The Divine Conductor

“And He who searches our hearts knows the mind of the Spirit, because the Spirit intercedes for the saints in accordance with God’s will.”

Romans 8:27

Like a symphony conductor, God orchestrates circumstances in the life of a saint. He either sends another to you with a message, or He directly sends the one for whom the Holy Spirit is interceding. It is at this crossroad that division is apt to come because it depends on the willingness of the saint who is being asked to assist in the intercession on God’s terms. He does not need our help, but He has asked us to be participants.

We often think it strange that we find ourselves thrust into situations affecting others; commonplace and ordinary circumstances that have little or nothing to do with us. Our patience is sometimes tested and brought to frustration levels because of the conditions of the lives of others and the choices they have made that adversely affect them. Their refusal to break the pattern of sin and discard their old way of life brings them back time and time again to the same point of failure. It is at this point of weakness and vulnerability that God may ask our assistance. But if, at that juncture, we maintain an attitude of superiority, or we are indefinite in our response, we will never be the effective witness He desires.

We are apt to wonder why it appears God places such hard cases before us when other saints seem to have an easier time of witnessing and see results we never see. We all want to rejoice in results, to the glory of God, but we are called according to His purpose, not our own. We should never question the orchestration of circumstances and people God brings into our lives for we may just be one of many He uses, and besides, God’s timing is His own. Nor should we assume the position of amateur providence and attempt to sort through and pick our own methods of intercession. Our intentions may be sincere but, if left to ourselves, we could talk until we were blue in the face and never reach the heart of a lost sinner; or we could inevitably make matters worse. Instead, we should bring that person before the throne of God where true intercession begins and step back to allow the Holy Spirit to do His work. In other words, we must never attempt to do His work for Him; rather we should allow Him to do His work through us.

The human side of intercession is the position we find God has placed us, or someone He has sent to make contact with us. It is there at that crossroad where the saint must make a decision. It is there where the human side of our involvement ends and the divine work of the Holy Spirit begins. If we choose the wrong path, someone may suffer impoverishment.

As the eyes of musicians remain fixed on the orchestra conductor as he draws by direction the instruments to a glorious finale, we, too, should keep our eyes and ears fixed on God as He orchestrates opportunities to bring other sons and daughters to glory. If we yield to what God has orchestrated and allow the Holy Spirit to direct us as He intercedes on behalf of the one He sent, we have performed our part to His satisfaction and the honor and glory remain His, as it should be.

Waiting and Watching

  
 (Yep!  I'm still here!  I pulled this out of the archives because, with all that's going on in the world, it was encouraging to me.  I hope it also encourages you.)

The application of 1Thessalonians 5 is well known to most of us, especially verses 2 and 3 that warns the LORD will come "as a thief in the night."  But have you ever stopped to ponder, meditate, consider verses 4 and 5 and the message that is being implied?  "But you are not in darkness, brothers, for that day to surprise you like a thief. For you are all children of light, children of the day. We are not of the night or of the darkness."  As I read it last night, a deeper understanding was gained. Let me briefly exhort everyone who belongs to Christ with my feeble attempt at explaining how I perceive it to be. 

Once saved, the children of God are given understanding and discernment through the Holy Spirit who dwells within us. Many of us are content with the basic knowledge of and belief in our salvation, but there are some of us who strongly desire more of God's wisdom.  And when that desire is expressed in prayer, He never fails to continue to fill us.  As verse 2 and 3 of 1Thess 5 expresses, God's timing is sovereign.  Only He knows the day and the hour.   Of that, I hope we can all agree.

But! (don't you just love that conjunction?)  God's children should not be suddenly surprised that the Day of the LORD has come upon us, because they should be watching and waiting for it to happen! That's where the discernment comes in with this particular verse.  Although we should not become anxious and fearful, we should recognize the signs (Matthew 24, Mark 13) that the return of Jesus Christ is imminent and be ready to meet Him when "...the Lord himself will descend from heaven with a cry of command, with the voice of an archangel, and with the sound of the trumpet of God. And the dead in Christ will rise first [those who have physically died and are buried]. Then we who are alive, who are left, will be caught up together with them in the clouds to meet the Lord in the air, and so we will always be with the Lord." (The Rapture of the church - 1Thess 4:16-17)

As many church leaders who are of the same opinion as myself are expressing, the world, including our own nation, is in moral, social, economic, and military turmoil.  Even creation groans in anticipation of what's to come (Romans 8:22-24).  Together we deeply yearn for that moment when our LORD's voice will call out from the heavens and draw us to Himself.  And because we "are not of the night or of the darkness," and carefully and confidently watch the signs occurring all around us, we wait for that moment with the peace that only Jesus Christ and His Holy Spirit are able to give.  In other words, when that moment comes like a "thief," we should be expecting it to happen.  It shouldn't surprise any of God's children, if they remain in His Word, seeking His truth and not the world's perception of truth, and are "...sober, having put on the breastplate of faith and love, and for a helmet the hope of salvation.  For God has not destined us for wrath, but to obtain salvation through our Lord Jesus Christ, who died for us so that whether we are awake or asleep [in the grave] we might live with Him." (1Thess 5:8-10)  To put it simply, that "thief" should be expected to break in.  We may not know the moment God has chosen for this spectacular event to occur, but it should not shock or "surprise" any of His children as long as they remain in the light and not slumbering away in darkness.

The apostle Paul ends these verses with this: "Therefore encourage one another and build one another up, just as you are doing." (1Thess 5:11)   We are called to remain ever vigilant and watchful, exhorting and encouraging each other with the surety that what God has begun through His Son Jesus Christ, He will complete through His Son and our Savior Jesus Christ.

Be a "watchman on the wall" (Isaiah 62:6-7), watching for the signs of our Savior's return, and continue to herald the Gospel to the lost.  Time is short, salvation is available to all who come with a repentant heart and genuine trust and belief in Jesus Christ, and eternity awaits.

The LORD's grace and peace to all, and to Jesus Christ be given all glory and honor. 

Maranatha! 

How marvelous it is to meditate on this vital truth:

Jesus is both the Teacher and the Lesson!

"I Can't!"

“ ‘Ah, Sovereign Lord,’ I said, ‘I do not now how to speak; I am only a child.’ ”

Jeremiah 1:6

From the moment we are born, life’s challenges begin.  As infants, our emotional and physical needs are lovingly tended to by our parents.  But there comes a time in our development when we are faced with certain demands that only we can overcome.  My youngest grandson, Isaac, is currently facing such a challenge in learning to walk.  He is able to lift his body from a squat into a standing position, but when encouraged to take a few steps, he adamantly and stubbornly refuses.  We all know he is able and no matter how many times we tell him, “ you can!”, he has not convinced himself.  He would prefer to keep his feet firmly planted, grinning from ear to ear, then quickly frown and sit back down when offered assistance.  He does not yet trust us to catch him if he falls.  

I would prefer to keep Isaac little because he is probably my last grandchild.  I know that one day he will be tearing around the house after his siblings and eventually he will be running out into the world to build his own life.  But for now, Isaac is saying, “I can’t!”, and I have recently found myself echoing his sentiment.

The appearance of standing alone can often cause us to want to sit back down and refuse to take another step.  We are able to fool ourselves into believing there will be others who will offer a hand to balance and assist us, when in reality, we must often brace ourselves and go it alone.  This past week I have been telling the Lord, “I can’t!”  And while I was telling Him, “I can’t!” I found myself stumbling around in the darkness of the past with “what if” and “if only”.  My prayers have been full of pleadings to drive these thoughts from me and to restore and renew my faltering faith and trust.  It has been a struggle wrestling with Him.  But with His help I am overcoming, and by His strength and helping hand, I will take another step, and another, until I am back in the race running for all I am worth.

This morning my “I can’t!” has become, “I can, with Your help, Lord.”  I realize that I am never alone in spite of what I perceive.  Others may fail me.  I may even fail myself and others from time to time.  But my God, Who understands my human frailty, will always be standing in front of me with outstretched arms urging me to take another vital step.  He will also catch me if I stumble and begin to fall.  After all, the finish line is not too far away and the prize that awaits me is beyond my comprehension and worth every obstacle that is thrown in my way.

“I can do all things through Christ Who strengthens me.”  Thank you, Lord.  You just proved to me that “I can!”

Recommended reading:

1Kings 19:1-21
Esther 4:1-17
Isaiah 40:31; 41:10
Jeremiah 1:4-10
John 8:36
Hebrews 12:1-3; 12:12
Galatians 2:20
1Corinthians 9:24-27
Philippians 4:13
2Timothy 4:7-8; 16-18

"Justification By Faith" - By Oswald Chambers, My Utmost For His Highest

Like my niece, Becky, who writes on more than one blog (I honestly do not know how she does it!), there just does not seem to be enough time to post new articles. My life is not overwhelmed by physical activity (although my physical condition could USE more physical activity!), but it does seem to be full of a great deal of spiritual activity lately. And, unfortunately for my readers, it is not here on the blog!

This morning's devotion from Oswald Chambers is a good reminder of how we are justified - found innocent - in God's sight. As my witness has reminded me lately, it is not me who does the work, it is the Holy Spirit. All I am capable of doing is giving the Gospel of Jesus Christ to those who have not yet received it and by expressing the truth that it is by His atoning work on the cross that we are able to stand and be found innocent before God's throne. And as the conclusion of Mr. Chamber's devotion states, there is nothing more I can do to acquire salvation than that which has already been done by my Savior Jesus Christ.

I, like Chambers, know that I am saved. The marvelous "how" will be explained later when I am standing face-to-face with my God and He spends an eternity telling me all about it.

I hope the following devotion also blesses you this morning as it has me.


"For if, when we were enemies, we were reconciled to God by the death of His Son, much more, being reconciled, we shall be saved by His life." Romans 5:10

"I am not saved by believing; I realize I am saved by believing. It is not repentance that saves me; repentance is the sign that I realize what God has done in Christ Jesus. The danger is to put the emphasis on the effect instead of on the cause. 'It is my obedience that puts me right with God, my consecration.' Never! I am put right with God because prior to all, Christ died. When I turn to God and by belief accept what God reveals I can accept, instantly the stupendous Atonement of Jesus Christ rushes me into a right relationship with God; and by the supernatural miracle of God's grace I stand justified, not because I am sorry for my sin, not because I have repented, but because of what Jesus has done. The Spirit of God brings it with a breaking, all-over light, and I know, though I do not know how, that I am saved.

The salvation of God does not stand on human logic, it stands on the sacrificial Death of Jesus. We can be born again because of the Atonement of Our Lord. Sinful men and women can be changed into new creatures, not by their repentance or their belief, but by the marvelous work of God in Christ Jesus which is prior to all experience. The impregnable safety of justification and sanctification is God Himself. We have not to work out these things ourselves; they have been worked out by the Atonement. The supernatural becomes natural by the miracle of God; there is the realization of what Jesus Christ has already done -

'It is finished.' "

The Condensed Version

In the book of Jeremiah, thirty-sixth chapter, verses one through thirty-two, (Jeremiah 36:1-32) we read that God instructed Jeremiah to “Take a scroll and write on it all the words I have spoken to you concerning Israel, Judah, and all the other nations from the time I began speaking to you in the reign of Josiah till now.” (v2) It was God’s intention that the people be warned about His wrath to come if they did not turn from their wicked and sinful ways and seek His forgiveness (v3). Jeremiah did as God commanded him and had his scribe, Baruch, take the scroll to the Lord’s temple and read it to the people (v8-10). Upon hearing God’s Word to Jeremiah, the temple officials “looked at each other in fear” (v16), knowing the Lord had spoken through the prophet, and they warned Baruch to hide with Jeremiah from the king because of what the scroll contained.

The scroll was then taken to King Jehoiakim who was “sitting in the winter apartment, with a fire burning in the firepot in front of him (v22). Whenever Jehudi had read three or four columns of the scroll, the king cut them off with a scribe’s knife and threw them into the firepot, until the entire scroll was burned in the fire.” (v23) However, it is the reaction of those who were present that revealed how wicked and sinful the people truly were. Verse twenty-four states, “The king and all his attendants who heard all these words showed no fear, nor did they tear their clothes.”

Undeterred, God once again had Jeremiah dictate His Word to Baruch, only this time He reminded Jehoiakim of his guilt in burning the scroll and His condemnation for doing so (v27-31). The king was taken captive by the Babylonians, dying on his way to Babylon (2Chronicles 36:5-6), and his son, Jehoiachin, only served as king for three months before being taken captive.

There is a disturbing parallel between Jehoiakim’s actions and what we see happening today within many churches. The tendency to condense God’s Word to suit social issues has permeated the Church. In the form of “tolerance” to lifestyles God finds abominable and the minimization of sinful behavior, there are those within the Church who would, without provocation or fear, “cut” certain passages from His Word to draw and appease sinners. Instead of preaching the Word of God in its entirety and purity, some “emerging” Church leaders prefer to omit Scripture that would clearly and explicitly condemn their congregation because they want to be seen as open-minded and tolerant of others and their self-preferences. Like Jehoiakim, many of today's pastors take portions of God's Word and "(burn them) in the fire” because to preach them would “offend” and perhaps cause the same fear within their congregation the temple officials experienced when they heard God speak through Jeremiah. To fail to do so, the “feel good” church of today would be seen as “hateful” and full of “self-righteousness”, and they certainly would not want that.

God is not politically correct, nor is He socially adaptable. He is the eternal God and is unchanging despite the changes we see within the world today and man's attempt to make Him “fit“ those changes. To take His Word and condense it to adapt to certain social and political platforms is nothing short of wrong. The Bible is replete with instances where man disregarded God’s warnings and suffered the consequences. Much of today’s society dwells in the sewers of sin and wickedness and there is hardly a moment that passes when one does not hear of someone breaking God’s moral and civil laws. They snip and cut away at His Word until there is nothing left of its original content, and they are smugly satisfied with the results.

The Apostle Paul told Timothy, “All Scripture is God-breathed and is useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting and training in righteousness, so that the man of God may be thoroughly equipped for every good work.” (2Timothy 3:16-17) There is not one word written within Scripture that is not inspired by God Almighty to instruct us in the way we should act and lead our lives. We should read it and apply it to everything we do and say, not pick and choose only what we think suits the moment. Nor should we add to His Word and falsely claim He has amended it to fit today’s lifestyles or whims. That makes Him to be a liar and we all know God does not and can not lie.

God’s Word is our only true source of guidance in a world ripe with sin. It is dependable and reliable because His Word is holy, eternal, and just. If we remain true to not just part of it but all of it, God will increase our knowledge and give us His wisdom in how our lives should be led. And if we take His Word as trustworthy and give it to others with love, we are fulfilling God’s command to spread His Gospel and helping Him save others from eternal death.

We must refuse to condense the Word of God by keeping Scripture pure and unadulterated. We must take the initiative and examine what we are being taught in church by faithfully going into His Word in order to prevent being deceived. If we do, it will save us from reaping what Jehoiakim sowed.

The Bread Of Life

John 6:28-58

Every morning I am visited by my neighbor’s Border Collie who comes to the door for his daily dog biscuit, or “cookie” as we call them. On occasion, he is accompanied by my youngest son’s Golden Lab, Tick, who by all appearances has never missed a meal. He defines the term “moocher,” as he makes his rounds through the subdivision. His reputation for bringing home the most unusual food items is renowned: loaves of bread, unwrapped packages of chicken and frankfurters, and let us not forget the package of buns! We have often wondered if he has figured out how to open refrigerators and freezers and sorted through their contents like a grocery store shopper. Because of his bulk (and I use the term loosely) my son has had to ask his neighbors to please not feed him. Tick is what I call a “easy keeper” and in spite of being fed well at home, continues his daily vigil looking for handouts.

Daily sustenance is an essential part of maintaining a healthy life for man and beast. Without it, they would quickly starve to death. As far back in history that we can look, bread has always been an important dietary staple for the rich and poorest alike. In the Dark Ages, the quality of the grain determined the social level of man. The finer grains provided wholesome loaves for the upper echelon, while the coarser rye was cast to the lower classes. Children could be found on street corners begging for a simple loaf of bread to sustain them one more day. And looking even further back in history, the importance of grain was so vital that provisions were made to prevent devastating world famine (Genesis 41-43). In recent history, vast storehouses and reserves of grain have been kept to prevent a world-wide hunger and famine. But I have been told by family members who are farmers that because of the imbalance created by governmental influence and the appeal of its use in alternate fuel sources, these reserves are emptying at an alarming rate.

So where does that leave us? The price of grain affects the cost of everything we consume, whether it be food or the clothes on our backs. Our physical needs are greatly endangered by the nonsensical whims of a few who feel they have the best solutions for the world. And as they progress their secular and Godless agendas, Pharaoh’s dreams come closer to our reality (Genesis 41:1-7). There is only one solution: man must be filled with the “food that endures to eternal life” and there is only One Who is able to give it - Jesus Christ (John 6:27).

On their forty-year journey through the desert, the Israelites ate the “bread of angels” as God “opened the doors of the heavens (and) rained down manna for the people to eat.” (Exodus 16; Psalm 78:23-25) He filled their “grumbling” stomachs with the sweet heavenly bread. But like a loaf of bread that stales and molds after a couple of days, so did the manna, for it was a temporary sustenance until they reached their destination. The loaves of bread we stock our cupboards with are also just a means to prevent physical starvation. They cannot preserve us beyond their capacity to do so. It is the Bread of Life that feeds the starving soul that is most essential. It is the Living Bread, Jesus Christ, that provides the necessary sustenance to preserve our lives for eternity. And if we seek after it, then regardless of what comes, we will not hunger for we will be fed to the fullest.

The two moochers who show up at my door each morning looking for their daily cookie do so because they know my love for them will not fail and they will receive what is sought after. It is the same with God. When we knock at the door, He will open it and the Bread we seek will be freely given. And like the can that holds the dog’s treats that I must keep full, God’s storehouses will never empty. There is Bread for everyone who hungers after the Lord’s righteousness and it is available to all who earnestly seek after it.

Come and eat and never hunger again!

Additional Scripture (click to read):

Genesis 42:1-2
1King 17:7
Proverbs 30:7-9
Ecclesiastes 11:1
Isaiah 55:1-3
Matthew 4:1-4; 6:11
Luke 9:10-17

Rivers Of Living Water

John 7:37-38

A mighty river begins in the towering rocks of a mountain. As the winter ice and snow are warmed by the sun’s rays, it starts its journey down the steep slopes as a single droplet of crystalline and pure water. Joined by other droplets, the water begins to collect in a pool until the small basin that contains them fills and overflows its brim into another basin. More droplets of water migrate from other ice packs and snow banks, uniting with the first droplet and forming a small rivulet that succumbs to the gravitational forces by which they are propelled.

As each single droplet melds with others, the river begins to build into a small trickle of water. This stream is joined by other streams that took a different course in their descent from the mountain top. The flow of water builds until its force is so great that it forms into a cascading waterfall. Trillions upon trillions of water droplets sparkle like diamonds in the sun as the river comes crashing down the steep slopes. Elbowing its way through the rough terrain, the living force of the water cuts banks and forms channels in the canyon walls. Fed by smaller streams and rivers in their own journey from the mountain top, the mighty river at last slows as it reaches its destination and purpose in the valley below.

The living water Jesus Christ spoke of in John 7:37-38 is much like this description of a mighty river. It begins with a single droplet of faith in the heart of man (Isaiah 55:01) When his thirst rages, a single drop of water will not quench it. He must come to the deep well of salvation and drink great gulps of the life-giving water until he feels satisfied and restored (John 4:13-14). And even then if his course changes, once man has tasted of this water, he will not return to the stagnant pools he once found himself in (Ecclesiastes 11:1). The man who has drunk of the water of life will yield to the Force that propels him down the mountain side and into the valley below (Luke 9:28-42). And as he heeds his Master’s call, he will gather others into the life-giving current until a mighty river of souls is united in a common goal.

Just as one single drop of water begins a mighty river and fills an ocean, one small droplet of God’s Word upon the tongue of a dying man can create a sea of saved souls. The well of the water of life is deep, its source never-ending, and all are called to drink from it (Revelation 22:17). As we journey through the tributaries of its river, let us remember to freely share from our cup for it is kept full by the hand of God and will never empty. And if there ever is fear the river will end, remember that just as the sea gives up its water to the heavens, it is returned to the mountain to begin anew. The life it brings is eternal and the rewards everlasting.


Additional Scripture - click to read:

Psalm 1:3; 23; 42:1
Isaiah 49:10
Ezekiel 36:25
Zechariah 14:8
John 3:5; 4:10
Ephesians 5:26
1Peter 3:21
2Peter 2:17
1John 5:6
Revelation 7:17; 21:6

If Wishes Were Fishes

“You open Your hand and satisfy the desires of every living thing.”

Psalm 145:10

I recently helped celebrate my second granddaughter’s birthday with a large group of family and friends. Analiese Marlene had reached the milestone of eleven years, a pinnacle in her eyes. The party consisted of the usual faire: balloons, poppers, gifts and her favorite desert, cheesecake with raspberry topping. And as is the custom, eleven candles adorned the top of the cake, their little flickering flames adding to the glow that spread across her beautiful face. As she prepared to blow out the candles, without thinking, I quickly said, “Make a wish!” She closed her eyes, paused a few seconds, and then blew them out with a single breath. Small wisps of smoke rose from the extinguished candles as we applauded and called out our congratulations and hope for many more years to come.

This time-worn tradition of wishing on candles made me pause and reflect how, as children, we believed that expressing ourselves this way would bring us something we desired. If we were fortunate to see the night sky’s first star, we would recite, “Star light, star bright; first star I see tonight. I wish I may, I wish I might, have this wish I wish tonight!” We believed if we found a penny and put it in our shoe it would bring us good luck. Fingers were crossed in fervid anticipation of the possibility of things to come. And the grass in the yard was scoured for that rare and lucky four-leafed clover.

The title to this piece was dug out of my dusty and cluttered memory. Where I heard it, I can not say, but I just discovered the quote comes from a child's book entitled "Twice Upon a Times" by Rose Impey. What I want to believe is the conclusion to this quote sticks in my mind as clearly as if I had just learned it. “If wishes were fishes, we would all swim the sea!” I have often thought it should say “fish the sea”, and perhaps it did. But whatever is the correct quote, either word implies that to wish upon anything gains us nothing. Wishing on objects is merely foolish superstition created to appease the desire of a child. If wishes were indeed "fishes", the majority of our time would be spent on the water bobbing a pole or dipping a net to see if we could catch the wished for desire. Considering the vastness of the sea, the chances of that happening would be pretty slim and we could just as easily hook a more undesirable fish. Although we innocently continue to hand down these ancient traditions, we would be better served to remember the One from whom all desires and longings are derived.

Jesus Christ taught the Father knows what we need before we ask Him (Matt 6:8) and that “He has scattered abroad His gifts to the poor” (2Cor 9:9). The Lord has poured out His Holy Spirit upon this earth and bestowed upon all mankind a “free” (Rev 22:17) and “perfect” gift (James 1:17) - eternal life (Rom 6:23). There is no need to wish for the gift. God has already made it available to anyone who asks (Matt 7:7-11). No wishing upon candles, stars, clovers, or anxiously crossing fingers is required. All you have to do is reach out and take it from His extended hand.

So, if I may use this venue to do so, I would like to rephrase my birthday wish for Ani:

Happy birthday, Goose! I pray as you closed your eyes and made your wish, the wisps of smoke were a fragrant incense to the Lord, that you seek after His perfect gifts, and that He gives you the desires of your heart!

I love you!

Granny


Recommended reading:

Ps 37:4; 103:5
Rom 8:5; 13:14
1Cor 12:31
Gal 5:16
Eph 4:22
Col 3:5
1Tim 6:9
2Tim 2:22
1Pt 2:11
2Pt 1:4
1Jn 2:17

Finding The End Of Yourself

“I indeed was this and that; but He came, and a marvelous thing happened.”

Oswald Chambers, My Utmost For His Highest
August 22

There are few discoveries in the beginning of a child’s life that are more wonderful and exciting than realizing his attributes, talents, and developing a personality. From the beginning we apply these things to our emotional growth, creating a persona of whom and what we are. Indeed, our environment plays a critical role in the health of our development, how we are raised and with what degree guidance and nurturing are applied. But once we reach a certain point in our maturity, the outcome ultimately is of our own choosing and our lives are built upon a foundation we begin to lay.

In the beginning of our new-found independence, we rush out into the world, convinced we are capable of tackling all of life’s inconsistencies and problems. Although we may not do so deliberately, we build our lives upon material desires and gain. We begin relationships that are intended to last a lifetime and start families. The burdens of debt and responsibilities begin to pile upon us, but we maintain that this is an essential part of succeeding in life and proudly wear them as badges of honor. However, when trouble comes, the majority of us rarely learn from the hard lesson. Instead we continue to repeat the mistake. Our solution for trials is to either run from and abandon them, or dig a deeper hole that eventually buries us. We are seeing this more and more in today’s economical climate.

If you are someone who has fallen into this pit, you may wonder if there is an end to it, a bottom, so to speak. You frantically assume all of the weight and try to claw your way out. You think if you can just keeping running you will ultimately reach the end of your troubles and at last be able to breathe. But it is not until you reach the end of yourself that life actually begins and as a newborn babe, take your first breath. The foundation you laid may have crumbled into the sand, but once you have reached the end of yourself and placed your faith and trust in Jesus Christ, the foundation you rebuild will stand on solid rock for all of eternity.

Whether you are like the person described above or a Christian bent on dictating to God when and how you will serve Him, the end is where you will find the beginning. It is only at the end of your self-serving nature that you will find new meaning and direction. Begin there. Cast away all the bulwarks of self that you have built and allow Jesus Christ to lead you. When you do, that is where your life will truly begin.

Recommended reading:

Matthew 3:11; 5-7

Looking For Elijah

2Kings 2

When we first see our need for Jesus Christ, very often God places before us a mentor to gently guide us in our spiritual growth. Because we are like newborn infants, it is essential that we have someone who can feed us the “milk” of God’s Word (1Corinthians 3:1-2). In the beginning of our new life we are not ready for the solid food of God’s Truths because of our immaturity and the danger of being misled. Thus, like an infant we begin our new birth by craving “pure spiritual milk” that is fed us by spiritually mature men and women whose God-given strengths can help us grow (1Peter2:2)

There comes a time when we must take our first step of faith away from our “Elijah”. The inclination is like that of a toddler who bravely wanders a short distance from his mother, but always keeps her in his sight. If he needs her, he knows she is only a few steps away. Elisha felt this discomfort while being reminded by Elijah’s students that his master would be taken away by God (2Kings 2:3). Elisha stubbornly refused to leave Elijah’s side and followed him to the Jordan (v7). But it was not God’s intention that Elijah be Elisha’s guide forever and like the toddler who grows into maturity, it was time to be separated to further God’s plans.

Our first reaction would be to frantically search for the one upon whom we leaned so heavily. We are apt to say, “I cannot go on without Elijah. I am too weak and afraid.” But God says we must. Elisha suddenly found himself alone on the other side of the Jordan. He obviously grieved because he “took hold of his own clothes and tore them apart” (v12). But because God had granted Elisha his request for a “double portion” of Elijah’s “spirit” (v9; Deuteronomy 21:17), his strength was renewed and his commission fulfilled.

When we reach the banks of our Jordan where separation is essential to service and work for the Lord, we must no longer look for our Elijah. Rather we should cross back over and rely on God to lead us in the direction He desires (v13-14). Like Elisha who was chosen by God to follow after Elijah, we have been commissioned by Christ to give His Gospel to a starving world (Matthew 28:16-20). If we continue to hang onto the apron strings of our Elijah, the lost would remain so and we would never mature beyond the point of an infant who survives solely on milk to sustain him. We should crave solid food and desire the “double portion” God granted Elisha and apply it in faithful service to God.

Who knows? Perhaps someday you, too, will become an Elijah to a newborn infant who will then accept the "mantle" of service and bring further glory to the Lord.

Cookies

Although it is in our nature to do so, we should never sympathize with those who find themselves in trouble that they, themselves, have created. Sympathy can fuel resentment for those conditions, and possibly God’s discipline. We get in God’s way when we react with sympathy for it is not up to us to decide how He chooses to discipline His children. We are apt to hinder Him when we intervene and attempt to alleviate a Saint’s discomfort. By doing so, the Saint who is suffering often feels God is being unfair and unjust, and sympathy can feed these unhealthy emotions when we apply it. My daughter-in-law, Rachel, summed it up nicely: “[Disobedient Saints] are like children who ask for a cookie. When they are told ‘no’, they come back again and continue to ask for a cookie!”

There are times when God has a Saint right where He wants him to teach him an important lesson. It is most always by the Saint’s own making or choosing that he finds himself in these positions. And the Lord will often allow him to sink to the very depths of despair in order to instruct him on a particular point he refuses to address. But as long as the Saint stubbornly rejects God’s guidance, God will continue to allow him to wallow in discomfort. Because of their continued disobedience, God told the Israelites, “I will discipline you but only with justice; I will not let you go entirely unpunished” (Jeremiah 46:28). The Lord punishes His children to draw them back to Himself and to correct and purify them. He disciplines us with the purest form of justice because He loves us and wants our total obedience and allegiance, not merely a part of it.

“Those whom I love I rebuke and discipline. So be earnest and repent” were Christ’s words to the Church in Laodicea (Revelation 3:19). They were “lukewarm” towards God (v16). The doors to their hearts were only half open to Him, preventing them from the full benefit of fellowship with their Savior. They had placed their earthly “wealth” and riches above their devotion to God instead of acknowledging they were “wretched, pitiful, poor, blind and naked” (v17). Jesus didn't sympathize with them for their disobedience. His words of discipline were a warning to turn from their indifference or suffer His just wrath.

Jesus never sought sympathy from men. He came to complete His work on the cross of Calvary and He knew self-pity was the work of Satan (Matthew 16:23; Luke 3:1-10). Nor should the Saint expect or accept pity from others when they find themselves in turbulence of their own making. It is commendable to feel compassion and empathy for the suffering of others - Jesus Christ was the greatest example of this - but never sympathy. It causes us to want to step in and fix whatever the problem may be and if we mistakenly play the amateur “fixer”, the troubled Saint may miss a vital lesson the Lord is attempting to teach him and continue to repeat his mistakes.

It is never wrong to offer a hand up, to help others get their feet back under them. But we must always step back when it is necessary and allow God’s discipline in the lives of others. He will decide when it is time for the cookie.

One Word

Have you ever struggled to pray? When your circumstances seem so overwhelming that you find yourself unable to form your thoughts into a structured petition before the Lord? I think we all have been in that position at one time or another, whether in trials, grief, or trouble. Our emotions rise to a boiling pitch and we are at such a loss for words that the only thing we are able to do is groan.

Before I knew Jesus, there were many times I felt this way; perhaps too many to count. I would cry out to God. I would beg for relief. I would plead forgiveness. I had been raised to believe there was a wrathful God Who would pour out His vengeance upon me if I did not live and think a certain way. Recalling the spiritual agony of these false teachings brings much regret over not knowing sooner that He is also a gentle and loving God Who is quick to forgive with just one word.

I used to be impressed by those who prayed with fine-sounding eloquence. Their many words seemed to flow from their lips with practiced ease. Their sentences were filled with flowery phrases. And the length of time in which they prayed seemed endless. But Jesus condemned the “hypocrites” whose desire it was “to be seen by men”, those whose intent it is to impress others and gain attention (Matthew 6:5). He instructed us that our prayer should be a time of communion and fellowship with God. Although there are times for public prayer, Jesus encourages us to seek Him in private, to “go into [our] room, close the door and pray to [our] Father Who is unseen.” (v6). This time of prayer should be intimate. It should be a time when you alone seek His audience and lay your petitions before His throne. And because He “knows what you need before you ask Him,” it is not necessary to burden God with the “babbling [of] pagans” in order for Him to hear you. Shallow repetitions coming from an insincere heart will not be heard by Him. But the few words from a honest and sincere heart will gain His ear (v7-8).

When Mary Magdalene wept at the tomb of our Lord Jesus, consumed with and stricken by utter grief, I am convinced she was unable to express it except with groans of complete sorrow. But Jesus heard her, and with one word lifted her from the depth of her despair. “Mary.” Her name was all it took to relieve her, and her single word response, “Rabboni!”, all that was needed to dispel all doubt and re-instill hope (John 20:10-18)

We know we have an Advocate, One Who “searches our hearts” and “intercedes for the saints in accordance with God’s will.” Eloquent and lengthy prayer should never be a concern, for “the Spirit Himself intercedes for us with groans that words cannot express.” (Romans 8:26-27) I am greatly comforted by this knowledge. Although I may often struggle in prayer, the utterance of just one word will cause the Holy Spirit to carry my plea to the Father Who waits patiently to hear from me. And the greater promise is that my “groans” will not go unnoticed by Him, and according to what He sees as best for me, He will respond.


Recommended reading (all citations are hyperlinked):

Psalm 6
Psalm 65:1-4
Matthew 21:18-22
Philippians 4:4-7
Colossians 4:2
James 5:13-16
1Peter 3:10-12
Revelation 5:8

"My cup runneth over..."

"My cup runneth over..."

Psalm 23:5

Is your glass half empty or half full? How do you look upon your circumstances? With pessimism or optimism? The tendency, when things are going bad, is to view our circumstances in a negative manner. We feel as though the world is unfair and has singled us out as a dumping ground for trouble and trials. But when things are going good and our lives seem on track according to the world’s standards, we assume we are right where we need to be. We give no thought to the possibility we may be right smack dab in the eye of the storm, enveloped in a false sense of peace and security. We fail to consider that the worst of the storm may only be moments away and the half-filled tipping glass could drain completely.

Mankind wants instant gratification, especially in today’s fast-paced atmosphere. If we can not have it right now, a sense of unfairness settles over us and resentment begins to build. Instead of accepting the blessings as they come, we assume God cares little for us by only half-filling our glass. Like the Israelites who wandered the desert for forty years, we view His mercies as little and trite (Exodus 15-17). We think we are owed more than what He graciously gives and grumble for more. We want a full cup of our choosing, not one that is only partially filled.

The word “cup” in Scripture is used figuratively by God. The Lord never speaks of half-filled cups. Rather, He applies the term as if the cup is full to the brim and overflowing with whatever fills it. He also leaves it to us to decide what fills our cup. The choices are clear: consolation and salvation, or drunkenness and wrath. Psalm 23 speaks of a cup overflowing with God’s kindness, His abounding and endless love for mankind. But the term can also be applied with negative connotations for if we choose to fill it with the wine of worldliness and sin and drink it to its “dregs”, the bitterness of it will sour and turn our stomachs like bitter gall (Isaiah 51:17-22).

The Apostle Paul warned the people of Corinth against drinking from the “cup of demons” while attempting to also drink from the Lord’s cup (1 Corinthians 10:21-22). One’s cup can not be half-filled with God’s righteousness and the other half with the oiliness of sin. They do not mix and the oil always floats back up to the surface. We owe our entire allegiance to God if we identify with Christ’s death. We can not lead a double life and attempt to mix our cup half with the world and half with our Christianity.

Our Lord Jesus Christ came to drink from a cup that overflowed in a torrent of sin and damnation. His cup was His crucifixion, filled with the bitter gall of the sins of all mankind and He knew He must drink it to the last drop (Matthew 26:42). John and James, in their ignorance, failed to understand this when their mother requested positions of honor and authority for them (Matthew 20:20-28). Jesus knew beforehand they would also have to drink from the cup of martyrdom, but He reinforced His teachings on what it meant to first be a servant and then accept whatever reward God chose for them with gladness and thanksgiving.

So, with what is your cup filled? Is it a half-filled cup that offers nothing except the “dregs” of indecision, sorrow and bitterness? Or is it a cup filled to the brim and overflowing with God’s sweet wine of righteousness and blessings that are spoken of in Psalm 23? It is your choice and I pray you will fill your cup wisely. And because you eventually must make the choice, one thing is certain: as Jesus did, you will one day drink it in its entirety - to the very last drop.

Facing The Disagreeable

“We always carry around in our body the death of Jesus, so that the life of Jesus may also be revealed in our body.”

2 Cor 4:10

Oswald Chambers, in “My Utmost For His Highest”, poses a very poignant question today: “Do I manifest the essential sweetness of the Son of God, or the essential irritation of ‘myself’ apart from Him?”

In other words, when something “disagreeable” enters my life and causes unrest, turmoil, or a range of emotions, do I allow the circumstances to overrule the disposition that God is attempting to instill in me? Do I debate with God and resist, reacting in a way that does not reflect the manifestation of the Son of God within me? Or, do I glorify Him by cheerfully entering into the “disagreeable”, that which God has engineered to make me more fit for His service?

There are times when God has asked me to perform a certain task that brings on a lack of enthusiasm, perhaps resentment, and often dread or fear. I resist and, thereby, unknowingly grieve the Spirit of God. I forget that it is not my honor and reputation that is at stake, but His. And by balking or debating, I am bringing dishonor to the Holy Spirit Whose task it is to draw sons and daughters to glory through Christians like me.

I must keep myself fit for service, even if it means the task God has placed upon me is “disagreeable” and difficult. By enthusiastically allowing the manifestation of the Son of God in and through myself, by inviting Him to be “living and active” in me and letting His light shine from me, I am more able to approach the task and help the Lord bring it to its glorious conclusion.

The Two Covenants

“’This is the covenant I will make with the house of Israel after that time, declares the Lord. I will put My laws in their minds and write them on their hearts. I will be their God, and they will be My people. No longer will a man teach his neighbor, or a man his brother, saying, “Know the Lord,” because they will all know Me, from the least of them to the greatest. For I will forgive their wickedness and will remember their sins no more.’

“By calling this covenant ‘new,’ He has made the first one obsolete; and what is obsolete and aging will soon disappear.” Hebrews 8:10-13 (NIV)

Two covenants given; each as distinctly apart from the other, yet each are binding the one to the other to create a divine plan of salvation for mankind. Because God is Truth and cannot lie, and because He is faithful to His Word, His Word is eternally binding and cannot be breached.

The first covenant was the covenant of the law and was given by God to Moses on Mount Sinai (Ex 19 - 23). Its purpose was designed to make us aware of God’s sovereignty and perfection, and to instill in our hearts His morality and ethics. But from the first man Adam who fell from grace and placed all men in the precarious position of being unable to keep it, men who walk today’s earth have also been in constant violation of the laws God established. No amount of works or deeds can erase the sins we bear. Like a cancer, they have permeated our souls and corrupted us. Where does that leave us in the great scheme of eternity, knowing that we continue to sin against a just God who demands that eternal penalties be paid for our disobedience?

Enter the second covenant, Jesus Christ; wholly perfect, wholly divine, wholly God, Who replaced the first covenant. Man was lost. Heaven’s gates had been closed to him. God had turned His face from that which He had created. But, through the work of Jesus Christ on the Cross at Calvary, the only One able to perform a work of salvation, came forgiveness and salvation. To those who would believe on Him and the punishment He bore for their sins, acceptance by God and life eternal would be restored.

Jesus did the will of His Father. In Him was all perfection and holiness. God’s grace was poured out upon the world and made available to all who would accept His Son. Forgiveness is just a breath away from those who have tired of their own feeble attempts to secure salvation, who have come to know they are sinners in need of a Savior. Sweet, divine, and unconditional forgiveness is available through the Second Covenant, Jesus Christ.

All it takes is one breath and it’s yours for eternity.

1. God is faithful to His promise. Read Exodus 20.
2. In verse 20, what is the purpose of the law that was given?
3. Read chapter 32. Man quickly forgets what God expects from him. Are we able to keep the entire law and not break one of its articles?
4. Because God is just and requires that penalties be paid for our disobedience, where does that leave us?
   

The Light Unto The World

I thought it would be fun to provide a small Scripture study in the blog once in a while. A few years ago, I began a small workbook on daily devotions. I hope you take a moment to read this and consider the questions at the end and that it brings the Lord closer to your heart. Have a wonderful day, everyone!


"The city does not need the sun or the moon to shine on it, for the glory of God gives it light, and the Lamb is its lamp.” Revelation 21:23


Jesus Christ - from before the beginning unto eternity. He was, He is, and He always will be. Never has there been a second in this vast span of the cosmos that He has not been. He was, before the beginning, eternally in the blessed Trinity. He was the First born of every creature, the express image of God. From the opening word of the Old Testament to the closing note of Malachi, He is spoken of. Each act of God, each word that was written down tells of Him. Creation reveals His majesty, His awesome wisdom and might, and groans in anticipation of His return. Men testify to God’s great mercies and grace that was bestowed upon them, and eventually all men will bow down to Him with the heavenly hosts who have always known Him. All will cry out in unison that only He, the Lamb of God, is worthy of praise and honor, for all will see that He is the beacon to forgiveness and salvation.

Recently, I received an email from a friend asking me to describe her in one word. When you know someone well, that is a difficult thing to do because of their many attributes and characteristics. It took me some time to come up with only one word to send back to her. Afterwards, I found myself applying this question to Jesus Christ. That is when true difficulty began. There isn’t enough pen and paper in the world to contain the words that describe Him.

Jesus cannot be summed up into one word, for within Him is contained all things: creation, emotions, wisdom, power, majesty, justice, mercy, grace. He is God. How can one put a label on Him? He is “I AM,” the compilation of everything that is good, moral and just. His very Name speaks of incomprehensible omnipotence. Our puny minds cannot comprehend God’s essence and nature in any physical form. But, He gave us His Son, the exact image of Himself, in order that we could comprehend. The plan that the blessed Three established before the foundation of all things was revealed to us through Jesus so that we could come out of the darkness and stand in His glorious Light for ever and ever.

1. Read 1John 1:1-10. What qualifies John’s testimony regarding Jesus Christ?
2. What three reasons does John give us in defense of his testimony?
3. John speaks of false claims people often make. List each one and apply them to your walk with Jesus Christ.
4. What remedy is provided in the text?