Pleasing God

Hebrews 11:6 “And it is impossible to please God without faith. Anyone who wants to come to him must believe that God exists and that he rewards those who sincerely seek him.”

Who among us doesn't want to please God?  Many believe that to please God they must perform acts of service; give to the poor, fast, feed the hungry, etc.  However, Hebrews 11:6 tells us that pleasing God consists of one thing and one thing alone.  Faith!!  Is God pleased when we “do” things for the Kingdom?  Emphatically, Yes!  The Word tells us in James 2:17 “So you see, faith by itself isn’t enough. Unless it produces good deeds, it is dead and useless.”

We perform our acts of service because of our faith. James 11:4 “It was by faith that Abel brought a more acceptable offering to God than Cain did. Abel’s offering gave evidence that he was a righteous man, and God showed his approval of his gifts. Although Abel is long dead, he still speaks to us by his example of faith.” Able gave his offering because of his faith but it was the faith that pleased God.  The offering was a demonstration of that faith. 

If we must have faith to please God, what then is Biblical faith?   Hebrews 11:1-2 “Faith is the confidence that what we hope for will actually happen; it gives us assurance about things we cannot see. Through their faith, the people in days of old earned a good reputation.”

A.W. Tozer had an interesting explanation for this verse. He said: “Faith is seeing the invisible, but not the nonexistent.” Some people think faith is believing in something that is not actually there. Biblical faith believes God when He tells us there is a reality, which we cannot see. Faith means that we keep our eyes on God who controls circumstances --- not on the circumstances themselves.

Taken from http://www.sermoncentral.com/sermons/god-pleasing-faith-k-edward-skidmore-sermon-on-examples-of-faith-77812.asp

 Romans 10:17 “So faith comes from hearing, that is, hearing the Good News about Christ.”

D. L. Moody said, “I prayed for faith and thought that some day faith would come down and strike me like lightning. But faith did not seem to come. One day I read in the tenth chapter of Romans, “Faith cometh by hearing, and hearing by the Word of God.” I had up to this time closed my Bible and prayed for faith. I now opened my Bible and began to study, and faith has been growing ever since.”

Taken from http://www.whatchristianswanttoknow.com/top-40-d-l-moody-quotes/#ixzz3MBh1rFOT

We increase our faith by becoming students of the Word.  Taking every opportunity to study, hear, and apply the Word.  Through studying and hearing the Word our faith in God is developed, making us pleasing in his sight.  The application of the Word is the demonstration of that faith.  2 Timothy 2:15 “Study to shew thyself approved unto God, a workman that needeth not to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth.”

Let us ever be students of the Word, building ourselves up in our faith.  In this way we will please God.  

Taming the Tongue

James 3:2, 7-12 “Indeed, we all make many mistakes. For if we could control our tongues, we would be perfect and could also control ourselves in every other way. People can tame all kinds of animals, birds, reptiles, and fish, but no one can tame the tongue. It is restless and evil, full of deadly poison. Sometimes it praises our Lord and Father, and sometimes it curses those who have been made in the image of God. And so blessing and cursing come pouring out of the same mouth. Surely, my brothers and sisters, this is not right! Does a spring of water bubble out with both fresh water and bitter water?  Does a fig tree produce olives, or a grapevine produce figs? No, and you can’t draw fresh water from a salty spring."

We are taught to govern our tongue so as to prove ourselves perfect and upright men, and such as have an entire government over ourselves: If any man offend not in word, the same is a perfect man, and able also to bridle the whole body. It is here implied that he whose conscience is affected by tongue-sins, and who takes care to avoid them, is an upright man, and has an undoubted sign of true grace. But, on the other hand, if a man seemeth to be religious (as was declared in the first chapter) and bridleth not his tongue, whatever profession he makes, that man’s religion is vain. Further, he that offends not in word will not only prove himself a sincere Christian, but a very much advanced and improved Christian. For the wisdom and grace which enable him to rule his tongue will enable him also to rule all his actions.

Taken from Matthew Henry's Commentary

How often have we been hurt by the careless words of others?  How often have we hurt someone else with our careless words?  Why is that?  The answer is clear that there is power in the spoken word.  From the very beginning of creation we can see that words held power. 

Genesis 1:3,6-7, 9, 14-15, 20-21, 24,    Then God said, “Let there be light,” and there was light.  Then God said, “Let there be a space between the waters, to separate the waters of the heavens from the waters of the earth.” And that is what happened. Then God said, “Let the waters beneath the sky flow together into one place, so dry ground may appear.” And that is what happened.  Then God said, “Let lights appear in the sky to separate the day from the night. Let them be signs to mark the seasons, days, and years. Let these lights in the sky shine down on the earth.” And that is what happened. Then God said, “Let the waters swarm with fish and other life. Let the skies be filled with birds of every kind.” So God created great sea creatures and every living thing that scurries and swarms in the water, and every sort of bird—each producing offspring of the same kind.  Then God said, “Let the earth produce every sort of animal, each producing offspring of the same kind—livestock, small animals that scurry along the ground, and wild animals.” And that is what happened.

With the exception of man, all of creation was created by the spoken word.  Our words have power too!  Proverbs 18:21 “The tongue can bring death or life; those who love to talk will reap the consequences.” With our words we can build others (or ourselves) up or tear them down. 

James tells us that with just a little bit a rider can control all the brute force of a horse.  James 3:3 “We can make a large horse go wherever we want by means of a small bit in its mouth.”  He also tells us that with a small rudder the largest of ships can be steered.  James 3: 4 “And a small rudder makes a huge ship turn wherever the pilot chooses to go, even though the winds are strong.”  However, he also points out that just as a tiny spark can start the entire forest on fire, so our tiny tongues, by careless, hurtful words can cause harm and hurt to others.  James 3: 5 “In the same way, the tongue is a small thing that makes grand speeches. But a tiny spark can set a great forest on fire.”

Our primary purpose on this earth it to win the lost to Christ.  If our tongues are uncontrolled we will not fulfill this great commission. Matthew 28:18-20 “Jesus came and told his disciples, “I have been given all authority in heaven and on earth. Therefore, go and make disciples of all the nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit. Teach these new disciples to obey all the commands I have given you. And be sure of this: I am with you always, even to the end of the age.”

We often “find it easier” to control our tongues outside our homes than we do inside.  I propose that it is not easier to control our tongues outside our homes, but rather, we work harder at it.  When I am with people outside my home (my family included), I am very aware of how I speak.  I try to be careful of the words I say and the attitude that accompanies them.  When I am at home, I must confess, I don’t always work as hard to control my words or attitude.  This is not right! James 1:26 “If you claim to be religious but don’t control your tongue, you are fooling yourself, and your religion is worthless.” James makes no distinction between controlling our tongue in front of the world and with our family. 

As I stated earlier, we can build up or tear down with our words.  Ephesians 4:29 “Don’t use foul or abusive language. Let everything you say be good and helpful, so that your words will be an encouragement to those who hear them.”  Often when we are angry we lash out at others.  Proverbs 15:1 “A gentle answer deflects anger, but harsh words make tempers flare.”  Our gentle, kind words may be what are necessary to bring healing into the situations we face.  

Proverbs 12:18 “Some people make cutting remarks, but the words of the wise bring healing.” 

As believers we often hear people say something like this, “Well the Good Book says to speak the truth.  That’s what I did.”, when in fact their words did huge damage to those toward whom they were focused.  Actually, we are admonished to speak the truth; however, that admonishment comes with further instructions.  Ephesians 4:15 “Instead, we will speak the truth in love, growing in every way more and more like Christ, who is the head of his body, the church.”  We must couch everything we say in love.  Without love, our words will cause more problems than we had to begin with.  No disagreement or conflict is ever resolved by angry hurtful words. 

As Christmas draws near, we will be faced with numerous opportunities to control our tongues and speak in love to those around us.  We will all face stress and chaos as an almost daily occurrence.    If you have to go to a store, you will be faced with pushy, oft’ grumpy shoppers.  At work, the stress level might increase as the end of the year closes in.  Students will face the mid-term crunch.  Many will face crisis’s in health, family, finances, etc.  All of these stressors can push us to our limits.  It is in this time of stress that we must begin in earnest to tame our tongue.  If we allow the enemy to rob us of self-control, which he can only do if we give it up by the way, and take no thought for how we speak to others, we will miss the importance of the season. 

Jesus Christ left the splendor of heaven to be born in a barn.  He left his Kingly throne to sleep in a manger, a common feeding trough.  He left the peace and tranquility of heaven to come to a world wrought with violence, selfishness, pride, bitterness, anger, etc.  He did all of this because he wanted us to have freedom.  Freedom from sin, freedom from self, freedom from the bondage of the enemy, freedom from hurt of any kind.  He paid the price for our freedom but it is our job to walk in that freedom and stay free.  If we are in control of our tongue, James 3:2 tells us we will be able to control ourselves in every way.  However, the opposite of that is also true.  If we are unable to control our tongue we will find it near impossible to control other aspects of ourselves. According to James, taming the tongue seems to be a key to gaining freedom in other areas of life as well.  (More on that in a future word.) 

Let us focus on Christ and seek him for the grace and wisdom to tame our tongues as we celebrate his coming to earth to buy our freedom.  

Love

1 Corinthians 13:4-7 "Love is patient and kind. Love is not jealous or boastful or proud or rude. It does not demand its own way. It is not irritable, and it keeps no record of being wronged. It does not rejoice about injustice but rejoices whenever the truth wins out. Love never gives up, never loses faith, is always hopeful, and endures through every circumstance."

When we become a follower of Christ we are called to love. We hear people everywhere say the words, "I love you" but do their actions convey the same message?

Let's look deeper into 1 Corinthians 13:4-7.

[Love is patient and kind.]

Patient: able to remain calm and not become annoyed when waiting for a long time or when dealing with problems or difficult people.

God is patient with us. When we fail he could just write us off as a lost cause but he doesn't. Instead he passionately pursues our hearts, drawing us back to him. 2 Peter 3:9 "The Lord isn’t really being slow about his promise, as some people think. No, he is being patient for your sake. He does not want anyone to be destroyed, but wants everyone to repent."

Are we patient with those God has put in our lives?

[Love is not jealous]

Jealous: hostile toward a rival or one believed to enjoy an advantage

Do we become jealous of others?  Romans 12:15 "Rejoice with those who rejoice; mourn with those who mourn." Do we rejoice with those who rejoice or become jealous because of their joy?

[Love is not boastful or proud]

Boast: a statement in which you express too much pride in yourself or in something you have, have done, or are connected to in some way

Pride: a feeling that you are more important or better than other people

Proverbs 16:18 "Pride goes before destruction, and haughtiness before a fall."

James 4:10 "Humble yourselves before the Lord, and he will lift you up in honor."

We must keep our heart and attitudes pure. We need to be honest with ourselves and maintain a humble spirit.

We must acknowledge that apart from God we can do nothing. John 15:5 “Yes, I am the vine; you are the branches. Those who remain in me, and I in them, will produce much fruit. For apart from me you can do nothing."

When we begin to think of ourselves more than others we begin to walk in pride. Pride only leads to hurt. When we walk in pride it is us, not Jesus, people see when the look at our lives. We need to have the attitude of John the Baptist: John 3:30 "He must become greater and greater, and I must become less and less."

 [or rude]

Rude: not having or showing concern or respect for the rights and feelings of other people

We are called to care for one another. Galatians 6:2-3 "Share each other’s burdens, and in this way obey the law of Christ. If you think you are too important to help someone, you are only fooling yourself. You are not that important."

[It does not demand its own way. It is not irritable,]

Irritable: easily exasperated or excited

When we think of ourselves above others we will demand our way. When we don't get what we think we deserve we will become irritable. When others don't perform as we think they should we will have a bad attitude. This attitude will push others away from Christ rather than drawing them closer to him.

[and it keeps no record of being wronged.]

Leviticus 19:18 “Do not seek revenge or bear a grudge against a fellow Israelite, but love your neighbor as yourself. I am the Lord."

Colossians 3:13 "Make allowance for each other’s faults, and forgive anyone who offends you. Remember, the Lord forgave you, so you must forgive others."

Peter asked Jesus how many times he needed to forgive someone who wronged him.  Matthew 18:21-22 Then Peter came to him and asked, “Lord, how often should I forgive someone who sins against me? Seven times?” “No, not seven times,” Jesus replied, “but seventy times seven!” The point here is that we are not to keep accounts of being wronged or hurt.  We are to forgive each time.  Unconditional love forgives with no strings attached.  We must forgive even when the other person doesn’t acknowledge they did anything wrong.  Matthew 6:14-15 “If you forgive those who sin against you, your heavenly Father will forgive you. But if you refuse to forgive others, your Father will not forgive your sins.”  According to Matthew 6:14-15 forgiveness seems to be conditional, our forgiveness is based on our forgiving others. 

[It does not rejoice about injustice but rejoices whenever the truth wins out.]

Proverbs 2:13-15” Wisdom will save you from evil people, from those whose words are twisted. These men turn from the right way to walk down dark paths. They take pleasure in doing wrong, and they enjoy the twisted ways of evil.  Their actions are crooked, and their ways are wrong.”

John 8:32 “And you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free.”

[Love never gives up]

Galatians 6:9 “So let’s not get tired of doing what is good (give up). At just the right time we will reap a harvest of blessing if we don’t give up.”

[never loses faith]

Hebrews 11:1 “Faith is the confidence that what we hope for will actually happen; it gives us assurance about things we cannot see.”

[is always hopeful]

Psalm 39:7 “And so, Lord, where do I put my hope? My only hope is in you.”

[and endures through every circumstance.]

Endures: to undergo (as a hardship) especially without giving in

Philippians 4:11 (NASB) “Not that I speak from want, for I have learned to be content in whatever circumstances I am.”

James 1:12 “God blesses those who patiently endure testing and temptation. Afterward they will receive the crown of life that God has promised to those who love him.”  

Slave to Son

Galatians 4:4-7 “But when the right time came, God sent his Son, born of a woman, subject to the law. God sent him to buy freedom for us who were slaves to the law, so that he could adopt us as his very own children. And because we are his children, God has sent the Spirit of his Son into our hearts, prompting us to call out, ‘Abba, Father.’ Now you are no longer a slave but God’s own child. And since you are his child, God has made you his heir.”

Ephesians 1:5 “God decided in advance to adopt us into his own family by bringing us to himself through Jesus Christ. This is what he wanted to do, and it gave him great pleasure.”

Slave: someone who is legally owned by another person and is forced to work for that person without pay

Adopt: to take by choice into a relationship; especially, to take voluntarily (a child of other parents) as one's own child

Following are some important facts about our adoption.

1.       Our adoption was costly.  Galatians 4:4-5 “But when the right time came, God sent his Son, born of a woman, subject to the law. God sent him to buy freedom for us who were slaves to the law, so that he could adopt us as his very own children. Christ came to buy our freedom from slavery; slavery to sin and death. 

2.       Our adoption has legally changed our family. Galatians 4:6-7 “And because we are his children, God has sent the Spirit of his Son into our hearts, prompting us to call out, “Abba, Father.” Now you are no longer a slave but God’s own child.  And since you are his child, God has made you his heir.”  We are no longer enemies of God but sons of God.  We are legally heirs of the King of Kings!!

 3.       God poured out the Spirit of sonship on us.  Romans 8:15-16 “So you have not received a spirit that makes you fearful slaves. Instead, you received God’s Spirit when he adopted you as his own children. Now we call him, “Abba, Father.” For his Spirit joins with our spirit to affirm that we are God’s children.” We no longer need to live in fear of the enemy (poverty, sickness, lack of any kind) we are sons of God. 

It is important to note that we are “sons” of God.

"And adoption as a son in Roman law was something very specific. Adoption as a son in Roman law meant that you had the right to the name and the citizenship of the person who adopted you, and the right to inherit his property. The adopted son had the same rights and privileges as a naturally born son. These were rights that were not granted to an adopted daughter."

"But as it concerns our redemption, we who are in Christ, men and women and boys and girls alike, are adopted by God as sons - in that sense, as Paul says, 'there is neither male nor female.'l

Taken from http://www.teachingtheword.org/apps/articles/?articleid=59273&columnid=5774

 4.       God planned our adoption from the beginning.  Ephesians 1:4-6 “Even before he made the world, God loved us and chose us in Christ to be holy and without fault in his eyes. God decided in advance to adopt us into his own family by bringing us to himself through Jesus Christ. This is what he wanted to do, and it gave him great pleasure. So we praise God for the glorious grace he has poured out on us who belong to his dear Son.”  We were chosen even before we were created.  Before we took one breath God planned to adopt us into his family.  There are no “accidents” in God’s family.  We all are loved and wanted.

 5.       Our adoption gives us legal rights as heirs to everything that is Christ’s. Romans 8:17 “And since we are his children, we are his heirs. In fact, together with Christ we are heirs of God’s glory. But if we are to share his glory, we must also share his suffering.”

"Now that we're no longer under guardianship to the Law, we can take our position as children of God. There is nothing in heaven or earth that is withheld from us. We can go where we want, and we can have what we want - all of which is guaranteed as long as we stay submitted to the Lord Jesus. And the only limitations to enjoying the fullness of what we've inherited are a lack of knowledge of them, and a lack of faith in them. So, don't be ignorant and don't be faithless. Dare to walk as heirs of God. Dare to walk as Sons of God."

Taken from http://www.swordsfc.com/articles/adopted.htm

Let us take our rightful places as sons of God, walking in the freedom and liberty that Christ has purchased for us by his death and resurrection.  

Immanuel

Isaiah 7:14 “All right then, the Lord himself will give you the sign. Look! The virgin will conceive a child! She will give birth to a son and will call him Immanuel (which means ‘God is with us’).”

“God with us,” is exquisite delight! “GOD with us”—all that “GOD,” means the Deity, the Infinite

Jehovah with us! This, this is worthy of the burst of midnight song when angels startled the shepherds with their carols, singing, “Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace, good will to men.” This was worthy of the foresight of seers and Prophets, worthy of a new star in the heavens, worthy of the care which Inspiration has manifested to preserve the record. This, too, was worthy of the martyr deaths of Apostles and confessors who counted not their lives dear unto them for the sake of the Incarnate God!

 

He who was born at Bethlehem is God, and “God with us.” God—there lies the Majesty! “God with us”—there lies the Mercy. God— there is Glory! “God with us”—there is Grace! God alone might well strike us with terror, but “God with us,” inspires us with hope and confidence!

 

Taken from:http://www.spurgeongems.org/vols19-21/chs1270.pdf

 

What does “God with us” mean for us today?

 

First, it means God in close relationship with us.  John 1:14 (KJV) “And the Word was made flesh, and dwelt among us, (and we beheld his glory, the glory as of the only begotten of the Father,) full of grace and truth.”  Jesus took on the very nature of humanity.  He lived and struggled like we do.  Hebrews 2:18“Since he himself has gone through suffering and testing, he is able to help us when we are being tested.”

 Next, it means God cleansing us daily.  When we came to Christ and repented, he forgave and became Lord of our lives.  Since the moment of salvation, he is daily cleansing us from sin and ungodliness.  1 John 1:9 “But if we confess our sins to him, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all wickedness.”  Titus 2:11-12 (NIV) “For the grace of God has appeared that offers salvation to all people. It teaches us to say “No” to ungodliness and worldly passions, and to live self-controlled, upright and godly lives in this present age.”

Finally, it means God in constant communication with and direct access between us. Matthew 27:50-51 “Then Jesus shouted out again, and he released his spirit. At that moment the curtain in the sanctuary of the Temple was torn in two, from top to bottom.”  Ephesians 2:18 “Now all of us can come to the Father through the same Holy Spirit because of what Christ has done for us.” 

As we think about what Immanuel – “God with us” means to us today, we can take joy and find comfort in the knowledge that our God chose to come close and share our existence.  He wants to be intimately involved in every area of our life. 

 He wants us to take all our cares/worries to him for he cares for us. 1 Peter 5:7 “Give all your worries and cares to God, for he cares about you.” 

 He wants to carry our burdens with us. Matthew 11:28-30 “Then Jesus said, ‘Come to me, all of you who are weary and carry heavy burdens, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you. Let me teach you, because I am humble and gentle at heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy to bear, and the burden I give you is light.’” 

 He wants to supply all our needs. Philippians 4:19 “And this same God who takes care of me will supply all your needs from his glorious riches, which have been given to us in Christ Jesus.”

 As we head into this Christmas Season let us remember, Isaiah 9:6 “For a child is born to us, a son is given to us. The government will rest on his shoulders. And he will be called: Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.”  Immanuel, God with us!!!!

Powerful Name -Jesus

John 14:13-14 “You can ask for anything in my name, and I will do it, so that the Son can bring glory to the Father.  Yes, ask me for anything in my name, and I will do it!”

“I want to instill into you a sense of the power, the virtue and the glory of that name. Six people went into the house of a sick man to pray for him. He was an Episcopalian vicar, and lay in his bed utterly helpless, without even strength to help himself. He had read a little tract about healing and had heard about people praying for the sick, and sent for these friends, who, he thought, could pray the prayer of faith. He was anointed according to James 5:14, but, because he had no immediate manifestation of healing, he wept bitterly. The six people walked out of the room, somewhat crestfallen to see the man lying there in an unchanged condition.”

“When they were outside, one of the six said, “There is one thing we might have done. I wish you would all go back with me and try it.” They went back and all got together in a group. This brother said, “Let us whisper the name of Jesus.” At first when they whispered this worthy name nothing seemed to happen. But as they continued to whisper, “Jesus! Jesus! Jesus!” the power began to fall. As they saw that God was beginning to work, their faith and joy increased; and they whispered the name louder and louder. As they did so the man arose from his bed and dressed himself. The secret was just thus, those six people had gotten their eyes off the sick man, and they were just taken up with the Lord Jesus Himself, and their faith grasped the power that there is in His name. O, if people would only appreciate the power that there is in this name, there is no telling what would happen.”

Taken from http://www.smithwigglesworth.com/sermons/eif3.htm

The name of Jesus gives us new life.  Just as the vicar, in the above story, received his life back, we can receive new life when we call on the name of Jesus.

“New life” includes anything we need, including but not limited to the following:

1. Freedom from sin (redemption and sanctification)

·         1 John 1:9 “But if we confess our sins to him, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all wickedness.”

·         2 Timothy 2:21”If you keep yourself pure, you will be a special utensil for honorable use.              Your life will be clean (sanctified), and you will be ready for the Master to use you for every good work.”

2. Freedom from poverty (financial provision)

·         Philippians 4:19 “And this same God who takes care of me will supply all your needs from his glorious riches, which have been given to us in Christ Jesus.”

3. Freedom from sickness (divine healing)

·         Isaiah 53:5 (NIV) “But he was pierced for our transgressions, he was crushed for our iniquities; the punishment that brought us peace was on him, and by his wounds we are healed.”

4. Freedom from the enemy’s lies

·         John 8:32 “And you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free.”

The key to “New Life” is keeping our focus on Jesus and not allowing the cares of life to claim our attention.  Easy to do?  No!  Is it necessary? YES!!!   I love Smith Wigglesworth’s words, “The secret was just thus, those six people had gotten their eyes off the sick man, and they were just taken up with the Lord Jesus Himself, and their faith grasped the power that there is in His name.”  

Hebrews 12:1-2 “Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a huge crowd of witnesses to the life of faith, let us strip off every weight that slows us down, especially the sin that so easily trips us up. And let us run with endurance the race God has set before us. We do this by keeping our eyes on Jesus, the champion who initiates and perfects our faith. Because of the joy awaiting him, he endured the cross, disregarding its shame. Now he is seated in the place of honor beside God’s throne.”

While we are focusing on Christ, he is focusing on us.  He is petitioning his Father on our behalf.  1 John 2:1 “My dear children, I am writing this to you so that you will not sin. But if anyone does sin, we have an advocate who pleads our case before the Father. He is Jesus Christ, the one who is truly righteous,”

Whenever we feel the need for “New Life” we need to simply call on the name of Jesus.  Philippians 2:9-10 “Therefore, God elevated him to the place of highest honor and gave him the name above all other names, that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, in heaven and on earth and under the earth.”  Nothing can stand against that name.  Call on Jesus in every circumstance and he will hear and answer.  The enemy will have to flee and “New Life” will be the result. 

There is power in his name. JESUS!!!

 

 

 

Pondering

Luke 2:19 (NIV) "But Mary treasured up all these things and pondered them in her heart."

Ponder: to think or consider especially quietly, soberly, and deeply

As 2014 draws to a close it is important for us to reflect back over the year. To ponder the things the Lord has done in, through, and for us. 

I don't know about you, but I want 2015 to be a year of deeper commitment to prayer and the Word. A year of greater faith.  A year of more rapid obedience. I long for greater intimacy with my Savior. For renewed joy and peace. For refreshing and renewal in my soul and spirit. 

Pondering the year past, it's ups and downs, can give us greater vision for the coming year. Proverbs 29:18 (KJV) "Where there is no vision, the people perish: but he that keepeth the law, happy is he."

First, as we look back at the trials and triumphs we can see both our strengths and our weaknesses. 

Reflecting on our strengths can give us boldness in the coming year. It can encourage our spirits in the Lord for we know, Zechariah 4:6b "It is not by force nor by strength, but by my Spirit, says the Lord of Heaven’s Armies." Our strength came from God. The God we served in 2014 is the same God of 2015. Hebrews 13:8 "Jesus Christ is the same yesterday, today, and forever."

Reflecting on our weaknesses can challenge us toward greater things in 2015.  As we analyze the areas in which we were weak, we can begin to focus our prayers on growing in those areas. We can claim the promise that says, 2 Corinthians 12:9 (KJV) "My grace is sufficient for thee: for my strength is made perfect in weakness."

Next, we need to look back at lessons learned. As a teacher I gave tests over material covered. I gave tests that covered both old and new material. Why? To ensure that my students had a firm grasp on the concepts they were required to master. 

The same holds true in our spiritual life. Over the past year, God has taken us to higher levels of understanding, taught us to have a deeper dependence on him, and given us more tools or at least taught us to use more of the tools we already have.  Just like my students, once he teaches us new lessons, he holds us accountable. We need to look back and review the lessons so we can apply the knowledge, authority, faith, and understanding we gained this year to the coming year. Time is too short to have to relearn lessons we should already have mastered!

We must also ponder God's sustaining grace and provision over the past year. We need to recount the miracles he performed on our behalf. We must begin to recognize how often he made a way when there seemed to be no way. The times his provision was there when we didn't know what to do. 

Pondering God's blessings in our life will bolster our faith for the coming year. It will encourage our soul to trust in God. King David talked to he soul (our mind, nature, emotions) and encouraged it to trust in God. Psalm 43:5 (NIV) "Why, my soul, are you downcast? Why so disturbed within me? Put your hope in God, for I will yet praise him, my Savior and my God."

We can make the choice this year to put our hope and trust in God next year. By choosing now, to trust later, we can save ourselves much pain and heartache in the future. 

When an airline plans their flights they choose the path that will cost them the least (not always the most direct route). They then lock in the course (flight plan) with the FAA. The pilot doesn't have the authority to change the flight plan except in cases of extreme emergency. Changing course during the pre-scheduled flight could cost the airline greatly. Possibly even the loss of lives. 

The same holds true in our life. If we choose today how we are going to respond (not react) to situations that arise in the future we will find it easier to stick to our flight plan. If we choose to keep our eyes on Jesus and not focus on the storms that may arise around us we will walk on the water. Matthew 14:29-31 “Yes, come,” Jesus said. So Peter went over the side of the boat and walked on the water toward Jesus. But when he saw the strong wind and the waves, he was terrified and began to sink. “Save me, Lord!” he shouted. Jesus immediately reached out and grabbed him. “You have so little faith,” Jesus said. “Why did you doubt me?”  However, if we don't make the choice now, when the winds of pressure and trial rage around us, we will sink beneath the cares of life. 

No matter what 2014 looked like in your life I challenge you to sit down and prayerfully take inventory.

1. Make a list of your strengths and weaknesses from this part year. Expound on each one noting changes to implement and areas to work on. Be sure to list the successes as well. 

2. Then make a list of the lessons you have learned this year. Pay close attention to the deep spiritual truths you learned. (Remember: THERE WILL BE A TEST!) 

3. Make a list of the times God came through for you. Ask the Holy Spirit to show you every instance where God's provision was there for you, maybe even when you didn't realize it. 

4.  Make a flight plan for 2015.  Choose now, how you will respond to life's ups and downs next year. Pick some Bible verses to memorize that will help you stick with the plan. 

2015 can be our best year yet if we ponder the past and plan for the future!! 

Plans Fulfilled

Isaiah 25:1 "O Lord, I will honor and praise your name, for you are my God. You do such wonderful things! You planned them long ago, and now you have accomplished them."

God has plans for our lives. They are for our good!!  Jeremiah 29:11 "For I know the plans I have for you,” says the Lord. “They are plans for good and not for disaster, to give you a future and a hope."

He knew us before we were conceived. Psalm 139:13 "You made all the delicate, inner parts of my body and knit me together in my mother’s womb."

God fulfills those plans in his time. As finite beings who see only that which is in front of us, we often cannot understand why the promises, callings, plans, etc. are not fulfilled in the way and time we desire. God sees the entire span of time and knows how and when to fulfill his plans for us. Ecclesiastes 11:5 "Just as you cannot understand the path of the wind or the mystery of a tiny baby growing in its mother’s womb, so you cannot understand the activity of God, who does all things."

His timing is always perfect. Galatians 4:4 "But when the right time came, God sent his Son, born of a woman, subject to the law."  The Jewish people had been watching for the Messiah for hundreds of years. Why then did it take God so long to send Jesus?  

"There were many things occurring at the time of the first century that, at least by human reasoning, seem to make it ideal for Christ to come then."

1) "There was a great anticipation among the Jews of that time that the Messiah would come. The Roman rule over Israel made the Jews hungry for the Messiah’s coming."

2) "Rome had unified much of the world under its government, giving a sense of unity to the various lands. Also, because the empire was relatively peaceful, travel was possible, allowing the early Christians to spread the gospel. Such freedom to travel would have been impossible in other eras."

3) "While Rome had conquered militarily, Greece had conquered culturally. A “common” form of the Greek language (different from classical Greek) was the trade language and was spoken throughout the empire, making it possible to communicate the gospel to many different people groups through one common language."

Taken from http://www.gotquestions.org

These ideas are purely human attempts to explain God's timing. We really don't know for sure what made    the year/day of his birth the "right time", however, the Word tells us it was the right time. 

 

The same holds true in our lives. We may not understand why God chooses the time he does but we can rest assured that his timing is perfect 

I see a couple possible reasons for seeming delays. 

1. To help us increase our faith. Romans 12:3b "according as God hath dealt to every man the measure of faith."  "You see, God gets everyone started off the same way. He doesn’t give one person more faith than He gives another. He gives to every man the measure of faith. Then your faith grows according to what you do with it."  "Certainly God furnishes the means whereby faith can be increased. But you increase your faith by doing two things: feeding it on the Word of God and exercising it—or putting it into practice."   Taken from "How to Increase Your Faith" by Kenneth E. Hagin. 

When we have to "wait" on fulfillment of promises, callings, etc. we are often more attentive to the Word and prayer.  Often our prayers turn into faith prayers rather than desperate pleadings. We begin to claim the promises and boldly declare our faith in God's ability to fulfill them. If the fulfillment came right away, would our faith be increased?  

2. To develop our character. Romans 5:3-4 (NIV) "Not only so, but we also glory in our sufferings, because we know that suffering produces perseverance; perseverance, character; and character, hope."  

Godly character is developed as we learn to crucify our flesh. Galatians 5:24 "Those who belong to Christ Jesus have crucified the flesh with its passions and desires."  We, as humans, want our way, in our time. Crucifying our flesh involves yielding our will to God's will. 

Many times we are not ready for the fulfillment of God's promises in the moment he gives them. He often makes the promise then begins the oft painful process of transforming our character. Romans 12:2 "Don’t copy the behavior and customs of this world, but let God transform you into a new person by changing the way you think. Then you will learn to know God’s will for you, which is good and pleasing and perfect."

When we know we have heard from God, we can stand on his promises and rest in the fact that he knows how and when to bring his will to fulfillment.  Hebrews 10:23 "Let us hold tightly without wavering to the hope we affirm, for God can be trusted to keep his promise."

When we "feel" a delay in that fulfillment, we need to ask God to show us what we are to learn during the "delay".  We must take each lesson to heart and allow our faith to be increased and our character to be developed.

Doubt and Discouragement

Psalm 42:11 "Why am I discouraged? Why is my heart so sad? I will put my hope in God! I will praise him again—my Savior and my God!"  

Doubt: to be uncertain about (something); to believe that (something) may not be true or is unlikely; to have no confidence in (someone or something)

Discouragement: a feeling of having lost hope or confidence; something (such as a failure or difficulty) that discourages someone

Doubt and discouragement are two of the enemy's key tools for destroying our faith. 

Mark 5:36 "But Jesus overheard them and said to Jairus, “Don’t be afraid. Just have faith.” Fear is the offspring of doubt and it is a faith crusher. When we doubt God's ability or willingness to answer our prayer or to keep his promises we lose faith. When we give in to doubt we open the door for the enemy to have dominion over areas of our life. 

Giving the enemy a foothold in our life is not pleasing to God. He desires for us to live lives of faith. 

Hebrews 11:6 "And it is impossible to please God without faith. Anyone who wants to come to him must believe that God exists and that he rewards those who sincerely seek him."  

To continue, the Word tells us in Hebrews 11:1 "Faith is the confidence that what we hope for will actually happen; it gives us assurance about things we cannot see." When we yield to discouragement we lose our hope and confidence in God's promises. 

Jeremiah 29:11 "For I know the plans I have for you,” says the Lord. “They are plans for good and not for disaster, to give you a future and a hope."  God wants us to have hope. He wants us to hold onto his promises. 

When doubt and discouragement attack we must stand fast in our faith  and not yield. We must remember Who is in control and how much he loves us. We must resist and keep on resisting. James 4:7 "So humble yourselves before God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you."

God's Word promises us that if we hold on to our faith and wait to see the fulfillment of his promises we will be strengthened. Isaiah 40:31 (KJV) "But they that wait upon the Lord shall renew their strength; they shall mount up with wings as eagles; they shall run, and not be weary; and they shall walk, and not faint."

Galatians 6:9 "So let’s not get tired of doing what is good. At just the right time we will reap a harvest of blessing if we don’t give up."

It Is Finished

John 19:30 "When Jesus had tasted it, he said, 'It is finished!' Then he bowed his head and released his spirit."

It is finished... Three small yet powerful words. In that moment all that Jesus had come to earth to accomplish was completed. What does that mean for us today?

It means that Christ has already paid for our healing and freedom.  The work is already done, the price paid. 

Isaiah 53:5 "But he was pierced for our transgressions, he was crushed for our iniquities; the punishment that brought us peace was on him, and by his wounds we are healed."

Galatians 5:1 "It is for freedom that Christ has set us free. Stand firm, then, and do not let yourselves be burdened again by a yoke of slavery."

Because the price has already been paid, when we pray for healing or freedom, we are praying for the appropriation of those things to be manifest in our lives.

If the price is paid, why don't we see healing or freedom every time we pray?  I believe there are a few reasons. 

First, often we don't really believe God can or wants to heal/free us. Often we may feel unworthy or undeserving. These are lies of the enemy. The scripture tells us, 2 Corinthians 5:21 "God made him who had no sin to be sin for us, so that in him we might become the righteousness of God."  Christ makes us worthy and deserving. It is through him that we are made righteous. It is his will to heal/deliver us!

The Word tells us that all things are possible if we believe. Mark 9:23-24 “What do you mean, ‘If I can’?” Jesus asked. “Anything is possible if a person believes.” The father instantly cried out, “I do believe, but help me overcome my unbelief!”  

I have often prayed the prayer of this father. We long to believe but the enemy is relentless in his attacks against mind and faith.  We can ask the Father to help us believe. It is he who gives us the measure of faith. 

Romans 12:3 "Because of the privilege and authority God has given me, I give each of you this warning: Don’t think you are better than you really are. Be honest in your evaluation of yourselves, measuring yourselves by the faith God has given us."

I believe a second possible reason we don't see miracles every time we pray is timing. God has plans for our lives and his timing is perfect. 

Habakkuk 2:3 "For the revelation awaits an appointed time; it speaks of the end and will not prove false. Though it linger, wait for it; it will certainly come and will not delay."  His desire is always healing/freedom but it will come in his timing. 

Sometimes that might include the miracle of healing after death. My mom had cancer and we believed God to heal her. Our desire was healing here on earth. However, God chose to take her home. In the instant she passed from this life into eternity she was healed and free!!!  

A third reason might be to show God's glory and power. John 9:3 “Neither this man nor his parents sinned,” said Jesus, “but this happened so that the works of God might be displayed in him."  When we walk through illness or struggles we can rest in God's strength to see us through.  Our journey might be long or it might be short. Either way our response to our trials can be a testimony to those who watch our life. As God sustains us and we rely on him others will have their faith both challenged and strengthened. 

Don't loose heart!!  Our God is greater than anything we face!!  His strength is perfect and his love unfailing!!  

1 John 4:4 "But you belong to God, my dear children. You have already won a victory over those people, because the Spirit who lives in you is greater than the spirit who lives in the world."

2 Corinthians 12:9a "Each time he said, 'My grace is all you need. My power works best in weakness.'" 

Psalm 136:1 "Give thanks to the Lord, for he is good! His faithful love endures forever."

IT IS FINISHED!!!!!

Thanksgiving

1 Thessalonians 5:18 "Be thankful in all circumstances, for this is God’s will for you who belong to Christ Jesus."

A reflection from history. 

The winter of 1620 was a hard one for the members of the Plymouth Colony (the Pilgrims).  "November was too late to plant crops. Many settlers died of scurvy and malnutrition during that horrible first winter. Of the 102 original Mayflower passengers, only 44 survived. Again like in Jamestown, the kindness of the local Native Americans saved them from a frosty death."

"The Pilgrims' remarkable courage was displayed the following spring. When the Mayflower returned to Europe, not a single Pilgrim deserted Plymouth."  

"By autumn of 1621, the Pilgrims had much for which to be thankful. After the harvest, Massasoit and about ninety other Indians joined the Pilgrims for the great English tradition of HARVEST FESTIVAL. The participants celebrated for several days, dining on venison, goose, duck, turkey, fish, and of course, cornbread, the result of a bountiful corn harvest. This tradition was repeated at harvest time in the following years."

"It was President Lincoln who declared Thanksgiving a national celebration in 1863. The Plymouth Pilgrims simply celebrated survival, as well as the hopes of good fortune in the years that lay ahead."

Taken from U.S. History "3b. William Bradford and the First Thanksgiving". 

Like the Pilgrims of old, we have much to be thankful for. Every one  of us has a roof over our head, food to eat, family to love, and most important of all, our Savior who loves us with an everlasting love. Psalm 106:1 "Praise the Lord! Give thanks to the Lord, for he is good! His faithful love endures forever."

Let us never forget his great blessings and grace in our lives. No what matter our circumstances may be, we can praise our loving Father for his goodness toward us. Salvation is more than we deserve and yet he didn't stop there. He has given us life and breath, health and strength, provision and faith. Let us offer up praise to the One who gave us life and who sustains us. James 1:17 "Whatever is good and perfect is a gift coming down to us from God our Father, who created all the lights in the heavens. He never changes or casts a shifting shadow."

May you be blessed this Thanksgiving as you reflect on God's rich and abundant blessings in your life. 

Happy Thanksgiving!!!!

Ambassadors of The King

Colossians 3:17 "And whatever you do or say, do it as a representative of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks through him to God the Father."

2 Corinthians 5:20 "So we are Christ’s ambassadors; God is making his appeal through us. We speak for Christ when we plead, 'Come back to God!'” 

Ambassador: an official envoy; an authorized representative or messenger 

Our primary role in the Kingdom of God is that of ambassador. We are to be representatives of the King of Kings!  

The great commission calls us to be ambassadors (disciple makers). 

Matthew 28:18-20 "Jesus came and told his disciples, 'I have been given all authority in heaven and on earth. Therefore, go and make disciples of all the nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit. Teach these new disciples to obey all the commands I have given you. And be sure of this: I am with you always, even to the end of the age.'" 

God has not called all of us to leave home and country to be missionaries. He has not called all of us to stand on street corners and preach. He has not called all of us to be pastors, evangelists, etc. 

However, he has called us all to love others. John 13:35 "Your love for one another will prove to the world that you are my disciples.” 

He has called all of us to do good. Matthew 5:16 "In the same way, let your good deeds shine out for all to see, so that everyone will praise your heavenly Father."  These good deeds might be acts of service, giving to those in need, speaking a word of encouragement, etc. 

God has called all of us to have a servants heart and attitude. Mark 10:43-45 "But among you it will be different. Whoever wants to be a leader among you must be your servant, and whoever wants to be first among you must be the slave of everyone else. For even the Son of Man came not to be served but to serve others and to give his life as a ransom for many.” 

We are called to be salt and light. Matthew 5:13-14 "You are the salt of the earth. But what good is salt if it has lost its flavor? Can you make it salty again? It will be thrown out and trampled underfoot as worthless. You are the light of the world—like a city on a hilltop that cannot be hidden." As salt we can influence the "flavor" of our culture. As light we can "illuminate" our culture. We do this by living lives of holiness. Living for others rather than for ourselves.

We must always remember that we are ambassadors of Christ. Our actions and attitudes must always reflect those of the One we represent. If we are called by the name of Christ, "Christian", we must live like him, serve like him, think like him, act like him, and speak like him. This is a tall order but we are not doing it in our own strength. We are doing it through Christ. Philippians 4:13 "For I can do everything through Christ, who gives me strength."

Let us influence our corner of the world, those around us, by being faithful ambassadors for our King!

Deep Roots

Colossians 2:6-7 "And now, just as you accepted Christ Jesus as your Lord, you must continue to follow him. Let your roots grow down into him, and let your lives be built on him. Then your faith will grow strong in the truth you were taught, and you will overflow with thankfulness."

"Root, in botany, that part of a plant normally underground. Its primary functions are anchorage of the plant, absorption of water and dissolved minerals and conduction of these to the stem, and storage of reserve foods."  Written by The Editors of Encyclopædia Britannica

Our spiritual roots (faith) serve a similar purpose. First, they are hidden deep within our hearts. They are protected by the Holy Spirit like a plants roots are usually hidden/protected underground. 

Also, like a plants roots, which can be eaten away by bugs or suffer rotting, our roots are attacked by the enemy daily. He tries to kill our faith in and understanding of God.  If given opportunity and free reign he will destroy our root system and kill our spiritual life. 

To continue, our spiritual roots anchor us in Christ. When the storms of life billow and rage all around us our faith can remain strong and our hope secure. Hebrews 6:18-19 "So God has given both his promise and his oath. These two things are unchangeable because it is impossible for God to lie. Therefore, we who have fled to him for refuge can have great confidence as we hold to the hope that lies before us. This hope is a strong and trustworthy anchor for our souls. It leads us through the curtain into God’s inner sanctuary."

Another job of our root system is to absorb nourishment. Our spirits communicate with the Holy Spirit and are nourished by him. They also absorb the Word that we read and the truths from it that are revealed to us through Bible study, sermons, words from others, T. V., etc. 

There are many sources for nourishment, however, it is our job to seek the counsel of the Spirit and dig into the Word to determine if the "food" we have taken in is sound and in agreement with the Word of God. Like a plants roots, if we "feed" on unsound doctrine, our spirits will suffer decay and loss. This could lead to our spiritual death if it goes unchecked. 

The final job of our roots is to store up reserved food. There are times when life gets busy, storms rage, or we are unable to access our sources of spiritual food. If we have absorbed the Word and made it part of our DNA through constant use and memorization we will be able to draw upon it in tough times. 

There are believers in other parts of the world who are unable to go to church, watch Christian broadcasting, or even own a Bible. They must rely on the Word they have hidden in their hearts and the communication of their spirits with the Holy Spirit to sustain and strengthen them. 

Psalm 119:11 "I have hidden your word in my heart, that I might not sin against you."

Let us work on our root systems today. Pressing them deeper into Christ through prayer, Bible study, and Christian fellowship. 

http://youtu.be/f-9JZL-zY2g 

Listen to the words of this old hymn. It is so powerful when we let it get deep into our spirits!!

Crevices - The Hidden Life

Exodus 33:21-22 "The Lord continued, 'Look, stand near me on this rock. As my glorious presence passes by, I will hide you in the crevice of the rock and cover you with my hand until I have passed by.'"

Our Christian walk is like an ongoing mountain climb. We are always climbing higher and higher as we grow through the process of sanctification. 

Sanctification: the state of being sanctified; the state of growing in divine grace as a result of Christian commitment after baptism or conversion

We often rest on plateaus as we stop to learn deep truths or lessons but then we set off again climbing higher and higher. 

The winds of life blow and buffet us. The higher we climb the more they seem to increase in intensity. Often we feel tossed about by the things life throws at us. 

Psalm 18:2 "The Lord is my rock, my fortress, and my savior; my God is my rock, in whom I find protection. He is my shield, the power that saves me, and my place of safety."

We see here that just like with Moses, in our opening passage, God will protect us in those storms. There is always a crevice to hide in if we are walking in obedience and faith. 

Colossians 3:3 "For you died to this life, and your real life is hidden with Christ in God."

Oswald Chambers in "The Hidden Life" taken from My Utmost For His Highest states, "The Spirit of God testifies to and confirms the simple, but almighty, security of the life that “is hidden with Christ in God.” Paul continually brought this out in his New Testament letters. We talk as if living a sanctified life were the most uncertain and insecure thing we could do. Yet it is the most secure thing possible, because it has Almighty God in and behind it. The most dangerous and unsure thing is to try to live without God. For one who is born again, it is easier to live in a right-standing relationship with God than it is to go wrong, provided we heed God’s warnings and “walk in the light” (1 John 1:7)."  ["But if we are living in the light, as God is in the light, then we have fellowship with each other, and the blood of Jesus, his Son, cleanses us from all sin."]

When we think of being delivered from sin, being “filled with the Spirit” (Ephesians 5:18), and “walk[ing] in the light,” we picture the peak of a great mountain. We see it as very high and wonderful, but we say, “Oh, I could never live up there!” However, when we do get there through God’s grace, we find it is not a mountain peak at all, but a plateau with plenty of room to live and to grow. “You enlarged my path under me, so my feet did not slip” (Psalm 18:36)."

Whether we are climbing through the lessons of life, resting and learning on the large plateaus, or hiding in a crevice, we can know for sure that we are safe in our Father's loving arms.  

Compromise

Psalm 119:1-3 "Joyful are people of integrity, who follow the instructions of the Lord. Joyful are those who obey his laws and search for him with all their hearts. They do not compromise with evil, and they walk only in his paths."

Compromise: a change that makes something worse and that is not done for a good reason

I had a dream last night that brought the truth of Psalm 119:1-3 home again. I have watched as people I love dearly have compromised with sin. They have compromised in "small" things, justifying their choices as ok because it's a little thing. Sadly, those little things added up and now many of them are not walking with the Lord at all. Or they are attending churches that encourage sinful lifestyles and they are so deluded by the enemy that they have bought into the lies that they once would have been opposed to. 

In my dream I saw a friend who is in just that condition. This friend was standing in a position of spiritual leadership and authority. I knew the moment I saw this individual that they had not repented but were still living in sin.  The heartbreaking reality was that they were now leading others to compromise with evil and leading thousands into lives of sin. 

Mark 9:42 “But if you cause one of these little ones who trusts in me to fall into sin, it would be better for you to be thrown into the sea with a large millstone hung around your neck."

We are accountable for our actions and words. Psalm 119:1-2 promises us joy if we live in integrity and don't compromise with sin. Mark 9:24 promises punishment if we choose to live lives of compromise because our sinful choices may lead someone else into sin. 

Hebrews 11:25 (KJV) "Choosing rather to suffer affliction with the people of God, than to enjoy the pleasures of sin for a season."  

Here we see that sin is pleasant for a season. The enemy makes sin inviting and enjoyable at first. However, once he has us hooked we begin the process of loosing our joy and the pleasure quickly fades. Anyone steeped in sin, who is honest, would tell us that it is no longer pleasant. They feel trapped with not way out. 

The key to avoiding this sin trap is to follow the wise counsel of the Psalmist. 

1.  We must be people of integrity. 

      

      Integrity: the quality of being    

      honest and fair; the state of 

      being complete or whole [holy]

      1 Peter 1:16 For the Scriptures  

      say, “You must be holy because I 

      am holy.”  

2.   We must follow the instructions 

      of the Lord. 

     1 Samuel 15:22b "Obedience is 

     better than sacrifice, and 

     submission is better than offering 

     the fat of rams."

3.   We must obey his laws. 

      Psalm 1:2 "But they delight in 

      the law of the Lord, meditating     

      on it day and night."

4.  We must search for him with all 

     their hearts. 

     Jeremiah 29:13 "If you look for 

     me wholeheartedly, you will find 

     me."

4.  We cannot compromise with evil. 

     Ephesians 4:27 (NIV) "and do not 

     give the devil a foothold."

5.  We must walk only in his paths. 

     Matthew 7:14 (NIV) "But small is  

     the gate and narrow the road that 

     leads to life, and only a few find 

     it."

Let us not growing tired in the battle against sin. We cannot afford to compromise even in the smallest area. Galatians 6:9 "So let’s not get tired of doing what is good. At just the right time we will reap a harvest of blessing if we don’t give up."

Hearts Desire

Psalm 37:4 "Take delight in the Lord, and he will give you your heart’s desires."

Delight: a strong feeling of happiness; great pleasure or satisfaction; something that makes you very happy; something that gives you great pleasure or satisfaction

Desire: to long or hope for 

The Psalmist tells us to delight ourselves in the Lord. What does that look like today?  

Psalm 40:8 (KJV) "I delight to do thy will, O my God: yea, thy law is within my heart."

Romans 7:22 (KJV) "For I delight in the law of God after the inward man."  (NLT) "I love God’s law with all my heart."

Delighting in the Lord means we obey his laws (Word) and do his will. We practice obedience daily. We spend time with our Savior in the Word and prayer.  We are intentional about our spiritual walk. We don't simply attend church once or twice a week and call it good. We dig into the Word and get to know the God of the Word. We meditate on his Word and learn to hide it in our hearts. 

Psalm 119:11-16 "I have hidden your word in my heart, that I might not sin against you. I praise you, O Lord; teach me your decrees. I have recited aloud all the regulations you have given us. I have rejoiced in your laws as much as in riches. I will study your commandments and reflect on your ways. I will delight in your decrees and not forget your word."

As we delight in the Lord he will give us the desires of our heart. 

Matthew Henry states, “He has not promised to gratify all the appetites of the body and the humours of the fancy, but to grant all the desires of the heart, all the cravings of the renewed sanctified soul. What is the desire of the heart of a good man? It is this, to know, and love, and live to God, to please him and to be pleased in him.” *

Can you imagine what the desires of our hearts would be if we focused our attention on the first half of the verse rather than the last half?  

God's desire has been and always will be intimacy with his bride. Just as newlyweds take delight in getting to know each other, God delights in getting to know us as we get to know him. He created man to have fellowship with him. He came down and walk with Adam and Eve in the cool of the evening.  Genesis 3:8a "When the cool evening breezes were blowing, the man and his wife heard the Lord God walking about in the garden."  

As we grow closer to our Savior we will learn to delight in him. He will then cause our desires to become his desires. As we grow and mature in our walk he will grant those desires. 

Let us delight ourselves in the Lord from this day forward. 

*Taken from Matthew Henry's Commentary

Lamp and Light

As I sat down to write today, I made three attempts. Each time I felt the Holy Spirit shake his head, "No, not that one."  After the third attempt I took a break. I never want to send out something that he has not approved. 

While I was waiting on him for a Word, I snuggled and read with my sweet baby boy. I then felt motivated to bake a couple loaves of strawberry zucchini bread. It was during the bread making that the Holy Spirit spoke. 

I love to bake. The recipe gives me step-by-step instructions. And there is often a picture of the finished product so I know what to expect. However, I have found that in my Christian walk that is not usually the case. 

The Psalmist wrote: "Your word is a lamp to guide my feet and a light for my path."  Psalm 119:105. I have a dear friend who has a one candle power lamp that was used in Bible times. It is a small clay jar with a wick. It holds only a very small amount of oil. In Bible days when someone had to journey in the dark they would light that lamp and hold it on a string down by their feet. The lamp was only bright enough to light up one step at a time. It was too weak to penetrate the darkness farther ahead. 

This has been my experience on my journey with Christ. Unlike my recipe which provides complete, step-by-step instructions and a picture of the finished product, my walk has been one step at a time revelation. God never gives me a new step until I have completed the last one. He often even waits for a period of time between steps. 

I have learned that I have two choices, obey or disobey and rebel. If I obey the next step is forth coming in the right time. If I disobey I am forced to face trials and struggles. I've heard the phrase "You asked for it" many times in my life. It is so true here. If I rebel I am asking for harder lessons to teach me the importance of obedience. 

We discipline our children to teach them to obey. God does the same with us. Proverbs 3:12 "For the Lord corrects those he loves, just as a father corrects a child in whom he delights."  

Note: Everyone going through struggles and trials is not living in rebellion. But those who are usually know it!!

Not being able to see in the dark is disconcerting and often a little frightening. God understands our feelings and promises to be with us all the way. Deuteronomy 31:6 "So be strong and courageous! Do not be afraid and do not panic before them. For the Lord your God will personally go ahead of you. He will neither fail you nor abandon you.” 

All God asked of us is step-by-step obedience. He doesn't ask us to solve our own problems. He doesn't ask us to be perfect. He doesn't even ask us to be successful. Just obedient. 

Let us place our faith and confidence in Christ and take each step as he leads. 

Infinitely More

Ephesians 3:20 "Now all glory to God, who is able, through his mighty power at work within us, to accomplish infinitely more than we might ask or think."

Infinitely: having no limits; extremely large or great

I want to look at one example of God's "infinitely more" from the book of Acts. 

Acts 3:1-8 Peter and John went to the Temple one afternoon to take part in the three o’clock prayer service. As they approached the Temple, a man lame from birth was being carried in. Each day he was put beside the Temple gate, the one called the Beautiful Gate, so he could beg from the people going into the Temple. When he saw Peter and John about to enter, he asked them for some money. Peter and John looked at him intently, and Peter said, “Look at us!” The lame man looked at them eagerly, expecting some money. But Peter said, “I don’t have any silver or gold for you. But I’ll give you what I have. In the name of Jesus Christ the Nazarene, get up and walk!” Then Peter took the lame man by the right hand and helped him up. And as he did, the man’s feet and ankles were instantly healed and strengthened. He jumped up, stood on his feet, and began to walk! Then, walking, leaping, and praising God, he went into the Temple with them. 

God, working through Peter, did not give the man what he asked for. He wanted money to support himself. God gave him infinitely more; freedom from the slavery of begging and being at the mercy of other people. He could now control where he went, how he made a living, etc. He was just trying to survive that one day, God gave him all his days. And in light of verse 8, he gained eternity as well!!  

On a more personal note. I have been praying for Scott to find a job for two 1/2 years. We needed the income (I thought).  However, God saw my real need. My eternal need. There were areas in my life that needed healing and freedom. 

Like the lame man I was a prisoner to much of my past. I was a slave to the emotional scars from abuse and  hurtful words spoken to me and over my life. 

During this season of "famine" in our life, I have had hours each day to spend sitting at the feet of my Savior. He has revealed the scares and the source of each one. He has healed the scares lovingly and gently one by one. He has changed how I view the events which caused the scares to begin with. 

If my loving Heavenly Father had answered my prayer and given Scott a job when I first started praying, I might not have felt the deep need to spend the hours alone with Jesus. If I had not spent the hours with him, I would still be a slave today. 

When we pray, we must remember that our Father wants our best. He wants to set us free and give is abundant life. He knows how best to accomplish this if we yield to him and act toward him in gratitude not resentment or doubt.  

Too often we frail humans get resentful or discouraged and begin to doubt when our prayers are not met the moment we pray. Instead, we need to seek harder and ask God to teach us the lessons we need to learn through the circumstances we find ourselves in. 

Remember: Isaiah 55:8-9 (NIV) “For my thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways my ways,”declares the Lord. “As the heavens are higher than the earth, so are my ways higher than your ways and my thoughts than your thoughts."

Future and Hope

Jeremiah 29:11 "For I know the plans I have for you,” says the Lord. “They are plans for good and not for disaster, to give you a future and a hope."

Future: that is to be; specifically: existing after death; existing or occurring at a later time

Hope: to cherish a desire with anticipation 

I believe this verse has a two- fold promise. Present future (in the life on earth) and eternity future (heaven).

Present Future-

God has promised to give us a future. He has specific plans and designs for our lives. Unfortunately, we often choose the path we would like, but his plans still prevail. We may take a number of detours but if we are truly committed to following his lead he will guide us on the path  he has planned out for us. 

We do need to remember that we have an enemy who is out to derail those plans and to destroy our lives.  John 10:10 "The thief’s purpose is to steal and kill and destroy. My purpose is to give them a rich and satisfying life."  

Our battle is not against men even though the enemy uses people in our lives. The real battle is waged in the spirit realm. Ephesians 6:12 "For we are not fighting against flesh-and-blood enemies, but against evil rulers and authorities of the unseen world, against mighty powers in this dark world, and against evil spirits in the heavenly places."

We must also remember that things are not always as they appear. The mirror on my car says: "Objects are closer than they appear." Also, if you've ever gone into a fun house at a fair or amusement park you have seen distorted mirrors that mess with your mind. The same holds true in our spirit life. The enemy will build things up to look worse than they are or he will downplay them to make them look less serious than they are depending upon his current goal in our lives. 

The scripture admonishes us not to look at our circumstances through earthly eyes but spirit eyes. 

2 Corinthians 5:7 "For we live by faith, not by sight."  Ephesians 1:18-19 "I pray that the eyes of your heart may be enlightened in order that you may know the hope to which he has called you, the riches of his glorious inheritance in his holy people, and his incomparably great power for us who believe."

Eternity Future-

Our future does not stop when we leave this earthly body. It just begins!!!!   Ecclesiastes 3:11a "He has made everything beautiful in its time. He has also set eternity in the human heart;" 

Revelation 21:4-7 "‘He will wipe every tear from their eyes. There will be no more death’ or mourning or crying or pain, for the old order of things has passed away.' He who was seated on the throne said, 'I am making everything new!' Then he said, 'Write this down, for these words are trustworthy and true.' He said to me: 'It is done. I am the Alpha and the Omega, the Beginning and the End. To the thirsty I will give water without cost from the spring of the water of life. Those who are victorious will inherit all this, and I will be their God and they will be my children.'"

Present Hope-

We hope in the promises of God. Here are three of those promises:

1. We are never alone. Deuteronomy 31:6 "Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid or terrified because of them, for the Lord your God goes with you; he will never leave you nor forsake you.” 

2. God will give us strength as we hope in him. Isaiah 40:31 (NIV)" ...but those who hope in the Lord will renew their strength. They will soar on wings like eagles; they will run and not grow weary, they will walk and not be faint."

3. We receive happiness (joy) as we hope in The Lord. Proverbs 10:28 "The hopes of the godly result in happiness, but the expectations of the wicked come to nothing."

We all have desires and dreams that God has placed in our hearts.  We pray and hope in faith that God will bring them about in his time. Hebrews 11:1 "Faith is the confidence that what we hope for will actually happen; it gives us assurance about things we cannot see."    

Eternity Hope- 

We, like Abraham, are hoping (looking/waiting) for our heavenly home. Hebrews 11:10 "Abraham was confidently looking forward to a city with eternal foundations, a city designed and built by God."

God has plans and desires for each of us. If we place our lives securely in his trustworthy hands he will give us our future and our hope!!!

Abundant Life

John 10:10 (KJV) "The thief cometh not, but for to steal, and to kill, and to destroy: I am come that they might have life, and that they might have it more abundantly."

Abundant: marked by great plenty;  amply supplied; abounding 

God's desire for our lives is abundance. This is true for every area of our lives. However, we need to know God's priorities and align ours with his. 

Our first priority must be to seek first the kingdom. Matthew 6:33 "Seek the Kingdom of God above all else, and live righteously, and he will give you everything you need." When our focus is on the kingdom, all other things will fade in importance. 

Another priority we must have is to crucify our flesh. Galatians 2:20 "My old self has been crucified with Christ. It is no longer I who live, but Christ lives in me. So I live in this earthly body by trusting in the Son of God, who loved me and gave himself for me."  We need to daily die to self and live for Christ. We will not always succeed but we will learn new lessons and deeper truths along the way. We will gain a greater understanding of who God is and who we are in him. 

When we fail he forgives and sets us back on the right track. When a child is learning to walk and begins to take the first brave, halting steps alone, the parents don't get angry when he falls, they lovingly pick him up, comfort him, and set him in his feet again. That is how our Heavenly Father treats his children who are repentant. 

To continue, we must yield our (bodies) lives to the will and direction of the Father. Romans 12:1 "And so, dear brothers and sisters, I plead with you to give your bodies to God because of all he has done for you. Let them be a living and holy sacrifice—the kind he will find acceptable. This is truly the way to worship him."  1 Corinthians 6:19-20 "Don’t you realize that your body is the temple of the Holy Spirit, who lives in you and was given to you by God? You do not belong to yourself, for God bought you with a high price. So you must honor God with your body."  

Yielding costs us something. We must give up running the show. That is not easy for people who have been taught all our lives, by the culture, that life is about "me" and if it feels good to us and makes us happy we should do it. I can tell you from personal experience that allowing God to run the show brings peace and joy. 

Further, we must become givers. We must yield our time, talents, and resources to God and obey him on how to use them.  Luke 6:38 "Give, and you will receive. Your gift will return to you in full—pressed down, shaken together to make room for more, running over, and poured into your lap. The amount you give will determine the amount you get back.” 

Jesus illustrated this in the temple. Luke 21:1-4 "While Jesus was in the Temple, he watched the rich people dropping their gifts in the collection box. Then a poor widow came by and dropped in two small coins. 'I tell you the truth,' Jesus said, 'this poor widow has given more than all the rest of them. For they have given a tiny part of their surplus, but she, poor as she is, has given everything she has.'"  It is not about how much we give but the attitude with which we do it. The wealthy made grand shows of putting their gifts in the box, this widow quietly came and gave out of a heart of gratitude and praise. She gave not to receive praise from men but to honor her God. 

Additionally, we must learn to be content with what God provides for us. Hebrews 13:5 "Don’t love money; be satisfied with what you have. For God has said,'I will never fail you. I will never abandon you.'"   Philippians 4:11 "Not that I was ever in need, for I have learned how to be content with whatever I have."  

Finally, we must put off worry. Worry comes from lack of trust (faith). If we trusted God to supply ALL our needs we would not worry. Matthew 6:25-33 “That is why I tell you not to worry about everyday life—whether you have enough food and drink, or enough clothes to wear. Isn’t life more than food, and your body more than clothing? Look at the birds. They don’t plant or harvest or store food in barns, for your heavenly Father feeds them. And aren’t you far more valuable to him than they are? Can all your worries add a single moment to your life? “And why worry about your clothing? Look at the lilies of the field and how they grow. They don’t work or make their clothing, yet Solomon in all his glory was not dressed as beautifully as they are. And if God cares so wonderfully for wildflowers that are here today and thrown into the fire tomorrow, he will certainly care for you. Why do you have so little faith? “So don’t worry about these things, saying, ‘What will we eat? What will we drink? What will we wear?’ These things dominate the thoughts of unbelievers, but your heavenly Father already knows all your needs. Seek the Kingdom of God above all else, and live righteously, and he will give you everything you need."

Abundant life is a life of peace and joy. A life free from fear and anxiety. When we make God's priorities ours by; seeking first the kingdom, crucifying our flesh, yielding our lives to God's control, becoming givers, learning to be content with what he provides, and putting off worry, we will have peace and joy. We will have abundant life.