WE ARE ABOUT TO BEGIN OUR SIXTH MONTH TOGETHER. IT WILL SOON BE A HALF YEAR THAT WE HAVE BEEN SEARCHING THE LORD’S HEART TOGETHER.
PLEASE POST A COMMENT TODAY TO INDICATE YOUR PERCEPTION OF WHAT WE’VE DONE SO FAR.
IF YOU HAVE ANY SUGGESTIONS FOR FUTURE POSTS, PLEASE INDICATE THEM. PERHAPS YOU WOULD ENJOY A SPECIFIC TOPIC TO BE ADDRESSED ON A PARTICULAR DAY. THAT OR ANY OTHER REQUEST WILL BE TAKEN INTO ACCOUNT.
YOUR POST MAY REMAIN ANONYMOUS.
BE BLESSED AND BE A BLESSING!
THANK YOU!
Sunday, May 31, 2009
May 31
In Psalm 73:28 it says, "It is good for me to draw near to God: I have put my trust in the Lord God and made Him my refuge that I may declare all His works." There is a two-pronged blessing in this short verse and it is contingent upon the declaration that the believer makes at its beginning.
We are to draw near to God and we are to declare our trust in Him. Our heavenly Father realizes that we will never trust Him from afar. We must draw near to Him if we are to realize His goodness and mercy and love and salvation. He knows that mankind is not capable of love from a distance.
When we have drawn close to Him and have seen the salvation He purchased for us at the great cost of the life of Jesus Christ, we will recognize the heart of love from which His incomparable Gift springs. With that realization the trust we place in Him comes full circle!
At that point, the fruit of the blessed Gift becomes applicable to our lives as we have found Him to be our refuge from all life's storms. Then we will allow Him to overflow from our hearts to those around us. Then we will reach out to them with His love and salvathion through Jesus, the great Gift in Whom they, too may trust.
In Psalm 73:28 it says, "It is good for me to draw near to God: I have put my trust in the Lord God and made Him my refuge that I may declare all His works." There is a two-pronged blessing in this short verse and it is contingent upon the declaration that the believer makes at its beginning.
We are to draw near to God and we are to declare our trust in Him. Our heavenly Father realizes that we will never trust Him from afar. We must draw near to Him if we are to realize His goodness and mercy and love and salvation. He knows that mankind is not capable of love from a distance.
When we have drawn close to Him and have seen the salvation He purchased for us at the great cost of the life of Jesus Christ, we will recognize the heart of love from which His incomparable Gift springs. With that realization the trust we place in Him comes full circle!
At that point, the fruit of the blessed Gift becomes applicable to our lives as we have found Him to be our refuge from all life's storms. Then we will allow Him to overflow from our hearts to those around us. Then we will reach out to them with His love and salvathion through Jesus, the great Gift in Whom they, too may trust.
Saturday, May 30, 2009
May 30
We might feel frustrated by our seeming lack of success in the endeavors we undertake. That can devolve into a very negative "I" view on our part. We can begin to perceive ourselves from a very unflattering vantage point--and that is quite self-destructive.
It is statistically proven that people who have optimistic outlooks, who have a positive opinion about themselves fare better than people who have a negative point of view and the resultant negative expectations. This is affirmed also in the scripture where it says, "As a man thinks, so is he." (Proverbs 23:7)
How can those who have this proclivity toward devaluing themselves overcome it? We have instruction from the Word in this important self-improvement exercise. Of those who are born again it says, "We were buried with Him by baptism unto death, so that just as Christ was raised from the dead, so we, too, have newness of life." (Romans 6:4)
Receive Jesus and, "Behold, old things are passed away, all things become new." (II Corinthians 5:17) Our "ols man" has died and been buried. Our "new man" arises with the life that Jesus has given to him. That new life is glorious, it is powerful, it is victoriouss! When we have appropriated Jesus and all He has for us, we see ourselves as He sees us--and HE thinks we're worth dying for!
We might feel frustrated by our seeming lack of success in the endeavors we undertake. That can devolve into a very negative "I" view on our part. We can begin to perceive ourselves from a very unflattering vantage point--and that is quite self-destructive.
It is statistically proven that people who have optimistic outlooks, who have a positive opinion about themselves fare better than people who have a negative point of view and the resultant negative expectations. This is affirmed also in the scripture where it says, "As a man thinks, so is he." (Proverbs 23:7)
How can those who have this proclivity toward devaluing themselves overcome it? We have instruction from the Word in this important self-improvement exercise. Of those who are born again it says, "We were buried with Him by baptism unto death, so that just as Christ was raised from the dead, so we, too, have newness of life." (Romans 6:4)
Receive Jesus and, "Behold, old things are passed away, all things become new." (II Corinthians 5:17) Our "ols man" has died and been buried. Our "new man" arises with the life that Jesus has given to him. That new life is glorious, it is powerful, it is victoriouss! When we have appropriated Jesus and all He has for us, we see ourselves as He sees us--and HE thinks we're worth dying for!
Friday, May 29, 2009
May 29
The Word admonishes that we, “Be not weary in well-doing, for in due season you shall reap if you faint not.” (Galatians 6:9) We do tend to weary. We tend to invest ourselves toward the goal that we desire and when it seems our effort falls short, we become disconcerted. We wonder “Why?”
When that happens, we must remind ourselves that God does not see as we see. If we are walking in obedience to Him, our reward is in the act of obedience itself, not in the outcome that we might suppose should follow our having submitted to His authority.
Some of the Lord’s greatest rewards come in the secret place of the heart. Those are the little nooks and crannies within ourselves where we sense His presence, His peace, His approval of our efforts. We may never be among those whose accomplishments “pay off” in the world’s eyes; but we know in the depth of our being that it is in God’s eyes that we desire approval.
In Psalm 25:14 He assures, “The secret of the Lord have they who fear Him, and He will show them His covenant and reveal to them its deep meaning.” The ‘secret’ is the tender sense of His presence that unfolds the depth of His promises to those who worship and respect Him. If we desire life’s true treasure, it is to be obtained only in glorious companionship with Him.
The Word admonishes that we, “Be not weary in well-doing, for in due season you shall reap if you faint not.” (Galatians 6:9) We do tend to weary. We tend to invest ourselves toward the goal that we desire and when it seems our effort falls short, we become disconcerted. We wonder “Why?”
When that happens, we must remind ourselves that God does not see as we see. If we are walking in obedience to Him, our reward is in the act of obedience itself, not in the outcome that we might suppose should follow our having submitted to His authority.
Some of the Lord’s greatest rewards come in the secret place of the heart. Those are the little nooks and crannies within ourselves where we sense His presence, His peace, His approval of our efforts. We may never be among those whose accomplishments “pay off” in the world’s eyes; but we know in the depth of our being that it is in God’s eyes that we desire approval.
In Psalm 25:14 He assures, “The secret of the Lord have they who fear Him, and He will show them His covenant and reveal to them its deep meaning.” The ‘secret’ is the tender sense of His presence that unfolds the depth of His promises to those who worship and respect Him. If we desire life’s true treasure, it is to be obtained only in glorious companionship with Him.
Thursday, May 28, 2009
May 28
Perhaps you don’t feel the sting of immoral thoughts because you gained the victory over them long ago. Perhaps you no longer feel the lure of temptation to do whatever is necessary to get ahead because you’ve attained your goals and are resting in the delight of all you’ve accomplished.
If you are in that elite category of Christians that actually has found contentment, regardless of what your physical or financial or professional state may be, what is your role to be regarding the struggle of others who haven’t managed to reach the lofty place of contentment that you have attained?
The Word of the Lord has an answer to that quandary, as it does for every perplexity that humankind will ever face. If you will but search the scriptures, you will discover the role He would have you to play in the reconciliation of the lost among you to the Christ who laid down His life to cleanse them of sins of the mind as well as the sins of the flesh. In Acts 20:35 it says, “In everything we ought to assist the weak, being mindful of the words of the Lord Jesus, who said that it is more blessed to give than to receive.”
If we are willing to give of ourselves, of our time, of our substance, of our counsel, of our love—all of which He has entrusted to us—then we shall not feel we have given up anything, for nothing is ours! We shall realize that we are merely conduits of the blessings that He has entrusted to us. We shall keep love and truth and salvation and hope flowing from Him through us to the lost who are perishing around us. We will rejoice not only that Jesus delivered us from sin but that He made us messengers of His deliverance to those who need to hear.
Perhaps you don’t feel the sting of immoral thoughts because you gained the victory over them long ago. Perhaps you no longer feel the lure of temptation to do whatever is necessary to get ahead because you’ve attained your goals and are resting in the delight of all you’ve accomplished.
If you are in that elite category of Christians that actually has found contentment, regardless of what your physical or financial or professional state may be, what is your role to be regarding the struggle of others who haven’t managed to reach the lofty place of contentment that you have attained?
The Word of the Lord has an answer to that quandary, as it does for every perplexity that humankind will ever face. If you will but search the scriptures, you will discover the role He would have you to play in the reconciliation of the lost among you to the Christ who laid down His life to cleanse them of sins of the mind as well as the sins of the flesh. In Acts 20:35 it says, “In everything we ought to assist the weak, being mindful of the words of the Lord Jesus, who said that it is more blessed to give than to receive.”
If we are willing to give of ourselves, of our time, of our substance, of our counsel, of our love—all of which He has entrusted to us—then we shall not feel we have given up anything, for nothing is ours! We shall realize that we are merely conduits of the blessings that He has entrusted to us. We shall keep love and truth and salvation and hope flowing from Him through us to the lost who are perishing around us. We will rejoice not only that Jesus delivered us from sin but that He made us messengers of His deliverance to those who need to hear.
Wednesday, May 27, 2009
May 27
We don’t realize it but we are daily bombarded with thoughts that are contrary to what we believe. It’s happened so consistently over our lifetime that we don’t take note of it anymore. Perhaps we were once pricked in our conscience by the offensive material that seeped into our lives, but not any more.
We turn on the television to see comedy programs that purport things that we consider to be sin as humorous. We pick up a ladies’ magazine and see images of provocative women seductively attired whose alluring gaze piques the interest of impressionable young men and the emulation of naïve young women.
The lifestyles of movie stars whose front-page headlines detail their illicit affairs and those of our neighbors whose immoral behavior is played out far closer to home assure us that everyone is doing it and it’s OK. To think we are not coarsened by this is self delusion. Yet, how can we counter such a blatant invasion of our minds and our sensibilities?
In Philippians 4:8 the Word tells us that our recourse is to ponder the lofty rather than the base. We shall overcome our proclivity to immerse ourselves in vain thoughts when we heed the admonition, “Whatsoever things are true, pure, honorable, lovely, of good report—if there be any virtue and there be any praise —think on these things.”
We don’t realize it but we are daily bombarded with thoughts that are contrary to what we believe. It’s happened so consistently over our lifetime that we don’t take note of it anymore. Perhaps we were once pricked in our conscience by the offensive material that seeped into our lives, but not any more.
We turn on the television to see comedy programs that purport things that we consider to be sin as humorous. We pick up a ladies’ magazine and see images of provocative women seductively attired whose alluring gaze piques the interest of impressionable young men and the emulation of naïve young women.
The lifestyles of movie stars whose front-page headlines detail their illicit affairs and those of our neighbors whose immoral behavior is played out far closer to home assure us that everyone is doing it and it’s OK. To think we are not coarsened by this is self delusion. Yet, how can we counter such a blatant invasion of our minds and our sensibilities?
In Philippians 4:8 the Word tells us that our recourse is to ponder the lofty rather than the base. We shall overcome our proclivity to immerse ourselves in vain thoughts when we heed the admonition, “Whatsoever things are true, pure, honorable, lovely, of good report—if there be any virtue and there be any praise —think on these things.”
Tuesday, May 26, 2009
May 26
It is somewhat difficult for us to fully grasp the reality that our God is our Source and First Cause. We tend to think of ourselves as innovators and initiators; as thinkers and doers. Indeed, we are, but as Jesus says quite clearly, “Without Me, you can do nothing.” (John 15:5)
We readily accept this truth in the spiritual realm, but Jesus doesn’t qualify the statement—it covers all of life. It is He who is involved in every aspect of life from beginning to end. Of all the verses that span that truth, there are two that affirm it vividly.
In Psalm 113:9 He says that He makes the barren woman to be a joyful mother. Whether through the miracle of birth as with the prophet Samuel’s mother (I Samuel, Chapter 1) or through the joy of adoption (Isaiah 54:1, 2), He is the Author of life.
He is also its Finisher. He tells us, “It is appointed to man once to die…” (Hebrews 9:27). He orchestrates everything in between life’s beginning and life’s end. II Corinthians 9:10 states it clearly, “God provides seed for the sower and gives the increase for your needs and for your service to Him."
It is somewhat difficult for us to fully grasp the reality that our God is our Source and First Cause. We tend to think of ourselves as innovators and initiators; as thinkers and doers. Indeed, we are, but as Jesus says quite clearly, “Without Me, you can do nothing.” (John 15:5)
We readily accept this truth in the spiritual realm, but Jesus doesn’t qualify the statement—it covers all of life. It is He who is involved in every aspect of life from beginning to end. Of all the verses that span that truth, there are two that affirm it vividly.
In Psalm 113:9 He says that He makes the barren woman to be a joyful mother. Whether through the miracle of birth as with the prophet Samuel’s mother (I Samuel, Chapter 1) or through the joy of adoption (Isaiah 54:1, 2), He is the Author of life.
He is also its Finisher. He tells us, “It is appointed to man once to die…” (Hebrews 9:27). He orchestrates everything in between life’s beginning and life’s end. II Corinthians 9:10 states it clearly, “God provides seed for the sower and gives the increase for your needs and for your service to Him."
Monday, May 25, 2009
May 25
The word ‘rock’ conjures many scenarios in our mind’s eye. Who can forget walking to school and having the neighborhood bully hurl a stone that sent us running to Mom? Who can forget driving along in the car when a rock hit the windshield sending a crack the length of the Mississippi across its face?
But in the days before air conditioning, when desert days are unbearably hot, a large rock might mean the difference between life or death for a weary traveler. The Lord says HE is our Rock in our spiritual desert. When we are dry and languishing for Living Water, He is our supply. (Isaiah 32:2)
Additionally, the high ground was a great advantage to an army in the days before unmanned drone spy planes and spy satellites that can pinpoint an enemy and detail his movements. From the vantage point of a hill or mountain peak, an opposing force could assess his foe and formulate his strategy, not based on out-guessing the enemy but upon the reality of where he is and how he’s moving!
In that context, God promises to be our Rock. In Psalm 31:3 He affirms His strategic value to the believer. The psalmist says, “You are my Rock and my Fortress; therefore, for Your name’s sake, lead me and guide me.” We, too, from our position with Him, can see clearly, find shelter, and receive direction as to when and where we are to proceed when it’s time to march forth into the fray
The word ‘rock’ conjures many scenarios in our mind’s eye. Who can forget walking to school and having the neighborhood bully hurl a stone that sent us running to Mom? Who can forget driving along in the car when a rock hit the windshield sending a crack the length of the Mississippi across its face?
But in the days before air conditioning, when desert days are unbearably hot, a large rock might mean the difference between life or death for a weary traveler. The Lord says HE is our Rock in our spiritual desert. When we are dry and languishing for Living Water, He is our supply. (Isaiah 32:2)
Additionally, the high ground was a great advantage to an army in the days before unmanned drone spy planes and spy satellites that can pinpoint an enemy and detail his movements. From the vantage point of a hill or mountain peak, an opposing force could assess his foe and formulate his strategy, not based on out-guessing the enemy but upon the reality of where he is and how he’s moving!
In that context, God promises to be our Rock. In Psalm 31:3 He affirms His strategic value to the believer. The psalmist says, “You are my Rock and my Fortress; therefore, for Your name’s sake, lead me and guide me.” We, too, from our position with Him, can see clearly, find shelter, and receive direction as to when and where we are to proceed when it’s time to march forth into the fray
Sunday, May 24, 2009
May 24
Being like Jesus is a total impossibility to the natural man. Even the man who is redeemed realizes the formidable transformation that God wants to do within him is not something that He can accomplish unless He does it Himself. The natural man who has been bought by Christ and washed in His blood knows his limitations.
The Word has promises throughout its pages that point toward the cleansing Jesus’ sacrifice will accomplish in the behalf of the penitent sinner. It is these promises upon which the ancient people of God, Israel, based their hope of salvation. It is these promises that believers in Christ see fulfilled in Him.
Among these types and shadows of the Lord and His sacrifice of Himself for all of mankind is the one found in Numbers 6:25, 26. Here it says, “The Lord make His face to shine upon you and be gracious to your; the Lord lift up His countenance upon you and give you peace.”
This tells us that we, like the moon, have no light of our own. What we do have is the ability to allow the Light of the world, Jesus Christ, to shine through us. As the moon reflects the sun, so may we reflect Jesus. Once we have given ourselves to Him, we become mirrors that reflect His glorious Light and Peace.
Being like Jesus is a total impossibility to the natural man. Even the man who is redeemed realizes the formidable transformation that God wants to do within him is not something that He can accomplish unless He does it Himself. The natural man who has been bought by Christ and washed in His blood knows his limitations.
The Word has promises throughout its pages that point toward the cleansing Jesus’ sacrifice will accomplish in the behalf of the penitent sinner. It is these promises upon which the ancient people of God, Israel, based their hope of salvation. It is these promises that believers in Christ see fulfilled in Him.
Among these types and shadows of the Lord and His sacrifice of Himself for all of mankind is the one found in Numbers 6:25, 26. Here it says, “The Lord make His face to shine upon you and be gracious to your; the Lord lift up His countenance upon you and give you peace.”
This tells us that we, like the moon, have no light of our own. What we do have is the ability to allow the Light of the world, Jesus Christ, to shine through us. As the moon reflects the sun, so may we reflect Jesus. Once we have given ourselves to Him, we become mirrors that reflect His glorious Light and Peace.
Saturday, May 23, 2009
May 23
Ever heard the old saying, “God loves you just the way you are but too much to let you stay that way”? It’s true. Jesus died for you, for all of us, “…while we were yet sinners…” so it’s evident we don’t need to become righteous in order to impress the Lord; we don’t need to save ourselves before He can save us!
Yet, it’s equally true that He doesn’t want us to continue as we are, to cling to our sin, once He’s washed us in His shed blood through our acceptance of Him as our Savior and Lord. How can we, who have been nurtured in the soil of self and sin, then become transformed?
Psalm 41:3, 4 tells us that it is He who accomplishes the redemptive work in us. We need only surrender to Him as He does the job—sort of like a baby that needs only to sit in the little bath tub while Mommy does the scrubbing. It says, “The Lord will sustain and refresh and strengthen the one who is languishing in sin because he cries, ’Lord, be merciful; heal my inner self for I have sinned against You.’”
Jesus does the work of redemption—makes the sinner spotless to stand before God. The One who inhabits eternity sees what Jesus has done and accepts the penitent child who’s been newly adopted into His family. It now remains for the new member of God’s family to appropriate the mind of Christ to supersede his own mind and to be transformed into a reflection of Jesus. This process assures that he’ll not remain as he was but become like Jesus!
Ever heard the old saying, “God loves you just the way you are but too much to let you stay that way”? It’s true. Jesus died for you, for all of us, “…while we were yet sinners…” so it’s evident we don’t need to become righteous in order to impress the Lord; we don’t need to save ourselves before He can save us!
Yet, it’s equally true that He doesn’t want us to continue as we are, to cling to our sin, once He’s washed us in His shed blood through our acceptance of Him as our Savior and Lord. How can we, who have been nurtured in the soil of self and sin, then become transformed?
Psalm 41:3, 4 tells us that it is He who accomplishes the redemptive work in us. We need only surrender to Him as He does the job—sort of like a baby that needs only to sit in the little bath tub while Mommy does the scrubbing. It says, “The Lord will sustain and refresh and strengthen the one who is languishing in sin because he cries, ’Lord, be merciful; heal my inner self for I have sinned against You.’”
Jesus does the work of redemption—makes the sinner spotless to stand before God. The One who inhabits eternity sees what Jesus has done and accepts the penitent child who’s been newly adopted into His family. It now remains for the new member of God’s family to appropriate the mind of Christ to supersede his own mind and to be transformed into a reflection of Jesus. This process assures that he’ll not remain as he was but become like Jesus!
Friday, May 22, 2009
May 22
Augustine said, “Lord, You have made us for Yourself, and restless are our hearts until they rest in You.” When he said those words, he told a truth that impacts every heart of every person ever born. Each of us has a God-ordained purpose that longs for fulfillment.
While we endeavor to satisfy that inner longing through personal achievements or self-aggrandizing recognition of our worth, the Word assures us that the longings deep within us can be satisfied through service to our fellow man rendered in the name of the Lord Jesus.
In so doing, we are emulating Him. In Mark 10:45 we are told, “Even the Son of Man came not to be served, but to serve and to give Himself a ransom for many,” and when we make ourselves available to His purposes, we are following after Him and taking up the burden which is part of the salvation package He offers.
Jesus, King of kings and Lord of lords left the glory He had known eternally in Heaven. He was there at creation—One with the Father. His Spirit moved on the face of the deep and brought into being all that exists by His Word. He laid it all down to serve you, to redeem you. Lay down yourself for Him to have peace.
Augustine said, “Lord, You have made us for Yourself, and restless are our hearts until they rest in You.” When he said those words, he told a truth that impacts every heart of every person ever born. Each of us has a God-ordained purpose that longs for fulfillment.
While we endeavor to satisfy that inner longing through personal achievements or self-aggrandizing recognition of our worth, the Word assures us that the longings deep within us can be satisfied through service to our fellow man rendered in the name of the Lord Jesus.
In so doing, we are emulating Him. In Mark 10:45 we are told, “Even the Son of Man came not to be served, but to serve and to give Himself a ransom for many,” and when we make ourselves available to His purposes, we are following after Him and taking up the burden which is part of the salvation package He offers.
Jesus, King of kings and Lord of lords left the glory He had known eternally in Heaven. He was there at creation—One with the Father. His Spirit moved on the face of the deep and brought into being all that exists by His Word. He laid it all down to serve you, to redeem you. Lay down yourself for Him to have peace.
Thursday, May 21, 2009
May 21
We live in an age that places form over substance in every area of endeavor. In politics, the candidate who has no experience and no viable answers to the perplexities that face a nation can prevail over one of experience simply on the basis of physical appearance and rhetorical style.
The sales pitch of every product from soup to nuts is oriented around not the merits of the item in question but upon the attractiveness of the picture-perfect person promoting it. We’ll buy anything from a car to a beer based upon the allure of the spokesperson touting its merits.
This is a hundred-eighty-degree departure from God’s way of looking at things. God is not nearly as concerned with external appearance as He is with inner reality, and He doesn’t want us to be lured away from His perception into the world’s way of seeing others or of seeing ourselves.
In Psalm 139:15, He declares His view quite emphatically. The Word says, “There is nothing about me that is hidden from You. I am fearfully and wonderfully made.” God esteems His handiwork to be of great value. He admires your outer man and desires to transform your inner man to reflect Jesus.
We live in an age that places form over substance in every area of endeavor. In politics, the candidate who has no experience and no viable answers to the perplexities that face a nation can prevail over one of experience simply on the basis of physical appearance and rhetorical style.
The sales pitch of every product from soup to nuts is oriented around not the merits of the item in question but upon the attractiveness of the picture-perfect person promoting it. We’ll buy anything from a car to a beer based upon the allure of the spokesperson touting its merits.
This is a hundred-eighty-degree departure from God’s way of looking at things. God is not nearly as concerned with external appearance as He is with inner reality, and He doesn’t want us to be lured away from His perception into the world’s way of seeing others or of seeing ourselves.
In Psalm 139:15, He declares His view quite emphatically. The Word says, “There is nothing about me that is hidden from You. I am fearfully and wonderfully made.” God esteems His handiwork to be of great value. He admires your outer man and desires to transform your inner man to reflect Jesus.
Wednesday, May 20, 2009
May 20
What does God see when He looks within you? That is one of the most crucial questions an individual must ask himself. You may carefully adorn your outer self to project the image you want others to see, but you cannot disguise the inner man that God sees when He looks upon your heart.
That essential fact will dictate where you spend eternity. That non-negotiable truth will determine your ultimate destination. The money you earn, the positions you attain, the power you wield will be of no consequence on that great eternal day.
I Samuel 16:7 states God’s position in the matter very clearly. Here we read, “The Lord said…I look not on his appearance or at the height of his stature; I have rejected him. The Lord sees not as man sees. Man looks at physical stature, important achievements, but the Lord looks on the heart.”
God had sent Samuel to select Israel’s king from among the sons of Jesse. Samuel presumed that God would choose from among the older, stronger, more accomplished of Jesse’s sons. But He did not. He chose the youngest son David, of whom He said that he was a man after His own heart.
Unless Jesus is Lord of your heart, you are seen as wanting. You are not seen as one whose eternal home is Heaven.
What does God see when He looks within you? That is one of the most crucial questions an individual must ask himself. You may carefully adorn your outer self to project the image you want others to see, but you cannot disguise the inner man that God sees when He looks upon your heart.
That essential fact will dictate where you spend eternity. That non-negotiable truth will determine your ultimate destination. The money you earn, the positions you attain, the power you wield will be of no consequence on that great eternal day.
I Samuel 16:7 states God’s position in the matter very clearly. Here we read, “The Lord said…I look not on his appearance or at the height of his stature; I have rejected him. The Lord sees not as man sees. Man looks at physical stature, important achievements, but the Lord looks on the heart.”
God had sent Samuel to select Israel’s king from among the sons of Jesse. Samuel presumed that God would choose from among the older, stronger, more accomplished of Jesse’s sons. But He did not. He chose the youngest son David, of whom He said that he was a man after His own heart.
Unless Jesus is Lord of your heart, you are seen as wanting. You are not seen as one whose eternal home is Heaven.
Tuesday, May 19, 2009
May 19
“It depends what ‘is is,’” is a famous and laughable quote by a man who was a Rhodes Scholar but who used his formidable intellect to distort the truth and to deceive the people who looked up to him. All but the most stalwart of his supporters felt he had crossed a line with that turn of the screws on truth.
But sometimes a very tiny word can indeed have a very profound impact and we see that reality often in the Word of God. The single word upon which many Biblical promises turn is the word ‘if.’ We see one of those glorious promises that hinge on the little word ‘if’ in I John 1:9.
It says, “If we admit that we have sinned and confess our sins, He is faithful and just to forgive our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.” Jesus came to earth specifically to forgive us and to cleanse us from the condemnation that is the wage of our sin. He wants us to be clean and righteous in God’s eyes. Jesus does not want anyone to be bound by sin.
He does not want anyone to forfeit his home in Heaven because our holy God who is of purer eyes than to look upon sin cannot admit to Heaven anyone who is not washed clean of sin in Jesus’ blood. But our cleansing hinges on that little word ‘if.’ The Lord’s sacrifice of Himself on the cross can be efficacious for any individual only if he will first admit his sin so our holy God can forgive it.
“It depends what ‘is is,’” is a famous and laughable quote by a man who was a Rhodes Scholar but who used his formidable intellect to distort the truth and to deceive the people who looked up to him. All but the most stalwart of his supporters felt he had crossed a line with that turn of the screws on truth.
But sometimes a very tiny word can indeed have a very profound impact and we see that reality often in the Word of God. The single word upon which many Biblical promises turn is the word ‘if.’ We see one of those glorious promises that hinge on the little word ‘if’ in I John 1:9.
It says, “If we admit that we have sinned and confess our sins, He is faithful and just to forgive our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.” Jesus came to earth specifically to forgive us and to cleanse us from the condemnation that is the wage of our sin. He wants us to be clean and righteous in God’s eyes. Jesus does not want anyone to be bound by sin.
He does not want anyone to forfeit his home in Heaven because our holy God who is of purer eyes than to look upon sin cannot admit to Heaven anyone who is not washed clean of sin in Jesus’ blood. But our cleansing hinges on that little word ‘if.’ The Lord’s sacrifice of Himself on the cross can be efficacious for any individual only if he will first admit his sin so our holy God can forgive it.
Monday, May 18, 2009
May 18
What do believers do to assure the spiritual growth and deepening faith of those to whom they’ve witnessed—or of the body of Christ in general? The answer to that lies in Colossians 1:9, 10. It is an important and awesome responsibility that we cannot begin to achieve apart from the enablement of the Holy Spirit within.
Here we are told what the Apostle Paul considered his privilege and obligation regarding the churches he’d planted and the souls with whom he’d shared his faith in Christ. It is no less our privilege and obligation to give ourselves to the same purpose that Paul and the other apostles of the faith took upon themselves.
“…since the day we heard about you, we have not stopped praying for you and asking God to fill you with the knowledge of His will through all spiritual wisdom and understanding. We pray this in order that you may live a life worthy of the Lord…pleasing Him in every way…bearing fruit in every good work, growing in the knowledge of God.”
The reality is that it hardly matters how intently we serve the Kingdom of Christ through our sharing of our faith or how many are converted to the Lord through our witnessing. If we do not pray for those who are converted, if we do not assume an active, diligent role in prayer to establish them in His truth, they will fall away.
What do believers do to assure the spiritual growth and deepening faith of those to whom they’ve witnessed—or of the body of Christ in general? The answer to that lies in Colossians 1:9, 10. It is an important and awesome responsibility that we cannot begin to achieve apart from the enablement of the Holy Spirit within.
Here we are told what the Apostle Paul considered his privilege and obligation regarding the churches he’d planted and the souls with whom he’d shared his faith in Christ. It is no less our privilege and obligation to give ourselves to the same purpose that Paul and the other apostles of the faith took upon themselves.
“…since the day we heard about you, we have not stopped praying for you and asking God to fill you with the knowledge of His will through all spiritual wisdom and understanding. We pray this in order that you may live a life worthy of the Lord…pleasing Him in every way…bearing fruit in every good work, growing in the knowledge of God.”
The reality is that it hardly matters how intently we serve the Kingdom of Christ through our sharing of our faith or how many are converted to the Lord through our witnessing. If we do not pray for those who are converted, if we do not assume an active, diligent role in prayer to establish them in His truth, they will fall away.
Sunday, May 17, 2009
May 17
We enjoy recognition—well, for our achievements. Of course, we’ll pass on having anyone notice our ‘botch-ups.’ When we fail at something we’ve tried, we far prefer to slither into a quiet corner until the mess clears up and nobody’s noticing it anymore.
But we do want a pat on the back or a raise or a promotion when we’ve succeeded at some worthy endeavor. We’ve yearned for approval from our earliest childhood. Having Mommy and Daddy smile at our small successes motivated us to strive for greater ones.
When we come to a saving knowledge of Jesus, however, and we become aware of His great commission to share our faith with others, there is no pressure put upon us. In fact, in Romans 1:5, 6 we are told just the opposite! The Word tells us, “It is by Jesus we have received grace and apostleship for obedience to the faith among all nations for His name…You are the called of Jesus Christ.”
Our sharing of His Truth does not depend upon our diligence in disseminating it among the lost nor upon our desire to serve His Kingdom’s purposes. Rather, HE gives us the grace to perform what HE calls us to do! When we are obedient to that call, HE honors it and causes our efforts to be effectual toward the achievement of the task HE’s called and empowered us to do!
We enjoy recognition—well, for our achievements. Of course, we’ll pass on having anyone notice our ‘botch-ups.’ When we fail at something we’ve tried, we far prefer to slither into a quiet corner until the mess clears up and nobody’s noticing it anymore.
But we do want a pat on the back or a raise or a promotion when we’ve succeeded at some worthy endeavor. We’ve yearned for approval from our earliest childhood. Having Mommy and Daddy smile at our small successes motivated us to strive for greater ones.
When we come to a saving knowledge of Jesus, however, and we become aware of His great commission to share our faith with others, there is no pressure put upon us. In fact, in Romans 1:5, 6 we are told just the opposite! The Word tells us, “It is by Jesus we have received grace and apostleship for obedience to the faith among all nations for His name…You are the called of Jesus Christ.”
Our sharing of His Truth does not depend upon our diligence in disseminating it among the lost nor upon our desire to serve His Kingdom’s purposes. Rather, HE gives us the grace to perform what HE calls us to do! When we are obedient to that call, HE honors it and causes our efforts to be effectual toward the achievement of the task HE’s called and empowered us to do!
Saturday, May 16, 2009
May 16
God has ordained a purpose for each life. However, it is obvious that some among us have immense natural gifts that facilitate their service to the Lord while others seem quite lacking in resources to serve His Kingdom. We find ourselves somewhat confused by that seeming disparity that is beyond our ability to understand.
Yet, we know God is fair and just. We know that even though our finite minds cannot unravel verses such as Exodus 4:11, 12 that says, “…Who makes the dumb, the deaf, the seeing, the blind? Is it not I the Lord! Now, go, and I will be with you and teach you what you are to say.”
This passage acknowledges the seeming unfairness of the fact that some people seem to be unable to speak while others are prolific and eloquent in their ability to convey ideas; that some are dull of vision while others see splendid truths. Yet it goes on to convey an undeniable equalizing aspect of our Lord.
It says, “…I will be with you and teach you what you are to say.” Whether our gifts of communication are great or small, whether we possess eloquence or stammer in our thoughts and in our words, when we surrender our lips to the Holy Spirit, He will use us to convey Christ to the ears and hearts around us.
God has ordained a purpose for each life. However, it is obvious that some among us have immense natural gifts that facilitate their service to the Lord while others seem quite lacking in resources to serve His Kingdom. We find ourselves somewhat confused by that seeming disparity that is beyond our ability to understand.
Yet, we know God is fair and just. We know that even though our finite minds cannot unravel verses such as Exodus 4:11, 12 that says, “…Who makes the dumb, the deaf, the seeing, the blind? Is it not I the Lord! Now, go, and I will be with you and teach you what you are to say.”
This passage acknowledges the seeming unfairness of the fact that some people seem to be unable to speak while others are prolific and eloquent in their ability to convey ideas; that some are dull of vision while others see splendid truths. Yet it goes on to convey an undeniable equalizing aspect of our Lord.
It says, “…I will be with you and teach you what you are to say.” Whether our gifts of communication are great or small, whether we possess eloquence or stammer in our thoughts and in our words, when we surrender our lips to the Holy Spirit, He will use us to convey Christ to the ears and hearts around us.
Friday, May 15, 2009
May 15
We tend to believe that some people get all the breaks, that some elect individuals are destined to be the achievers, the successful ones, the power wielders, the winners in life. But in
I Corinthians 1:28, 29 we read an amazing, equalizing truth.
This passage tells us that “God has chosen the lowly and foolish things of the world, the ones the world counts to be insignificant, in order to confound those who count themselves to be wise and mighty, so no flesh may glory in His presence.”
When God has an important job to be done, He will not often select someone who is important in the world’s eyes to do it. He may select a speech-impaired fugitive like Moses to lead a nation out of bondage. He may select a shepherd boy to be king. He may select a humble Carpenter to save the world from sin.
The successful candidate may not have a clue that he is the next one to be used to serve the eternal kingdom of the Living Christ. He may not have any idea that the finger of God has pointed to him and ordained him for service. He may not know that he is already serving in his quiet way the Lord who delights in him
We tend to believe that some people get all the breaks, that some elect individuals are destined to be the achievers, the successful ones, the power wielders, the winners in life. But in
I Corinthians 1:28, 29 we read an amazing, equalizing truth.
This passage tells us that “God has chosen the lowly and foolish things of the world, the ones the world counts to be insignificant, in order to confound those who count themselves to be wise and mighty, so no flesh may glory in His presence.”
When God has an important job to be done, He will not often select someone who is important in the world’s eyes to do it. He may select a speech-impaired fugitive like Moses to lead a nation out of bondage. He may select a shepherd boy to be king. He may select a humble Carpenter to save the world from sin.
The successful candidate may not have a clue that he is the next one to be used to serve the eternal kingdom of the Living Christ. He may not have any idea that the finger of God has pointed to him and ordained him for service. He may not know that he is already serving in his quiet way the Lord who delights in him
Thursday, May 14, 2009
May 14
Besides the pleasantness of dwelling in harmony with our fellow sojourners on this very small sphere that swirls through space bearing its unique passengers, there is something else that we miss by the distance we allow to separate us from our fellow man in general and from fellow believers in particular.
In Matthew 18:19 it says, ”If two or more agree on earth as touching anything, it will be done for them by My Father in Heaven.” The Lord Jesus is here affirming that there is great power in unity. The fact that we so rarely see our prayers answered is a testimony of our unwillingness to bind together in a meaningful way.
We cannot begin to imagine the answers to prayer we would receive if we would appropriate the unity that the Lord says is the key to attaining the things that we desire. We are told that we are to carry the burdens that our brothers bear. We are told that we are to feel into his situation and help him to pray through. We are to help him shoulder his trial.
But our pattern is to be on our own spiritually. We doubt that anyone would desire to help us with our load of cares because we know in the depth of our being we don’t care about theirs. So we perpetuate the robbery against ourselves of knowing the joy and the blessing of binding in love to overcome the tribulations we all face—if we would simply pray in the power of unity.
Besides the pleasantness of dwelling in harmony with our fellow sojourners on this very small sphere that swirls through space bearing its unique passengers, there is something else that we miss by the distance we allow to separate us from our fellow man in general and from fellow believers in particular.
In Matthew 18:19 it says, ”If two or more agree on earth as touching anything, it will be done for them by My Father in Heaven.” The Lord Jesus is here affirming that there is great power in unity. The fact that we so rarely see our prayers answered is a testimony of our unwillingness to bind together in a meaningful way.
We cannot begin to imagine the answers to prayer we would receive if we would appropriate the unity that the Lord says is the key to attaining the things that we desire. We are told that we are to carry the burdens that our brothers bear. We are told that we are to feel into his situation and help him to pray through. We are to help him shoulder his trial.
But our pattern is to be on our own spiritually. We doubt that anyone would desire to help us with our load of cares because we know in the depth of our being we don’t care about theirs. So we perpetuate the robbery against ourselves of knowing the joy and the blessing of binding in love to overcome the tribulations we all face—if we would simply pray in the power of unity.
Wednesday, May 13, 2009
May 13
Psalm 133:1 declares a truth that may never be fully known or understood. It says, “How pleasant it is for brothers to dwell together in unity.” It is God’s desire that mankind be brothers in His eternal family and that they know the blessing of the joy of unity.
But, to use a common vernacular, “It ain’t gonna happen!” That it can’t happen is evident by the way we live our lives. We can scarcely get along with the family member who sits beside us at the dinner table, let along dwell in unity with people from other cultures or religions.
Indeed, we who profess faith in Christ may aspire to live in harmony with those around us, but there are other religious persuasions whose intent is to destroy anyone who does not believe as they do—not to live in unity with them. This separation essentially robs us of a blessing the Lord desires for us.
So, whether our relational fracture is the one with our next-door neighbor or the one with the zealot we don’t understand and who doesn’t want to understand us, we—the entire earth—find ourselves robbed of that pleasantness the Word tells us would be ours to enjoy if we would but unify under God’s umbrella of truth.
Psalm 133:1 declares a truth that may never be fully known or understood. It says, “How pleasant it is for brothers to dwell together in unity.” It is God’s desire that mankind be brothers in His eternal family and that they know the blessing of the joy of unity.
But, to use a common vernacular, “It ain’t gonna happen!” That it can’t happen is evident by the way we live our lives. We can scarcely get along with the family member who sits beside us at the dinner table, let along dwell in unity with people from other cultures or religions.
Indeed, we who profess faith in Christ may aspire to live in harmony with those around us, but there are other religious persuasions whose intent is to destroy anyone who does not believe as they do—not to live in unity with them. This separation essentially robs us of a blessing the Lord desires for us.
So, whether our relational fracture is the one with our next-door neighbor or the one with the zealot we don’t understand and who doesn’t want to understand us, we—the entire earth—find ourselves robbed of that pleasantness the Word tells us would be ours to enjoy if we would but unify under God’s umbrella of truth.
Tuesday, May 12, 2009
May 12
There is a powerful word in Micah 7:8. It says, “Rejoice not over me, O my enemy, for when I fall, I shall arise; when I sit in darkness, the Lord will be a light to me.” The Apostle Paul echoes this in Romans 7:15-25 where he acknowledges the futility of his own will to do right—and the complete efficacy of the Lord’s ability to achieve right goals within us.
The temptation to evil is ever present in the fallen world in which we live. To resist the natural proclivity to yield to the lure of power, prestige and riches is a full time endeavor. The very repetition of the need to overcome is ample evidence of the perpetual nature of the human preoccupation with the propensity to sin.
How are we to deal with this strong trait that thwarts our efforts to serve Christ faithfully in the beauty of holiness? Peter gives a bit of insight in I Peter 3:11 that is invaluable counsel. He says, “Turn away from wickedness; shun it and do right. Search for peace and pursue it eagerly.” We must resolve to make a two-pronged concerted effort to resist sin, and the verbs Peter uses are strong ones.
We must shun wickedness. That is a studied avoidance of the sins to which our own hearts are susceptible. And we must pursue or follow after peace with all diligence. When we have done these two things, we have extended our hand to the Holy Spirit who has been given to us to illumine our walk through this dark world, and to raise us up when we have stumbled on its treacherous path.
There is a powerful word in Micah 7:8. It says, “Rejoice not over me, O my enemy, for when I fall, I shall arise; when I sit in darkness, the Lord will be a light to me.” The Apostle Paul echoes this in Romans 7:15-25 where he acknowledges the futility of his own will to do right—and the complete efficacy of the Lord’s ability to achieve right goals within us.
The temptation to evil is ever present in the fallen world in which we live. To resist the natural proclivity to yield to the lure of power, prestige and riches is a full time endeavor. The very repetition of the need to overcome is ample evidence of the perpetual nature of the human preoccupation with the propensity to sin.
How are we to deal with this strong trait that thwarts our efforts to serve Christ faithfully in the beauty of holiness? Peter gives a bit of insight in I Peter 3:11 that is invaluable counsel. He says, “Turn away from wickedness; shun it and do right. Search for peace and pursue it eagerly.” We must resolve to make a two-pronged concerted effort to resist sin, and the verbs Peter uses are strong ones.
We must shun wickedness. That is a studied avoidance of the sins to which our own hearts are susceptible. And we must pursue or follow after peace with all diligence. When we have done these two things, we have extended our hand to the Holy Spirit who has been given to us to illumine our walk through this dark world, and to raise us up when we have stumbled on its treacherous path.
Monday, May 11, 2009
May 11
Peter, the great Apostle, knew about the impetuousness of the human spirit that runs ahead of God. He always had things figured out before Jesus could lead him and he always attempted to persuade the Lord to implement his plan. Additionally, Peter knew about sin firsthand for he had denied Christ.
Peter also knew firsthand the joy of being forgiven and of being granted another opportunity to do it right. When the rooster crowed after his third denial of the Lord and he wept bitterly (Matthew 26:75), he must have been sure there would be no further opportunity to serve the Christ he followed.
Peter must have been sure there was no reason to serve the Christ he had followed for three years. Like the other disciples, he had abandoned everything to learn from this itinerant preacher. He could not have known how dramatic a turn Christ’s ministry—and thereby his own life—was about to take that fateful morning at Golgotha. But when he saw the risen Jesus, it fell into place! It made sense!
And Peter did what he then admonished us to do when we have failed the Lord, “Repent and be baptized every one of you in the name of Jesus and you shall receive the gift of the Holy Spirit.” (Acts 2:38) When we have the Holy Spirit dwelling within, we are no longer bound by our limitations. We are set free through Him as we daily die to ourselves and allow ourselves to serve Him in the power of who He is, not within the constraints of who we are.
Peter, the great Apostle, knew about the impetuousness of the human spirit that runs ahead of God. He always had things figured out before Jesus could lead him and he always attempted to persuade the Lord to implement his plan. Additionally, Peter knew about sin firsthand for he had denied Christ.
Peter also knew firsthand the joy of being forgiven and of being granted another opportunity to do it right. When the rooster crowed after his third denial of the Lord and he wept bitterly (Matthew 26:75), he must have been sure there would be no further opportunity to serve the Christ he followed.
Peter must have been sure there was no reason to serve the Christ he had followed for three years. Like the other disciples, he had abandoned everything to learn from this itinerant preacher. He could not have known how dramatic a turn Christ’s ministry—and thereby his own life—was about to take that fateful morning at Golgotha. But when he saw the risen Jesus, it fell into place! It made sense!
And Peter did what he then admonished us to do when we have failed the Lord, “Repent and be baptized every one of you in the name of Jesus and you shall receive the gift of the Holy Spirit.” (Acts 2:38) When we have the Holy Spirit dwelling within, we are no longer bound by our limitations. We are set free through Him as we daily die to ourselves and allow ourselves to serve Him in the power of who He is, not within the constraints of who we are.
Sunday, May 10, 2009
May 10
The trust the Lord has placed within His people for sharing His love and salvation to lost souls is an awesome one. Our decision to allow the Holy Spirit the liberty to move in and through us carries great portent because the eternal well-being of those whose lives touch ours is directly impacted by our choice.
If we choose to be instruments in His hand for the perpetuation of the gospel of Jesus Christ, we become light to those around us. If we keep the knowledge of the light of the Lord’s unspeakable Gift within ourselves, we become like those in the parable who have lit their candle but hidden it under a bushel. Matthew 5:15.
His desire is to use each blood-washed child of His as reflections of the Light to which we have opened ourselves for the purpose of guiding others into the fullness of His glorious salvation. It is not His intention that we allow our lamp to become covered by the dust of the world and thereby diminish His light within us. In Psalm 69:6, the Word clearly states our responsibility to let His light shine brightly through the vessels of our lives.
Here it says, “Let not those who wait for You O Lord of hosts be put to shame through me; let not those who seek after You be confused or dishonored because of me.” When we have professed Christ and allowed ourselves to become vessels of His light, it is imperative that we allow that light to be clearly reflected through us. We cannot allow our preoccupation with the things of earth to diminish the light of His eternal salvation.
The trust the Lord has placed within His people for sharing His love and salvation to lost souls is an awesome one. Our decision to allow the Holy Spirit the liberty to move in and through us carries great portent because the eternal well-being of those whose lives touch ours is directly impacted by our choice.
If we choose to be instruments in His hand for the perpetuation of the gospel of Jesus Christ, we become light to those around us. If we keep the knowledge of the light of the Lord’s unspeakable Gift within ourselves, we become like those in the parable who have lit their candle but hidden it under a bushel. Matthew 5:15.
His desire is to use each blood-washed child of His as reflections of the Light to which we have opened ourselves for the purpose of guiding others into the fullness of His glorious salvation. It is not His intention that we allow our lamp to become covered by the dust of the world and thereby diminish His light within us. In Psalm 69:6, the Word clearly states our responsibility to let His light shine brightly through the vessels of our lives.
Here it says, “Let not those who wait for You O Lord of hosts be put to shame through me; let not those who seek after You be confused or dishonored because of me.” When we have professed Christ and allowed ourselves to become vessels of His light, it is imperative that we allow that light to be clearly reflected through us. We cannot allow our preoccupation with the things of earth to diminish the light of His eternal salvation.
Saturday, May 9, 2009
May 9
Jesus came to be the LIGHT of the world. Since the fall of man due to succumbing to the temptation of the evil one, the world has been steeped in darkness. Jesus came to shine the light of God into the darkness, to dispel it, and replace it with the brilliance of His glory.
Where there had been only dismal gloom, there is now the light of hope. Where there had been just the shadow of sin cast over our existence, there is now the light of His love. Where there had been the pale of death over every creature from birth to the grave, there is now the light of salvation.
And the Lord has allowed errant man the opportunity to become vessels of that amazing light! Although we have walked in the darkness, although we have been deep into the night of sin, He has given us the Oil of the Holy Spirit to woo us to Himself, to overcome our darkness and use us as lamps to shine His light!
As Psalm 18:28 says, “You cause my lamp to be lighted and to shine; the Lord my God illumines my darkness.” When Jesus has bathed us in His shed blood to wash away our sin, the Light of the truth of His salvation in our hearts can then shine through the darkness and light the way of others to Him.
Jesus came to be the LIGHT of the world. Since the fall of man due to succumbing to the temptation of the evil one, the world has been steeped in darkness. Jesus came to shine the light of God into the darkness, to dispel it, and replace it with the brilliance of His glory.
Where there had been only dismal gloom, there is now the light of hope. Where there had been just the shadow of sin cast over our existence, there is now the light of His love. Where there had been the pale of death over every creature from birth to the grave, there is now the light of salvation.
And the Lord has allowed errant man the opportunity to become vessels of that amazing light! Although we have walked in the darkness, although we have been deep into the night of sin, He has given us the Oil of the Holy Spirit to woo us to Himself, to overcome our darkness and use us as lamps to shine His light!
As Psalm 18:28 says, “You cause my lamp to be lighted and to shine; the Lord my God illumines my darkness.” When Jesus has bathed us in His shed blood to wash away our sin, the Light of the truth of His salvation in our hearts can then shine through the darkness and light the way of others to Him.
Friday, May 8, 2009
May 8
The words of I Corinthians 12:8-11 make it easy to be humble. It’s as though the Lord knew we would be inclined toward self-aggrandizement that is meritless at its heart and futile at its end and He endeavored through this passage to spare us from the emptiness of its disappointment.
Here Paul reminds the Corinthians of a truth that stands today. “All these gifts (wisdom, healing, knowledge, faith, prophecy, working of miracles, speaking in tongues, interpretation of tongues) are given by the Holy Spirit and are apportioned to each person as He wills.”
So what is established through these passages is two-fold. First, the things that man holds in high esteem—wealth, power, fame—are valueless in the eyes of God, and second, the things that God values are gifts that He bestows upon whom He chooses! It is He who is the first cause, for it is He from whom everything of eternal value emanates.
When our focus is on Jesus, when our energy is employed in serving Him and His Kingdom’s purposes, when we are sharing His truth according to the Great Commission, He will send His Spirit to endue us with the gifts that empower our efforts! Rather than be haughty in ourselves, we will be humbled that He who dwells in eternity has deigned to use us to His glory.
The words of I Corinthians 12:8-11 make it easy to be humble. It’s as though the Lord knew we would be inclined toward self-aggrandizement that is meritless at its heart and futile at its end and He endeavored through this passage to spare us from the emptiness of its disappointment.
Here Paul reminds the Corinthians of a truth that stands today. “All these gifts (wisdom, healing, knowledge, faith, prophecy, working of miracles, speaking in tongues, interpretation of tongues) are given by the Holy Spirit and are apportioned to each person as He wills.”
So what is established through these passages is two-fold. First, the things that man holds in high esteem—wealth, power, fame—are valueless in the eyes of God, and second, the things that God values are gifts that He bestows upon whom He chooses! It is He who is the first cause, for it is He from whom everything of eternal value emanates.
When our focus is on Jesus, when our energy is employed in serving Him and His Kingdom’s purposes, when we are sharing His truth according to the Great Commission, He will send His Spirit to endue us with the gifts that empower our efforts! Rather than be haughty in ourselves, we will be humbled that He who dwells in eternity has deigned to use us to His glory.
Thursday, May 7, 2009
May 7
The words of Isaiah 2:11, “The proud looks of man shall be brought low and the haughtiness of man shall be humbled, and the Lord alone shall be exalted in that day,” are sobering. We want to be proud of ourselves. We have been encouraged from our earliest childhood to make others proud of us.
These words seem to turn our pride on its head. These words convey the Lord’s total distain for our self esteem. Indeed, we live in an age where we esteem our perception of ourselves far more than we value our actual accomplishments! We want to be highly regarded, but we lack the initiative to pursue worthy goals.
We instill this false sense of “I’m OK, you’re OK” into our youth when we accord them a sense of self worth apart from accomplishment that produces form rather than substance when it comes to not only achievement but also to character. We elevate the shallow and superficial while relegating the essence of true worth to the ash heap.
The Word tells us that unless our sense of value is rooted in our knowledge of Christ, it is worthless. When we elevate ourselves for any reason other than to be lifted from the shame and deceit of sin to the devotion to Christ that makes us His co-heirs to eternity we are on a downward slide that will leave us broken and humbled before His glory.
The words of Isaiah 2:11, “The proud looks of man shall be brought low and the haughtiness of man shall be humbled, and the Lord alone shall be exalted in that day,” are sobering. We want to be proud of ourselves. We have been encouraged from our earliest childhood to make others proud of us.
These words seem to turn our pride on its head. These words convey the Lord’s total distain for our self esteem. Indeed, we live in an age where we esteem our perception of ourselves far more than we value our actual accomplishments! We want to be highly regarded, but we lack the initiative to pursue worthy goals.
We instill this false sense of “I’m OK, you’re OK” into our youth when we accord them a sense of self worth apart from accomplishment that produces form rather than substance when it comes to not only achievement but also to character. We elevate the shallow and superficial while relegating the essence of true worth to the ash heap.
The Word tells us that unless our sense of value is rooted in our knowledge of Christ, it is worthless. When we elevate ourselves for any reason other than to be lifted from the shame and deceit of sin to the devotion to Christ that makes us His co-heirs to eternity we are on a downward slide that will leave us broken and humbled before His glory.
Wednesday, May 6, 2009
May 6
Some people find it most difficult to be humble. They are gifted with many physical attributes and abilities that cannot go unnoticed. They are surrounded by people who look up to them with great awe because they have attained the recognition that everyone yearns, deep within himself, to have.
How can one who has attained so much through his investment of his abilities and his drive toward the achievement of financial or political or relational goals then be humble when the fruit of those goals is being reaped and enjoyed? Within himself, no successful man has the capacity to be humble.
But if his eyes are focused on Jesus, he sees an inspiring example of humility in the face of greatness! In Philippians 2:5-8 we read, “Let this mind be in you, which was in Christ Jesus, Who though He was in the form of God and knew He was equal to God, took on the likeness of men and humbled Himself to endure the shameful death of the cross.”
The Author of life, the Creator of men, allowed Himself to be delivered unto death by the men His hand had fashioned! He allowed the hands He had created to nail His hands to the cross! He endured the shame of the cross so those He loved unto death would become the recipients of His unspeakable Gift of life! To be like Him, the greatest of men among us must first share His humility.
Some people find it most difficult to be humble. They are gifted with many physical attributes and abilities that cannot go unnoticed. They are surrounded by people who look up to them with great awe because they have attained the recognition that everyone yearns, deep within himself, to have.
How can one who has attained so much through his investment of his abilities and his drive toward the achievement of financial or political or relational goals then be humble when the fruit of those goals is being reaped and enjoyed? Within himself, no successful man has the capacity to be humble.
But if his eyes are focused on Jesus, he sees an inspiring example of humility in the face of greatness! In Philippians 2:5-8 we read, “Let this mind be in you, which was in Christ Jesus, Who though He was in the form of God and knew He was equal to God, took on the likeness of men and humbled Himself to endure the shameful death of the cross.”
The Author of life, the Creator of men, allowed Himself to be delivered unto death by the men His hand had fashioned! He allowed the hands He had created to nail His hands to the cross! He endured the shame of the cross so those He loved unto death would become the recipients of His unspeakable Gift of life! To be like Him, the greatest of men among us must first share His humility.
Tuesday, May 5, 2009
May 5
Selfishness is not to be indulged in the life of a professor of Christ. The Word makes it clear that the believer is expected to die to himself that he may be fully alive in Christ. Paul, the great Apostle, knew this was required of him and he knew it would be required of those who would come after him.
In the letter he wrote to Titus, Paul stated this expectation very clearly. Paul was not one to mince words under any circumstances, but he certainly would not sugar coat something as essential to the practice of the pure faith as total devotion to the One whose Kingdom he served.
In Titus 3:8 Paul makes it very clear. He states, “This is a worthy and faithful saying and I would hope that you affirm it constantly! They who have believed the Word of God must be diligent to apply themselves to good works that are profitable to all men.”
When one has embraced Jesus as his own, when he has devoted his life to the furtherance of His Kingdom and His purposes, he must reorient the entire focus of his life. His endeavors are no longer to benefit merely himself! He is to be Kingdom-focused so the will of the Lord is ever foremost in all he is and does!
Selfishness is not to be indulged in the life of a professor of Christ. The Word makes it clear that the believer is expected to die to himself that he may be fully alive in Christ. Paul, the great Apostle, knew this was required of him and he knew it would be required of those who would come after him.
In the letter he wrote to Titus, Paul stated this expectation very clearly. Paul was not one to mince words under any circumstances, but he certainly would not sugar coat something as essential to the practice of the pure faith as total devotion to the One whose Kingdom he served.
In Titus 3:8 Paul makes it very clear. He states, “This is a worthy and faithful saying and I would hope that you affirm it constantly! They who have believed the Word of God must be diligent to apply themselves to good works that are profitable to all men.”
When one has embraced Jesus as his own, when he has devoted his life to the furtherance of His Kingdom and His purposes, he must reorient the entire focus of his life. His endeavors are no longer to benefit merely himself! He is to be Kingdom-focused so the will of the Lord is ever foremost in all he is and does!
Monday, May 4, 2009
May 4
The Lord has high expectations for His redeemed ones. He does not expect that they shall live their lives “as usual.” If there were a literal yardstick by which to measure lives ‘before’ and ‘after’ acceptance of Christ as Savior and Lord, that measuring device should register an enormous difference in professors of Christ!
They do not simply become better at what they have been; they become reflections of Jesus’ light and life and love to all mankind. It becomes the driving force of their lives to reveal to others the matchless Truth, the unspeakable Gift that they have themselves received.
It becomes their goal to follow the scriptural admonition in Galatians 5:13, 14 which says, “Brothers, you have been called to liberty, but your liberty is not given that you may use it to indulge your flesh—it is given that you might love and serve one another! For the law is fulfilled in loving your neighbor as yourself.”
The Lord expects that once His love and salvation have been recognized and received, the believer will devote himself to sharing that ‘good news’ with others. The believer who has been delivered from the cruel grip of sin and from its resultant punishment now devotes himself to sharing the Christ who saved him with everyone whose life touches his.
The Lord has high expectations for His redeemed ones. He does not expect that they shall live their lives “as usual.” If there were a literal yardstick by which to measure lives ‘before’ and ‘after’ acceptance of Christ as Savior and Lord, that measuring device should register an enormous difference in professors of Christ!
They do not simply become better at what they have been; they become reflections of Jesus’ light and life and love to all mankind. It becomes the driving force of their lives to reveal to others the matchless Truth, the unspeakable Gift that they have themselves received.
It becomes their goal to follow the scriptural admonition in Galatians 5:13, 14 which says, “Brothers, you have been called to liberty, but your liberty is not given that you may use it to indulge your flesh—it is given that you might love and serve one another! For the law is fulfilled in loving your neighbor as yourself.”
The Lord expects that once His love and salvation have been recognized and received, the believer will devote himself to sharing that ‘good news’ with others. The believer who has been delivered from the cruel grip of sin and from its resultant punishment now devotes himself to sharing the Christ who saved him with everyone whose life touches his.
Sunday, May 3, 2009
May 3
Jesus is coming back. No matter how the scoffers may mock this promise, it is true. No matter how many years, decades, centuries, millennia, may pass until its fulfillment, the Word of the Lord is “yea and amen,” and nothing shall prevent His return.
How shall we be found at His coming? Will we who have professed faith in Him be found faithful? Will we “be about our Father’s business” when Jesus’ feet again touch earth? Or will we be living the same way as those who think the promise of His return is a fairy tale?
If we indeed embrace His return as being an irrefutable truth, that belief should govern the entirety of our lives, for souls hang in the balance. If we are not faithful to tell them, how will they know they have a Savior who has purchased their deliverance from the wage of sin that all must pay?
In Matthew 16:27 we are told, “The Son of Man shall come in the glory of His father with His angels and He will reward every man in accordance with what he has done.” Whether He comes for us individually or en masse, His return will result in our recognition of the wonder of His glorious truth!
Jesus is coming back. No matter how the scoffers may mock this promise, it is true. No matter how many years, decades, centuries, millennia, may pass until its fulfillment, the Word of the Lord is “yea and amen,” and nothing shall prevent His return.
How shall we be found at His coming? Will we who have professed faith in Him be found faithful? Will we “be about our Father’s business” when Jesus’ feet again touch earth? Or will we be living the same way as those who think the promise of His return is a fairy tale?
If we indeed embrace His return as being an irrefutable truth, that belief should govern the entirety of our lives, for souls hang in the balance. If we are not faithful to tell them, how will they know they have a Savior who has purchased their deliverance from the wage of sin that all must pay?
In Matthew 16:27 we are told, “The Son of Man shall come in the glory of His father with His angels and He will reward every man in accordance with what he has done.” Whether He comes for us individually or en masse, His return will result in our recognition of the wonder of His glorious truth!
Saturday, May 2, 2009
May 2
There is no length to which the Holy One who inhabits eternity will not go in order to bless and guard and keep His children. It is His good pleasure to show Himself strong in the behalf of those who love Him. Though they may go through trial, He is with them to glorify Himself in and to deliver them out of their trouble.
He states His intention very clearly in Psalm 17:7, 8 where we read, “Show Your marvelous loving kindness, O Lord who saves by His right hand those who take refuge in Your name. You guard them from their enemies. You keep them as the apple of Your eye.
As the entire structure of the face is employed to guard the pupil of the eye, from the eyelids, eyebrows and eyelashes to the forehead and cheek bones and bridge of the nose, so the resources of Heaven are arrayed in the defense of the child of God who trusts in the integrity of His name, in the infallibility of His promises.
Our God is faithful and true. He has stated His power and His intention to preserve His own in trouble, to guard them against their enemies, to deliver them in battle and to glorify Himself in all that touches their lives. If He has His angels camped round about those who fear Him and His Holy Spirit within them, what need have they to ever fear!
There is no length to which the Holy One who inhabits eternity will not go in order to bless and guard and keep His children. It is His good pleasure to show Himself strong in the behalf of those who love Him. Though they may go through trial, He is with them to glorify Himself in and to deliver them out of their trouble.
He states His intention very clearly in Psalm 17:7, 8 where we read, “Show Your marvelous loving kindness, O Lord who saves by His right hand those who take refuge in Your name. You guard them from their enemies. You keep them as the apple of Your eye.
As the entire structure of the face is employed to guard the pupil of the eye, from the eyelids, eyebrows and eyelashes to the forehead and cheek bones and bridge of the nose, so the resources of Heaven are arrayed in the defense of the child of God who trusts in the integrity of His name, in the infallibility of His promises.
Our God is faithful and true. He has stated His power and His intention to preserve His own in trouble, to guard them against their enemies, to deliver them in battle and to glorify Himself in all that touches their lives. If He has His angels camped round about those who fear Him and His Holy Spirit within them, what need have they to ever fear!
Friday, May 1, 2009
May 1
In Psalm 34:10 the Word gives us an insight into the heart of God that is at once motivating and inspiring. Here it says, “They that seek the Lord shall lack no good thing.” The great God of all that is, of all that is seen and all that is unseen loves us so much that He assures a reward to those who are willing to seek Him.
This offer should have great appeal to us for we are the species that pursues knowledge in order to gain power, that pursues position to gain influence that pursues wealth to gain pleasure. We understand the concept of investment and dividends.
We are willing to risk it all if there is the potential to realize a gain. We’ll even buy a lottery ticket with the hope of cashing in although we realize that our chance of winning is slim to none. Should we not, then, be inspired to employ this simple investment of ourselves into an opportunity to reap good things that far exceeds any other! Into the investment of self that cannot fail!
We have the promise of the One who cannot lie that if we will but seek Him—through the reading of His Word the Bible, through prayer, through the surrender of ourselves to the indwelling of His Holy Spirit—we shall be supplied with every good thing. Should we not then be motivated to seek after Him so we may realize His promise of what He knows is good for us!
In Psalm 34:10 the Word gives us an insight into the heart of God that is at once motivating and inspiring. Here it says, “They that seek the Lord shall lack no good thing.” The great God of all that is, of all that is seen and all that is unseen loves us so much that He assures a reward to those who are willing to seek Him.
This offer should have great appeal to us for we are the species that pursues knowledge in order to gain power, that pursues position to gain influence that pursues wealth to gain pleasure. We understand the concept of investment and dividends.
We are willing to risk it all if there is the potential to realize a gain. We’ll even buy a lottery ticket with the hope of cashing in although we realize that our chance of winning is slim to none. Should we not, then, be inspired to employ this simple investment of ourselves into an opportunity to reap good things that far exceeds any other! Into the investment of self that cannot fail!
We have the promise of the One who cannot lie that if we will but seek Him—through the reading of His Word the Bible, through prayer, through the surrender of ourselves to the indwelling of His Holy Spirit—we shall be supplied with every good thing. Should we not then be motivated to seek after Him so we may realize His promise of what He knows is good for us!
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)