Tom Chapman Blog

GOD SAYS:

The fear of the LORD is the beginning of wisdom: a good understanding have all they that do his commandments: his praise endureth for ever. Psalm 111:10

The fear of the LORD is the beginning of knowledge: but fools despise wisdom and instruction. Proverbs 1:7

The fear of the LORD is the beginning of wisdom: and the knowledge of the holy is understanding. Proverbs 9:10

Man says:

“Wisdom begins when a man finds out that he does not know what he thinks he knows.” – Plato quoting Socrates

“Any fool can learn from his own mistakes. A wise man can learn from the mistakes of others. But, the wisest of men will learn from the Revelation of God!” anonymous

Posted by Tom _Cha on Mon 24 Sep 2012 1:39:42 pm     | no comments

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Dear P.T.,

Yesterday’s visit with you and your son was a real joy. Without going into details, I believe that it was divinely appointed. At least a part of this belief came from my reading of Psalm 29 this morning. Verse five (5) literally made me chuckle at God’s answer to our speculation concerning the demise of the live oak tree.

“The voice of the Lord breaketh the cedars; yea, the Lord breaketh the cedars of Lebanon.”

I know and see no fault in “inquiring minds wanting to know,” but the work of a Sovereign God is not knowable to the natural mind except where He reveals His methods. I hope you do examine the stump for clues but don’t forget God is NOT limited by the laws of physics. Science by definition cannot analyze miracles, it can only note that something outside the discipline has occurred (usually with the “faith” belief that time and knowledge will give explanation). Please don’t forget to inform me of your future findings.

Your brother in Christ,

Tom

Posted by Tom _Cha on Sun 8 Jul 2012 9:01:38 am     | no comments

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Shoes in Church

I showered and shaved................ I adjusted my tie.
I got there and sat................ In a pew just in time.
Bowing my head in prayer............ As I closed my eyes.
I saw the shoe of the man next to me....... Touching my own. I sighed.
With plenty of room on either side......... I thought, 'Why must our soles touch?'
It bothered me, his shoe touching mine.. But it didn't bother him much.
A prayer began: 'Our Father'............. I thought, 'This man with the shoes, has no pride.
They're dusty, worn, and scratched. Even worse, there are holes on the side!'
'Thank You for blessings,' the prayer went on.
The shoe man said................. A quiet 'Amen.'
I tried to focus on the prayer....... But my thoughts were on his shoes again..
Aren't we supposed to look our best. When walking through that door?
'Well, this certainly isn't it,' I thought, Glancing toward the floor.
Then the prayer was ended............ And the songs of praise began.
The shoe man was certainly loud..... Sounding proud as he sang.
His voice lifted the rafters........ His hands were raised high.
The Lord could surely hear.. The shoe man's voice from the sky.
It was time for the offering........ And what I threw in was steep.
I watched as the shoe man reached.... Into his pockets so deep.
I saw what was pulled out.......... What the shoe man put in.
Then I heard a soft 'clink' . As when silver hits tin.
The sermon really bored me.......... To tears, and that's no lie.
It was the same for the shoe man... For tears fell from his eyes.
At the end of the service........ As is the custom here.
We must greet new visitors, And show them all good cheer.
But I felt moved somehow........... And wanted to meet the shoe man.
So after the closing prayer........ I reached over and shook his hand.
He was old and his skin was dark..... And his hair was truly a mess.....
But I thanked him for coming.......... For being our guest...
He said, 'My names' Charlie............ I'm glad to meet you, my friend.'
There were tears in his eyes......... But he had a large, wide grin..
'Let me explain,' he said............. Wiping tears from his eyes.
'I've been coming here for months...... And you're the first to say 'Hi.''
'I know that my appearance...........'Is not like all the rest.
'But I really do try....................'To always look my best.'
'I always clean and polish my shoes...'Before my very long walk.
'But by the time I get here........'They're dirty and dusty, like chalk.'
My heart filled with pain............ And I swallowed to hide my tears.
As he continued to apologize.......... For daring to sit so near
He said, 'When I get here............'I know I must look a sight.
'But I thought if I could touch you....'Then maybe our souls might unite.'
I was silent for a moment............. Knowing whatever was said
Would pale in comparison.... I spoke from my heart, not my head.
'Oh, you've touched me,' I said.......'And taught me, in part;
'That the best of any man..............'Is what is found in his heart.'
The rest, I thought,............... This shoe man will never know.
Like just how thankful I really am.... That his dirty old shoe touched my soul.

author unknown

Posted by Tom _Cha on Thu 28 Jun 2012 8:57:07 pm     | no comments

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The LORD gave Joshua a charge by the hand of Moses

CONTEXT – Numbers 27.1-11 These verses give clarity to the previously revealed law of inheritance providing for the daughters of Zelophehad (see also Numbers 36). With the immanent movement into the promised land the LORD reveals His “line of succession”.

Numbers 27. ¹² And the Lord said unto Moses, Get thee up into this mount Abarim, and see the land which I have given unto the children of Israel. ¹³ And when thou hast seen it, thou also shalt be gathered unto thy people, as Aaron thy brother was gathered. ¹⁴ For ye rebelled against my commandment in the desert of Zin, in the strife of the congregation, to sanctify me at the water before their eyes: that is the water of Meribah in Kadesh in the wilderness of Zin.¹

¹⁵ And Moses spake unto the Lord, saying, ¹⁶ Let the Lord, the God of the spirits of all flesh, set a man over the congregation, ¹⁷ Which may go out before them, and which may go in before them, and which may lead them out, and which may bring them in; that the congregation of the Lord be not as sheep which have no shepherd.²

¹⁸ And the Lord said unto Moses, Take thee Joshua the son of Nun, a man in whom is the spirit, and lay thine hand upon him; ¹⁹ And set him before Eleazar the priest, and before all the congregation; and give him a charge in their sight. ²⁰ And thou shalt put some of thine honour upon him, that all the congregation of the children of Israel may be obedient. ²¹ And he shall stand before Eleazar the priest, who shall ask counsel for him after the judgment of Urim before the Lord: at his word shall they go out, and at his word they shall come in, both he, and all the children of Israel with him, even all the congregation.³

²² And Moses did as the Lord commanded him: and he took Joshua, and set him before Eleazar the priest, and before all the congregation: ²³ And he laid his hands upon him, and gave him a charge, as the Lord commanded by the hand of Moses.⁴

¹ Note (Numbers 20.23-29) that the LORD had directed Moses, Aaron and Eleazar to go up to Mount Hor. There Moses transferred the priestly garments from Aaron to Eleazar and Aaron died. The LORD “installed” Eleazar as high priest. Here for the same reason the LORD gave similar instructions to Moses but in addition he would be allowed and divinely empowered to see the promised land. But he would die alone.

² Moses makes no protest to his death but is immediately concerned for the “civil leadership” void that will be created (priestly leadership had previously passed from Aaron to Eleazar). In view of the many travails he had experienced, he prays (prophetically?) “that the congregation of the Lord be not as sheep which have no shepherd.”

³ Elsewhere in the Bible it seems certain the Lord had been preparing Joshua for this roll but He had not revealed His plan. By the laying on of hands before the priest and the congregation, Joshua received the charge from the LORD through Moses. Joshua was given only a portion of the “authority” of Moses. His “civil leadership (and his successors)” was subordinated to the “priestly authority” of Eleazar and his successors. The LORD established His plan (Numbers 34.17) for governing the nation until they rebelled and demanded a king.

⁴ The LORD’s choice is confirmed before the priest and the congregation as witnesses. The “mantel” of civil leadership is passed from Moses to Joshua.

Posted by Tom _Cha on Tue 26 Jun 2012 12:36:26 pm     | no comments

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Because all those men which have seen my glory, and my miracles, which I did in Egypt and in the wilderness, and have tempted me now these ten times, and have not hearkened to my voice; Surely they shall not see the land which I sware unto their fathers, neither shall any of them that provoked me see it: Numbers 14.22-23

1. Exodus 14.10-12 Pharaoh and his chariots approach Israel at the Red Sea.
2. Exodus 15.22-24 Israel three days in the wilderness and found no water.
3. Exodus 16.1-3 You have brought us into this wilderness to kill us with hunger.
4. Exodus 16.19-20 Let no man leave of it until morning, notwithstanding they hearkened not to Moses.
5. Exodus 16.27-30 Some of the people went out to gather on the seventh day and found none.
6. Exodus 17.1-4 The people thirsted there for water and murmured against Moses.
7. Exodus 32.1-35 When the people saw Moses delayed they said to Aaron make us gods which shall go before us.
8. Numbers 11.1-3 And when the people complained, it displeased the Lord.
9. Numbers 11.4-34 Israel wept again and said Who shall give us flesh to eat?
10. Numbers 14.3 Hath the Lord brought us to this land to be slain by the sword? (references from MacArthur Study Bible)

Posted by Tom _Cha on Sat 9 Jun 2012 4:38:31 pm     | no comments

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It is a fearful thing to fall into the hands of the living God. Hebrews 10:31

Numbers 12.1 And Miriam and Aaron spake against Moses because of the Ethiopian woman whom he had married: for he had married an Ethiopian woman. ² And they said, Hath the Lord indeed spoken only by Moses? hath he not spoken also by us? And the Lord heard it. ³ (Now the man Moses was very meek, above all the men which were upon the face of the earth.) ⁴ And the Lord spake suddenly unto Moses, and unto Aaron, and unto Miriam, Come out ye three unto the tabernacle of the congregation. And they three came out. ⁵ And the Lord came down in the pillar of the cloud, and stood in the door of the tabernacle, and called Aaron and Miriam: and they both came forth. ⁶ And he said, Hear now my words: If there be a prophet among you, I the Lord will make myself known unto him in a vision, and will speak unto him in a dream. ⁷ My servant Moses is not so, who is faithful in all mine house. ⁸ With him will I speak mouth to mouth, even apparently, and not in dark speeches; and the similitude of the Lord shall he behold: wherefore then were ye not afraid to speak against my servant Moses? ⁹ And the anger of the Lord was kindled against them; and he departed.

Posted by Tom _Cha on Fri 8 Jun 2012 10:32:20 am     | no comments

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PRAY FOR OUR PASTOR

And for (Pastor Dennis), that utterance may be given unto (him), that (he) may open (his) mouth boldly, to make known the mystery of the gospel, For which (he) is an ambassador in (obedience): that therein (he) may speak boldly, as (he) ought to speak (in his calling).

Ephesians 6.19-20 (personalized)

 

PRAY FOR OUR PASTOR AND EACH OTHER

… I bow my knees unto the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, Of whom the whole family in heaven and earth is named, That he would grant you (Pastor Dennis and Brothers and Sisters of BBF), according to the riches of his glory, to be strengthened with might by his Spirit in the inner man; That Christ may dwell in your hearts by faith; that ye, being rooted and grounded in love, May be able to comprehend with all saints (especially within BBF) what is the breadth, and length, and depth, and height; And to know the love of Christ, which passeth knowledge, that ye might be filled with all the fulness of God. Now (in these turbulent and uncertain times) unto him that is able to do exceeding abundantly above all that we ask or think, according to the power that worketh in us, Unto him be glory in the church by Christ Jesus throughout all ages, world without end. Amen. Ephesians 3.14-21

Posted by Tom _Cha on Tue 21 Feb 2012 11:45:17 am     | no comments

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And all the days of Methuselah were nine hundred sixty and nine years: and he died. Genesis 5.27

And Methuselah lived an hundred eighty and seven years, and begat Lamech. Genesis 5.25

And Lamech lived an hundred eighty and two years, and begat a son: And he called his name Noah, saying, This same shall comfort us concerning our work and toil of our hands, because of the ground which the LORD hath cursed. Genesis 5.28-29

And Noah was six hundred years old when the flood of waters was upon the earth. Genesis 7.6

Methuselah to the birth of Lamech – 187 years

Lamech to the birth of Noah –             182 years

Noah to the flood –                                 600 years

Methuselah’s age at death –                969 years

 

From theology - discernment required!!!!

 

What does the name Methuselah mean? Although not totally conclusive some believe his name to mean 'when he dies judgment' or 'in the year he dies it will be sent' both of which are seen as referring to the flood of Noah. This would mean that at the time of his birth his Godly father Enoch was given a prophecy of the coming flood of Noah. The flood did indeed come just after Methusaleh's death, in the Bible record. (source, Answers.com/WikiAnswers)

 

Exact meaning is somewhat uncertain: Dr. Henry Morris said it may mean, “When he dies, judgment.” Others say: “When he is dead it shall be sent”

 

Posted by Tom _Cha on Wed 25 Jan 2012 10:34:40 am     | no comments

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 A MARY MIND

I have a quiet moment now,

But suddenly I find

That while I have a Mary heart,

I have a Martha mind.

 

The things I thought I’d finished with

Are springing back to life

Like little flames among the brush

Of daily cares and strife.

 

My thoughts seem filled with “brushfires,” and

Although I rush and race,

As soon as I put out one fire,

Another takes its place.

 

So now I find, when I’m alone

And peace is my desire,

My mind’s a busy Martha-mind

Tending to one more fire.

 

O Lord, I know that Martha’s hands

Are needed, good and kind.

But in my heart I’ve one request:

Grant me a Mary mind.

 Reta J. Stewart

 ”And Jesus answered and said unto her, Martha, Martha, thou art careful and troubled about many things: But one thing is needful: and Mary hath chosen that good part, which shall not be taken away from her." Luke 10:41-42

“It seems that many of us must fit in Martha's situation as we rush about doing things for Jesus; (or for ourselves). Yet as these verses remind us, we must choose that good part and remember our Lord is more concerned in us sitting at His feet than being on our feet for busyness. Lord remind me today once more that you are an all sufficient God and that you desire my worship, love and attention much more that any service I could possibly provide for your Kingdom. If I choose that ‘Mary’ part first then I will be prepared for the ‘Martha’ part afterward.” Pastor Dennis Young

Posted by Tom _Cha on Tue 24 Jan 2012 10:27:10 am     | no comments

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It is of the LORD's mercies that we are not consumed, because his compassions fail not. They are new every morning: great is thy faithfulness. The LORD is my portion, saith my soul; therefore will I hope in him. Lamentations 3.22-24

In the midst of Israel’s rebellion and its consequences, Jeremiah, the weeping prophet, pours out his soul to the Lord. He laments both his personal situation and the condition of his nation which has fallen into the judgment of God because of its sin. The nation had refused to repent to the point of outright rejection of God’s word through him. Yet, here in his sorrow, his spirit is comforted by recollection of God’s mercies and His great faithfulness. At this time when the whole world seems to be insane, when evil is seen as good and good is seen as evil, our only security is in the mercies, the faithfulness and promises of God that His Will, will be done. Lord, help me to always remember Your will for me is a blessing regardless of the circumstances surrounding it. AMEN 

Posted by Tom _Cha on Wed 4 Jan 2012 12:46:26 pm     | no comments

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