Looking for His glorious appearing! Titus 2:13

When the Foundations are Destroyed
Apr 11th, 2020
Looking into the WordArt Sadlier
Categories: Exhortation

 “Although the fig tree shall not blossom, neither shall fruit be in the vines; the labour of the olive shall fail, and the fields shall yield no meat; the flock shall be cut off from the fold, and there shall be no herd in the stalls:” Habakkuk 3:17

The prophet Habakkuk was given a message of judgment for Israel. Israel had forsaken the Lord in sin and disobedience and idolatry. The prophet brought the message of total destruction upon Israel and the land. The prophet said that he trembled at the prospect of the awful judgment that was about to come.

The judgment did come and there was not living Jew alive in the land when it was over. The remnant that Nebuchadnezzar left in the land, fled to Egypt, where they also were destroyed.

Sin always brings judgment even though it is often delayed. Sin brings judgment on individuals, upon families, upon nations and upon churches.

The sins of others often bring consequences upon the innocent. We think particularly of the present hour. The moral depravity of the nation has a polluting influence on the Christian home and upon believers in general. The leaven of evil corrupts in such a slow and steady way that it is scarcely noticeable at first. By the time we wake up, for many it is too late.

In verse 17 Habakkuk lists the consequences of the judgment of God. The foundations of the nation are gone. What they to do? What are you and I to do in this hour of apostasy and decline? The answer comes in verses 18 and 19.

“Yet I will rejoice in the LORD, I will joy in the God of my salvation.
The LORD God is my strength, and he will make my feet like hinds' feet, and he will make me to walk upon mine high places. To the chief singer on my stringed instruments.” Habakkuk 3:18-19

First, he says, “I will rejoice” God is still on the throne. Though others turn away from God I have not and He is still my God. Though others are under the judgment of God, I am not. He says, "I will joy and rejoice in my God."

Second, he says, "God is my strength," He will bless me. "He will make me to walk upon my high places." The Lord will enable me to live in victory. In a wicked world that is under the judgment of God I can live in triumph.

This trial had come into Habakkuk’s life because of the sin of others. The prophet’s attitude was one of acceptance of God’s workings in his life. He realized that what God allowed into his life and what God had denied him was for his ultimate blessing.

 “Although the fig tree shall not blossom, neither shall fruit be in the vines; the labour of the olive shall fail, and the fields shall yield no meat; the flock shall be cut off from the fold, and there shall be no herd in the stalls:” My life may seem barren but God has a purpose in it all.

One day we shall bless God not more for what He has granted than for what He has denied.

Although my trees are fruitless, No grapes are on the vine, Yet, Christ is all my fullness, And all His sweetness mine.

A Day's Portion Every Day - Exodus 16:4
Apr 11th, 2020
Morning MeditationF. B. Meyer
Categories: Meditation;Inspirational;Book Study

IT is said that the twenty-four hours should be divided thus: Eight hours for work, eight for rest, eight for recreation, food, etc. There should be a counterpart of this in Christian living. Each day there should be a portion for work, a portion for restful meditation and sitting before the Lord, and a portion for the gathering of God's manna.

Each day brings its own work. - God has created us for good works, and has prepared our pathway, so that we may come to them one by one. He has apportioned to each one some office to fulfill, some service to render, some function in the mystical body of our Lord. It is comforting to know that we have not to scheme for ourselves, but to look up for guidance into the Divine plan.

Each day brings its own difficulties. - God spreads them over our days, giving each day only what we can sustain. The servant girl might be startled were she told that she would have to carry the coals, which it has taken two horses and a great cart to bring to her master's door; but she will be comforted by being reminded that they will be borne upstairs only a coal scuttle full at a time.

Each day brings its own supply. - No Israelite could point to his store of manna and congratulate himself that he was proof against any famine that might befall. The lesson of daily trust for daily bread was constantly being enforced; for as the day came the manna fell. Those who followed the cloud were always certain of their sustenance. Where the cloud brooded the manna fell. Whatever any day may bring there always will be within reach of you, lying ready prepared on the sands of the desert, just what you require. Go forth and carry it; there will be no lack.