What is Really Happening Part 1: The Call of Peter

In this first part of a new series, Pastor Jenkins will take you back to the first century so you will understand what is really happening. In this message, the call of Peter in Luke 5 is studied. Learn how Jesus operates when He calls you. Your image of the first century Jewish rabbi is going to change when you discover what is really happening!

Praying Psalm 9

Psalm 9 deals with an issue of the success of the evil in this world. I know I often consider why the "bad guys" always seem to win. Personally, I am dealing with this exact issue in my life. Why do those who do wrong get away with it by blaming others. This psalm gives me comfort that God's righteousness will ultimately prevail. David explains that despite all the dazzle of their temporary successes, the evil will fade into oblivion while only the Godly endure. Verses 5-6 state: "You have rebuked the nations, You have destroyed the wicked; You have blotted out their name forever and ever. The enemy has come to an end in perpetual ruins, And You have uprooted the cities; The very memory of them has perished." God has promised to bring judgment to the wicked. For now, that should bring comfort. A further inquiry of these verses paints a frightening picture.


The Treasury of David portrays most graphically David's meaning: God rebukes before he destroys, but when he once comes to blows with the wicked he ceases not until he has dashed them in pieces so small that their very name is forgotten, and like a noisome snuff their remembrance is put out for ever and ever. How often the word "thou" occurs in this and the former verse, to show us that the grateful strain mounts up directly to the Lord as doth the smoke from the altar when the air is still. My soul send up all the music of all thy powers to him who has been and is thy sure deliverance. Verse 6 sets forth a striking image: Here the Psalmist exults over the fallen foe. He bends as it were, over his prostrate form, and insults his once vaunted strength. He plucks the boaster's song out of his mouth, and sings it for him in derision. After this fashion doth our Glorious Redeemer ask of death, "Where is thy sting?" and of the grave, "Where is thy victory?" The spoiler is spoiled, and he who made captive is led into captivity himself. Let the daughters of Jerusalem go forth to meet their King, and praise him with timbrel and harp.

We that belong to God have much to be thankful for. We never want to receive God's wrath, just His compassion and mercy. Pray the following today:
I will give thanks to the Lord with all my heart; I will tell of all Your wonders. I will be glad and exult in You; I will sing praise to Your name, O Most High. When my enemies turn back, They stumble and perish before You. For You have maintained my just cause; You have sat on the throne judging righteously. You have rebuked the nations, You have destroyed the wicked; You have blotted out their name forever and ever.

Praying Psalm 8

Psalm 8 is a rapturous song that proclaims David's clarity of vision concerning God's handiwork. In the study of theology, there is a distinction between general and special revelation. Special revelation is the written Word of God. General revelation is the revelation of God through nature. This Psalm focuses on general revelation. David realizes that all of man's accomplishments are but gifts from God and should be dedicated to His service. Verse 3 says: "When I consider Your heavens, the work of Your fingers, The moon and the stars, which You have ordained...." (NASB) David could look at the sky and see God's hand. What do you see when you look at the sun, moon, stars, mountains, oceans, or nature in general?

The Treasury of David comments on "consider the heavens" as follows: "When I consider thy heavens, etc. Could we transport ourselves above the moon, could we reach the highest star above our heads, we should instantly discover new skies, new stars, new suns, new systems, and perhaps more magnificently adorned. But even there, the vast dominions of our great Creator would not terminate; we should then find, to our astonishment, that we had only arrived at the borders of the works of God. It is but little that we can know of his works, but that little should teach us to be humble, and to admire the divine power and goodness. How great must that Being be who produced these immense globes out of nothing, who regulates their courses, and whose mighty hand directs and supports them all!" Perhaps it is time for us to slow down in the midst of our busy lives in the 21st century and consider the heavens.

Today, slow down and look around you. What do you see? Pray the following:
I consider the handiwork of God O Lord, my Lord, I look around and I see your handiwork everywhere. How majestic is Your name in all the earth! You have displayed Your splendor above the heavens! From the mouth of infants and nursing babes You have established strength Because of Your adversaries. I consider Your heavens, the work of Your fingers, the moon and the stars, which You have ordained; O Lord, my Lord, How majestic is Your name in all the earth!

Sermon: The Feast of Tabernacles

In this message, Pastor Jenkins explains the practice, messianic, and prophetic significance of the Feast of Tabernacles. This was a time of rejoicing for the people of God. God's power to deliver and provide for His people were remembered as the festival was celebrated. Learn about Jesus' interruption of the proceedings as seen in John 7. You will see the connection between Jesus' teachings and the Jewish festival in a new light.

Sermon: The Feast of Trumpets

This feast begins the Jewish fall festivals. In this message, you will learn the how the feast was celebrated during Biblical times, its Messianic and prophetic significance. Included is a demonstration of the Dance of the Horah and the blowing of the shofar. The Feast of Trumpets was a call to repent and be ready for God's judgment.

Praying Psalm 7

Psalm 7 deals with the onslaught of vicious schemers. David recognizes that the generous of spirit seem powerless to deal with the wicked. His point is that the righteous must take heart in the knowledge that they will eventually prevail over the wicked, who will ultimately fall victim to their schemes. The bottom line: the wicked may look like they are getting away with their evil ways, but they are not. Psalm 7:1-5 says: I come to you for protection, O Lord my God. Save me from my persecutors—rescue me! If you don’t, they will maul me like a lion, tearing me to pieces with no one to rescue me. O Lord my God, if I have done wrong or am guilty of injustice, if I have betrayed a friend or plundered my enemy without cause, then let my enemies capture me. Let them trample me into the ground and drag my honor in the dust. (NLT) David cries out to God for protection and boldly declares his innocence. Can we do the same?

The Treasury of David explains David's claim of innocence as: "The second part of this wandering hymn contains a protestation of innocence, and an invocation of wrath upon his own head, if he were not clear from the evil imputed to him. So far from hiding treasonable intentions in his hands, or ungratefully requiting the peaceful deeds of a friend, he had even suffered his enemy to escape when he had him completely in his power. Twice had he spared Saul's life; once in the cave of Adullam, and again when he found him sleeping in the midst of his slumbering camp: he could, therefore, with a clear conscience, make his appeal to heaven. He needs not fear the curse whose soul is clear of guilt." Some older hymns speak of having the slate wiped clean or having settled the question or having the account being settled long ago. Is this your testimony? Can you go before God and proclaim your innocence? It is good when one can stand before God with the account of sin settled.

Today, consider the following prayer adapted from verses 6-9:
Arise, O Lord, in anger! Stand up against the fury of my enemies! Wake up, my God, and bring justice! Gather the nations before you. Rule over them from on high. The Lord judges the nations. Declare me righteous, O Lord, for I am innocent, O Most High! End the evil of those who are wicked, and defend the righteous. For you look deep within the mind and heart, O righteous God.

Praying Psalm 6

Psalm 6 was composed by David when he was sick and in pain. He intended his prayer for every person in sickness or distress, and particularly for Israel when it suffered oppression and deprivation. David pleaded with God that even if he must be punished for his deeds, that God do so gradually, but not in anger. Verse 2 says: "Have mercy upon me, O LORD; for I am weak: O LORD, heal me; for my bones are vexed." (KJV) David cried out in verse 4, " My soul also is sorely troubled. But thou, O LORD--how long?" (RSV) David understood both how to deal with pain as well as the source of healing. Ultimately, the decision was God's as to when he would receive deliverance.

David offers a key as to how to plead with God. Do you plead from strength or from weakness? The Treasury of David explains: Have mercy upon me, O Lord; for I am weak. Though I deserve destruction, yet let thy mercy pity my frailty. This is the right way to plead with God if we would prevail. Urge not your goodness or your greatness, but plead your sin and your littleness. Cry, "I am weak," therefore, O Lord, give me strength and crush me not. Send not forth the fury of thy tempest against so weak a vessel. Temper the wind to the shorn lamb. Be tender and pitiful to a poor withering flower, and break it not from its stem. Surely this is the plea that a sick man would urge to move the pity of his fellow if he were striving with him, "Deal gently with me, 'for I am weak.'"

Pray the following:
O Lord, don’t rebuke me in your anger or discipline me in your rage. Have compassion on me, Lord, for I am weak. Heal me, Lord, for my bones are in agony. I am sick at heart. How long, O Lord, until you restore me? Return, O Lord, and rescue me. Save me because of your unfailing love. It is in You, and in You alone, that I trust.

Praying Psalm 5

Yesterday, we looked at Psalm 4 which was a night time psalm (remember that the day begins at sundown). Today, we look at Psalm 5 which is a morning psalm. David is beset by enemies and he prays for deliverance. He seeks not just to alleviate his physical suffering, but also he wants to be free to serve God without distraction. Do you ever feel like you really want to serve God but something always gets in the way? If so, this psalm will have special significance for you. David writes in verses 11-12: But let all who take refuge in you rejoice; let them sing joyful praises forever. Spread your protection over them, that all who love your name may be filled with joy. For you bless the godly, O Lord; you surround them with your shield of love. (NLT)

The Treasury of David explains: "Joy is the privilege of the believer. When sinners are destroyed our rejoicing shall be full. They laugh first and weep ever after; we weep now, but shall rejoice eternally. When they howl we shall shout, and as they must groan for ever, so shall we ever shout for joy. This holy bliss of ours has a firm foundation, for, O Lord, we are joyful in thee. The eternal God is the well-spring of our bliss. We love God, and therefore we delight in him. Our heart is at ease in our God. We fare sumptuously every day because we feed on him. We have music in the house, music in the heart, and music in heaven, for the Lord Jehovah is our strength and our song; he also is become our salvation." Our joy shall last for all eternity. God will not fail us, He will see us through. Take comfort in this truth.

Pray the following today:
I take refuge in You God and I rejoice; I will sing joyful praises forever and I will start today. Spread Your protection over me, because I love your name and fill me with joy. For you bless the godly and I am godly because of the sacrifice of Jesus Christ; you surround me with your shield of love.

Praying Psalm 4

Yesterday in Psalm 3, we saw David deal with the betrayal of his son Absalom. In Psalm 4, David has a message for Absalom's followers and it speaks to sinners of all ages. He calls on them to abandon their hypocrisy, and the deceptiveness of temporary victories and fading glory. David wants them to stop their slander and recognize truth. Is there someone in your life that is blinded by deception and sin? If so, this Psalm gives you clear direction how to help them.

Psalm 4:3-8 says: You can be sure of this: The Lord set apart the godly for himself. The Lord will answer when I call to him. Don’t sin by letting anger control you. Think about it overnight and remain silent. Interlude Offer sacrifices in the right spirit, and trust the Lord.
Many people say, “Who will show us better times?” Let your face smile on us, Lord. You have given me greater joy than those who have abundant harvests of grain and new wine. In peace I will lie down and sleep, for you alone, O Lord, will keep me safe. (NLT) God grants His child peace; this not mean an easy life. There will still be trials and afflictions, but He will always be with us and He shall see us through to the end. His faithfulness is never an issue. The Treasury of David explains the connection to Jesus Christ: "Reader! let us never lose sight of the Lord Jesus while reading this Psalm. He is the Lord our righteousness; and therefore, in all our approaches to the mercy seat, let us go there in a language corresponding to this which calls Jesus the Lord our righteousness. While men of the world, from the world are seeking their chief good, let us desire his favour which infinitely transcends corn and wine, and all the good things which perish in the using. Yes, Lord, thy favour is better than life itself. Thou causest them that love thee to inherit substance, and fillest all their treasure."

Back to the original thought; what do you say to the deceived? This is a night time Psalm, it promises sweet rest. God gives His faithful sleep. The message to the deceived and sinner is: "how is your sleep?" Eventually, the sinner will loose his temporary joy that comes from sin. The loneliness and despair will be present. The rest that comes from Jesus is a witness that even in the midst of trial, we can have restful sleep! Pray the following today:
Let your face smile on me, Lord. I confess that You have given me greater joy than those who have abundant harvests of grain,new wine, and the pleasures of this world. You have given me peace and in peace I will lie down and sleep, for you alone, O Lord, will keep me safe. Thank You Lord for rest.

Praying Psalm 3

The background of Psalm 3 is that David's son, Absalom, led a nearly successful attempt to overthrow his father. The situation looks hopeless, but David's trust in God fills him with peace and security. Have you ever been in a situation that looks like no matter what you do, it will end in disaster? Who or what do you turn to in such times? Do you draw nearer to God or do you turn to someone or something else? David gives us a perfect example of what to do when he writes in Psalm 3:3-4: (NASB) "But You, O Lord, are a shield about me, My glory, and the One who lifts my head. I was crying to the Lord with my voice, And He answered me from His holy mountain. Selah." "Selah" is a notation at the close of a thought and directs one to reflect upon its enduring significance. Like David, it is good to stop and meditate on God's glory and His being a shield to you.

The Treasury of David explains the shield and glory as: "The word in the original signifies more than a shield; it means a buckler round about, a protection which shall surround a man entirely, a shield above, beneath, around, without and within. Oh! what a shield is God for his people! He wards off the fiery darts of Satan from beneath, and the storms of trials from above, while, at the same instant, he speaks peace to the tempest within the breast. Thou art "my glory." David knew that though he was driven from his capital in contempt and scorn, he should yet return in triumph, and by faith he looks upon God as honouring and glorifying him. O for grace to see our future glory amid present shame! Indeed, there is a present glory in our afflictions, if we could but discern it; for it is no mean thing to have fellowship with Christ in his sufferings." Oh, that you and I could see this truth. How can we appropriate this truth to our lives? It begins by praying the psalm back to God.

Today, meditate and pray the 3rd Psalm as follows: You, O Lord, are a shield about me, my glory, and the One who lifts my head. I cry to you Lord with my voice, and You answer me from Your holy mountain. Selah. You sustain me. I will not be afraid of ten thousands of people who have set themselves against me round about. Arise, O Lord; save me, O my God! For You have smitten all my enemies on the cheek; You have shattered the teeth of the wicked. Salvation belongs to the Lord; Your blessing be upon me! Selah.

Praying Psalm 2

Today we look at Psalm 2. Have you ever known someone that was fighting God's will? This psalm expresses the futility of attempting to thrawt God's will. David had been appointed king over Israel and the Philistines had massed their army to depose of him. What is God's response to those trying to stop Him; He laughs. Verses 1-4 say: Why are the nations in an uproar And the peoples devising a vain thing? The kings of the earth take their stand And the rulers take counsel together Against the Lord and against His Anointed, saying, "Let us tear their fetters apart And cast away their cords from us!"
(NASB) Notice that since David was God's choice, God considered an attack against David as an attack against Him. He laughs at those that seek to challenge His decrees.

The Treasury of David explains the division of this Psalm: "This Psalm will be best understood if it be viewed as a four-fold picture. (In verses 1, 2, 3) the Nations are raging; (4 to 6) the Lord in heaven derides them; (7 to 9) the Son proclaims the decree; and (from 10 to end) advice is given to the kings to yield obedience to the Lord's anointed. This division is not only suggested by the sense, but is warranted by the poetic form of the Psalm, which naturally falls into four stanzas of three verses each." Verse 12 says: Do homage to the Son, that He not become angry, and you perish in the way, For His wrath may soon be kindled. How blessed are all who take refuge in Him! (NASB) The Treasury of David explains the argument for reconciliation and obedience: Mark the solemn argument for reconciliation and obedience. It is an awful thing to perish in the midst of sin, in the very way of rebellion; and yet how easily could his wrath destroy us suddenly. It needs not that his anger should be heated seven times hotter; let the fuel kindle but a little, and we are consumed. O sinner! Take heed of the terrors of the Lord; for "our God is a consuming fire." Note the benediction with which the Psalm closes:—"Blessed are all they that put their trust in him." Have we a share in this blessedness? Do we trust in him? Our faith may be slender as a spider's thread; but if it be real, we are in our measure blessed. The more we trust, the more fully shall we know this blessedness. We may therefore close the Psalm with the prayer of the apostles:—"Lord, increase our faith."


Today, pray a portion of Psalm 2 as follows:
"I will surely tell of the Words of the Lord: Thank you Lord God for your Word that says, 'You are My Son, Today I have begotten You. 'Ask of Me, and I will surely give the nations as Your inheritance, And the very ends of the earth as Your possession. 'You shall break them with a rod of iron, You shall shatter them like earthenware.' " God grant me discernment; I worship You with reverence and I rejoice with trembling. I do homage to the Son, that He not become angry, and I perish in the way, For His wrath may soon be kindled. How blessed am I because I take refuge in Him!

Psalm 1 Continued

We continue to look at Psalm 1. Verses 4-6 say: The wicked are not so, But they are like chaff which the wind drives away. Therefore the wicked will not stand in the judgment, Nor sinners in the assembly of the righteous. For the Lord knows the way of the righteous, But the way of the wicked will perish. (NASB) Chaff gives an outward appearance of fruit, but they are actually hollow and without substance. The wicked will not stand with the righteous when they receive their eternal reward at the final judgment. Why is this so? Because the Lord attends to the way of the righteous and will protect and reward them. The wicked stand alone without Jesus the Messiah and they will perish.

This Psalm sets forth the two choices for living. One follows the Torah, i.e. law of God and the other seeks to follow the wisdom of man. What are you following? Is it the law of your church or denomination? Or, is it the law of your own mind. You need to be careful because there is a way that seems right to man, but the end is destruction. The safest choice is to follow God's Word. There is safety and blessing in obedience.

Pray the following today:
The wicked are like chaff which the wind drives away. I am not like the wicked because I meditate on the law of God. The wicked will not stand in the judgment, Nor sinners in the assembly of the righteous. I have nothing to fear because I am righteous through the shed blood of Jesus Christ who died for me. For the Lord knows my way because I am righteous because of Him.

Praying the Psalms

The Psalms provide an excellent model for prayer and worship. David wrote many of them during times of joy, sorrow, stress and brokenness. Every emotion is covered and they will serve us well to pray them. Psalm 1:1-3 says: How blessed is the man who does not walk in the counsel of the wicked, Nor stand in the path of sinners, Nor sit in the seat of scoffers! But his delight is in the law of the Lord, And in His law he meditates day and night. He will be like a tree firmly planted by streams of water, Which yields its fruit in its season And its leaf does not wither; And in whatever he does, he prospers. (NASB) This Psalm sets forth the two ways: those that follow the Torah, i.e. of God or those that follow the wicked or sinners. Jews make a distinction between the latter two. A wicked person promotes lawlessness and a disregard for Torah, while the sinful one errs unintentionally. Yet, they are lumped together.

What is the benefit to those that meditate day and night on Torah? He will be nourished like a tree planted by a stream of refreshing water. He will yield fruit in the correct season. His leaf will not wither. This speaks of both health and decay, of abundance and inadequacy. On a tree that we might not expect to find fruit, there will be leaves that speak of life and health and God's blessing. This depicts the vital relationship between God and man. Do you think that you are not able to bear fruit for the King? Do not despair; meditate on Psalm 1 and trust His Words and not your thoughts.

Mediate (speak softly to your self the following adaptation of these first three verses:
I am blessed because I do not walk in the counsel of the wicked, Nor do I stand in the path of sinners, Nor will I sit in the seat of scoffers! But my delight is in the law of the Lord, And in His law I meditate day and night. I am like a tree firmly planted by streams of water, I yield fruit in its season And my leaf does not wither; And in whatever I do, I prosper.

Living the "Good Life"

John 14:6 says: "The thief cometh not, but for to steal, and to kill, and to destroy: I am come that they might have life, and that they might have it more abundantly." (KJV) The word life is the Greek word zoe. It means a manner of life that is "the life of God" meaning that which God requires, a godly life. It is a blessed life; a life that satisfies, being indwelt by God but not necessarily favored by the circumstances. This means that having the indwelling Holy Spirit will enable you to live a holy life, i.e. a life that desires to obey God's commands to the best of your ability, while at the same time having to deal with problems. God promises not that we will not have problems, but that He will be with us to overcome those problems.

Today, there is a brand of Christianity that promises freedom from difficulties. I believe that such preaching is designed to fleece the flock of money. You hear: "send me $100 and God will send you a ten fold return." God becomes a cosmic slot machine that pays every time. Such thinking is an offense against a holy God. Do I believe in tithing and the giving of offerings? Of course! Do I believe that God honors His Word and will open the windows of heaven to pour out a blessing to those that give (see Malachi 3:10: " Bring ye all the tithes into the storehouse, that there may be meat in mine house, and prove me now herewith, saith the LORD of hosts, if I will not open you the windows of heaven, and pour you out a blessing, that there shall not be room enough to receive it.") Of course! However, God pours out blessings in many ways. We in America have a tendency to think about blessings as limited to money. What about good health so that you don't have medical bills so high that you can't pay your rent or mortgage. Blessings come in many forms. Have you considered how blessed you really are?

Today, consider God's blessing in your life. Jesus came to give you the zoe type of life. This does not mean that you will never have problems; but it does mean that you will never be alone in your problems. The "God kind of life" is a powerful testimony to the lost. But don't forget that Jesus certainly had the "God kind of life" and it lead Him to the cross. Are you really ready for the zoe life?

Spiritual Warfare 9

In part 9 of the Spiritual Warfare Series, Pastor Jenkins concludes the study on spiritual warfare by explaining the strategies of the enemy. There is a survey of Bible examples to see how the devil has attacked in times past. In addition, there is clear teaching to determine whether an attack is from natural causes or supernatural causes. A final call to study the Word concludes this 9 part series.

Are You Supposed to Fear God?

The following answer comes from www.chabad.org.

Question:
What's all this business about being "G‑d fearing"? What are we supposed to be afraid of?
Answer:
When we say that a person is "G‑d fearing", we don't mean he or she lives in fear that G‑d might punch them out for doing the wrong thing. The term for that would be "fear of punishment" (if a great big monster in the sky would be threatening the same, the fear would be the same, right?).

Of course, it's better to do the right thing because one is afraid of punishment than to kill, steal and cheat because the policeman isn't looking and one doesn't believe in a Higher Authority to whom man is answerable for his actions. Still, righteousness that is motivated by fear of punishment does not represent a very high spiritual or moral state of existence.

The Chassidic masters explain the true meaning of "G‑d fearing" as a fear of separation from G‑d. Like a child who is afraid of being left alone by its mother. So, too, a healthy soul will recoil from certain actions out of the awareness that these actions will place a barrier between herself and her Beloved, between the "spark of G‑dliness" it embodies and its Source.

Spiritual Warfare 8

In part 8 of the Spiritual Warfare Series, Pastor Jenkins concludes the study of the "power tools" available to the believer to enforce the victory won by Jesus Christ. Just like a power tool can help you build without using your own strength, these "power tools" will cause you to rely on the power given to believers instead of your own strength. In this teaching, the power of agreement, binding and loosening, and the power in praise are reviewed with an emphasis on the original languages.

Balance

By Tzvi Freeman

In a rush, in confusion, no one can serve his purpose upon this earth. Human purpose is an exquisite balance of heaven and earth, requiring feet firmly upon the ground and a clear head up in the air.

In a rush, the world is in control of you. Slow down and take control of your world.