America’s Abundance

~ A Timeless Proclamation by Abraham Lincoln ~

“It is the duty of the nations as well as of men to owe their dependence upon the overruling power of God; to confess their sins and transgressions in humble sorrow, yet with assured hope that genuine repentance will lead to mercy and pardon; and to recognize the sublime truth, announced in the Holy Scriptures and proven by all history, that those nations are blessed whose God is the Lord.

“We know that by His divine law, nations, like individuals, are subject to punishments and chastisements in this world. May we not justify fear that the awful calamity of civil war which now desolates the land may be a punishment inflicted upon us for our presumptuous sins; to the needful end of our national reformation as a whole people?

“We have been the recipients of the choicest bounties of heaven. We have been preserved these many years in peace and prosperity. We have grown in numbers, wealth and power as no other nation has ever grown. But we have forgotten God. We have forgotten the gracious hand which preserved us in peace and multiplied and enriched and strengthened us, and we have vainly imagined in the deceitfulness of our hearts, that all these blessings were produced by some superior wisdom and virtue of our own. Intoxicated with unbroken success, we have become too self-sufficient to feel the necessity of redeeming and preserving grace, too proud to pray to God that made us.

“It has seems fit and proper that God should be solemnly, reverently, and gratefully acknowledged, as with one heart and one voice by the whole American people. I do therefore invite my fellow citizens in every part of the United States, and also those who are at sea and those who are sojourning in foreign lands, to set apart and observe the last Thursday of November as a day of Thanksgiving and praise to our beneficent Father who dwelleth in the heavens.”

BLOGGER BOB’S COMMENT: It certainly would appear that our 16th President knew and appreciated the source of America’s blessings!

Does God change His mind?

~ The Answer Might Surprise You ~

This is an interesting and complex question. Scripture is clear that our God is an unchanging God; however, on one hand we read that “Jesus Christ is the same yesterday, today and forever” (Hebrews 13:8), but there are some other accounts in the Word of God which appear to contradict this. We read passages which state outright that God changed His mind (Exodus 32 for example).

Comparing these and other passages could cause one to question some of the beliefs of the Christian faith. For example, we believe the Bible was inspired, literally “God-breathed,” and is without error in the original manuscripts. We believe that God is completely consistent and cannot lie (Hebrews 6:18). We also believe that God is all-knowing—“omniscient.” God is not bound as we are by time and space—He can move forward through time instantaneously.

Another aspect of this question is with regard to prayer. If God does not change His mind, then why do we pray? What is the purpose of prayer if everything has already been determined?

The Explanation ~ It is important to recognize that while the Scripture is perfect in its original form, it has been translated by imperfect humans over the centuries—sometimes with gross errors, sometimes with minor problems, and often with difficulty in transferring the correct thought from one language to another. This is key. In many instances where modern translations say God changed His mind or that God repented of His prior decision, it is due to translation problems. The Hebrew word nacham (“nawkam”), often translated into English as “changed His mind” or “repented,” is an incomplete translation. A more correct English wording would be “made a change in direction.” In other words while the original manuscripts are faultless, translators and language equivalency can be faulty! This can make a huge difference. To say someone changed his mind is quite different than saying someone changed direction.

Another key is to realize that when God says He does not change He is referring to His nature and His absolute decrees. Since He has given free will to mankind, He often allows us the choice of obeying and being blessed or going our own way and reaping the consequences.

God will not change His mind in reference to His oaths or outright decrees (Psalm 110:4 is an example). In instances of God providing direction, He often states the results of disobedience. In situations where human free will is involved, He leaves open a “change in direction” if there is obedience. This concept also provides insight into why we are commanded to pray. James 5:16 tells us prayer can achieve much.

Exodus 32 and other similar passages should be understood with these factors in mind. In the original language God tells Moses he may as well get out of there because at this point God planned to destroy the people because of their ongoing worship of idols. Such worship was something He had previously said was a capital offense (Exodus 22:20). It was as if God was providing a test for Moses.

Moses’ actions showed he did really care and love the people. Moses responded in prayer, earnestly pleading with God for the lives of the people. He responded with spiritual leadership and took his responsibilities seriously. It was on this basis that God instituted a change of direction—from what He had warned Moses was going to happen.

Earlier God had not made a final decision but had outlined to Moses the course of action currently in place. Moses responded appropriately, and therefore God was able to change His direction while remaining true to His nature. Part of the mystery in all this is that we know that God knows the end as well as He does the beginning—yet interwoven is the free will of man, in this case the free will of Moses.

Rather than a case of God not following through with His commandments, Exodus 32 actually shows a fulfillment of God’s earlier promises to show love and kindness to His people when they turn from their sin and approach Him in humility and obedience.

Consider two additional factors. First, God through His Word sometimes communicates with us through the use of anthropomorphism—using illustrations that fit our human understanding. Second, God, by definition, is so complex and above our full comprehension that we will never completely understand Him this side of heaven.

Summary ~ Does God change His mind? Not in the sense in which the question usually refers!

Does God change His direction and His actions based on the choices we make? Yes.

Does God know ahead of time what decisions and actions we will take? Yes.

Is God’s nature and character absolutely constant and unchanging? Yes!

EXTRA: 3 Great Christmas Gift Suggestions

~ Everyone Appreciates a Great Book ~

Here are three great book suggestions for three kinds of people.

(1) For those who enjoy a truly inspiring book, consider…
ONE PRECIOUS PEARL: God’s Design for His Church (ISBN: 9780741462329)
This ground-breaking book provides a clear interpretation of a misunderstood and rarely taught New Testament parable. Fascinating analogies teach profound truth in simple language. Written in short easily digestible segments, it is ideal reading for the person on the go. After reading this book, the reader will never look at a pearl or the church in quite the same way.

Early reviewers say: “…content is superior throughout… I have learned a great deal about the concept of a pearl and have appreciated more the concept of the Church as the Pearl of Christ.” (Ronald Barclay Allen, Senior Professor of Bible Exposition, Dallas Theological Seminary) ~ “I will never think of a pearl in the same light again. I absolutely love the way you have drawn a parallel between the pearl and the Church. This is inspired!” (Elizabeth Hightower, Women’s Ministries Leader, Laurelwood Baptist Church) ~ “We have been Christians for over 40 years, but never have been so enlightened and enriched as we have been by the in-depth study of the One Precious Pearl. You have given us new meaning and insight.” (Jerry & Maureen Shoop, retired Senior Pastor)

Just released November 12, 2010.
Currently available from Infinity Publishing (soon available at Amazon and other online sites).

(2) For those who want to increase their intimacy with God or to be more confident in decision-making, consider…
THY WILL BE DONE ON EARTH: Understanding God’s Will for You (ISBN: 9781606474303)
For more information check out the TWBDOE tab at the top. The latest independent review of this book is by The Old Schoolhouse Magazine. Check it out here.

(3) For those who have an interest in Church history or Christian missions, consider…
JIM ELLIOT: A Christian Martyr Speaks to You (ISBN: 9781615797646)
For more information check out the JE tab at the top.

Everyday Christian Life

~ Quick Check: How Are You Doing? ~

The “normal” Christian life—life as God wants it—includes a number of everyday activities. Unfortunately the “average” Christian life falls short of God’s desire for us. Here are a few of the daily activities of a normal Christian.

Daily reading of the Word of God ~ “Ezra read from God’s Word daily, from the first day to the last day” (Nehemiah 8:18). ~ Are you growing daily in your knowledge of God because of a regular pattern of being in God’s Word?

Constant prayer to the Lord about everything ~ “Pray without ceasing” (1 Thessalonians 5:17). “I desire therefore that the men pray everywhere” (1 Timothy 2:8). “Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication, with thanksgiving, let your requests be made known to God; and the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus” (Philippians 4:6-7). ~ Are you in continual prayer?

Constant praising of the Lord ~ “There will be constant praise for Him. His people will bless Him all day long” (Psalm 72:15). ~ Are you in a constant worshipful attitude? Are you continually aware of all the blessings God sends your way?

Daily exhortation of one another ~ “Exhort one another daily, while it is called "Today," lest any of you be hardened through the deceitfulness of sin” (Hebrews 3:13). ~ Do you regularly go out of your way to seek opportunities to encourage another Christian? Are you mentally and emotionally helpful to your brothers and sisters in Christ?

Daily cross to bear ~ “Then Jesus said to them all, ‘If anyone desires to come after Me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross daily, and follow Me. For whoever desires to save his life will lose it, but whoever loses his life for My sake will save it. For what profit is it to a man if he gains the whole world, and is himself destroyed or lost? For whoever is ashamed of Me and My words, of him the Son of Man will be ashamed when He comes in His own glory, and in His Father's, and of the holy angels’” (Luke 9:23-26). ~ Is it your habit to put God’s will ahead of your own will?

Daily renewal of our spirituality ~ “We do not become discouraged—utterly spiritless, exhausted, and wearied out through fear. Though our outer man is progressively decaying and wasting away, yet our inner self is being progressively renewed day after day” (2 Corinthians 4:16). ~ Did you grow in your spiritual strength yesterday? Are you today? Will you tomorrow? Essential parts of the solution to spiritual growth are the regular activities listed above.

CONTEMPLATE: How are you doing in your Christian life? Would God evaluate your progress the same way? If you were on trial for being a Christian would there be enough evidence to convict you?

EXTRA: The Little Old Lady From Pasadena

~ Guest Blog from Greg Laurie ~

The Bible tells us that, one day, all Christians will stand before the judgment seat of Jesus Christ. Don't let that frighten you, because this particular judgment happens in heaven, which means you made it!

The Bible says, "For we must all appear before the judgment seat of Christ, that each one may receive the things done in the body, according to what he has done, whether good or bad" (2 Corinthians 5:10 NKJV).

It will be about how you lived your life and what you did with your time and resources.

Perhaps we can better understand this judgment if we compare it to an awards ceremony like the Oscars, Emmys, or Grammys. Rewards will be given out for faithfulness on this day.

We may expect that the great saints whom God has used over the years will reap all the awards—people like Corrie ten Boom, Jim Elliot, and Billy Graham.

But we may be surprised by the rewards won by "the little old lady from Pasadena!"

Yes, there really was one, and her name was Pearle Goode. When Billy was doing his crusade in Pasadena, he attributed the success of these events, going back 56 years, to prayer.

If the Graham team had anything close to a personal intercessor, it was Pearle Goode of Pasadena. For many years, she prayed in secret for Graham until he heard about her and made provision for her to attend his crusades so she could pray on-site.

Goode lived to be 90. At her funeral, Billy's wife, Ruth, paid her this tribute: "Here lie the mortal remains of much of the secret of Bill's ministry."

Pearle Goode wasn't a preacher, missionary, or author. She didn't have a hit song on Christian radio. But Pearle did her part, just as surely as Billy Graham did his.

While Billy was out preaching, Pearle was praying. While Billy was doing his part, Pearle was doing hers.

Don't worry about what God has called someone else to do. What has He called you to do?

We all have a part to play in getting the gospel out. Make sure you do yours.

Used by permission from Harvest Ministries with Greg Laurie, PO Box 4000, Riverside, CA 92514

How To Pray

~ Prayer Principles – Philippians 4 ~

Packed into six short verses of Philippians 4:4-9 we find Six Attitudes of Prayer.

Rejoicing ~ “Rejoice in the Lord always. Again I will say, rejoice!” (4:4). In prayer we should always be rejoicing. We do this by focusing on our Father rather than our problems. It is a great practice to start prayer by focusing on God, His love, and His attributes. “Rejoice always … for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you” (1 Thessalonians 5:16-18).

Humility ~ “Let your gentleness be known to all men. The Lord is at hand” (4:5). The very act of prayer should be a humbling experience. By focusing on God we realize how inept we are and that we have no right to approach the Father—except by the blood of His Son, our Lord Jesus Christ. “If My people, which are called by My name, shall humble themselves, and pray, and seek My face, and turn from their wicked ways; then will I hear from heaven, and will forgive their sin, and will heal their land” (2 Chronicles 7:14).

Expecting ~ “Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication, with thanksgiving, let your requests be made known to God” (4:6). Anxiety has no place in prayer—expect God to do what is best in your long range interest. “We know that all things work together for good to those who love God, to those who are the called according to His purpose” (Romans 8:28-29).

Quietness ~ “The peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus” (4:7). Focus your thoughts not only on God the Father but also on His Son Jesus Christ. “Let this mind be in you which was also in Christ Jesus … He humbled Himself … and became obedient ” (Philippians 2:5-8).

Realism ~ “Whatever things are true, whatever things are noble, whatever things are just, whatever things are pure, whatever things are lovely, whatever things are of good report, if there is any virtue and if there is anything praiseworthy — meditate on these things” (4:8). As you pray, try to see things as they are, not as you perceive them to be. Never assume motivations for others. Remember that you are not as bad, nor as good, as some people tell you. “For the gifts and calling of God are without repentance” (Romans 11:29).

Application ~ “The things which you learned and received and heard and saw in me, these do, and the God of peace will be with you” (4:9). Just do it! Feelings follow actions. Do what you know to be the will of God for you while waiting for any further specific instructions. “If you know these things, blessed are you if you do them” (John 13:17).

ADDITIONAL COMMENT: The book Thy Will Be Done On Earth (see the TWBDOE tab at the top of the page) contains an informative chapter on prayer from a different perspective including God’s four answers to prayer.

Shepherds – Types of Christ

~ 5 Old Testament Shepherds ~

A Biblical “type” is like a word picture. It is a “foreshadowing” or image of something which is yet to come (Colossians 2:17). There are a number of shepherds in the Old Testament which the Holy Spirit uses as types of the coming Good Shepherd. Here are five examples:

Abel was a sacrificing shepherd, who gave his life and shed his blood at the hands of his own brother. Abel was rejected by his brother and put to death. This resulted in his brother Cain being banished from the land and becoming a wanderer. But God in grace supernaturally preserved him against his enemies. In the rejection of Abel, we see a type of the Lord Jesus. His death was also at the hands of His brethren, who were then scattered around the earth, but God has preserved them for centuries.

Jacob was a toiling shepherd, who left his father’s house to dwell in a distant land. He fled from the wrath of his brother. Because of the hated of his brother, he was driven into exile where he married and then returned to claim his possession.

Joseph was an exalted shepherd, who was rejected by his brethren – yet he became the savior of men. His brethren thought they had killed him. He was exiled to a distant land where he was exalted to the throne. There he obtained a bride, and later he returned to redeem his brethren who had sold him.

Moses was a delivering shepherd. He also was rejected the first time by his brethren, banished into a distant land where he found a Gentile bride before returning and being accepted by his own at his second coming.

David was a royal shepherd who reigned. David was anointed king, but rejected by his own. He was forced to flee into the land of the Philistines, where he received a Gentile bride. He returned after the death of Saul, to be accepted and acclaimed by his own nation.

In each of these Old Testament personalities we plainly see the record of the One who was rejected by His own the first time He came. While in rejection Jesus Christ is assembling His Gentile bride (the Church). When the Church (universal) is complete, He will return and be accepted by His own people (Israel), and He will set up the glorious millennial Kingdom.

EXTRA: 1-Year Feedback

~ A Big Thank You To All ALN Readers! ~

Wow!!! It is amazing to see what God has done in my first year of blogging for Him. I am truly humbled at your response.

Biggest Surprise ~ The breadth of readers including a Buddhist and a Muslim who stated that he was “interested to know about [the] Christian way to God.” I have also been pleasantly surprised at all who have taken time to write a comment—it has been a blessing to my heart and soul. Especially encouraging have been the comments which make note of a blog that has caused a desire to study a topic further on their own.

Another interesting note is that the particular blog entries which I personally thought would generate some comments almost never did. Some of the blogs which I did not expect a comment generated multiple comments! It is one more evidence that we are only channels and it is the Holy Spirit that causes the stirrings of the human heart.

Statistics ~ Another “wow” from the depths of my being! Abundant Life Now has been read in some 68 known countries plus some unidentified ones (a listing is on the right side bar). It has been translated into at least 22 languages. Within in the United States it has been read in all but one of the states as well as the District of Columbia (no one from Wyoming unless they are in the “unidentified” category).

Schedule ~ From the start my intention was to write a weekly blog. I would like to blog more often but I wanted to be predictable and not be under the pressure of a more frequent blog. My first blog “Introduction to Abundant Life Now” was on Wednesday, October 21, 2009. By the end of that week I decided to make it a Tuesday morning blog which it has been since. When I feel compelled to insert additional blogs, I insert a prefix of “EXTRA” in the title (like this entry). During the 52 weeks of my first year there were 61 postings with 40 comments added by readers.

Miscellaneous ~ Throughout the first year the format and appearance of the blog underwent a somewhat continual evolution regarding layout and side content. On March 25 ALN underwent a major visual transformation.

Biggest Satisfaction ~ There are a handful of happenings which show that God has been pleased to use my simple words to bless others and cause spiritual growth in their lives.

Looking Forward ~ If Abundant Life Now has been a blessing to you, please pass the information along to your friends and acquaintances so that more individuals might be blessed by the simple concepts and truths presented here.

May God bless all of you as you seek His face and we seek to minister for Him together in these last days.

Christ Our Shepherd

~ A Biblical Trilogy – He Satisfies All Our Needs ~

Jesus Christ is the Good Shepherd of Psalm 22, the Great Shepherd of Psalm 23, and the Chief Shepherd of Psalm 24.

The Good Shepherd (Psalm 22) ~ The Good Shepherd died to save us. “I am the good shepherd. The good shepherd gives His life for the sheep.” (John 10:11, see verses 1-18.) Psalm 22 is a picture of God’s Prophet and our Suffering Savior. It is a past event!

Psalm 22 is also a Messianic psalm—a psalm with clear prophecies of Jesus Christ. It is The Psalm of the Cross.

The Great Shepherd (Psalm 23) ~ The Great Shepherd lives to guide us. “Now may the God of peace who brought up our Lord Jesus from the dead, that great Shepherd of the sheep, through the blood of the everlasting covenant, make you complete in every good work to do His will, working in you what is well pleasing in His sight, through Jesus Christ, to whom be glory forever and ever. Amen” (Hebrews 13:20-21). Psalm 23 is a picture of our Living Savior and Present Priest. This is current—now!

Psalm 23 is known as The Shepherd Psalm. Every angle of our needs are supplied by our Great Shepherd (note the Abundant Life Now blog on December 15, 2009).

The Chief Shepherd (Psalm 24) ~ The Chief Shepherd will come for us and we will be glorified at that time. “When the Chief Shepherd appears, you will receive the crown of glory that does not fade away” (1 Peter 5:4). In that day He will truly be the Sovereign One and exalted King of Kings. This is still future!

Psalm 24 is one of the royal psalms. It is a Psalm of Praise to the King of glory.

These three psalms can be thought of in the following additional ways:
22 a Dying Savior ~ 23 a Living Shepherd ~ 24 a Coming Sovereign.
22 our Savior’s Cross ~ 23 our Shepherd’s Crook ~ 24 the Sovereign’s Crown.
22 a soldier’s Sword ~ 23 our Shepherd’s Staff ~ 24 our King’s Scepter.
22 gives His Life ~ 23 gives His Love ~ 24 gives His Light.
22 God’s Grace ~ 23 our Shepherd’s Guidance ~ 24 our King’s Glory.
22 God’s Provision ~ 23 our Protection ~ 24 our Prospect.
22 yesterday / past ~ 23 today / present ~ 24 forever / future.

SUGGESTED FOLLOW-UP: Read John 10:1-30.

Christ in the Pentateuch

~ Jesus Christ is the Theme of the Entire Bible ~

The Bible is a book of the progressive revelation of Jesus Christ (John 5:39) and contains many “types” of things to come. Biblical types are metaphors or symbols of something else. Types are not only interesting but are part of the reason why the Bible is such an integrated whole. While a collection of 66 books, the Bible is in a very real way one book, one story, and one integrated package. For example, there are many amazing parallels between the Old Testament contents and that which is found in the New Testament writings.

Jesus Christ can be seen in every book of the Bible. Consider for example the Pentateuch, the first five books of the Old Testament.

Genesis ~ In chapter 22 (many consider it one of the top ten chapters of the Bible) we see a father (Abraham) offering up his mature son (Isaac was not a small boy but was in his 30s) as an offering for sin. It took them three days to arrive at the place of sacrifice. Isaac was dead in Abraham’s mind for three long days! Isaac carried the wood for his death and Christ carried His own cross. Isaac was spared after the three day journey. Christ rose from the dead after three days.

Exodus ~ In chapter 12 we find the lamb slain and its blood sprinkled upon the houses as a shelter for men who are facing the judgment of God. The blood of the slain lamb is a type of the future blood of the Lamb of God. Each individual family member was required to receive a part of the lamb (12:4)—a picture of how every individual must accept the sacrifice of Christ for themselves—it is a personal decision. No one was saved because of being in the right house. Today no one is a child of God because they have Christian parents or live in a “Christian nation.” The fire (12:8-9) represented judgment which is still ahead for those of us living today. Bread made without yeast (yeast symbolizes sin) represents Christ, the bread of life. It is important to note that no one was saved because of “doing good” or “doing the best they can.”

Leviticus ~ Chapter 16 presents the ordinances of the Day of Atonement, which is a type of the sacrifice of Jesus Christ. In the Old Testament God did not remove sin but covered it, waiting for the only truly acceptable sacrifice—Jesus Christ. Only the high priest could provide this atonement and in doing so he laid aside his beautiful garments. Christ our great high priest laid aside His glory in heaven to come to earth to provide a sacrifice for us.

Numbers ~ The serpent of brass which is lifted up for all to see in chapter 21 is a picture of Jesus Christ who would be lifted up on the Cross of Calvary for all to see. To be saved they were required to look up at the serpent in faith just like today we must look up to the Cross in faith. To be saved one must begin by acknowledging their need if a Savior because of their sin.

Deuteronomy ~ In chapter 21 we find a man who was murdered outside the city—Jesus Christ was murdered outside the city of Jerusalem. You and I and the entire human race are responsible for His death. He died in our place so that we might live eternally.

Additional Comment ~ Jesus Christ while on earth quoted from all five books of the Pentateuch.