The Dew of Hermon by C.H. Mackintosh

"The dew of Hermon"

Psalm 133.

By C. H. Mackintosh.

The expression "the dew of Hermon" has, it seems, long proved "a geographical puzzle" to some. But to one who has the mind of Christ it is no puzzle, but a most striking and beautiful figure. Hermon is the very loftiest peak in all the land of Palestine, and from its snowy cap, when all the surrounding country is parched, the refreshing dew descends upon the mountains of Zion; and this is one of the figures used by the Holy Ghost to illustrate the beauty and pleasantness of brethren dwelling together in unity.

Let us quote the entire psalm.

"Behold how good and how pleasant it is for brethren to dwell together in unity! It is like the precious ointment upon the head, that ran down upon the beard, even Aaron's beard, that went down to the skirts of his garments. As the dew of Hermon that descended upon the mountains of Zion; [The interpolated words, "and as the dew," spoil the beauty of the figure.] for there the Lord commanded the blessing, even life for evermore."

Here we have two lovely illustrations of unity among brethren. It is like ointment descending from the head of the high priest to the skirts of his garment; and it is like the dew descending, in refreshing power, from Hermon's snowy top.

How truly delightful! And yet they are but figures used to set forth the divine idea of unity among brethren. But how is the unity to be promoted? By living sufficiently near to our great priestly Head to catch the fragrant ointment as it descends from Him — to be living so near the Man in the glory as that the refreshing dew of His grace may drop upon our souls, thus rendering us fragrant and fruitful to His praise.

This is the way to dwell in unity with our brethren. It is one thing to talk about unity, and another thing altogether to dwell in it. We may profess to hold "the unity of the body," and "the unity of the Spirit" — most precious and glorious truths surely — and all the while be really full of selfish strife, party spirit, and sectarian feeling, all of which are entirely destructive of practical unity. If brethren are to dwell together in unity, they must be receiving the ointment from the Head, the refreshing showers from the true Hermon. They must live in the very presence of Christ, so that all their points and angles may be moulded off, all their selfishness judged and subdued, all their own peculiar notions set aside, all their cues and crotchets flung to the winds. Thus there will be largeness of heart, breadth of mind, and depth of sympathy. Thus we shall learn to bear and forbear. It will not then be loving those who think with us and feel with us as to some pet theory or other. It will be loving and embracing "all who love our Lord Jesus Christ in sincerity."

The blessed Head loves all His members, and if we are drinking into His spirit, if we are learning of Him, we shall love all likewise. No doubt, those who keep His commandments enjoy His special love — the love of complacency; and so we cannot but specially love those in whom we trace most of His blessed Spirit. But this is a totally different thing from loving people because they adoptour line of truth, or our peculiar views. It is Christ, and not self; and this is what we want, if we are to "dwell together in unity."

Look at that charming picture presented in Philippians 2. There truly we see, first of all, the divine Head Himself, and from Him the ointment descending to the skirts of His garments. Where did Paul get the grace to enable him to be ready to be poured out as a drink-offering upon the sacrifice of his brethren? What was it that made Timothy care for other people? What led Epaphroditus to put his life in his hand to supply his brethren's lack? What is the one grand answer to all these questions? Simply this: these beloved servants of Christ lived so in their Master's presence, and drank so deeply into His Spirit, they dwelt so near the Man in the glory, that the fragrant ointment, and the refreshing dew, fell upon their souls abundantly, and made them channels of blessing to others.

This, beloved Christian reader, be assured of it, is the grand secret of getting on together. If brethren are to dwell together in unity, they must have the "ointment" and the "dew" dropping continually upon them. They must live close to Christ, and be occupied with Him, so that they may show forth His virtues, and reflect His blessed image.

Then, what joy to be enabled, in any little measure, to refresh the heart of God! He delights to see His children walking in love. It is He who says, "Behold, how good and how pleasant it is for brethren to dwell together in unity!" Surely this ought to stir our hearts to seek in every possible way to promote this lovely unity. It should lead us to sink self and all its belongings, to surrender everything that might tend in any measure to alienate our hearts from Christ, or from one another. The Holy Ghost exhorts us to "endeavour" to keep the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace." Let us remember this. It is the unity of the Spirit, not the unity of the body, we are to keep in the uniting bond of peace. This will cost us something. The word "endeavouring" shows that it cannot be done without sacrifice. But the One who so graciously exhorts us to the service will ever supply the needed grace. The ointment and the dew will flow down from Him in refreshing power, knitting our hearts together in holy love, and enabling us to deny ourselves, and surrender everything which might tend to hinder that true unity which we are imperatively called upon to maintain.

Notes on Abraham

There are four descriptions of the walk of the believer with God in Scripture.

 First, we are to wait before God as children (Gen. 17:1). Also, we should walk with God as friends in fellowship (5:24). Third, we walk behind God as servants in obedience (Deut. 13:4). Finally, we walk in God as members of His body (Col. 2:6).

 

Abraham was here being called to maturity that he might be genuinely and unreservedly committed to God's service. When the Scriptures talk of perfection, they speak of three things. First, one is "perfect" if to the best of his ability he is walking before God with Him. Second, perfection is sometimes viewed as not offending one's conscience. Finally, perfection is being fully conformed to Jesus Christ. When we walk by faith, we must have a perfect heart with God as its object (cf. Heb. 12:2).

re: Gen. 17:2

Twenty-four years earlier, God had called Abram to follow Him and now He is announcing His intention to honor His promise and give His servant the promised seed.

In response to this announcement, Abram fell on his face humbling himself before God. His posture reflected the attitude of his heart.

It is interesting to note the construction of verse 3. When "Abram fell on his face," then "God talked with him." Only when we humble ourselves before God is the communion we once had with God restored completely. This simple act reflects a change in Abram which ended at least thirteen years of dryness in his relationship with God.

Greg Laurie on Sandy Hook Elementary Tragedy

Written by: Greg Laurie...
It's Christmas time.

Parents bundle up their children, another day at school before Christmas vacation starts in the small town of Newtown,Connecticut.
There's shopping to do,errands to run before they pick them up.

...Then the worst imaginable scenario takes place.
A young man walks into a Sandy hook elementary school and begins shooting.
When the...horror finally stops 20 children and 5 adults h
ave been shot and killed.
This is just heartbreaking.

What can be said at a time like this?
The experts will opine on why this happened.
All I can say is this was pure evil.
The heartlessness and wickedness of this man that did the shooting is really unimaginable

I know from personal experience that the pain of losing a child is a fate worse then death for a parent.
At times like this we must reflect on the essential message of Christmas which is Immanuel has come.
Immanuel means God is with us.

I know God is there ready to bring His comfort to those grieving right now in Connecticut.
I know He is here right now to bring comfort to all of us who are heartbroken to hear such news.

At times like this we need perspective.
An eternal perspective.

We need to remember this life on earth is not all there is.
There is an afterlife and there earthy wrongs are righted.
There is a final judgment for this man and others like him that commit these heinous crimes and they will have to face God.

There is also great safety for those beautiful children who I believe are all in Heaven right now resting in the arms of Jesus.
No harm will come to them again.
Jesus said, "Let the little children come to me, and do not hinder them, for the kingdom of heaven belongs to such as these." (Mat 19:14 )

And there is comfort available to their parents who are in the deepest valley of pain and grief right now.
Yes,even at time like this there is hope.
The hope is this-
If that parent will put their trust in Jesus Christ as savior and Lord they can have the assurance they will see their dear children again.

As King David said when his child died" I will go to him one day, but he cannot return to me."(1 Sam.12:23)

In the busyness of this season I hope we all will take time to count our blessings.
To let our children know that we love them and not take them for granted.
And I hope that we will remember that Jesus is there,Immanuel.
He will bring His comfort to us as we trust in Him.

Why God? Why? - When Tragedy Strikes

http://www.biblegateway.com/blog/2012/07/why-does-god-allow-tragedy-and-suffering/

Performing as a Pastor: Obedience over Personal Performance

The Apostle Paul said, "For Christ did not send me to baptize but to preach the gospel, and not with words of eloquent wisdom, lest the cross of Christ be emptied of its power." - 1 Corinthians 1:17

If, as a pastor, you don't feel like you're living up to preaching and teaching like another pastor that is getting public recognition then let this be a word of encouragement to simply be obedient to what you've been called to do. Remember, "for the word of the cross is folly to those who are perishing, but to us who are being saved it is the power of God." - 1 Corinthians 1:18

The power is not in your eloquent speech but God's Spirit that gives understanding.

Zechariah 4:6, "Not by might, nor by power, but by My Spirit, says the Lord of hosts."

May we be obedient to preach the gospel with personality and character by the power of the Spirit and allow God to do His work.

Private Accusations Against Your Pastor is a Sin | Delivered By Grace | Christian Blog | Theology Blog

http://deliveredbygrace.com/?p=574

Do You have a Critical Spirit?

By Dr. Dale A. Robbins

Romans 14:10 "Why do you criticize and pass judgment on your brother? Or you, why do you look down upon or despise your brother? For we shall all stand before the judgment seat of God.
(12) And so each of us shall give an account of himself - give an answer in reference to judgment - to God.
(13) Then let us no more criticize and blame and pass judgment on one another, but rather decide and endeavor never to put a stumbling block or an obstacle or a hindrance in the way of a brother." (The Amplified Bible)

The Merriam Webster Dictionary defines criticism as "an act of criticizing; to judge as a critic; to find fault; to blame or condemn."

As we have read, the scriptures tell us not to tear down our brethren through criticism or judgment, as this can pose a serious stumbling-block and cause irreparable damage to their faith.

Among God's warnings to us in scripture, there are none more somber or serious than His warning to not become a stumbling block to His followers. "...whoever causes one of these little ones who believe in Me to sin, it would be better for him if a millstone were hung around his neck, and he were drowned in the depth of the sea" (Matt. 18:6).

There's an old saying that "We tend to judge others by their actions, and we judge ourselves by our intentions." The truth is, we cannot rightly judge anyone else, because we do not know the contents of their heart. We should be content to judge only ourselves and seek to bring our own lives in alignment with God's Word (1 Cor. 11:31).

What Exactly is a Critical Spirit?

A "critical spirit," is an obsessive attitude of criticism and fault-finding, which seeks to tear others down — not the same thing as what is sometimes called "constructive criticism." The only criticism that is ever constructive is that which is expressed in love to "build up," not to tear down — it is always expressed face-to-face, never behind their back. 

The person with a critical spirit usually dwells on the negative, seeks for flaws rather than good. They're a complainer, usually always upset, and generally have a problem or a complaint about something. They often have little control over their tongue, their temper, and have tendencies for gossip and slander, which Paul said were sins "worthy of death" (Rom. 1:29-32).

What Causes a Critical Spirit?

1. Negativeness - A bad attitude and a negative view of life. A person may have unconfessed sin in their life (Rom. 2:1), or may harbor unforgiveness or bitterness toward someone who may have offended them (Heb. 12:15).

2. Insecurity - Criticism is often a subconscious means to "elevate one's own self image." By putting others down, they are inwardly trying to feel more important or that "they know more." Jealousy toward the spiritual victories of others is often the cause of criticism and belittling comments. Popular ministers of the Gospel are often the target of such tactics.

3. Immaturity - Believers must always keep their focus upon Christ and His Word, not man, who will often fail (Heb. 12:2). The young or immature believer who has not progressed very far in their own faith, remain overly dependent upon the faith of those within the body of Christ. Unfortunately, when they begin to notice the flaws in their brethren, subconsciously, this becomes a threat to their own sense of victory. Criticism becomes a reaction of disappointment, because their expectations in others have been crushed.

4. An Unrenewed Mind - Put-downs, making-fun-of, criticism, sarcasm are the world's ways of reacting to the faults of people. However, as Christians we don't behave this way. Our thinking and attitude should be renewed by the Word of God, which teaches us to bear the infirmities of the weak, to love, and show compassion and encouragement (Rom. 12:2).

5. The Devil - As we may realize, the Devil specializes in influencing obsessive behavior. He may use any or all of the above channels, or other techniques, to influence a complaining or critical attitude to stir up turmoil and strife within the body of Christ (Eph. 6:12). We must be on guard that none of us would be used as a tool of the Devil to bring harassment or discouragement upon our brothers or sisters through continual criticism, as the Bible warns us not to "give place" to the Devil (Eph. 4:27). Remember that Satan is specifically called "the accuser of the brethren" (Rev. 12:10). Are you an accuser of the brethren?

The Bible says that the reason that we are to come together as a church is, not to criticize, but to "exhort" (encourage) one another (Hebrews 10:25). "Cursing the darkness" won't change anything, but we must light a candle and "expose the light" of God's Word. By sharing the truth of God's Word, and encouraging people to live in its truth, people will change. Love and encouragement is a "motivational force." 

If we ever hope to bring improvement in others, we need to become people of encouragement. This is the only attitude that will change people, and our actions and words must be devoted to encouraging the spiritual progress of our brethren. 

The Christian's tongue should never be used for anything but good. "Let no foul or polluting language, nor evil word, nor unwholesome or worthless talk (ever) come out of your mouth; but only such speech as is good and beneficial to the spiritual progress of others, as is fitting to the need and the occasion, that it may be a blessing and give grace (God's favor) to those who hear it" (Eph. 4:29 The Amplified Bible). 

Prescription For a Healthy Mind

A number of years ago, Dr. David H. Fink, a psychiatrist for the veterans administration, wrote an article for Coronet Magazine, entitled, "Release from Nervous Tension." In his article, he outlined his research into the causes of mental and emotional disturbances. 

From over 10,000 case studies, he discovered that there was a common trait with all his patients who suffered from severe tension. They were habitual fault-finders, constant critics of people and things around them. Those who were free from tension, were the least critical. His conclusions were that the habit of fault-finding is a prelude or mark of the nervous, or the mentally unbalanced. Those who wish to retain good emotional and mental health, should learn to free themselves from a negative and critical attitude. 

Remember this, the Bible doesn't promise peace to those who dwell on the faults of others! It says that the Lord will keep them in perfect peace, whose minds are stayed on Him! (Isaiah 26:3).

---

This article (VL-106) is copyrighted © by Dale A. Robbins, 1990, and is a publication of Victorious Publications, Grass Valley, CA 95949. Unless otherwise stated, all scripture references were taken from The New King James Bible, © Thomas Nelson Inc., 1982. You may download this article for personal use as long as you retain credit to the author. Obtain permission before reproducing copies for any reason, by filling out our simple permission form. This writing is also available as an attractive tri-fold pamphlet, which can be downloaded for reproduction from our Online Catalog. For media reproduction rights, or to obtain quantities of this title in other formats, email us. 

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Israel and Gaza

For Israel, a truce is the worst of all worlds: Tied hands, Hamas unbowed

http://www.debka.com/article/22546/For-Israel-a-truce-is-the-worst-of-all-worlds-Tied-hands-Hamas-unbowed

Great Quotes

"You Christians look after a document containing enough dynamite to blow all civilization to pieces, turn the world upside down, and bring peace to a battle-torn planet. But you treat it as though it is nothing more than a piece of literature." - Mahatma Ghandi

"It is impossible to enslave mentally or socially a Bible-reading people. The principles of the Bible are the groundwork of human freedom." - Horace Greeley (1811-1872), American newspaper editor.

"It is impossible to rightly govern the world without God and the Bible." -  George Washington (1732-1799), the first US President

"The New Testament is the very best book that ever was or ever will be known in the world." - Charles Dickens

The Preacher's Conclusion to Life

King Solomon was the wisest man that has walked this earth (1 Kings 3:10-14) and after all was said and done this is what he had to say:

"I the Preacher have been king over Israel in Jerusalem. And I applied my heart to seek and to search out by wisdom all that is done under heaven. It is an unhappy business that God has given to the children of man to be busy with. I have seen everything that is done under the sun, and behold, all is vanity and a striving after the wind." - Ecclesiastes 1:12-14

Today if I came across the sayings of the wisest man on earth, I may just listen to what he says and take it to heart.  Maybe there are people who think they are smarter than Solomon and are trying to prove him wrong?

In the end it is all void of any eternal value, but in Jesus there is fullness of joy and it only gets better in eternity.

"The end of the matter, all has been heard. Fear God and keep His commandments, for this is the whole duty of man. For God will bring every deed into judgment, with every secret thing, whether good or evil." - Ecclesiastes 12:13-14

Doing it your way?

Isaiah 50:11 - "Behold, all you who kindle a fire, who equip yourselves with burning torches! Walk by the light of your fire, and by the torches that you have kindled! This you have form My hand: you shall lie down in torment."

Wow! is right. Pretty straight forward.  Do things on your own and you will reap nothing but sorrow - God is not with you because you did not GO with Him where He is.

The Lord calls us to follow Him and not the other way around.

Luke 9:23 - "And He [Jesus Christ] said to all, 'If anyone would come after Me, let him deny himself and take up his cross daily and follow Me.'"

Do life God's way and you won't go wrong; you'll be right with the Lord, and filled with His peace, possess a clear conscience and can have certain hope of God's glory.

Do it the King's way!

Marriage - One Flesh

"Then the Lord God said, 'It is not good that man should be alone; I will make him a helper fit for him.' So the Lord caused a deep sleep to fall upon the man, and while he slept took one of his ribs and closed up its place with flesh. And the rib that the Lord God had taken from the man He made into a woman and brought her to the man. Then man said, 'This at last is bone of my bones and flesh of my flesh; she shall be called Woman, because she was taken out of Man.' Therefore a man shall leave his father and his mother and hold fast to his wife, and they shall become one flesh. And the man and his wife were both naked and were not ashamed." - Genesis 2:18, 21-25

We just finished up a marriage series titled "I DO" at The Refuge - The final message on Sunday was concluded with a renewal of marriage vows and it was a GREAT moment for many people.

Can you imagine what it was like when God joined Adam and Eve together - the first wedding ever???  It must have been pretty awesome!

I wish it would have been that Adam and Eve lived happily ever after, but they didn't...SIN entered the human race and we've been warring against the flesh, the world and the devil since then.

I want to remind you that there is NO perfect marriage, but with God all things are possible (Matt. 19:26).

A God-ordained marriage is one between one man and one woman - two people with very different ways of thinking, but God knew what He was doing when He made each one and joined the two together.

It takes hard WORK to build a relationship with your spouse. There will be mountain top experiences as well as seasons in the valleys, but "till death do us part" is what we promised before God.

I pray that you and your spouse are in the Word of God so that you can do the Work of God to His glory in your marriage and be a testimony of His love, grace and mercy through your relationship.

Husbands, remember to hold fast to your wife and love her.

Wives, remember to hold fast to your husband and respect him.

It's all done "as to the Lord" so as to have a God-glorifying marriage and leave a legacy worth following for your children.

One flesh - Shameless Oneness!

Love to Read? (if not, read anyway)

There was a time in my life that I did NOT LIKE to read school books (still don't, but will if I have to). But magazines like NatGeo, Baseball, Diving, Cycling or Motor Sports definitely grab my attention. Why? Because they cover subjects I like and want to know more about.

What I learned I passed along to others and discussed with people that were interested in the same things, and others that didn't know, but listened anyway.  I can still tell you some things I learned from my reading over the years.

Keep that in mind as I apply the subject of reading to Christianity.

Christianity is not a "lifestyle" that leads to good, clean living and makes us good stewards of the community and the things we have - that's NOT what Jesus Christ came to this earth to give us!

Jesus came to restore our RELATIONSHIP with God the Father through His sacrifice on the cross.

That relationship reveals itself in how we live our lives. But HOW do you learn how to live your life to God's glory? Sunday Worship Service? Other's Examples? Thinking about God?

How do you get to know God? Answer: READING the BIBLE

Jesus said, "If you abide in My Word, you are truly My disciples, and you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free." - John 8:31-32

One more thing, the "Centerpiece" of the morning and evening Jewish prayer is the Shema, which is Deuteronomy 6:4-9. (I challenge you to read this everyday for the next week)

Moses was commanded by God to teach God's commandments and rules so that it may go well with the people. Moses said, "HEAR therefore, O Israel, and be careful to DO them..." v.3 (emphasis mine)

What are you hearing and doing? Moses isn't here to read you the Word, so how about reading and doing?

Do you like to READ? That doesn't matter and it isn't even the right question to ask - Do you love God? Do you desire to know Him?

If so, then that will reveal itself in your taking time to READ the Bible, whether you like to or not.

I pray that your dedication to reading the Bible will turn into a passionate pursuit of Knowing God personally and sharing Him with others.

"May it go well with you"!

Pastor Raul

Still Holding a Grudge?

Grudges are not only harmful to one's physical health, but also to one's spiritual health. A grudge is an attitude of unforgiveness, which comes from a belief that the other person is undeserving of being released through YOUR forgiveness (like as if you have that authority).

"They deserve to suffer" is what you say. But in reality, everyone suffers; the person that doesn't forgive, the unforgiven person, and the people who know both parties.

This is what Pastor Greg Laurie of Harvest Christian Fellowship had to say in his book "Discipleship": 

"If you have really been forgiven [by God], and you understand something of that forgiveness, you will be forgiving to other people. If you are not forgiving to other people, I question whether you know any thing of God's forgiveness in your own life. 

A forgiven person will be a forgiving person. A true disciple will harbor no grudge in his life toward another. The disciple knows it will hinder his prayer life and his walk with God. Let's not forget what Jesus said, "By this all will know that you are My disciples, if you have love for one another" (John 13:35).

For that reason, no child of God can walk around with bitterness, anger or hostility in his heart toward another person without feeling the conviction of his sin. We must forgive others as we have been forgiven."

See also: Psalm 66:18; 1 John 1:9

Half Way

I've been thinking quite a bit about the story of Abram in Genesis 12 where he finally picked up from Haran and went where God had initially told him to go - the land that God had promised. But it took the death of his father, Terah, to leave Haran.

Eventually Abram, his wife Sarai and everyone that was with them made it into Shechem (v5).

Many of US are Half Way to full obedience. We seem to stop in our own "Haran".

What needs to happen is death to whatever relationship is holding us there, just like the death of Abram's father finally released him to go where he should have been.

No excuse is acceptable, but any excuse will work to stay in your "Haran".

Too Old? - Abram was 75 years old when he finally "got it" and left Haran.

God can't use me? - This was the second time God gave Abram this promise. God gives second chances.

There's nothing that compares with the peace that comes with knowing you're not holding back from living the way God wants you to live and it is pleasing to Him.

Are you in Haran, or in Shechem? Half obedience or full obedience? What are you allowing to hold you back?

Put whatever it is down (dead) and move into a place of full obedience and peace with God.

Marriage and Prayer

Marriage is a divine institution that was ordained and blessed by the Lord. The husband of one wife is to lead, pastor, shepherd his wife and his children in God's ways (according to Scripture). How are we to do this to God's glory without first seeking Him and His wisdom and His glory? Prayer is not seeking God to fulfill our will, but rather it is a time of pleading with God in humility to use us as vessels to fulfill His will - His plan for our lives.

There are many places I can take you as examples of how not to lead your family and many more that point us in the direction of how TO lead our families; but, I will take you to one of those here: "Husbands, love your wives, AS Christ loved the church and GAVE Himself up for her, that He might SANCTIFY her, having cleansed her by the washing of water WITH the Word, so that He might present the church to Himself in splendor, without spot or wrinkle or any such thing, that SHE might be holy and without blemish." - Ephesians 5:25-27

God's ways are perfect, holy and sanctified. They keep us from going astray in our own idolatrous hearts. To read the Word by the power and understanding the Holy Spirit gives us is to know how to lovingly address our wives in psalms, hymns and spiritual songs; it's how we learn to sing and make melody TO the Lord with our hearts (Ephesians 5:19). It's BY the Word that we learn, as husbands, to submit to one another out of reverence for Christ (Ephesians 5:20).

Therefore, it's praying with our wives, according to Scripture, that we teach and care for our wives by showing them HOW to submit to Christ before we can submit to each other properly in the sight of God. It's on our knees that we demonstrate that we are subject to God for everything and in everything. It's on our knees that we give our wives the comfort of knowing that it's not in our power and authority that we lead but by the power and authority of God, with love and concern for the family with HIS wisdom.

Men, let us be imitators of God, as beloved children; walking in love, AS Christ loved us and gave Himself up for us, a fragrant offering and sacrifice to God (Ephesians 5:1). We do this for the sake of glorifying God and leaving a legacy worthy of imitating for generations to come. Take your wife by the hand and fall to your knees before God and show her how YOU are completely surrendered to HIM in word and deed, and He will show you how to further lead your wife and your family to His glory. It's in this manner that your marriage will be presented to God as "holy and without blemish" - Pray without ceasing WITH your wife (1 Thess. 5:17).

Christ the man prayed often, why should we Christian men be any different?