“The fire shall ever be burning upon the altar; it shall never go out” (Lev. 6:13).
I am listening to a Ligonier Ministries teaching by Dr. Sinclair Ferguson called, “On This Rock.” In a small portion of his sermon, he mentions Bible Studies and suggests that, upon finishing, the question should be asked, “What will you take home with you?”
Not only should this be queried in a group studying the Bible, but also in times of quiet Scripture reading. “Where is Jesus in this passage of Scripture? Where is the hidden treasure in this inspired Word of God?” If it is not seen, it has been missed. We must ask ourselves, “What is the instruction and how can I apply this wisdom in my life as well as in the life of others? How may I share and glorify God by what I have just read?”
The above passage from Leviticus is where I applied these profound questions in the hopes that I would not miss any hidden treasures! I begin by thanking God:
Thank you, Father, that your Holy Presence is within us, in those whom you chose so long ago. Thank you, that once saved, we are always saved; YOU never leave. Your ever-present and continuous Light will never go out. You remain lit; You remain with us! The desire we have for You and your Word will never go out! What relief and hope we have for it is You who controls and preserves our sacred transformation; once with stony hearts and now hearts of flesh, pliable and ready for your work because You have made them this way. What YOU have started, You will accomplish according to your will, plan, and purpose and for your glory, honor, and praise. Thank you for your mercy, grace, love, and faithfulness. Thank you for Jesus who is all these things and more. Thank you!
Psalm 50:14-15
“Offer to God a sacrifice of Thanksgiving, and perform your vows to the Most High, and call upon Me in the day of trouble; I will deliver you, and you shall glorify Me.”
Leviticus 9:24 points to the Messiah:
“The first fire upon the altar came from heaven.”
There is no need for guilt offerings/daily sacrifices; we do not need to go to a priest for cleansing as described in Leviticus; Jesus Christ is our great High Priest and He offered Himself “once for all.”
Hebrews 7:22-28 confirms this Scripture:
“This makes Jesus the guarantor of a better covenant. The former priests were many in number, because they were prevented by death from continuing in office, but He holds His priesthood permanently, because He continues forever. Consequently, He is able to save to the uttermost those who draw near to God through Him, since He always lives to make intercession for them. For it was indeed fitting that we should have such a High Priest, holy, innocent, unstained, separated from sinners, and exalted above the heavens. He has no need, like those high priests, to offer sacrifices daily, first for His own sins and then for those of the people, since He did this once for all when He offered up Himself. For the law appoints men in their weakness as high priests, but the word of the oath, which came later than the law, appoints a Son who has been made perfect forever.”
Where is the hidden treasure? Jesus is Lord and Savior and it is by His blood, His death and resurrection, that we are saved.
“Now to Him who is able to do far more abundantly than all that we ask or think, according to the power at work within us, to Him be glory in the church and in Christ Jesus throughout all generations, forever and ever. Amen” (Eph. 3:20-21).
The power at work within us is the Spirit of the risen Christ. Consider the overwhelming power of God as Paul does in his letter found in Ephesians. It is God who carries out His gracious and all-wise plan for the reconciliation of human beings (Reformation Study Bible; Eph. 3:20). We are saved by grace alone, through faith alone, in Christ alone! Once dead in our sins and trespasses and now raised to new life by the power of God through His Son once for all!
By prayers of thanksgiving and praise, we call on the name of Jesus. He hears our cries and He answers. He is our answer to life! We thrive and live joyfully, fearfully and wonderfully made, a fine-tuned instrument for His work in this world and all because our Savior lives!! Hallelujah!!
I am currently reading through Proverbs and thought I would share this special revelation with you! I pray you are blessed generously as you read!
Proverbs 4:13 (ESV) tells us to “keep hold of instruction; do not let her go; guard her, for she is your life.” I changed the wording to embrace Jesus as my Wisdom and Life: “Keep hold of Jesus; do not let Him go; guard Him, for He is my life. My life does not exist without Him.”
Jesus Christ is wisdom from God. He is our righteousness, justification, sanctification, and redemption.
The Reformation Study Bible explains it this way:
Jesus is “wisdom” to the believer. He is our righteousness by which we are justified. He is our sanctification–the one by whose grace we are set apart to God and progressively renewed. He is our redemption–the one whose death and resurrection ensure that we, soul, and body, will be fully redeemed from sin’s guilt and its penalty, death (1 Cor. 1:30, Study Note).
Jesus Christ is my life and when He appears, I too will appear with Him in glory (Col. 3:4).
My new life in Christ is secure because it is He who holds me safe in the promises of God, He nurtures this vital relationship, it is His holy life-saving love that has freed me. I am in Him and He is in me and nothing shall ever separate me from God’s love!
Read and take in these precious words regarding God’s everlasting love:
…if God is for us, who can be against us? He who did not spare His own Son but gave Him up for us all, how will He not also with Him graciously give us all things? Who shall bring any charge against God’s elect? It is God who justifies. Who is to condemn? Christ Jesus is the one who died–more than that, who was raised–who is at the right hand of God, who indeed is interceding for us. Who shall separate us from the love of Christ? Shall tribulation, or distress, or persecution, or famine, or nakedness, or danger, or sword? As it is written, ‘For your sake we are being killed all the day long; we are regarded as sheep to be slaughtered.’ No, in all these things we are more than conquerors through Him who loved us. For I am sure that neither death nor life, nor angels nor rulers, nor things present nor things to come, nor power, nor height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God in Christ Jesus our Lord (Romans 8:31-39).
I encourage you to personalize and hold fast to this Wisdom! If you truly love God with all your heart, mind, soul, and strength, if you confess your sin and repent, believe in your heart that God raised Jesus from the dead and now seated at the right hand of Almighty God, then you too have this very same Wisdom and Life.
“The word is near you, in your mouth and in your heart (that is the word of faith we proclaim); because, if you confess with your mouth that Jesus is Lord believe in your heart that God raised Him from the dead, you will be saved. For with the heart one believes and is justified, and with the mouth one confesses and is saved. For the Scripture says that everyone who believes in Him will not be put to shame. For there is no distinction between Jew and Greeks; for the same Lord is Lord of all, bestowing His riches on all who call on Him. For everyone who calls on the name of the Lord will be saved” (Rom. 10:8-13).
In my reading this morning, I am led to meditate on “spiritual gifts.” What is their importance according to God’s will, plan, and purpose? Often, I find myself pursuing tasks that in the end brought only disappointment and failure. The effort I put into the endeavor is exhausting and degrading. I remember reading (I wish I could remember where) the “natural movement of the Holy Spirit,” and I like this because most of my life has been laboring to do or be something that I was not designed to do or be. Each one of us has been hand-crafted by God, fearfully and wonderfully made in His image, so that we could glorify God and enjoy our heavenly Father forever. It is really simple yet I make it so complex!
2 Kings 4:1-7 (ESV) tells of a poor, in-debt widow. Her husband was one of the sons of the prophets who feared God or rather was in awe of God, reverent, and a faithful servant of God. The creditor had come to take her two children to be their slaves. She went to Elisha, the prophet, for help and Elisha asked her, “What shall I do for you? Tell me; what do you have in the house?” The widow replied that she had nothing in the house except for a jar of oil. Elisha told the widow to visit her neighbors and collect as many empty vessels as she could and he stressed, “not too few!” He then told her to go back home, “close the door behind yourself and your sons and pour into all the vessels and when one is full, set it aside and continue filling. The widow and her sons filled all the empty vessels and when there was none left to fill, “the oil stopped flowing.” It was then that the man of God, Elisha, told the widow “sell the oil and pay your debts, and you and your sons can live on the rest.”
Psalm 37:23-26 explains further:
“The steps of a man are established by the LORD,
When he delights in his way;
Though he fall, he shall not be cast headlong,
For the LORD upholds his hand.
I have been young, and now am old,
Yet I have not seen the righteous forsaken
Or his children begging for bread.
He is ever lending generously,
And his children become a blessing.”
We are to look for and collect empty lost souls, share our spiritual gifts, and fill them up with God’s love and goodness. By the Holy Spirit’s work in and through us, we can do this (read the Bible daily and pray always)! We continuously look and collect and God continuously fills up!! There is no end to His provision but we have got to keep our eyes open for those who need to hear and experience the Savior’s love for them.
God will not abandon His “godly ones” nor their children. The righteous are known by their deeds of mercy and generosity. God will not forsake His saints. They are preserved forever, they shall inherit the land and dwell upon it forever…the law of God is in his heart and his steps do not slip (Ps. 37:28,29,31).
In reading this passage of Scripture from 2 Kings 4, I am thankful for my identity in Jesus Christ. That it is His work on the Cross, His resurrection, His propitiation that clothes God’s children in righteousness. We are seen not as we see ourselves but as God sees His Son. We, as believers in Jesus Christ, are well hidden in our Lord and Savior, unblemished, in the clear of all sin (past, present, and future) born again into a new life, and all because of the shed blood of Jesus who is our Redeemer. A second birth, raised from our sins and trespasses, out of the darkness, and into the glorious light of God, and progressively transformed into the likeness of our Mediator, Jesus Christ, and one day we will be glorified and forever walking with the Father like we have never experienced before. We taste heaven in our earthly bodies but to be immersed in it is a totally different story!
The day is coming!!
Amazing grace!!
What have I learned from 2 Kings 4? In my dependence on God, I am able to hang on to His promise that I ( and all the righteous) will not be rejected, neglected, or cast off. We will not be left alone in our temptations, trials, and in our pursuit of our heavenly home. We have all we will ever need and we are supplied abundantly by the hand of Almighty God. Where we start is not where we will end. We are in a constant state of supernatural change once the Holy Spirit enters the heart; we become true Christians. We cannot be taken from God, we will never be separated from God’s love, and the plans He has for us are good and cannot be altered by anyone nor by our mistakes and offenses. Our sins are forgiven, and forgotten; we have the privilege, because of the death, burial, and resurrection of Jesus, to confess and repent and we can move on in the hopes to do better next time. No matter what we do, God has made our way straight which does not mean we can do what we want. It also does not mean we face no consequences for ungodly behavior. If we have been converted, we do not want those things that are displeasing to God. If we are Christians, we will show evidence of our changed life with Christ. This is good and it alleviates the stress I put on myself and I pray it does the same for you!
The second lesson I took from 2 Kings 4 is the fact that Elisha did not just hand over provision to the widow which would have served well in the instance but what happens when that provision runs out? Is she to go back to Elisha and ask for the same? Elisha gave her specific instructions on what she was to do in order to pay her debt and live well with her children. He expected the widow to follow his instructions and to apply his wisdom daily so that she and her family would be well supplied and comfortable.
God is the same! He instructs us through the Bible, which He inspired through its authors, it is true, without error, and it is alive. As one reads it, seeds of wisdom are deposited into the prepared heart, God brings along understanding; we are providentially open and ready for it and enabled to apply it in our own life as well as in the life of others, and all of this is for His glory. It is in this perfected process that we become knowledgeable of God. Our worship of Him deepens, our faith grows and we cannot help but look for Him everywhere and in everything. Our vision switches from our physical eyes to the spiritual eyes of our softened, Spirit indwelt heart. God becomes our constant conversation within and in time, He is all we talk about, for He is worthy, and He is truly man’s life-saving, glorious gift!
God has supplied and will continue to supply all that we will ever need to serve Him and people well. The gifts He has given are not to be used as we see fit but how He sees fit. Each one of us is tailor-made to carry out a portion of God’s work in this world. Some are known and some are not! We see the result at times and other times, we see nothing, but by faith and for the sheer joy of pleasing our LORD, we march on praising Him because He is our ultimate heavenly prize.
“Biblical Doctrine,” edited by John MacArthur and Richard Mayhue explains spiritual gifts this way:
“Spiritual gifts uniquely equip each believer to minister to the corporate body of Christ, the resulting way in which those in the church edify each other testifies effectively to God’s power before a watching world. When believers exercise their giftedness, they also exhibit Christlike behavior. As God incarnate, the Lord Jesus possessed these qualities in perfect completeness. Believers put Him on display as they employ these gifts for the sake of His body, the church, through the power of the Holy Spirit.”
We must be grateful for the gifts God has given us. One is not inferior to the other. All gifts are created equal (in my opinion) to accomplish God’s work not our own. We must not waste our time striving to attain those things that God has not ordained for each one of us.
Lord, help us wait patiently for Your guidance and instruction, help us to apply our gifts as You empower, and help us trust that as we carry out Your desires, You will bring whatever it is that we are doing to completion.
Why oh why was I so hard at work achieving those things that did not come from God. How “easy” life has just become. I do not mean this in a lazy fashion, but when gifted with something, how easy it is to share! The way to increase what we have is to use it. We give of ourselves (time, energy, prayers, love, counsel, compassion, joy…) and the Lord will multiply. Blessing, upon blessing, upon blessing. The heart becomes full, joy cannot be self-contained, and the God of love bursts forth for everyone to see and feel!
In summary, we all have gifts and talents we can give to others so let us thank God for His work in and through us, and let us always be praising God for all He has done, is doing, and will do in our lives and in this world. This day does not have to be dark, seek God, and you shall see light.
In Jesus’ Name, I pray, Amen!!
God Bless You!
*This post is inspired by “The Reformation Study Bible,” and “Matthew Henry’s Commentary.”
It is through God’s people that He became known and is still known today. His name, indeed, “will be magnified forever!”
God has elected all those who will serve Him and live with Him forever. Not all will join Him in His eternal kingdom but it is the responsibility through the ongoing power of the Holy Spirit in God’s people to elevate the name of Jesus who is our Lord and Savior; we are to spread the gospel message to all those whom God puts before us and tell of God’s will, plan, and purpose which is the death, burial, resurrection, and ascension of Jesus Christ.
It is by hearing the Word of God that transforms lives. People are converted not by anything else but by Scripture. It is the work of Jesus Christ on the Cross that we are redeemed, by His precious blood, we are purchased and ushered into God’s good graces, adopted into His family, and made brand new. Of course, the Bible is true in its entirety, but it is also lived out in the chosen. It is experienced which gives the believer more strength, courage, and boldness to carry out what has been told and worked out within each one. There is much evidence of God’s presence in the believer, He is seen, and if He is not, then conversion has not happened.
I believe this only because I lived for about twelve years thinking I was “saved,” but only to find out that this was not the case. Perhaps, these twelve years was a time of regeneration or maybe it was even longer. I do not really know! Obviously, I am not qualified or privy to all of God’s ways, but it is with great anticipation and wants that I continue to seek Him daily. As I told my husband the other day, I cannot step away from God, it is not an option, I am held by His ever-loving grasp. He has me in His hand and I cannot be taken from His grip. I see this as strong evidence of conversion!
“My sheep hear my voice, and I know them, and they follow me. I give them eternal life, and they will never perish, and no one will snatch them out of my hand. My Father, who has given them to me, is greater than all, and no one is able to snatch them out of the Father’s hand. I and the Father are one” (John 10:2729).
All praise and glory belong to God because if life were left up to me, I would still be lost in darkness!
To be quite honest, I am not sure of the moment of conversion but I do know there was a change in my heart that shifted, no longer positioned inward but upward. Those things that occupied my thoughts and time, which came to life in my youth and developed throughout the years, have gradually lost their importance. It was God who brought peace, love, and joy into my entire being. I tasted this as a child when reading His Word out loud; I could not cope with the world and all its evil then and I cannot cope with it today. I live to rejoice in God, He is my safe place, He is my forever home.
I have been made to realize that this glorious transformation is not something I have done and just like you, I came into this world a sinner, without hope, without God. There is not anything we can do to save ourselves from trespasses and sin, from death. I now see by looking back to where and what God has done in the lives of the people in the Bible and in my own life that all credit goes to God. No one desires God and Scripture without the Creator’s intervention and indwelt Spirit of God, Himself. It is not natural to hunger and thirst for God! A human’s natural tendencies are self-preservation, our wants and needs, our inadequacy and sorrow. God’s people do not hang on to the things of this world, they look forward to what is to come. We wait for Him because we know that He is coming!
For the longest time, the enemy told me I was nuts. The pandemic was making me crazy, my past was giving me an excuse to fantasize about a new life but the more I read God’s inspired Word, the less power the devil had in this spiritual debate that was a constant in my mind. Praise be to God, by His abundant supply of wisdom, understanding, and deeper knowledge of our heavenly Father, I see the lies of the enemy and stand firm and tall in God’s truth. Yes, I am certainly emotional and still struggle with tiresome, old familiar battles but they do not create the stir they once did. I know where my help comes from, I know my purpose, and I know where I am going; I am weak but yet I am strong!
I am encouraged by 1 Samuel 7:23-28 (ESV):
“And who is like your people Israel, the one nation on earth whom God went to redeem to be His people, making Himself a name and doing for them great and awesome things by driving out before your people, whom you redeemed for yourself from Egypt, a nation and its gods. And you established for yourself your people Israel to be your people forever. And you, O LORD became their God. And now O LORD God, confirm forever the work that you have spoken concerning your servant and concerning His house, and do as you have spoken. And your name will be magnified forever, saying, ‘I will build you a house.’ therefore your servant has found courage to pray this prayer to you.”
The Reformation Study Bible interprets some of these passages of Scripture like this:
“God has chosen David and the nation of Israel itself to be the people through whom His great name will become known.”
God created, man fell, and God redeemed by sending Jesus to take away the sins of the world. As R.C. Sproul says (paraphrased): the death of Jesus is sufficient for all but efficient for some. Meaning, that Jesus died for all but not all will reap His free gift. It is by grace alone, through faith alone, in Christ alone that we are truly converted. It is God’s choice, not ours!
Moses sings in Exodus 15:
“Who is like you, O LORD, among the gods?
Who is like you, majestic in holiness,
Awesome in glorious deeds, doing wonders?
You stretched out your right hand;
The earth swallowed them.
You have led in your steadfast love the people who you have redeemed;
You have guided them by your strength to your holy abode…
You will bring them in and plant them on your own mountain,
The place, O LORD, which you have made for your abode,
The sanctuary, O LORD, which your hands have established.
The LORD will reign forever and ever.”
The Reformation Study Bible explains this Scripture as “an important summary of the aims of the exodus that gives prominence to the motif of God dwelling on earth. The purpose is the settlement of Israel as God’s special people in the Promised Land, the sanctuary of God’s dwelling.”
God is at work throughout the entire Bible. He reveals much of what He is doing in this world in every book of the Bible, we can read the beginning, middle, and the end. We have been given
insight into what comes next. Of course, not everything is clear, but as we study, God will give us more to chew on, and through this process, Christians will grow in their understanding of who God is and who we are in His Son Jesus Christ.
I confess I am guilty of turning God’s story into my own, but by His mercy, grace, and love He forgives and has put before me and before so many others His heavenly perspective; allowing us to look at this world through a biblical lens. I learned the Bible was not about me (I am still learning) and when He revealed this to me, my prayer and study time took on a whole new meaning, the power of God has captured me, and for this I am grateful!
Abrupt ending, I know, but this is all I have for today.
I write this entry with a heavy heart. The plight of each has become almost unbearable; watching it all unfold from one day to the next is torture. I want to shout to the crowd of onlookers, “What about me? Do you not see what this is doing to me?” Is this selfish? I do not know anything at this moment! I am sullen and held captive by my inability to turn a wrong into right; the daily reminder bears down upon me. I allow the pressures; they determine my day! I cannot disengage and I cannot cope. Where do I even begin?
I cannot fix the broken for I am merely human. What do I possess that reaches the deepest part of man? What can I say or do that will bring change? Although I do try, I fall short, only to be left in disappointment, and saddled with escalating, agonizing grief. No amount of encouragement, sympathy, empathy or shared personal experience will ever transform a darkened soul into Light. I know this to be true because I too lived in darkness; its threat to return is persistent, but the Lord has taught me well and I know how to silence the enemy.
“Be strong in the Lord and in the strength of His might. Put on the full armor of God, so that you will be able to stand firm against the schemes of the devil. For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the powers, against the world forces of this darkness, against the spiritual forces of wickedness in the heavenly places (Eph. 6:10-12).
I can assure you, I did not walk out of darkness into the Light by my own doing. The nature of a human being is rebellion towards God. We are in opposition to the One who saves us from our sins and trespasses. We are sick with sin upon entry into this world and it is to the dust that we shall return. It is only by the belief in Jesus Christ, His shed blood and resurrection, that we will bypass the grave and live eternally.
“If you confess with your mouth Jesus as Lord and believe in your heart that God raised Him from the dead, you will be saved; for with the heart a person believes, resulting in righteousness and with the mouth he confesses, resulting in salvation. For the Scripture says, “WHOEVER BELIEVES IN HIM WILL NOT BE DISAPPOINTED” (Rom. 10:9-13).
There came to me a Crossroad, a place in my life that brought me to my knees, not once but twice, and I had a choice. In total depravity, I knew I would not remain sane by my own accord. I called on Someone bigger. I cried for Someone bigger and He answered my plea.
“But you are a chosen people, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, a people for God’s own possession, so that you may proclaim the excellencies of Him who has called you out of darkness into His marvelous light” (1 Peter 2:9; NASB).
It hurts me to see others hurting and when my counsel is without victory, I am consumed with unhappiness, confusion, and desperation; my soul is wounded, incapacitated, and in search of Providence. I know where my help comes from, it comes from the LORD, who made heaven and earth. He will not allow my foot to slip; He who keeps me will not slumber (Ps. 121:1-4). I am hobbled without God; I find safety under the shadow of His wings. Come with me, all of you who are weary and troubled, I know the secret, it is in the Holy Scriptures; we are promised rest, peace, love, and joy.
Oh, how I grapple with what to do or say next. I have become mute! I am filled with guilt, frustration, and even anger at my failed efforts. Come on now, you can do this, force yourself to stand tall, “set your mind on the things above, not on the things that are on earth (Col. 3:2).
I am not pleased with myself. Why? “I don’t know?” The silence is deafening! The return is void! The continuous change is cutting! The fault is on me! Is my heart in the right place? I think it is? “No matter what…I love you!” Really? I am livid! God knows the secrets of every heart….Heavenly Father, “search me and know my heart; try me and know my anxious thoughts; And see if there be any hurtful way in me, And lead me in the everlasting way (Ps. 139:23-24).
I pray to offer words of wisdom and comfort in desperate times. I am demoralized by my pitiful attempts; I tire of hearing them dribble repeatedly from my mouth; it all sounds so trite, haughty, and inappropriate. I do not intend for it to come across this way and if I do offend and create more angst, please forgive me! The devil would have me believe I am ineffective; his constant badgering drives me into doubt, concern, and alarm. He tells me I am nothing and will only amount to what he’s spoken over me. It is tough!! In my pursuit of goodness, I am met with evil every single time. Let no weapon formed against me prosper! I am not your punching bag!!
Maybe, it is not what I do, it is just listening, being present, and giving it to God? Isn’t He able? Of course, He is!! Somehow, this does not seem to be enough. What, are you insane? You are surrendering your befuddlement and troubles to the Creator of heaven and earth, the Alpha and the Omega, the One who is, and who was and who is to come, He is the Almighty (Rev.1:8).
“Yours O LORD is the greatness and the power and the glory and the victory and the majesty, indeed everything that is in the heavens and the earth; Yours is the dominion, O LORD and You exalt Yourself as head over all. Both riches and honor come from You, and You rule over all, and in Your hand is power and might; and it lies in Your hand to make great and to strengthen everyone. We thank you God, and praise your glorious name (1 Chron. 29:11-13).
I aim to be a fixer but it is only God who truly fixes. Hear my prayer and forgive me, Father, for stepping in front of You. “Teach me to do Your will, for You are my God; let Your good Spirit lead me on level ground. For the sake of Your name, O LORD, revive me. In Your righteousness bring my soul out of trouble…Let me hear Your lovingkindness in the morning; For I trust in You; teach me the way in which I should walk; for to You I lift up my soul. Deliver me, O LORD, from my enemies; I take refuge in You” (Ps.143: 8-11).
We are to confess our sins to one another and pray for one another so that we may be healed and it is the effective prayer of the righteous that can accomplish much (James 5:16). So, I humbly come to the Cross of my Lord and Savior, confessing my sins and with the suffering I carry in my heart and I am in great faith that my prayers will be heard and answered; not because of what I have done, but because of the One who lives within me.
I am imperfect, full of error, and just trying to make my way through the day just as anyone else would do. I am not free from trial or persecution. I do not escape from difficulties, hurts, or opposition. I am on the frontlines in Satan’s war against God just as everyone else is. My life is not easy, I have not been without strife, horror, and lowliness. I cry, question, scream and grumble. I know how to isolate, get quiet, withdraw, and shut down. I battle anxious thoughts, bitterness, regrets, and madness. I make bad decisions and must learn from my mistakes in order to be better the next time.
Paul says in Philippians (vv.10-14) that he has learned to be content in whatever circumstances he is in. He knows how to get along with humble means, and knows how to live in prosperity; in any and every circumstance. He has learned the secret of being filled and going hungry, both of having abundance and suffering need. He can do all things through Him who strengthens him. He says to rejoice in the Lord greatly!
Looking behind will never bear fruit in the Kingdom of God. It is God’s will, plan, and purpose that will go forth and I can go with Him or I can wallow in the past, my eye upon all that I have done or not done. I do not wish to spend the little time that I have left in this world on things that have already happened. I want to wake up each morning in joy, knowing that this is a day the Lord has made; I want to live gratefully and to be a blessing to others. I want the world to see the glory of God in and through me and I want to share God’s love with everyone. Life truly begins when He dwells in the heart of man!!
“Consider it all joy, my brethren, when you encounter various trials, knowing that the testing of your faith produces endurance. And let endurance have its perfect result, so that you may be perfect and complete, lacking in nothing” (James 1:2-4).
“Therefore, we do not lose heart, but though our outer man is decaying yet our inner man is being renewed day by day. For momentary, light affliction is producing for us an eternal weight of glory far beyond all comparison, while we look not at the things which are seen, but at the things which are not seen; for the things which are seen are temporal, but the things which are not seen are eternal” (2 Cor. 4:16-18).
Father, Cure The World’s Disease
Great eternal Original, Author of all created beings and happiness: I adore you–you who have made us capable of faith. You who have bestowed this dignity and eloquence on our nature, that it may be taught to say, “Where is God our Maker?” But I lament that degeneracy has spread over the whole human race, which has turned our glory into shame. The forgetfulness of God, unnatural as it is, has become a common and universal disease. Holy Father, we know that only your presence and teaching can reclaim your wandering children. Impress a sense of divine things on the heart, and make that sense lasting and effectual. From you proceed all good purposes and desires–and this desire, above all, of spreading wisdom, piety, and happiness in this world. Though we are sunk in such deep apostasy, your infinite mercy has not utterly forsaken us. Amen (Philip Doddridge)
So Jesus said to the Jews who had believed him, “If you abide in my word, you are truly my disciples, and you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free” (English Standard Version, John 8:31-32).
I will tell of the decree: The LORD said to me, “You are my Son; today I have begotten you. Ask of me, and I will make the nations your heritage, and the ends of the earth your possession. You shall break them with a rod of iron and dash them in pieces like a potter’s vessel.” Now therefore, O kings, be wise; be warned, O rulers of the earth. Serve the LORD with fear, and rejoice with trembling. Kiss the Son, lest he be angry, and you perish in the way, for his wrath is quickly kindled. Blessed are all who take refuge in him (Ps. 2:7-12).
(Here) The poet sets the alternatives before everyone. Be wise…be Warned. Like the call to wisdom issues throughout the book of Proverbs, the call here is to embrace the wise path that leads to life and to avoid the foolish path that leads to death (Reformation Study Bible, Ps. 2:10-12 Study Note).
for the Lord knows the way of the righteous, but the way of the wicked will perish (ESV, Ps. 1:6)
Blessed is the man who walks not in the counsel of the wicked, nor stands in the way of sinners, nor sits in the seat of scoffers; but his delight is in the law of the LORD, and on his law he mediatates day and night. He is like a tree planted by the streams of water that yields its fruit in its season, and its leaf does not wither. In all that he does, he prospers. The wicked are not so, but are like chaff that the wind drives away (Ps. 1: 3-6)
Perish…Blessed. The same words used in (Psalm) 1:6 and 1:1, respectively. All are invited to choose between the two ways, one of rebellion against the Son, which leads to death, and the way of trust which leads to the blessed life (Reformation Study Bible, Ps. 2:12 Study Note).
I have told you these things, so that in me you may have peace. In this world you will have trouble. But Take heart! I have overcome the world (New American Standard Bible, John 16:33).
Dear Heavenly Father,
Thank you for your mercy, grace, and love. Thank you for your Son Jesus Christ and the Holy Spirit. Thank you for your will, plan, and purpose. No matter what we do in this world, you are above it all, Sovereign, and what you have written will go forth. You truly are our safe haven! We praise you and we give you all the honor and praise! Thank you! Open our minds to the Scirptures so we might be filled with wisdom, understanding, and deeper knowledge of you! Thank You!! In Jesus’ Name, we pray Amen!!
In need of confidence and encouragement, I opened my Bible to continue reading Isaiah…
Therefore the Lord himself will give you a sign. Behold, the virgin shall conceive and bear a Son, and shall call His name, Immanuel (English Standard Version, Isa. 7:14).
Immanuel means “God is with us” and when we say to people that God is “with” them it gives assurance that God is guiding and helping them to fulfill their calling (Isa. 7:14, ESV Study Note).
And without faith it is impossible to please Him, for whoever would draw near to God must believe that He exists and that He rewards those who seek Him (Heb. 11:6).
Faith includes belief in God’s existence and especially in God’s trustworthiness to keep His promise to reward His followers (Heb. 11:6, ESV Study).
Let us then with confidence draw near to the throne of grace, that we may receive mercy and find grace to help in time of need (Heb. 4:16).
The encouragment to “draw near” to God implies that Christians have the privilege of a personal relationship with God. Confidence indicates that Christians may come before God and speak plainly and honestly, yet reverently, without fear that they will incur shame or punishment by doing so (Heb. 4:16, ESV Study Note).
Therefore do not throw away your confidence, which has a great reward. For you have need of endurance, so that when you have done the will of God you may receive what is promised (Heb. 10: 35-36).
…the author encourages continuing confidence; exercise endurance by practicing God’s will with the goal of inheriting the promised salvation (Heb. 10:35-36, ESV Study Note).
…but Christ is faithful over God’s house as a Son, and we are His house, if indeed we hold fast our confidence and firm to the end (Heb. 3:6).
Let us then with confidence draw near to the throne of grace, that we may receive mercy and find grace to help in time of need (Heb 4:16).
Confidence in access to God is based upon Christ’s saving work on the cross, it is only by His blood…(Heb. 10:19, ESV Study Note).
Redemption Through the Blood of Christ: But when Christ appeared as a high priest of the good things that have come, then through the greater and more perfect tent (not made with hands, that is, not of this creation) He entered once for all into the holy places, not by means of the blood of goats and calves but by means of His own blood, thus securing an eternal redemption. For if the blood of goats and bulls, and the sprinkling of defiled persons with the ashes of a heifer, sanctify for the purification of the flesh, 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. Therefore He is the mediator of a new covenant, so that those who are called may receive the promised eternal inheritance, since a death has occurred that redeems them from the transgressions committed under the first covenant. For where a will is involved, the death of the one who made it must be established (Heb. 9:11-16)
God bless you with special revelation as you read His inspired Word!
This is all I’ve got but this is all we need! All glory be to God alone!!
Happy New Year and welcome one and all to 2022! It is here, and we must focus on what is to come in this day, not worrying about tomorrow, but on what we can do today that is pleasing to God and people. Whether we know them or not, everyone benefits from a smile, a kind greeting, an attentive ear, and love. We never know what the other person is going through and a welcoming presence can be an encouragement. God works through His children, so keep your eyes on the Lord and others, pray consistently to be a blessing, and receive divine opportunities with an open heart. I pray in 2022 for more good intentions, tenderness, respect, and gratitude.
My 2021 word of the year was “spiritual disciplines.” It has been my prayer that as the year rolled forth, I would be discipled in those things that would further my wisdom and understanding of the Holy Scriptures as well as deepened in my knowledge of God. I give all glory, praise, and thanks to our heavenly Father, for He certainly hears our prayers and answers!
There is always room for improvement and there is much more of Him that I seek, but this past year has been a year of growth and for this I am grateful. I pray you have also been blessed in 2021; I would love to hear what God has done in your life!!
Spiritual Disciplines for 2021
Sit with God daily, seek Christ’s knowledge, mediatate on the Word of God and consistently practice God’s presence (Jan. 2021).
Always ask God before making any decisions; wait upon the LORD before moving.
Moderation in all things, govern and discipline yourself by reason, and listen to the Holy Spirit.
Guard your heart and mind.
Choose freedom; own and exercise your position in Jesus Christ.
Build an altar to God and tear down the enemy altar which consists of my focus on negative thoughts and emotions. Replace deception with pure and lovely thoughts. Praise and thank the LORD always; His mercy and steadfast love endures forever.
Facts not feelings. Ask yourself, “Is this favored and agreeable to God and does it contribute to the betterment of people? Will this conversation or action enhance growth for all? Does it give glory to Jesus?”
Read your journal at the end of the day. Give God thanks for the day. Read, remind, and commit God’s wisdom into your mind and heart. Charles Stanley says that what you take in before sleep, you will take with you when you sleep. (Feb. 28, 2021)
At least once a week, take stock before God. Are you keeping your life up to His standards? Your priority should be God’s approval. Does your ambition strive for people or God? (March 17, 2021)
Trust God with every single thing. (March 22, 2021).
Persevere in faith. Look not only to your own interests but also to the interests of others (Phil. 2:4). Consider the concerns and needs of others first before thinking of yourself. Cultivate deep love for God and neighbor. (April 3, 2021).
Stay away from those things that give you angst. Find your peace in God by prayer and quiet mediatation as well as in reading Scripture. Matthew 6:6, “But when you pray, go into your room and shut the door and pray to your Father who is in secret. And your Father who sees in secret will reward you.”
Always pray (June 21, 2021, First Baptist Atlanta word of the year).
Stay in the Light! The Spirit of God so strongly urges us to stay steadfastly in the Light (John 3:19-21)
Rebuke the I. Life is not about I, it is about God and people (September 7, 2021).
Walk in obedience, by the direction of the Holy Spirit.
Confess and repent, confess and repent, confess and repent. “Search me, O God, and know my heart; Try me and know my anxious thoughts; And see if there be any hurtful way in me, and lead me in the everlasting way” (Psalm 139:23,24, NASB). “Create in me a clean heart, O God, and renew a steadfast spirit within me” (Psalm 51:10, NASB) (October 2021).
Put on the Armor of God so that when evil comes, you may be able to stand your ground…stand firm then, with the belt of truth buckled around your waist, with the breastplate of righteousness in place, and with your feet fitted with the readiness that comes from the gospel of peace….take up the shield of faith, with which you can extinguish all the flaming arrows of the evil one. Take the helmet of salvation and the sword of the Spirit, which is the Word of God (Ephesians 6:10-18, NIV). Your struggle is not against flesh and blood but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of this dark world and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms (Ephesians 6:12) (Dec. 2021).
Lastly, 2022 word of the year is “service.”
Yes, agreed, this is a significant list and to follow each one does take spiritual discipline. It cannot be done in human strength.
The Bible tells us, “If you love me, you will keep my commandments. And I will ask the Father, and He will give you another Helper, to be with you forever, even the Spirit of truth, whom the world cannot receive, because it neither sees Him nor knows Him. You know Him, for He dwells with you and will be in you (John 14:15-16, ESV).
Friends, may the LORD bless you and keep you; the LORD make His face to shine upon you and be gracious to you; the LORD lift up his countenance upon you and give you peace (Numbers 6:24-26).
“If one ventures a word with you, will you become impatient? But who can refrain from speaking? Behold you have admonished many, And you have strengthened weak hands. Your words have helped the tottering to stand, And you have strengthened feeble knees. But now it has come to you, and you are impatient; It touches you, and you are dismayed. Is not your fear of God your confidence, And the integrity of your ways your hope?”
Job 5:6-7 (NASB)
“For affliction does not come from the dust, Nor does trouble sprout from the ground, For man is born for trouble, As sparks fly upward.”
Solid Joys: “The Power of a Superior Promise” (John Piper).
“Where do we find true freedom…I shall walk in freedom, for I have sought your
precepts (Psalm 119:45, John Piper translates) …The word frees us from smallness of mind.”
1 Kings 4:29 (ESV)
“And God gave Solomon wisdom and understanding beyond measure, and breadth of mind like the sand on the seashore…
1 Kings 3:7,9 (ESV)
“…although I am but a little child. I do not know how to go out or come in…Give your servant therefore an understanding mind…that I may discern between good and evil…”
John Piper (as referenced above)
“The word frees us from threatening confinements.”
Jeremiah 1:6-8 (ESV)
“…Ah, Lord GOD! Behold, I do not know how to speak, for I am only a youth.” But the LORD said to me, “Do not say, I am only a youth”; for to all to whom I send you, you shall go, and whatever I command you, you shall speak. Do not be afraid of them, for I am with you to deliver you, declares the LORD.” Then the LORD put out his hand and touched my mouth. And the LORD said to me, “Behold, I have put my words in your mouth.”
Dr. Anthony George (paraphrased): “God takes responsibility for my life…God is with me” (First Baptist Atlanta).
John MacArthur: “Where I go, Christ goes!”
Psalm 18:16-19 (ESV)
“He sent from on high, he took me; he drew me out of many waters. He rescued me from my strong enemy and from those who hated me, for they were too mighty for me. They confronted me in the day of my calamity, but the LORD was my support.
He brought me out into a broad place; he rescued me because he delighted in me.”
John 8:31-32 (ESV)
“…if you abide in my word, you are truly my disciples, and you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free.”
John 8:31 (ESV, Study Note)
“To abide in Jesus’ word means to continue believing what Jesus has said and walking in obedience to him. This verse shows that continuing to trust Jesus and obey Him is one test of who are truly His disciples.”
John 8:32 (ESV, Study Note)
“Verse 31 shows that Jesus is only talking about one way to know the truth and that is by continuing to believe and obey His word. Set you free means free from the guilt and enslaving power of sinful patterns of conduct.”
John 8:34 (ESV, Study Note)
“A slave to sin (Romans 6:16; 1 Corinthians 7:21) means unable to escape from sinful patterns of conduct without the help of Jesus to set a person free.”
John 8:36 (ESV, Study Note)
“Sets you free from both the guilt and the life controlling power of sin…”
John 8:32 (John MacArthur Study Bible, Note)
“Real disciples are both learners (the basic meaning of the word) and faithful followers.”
John 8:34 (John MacArthur Study Bible, Note)
“The ultimate bondage is not political or economic enslavement, but spiritual bondage to sin and rebellion against God.”
John 8:35-36 (John MacArthur Study Bible, Note)
“…Christ Himself, who sets the slaves free from sin. Those whom Jesus Christ liberates from the tyranny of sin and the bondage of legalism are really free (Romans 8:2; Galatians 5:1).”
John Piper (as referenced above): “Freedom for holiness.”
2 Peter 1:3-11 (ESV)
Confirm Your Calling and Election
“His divine power has granted to us all things that pertain to life and godliness, through the knowledge of him who called us to his own glory and excellence by which he has granted to us his precious and very great promises, so that through them you may become partakers of the divine nature, having escaped from the corruption that is in the world because of sinful desire. For this very reason, make every effort to supplement your faith with virtue, and virtue with knowledge, and knowledge with self-control, and self-control with steadfastness, and steadfastness with godliness, and godliness with brotherly affection, and brotherly affection with love. For if these qualities are yours and are increasing, they keep you from being ineffective or unfruitful in the knowledge of our Lord Jesus Christ. For whoever lacks these qualities is so near-sighted that he is blind, having forgotten that he was cleansed from his former sins. Therefore, brothers, be all the more diligent to confirm your calling and election, for if you practice these qualities, you will never fall. For in this way there will be richly provided for you an entrance into the eternal kingdom of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.”
1 Peter 1:4 (ESV, Study Note)
“At conversion, Christians are delivered from the corruption of this world, which is rooted in sinful desire.”
Our Heavenly Prize 