Psalm 40:16 KJV [16] Let all those that seek thee rejoice and be glad in thee: Let such as love thy salvation say continually, the LORD be magnified.
These words spoke loudly to me this morning.
For some time, I’ve been learning about rejoicing in the Lord, and this year the lesson has multiplied.
The multiplication has come from a better understanding of my Savior.
As knowledge of God grows deeper, rejoicing blooms in my heart and from the overflow of the heart, my lips speak.
Therefore, seeking God and loving His salvation flowers continually into rejoicing and proclaiming:
The LORD be magnified!
Although, I do not always say those exact words, the point is the same; praising God.
As the psalmist declares, those who seek Him, those who love Him and trust in His salvation, find their spiritual sight cleaned of the stains and blinding muck of sin.
With this gift of spiritual sight comes a peace and joy which far surpasses anything of this world.
Through God’s Word one can find the cleansing, healing truth which waters the soul, for it tells of the redemption of Jesus Christ.
Psalm 119:111 KJV — Thy testimonies have I taken as an heritage for ever: for they are the rejoicing of my heart.
Dear Lord Jesus,
Thank You for Your Word! Thank You for this verse touching my heart by confirming what I’ve been learning. Thank You for reminding me that I can always find reason to praise, for You are worthy of all worship. Thank You that even in the deepest sorrow or most frightening circumstance, I can rejoice in You, for Your Word brings me understanding and Your truth illuminates my soul. Lord, for those who are called by Your name and are struggling, please help their relationship with You to deepen. Lord, for those who are new to this relationship with You, please protect them from the lies of the enemy, the busyness of deception, and the snares of pleasing self. Lord, for those who have heard the truth and turned their back on Your Word and Your wisdom, I humbly request You remind them of what true love is, what the fruits of righteousness are, and how temporary this life on earth is. Lord, please break through the lies that chain them to false ways and set their feet upon solid ground. Thank You, Jesus. I love You, Lord. Amen.
It had been raining all day and in one moment the Sunbeams broke through the clouds and bathed the wet landscape in gold light.
Then it was past.
The grey mist of stead rain dropped like a curtain.
The momentary pause of the passing storm, reminded me that the beauty of the Sunshine is constant, whether I see it or not, which is a testimony to God.
One day the Sun may stop shining, but God will never stop being God.
Which is even more reassuring, for God is loving, gentle, kind, just, righteous, and holy.
His never changing character brings stability and comfort.
Hebrews 13:8 NKJV — Jesus Christ is the same yesterday, today, and forever.
He is always faithful.
Even when the clouds of circumstance barr my ability to see Him.
It’s the same truth three men experienced.
Living as slaves in a foreign land, their owner demanded they worship an idol.
These three men knew the living God and refused.
Their disobedience enrages the man who owns them and he threatens them, that to continue to disobey his command would mean certain death.
But he respects these slaves, they’ve served him well, so he gives them another chance to worship the idol.
Their words are inspiring.
Daniel 3:16-18 NKJV — Shadrach, Meshach, and Abed-Nego answered and said to the king, “O Nebuchadnezzar, we have no need to answer you in this matter. If that is the case, our God whom we serve is able to deliver us from the burning fiery furnace, and He will deliver us from your hand, O king. But if not, let it be known to you, O king, that we do not serve your gods, nor will we worship the gold image which you have set up.”
These three men knew God was not only aware of what they were experiencing, but that He had the ability to save them.
Yet, they also understood His Sovereignty.
They didn’t assume God would save them just because they knew He could, instead they trust God completely.
They had quiet assurance that either way, God would do what was best.
Daniel 3:19-25 NKJV [19] Then Nebuchadnezzar was full of fury, and the expression on his face changed toward Shadrach, Meshach, and Abed-Nego. He spoke and commanded that they heat the furnace seven times more than it was usually heated. [20] And he commanded certain mighty men of valor who were in his army to bind Shadrach, Meshach, and Abed-Nego, and cast them into the burning fiery furnace. [21] Then these men were bound in their coats, their trousers, their turbans, and their other garments, and were cast into the midst of the burning fiery furnace. [22] Therefore, because the king’s command was urgent, and the furnace exceedingly hot, the flame of the fire killed those men who took up Shadrach, Meshach, and Abed-Nego. [23] And these three men, Shadrach, Meshach, and Abed-Nego, fell down bound into the midst of the burning fiery furnace. [24] Then King Nebuchadnezzar was astonished; and he rose in haste and spoke, saying to his counselors, “Did we not cast three men bound into the midst of the fire?” They answered and said to the king, “True, O king.” [25] “Look!” he answered, “I see four men loose, walking in the midst of the fire; and they are not hurt, and the form of the fourth is like the Son of God.”
Of course it was.
Their Lord had saved them, and He has done the same for me.
What beauty there is in His faithfulness!
What blessed assurance those who put their trust in Him have!
Jeremiah 31:3 NKJV — The LORD has appeared of old to me, saying: “Yes, I have loved you with an everlasting love; Therefore with lovingkindness I have drawn you.
Dear Lord Jesus,
Thank You for Your Word! Thank You for the beauty which I behold in it. Thank You for Your promises, Your love, Your salvation! It is only through You that people can find treasures which last beyond the grave. Lord Jesus, please encourage those who are Yours to remember Your faithfulness and not be discouraged or downcast from the clouds and rain we all encounter in one form or another. Lord, please help those who are called by Your name to walk in faithfulness and integrity. Lord, for those who have yet to know You, please break through whatever is barring them from the light of truth that they might see and turn from their wicked ways. Lord, I love You and I thank You for Your Word which is the daily proof of Your unending love. I love You. Amen.
“My brethren, have not the faith of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Lord of glory, with respect of persons.” James 2:1 KJV
The phrase, “with respect of persons” can be translated “with partiality” or “showing favoritism”.
Jesus Christ died once for all.
“By the which will we are sanctified through the offering of the body of Jesus Christ once for all.” Heb. 10:10 KJV
James continues:
“For if there come unto your assembly a man with a gold ring, in goodly apparel, and there come in also a poor man in vile raiment; And ye have respect to him that weareth the gay clothing, and say unto him, Sit thou here in a good place; and say to the poor, Stand thou there, or sit here under my footstool: Are ye not then partial in yourselves, and are become judges of evil thoughts?” James 2:2-4
Therefore, no one should look at their fellow man and withhold the truth of the Gospel.
Some might say, “But not all will be saved.”
This is true, but there is no person who can know the heart of another and thus, it is wrong to withhold the Gospel from any.
For man looks on the outward appearance, but God sees 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 Sam. 16:7 KJV
One might respond further, “But you don’t know what they have done!”
True, but that question can boomerang, for does any know what each one of us has done?
Yes.
God does.
This is why He sent His Son, Jesus.
“For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life. For God sent not his Son into the world to condemn the world; but that the world through him might be saved.” John 3:16-17
Jesus was sent to pay the sins of all, and those who put their trust in Him and not themselves will be saved.
Therefore, those who have already accepted His free priceless gift should be careful in their behavior and attitude towards others.
No follower of Christ should be swayed by another’s status, appearance, ability, or any other thing which might attract or repell one to another.
Jesus wasn’t.
“And they sent out unto him their disciples with the Herodians, saying, ‘Master, we know that thou art true, and teachest the way of God in truth, neither carest thou for any man: for thou regardest not the person of men.'” Matt. 22:16
Neither should we.
“Go ye therefore, and teach all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost:” Matt. 28:19 KJV
Christ Jesus’ words to the disciples rings as true today as ever, for it is as needed today as that day.
People need the truth of the Gospel, the example of those who have faith in Jesus and share it as freely for others as it was shared with them.
All the ends of the world shall remember and turn unto the LORD: and all the kindreds of the nations shall worship before thee. For the kingdom is the LORD’S: and he is the governor among the nations. Psalm 22:27-28KJV
Dear Lord Jesus,
Thank You for Your Word. Thank You for teaching so clearly that we should never show favoritism when it comes to the Gospel. No one is more valuable than any other. All have sinned and fallen short of the glory of God. It is through You that we find not only salvation, but reconciliation. Our relationship with You is restored. You not only redeem those who put their trust in You, but You work though the Word in our hearts and lives. You bring healing to the soul and understanding to the heart. You teach and exhort and grow those who put their trust in You. Lord, thank You! Thank You for working in and through our lives that we might be a testimony to Your work and Your glory. Great are You, Lord and greatly to be praised! Amen.
Yesterday’s sermon at church was inspiring and I asked permission to share it with you.
“Often you hear me refer to Charles Spurgeon, Matthew Henry, Billy Graham. While my natural desire in preaching is to write down some notes and comment as I feel led, that is not what I am going to do this Sunday. I would instead I like to use the style of Spurgeon, Henry, and Graham and read to you the sermon that was laid on my heart. This is a step out of my comfort zone, as reading out loud is not my strong suit, nor is staying on a single thought. Therefore, this is all the more reason to write out the sermon, to put in succinct order the thoughts on a subject that is vital to our faith.
Of course, the topic of today’s sermon is the Cross and the Resurrection. The very center of our Christian faith. How can one claim to be a Christian without the Cross and the Resurrection, of forgiveness without the hope of being forgiven? For just as 1 Peter 1:21 states:
21…who through Him believe in God, who raised Him from the dead and gave Him the glory, so that your faith and hope are in God.
The Resurrection gives us faith and hope in God. Yet without the Cross we have no payment for our sins. As Deuteronomy 21:23 says of a man deserving of death:
23 his body shall not remain overnight on the tree, but you shall surely bury him that day, so that you do not defile the land which the LORD your God is giving you as an inheritance; for he who is hanged is accursed of God.
Paul goes on to explain in Gal. 3:13 that Christ (Jesus) became a curse for us.
13 Christ has redeemed us from the curse of the law, having become a curse for us (for it is written, ‘Cursed is everyone who hangs on a tree’)
Christ was not deserving of death, but we, as sinners, are. Christ paid for our sins by the Cross, taking on our curse that we may have eternal life.
Ponder with me the Cross that Christ bore for you and me. What is the Cross? This wooden structure, placed just out of town, a symbol of Roman authority. The execution means of which only the vilest of men would die on. I wonder, was the Cross really was symbol of Roman authority or if the Cross should be taken as a symbol of justice? In the sense where someone, who has committed such an act deserving of death, would pay for their actions. It could be debated, that the man who premeditatedly murdered a fellow person may deserve a death sentence or life imprisonment. We would call this punishment: justice. While the punishment would not bring back the victim, there would be some sort of closure or payment for the crime. A sense of justice would prevail and those victims of the crime would say that the prosecuted “received what was due to them.”
Now with this mindset we look to the Cross. A place where the crimes committed against God were paid for and justice was made. For as the word says of the believer in Romans 3.
24 being justified freely by His grace through the redemption that is in Christ Jesus, 25 whom God set forth as a propitiation by His blood, through faith, to demonstrate His righteousness, because in His forbearance God had passed over the sins that were previously committed, 26 to demonstrate at the present time His righteousness, that He might be just and the justifier of the one who has faith in Jesus.
Christ was the only one who did not have sin so he was the only one who could be the perfect sacrifice as stated in Hebrews 9.
14 how much more will the blood of Christ, who through the eternal Spirit offered himself without blemish to God, purify our conscience from dead works to serve the living God.
Christ’s perfect sacrifice is the only way to have a pure conscience, for the old covenant would only cover sins, but not pay for them. The sinner still was a sinner, but with a covering of a type of payment, that being the blood of goats and lambs. Make no mistake, there is a difference between the covering of a temporary sacrifice and a full payment of an eternal debt.
If my child fell on hard times and was not able to pay their house payment, I might be able to cover a payment or two, but this would be a far stretch of paying the debt off in full. The bank would come knocking, expecting a full payment when the covering ran out. The Old Testament law was such a covering. The sin offering was a payment to cover the debt, but not paid-in-full, the required amount to be paid. As the author of Hebrews states about the sin sacrifice, it was to be made once a year for the unintentional sins of the congregation. This was just a covering for the year. Not the payment in full. For this reason the Cross of Christ must be at the center of the our Christian faith. There had to be a payment of blood,
14 For the life of every creatureis its blood: its blood is its life.
And let us not forget that 23 … the wages of sin is death
Therefore, because the wages of sin is life blood, only the shedding of innocent blood would replace that of the corrupted sinner. And so, we see Christ the “just sin sacrifice” and the “justifier of our faith.”
As we ponder the Cross and the Redemption made for you and me, let us ask the question “Why the Cross?” Could not Christ have died by stoning or other means? The answer is: no. The offering for sin was to be bound and the blood to be poured out unto an altar. Just as we see in the picture God gave us with the offering of Isaac.
9 When they came to the place of which God had told him, Abraham built the altar there and laid the wood in order and bound Isaac his son and laid him on the altar, on top of the wood.
Just as Isaac was bound at the alter so was our Savior bound to the Cross, a form of an altar according to Hebrews 13. The sin offering bound to the alter, just as our sins bind us unto death. There could be no other means of death for Christ, because the blood had to be poured out on an altar. Christ did this while laying bleeding as he was secured to the Cross and even moreover as the blood and water flowed from the spear entering his side. Thus, fulfilling the prophecy written in Isa 53:5 :
But he was pierced for our transgressions; he was crushed for our iniquities; upon him was the chastisement that brought us peace, and with his wounds we are healed.
Furthermore, Jesus had to die on a Cross, because it was foretold this would be the manner of death which he would die.
Psalms 22:16 ‘For dogs encompass me; a company of evildoers encircles me; they have pierced my hands and feet—‘
And also Zech 12:10
10 ‘And I will pour out on the house of David and the inhabitants of Jerusalem a spirit of grace and pleas for mercy, so that, when they look on me, on him whom they have pierced, they shall mourn for him, as one mourns for an only child, and weep bitterly over him, as one weeps over a firstborn.‘
To the Christian, the Cross is a symbol of mercy and the love of Jesus Christ. A symbol of where the debt was paid that we could not pay. As Hebrews says:
14 For by a single offering he has perfected for all time those who are being sanctified.
The Old Testament sin covering replaced by the New Testament payment. For on the altar of the Cross Jesus, the perfect sacrifice, poured his mercy and love out for the wretched sinner. Giving access to you and me into the Most Holy Place.
We have talked about the altar of the Cross, but lets now look to the hope in the empty tomb. As previously stated, the Cross brings the means for payment of sin and the Resurrection brings faith and hope to those justified by the Cross. As Paul writes:
13 But we do not want you to be uninformed, brothers, about those who are asleep, that you may not grieve as others do who have no hope.14 For since we believe that Jesus died and rose again, even so, through Jesus, God will bring with him those who have fallen asleep
Christ’s resurrection brings us hope that we will be with him. For in the Resurrection Jesus proves his deity. Just as Hosea prophesied.
2 After two days he will revive us; on the third day he will raise us up, that we may live before him.
The Resurrection of Jesus paves the way that we may have the hope of eternal life with him. For if there was no Resurrection, there would be no evidence of his deity. Thus, Jesus’ teaching would be likened to other “prophets”, who passed away. Jesus is not a prophet, but the Christ. His resurrection proves his deity, just as Jesus says about his own ability to raise himself up, is the confirmation that he is Christ. John 10:17
17 For this reason the Father loves me, because I lay down my life that I may take it up again.18 No one takes it from me, but I lay it down of my own accord. I have authority to lay it down, and I have authority to take it up again. This charge I have received from my Father.”
If Jesus has the authority to raise himself up from the dead how much more does he have to raise us up, his creation? Christ’s ability to raise himself up should bring the Christian hope for the eternal life promised by our Lord which comes through the altar of the Cross.
Christ’s resurrection brings the hope of being a new creation. The acceptance of the payment given at the cross gives birth to a new creation that is brought to full fruition upon earthly death, in which we will be raised as a finished creation of Christ. As Paul writes in Colossians:
3 If then you have been raised with Christ, seek the things that are above, where Christ is, seated at the right hand of God.2 Set your minds on things that are above, not on things that are on earth. 3 For you have died, and your life is hidden with Christ in God. 4 When Christ who is your[a] life appears, then you also will appear with him in glory.
The Cross of Christ and his resurrection should bring the Christian to a place where we seek those things which are above. Because our sin was paid for we have assurance of that payment by the Resurrection. For as the writer of Hebrews says:
19 Therefore, brothers, since we have confidence to enter the holy places by the blood of Jesus, 20 by the new and living way that he opened for us through the curtain, that is, through his flesh, 21 and since we have a great priest over the house of God, 22 let us draw near with a true heart in full assurance of faith, with our hearts sprinkled clean from an evil conscience and our bodies washed with pure water.
This curtain being talked about is the curtain that separates the Holy Place from the Holy of Holies. It is the veil that was ripped when Jesus died. This is why the Cross and Resurrection is so pivotal to our Christian faith. For by the Cross we gained access to the presence of God through our Lord, The Perfect Sacrifice. We have the hope of eternal life in seeing our Lord raised from the dead. We have the hope of being made new, of not only finding our hearts of stone being replaced with hearts of flesh, but the sinful man dead and the soul alive with Christ.
Therefore, oh man of God, rise up! Walk in the newness of the Resurrection of Christ. Put off the old man and be made new. Let the garment of salvation envelope you as it is bought at the most costly price but given more freely than any gift has ever or will ever be given. Isa 61:10 : I will greatly rejoice in the Lord; my soul shall exult in my God, for he has clothed me with the garments of salvation; he has covered me with the robe of righteousness, as a bridegroom decks himself like a priest with a beautiful headdress, and as a bride adorns herself with her jewels.“
Dear Lord Jesus,
Thank You for Your Word which gives us such clear insight into Your death on the Cross and Your burial and the Resurrection! Lord, if it be that any who may have yet to know You feel these words are the key to opening a relationship with You, please encourage them to seek to be cleansed by Your payment for their sins and to find hope and faith in Your resurrection. Lord Jesus, please reach those who have yet to know You with this truth and let the world be made aware of the truth of Your salvation through the blood You shed upon the Cross and the joy of assurance that there is eternity to look forward to, for those who would believe on Your name and accept the gift of salvation. Thank You, Jesus! Amen.
James 1:5-8 KJV
[5] 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. [6] But let him ask in faith, nothing wavering. For he that wavereth is like a wave of the sea driven with the wind and tossed. [7] For let not that man think that he shall receive any thing of the Lord. [8] A double minded man is unstable in all his ways.
This double minded is far more serious than first appearances.
It means doubting, wavering, uncertain; being divided between two opposite ways of thinking and believing.
It’s a heart that is divided, a mind that has no solid conviction.
2 Kings 17:33 KJV — They feared the LORD, and served their own gods, after the manner of the nations whom they carried away from thence.
It’s as futile as it is frustrating.
Matthew 6:24 KJV — No man can serve two masters: for either he will hate the one, and love the other; or else he will hold to the one, and despise the other. Ye cannot serve God and mammon.
With this knowledge in hand, how does one deal with the doubt?
Genesis 3:1-5 KJV
[1] Now the serpent was more subtil than any beast of the field which the LORD God had made. And he said unto the woman, Yea, hath God said, Ye shall not eat of every tree of the garden? [2] And the woman said unto the serpent, We may eat of the fruit of the trees of the garden: [3] but of the fruit of the tree which is in the midst of the garden, God hath said, Ye shall not eat of it, neither shall ye touch it, lest ye die. [4] And the serpent said unto the woman, Ye shall not surely die: [5] for God doth know that in the day ye eat thereof, then your eyes shall be opened, and ye shall be as gods, knowing good and evil.
It is a common affliction, but through the Word truth brings assurance.
Luke 4:3-4 KJV [3] And the devil said unto him, If thou be the Son of God, command this stone that it be made bread. [4] And Jesus answered him, saying, It is written, That man shall not live by bread alone, but by every word of God.
The enemy has no new tricks, because of Jesus Christ, His sacrifice and resurrection, doubt can be crushed.
And the knowledge of truth brings quiet assurance, which is found in the scriptures.
Let those who fear the Lord draw security from knowing the Word and discernment from the Holy Spirit that the double mindedness of doubt might be extinguished.
Luke 4:8 NKJV — And Jesus answered and said to him, “Get behind Me, Satan! For it is written, ‘You shall worship the LORD your God, and Him only you shall serve.’ ”
Let us not be doubtful or double minded, but instead build our faith upon the solid foundation of Jesus Christ.
Dear Lord Jesus,
Thank You for Your Word! Thank You for Your help in the everyday things, especially when it comes to dealing with the pit falls of sin. Lord, thank You for the warning against doubt and the guidance on how to battle it. Lord Jesus, You are my strength and my song. May my life bring You glory. Amen.
Isaiah 32:17 KJV — And the work of righteousness shall be peace; and the effect of righteousness quietness and assurance for ever.
In this world of envies, bitterness, wrath, senseless brutality, wars, prejudice, and all manner of evil, just the idea of peace is sweet.
As elusive as peace is on earth, it is possible for God.
Because peace is a work of righteousness and God is righteous.
And through the work of Jesus the Christ, we too can be made righteous.
Romans 3:22 KJV — 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:
Through faith in the Lord Jesus we are made righteous, for He paid the debt, cleared the offense, and reconciled through His sacrifice.
Romans 5:10 NKJV — For if when we were enemies we were reconciled to God through the death of His Son, much more, having been reconciled, we shall be saved by His life.
This salvation brings all those who trust in Him peace with God through Christ’s righteousness.
2 Cor. 5:21 KJV — For he hath made him to be sin for us, who knew no sin; that we might be made the righteousness of God in him.
Romans 5:1-2 NKJV
[1] Therefore, having been justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ, [2] through whom also we have access by faith into this grace in which we stand, and rejoice in hope of the glory of God.
No one can earn their own righteousness nor fabricate true peace, it can only be attained through Jesus.
Philippians 3:9 KJV — And be found in him, not having mine own righteousness, which is of the law, but that which is through the faith of Christ, the righteousness which is of God by faith:
True peace is through righteousness, the work of God and the blessing for all those who put their trust in His Son.
Psalm 89:16 KJV — In thy name shall they rejoice all the day: and in thy righteousness shall they be exalted.
Dear Lord Jesus,
Thank You for Your Word. Thank You for all You have done through Your sacrifice. Lord Jesus, thank You for your righteousness and peace. Thank You that I have assurance and quietness through Your promises. Lord Jesus, thank You for how You have blessed me. May Your name be glorified and Your truth be spread throughout the face of the Earth. Amen.
Jeremiah 2:13 KJV — For my people have committed two evils; they have forsaken me the fountain of living waters, and hewed them out cisterns, broken cisterns, that can hold no water.
A broken cistern would be something faulty in the water storage which allows contamination and seepage.
God is giving a very clear picture.
His people have stopped going to the fountain of living water for their daily thirst.
Instead, they are drawing stagnant water from a storage system which has tainted the water with filth and can’t hold an adequate supply
On the face of it, one would wonder why anyone would choose such a thing.
Why pass by the crystal clear water fountain to scoop a drink from a mud puddle?
This is God’s point.
Why were His people turning away from serving Him to idols?
It is a warning.
Throughout the Old Testament the children of Israel serve God and then stop serving Him and turn to idolatry, then God would send a prophet or a godly king and they’d return to God, only to slide back into idolatry again.
Like Eve in the Garden, people rarely see the danger to turning from the Lord’s ways.
The sinful nature whispers, “Just a tiny sip from the mud puddle can’t hurt,” or “Just this one time is not a big deal”.
Yet, those who try to quench their throat with tainted water will find an ever increasing need to drink.
But it’s a lie.
Tainted water will never quench one’s thirst, it will never supply what it promises.
Tainted water simply makes one sick.
Glory be to God, that no one need be thirsty!
“Jesus answered and said unto her, Whosoever drinketh of this water shall thirst again: But whosoever drinketh of the water that I shall give him shall never thirst; but the water that I shall give him shall be in him a well of water springing up into everlasting life.” John 4:13-14
Through Jesus Christ, anyone who believes on Him can have the fountain of living water.
Fort those who enjoy drinking deeply from this fountain, be wise and choose not to fall into the cycle of the past.
For only a sip from contaminated water can cost a great deal.
Dear Lord Jesus,
Thank You for Your Word. Thank You for showing me through Your Word the truth. How different it is to be drinking from Your water than anything the world has to offer. Lord, people are easily deceived and quick to fall prey to the lies of the enemy. For those who have turned away from Your living water and are hewing out broken cisterns, I humbly request that You show them their error. Let their thirst bring them to the realization that they will never find what is truly valuable anywhere but in You. Lord, please open their understanding to Your truth and let them see what they are choosing. Lord, for those who are drinking from the living water, help us to be on guard against anything the enemy or our flesh might want to have us turn to. Lord, help us to be diligent in our service to You and looking continually to Your Word for discernment and guidance and wisdom. Lord, thank You so much that You offer living water! You have always been the place people can find truth, justice, mercy, grace, goodness, faithfulness, compassion, forgiveness, and love. Lord, nothing the world offers will ever compare to what You give so freely. What an awesome and incredible gift and blessing it is to drink from the living water! How great is Your love and how awesome is Your salvation! Thank You, Jesus, for living water! Amen.
Zechariah 13:9 KJV — And I will bring the third part through the fire, and will refine them as silver is refined, and will try them as gold is tried: they shall call on my name, and I will hear them: I will say, It is my people: and they shall say, The LORD is my God.
For other foundation can no man lay than that is laid, which is Jesus Christ. Now if any man build upon this foundation gold, silver, precious stones, wood, hay, stubble; Every man’s work shall be made manifest: for the day shall declare it, because it shall be revealed by fire; and the fire shall try every man’s work of what sort it is. 1 Cor. 3:11-13
Fire.
It can do such costly damage, in moments, that the aftermath is nearly unbelievable.
It is also extremely necessary to life, for with it mankind is warmed, cooks food, creates electricity, and the list continues.
God’s use for fire is two fold.
It does away with that which has tainted and it proves that which is enduring.
“For thou, O God, hast proved us: thou hast tried us, as silver is tried.” Psalms 66:10
That which endures is that which is purified, refined, cleansed.
Jesus Christ proved, with His life, that those who follow Him would endure trials and tribulations, difficulty.
Yet, His Word encourages, those who believe, that such things are used by Him to burn off the dross.
For the follower of Christ, those things are remnants of the flesh, areas sin has tried to rear it’s ugly head, places the enemy may have deceived, or anything that does not align with the Word as to what character traits of God’s children are.
It is through the fiery trials of this life that one sees what they are using to build upon the foundation of Christ.
Those things which endure through extreme difficulties are those which are found in God’s Word.
Forasmuch then as Christ hath suffered for us in the flesh, arm yourselves likewise with the same mind: for he that hath suffered in the flesh hath ceased from sin; That he no longer should live the rest of his time in the flesh to the lusts of men, but to the will of God. 1 Peter 4:1-2
Fiery trials are used by God in the lives of His children.
Although, painful, it is through them one sees what God values.
“That the trial of your faith, being much more precious than of gold that perisheth, though it be tried with fire, might be found unto praise and honour and glory at the appearing of Jesus Christ:” 1 Peter 1:7
Dear Lord Jesus,
Thank You for Your Word! What a blessing it is to read from Your Word and gain understanding into ourselves, this world, and You. Lord, please continue to teach us through Your Word and guide us according to Your principles, Your precepts, that we might find what we have built upon the foundation to be of the best quality, that which endures through the fire. Lord, it is obvious that this world is falling farther from Your Word and the ways You have laid down from the beginning. That mankind has been so tainted by sin, that it seems normal, acceptable. Lord, please keep me from accepting that which You hate. Please shine the light of Your truth into my heart that I might see myself clearly and walk with humility and honoring Your Word. Lord, as a child of You through the gift of salvation through the blood of Jesus Christ, thank You! Thank You for Your great sacrifice. Please help me not to tarnish Your name through vain conceit, empty pursuits, or vanity. Lord, please keep lies and bitterness far from me and put me on my guard against pride. Lord, it is only in Your Word and through Your Holy Spirit that I can find guidance for each day. Thank You for going to such great lengths to save me, redeem me, and teach me how to walk with You. I love You, Jesus. Amen.
Luke 22:42 KJV — Saying, Father, if thou be willing, remove this cup from me: nevertheless not my will, but thine, be done.
Can human hands release things into God’s?
Can one find true peace in the midst of the storm, such a storm that might end one’s life?
Can there ever be complete trust in the One who formed all?
Absolutely.
Jesus is the proof.
Before He was an adult, He was trusting God and obeying the authority God the Father had placed over Him. Luke 2:43-52
When a storm raged so violent as to frighten even the fishermen, men well acquainted with the Sea of Galilee, Jesus was asleep, but after being woken simply commanded the storm to stop.
Jesus had perfect peace in the midst of the storm. Mark 4:37-40
When He knew what was coming and those things He should suffer, He prayed and released all things into the hands of God the Father.
“And he said, Abba, Father, all things are possible unto thee; take away this cup from me: nevertheless not what I will, but what thou wilt.” Mark 14:36
Truly, no one can fathom the depth of suffering Christ endured simply to redeem, reconcile, and remove the chasm between those that were and are His and Himself.
With all the arguments mankind has thrown up as a defense for their lack of faith, refusal to trust, and grasping to hold on to that which fades, tarnishes, and fails; one must look to Christ and dispose of the objections to which come readily.
For Christ, Himself, made it clear.
“Then said Jesus unto his disciples, If any man will come after me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross, and follow me.” Matt. 16:24
To follow means to do likewise, learning from the Master, and walking in His ways.
So the answer is yes, one can release all into the hands of God Almighty, and find peace in the midst of the storm, and it all comes through declaring and walking in the words of Jesus Christ:
“…not my will, but thine…”
Dear Lord Jesus,
Thank You for Your Word! Lord, may the tricks of the enemy or the waywardness of my own heart always be thwarted and my heart and tongue continually say, “Not my will, but Thine”. Lord, I want to walk with You in ways that only those who follow hard after You can find, not being led astray by the lust of the flesh nor being choked by the cares of this world nor becoming apathetic thorough laziness. Rather, let my heart ever be drawn to Yours and help me to learn daily from Your Word etching it upon my heart with continued vigor. Lord, let Your name be praised and Your ways be known that those who have yet to know You might see Your good works and be drawn to You. Lord, nothing on this Earth is as important as the souls of mankind. Please continue to show me how I might shine Your light and encourage others with Your truth. Let it be said of me that people would recognize: “Now when they saw the boldness of Peter and John, and perceived that they were unlearned and ignorant men, they marvelled; and they took knowledge of them, that they had been with Jesus.” Acts 4:13 Thank You, Jesus for all You are doing and have done. I love You. Amen.
“Looking unto Jesus the author and finisher of our faith; who for the joy that was set before him endured the cross, despising the shame, and is set down at the right hand of the throne of God.”
“For we must all appear before the judgment seat of Christ; that every one may receive the things done in his body, according to that he hath done, whether it be good or bad.” 2 Cor. 5:10
“For the love of Christ constraineth us; because we thus judge, that if one died for all, then were all dead; And that he died for all, that they which live should not henceforth live unto themselves, but unto him which died for them, and rose again.” 2 Cor. 5:14-15
Dear Lord Jesus,
Thank You for Your Word. Thank You for making it clear what the future holds. Lord, Thank You for reminding me that my actions, attitudes, and words matter. Whether I am with others or not, I have a responsibility to You and to Your name as a follower of Christ. Lord, thank You that You are merciful and gracious. Thank You for Your Holy Spirit. Thank You for showing me truth and righteousness. Thank You for teaching me through Your Word and Your Holy Spirit. Lord, I want to honor Your name and walk in Your ways. Lord, I am so thankful for You and Your faithfulness to me and to so many before me. Lord Jesus, I humbly ask that You continue to raise up those who are honorable before You. Men and women who will not falter for any reason, but instead will walk in Your ways and will follow Your Word with diligence. Lord, let those who are called by Your name live lives of testimony to those around them. Lord, thank You that we need not strive nor strain, but instead can wait and trust in You, resting in Your guidance and waiting upon Your direction. Please protect the innocent, release the captive, return the prodigal, supply the needy, break the arm of the wicked, rescue the abused, and save the lost. Lord, thank You for all You have done and are doing. May Your name be glorified. I love You. Amen.
patientlyhopeful 