In the Old Testament, King Jehoshaphat faced an incredible, insurmountable onslaught against surrounding enemy forces. He did not know what to do, but he knew Whom to seek:
"And Jehoshaphat
stood in the congregation of Judah and Jerusalem, in the house of the LORD,
before the new court." (2 Chronicles 20: 5)
After praising God, reminding Him of all that He had done for His chosen people, the king finished by saying:
"O our God,
wilt thou not judge them? for we have no might against this great company that
cometh against us; neither know we what to do: but our eyes are upon
thee." (2 Chronicles 20: 12)
We need to keep our eyes on God, but this is not a strain for those who believe on Jesus (John 6: 29). "Eyes on God" does not mean that we stare into the sky, for God Himself has promised that He will never leave us nor forsake us (Hebrews13: 5). He lives in us (Colossians 1: 27), and by His Spirit He works within us (Philippians 2: 13) and leads us (Galatians 5: 16-18) in all the works which He has already placed in us (Ephesians 2: 10)
Paul told the Ephesians which eyes to open:
"That the God of
our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of glory, may give unto you the spirit of
wisdom and revelation in the knowledge of him:
"The eyes of your
understanding being enlightened; that ye may know what is the hope of his
calling, and what the riches of the glory of his inheritance in the saints,
"And what is
the exceeding greatness of his power to us-ward who believe, according to the
working of his mighty power,
"Which he wrought
in Christ, when he raised him from the dead, and set him at his own right
hand in the heavenly places." (Ephesians 1: 17-20)
We need to grow in understanding, submitting our full intellect to the truth that God is, that God if for us, that God lives in us, that God lives through us.
When we learn that through Christ, we have been seated in heavenly places with Him, we grow to understand that our enemies are His enemies, and He has subdued them all:
"But God, who is rich in mercy, for his great love wherewith he loved us,
"Even when we were
dead in sins, hath quickened us together with Christ, (by grace ye are saved;)
"And hath raised
us up together, and made us sit together in heavenly places
in Christ Jesus:" (Ephesians 2: 4-6)
Now, Christ sits in highest authority at the right hand the Father:
"And you, being dead in your sins and the uncircumcision of your flesh, hath he
quickened together with him, having forgiven you all trespasses;
"Blotting out the
handwriting of ordinances that was against us, which was contrary to us, and
took it out of the way, nailing it to his cross;
"And having
spoiled principalities and powers, he made a shew of them openly, triumphing
over them in it." (Colossians 2: 13-15)
God disarmed our enemy by removing from him the power of the law. God the Father also invited His Son to sit in power over these now-vanquished enemies:
"For David is not ascended into the heavens: but he saith himself, The LORD said
unto my Lord, Sit thou on my right hand,
"Until I make thy foes
thy footstool.
"Therefore let all the
house of Israel know assuredly, that God hath made that same Jesus, whom ye have
crucified, both Lord and Christ." (Acts 2: 34-36)
So, what should you be opening your eyes to see within you? Paul could not make it any simpler:
"If ye then be risen
with Christ, seek those things which are above, where Christ sitteth on the
right hand of God.
"Set your affection
on things above, not on things on the earth.
"For ye are dead,
and your life is hid with Christ in God." (Colossians 3: 1-3)
We are up there in Christ, He lives with us here on earth, in Him we are more than conquerors (Romans 8: 37). Keep your eyes on Him, and overcome in every area where you do not know what to do.
Tuesday, July 31, 2012
Monday, July 30, 2012
The Most Important Person is Christ in You
In the early years of Sesame Street, one of the songs that the puppets would sing including the following verse:
"The most important person in the world is you, and you've barely met him."
For the believer, the most important person in the world is Jesus, who lives in us, and we need to met Him more and more every day.
"But grow in grace, and in the knowledge of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ. To him be glory both now and for ever. Amen." (2 Peter 3: 18)
Without Christ, we are dead in our trespasses:
"And you hath he quickened, who were dead in trespasses and sins;
"Wherein in time past ye walked according to the course of this world, according to the prince of the power of the air, the spirit that now worketh in the children of disobedience:"" (Ephesians 2: 1-2)
All the "Self-esteem" movements of today are meaningless, because a man can hold himself in high regard, but he is still dead, alienated from God the Father and Creator:
"This I say therefore, and testify in the Lord, that ye henceforth walk not as other Gentiles walk, in the vanity of their mind,
"Having the understanding darkened, being alienated from the life of God through the ignorance that is in them, because of the blindness of their heart." (Ephesians 4: 17-18)
But for those who believe, Christ Jesus now lives in us, and He wants us to live through us:
"Whereof I am made a minister, according to the dispensation of God which is given to me for you, to fulfil the word of God;
"Even the mystery which hath been hid from ages and from generations, but now is made manifest to his saints:
"To whom God would make known what is the riches of the glory of this mystery among the Gentiles; which is Christ in you, the hope of glory." (Colossians 1: 25-27)
When we read God's Word, we meet Jesus in new ways:
"Search the scriptures; for in them ye think ye have eternal life: and they are they which testify of me." (John 5: 39)
Paul prayed for the Ephesians to grow in knowledge of the power in them through Christ:
"That the God of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of glory, may give unto you the spirit of wisdom and revelation in the knowledge of him:
"The eyes of your understanding being enlightened; that ye may know what is the hope of his calling, and what the riches of the glory of his inheritance in the saints,
"And what is the exceeding greatness of his power to us-ward who believe, according to the working of his mighty power,
"Which he wrought in Christ, when he raised him from the dead, and set him at his own right hand in the heavenly places." (Ephesians 1:17-20)
We have the same power in us that raised Christ from the dead! We have his life in us!
"Hereby perceive we the love of God, because he laid down his life for us: and we ought to lay down our lives for the brethren." (1 John 3: 16)
and
"I am crucified with Christ: nevertheless I live; yet not I, but Christ liveth in me: and the life which I now live in the flesh I live by the faith of the Son of God, who loved me, and gave himself for me." (Galatians 2: 20)
The most important is Christ in you (Colossians 1: 27) Get to know Him, because:
"Herein is our love made perfect, that we may have boldness in the day of judgment: because as he is, so are we in this world." (1 John 4: 17)
"The most important person in the world is you, and you've barely met him."
For the believer, the most important person in the world is Jesus, who lives in us, and we need to met Him more and more every day.
"But grow in grace, and in the knowledge of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ. To him be glory both now and for ever. Amen." (2 Peter 3: 18)
Without Christ, we are dead in our trespasses:
"And you hath he quickened, who were dead in trespasses and sins;
"Wherein in time past ye walked according to the course of this world, according to the prince of the power of the air, the spirit that now worketh in the children of disobedience:"" (Ephesians 2: 1-2)
All the "Self-esteem" movements of today are meaningless, because a man can hold himself in high regard, but he is still dead, alienated from God the Father and Creator:
"This I say therefore, and testify in the Lord, that ye henceforth walk not as other Gentiles walk, in the vanity of their mind,
"Having the understanding darkened, being alienated from the life of God through the ignorance that is in them, because of the blindness of their heart." (Ephesians 4: 17-18)
But for those who believe, Christ Jesus now lives in us, and He wants us to live through us:
"Whereof I am made a minister, according to the dispensation of God which is given to me for you, to fulfil the word of God;
"Even the mystery which hath been hid from ages and from generations, but now is made manifest to his saints:
"To whom God would make known what is the riches of the glory of this mystery among the Gentiles; which is Christ in you, the hope of glory." (Colossians 1: 25-27)
When we read God's Word, we meet Jesus in new ways:
"Search the scriptures; for in them ye think ye have eternal life: and they are they which testify of me." (John 5: 39)
Paul prayed for the Ephesians to grow in knowledge of the power in them through Christ:
"That the God of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of glory, may give unto you the spirit of wisdom and revelation in the knowledge of him:
"The eyes of your understanding being enlightened; that ye may know what is the hope of his calling, and what the riches of the glory of his inheritance in the saints,
"And what is the exceeding greatness of his power to us-ward who believe, according to the working of his mighty power,
"Which he wrought in Christ, when he raised him from the dead, and set him at his own right hand in the heavenly places." (Ephesians 1:17-20)
We have the same power in us that raised Christ from the dead! We have his life in us!
"Hereby perceive we the love of God, because he laid down his life for us: and we ought to lay down our lives for the brethren." (1 John 3: 16)
and
"I am crucified with Christ: nevertheless I live; yet not I, but Christ liveth in me: and the life which I now live in the flesh I live by the faith of the Son of God, who loved me, and gave himself for me." (Galatians 2: 20)
The most important is Christ in you (Colossians 1: 27) Get to know Him, because:
"Herein is our love made perfect, that we may have boldness in the day of judgment: because as he is, so are we in this world." (1 John 4: 17)
Sunday, July 29, 2012
How To Fight? Stand in Christ
May 31, Memorial Day: today, the citizens of the United States recognize and celebrate the contributions of our armed men and women, troops sent and stationed in many nations, fighting wars on our behalf, whether justified or unjustified in the minds of the people whom they were sworn to serve and protect.
Like the military commissioned to stand guard and fight on our behalf, every believer is a citizen and a soldier, but of the everlasting kingdom of heaven:
"Now therefore ye are no more strangers and foreigners, but fellowcitizens with the saints, and of the household of God;" (Ephesians 2: 19)
and
"Thou therefore endure hardness, as a good soldier of Jesus Christ." (2 Timothy 2:3)
Not just arms and legs, but we are all one in the Corps of Jesus Christ. We are at war, not with people, but powers and principalities, who attack our minds in attempts to deceive us from the truth of who were are (2 Corinthians 10: 3-7)
We fight against spirit elements who afflict us with lies (2 Timothy 1: 7). Yet when Christ ascended into heaven and sat in triumphant glory, he was raised above all of these powers and principalities:
"And every priest standeth daily ministering and offering oftentimes the same sacrifices, which can never take away sins:
"But this man, after he had offered one sacrifice for sins for ever, sat down on the right hand of God;
"From henceforth expecting till his enemies be made his footstool.
"For by one offering he hath perfected for ever them that are sanctified." (Hebrews 10: 11-14)
For Jesus, it is a matter of time before these powers and principalities are subdued. So is the case for every believer:
"Herein is our love made perfect, that we may have boldness in the day of judgment: because as he is, so are we in this world." (1 John 4: 17)
Paul confirms are standing above all the evil minions of the enemy. After oulining that Jesus sits in glory above all powers and principalities (Ephesians 1: 20-23), he informs the believer that we are seated with Christ, also above the same demonic forces:
"And [God the Father] hath raised us up together, and made us sit together in heavenly places in Christ Jesus: (Ephesians 2: 6)
In the same epistle, Paul outlines how we fight:
"Finally, my brethren, be strong in the Lord, and in the power of his might.
"Put on the whole armour of God, that ye may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil.
"For we wrestle not against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this world, against spiritual wickedness in high places.
"Wherefore take unto you the whole armour of God, that ye may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand." (Ephesians 6: 10-13)
Intriguingly, the proper translation for "we wrestle" should be "the wrestling." We do not need to fight or struggle against the enemy, for he is a defeated foe who mus submit to us, who are victories in this world as Christ is seated in high places. The enemy can only attempt to deceive us into relinquishing our standing in Christ. Yet as we grow in grace and knowledge of the Lord, trusting in His growing goodness to protect us and to heal us and to deliver us, relying on the Word, the sword of the Spirit, the Devil and his minions lose power, for their lies fall against the truth of God's Word, sharper than any two-edged sword :(Hebrews 4: 12)
Like Jesus in the Wilderness, our knowledge of the Word renews our mind to who we are in Christ, that He within us is greater than any obstacle before us (1 John 4: 4) Therefore do we sit in glory, walk in victory, and stand triumphant against all the wiles of the enemy.
Like the military commissioned to stand guard and fight on our behalf, every believer is a citizen and a soldier, but of the everlasting kingdom of heaven:
"Now therefore ye are no more strangers and foreigners, but fellowcitizens with the saints, and of the household of God;" (Ephesians 2: 19)
and
"Thou therefore endure hardness, as a good soldier of Jesus Christ." (2 Timothy 2:3)
Not just arms and legs, but we are all one in the Corps of Jesus Christ. We are at war, not with people, but powers and principalities, who attack our minds in attempts to deceive us from the truth of who were are (2 Corinthians 10: 3-7)
We fight against spirit elements who afflict us with lies (2 Timothy 1: 7). Yet when Christ ascended into heaven and sat in triumphant glory, he was raised above all of these powers and principalities:
"And every priest standeth daily ministering and offering oftentimes the same sacrifices, which can never take away sins:
"But this man, after he had offered one sacrifice for sins for ever, sat down on the right hand of God;
"From henceforth expecting till his enemies be made his footstool.
"For by one offering he hath perfected for ever them that are sanctified." (Hebrews 10: 11-14)
For Jesus, it is a matter of time before these powers and principalities are subdued. So is the case for every believer:
"Herein is our love made perfect, that we may have boldness in the day of judgment: because as he is, so are we in this world." (1 John 4: 17)
Paul confirms are standing above all the evil minions of the enemy. After oulining that Jesus sits in glory above all powers and principalities (Ephesians 1: 20-23), he informs the believer that we are seated with Christ, also above the same demonic forces:
"And [God the Father] hath raised us up together, and made us sit together in heavenly places in Christ Jesus: (Ephesians 2: 6)
In the same epistle, Paul outlines how we fight:
"Finally, my brethren, be strong in the Lord, and in the power of his might.
"Put on the whole armour of God, that ye may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil.
"For we wrestle not against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this world, against spiritual wickedness in high places.
"Wherefore take unto you the whole armour of God, that ye may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand." (Ephesians 6: 10-13)
Intriguingly, the proper translation for "we wrestle" should be "the wrestling." We do not need to fight or struggle against the enemy, for he is a defeated foe who mus submit to us, who are victories in this world as Christ is seated in high places. The enemy can only attempt to deceive us into relinquishing our standing in Christ. Yet as we grow in grace and knowledge of the Lord, trusting in His growing goodness to protect us and to heal us and to deliver us, relying on the Word, the sword of the Spirit, the Devil and his minions lose power, for their lies fall against the truth of God's Word, sharper than any two-edged sword :(Hebrews 4: 12)
Like Jesus in the Wilderness, our knowledge of the Word renews our mind to who we are in Christ, that He within us is greater than any obstacle before us (1 John 4: 4) Therefore do we sit in glory, walk in victory, and stand triumphant against all the wiles of the enemy.
Saturday, July 28, 2012
Growing and Grace and Knowledge with Abraham: Identified in Grace
In our walk with God, we learn not only to see Him as a
source for our needs, but the source of every good and perfect gift in our lives
(James 1: 17)
Eventually, we find ourselves transformed by his grace, changing from glory to glory (2 Corinthians 3: 18)
For Abram, it was the grace of God which then transformed him from an "exalted Father" to " Father of many".
"As for me, behold, my covenant is with thee, and thou shalt be a father of many nations.
"Neither shall thy name any more be called Abram, but thy name shall be Abraham; for a father of many nations have I made thee. " (Genesis 17: 4-5)
By adding the letter הָ֔ "He", the fifth letter of the Hebrew alphabet and the letter of grace, God graced Abraham with a new identity. He expected his servant to identify himself complete with God's promise.
For every believer in Jesus, we identify with Him in name and power, for God has made us of the same righteous standing in Him through His name:
"But as many as received him, to them gave he power to become the sons of God, even to them that believe on his name:" ( John 1: 12)
By the name of Jesus, everyone of us is saved:
"He that believeth on him is not condemned: but he that believeth not is condemned already, because he hath not believed in the name of the only begotten Son of God." (John 3: 18)
In His name, we can ask God the Father for anything that we need:
"And whatsoever ye shall ask in my name, that will I do, that the Father may be glorified in the Son." (John 14: 13)
In Him, we stand and receive His grace and power:
"Herein is our love made perfect, that we may have boldness in the day of judgment: because as he is, so are we in this world." (1 John 4: 17)
Jesus came to us, full of grace and truth. Now that He lives in us by the power of the Holy Spirit, He wants us to know that we have the same grace and truth in us!
God provided this transformation by changing his name, by transforming the identity of the faithful Patriarch. Let the Lord Jesus do the same for you!
Eventually, we find ourselves transformed by his grace, changing from glory to glory (2 Corinthians 3: 18)
For Abram, it was the grace of God which then transformed him from an "exalted Father" to " Father of many".
"As for me, behold, my covenant is with thee, and thou shalt be a father of many nations.
"Neither shall thy name any more be called Abram, but thy name shall be Abraham; for a father of many nations have I made thee. " (Genesis 17: 4-5)
By adding the letter הָ֔ "He", the fifth letter of the Hebrew alphabet and the letter of grace, God graced Abraham with a new identity. He expected his servant to identify himself complete with God's promise.
For every believer in Jesus, we identify with Him in name and power, for God has made us of the same righteous standing in Him through His name:
"But as many as received him, to them gave he power to become the sons of God, even to them that believe on his name:" ( John 1: 12)
By the name of Jesus, everyone of us is saved:
"He that believeth on him is not condemned: but he that believeth not is condemned already, because he hath not believed in the name of the only begotten Son of God." (John 3: 18)
In His name, we can ask God the Father for anything that we need:
"And whatsoever ye shall ask in my name, that will I do, that the Father may be glorified in the Son." (John 14: 13)
In Him, we stand and receive His grace and power:
"Herein is our love made perfect, that we may have boldness in the day of judgment: because as he is, so are we in this world." (1 John 4: 17)
Jesus came to us, full of grace and truth. Now that He lives in us by the power of the Holy Spirit, He wants us to know that we have the same grace and truth in us!
God provided this transformation by changing his name, by transforming the identity of the faithful Patriarch. Let the Lord Jesus do the same for you!
Friday, July 27, 2012
In Christ, We Live Above the Law
The Jews received the law on Shavuot. Three thousand died.
On Pentecost, which corresponds to the Jewish festival, the Holy Spirit descended upon the earth, initiating the age of grace. 3,000 people were saved on the first day.
The law was never meant to justify man, but rather to expose his sin and need for a savior:
“Now we know that what things soever the law saith, it saith to them who are under the law: that every mouth may be stopped, and all the world may become guilty before God.
“Therefore by the deeds of the law there shall no flesh be justified in his sight: for by the law is the knowledge of sin.
“But now the righteousness of God without the law is manifested, being witnessed by the law and the prophets;
“Even the righteousness of God which is by faith of Jesus Christ unto all and upon all them that believe: for there is no difference:
“This I say then, Walk in the Spirit, and ye shall not fulfil the lust of the flesh.
"But if ye be led of the Spirit, ye are not under the law.” (Galatians 5: 16-18)
Now, God has not removed His prompting from our lives. Instead of trying to live up to an impossible standard, God infuses us and leads us from within:
“For this is the covenant that I will make with the house of Israel after those days, saith the Lord; I will put my laws into their mind, and write them in their hearts: and I will be to them a God, and they shall be to me a people:
“And they shall not teach every man his neighbour, and every man his brother, saying, Know the Lord: for all shall know me, from the least to the greatest.
“For I will be merciful to their unrighteousness, and their sins and their iniquities will I remember no more.” (Hebrews 8: 10-12)
Because the Holy Spirit lives within every believer, He leads us to love:
“Love worketh no ill to his neighbour: therefore love is the fulfilling of the law.” (Romans 13: 10)
In Christ, therefore, we live above the law, transformed by His perfect law of liberty (James 1: 25)
Thursday, July 26, 2012
God's Justice, Our Peace
Our peace in Christ is not based on a God who in sick sentimentality felt sorry for fallen mankind and decided to overlook our sins.
Jesus promised us His peace even before He died on the Cross:
"Peace I leave with you, my peace I give unto you: not as the world giveth, give I unto you. Let not your heart be troubled, neither let it be afraid." (John 14: 27)
Yet sin has made us dead in our tresspasses. For sin, there must be a payment:
"For the wages of sin is death; but the gift of God is eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord." (Romans 6: 23)
Sin must be punished, but God so loved us, that He sent His Son to die for us, taking the punishment upon Himself for our sins:
"He is despised and rejected of men; a man of sorrows, and acquainted with grief: and we hid as it were our faces from him; he was despised, and we esteemed him not.
"Surely he hath borne our griefs, and carried our sorrows: yet we did esteem him stricken, smitten of God, and afflicted.
"But he was wounded for our transgressions, he was bruised for our iniquities: the chastisement of our peace was upon him; and with his stripes we are healed." (Isaiah 53: 3-5)
Here, Isaiah prophesied that Jesus not only bore our pains and sufferings, but also he took upon Himself the curse of the law:
"Christ has redeemed us from the curse of the law, being made a curse for us: for it is written, Cursed is every one that hangs on a tree:" (Galatians 3: 13)
Because of His Finished Work for us, we have peace with God (Romans 5: 1)
More importantly, though, Jesus Christ is our peace:
"For he is our peace, who hath made both one, and hath broken down the middle wall of partition between us;
"Having abolished in his flesh the enmity, even the law of commandments contained in ordinances; for to make in himself of twain one new man, so making peace;" (Ephesians 2: 14-15)
We were separated from God the Father because of our sin nature, which we inherited from Adam. Despite our dead state in our trespasses, God sent His Son to die for us, putting to an end once and for all the law, which strengthens sin in man and outlines for him is inherent and essential failure to measure up through his own efforts to God's righteous standing. We have peace with God through Christ Jesus, because He has taken the just punishment for us and has fulfilled the law, granting to us His own righteousness.
Through His Holy Spirit, we are now members of His Kingdom:
"For the kingdom of God is not meat and drink; but righteousness, and peace, and joy in the Holy Ghost." (Romans 14: 17)
And this peace does not merely provide the believer a ballast in the shocks and storms of life, but also furnishes us with direction in trying times:
"And let the peace of God rule in your hearts, to the which also ye are called in one body; and be ye thankful." (Colossians 3: 15)
In this verse "rule" means "preside, as a judge". The peace of God within us allows us to know what path God wants us to take, what decision He wishes us to make. We can sense through His peace whether the action is good or bad, one to take or to reject.
With His peace, we then can pursue peace with others:
"Let us therefore follow after the things which make for peace, and things wherewith one may edify another." (Romans 14: 19)
This we accomplish by being spirit-led, for one of the fruits of the Spirit is peace (Galatians 5: 22)
Jesus told His disciples that He was leaving His peace with them, and thus with us. In effect, He promised to leave us Himself! Through God's justice, bringing upon His Son all over His wrath for our sins, God enabled His Son to be our peace.
Jesus promised us His peace even before He died on the Cross:
"Peace I leave with you, my peace I give unto you: not as the world giveth, give I unto you. Let not your heart be troubled, neither let it be afraid." (John 14: 27)
Yet sin has made us dead in our tresspasses. For sin, there must be a payment:
"For the wages of sin is death; but the gift of God is eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord." (Romans 6: 23)
Sin must be punished, but God so loved us, that He sent His Son to die for us, taking the punishment upon Himself for our sins:
"He is despised and rejected of men; a man of sorrows, and acquainted with grief: and we hid as it were our faces from him; he was despised, and we esteemed him not.
"Surely he hath borne our griefs, and carried our sorrows: yet we did esteem him stricken, smitten of God, and afflicted.
"But he was wounded for our transgressions, he was bruised for our iniquities: the chastisement of our peace was upon him; and with his stripes we are healed." (Isaiah 53: 3-5)
Here, Isaiah prophesied that Jesus not only bore our pains and sufferings, but also he took upon Himself the curse of the law:
"Christ has redeemed us from the curse of the law, being made a curse for us: for it is written, Cursed is every one that hangs on a tree:" (Galatians 3: 13)
Because of His Finished Work for us, we have peace with God (Romans 5: 1)
More importantly, though, Jesus Christ is our peace:
"For he is our peace, who hath made both one, and hath broken down the middle wall of partition between us;
"Having abolished in his flesh the enmity, even the law of commandments contained in ordinances; for to make in himself of twain one new man, so making peace;" (Ephesians 2: 14-15)
We were separated from God the Father because of our sin nature, which we inherited from Adam. Despite our dead state in our trespasses, God sent His Son to die for us, putting to an end once and for all the law, which strengthens sin in man and outlines for him is inherent and essential failure to measure up through his own efforts to God's righteous standing. We have peace with God through Christ Jesus, because He has taken the just punishment for us and has fulfilled the law, granting to us His own righteousness.
Through His Holy Spirit, we are now members of His Kingdom:
"For the kingdom of God is not meat and drink; but righteousness, and peace, and joy in the Holy Ghost." (Romans 14: 17)
And this peace does not merely provide the believer a ballast in the shocks and storms of life, but also furnishes us with direction in trying times:
"And let the peace of God rule in your hearts, to the which also ye are called in one body; and be ye thankful." (Colossians 3: 15)
In this verse "rule" means "preside, as a judge". The peace of God within us allows us to know what path God wants us to take, what decision He wishes us to make. We can sense through His peace whether the action is good or bad, one to take or to reject.
With His peace, we then can pursue peace with others:
"Let us therefore follow after the things which make for peace, and things wherewith one may edify another." (Romans 14: 19)
This we accomplish by being spirit-led, for one of the fruits of the Spirit is peace (Galatians 5: 22)
Jesus told His disciples that He was leaving His peace with them, and thus with us. In effect, He promised to leave us Himself! Through God's justice, bringing upon His Son all over His wrath for our sins, God enabled His Son to be our peace.
Wednesday, July 25, 2012
Failure Is Not an Option, For All is Won for the Believer
In "Apollo 13", the commanding personnel officer in Houston, played by Ed Harris, dictated rapidly the steps that is engineering staff had to take in order to salvage the crew on the celebrated flight. In a hasty and frantic spirit, he declared "Failure is not an option."
For the believer abiding in Christ, not only is failure not an option, to even consider it in light of Jesus' Finished Work and His promises to us is a sheer waste of time.
"What shall we then say to these things? If God be for us, who can be against us?
"He that spared not his own Son, but delivered him up for us all, how shall he not with him also freely give us all things?" (Romans 8: 31-32)
God is for us, and He is for us because He came against His Son, firing down all of His righteous wrath against His Son for all the sins of the world (1 John 2: 2)
Because God gave us His own son to be sin for us, He has also invested in us the righteousness of His Son (2 Corinthians 5: 21), that as He is now, so are we in this world, invested with honor, glory, and power through His Son (1 John 4: 17)
He has overcome death, hell, and the grave (1 Corinthians 15: 57). He became poor that we might be rich (2 Corinthians 8: 9)
Paul spends an extensive amount of his letter to the Ephesians expounding on our glory and riches in Christ, that in Him we are blessed with all spiritual blessings, that we are accepted, pleasing to God, that we are alive and reign in victory, seated in heavenly places with Christ.
Because of our preeminence in Jesus, we have overcome every evil in this world:
"And ye are complete in him, which is the head of all principality and power:. . .
"And having spoiled principalities and powers, he made a shew of them openly, triumphing over them in it. " (Colossians 2: 10, 15)
In Christ Jesus, we have all that we need, and in Him, who has overcome all principalities and power, we can grow in grace and glory, receiving also a greater revelation of this glory in our lives.
Yet the greatest reason why failure is not an option for the believer, not even open for discussion, is that we are now in Him, and that nothing can separate us from Him:
"Nay, in all these things we are more than conquerors through him that loved us.
"or I am persuaded, that neither death, nor life, nor angels, nor principalities, nor powers, nor things present, nor things to come,
"Nor height, nor depth, nor any other creature, shall be able to separate us from the love of God, which is in Christ Jesus our Lord. " (Romans 8: 37-39)
His love is Himself, and the first fruit of the Holy Spirit, and in this love we are obedient as well as victorious in Christ to do His will by letting Him live His life of love through us.
For the believer abiding in Christ, not only is failure not an option, to even consider it in light of Jesus' Finished Work and His promises to us is a sheer waste of time.
"What shall we then say to these things? If God be for us, who can be against us?
"He that spared not his own Son, but delivered him up for us all, how shall he not with him also freely give us all things?" (Romans 8: 31-32)
God is for us, and He is for us because He came against His Son, firing down all of His righteous wrath against His Son for all the sins of the world (1 John 2: 2)
Because God gave us His own son to be sin for us, He has also invested in us the righteousness of His Son (2 Corinthians 5: 21), that as He is now, so are we in this world, invested with honor, glory, and power through His Son (1 John 4: 17)
He has overcome death, hell, and the grave (1 Corinthians 15: 57). He became poor that we might be rich (2 Corinthians 8: 9)
Paul spends an extensive amount of his letter to the Ephesians expounding on our glory and riches in Christ, that in Him we are blessed with all spiritual blessings, that we are accepted, pleasing to God, that we are alive and reign in victory, seated in heavenly places with Christ.
Because of our preeminence in Jesus, we have overcome every evil in this world:
"And ye are complete in him, which is the head of all principality and power:. . .
"And having spoiled principalities and powers, he made a shew of them openly, triumphing over them in it. " (Colossians 2: 10, 15)
In Christ Jesus, we have all that we need, and in Him, who has overcome all principalities and power, we can grow in grace and glory, receiving also a greater revelation of this glory in our lives.
Yet the greatest reason why failure is not an option for the believer, not even open for discussion, is that we are now in Him, and that nothing can separate us from Him:
"Nay, in all these things we are more than conquerors through him that loved us.
"or I am persuaded, that neither death, nor life, nor angels, nor principalities, nor powers, nor things present, nor things to come,
"Nor height, nor depth, nor any other creature, shall be able to separate us from the love of God, which is in Christ Jesus our Lord. " (Romans 8: 37-39)
His love is Himself, and the first fruit of the Holy Spirit, and in this love we are obedient as well as victorious in Christ to do His will by letting Him live His life of love through us.
Tuesday, July 24, 2012
How To Pray: The Centurion's Example
Prayer is a matter of asking God for something by faith, resting in our knowledge of His power, might, and preeminence. When we make nothing of ourselves, but are prompted by our need to seek out His power, we can then receive by grace through faith.
The example of the centurion in Matthew 8 outlines the posture, the attitude which everyone of us takes in requesting something:
"And when Jesus was entered into Capernaum, there came unto him a centurion, beseeching him,
Notwithstanding his rank and authority, the centurion humbled himself enough to ask Jesus.
"And saying, Lord, my servant lieth at home sick of the palsy, grievously tormented.
We do not need to minimize our need. We can be honest without being histrionic or manipulative.
"And Jesus saith unto him, I will come and heal him.
Jesus is willing to meet our need, just as He did for the leper in Matthew 8: 4, who believed that Jesus could heal him, but was not sure that He would.
"The centurion answered and said, Lord, I am not worthy that thou shouldest come under my roof: but speak the word only, and my servant shall be healed.
In this verse, the centurion acknowledges, despite his rank and privilege, that He is not worthy to receive Jesus into his presence. He does not presume upon himself in any way to request something from Jesus, as if he deserves it. However, he is not afraid to ask. Not only does the centurion petition Jesus to heal his servant, but he has demonstrated a commanding awareness and knowledge of Jesus' infinite majesty. He believes that Jesus can heal his servant, and right there on the spot.
"For I am a man under authority, having soldiers under me: and I say to this man, Go, and he goeth; and to another, Come, and he cometh; and to my servant, Do this, and he doeth it.
The centurion understands authority, which rises above good and evil, beyond the bind of law. He has magnified in his mind the authority which the Son of Man, God in the flesh, commands. When we as believers magnify the infinite power that Jesus possesses, sitting at the right hand of God the Father, justifying us and interceding for us, we manifest a great faith to ask anything according to His will.
"When Jesus heard it, he marvelled, and said to them that followed, Verily I say unto you, I have not found so great faith, no, not in Israel.
Jesus was impressed with the centurion's great faith, that he would take Jesus at His word. Jesus is please also that we believe on Him through His Word (John 20: 29). Through faith, we please God, knowing that He exists and that He rewards those who inquire of Him (Hebrews 11: 6)
"And I say unto you, That many shall come from the east and west, and shall sit down with Abraham, and Isaac, and Jacob, in the kingdom of heaven.
"But the children of the kingdom shall be cast out into outer darkness: there shall be weeping and gnashing of teeth.
This passage may seem obscure, and even cruel. Yet the children, referring to the Jews, were under law, many still convinced that their race or adherence to the law qualified them to receive from God. The Patriarchs lived before the Law was given at Mount Sinai, and the centurion was a Gentile with no conscience of the law. Recently, pastors have pointed out that throughout scripture, attempts to keep the law, as if one can earn God's favor, will actually frustrate God's grace from working in our lives (Galatians 5: 4)
"And Jesus said unto the centurion, Go thy way; and as thou hast believed, so be it done unto thee. And his servant was healed in the selfsame hour." (Matthew 8: 5-13)
God rewards our faith. When we approach God to ask Him for something, believe that we will receive it, then we can trust that we will have it (Mark 11: 23-24)
The example of the centurion in Matthew 8 outlines the posture, the attitude which everyone of us takes in requesting something:
"And when Jesus was entered into Capernaum, there came unto him a centurion, beseeching him,
Notwithstanding his rank and authority, the centurion humbled himself enough to ask Jesus.
"And saying, Lord, my servant lieth at home sick of the palsy, grievously tormented.
We do not need to minimize our need. We can be honest without being histrionic or manipulative.
"And Jesus saith unto him, I will come and heal him.
Jesus is willing to meet our need, just as He did for the leper in Matthew 8: 4, who believed that Jesus could heal him, but was not sure that He would.
"The centurion answered and said, Lord, I am not worthy that thou shouldest come under my roof: but speak the word only, and my servant shall be healed.
In this verse, the centurion acknowledges, despite his rank and privilege, that He is not worthy to receive Jesus into his presence. He does not presume upon himself in any way to request something from Jesus, as if he deserves it. However, he is not afraid to ask. Not only does the centurion petition Jesus to heal his servant, but he has demonstrated a commanding awareness and knowledge of Jesus' infinite majesty. He believes that Jesus can heal his servant, and right there on the spot.
"For I am a man under authority, having soldiers under me: and I say to this man, Go, and he goeth; and to another, Come, and he cometh; and to my servant, Do this, and he doeth it.
The centurion understands authority, which rises above good and evil, beyond the bind of law. He has magnified in his mind the authority which the Son of Man, God in the flesh, commands. When we as believers magnify the infinite power that Jesus possesses, sitting at the right hand of God the Father, justifying us and interceding for us, we manifest a great faith to ask anything according to His will.
"When Jesus heard it, he marvelled, and said to them that followed, Verily I say unto you, I have not found so great faith, no, not in Israel.
Jesus was impressed with the centurion's great faith, that he would take Jesus at His word. Jesus is please also that we believe on Him through His Word (John 20: 29). Through faith, we please God, knowing that He exists and that He rewards those who inquire of Him (Hebrews 11: 6)
"And I say unto you, That many shall come from the east and west, and shall sit down with Abraham, and Isaac, and Jacob, in the kingdom of heaven.
"But the children of the kingdom shall be cast out into outer darkness: there shall be weeping and gnashing of teeth.
This passage may seem obscure, and even cruel. Yet the children, referring to the Jews, were under law, many still convinced that their race or adherence to the law qualified them to receive from God. The Patriarchs lived before the Law was given at Mount Sinai, and the centurion was a Gentile with no conscience of the law. Recently, pastors have pointed out that throughout scripture, attempts to keep the law, as if one can earn God's favor, will actually frustrate God's grace from working in our lives (Galatians 5: 4)
"And Jesus said unto the centurion, Go thy way; and as thou hast believed, so be it done unto thee. And his servant was healed in the selfsame hour." (Matthew 8: 5-13)
God rewards our faith. When we approach God to ask Him for something, believe that we will receive it, then we can trust that we will have it (Mark 11: 23-24)
Monday, July 23, 2012
Your Brain Trust: The Holy Spirit
Every believer possesses the Holy Spirit the moment that they are born again:
Salvation is a matter of confession with the mouth through agreement in the heart:
"That if thou shalt confess with thy mouth the Lord Jesus, and shalt believe in thine heart that God hath raised him from the dead, thou shalt be saved." (Romans 10: 9)
The faith that we need to believe comes in the word that we receive:
"So then faith cometh by hearing, and hearing by the word of God." (Romans 10: 17)
There is no confession with the Holy Spirit.
"Wherefore I give you to understand, that no man speaking by the Spirit of God calleth Jesus accursed: and that no man can say that Jesus is the Lord, but by the Holy Ghost." (1 Corinthians 12: 3)
This same Holy Spirit inspires every believer with all knowledge:
"But the Comforter, which is the Holy Ghost, whom the Father will send in my name, he shall teach you all things, and bring all things to your remembrance, whatsoever I have said unto you." (John 14: 26)
John confirms the wisdom granted to us through the indwelling Spirit:
"But ye have an unction from the Holy One, and ye know all things." (1 John 2: 20)
Then John writes:
"But the anointing which ye have received of him abideth in you, and ye need not that any man teach you: but as the same anointing teacheth you of all things, and is truth, and is no lie, and even as it hath taught you, ye shall abide in him." (1 John 2: 27)
The second part of this verse makes it very clear: we do not need others to teach us, so much as permit the Holy Spirit to guide us, whether by asking Him directly (James 1: 5) or through reading the Word.
In fact, we have the mind of Christ:
"For who hath known the mind of the Lord, that he may instruct him? But we have the mind of Christ." (1 Corinthians 2: 16)
Our brain trust, therefore, is the Holy Spirit, who forms Christ within us (Colossians 1: 27), who in turn is made wisdom to every believer (1 Corinthians 1: 30)
Salvation is a matter of confession with the mouth through agreement in the heart:
"That if thou shalt confess with thy mouth the Lord Jesus, and shalt believe in thine heart that God hath raised him from the dead, thou shalt be saved." (Romans 10: 9)
The faith that we need to believe comes in the word that we receive:
"So then faith cometh by hearing, and hearing by the word of God." (Romans 10: 17)
There is no confession with the Holy Spirit.
"Wherefore I give you to understand, that no man speaking by the Spirit of God calleth Jesus accursed: and that no man can say that Jesus is the Lord, but by the Holy Ghost." (1 Corinthians 12: 3)
This same Holy Spirit inspires every believer with all knowledge:
"But the Comforter, which is the Holy Ghost, whom the Father will send in my name, he shall teach you all things, and bring all things to your remembrance, whatsoever I have said unto you." (John 14: 26)
John confirms the wisdom granted to us through the indwelling Spirit:
"But ye have an unction from the Holy One, and ye know all things." (1 John 2: 20)
Then John writes:
"But the anointing which ye have received of him abideth in you, and ye need not that any man teach you: but as the same anointing teacheth you of all things, and is truth, and is no lie, and even as it hath taught you, ye shall abide in him." (1 John 2: 27)
The second part of this verse makes it very clear: we do not need others to teach us, so much as permit the Holy Spirit to guide us, whether by asking Him directly (James 1: 5) or through reading the Word.
In fact, we have the mind of Christ:
"For who hath known the mind of the Lord, that he may instruct him? But we have the mind of Christ." (1 Corinthians 2: 16)
Our brain trust, therefore, is the Holy Spirit, who forms Christ within us (Colossians 1: 27), who in turn is made wisdom to every believer (1 Corinthians 1: 30)
Sunday, July 22, 2012
Fear Means " I Have To Do"; Faith Declares, "It is Done for You"
"There is no fear in love; but perfect love casteth out fear: because fear hath torment. He that feareth is not made perfect in love." (1 John 4: 18)
John explains clearly: If we fear, it is because we are convinced that we must still do something.
John spells out the root of fear, which is torment, or punishment. If people still fear, the root of this disturbance lies in the lie that the person may do something wrong, and that for this possible wrongdoing, we will be punished.
Yet love fulfills the law:
"Love worketh no ill to his neighbour: therefore love is the fulfilling of the law. " (Romans 13: 10)
Love is the first fruit of the Spirit (Galatians 5:22), and by walking in the Spirit, we do not have to worry about living out of the flesh to sin, nor are we under law (Galatians 5: 16-18)
In fact, Jesus Christ's death has not only freed us from the penalty of all sin (Colossians 2: 13), but by His death He has fulfilled the Law and ended the condemnation which works against us through the law (Colossians 2: 15; 1 John 1: 7)
Fear in a believer implies the wrong belief that we lack something which we must then retrieve on our own. In Christ, everything is yours (1 Corinthians 3: 21-23). He has also promised never to leave us nor forsake us, provide for us (Hebrews 13: 5-6)
While fear punishes a person with a condemning sense of "I have to", faith looks to what Jesus does for us. When the centurion asked Jesus to heal his servant just be speaking the word, He marvelled at the centurion's great faith:
"And Jesus said unto the centurion, Go thy way; and as thou hast believed, so be it done unto thee." (Matthew 8: 13)
The Centurion's knowledge of the Lord recognized that He commanded supreme authority, that He could heal from a distance.
Faith in Jesus Christ allows us to see and believe:
"For verily I say unto you, That whosoever shall say unto this mountain, Be thou removed, and be thou cast into the sea; and shall not doubt in his heart, but shall believe that those things which he saith shall come to pass; he shall have whatsoever he saith.
"Therefore I say unto you, What things soever ye desire, when ye pray, believe that ye receive them, and ye shall have them." (Mark 11: 23-24)
In fact, by we are saved by receiving God's grace through faith:
"But God, who is rich in mercy, for his great love wherewith he loved us,
"Even when we were dead in sins, hath quickened us together with Christ, (by grace ye are saved;)
"And hath raised us up together, and made us sit together in heavenly places in Christ Jesus:
"That in the ages to come he might shew the exceeding riches of his grace in his kindness toward us through Christ Jesus.
"For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God:
"Not of works, lest any man should boast." (Ephesians 2: 4-9)
We receive the supreme gift, God's grace, which not only cleanses us from all sin, but gives us His life, and through His death and resurrection we receive all other needs (Romans 8: 31-32; Ephesians 4: 8)
Because God's love is perfect, or rather perfected, completed, we do not need to do anything but receive His love and grace through faith, and whatever we need from Him, it will be done for us.
John explains clearly: If we fear, it is because we are convinced that we must still do something.
John spells out the root of fear, which is torment, or punishment. If people still fear, the root of this disturbance lies in the lie that the person may do something wrong, and that for this possible wrongdoing, we will be punished.
Yet love fulfills the law:
"Love worketh no ill to his neighbour: therefore love is the fulfilling of the law. " (Romans 13: 10)
Love is the first fruit of the Spirit (Galatians 5:22), and by walking in the Spirit, we do not have to worry about living out of the flesh to sin, nor are we under law (Galatians 5: 16-18)
In fact, Jesus Christ's death has not only freed us from the penalty of all sin (Colossians 2: 13), but by His death He has fulfilled the Law and ended the condemnation which works against us through the law (Colossians 2: 15; 1 John 1: 7)
Fear in a believer implies the wrong belief that we lack something which we must then retrieve on our own. In Christ, everything is yours (1 Corinthians 3: 21-23). He has also promised never to leave us nor forsake us, provide for us (Hebrews 13: 5-6)
While fear punishes a person with a condemning sense of "I have to", faith looks to what Jesus does for us. When the centurion asked Jesus to heal his servant just be speaking the word, He marvelled at the centurion's great faith:
"And Jesus said unto the centurion, Go thy way; and as thou hast believed, so be it done unto thee." (Matthew 8: 13)
The Centurion's knowledge of the Lord recognized that He commanded supreme authority, that He could heal from a distance.
Faith in Jesus Christ allows us to see and believe:
"For verily I say unto you, That whosoever shall say unto this mountain, Be thou removed, and be thou cast into the sea; and shall not doubt in his heart, but shall believe that those things which he saith shall come to pass; he shall have whatsoever he saith.
"Therefore I say unto you, What things soever ye desire, when ye pray, believe that ye receive them, and ye shall have them." (Mark 11: 23-24)
In fact, by we are saved by receiving God's grace through faith:
"But God, who is rich in mercy, for his great love wherewith he loved us,
"Even when we were dead in sins, hath quickened us together with Christ, (by grace ye are saved;)
"And hath raised us up together, and made us sit together in heavenly places in Christ Jesus:
"That in the ages to come he might shew the exceeding riches of his grace in his kindness toward us through Christ Jesus.
"For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God:
"Not of works, lest any man should boast." (Ephesians 2: 4-9)
We receive the supreme gift, God's grace, which not only cleanses us from all sin, but gives us His life, and through His death and resurrection we receive all other needs (Romans 8: 31-32; Ephesians 4: 8)
Because God's love is perfect, or rather perfected, completed, we do not need to do anything but receive His love and grace through faith, and whatever we need from Him, it will be done for us.
Saturday, July 21, 2012
Fear Not: You Have Already Won!
If there is a challenge in our lives, we must not look at ourselves or our circumstances. When the Israelites sent twelve scouts to check out God's Promised Land, they gave an evil report:
"And there we saw the giants, the sons of Anak, which come of the giants: and we were in our own sight as grasshoppers, and so we were in their sight." (Numbers 13: 33)
Their fear magnified the challenge which God has already given them victory to overcome. The supreme sorrow of this irony was exposed to the spies that Joshua sent. When Rahab the harlot of Jericho welcomed in Joshua's spies in secret, she told them:
"And she said unto the men, I know that the LORD hath given you the land, and that your terror is fallen upon us, and that all the inhabitants of the land faint because of you.
"For we have heard how the LORD dried up the water of the Red sea for you, when ye came out of Egypt; and what ye did unto the two kings of the Amorites, that were on the other side Jordan, Sihon and Og, whom ye utterly destroyed.
"And as soon as we had heard these things, our hearts did melt, neither did there remain any more courage in any man, because of you: for the LORD your God, he is God in heaven above, and in earth beneath." (Joshua 2: 9-11)
What the Israelites failed to do in Numbers, Rahab and the people had done. They meditated and recounted the wonderful works that the Lord had done.
We are called to set our eyes on Jesus Christ, our victory and our hope of glory:
"Nay, in all these things we are more than conquerors through him that loved us." (Romans 8: 37)
If for any reason we waver in our confidence, let us ponder the great love that God has shown us through His Son:
"Herein is love, not that we loved God, but that he loved us, and sent his Son to be the propitiation for our sins." (1 John 4: 10)
God gave His own Son for us. we can then definitely count on Him providing for our every need (Romans 8: 31-32)
We have no need to fear, for in Christ we already have the victory! Meditate on all that the Lord has done for you, and watch as see as the Lord causes your enemies to tremble and disperse before you.
"And there we saw the giants, the sons of Anak, which come of the giants: and we were in our own sight as grasshoppers, and so we were in their sight." (Numbers 13: 33)
Their fear magnified the challenge which God has already given them victory to overcome. The supreme sorrow of this irony was exposed to the spies that Joshua sent. When Rahab the harlot of Jericho welcomed in Joshua's spies in secret, she told them:
"And she said unto the men, I know that the LORD hath given you the land, and that your terror is fallen upon us, and that all the inhabitants of the land faint because of you.
"For we have heard how the LORD dried up the water of the Red sea for you, when ye came out of Egypt; and what ye did unto the two kings of the Amorites, that were on the other side Jordan, Sihon and Og, whom ye utterly destroyed.
"And as soon as we had heard these things, our hearts did melt, neither did there remain any more courage in any man, because of you: for the LORD your God, he is God in heaven above, and in earth beneath." (Joshua 2: 9-11)
What the Israelites failed to do in Numbers, Rahab and the people had done. They meditated and recounted the wonderful works that the Lord had done.
We are called to set our eyes on Jesus Christ, our victory and our hope of glory:
"Nay, in all these things we are more than conquerors through him that loved us." (Romans 8: 37)
If for any reason we waver in our confidence, let us ponder the great love that God has shown us through His Son:
"Herein is love, not that we loved God, but that he loved us, and sent his Son to be the propitiation for our sins." (1 John 4: 10)
God gave His own Son for us. we can then definitely count on Him providing for our every need (Romans 8: 31-32)
We have no need to fear, for in Christ we already have the victory! Meditate on all that the Lord has done for you, and watch as see as the Lord causes your enemies to tremble and disperse before you.
Friday, July 20, 2012
That Your Joy May Be Full
When I was younger, I used to struggle with being joyful, or staying that way. Sometimes, I would get afraid that my joy would distract me from doing the right thing, or that I would offend someone.
Then I learned that "joy" is a fruit of the Spirit (Galatians 5: 22), not something that I create on my own. Furthermore, as a fruit of the Spirit, joy was not something that I had to worry about:
"This I say then, Walk in the Spirit, and ye shall not fulfil the lust of the flesh.
"For the flesh lusteth against the Spirit, and the Spirit against the flesh: and these are contrary the one to the other: so that ye cannot do the things that ye would.
"But if ye be led of the Spirit, ye are not under the law." (Galatians 5: 16-18)
Under the calm and loving power of the Holy Spirit, we need never again worry about keeping the law, for the Spirit of God leads us by His peace into all that He wants us to do (Colossians 3: 15)
Yet how to maintain joy still seemed elusive to me. Then I read:
"O satisfy us early with thy mercy; that we may rejoice and be glad all our days." (Psalm 90: 14)
When we meditate on the fact that our sins are forever forgiven, that there is nothing more that we must do to get right with God to receive His favor, we rejoice!
His Word also grants us His joy:
"If ye keep my commandments, ye shall abide in my love; even as I have kept my Father's commandments, and abide in his love.
"These things have I spoken unto you, that my joy might remain in you, and that your joy might be full." (John 15: 10-11)
Through the Holy Spirit, we have Christ, the Living Word. living in us and directing us. We are not called to love in order for God to dwell in u, but because He dwells in us, we can love others:
"Hereby know we that we dwell in him, and he in us, because he hath given us of his Spirit." (1 John 4: 13)
As we meditate on the Word of God, His power and wisdom break forth in us, increasing the presence of His joy in our lives. Our knowledge of our place in Christ above all magnifies our joy:
"That which we have seen and heard declare we unto you, that ye also may have fellowship with us: and truly our fellowship is with the Father, and with his Son Jesus Christ.
"And these things write we unto you, that your joy may be full. " (1 John 1: 3-4)
When we know who we are in Him, He who cares of us, who has given us Himself, His life, and His favor, how can we not rejoice!
Then I learned that "joy" is a fruit of the Spirit (Galatians 5: 22), not something that I create on my own. Furthermore, as a fruit of the Spirit, joy was not something that I had to worry about:
"This I say then, Walk in the Spirit, and ye shall not fulfil the lust of the flesh.
"For the flesh lusteth against the Spirit, and the Spirit against the flesh: and these are contrary the one to the other: so that ye cannot do the things that ye would.
"But if ye be led of the Spirit, ye are not under the law." (Galatians 5: 16-18)
Under the calm and loving power of the Holy Spirit, we need never again worry about keeping the law, for the Spirit of God leads us by His peace into all that He wants us to do (Colossians 3: 15)
Yet how to maintain joy still seemed elusive to me. Then I read:
"O satisfy us early with thy mercy; that we may rejoice and be glad all our days." (Psalm 90: 14)
When we meditate on the fact that our sins are forever forgiven, that there is nothing more that we must do to get right with God to receive His favor, we rejoice!
His Word also grants us His joy:
"If ye keep my commandments, ye shall abide in my love; even as I have kept my Father's commandments, and abide in his love.
"These things have I spoken unto you, that my joy might remain in you, and that your joy might be full." (John 15: 10-11)
Through the Holy Spirit, we have Christ, the Living Word. living in us and directing us. We are not called to love in order for God to dwell in u, but because He dwells in us, we can love others:
"Hereby know we that we dwell in him, and he in us, because he hath given us of his Spirit." (1 John 4: 13)
As we meditate on the Word of God, His power and wisdom break forth in us, increasing the presence of His joy in our lives. Our knowledge of our place in Christ above all magnifies our joy:
"That which we have seen and heard declare we unto you, that ye also may have fellowship with us: and truly our fellowship is with the Father, and with his Son Jesus Christ.
"And these things write we unto you, that your joy may be full. " (1 John 1: 3-4)
When we know who we are in Him, He who cares of us, who has given us Himself, His life, and His favor, how can we not rejoice!
Thursday, July 19, 2012
(He) Love(s) Your Enemies
Do you struggle to get along with people whom you do not like?
It's because you are trying to love them.
"Perfect love casts out fear." (1 John 4: 18)
This "perfect love" is not our love, but His, and it starts with His love for us:
"Herein is love, not that we loved God, but that he loved us, and sent his Son to be the propitiation for our sins." (1 John 4: 10)
Love is not a feeling that we have to work up or wait for. Love is not an action which we initiate.
This love flows through us to the whole world, because we have now become like Him:
"But as many as received him, to them gave he power to become the sons of God, even to them that believe on his name:
"Which were born, not of blood, nor of the will of the flesh, nor of the will of man, but of God. (John 1: 12-13)
This love flows in us by the Holy Spirit:
"And hope maketh not ashamed; because the love of God is shed abroad in our hearts by the Holy Ghost which is given unto us." (Romans 5: 5)
He is not just example, but the essential power that moves us to love:
"We love him because He first loved us." (1 John 4: 19)
If you struggle or strain to love certain people, then you are still under law, trying to keep His commandments, including the greatest, which is to love our neighbor as ourselves, and love the Lord our God with all that we have ( ) None of us can do that.
Only God can love the way that we are called to love, and it is Himself and His Love which is outlined for us in 1 Corinthians 13:
"Though I speak with the tongues of men and of angels, and have not charity, I am become as sounding brass, or a tinkling cymbal." (1 Corinthians 13: 1)
In the first verse as well as throughout the chapter, Paul emphasizes "having" charity, not doing it. If we want to love, we must first receive the growing revelation of God's love for us. By meditating and receiving a greater awareness of His never-ending, ever-preserving love for us, a love which nothing can separate from us (Romans 8: 38-39), we then receive the grace to love others, resting in His power instead of striving in our strength.
It's because you are trying to love them.
"Perfect love casts out fear." (1 John 4: 18)
This "perfect love" is not our love, but His, and it starts with His love for us:
"Herein is love, not that we loved God, but that he loved us, and sent his Son to be the propitiation for our sins." (1 John 4: 10)
Love is not a feeling that we have to work up or wait for. Love is not an action which we initiate.
This love flows through us to the whole world, because we have now become like Him:
"But as many as received him, to them gave he power to become the sons of God, even to them that believe on his name:
"Which were born, not of blood, nor of the will of the flesh, nor of the will of man, but of God. (John 1: 12-13)
This love flows in us by the Holy Spirit:
"And hope maketh not ashamed; because the love of God is shed abroad in our hearts by the Holy Ghost which is given unto us." (Romans 5: 5)
He is not just example, but the essential power that moves us to love:
"We love him because He first loved us." (1 John 4: 19)
If you struggle or strain to love certain people, then you are still under law, trying to keep His commandments, including the greatest, which is to love our neighbor as ourselves, and love the Lord our God with all that we have ( ) None of us can do that.
Only God can love the way that we are called to love, and it is Himself and His Love which is outlined for us in 1 Corinthians 13:
"Though I speak with the tongues of men and of angels, and have not charity, I am become as sounding brass, or a tinkling cymbal." (1 Corinthians 13: 1)
In the first verse as well as throughout the chapter, Paul emphasizes "having" charity, not doing it. If we want to love, we must first receive the growing revelation of God's love for us. By meditating and receiving a greater awareness of His never-ending, ever-preserving love for us, a love which nothing can separate from us (Romans 8: 38-39), we then receive the grace to love others, resting in His power instead of striving in our strength.
Wednesday, July 18, 2012
Delight Yourself in The Lord -- Rejoice in His Mercy
"Delight thyself also
in the LORD; and he shall give thee the desires of thine heart. " (Psalm 37: 4)
I used to read this passage, and I was really thrilled about the promise. Delight in God, and He will give me whatever I want.
Then other believers told me that delighting in the Lord restrains us from wanting things that are worthless or even bad for us. I agreed, yet I did not understand what it means to delight in Him.
Then I read Micah:
"Who is a God like unto thee, that pardoneth iniquity, and passeth by the transgression of the remnant of his heritage? he retaineth not his anger for ever, because he delighteth in mercy. " (Micah 7: 18)
God delights in "mercy", or grace, or unmerited favor. He is not interested in holding us accountable for our sins, but rather desires us to be free. David recites:
"Blessed is the man unto whom the LORD imputeth not iniquity, and in whose spirit there is no guile." (Psalm 32: 2)
King Jehoshaphat of Judah, with his people, rejoiced in God's mercy, or grace, when they faced the impossible odds of surrounding forces:
"O our God, wilt thou not judge them? for we have no might against this great company that cometh against us; neither know we what to do: but our eyes are upon thee. " (2 Chronicles 20: 12)
A prophet in the midst of the fearful people of Judah declared:
"Ye shall not need to fight in this battle: set yourselves, stand ye still, and see the salvation of the LORD with you, O Judah and Jerusalem: fear not, nor be dismayed; to morrow go out against them: for the LORD will be with you. " (2 Chronicles 20: 17)
Sending forth first men to praise the Lord, Jehoshaphat instructed to praise the Lord for His forever favor:
"And when he had consulted with the people, he appointed singers unto the LORD, and that should praise the beauty of holiness, as they went out before the army, and to say, Praise the LORD; for his mercy endureth for ever." (2 Chronicles20: 21)
The people of Judah did not have to wage any fight, for the Lord confused their surrounding enemies to slay each other and leave behind spoils which took three days to collect.
I used to read this passage, and I was really thrilled about the promise. Delight in God, and He will give me whatever I want.
Then other believers told me that delighting in the Lord restrains us from wanting things that are worthless or even bad for us. I agreed, yet I did not understand what it means to delight in Him.
Then I read Micah:
"Who is a God like unto thee, that pardoneth iniquity, and passeth by the transgression of the remnant of his heritage? he retaineth not his anger for ever, because he delighteth in mercy. " (Micah 7: 18)
God delights in "mercy", or grace, or unmerited favor. He is not interested in holding us accountable for our sins, but rather desires us to be free. David recites:
"Blessed is the man unto whom the LORD imputeth not iniquity, and in whose spirit there is no guile." (Psalm 32: 2)
King Jehoshaphat of Judah, with his people, rejoiced in God's mercy, or grace, when they faced the impossible odds of surrounding forces:
"O our God, wilt thou not judge them? for we have no might against this great company that cometh against us; neither know we what to do: but our eyes are upon thee. " (2 Chronicles 20: 12)
A prophet in the midst of the fearful people of Judah declared:
"Ye shall not need to fight in this battle: set yourselves, stand ye still, and see the salvation of the LORD with you, O Judah and Jerusalem: fear not, nor be dismayed; to morrow go out against them: for the LORD will be with you. " (2 Chronicles 20: 17)
Sending forth first men to praise the Lord, Jehoshaphat instructed to praise the Lord for His forever favor:
"And when he had consulted with the people, he appointed singers unto the LORD, and that should praise the beauty of holiness, as they went out before the army, and to say, Praise the LORD; for his mercy endureth for ever." (2 Chronicles20: 21)
The people of Judah did not have to wage any fight, for the Lord confused their surrounding enemies to slay each other and leave behind spoils which took three days to collect.
Today, if you are facing an insurmountable challenge, if you know in your heart what you desire, or if you are unsure what to do, meditate on the essential truth that in Christ and praise Him that through His death all of your sins are forgiven, the crucial element which releases God to move in your heart and grant to you whatever He works and wills in you to do.
Tuesday, July 17, 2012
From Prisoner to Present in Hope
In the Bible, "Hope" is identified as a confident expectation of good. Unlike the world's concept of hope, which is infused with uncertainty:
"And hope maketh not ashamed; because the love of God is shed abroad in our hearts by the Holy Ghost which is given unto us." (Romans 5: 5)
God is love and lives in us through His Holy Spirit. Hope, therefore something that has not yet existed, but instead something waiting to be materialized:
"For we are saved by hope: but hope that is seen is not hope: for what a man seeth, why doth he yet hope for?
"But if we hope for that we see not, then do we with patience wait for it." (Romans 8: 24-25)
Hope is something living, not dead:
"Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, which according to his abundant mercy hath begotten us again unto a lively hope by the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead," (1 Peter 1: 3)
In fact, "Hope" is a Person:
"To whom God would make known what is the riches of the glory of this mystery among the Gentiles; which is Christ in you, the hope of glory." (Colossians 1: 27)
In the Old Testament, the prophet Zechariah declared:
"Turn you to the strong hold, ye prisoners of hope: even to day do I declare that I will render double unto thee; " (Zechariah 9: 12)
Hope is a strong hold, one that we return to, as the original word "shub" also refers to the turning of the captivity of Job and the Israelites who returned from bondage in Babylon.
David the Great King gives a more specific reason for his hope:
"I have set the LORD always before me: because he is at my right hand, I shall not be moved.
"Therefore my heart is glad, and my glory rejoiceth: my flesh also shall rest in hope." (Psalm 16: 8-9)
Here, "Hope" is "betach" which speaks of confidence, not just a wavering feeling that maybe something good will come to pass.
Peter quoted this passage on Pentecost. Notice the differences in the passage as quoted by the apostle prompted by the indwelling Holy Spirit:
"For David speaketh concerning him, I foresaw the Lord always before my face, for he is on my right hand, that I should not be moved:
"Therefore did my heart rejoice, and my tongue was glad; moreover also my flesh shall rest in hope" (Acts 2: 25-26)
Paul calls us to set our eyes on things above, Jesus Christ our Lord, our Savior, and our life (Colossians 3: 1-3). In the Psalms and in Acts, the passage referring to David's resting in hope would seem to imply that "Hope" is a place that he finds. In fact, both passages rely on the word "to tabernacle" i.e. David rests in a tabernacle of hope, one which covers him. In Peter's sermon, he declares that David "thoroughly, completely tabernacles" in Hope.
Because of Christ Jesus, our hope who covers us with goodness, we can expect good things to come to us, regardless of what we do or where we are.
Today, receive by faith that Jesus, seated at the right hand of the Father, intercedes on your behalf, and by him you are not just forever protected and covered from evil -- a prisoner of hope; but with the expectation of wonderful things to pass in your life -- forever lodged and at rest in His hope!
"And hope maketh not ashamed; because the love of God is shed abroad in our hearts by the Holy Ghost which is given unto us." (Romans 5: 5)
God is love and lives in us through His Holy Spirit. Hope, therefore something that has not yet existed, but instead something waiting to be materialized:
"For we are saved by hope: but hope that is seen is not hope: for what a man seeth, why doth he yet hope for?
"But if we hope for that we see not, then do we with patience wait for it." (Romans 8: 24-25)
Hope is something living, not dead:
"Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, which according to his abundant mercy hath begotten us again unto a lively hope by the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead," (1 Peter 1: 3)
In fact, "Hope" is a Person:
"To whom God would make known what is the riches of the glory of this mystery among the Gentiles; which is Christ in you, the hope of glory." (Colossians 1: 27)
In the Old Testament, the prophet Zechariah declared:
"Turn you to the strong hold, ye prisoners of hope: even to day do I declare that I will render double unto thee; " (Zechariah 9: 12)
Hope is a strong hold, one that we return to, as the original word "shub" also refers to the turning of the captivity of Job and the Israelites who returned from bondage in Babylon.
David the Great King gives a more specific reason for his hope:
"I have set the LORD always before me: because he is at my right hand, I shall not be moved.
"Therefore my heart is glad, and my glory rejoiceth: my flesh also shall rest in hope." (Psalm 16: 8-9)
Here, "Hope" is "betach" which speaks of confidence, not just a wavering feeling that maybe something good will come to pass.
Peter quoted this passage on Pentecost. Notice the differences in the passage as quoted by the apostle prompted by the indwelling Holy Spirit:
"For David speaketh concerning him, I foresaw the Lord always before my face, for he is on my right hand, that I should not be moved:
"Therefore did my heart rejoice, and my tongue was glad; moreover also my flesh shall rest in hope" (Acts 2: 25-26)
Paul calls us to set our eyes on things above, Jesus Christ our Lord, our Savior, and our life (Colossians 3: 1-3). In the Psalms and in Acts, the passage referring to David's resting in hope would seem to imply that "Hope" is a place that he finds. In fact, both passages rely on the word "to tabernacle" i.e. David rests in a tabernacle of hope, one which covers him. In Peter's sermon, he declares that David "thoroughly, completely tabernacles" in Hope.
Because of Christ Jesus, our hope who covers us with goodness, we can expect good things to come to us, regardless of what we do or where we are.
Today, receive by faith that Jesus, seated at the right hand of the Father, intercedes on your behalf, and by him you are not just forever protected and covered from evil -- a prisoner of hope; but with the expectation of wonderful things to pass in your life -- forever lodged and at rest in His hope!
Monday, July 16, 2012
My God Supplies all Our Needs
If we face any lack in our lives, then we need to open our eyes on the Person who makes us who we are and supplies every lack that we face.
"But God, who is rich in mercy, for his great love wherewith he loved us,
"Even when we were dead in sins, hath quickened us together with Christ, (by grace ye are saved;)
"And hath raised us up together, and made us sit together in heavenly places in Christ Jesus:
"That in the ages to come he might shew the exceeding riches of his grace in his kindness toward us through Christ Jesus. (Ephesians 2: 4-7)
In the previous chapter, Paul has already outlined what God has granted us:
"Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who hath blessed us with all spiritual blessings in heavenly places in Christ:" (Ephesians 1: 3)
So, we must not look down on what we do not have, but look up the One who supplies all our needs:
"Even when we were dead in sins, hath quickened us together with Christ, (by grace ye are saved;)
"And hath raised us up together, and made us sit together in heavenly places in Christ Jesus:
"That in the ages to come he might shew the exceeding riches of his grace in his kindness toward us through Christ Jesus. (Ephesians 2: 4-7)
In the previous chapter, Paul has already outlined what God has granted us:
"Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who hath blessed us with all spiritual blessings in heavenly places in Christ:" (Ephesians 1: 3)
So, we must not look down on what we do not have, but look up the One who supplies all our needs:
"If ye then be risen with Christ, seek those things which are above, where Christ sitteth on the right hand of God.
"Set your affection on things above, not on things on the earth.
"For ye are dead, and your life is hid with Christ in God." (Colossians 3: 1-3)
God gave us His Son, so we can bank on His willingness also to provide us all things with Him (Romans 8: 31-32)"Set your affection on things above, not on things on the earth.
"For ye are dead, and your life is hid with Christ in God." (Colossians 3: 1-3)
"But my God shall supply all your need according to his riches in glory by Christ Jesus." (Philippians 4: 19)
If we find ourselves stuck in a dull mindset of who He is, and what He can do for us, let us meditate on the Truth that the Way, the Truth, and the Life holds our Universe together:
"And he is before all things, and by him all things consist.
"And he is the head of the body, the church: who is the beginning, the firstborn from the dead; that in all things he might have the preeminence." (Colossians 1: 17-18)
and"And ye are complete in him, which is the head of all principality and power:" (Colossians 2: 10)
God the Son is the Head of all Creation. He gave Himself for you and me, that our sins may be forgiven. We can depend on Him, therefore, to come through for us for all of our needs.
Sunday, July 15, 2012
Stop Seeking the Kingdom -- You Already Have It!
For the kingdom of God is not meat and drink; but righteousness, and peace, and joy in the Holy Ghost. (Romans 14: 17)
I used to struggle with Jesus’ command: “Seek ye first the kingdom of God, and his righteousness; and all these things shall be added unto you.” (Matthew 6: 33) When I learned to rightly dividing the Word of God (2 Timothy 2: 15), I realized that Jesus was bringing the Law back to its ultimate, perfect, and impossible standard, one which no one can reach through his own efforts. More importantly, He was describing the life that every believer would live through the gift of His Holy Spirit, if we by grace through faith receive it.
When we desire the Kingdom, we receive it through the Holy Spirit(Luke 12: 32) by believing on Jesus Christ (John 6: 29), who takes us from death in our trespasses (Ephesians 2: 1-10) to life everlasting (John 3: 16). Through the Holy Spirit, we receive Christ in us, our righteousness (2 Corinthians 5: 21), our peace (Ephesians 2: 14), and our joy through His indwelling Word (John 15: 11). Because God the Father gave us His Son, we can know and believe that He is for us, that He will freely give us all things, including meat and drink (Romans 8: 31-32). Because Christ’s Holy Spirit dwells in us, we may claim all the privileges of God’s son, for “As He is, so are we in this world!” (1 John 4: 17)
When we desire the Kingdom, we receive it through the Holy Spirit(Luke 12: 32) by believing on Jesus Christ (John 6: 29), who takes us from death in our trespasses (Ephesians 2: 1-10) to life everlasting (John 3: 16). Through the Holy Spirit, we receive Christ in us, our righteousness (2 Corinthians 5: 21), our peace (Ephesians 2: 14), and our joy through His indwelling Word (John 15: 11). Because God the Father gave us His Son, we can know and believe that He is for us, that He will freely give us all things, including meat and drink (Romans 8: 31-32). Because Christ’s Holy Spirit dwells in us, we may claim all the privileges of God’s son, for “As He is, so are we in this world!” (1 John 4: 17)
Saturday, July 14, 2012
"As He is in Me, So it is to Be"
Governor Paul LePage of Maine propagated a unique mantra on one of his campaign buttons:
“If it is to be, it is up to me.”
Jesus dismisses such rugged individualism:
“I am the vine, ye are the branches: He that abideth in me, and I in him, the same bringeth forth much fruit: for without me ye can do nothing (John 15: 5)
God is at work within us, granting us his life, leading us by his spirit, blessing us according the promises which he gave to Father Abraham and provides for us according to his Word.
God is at work within us, granting us his life, leading us by his spirit, blessing us according the promises which he gave to Father Abraham and provides for us according to his Word.
We are made free through dependence, walking by faith, not by sight, not depending on our own efforts, having no confidence in the flesh.
In fact, for the believer who tries to accomplish anything through His own efforts, he will only frustrate the grace of God and the power of Christ Jesus in his life:
"Christ is become of no effect unto you, whosoever of you are justified by the law; ye are fallen from grace." (Galatians 5: 4)
"Christ is become of no effect unto you, whosoever of you are justified by the law; ye are fallen from grace." (Galatians 5: 4)
In fact, we have the works which God wants to do through us already in us:
"Wherefore, my beloved, as ye have always obeyed, not as in my presence only, but now much more in my absence, work out your own salvation with fear and trembling.
"For it is God which worketh in you both to will and to do of his good pleasure." (Philippians 2: 12-13)
and
"For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus unto good works, which God hath before ordained that we should walk in them." (Ephesians 2: 10)
The Lord has made us a new creation in His Son (2 Corinthians 5: 17). In His Son, He has placed the good works which He wants us to do.
And He helps us to do them:
"I can do all things through Christ which strengtheneth me." (Philippians 4: 13)
How do we activate the works within us? By believing on Him:
"Jesus answered and said unto them, This is the work of God, that ye believe on him whom he hath sent." (John 6: 29)
Therefore, taking Governor LePage's bold individualism, let us infuse his message with the Truth:
"Wherefore, my beloved, as ye have always obeyed, not as in my presence only, but now much more in my absence, work out your own salvation with fear and trembling.
"For it is God which worketh in you both to will and to do of his good pleasure." (Philippians 2: 12-13)
and
"For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus unto good works, which God hath before ordained that we should walk in them." (Ephesians 2: 10)
The Lord has made us a new creation in His Son (2 Corinthians 5: 17). In His Son, He has placed the good works which He wants us to do.
And He helps us to do them:
"I can do all things through Christ which strengtheneth me." (Philippians 4: 13)
How do we activate the works within us? By believing on Him:
"Jesus answered and said unto them, This is the work of God, that ye believe on him whom he hath sent." (John 6: 29)
Therefore, taking Governor LePage's bold individualism, let us infuse his message with the Truth:
As He is in me, so it is to be!
Which we know by the following verse:
"Herein is our love made perfect, that we may have boldness in the day of judgment: because as he is, so are we in this world. " (1 John 4: 17)
Friday, July 13, 2012
Prosper Your Soul -- The Rest Will Follow
The soul of a man is crucial, and requires greater respect and attention than all our wealth and worth in this world:
"For what is a man profited, if he shall gain the whole world, and lose his own soul? or what shall a man give in exchange for his soul?" (Matthew 16: 26)
Jesus spared no recrimination for those who treasured the things of this world at the expense of their inner well-being. At the end of his sobering parable on a rich man with more stuff than he could store, Jesus relates his final comments:
"And he said, This will I do: I will pull down my barns, and build greater; and there will I bestow all my fruits and my goods.
"And I will say to my soul, Soul, thou hast much goods laid up for many years; take thine ease, eat, drink, and be merry.
"But God said unto him, Thou fool, this night thy soul shall be required of thee: then whose shall those things be, which thou hast provided?
"So is he that layeth up treasure for himself, and is not rich toward God. (Luke 12: 18-21)
Where should we be laying up treasure?:
"But lay up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where neither moth nor rust doth corrupt, and where thieves do not break through nor steal:" (Matthew 6: 20)
What greater repository of the treasure of heaven than the Kingdom of heaven, which we receive though the Holy Spirit!:
"For the kingdom of God is not meat and drink; but righteousness, and peace, and joy in the Holy Ghost." (Romans 14: 17)
Through the Holy Spirit, we have God's Word dwelling in us:
"Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly in all wisdom; teaching and admonishing one another in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing with grace in your hearts to the Lord." (Colossians 3: 16)
It is the Holy Spirit who reminds us of everything that the Word made flesh has taught us ( John 14: 26), and because we have the Holy Spirit, we do not need anyone to teach us anything (1 John 2: 20-27):
God's Word is our storehouse, our never-ceasing treasure-house (Matthew 13: 52), the meat that feeds us (Matthew 4:4)
Most importantly, by meditating on God's Word (Joshua 1: 8), God causes us to be in health and prosper in all our doings (3 John 2)
Prosper your soul -- mind, will, and emotions -- through the washing of the Word, and the rest will follow!
3 John 2
"For what is a man profited, if he shall gain the whole world, and lose his own soul? or what shall a man give in exchange for his soul?" (Matthew 16: 26)
Jesus spared no recrimination for those who treasured the things of this world at the expense of their inner well-being. At the end of his sobering parable on a rich man with more stuff than he could store, Jesus relates his final comments:
"And he said, This will I do: I will pull down my barns, and build greater; and there will I bestow all my fruits and my goods.
"And I will say to my soul, Soul, thou hast much goods laid up for many years; take thine ease, eat, drink, and be merry.
"But God said unto him, Thou fool, this night thy soul shall be required of thee: then whose shall those things be, which thou hast provided?
"So is he that layeth up treasure for himself, and is not rich toward God. (Luke 12: 18-21)
Where should we be laying up treasure?:
"But lay up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where neither moth nor rust doth corrupt, and where thieves do not break through nor steal:" (Matthew 6: 20)
What greater repository of the treasure of heaven than the Kingdom of heaven, which we receive though the Holy Spirit!:
"For the kingdom of God is not meat and drink; but righteousness, and peace, and joy in the Holy Ghost." (Romans 14: 17)
Through the Holy Spirit, we have God's Word dwelling in us:
"Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly in all wisdom; teaching and admonishing one another in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing with grace in your hearts to the Lord." (Colossians 3: 16)
It is the Holy Spirit who reminds us of everything that the Word made flesh has taught us ( John 14: 26), and because we have the Holy Spirit, we do not need anyone to teach us anything (1 John 2: 20-27):
God's Word is our storehouse, our never-ceasing treasure-house (Matthew 13: 52), the meat that feeds us (Matthew 4:4)
Most importantly, by meditating on God's Word (Joshua 1: 8), God causes us to be in health and prosper in all our doings (3 John 2)
Prosper your soul -- mind, will, and emotions -- through the washing of the Word, and the rest will follow!
3 John 2
Thursday, July 12, 2012
Want To Serve the King? Abide in His Kingdom!
In the Body of Christ today, there is an emphasis on doing things for God. Apart from Him, though we can do nothing. The life that we live, we live by the faith of the Son of God living in us (Galatians 2: 20-21) His grace moves us to produce fruit of obedience (1 Corinthians 15: 10), which God has already laid in place for us -- we just have to walk in them (Ephesians 2: 10)
The kingdom of heaven is within every believer (Luke 17: 21) though the Holy Spirit:
"For the kingdom of God is not meat and drink; but righteousness, and peace, and joy in the Holy Ghost.
"For he that in these things serveth Christ is acceptable to God, and approved of men.
"Let us therefore follow after the things which make for peace, and things wherewith one may edify another." (Romans 14: 17-19)
God has given us His Spirit (1 John 4: 13), a gift accorded to us because of His Son's death and resurrection at the Cross (Acts 2: 33).
Through the Holy Spiriit, we receive the same righteousness as Jesus as a gift (Romans 5: 17). In fact, we are made the righteousness of God in Christ! (2 Corinthians 5: 21)
We therefore serve by living, abiding in His kingdom:
"Abide in me, and I in you. As the branch cannot bear fruit of itself, except it abide in the vine; no more can ye, except ye abide in me.
"I am the vine, ye are the branches: He that abideth in me, and I in him, the same bringeth forth much fruit: for without me ye can do nothing." (John 15: 4-5)
We dwell in Him, and He dwells in us, and through our unity in Christ, He quickens us into obedience:
"Be ye therefore followers of God, as dear children;
"And walk in love, as Christ also hath loved us, and hath given himself for us an offering and a sacrifice to God for a sweetsmelling savour." (Ephesians 5: 1-2)
Paul outlines that the Holy Spirit living in us leads us:
"This I say then, Walk in the Spirit, and ye shall not fulfil the lust of the flesh.
"For the flesh lusteth against the Spirit, and the Spirit against the flesh: and these are contrary the one to the other: so that ye cannot do the things that ye would.
"But if ye be led of the Spirit, ye are not under the law." (Galatians 5: 16-18)
We do not follow after peace, for Christ is our peace (Ephesians 2: 14), and the fruit of the Spirit indwelling in us includes peace (Galatians 5: 22)
Instead, we are called to let the peace of Christ rule in our hearts (Colossians 3: 15), and so those things which do not inhibit God's peace in our lives are the very things which He is working in us both to will and to do (Philippians 2: 12-13).
If we want to serve the King, let us learn to abide in His Kingdom!
The kingdom of heaven is within every believer (Luke 17: 21) though the Holy Spirit:
"For the kingdom of God is not meat and drink; but righteousness, and peace, and joy in the Holy Ghost.
"For he that in these things serveth Christ is acceptable to God, and approved of men.
"Let us therefore follow after the things which make for peace, and things wherewith one may edify another." (Romans 14: 17-19)
God has given us His Spirit (1 John 4: 13), a gift accorded to us because of His Son's death and resurrection at the Cross (Acts 2: 33).
Through the Holy Spiriit, we receive the same righteousness as Jesus as a gift (Romans 5: 17). In fact, we are made the righteousness of God in Christ! (2 Corinthians 5: 21)
We therefore serve by living, abiding in His kingdom:
"Abide in me, and I in you. As the branch cannot bear fruit of itself, except it abide in the vine; no more can ye, except ye abide in me.
"I am the vine, ye are the branches: He that abideth in me, and I in him, the same bringeth forth much fruit: for without me ye can do nothing." (John 15: 4-5)
We dwell in Him, and He dwells in us, and through our unity in Christ, He quickens us into obedience:
"Be ye therefore followers of God, as dear children;
"And walk in love, as Christ also hath loved us, and hath given himself for us an offering and a sacrifice to God for a sweetsmelling savour." (Ephesians 5: 1-2)
Paul outlines that the Holy Spirit living in us leads us:
"This I say then, Walk in the Spirit, and ye shall not fulfil the lust of the flesh.
"For the flesh lusteth against the Spirit, and the Spirit against the flesh: and these are contrary the one to the other: so that ye cannot do the things that ye would.
"But if ye be led of the Spirit, ye are not under the law." (Galatians 5: 16-18)
We do not follow after peace, for Christ is our peace (Ephesians 2: 14), and the fruit of the Spirit indwelling in us includes peace (Galatians 5: 22)
Instead, we are called to let the peace of Christ rule in our hearts (Colossians 3: 15), and so those things which do not inhibit God's peace in our lives are the very things which He is working in us both to will and to do (Philippians 2: 12-13).
If we want to serve the King, let us learn to abide in His Kingdom!
Wednesday, July 11, 2012
"Don't Just Do Something: Stand There!"
I used to hate this sentence -- and many others like it:
"Don't just do something -- stand there!"
"We are human beings, not human doings!"
"Calm down, man!"
"Take a chill pill."
How could I calm down, I thought. If I try to calm down, then I just get worked up.
I have since then learned about the power of meta-thinking, meta-thoughts, the positive inputs which can swallow bad thoughts up, push them aside, reduce them to nothing.
If you struggle with a set of "stinking thinking," God the Father, who wants us to prosper even as our soul -- mind, will, and emotions -- prospers, will give us the insight that we need:
"If any of you lack wisdom, let him ask of God, that giveth to all men liberally, and upbraideth not; and it shall be given him." (James 1: 5)
We can be sure that God will answer our prayers, because:
"And if we know that he hear us, whatsoever we ask, we know that we have the petitions that we desired of him." (1 John 5: 15)
When we come before God, we come in the name, the authority of His Son Jesus Christ, making us a son of God through Him (John 1: 12), and an heir of God with Christ (Romans 8: 17)
We have this consummate power because we have His identity:
"Herein is our love made perfect, that we may have boldness in the day of judgment: because as he is, so are we in this world. " (1 John 4: 17)
Jesus has called for us to abide in Him:
"Abide in me, and I in you. As the branch cannot bear fruit of itself, except it abide in the vine; no more can ye, except ye abide in me.
"I am the vine, ye are the branches: He that abideth in me, and I in him, the same bringeth forth much fruit: for without me ye can do nothing." (John 15: 4-5)
Well did Moses command the Israelites to stand back and trust in the Lord:
"And Moses said unto the people, Fear ye not, stand still, and see the salvation of the LORD, which he will shew to you to day: for the Egyptians whom ye have seen to day, ye shall see them again no more for ever." (Exodus 14: 13)
Even in the celebrated Psalm 37, the writer counsels to trust and rest in Him:
"Fret not thyself because of evildoers, neither be thou envious against the workers of iniquity.
"For they shall soon be cut down like the grass, and wither as the green herb.
"Trust in the LORD, and do good; so shalt thou dwell in the land, and verily thou shalt be fed.
"Delight thyself also in the LORD; and he shall give thee the desires of thine heart.
"Commit thy way unto the LORD; trust also in him; and he shall bring it to pass." (Psalm 37: 1-5)
Do not worry about what other people are doing. They are going down -- the Lord is taking care of it. Instead, wait upon Him with expectation of good things -- for hope in Him does not disappoint (Romans 5: 5). Delight in the Lord by delighting in His mercy, that He has forgiven all of our sins (Micah 7: 18)
We commit our ways to the Lord through the Holy Spirit, who leads us (Galatians 5: 16-18). Christ lives in us, granting us direction and His glory in all that we do.
The one work that every believer is called to do is believe on Him (John 6: 29). Instead of running around frantically when you do not know what to do, trust in Him, meditate on His grace in your life, and He will quicken you in the way to go!
"Don't just do something -- stand there!"
"We are human beings, not human doings!"
"Calm down, man!"
"Take a chill pill."
How could I calm down, I thought. If I try to calm down, then I just get worked up.
I have since then learned about the power of meta-thinking, meta-thoughts, the positive inputs which can swallow bad thoughts up, push them aside, reduce them to nothing.
If you struggle with a set of "stinking thinking," God the Father, who wants us to prosper even as our soul -- mind, will, and emotions -- prospers, will give us the insight that we need:
"If any of you lack wisdom, let him ask of God, that giveth to all men liberally, and upbraideth not; and it shall be given him." (James 1: 5)
We can be sure that God will answer our prayers, because:
"And if we know that he hear us, whatsoever we ask, we know that we have the petitions that we desired of him." (1 John 5: 15)
When we come before God, we come in the name, the authority of His Son Jesus Christ, making us a son of God through Him (John 1: 12), and an heir of God with Christ (Romans 8: 17)
We have this consummate power because we have His identity:
"Herein is our love made perfect, that we may have boldness in the day of judgment: because as he is, so are we in this world. " (1 John 4: 17)
Jesus has called for us to abide in Him:
"Abide in me, and I in you. As the branch cannot bear fruit of itself, except it abide in the vine; no more can ye, except ye abide in me.
"I am the vine, ye are the branches: He that abideth in me, and I in him, the same bringeth forth much fruit: for without me ye can do nothing." (John 15: 4-5)
Well did Moses command the Israelites to stand back and trust in the Lord:
"And Moses said unto the people, Fear ye not, stand still, and see the salvation of the LORD, which he will shew to you to day: for the Egyptians whom ye have seen to day, ye shall see them again no more for ever." (Exodus 14: 13)
Even in the celebrated Psalm 37, the writer counsels to trust and rest in Him:
"Fret not thyself because of evildoers, neither be thou envious against the workers of iniquity.
"For they shall soon be cut down like the grass, and wither as the green herb.
"Trust in the LORD, and do good; so shalt thou dwell in the land, and verily thou shalt be fed.
"Delight thyself also in the LORD; and he shall give thee the desires of thine heart.
"Commit thy way unto the LORD; trust also in him; and he shall bring it to pass." (Psalm 37: 1-5)
Do not worry about what other people are doing. They are going down -- the Lord is taking care of it. Instead, wait upon Him with expectation of good things -- for hope in Him does not disappoint (Romans 5: 5). Delight in the Lord by delighting in His mercy, that He has forgiven all of our sins (Micah 7: 18)
We commit our ways to the Lord through the Holy Spirit, who leads us (Galatians 5: 16-18). Christ lives in us, granting us direction and His glory in all that we do.
The one work that every believer is called to do is believe on Him (John 6: 29). Instead of running around frantically when you do not know what to do, trust in Him, meditate on His grace in your life, and He will quicken you in the way to go!
| ||||
Tuesday, July 10, 2012
The Prayer of Jabez: All Evil Conquered in Christ
"And Jabez was
more honourable than his brethren: and his mother called his name Jabez, saying,
Because I bare him with sorrow.
"And Jabez called on the God of Israel, saying, Oh that thou wouldest bless me indeed, and enlarge my coast, and that thine hand might be with me, and that thou wouldest keep me from evil, that it may not grieve me! And God granted him that which he requested." (1 Chronicles 4: 9-10)
God has not only kept us from evil in Christ, but He has freed us from the curse of the law, through which Satan was legally permitted to harass God's creation.
Yet before the Finished Work was accomplished, Isaiah prophesied a glorious protection for the believer:
"No weapon that is formed against thee shall prosper; and every tongue that shall rise against thee in judgment thou shalt condemn. This is the heritage of the servants of the LORD, and their righteousness is of me, saith the LORD. " (Isaiah 54: 17)
We have been established in righteousness because of Jesus' death at the Cross. Solomon also prophesied of this great work in the live of every king (that's you and me (1 Peter 2: 9):
"Take away the wicked from before the king, and his throne shall be established in righteousness." (Proverbs 25: 5)
How did Jesus do this? Paul explains the blessed effects of Christ's sacrifice at the Cross:
"And ye are complete in him, which is the head of all principality and power:
"In whom also ye are circumcised with the circumcision made without hands, in putting off the body of the sins of the flesh by the circumcision of Christ:
"Buried with him in baptism, wherein also ye are risen with him through the faith of the operation of God, who hath raised him from the dead.
"And you, being dead in your sins and the uncircumcision of your flesh, hath he quickened together with him, having forgiven you all trespasses;
"Blotting out the handwriting of ordinances that was against us, which was contrary to us, and took it out of the way, nailing it to his cross;
"And having spoiled principalities and powers, he made a shew of them openly, triumphing over them in it." (Colossians 2: 10-15)
The sins of our flesh have been removed from us. That's one immense source of evil take from us. He has brought us back from spiritual death by forgiving all of our sins, so that no shame, recrimination, or guilt can hold us back. More importantly, Christ Jesus fulfilled and ended the power of the law in our lives, "the handwriting ordinances that was against us," for by the knowledge of the law is sin (Romans 3: 20). This chief accomplishment ended the power of powers and principalities in our lives
In Christ we are more than conquerors (Romans 8: 37), and nothing, not one thing, can take us away from our victory-place in Christ (Romans 8: 38-39), for we are seated above every power and principality (Ephesians 2: 6), and in Christ we sit, waiting for our enemies to become our footstool:
"But this man, after he had offered one sacrifice for sins for ever, sat down on the right hand of God;
"From henceforth expecting till his enemies be made his footstool. " (Hebrews 10: 12-13)
And of course:
"Herein is our love made perfect, that we may have boldness in the day of judgment: because as he is, so are we in this world." (1 John 4: 17)
There is no terror, no trial, no trauma, no trouble that has not already been overcome in Christ. Satan is judged, finished, we reign in life, and nothing can remove us from Him!
"And Jabez called on the God of Israel, saying, Oh that thou wouldest bless me indeed, and enlarge my coast, and that thine hand might be with me, and that thou wouldest keep me from evil, that it may not grieve me! And God granted him that which he requested." (1 Chronicles 4: 9-10)
God has not only kept us from evil in Christ, but He has freed us from the curse of the law, through which Satan was legally permitted to harass God's creation.
Yet before the Finished Work was accomplished, Isaiah prophesied a glorious protection for the believer:
"No weapon that is formed against thee shall prosper; and every tongue that shall rise against thee in judgment thou shalt condemn. This is the heritage of the servants of the LORD, and their righteousness is of me, saith the LORD. " (Isaiah 54: 17)
We have been established in righteousness because of Jesus' death at the Cross. Solomon also prophesied of this great work in the live of every king (that's you and me (1 Peter 2: 9):
"Take away the wicked from before the king, and his throne shall be established in righteousness." (Proverbs 25: 5)
How did Jesus do this? Paul explains the blessed effects of Christ's sacrifice at the Cross:
"And ye are complete in him, which is the head of all principality and power:
"In whom also ye are circumcised with the circumcision made without hands, in putting off the body of the sins of the flesh by the circumcision of Christ:
"Buried with him in baptism, wherein also ye are risen with him through the faith of the operation of God, who hath raised him from the dead.
"And you, being dead in your sins and the uncircumcision of your flesh, hath he quickened together with him, having forgiven you all trespasses;
"Blotting out the handwriting of ordinances that was against us, which was contrary to us, and took it out of the way, nailing it to his cross;
"And having spoiled principalities and powers, he made a shew of them openly, triumphing over them in it." (Colossians 2: 10-15)
The sins of our flesh have been removed from us. That's one immense source of evil take from us. He has brought us back from spiritual death by forgiving all of our sins, so that no shame, recrimination, or guilt can hold us back. More importantly, Christ Jesus fulfilled and ended the power of the law in our lives, "the handwriting ordinances that was against us," for by the knowledge of the law is sin (Romans 3: 20). This chief accomplishment ended the power of powers and principalities in our lives
In Christ we are more than conquerors (Romans 8: 37), and nothing, not one thing, can take us away from our victory-place in Christ (Romans 8: 38-39), for we are seated above every power and principality (Ephesians 2: 6), and in Christ we sit, waiting for our enemies to become our footstool:
"But this man, after he had offered one sacrifice for sins for ever, sat down on the right hand of God;
"From henceforth expecting till his enemies be made his footstool. " (Hebrews 10: 12-13)
And of course:
"Herein is our love made perfect, that we may have boldness in the day of judgment: because as he is, so are we in this world." (1 John 4: 17)
There is no terror, no trial, no trauma, no trouble that has not already been overcome in Christ. Satan is judged, finished, we reign in life, and nothing can remove us from Him!
Monday, July 9, 2012
The Prayer of Jabez: In Christ, Our Borders Extend All Over
"And Jabez was
more honourable than his brethren: and his mother called his name Jabez, saying,
Because I bare him with sorrow.
"And Jabez called on the God of Israel, saying, Oh that thou wouldest bless me indeed, and enlarge my coast, and that thine hand might be with me, and that thou wouldest keep me from evil, that it may not grieve me! And God granted him that which he requested." (1 Chronicles 4: 9-10)
"Enlarge my coast" -- Enlarge renders the Hebrew word רָבָה
"Coast" is a translation of the word גְּבוּל gebul: border, boundary, territory. The first mention of the word refers to the Borders of Canaan, or the Promised Land. In Christ, we have received the Promise of the Holy Spirit (Acts 2: 33), and thus the Kingdom of Heaven:
"For the kingdom of God is not meat and drink; but righteousness, and peace, and joy in the Holy Ghost." (Romans 14: 17)
And in Christ, all things are made available to us:
"What shall we then say to these things? If God be for us, who can be against us?
"He that spared not his own Son, but delivered him up for us all, how shall he not with him also freely give us all things?" (Romans 8: 31-32)
Later in his First Epistle to the Corinthians, Paul also writes:
"Therefore let no man glory in men. For all things are yours;
"Whether Paul, or Apollos, or Cephas, or the world, or life, or death, or things present, or things to come; all are yours;
"And ye are Christ's; and Christ is God's." (1 Corinthians 3:21-23)
In fact, God places a greater premium on our soul than the entire world (Matthew 16: 26), yet He wants to prosper and be in health even as our souls prospers (2 John 2)
In Christ, we do not obtain the victory, we are made more than conquerors!
Christ has overcome the world (John 16: 33). John outlines the supremacy that believers attain in Christ:
"Ye are of God, little children, and have overcome them: because greater is he that is in you, than he that is in the world." (1 John 4: 4)
His faith is now our faith (Galatians 2: 20), and therefore:
"For whatsoever is born of God overcometh the world: and this is the victory that overcometh the world, even our faith." (1 John 5: 4)
Forget about extending our own borders. In Christ, the world is ours, and we have more than overcome in all things.
"And Jabez called on the God of Israel, saying, Oh that thou wouldest bless me indeed, and enlarge my coast, and that thine hand might be with me, and that thou wouldest keep me from evil, that it may not grieve me! And God granted him that which he requested." (1 Chronicles 4: 9-10)
"Enlarge my coast" -- Enlarge renders the Hebrew word רָבָה
rabah: multiply.
The New Testament speaks of this abounding in our lives, but through the grace of God:
"Grace and peace be multiplied unto you through the knowledge of God, and of Jesus our Lord,
"According as his divine power hath given unto us all things that pertain unto life and godliness, through the knowledge of him that hath called us to glory and virtue: " (2 Peter 1: 2)
"For the kingdom of God is not meat and drink; but righteousness, and peace, and joy in the Holy Ghost." (Romans 14: 17)
And in Christ, all things are made available to us:
"What shall we then say to these things? If God be for us, who can be against us?
"He that spared not his own Son, but delivered him up for us all, how shall he not with him also freely give us all things?" (Romans 8: 31-32)
Later in his First Epistle to the Corinthians, Paul also writes:
"Therefore let no man glory in men. For all things are yours;
"Whether Paul, or Apollos, or Cephas, or the world, or life, or death, or things present, or things to come; all are yours;
"And ye are Christ's; and Christ is God's." (1 Corinthians 3:21-23)
In fact, God places a greater premium on our soul than the entire world (Matthew 16: 26), yet He wants to prosper and be in health even as our souls prospers (2 John 2)
In Christ, we do not obtain the victory, we are made more than conquerors!
Christ has overcome the world (John 16: 33). John outlines the supremacy that believers attain in Christ:
"Ye are of God, little children, and have overcome them: because greater is he that is in you, than he that is in the world." (1 John 4: 4)
His faith is now our faith (Galatians 2: 20), and therefore:
"For whatsoever is born of God overcometh the world: and this is the victory that overcometh the world, even our faith." (1 John 5: 4)
Forget about extending our own borders. In Christ, the world is ours, and we have more than overcome in all things.
Sunday, July 8, 2012
The Prayer of Jabez: His Hand is Ever More With Us
"And Jabez was more honourable than his brethren: and his mother called his name Jabez, saying, Because I bare him with sorrow.
"And Jabez called on the God of Israel, saying, Oh that thou wouldest bless me indeed, and enlarge my coast, and that thine hand might be with me, and that thou wouldest keep me from evil, that it may not grieve me! And God granted him that which he requested. (1 Chronicles 4: 9-10)
In yesterday's post, the first two elements of Jabez' prayer:
"Oh that thou wouldest bless me indeed, and enlarge my coast"
were expounded at length, and when read through the Finished Work of Jesus Christ, we find that these prayers have been answered already for us in Christ.
As for the remaining two key elements of this prayer, you can see that God has answered Jabez' bold plea for all us through His Son, the Man of Sorrows.
"That thine hand might be with me." Even in the Old Testament, during the Babylonian Captivity, God revealed His tender, ever-present care for His people, and by inheritance through Christ for us:
"Yea, before the day was I am he; and there is none that can deliver out of my hand: I will work, and who shall let it?" (Isaiah 43: 13)
His hands are eternally safe and secure. But there's more in store for those who believe on Him:
"Behold, I have graven thee upon the palms of my hands; thy walls are continually before me." (Isaiah 49: 16)
Not only does God have His hand on us, we are on His hands, never to be wiped away.
Jesus also declares His extravagant love for us:
"And I give unto them eternal life; and they shall never perish, neither shall any man pluck them out of my hand." (John 10: 28)
Paul illustrates in a seventeen-fold conviction that God's love surmounts all:
"Nay, in all these things we are more than conquerors through him that loved us.
"For I am persuaded, that neither death, nor life, nor angels, nor principalities, nor powers, nor things present, nor things to come,
"Nor height, nor depth, nor any other creature, shall be able to separate us from the love of God, which is in Christ Jesus our Lord." (Romans 8: 37-39)
And of course:
"Let your conversation be without covetousness; and be content with such things as ye have: for he hath said, I will never leave thee, nor forsake thee.
"So that we may boldly say, The Lord is my helper, and I will not fear what man shall do unto me." (Hebrews 13: 5-6)
And this boldness is ours, through the death and resurrection of our Savior, Jesus Christ!
"And Jabez called on the God of Israel, saying, Oh that thou wouldest bless me indeed, and enlarge my coast, and that thine hand might be with me, and that thou wouldest keep me from evil, that it may not grieve me! And God granted him that which he requested. (1 Chronicles 4: 9-10)
In yesterday's post, the first two elements of Jabez' prayer:
"Oh that thou wouldest bless me indeed, and enlarge my coast"
were expounded at length, and when read through the Finished Work of Jesus Christ, we find that these prayers have been answered already for us in Christ.
As for the remaining two key elements of this prayer, you can see that God has answered Jabez' bold plea for all us through His Son, the Man of Sorrows.
"That thine hand might be with me." Even in the Old Testament, during the Babylonian Captivity, God revealed His tender, ever-present care for His people, and by inheritance through Christ for us:
"Yea, before the day was I am he; and there is none that can deliver out of my hand: I will work, and who shall let it?" (Isaiah 43: 13)
His hands are eternally safe and secure. But there's more in store for those who believe on Him:
"Behold, I have graven thee upon the palms of my hands; thy walls are continually before me." (Isaiah 49: 16)
Not only does God have His hand on us, we are on His hands, never to be wiped away.
Jesus also declares His extravagant love for us:
"And I give unto them eternal life; and they shall never perish, neither shall any man pluck them out of my hand." (John 10: 28)
Paul illustrates in a seventeen-fold conviction that God's love surmounts all:
"Nay, in all these things we are more than conquerors through him that loved us.
"For I am persuaded, that neither death, nor life, nor angels, nor principalities, nor powers, nor things present, nor things to come,
"Nor height, nor depth, nor any other creature, shall be able to separate us from the love of God, which is in Christ Jesus our Lord." (Romans 8: 37-39)
And of course:
"Let your conversation be without covetousness; and be content with such things as ye have: for he hath said, I will never leave thee, nor forsake thee.
"So that we may boldly say, The Lord is my helper, and I will not fear what man shall do unto me." (Hebrews 13: 5-6)
And this boldness is ours, through the death and resurrection of our Savior, Jesus Christ!
Saturday, July 7, 2012
The Prayer of Jabez: In Christ, We Are Blessed Blessed -- And More
"And Jabez was more honourable than his brethren: and his mother called his name Jabez, saying, Because I bare him with sorrow.
"And Jabez called on the God of Israel, saying, Oh that thou wouldest bless me indeed, and enlarge my coast, and that thine hand might be with me, and that thou wouldest keep me from evil, that it may not grieve me! And God granted him that which he requested. (1 Chronicles 4: 9-10)
Jabez became more honorable than his brethren because of his faith. He is a type and shadow of Christ, who became Sorrow -- Sin -- for us, that we might be made the righteousness of God in Him (2 Corinthians 5: 21)
Now, the elements of Jabez' Prayer have already been answered for us:
"For all the promises of God in him are yea, and in him Amen, unto the glory of God by us." (2 Corinthians 1: 20)
"Oh that thou wouldest bless me indeed." In the original Hebrew, this passage reads "Bless Bless" or ""superlatively bless me"
In Christ, we have received this consummate favor:
"Grace be to you, and peace, from God our Father, and from the Lord Jesus Christ.
"Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who hath blessed us with all spiritual blessings in heavenly places in Christ:" (Ephesians 1: 3)
"All spiritual blessings:" No one can top that, and in Christ, you already have it!
Not only do you have these blessings, but by abiding in Him, you are already bearing fruit:
"John 15: 1-15)
and
(Galatians 5: 22-23)
It is important
"And Jabez called on the God of Israel, saying, Oh that thou wouldest bless me indeed, and enlarge my coast, and that thine hand might be with me, and that thou wouldest keep me from evil, that it may not grieve me! And God granted him that which he requested. (1 Chronicles 4: 9-10)
Jabez became more honorable than his brethren because of his faith. He is a type and shadow of Christ, who became Sorrow -- Sin -- for us, that we might be made the righteousness of God in Him (2 Corinthians 5: 21)
Now, the elements of Jabez' Prayer have already been answered for us:
"For all the promises of God in him are yea, and in him Amen, unto the glory of God by us." (2 Corinthians 1: 20)
"Oh that thou wouldest bless me indeed." In the original Hebrew, this passage reads "Bless Bless" or ""superlatively bless me"
In Christ, we have received this consummate favor:
"Grace be to you, and peace, from God our Father, and from the Lord Jesus Christ.
"Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who hath blessed us with all spiritual blessings in heavenly places in Christ:" (Ephesians 1: 3)
"All spiritual blessings:" No one can top that, and in Christ, you already have it!
Not only do you have these blessings, but by abiding in Him, you are already bearing fruit:
"John 15: 1-15)
and
(Galatians 5: 22-23)
It is important
Friday, July 6, 2012
The Prayer of Jabez: Jabez Exceeded in Christ
"And Jabez was
more honourable than his brethren: and his mother called his name Jabez, saying,
Because I bare him with sorrow.
"And Jabez called on the God of Israel, saying, Oh that thou wouldest bless me indeed, and enlarge my coast, and that thine hand might be with me, and that thou wouldest keep me from evil, that it may not grieve me! And God granted him that which he requested. (1 Chronicles 4: 9-10)
As mentioned in a previous posting, a proper rending of verse nine indicates that Jabez "became more honorable" than his brethren.
Now, Jabez is a type of our Lord, Savior, and Benefactor Jesus Christ.
The name "Jabez" means "sorrow" according to Bruce Wilkinson. Scripturetext.com comments that "Jabez" is actually of uncertain origin. In this wise, He is like Jesus, our High Priest forever according to the order of Melchizedek:
"For it is evident that our Lord sprang out of Juda; of which tribe Moses spake nothing concerning priesthood.
"And it is yet far more evident: for that after the similitude of Melchisedec there ariseth another priest,
"Who is made, not after the law of a carnal commandment, but after the power of an endless life.
"For he testifieth, Thou art a priest for ever after the order of Melchisedec." (/Hebrews 7: 14-17)
Wilkinson even elaborates at length about the stinging irony of a child being named "sorrow" or "pain". One name-origin site cites that "Jabez" means "born in pain." Imagine indeed what that young boy must have endured, going through life being called, "Come here, sorrow. Sorrow, take this to your mother."
But in fact another Man, Jesus Christ, did live this humiliation. God set aside His divinity, became a man and suffered for us:
"Let this mind be in you, which was also in Christ Jesus:
"Who, being in the form of God, thought it not robbery to be equal with God:
"But made himself of no reputation, and took upon him the form of a servant, and was made in the likeness of men:
"And being found in fashion as a man, he humbled himself, and became obedient unto death, even the death of the cross.
"Wherefore God also hath highly exalted him, and given him a name which is above every name: (Philippians 2: 5-9)
He also took our pains, took our hurts, became the personification of our sorrows. Isaiah prophesied:
"He is despised and rejected of men; a man of sorrows, and acquainted with grief: and we hid as it were our faces from him; he was despised, and we esteemed him not." (Isaiah 53: 3)
If He who has endured so much pain, sorrow, humiliation, and trauma still enjoyed the favor of God,
f he could ask for the greatest blessings, if he could ask for supreme protection, if he could ask for God to extend then all the more can we believers trust that God will answer our prayers:
"Herein is our love made perfect, that we may have boldness in the day of judgment: because as he is, so are we in this world." (1 John 4: 17)
"And Jabez called on the God of Israel, saying, Oh that thou wouldest bless me indeed, and enlarge my coast, and that thine hand might be with me, and that thou wouldest keep me from evil, that it may not grieve me! And God granted him that which he requested. (1 Chronicles 4: 9-10)
As mentioned in a previous posting, a proper rending of verse nine indicates that Jabez "became more honorable" than his brethren.
Now, Jabez is a type of our Lord, Savior, and Benefactor Jesus Christ.
The name "Jabez" means "sorrow" according to Bruce Wilkinson. Scripturetext.com comments that "Jabez" is actually of uncertain origin. In this wise, He is like Jesus, our High Priest forever according to the order of Melchizedek:
"For it is evident that our Lord sprang out of Juda; of which tribe Moses spake nothing concerning priesthood.
"And it is yet far more evident: for that after the similitude of Melchisedec there ariseth another priest,
"Who is made, not after the law of a carnal commandment, but after the power of an endless life.
"For he testifieth, Thou art a priest for ever after the order of Melchisedec." (/Hebrews 7: 14-17)
Wilkinson even elaborates at length about the stinging irony of a child being named "sorrow" or "pain". One name-origin site cites that "Jabez" means "born in pain." Imagine indeed what that young boy must have endured, going through life being called, "Come here, sorrow. Sorrow, take this to your mother."
But in fact another Man, Jesus Christ, did live this humiliation. God set aside His divinity, became a man and suffered for us:
"Let this mind be in you, which was also in Christ Jesus:
"Who, being in the form of God, thought it not robbery to be equal with God:
"But made himself of no reputation, and took upon him the form of a servant, and was made in the likeness of men:
"And being found in fashion as a man, he humbled himself, and became obedient unto death, even the death of the cross.
"Wherefore God also hath highly exalted him, and given him a name which is above every name: (Philippians 2: 5-9)
He also took our pains, took our hurts, became the personification of our sorrows. Isaiah prophesied:
"He is despised and rejected of men; a man of sorrows, and acquainted with grief: and we hid as it were our faces from him; he was despised, and we esteemed him not." (Isaiah 53: 3)
If He who has endured so much pain, sorrow, humiliation, and trauma still enjoyed the favor of God,
f he could ask for the greatest blessings, if he could ask for supreme protection, if he could ask for God to extend then all the more can we believers trust that God will answer our prayers:
"Herein is our love made perfect, that we may have boldness in the day of judgment: because as he is, so are we in this world." (1 John 4: 17)
Thursday, July 5, 2012
The Prayer of Jabez: Honorable Through Faith in Christ
We have the authority to ask for anything because Jesus Christ is our representative in heaven, and we are his representative here on earth:
"Herein is our love made perfect, that we may have boldness in the day of judgment: because as he is, so are we in this world." (1 John 4: 17)
We bear His Name and His Life within us -- how much more do we need to know and believe that we have every right to come before Him and ask for what we need.
However, let's take a closer look at the Prayer of Jabez. Through the Finished Work of Jesus Christ, we no longer have to exhort God to bless us, but rather we can rejoice in the Work that He has done and walk in the faith that He is working in us (Philippians 2: 12-13):
"And Jabez was more honourable than his brethren: and his mother called his name Jabez, saying, Because I bare him with sorrow.
"And Jabez called on the God of Israel, saying, Oh that thou wouldest bless me indeed, and enlarge my coast, and that thine hand might be with me, and that thou wouldest keep me from evil, that it may not grieve me! And God granted him that which he requested." (1 Chronicles 4: 9-10)
A few notes about the translations. In verse 9, it would more accurately read "became honorable" -- he was not honorable just because, for in the God's presence no flesh will be justified.
How did Abraham become righteous? By praying a big prayer? By praying it a bunch of times? Not at all:
"And he brought him forth abroad, and said, Look now toward heaven, and tell the stars, if thou be able to number them: and he said unto him, So shall thy seed be.
"And he believed in the LORD; and he counted it to him for righteousness." (Genesis 15: 5-6)
Why did he become honorable (lit. glorious, weighed with honor? Because Jabez trusted God enough to ask Him for the most and the best -- yet for believers, He still outdoes the biggest requests that we can ask:
"Now unto him that is able to do exceeding abundantly above all that we ask or think, according to the power that worketh in us,
"Unto him be glory in the church by Christ Jesus throughout all ages, world without end. Amen.(Ephesians 3: 20-21)
So so not be discouraged if God does not give you what you initially requested, for He has something better in store for you. Ask, and you shall receive! (Matthew 7: 14)
"Herein is our love made perfect, that we may have boldness in the day of judgment: because as he is, so are we in this world." (1 John 4: 17)
We bear His Name and His Life within us -- how much more do we need to know and believe that we have every right to come before Him and ask for what we need.
However, let's take a closer look at the Prayer of Jabez. Through the Finished Work of Jesus Christ, we no longer have to exhort God to bless us, but rather we can rejoice in the Work that He has done and walk in the faith that He is working in us (Philippians 2: 12-13):
"And Jabez was more honourable than his brethren: and his mother called his name Jabez, saying, Because I bare him with sorrow.
"And Jabez called on the God of Israel, saying, Oh that thou wouldest bless me indeed, and enlarge my coast, and that thine hand might be with me, and that thou wouldest keep me from evil, that it may not grieve me! And God granted him that which he requested." (1 Chronicles 4: 9-10)
A few notes about the translations. In verse 9, it would more accurately read "became honorable" -- he was not honorable just because, for in the God's presence no flesh will be justified.
How did Abraham become righteous? By praying a big prayer? By praying it a bunch of times? Not at all:
"And he brought him forth abroad, and said, Look now toward heaven, and tell the stars, if thou be able to number them: and he said unto him, So shall thy seed be.
"And he believed in the LORD; and he counted it to him for righteousness." (Genesis 15: 5-6)
Why did he become honorable (lit. glorious, weighed with honor? Because Jabez trusted God enough to ask Him for the most and the best -- yet for believers, He still outdoes the biggest requests that we can ask:
"Now unto him that is able to do exceeding abundantly above all that we ask or think, according to the power that worketh in us,
"Unto him be glory in the church by Christ Jesus throughout all ages, world without end. Amen.(Ephesians 3: 20-21)
So so not be discouraged if God does not give you what you initially requested, for He has something better in store for you. Ask, and you shall receive! (Matthew 7: 14)
Wednesday, July 4, 2012
The Prayer of Jabez: Faith In Christ, Not in Prayer
"The Prayer of Jabez" was a popular devotional piece released by Bruce Wilkinson in 2000.
There, he analyzes the little-known, or at least easily-overlooked, prayer of Jabez in 1 Chronicles 4: 9-10.
In his book, he encouraged believers to pray big prayers, to believe great things from God, and that he would use every believer willing to trust him.
Of course, the notion that we should pray anything for a number of times flies contrary to Jesus' teachings in the Sermon:
"But when ye pray, use not vain repetitions, as the heathen do: for they think that they shall be heard for their much speaking." (Matthew 6: 7)
Then why does God hear us? Because He has promised to do so, because of the death of His Son:
"And this is the confidence that we have in him, that, if we ask any thing according to his will, he heareth us:" (1 John 5: 14)
We know that we ask things according to His will because He has written His laws on our hearts and mind (Hebrews 8: 10).
"Likewise the Spirit also helpeth our infirmities: for we know not what we should pray for as we ought: but the Spirit itself maketh intercession for us with groanings which cannot be uttered. (Romans 8: 26)
and
"Who is he that condemneth? It is Christ that died, yea rather, that is risen again, who is even at the right hand of God, who also maketh intercession for us." (Romans 8: 34)
We need not worry that the things that we want in our heart will be contrary to the will of God:
"Wherefore, my beloved, as ye have always obeyed, not as in my presence only, but now much more in my absence, work out your own salvation with fear and trembling.
"For it is God which worketh in you both to will and to do of his good pleasure." (Philippians 2: 12-13)
We have the confidence to enter boldly into the throne of grace and request what is on our hearts because of Jesus, our high priest who sits at the right hand of the father and makes intercession for us to His Father and our Father:
"Seeing then that we have a great high priest, that is passed into the heavens, Jesus the Son of God, let us hold fast our profession.
"For we have not an high priest which cannot be touched with the feeling of our infirmities; but was in all points tempted like as we are, yet without sin.
"Let us therefore come boldly unto the throne of grace, that we may obtain mercy, and find grace to help in time of need." (Hebrews 4: 14-16)
It is because of Jesus Christ, who has imparted to every believer His Holy Spirit (Acts 2: 33), that He is within us (Colossians 1: 27), and that we may become sons of God like the First-born from the dead (John 1: 12)
There, he analyzes the little-known, or at least easily-overlooked, prayer of Jabez in 1 Chronicles 4: 9-10.
In his book, he encouraged believers to pray big prayers, to believe great things from God, and that he would use every believer willing to trust him.
Of course, the notion that we should pray anything for a number of times flies contrary to Jesus' teachings in the Sermon:
"But when ye pray, use not vain repetitions, as the heathen do: for they think that they shall be heard for their much speaking." (Matthew 6: 7)
Then why does God hear us? Because He has promised to do so, because of the death of His Son:
"And this is the confidence that we have in him, that, if we ask any thing according to his will, he heareth us:" (1 John 5: 14)
We know that we ask things according to His will because He has written His laws on our hearts and mind (Hebrews 8: 10).
"Likewise the Spirit also helpeth our infirmities: for we know not what we should pray for as we ought: but the Spirit itself maketh intercession for us with groanings which cannot be uttered. (Romans 8: 26)
and
"Who is he that condemneth? It is Christ that died, yea rather, that is risen again, who is even at the right hand of God, who also maketh intercession for us." (Romans 8: 34)
We need not worry that the things that we want in our heart will be contrary to the will of God:
"Wherefore, my beloved, as ye have always obeyed, not as in my presence only, but now much more in my absence, work out your own salvation with fear and trembling.
"For it is God which worketh in you both to will and to do of his good pleasure." (Philippians 2: 12-13)
We have the confidence to enter boldly into the throne of grace and request what is on our hearts because of Jesus, our high priest who sits at the right hand of the father and makes intercession for us to His Father and our Father:
"Seeing then that we have a great high priest, that is passed into the heavens, Jesus the Son of God, let us hold fast our profession.
"For we have not an high priest which cannot be touched with the feeling of our infirmities; but was in all points tempted like as we are, yet without sin.
"Let us therefore come boldly unto the throne of grace, that we may obtain mercy, and find grace to help in time of need." (Hebrews 4: 14-16)
It is because of Jesus Christ, who has imparted to every believer His Holy Spirit (Acts 2: 33), that He is within us (Colossians 1: 27), and that we may become sons of God like the First-born from the dead (John 1: 12)
Tuesday, July 3, 2012
It's About Your Heart -- and In Christ, Your Heart is Just Fine
In the Body of Christ, we tend to spend more time dealing with the outside. We focus on behaving, outer obedience. God is more concerned with the heart:
"But the LORD said unto Samuel, Look not on his countenance, or on the height of his stature; because I have refused him: for the LORD seeth not as man seeth; for man looketh on the outward appearance, but the LORD looketh on the heart." (1 Samuel 16: 7)
Later, one of the Psalmists writes:
"His heart is established, he shall not be afraid, until he see his desire upon his enemies. " (Psalm 112: 8)
God judges us not for our actions, but for the condition of our heart:
"But I say unto you, That whosoever looketh on a woman to lust after her hath committed adultery with her already in his heart." (Matthew 5: 28)
and later
"But those things which proceed out of the mouth come forth from the heart; and they defile the man." (Matthew 15: 18)
Believers in Christ have nothing to worry about, however. We cannot change our heart, but we can believe the Gospel, receive repentance and remission of sins, and receive a new heart:
"And I will give them one heart, and I will put a new spirit within you; and I will take the stony heart out of their flesh, and will give them an heart of flesh:
"That they may walk in my statutes, and keep mine ordinances, and do them: and they shall be my people, and I will be their God." (Ezekiel 11: 19-20)
This covenant in confirmed for us in Hebrews:
"For this is the covenant that I will make with the house of Israel after those days, saith the Lord; I will put my laws into their mind, and write them in their hearts: and I will be to them a God, and they shall be to me a people:
"And they shall not teach every man his neighbour, and every man his brother, saying, Know the Lord: for all shall know me, from the least to the greatest.
"For I will be merciful to their unrighteousness, and their sins and their iniquities will I remember no more." (Hebrews 8: 10-12)
Who makes this happen? The Holy Spirit:
"This I say then, Walk in the Spirit, and ye shall not fulfil the lust of the flesh.
"For the flesh lusteth against the Spirit, and the Spirit against the flesh: and these are contrary the one to the other: so that ye cannot do the things that ye would.
"But if ye be led of the Spirit, ye are not under the law." (Galatians 5: 16-18)
How do we know that we have His Spirit? John explains how:
"Hereby know we that we dwell in him, and he in us, because he hath given us of his Spirit.
"And we have seen and do testify that the Father sent the Son to be the Saviour of the world.
"Whosoever shall confess that Jesus is the Son of God, God dwelleth in him, and he in God." (1 John 4: 13-15)
We believe on Him, we receive Him, we are transformed from glory to glory by the renewing of our minds. Therefore, we can rest assured that we are in good standing:
"Be not carried about with divers and strange doctrines. For it is a good thing that the heart be established with grace; not with meats, which have not profited them that have been occupied therein." (Hebrews 13: 9)
We have God's unmerited favor -- that is more than enough to establish our hearts. God looks at your heart, Beloved. and your heart is just fine!
"But the LORD said unto Samuel, Look not on his countenance, or on the height of his stature; because I have refused him: for the LORD seeth not as man seeth; for man looketh on the outward appearance, but the LORD looketh on the heart." (1 Samuel 16: 7)
Later, one of the Psalmists writes:
"His heart is established, he shall not be afraid, until he see his desire upon his enemies. " (Psalm 112: 8)
God judges us not for our actions, but for the condition of our heart:
"But I say unto you, That whosoever looketh on a woman to lust after her hath committed adultery with her already in his heart." (Matthew 5: 28)
and later
"But those things which proceed out of the mouth come forth from the heart; and they defile the man." (Matthew 15: 18)
Believers in Christ have nothing to worry about, however. We cannot change our heart, but we can believe the Gospel, receive repentance and remission of sins, and receive a new heart:
"And I will give them one heart, and I will put a new spirit within you; and I will take the stony heart out of their flesh, and will give them an heart of flesh:
"That they may walk in my statutes, and keep mine ordinances, and do them: and they shall be my people, and I will be their God." (Ezekiel 11: 19-20)
This covenant in confirmed for us in Hebrews:
"For this is the covenant that I will make with the house of Israel after those days, saith the Lord; I will put my laws into their mind, and write them in their hearts: and I will be to them a God, and they shall be to me a people:
"And they shall not teach every man his neighbour, and every man his brother, saying, Know the Lord: for all shall know me, from the least to the greatest.
"For I will be merciful to their unrighteousness, and their sins and their iniquities will I remember no more." (Hebrews 8: 10-12)
Who makes this happen? The Holy Spirit:
"This I say then, Walk in the Spirit, and ye shall not fulfil the lust of the flesh.
"For the flesh lusteth against the Spirit, and the Spirit against the flesh: and these are contrary the one to the other: so that ye cannot do the things that ye would.
"But if ye be led of the Spirit, ye are not under the law." (Galatians 5: 16-18)
How do we know that we have His Spirit? John explains how:
"Hereby know we that we dwell in him, and he in us, because he hath given us of his Spirit.
"And we have seen and do testify that the Father sent the Son to be the Saviour of the world.
"Whosoever shall confess that Jesus is the Son of God, God dwelleth in him, and he in God." (1 John 4: 13-15)
We believe on Him, we receive Him, we are transformed from glory to glory by the renewing of our minds. Therefore, we can rest assured that we are in good standing:
"Be not carried about with divers and strange doctrines. For it is a good thing that the heart be established with grace; not with meats, which have not profited them that have been occupied therein." (Hebrews 13: 9)
We have God's unmerited favor -- that is more than enough to establish our hearts. God looks at your heart, Beloved. and your heart is just fine!
Monday, July 2, 2012
Rest in Him (And He Means It!)
"It shall be a sabbath of rest unto you, and ye shall afflict your souls, by a statute for ever." (Leviticus 16: 3)
In this fascinating verse, "Sabbath of rest" is actually "shabbat shabbatown", or "The most restful of rests". When the Hebrew repeats a word, that makes it a superlative, just like Isaiah 26: 3:
"Thou wilt keep him in perfect peace, whose mind is stayed on thee: because he trusteth in thee." Here, "perfect peace" is actually "shalom shalom".
Back to Leviticus 16: 3, the repetition of "shabbat shabbat" could also be read as: "Chill out! And I mean it!"
In this fascinating verse, "Sabbath of rest" is actually "shabbat shabbatown", or "The most restful of rests". When the Hebrew repeats a word, that makes it a superlative, just like Isaiah 26: 3:
"Thou wilt keep him in perfect peace, whose mind is stayed on thee: because he trusteth in thee." Here, "perfect peace" is actually "shalom shalom".
Back to Leviticus 16: 3, the repetition of "shabbat shabbat" could also be read as: "Chill out! And I mean it!"
This passage reminds me of Moses’ command to the Israelites’ fleeing from Egypt:
“Fear ye not, stand still, and see the salvation of the LORD, which he will show to you today: for the Egyptians whom ye have seen today, ye shall see them again no more for ever.”(Exodus 14: 13)
The word "afflict" in the verse from Leviticus has a double meaning, for those who do not see how "afflicting one's soul" would qualify as resting. The double meaning embedded in "v'initem", "afflict" means "humble yourselves", that we may receive more of God's grace and goodness in our lives.
The word "afflict" in the verse from Leviticus has a double meaning, for those who do not see how "afflicting one's soul" would qualify as resting. The double meaning embedded in "v'initem", "afflict" means "humble yourselves", that we may receive more of God's grace and goodness in our lives.
The Holy Spirit speaking through Isaiah explicitly denounces such voluntary humility:
"Is it such a fast that I have chosen? a day for a man to afflict his soul? is it to bow down his head as a bulrush, and to spread sackcloth and ashes under him? wilt thou call this a fast, and an acceptable day to the LORD?" (Isaiah 58: 5)
Instead, He wants us to draw out what we have to others:
"Is not this the fast that I have chosen? to loose the bands of wickedness, to undo the heavy burdens, and to let the oppressed go free, and that ye break every yoke?
"Is it not to deal thy bread to the hungry, and that thou bring the poor that are cast out to thy house? when thou seest the naked, that thou cover him; and that thou hide not thyself from thine own flesh?" (Isaiah 58: 6-7)
This passage accords with Isaiah's later prophecies, which Jesus the Messiah confirmed before His hearers in Luke 4:
"The Spirit of the Lord is upon me, because he hath anointed me to preach the gospel to the poor; he hath sent me to heal the brokenhearted, to preach deliverance to the captives, and recovering of sight to the blind, to set at liberty them that are bruised,
"To preach the acceptable year of the Lord.
"And he closed the book, and he gave it again to the minister, and sat down." (Luke 4: 18-20)
We accomplish these blessed works through Jesus Christ, our righteousness, who lives and works in every believer. This truth connects with the promise of the Holy Spirit delivered to us in Isaiah 58:
"Then shall thy light break forth as the morning, and thine health shall spring forth speedily: and thy righteousness shall go before thee; the glory of the LORD shall be thy rereward." (Isaiah 58: 8)
Notice how it says that our righteousness will "break forth." We do not create our righteousness, but receive it by faith (Genesis 15: 6; Ephesians 2: 4-10), but it breaks forth through our outward imputation of faith:
"Wherefore, my beloved, as ye have always obeyed, not as in my presence only, but now much more in my absence, work out your own salvation with fear and trembling.
"For it is God which worketh in you both to will and to do of his good pleasure." (Philippians 2: 12-13)
And what's the key element that enables our righteousness, and for it to break forth as the morning:
"If thou turn away thy foot from the sabbath, from doing thy pleasure on my holy day; and call the sabbath a delight, the holy of the LORD, honourable; and shalt honour him, not doing thine own ways, nor finding thine own pleasure, nor speaking thine own words:"
(Isaiah 58: 13)
By resting in Christ, we effect our faith into obedience. And for the believer in Christ, we receive this rest for ever:
"There remaineth therefore a rest to the people of God.
"For he that is entered into his rest, he also hath ceased from his own works, as God did from his.
"Let us labour therefore to enter into that rest, lest any man fall after the same example of unbelief." (Hebrews 4: 9-11)
We rest in Him, and He works through us: What’s not to like?
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