Micah 6

God pleads with Israel

 

What I get out of this chapter is that God is trying to get the people of Israel's attention by putting the blame on himself.  My mother used to do that to me, she would say well I guess I did not raise you right but God knows I tried.  It would work for a little while, I would let up, then I would go right back to my old ways.  Why do some of us do that? 

 

I believe God expects every one of his leaders to be responsible for making healthy environments so that people learn to love justice and show mercy when their leader creates an environment for both.  Walk humbly with God, a respectful relationship with God governs their strategy and lifestyle.

Born Again

Gene Wells

Micah 5

A Promised Ruler From Bethlehem

This is the place where Micah prophesies of Jesus' birth, and explains his (Jesus) purpose on this earth.  And how Jesus will love and guide his people as a shepherd leads his flock.

1 Marshal your troops, O city of troops, 
       for a siege is laid against us. 
       They will strike Israel's ruler 
       on the cheek with a rod. 
 2 "But you, Bethlehem Ephrathah, 
       though you are small among the clans of Judah, 
       out of you will come for me 
       one who will be ruler over Israel, 
       whose origins are from of old, 
       from ancient times. " 
 3 Therefore Israel will be abandoned 
       until the time when she who is in labor gives birth 
       and the rest of his brothers return 
       to join the Israelites. 
 4 He will stand and shepherd his flock 
       in the strength of the LORD, 
       in the majesty of the name of the LORD his God. 
       And they will live securely, for then his greatness 
       will reach to the ends of the earth. 
5 And he will be their peace. 

  Deliverance and Destruction 

The second portion of this chapter foretells Israels deliverance from, and destruction of her enemies with the help of God.
In addition it tells how God will not put up with sin and idolatry. So we should all strive to obey the Lord and do his will.

    When the Assyrian invades our land 
       and marches through our fortresses, 
       we will raise against him seven shepherds, 
       even eight leaders of men. 
6 They will rule the land of Assyria with the sword, 
       the land of Nimrod with drawn sword. 
       He will deliver us from the Assyrian 
       when he invades our land 
       and marches into our borders. 
 7 The remnant of Jacob will be 
       in the midst of many peoples 
       like dew from the LORD, 
       like showers on the grass, 
       which do not wait for man 
       or linger for mankind. 
 8 The remnant of Jacob will be among the nations, 
       in the midst of many peoples, 
       like a lion among the beasts of the forest, 
       like a young lion among flocks of sheep, 
       which mauls and mangles as it goes, 
       and no one can rescue. 
 9 Your hand will be lifted up in triumph over your enemies, 
       and all your foes will be destroyed. 
 10 "In that day," declares the LORD, 
       "I will destroy your horses from among you 
       and demolish your chariots. 
 11 I will destroy the cities of your land 
       and tear down all your strongholds. 
 12 I will destroy your witchcraft 
       and you will no longer cast spells. 
 13 I will destroy your carved images 
       and your sacred stones from among you; 
       you will no longer bow down 
       to the work of your hands. 
14 I will uproot from among you your Asherah poles 
       and demolish your cities. 
 15 I will take vengeance in anger and wrath 
       upon the nations that have not obeyed me."
 
Bryant Waller

______________________________

V 1- Now gather thyself in troops, O daughter of troops: he hath laid siege against us: they shall smite the judge of Israel with a rod upon the cheek.

V 9- Thine hand shall be lifted up upon thine adversaries, and all thine adversaries, and all thine enemies shall be cut off.

In this chapter we find that the ruler of Israel has gone from being defeated, to a conquering king.  In the middle of all of their turmoil, there was a promise of the coming Messiah.  Men, if we look into the word we will always find the answer to our every need.

Sure, we may seem to be defeated on one hand, but with the promise, that the Lord will bring us through, that is greater than any adversity.  The promise that we can overcome, through God, will enable us to be the REAL Men, we should be.

We are marching toward a goal, that is Christ Jesus.  Never take you're eyes off of Him, and He will always bring us through.

Joe Crosson

Micah 4

In the first part of this chapter we see peace among all nations, and all people seeking the instruction of the God of Jacob, our God, the one and only true God.  People have turned tools of war into tools of peace, and no one is stealing from one another, because the Lord of host spoke it.

 

In v 10 & 11 Micah writes about the Daughter of Zion being in travail, and many nations are gathered against her, to let her be defiled, and to look upon Zion. 

 

Mic 4:12-13

 

12 But they know not the thoughts of the LORD, neither understand they his counsel: for he shall gather them as the sheaves into the floor.

 

13 Arise and thresh, O daughter of Zion: for I will make thine horn iron, and I will make thy hoofs brass: and thou shalt beat in pieces many people: and I will consecrate their gain unto the LORD, and their substance unto the Lord of the whole earth.
KJV

What a powerful statement in v 12 about the thoughts of the Lord.  No one can know the thoughts and ways of God almighty, for his ways are above the ways of man, and who can know his thoughts.

 

Take heart all men for the Lord of heaven knows where each and every one of us REAL Men are, he knows all of our thoughts, the needs of our families, the desires of heart, and what we are capable of. Luke 12:32 says it is your Father's good pleasure to give you the kingdom.

Ralph Cain 

Micah 3

"You who hate good and love evil; who tear the skin from my people and the flesh from their bones; who eat my people's flesh, strip off their skin and break their bones in pieces; who chop them up like meat for the pan, like flesh for the pot?" (v 2-3 NIV)

Each time I read this chapter these verses strike hard.  They are gruesome and severe.  We all must fight a tendency of our flesh, you see we so often discredit or underestimate the importance of our spiritual man.  But realize how severe the prophet is describing the effect of misguided leadership.

Without Godly leadership pointing you to the cross destruction will start on the outside, your skin; then the structure of your life will begin to crumble, your bones; and finally the small fragments will be consumed like the scraps we use in a stew.

Thankfully the opposite is also true.  When a man, a family, a church is placed under the authority of sound biblical leadership the result is not destruction.  The Lord will "gather up the fragments so that nothing is lost."  He will "heal the broken hearted and bind up their wounds," and the Spirit of the Lord will "set at liberty them that are bruised."

Sadly there are "priests who teach for a price", but there are also men who are "filled with the power, with the Spirit of the Lord."  Let the harshness of Micah's words ring in your ears today.  Let those words urge you to thank God for the true clear sound we hear from our leadership, and to pray that the grace of God would work in the lives of men who have "distorted all that is right".

 

Jason Ouellette

Micah 2

 We see in vs one a certain people who "devise iniquity, and work evil upon their beds!"  "when morning is light, they practice it, because it is in the power of their hands."  What I gather from these two verses is a picture of people who lay restless in bed with either a revengeful spirit or a spirit of hatred for their fellow man.  When morning light comes they gather themselves up and proceed to act upon the thoughts of the previous night.

 
This brings us into vs. 2 where they "covet fields, take them by violence, and houses, and take them away." "They oppress a man and his house, even a man and his heritage." This outward action of hatred toward their fellow man tears apart one of  God's greatest commandments.  "Thou shalt love thy neighbor as thyself".   Matthew 22:39

So what happens next? 
 
Vs. 3-5 you start to see the "punishment of God" unfold.  Vs. 3. Against this family do I devise and evil from which you shall not remove from your necks.  Vs. 4  In that day shall one take up a parable against you,  and vs. 5  Thout shalt have none that shall cast a cord by lot in the congregation of the Lord.   During this time you see God bring to light in their eyes what they were doing to others.  God starts to remove things out of their life stripping them down and eventually expelling them from the land in vs. 10 
 
Brothers, how many times do we see people in life that react to others in hatred or anger?  People who tear others down and if an opportunity arises "take what they have."  How much more should we as REAL Men pray for guidance and strength to ready ourselves for these encounters.  Let Gods light shine through us, so others can be guided out of the dark into the light.  Away from these spirits as Micah wrote about.  Be vigilant my brothers and let the Holy Ghost guide us through this world until we finally meet at the marriage supper of the lamb.
 
John Cottle

Micah 1

In Micah chapter 1, Micah thoroughly describes the judgement of Samaria and Jerusalem and the mourning which Micah does because of the wickedness and sins.. The word of the Lord that came to Micah at this time tells us about Samaria and the devastating shape it's in worshiping idols and tells us that her wound is incurable. The judgement of the Lord is on them, and it tells us that Samaria will become a heap of rubble and all her idols will be broken to pieces.

Micah gives us a great example of how Christian's today should be when he says, Because of this I will weep and wail; I will go about barefoot and naked.  I will howl like a jackal and moan like an own for her would is incurable; it has come to Judah. It has reached the very gate of my people even to Jerusalem itself. (Micah 1:8-9). When he speaks of going barefoot and naked he is wanting to be a lesson of vulnerability to the rest of Jerusalem. Walking barefoot in this time was a sign of mourning and he did this because he loved Jerusalem, yet he knew that judgement for them would soon come.

I took from this that even though we all can see this world, society, and culture crumbling around us, we should pray and be mourn for those who we know are lost. God does say, I tell you that in the same way there will be more rejoicing in heaven over one sinner who repents than over ninety-nine righteous persons who do not need to repent (Luke 15:7). We must still be vulnerable to the Word of God and his Holy Spirit and let it guide us through this society because we can see the end coming soon, and we should witness in a time where  images and idols are put before the one true God.  We should also take it as a warning to not let this world influence us, and stay true to what we know is real.

Denver Birchfield

Jonah 4

The conclusion of this book we all know so well, shows why God is in control and we aren't. We can draw from remembrance easily that Jonah disobeyed, was swallowed by the fish, repented and was given another chance. But what about the 120,000 souls in Nineveh; did they deserve another chance?

Jonah was a prophet and his task was to declare the word of the Lord so that people's lives could be changed. He was chosen to help people find the right path when they were going down the wrong ones. So why was he disappointed when God repented and spared the people of Nineveh? Instead of giving the word and then leaving town to fulfill his next call, he sat down to watch the destruction he thought was coming.

We have the truth and it's our responsibility to share it. Whether the ones we witness to reject or receive the word, we still have to share what we have according to Acts 1:8.

REAL men, let's love souls and pray for them in every circumstance. We may think they are the most vile and unrepentant of sinners, but let the people of Nineveh be an example to us of how God can love anyone. Let's let God work through us and rejoice as the angels do over one sinner that repents (Luke 15:10).

Tim Jacobs

Jonah 3

In Jonah chapter 3 verse 1 it says," And the word of the Lord came unto Jonah the second time…."  God should never have to tell us more than once.  This verse also shows us God's mercy.  God did not have to ask Jonah twice, but he did!  That shows God's love and mercy. We will get punished for ignoring God.  Jonah got eaten by the whale  because he  disobeyed  God, but God gave him a second chance.

My illustration is when my Mom and Dad ask me to take out the trash and I say No, or run and hide, I would be punished and the house would stink.  So not only does the decision affect me, it affects other people around me.  So if God asks us to do something and we do it the first time, God will bless us. 

Jonmichael McLaughlin

Jonah 2

As Jonah sank deeper and deeper into the crushing depths of a cold and angry sea, the only thought that could have brought him comfort was that at any moment, death would put him out of his misery. When you are on the run from God, you are always running toward your own destruction.

As all hope faded in the dark abyss, God in His infinite wisdom, had prepared Grace in the form of a supernatural great fish.  Notice that God did not send a great white shark to rip Jonah to pieces, merely a time out box with scales so the rebellious servant could have time to ponder God's call.          
       
On day one of his incarceration I'm sure Jonah wrestled with disbelief. As the great fish swam deep into the recesses of the sea, Jonah's mind must have been racing with panic as he found himself in the slimy confines of an overgrown tuna. Many thoughts crossed his mind but somewhere amid the nightmare he paused long enough to remember who he was and how he had been raised.

Verses 2 and 3 tells us that Jonah began to have church in the belly of that fish. His first song on that first day was from Psalm chapter 88. This was a grievous complaint to God; verse six states, "Thou hast laid me in the lowest pit, in darkness, in the deeps."

This may have been a negative attitude but at least Jonah thought about all of those church services he had sat in and he was trying to find his way back home.

Day two of Jonah's sentence found him thinking that suddenly, Nineveh didn't look so bad.
Verse 4 says, "Then I said, I am cast out of thy sight; yet I will look again toward thy holy temple."  As Jonah sang Psalm 65, he began to remember the infinite power and goodness of the only living God. The church will always be an oasis of encouragment and hope for all whom the Lord will call.

Jonah didn't know it but he was about to be paroled. Day three found Jonah with a repented heart and brokenness that God could finally use. With thanksgiving he sang Psalm 142.
Verse 5, "I cried unto thee, O Lord : I said, Thou art my refuge and my portion in the land of the living." We need to remember that Jesus is the only divine refuge that we will ever need.

The world is being filled to the brim with the spirit of rebellion and satanic forces are massing like never before for a futile push against the Almighty. The time for pomp and circumstance are over. The saints of God should be vessels overflowing with an everlasting annointing. Lift up your praises from the belly of your dilema, get in the face of hell and when you find yourself tossed overboard, just have church!

Robert MacPhee Jr

Jonah 1

Vs 1 and 2, The word of the Lord came to Jonah son of Amittai : 2 " Go to the great city of Niveveh and preach against it, because its wickedness has come up before me. (NIV)

In vs 1 God loves us so much, that he gives us His word. He loves us so much that He will give us chance after chance to repent. Even a people as wicked as the Ninevites.

In verse 3 Jonah runs from the Lord. How many of us have ran from Gods calling or prompting? How many times have we ignored or turned up the music or the world to try and drown out Gods calling on us? As we all know, when God wants us, there is no way to hide, or out run God. And Jonah found that out first hand. Jonah had to pay a fare to get on the ship. How many times have we paid "the fare" for trying to go it alone, outside the will of God?

Vs 4 When the storms came each sailor called on his god, to calm the seas and save them to no avail. The captain finds Jonah sleeping and he wakes him to pray to his god that they may not perish. I'm sure there is something to their saying he was in a deep sleep. I'm wondering how he could sleep while he is running from the Lord?

The sailors figure out Jonah is responsible for their impending peril, and ask, who is responsible for all this trouble? He tells them he worships the God of heaven, who made the sea and the land. This terrifies the men, and they ask him what they can do to calm the seas? Jonah comes to terms with the destruction he has caused to himself and those around him. He knew there was nowhere to run. Sound familiar? He tells the men to cast him into the sea. Instead they try and row back to shore, but the storm only gets worse. The sailors now cry out to the one true God and ask forgiveness for throwing Jonah overboard, at which the sea becomes calm, (there is such a calm peace, when we are in the will of God) the calm sea terrifies the sailors even more, to which they offer sacrifices to God. The sailors lives were no doubt changed forever that day. And I'm sure there were some converts among them.
But Jonah did not die in the sea. God was not finished with him yet. He was swallowed by a great fish, and remained there for three days and nights.

I would like to say how much I appreciate the Real Men of Euless. God has blessed me tremendously and I consider our church one of my biggest blessings.

Rick VanderZanden

Obadiah

"You shouldn't have!"

How many times have we heard or said this phrase in our lives? Sometimes we say/hear it in response to receiving a gift or in thanks for something someone has done for us that is well beyond our hopes and expectations. In this usage, it is a term of sincere thanks. Sometimes, we say/hear it as an admonition or instruction to keep us from repeating mistakes. Other times, and this is the one I want to talk about in the context of Obadiah, we have said/heard it as a warning for a response that is about to come.

12But thou shouldest not have looked on the day of thy brother in the day that he became a stranger; neither shouldest thou have rejoiced over the children of Judah in the day of their destruction; neither shouldest thou have spoken proudly in the day of distress.

13Thou shouldest not have entered into the gate of my people in the day of their calamity; yea, thou shouldest not have looked on their affliction in the day of their calamity, nor have laid hands on their substance in the day of their calamity;

14Neither shouldest thou have stood in the crossway, to cut off those of his that did escape; neither shouldest thou have delivered up those of his that did remain in the day of distress.

Verses 12 through 14 paint a picture of God as a protector over his people. The prophet writes the words of God as a reminder to Edom of their past atrocities towards his people, but more so as a warning of impending retribution he is about to mete out towards Edom.

15For the day of the LORD is near upon all the heathen: as thou hast done, it shall be done unto thee: thy reward shall return upon thine own head.

In this day, we are under attack as the people of God; as Christians. This attack is akin to the actions of the Edomites. The media portrays us as hypocritical, backwards, ignorant, dependent upon "religion" as the "opiate for the masses" to quote Karl Marx. The educational system teaches us that Christianity is just one option at best and scientifically infeasible at worst. The government panders to belief systems such as atheism, humanism, and Islam while systematically taking away the rights of Christians and belittling the very faith upon which our system of government was originally crafted.

Yet, brethren, be not dismayed for if you put your ear to the ground you can hear our Savior warning those that attack us, "you shouldn't have…you REALLY shouldn't have!" I'm not saying we should necessarily rejoice in retribution that will be meted out (in fact, I would dare say we should pray for a Saul to Paul type conversion for those that attack us), but we should and can take solace in the fact that our Savior has our back! His work cannot and will not be stopped.

Thom Creel

Amos 9

Verses 1 - 10

In these verses, we see the destruction of a backslidden Israel and how God will pour out his wrath upon them. We see that there is NO escape from God's wrath on those who have turned from Him, and though they dig into hell or climb up into heaven, they cannot hide from his wrath.  This is why it is so important to pray for the leaders of our nation.

Our nation was founded upon the words, "In God We Trust," but when our leaders turn away from God and follow after their own lusts, they will not escape the judgments of God.  Backsliders may think that they are enjoying themselves because we live in the dispensation of grace, but in the end, they will not escape the wrath of God.

Verses 11 - 15p
These verses speak of Amos' vision for the future and the restoration of Israel. It is full of hope, healing and positive change. There is redemption for backslidden Israel when they repent and realign themselves with the Word of God.  We must pray for the leaders of our nation that they will seek Godly council and lead us back to be a God fearing Nation that still trusts in the Almighty God. We must pray for those who are in a backslidden condition that they will repent and turn back to God before his wrath is poured out upon this world.

Billy Potter

Amos 8

As I read the 8th chapter of Amos, I was very stricken with the Fear of God. Not just a fear of his power , even though I do fear that, but a very humble fear that just makes me want to bow down and be so still in his presence.

I could not help but think about the Nation we live in and how I see so much of America in this passage. Such confusion. Such turmoil, and Such irrevance.

Where are we?
Who are we?
Nobody seems to know what to do?

Everyone has created so many maps for us that none of them seem to look the same anymore. We have created so many "right paths" that there are no more paths to be taken. The well beaten path of sand through the grassy meadow has become nothing more than a dessert. As the twisting and whirling wind of this world blow the footprints of the ones gone before, we find ourselves … LOST …

Where to from here?

We no longer remember were we ARE, where we WERE, or where we are GOING.

We have forgotten our purpose. We have forgotten our identity, and we have forgotten our GOD.

O God, I pray for our nation...our leaders... for our pastors...and I pray for our MEN. Let us always hold this word , this map so close. Hiding it in our hearts, that we might not sin against you and lose our way. Not just because we are scared of your wrath, but because we have a Purpose! We have a Destination and we have a treasure waiting for us in Glory! Help us lord to not forget why we are here. Help us to never forget who is behind us watching and listening. Let us always stay close to those who are leading so we can follow in their footsteps. When that judgment day comes Lord, I pray that ALL of our men will be greeted with , "WELL DONE THOU GOOD AND FAITHFUL SERVANT."

Let us take a moment today and reflect on our purpose, our position, and our Prize.

Our Purpose in the kingdom...

Our Position as Spiritual leaders... ( of our homes , of our church, and of our communities)

Our PRIZE that awaits all who stay the course...

Philippians 3:14
 14 I press toward the mark for the prize of the high calling of God in Christ Jesus.

Chase Potter

Amos 7

Just as Jesus paid no regard to the profession of Peter as a fisherman, the nature of God was not a respecter of persons when he spoke to Amos.

When Amaziah told Amos to go back and continue his prophet duties in his own country, Amos spoke to him in verse 14 : "I was no prophet, neither was I a prophet's son; but I was an herdman, and a gatherer of sycamore fruit:"

He couldn't boast about being born into the ministry or even knowing that he was called from his youth as Samuel was called. God spoke and Amos obeyed. Because Amos was obedient and knew the voice of God, he was able to turn the Lord's heart when God wanted to punish the people for their idolatry, with locusts (vs 1-3) and fire (vs 4-6). God gave the people a plumb line—a standard for His truth—    "Thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all thine heart, and with all thy soul, and with all they might." (Deut 6:5)

If Amaziah would have understood his own words in vs 13, then he wouldn't have despised Amos, but would have fallen on his face and gotten himself right where God wanted him.

REAL men, we must be constantly seeking God's face and be open to His instruction. We may only have 1 word for 1 time; but if God wants us to use us for a specific purpose, we need to be obedient. God's sanctuary is where His word goes forth and we need to be looking for it when we are there. Not like Amaziah who despised the word Amos spoke.

Let's love the word of God and let it perform surgery on our lives every day.

Tim Jacobs

Amos 6

I first want to take note of the very first verse in this chapter on complacency. When I read and study the Bible I try to look at things through relevancy to the here and now. I know that there is a plethora of richness in the history of the time in which this took place, but is it relevant to today?

 I say OHHH Yes! I meet and talk with so many that think that it was just for that day and time,that it makes for a good "story". This is where I see the complacency in today's society and that it is relevant to today and that we must learn from the past.

 "Those who cannot learn from history are doomed to repeat it."

1 Woe to you who are complacent in Zion, and to you who feel secure on Mount Samaria, you notable men of the foremost nation, to whom the people of Israel come!

Are we becoming like the North and South kingdoms? "Complacent in Zion" and "Secure on Mount Samaria"?
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This Country considers itself a great kingdom in the world, are we so great that we can't learn from other great kingdoms that fell?

2
.... Are they better off than your two kingdoms? Is their land larger than yours?
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Are we so arrogantly confident in our Greatness as a Country and self reliance, that we have forgotten God, and may be soon approaching a "reign of terror"?

3 You put off the evil day and bring near a reign of terror.
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Have we become a Country of hedonism, just seeking the lustful desire of our hearts?

4 You lie on beds inlaid with ivory and lounge on your couches. You dine on choice lambs and fattened calves.
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So drunken with our own self pleasures that we drink by the "bowlfuls"? With not even the slightest concerned of our impending doom?

 6 You drink wine by the bowlful
and use the finest lotions, but you do not grieve over the ruin of Joseph.

 7 Therefore you will be among the first to go into exile; your feasting and lounging will end.
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 Are we listening to the warning from our Prophet in the pulpit? That the Lord detest and abhors the "pride of Jacob", and that He will "deliver up the city and everything in it"?

8 The Sovereign LORD has sworn by himself— the LORD God
Almighty declares: "I abhor the pride of Jacob and detest his fortresses; I will deliver up the city and everything in it."
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Will we be one of those who says "Hush" in fear of the fact we were one of the ones that were overlooked in the destruction?

 9 If ten men are left in one house, they too will die.

 10 And if a relative who is to burn the bodies comes to carry them out of the house and asks anyone still hiding there, "Is anyone with you?" and he says, "No," then he will say, "Hush! We must not mention the name of the LORD."
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Will it be our Country that is the "great house" that is smashed "into pieces", and our homes "into bits"?

11 For the LORD has given the command, and he will smash the great house into pieces and the small house into bits.
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Do we consider ourselves immune to disaster, over our great might? Are we rejoicing over "nothing" and falsely imagining we have strength "by our own strength"?

13 you who rejoice in the conquest of Lo Debar [ Nothing] and say, "Did we not take Karnaim [horns/strength ] by our own strength?"
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Do we want to be as Israel? Lead into slavery, into the bitter experiences of what Israel suffered in Egypt?

 14 For the LORD God Almighty declares, "I will stir up a nation against you, O house of Israel, that will oppress you all the way  from Lebo [ from the entrance to] Hamath to the valley of the Arabah."
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 I ask all these questions to myself as this chapter did invoke the thought, where is this Country headed?

I pray everyday for leaders and the people of this Great Country, that we will return to what made it Great,
 "One Nation Under God"
I Know as REAL MEN, you do the same..Thanks Guys!

Larry Birchfield

Amos 5

Time will not allow me to explore the true riches of the following verse, so I will only discuss a small part of it.

Amos 5: 5 But do not seek Bethel,
      Nor enter Gilgal,
      Nor pass over to Beersheba;
      For Gilgal shall surely go into captivity,
      And Bethel shall come to nothing.

These three locations, Bethel, Gilgal, and Beersheba were highly respected by the Jews. Everyone knows the significance of Bethel and Gilgal, but what's so significant about Beersheba? The answer is simple, but incredibly beautiful.

1.       Beersheba is the place that Hagar went to when Sarah kicked her out of the house. When she was out of water, she cried out in fear and God heard the cries of her son. He opened her eyes and she saw a well of water.

2.       The second place in scripture I want you to look at is Genesis 21:25-36. Here Abraham reproves Abimelech over a well of water, which Abimelech's servants had violently taken away. They make a covenant and in verse 33 says, "And Abraham planted a grove at Beersheba, and called there on the name of the LORD, the everlasting God."

3.       Isaac and Abimelech also made a covenant at Beersheba in Genesis 26:31. It seemed like no matter where Isaac went, he couldn't dig a well without someone trying to steal it from him. However, he built a well in Beersheba and found plenty of water there. It was also at Beersheba that Isaac received a visitation from the Lord. (Genesis 26:23-24)

4.       In Genesis 45, we read about Joseph reconnecting with his family. When Jacob heard that Joseph was alive, he refused to believe the news until he saw the wagons which Joseph had sent to him, and "the spirit of Jacob revived." It was more than just his human spirit that revived that day. From the time of Joseph's departure until this portion of scripture, we never read of Jacob ever received another visitation from the Lord. But notice what happens in the next chapter:

Genesis 46

 1And Israel took his journey with all that he had, and came to Beersheba, and offered sacrifices unto the God of his father Isaac.

 2And God spake unto Israel in the visions of the night, and said, Jacob, Jacob. And he said, Here am I.

 3And he said, I am God, the God of thy father: fear not to go down into Egypt; for I will there make of thee a great nation:

 4I will go down with thee into Egypt; and I will also surely bring thee up again: and Joseph shall put his hand upon thine eyes.

I don't believe for one minute that Jacob just thought, "Oh, there's Beersheba. I guess we'll stop here since it's the closest place." No, Jacob was well aware of his father and grandfathers experience at Beersheba. That's why he stopped there and that's why he received a visitation from God in that place. Thanks to Abraham's prayer, Jacob received a visitation from God at a time when he desperately needed it.

Notice that Jacob didn't bother to dig a well at Beersheba. Isaac, Abraham and Hagar sought to quench their physical thirst, but Beersheba wasn't just about the physical need. Jacob needed something much greater than water to quench his thirst and he received everything that he needed at Beersheba.

Brethren, when we come to the house of God, let's forget about our physical need. We can pray about our financial problems, health problems, exc., but we've got a much deeper need than all of that. We need the Holy Ghost to do a work in our lives. Forget about the water that comes from Jacob's well, and start praying for the living water that dwells inside of you. Let the Holy Ghost revive your spirit today!!!

Jordan Mills

Amos 4

"I also withheld rain from you… Yet you have not returned to Me," Says the LORD" (v7)

 

Five times God tells of trials and tribulations He has laid upon His people and then laments…"Yet you have not returned to Me."  We often see the loaves and the fishes as a reflection of God's grace and His goodness, and they are.  However we many times do not consider that "God also hath sat the one over against the other" (Eccl 7:14)

 

Isaiah 26:9b says, "... for when thy judgments are in the earth, the inhabitants of the world will learn righteousness." and remember Hosea 5:15b "...in their affliction they will seek me early."  Sometimes our trials are a reflection of God's goodness and mercy because they bring us back to Him.

 

When the Israelites went into captivity in Egypt they were nomadic herdsman and farmers.  However when they came out of bondage they had "such things as they required." It was in the years of captivity they acquired the skills and trades a nation required.

 

If the rain has been withheld from you, or there is mildew in your garden, or you don't have any bread to eat, consider you might be in the middle of the goodness and grace of our Lord – return to Him.

 

Jason Ouellette

Amos 2

The Lord is declaring that He will pour judgment out on Moab, Judah, and Israel. The Lord list their transgressions in verses 6-8.  In verses 9-11 He reminds them of some of the miracles he performed for Israel. In verses 13-16 the Lord tells Israel the punishment that He will cause to come upon them.

The phrase that stood out to me is "Thus saith the Lord; for three transgressions of Moab/Judah/Israel, and for four, I will not turn away the punishment thereof". How easy is it for me to think that I am getting away with something that is not pleasing to God just because after the first time it occurs God does not punish/correct me for it. I have to remember that I will have to give an account for every thought and action that I do. I may not be judged the first time or even the fourth time but I do have to remember that my actions will be dealt with in God's own time and way.

Randal Sheppard

Amos 1

The first chapter of Amos begins a book filled with prophetic warnings for God's people.  It calls attention to what the Lord would do to the surrounding cities for their actions against Israel and Judah.  The Lord dealt sternly with Syria, Philistia, Tyre, Edom, and Ammon.

Though filled with woe and doom, I found joy in this chapter.  These were the things to be done to the enemies of God's people.  We should find great encouragement in these scriptures! When then enemy seems to attack you in the spirit with "threshing instruments of iron", the Lord "will send a fire".  When it seems that they have delivered and taken you into bondage, the Lord "will send a fire". When it seems the enemy has turned your brother against you, the Lord "will send a fire".  And when it seems the enemy has killed your dream before it was ever born, the Lord "will send a fire".  Not just any fire, but a "devouring", all consuming fire.

We must remember, when we are attacked by the enemy, the battle is not our own, it is the Lord's!  Let's be REAL men and claim victory everyday in this Christian walk. For if God be for us, who can be against us?

Bro Dwight Chandle

Joel 3

Jehovah-saboath : the Lord of hosts, describes God as a strong-tower into which His chosen can run and find safety. It also describes God as an unstoppable force or army that will utterly destroy all of the enemies of His people when they are at their lowest point. We have to choose to trust in the manna and turn away from the riches of Egypt.

Yes, God's judgment is resting on this country. Yes, things are bad and are probably going to get worse. The Bible tells us that not one word of the Lord will fall to the ground, so when did we stop believing in His living word ? In Matthew 24:6 Jesus said that we are not to be troubled by all that is happening around us and here is why:

Joshua 5: 13-15 = God's people faced a seemingly insurmountable obstacle but victory was brought about by their trust and obedience. The Lord of hosts was there.

1 Samuel 1:11 = Hannah prayed one of the most powerful prayers found in the Bible without ever saying a word. From her bowels, that is, her innermost being she poured herself out upon the altar of heaven and hope was birthed to an entire nation. The Lord of hosts was there.

1 Samuel 17:11,45 = The veteran warriors of God were both "very afraid" and "dismayed". Using these two words together meant that they became so discouraged and filled with fear
that they lost the ability to think and even wished that they had never been born. That's when a mere boy became available and boldly stepped up to change the course of history forever. The Lord of hosts was there.

As the world carries off the Lord's silver and gold, fear not, the Lord of hosts is here!

As the world lures the sons and daughters off of the path, fear not, the Lord of hosts is here!

As the world prepares for battle against the saints, fear not, the Lord of hosts is here!

Psalm 24: 7-10 =  Lift up your heads, O ye gates; be lifted up, ye ancient doors that the King of glory may come in. Who is this King of glory? The Lord strong and mighty, the Lord mighty in battle. Lift up your heads, O ye gates; lift them up, ye ancient doors, that the King of glory may come in. Who is this King of glory? The Lord Almighty- He is the King of glory.

We know the name of this King of glory, this Lord of hosts, His name...JESUS !!

Robert MacPhee Jr

Joel 2

In the first part of this chapter we read of the coming of the day of the Lord and the destruction that is at hand. Then we read about our merciful God.
 Joel 2:12-13
12 Therefore also now, saith the LORD, turn ye even to me with all your heart, and with fasting, and with weeping, and with mourning:
13 And rend your heart, and not your garments, and turn unto the LORD your God: for he is gracious and merciful, slow to anger, and of great kindness, and repenteth him of the evil

Joel 2:28-30
8 And it shall come to pass afterward, that I will pour out my spirit upon all flesh; and your sons and your daughters shall prophesy, your old men shall dream dreams, your young men shall see visions:
29 And also upon the servants and upon the handmaids in those days will I pour out my spirit.
30 And I will shew wonders in the heavens and in the earth, blood, and fire, and pillars of smoke.
KJV
 
What a mighty and wonderful Lord and God we have. If we will only turn to him with a repented heart, and a willing spirit to follow in his ways, he will continue to bless us with a blessing we cannot contain with in ourselves.
 
Blessed be His Holy name, JESUS.

Ralph Cain

Joel 1

Jo'el 1

1:1  The word of the LORD that came to Jo'el the son of Pethuel

Let me start out by telling you that my youngest Grandson has the same name as this great prophet.  According to his father the correct enunciation for his name is Jo 'el broken into two syllables.  In researching this name, because of my grandson, I read somewhere that his name means God's Joy.  Now on to this book:

Would you, or could you, imagine what you would feel like if the Lord spoke directly to you?  I would be very excited I am sure; but then the other boot hit the floor.  This was not a message to be excited about, but Jo'el was suppose to declare to his fellow country men that God was not happy with them.

He starts out by speaking to the old men in verse:

2; Hear this, ye old men, and give ear.

:4  That which the palmerworm hath left hath the locust eaten; and that which the locust hath left hath the cankerworm eaten; and that which the cankerworm hath left hath the caterpillar eaten.

In researching these types of worms, it appears that these are the four stages of maturity of the same worm.  That is to say there was to be no end of the destruction that was about to come into this Former Land of Promise.

:5  Awake, ye drunkards, and weep and howl, all ye drinkers of wine, because of the new wine; for it is cut off from your mouth.

I cannot speak from experience but after having numerous conversations with men that have been a drinker this had to have been a nightmare to those men.  They had become accustomed to having all of the drink they wanted.  Now those days are done.

:6 For a nation is come up upon my land, strong, and without number whose teeth are the teeth of a lion, and he hath the cheek teeth of a great lion.

Another prophecy of a terrible destruction!

:7 He hath laid my vine waste, and barked my fig tree.

Have you ever seen a "barked tree?"  It is where the bark is removed around the trunk in a circle.  This is one reason why the Koala bear is not loved in Australia because they will eat the bark all the way around in a circle; this kills the tree.

:8 Lament like a virgin girded with sackcloth for the husband of her youth.

If you can, get the full impact of this scene.  You have a young virgin, not a bride.  She is lamenting the loss of her husband, not one that she had any relationship with just the one that she was engaged to.  Talk about a picture of real sorrow and hurt.

All of the keepers of the field are told to lament, to howl, to weep.  Not just because there was nothing to eat, but because there was no employment or source of income for them or their families.

:13 Gird yourselves, and lament, ye priests: howl, ye ministers of the altar: come, lie all night in sackcloth, ye ministers of my God: for the meat offering and the drink offering is withholden from the house of your God.

When a destruction hits a nation, it affects every level of humanity.  Those even in the highest position of authority will feel the impact of such a judgment.  These were from the keepers of the field to the priests and ministers.  In those days the priests were the judicial judges as well as the keepers of the church.

:14 Sanctify ye a fast, call a solemn assembly, gather the elders and all the inhabitants of the land into the house of the LORD your God, and cry unto the LORD.

:15 Alas for the day! For the day of the LORD is at hand,

I don't know how you feel about the day in which we are living, but as for my wife and I, we can tell you that the "heavy hand of the Lord's judgment" seems to be setting on the United States of America.  We have become a land that has forsaken the basic principles of what this former great country was founded on.  Almost every day I read in the paper or on the internet where some force or power is trying to remove every sense or inclination of God, who He is and what He purchased for us.

:19 O LORD, to thee will I cry:

I don't have any words of strengthening or encouragement from this particular chapter; but knowing how the book reads, I am sure that by the time chapter 3 comes along we will be shouting and rejoicing.  But there are times when we must be brought up short to keep in mind that we live in the last days of judgment before the LORD's return to catch His bride away.  All I can say at this point is to fast, pray, howl to the LORD.  It is time to spread the Word to anyone who we can share it with.  John 3:16 says that God so loved the world, so we are instructed to do the same.  Above all of that, it is the best time in the history of mankind to "Trust in the Lord with all of thine heart and lean not unto thine own understanding."  Prov. 3:5

As REAL Men, we must learn that there are times when we must be talked to straight.  The Lord started with the Old men in verse 2 with instructions for them to teach their children on down to the fourth generation.  We have some here in our own assembly that have two, and in some cases three, generations of the same family.  The message is the same whether old or young, God is in control.  We must trust Him and obey His word.

David DeTar

Hosea 14

This chapter in the book of Hosea differs from the previous in that instead of being made up of reproofs for sin and threatenings of wrath, it consists of exhortations to repentance and promises of mercy.  All the fore chapters were to lead the sinner to these verses. In short they are a lesson in repentance.

In vs. 1-3, God's people are given specific instructions on how to repent.  They were to turn from their idolatry and pray to the Lord for His gracious reception and forgiveness.  This simple formula of repentance is still applicable today.  Seeking God's grace and forgiveness through repentance is the way to receive His Holy Spirit. This method will never grow outdated.  We are to "render the calves of our lips" or more commonly put "a sacrifice of praise" to The Lord to receive the amazing grace of God.

Vs. 4-8 gives us encouragements to repent based on the Lord's willingness to receive us and also on the benefits he has in store for us when we do.  There is healing and a refreshing that takes place as God's love is bestowed to us.  A revival will occur in us that will be beautiful and as sweet as the cedars and vineyards of Lebanon.  What an awesome prospect it is to know that if we make a mistake and fall down in our imperfect state, that we have a loving God that not only will accept our plea for forgiveness, but He will accept it out of His gracious love for us.  He will be there to heal us, to revive us, to restore us.  We don't have to return to the emptiness of idols (worldly substitutes).

Vs. 9 ends by focusing on the infinite wisdom of the Lord and how his ways are right and just.  We would be wise to walk in his ways.  It will lead to a blessed life with Him as our shepherd and benefactor.  The opposing way of life followed by the transgressor will only lead to an ultimate fall.

Men, let's always keep this simple lesson of repentance close to heart.  God has so much prepared for us when we come before Him seeking His grace.  He is not a taskmaster, but our Gracious Heavenly Father, ready to heal us, revive us, and restore us to where we need to be in living for him if we do stumble and fall.

It's great to be a part of a group of REAL men that love the Lord Jesus Christ!

Brother Dwight Chandler

Hosea 13

The equivalent of this chapter seems similar to the parable of the prodigal son. The writing here seems to be something the father would be writing as he sits everyday on the front porch waiting for the son to come home.

If there was such a letter, it possibly went something like this:

Son,

I have been with you every breath of your life. (vs 4) I have seen you when you rejoiced and comforted you in dark times. (vs 5) I was the one who saw you through every stumble, mistake and heartache. When you didn't know I was watching, I was watching. When you didn't think I cared or loved you, I've never stopped.

But now, you have seen yourself great; you have believed in yourself more than the hands that have put in you the ability to be great. (vs 6) I knew before you left there was nothing but desolation waiting for you beyond the boundaries I have set for you. In your wanderings you have destroyed yourself. (vs 9) There is no way you can survive there so I know you will not be there long. (vs 13) The consequences of your actions are mighty, there is no denying that. (vs15)

I sit here each passing second, longing to hold you in my arms. Longing to forgive you and bring you back into safety. I am daily, desiring your return; as I am the only one who can save you. (vs 9-10)

Love,
Dad

Men, have we ever kindled the anger of God because of our waywardness? Have we ever looked up and found ourselves in a state we thought was too far gone? Replace your name in the letter above where addressed to 'son' and read it again.

Regardless if this letter is for us in our current state, we can all, always cling to verses 4 and 9: 4"Yet I am the LORD thy God from the land of Egypt, and thou shalt know no god but me: for there is no saviour beside me."  9"O Israel, thou hast destroyed thyself; but in me is thine help."

Tim Jacobs

Hosea 12

It's What is under the hood that counts!

1 Ephraim feeds on the wind; he pursues the east wind all day and multiplies lies and violence.  He makes a treaty with Assyria and sends olive oil to Egypt.

6 But you must return to your God; maintain love and justice, and wait for your God always.

7 The merchant uses dishonest scales; he loves to defraud.

8 Ephraim boasts, "I am very rich; I have become wealthy.  With all my wealth they will not find in me any iniquity or sin."  (NIV)

Hosea, Joshua and Jesus are all derived from the same Hebrew word meaning salvation.  The names of Joshua and Jesus have an additional meaning that "Yahweh Is Salvation".

Hosea's purpose as a prophet was to "salvage" the nation of Israel for God's sake.  A nation that once stood in the power of His might had fallen into moral corruption and spiritual adultery.  Hosea was trying to get Israel to "see" them selves as God was "looking" on them.

7 But the LORD said unto Samuel, Look not on his countenance, or on the height of his stature; because I have refused him: for the LORD seeth not as man seeth; for man looketh on the outward appearance, but the LORD looketh on the heart. I Samuel 16:7 (KJV)

From the time I started driving until my mid-forties, I drove RFD cars/trucks.  That does not stand for "Rural Fire Department" but "Reclaimed From Dump".  Although the family drove nicer vehicles, mine were "salvaged" vehicles.  Once a new, valuable vehicle but now had been cast aside as useless, I would repair/replace parts on the vehicle to make it useful again.

Being media director for the school as well as teacher there were a lot of errands that needed to be run around town.  I had many high-school boys volunteering to run errand with my "salvaged" truck.  The 1946 Chevy pickup looked like an old farm truck but under the hood sat a Chrysler hemi that had the power to deliver the mail – and in a hurry!

Men, it is not the front that we put on around friends, peers or even our families but it's "what is under the hood" that makes the difference.  God looks at who we really are.  There are three ways to look at a life: 1) How I see it. 2) How others see it. 3) How God sees it.

Just as Hosea was trying to "salvage" a nation, let us as men allow the ministry, the Word, prayer and worship mold us into the men that God wants us to be.  Many of us were "salvaged" from "passed hope" to enjoying the blessings of a Holy Ghost filled life!

Jesus, Our Salvation, is coming soon!  Keep that which is "under the hood" finely tuned.

Bob Gogler

Hosea 11

I taught Ephraim to walk,
Taking them by their arms;

But they did not know that I healed them.

I drew them with gentle cords,

With bands of love,
And I was to them as those who take the yoke from their neck.
I stooped and fed them.
He shall not return to the land of Egypt

But the Assyrian shall be his king,
Because they refused to repent.

(Vv3-5) NKJV

 

In the final four chapters of Hosea the prophet brings us back to how much God loves us.  I like to imagine Hosea penning these words or speaking them in the temple.  I can picture him practically weeping because he intimately knows how hard it is to love someone that has betrayed your love.

 

Wasn't it our Abba Father who taught us how to walk as he stood above holding both our hands?  How often has He healed us and we didn't even see it?  Hasn't He led us with a gentle cord, our "boundaries" falling in "pleasant places" (Ps 16:6)?  Hosea had a picture of what it felt like to stoop down and feed someone broken by their own sin, reaping what they had sown, but loved relentlessly.

 

Of course we know that discipline is a part of love; "the Lord disciplines those he loves, and he punishes everyone he accepts as a son" (Heb 12:6).  And in 722 B.C. the Northern Kingdom, which Hosea referred to as Ephraim (its largest and central tribe), would fall to an Assyrian king.

 

Men we have the capacity and the call to love like God loves.  Challenge yourself to show the gentle compassion that taught you how to walk and fed you in your lowest times.  And yes we are "but dust" and we will make mistakes, but we can choose to live in humble repentance.  I want my life to be a picture of the blessing of obedience rather than the chastening of love.

 

Jason Ouellette

Hosea 10

How had Israel drifted so far?  How had sin become so commonplace in their lives?  Was it unbelief? No it was the lack of real leadership.  It was promises broken, falsely spoken, and sworn into covenant.  Judgments that sprang up like hemlock in the furrows of a field.  Israel was in sin, and captivity much in part because they had no real leaders.  (Hosea 10: 3,4.)  How important, in our lives is it to follow the leaders that God has placed in our lives?  It is of the upmost importance.  We are blessed to be in a great assembly, where we can enter into His presence, and respond to His working in our lives.

Men, let's become REAL Leaders in our worlds.  Let us be messengers to the world, and show them that there is freedom in following the Great Leader.  Freedom in following the leaders that He has placed in our lives.  Proverbs 13:15 tells us "but the way of transgressors is hard".  Unlike Israel, I want to follow the Lord, so that my every step is ordered by Him.

Joe Crosson

Hosea 9

Wow, What a year this has been.  I started the year off gung-ho with a list of goals that I planned to accomplish.  As the days have passed, things just have not gone the way I planned.  Work has been busier than I anticipated, finances have been tighter than I anticipated, and life situations have distracted me from what I hoped to accomplish.  I look back at the past 8 months and wonder where in the world it has gone.  It is in this time of contemplating that I have 1 of 2 choices that I can make; 1. I can lament over the past 8 months and my lack of accomplishments, or 2. I can dust off my goals, re-evaluate, and focus on what will be accomplished over the next 4 months.

10 "When I found Israel,
       it was like finding grapes in the desert;
       when I saw your fathers,
       it was like seeing the early fruit on the fig tree.

What in the world happened?  How did Israel go from the description of blessing in vs 10 to the curse described in vs 14

 14 Give them, O LORD—
       what will you give them?
       Give them wombs that miscarry
       and breasts that are dry.

Israel did not wake up one morning and decide that they were no longer going to follow after the ways of the Lord.  Spiritual atrophy does not occur overnight.  Atrophy occurs due to a lack of use, poor nutrition, poor circulation, or disease.  How are we feeding, exercising, and maintaining our spiritual nature?

No doubt Israel had goals and vision for their future.  No doubt they did not anticipate straying so far from the direction that God wanted to take them.  However, as easy as I described my losing site of my goals for the year, we can lose site of our Spiritual direction.  Don't let the distractions of life force you onto a path that was never intended.

Over the last few months we have heard "The Prophet in the Pulpit" speak a direction and a vision to our church.  Let us listen to the words of the Prophet that God has placed in our lives, wipe the dust off our spiritual goals and roadmap, and refocus on where we are going in God.

God, it is my prayer that our lives are pleasing to you.  Don't let us be distracted with the static and voices around us, but help us to focus on the clearness of your Word and allow it to become the lamp unto our feet and the light unto our path.  Allow us to release our fears of failing and hold on to the comfort of your Grace knowing that you are in control.

Jeff McGee