God's Word Proves True

As indicated in 2 Peter 1:16-21, Peter and the other apostles were eye witnesses to the power and coming of Christ. It was confirmed to them that Jesus was the promised Messiah. They would have previously read about the prophecy foretelling his coming. How exciting and rewarding it must have been for them to have actually witnessed it for themselves!

In Isaiah 7:14 we read, “Therefore the Lord himself will give you a sign. Behold, the virgin shall conceive and bear a son, and shall call his name Immanuel.”

Matthew 1:18 tells us, “Now the birth of Jesus Christ took place in this way. When his mother Mary had been betrothed to Joseph, before they came together she was found to be with child from the Holy Spirit. Then on in verses 20-23 we read, “..an angel of the Lord appeared to him in a dream, saying, “Joseph, son of David, do not fear to take Mary as your wife, for that which is conceived in her is from the Holy Spirit. She will bear a son, and you shall call his name Jesus, for he will save his people from their sins.” All this took place to fulfill what the Lord had spoken by the prophet:

“Behold, the virgin shall conceive and bear a son, and they shall call his name Immanuel” (which means, God with us).

The prophet Isaiah foretold the coming of Christ approximately 700 years before it happened. Then... in Matthew we read that an angel confirmed Jesus’ birth was going to take place-- in the not too distant future. Then, in Luke 2:8-20, we read the familiar passage that tells us of Jesus’ birth having taken place. This is only one prophecy foretold and confirmed to have taken place. There are other prophecies in the Bible, as well, and... of all the prophecies written in the Bible... not one has failed to be fulfilled. 2 Samuel 22:31 tells us, “This God—his way is perfect; the word of the Lord proves true; he is a shield for all those who take refuge in him.” In other words, we can put our complete faith and trust in the Word of God. Psalm 18:30 confirms these words, “This God—his way is perfect; the word of the Lord proves true; he is a shield for all those who take refuge in him,” as does Proverbs 30:5, “Every word of God proves true; he is a shield to those who take refuge in him.” When we really want someone to pay attention, we repeat our words for emphasis. Here we find the phrase, “The word of the Lord proves true” repeated more than once, for emphasis. We are being assured, more than once, that God’s word is true. We can trust His word. That means we can put our complete faith and trust in Him. The apostles read God’s word, then witnessed the truth of it for themselves. We also can be witnesses to the truth of God’s word. If we put our faith and trust in His word, by seeking Him with our whole heart and living in obedience to His teaching, God will confirm to us that His word proves true.

Many who say they believe God’s word do not truly trust in Him. To illustrate this, I could say “I believe the chair I am standing beside will hold me up and keep me from falling”. I could say it and I could believe it, but... unless I actually sit in the chair, I do not demonstrate faith which believes it will uphold me. Similarly, we could say we believe God’s word to be true, and that we believe He can keep us from falling (into sin), but until we actually put our trust in Him (through obedience to His word), we do not show evidence of a true and saving faith. In Philippians 4:6-9 we read, “do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.

Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is just, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is commendable, if there is any excellence, if there is anything worthy of praise, think about these things. What you have learned and received and heard and seen in me—practice these things, and the God of peace will be with you.”

God’s word tells us not to be anxious, but to pray about everything (with thankful hearts). When we obey God’s word (do as it instructs)... thinking on things that are commendable and worthy of praise (verse 8)… we demonstrate our trust in Him and are blessed with His peace-- a peace that passes all understanding.

Why Do we Believe the Bible?

Do we ever stop and think about why we believe the Bible is true? The best reason we can give anyone is the fact that...

“the Bible is a collection of historical documents written down by eye witnesses during the lifetime of other eye witnesses. They report to supernatural events that took place in fulfillment of specific prophesies and claim to be divine rather than human in origin.”

This statement was taken from scripture references in the Bible. In 2 Peter 1:16-21 we read, “For we did not follow cleverly devised myths when we made known to you the power and coming of our Lord Jesus Christ, but we were eyewitnesses of his majesty. For when he received honor and glory from God the Father, and the voice was borne to him by the Majestic Glory, “This is my beloved Son, with whom I am well pleased,” we ourselves heard this very voice borne from heaven, for we were with him on the holy mountain. And we have the prophetic word more fully confirmed, to which you will do well to pay attention as to a lamp shining in a dark place, until the day dawns and the morning star rises in your hearts, knowing this first of all, that no prophecy of Scripture comes from someone's own interpretation. For no prophecy was ever produced by the will of man, but men spoke from God as they were carried along by the Holy Spirit.”

In 1 John 1:1-3, John writes, “That which was from the beginning, which we have heard, which we have seen with our eyes, which we looked upon and have touched with our hands, concerning the word of life—  the life was made manifest, and we have seen it, and testify to it and proclaim to you the eternal life, which was with the Father and was made manifest to us—  that which we have seen and heard we proclaim also to you, so that you too may have fellowship with us; and indeed our fellowship is with the Father and with his Son Jesus Christ.”

In the transfiguration (found in Matthew 17:1-8), four of the apostles were on the mountain and witnessed Jesus talking with Moses and Elijah. They must have been quite incredulous at this sight, especially considering Moses and Elijah had both died many years prior to this event. It would not be hard to understand why unbelievers would think this impossible and even foolish. 1 Corinthians 1:18 tells us, “For the word of the cross is folly to those who are perishing, but to us who are being saved it is the power of God.”

In verse 19 of 2 Peter 1 we read, “And we have the prophetic word more fully confirmed, to which you will do well to pay attention as to a lamp shining in a dark place, until the day dawns and the morning star rises in your hearts,” In other words, they witnessed the power of God at work before their very eyes and God’s word was confirmed to them because of this. They could, therefore, admonish others to pay attention to God’s word. We are told that God’s word is a lamp to our feet and a light to our path. Peter says we would do well to pay attention to this word as to a lamp shining in a dark place, until the day dawns and the morning star rises in your hearts. We must look at God’s word as something that is necessary to guide us safely through life- to keep us from stumbling into sin. We must do what it says, even when we don’t feel like it. If we do not use God’s word as a guide for obedient living- we will stumble, fall and suffer consequences to our disobedience. Maybe many consequences. The greater the sin, the greater the consequence.

Looking at verse 21 of 2 Peter we read, For no prophecy was ever produced by the will of man, but men spoke from God as they were carried along by the Holy Spirit.” This is the best reason to believe the Bible is true-- because it is God’s word to us. Verse 21 of 2 Peter 1 tells us that Scripture does not come from the interpretation of man, but by men who spoke ‘from God’ and were guided by the Holy Spirit. It is as if God was breathing His own words into their mouths. In their writings, they were guided along by the Holy Spirit.

If we truly believe the Bible to be the inspired word of God and that every word within it is true and without contradiction, then we can be confident in using it as our guidebook for life. And if God, by His Spirit, has made us alive in Christ, it will be our desire to encourage others, (just as the apostles did) to pay careful attention to the words within this Book. Even though it will not always be easy to do what the Bible says, we must understand that these words are our life!

Paul is writing to Timothy here in 2 Timothy 3:12-17. He says, “Indeed, all who desire to live a godly life in Christ Jesus will be persecuted, while evil people and impostors will go on from bad to worse, deceiving and being deceived. But as for you, continue in what you have learned and have firmly believed, knowing from whom you learned it  and how from childhood you have been acquainted with the sacred writings, which are able to make you wise for salvation through faith in Christ Jesus.  All Scripture is breathed out by God and profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction, and for training in righteousness,  that the man of God may be complete, equipped for every good work.”

In other words, the Bible contains all that we need to know in order to live faithful lives, pleasing to God. May we, then determine to read it, study it, and ask God to give us a right understanding of His word-- and the grace and ability to live in obedience to it.

May we pay careful attention to God’s word- “as to a lamp shining in a dark place until the day dawns and the morning star rises in our hearts.”

Power at Work

I thought of a wonderful analogy this summer which relates to my gardening. Every year it seems I start out keeping the weeds down pretty good, but over time I get distracted. Weeds get ahead of me-- to the point where I give up and they take over. This can be rather discouraging.

But THIS year has been different! Hubby bought me a wonderful little tiller. It fits right in between the rows, enabling me to keep the worst of the weeds cleaned up. THIS year my garden looks very tidy… and it has been a pleasure to work there...thanks to the power of this little machine.

I liken the power of this little tiller to the power of God at work in His children. As my tiller helps me deal with weeds in my garden, so God’s power helps his children deal with the sin in their lives. Many try to battle sin in their own strength and, inevitably… because their focus is on self instead of Christ… they become discouraged…

Many give up trying to overcome the temptation to sin because it becomes too overwhelming for them. But... as we seek God through obedience, He will display His power at work within us, and so free us from the grip of sin. “Let not sin therefore reign in your mortal body, to make you obey its passions. Do not present your members to sin as instruments for unrighteousness, but present yourselves to God as those who have been brought from death to life, and your members to God as instruments for righteousness” (Romans 6:12-13).

Just as I would love to be 100% free of all weeds in my garden, so do those belonging to Christ desire to be 100% free of sin in their lives. Unfortunately, that is not possible this side of glory. As we obey God’s teaching however, we will experience God's power at work within us, sanctifying us and making us more like our Savior.. "Keep my statutes and do them; I am the Lord who sanctifies you” (Leviticus 20:8). As God sanctifies us we will increasingly display the qualities of the fruit of the Spirit in our lives, "..the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control; against such things there is no law" (Galatians 5:22-23). 

 

Praise God for His power at work within us!

Decisions, Decisions

I’ve been thinking on the importance of making decisions based on what is pleasing to God. Two men from scripture come to mind in this. In Genesis we read of how Lot had a decision to make- to take the land on the right or the left (Genesis 13:1-9).

In verses 10-13 we read, “And Lot lifted up his eyes and saw that the Jordan Valley was well watered everywhere like the garden of the Lord, like the land of Egypt, in the direction of Zoar. (This was before the Lord destroyed Sodom and Gomorrah.) So Lot chose for himself all the Jordan Valley, and Lot journeyed east. Thus they separated from each other. Abram settled in the land of Canaan, while Lot settled among the cities of the valley and moved his tent as far as Sodom. Now the men of Sodom were wicked, great sinners against the Lord” (Genesis 13:10-13).

Lot based his decision on immediate gratification. The scripture says ‘he saw’ the valley was well- watered and chose it. He obviously did not consider all the factors involved in that choice-- certainly not the consequences of settling in an area where the scripture tells us the men were,“wicked, great sinners against the LORD.” Lot’s impulsive decision landed him in a very dangerous place, suffering dire consequences. He ended up living in the wicked city of Sodom, to which God sent two angels. They came to Lot and said, “we are about to destroy this place, because the outcry against its people has become great before the Lord, and the Lord has sent us to destroy it.” So Lot went out and said to his sons-in-law, who were to marry his daughters, “Up! Get out of this place, for the Lord is about to destroy the city.” But he seemed to his sons-in-law to be jesting.

As morning dawned, the angels urged Lot, saying, “Up! Take your wife and your two daughters who are here, lest you be swept away in the punishment of the city.” But he lingered. So the men seized him and his wife and his two daughters by the hand, the Lord being merciful to him, and they brought him out and set him outside the city. And as they brought them out, one said, “Escape for your life” (Genesis 19:13-17).

The story of Lot demonstrates the importance of making wise decisions based on the teaching of scripture. Certainly Lot could not have foreseen the disastrous results of his decision, but he should have known better than to surround himself with men who “were great sinners against the LORD.” “Do not be deceived: “Bad company ruins good morals” (1 Corinthians 15:33).

Moses was another man from scripture who was confronted with a difficult decision. He was raised in prosperity and could have had great riches throughout his life. He chose, however, to give that all up. In Hebrews 11:24-26 we read, “By faith Moses, when he was grown up, refused to be called the son of Pharaoh's daughter, choosing rather to be mistreated with the people of God than to enjoy the fleeting pleasures of sin. He considered the reproach of Christ greater wealth than the treasures of Egypt, for he was looking to the reward.” Notice the two words at the beginning of the sentence. “By faith.” If we are Christians, we must make our decisions by faith. Moses did this. He chose a life of trials and difficulties-- over temporary comforts-- in faith, believing eternity would produce a far greater reward.

If we are Christians, we, must make decisions in light of eternity-- considering all factors and what is best for us and our loved ones. We should ask ourselves if this decision will please or displease God. Will it bless my loved ones (friends or family members), or will it hurt them? We should never make a decision impulsively based on immediate gratification. Consider first the long term consequences of that decision.

All people suffer consequences of choices and decisions that displease God, however big or little those decisions may be. As Christians, however, we could save ourselves much grief if we would seek God’s wisdom through His word to direct our decision making. In the Psalms we are told, “Through your precepts I get understanding; therefore I hate every false way. Your word is a lamp to my feet and a light to my path” (Psalm 119:104-105). We are also told to, “Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and do not lean on your own understanding. In all your ways acknowledge him, and he will make straight your paths. Be not wise in your own eyes; fear the Lord, and turn away from evil” (Proverbs 3:5-7).

Had Lot sought God’s wisdom and turned away from evil, he would not have suffered such consequences. Sufficient are our trials in life without adding to them through unwise choices and decisions. However, we can be assured that “.. if he rescued righteous Lot, greatly distressed by the sensual conduct of the wicked (for as that righteous man lived among them day after day, he was tormenting his righteous soul over their lawless deeds that he saw and heard); then the Lord knows how to rescue the godly from trials,” (2 Peter 2:7-8).

Submission- the Key to Harmony

I’ve been thinking on the importance of understanding and practicing submission. “Submission is the key to unity and harmony in human relationships.”

Submission should start within the home and move outward from there. God gives clear “submission guidelines” for each member of a family. “Wives, submit to your husbands, as is fitting in the Lord. Husbands, love your wives, and do not be harsh with them. Children, obey your parents in everything, for this pleases the Lord. Fathers, do not provoke your children, lest they become discouraged,” (Colossians 3:18-21). If wives would determine to submit to God through submission to their husbands... husbands determine to submit to God by loving their wives... children be trained to submit to God by obeying their parents... and fathers (as well as mothers) submit to God by not provoking their children, then families would live together in much better harmony.

In order to understand the broader concept of submission, we must, first and foremost, submit ourselves to God. James 4:6-7 tells us, “But he gives more grace. Therefore it says, “God opposes the proud but gives grace to the humble.” Submit yourselves therefore to God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you.” In other words, when we act in humble obedience to God’s word… choosing submission to Him... Satan’s temptations can have no power over us.

Not only must we be subject to the law, but we must also be subject to one another as employees and employers. “Bondservants, obey your earthly masters with fear and trembling, with a sincere heart, as you would Christ, not by the way of eye-service, as people-pleasers, but as bondservants of Christ, doing the will of God from the heart, rendering service with a good will as to the Lord and not to man, knowing that whatever good anyone does, this he will receive back from the Lord, whether he is a bondservant or is free. Masters, do the same to them, and stop your threatening, knowing that he who is both their Master and yours is in heaven, and that there is no partiality with him” (Ephesians 6:5-9). We can replace the word “bondservants” with “employees” and “masters” with “employers” in order to apply it to today. Scripture is telling us to be in submission to one another (in and out of the workplace) by living according to God’s will, in order to please Him in all that we do. Romans 12:10 reads “Love one another with brotherly affection. Outdo one another in showing honor.”

Not only must we be submissive toward those in authority over us, but God tells us (through His word) that we must also be, “submitting to one another out-- of reverence for Christ” (Ephesians 5:21). Submission to one another must always be in the context of scripture’s teaching, however. If someone sees us acting in disobedience to scripture’s teaching and corrects us, we are to acknowledge that wrong and repent of it. If, however, someone suggests we must obey them... when their commands are clearly against the teaching of scripture... then we must choose to “obey God rather than men,” (Acts 5:29). If, first and foremost, our desire is to be submissive to God, then obedience to scripture’s teaching must be top priority.

Jesus is our perfect example. In humble obedience to the Father, He was able to place the interests of others ahead of His own. Philippians 2:1-4; “Let each of you look not only to his own interests, but also to the interests of others. Have this mind among yourselves, which is yours in Christ Jesus, who, though he was in the form of God, did not count equality with God a thing to be grasped, but emptied himself, by taking the form of a servant, being born in the likeness of men. And being found in human form, he humbled himself by becoming obedient to the point of death, even death on a cross.”

Jesus demonstrated perfect submission to His Heavenly Father by doing what was pleasing to him, “Jesus said to them, “When you have lifted up the Son of Man, then you will know that I am he, and that I do nothing on my own authority, but speak just as the Father taught me. And he who sent me is with me. He has not left me alone, for I always do the things that are pleasing to him,” (John 8:28-29). If we are true disciples of Christ, we must follow the example our Lord set for us just before His crucifixion. “And he withdrew from them about a stone's throw, and knelt down and prayed, saying, “Father, if you are willing, remove this cup from me. Nevertheless, not my will, but yours, be done,” (Luke 22:41-42).

Bind Leading the Blind

Luke 6:39-40 reads, “He also told them this parable: “Can the blind lead the blind? Will they not both fall into a pit? A disciple is not above his teacher, but everyone when he is fully trained will be like his teacher.”

If one is physically blind, he cannot keep another blind person from falling into a ditch. In this same way, one who is spiritually blind cannot keep others from “falling into a ditch,” along the path of righteousness.

(In truth, we are all spiritually blind-- but some have partial sight.) “For now we see in a mirror dimly, but then face to face. Now I know in part; then I shall know fully, even as I have been fully known,” (1 Corinthians 13:12). Because all are born dead, in trespasses and sins, we are all born blind (spiritually speaking). If God, by His Spirit, makes us alive, we then begin to see. We will never fully see and understand scripture’s teaching...and will not attain perfection while in these earthly bodies...but we will see enough to follow the path of righteousness.

Each of us is at a different point on that pathway. The more spiritually mature are walking closer to God than others, with a better understanding of His word. As we seek God through His word, and are sanctified by Him, our blinded eyes see more and more clearly. We become increasingly mature in the faith and grow closer to God, by the work of His Spirit in us. (The more we seek God through His word, the more mature we become in the faith as he sanctifies us). It is God (alone) who can make our blind eyes see. Psalm 146:7 reads, “The Lord sets the prisoners free; the Lord opens the eyes of the blind.” (God enables us to see more clearly (by the work of His Spirit)- as we live in obedience to His teaching.)

Psalm 119:104-105 reads, “Through your precepts I get understanding; therefore I hate every false way. Your word is a lamp to my feet and a light to my path.” God’s word, and His word alone, can open our eyes to see more clearly. None of us will have 20/20 spiritual vision until we reach glory, (when we are fully sanctified), but we must strive for it by reading God’s word (and praying for a right understanding). (We do so in order to understand scripture’s teaching progressively, by His Spirit.) Proverbs 4:18-19 reads, “..the path of the righteous is like the light of dawn, which shines brighter and brighter until full day. The way of the wicked is like deep darkness; they do not know over what they stumble.” (As disciples of Christ- we will not be fully trained until we are fully glorified one day- in heaven. Only then will our path shine as bright as full day.)

As, in obedience to God through the teaching of His word, we will grow in wisdom and understanding as men and women of God. In 2 Timothy 3:14-17 Paul is telling Timothy, “But as for you, continue in what you have learned and have firmly believed, knowing from whom you learned it and how from childhood you have been acquainted with the sacred writings, which are able to make you wise for salvation through faith in Christ Jesus. All Scripture is breathed out by God and profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction, and for training in righteousness, that the man of God may be complete, equipped for every good work.”

It is important to seek scriptural teaching from those whose eyes have been opened more fully to the truths of God’s word and whose teaching lines up with God’s commands—most importantly the great command to, “love the Lord your God with all your heart, soul and mind, and your neighbor as yourself.”

If others’ teaching is not in line with God’s commands they are spiritually blind, and we should not sit under their teaching. As scripture warns, “Can the blind lead the blind? Will they not both fall into the ditch?”

May God reveal to us... more and more... the truth of His word...and may we be conformed... more and more... into the image of Christ.

Compassion versus Condemnation

“Judge not, and you will not be judged; condemn not, and you will not be condemned; forgive, and you will be forgiven; (Luke 6:37). To understand this verse correctly, we must look at it in the broader context of scripture’s teaching. This verse does not mean we won’t be judged for our actions if we don’t judge others. Scripture is clear that everyone will be judged one day. 2 Corinthians 5:10 reads, “For we must all appear before the judgment seat of Christ, so that each one may receive what is due for what he has done in the body, whether good or evil,” “I tell you, on the day of judgment people will give account for every careless word they speak, for by your words you will be justified, and by your words you will be condemned,” (Matthew 12:36-37).

Every person will be judged one day. Many will be condemned, but, praise God, the good news is that, “those who are found to be in Christ will not come under condemnation” (Romans 8:1)

This verse instructs us to judge other’s actions (not hearts) as God will judge us—according to the teaching of scripture. “Judge not, that you be not judged. For with the judgment you pronounce you will be judged, and with the measure you use it will be measured to you,” (Matthew 7:1-2). If we judge others harshly, we can expect to be judged harshly. If we show compassion and forgiveness as God shows to His children, we can expect to be judged with compassion and forgiveness. Ephesians 4:32 admonishes, “Be kind to one another, tender-hearted, forgiving one another, as God in Christ forgave you.”

If we know Christ’s forgiveness ourselves, we should want others to receive His forgiveness, as well, “For God did not send his Son into the world to condemn the world, but in order that the world might be saved through him,” (John 3:17). Compassion, rather than condemnation, will better draw others to Christ. Scripture teaches that God’s kindness leads men to repentance, “Or do you presume on the riches of his kindness and forbearance and patience, not knowing that God's kindness is meant to lead you to repentance” (Romans 2:4)? 

 

We are all sinners in need of grace and strength to keep us from falling. Galatians 6:1 reads,“Brothers, if anyone is caught in any transgression, you who are spiritual should restore him in a spirit of gentleness. Keep watch on yourself, lest you too be tempted” (Galatians 6:1), “Therefore let anyone who thinks that he stands take heed lest he fall” (1 Corinthians 10:12).

Matthew 22:37-39 sums up the law by which we will all be judged, “You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind. This is the great and first commandment. And a second is like it: You shall love your neighbor as yourself. On these two commandments depend all the Law and the Prophets.”

To Know God is to Know Fear- and Have No Fear

Everyone...young and old alike... experiences fear at times... Some fears are actually GOOD.. The best kind of fear is a fear of God. This fear will turn us from evil. “The fear of the Lord is hatred of evil,” (Proverbs 8:13). Just as we should fear doing things which could put us in physical danger, we should fear doing things which could put us in spiritual danger (consequences suffered from sinful behavior). This demonstrates “fear of God.”

We are generally able to manage our fears when in dangerous circumstances within our control. In difficult circumstances beyond our control, however, we can “have no fear” only as we trust in God.

1 John 4:18 tells us, “There is no fear in love, but perfect love casts out fear. For fear has to do with punishment, and whoever fears has not been perfected in love.” If we are in Christ, and trusting fully in Him for all of our needs, we will not fear anything. However, because we still have a sin nature within us, we still continue to experience fear-- even if we are in Christ. No one can be fully perfected in love and completely free from fear until they are fully sanctified-- when they die and go to heaven. However, as we grow in faith, and as God sanctifies us through the years, we will experience increasingly less fear. This is because, as we trust Christ more and more, we learn there is no need to fear!

In obedience to God’s Word, we must fight our fears by looking to Christ. Hebrews 12:1-2 reads, “Therefore, since we are surrounded by so great a cloud of witnesses, let us also lay aside every weight, and sin which clings so closely, and let us run with endurance the race that is set before us, looking to Jesus, the founder and perfecter of our faith, who for the joy that was set before him endured the cross, despising the shame, and is seated at the right hand of the throne of God.”

In other words, we must not allow our fears… or any other kind of burden… to get the best of us. Hebrews tells us to put aside those cares and 1 Peter 5:6-7 tells us to cast all our cares on Jesus- because He cares for us. When we allow fear to reign in our hearts, we are demonstrating that we don’t believe God can or will help us. We are showing distrust in the God who created us and provides for our every need..

The following is a quote by George Mueller, “The last important point for the strengthening of our faith is that we let God work for us and do not work a deliverance of our own. When a trial of faith comes, we are naturally inclined to distrust God and to trust in ourselves, in our friends, or in circumstances. We would rather work a deliverance of our own than simply look to God and wait for His help. But if we do not patiently wait for God's help or if we work a deliverance of our own, then at the next trial of our faith we will have the same problem. We will again be inclined to try and deliver ourselves. With every fresh trial, our faith will decrease. On the contrary, if we stand firm in order to see the salvation of God, trusting in Him alone, our faith will be increased. Every time we see the hand of God stretched out on our behalf in the hour of trial, our faith would be increased even more. God will prove His willingness to help and deliver at the perfect time.”

God is the only One we should trust 100%. He is the One... the only One… on whom we can depend for the peace and faith we need in times of fear. As we seek, by His grace, to live in obedience to His word we can expect His blessing and His peace. A peace which is beyond all understanding.

Philippians 4:6-7 tells us we are to, “Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication, with thanksgiving, let your requests be made known to God; and the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus.” When tempted to give in to fear and anxiety, we must pray to God, asking for His help. We also should thank Him for the things surrounding our circumstances, because this is part of obeying Him.. If we do these things, we are told, we will experience the supernatural peace of God. If we do not give thanks, we are disobedient and cannot expect to experience His peace. I have turned to these verses many times and recall them to mind when tempted to give into unnecessary fear. Proverbs 15:33 tells us, “The fear of the Lord is instruction in wisdom..”

I also bring to mind the following verse when unwelcome thoughts come into my mind and threaten to bring me down, “Finally, brethren, whatever things are true, whatever things are noble, whatever things are just, whatever things are pure, whatever things are lovely, whatever things are of good report, if there is any virtue and if there is anything praiseworthy—meditate on these things.” This verse is found in Philippians 4:8. It follows the ones that tell us not to be anxious about anything, but pray about everything- with thanksgiving..

Things don’t always work out the way we might have hoped. We must trust that God knows best and is working through all things for the good of those who love Him (that “good” being to make us more and more like Christ-Romans 8:28-29). Let us refrain from giving into anxiety over those things beyond our control-- and let us have no fear. May we draw near to God, through His word and in obedience, so that we can experience His peace in troublesome times. And may we all exercise a healthy fear of the Lord-- for (as Proverbs 19:23 tells us) “The fear of the Lord leads to life, and whoever has it rests satisfied; he will not be visited by harm.”

Love Your Enemies- Imitate Good

Jesus teaches us a very important lesson in Luke 6:27, “But I say to you who hear, Love your enemies, do good to those who hate you...” “You have heard that it was said, ‘You shall love your neighbor and hate your enemy.’ But I say to you, Love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you, so that you may be sons of your Father who is in heaven. For he makes his sun rise on the evil and on the good, and sends rain on the just and on the unjust. For if you love those who love you, what reward do you have? Do not even the tax collectors do the same? And if you greet only your brothers, what more are you doing than others? Do not even the Gentiles do the same? You therefore must be perfect, as your heavenly Father is perfect,” (Matthew 5:43-48).

We cannot be perfect as long as we live with a nature to sin (which will be for as long as we live on this earth) but we still must “be imitators of God, as beloved children” (Ephesians 5:1).

Whenever anyone (Matthew 10:36) acts as an enemy toward us (for whatever reason), we need to respond in a way that is uncharacteristic of the world. The world’s way is to retaliate. Jesus’ way to respond, however, is to demonstrate love to those who mistreat us-- regardless of what that mistreatment may be. Jesus demonstrated love to those who both verbally and physically assaulted Him- even put Him to death. How can we justify an unforgiving spirit for far less offense than this? In Ephesians 4:30-32 Paul admonishes us with the following words, “And do not grieve the Holy Spirit of God, by whom you were sealed for the day of redemption. Let all bitterness and wrath and anger and clamor and slander be put away from you, along with all malice. Be kind to one another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, as God in Christ forgave you.”

If we are not willing to forgive others their trespasses against us, we certainly cannot expect God to forgive our many trespasses against Him. In fact, it is made clear in Matthew 5:16 that “.. if you do not forgive others their trespasses, neither will your Father forgive your trespasses.” Jesus’ response to hate and mistreatment is the ultimate example of forgiving those who sin against us.

In Matthew 27:27-31 we read of the unjust manner Jesus was treated, “Then the soldiers of the governor took Jesus into the governor's headquarters, and they gathered the whole battalion before him. And they stripped him and put a scarlet robe on him, and twisting together a crown of thorns, they put it on his head and put a reed in his right hand. And kneeling before him, they mocked him, saying, “Hail, King of the Jews!” And they spit on him and took the reed and struck him on the head. And when they had mocked him, they stripped him of the robe and put his own clothes on him and led him away to crucify him.” Yet in Matthew 27:12-14 scripture reads, “But when he was accused by the chief priests and elders, he gave no answer. Then Pilate said to him, “Do you not hear how many things they testify against you? But he gave no answer, not even to a single charge, so that the governor was greatly amazed.” He did not try to justify himself as we may do in situations of our own, nor did he lash out as we are tempted to do. Jesus’ perfect example is a forgiving spirit, as evidenced by his prayer to the Father for his persecutors, “And Jesus said, “Father, forgive them, for they know not what they do. (Luke 23:34). We must not behave like those who treat us badly, but rather like Christ- who does good. John 1:11 reads, “Beloved, do not imitate evil but imitate good. Whoever does good is from God; whoever does evil has not seen God.”

 

We can “imitate good” by looking to Christ- (who alone is good)-- through obedience to the teaching of His word. May we intentionally look to Him when tempted to “imitate evil”. May we find grace to imitate good- by loving our enemies and doing good to those who mistreat us.

The Repentance of a Little Rebel

Thank you, Lord, for the other day’s wonderful opportunity to show my granddaughter the importance of obeying-- and the consequences of disobedience. Most of all, I thank you for the evident softening of her little heart toward me as I demonstrated your love -- hatred toward the sin, but love toward the little sinner.

She was very disobedient this afternoon. I had just finished telling all the girls they could go outside AFTER I put their little brother down for a nap. Two of them waited obediently (if not patiently;) for permission to leave the house. However, the strong-willed one decided she could not wait. Out she went-- against my instructions. I quickly called her back inside. She threw quite a tantrum, but I was determined to teach her there are consequences to disobedience and disrespect. I did not get angry with her and made sure she knew this. Simply and calmly, I told her she must obey and must learn there are consequences to disobedience.

She was not allowed to go out until I gave her permission… and the permission would not come as long as she was behaving badly. A short time later—once the other two girls had gone outside and our little fellow was down for a nap-- I went into the room with the toys where our little rebel sat quietly. I looked at her and I said, “I love you.” She said nothing, but turned her back on me. Then I spoke to her quietly as I let her long hair slide through my fingers and said to her, ‘If you still want to go outside, you may go now.’ She got up and headed for the door. Then she stopped... turned around... and came back to me with a big smile on her beautiful face and she wrapped her little arms around me in a big hug. I didn’t expect this, so it truly filled my heart with joy.

Thank you Lord for doing such a work in my heart.. helping me to show not only hatred for the sin that you hate- but also love for the little sinner you love. Not only this, but the reward that comes from obedience and the evidence of grace wrought in a little rebel’s heart. Earlier that day, I had explained to the girls the meaning of repentance. They tried to understand… but I don’t think they quite got it. I believe it will become clearer to them as they grow and continue to experience consequences of wrong behavior -- and realize the necessity of doing what is right. I pray they come to a good understanding of this at an early age so they will not have to suffer the terrible consequences that can come from major transgressions to God’s law.

I will add here that my ‘little rebel’ behaved more like a ‘little lady’ for the rest of that day :)

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Give- For His Glory

I’ve been thinking on the meaning of this verse in Luke 6:38, “give, and it will be given to you. Good measure, pressed down, shaken together, running over, will be put into your lap. For with the measure you use it will be measured back to you.” This verse does not promise that we will receive material things or happiness in proportion to what we give out to others in this lifetime. Nowhere in the scriptures are we promised health, wealth or prosperity. Hebrews 11:37-38 gives clear evidence of this. Listing those who were of faith, it is said of some, “They were stoned, they were sawn in two, they were killed with the sword. They went about in skins of sheep and goats, destitute, afflicted, mistreated— of whom the world was not worthy—wandering about in deserts and mountains, and in dens and caves of the earth,” and in Romans 8:16-17 we are taught that, “The Spirit himself bears witness with our spirit that we are children of God, and if children, then heirs—heirs of God and fellow heirs with Christ, provided we suffer with him in order that we may also be glorified with him.” (Note the provision there.) Though we may not be called to suffer as severely as others have, we are not showing ourselves to be true children of God, and heirs with Christ, if we do not suffer in some way for the cause of Christ.

Jesus is not so concerned with us possessing material things as He is in our living in obedience to His teaching. Jesus’ words in Luke 12:15 are, “Take care, and be on your guard against all covetousness, for one's life does not consist in the abundance of his possessions,” “For what will it profit a man if he gains the whole world and forfeits his soul? Or what shall a man give in return for his soul”? (Matthew 16:26).

If we truly follow Christ, we can expect to receive many good things, but not necessarily in this lifetime. We can be assured of spiritual blessings in this life- but not material blessings.. This doesn’t mean we won’t have many material things- for most of us likely do- but we should never take for granted our earthly possessions, for we could lose them as easily as we gain them. As Christians, our main concern should be living in obedience to scripture’s teaching. We are told in Matthew 6:19-21, “Do not lay up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moth and rust destroy and where thieves break in and steal, but lay up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where neither moth nor rust destroys and where thieves do not break in and steal. For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also.”

James 1:11-12 shows us the futility of storing up treasure on this earth, “For the sun rises with its scorching heat and withers the grass; its flower falls, and its beauty perishes. So also will the rich man fade away in the midst of his pursuits. (However) Blessed is the man who remains steadfast under trial, for when he has stood the test he will receive the crown of life, which God has promised to those who love him.”

May we be seeking a heavenly treasure-- the crown of life for those who love God and desire to spend an eternity as fellow heirs with Christ, our Savior. May we give without expecting anything in return (in an earthly sense), knowing that the glory awaiting us will far outweigh the suffering of this present age, “For I consider that the sufferings of this present time are not worth comparing with the glory that is to be revealed to us” ( Romans 8:18).

May God give us the desire to do good to all- not to be rewarded in this lifetime- but to show our love for Him and our faith in a much better life to come- for all of eternity.