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!!!!!