Hoekstra Devotion - November 6

Israel Seeing Jericho's Walls Fall Down, by Faith:

By faith the walls of Jericho fell down after they were encircled for seven days.  (Heb_11:30)

The children of Israel are now poised on the edge of the land that God had promised to give them. By faith, they had kept the Passover and were spared the judgment of the firstborn that befell the unbelieving Egyptians. By faith, they had been delivered from bondage in Egypt. By faith, they had passed through the Red Sea. Now, they would begin to possess the promised blessings of God, seeing Jericho's walls fall down, by faith.

The first great challenge that Israel faced in the land was the fortress city of Jericho. Previously, the doubting spies had discouraged the people by speaking of these impenetrable cities. "The cities are great and fortified up to heaven" (Deu_1:28). Now, the Lord gives words of encouragement. "And the LORD said to Joshua: 'See! I have given Jericho into your hand' " (Jos_6:2). Although these words must have stirred hope, the battle plan may have brought some perplexity. "You shall march around the city, all you men of war; you shall go all around the city once. This you shall do six days . . . But the seventh day you shall march around the city seven times, and the priests shall blow the trumpets" (Jos_6:3-4). The natural question would have been, "How can a fortified city be taken by marching in circles and blowing trumpets?" Yet, these unusual battle instructions were accompanied by a divine promise. "When they make a long blast with the ram's horn, and when you hear the sound of the trumpet, that all the people shall shout with a great shout; then the wall of the city will fall down flat" (Jos_6:5). If the people would trust in the Lord, march around the city as told, and add a victory shout at the end of the seventh day, then the walls would fall down. "And he said to the people, 'Proceed, and march around the city' " (Jos_6:7).

Day after day, they marched on silently. On the seventh day, they marched repeatedly. Many times they may have been tempted to forsake the process as foolish and futile. Yet, patiently and obediently, they pressed on, by faith. Finally, the seventh march was completed on the seventh day. "When the people heard the sound of the trumpet, and the people shouted with a great shout . . . the wall fell down flat. Then the people went up into the city . . . and they took the city" (Jos_6:20). How could this be? It was the result of faith in God. "By faith the walls of Jericho fell down."

Lord God of the impossible, many times I have been as helpless as Israel was before the impregnable fortress of Jericho. When I tried to knock down the circumstances by my own power or thought, I was defeated. When I trusted in You prayerfully, I was victorious. Please help me to patiently and persistently face such battles in prayer, awaiting Your work, by Your mighty grace, Amen.

Oklahoma Howdy to All,

All seven of our current names for days of the week are each dedicated to a different pagan god. If one checks into why the days are called Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday, Friday, Saturday, and Sunday, you will find the pagan roots of the day and the god or goddess that day is dedicated to. However, if a Christian gets up each morning and worships Almighty God instead, it's a moot issue. Some might be convicted to change the name of the day because of the known links to the devil, and I would say that's fine if they are convicted to do so.

Pilgrim, I don't make light of your message about Christmas, but I celebrate Jesus every day. I celebrate Jesus on all seven days of the week, not the pagan gods they were named for. I choose not to give the devil recognition or glory on a single one of the 365 days each year. All 365 days are simply another day the Almighty God has made, and all will be done to HIS GLORY in worship of HIM. There is no day or hour that belongs to the devil. If there was such a day or hour, I would worship Almighty God on that day and hour.

As far as I'm concerned Mon-Sun, Christmas, Easter, and all other days belong to Christ, and I worship Christ on those days. If the devil feels that he owns any of those days, I doubt he would appreciate what many Christians do on those days. I feel convicted to worship Christ on those days and will continue to do so. I don't think the name of the day makes a difference, rather what you do with that day. With Christmas, the GIFTS are blessings from God, and the day is dedicated to HIM.

Love In Christ,
Tom

Headlines - Real?

DEAF MUTE GETS NEW HEARING IN KILLING

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ASBESTOS SUIT PRESSED

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COMPLAINTS ABOUT NBA REFEREES GROWING UGLY

POLICE BEGIN CAMPAIGN TO RUNDOWN JAYWALKERS

FLAMING TOILET SEAT CAUSES EVACUATION AT HIGH SCHOOL

HOUSE PASSES GAS TAX ONTO SENATE

POLICE DISCOVER CRACK IN AUSTRALIA

TUNA BITING OFF WASHINGTON COAST

TWO CONVICTS EVADE NOOSE; JURY HUNG

COLLEGIANS ARE TURNING TO VEGETABLES

MILK DRINKERS ARE TURNING TO POWDER

SAFETY EXPERTS SAY SCHOOL BUS PASSENGERS SHOULD BE BELTED

FLORIDA ILLEGAL ALIENS CUT IN HALF BY NEW LAW

COUNTY OFFICIALS TO TALK RUBBISH

JUDGE ACTS TO REOPEN THEATER

SURVIVOR OF SIAMESE TWINS JOINS PARENTS

Photogenic?

When I went to get my driver's license renewed, our local Motor Vehicle Bureau was packed.

The line inched along for almost an hour until the man ahead of me finally got his license.

He inspected his photo for a moment and commented to the clerk, "I was standing in line so long, I ended up looking pretty grouchy in this picture."

The clerk looked at his picture closely, and reassured him, "It's okay. That's how you're going to look when the cops pull you over anyway."

The Nursery:

There once was a Church Nursery that felt it was still more economical to use cloth diapers over disposable. The problem soon arose however, that they had trouble getting people to remember to return the laundered diapers and even more trouble getting them to return the plastic pants that went around them, so they ordered a stamp with the Church name on it. They figured no one would want to be seen using plastic pants with the Church name plastered on them.

When the new stamp arrived, the Nursery Director asked the church Secretary if she would please stamp the new plastic pants. The Secretary was doing the bookkeeping that same day, and accidentally picked up the wrong stamp. The next Sunday, the Nursery Volunteers pulled out the new pants to find "FOR DEPOSIT ONLY" stamped on them!

Soap and Water:

A minister was asked to dinner by one of his parishioners, who he knew was an unkempt housekeeper.

When he sat down at the table, he noticed that the dishes were the dirtiest that he had ever seen in his life.

"Were these dishes ever washed?" he asked his hostess, running his fingers over the grit and grime.

She replied, "They're as clean as soap and water could get them."

He felt a bit apprehensive, but blessed the food anyway and started eating. It was really delicious and he said so, despite the dirty dishes.

When dinner was over, the hostess took the dishes outside and yelled, "Here Soap! Here Water!"

Hoekstra Devotion - November 5:

The Israelites Passing through the Red Sea, by Faith:

By faith they passed through the Red Sea as by dry land, whereas the Egyptians, attempting to do so, were drowned.  (Heb_11:29)

By faith, Moses called God's people to apply the blood of the Passover lamb that they might be delivered from the judgment that was to befall Egypt. "By faith he kept the Passover and the sprinkling of blood, lest he who destroyed the firstborn should touch them" (Heb_11:28). Then, Moses led the people out of Egypt, eventually passing through the Red Sea, by faith.

Instead of sending Israel directly north toward the promised land, the Lord sent them eastward toward the Red Sea. "So God led the people around by way of the wilderness of the Red Sea" (Exo_13:18). From the outset of their journey, the Lord became their guide. "And the LORD went before them by day in a pillar of cloud to lead the way, and by night in a pillar of fire to give them light" (Exo_13:21).

Yet, Pharoah's heart hardened against Israel once again. "So the Egyptians pursued them, all the horses and chariots of Pharaoh, his horsemen and his army, and overtook them camping by the sea" (Exo_14:9). Soon, the people were trapped between the formidable sea and a mighty army. They were overtaken with fear, so Moses pointed them to the Lord. "Do not be afraid. Stand still, and see the salvation of the LORD, which He will accomplish for you today" (Exo_14:13). Then, as the Lord had instructed him, "Moses stretched out his hand over the sea; and the LORD caused the sea to go back by a strong east wind all that night, and made the sea into dry land, and the waters were divided. So the children of Israel went into the midst of the sea on the dry ground, and the waters were a wall to them on their right hand and on their left" (Exo_14:21-22). Into this intimidating setting, by faith in the Lord, the children of Israel advanced. " By faith they passed through the Red Sea as by dry land."

Again, as the Lord commanded, Moses stretched out his hand over the sea. "Then the waters returned and covered the chariots, the horsemen, and all the army of Pharaoh that came into the sea after them. Not so much as one of them remained" (Exo_14:28). The rebellious Egyptians could not follow where God's people had gone by faith. "Whereas the Egyptians, attempting to do so, were drowned."

Almighty God, when the way is blocked before me and an army of circumstances closes in behind me, help me to stand by faith, looking to You to open a way. Lord, I want to follow You, asking You to lead me where my enemies cannot go, in Jesus name, Amen.

Oklahoma Howdy to Brother Love,

Thanks for the compliments on my web site. I really enjoyed doing it and have some ideas for future additions. Many in my family are missionaries, and I'm trying to convince them to let me add pages about their ministries. Most of them have very little to do with computers, and I'm not sure what they think about the Internet. Some folks hear "Internet" and think only about the evil in the news.

I'll let you know if they decide to do it. I think that most folks would be interested in hearing about ministries in Columbia, Old Mexico, and Chile, just to name a few.

In Christ,
Tom

hahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahaha that was rich, bro.

Oklahoma Howdy to Tibby,

     I couldn't help myself and had to do it.

This reminds me of the old General watching an approaching cavalry charge. He yelled, "Shoot low boys, they're riding Shetlands."  

I had to do that too.  

In Christ,
Tom

Oklahoma Howdy to Curious,

One must understand and study the Old Testament to understand the New Testament. If you wish to really appreciate the Gospel of the Grace of God, contrasts, comparisons, and references from the Old Testament are the foundation and hold the keys to understanding many of the most precious truths of God's Grace and Love.

A simple comparison explains my thoughts about why God's children do good works and seek the Will of God in their lives. Under the Law, there was a list of musts or die. Under the Gospel of God's Grace, His children do good works in love, appreciation, and from a grateful heart. I'm positive that God knows the difference between doing something because you feel you must as opposed to doing something because you want to for the Glory of Almighty God.

Maybe this example is overly simple. In scenario number one, you must stand over your child and threaten punishment to get their room cleaned and their chores done. In scenario number two, you come home and find the room cleaned, the chores done, extra things done that were not on the list, and a smiling child who says, "I love you dad - thanks for all you do for me."

I know which one my Heavenly Father wants. If HIS children pray, seek HIS Will, watch, and listen, HE will provide opportunities to serve HIM. That service will be done in love and joy for the Glory of God.

In Christ,
Tom

I believe it is just a preview of the last days.

Brother Love

Oklahoma Howdy to Brother Love,

I've never been one of those folks who try to set dates. I would simply say that my entire family is ready for Jesus to come. This old world is pretty rough, ugly, and evil. I really feel sorry for those folks who live even during these times without Jesus. It's hard to imagine how miserable that would be. The world's bad news can't compare to God's Good News! The sooner we feel that Jesus may come, the harder we should try to share the Gospel of God's Grace.

Be it today, next year, 20 years, or 100 years from now, the Gospel of God's Grace is just as powerful as it was 2,000 years ago.

Thanks be unto God for HIS unspeakable GIFT!

Love In Christ,
Tom

Oklahoma Howdy to All,

I have too many favorites to list. I like the older Gospel music with the beautiful words and melodies. The ones I enjoy the most were sung by loved ones who have gone home to be with the Lord. I can still hear them singing in my mind:

How Great Thou Art
Beyond The Sunset
Whispering Hope
Beneath The Cross Of Jesus
At The Cross
Amazing Grace
The Old Rugged Cross
A New Name In Glory
Heavenly Sunlight
I Love To Tell The Story
It Is No Secret
In The Sweet By And By
Morning Has Broken
Precious Lord
Softly And Tenderly
Turn Your Eyes Upon Jesus
Were You There

I also like to listen to many of the old Southern Gospel songs that many people have never heard. These are the songs the field hands sang when they got tired and the songs they sang when they were worn out at the end of a hard day of work.

In Christ,
Tom

This is a post to ask Whitehorse if she ever found a New Martial Art. And to ask any of the new guys if they are into the Fighting arts/sports. But mainly to ask Whitehorse if she ever found a New Martial Art.

Oklahoma Howdy to Tibby,

   I'm really kind of disappointed. I know a Shetland pony who is developing a complex about being picked on all the time, and I thought this might be the answer.  

In Christ,
Tom

4JC, LoggedintoJesus, blackeyedpeas and Brother Love Amen & Amen

We are not to live our lives as we are under the Old Covenant but live our life under the New Covenant which demands a life in dependence upon God and not of the law which brings independence from God! 2 Cor. 3:6 Who also hath made us able ministers of the new testament; not of the letter, but of the spirit: for the letter killeth, but the spirit giveth life.

Oklahoma Howdy to Ambassador4Christ,

AMEN!, I love the way you expressed that Brother. I read that and several thoughts immediately came to mind.

Who do I want to count on or trust in? Myself or God.

Do I wish to establish self-righteousness or submit myself to the righteousness of Almighty God?

Do I wish to foolishly attempt to save myself, or do I wish to simply accept GOD's GRACE, GOD'S LOVE, GOD'S GIFTS, and seek HIS WILL in love and appreciation?

My answer was like the song, "I surrender all, all to HIM I owe." All of the GLORY is GOD'S GLORY! Thanks be unto God for HIS unspeakable GIFT!

Love In Christ,
Tom

Hoekstra Devotion - November 4:

Moses Keeping the Passover, by Faith:

By faith he kept the Passover and the sprinkling of blood, lest he who destroyed the firstborn should touch them.  (Heb_11:28)

When Moses boldly led Israel out of Egypt, his fearlessness was based upon his faith in the true and living God. "By faith he forsook Egypt, not fearing the wrath of the king; for he endured as seeing Him who is invisible" (Heb_11:28). His confidence in the invisible Lord God had been confirmed by what he saw regarding the Lord's faithfulness when he kept the Passover, by faith.

The crushing blow of God's judgment upon Egypt was the death of the firstborn in every household. "The LORD struck all the firstborn in the land of Egypt . . . So Pharaoh rose in the night . . . Then he called for Moses and Aaron by night, and said, 'Go, serve the LORD as you have said' " (Exo_12:29-31). Israel was delivered from this judgment by trusting in the Lord's protection, which was provided through the shed blood of the Passover lamb. "Now the LORD spoke to Moses . . . every man shall take for himself a lamb . . . a lamb for a household . . . Then the whole assembly of the congregation of Israel shall kill it at twilight. And they shall take some of the blood and put it on the two doorposts and on the lintel of the houses where they eat it . . . For I will pass through the land of Egypt on that night, and will strike all the firstborn in the land of Egypt . . . I am the LORD. Now the blood shall be a sign for you on the houses where you are. And when I see the blood, I will pass over you; and the plague shall not be on you to destroy you when I strike the land of Egypt" (Exo_12:1, Exo_12:3, Exo_12:6-7, Exo_12:12-13). Responding in faith, Moses and the Israelites were delivered. "By faith he kept the Passover and the sprinkling of blood, lest he who destroyed the firstborn should touch them."

We, too, are delivered from judgment by faith in the blood of the ultimate Passover lamb. "Christ, our Passover, was sacrificed for us" (1Co_5:7). We who trust in the shed blood of Christ are forgiven, delivered from the eternal wages of sin by God's abounding grace. "In Him we have redemption through His blood, the forgiveness of sins, according to the riches of His grace . . . For the wages of sin is death, but the gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord" (Eph_1:7 and Rom_6:23). This eternal life (of endless duration and abundant dimensions) is ours through the New Covenant of grace. "This cup is the new covenant in My blood, which is shed for you" (Luk_22:20).

Lord Jesus, my Passover Lamb, I thank You for Your shed blood that rescued me from the eternal judgment that I deserved. I praise You for the abundance of life that Your New Covenant of grace brings to me, by faith!