God’s Thoughts and Ways provided by Rev. E. Anderson

July 12, 2008 at 8:50 pm (God's Thoughts/Ways)

                                            

Rev. E. Anderson

These are but points to ponder that will initiate a greater comprehending of God’s mind and procedures. He desires that there should be a knowing of His sovereign plans and purposes so that life, ministry and service will be enriched and enhanced by His input. There is a revelation that His “thoughts and ways” are infinitely superior to ours – Isaiah 55:8, 9. We need to know and embrace them so that we might be able to achieve and succeed according to His desire and determinations. God bless you in your quest.

 

GOD’S THOUGHTS AND WAYS

 

THE WAY OF WISDOM

 

Reading    Proverbs 8

 

Text         v11

 

Introduction

thoughts

thoughts

PERSONIFIED: Personality is possibly the greatest and choicest fact of life itself. It certainly is beyond things. In this chapter wisdom is personified, that is, it is identified as a person – vv20—30. Note the references to the ‘I.’ Actually, one could say that God is the personification of wisdom. All wisdom is found in God therefore, He is wisdom personified. He is the source and fount of all knowledge and understanding that is why knowing God opens up the life to the treasury of truth, revelation and perception. Paul gives God an ascription in 1 Tim. 1:17. God reveals the extent of His knowledge and wisdom in Isaiah 40: 12-14, 27. Wisdom is also revealed and personified in Christ – 1 Cor. 1: 30: col. 2;3

PRINCIPAL: In the book of wisdom that instructs with regard to wisdom it makes the point continually that wisdom is the chief thing to possess – 3: 13; 4: 5,7. It is to be a must and a priority for life and living if such is to be profitable and successful. Wisdom gives true perception and understanding in all the essentials and touches upon all existence with regard to the past, present and future. It is the possessing of divine sight that discerns and knows: hindsight re-the past; insight re- the immediate; foresight re-the ultimate. Vision is clear and action is right in what is made known. That is why it stands out and must be sought and possessed.

ETERNAL: One of the aspects of wisdom that is to be pondered on as to its eternal quality – 8:22-30. Before anything was, wisdom was there, and is responsible for the appearance of all things that have been created in terms of creatures and things. It is not a temporary factor but has ever been existent. Wisdom precedes and presides over time and is responsible for time and everything else.

PURSUIT: A great emphasis within the book is that wisdom must become the main pursuit of life because of her status and the advantages to be gained in knowing and possessing her. The first sign and indication of wisdom is the recognition of its worth and wealth and the intention and commitment to go after it cost what it may. Its virtue and value is to be properly estimated and the desire and will is to be born to make it the first thing on the agenda of life. It becomes the number one priority and all else must become subservient to it.

 

1/. WISDOM IS BIRTHED AND DEVELOPED FROM A REVERENCE OF THE LORD – 1: 7

 

The book that deals with this all-important matter leaves no doubt where wisdom originates, where it proceeds from. It gives the sense and understanding as to where and when this unique and choice factor exists and is to grow.

 

It is stated on at least two occasions that “the fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom” – Proverbs 1:7; 9: 10. This is not to be viewed as a terrifying and mortifying fear and dread but a wholesome and healthy regard for God that is created by a warm and loving relationship with Him. It means that the person has come to truly know God and possesses the highest regard and reverence of Him. The infinite, perfect and beautiful qualities of God are known to a degree and are deeply valued and appreciated. He is esteemed in the best and truest manner and measure.

 

It is imperative that every person has a true understanding of God. This is to be imperative and major and should have an effect subsequently on man’s belief and behaviour, creed and conduct, This is more than simply believing God exists but that He is known and that knowledge has a determining effect upon life and living. It appreciates the holiness, righteousness, goodness, mercy etc., of God and His position as righteous Judge in and over life -  Ecclesiastes 12: 13,14.

 

2/. WISDOM TEACHES IN THE WAY OF RIGHTEOUSNESS – 8: 7, 8, 13, 20

 

It places a great deal of emphasis upon the way and ways of righteousness. If life is going to be profitable and successful then it has got to be founded on God’s way and procedure of righteousness. It is not what man thinks is morally and ethically right but what God affirms and expects. His standards and demands cannot and will not be diluted to meet the ideas and opinions of any generation. They will not be amended to suit the whims of any civilization and society.

 

Wise and sensible people recognize and respond to this factor. The foolish do not pay any heed and proceed on their foolish route and reap the inevitable consequences. Wisdom abominates wickedness at all levels and instructs the wise to hate and forsake the paths of sin. Those who listen to her will be given divine sense and strength in this and so be enabled to cut out a straight and good course in life that will be salvation and result in great progress and security. Wisdom builds in all the safeguards at every period of life so that there is no need, at any stage, for a person to fall foul of evil or the evil one. See the opening chapter as to its purpose – 1: 2-4.

 

3/. WISDOM CRIES OUT FOR CONSTANT ATTENTION AND APPLICATION – 8:1-6

 

The message of the book of Proverbs is that ‘wisdom is constantly crying out ‘ for an audience and for all  to take notice of what she has to say – v4. It is so vital that she ‘lifts her voice.’ Only those who are deaf, indifferent and stupid take no heed.

 

Her first appeal to all is that they possess an understanding heart – v5. Wisdom makes the right kind of overtures at the start by stating what it was required in the first instance is not simply for a mind that understands but the heart. It is this part of man’s being that must see and be persuaded and won if wisdom is to be followed through. Many know but do not do because there is not the heart to accept and apply. Mere attention is not enough: there must be the heart to rightly react – c.f. Matthew 7: 24-29.

 

Her desire is to teach excellent things – those things worth knowing – v6. To be sat her feet proffers to be a most exciting and edifying experience because she only teaches the best, good and right things. There will be speaking of those things that leave the person exhilarated and the feel good factor. She has no hidden motives only the will to benefit and advance those instructed in every way.

 

Her commitment is to speak the truth – v7. Nothing but the plain truth will proceed from her lips –v9. There is integrity in her and integrity in her speech and language so that all know what she is saying and the message and meaning will be clear for all to understand. No misrepresentations will be in her utterances. She is not in the business of complications or confusion. She does not dwell in mist or darkness but facilitates the real, unvarnished truth so that no one need be mistaken.

 

4/. WISDOM WILL GIVE UNDERSTANDING BEYOND THE NORM – 8:11, 19 

 

This is more than natural wisdom, although good natural sense is to be coveted and used to its fullest extent. No one should despise the ability to perceive things on a natural front and to employ the same to good and advantage – Exodus 28: 3; 1 Kings 7: 14.  But this is wisdom that goes beyond such.

 

It is the wisdom that is priceless exceeding any human value, rubies, gold or silver. This cannot be gained at any university, college or school but comes from God and is learned in the school of life and is of more value than any earthly degrees or attainment whatever they may be. There are some people that are seemingly, exceedingly wise as far as this world is concerned but in point of fact lack the pure, true wisdom that comes from God. There are men’s ways of thinking and doing things that may appear wise but closer examination reveals that such is not the case. There is a wisdom in this world that James states is devilish – James 3:15 and this must be avoided. But there is a wisdom that proceeds from above that manifests itself in a noble manner – vv17, 18. This kind of wisdom is quality wisdom and cannot be bought on this world’s market.

 

It is the wisdom that creates and produces godly character that is more than any material values. One can know and identify true, divine wisdom because it has the hallmarks of God stamped on it and it has the effect of making men and women of sterling worth and quality that are priceless. They exceed and excel anything that can purchased on the material front. Wisdom brings into being people of utmost value in terms of trustworthiness, dependability etc.

 

5/. WISDOM WILL COMPENSATE WITH UNTOLD BENEDICTION – 8:32,35

 

Consequences always have to be looked at because what is seen in the ultimate can and does greatly affect the immediate. The end results can have an impact on the course of action to be taken in the present. Wisdom teaches the matter of end results. It always takes the long view in order to influence the now situation. It shows what will be the result of heeding her counsel and it is seen in the terms of blessing. There is a definite statement given in this connection : vv32,35.

 

·          She saves from a life of folly and the end of disaster – Proverbs 4: 11, 12; 5: 1-6. When the life is guided by the Lord in and through His wisdom, there is a preservation from proceeding down the wrong and evil road and there is the blessing on being on the road that leads to happiness, progress and success. It is an awful thing to finish up ‘playing the fool’ – 1 Samuel 26: 21.

·          She becomes a tree of life to those who possess her and they become a tree of life from whence wisdom flows – Ecclesiastes 7:12. Because there has been a learning to live at the fount and source of wisdom there is a living off the tree of life and life becomes the great quality characteristic. The individual also becomes a tree of life to others around. They begin to partake of the life they have and so the wisdom is ongoing to others. Countless others benefit from the person who possesses divine wisdom.

 

·          She exalts and promotes in good position – Proverbs 4: 8. Because she has been given her due recognition, she knows how to pay back in fine style. Ultimately it is the wise that will take the reins of life and govern people and situations in an admirable, acceptable and profitable manner.

 

·          She also makes the person strong and of a healthy condition – Proverbs 4: 9; Ecclesiastes 7: 19. The promise and prospect is of grace, goodwill and strength. No weakness whatsoever will be found in such at the end of the days.  They will be full of verve and vigour and able not only to live and go forward themselves but be a source of life and inspiration to others.

 

CONCLUSION

 

There is a divine promise and assurance given to those who sense their lack of wisdom and desire its presence and action – James 1: 5. Prayer should be made in the right quarters to the right person and He will respond if the request comes from a sincere and believing mind and heart.

 

It must be ever remembered that the first step and stage in the possession of wisdom is a healthy and holy regard for the Lord – Proverbs 1:7. He must be given the place of utmost reverence and as this is done so there will inevitably proceed a life of wisdom. Those that “honour the Lord will be honoured” – 1 Samuel 2:30.

 

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Word for the Week composed by Rev. E. Anderson

July 12, 2008 at 8:47 pm (Word for the Week)

                                            

Rev. E. Anderson

ADVANTAGE

 

This is a very good word that carries a great deal of choice meaning.  It is a state of existence and experience that most people like to be situated in with regard to certain circumstances and conditions. It is known that if they can obtain a place of advantage it could turn to their good and profit.

 

The word is defined as ‘favourable condition or circumstance; a consideration superadded to one going before, and giving it increased force’. Whilst be fitted and suited with excellent gifts and abilities it is most helpful to be put into a position at the outset where such can be used to fullest possibility and so the end result is one big success story.

 

In motor racing, for instance, the day prior to the all-important race, the drivers have to fight it out on the circuit day before on who is going to get the pole situation prior to start off the contest next day. That first place on the grid ready for take off is known as a crucial spot and is of supreme advantage. Besides having a good car, there is the great need to be at the head of the line ready for commencement. When this has been gained then it must serve for a quick off which puts an individual into a commanding lead to begin. If used to fullest effect then it can inspire to winning of the competition.

 

God always is in the advantaged place by reason of who He and His infinite capabilities. As the eternal One with sovereign wisdom and power He is in pole situation and will always hold it in everything at all times. Those who are joined up with Him in a vibrant relationship will also know the delight of being advantaged in life. As a consequence, this must be employed and serve to highest good and ends.

 

He called a man, Moses, when he was in a long period of defeat and failure to occupy a principal place and in the driving seat so that he might benefit His people who were in a condition of hopelessness. Israel were in a seemingly no win situation, a victim of oppression, slaves to a dominant force and there appeared to be no way out of this awful negativity and victimisation. Someone or something was required who could secure an advantage spot and role and bring them out into a wholly plus state. In his divine call and equipping by the Almighty, he was set up by God to head and lead a nation into freedom, statehood and sovereignty amongst the nations of his day.

 

Throughout the Old Testament history it is possible view and study God doing this again and again in and through individuals, both men and women. Joshua, Moses’ successor was given pole position which was used to glorious gain as he led the people to possess the land of Canaan. See the book of Joshua. Because a Ruth was ready to put her confidence in Israel’s God she also knew what it was to hold pole position and came through rather successfully. David was another that found God giving a head start and so led him on to conquest and kingship. He knew that God had secured him in a favourable place and God could and did trust him to exploit it to His glory and everyone’s blessedness. The same could be said for others in that age of time.

 

But it has to be recognised and sensed that God has situated a Christian with untold advantages in and through Christ. It can be stated without doubt, that are placed in pole position with Him and so have to exercise it to great gain. He has not only secured their release from Satan and sin’s slavery and self’s domination, He has graced with a new nature, inspiration, power and purpose so that life can be lived with a fresh, divine vibrancy and victory. Paul wrote inspiringly, ‘In all these things we are more than conquerors through Him that loved us’ and ‘Now thanks be to God, which always causeth us to triumph in Christ’ – Romans 8: 3; 2 Corinthians 2: 14. One need not be scared or afraid of life, the evil one or all the forces of evil, because Christ has placed the Christian believer in an invincible position.

 

Learn to see who you are and where you have been divinely placed in life with Christ and maximise on this favoured placement. You can suoeradd to both as you constantly allow the vision God continually to feed your mind and heart and draw upon the immense spiritual resources that are now yours because you are lined up and linked with Christ.

‘The greatest force for making people bigger and better than they are now is the belief in your heart and mine that they have infinite potential for growth.  Even when they fail us, we are to continue to carry and express the mental image of what they may become.  To have someone believe in you, even when you fail, is the most blessed and creative force in the universe’ -  Dunningham

 

PROMISE

‘The people that do know their God shall be strong, and do exploits’ – Daniel 11: 32

 

PRAYER

Help me to see the place Lord that you have won and obtained for me and use it to greatest good and for your honour and glory

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A Time to Laugh served by Rev. E. Anderson

July 12, 2008 at 8:44 pm (A Time to Laugh)

                                             

Rev. E. Anderson

HIDING IN THE WRONG PLACE

 

One year, Little Johnny’s family was having the extended family 4th of July cookout at their home. One of the special treats that year was the lighting of the fireworks (Roman candles, bottle rockets, missile batteries, etc.) they had bought out of state (they’re illegal in their state, of course!).Just before they were to arrive, a cousin calls, saying their neighbor’s plans had just fallen through, and could they bring them along to the picnic – they even had extra food to bring. “Sure, the more the merrier!”

Upon arrival and meeting their cousin’s neighbor, it is discovered that he’s a police officer. The father turns as innocently as he can to Little Johnny, and whispers to him to grab the paper bag of fireworks sitting in the kitchen and hide them somewhere quickly.

Johnny disappears, and the father changes the topic to food for the day. This family had brought some chicken to grill, so the father tells them the gas grill is all set to use out back – just turn on the gas and push the ignition button with the lid still closed.

They head out to the back as Johnny comes back in through the front door. The father hurries to him and says “Whew, that was close!  That man’s a police officer, and he almost saw the fireworks. Did you hide them real well?”

“Oh, yeah, nobody will ever think to look in the grill!”

 

TODAY’S THOUGHT :Success comes in cans; failure comes in can’ts.

 

 

A RIB TICKLER

 

At Sunday School they were teaching how God created everything, including human beings. Little Johnny seemed especially intent when they told him how Eve was created out of one of Adam’s ribs.Later in the week his mother noticed him lying down as though he were ill, and asked, “Johnny what’s the matter?”

Little Johnny responded, “I have a pain in my side. I think I’m going to have a wife.”

 

TODAY’S THOUGHT: 

Can a hearse carrying a corpse drive in the carpool lane?

 

 

 

·          A cabbie is a fare-minded person.

·          A clenched fist produces anger; an open hand produces harmony.

·          A closed mouth gathers no foot.

A dentist and a manicurist fought tooth and nail

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Advancement collated by Rev. E. Anderson

July 12, 2008 at 6:49 am (Advancement)

                                                       

Rev. E. Anderson

One of the things in Christian life and experience is to make progress and advance with God into the things He has planned and prepared. We are not to be static but ever moving ahead to achieve all that He has promised. Paul affirmed for himself: ‘that I may apprehend that for which I am apprehended of Christ Jesus’ – Philippians 3: 12. the theme of ‘advancement’ will be presented on this site for Christians to consider and be provoked into belief, action and progress.

 

 

ADVANCEMENT INITIATED BY GOD

 

Exodus 6-10

 

These chapters reveal a period where God starts to effect things that would be memorable, historic in the deliverance of His people from the tyranny of bondage. By the time God had finished with this evil despotic power there would be tremendous accounts to relate to their offspring – Exodus 10:2. There would be unforgettable disclosures of the Sovereign Lord making known His almightiness in the land on their behalf. All Israel had to do was to rest, sit back and observe His doings. Their advancement was to be initiated by God.

 

   1/. IT WAS INITIATED AT A PREDESTINED TIME – EXODUS 6: 1

 

Note the ‘Now’ and this reveals and states that the Lord was awaiting the precise moment to arrive to set things in motion. There is nothing careless or haphazard with the dealings of the Lord. The set hour had come. There is a Biblical phrase that denotes how particular the Lord is with regard to time – Galatians 4:4 “when the fullness of time had come. . .” A study of the life and work of Christ also emphasizes this point – see John’s Gospel. It makes the point that God is charge and control and knows the exact hour when things are to be initiated.

 

   2/. IT WAS INITIATED IN LINE WITH THAT GOD HAD DECREED TO THE FOREFATHERS – EXODUS 6: 2-8

 

He is ever mindful of His word and acts in strict accordance with it thus showing it can be wholly trusted and relied on. He is not only the ever-living Lord, He is true and faithful to all that He has spoken and assured – Hebrews 6: 16-18. From His standpoint, He watches over His word with all diligence and jealousy to make sure that it is never broken in any way.  There will always come the performance of it at the right time.

 

3/. IT WAS INITIATED IN SPITE OF ISRAEL’S DISCOURAGED STATE AND HIS SERVANTS QUESTIONINGS – 6: 9-12

 

It did not alter or amend His mind, attitude or will. His people may be bankrupt of faith and utterly down in spirit and His servants left wondering what really is going to take place, God is not victim to these things.  As far as He was concerned, it was to be a sovereign move and it rested fairly upon His shoulders. The mind and heart set of His elect would not hinder or frustrate what He was going to introduce. He was going to make bare His arm and nothing and no one would prevent Him from doing so.

 

  4/. IT WAS INITIATED KNOWING THE REACTIONS OF PHAROAH – EXODUS 7:1-5

 

His servants were really going to be fully informed as to what they could expect. They were not to be unduly worried about the opposing factor. Even God was in this. The mind and heart of Pharaoh would be obstinate and stubborn and they would see him going through all kinds of emotions and changes. He would be unreliable against the reliability of God.  They would see that the Lord was quite prepared for every move of this monarch and at the end of the day they would see that the Lord was always ready for the next move. There would be the complete out-maneuvering of this despot on every front. God’s servants must not be intimidated but lead the charge.

 

CONCLUSION

 

When the Lord initiates the moves it always move to a successful conclusion. He initiates, generates and consummates. There was a weakening of the enemy and a strengthening of His servants and people for the great advancement. God was mobilising His people for action.

 

 

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Childrens Page collated by Rev. E. Anderson

July 12, 2008 at 6:46 am (Kids Stories)

                                                  

Rev. E. Anderson

The story is taken from a book compiled by the late Rev. Gerald Chamberlain, a great children’s story teller and a person who inspired and influenced many young people. With kind permission from his son, Paul.

 

GREYFRIARS BOBBY

 

Text: “It is required of a man that he be found faithful.” 1. Corinthians. 4.2.

 

 

How many of you have ever visited Edinburgh?    I wonder which of the sights of the famous city you enjoyed the most? Perhaps it was Arthur’s Seat, or Holyrood Palace; or maybe it was Edinburgh Castle, or Princes Street. A place in the city not so well known as the others but which has a wonderful story attached to it is Greyfriar’s’ Church. Next time you are in Edinburgh, take a walk along the George 1V Bridge, and look out for a little bronze statue Of a dog sitting on top of a drinking fountain.

 

Just over out the hour of noon, Auld Jock went to a place called Traills Dining Room for lunch.    With him went BOBBY, his little Scotch terrier, whose dinner was a bun and a bone.    They became a familiar sight, the old man and the little dog wandering in the churchyard.    But Auld Jock was getting really old and one day he died and was buried in Greyfriar’s Churchyard.  Bobby came to the funeral but no one took any notice of him.

 

Three days after the funeral, as the big gun went off, Bobby turned up at the Restaurant looking thin and hungry. The kindly owner recognising Bobby gave him his usual bone and bun.  Bobby gripped them tightly in his mouth and went out.   Next day he returned at the same time and again he was given his lunch.   Then he came the third day, precisely at noon, the restaurant owner a hundred years ago, an old man named Grey, or as he was better known, Auld Jock, carried on his business in the market near the churchyard.   Every day as the big gun in the castle boomed became curious and followed him.

 

Where do you think Bobby went???????????

 

Yes, back to the Churchyard, right to his master’s grave; where he ate his bun and then lay down to keep Watch.

 

Hearing about the little dog, some people took him home, but three times he escaped and returned to the grave. Although no dogs were allowed in the Churchyard, the old keeper was too kind-hearted to turn Bobby out, so he stayed there day and night, keeping watch and sheltering under a stone during storms. No one could get him away, so finally, a little house was built for him and every day, as the gun went off, Bobby trotted along to the restaurant for his daily bun.

 

About that time a new law was passed which stated that all dogs must be licensed and wear a collar.     But Bobby had no license and no collar so he was picked up and taken to court,   What do you think happened?   Was Bobby sent to gaol?  No, the mayor of Edinburgh, or as the Scots call him, the Lord. Provost, paid for the license that year and every year and also bought Bobby a brand new collar.    You can see this collar in the museum and on its little brass plate are the words,

“GREYFRIARS BOBBY from the LORD PROVOST. LICENSED.”

 

Bobby went back to his watch by the grave, and except for his daily walk to the restaurant, never left it until he died.   He was buried in the same churchyard as his old master and some American lovers of Bobby erected a stone to his memory and to the memory of Auld Jock.

 

On this little fountain, the bronze statue of Bobby still keeps watch and by it you can read these words,

 

“A tribute to the affectionate fidelity of Greyfriar’s Bobby.   In 1858, this faithful dog followed the remains of his master to Greyfriar’s Churchyard and lingered near the spot until his death in l872.”

 

From 1858 to 1872 – fourteen years Bobby kept watch, day and night, summer and winter.

 

Think of that.

 

That’s what a faithful dog can do for love’s sake.

 

Surely when God made a dog like that, He made the most wonderful thing next to a little child.

 

Many children have not the respect for their parents that Bobby had for his master.    His love and devotion puts to shame all men and women and young people who break their vows to one another, to Christ and to their Church.

 

Bobby’s faithfu1nes reminds us of the words Of our text for this Sunday, “It is required of a man that he be found faithful.”

 

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News and Views edited by Rev. E. Anderson

July 12, 2008 at 6:41 am (News and Views)

                                                 

Bishop Michael Nazir-Ali

Society needs braver
church, says Bishop

 

Western Christians need to recover their nerve in the face of “militant secularism”, the Bishop of Rochester has said.

 

Bishop Michael Nazir-Ali, who recently talked of British ‘no go’ areas for non-Muslims, refused to be apologetic for his obligation to witness to Muslims about the Gospel.

 

He was speaking at the Global Anglican Future Conference (GAFCON), a breakaway meeting of over 1,000 Anglican bishops and clergy from around the world taking place in Jerusalem.

 

He said “militant secularism” means the West is “losing the Christian discourse at the very time when it needs it most”.

 

All that is of value in western culture, he argued, “largely depends on its Judeo Christian heritage”.

 

He called on his audience to pray that “we are able to recover the Christian nerve in the West and to make sure that the Gospel is not lost”.

 

He added that the Christian view on issues such as the sanctity of life was being rejected in favour of utilitarian arguments – “the greatest good for the greatest number” – or “leaving the ‘yuck’ factor to decide what is permissible for people”.

 

He recently wrote an article for Standpoint magazine, in which he said that the rejection of Christian values in British society had left a vacuum which could be filled with those of secularism or radical Islam.

 

Speaking of social changes over the last fifty years, he said: “While the Christian consensus was dissolved, nothing else, except perhaps endless self-indulgence, was put in its place.”

 

 

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