Our Heavenly Prize

Dr. Sinclair Ferguson says that Satan cannot take away our salvation, but he can prevent us from enjoying it (Ligonier Ministries: Teaching One; Union with Christ).

I found this to be extremely powerful. “The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy. I have come that they may have life and have it abundantly” (John 10:10, ESV). Meaning, it is the enemy who pesters God’s people in order to distract and hinder the fullness of life that Jesus died and rose to give us. It is the fiery arrows of the enemy that has the potential to intercept the glory of God in us and in this world if we allow it. When God’s children are burdened and heavy-laden, the Creator’s purpose within them slows and stalls out. Not meaning that salvation is lost, just their production of God’s good works. We aren’t capable of hearing and doing when our focus on Him falls onto the wrong things. We can become unusable to God because we are so tied up in the evil schemes of the enemy; we will live and breathe under Satan’s power rather than thriving in Gods.

Psalm 21:11 tells us that “though they plan evil against you, though they devise mischief, they will not succeed,” and I interpret this as failure to take our salvation. The enemy is good at putting things before us that cause our eyes to drift from God and fixate on things that are dark and false.

I am in much need of my Lord and Savior and my Bible this morning; I am parched, lethargic, and weak in spirit and I am fervently praying for wisdom, understanding, and deeper knowledge of God; how vital this is to our livelihood, and not just for today, but always and eternally. This is a moment where I am required to rest in Him, receive His mercy and grace with praise and thanksgiving, and move about my day with intentional kindness. My heart’s desire is an abundance of comfort from my heavenly Father. I ask myself the question, “What is it that I can glean from God’s Word today? What will enhance my spiritual growth? How can I apply it in my own life as well as in the life of others for God’s glory, honor, and praise?”

Proverbs 4:23 says to “keep your heart with all vigilance, for from it flow the springs of life.” Meaning, our thoughts shape the way we speak and live (Reformed Note: 4:23). I encourage you to look further into this wisdom by reading and praying over Matthew 12:35, Mark 7:21 and Romans 2:29.

Matthew 15:11 states, “…it is not what goes into the mouth that defiles a person, but what comes out of the mouth; this defiles a person.” The words that proceed from one’s mouth reveals that state of one’s heart, the corruption that renders one defiled in the sight of God” (Reform note: Matt. 12:36,37).

Mark 7: 20-22 explains further, “Do you not see that whatever goes into a person from outside cannot defile him, since it enters not his heart but his stomach, and is expelled…what comes out of a person defiles him. For from within, out of the heart of man, comes evil thoughts, sexual immorality, theft, murder, adultery, coveting, wickedness, deceit, sensuality, envy, slander, pride, foolishness. All these evil things come from within, and they defile a person.”

It is only by the deep and radical cleaning, performed by God Himself who can remove such intrinsic defilement (Reform note: Mark 7:21). It is the Word of God that will transform your heart. The promised restoration and renewal of one’s heart will result from a sovereign work of God. He will replace the elect’s total inability and stubbornness with the humility and repentance they need. God purifies for Himself a people who will love and obey Him (Reformed note: Deut. 30:6).

Hope comes from Deuteronomy 30:14, “But the word is very near you. It is in your mouth and in your heart, so that you can do it.” God supplies all we need in our regeneration, salvation, justification, progressive sanctification, and glorification. He subtly works on the stony parts of our heart; He removes the veil that blinds us to His presence and wisdom, and when it is in His perfect timing, we WILL cry out to Jesus, as our Lord and Savior, confess our sin, repent, and believe. It is a truly marvelous miracle and only to be done by God Himself. No work we do will ever bring into life the occupation of the Holy Spirit in our hearts. This is God’s will, plan, and purpose; He sees and knows all. He makes it happen! As Dr. Ferguson says, “We are regenerated to know the Lord.” This is terrific wisdom and eliminates all of our goals and simply puts our goal on God; He will do the rest!

Proverbs 8:22-36 tells us about Jesus (in the beginning) which blew me away when I read it two days ago. I am still meditating on this wisdom! Verse 22 says, “The LORD possessed me at the beginning of His work, the first of his acts of old.” Read the entirety of this passage of Scripture and look for Jesus in each word. It truly is a blessing and awesome insight to the existence of the Triune God! How good and perfect He is!!

Charles H. Spurgeon says, “as a child He was born, as a Son He was given” (Sermon: His Name – Wonderful). I love this!

“For God so love the world, that He gave His only Son, that whoever believes in Him should not perish but have eternal life. For God did not send His Son into the world to condemn the world, but in order that the world might be save through Him. Whoever believes in Him is not condemned, but whoever does not believe is condemned already, because he has not believed in the name of the only Son of God. And this is the judgement: the Light has come into the world, and people loved the darkness rather than the light because their works were evil. For everyone who does wicked things hates the Light and does not come to the Light, lest his words should be exposed. But whoever does what is true comes to the Light, so that it may be clearly seen that his works have been carried out in God” (John 3:16-21).

Confirmation is given in Proverbs 8:35, “For whoever finds me finds life and obtains favor from the Lord.” The benefits of wisdom are equated with life itself. To be truly alive is to be rightly related to God, other people and the created order. Favor from the Lord, His acceptance and His goodwill enriches the believer’s fellowship with the Father and in this holy communion our lives are molded by the wisdom He shares with us.

Thank you, Father, for your wisdom, your Word, Jesus Christ, His Spirit!

“Blessed is the one who listens to Me, watching daily at my gates, waiting outside my doors” (Pro. 8:34). We must be eager to learn and apply whatever wisdom He imparts.

Heavenly Father,

Thank you for your mercy and grace, your love and faithfulness, your Son Jesus Christ and the Holy Spirit. How truly blessed we are by your mighty and capable hands. Oh, God, how we love YOU and your Word; Without it, we are lost. Father, protect, guide, and draw us close to you. Let no weapons formed against us prosper. Infuse our hearts with YOUR peace, love, and joy. Open our eyes to the Holy Scriptures, help us become wise, filled with understanding, and deeper knowledge of you. Save the lost and bring those who believe into greater faith and trust in you. Open our hearts to receive all that you have for us in this day. Help us to be kind, help us to extend mercy and grace (just as you do) to those who are in need. Be glorious in and through us so that all might come to know you and be saved. In Jesus’ Name we pray, Amen!

Thank you!

God Bless you!!