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.