AaronEberline.com » Strength

Eloquence and strength manifested: Jeremiah 1 and 2

Aaron Eberline — Mon, 10 Oct 2011 15:00:07 +0000

How would you react if God told you that were set apart to declare His truth to an obstinate and headstrong nation? Would you fear the people you were going to reprove? Would you question whether God had the correct person for the job? “But you, dress yourself for work; arise, and say to them everything that I command you. Do not be dismayed by them, lest I dismay you before them. And I, behold, I make you this day a fortified city, an iron pillar, and bronze walls, against the whole land, against the kings of Judah, its officials, its priests, and the people of the land. They will fight against you, but they shall not prevail against you, for I am with you, declares the LORD, to deliver you.” Jeremiah 1:17-18

The people of Israel needed to hear how far they had strayed from God. They declined from devotion to God into lustful idolatry seeking to fulfill their desires apart from God. The people abandoned God who intimately led them to the promised land as He daily proved that He was faithfulness and sufficiency. ”Your evil will chastise you, and your apostasy will reprove you. Know and see that it is evil and bitter for you to forsake the LORD your God; the fear of me is not in you, declares the Lord GOD of hosts. ”For long ago I broke your yoke and burst your bonds; but you said, ‘I will not serve.’ Yes, on every high hill and under every green tree you bowed down like a whore. Yet I planted you a choice vine, wholly of pure seed. How then have you turned degenerate and become a wild vine?” Jeremiah 2:19-21 Why do we easily stray from God even after we have experienced His goodness? We have all we need in God but we believe the lies that we are not truly satisfied in Him.

Is the story of Jeremiah any different than that of Christians today? We are called to be a light in this dark world pointing towards hope. Jeremiah was set apart as a stronghold against the sin in the lives of the Israelites. The world is full of phallic alters that are continually bowed down before. As disciples of Jesus Christ we must navigate this world of idols and speak the truth that Jesus Christ is all that is needed. Strength is not required to go and tell. Eloquence is not a necessity to communicate. The truth that Jesus Christ died on the cross of Calvary for the sins of the world is eloquence and strength. Will you tell of the greatness of the perfection that will destroy the idolatry of the world?

Will the collective resources of the world afford you salvation: Psalm 147

Aaron Eberline — Fri, 25 Feb 2011 16:00:54 +0000

When we become utterly tired and weary from the concerns of life what do we hope in? In the morning and strength of our youth we can overcome every insurmountable obstacle that lays in our path but as time, worry, and fear erode our strength and resolve we face a moment of crisis. Will the collective resources of the world afford us the salvation we desire? Is our strength enough? Is there truly hope? It is easy to believe that money, possessions, and friendship can enable us to overcome any problem but we are sadly deceived. God is the wellspring of fulfillment that we crave but there is absolutely no way that we can achieve His grace and favor through any merit of ourselves.

“He does not delight in the strength of the horse; He does not take pleasure in the legs of a man. The Lord favors those who fear Him, those who wait for His lovingkindness.” Psalm 147:10,11 God will never take delight in what we can do for Him but He delights to do all that He chooses to accomplish. God’s covenant love that was brought to bear upon our sinful condition upon the cross of Calvary is the paramount hope that we should cling to. We can find strength in weakness and hope in despair because our future is secure because of all that God has done for us.

Boldness birthed out of God’s sufficient supremacy: Psalm 140

Aaron Eberline — Fri, 18 Feb 2011 16:00:39 +0000

How can David say, “As for the head of those who surround me, may the mischief of their lip cover them. May burning coals fall upon them; may they be cast into the fire, into the deep pits from which they cannot rise. May a slanderer not be established in the earth; may evil hunt the violent man speedily.” Psalm 140:9-11 Can we truly wish the demise of someone? What is the basis of these thoughts of David? These wicked men were against God and seeking the demise of David. How does the character and opposition of these men against God allow David to seek their downfall? The character and identity of David was grounded in his relationship with God. This relationship with God afforded David the confidence to proclaim that the wicked will never proper because God was in control. “I said to the Lord, ‘You are my God; give ear, O Lord, to the voice of my supplications. O God the Lord, the strength of my salvation, you have covered my head in the day of battle. Do no grant, O Lord, the desires of the wicked; do not promote his evil device , that they not be exalted.’” Psalm 140:6-8

There is boldness and security birthed in our living relationship with God. We can truly know that God is for us and no matter what foes or obstacles we face we are secure because of His nature. God is all-powerful and there is no one that will prosper without Him. The wicked will fall and the people who seek their own gains will ultimately be brought low. How does this apply to our lives today? We need to be bold in every circumstance of life knowing that God is in control. Will you follow God and choose to trust Him in the face of adversaries? Do you believe that there is strength in God?

Is God enough for you to find complete rest: Psalm 131

Aaron Eberline — Wed, 09 Feb 2011 16:00:32 +0000

Is God enough? Do we find rest in God? We often look upon our lives and think that we need just one more ‘thing’ to make ourselves complete. Why do we long for more? We let ourselves get in our way: we let the pride within us dictate our needs and wants, we let our eyes lust upon the items our pride desires, and we tout how our great intellect helps us. How can we believe that God is enough when we assume requirements from God upon our lives and we think that if we work hard enough we will meet the requirements. Is our busyness an attempt to win God’s favor? Why do we feel compelled to work for our salvation which was completely finished and granted at the cross of Calvary.

We need to just rest in God. In Psalm 131 David describes the rest in God we must seek. “Surely I have composed and quieted my soul; like a weaned child rests against his mother, my soul is like a weaned child within me.” Psalm 131:2 We are truly helpless. We need to realize that all the strength and prowess we perceive doesn’t exist within ourselves. It is God who is our strength and power. We need rest, stop striving and rest in God. Give no thoughts towards anything but resting in God.

Sufficiency of God’s refuge brings hope: Psalm 91

Aaron Eberline — Fri, 31 Dec 2010 16:00:42 +0000

When we claim that God is our refuge what are we actually believing? To say that God is our refuge requires that our faith, hope, and trust in unison acknowledge that we cannot and only God can. Everything great or small that we encounter in life is only possible because of our almighty God. As we face each day we may face painful troubles, wondrous joy or unyielding monotony but no matter the circumstance that we face God is our deliverer. When we face fear God will grant us courage. In the face of uncertainty God will provide peace. And when death seeks to take us God lavishly gives us salvation. There is nothing in life that we can fear when we find that God is our ultimate refuge and strength. “Because he has loved Me, therefore I will deliver him; I will set him securely on high, because he has known My name. He will call upon Me, and I will answer him; I will be with him in trouble; I will rescue him and honor him. With a long life I will satisfy him and let him see My salvation.” Psalm 91:14-16

Set your standard of war for the battle of life: Psalm 41

Aaron Eberline — Thu, 11 Nov 2010 16:00:34 +0000

How do you interact with the people around you that are suffering? When people become beaten down by hurtful people, oppressing circumstances or failing health are you a blessing or a curse to them? We cannot, in our own strength, remain a constant help to the hurting people of this world. Only God can enable us to be a healing balm to the worn people of this world.

What do you do when you are the one who is downcast and hurting? We need to run to God, the only faithful one, for our help. God can grant deliverance from trouble, protection from danger and healing to the sick. Do we remember to ask God for the grace and faith we need to make it through this life? Are we too afraid or proud to run to God for help? We spend so much of our energy fighting through life that we use up our strength and fall farther back into trouble. If we fight against the sin of this world without God we will be trapped deeper in the clutches of sin. Give up and let God help you. The power of God is able to uphold you in the midst of the storms of life and He will remain faithful to you when everyone else turns away.

“But You, O Lord, be gracious to me and raise me up, that I may repay them. By this I know that You are pleased with me, because my enemy does not shout in triumph over me. As for me, You uphold me in my integrity, and You set me in your presence forever. Blessed be the Lord, the God of Israel, from everlasting to everlasting. Amen and Amen” Psalm 41:12,13 Is the Lord you God you standard of war in this life? We are in a battle; will you let Him fight your fights? Relinquish the command of your life for God stands ready to aid you! Stop fighting against God’s abounding Love that seeks to send you help. Submit to the gift of Calvary and let Jesus Christ be Lord of your life. Will you do that?

Lovingkindness poured out freely at Calvary: Psalm 32

Aaron Eberline — Tue, 02 Nov 2010 15:00:39 +0000

How was sin forgiven before Jesus Christ died on the cross as a final and absolute sacrifice for us? The forgiveness of sin came through the continual sacrifices offered to God as atonement for the transgressions made by man. The effect of sin upon all mankind is the same; when we sin we are openly proclaiming that we do not need God in our lives and that the power is within us to make our own destiny. In Psalm 32 we see how God works in the heart of men. “When I kept silent about my sin, my body wasted away through my groaning all day. I acknowledge my sin to You, and my iniquity I did not hide; I said, ‘I will confess my transgressions to the Lord’; and You forgave the guilt of my sin.” Psalm 32:3-5

Is there a physical response to sin in the lives of men? Once we taste the sweet freedom found in God the taint of sin will eat away at us. What does sin do to our heart, mind, soul and strength? When we throw ourselves wholeheartedly away from God into sin we are tainting our entire being in a way that only God can restore when we turn to Him surrendering our heart, mind, soul and strength. Is there any way for us to initiate reconciliation with God? The book of Hebrews details how the Aaronic priesthood was ineffective to free man from the curse of sin because they themselves were under that curse. The hope for mankind needed to come from outside the inherent frailty of humanity. Only Jesus Christ can free us from the bonds of sin because He was of a higher order of priest enabling Him to shatter the chains that held us to sin. Do you sense the hope found in Jesus Christ?

“Therefore, let everyone who is godly pray to You in a time when You may be found; surely in a flood of great waters they will not reach him. You are my hiding place; You preserve me from trouble; You surround me with songs of deliverance.” Psalm 32:6,7 Our help to overcome sin is only found from God alone. We can never overcome the curse of sin on our own. God is the only one who is able to help us. Will you acknowledge that Jesus Christ is the preeminent sacrifice that offers atonement for our sins? He died on the cross of Calvary to restore the fellowship that we crave. “Many are the sorrows of the wicked, but he who trusts in the Lord, lovingkindness shall surround him. Be glad in the Lord and rejoice, you righteous ones; and shout for joy, all you who are upright.” Psalm 32:10,11 Do not dwell in the path of the wicked of this world but run to the cross of Calvary and be enveloped with the lovingkindness poured out freely there.

Strength, salvation and blessing in abundance: Psalm 21

Aaron Eberline — Fri, 22 Oct 2010 15:00:41 +0000

We are richly blessed by God; in Psalm 21 we are told how God has done so much for the king of Israel. Strength, salvation, blessing, splendor and majesty were all given to the king in abundance by God. What is noteworthy about the king of Israel? His trust of is placed in God alone and the enabling power of God works through these men to accomplish God’s will. Does it seem like this Psalm doesn’t have much to say to the christian today? We are not kings and we do not seek victory in battle. If you are thinking about moving on to another Psalm please take another look at Psalm 21 and as you read through all the blessings think about all the blessings that you have in Jesus Christ. We are given strength, salvation and blessing in abundance from Jesus Christ. We are enabled to live through this sinful world bringing glory to God because of Jesus Christ’s sacrifice on the cross.

Looking back in praise and adoration on God’s faithfulness: Psalm 18

Aaron Eberline — Tue, 19 Oct 2010 15:00:26 +0000

As you look back on your life what are the most memorable moments that come to your mind? If you were to write an autobiography or a letter to your children and grandchildren what important facts would you include? Would you see the faithfulness of God evident throughout your life or would you see your own prowess and strength exhibited? In Psalm 18 David reflects back upon his life after God delivered him from Saul and all of his enemies. The words of David do not center on his own capabilities but instead he focuses on God’s deliverance. Can you say, ” ‘I love You, O Lord, my strength.’ The Lord is my rock and my fortress and my deliverer, my God, my rock, in whom I take refuge; my shield and the horn of my salvation, my stronghold. I call upon the Lord, who is worthy to be praised. And I am saved from my enemies.” Psalm 18:1-3 Is God the love of your life? Is your foundation and strength found in God? Is He your protection and hope?

Can you look back on your life and acknowledge that everything occurred for God’s purpose and will? David endured many moments where he found himself completely helpless. God was everything to David and out of that dependance strength and hope was found. When David needed help in the face of an insurmountable enemy he cried out to God for deliverance. God knew and remembered David’s ways and how his heart was always focused on Him. David was enabled and strengthened by God to overcome the calamities that he faced. Out of all the hardship that David endured he could only praise God for all that He did, “Therefore I will give thanks to You among the nations, O Lord, and I will sing praises to Your name.” Psalm 18:49 What has God done in your life?

In the midst of any difficulty God is able to envelope your darkest moment with light. He gives strength in the midst of weakness and security in the midst of fear. Wholeness and restoration is found in God alone. If you are bruised and battered from life will you turn to God for help? Will you place your confidence in God just as David did when he was faced with turmoil?

Peace, hope and purpose found in a proper perspective: Job Summary

Aaron Eberline — Fri, 01 Oct 2010 15:00:28 +0000

The story in the book of Job is portrayed on two distinct levels. At the macro-level we see the impetus for the calamity that befalls Job when God discusses His servant with Satan resulting in God allowing Satan to bring calamity upon Job. On the micro-level we see the loss of family, wealth and health for Job along with the futile comfort offered by his friends Zophar, Bildad and Eliphaz. How do we cope when calamities come upon us when outwardly we only see our life from the midst of trouble and tribulation? Can hope be had in the midst of calamity? How do we deal with the anger and despair that vies for our attention when we are in the midst of trouble?

Job was faced with his way of life being disturbed and radically changed when his children, livestock and health were struck by Satan. Job had no foreknowledge that these events that transformed his life were ordained and allowed by God. His main concern was questioning why these events happened to him, an upright man who sought God above all. The knowledge and faith that Job had in God was great but his perspective on his situation was fixed inwardly and not upon God.

Without a proper perspective of God’s majesty and power we can never come to terms with our circumstances. We can have great knowledge of the Bible enabling us to recite facts, figures and events but when that knowledge is not based on a proper perspective of God it becomes complete foolishness. When God finally speaks with Job the infinite majesty of God bore down upon the finite being of Job. There was no longer concern for the whys of life because Job was faced with the exceedingly glorious God. No matter the circumstance that we find ourselves in we cannot hope to endure it without fully embracing God in the midst of it. Our natural tendency will be to use knowledge and wisdom to artfully overcome our situations but lasting peace in the midst of life will always be elusive without God.

What applications can be made from the book of Job to help in our moments of trial, trouble and tribulation? We need to guard ourselves from thinking that we know everything. We need to consistently run back to God and cling to Him every moment of every day. The way we view God will shape how we endure life. If the God you cling to is the all powerful Lord of Creation you will find strength and hope but a feeble perspective of God will only bring deeper despair in the times of calamity.

Learn to love God with all of your heart, mind, soul and strength as you envelope yourself with the truths of Scripture. The life that is lived clinging to God will be equipped to help others who are hurting. As 2 Corinthians 1 states, we receive comfort from God in the midst of our trouble and that comfort we receive in turn is used to help others enduring the same hardship. Was Job able to understand people who lost loves ones? Was Job able to relate to someone who had health problems? Was Job able to fathom the despair of losing income and wealth? As you endure the hardships of life fixated on God you will be uniquely placed to help many people around you. Do not give into the despair of your situation but run to God for your hope and comfort as you endure the stormy night. When morning comes you will find a hope for the future that will bring healing to others in the midst of the storm.