This is a powerful spoken word message. What do you think about it?

Here’s a question from a reader who is going through a difficult situation. You can leave her your encouragement in the comments.

Question:

I am so much confuse right now.  I wanted to move from the heartaches and for being abandon of a husband. We just married for almost 4 years but I never felt being loved instead he showed how he had hurt me for having an affair to many women and worse had already a child of their own.

He returned to us and I forgave but again he continue with his sin.

I am trying to forget him because he left us again but i am still hoping and praying that God will change him.

For almost 4 years of crying out to the Lord that He would change him why is it he gets even more worse. I love him as my husband even he doesn’t cares on me. Is it right of begging the Lord that he will give  my husband  and be transformed. Is he not the will of God for me? I have a hard time understanding  the plans of God. Please send me a message of wisdom to fully know the will of God?

Answer:

My prayers are with you. I’ve learned it’s much better to agree with God than beg him. What is His promise for you and your children, and all who are far off? I know at least it’s the Holy Spirit (Acts 2:39). There are a lot of more promises you can pray in agreement with God for your life. Don’t stop with that one.

That being said, your husband has broken his vow and his covenant with you. You are not bound to it. IF you choose to continue to show him love, I strongly suggest boundaries.

In either case, if you try to reconcile again or if you go your own way, keep on forgiving him. It’s for the sake of your relationship with God, not your relationship with him. Forgiving doesn’t mean forgetting, it means turning him over into God’s hand. Paul told Timothy (1 Timothy 1:20) that he turned to people over to satan so they “would be taught not to blaspheme.” It seems to me that blaspheming is one of the things you’re husband is doing. He’s blasphemed his covenant, you and therefore God.

I’m assuming this doesn’t matter to him, but in 1 Corinthians 7:14-15 Paul is talking about a Christian spouse living with an unbelieving spouse. He says,

For the unbelieving husband has been sanctified through his wife, and the unbelieving wife has been sanctified through her believing husband. Otherwise your children would be unclean, but as it is, they are holy. But if the unbeliever leaves, let him do so. A believing man or woman is not bound in such circumstances; God has called us to live in peace.

So you sanctify your husband with the grace you’ve accepted from God. Removing that sanctification from him is “turning him over to satan”.

If you’re not ready to do that, another thing you can do is stand in his place before God and ask for forgiveness. Jesus did this on the cross when he prayed “Father forgive them, for they don’t know what to do”. When we do that for people we pray for who only seem to get worse, we find they often get a lot better.

I hope something in that helps. I really felt I needed to get something out to you quickly. I am praying for you.

Trevor

We continue to find out our part in God’s plan.

Can God Amplify Your Story? – RevTrev Radio  (Part 2)

We all know people who have given up on Christianity. Some have even gone over to the enemy’s camp. Have you ever wondered what it would take to get them back? You’ve got to hear this message based on an incredible passage of Scripture that will make you pray, “Lord do it once more through me!”

Listen Now >>>
Download audio file (amplify2.mp3)

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Listen to:

•  Part 1

These may not be all the verses on prospering… but they are ones we need to meditate on, study in context and pray about implementing in our lives….

1. Genesis 26:12? Then Isaac sowed in that land, and reaped in the same year a hundredfold; and the Lord blessed him
2. Genesis 39:3? Now his master saw that the Lord was with him and how the Lord caused all that he did to prosper in his hand.
3. Deuteronomy 8:18?…Remember the Lord your God, for it is He who gives you the ability to produce wealth.
4. Deuteronomy 15:10 ?You shall generously give to him, and your heart shall not be grieved when you give to him, because for this thing the Lord your God will bless you in all your work and in all your undertakings.
5. Deuteronomy 24:19 ?When you reap your harvest in your field and have forgotten a sheaf in the field, you shall not go back to get it; it shall be for the alien, for the orphan, and for the widow, in order that the Lord your God may bless you in all the work of your hands.
6. Deuteronomy 30:8-10? And you shall again obey the Lord, and observe all His commandments which I command you today. “Then the Lord your God will prosper you abundantly in all the work of your hand, in the offspring of your body and in the offspring of your cattle and in the produce of your ground, for the Lord will again rejoice over you for good, just as He rejoiced over your fathers; if you obey the Lord your God to keep His commandments and His statutes which are written in this book of the law, if you turn to the Lord your God with all your heart and soul.
7. Joshua 1:8 ?This book of the law shall not depart from your mouth, but you shall meditate on it day and night, so that you may be careful to do according to all that is written in it; for then you will make your way prosperous, and then you will have success.
8. 1 Chronicles 22:12 ?Only may the Lord give you wisdom and understanding, and give you charge concerning Israel, that you may keep the law of the Lord your God. Then you will prosper, if you take care to fulfill the statutes and judgments with which the Lord charged Moses concerning Israel. Be strong and of good courage; do not fear nor be dismayed.
9. 2 Chronicles 31:20 ?This is what Hezekiah did throughout Judah, doing what was good and right and faithful before the Lord his God. In everything that he undertook in the service of God’s temple and in obedience to the law and the commands, he sought his God and worked wholeheartedly. And so he prospered.
10. Jeremiah 17:8 ?For he will be like a tree planted by the water, that extends its roots by a stream and will not fear when the heat comes; but its leaves will be green, and it will not be anxious in a year of drought nor cease to yield fruit.
11. Psalm 1: 1-3 ?Blessed is the man who does not walk in the counsel of the wicked or stand in the way of sinners or sit in the seat of mockers. But his delight is in the law of the LORD, and on his law he meditates day and night. He is like a tree planted by streams of water, which yields its fruit in season and whose leaf does not wither. Whatever he does prospers.
12. Psalm 35:27 ?Let them shout for joy and rejoice, who favor my vindication; and let them say continually, “The Lord be magnified, who delights in the prosperity of His servant.”
13. 1 Cor 16:2? “On the first day of every week each one of you is to put aside and save, as he may prosper, so that no collections be made when I come.”
14. 3 John 1:2? Beloved, I pray that you may prosper in all things and be in health, just as your soul prospers.

Can you add any more? Do it in the comments. Thank you.

We conclude our look at how to get the good God has for us

How To Get the Good God Has For You – RevTrev Radio (part 5)

God has promised good to us but did you know at times it’s laid out conditionally? He sends rain on the righteous and the unrighteous but there are three conditions in scripture for us to get the good that the Father intends us us to have. Find out what they are and how to live them out practically today.

Listen Now >>>
Download audio file (getgood5.mp3)

Download the eBook

Download the Entire Message

Listen to:

• Part 1 
• Part 2 
• Part 3 
• Part 4

These may not be all the verses on provision… but they are ones we need to meditate on, study in context and pray about implementing in our lives….

1. Nehemiah 6:9? They were all trying to frighten us, thinking, “Their hands will get too weak for the work, and it will not be completed.” But I prayed, “Now strengthen my hands.”
2. 1 Kings 17:13-16 ?Then Elijah said to her, “Do not fear; go, do as you have said, but make me a little bread cake from it first and bring it out to me, and afterward you may make one for yourself and for your son. For thus says the Lord God of Israel, ‘The bowl of flour shall not be exhausted, nor shall the jar of oil be empty, until the day that the Lord sends rain on the face of the earth.’” So she went and did according to the word of Elijah, and she and he and her household ate for many days. The bowl of flour was not exhausted nor did the jar of oil become empty, according to the word of the Lord which He spoke through Elijah.
3. Psalm 37:25 ?I have been young and now I am old, yet I have not seen the righteous forsaken or his descendants begging bread.
4. Matthew 6:31-32? Do not worry then, saying, ‘What will we eat?’ or ‘What will we drink?’ or ‘What will we wear for clothing?’ For the Gentiles eagerly seek all these things; for your heavenly Father knows that you need all these things.
5. Matthew 7:11 ?If you then, being evil, know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more will your Father who is in heaven give what is good to those who ask Him!
6. Luke 12:7 ?Indeed, the very hairs of your head are all numbered. Do not fear; you are more valuable than many sparrows.
7. John 21:6 ?And He said to them, “Cast the net on the right-hand side of the boat and you will find a catch.” So they cast, and then they were not able to haul it in because of the great number of fish.
8. 2 Corinthians 9:8 ?And God is able to make all grace abound to you, so that always having all sufficiency in everything; you may have an abundance for every good deed;
9. Philippians 4:19 ?And my God will supply all your needs according to His riches in glory in Christ Jesus.

Can you add any more? Do it in the comments. Thank you.

We keep on discussing how to get the good God has for us

How To Get the Good God Has For You – RevTrev Radio (part 4)

God has promised good to us but did you know at times it’s laid out conditionally? He sends rain on the righteous and the unrighteous but there are three conditions in scripture for us to get the good that the Father intends us us to have. Find out what they are and how to live them out practically today.

Listen Now >>>
Download audio file (getgood4.mp3)

Download the eBook

Download the Entire Message

Listen to:

• Part 1 
• Part 2
• Part 3

These may not be all the verses on planning… but they are ones we need to meditate on, study in context and pray about implementing in our lives….

1. Genesis 41:34-36 ?Let Pharaoh take action to appoint overseers in charge of the land, and let him exact a fifth of the produce of the land of Egypt in the seven years of abundance. “Then let them gather all the food of these good years that are coming, and store up the grain for food in the cities under Pharaoh’s authority, and let them guard it. “Let the food become as a reserve for the land for the seven years of famine which will occur in the land of Egypt, so that the land will not perish during the famine.
2. Proverbs 6:6-8? Go to the ant, o sluggard, observe her ways and be wise, which, having no chief, officer or ruler, prepares her food in the summer and gathers her provision in the harvest.
3. Proverbs 13:16? A wise man thinks ahead; a fool doesn’t, and even brags about it!
4. Proverbs 13:19 ?Desire realized is sweet to the soul, but it is an abomination to fools to turn away from evil.??
5. Proverbs 15:22 ?Without consultation, plans are frustrated, but with many counselors they succeed.
6. Proverbs 16:1? The plans of the heart belong to man, but the answer of the tongue is from the Lord.??
7. Proverb 16:9 ?A man’s heart deviseth his way: but, the Lord directeth his steps.
8. Proverbs 20:18 ?Prepare plans by consultation, and make war by wise guidance.
9. Proverbs 21:5? The plans of the diligent lead surely to advantage, but everyone who is hasty comes surely to poverty.
10. Proverbs 22:3 ?The prudent sees the evil and hides himself, but the naive go on, and are punished for it.
11. Proverbs 24:3-4? By wisdom a house is built, and by understanding it is established; and by knowledge the rooms are filled with all precious and pleasant riches.
12. Proverbs 24:27 ?Prepare your work outside and make it ready for yourself in the field; afterwards, then, build your house.
13. Proverbs 27:12 ?A prudent man sees evil and hides himself, the naive proceed and pay the penalty.
14. Proverbs 27:23 ?Know well the condition of your flocks, and pay attention to your herds;
15. Ecclesiastes 11:2 ?Divide your portion to seven, or even to eight, for you do not know what misfortune may occur on the earth.
16. Matthew 25:1-13 ?“Then the kingdom of heaven will be comparable to ten virgins, who took their lamps and went out to meet the bridegroom. Five of them were foolish, and five were prudent. For when the foolish took their lamps, they took no oil with them, but the prudent took oil in flasks along with their lamps. Now while the bridegroom was delaying, they all got drowsy and began to sleep. But at midnight there was a shout, ‘Behold, the bridegroom! Come out to meet him.’ Then all those virgins rose and trimmed their lamps. The foolish said to the prudent, ‘Give us some of your oil, for our lamps are going out.’ But the prudent answered, ‘No, there will not be enough for us and you too; go instead to the dealers and buy some for yourselves.’ And while they were going away to make the purchase, the bridegroom came, and those who were ready went in with him to the wedding feast; and the door was shut. Later the other virgins also came, saying, ‘Lord, lord, open up for us.’ But he answered, ‘Truly I say to you, I do not know you.’ Be on the alert then, for you do not know the day nor the hour.”
17. Luke 12:16-21? And He told them a parable, saying, “The land of a rich man was very productive. And he began reasoning to himself, saying, ‘What shall I do, since I have no place to store my crops?’ Then he said, ‘This is what I will do: I will tear down my barns and build larger ones, and there I will store all my grain and my goods. And I will say to my soul, “Soul, you have many goods laid up for many years to come; take your ease, eat, drink and be merry.”‘ But God said to him, ‘You fool! This very night your soul is required of you; and now who will own what you have prepared?’ So is the man who stores up treasure for himself, and is not rich toward God.”
18. Luke 14:28-30 ?For which one of you, when he wants to build a tower, does not first sit down and calculate the cost to see if he has enough to complete it? “Otherwise, when he has laid a foundation and is not able to finish, all who observe it begin to ridicule him, saying, ‘This man began to build and was not able to finish. ‘”
19. 1 Corinthians 16:1-2 ?Now concerning the collection for the saints, as I directed the churches of Galatia, so do you also. On the first day of every week each one of you is to put aside and save, as he may prosper, so that no collections be made when I come.
20. 1 Timothy 6:7? For we have brought nothing into the world, so we cannot take anything out of it either.

Can you add any more? Do it in the comments. Thank you.

Bev Fawcett’s “Jesus – God’s Gift of Love to the World” is now available and it looks great. Get a sneak peak at it even before the Author.

Does it feel like Christmas is coming in your part of the world? My sister returns from Africa in a couple of days. She’s home for Christmas and them off (I think) to the Dominican Republic for another short term missions trip. She’s been asked by the organization she was with in Africa to write a book about her experiences. I’ll show her how to plan the book out and will likely publish it through ExpectancyPress.com

What makes it “feel” like Christmas for you? For me, you’ve guessed it, it’s family. We’re having a very mild so far here in Edmonton. There’s just enough snow to make sense of the short days. For some reason I’m really looking forward to Christmas. I hope you are too.

Now onto RevTrev’s Newsletter this week – a big welcome to the 51 new subscribers this week to RevTrev.com, Twitter Tips and LifeAbovetheNegativity.com. I’ve turned off a feature on my site that brings in more subscribers because I’m upgrading the system. I’ll tell you about  it in a future blog post. But I’m overjoyed to welcome 51 new subscribers anyway. Drop me a line to tell me about yourself. I really enjoy getting to know you. Enjoy the newsletter!

	Top 7 Visited Posts This Week @ RevTrev.com 4 Funny Animal Pictures How I Can Seek the Lord – 7 ways 3 Steps to Cast Your Cares on the Lord 70 Functions of the Holy Spirit Can A Christian Get Breast Implants? How Can We Stop Worry? Step Two – Pray About Everything TEN WAYS TO FULFIL A VISION FROM GOD – 1-5
	Questions of the Week Does Prophecy Just Happen or Do We Have to Work For It? Here’s another question from a reader of my newsletter. I’d appreciate having your thoughts on it. Read More >>> Don’t forget to share your comments.
	RevTrev Radio How To Get the Good God Has For You – RevTrev Radio (part 3) God has promised good to us but did you know at times it’s laid out conditionally? He sends rain on the righteous and the unrighteous but there are three conditions in scripture for us to get the good that the Father intends us us to have. Find out what they are and how to live them out practically today. Listen Now >>> Remember to ask me your questions I didn’t cover. Subscribe via iTunes
	4 Things to Never Forget About Christmas When we look at Christmas through the eyes of the gospel authors it gives us insight to the culture they lived in and what Jesus’ life meant to them. I’ve posted a long explanation about this this week. You can read it here What I never want to forget about Christmas comes from these authors. Matthew tells us Jesus came as the King. I never want to just think of Jesus as my friend. He deserves so much more respect than that. Mark tells us Jesus came to die. I can’t study the life of Jesus without considering His death and what His shed blood means for me. Everything changed at the cross. Learn more. Luke tells us Jesus came for everyone. In my own little world I can write so many people off. When I consider that while I was still a sinner, Christ died, I see His passion for people I’d rather have little to do with. John tells us Jesus CAME. This thought blows me away. The creator of the known and speculative universes took on flesh and camped out for a while. It’s amazing and humbling. Learn more about it here. These are 4 things to never forget about Christmas. Do you have more you can add? Leave them in the comments at RevTrev.com Have fun in the preparation for the season. Use it to enjoy more of God.
	Community Feedback Last Week’s Poll Results Last Week’s Question Was “What Topics Should I Blog About on in 2012?” 33% Practicing the Presence of God 33% Spiritual Warfare 17% Theology of Authenticity 17% Overcoming Sexual Sin I had some emails come in as well the included “Being Led By The Spirit”, “How Faith Works”, “Personal Responsibility for Christian Growth”, and “How to Study the Bible” Thanks for everyone’s responses! I’m excited about two new topics that I’ll have as Features – “Social Media Tips” (I have this now, but I’m working series on Basic Blogging and Newsletter) and All Things Publishing” (It will include writing, self-publishing, and book marketing). With this in mind I have another question for you this week: This Week’s Question Is RevTrev Becoming Too Random? Record your answer here Thanks for your feedback. It helps me know what blog posts and resources I should focus on.
	Social Media Tip How to Find Out Who’s Not Following You Back On Twitter Twitter has changed since I wrote Twitter Tips from @RevTrev but the blueprint I lay out is still able to be done WITHOUT paying for other Twitter services. Here’s how to unfollow those not following you back for free. View Now >>
	RevTrev Reviews  The Sky Stone by Jack Whyte Reviewed by Trevor Lund Trevor reviews Jack Whyte’s “The Sky Stone” Book one in the Camuloud Chronicles. View Now >> Do you have a book or product that you think my readers would like to hear my thoughts on? Contact me today. I may want to get you on RevTrev TV as well.
	What People Are Saying Pastor, I have been so much encouraged by you, may the good Lord bless you. ~ From an email Thank you! Thank you for all of the wonderful things you are doing for God. Don’t know how you do it, only through Christ can you do all things. Bless you for letting him lead you. I enjoy reading all of your messages, they are so informing and helpful. ~Barb This is the most encouraging unsubscribe message I’ve ever received. Makes me want to leave messages like this when I unsubscribe other lists: God bless you for your faithfulness in the ministry God has called you to. Please don’t be offended that I’m unsubscribing.  God has called me to “whittle down” in every way, to enable me to be with Him more often in the secret place.
	Recommended Blog Posts Why Do We Overspend? By Kevin Maritneau of Shooting the Breeze Do We Recognize Jesus? by Mari-Anna Stålnacke of Flowing Faith 5 Suggestions for Finding More Joy At Christmas  by Ron Edmondson of RonEdmondson.com
	A Christmas Poem Christmas is a time to reflect On all that God has done It’s not a matter of what we get But the birth of the Holy one It’s not about gifts With ribbons and bows Or Christmas trees Tinsel and mistletoe The Christmas gift given to us Is Jesus Christ’s Gift of love © By M.S.Lowndes
	One Last Thing… Can you let people know about this newsletter? I so much enjoy connecting with people and helping them as I can. If you’re on Twitter I’ve made it easy for you. Just click the picture…

We continue the discussion on How to get the Good God has for you

How To Get the Good God Has For You – RevTrev Radio (part 3)

God has promised good to us but did you know at times it’s laid out conditionally? He sends rain on the righteous and the unrighteous but there are three conditions in scripture for us to get the good that the Father intends us us to have. Find out what they are and how to live them out practically today.

Listen Now >>>
Download audio file (getgood3.mp3)

Download the eBook

Download the Entire Message

Listen to:

• Part 1 
• Part 2

Here’s another question from a reader of my newsletter. I’d appreciate having your thoughts on it.

Question:

I have a question about discernment of a True prophet vs False prophet.

I was recently told if a prophet speak a word to you, you are responsible for working to bring it to pass.  It confused me because the Bible states when a true prophet speak it will come to pass.  Why would we make that word come to pass and not know actually if they are true or false?

Answer:

Under the law we were to test prophecy by seeing if it came true – Deuteronomy 18:22.
Under grace we’re told to test everything and hold to the good – 1 Thessalonians 5:21.

To me that means mistakes can be made. I wrote this in my book Hope In Transition

I’ve come to understand that I was raised with an unspoken assumption that most Christians don’t have. I was never taught this, but somehow absorbed it into my psyche. It’s wrong, but I need to mention it because I know I’m not alone. I understood that when a prophetic word “came” – what I mean by that is someone spoke a word of encouragement and it resonated well with my spirit – it was a done deal. God had revealed His will and so His will would be done. It came from understanding the prophetic as it was taught under the law. The way prophecy was tested before the cross was to see if it came true. If it came true, it was from God. If it didn’t you were to stone the one who spoke presumptuously.

I wish I knew I was living under the law when my Dad got sick. When my dad was diagnosed with Bulbar ALS, we waited for a prophetic word and received several from tested and trustworthy individuals all saying my dad would be healed. Well, he is healed in heaven, but I can’t accept that’s what was meant. God revealed His will and it wasn’t done. It was a struggle for me to understand how that could be possible.

The church that we joined in New Zealand taught me how to respond to the prophetic. They had someone come in who the leaders considered a prophet. This man said some encouraging things about the future direction of the church. Then the church leaders called people together to pray through what was spoken. They asked us to pray for each point and share the direction the prayers of each group were taking. It was an incredible community building exercise as each group seemed to pray a specific direction. By the end of the meeting the leadership had several tangible goals to work and plan for. The next year’s planning was accomplished and all of us felt it was what God wanted to do and we all also felt a part of the process. I learned I just couldn’t sit back and expect the prophecy to come true.

Prophecy is for strengthening, encouragement and comfort.It should point the direction you are to go, but it doesn’t guarantee you’ll get there. Putting your hope in a prophetic word is only as valuable as your pursuit of the prophetic call. Even the best intentions can be disappointing.

That’s what I’ve come to know. I hope that helps you. Praying for you.

~Trevor

What’s your thoughts on this? Does prophecy guarantee something will happen? Let me know in the comments.

The Christmas Story comes down to us from antiquity from two main sources. I’m not counting the Armenian Infancy Gospels or the more modern Saint Nicholas folklore.

The Story of Jesus coming to earth as a baby are delivered to us by primarily two of the gospel writers – Matthew and Luke. They give the details. They highlight the fulfilled prophecy. They place the event in world and Jewish history. But the other two Gospels tell us a lot more His arrival and purpose than we might otherwise pick up on in either of the main historical accounts.

The beauty of historical accounts show us the authors main focus and main purpose and taking a few posts to look at how each Gospel writer handles the coming of Jesus as a baby reveals their message to their first readers and to us today.

Let’s take a look at how Jesus’ birth is handled in each gospel. It’s an interesting study.

Christmas According to Matthew

The Gospel of Matthew was written to Jewish believers. His genealogy places Jesus in Jewish history. He continually points out how Jesus fulfills the prophecy for the Messiah – including, but not limited to the fact that the Messiah:

• Would be a descendant of Shem named Abraham ( Genesis 22:18; 12; 17; 22). Fulfilled: See Christ’s genealogy in Matthew 1.
• Would be a descendant of Abraham’s son, Isaac, not Ishmael (Gen. 17; 21). Fulfilled: See Christ’s genealogy in Matthew 1.
• Would be a descendant of Isaac’s son, Jacob, not Esau (Gen. 28; 35:10-12; Num. 24:17). Fulfilled: See Christ’s genealogy in Matthew 1.
• Would be a descendant of Judah, not of the other eleven brothers of Jacob. Fulfilled: See Christ’s genealogy in Matthew 1.
• Would be a descendant of the family of Jesse in the tribe of Benjamin (Isaiah 11:1-5). Fulfilled: See Christ’s genealogy in Matthew 1 and Luke 3:23-38.
• Would be of the house of David (2 Samuel 7:12-16; Jeremiah 23:5; Psalm 89:3-4). Fulfilled: See Christ’s genealogy in Matthew 1; Luke 1:27, 32, 69. Note: Since the the Jewish genealogical records were destroyed in 70 A.D., along with the destruction of Jerusalem and the Temple, it would not be possible for a Messiah impostor who was born later to prove his lineage back to David and thus fulfill this prophecy.
• Would be born in a small city called Bethlehem, specifically the one formerly known as Ephratah (Micah 5:2). Fulfilled: Matthew 2:4-6
• Would be born of a virgin (Isaiah 7:14). Fulfilled: Matthew 1; Luke 1.
• Would come while the Temple of Jerusalem is standing ( Malachi 3:1; Psalm 118:26; Daniel 9:26; Zechariah 11:13; Haggai 2:7-9). Fulfilled: Matthew 21:12, etc.
• Will perform many miracles (Isaiah 35:5-6). Fulfillment: See the Gospels
• Will open the eyes of the blind (Isa. 29:18). Fulfillment: Matt 9:27-31; 12:22; 20:29;
• Will speak in parables (Psalm 78:2). Fulfillment: Matthew 13:34, etc.
• Will have his way prepared by a messenger (a man of the wilderness) (Isa. 40:3; Malachi 3:1). See John the Baptist (Matthew 3:1-3; 11:10; John 1:23; Luke 1:17).
• Will be betrayed (Psalm 41:9). Fulfillment: Matt. 27:3-10.
• Will be betrayed by a friend (Psalm 41:9). Fulfillment: Matt. 27:3-10; 26:47-48.
• Will be betrayed for thirty pieces of silver (Zech. 11:12). Fulfillment: Matt. 27:3-10.
• The betrayal money will be cast onto the floor (Zech. 11:13). Fulfillment: Matt. 27:5.
• The betrayal money will be cast onto the floor of the Temple (Zech. 11:13). Fulfillment: Matt. 27:3-10.
• The betrayal money will be used to buy a potter’s field (Zech. 11:13). Fulfillment: Matt. 27:6-10.
• Will not open his mouth to defend himself (Isaiah 53:7). Fulfillment: Matthew 27:12.
• Will be beaten and spit upon (Isaiah 50:6). Fulfillment: Matthew 26:67; 27:26-30.
• Will be “numbered with the transgressors” (Isaiah 53:12). Fulfillment: Jesus was crucified as a criminal in between two thieves (Mat 27:38).
• Will be given vinegar and gall to drink (Psalm 69:21). Fulfillment: Matthew 27:34, 48.
• Will be buried with the rich (Isaiah 53:9). Fulfillment: Matthew 27.
• Will be the Son of God (Psa. 2:7). Fulfilled: Matthew 3:17, etc.

Jewish people around the time of Jesus were looking for a Messiah who would be King. Their recent history proved that a dedicated resistance – with the help of God – could overthrow a world power and set up an earthly Kingdom. This is exactly what happened during the inter-testmental period when Judas Maccabeus revolted against the Seleucid Empire. The Greeks  had forbidden the practicing Jewish religion since 175 BC.  Maccabeus was ultimately victorious, saw the miracle that is remembered in Hanukkah and forged an alliance with the emerging state of Rome to keep the theocracy free.

It happened once – not that long ago in the memory of an ancient people – and Lord willing it could happen again.

Matthew’s genealogy ends with Joseph.  He wrote about Joseph and the dreams God gave him. The father’s role of the Messiah was important to the early Jewish believers.

Matthew mentions the weeping in Ramah over the deaths of the children under two by Herod. He talks about Herod, the king in Jerusalem. He includes the Magi coming to find the King and the gifts they brought to the house. There is no mention of the shepherds, no hint of the birth in the manger. Matthew was writing to Jewish Christians to tell them their King had come.

Christmas according to Matthew is the birth of our King.

I love the story in Matthew. It tells me God is in control. Prophecy foretold years in advance is shown as fulfilled. Dreams direct Joseph telling him what to do, when to go and when to come. God is involved in the major life decisions of this family with a young king to care for… and He’s willing to give me similar directions.

Jesus is King. He is sovereign. But He’s not uninvolved with the affairs of man. Christmas according to Matthew proves this once again to me.

Christmas According to Mark

I wonder how many people came to this section with no idea that Mark says nothing about Christmas. I’m sure I snagged a few theologians who think I’m either unschooled or a heretic and are reading to find which it is.

Mark’s conspicuous absence of a nativity account speaks volumes to us and that’s what I want us to consider.

Why would Mark – that in many ways is so close to its synoptic brothers (Matthew and Luke) – leave out any mention of the coming of Jesus as a baby?

Mark starts with a quick mention of John the Baptist and then right into Jesus’ baptism and ministry. He doesn’t seem to care about the prophecies Jesus fulfilled like Matthew. He certainly doesn’t care to put Jesus into Jewish or World history. Some describe Mark a a passion with a longer introduction. Before I explain that, let’s take a look at a few things about the book of Mark.

Since the earliest times it’s been held that Mark, while a witness to the events of Jesus’ life,  was the scribe for Peter. Remember Peter was the one to jump onto the waves. He was the one to run into the tomb when John stopped at the entrance. He was the one to speak up when the rest of the disciples were quite. He was the impetuous one.

42 times in 16 chapter (and these are just the ones that make it into English) the word “immediately” is used in the book of Mark. Everything in Mark is focussed on the one event. Everything in Mark rushes towards the reason Jesus came. Mark is so focussed on the passion of Christ – His death on the cross – that he doesn’t have time to waste on Jesus‘ birth.

And that’s something we can never forget in the Christmas season. Yes, Jesus came as a  baby and we celebrate his birthday on the only day early Christians could celebrate together as slave and free – the pagan holiday of Saturnalius  – but we should never forget Jesus came to this world to die. His death paid the price for our sins. It satisfied the requirements for justice. It made us friends again with the Father. And by His stripes we were healed.

Christmas without the cross is no better than a pagan holiday.

Christmas according to Mark is Jesus came to die.

Christmas According to Luke

Matthew placed Jesus in Jewish history. Luke places Jesus in world history. He puts it in time – Caesar Augusts taxes the world during the time Quirinuis was governor of Syria . His genealogy ends with Adam.

Luke has carefully researched the events around Christ’s birth – and he starts with the events around Jesus’ cousin’s birth – the miraculous birth of John.

Luke gives fuller accounts of angels – Matthew talks about angels appearing in dreams (more acceptable to a first century Jewish audience) while Luke is writing to Theopilus -either a Greek patron or a group of Greek believers that were known as “God Lovers”. The Greeks were more accustomed to stories of the gods interacting with humans and so would be interested in angelic encounters. He writes about the angel coming to Zachariah who didn’t believe He could become a father and so had his mouth shut until the prophecy was fulfilled. Luke talks about everything Mary hid in her heart about Gabriel’s visit. He reveals the story of the shepherd in the field keeping watch over their flocks by night and lo, the angel of the Lord stood before them and the glory of the Lord shone around them and they were terrified… sorry got lost in a Sunday School production… oh it’s too good, let’s keep going… and the angel said to them – “Fear Not, for behold I bring you news of great joy that shall be for all people, for unto you is born this day in the city of David, a Savior, who is Christ the Lord. And this shall be a sign unto you ‘you shall find the babe wrapped in swaddling clothes lying in a manger.” And suddenly, there was with the angel a multitude of heavenly hosts singing “Glory to God in the highest and on earth, peace to all men on whom his favor rests”…

Wow, that takes me back… don’t you love Christmas pageants when you can’t hear the kids and don’t care if their lines get mixed up? I don’t care for the professional pageants – but hey if you like them, don’t let me stop you. I know the work that goes into them needs to be appreciated… where was I? OH yah, Luke…

Luke mentions the accounts of women – Mary, Elizabeth, Anna. He’s  the one to talk about the sheep herders in the field. He’s the one who makes sure we know they laid the child in a manger because there was no room in the inn. He makes sure to let you know the Angels said this is “great joy for all people”.

Luke was writing to Greek speaking believers who needed to know the Jewish Messiah was for them. You don’t have to be born into the right family. You don’t need to be the top of society. You don’t need to be a man to be loved by God.

It’s a message we need to get out to people every day. Why do non-Christians describe Christians as “Judgmental”? Because too often we are. As long as we have it right, it doesn’t matter who’s going to hell. That’s not the message of Luke.

Christmas according to Luke is Jesus came for all.

Christmas According to John

Can you guess what my favorite Christmas account is?

Is it Matthew that tells us Jesus came as our King? I love Matthew’s interest in how prophecy is fulfilled – I don’t understand it all, but I enjoy seeing how he saw prophecy fulfilled. But it’s not my favorite narrative.

Is it the lack of a story in Mark? When I was a kid, Dad started a tradition of reading a Christmas narrative before we opened our presents. When we read from Luke it seemed like forever. Matthew was quicker, but lacked the angels in the field. I never could get Dad to read the Mark account, even though I’d ask him for it every year… I mean really, those gifts just don’t open themselves. I love remembering Jesus came with a purpose – He came to die, but the lack of an account in Mark is not my favorite account. Besides now I take some pleasure in making my kids wait to open their presents.

Is it the detail of Luke I love? Luke is the classic account. It has so much detail and is so well written, it rolls of the tongue. I so appreciate knowing Jesus came for all, but it’s not my favorite account of the nativity.

So you guessed it. Christmas According to John is my favorite account. It puts the awe of the advent into me every year. I love reading it, reciting it, meditating on it. It’s powerful.

Where is it you ask? Well, here it is. I’m doing this from memory – I can’t remember how far it goes, but it starts with John 1:1:

In the beginning was the Word. And the Word was with God and the Word was God – He was with God in the beginning. Through him all things were made, without him nothing has been made. In him was life and his life is the light of men. The light shines in the darkness and the darkness has not understood it. There was one sent from God his name was John, he came a witness to the light to testify so that all men might believe. He himself was not the light, he came as a witness to the light. The true light that gives light to every man was coming into the world. He was in the world, and though the world was made through him, the world did not recognize him. He came into his own and his own did not receive him. Yet to all who receive him, to those who believed in his name he gave the right to become children of God. Children not born of natural descent or human wisdom or a husband’s will… but born of God. The Word became flesh and made his dwelling with us…

There it is: “The Word became flesh and (literally) camped out for a while.”  Remember I said Matthew puts the birth of Jesus in Jewish history and Luke puts the birth of Jesus in World history? John puts the birth of Jesus in Cosmic history.

The One who spoke and the 400 million stars of this galaxy were formed and 400 million galaxies of this Universe came into being – the one who sustains the spin of an electron around a proton and makes the dark matter we’re only speculating about keep the universe together… took on flesh and camped out for a while.

Yes, Jesus came as our King. He came to die in our place. He came for all. But the thing that continually puts me in awe of Christmas is HE CAME. Immanual – “God With Us” stripped himself of his omnipresence and omniscience and came as a helpless baby in a manger.

I don’t understand. I can  only see the edges of this picture. But I appreciate it and I’m in awe of it.

Christmas According to John is GOD came.

And shouldn’t we always have that sense of awe when we consider the greatness and love of our great and loving God?

My prayer for you this Christmas is that you’ll find a reverential awe that you’ll experience throughout the year. Take the time to explore more of God today.

These may not be all the verses on the love of money… but they are ones we need to meditate on, study in context and pray about implementing in our lives….

1. Matthew 19:21-26? Jesus said to him, “If you wish to be complete, go and sell your possessions and give to the poor, and you will have treasure in heaven; and come, follow Me.” But when the young man heard this statement, he went away grieving; for he was one who owned much property. And Jesus said to His disciples, “Truly I say to you, it is hard for a rich man to enter the kingdom of heaven. “Again I say to you, it is easier for a camel to go through the eye of a needle, than for a rich man to enter the kingdom of God.” When the disciples heard this, they were very astonished and said, “Then who can be saved?” And looking at them Jesus said to them, “With people this is impossible, but with God all things are possible.”
2. Mark 4:19 ?But the worries of the world, and the deceitfulness of riches, and the desires for other things enter in and choke the word, and it becomes unfruitful.
3. Mark 8:36 ?For what does it profit a man to gain the whole world, and forfeit his soul?
4. 1 Timothy 6:9-11 ?But those who want to get rich fall into temptation and a snare and many foolish and harmful desires which plunge men into ruin and destruction. For the love of money is a root of all sorts of evil, and some by longing for it have wandered away from the faith and pierced themselves with many griefs. But flee from these things, you man of God, and pursue righteousness, godliness, faith, love, perseverance and gentleness.
5. James 5:1-6 ?Come now, you rich, weep and howl for your miseries which are coming upon you. Your riches have rotted and your garments have become moth-eaten. Your gold and your silver have rusted; and their rust will be a witness against you and will consume your flesh like fire. It is in the last days that you have stored up your treasure! Behold, the pay of the laborers who mowed your fields, and which has been withheld by you, cries out against you; and the outcry of those who did the harvesting has reached the ears of the Lord of Sabaoth. You have lived luxuriously on the earth and led a life of wanton pleasure; you have fattened your hearts in a day of slaughter. You have condemned and put to death the righteous man; he does not resist you.

Can you add any more? Do it in the comments. Thank you.

Barbara Hodgson is the author of “The Sword That Pierced My Soul”. I can’t remember how we connected, but I’m glad that we have. She’s got a challenge for us today.

God taught me something this morning and laid it upon me to share with you.  A long time ago I asked God what I could do for him to show him how much I loved him. At that time he told me, “In time my child, in time.”  I didn’t fully realize how all the circumstances that came into my life God was making changes so he could use me to be a blessing to others.
God began to prepare me for the doors he was about to open by giving me the hunger for him.  I read the Bible from front to end, listened to ministers on radio and television, read books and watched all kinds of television programs concerning the history of biblical times. I began to understand what life was like for the people mentioned in the Bible, especially the Virgin Mary.

When God felt I was ready he opened a new door for me to walk through. My pastor told me she wanted our Bible study to be on women of the Bible. I suggested the Virgin Mary so she asked me to lead the study. The members liked the study so well they suggested I do a book on it. I shrugged it off for I was working full time so God shut one door and open another. My job was eliminated allowing me time to write the book, The Sword That Pierced My Soul. I was amazed with the story for I am not a writer as I barely passed English. But when I started writing the story just seemed to flow.

The story was written from Mary’s point of view, what she saw and learned about the child she brought into this world. She talked about the fears she faced and how God comforted her, giving her the faith she needed to face the circumstances she was in. She told about Jesus’ birth and how God used people to help them travel to Egypt and stay there until it was safe to return home. How they taught a young inexperienced girl to care for the child God entrusted her with. Like when Jesus developed a fever and she didn’t know what was wrong with him. A lady from the caravan showed her how to doctor him. She talked about her marriage with Joseph, Jesus’ brothers and sisters and Jesus’ ministry. How she left her life behind to follow him and stood by him through all the horrible things he encountered.

All through her life doors were shut and opened just like they are for us today. Instead of fearing to walk through the doors he opens with excuses like, I can’t, I don’t have the experience or knowledge, trust God to give you the tools needed as you walk through those opened doors.

To learn more about the book and where you can get your copy and some of the doors I’ve walked through go to:
http://www.theswordthatpiercedmysoul.weebly.com and http://barbarahodgson.weebly.com

Let’s continue our look at what the Bible says about getting good in this life

How To Get the Good God Has For You – RevTrev Radio (part 2)

God has promised good to us but did you know at times it’s laid out conditionally? He sends rain on the righteous and the unrighteous but there are three conditions in scripture for us to get the good that the Father intends us us to have. Find out what they are and how to live them out practically today.

Listen Now >>>
Download audio file (getgood2.mp3)

Download the eBook

Download the Entire Message

Listen to:

• Part 1

I talk with Bev Fawcett about her upcoming book.

Why is Jesus God’s Gift of Love to the World? RevTrev Radio

In this episode I talk to Bev Fawcett of http://hopeinchrist.info about her book “Jesus God’s Gift of Love to the World”

Listen Now >>>
Download audio file (bev2.mp3)

Let’s take a look at what the Bible says about getting good in this life.

 How To Get God’s Good – RevTrev Radio (part 1)

God has promised good to us but did you know at times it’s laid out conditionally? He sends rain on the righteous and the unrighteous but there are three conditions in scripture for us to get the good that the Father intends us us to have. Find out what they are and how to live them out practically today.

Listen Now >>>
Download audio file (getgood1.mp3)

Download the eBook

Download the Entire Message

Doesn’t a suddenly mean everything is changed? Yes…and no. It’s a lot like salvation. We have been saved, we are being saved and we will be saved. The same principles apply to a suddenly. So we need to know how to steward it. A message by Trevor Lund of http://revtrev.com

Listen to an excerpt…

Download audio file (stewardsuddenlyexcert.mp3)

Download Immediately at Expectancy Press

Here is a questions someone asked me on Twitter. It’s time to wrestle with our understanding of God once more. Are you ready to let your brain hurt? I’d appreciate your comments.

Question:

What are your thoughts on Psalm 5:5? Just got into a heated debate about it. Have any resources?

Answer:

Psalm 5:5 says:

Therefore, the proud may not stand in your presence,
      for you hate all who do evil.

First off we need to take every verse in context. The context is what’s in the rest of the chapter, book, testament and Bible.

It fits with the passion of the chapter it’s in. The book of psalms has words for every emotion of the human condition and shows us a great deal of God’s in words we can understand. It’s also in line with the old covenant.

Under the old covenant we have many references to God hating people as well as their actions. Here are many of them. There may be more.

• “You are not a god who delights in evil; no wicked person finds refuge with you; the arrogant cannot stand before you. You hate all who do evil;” Psalm 5:4-5
• “The Lord tests the righteous and the wicked, and the one who loves violence His soul hates.” Psalm 11:5
• Do not live according to the customs of the people I am driving out before you. It is because they do these shameful things that I detest them. Leviticus 20:23
• “Into your hands I commend my spirit; you will redeem me, LORD, faithful God. You hate those who serve worthless idols, but I trust in the LORD.” Psalm 31:5-6
• “Your throne, O God, stands forever; your royal scepter is a scepter for justice. You love justice and hate wrongdoing; therefore God, your God, has anointed you with the oil of gladness above your fellow kings. Psalm 45:6-7
• There are six things the Lord hates— no, seven things he detests: haughty eyes, a lying tongue, hands that kill the innocent, a heart that plots evil, feet that race to do wrong, a false witness who pours out lies, a person who sows discord in a family. Proverbs 6:16-19
• The Lord says, “All their wickedness began at Gilgal; there I began to hate them. I will drive them from my land because of their evil actions. I will love them no more because all their leaders are rebels. Hosea 9:15
• As it is written: Jacob I have loved, but Esau I have hated. Romans 9:13 (Quoting Malachi 1:3 where God is talking about Esau’s descendants to make a point about God loving someone, namely us Gentiles.)
• “For I hate divorce, says the LORD, the God of Israel, And covering one’s garment with injustice, says the LORD of hosts; You must then safeguard life that is your own, and not break faith.” Malachi 2:16

Under the New Covenant

Under the New Covenant we see God hating behaviour.

• “Your throne, O God, stands forever and ever; and a righteous scepter is the scepter of your kingdom. You loved justice and hated wickedness; therefore God, your God, anointed you with the oil of gladness above your companions”; Hebrews 1:8-9
• “But you have this in your favor: you hate the works of the Nicolaitans, which I also hate. ” ‘ “Whoever has ears ought to hear what the Spirit says to the churches. To the victor I will give the right to eat from the tree of life that is in the garden of God.” ‘ Rev. 2:6-7

I can’t find any other reference after the cross to God hating. If I’m wrong, someone please mention it in the comments.

This is significant. We fail to remember that everything changed at the cross. Because of the cross…

1. Guilt was removed (Justification).

For everyone has sinned; we all fall short of God’s glorious standard. Yet God, with undeserved kindness, declares that we are righteous. He did this through Christ Jesus when he freed us from the penalty for our sins. Romans 3:23-24 (New Living Translation)

2. The price of sin was paid (Redemption).

For God presented Jesus as the sacrifice for sin. People are made right with God when they believe that Jesus sacrificed his life, shedding his blood. Romans 3:25 (New Living Translation)

3. Our sins were washed (Propitiation).

Some of you were once like that. But you were cleansed; you were made holy; you were made right with God by calling on the name of the Lord Jesus Christ and by the Spirit of our God. 1 Corinthians 6:11 (New Living Translation)

4. We were made friends again with God (Reconciliation).

For God was in Christ, reconciling the world to himself, no longer counting people’s sins against them. And he gave us this wonderful message of reconciliation. 2 Corinthians 5:19 (New Living Translation)

5. We are no longer fallen (Identification).

But God is so rich in mercy, and he loved us so much, that even though we were dead because of our sins, he gave us life when he raised Christ from the dead. (It is only by God’s grace that you have been saved!) For he raised us from the dead along with Christ and seated us with him in the heavenly realms because we are united with Christ Jesus. Ephesians 2:4-6 (New Living Translation)

6. Satan’s Rule Was Ended (Reclamation).

In this way, he disarmed the spiritual rulers and authorities. He shamed them publicly by his victory over them on the cross. Colossians 2:15 (New Living Translation)

7. The curse of the law was canceled (Expiation).

But Christ has rescued us from the curse pronounced by the law. When he was hung on the cross, he took upon himself the curse for our wrongdoing. For it is written in the Scriptures, “Cursed is everyone who is hung on a tree.” Galatians 3:13 (New Living Translation)?

The problem I see in many Christian’s attitude is that they  take verses from the old, inferior covenant that are there to show us glimpses of divine and use them to justify their condemnation of others and say, “If God hates the evil doer, I’m loving God by hating him too.” Paul thought he was doing God a favor persecuting people too…before  he came out from under the law.

We can never forget God says in Ezekiel 18:23:

“Do you think that I like to see wicked people die? says the Sovereign Lord. Of course not! I want them to turn from their wicked ways and live.

And so many of us in the church would rather just sit back and condemn them to the judgement of an angry God. It grieves me because I know it grieves God. He’s not willing that any should perish and his Bride is debating if we have to bother with those he “obviously hates”.

Three Things to Consider

1. If we don’t love others we can’t love God.

If anyone says, “I love God,” yet hates his brother, he is a liar. For anyone who does not love his brother, whom he has seen, cannot love God, whom he has not seen. 1 John 4:2

2. The more God forgives, the more people love Him.

“Two people owed money to a certain moneylender. One owed him five hundred denarii, and the other fifty. Neither of them had the money to pay him back, so he forgave the debts of both. Now which of them will love him more?”  Simon replied, “I suppose the one who had the bigger debt forgiven.” “You have judged correctly,” Jesus said. Luke 7:40-43

3. God loves sinners because He first loved you.

But God demonstrates his own love for us in this: While we were still sinners, Christ died for us. Romans 5:8

We don’t serve an angry God. The cross and Christ’s sacrifice took care of that. I wish we all would stop living under the law and I admit, I have a ways to go. At times I look forward to the coming judgement as much as anyone wronged in this life.

Add to this discussion. Tell me how wrong I am or let me know how you see the Bible. Since we have a God who changes not, how can I say everything changed at the cross?

~Trevor

Resources

• Your Judgment of Others Limits Your Destiny
• Why Shouldn’t We Pick On People When They’re Wrong?
• What the Bible Say About Judging
• What Does Living Under the Law Look Like?
• 7 Things That Changed at the Cross
• How to Judge and Not Be A Jerk