LTM's Chit &Chat

they were symbolic of Christ in this world. The outer courts of the temple were a busy and noisy place where animals were tethered, slaughtered and sacrificed on the altar. But the Sanctuary consisted of the Holy Place and the Holy of Holies. The Holy Place had very little activity compared with the outer courts; it was where the lampstand, the table of showbread and the altar of incense (all symbolic of Christ) were kept. The Holy of Holies was only entered into once a year and the priest did very little in it - a big contrast to the daily, busy activity of the outer courts of the temple.

It is significant that Jesus did not say that the whole temple would be destroyed and rebuilt; only the Sanctuary itself. John used two different words for "temple" in John chapter 2. The first two instances of the word "temple" is hieron and means the whole of the temple including its outer courts. But the word which is used three times at the end of the chapter (including the one Jesus used in reference to Himself) is a different word - "naos" - which means ONLY the Sanctuary itself, consisting of the Holy Place and the Holy of Holies. Matthew and Mark bear this out as they used exactly the same words for what Jesus had said. All other writers in the New Testament also used this word "naos" in reference to the Body of Christ instead of "hieron" (Acts 7:48, 17:24; 1 Cor. 3:16,17, 6:19; 2 Cor. 6:16, Eph. 2:21, Rev. 3:12, 21:22 to name a few). It is significant that our English word "hierarchy" is derived from the root of the word "hieron" meaning temple.

The secular Greek definition of this word "naos" or sanctuary, was "inmost part of a temple, containing the image of the god" and interestingly, "a portable shrine" - reminiscent of the tabernacle or tent of the Lord. This word is also used of us as the 'temples' of the Holy Spirit in 1 Cor. 3:16. There are no instances of the word "hieron" (the temple) being used in reference to Christ or His Body in the New Testament at all. Instead the word meaning a sanctuary or holy place is used, but our English translations don't differentiate between the two.

The fact is that there is only One who fully satisfies God, and we share in God's pleasure and delight in His Son when we are in Him - when we are living stones being built into this House which is Christ. As I said, it is one of our natural, human desires to want to do something for those we love, and this obviously includes doing things for God; we desire to please Him with what we do and with whatever we can make for Him. But, in the words of T. Austin-Sparks, "It is not what is done for God, but what is done by God that will last." And that is a very important distinction.

cont

Kings and Kingdoms

I think it is beyond refute that it was never God's intention for us to have buildings or temples on this earth in which to worship Him like the religions of this world who have temples for their gods. Most of us are aware of the fact that the Israelites having a king was not God's idea either (1 Sam. 8:4-7). Their reason for wanting a king was so that they would "be like all the other nations" and have a king who would lead them and defend them (1 Sam. 8:19,20).

God warned the Israelites that the result of their demanding a king would be that they would be in bondage and subjection to their king and that he would use them and abuse them. He told Samuel to say to the people, "If you have a king, this is how he will treat you. He will force your sons to join his army. Some of them will ride in his chariots, some will serve in the cavalry, and others will run ahead of his own chariot. Some of them will be officers in charge of a thousand soldiers, and others will be in charge of fifty. Still others will have to farm the king's land and harvest his crops, or make weapons and parts for his chariots. Your daughters will have to make perfume or do his cooking and baking. The king will take your best fields, as well as your vineyards, and olive orchards and give them to his own officials. He will also take a tenth of your grain and grapes and give it to his officers and officials (the tithe). The king will take your slaves and your best young men and your donkeys and make them do his work. He will also take a tenth of your sheep and goats. You will become the king's slaves." (1 Sam. 8:9-17). All of this is so clearly evident in churches today where there is loyalty to the system, to the building, to the meetings and to the pastors or religious leaders, instead of a loyalty to God. God took this decision very personally; He saw that the people were rejecting Him as their King (1 Sam. 8:7). He wanted to be their only King just as He wants to be our only Meeting Place...

Our common ground is not meant to be whether we go to church or what denomination we are part of, or what doctrines we believe, or what teachers we listen to; our common ground, our communion (common union), our Place of Meeting is simply Christ! When He is both King and the Meeting Place in a person's life, we find that we have instant communion and fellowship with them because Christ IS our Place of meeting! In this Holy Place we find ourselves in union with God and with His Family.

cont

Today the majority of Christians are no different than the Israelites who wanted a temple and a king, just as Stephen said in his speech. We have built "temples" and we have wanted "kings" to look up to and to tell us what to do and what not to do, what to read and what not to read, what to believe and what not to believe, where to go and where not to go - the list is endless - instead of asking, and hearing, and knowing God for ourselves. The result of all these kings and temples are many religious kingdoms which are sustained by man and not God and which often abuse and exploit people. Jesus gave us the example of true leadership Himself by being a servant and running away when the people wanted to make Him their King (John 6:15). The Kingdom of God is NOT of this world: "My kingdom," said Jesus, "doesn't consist of what you see around you. If it did, My followers would fight so that I wouldn't be handed over to the Jews. But I'm not that kind of king, not the world's kind of king." (John 18:36).

We each need to honestly answer the question: "WHO is king in my life?" A kingdom is a place where the king governs and decides everything. Even though we may not yield to another person as king, often we fail to realise that the one person who may be acting as king by reigning and ruling supreme in our lives, stares back at us every time we look in a mirror! In speaking of who is king in our lives, we are talking about what our heart loves above all else, for the heart is the throne where whomever we love and admire the most resides. When Christ is our King we find ourselves lovingly yielding to Him and seeing His Way, His Truth, and His Life established in our lives as we become like the One we love....

While I saw all this years ago as relating to kings in our lives, it was only recently that Father showed me how this also related to the temple when reading an article entitled "The Tragedy of the Temple" (located at http://www.austin-sparks.net/mags/ttm17-2.htm... ). I saw that building a temple/church reveals that inherent desire of ours to do something for God, and wanting a religious leader to tell us what to do and how to do it reveals our inherent desire to have a king here on earth to govern us. But both a king and a temple are focusing upon what is seen here on earth rather than spiritually perceiving what is unseen (2 Cor. 4:18). They are substitutes for the Real and the True and we often idolise them - allowing them to become the centre of our lives instead of Christ. Whatever we idolise very effectively blinds us from seeing Truth because our eyes are on our idol so we can see nothing past that. We need to be shaken out of our idolatry by hearing God's words deep in our hearts: "THIS is My dearly loved Son, who brings Me great joy; listen to HIM!" May God continue to shatter our idols and open our eyes so that we will see and worship "only Jesus".

"Christ came as High Priest of the good things to come, with the greater and more perfect tabernacle not made with hands, that is, not of this creation." Heb. 9:11

LTM wrote:

<quoted text>
Hi Cooterdog things are starting to come together. they are going to spray my place next week and steam clean again.
I am glad you are still coming on this thread.

Going to read your posts, LTM. So good to see you back!

Thank you cooterdog , my post was a little long but it is beautiful and well worth the read.
the woman who wrote the article was blessed by God for sure to be so inspired and have such great insight. Hope you enjoy it.
How are you doing on your other threads, I was on one said something I shouldn't have I made an enemy I apologized, but I feel bad, I wasn't very kind to her.

Micah 7

New King James Version (NKJV)


Sorrow for Israel’s Sins

7 Woe is me!
For I am like those who gather summer fruits,
Like those who glean vintage grapes;
There is no cluster to eat
Of the first-ripe fruit which my soul desires.
2 The faithful man has perished from the earth,
And there is no one upright among men.
They all lie in wait for blood;
Every man hunts his brother with a net.

3 That they may successfully do evil with both hands—
The prince asks for gifts,
The judge seeks a bribe,
And the great man utters his evil desire;
So they scheme together.
4 The best of them is like a brier;
The most upright is sharper than a thorn hedge;
The day of your watchman and your punishment comes;
Now shall be their perplexity.

5 Do not trust in a friend;
Do not put your confidence in a companion;
Guard the doors of your mouth
From her who lies in your bosom.
6 For son dishonors father,
Daughter rises against her mother,
Daughter-in-law against her mother-in-law;
A man’s enemies are the men of his own household.
7 Therefore I will look to the Lord;
I will wait for the God of my salvation;
My God will hear me.
cont.

Israel’s Confession and Comfort
8 Do not rejoice over me, my enemy;
When I fall, I will arise;
When I sit in darkness,
The Lord will be a light to me.
9 I will bear the indignation of the Lord,
Because I have sinned against Him,
Until He pleads my case
And executes justice for me.
He will bring me forth to the light;
I will see His righteousness.
10 Then she who is my enemy will see,
And shame will cover her who said to me,
“Where is the Lord your God?”
My eyes will see her;
Now she will be trampled down
Like mud in the streets.
11 In the day when your walls are to be built,
In that day the decree shall go far and wide.[a]
12 In that day they[b] shall come to you
From Assyria and the fortified cities,[c]
From the fortress[d] to the River,[e]
From sea to sea,
And mountain to mountain.
13 Yet the land shall be desolate
Because of those who dwell in it,
And for the fruit of their deeds.
cont

God Will Forgive Israel

14 Shepherd Your people with Your staff,
The flock of Your heritage,
Who dwell solitarily in a woodland,
In the midst of Carmel;
Let them feed in Bashan and Gilead,
As in days of old.

15 “As in the days when you came out of the land of Egypt,
I will show them[f] wonders.”

16 The nations shall see and be ashamed of all their might;
They shall put their hand over their mouth;
Their ears shall be deaf.
17 They shall lick the dust like a serpent;
They shall crawl from their holes like snakes of the earth.
They shall be afraid of the Lord our God,
And shall fear because of You.

18 Who is a God like You,
Pardoning iniquity
And passing over the transgression of the remnant of His heritage?


He does not retain His anger forever,
Because He delights in mercy.
19 He will again have compassion on us,
And will subdue our iniquities.


You will cast all our[g] sins
Into the depths of the sea.
20 You will give truth to Jacob
And mercy to Abraham,
Which You have sworn to our fathers
From days of old.

Chapter Contents

The general prevalence of wickedness.(1-7) Reliance on God, and triumph over enemies.(8-13) Promises and encouragements for Israel.(14-20)

Read Micah 7:1-7)

The prophet bemoans himself that he lived among a people ripening apace for ruin, in which many good persons would suffer. Men had no comfort, no satisfaction in their own families or in their nearest relations. Contempt and violation of domestic duties are a sad symptom of universal corruption. Those are never likely to come to good who are undutiful to their parents. The prophet saw no safety or comfort but in looking to the Lord, and waiting on God his salvation. When under trials, we should look continually to our Divine Redeemer, that we may have strength and grace to trust in him, and to be examples to those around us.

Commentary on Micah 7:8-13

(Read Micah 7:8-13)

Those truly penitent for sin, will see great reason to be patient under affliction. When we complain to the Lord of the badness of the times, we ought to complain against ourselves for the badness of our hearts. We must depend upon God to work deliverance for us in due time. We must not only look to him, but look for him. In our greatest distresses, we shall see no reason to despair of salvation, if by faith we look to the Lord as the God of our salvation. Though enemies triumph and insult, they shall be silenced and put to shame. Though Zion's walls may long be in ruins, there will come a day when they shall be repaired. Israel shall come from all the remote parts, not turning back for discouragements. Though our enemies may seem to prevail against us, and to rejoice over us, we should not despond. Though cast down, we are not destroyed; we may join hope in God's mercy, with submission to his correction. No hinderances can prevent the favours the Lord intends for his church.

Commentary on Micah 7:14-20

(Read Micah 7:14-20)

When God is about to deliver his people, he stirs up their friends to pray for them. Apply spiritually the prophet's prayer to Christ, to take care of his church, as the great Shepherd of the sheep, and to go before them, while they are here in this world as in a wood, in this world but not of it. God promises in answer to this prayer, he will do that for them which shall be repeating the miracles of former ages. As their sin brought them into bondage, so God's pardoning their sin brought them out. All who find pardoning mercy, cannot but wonder at that mercy; we have reason to stand amazed, if we know what it is. When the Lord takes away the guilt of sin, that it may not condemn us, he will break the power of sin, that it may not have dominion over us. If left to ourselves, our sins will be too hard for us; but God's grace shall be sufficient to subdue them, so that they shall not rule us, and then they shall not ruin us. When God forgives sin, he takes care that it never shall be remembered any more against the sinner. He casts their sins into the sea; not near the shore-side, where they may appear again, but into the depth of the sea, never to rise again. All their sins shall be cast there, for when God forgives sin, he forgives all. He will perfect that which concerns us, and with this good work will do all for us which our case requires, and which he has promised. These engagements relate to Christ, and the success of the gospel to the end of time, the future restoration of Israel, and the final prevailing of true religion in all lands. The Lord will perform his truth and mercy, not one jot or tittle of it shall fall to the ground: faithful is He that has promised, who also will do it. Let us remember that the Lord has given the security of his covenant, for strong consolation to all who flee for refuge to lay hold on the hope set before them in Christ Jesus.

Amen Commentary by Matthew Henry.

LTM wrote:

Thank you cooterdog , my post was a little long but it is beautiful and well worth the read.
the woman who wrote the article was blessed by God for sure to be so inspired and have such great insight. Hope you enjoy it.
How are you doing on your other threads, I was on one said something I shouldn't have I made an enemy I apologized, but I feel bad, I wasn't very kind to her.

Heard one time that one should use the 24 hour rule before replying to an e-mail. It's hard to do when your in a mode of conversation and want to reply. I've been in your shoes and I completely understand. I am reading and don't always make comments about your posts because personally I feel that they speak for themselves. You have a purpose here and many are reading just as I am and maybe not making replies. Please don't stop until the Good Lord instructs you to stop. I hope this post finds you well. Got some reading to do on this very thread.:)

LTM wrote:

Chapter Contents
The general prevalence of wickedness.(1-7) Reliance on God, and triumph over enemies.(8-13) Promises and encouragements for Israel.(14-20)
Read Micah 7:1-7)
The prophet bemoans himself that he lived among a people ripening apace for ruin, in which many good persons would suffer. Men had no comfort, no satisfaction in their own families or in their nearest relations. Contempt and violation of domestic duties are a sad symptom of universal corruption. Those are never likely to come to good who are undutiful to their parents. The prophet saw no safety or comfort but in looking to the Lord, and waiting on God his salvation. When under trials, we should look continually to our Divine Redeemer, that we may have strength and grace to trust in him, and to be examples to those around us.
Commentary on Micah 7:8-13
(Read Micah 7:8-13)
Those truly penitent for sin, will see great reason to be patient under affliction. When we complain to the Lord of the badness of the times, we ought to complain against ourselves for the badness of our hearts. We must depend upon God to work deliverance for us in due time. We must not only look to him, but look for him. In our greatest distresses, we shall see no reason to despair of salvation, if by faith we look to the Lord as the God of our salvation. Though enemies triumph and insult, they shall be silenced and put to shame.
When God is about to deliver his people, he stirs up their friends to pray for them. Apply spiritually the prophet's prayer to Christ, to take care of his church, as the great Shepherd of the sheep, and to go before them, while they are here in this world as in a wood, in this world but not of it. God promises in answer to this prayer, he will do that for them which shall be repeating the miracles of former ages. As their sin brought them into bondage, so God's pardoning their sin brought them out. All who find pardoning mercy, cannot but wonder at that mercy; we have reason to stand amazed, if we know what it is. When the Lord takes away the guilt of sin, that it may not condemn us, he will break the power of sin, that it may not have dominion over us. If left to ourselves, our sins will be too hard for us; but God's grace shall be sufficient to subdue them, so that they shall not rule us, and then they shall not ruin us. When God forgives sin, he takes care that it never shall be remembered any more against the sinner. He casts their sins into the sea; not near the shore-side, where they may appear again, but into the depth of the sea, never to rise again. All their sins shall be cast there, for when God forgives sin, he forgives all. He will perfect that which concerns us, and with this good work will do all for us which our case requires, and which he has promised. These engagements relate to Christ, and the success of the gospel to the end of time, the future restoration of Israel, and the final prevailing of true religion in all lands. The Lord will perform his truth and mercy, not one jot or tittle of it shall fall to the ground: faithful is He that has promised, who also will do it. Let us remember that the Lord has given the security of his covenant, for strong consolation to all who flee for refuge to lay hold on the hope set before them in Christ Jesus.
Amen Commentary by Matthew Henry.

Heard something yesterday from a pastor. He commented on helping people to become disciples instead of him trying to be evangelist and get thousands "to get saved." His words not mine. It was more important for him that he help one person to focus on living a "Godly Life", again his words not mine...than have 5 come to an alter and get saved to only return to the worldly ways. I didn't do this pastor justice, but tried to convey what weighed on his mind. This post jolted that conversation that I had with him... Funny when different people read things...what they take away from them.

COOTERDOG wrote:

<quoted text>Heard something yesterday from a pastor. He commented on helping people to become disciples instead of him trying to be evangelist and get thousands "to get saved." His words not mine. It was more important for him that he help one person to focus on living a "Godly Life", again his words not mine...than have 5 come to an alter and get saved to only return to the worldly ways. I didn't do this pastor justice, but tried to convey what weighed on his mind. This post jolted that conversation that I had with him... Funny when different people read things...what they take away from them.

I remember Jesus walking with 12 of His disciples just 12, He could have called more. He lived with them for 3 years.
He would go off with them away from the crowds to teach them about the Kingdom of God.
If I tell one person about God and they go tell one person that is 2, then there is 2 people going and tell a person which makes four.
It has a rippling effect. I don't need to stand up in a crowd of people and talk about God most wouldn't hear anyway.
God likes to get us alone some times away from the crowds, so we can hear what he is saying to us.
That is why He tells us when we pray go into a room by ourselves and pray.

I marvel at Heman, the poet who wrote Psalm 88. His lot in life was unrelieved distress.“My soul is full of troubles,” he lamented (v.3). He was fed up with suffering!
Heman looked back and remembered poor health and misfortune. He looked around and saw adversity and abandonment. He looked up and found no solace.“I am distraught,” he complained (v.15). He was “adrift”(v.5),“in darkness”(v.6),“afflicted”(vv. 7,15), and “cast off”(v.14). He could see no light at the end of the tunnel; no resolution of his sorrow.
Heman’s honesty warms my soul. Christians who never struggle confuse me. There’s balance, of course: No one wants to be around those who babble on all day about their troubles, but it does my heart good to know that someone else has struggled.
Yet, there’s more to Heman than mere candor. He also had a stubborn, intractable faith. Despite his many problems, he clung to God and cried out to Him “day and night”(vv.1,9,13). He didn’t stop praying. He didn’t give up. And even though he didn’t sense it at the time, Heman acknowledged God’s lovingkindness, faithfulness, and righteousness (vv.11-12).
I like folks like Heman. They strengthen my grip on God and remind me never to stop praying.
In solitude, on wings of prayerMy soul ascends before the throne;My only hope of strength is whereMy heart and His meet all alone.—Anon.
Prayer is the soil in which hope grows best.
Share with your friends:

If you read 1 Kings 18-19

you can see the works of a Mighty God, His prophet Elisha, who called fire down from Heaven, also run in fear from Jezebelle, because she was out to kill him
In 1 Kings 19: 9 God finds Elisha hidding in a cave.
9 And he came thither unto a cave, and lodged there; and, behold, the word of the Lord came to him, and he said unto him, What doest thou here, Elijah?

10 And he said, I have been very jealous for the Lord God of hosts: for the children of Israel have forsaken thy covenant, thrown down thine altars, and slain thy prophets with the sword; and I, even I only, am left; and they seek my life, to take it away.

11 And he said, Go forth, and stand upon the mount before the Lord. And, behold, the Lord passed by, and a great and strong wind rent the mountains, and brake in pieces the rocks before the Lord; but the Lord was not in the wind: and after the wind an earthquake; but the Lord was not in the earthquake:

12 And after the earthquake a fire; but the Lord was not in the fire: and after the fire a still small voice.

13 And it was so, when Elijah heard it, that he wrapped his face in his mantle, and went out, and stood in the entering in of the cave. And, behold, there came a voice unto him, and said, What doest thou here, Elijah?

19:9-13 The question God put, What doest thou here, Elijah? is a reproof. It concerns us often to ask whether we are in our place, and in the way of our duty. Am I where I should be? whither God calls me, where my business lies, and where I may be useful? He complained of the people, and their obstinacy in sin; I only am left. Despair of success hinders many a good enterprise. Did Elijah come hither to meet with God? he shall find that God will meet him. The wind, and earthquake, and fire, did not make him cover his face, but the still voice did. Gracious souls are more affected by the tender mercies of the Lord, than by his terrors. The mild voice of Him who speaks from the cross, or the mercy-seat, is accompanied with peculiar power in taking possession of the heart.
Amen Commentary by Matthew Henry

There are not different brands of the Gospel of Jesus Christ.
There is only one gospel, one Jesus, one God, One Holy Spirit. the gospel is His.
Lets faces it, we have messed it up good.
Lets go back to the Bible where all truths of God come from,
The Bible says We do not think like God, our ways are not God's ways.
So every time we think we have it right , there is a very good chance we have it wrong.
We can never hope to think like God if we don't know what He said, or is saying to the church.
The only way to find out is to read His written word of God.
God's Grace, and His gift of salvation is for all man kind.
His mercy and forgiveness are fresh and new each morning.
Be thankful for another day God has given it to you and me to, its another chance to bring Glory to God, don't started it without Him.
We are not better then each other, we are different
but God loves us anyway.
Sit quiet for a few moments, and let the Grace of God fill your thought and your heart.
You will be amazed at the peace and tranquility, that fills your soul, say the name of Jesus there really is something special about that name.
May the Holy Spirit of Almighty God refresh us anew today, and give us all a new direction.
Let the peace of all understand fill you.
In the Name above all names Jesus, Amen.

Michael W. Smith- Lord I Give You My Heart

http://www.youtube.com/watch ...

Here I am To Worship, Michael W. Smith

http://www.youtube.com/watch ...

http://www.youtube.com/watch...

Chris Tomlin - Amazing Love

LTM wrote:

http://www.youtube.com/watch...
Chris Tomlin - Amazing Love

Good Song Choice, LTM. If you have any computer problems with Topix, it's not your computer, but Topix appears to be having some problems in certain forums. I'm going to read your posts above this song.

LTM wrote:

There are not different brands of the Gospel of Jesus Christ.
There is only one gospel, one Jesus, one God, One Holy Spirit. the gospel is His.
Lets faces it, we have messed it up good.
Lets go back to the Bible where all truths of God come from,
The Bible says We do not think like God, our ways are not God's ways.
So every time we think we have it right , there is a very good chance we have it wrong.
We can never hope to think like God if we don't know what He said, or is saying to the church.
The only way to find out is to read His written word of God.
God's Grace, and His gift of salvation is for all man kind.
His mercy and forgiveness are fresh and new each morning.
Be thankful for another day God has given it to you and me to, its another chance to bring Glory to God, don't started it without Him.
We are not better then each other, we are different
but God loves us anyway.
Sit quiet for a few moments, and let the Grace of God fill your thought and your heart.
You will be amazed at the peace and tranquility, that fills your soul, say the name of Jesus there really is something special about that name.
May the Holy Spirit of Almighty God refresh us anew today, and give us all a new direction.
Let the peace of all understand fill you.
In the Name above all names Jesus, Amen.
Michael W. Smith- Lord I Give You My Heart
http://www.youtube.com/watch ...
Here I am To Worship, Michael W. Smith
http://www.youtube.com/watch ...

Thanks for posting this and for the songs. Michael W. Smith is a favorite of mine.

tigermermaid wrote:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v =t79hUuE2vuI

^^^Psychomoomoo.

tigermermaid wrote:

<quoted text>Hi sundog

Good evening sir, how are you?