101 Thoughts from the Word - Volume Two: Old Testament

By David T. Peckham

From God's mouth to the hearts of His people - this is the function of the Bible and is the reason it is called The Word of God. "The Bible applied to the heart by the Holy Spirit is the chief means by which men are built up and established in the faith, after their conversion. It is able to cleanse them, sanctify them, to instruct them in righteousness, and to furnish them thoroughly for all good works (2 Timothy 3:16, 17) J.C. Ryle.
After many years of anger against God, the Lord wonderfully restored the author to Himself and laid the burden of this ministry on his heart. Every week for the past seven years TFTWs (Thoughts From The Word) have been sent via the internet to God's people throughout the world. Many similar thoughts may be found at www.onhisshoulders.com.
The Bible "can show you the way which leads to heaven. It can teach you everything you need to know, point out everything you need to believe, and explain everything you need to do. It can show you what you are - a sinner. It can show you what God is - perfectly holy. It can show you the great river of pardon, peace, and grace - Jesus Christ" J.C. Ryle, 1816-1900, Bishop of Liverpool, whose picture is on the front cover.
The thoughts contained in this volume are published with the sincere prayer that God will use them to refresh and encourage the souls of His people. To receive future weekly TFTWs send your request to [e-mail].

• Language: English
• Publisher: AuthorHouse
• Release date: Jul 10, 2008
• ISBN: 9781468521504

David T. Peckham

I was born and raised in Hastings, England and relocated to the USA in 1963. Since that time I have been engaged in Christian work in England, the Faroe Islands, and the USA. I was educated at Moorlands Bible College in England. After thirty years in the insurance business I retired and wrote my first book in 2004. My writings include two historical novels and six Christian works. I have three grown children and currently live with my wife in the State of Washington. For the past twelve years I have produced a weekly internet devotional called Thoughts From The Word (TFTW) that is received in twenty-one countries. The TFTWs and inforrnation on my books can be found on my website at onhisshoulders.com. or received weekly by request at [e-mail]

Book preview

In the beginning God created the heavens and the earth

Reading: Genesis 1: 1-19

In 1610 Galileo peered through his telescope and observed objects in the universe heretofore unseen or thought of. This was an amazing discovery. So also the Hubble Telescope in 1990. From this ‘eye’ into the universe we have been treated with sights of which no artist could have dreamed and presented with distances the human mind is incapable of processing. When, my soul, you stand and look upward into the sky, things appear to be calm and peaceful, other than in a storm, whereas, in reality, the galaxies are constantly exploding as new stars are born and various gases create unbelievable auras of multi-colored divine artistry. The universe is constantly expanding and creation is an ongoing process.

Most human beings have wondered about the vastness of the universe but give up because its concept is beyond time and human consideration. When you come to the end of the universe, what lies beyond it? You cannot conceive of something that has no ending. Time, with which we are surrounded and governed, limits our concept of eternity—we cannot comprehend something that is endless.

You must stand in awe that the God who created such an immeasurable vastness of extremities, beauty, and mystery, is the same God who loves you as an individual and gave His only begotten Son, that whosoever believes in Him will have everlasting life. Life and love without end fall into that category of incomprehensible concepts. Man lives in and is limited by time—God is eternal and operates in that dimension. The news that comes from God is that man is also eternal and will exist after his time in this life has elapsed in either eternal life with Him or eternal anguish without Him.

If you are so awestruck with the physical universe that modern technology introduces to you, how much more should you be enthralled by eternal things of which you are a participant.

Eye has not seen, nor ear heard, nor have entered into the heart of man the things which God has prepared for those who love Him 1 Corinthians 2:9.

The same eternal God that has prepared (created) the future for those who love Him, has prepared the future for those who deny and reject Him. The same wisdom, justice, holiness, and righteousness has created both heaven and hell.

Then He will also say to those on the left hand, ‘Depart from Me, you cursed, into the everlasting fire prepared for the devil and his angels Matthew 25:41.

This same mighty Creator has placed nothing less of Himself in that wonderful creation of which you and every redeemed soul are participants here on earth.

Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation; old things have passed away; behold, all things have become new 2 Corinthians 5:17.

Have you not known? Have you not heard? The everlasting God, the LORD, the Creator of the ends of the earth, neither faints nor is weary. His understanding is unsearchable Isaiah 40:28.

Holy God, Elohim, Creator and Sustainer of all things small and great, I praise You this day that You have made me a new creation in Christ Jesus. The brilliance, wisdom and perfection I see in the heavens and earth is no less diminished in the creation of Your kingdom of which You have made me a citizen. I look forward with great anticipation to the new earth and heaven which You are preparing for all those who love You. Thank You, my God, thank You.

Then God said … and it was so

Reading: Genesis 1:1-13

One of the first lessons you can learn from the scriptures is the power and authority of the voice of God. This principle must be applied throughout the scriptures that, when God says something, you must accept it as fact, not maybe. When He says something will happen, it will happen no matter whether you believe it or not. God does not require you to confirm it, believe it or accept it in any way for it to happen.

My soul, take note that the first commandments of God recorded in the scriptures have never been broken. The laws of nature established by God when He created the earth and the heavens continue to this day and will continue until God says otherwise. That which was created out of nothing remains faithful to its Creator; unlike the commandments given by God to man. The only disobedience to God’s commandments is where man is involved. This is why God does not involve man in His plan of salvation. Salvation was planned by God, performed by God and is fulfilled by God. History tells us that if man is involved he will find a way to mess things up.

The only thing that man could offer would be his own effort or works. Paul knew this:

For by grace you have been saved through faith, and that not of yourselves; it is the gift of God, not of works, lest anyone should boast Ephesians 2:8-9.

This is fact because God said so.

Man cannot come to God unless the Spirit of God first convicts him and leads him to the Savior:

And when He (the Holy Spirit) has come, He will convict the world of sin John 16:8.

This is fact because God said so.

The order of salvation is chosen, called, convicted, converted, completed—all actions of God. The only man involved in the entire process is Jesus, God’s Son. Your salvation is as sure as the laws of nature because the voice of God said so. Every word of Jesus is absolute because He is God. Men buried Lazarus but God’s voice gave him life. Jesus said:

I am the Way, the Truth, and the Life; no man can come to the Father except through Me John 14:6.

This is fact because God said so.

All that the Father gives Me will come to Me, and the one who comes to Me I will by no means cast out. For I have come down from heaven, not to do My own will, but the will of Him who sent Me. This is the will of the Father who sent Me, that of all He has given Me I should lose nothing, but should raise it up at the last day. And this is the will of Him who sent Me, that everyone who sees the Son and believes in Him may have everlasting life; and I will raise him up at the last day John 6:37-40.

This is fact because God said so.

"The law of the LORD is perfect, converting the soul;

The testimony of the LORD is sure, making wise the simple; The statutes of the LORD are right, rejoicing the heart; The commandment of the LORD is pure, enlightening the eyes; The fear of the LORD is clean, enduring forever; The judgments of the LORD are true and righteous altogether. More to be desired are they than gold, Yea, than much fine gold; Sweeter also than honey and the honeycomb. Moreover by them Your servant is warned, And in keeping them there is great reward" Psalm 19:7-11.

This is fact because God said so.

There is no one like the God of Jeshurun

Reading: Deuteronomy 33:26-29

Read these words, my soul, and rejoice, for in them lies an abundance of strength, comfort and encouragement for those times when you are weary, discouraged, and challenged. These are words that at any time you can turn to and come away with gladness within the deepest caverns of your heart. Moses was about to conclude his life. He was 120 years old; 40 years he had spent in the household of Pharaoh, 40 years in the backside of the desert, and 40 years leading the people of God through the wilderness toward the Promised Land. Even though, because of his own sin, he was unable to enter the land of milk and honey, his parting words were There is no one like the God of Jeshurun.

‘There is no one like the Darling of Uprightness,’ for that is the meaning of the word Jeshurun. You are the one upon whom God has set His heart. This is a term of endearment, an expression of love. This is a term that, when you feel forsaken and all alone, you can remember and be comforted. This is a term that, when you are cast down, you can remember and be lifted up. There is no one like the God of Jeshurun, who rides the heavens to help you, and His excellency is in the clouds. This Darling of Uprightness sits at the right hand of His Father, far above all the principalities and powers that would harm you. He rides the heavens with one purpose on His heart—the protection and support of those whom His Father has given Him. Look to the clouds, those elements upon which He rode from the earth – Acts 1:9 – and upon which He entered into heaven – Daniel 7:13 and upon which He will soon return – Mark 7:62.

No matter how you comprehend your Redeemer, know Him as your God of Jeshurun. He knows your every plight and no circumstance catches Him by surprise. There is no path He has not walked. He is the One of whom the scriptures speak, He is despised and rejected of men, a Man of Sorrows and acquainted with grief Isaiah 53:3. When you walk a road you have never walked before, look down and you will find the footprints of the God of Jeshurun. Every road is the Emmaus Road, turn your head and you will see Jesus walking by your side. Should you fall, you will fall into the everlasting arms of Him who rides the heavens to help you.

No other Refuge do I need,

No other arms beneath;

No other God to ride the clouds,

None but the God of Jeshurun.

No other Friend with whom to walk,

No other Sovereign God;

No other Fountain from which to drink,

None but the God of Jeshurun.

No other Shield to protect me,

No other Sword to fight;

No other Captain to lead the way,

None but the God of Jeshurun.

No other Strength from which to draw,

No other Hand to hold;

No other Comforter who cares,

None but the God of Jeshurun.

My Sovereign King, my Loving God,

My Everlasting Refuge;

My Shield, my Sword, my Fountain,

None but the God of Jeshurun.

This is the way, walk in it

Reading: Isaiah 30:19-22

Your ears shall hear a word behind you, saying, ‘This is the way, walk in it,’ Whenever you turn to the right hand or whenever you turn to the left Isaiah 30:21.

My Father’s way may twist and turn,

My heart may throb and ache,

But in my soul I’m glad to know

He maketh no mistake.

My cherished plans may go astray,

My hopes may fade way;

But still I trust my Lord to lead,

My Father knows the way.

Though night be dark and it may seem

That day will never break;

I’ll pin my faith, my all, on Him,

Who maketh no mistake.

There’s so much now I cannot see,

My eye is still so dim;

But come what may I still can trust,

And leave it all to Him.

Eventually the mist will lift,

And darkness turn to day;

Then looking back I’ll praise His name,

Who led me all the way.

Author unknown.

God has always led His people whether it is by a person chosen for that purpose such as Moses and Joshua or a phenomenon created specifically for that purpose such as the pillars of fire and smoke,

"And the LORD went before them by day in a pillar of cloud to lead the way, and by night in a pillar of fire to

give them light, so as to go by day and night. He did not take away the pillar of cloud by day or the pillar of fire by night from before the people" Exodus 13:21-22,

or by speaking to them as they read His Word,

Your word I have hidden in my heart, that I might not sin against You Psalm 119:11,

or by direction of the Holy Spirit,

Then the Spirit said to Philip, Go near and overtake this chariot" Acts 8:29,

and other sources such as visions, dreams, and fellow believers. As children of God we must always be listening for the voice of God as we look to Him for guidance whether it is for everyday steps or major life changing decisions. There is nothing wrong in asking God to confirm His answer especially if we are young in the Lord. A sign of maturity in Christ is to recognize His voice and obey it the first time He speaks to us.

My sheep hear My voice, and I know them, and they follow Me. And I give them eternal life, and they shall never perish; neither shall anyone snatch them out of My hand. My Father, who has given them to Me, is greater than all; and no one is able to snatch them out of My Father’s hand John 10:27-29.

When I looked, there was a hand stretched out to me

Reading: Ezekiel 2:1-9

Do you remember the account when Peter walked on the water toward Jesus? So often, the emphasis is placed on Peter for his initial faith and confidence in Jesus, then of his fear when he took his eyes off Him and began to sink. Our text in Ezekiel reminds me of this story - not of Peter, but of Jesus.

How many times, my soul, have you looked to God in desperation and found His hand stretched out toward you? He stretched out His hand in healing the blind, deaf and crippled; He stretched His hand out for Thomas to touch and bring him comfort and confidence. As the Good Shepherd He reached out and picked up the lost sheep and placed it on His shoulders. He welcomed His prodigal son home with outstretched arms. Whatever the need or circumstance, if you look up you will find His hand stretched out toward you.

The hand of God could have been outstretched toward Ezekiel, but if he had not looked up he would never have seen it. David wrote,

I will lift up my eyes to the hills; from whence comes my help? My help comes from the LORD, Who made heaven and earth Psalm 121:1-2.

Your help comes from the Lord, but you need to look up, see His outstretched hand, and grasp it.

Why are you slow in accepting His help? Why do you seek other sources of help when you know His hand is outstretched toward you? Why do you wait until all other sources have failed before you reach out and grasp His hand? This is part of your growth in Christ. The more you walk with Him the quicker you are to turn to Him. The old man within you still wants you to solve your own problems and leave Christ out of the equation.

When Peter cried out, Lord, save me, Jesus immediately stretched out His hand and caught him. The response from Jesus was immediate. Peter’s condition called for an immediate response. There are times when you feel God does not hear your cry, but you can be assured He is there and will act in accord with His will and purpose. Ezekiel looked and Peter cried out. Moses stretched his rod over the sea and the waters parted. The priests put their feet into the Jordon and a pathway was cleared for the Israelites to cross over into Canaan. God’s way is for His people to look to Him in faith, believing He will be there to help.

If you will, then I shall, is a scriptural principle. Throughout the Old Testament you find many instances where God says, If you will obey My voice, then I will bless you … In the New Testament you read,

If we confess our sins, He is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness 1 John 1:9.

But as one was cutting down a tree, the iron ax head fell into the water; and he cried out and said, Alas, master! For it was borrowed. So the man of God said, Where did it fall? And he showed him the place. So he cut off a stick, and threw it in there; and he made the iron float. Therefore he said, Pick it up for yourself. So he reached out his hand and took it 2 Kings 6:5-7.

God is willing to perform the miracle, but there are times when he tells you to Pick it up for yourself. May you learn to reach out your hand and take hold of that which God offers.

I am raising up the Chaldeans

Reading: Habakkuk 1:1-11

So many books have been written on the subject of prayer, primarily because it is often the weakest aspect in a Christian’s life. It does not matter how much time is devoted to prayer, no person is satisfied with his/her prayer life. My bookshelves contain many such books and, to be honest, few have influenced my prayer life. The problem, I find, is that authors try to categorize prayer. We are introduced to subject one, then follows point a,b,c, etc., and a summary concludes the subject. This does not work for me. It is like trying to put God into compartments – one compartment for each of His attributes, rather than seeing God as the combination of all His attributes. While books can be useful, there is only one that can be trusted to teach the truth about prayer. The Bible should be our original, continual and final source of information regarding prayer, God, and anything to do with Him and our relationship with Him. Some of the greatest examples of men of prayer are the prophets in the Old Testament, men such as Samuel, David, and Daniel. One prophet, whose communication with God is a great blessing to me, is Habakkuk.