There is an interesting story in Ezekiel chapter 22. I would encourage you to read verse 26 to the end of the chapter before reading the rest of this devotional. To give you an understanding of what was taking place in those days I would like to quote from Matthew Henty’s commentary. “All orders and degrees of men had helped to fill the measure of the nation’s guilt. The people that had any power abused it, and even the buyers and sellers find some way to oppress one another. It bodes ill to a people when judgments are breaking in upon them, and the spirit of prayer is restrained. Let all who fear God, unite to promote his truth and righteousness; as wicked men of every rank and profession plot together to run them down.” Sounds very up to date. Verse 30 is the key verse to our message this morning. God sought for a man to make up the hedge, but He found none! This hedge is found mentioned in the Bible many times. It is a wall of protection against “enemies”. In Job 1:10 God had made an hedge about Job. In Mark 12 God had made an hedge about the nation of Israel. In Ecclesiastes 10:8 we are warned “He that diggeth a pit shall fall into it; and whoso breaketh an hedge, a serpent shall bite him.” The reference to the serpent should be obvious.

God is always looking for those who will pray and work for the deliverance of the people. I Timothy 2:1 states, “I exhort therefore, that, first of all, supplications, prayers, intercessions, and giving of thanks, be made for all men;” Israel needed an intercessor. America needs an intercessor. Our families need an intercessor. Our churches need an intercessor. In Isaiah 58:18 they are called, “The repairer of the breach, The restorer of paths to dwell in.” May God use our lives and our prayers to be involved in repairing and restoring lives, not to cause the breach to be wider.

David asked God in Psalm 55 to create in him a clean heart, to renew a right spirit within him and to restore unto him the joy of his salvation. Then he went on to say, “Then will I teach transgressors thy ways and sinners shall be converted unto thee.” Solomon said in Proverbs, “He that walketh with wise men shall be wise, but a companion of fools shall be destroyed.” James said, “the prayer of a righteous man availeth much.” The lines, the fence, the hedge, the Bible principles are for our protection. We all have an influence on others for good or for bad. May we draw those around us closer to God rather than farther away. In Proverbs, those that forsook the guide, that were void of understanding, wandered out of the way. May God use us to be a light in a dark world, a voice of reason amidst all the confusion, a refuge in the time of the storm and certainly a repairer of the breach. God sought for a man….be that man!

Memorial Day is an American Holiday, honoring the men and women who died while serving in the United States Military. John 15:13 states, “Greater love hath no man than this, that a man lay down his life for his friends.” These Patriots are rightly called heroes. Because they believed in our freedom, they were willing to pay the ultimate price and give the ultimate sacrifice. We know what a person values by what he lives his life for. We really know what a person values by what he is willing to die for. When no one in Israel was willing to fight against Goliath and the Philistines, the enemies of their nation, David said, “Is there not a cause?”. He stepped forward and his victory delivered his people. Paul was being warned of the danger ahead for him as he was going to Jerusalem to preach the Gospel. His response is found in Acts 21:13, “Then Paul answered, What mean ye to weep and to break mine heart? for I am ready not to be bound only, but also to die at Jerusalem for the name of the Lord Jesus.”

Years ago in the history of our country, the American Revolutionary War (1775–1783), also known as the American War of Independence, was fought primarily between the Kingdom of Great Britain and her Thirteen Colonies in America, resulting in the overthrow of British rule in the colonies and the establishment of the United States of America. Patrick Henry’s ‘Give Me Liberty, or Give Me Death! ‘ Speech was given as the Virginia convention debated whether to send troops to fight in the Revolutionary War, Henry urged them to do so. “Give me liberty, or give me death!” he demanded, shattering the complacent and evasive mood of his fellow delegates.  Throughout the course of the war, an estimated 6,800 Americans were killed in action, 6,100 wounded, and upwards of 20,000 were taken prisoner. Historians believe that at least an additional 17,000 deaths were the result of disease, including about 8,000–12,000 who died while prisoners of war. Our military has certainly paid the price of freedom many times since then. We honor and remember them today.

This Memorial Day, take a moment to remember those who lost their lives so that we could enjoy life, peace, justice, and the freedom to enjoy the blessings given us by God. For Christians, the day also serves as a vivid reminder of the ultimate sacrifice that was paid for our spiritual freedom- that Jesus Christ, the Son of God, willingly bore our sins on the cross so that all who believe in Him might be reconciled to Him and have eternal life. Romans 5:7-8, “For scarcely for a righteous man will one die: yet peradventure for a good man some would even dare to die. But God commendeth his love toward us, in that, while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us.” Mark 10:45, “For even the Son of man came not to be ministered unto, but to minister, and to give his life a ransom for many.”

“Only two defining forces have ever offered to die for you; Jesus Christ and the American soldier. One died for your soul; the other for your freedom.”

Hebrews 11:1 states, “Now faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen.” I Peter 1:8 states, “Whom having not seen, ye love; in whom, though now ye see him not, yet believing, ye rejoice with joy unspeakable and full of glory.” Although we have not seen Him, we love Him because of true faith. Faith is a belief and acceptance of the truth of what God has revealed. What God says in His Word, the Bible, is evidence enough of the truth that God gives us. We believe because God said it! The Christian believes in the reality of God. This reality is revealed in the Bible. We are instructed to “search the scriptures” because it “was impossible for God to lie” and it is His Word. When we believe God and receive His son Jesus as our Savior our spiritual eyes are opened. Romans 10:17 says, “So the faith cometh by hearing and hearing by the word of God.” “We walk by faith and not by sight.”

Reality is defined as the actual being or existence of anything; truth; fact; in distinction from mere appearance. There is an often used statement, “seeing is believing!” The world cannot see what the Christian can see. The Christian has a new set of eyes! The eyes of faith. The Psalmist prayed in Psalm 119:18, “Open thou mine eyes, that I may behold wondrous things out of thy law.” In verse 105, “Thy word is a lamp unto my feet, and a light unto my path.” This reality becomes the basis of our life.

What is real to you about God? You cannot know God except for yourself. We are often told about someone that we don’t know personally, but there is a much different relationship when we know them for ourselves. To know Him is to love Him. I Peter 2:7 says, “Unto you therefore which believe he is precious:”. The Bible says, “…taste and see that the Lord is good, blessed is the man that trusteth in him”. Describe the taste of a banana to someone that has never tasted a banana. Describe the taste of honey to someone who has never tasted honey. You will not be able to describe it correctly. The best solution is to let them taste it for themselves.

The blessings of the believer are not only for this life, but they are eternal. Our future is as bright as the promises of God. Peter writes in II Peter 1:16, “For we have not followed cunningly devised fables, when we made known unto you the power and coming of our Lord Jesus Christ, but were eyewitnesses of his majesty.” What they saw transformed their lives. In verse 9 the Bible says, “We have also a more sure word…” Look into His word. It will truly change your life.

God promises His strength, His comfort, His peace, His wisdom, His help, His eternity. The phrase “be not afraid” is written 365 times in the Bible. That is a daily reminder from God that He is there for you. Isaiah 41:10, “Fear thou not; for I am with thee: be not dismayed; for I am thy God: I will strengthen thee; yea, I will help thee; yea, I will uphold thee with the right hand of my righteousness.”

HAPPY MOTHER’S DAY!

Have you heard the story of a concerned mother whose son was going off to college? She wrote the following letter to the college president: “Dear Sir: My son has been accepted for admission to you college and soon he will be leaving me. I am writing to ask that you give your personal attention to the selection of his roommate. I want to be sure his roommate is not the kind of person who uses foul language, or tells off-color jokes, smokes, drinks, or chases after girls. I hope you will understand why I am appealing to you directly. You see, this is the first time my son will be away from home, except for his three years in the Marine Corps.”

Mothers are just that way. Songs have been written, poems, even pictures have been painted that depict and illustrate a Mother’s love.

We are going to look today at many Biblical examples of a Mother’s love. A mother’s prayers are powerful prayers because of the great love that she has for her children. A godly mother is a great blessing and example to her children. In Genesis, Eve is called, “the mother of all living”, and so begins the story of motherhood. I would like to give you a number of Bible references that show a mother’s love and encourage you to look up and read the context of these verses.

Hagar’s love for her child Ishmael.

Genesis 21:16 “And she went, and sat her down over against him a good way off, as it were a bowshot: for she said, Let me not see the death of the child. And she sat over against him, and lift up her voice, and wept.”

The mother of Moses.

Exodus 2:3, “And when she could no longer hide him, she took for him an ark of bulrushes, and daubed it with slime and with pitch, and put the child therein; and she laid it in the flags by the river’s brink.”

Her sadness was turned to joy when she was called to care for him! Great story.

The mother of Samuel.

I Samuel 2:19, “Moreover his mother made him a little coat, and brought it to him from year to year, when she came up with her husband to offer the yearly sacrifice.”

The mother in Solomon’s time.

I Kings 3:26, “Then spake the woman whose the living child was unto the king, for her bowels yearned upon her son, and she said, O my lord, give her the living child, and in no wise slay it. But the other said, let it be neither mine nor thine, but divide it.”

Again, take the time to read these stories.

The Shunammite mother – II Kings 4:20

The Canaanitish mother – Matthew 15:22

Rizpah’s love for her sons- II Samuel 21:1-14

Victoria Farnsworth writes, “Not until I became a mother did I understand how much my mother had sacrificed for me. Not until I became a mother did I feel how hurt my mother was when I disobeyed. Not until I became a mother did I know how proud my mother was when I achieved. Not until I became a mother did I realize how much my mother loves me.”

Children – Honor your mother today. “…That it may be well with thee…”

Mothers – Love and care for your children. Proverbs 31:10-31. (read)

HER CHILDREN ARISE UP, AND CALL HER BLESSED;

There is a wonderful song entitled, “There has never been a friend like Jesus”.

There has never been a friend like Jesus,
I have never found a friend so true;
When I weaken and my steps grow wayward,
Then He comes to me with strength anew.

It is a blessing to have friends in this life. Someone said, “A true friend is coming in when others are going out”. Here are some other quotes.

He is your friend who pushes you nearer to God.
Abraham Kuyper

Friends are those rare people who ask how we are and then wait to hear the answer.
Ed Cunningham

A friend is someone who knows all about you and still loves you.
Elbert Hubbard

Our church family is a wonderful fellowship and friendship.

Proverbs 17:17, “A friend loveth at all times, and a brother is born for adversity.”

A friend is for times of adversity, not to cause adversity!

BUT THERE HAS NEVER BEEN A FRIEND LIKE JESUS!

God will not think less of you if you lose all your material possessions. Proverbs 19:4 states, “ Wealth maketh many friends; but the poor is separated from his neighbor.” But nothing will separate us from the love of God.

God will not despise you when you are depressed or despondent, when you are discouraged or in time of great need. But “I will be glad and rejoice in thy mercy: for thou hast considered my trouble…”.

We have all had our experiences with false friends. Maybe even we have been a false friend. Job said, “My kinsfolk have failed, and my familiar friends have for gotten me”. In another text he said, “To him that is afflicted pity should be shewed from his friend;…”. II Samuel 13:3, “But Amnon had a friend, whose name was Jonadab….and Jonadab was a very subtil man.” Jonadab’s advice and influence on Amnon caused his destruction. With friends like that, who needs enemies? David said, “Yea, mine own familiar friend, in whom I trusted, which did eat of my bread, hath lifted up his heel against me.” There are a lot of sad stories, but there are many wonderful stories of friendship also. This is a good time to reflect on the blessing of a good friend.

In Matthew 11, Jesus is called “a friend of sinners”. He is given that title because of Romans 5:8 which states, “But God commendeth his love toward us, in that, while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us.” John 15:13, “Greater love hath no man than this, that a man lay down his life for his friends.”

James 2:23, “And the scripture was fulfilled which saith, Abraham believed God, and it was imputed unto him for righteousness: and he was called the Friend of God. Jesus is my Friend and I am His. “A Friend loveth at all times.” What a cherished relationship.

Jesus said in John 15:15, “Henceforth I call you not servants; for the servant knoweth not what his lord doeth: but I have called you friends;…”

Our salvation has brought us into an amazing relationship with God. Christianity is a revelation, a knowledge, a communion with God. He is our Friend.

Thank God for your friends. Thank God for being your Friend.

“What in the world is going on?” Or should we say, “What is going on in the world?” There are scientific explanations. There are explanations from the medical staff with many variables and opinions. There are political explanations with varying amounts of “spin.” There are even many “conspiracy” theories. Some that are pretty “wild.” New daily information and changes in policy and results keep many glued to the news to see what the next and best solution will be. May I suggest a different approach and response.

Isaiah 26:3 states, “Thou wilt keep him in perfect peace, whose mind is stayed on thee: because he trusteth in thee.” Psalms 56:3, “What time I am afraid, I will trust in thee.”

For those who know the prophecy recorded in the Bible about the future, there is an understanding of the times in which we live. I Timothy 4:1, “Now the Spirit speaketh expressly, that in the last times, some shall depart from the faith…” II Timothy 3:1, “This know also, that in the last days perilous times shall come.” The list that follows in the next four verses contains, “Having a form of godliness…” A departure from the faith and only a form (façade) of the real thing. What would God have us to do? How would God have us to be? Paul told Timothy to “Preach the word:…”. He told him to “…be an example of the believers, in word, in conversation, in charity, in spirit, in faith, in purity.” Our peace and our faith will not only help and strengthen us, but they will be the healing and help to those around us.

Rejoice in the Lord alway: and again I say, Rejoice. 5 Let your moderation be known unto all men, the Lord is at hand. 6 Be careful for nothing; but in every thing by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known unto God. 7 And the peace of God, which passeth all understanding, shall keep your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus. 8 Finally, brethren, whatsoever things are true, whatsoever things are honest, whatsoever things are just, whatsoever things are pure, whatsoever things are lovely, whatsoever things are of good report; if there be any virtue, and if there be any praise, think on these things.

Philppians 4:4-8

In I Chronicles 12:32 there were “men that had understanding of the times, to know what Israel ought to do:”. I will be speaking about this text in the following video. God blessed Abraham and then made him a blessing. May the Lord use us in these difficult days to be an example and a blessing for His glory.