What Are Your Priorities?
EDITOR'S LETTER
Habakkuk 3:17-19 is a great hymn of faith. Everything appeared dark and gloomy as Habakkuk looked ahead to the prospect of life after the Babylonian invasion that God had said would happen. He could see a famine in the land of Israel with the land producing no food. Although he knew that the Babylonians would take many of the Israelites back to Babylon as captives, that was not a particularly appealing thought either.
What was Habakkuk’s response to all this? He did not pray to God on this occasion that none of this would happen, even though that was probably what he really hoped for. There is a simple reason for that. God had revealed to him that He would use the Babylonians to bring judgement upon Judah, therefore Habakkuk accepted this as being God’s will. That being the case, he spoke the words of verse 18, “Yet I will rejoice in the LORD, I will joy in the God of my salvation.”
Image source: Yohan Marion, Unsplash
It was a bleak situation, but Habakkuk chose to rejoice. He did not rejoice because there would be a famine, but he rejoiced in the Lord who is sovereign over all things, and always brings His purpose to pass. He rejoiced in the God of his salvation, who would provide a way of escape in the midst of all this.
David acted in the same manner. He was on the run from Saul with four hundred distressed, indebted and discontented men in a cave, and said, “I will bless the LORD at all times, His praise shall continually be in my mouth” (Psalm 34:1).
Why did Habakkuk and David say such things? Simply because their reason for rejoicing was not based on circumstances; it was based on their trust in the Lord their God. Verse 19 takes it further. Habakkuk said, “The LORD God is my strength; He will make my feet like deer’s feet, and He will make me walk on my high hills.” These two men didn’t trust in their own strength; they looked to God to strengthen them.
Habakkuk’s description of God making his feet like deer’s feet is appropriate. God designed the feet of deer so that they have great stability on the most difficult terrain and will not stumble. In the same way, Habakkuk trusted that God be with him and guide him through the most difficult situations in life. No wonder he rejoiced in the Lord. What a great lesson for you. Trust in God and rejoice in the Lord.
“Yet I will rejoice in the LORD, I will joy in the God of my salvation.”
Where Are Your Priorities?
Ever wondered what would happen if we treated our Bible like we treat our cell phone?
Image source: Jae Park, Unsplash
What if we carried it around in our purses or pockets?
What if we flipped through it several times a day?
What if we turned back to go get it if we forgot it?
What if we used it to receive messages from the text?
What if we treated it like we couldn’t live without it?
What if we gave it to children as gifts?
What if we used it when we travelled?
What if we used it in case of emergency?
That is something to make you go ... hmm ... where is my Bible?
Oh, and one more thing,
Unlike our cell phone, we don’t have to worry about our Bible being disconnected because Jesus already paid the bill.
Makes you stop and think, “Where are my priorities?”
(Author Unknown)
Bible Book Outline - Genesis
Genesis is a Greek word meaning “origin” or “beginning.”
The original Hebrew title Bereshith means “In the beginning.”
Image source: Sincerely Media, Unsplash
Type of Book: Historical
Biblical Division: Law (Pentateuch)
Number of Chapters: 50
Time Period Covered: Creation (c.4000 B.C.) to Joseph’s Death (c.1800 B.C.)
Main Locations of Events: Mesopotamia, Canaan, Egypt
Date Written: c. 1445-1405 B.C.
Author: Moses
Main People in the Book: A lot of people are mentioned in Genesis, especially since it covers a period of more than 2000 years. Here are a few of the most significant:
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The first people on earth.
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A righteous man whom God saved from the worldwide flood along with his family.
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The man God chose to be the father of His covenant people.
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The son born to Abraham when he was 100 years old according to the promise of God.
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The son of Isaac in the covenant line; the twelve tribes of Israel are based on his sons.
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The eleventh son of Jacob; he was used by God to save people, including the people of God, during a seven year famine.
Redemptive Purpose: The history of God’s plan of redemption begins in the book of Genesis. Following the fall of man into sin when Adam and Eve disobeyed God by eating the forbidden fruit, God gave the wonderful gospel promise of Genesis 3:15, “And I will put enmity between you and the woman, and between your seed and her Seed; He shall bruise your head, and you shall bruise His heel.” This speaks of Jesus coming to destroy the work of the devil and purchase redemption for His people.
Genesis 3-11 focuses on the beginning and spread of sin in the world. From Genesis 12, the focus shifts to God’s choice of Abraham and his descendants as His own special people whom God would use to bring salvation and blessing, first of all to Israel, then to all nations. This section includes covenants and promises God made with Abraham and his descendants. Abraham is held forth as a man of faith. He was justified by faith in God and this is a picture of the way God saves people in all generations (Romans 4).
Overall Outline of the Book: Genesis is certainly a book of beginnings and firsts: the beginning of the world, the first people, Sabbath rest, work, institution of marriage, sin, offering of sacrifices, death, murder (when Cain killed his brother Abel) and the judgement of God. All these are covered in Genesis 1-4. The first rain was sent on earth when God sent a flood to destroy all living things, except Noah’s family and two of every kind of animal that He had set apart for salvation in the ark (6-8). The beginning of nations and languages came as God brought an end to the pride of the people who sought to build a tower up to heaven (11).
The first eleven chapters are crucial for the rest of the Bible. They contain foundational doctrines about who God is and His work in creating and sustaining the earth. These chapters form a basis for God’s plan for mankind and how they must live to glorify Him. While man’s sin is often in focus, the grace of God is seen to abound much more (Romans 5:20). The doctrine of creation has especially been attacked in recent years by people who try to change the Bible’s teachings to match modern scientific theories. This must be avoided. God’s word is truth and does not change.
Image source: Hanson Lu, Unsplash
Chapters 12-50 focus on Abraham and his descendants. God chose to bless Abraham and his family through Isaac and Jacob (Israel). God’s covenants and promises were given to Abraham and repeated to his descendants. The focus from chapters 37-50 is on Joseph, the eleventh son of Jacob, and the role he played in the salvation of God’s people during a seven year famine and fulfilling God’s promise that Abraham’s descendants would spend time in Egypt.
Joseph’s integrity as a man of God stands out through all aspects of his life. His faith in God’s providence by turning his brothers’ intended evil for good, and in God’s promise to take the Israelites back to Canaan, are highlighted in 45:5-8 and 50:20. The doctrine of salvation by God’s grace through faith finds its foundation in Genesis.
Lesson for Today: In a day when the world denies the existence of God and His work of creation, it must be remembered that He is the Creator and source of all things, and by His providence He continues His work in the world through all generations. Belief in the Genesis account of the world
is crucial for an understanding of the world in which you live and how you should live in the world.
Hymn - Moment by Moment
1. Dying with Jesus, by death reckoned mine;
Living with Jesus, a new life divine.
Looking to Jesus till glory doth shine,
Moment by moment, O Lord, I am Thine.
Chorus:
Moment by moment I’m kept in His love
Moment by moment I’ve life from above;
Looking to Jesus till glory doth shine;
Moment by moment, O Lord, I am Thine.
2. Never a trial that He is not there,
Never a burden that He doth not bear,
Never a sorrow that He doth not share,
Moment by moment, I’m under His care.
3. Never a heartache, and never a groan,
Never a teardrop, and never a moan;
Never a danger but there on the throne,
Moment by moment He thinks of His own.
4. Never a weakness that He doth not feel,
Never a sickness that He cannot heal;
Moment by moment, in woe or in weal,
Jesus my Saviour abides with me still.
By Daniel Whittle, 1840-1901
The Story Behind the Hymn
This hymn has a rather unusual story behind it. A man spoke to Daniel Whittle at a prayer meeting, saying, “I do not like the hymn, ‘I Need Thee Ev’ry Hour.’ I need Him moment by moment.” This got Daniel Whittle thinking. After the meeting he returned home, went to his room and began writing the hymn we now know as ‘Moment by Moment.’ Finally, at 2:00 the next morning, he was finished.
This is a fairly simple hymn, but it has a powerful message. It is Scriptural in its message, and many of the phrases and ideas have direct references to verses in the Bible.
The very beginning of the hymn is appropriate because without this being true in your life, the rest of the hymn does not apply to you. The words of the first line speak about the death of Christ for His people. He died in your place as a substitute so that, by His death, you may have eternal life. He paid the price of death that you deserve because of your sins. Have you trusted in Jesus Christ, believing that He died in your place to save you from your sins by paying the price of death for sin for you? If so, the rest of the hymn applies to you. If not, seek the Lord earnestly so that you might receive the forgiveness of your sins and become one of His children. Then the last line of the verse will be true for you. You will also have the privilege of looking to Jesus for help and guidance in your life.
“Since Jesus suffered things such as you do while He was on earth, He is able to help you in your life.”
The ever-abiding presence of God with His people, moment by moment, is a key thought in verses 2-4. No matter what difficulties you might face, God is there. That is a great truth in itself, but there is more. He bears those burdens and shares your sorrows and cares for you at all times. Since Jesus suffered things such as you do while He was on earth, He is able to help you in your life (Hebrews 4:14-16).
Verse 3 carries the thought even further by speaking of God as King on the throne. Despite His highly exalted position, He thinks of His own moment by moment. As the King of kings, He does much more than just think of His own; He also works all things together for their good. What a comforting truth to carry with you through life!
One phrase that may need explaining is the one in the final verse, saying “in woe or in weal.” Woes are terrible or difficult situations, while weals are happy situations. Doesn’t this express a great truth? Whether you go through sorrowful or happy situations in life, Jesus abides with you moment by moment – He is always with you. As God says in Hebrews 13:5, “I will never leave you nor forsake you.”
The chorus declares the wondrous truth, “Moment by moment I’m kept in His love.” Yes, nothing can separate you from the love of God (Romans 8:35-39). Along with that, you have the eternal life that comes from above. How must you respond to these things? Look to Jesus by faith till glory doth shine (until you enter heaven). Trust in God as your God and live to glorify Him in all things (1 Corinthians 10:31).
Wonders of Creation - The Dabchick
The New Zealand Dabchick is endemic, meaning it is found only in New Zealand. They are freshwater birds that spend almost all their time in the water; rarely walking on land due to the nature of their feet which makes it difficult and not often flying through the air. Their habitat is small, shallow freshwater lakes and ponds or sheltered coves and bays of larger lakes in the North Island and upper South Island.
There is a population of approximately 2000 birds with the largest number found in the freshwater lakes of Rotorua and Taupo.
New Zealand Dabchicks are relatively small birds that grow to a length of 28cm, which is about half the size of a mallard duck. The pale yellow iris in their eyes is a feature that makes it easier to identify them.
God has given New Zealand Dabchicks several unique features. Many birds, especially water birds, don’t move around a lot, or are slow movers. Dabchicks are the opposite and have been described as hyperactive.
Ducks and most water birds have waterproofed feathers. This has its advantages, but at the same time means they find it difficult to dive underwater. Although dabchicks have waterproofed feathers, they are able to dive underwater by adjusting the angle at which their feathers are held against their body. They are able to hold their breath for over 30 seconds and can dive up to four metres underwater. It is not unusual to see them dive underwater, and then see then reappear up to fifty metres away from the point where they went underwater.
While underwater they will feed on small fish, crayfish, shellfish and leeches. Dabchicks also eat insects and their larvae by either pecking them from the surface of the water or catching them in mid air. Dabchicks have the amazing ability to swim immediately after they hatch. Despite this, young chicks will usually ride on the back of their parents for the first three weeks of their lives.
To add to the wonderful features God has given these cute little birds, dabchicks breed most of the year-round instead of just for a few months, as is the case with most other birds.
Truly God has created New Zealand Dabchicks in a special way. If you see any, take time to observe and notice these special features.
Image sources:
Top: Marshelec, CC BY-SA 4.0 <https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/4.0>, via Wikimedia Commons
Middle: Rosa Stewart, CC BY-SA 4.0 <https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/4.0>, via Wikimedia Commons
Bottom: Rosa Stewart, CC0, via Wikimedia Commons
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