continues his description of God in chapter three and verse eight which says:

Was the LORD displeased against the rivers? [was] your anger against the rivers? [was] your wrath against the sea, that you did ride upon your horses [and] your chariots of salvation?

In the book of Exodus in chapters thirteen through fifteen we read of the account of the escape of the people of Israel from Egypt. They were lead to what looked like an inevitable capture and destruction with mountains on both sides of them and only the Red Sea in front of them. The Egyptians were quickly approaching them from behind. There was no way out in their own minds, and certain defeat was to be their fate. But alas, God had a plan, and it was a plan that none of them thought of before. God simply parted the Red Sea, and the children of Israel crossed over it with walls of water on both sides.

Habakkuk asks, “Was the LORD displeased against the rivers? Was your anger against the rivers? Was your wrath against the sea...” The rivers and the sea were created by God, and there would be no resistance to His desire for them. They obeyed His command, and Israel was saved. The elements were not objects of God's displeasure, anger or wrath. They were simply tools in His hand to rescue the ones He loved. We do well to keep in mind that God has used the elements of nature to rescue His beloved in the past, and should He desire to move Heaven and Earth to save us, He can.

Habakkuk continues, “that you did ride upon your horses and your chariots of salvation?” The Egyptians thought themselves able to cross the Red Sea as well when they watch the children of Israel cross over, but they were wrong. As soon as they drove their armies into the Sea and presumed themselves able to do as the Israelites, the waves receded, and they were destroyed. The waves became God's “horses and chariots” or weapons of defense by which He eliminated the problem pursuers of Israel. In other words, our Heavenly Father had the elements at hand to use in any manner He desire to defend against Israel's foes.

When we face difficulties that seem impossible, and there seems no way out and no where to turn, we would be well-advised to look to the one who created the Universe and to whom the entire creation is at His disposal. Paul the apostle asked an important question in the book of Romans in chapter eight and verse thirty-two:

He that spared not his own Son, but delivered him up for us all, how shall he not with him also freely give us all things?

God gave His most precious Son to die for our sins, and nothing can compare to His value. If God so did this and we believe in Him, how much more should we believe that no matter how bleak our circumstances may appear at the moment, God will move rivers, seas, horses and chariots to intercede on our behalf should the need arise?

Next time we shall continue to remember the appearances of God in Israel's past, so read ahead, and we shall join together then.

Until tomorrow...there is more...

Look for the new devotional book “Equipped for Battle – From Generation to Generation” in all major bookstore sites, www.amazon.com ; www.barnesandnobles.com ; download to e-books, and find it locally at www.mrzlc.com/bookstore