Bible Doctrine Series-El-Shaddai

El Shaddai—the almighty God” (Genesis 17:1; 28:3). The Hebrew word Shaddai means “most powerful in strength, omnipotent.” El Shaddai is translated either “God Almighty” or “Almighty God.” Early in Genesis, the Lord told Abram to leave his country and his family and go to a place He would show him. Before Abram and Sarai ever had children, the Lord promised to make Abram a great nation with so many descendants they could not be counted. Later the Lord came to Abram in a vision and told him he would have a son. Abram believed, thus He considered Abram as righteous due to his faith. The Lord made a covenant with Abram; He would give the land of Canaan to his descendants. Something happened in Abram’s life that we often find happening in our own lives as we stand on the promises of God: Time passed! A great deal of time passed. To Abram and Sarai it no doubt seemed like the Lord had forgotten His promise to give them a child of their own. With the intention of helping out, Sarai gave her Egyptian maid, Hagar, to Abram as his wife. When Abram was 86 years of age, Hagar conceived. She bore a son and Abram was content, but this was not the son that had been promised. Ishmael was the product of the will of man and the will of the flesh; the result of Abram and Sarai trying to assist the Lord. I get into a heap of trouble when I try to assist Him. Thirteen more years passed after Ishmael was born, Abraham had yet to see the promise of God. Then El Shaddai spoke these words in Genesis 17: 1-2, Abram was ninety-nine years old. “I am God Almighty (El Shaddai); walk before Me, and be blameless. And I will establish My covenant between Me and you, and I will multiply you exceedingly.” The Lord, as El Shaddai, told Abram that He would establish His covenant with Abram. To establish means “to make, to build or to bring into being.” The Lord made the covenant, but it was God as El Shaddai that would make it happen. To emphasize what He was doing, He changed Abram’s name, meaning “exalted father,” to Abraham, meaning “father of a great number.” Again He told Abraham that his wife Sarah (Sarai) would conceive his child. How did Abraham respond to the news? He laughed at the prospect that he and Sarah would have a child at the ages of 100 and 90; it was humanly impossible. The covenant that the Lord made was established and brought into being by El Shaddai. The fulfillment of this promise is recorded in Genesis 21: 1-2. “Then the Lord took note of Sarah as He had said, and the Lord did for Sarah as He had promised. So Sarah conceived and bore a son to Abraham in his old age, at the appointed time of which God had spoken to him.” Abraham and Sarah could not produce the promise by the works of the flesh. The bodies of both had to come to the point they could no longer produce naturally to make them realize it was all of God. In God’s first revelation of Himself as El Shaddai, we see that He is almighty, all powerful, and able to accomplish what is impossible in the physical realm. That is the meaning of the first part of the name, El. The word Shaddai is translated “Almighty.” This word is used in connection with judging, chastening and purging. This is shown to be true in the book of Job where the name El Shaddai is used 31 of its 48 occurrences; the book of Job is the story of a man learning to know El Shaddai. Because of the circumstances in Job’s life he argued with El Shaddai while other smeared Him with lies (Job 13:3, 4). Rather than taking responsibility for his own hostile attitude to what was happening in his life, Job accused the Almighty of embittering his soul (Job 27:2). Job acknowledged El Shaddai should do these things to the unjust that perform iniquity, but proceeded to proclaim his own innocence, inferring God was indeed guilty of injustice (31:2-40). Finally, Job went so far as to label El Shaddai his adversary, calling Him to answer for the indictment which had been written against him (31:35). The Lord’s response to Job is given in Chapter 40:2 “Will the faultfinder contend with the Almighty? Let him who reproves God answer it.” When Job heard God ask that question, he wisely concluded that he should say no more. Ryrie makes this comment about God’s response to Job: “When Job criticized God’s ways, he was in effect trying to usurp God’s position as governor of the world. In this paragraph full of irony, God asks if Job can really perform those things which only God can do.” After the Lord finished His verbal reprimand, Job repented. Ryrie’ comment is significant: “Job repents of his pride and rebellion and finds contentment in the knowledge that he has God’s fellowship. This is the great lesson of the book; if we know God, we do not need to know why He allows us to experience what we do. He is not only in control of the universe and all its facets but also of our lives; and He loves us. Though His ways are sometimes beyond our comprehension, we should not criticize Him for His dealings with us or with others. God is always in control of all things, even when He appears not to be.” The ways of El Shaddai as listed below give us a clear picture of a God who is faithful to keep His covenants with His people. --When El Shaddai concludes a work in our life, we will delight in Him (Job 22:25). --When He completes a work in our life, we will have understanding (Job 32:8). --El Shaddai gives life. John 10:10 tells us that the Lord Jesus Christ came that we might have an abundant life. Job had life but El Shaddai wanted him to experience life abundantly. After taking Job through his ordeal, Job’s fellowship was restored, along with his fortunes; all he had increased twofold (Job 42:10). The life Job lived after El Shaddai had taken him through his tribulation was more abundant. A person can experience life even while imprisoned by an enemy. Once that person escapes or is released from his prison and experiences freedom, he’ll live life more abundantly. El Shaddai wants us out of our bondage from the world, the flesh, and the devil. --El Shaddai does not treat us wrongly (Job 34:10). --El Shaddai will not pervert justice (Job 34:12). --El Shaddai will not heed nor give regard to an empty cry (Job 35:13). He is not moved by pity parties. --El Shaddai finds us, we don’t find Him. He is exalted in power. He will not do violence to justice or abundant righteousness. The worldly wisdom of men does not impress Him (Job 37:23-24). --El Shaddai brings destruction (Isaiah 13:6). Since He does not treat us wrongly nor pervert justice, El Shaddai brings destruction to our fleshly, worldly, demonic ways. Dr. Ken Copley is available for counseling, conferences, and local church meetings.

Bible Doctrine Series-Jehovah-Jireh

Jehovah-Jireh—“the Lord will provide” (Genesis 22:14). Jehovah-jireh is one of many names compounded with Jehovah. Most of these compound names of God arise out of some historic incident, and portray Jehovah in some aspect of His character as meeting human need. The Hebrew root of the word jireh means “to have regard for the one seen, to see to their every need with provision and care. Jehovah-jireh is the Lord who provides. The name Jehovah-jireh was first used by Abraham in memorial to his mountain top experience of testing. After Abraham and Sarah had received their promised son, Isaac, God sent Abraham to Moriah to offer the lad as a burnt offering. Abraham obeyed without question, believing the promise of God that this very son would still become a great nation in spite of His request. Once Isaac and his father arrived at the alter site, Abraham built an altar. Prior to their arrival, Isaac has seen the wood and fire; he inquired about the missing lamb needed for the offering. His father gave this answer: “God will provide for Himself the lamb for the burnt offering, my son” (Genesis 22:8). He then arranged the wood, bound his son, and placed him on top of the wood. As he picked up the knife to slay Isaac, the angel of the Lord interceded, telling Abraham not to harm the boy. Looking up, Abraham saw a ram caught in a thicket by his horns. God had provided! Abraham gladly made the substitution and sacrificed the ram instead of his son. That day father and son both saw the provision of God. Genesis 22:14 says “And Abraham called the name of that place Jehovah-jireh: as it is said to this day. In the mount of the Lord it shall be seen.” We worship the same God that Abraham did, and He is just as willing to provide for our needs today. Dr. Ken Copley is available for counseling, conferences, and local church meetings.

The Super Test of Super Tests

“By faith Abraham, when has was tested, offered up Isaac, and he who had received the promises was in the act of offering up his only son, of whom it was said, ‘Through Isaac shall your offspring be named.’ He considered that God was able even to raise him from the dead, from which, figuratively speaking, he did receive him back” (Hebrews 11: 17-19). Perhaps you have notices life is marked by tests. Some are major, most are minor; some linger, most leave about as quickly as they arrive. In the process of growth toward maturity, trouble plays an essential role: it puts faith on the line. Note several factors involved in testing. First, there are several levels of testing. We read in II Corinthians 4:8-9, about four levels of stress. The levels of testing or stress are indicated by the following terms: the first level of stress is found in the word afflicted. This is the lowest level of testing. It is mild or moderate. The word in the Greek means pressure. This type of stress comes from people, deadlines, interruptions, and delays. It is easily forgotten but it attacks us on a daily basis. The second level of stress is found in the word perplexed. The Greek word means “without a way” and conveys the idea of not knowing where to go or to whom one can turn. This kind of testing would include not knowing how to handle unfair treatment from unfair people. The third level of stress is found in the word persecuted. This is an extreme level of testing. It can be either emotional or physical. This form of irritation or stress does not pass quickly. And the fourth level of stress is found in the word struck down. This is the ultimate testing, maximum stress. It can include the loss of someone or something near and dear to you: the loss of a spouse to divorce; a mate to death, a child, or friend; something you considered valuable; a dream. For Abraham, it was the potential loss of his “only begotten son” (Hebrews 11:17). Second, we find the ultimate level of testing. The Scriptures reveal the story of Abraham and Isaac in both telescopic (Hebrews 11) and microscopic (Genesis 22) fashions. Note an overview found in Hebrews 11: 17-19. Our usual response to life’s ultimate tests is “I can’t believe it!” We reason, “How can a good God bring such a test? It’s unfair!” An analysis of Genesis 22 is in order. The God who told Abraham to leave Ur, who gave Abraham the promise of a nation, and who opened Sarah’s womb in her old age, told Abraham to sacrifice his son. Please note Abraham’s words found in Genesis 22:3-10. “We will worship, we will return.” How could Abraham have done this? The answer is found in Hebrews 11:19, he brought God into his reasoning. Third, our lives today: a personal examination. In reviewing Hebrews 11:17-19, there are at least four applications we can draw for our own lives. God’s will always require obedience (v. 17a). The plan is never fully understood (v. 17b). Ultimate tests initially seem contradictory (v. 18). Our response invariably reveals our theology (v. 19). Dr. Ken Copley is available for counseling, conferences, and local church meetings.

Sometimes it Takes a Miracle

By faith they passed through the Red Sea as though they were passing through dry land; and the Egyptians, when they attempted it, were drowned. By faith the walls of Jericho fell down after they had been encircled for seven days. By faith Rahab the harlot did not perish along with those who were disobedient, after she had welcomed the spies in peace" (Hebrews 11:29-31). Surrounded by patted cushions, beautiful music, well-dressed people, and strong affirmation, it is next to impossible for many church-goers to enter into the realism of Scripture. Let's also remember that it is the Lord God who made it all happen, the One who is "The same yesterday and today, and forever" (Hebrews 13:8). Do you wonder what He is able to do on your behalf? Watch closely. When we try to identify with people such as Moses, Joshua, Sarah, Abraham, Noah, Enoch, and Abel, we can easily feel intimidated. In view of this, we need to keep several truths in mind. People are people nothing more. In God's family, everyone is "P.O.H." plane old human. None of us can walk on water. We doubt more often than we believe, God is God, nothing less. He wasn't more God in the days of Moses than He is today. Christ Jesus was no more powerful, inspiring, and miraculous in the first century than He is today. God bailed people out of the greatest misery imaginable in centuries past, and He does the same today. That's His specialty. Miracles are miracles, nothing else. What is a miracle? It's a humanly impossible event that occurs in the natural realm, apart from natural causes, for the glory of God. Miracles happen today as they have in the past, but only God can work them: humans cannot. God works them at the most unpredictable times-when we are so pressed that there is no other way through. Are you facing turbulent waters of pressure? If so, consider three things. You can count on Him to get you through and make an escape. He specializes in parting the sea of pressure. You can wait on Him to penetrate others' defenses. He specializes in fortresses with thick double walls. You can trust Him to restore your value in the eyes of others. He specializes in harlots' and others' worthless pasts. Don't trust in people. Don't limit God. Don't discount a miracle. Dr. Ken Copley is available for counseling, conferences, and local church meetings.

Creativity

Human creativity came to us as a gift from our Creator. All human creativity and innovation comes from His hand. "In the beginning God created the heavens and the earth" (Genesis 1:1). God created the world in six days then He rested. He made us in His image and likeness, that includes giving us the ability to be creative. An excellent example of human creativity is found in George Washington Carver. He was one of the 20th century's greatest scientists, George Washington Carver's influence is still being felt today. As a committed Christian he asked the Lord to help him discover God's purposes for the simplest of plant life. He focused his work on peanuts, sweet potatoes, and pecans trying to produce new products. He developed more than 300 products from the peanut (including Peanut Butter), 175 from the sweet potato, and 60 from the pecan. He extracted blue, purple, and red pigments from the clay soil of Alabama. He researched the manufacture of synthetic marble from green wood shavings, rope from cornstalk fibers, and veneers from the palmetto root. During WWI, he worked to replace the textile dyes that were being imported from Europe. He ended up producing and replacing over 500 different shades. In 1927, he invented a process for producing paints and stains from soybeans. He is best know for developing crop-rotation methods for conserving nutrients in soil and discovering hundreds of new uses for crops such as the peanut Although he did hold three patents, Carver never patented most of the many his discoveries. He said "God gave them to me, how can I sell them to someone else?" If God has placed on idea in your heart to do, ask the Lord for His help in bringing it to reality. He desires to see His people create new things that can serve mankind and bring glory to God. Henry Ford once said, "Whether you think that you can, or that you can't, you are usually right." Dr. Ken Copley is available for counseling, conferences, and local church meetings.

Turning Bad News Into Good News

"Also our enemies said, 'Before they know it or see us, we will be right there among them and will kill them and put an end to the work" (Neh. 4:11). What did Nehemiah do when he was threatened? He "Prayed and posted a guard." This is why the Lord has commanded us to "Watch and pray" (Matt. 26:41). We must be "God's fellow workers (II Cor. 6:1): neither doing everything ourselves nor expecting God to do everything for us. The background to the above verse is as follows. The king sent Nehemiah to Jerusalem and gave him authority to rebuild the wall. When he and the people living, there started building the wall, they were vehemently opposed by two individuals, Sanballat and Tobiah. The Israelites were forced to complete their work in an odd fashion, half of them worked while half of them stood guard. Have you ever struggled with the balance between faith and practical action? When faced with a difficult situation, do you take immediate action or wait for an answer to your prayers? The truth is we all have our Sanballats and Tobiahs (they may be circumstances or people). I can remember times of building, when for every block I put on the wall, my enemies tore two of them down. Its during these times we are faced with the question of what to do about it. We can determine we will work twice as hard. or we can sit back and pray that God will provide an answer. The correct answer might not be one or the other but both. Nehemiah didn't do just one, he did both. He prayed and asked God's guidance and then acted. His actions were not impetuous or prideful, but of faith. Take time to look at the faith chapter, Hebrews II. You will find men and women who didn't just sit around, they were people of action. Abel offered. Noah prepared an ark. Abraham obeyed and went out. Sarah conceived. Moses refused to be called the son of Pharaoh's daughter and forsook the riches of Egypt. Rahab received the spies. Their faith in God could not be confined to the mind alone. When we receive bad new we should pray to our God and take the necessary steps to defend ourselves against the threat. Once we begin taking these steps we must avoid projecting what might happen in the future. Worry about the future can lead to depression. We simply don't know what the future holds, "Take no thought for tomorrow." We must live, by God's grace, one day at a time. In a crisis "Consider the ravens: They do not sow or reap, they have no storeroom or barn; yet God feeds them. And how much more valuable you are than birds. Who of you by worrying can add a single hour to his life? Since you cannot do this very little thing, why do you worry about the rest?" (Luke 12:24). So let's turn our bad news over to the Lord, He specializes in turning bad news into good news. The wall was completed in 52 days. Dr. Ken Copley is available for counseling, conferences, and local church meetings.

When Service and Devotion Compete

Biblical counseling is a passion with me. I must confess, I delight in seeing people come to freedom in Christ. When I can help, (in some small way), lift a person out of the bondage of sin and into the freedom of Christ, I am elated (I realize that only the Lord can set a person free). The times I have been used of the Lord to show a person how to be saved from their sins and the fires of hell, has brought me great joy. I remember how I delighted in writing a book that exposed the lies of the enemy. I still have letters from people who found their way to a new level of freedom and healing through the pages of that book. I said all of this because I must confess that at times the joy of service has overshadowed my love and devotion for the Lord. I have a tendency to be more of a Martha than a Mary in my Christian walk. Perhaps the Lord would be pleased to have us visit the account of Mary and Martha once again. "But Martha was distracted by all the preparations that had to be made. She came to him and asked, 'Lord, don't you care that my sister has left me to do the work by myself? Tell her to help me!' 'Martha, Martha,' the Lord answered, 'you are worried and upset about many things, but only one thing is needed. Mary has chosen what is better, and it will not be taken away from her'" (Luke 10:40-42). There is the revelation of a great danger in this account. Should our concern for serving Jesus exceed our need to be with Jesus, we are in danger of focusing on the lesser thing. When we make the lesser thing a priority we are operating in the flesh. I personally find it hard to just sit and listen. I seem to be wired for action. I remember serving a millwright apprenticeship when I was young. During a down time, several of the older men, were sitting down and resting. A foreman came by and shouted "do something, even if its wrong." That statement stayed with me. The older I get the more I realize If I do something without the Lord's direction, it most likely will be wrong. Today would be a great day to listen more and yes, do less. The Lord is greatly pleased with our love and devotion toward Him, then He is pleased with the work He instructs us to do. Dr. Ken Copley is available for counseling, conferences, and local church meetings.

God's Timing

There is a song written by Diane Ball called "in His time". Some of the words are "In His time, in His time, He makes all things beautiful in His time. Lord show me every day that you do just what you say, in your time." This theme is taken from the book of Ecclesiastes. In the same book we read "There is a time for everything, and a season for every activity under heaven?" ( Eccl 3:1). For us to discern God's timing is crucial. "In the fullness of time He sent forth His only Son." God is in control of the times and seasons. He knows what we need and when we need it. He is seldom early but never late. He holds our future in His hands. I have a tendency to run ahead of the Lord. When I do get ahead of the Lord, it causes frustration for others and myself. The Scriptures tell us "They that wait upon the Lord shall renew their strength, they shall rise up with wings of eagles, they shall run and not be weary, they shall walk and not faint." We need to ask the Lord to make us aware of His timing. Being led of the Spirit keeps us in step with the Lord. Lord please make us sensitive to your timing, and show us what you want us to do each day, and please slow us down when we tend to run ahead of you. Dr. Ken Copley is available for counseling, conferences, and local church meetings.