Our Heavenly Prize

Every true Christian, those who are anchored in Christ by the indwelling power of the Holy Spirit, always has something to confidently rejoice in. The chief joy of those who are born again by the sanctification of the Spirit, to obedience, and by the sprinkling of the blood of Jesus, will arise from trials by everything spiritual and heavenly. Joy is stirred up by meditating on God’s gifts in our lives and in His stored up treasures in heaven, which are all blessings of unfathomable value. The granting of them is promised and will be given in the Lord’s perfect timing. 

Christians experience enormous heaviness through a myriad of temptations. All sorts of adversities come in the form of temptations and trials! They are various in their intention and every single one of them has the sole goal to weaken and distract the Christian from God’s glory, to keep the child of God in heaviness and far from rejoicing in their predetermined and holy inheritance: life, righteousness, peace, perfection, God’s presence, Christ’s glorious companionship, rewards and more. 

Affiliations and sorrows are but for a season and the duration does nothing to lessen the heaviness of it. This heaviness is often necessary to the Christian’s good. The trial of faith is for examination, not destruction. It is for maturation, and, ultimately, to promote praise, honor, and glory in our Lord, in the work He is doing in and through us, and in this world, and in the things to come. In standing firm against opposition, rejoicing rather than grumbling, we are given the opportunity to exercise our faith. This allows for spiritual growth and results in deeper worship of God. When the trials of life are over, we take with us into eternity, perfected praise, honor, and glory for our Father in heaven.

God does not afflict His chosen people willingly, but acts with judgment, in proportion to their needs. These troubles that are meant to lie heavy, never approach with such a weight, unless we have the need for it; it leaves once the need is met by God’s mercy and grace.

Brothers and sisters in Christ, we are empowered by the Holy Spirit to praise, honor, and glory in God. We can greatly rejoice, be exceedingly glad and exuberantly jubilant in all circumstances of life. Our joy is not based on changing, temporal circumstances, we have this supernatural joy because it is rooted in Christ and in the unchanging, eternal relationship we have with God. 

*Written with the help of 1 Peter 1, Matthew Henry’s Commentary, and the MacArthur Study Bible and inspired by Grace Biblical Counseling Ministry.

Take comfort in God when things look bleak and threatening. Praise Him for the great things He has worked into shape for His glory, for His will, plan, and purpose, for His chosen people, for His church against its enemies. God has glorified His own Name and He will glorify it again. We praise God and thank Him for this hope that we have in Him. A hope that will never change because God never changes. He is the same yesterday, today, and tomorrow. He is the Everlasting God!!

We have Hope in Christ who was faithful as Son over His house, whose house we are. We Hold fast to this confidence in our Lord and Savior and boast in the Hope He has purchased for the Church, hold firm till the end. It was His redemptive work that accomplished our Salvation. He is the anchor of our soul and He keeps the believer secure during times of trouble and turmoil. Our hope is embodied in Christ, Himself. Jesus Christ entered into God’s presence in the heavenly Holy of Holies on our behalf. Hallelujah!!

God is our refuge, our protection from danger and distress, our sanctuary where we are safe, inaccessible from our enemies. For this magnificent gift from our Spiritual Father, we gladly and thankfully worship God, who is more than adequate when we are faced with threats from nature, people, and government. God provides stability for His people who live in two exceedingly unstable environments. He is a very present help in trouble. When the mountains begin to shake and topple and the seas roar and foam, when these most stable become unstable, we need not fear because the supernatural stability of God is with us. We can hold fast to Him, in His refuge, under the shadow of His wings, we are secure and kept, guarded, and carried ever so faithfully to our final destination which is eternal life with Him. We shall glorify God and enjoy Him forever. What joy we have in our Savior !! We need not worry because we are His, we are in His hand, and nothing has the power to steal us away. He is the Author and Finisher of our faith, glory be to God. We shall not fret or become anxious when the earth gives way; though the mountains be moved into the heart of the sea, we will not be shaken!! None of these events will erode God’s protective strongholds.

The holy habitation of the Most High, His created Garden of Paradise will not be moved. The City of God, Jerusalem, which is God’s chosen earthly residence cannot be destroyed. He has established this eternal home for the bride of Christ, the Church, the elect. Any sort of opposition, worldly and spiritual, are no longer a threat to the people who dwell in Christ.

The Lord of Hosts will be exalted among the nations. He will be exalted in the earth. Be still and know that He is God, cease striving, do not panic! I encourage worship in moments of uncertainty and fear, depression and discouragement, loss and grief. Read Scripture and ask God to help with wisdom and understanding so the knowledge of Him will supercede anything felt! His sovereignty, care, compassion, ann love, His guidance and protection is directed to His nation, His people, for comfort and His wrath and judgement is directed to all other nations, to the rebellious and unrepentant.

The Day of the Lord is coming! His judgement is cruel and fierce for all those who did not believe in His Son Jesus Christ. Those who went their own way and followed their own desires, those who thought their choices were better, those who turned from the Lord in order to pursue the prince of the power of the air will be met by God and He will determine their eternal life. The LORD will cause devastation in the earth and He will exterminate all sinners from it. Jesus Christ is coming!

God is with His children! The precious and personal presence of our Divine Warrior secures the safety of the elect!

Seek the LORD while He may be found; Call upon Him while He is near. Let the wicked forsake his way and the unrighteous man his thoughts; and let him return to the LORD, and He will have compassion on him, and to our God, for He will abundantly pardon. For My thoughts are not your thoughts, Nor are your ways, My ways, declares the LORD. For as the heavens are higher than the earth, so are My ways higher than your ways and My thoughts than your thoughts. For as the rain and the snow come down from heaven, and do not return there without watering the earth and making it bear and sprout, and furnishing seed to the sower and bread to the eater; so will My word be which goes forth from My mouth; it will not return to Me empty, without accomplishing what I desire, and without succeeding in the matter for which I sent it. For you will be led forth with peace; the mountains and the hills will break forth into shouts of joy before you, and all the trees of the field will clap their hands. Instead of the thorn bush the cypress will come up, and instead of the nettle the myrtle will come up, and it will be a memorial to the LORD, for an everlasting sign which will not be cut off (Isa. 55:6-13; NASB).

*Inspired by God, Grace Biblical Counseling Ministry, Psalm 46, Isaiah 55:6-13, and The MacArthur Study Bible.

The gospel comes to us not only in word but in power. It does not merely tickle the ear nor is it meant to please our delights–but it affects our heart by the Divine power that accompanies it. By this, we know of our election which is God’s specific calling to certain individuals. John 15:16 (ESV) further explains:

You did not choose me, but I chose you and appointed you that you should go and bear fruit and that your fruit should abide, so that whatever you ask the Father in My name, He may give it to you.

Romans 8:28-30

And we know that for those who love God all things work together for good, for those who are called according to His purpose. For those whom He foreknew He also predestined to be conformed to the image of His Son, in order that He might be the firstborn among many brothers. And those whom He predestined He also called, and those whom He called He also justified, and those whom He justified He also glorified.

We feel the influence of the gospel in our heart. It comes by way of the Holy Spirit. It is the Spirit that gives life, not the words on the page. We do not read or recite a sinner’s prayer and get saved. It is the power of the Holy Spirit in the words of God that saves and we know it because our heart feels it. It bears witness to God’s gospel message.

Our salvation comes with much assurance–we are fully convinced of the truth of it. We experience the movement from dark to light and John 8:12 tells us that Jesus is the light of the world. Whoever follows Him will not walk in darkness, but will have the light of life. Whoever believes and is baptized will be saved, but whoever does not believe will be condemned (Mark 16:16). If anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation. The old has passed away; behold, the new has come (2 Cor. 5:17). We have been crucified with Christ. It is no longer I who live, but Christ who lives in me. And the life I now live in the flesh I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave Himself for me (Gal. 2:20).

We begin to progressively change! And we all, with unveiled face, beholding the glory of the Lord, are being transformed into the same image from one degree of glory to another. For this comes from the Lord who is the Spirit (2 Cor. 3:18). The things in this world begin to pale in comparison to Jesus Christ. The sufferings of this present time are not worthy to be compared with the glory that is to be revealed to us. For the eagerly awaiting creation waits for the revealing of the sons and daughters of God (Rom. 8:17-19, NASB).

We begin to imitate our Lord and Savior just as Ephesians 5:1-2 tells:

Be imitators of God, as beloved children. And walk in love, as Christ loved us and gave Himself up for us, a fragrant offering and sacrifice to God (Eph. 5:1-2; ESV).

None of these heavenly gifts happen by our own strength. We cannot will nor manipulate these magnificent changes in our heart. We begin life in iniquity and it is up to God to save us from our sins and trespasses.

And you were dead in the trespasses and sins in which you once walked, following the course of this world, following the prince of the power of the air, the spirit that is now at work in the sons of disobedience–among whom we all once lived in the passion of our flesh, carrying out the desires of the body and the mind, and were by nature children of wrath, like the rest of mankind. But God, being rich in mercy, because of the great love with which He loved us, even when we were dead in our trespasses, made us alive together with Christ–by grace you have been saved–and raised us up with Him and seated us with Him in the heavenly places in Christ Jesus, that in the coming ages He might show the immeasurable riches of His grace in kindness toward us in Christ Jesus. For by grace you have been saved through faith. And this is not your own doing; it is the gift of God, not a result of works, so that no one may boast. For we are His workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand, that we should walk in them (Eph. 2:1-10).

We have joy in Christ! You make known to me the path of life; in Your presence there is fullness of joy; at your right hand are pleasures forevermore (Psalm 16:11). These things I have spoken to you, that My joy may be in you, and that your joy may be full (John 15:11).

I end with Romans 5:6-11

For while we were still weak, at the right time Christ died for the ungodly. For one will scarcely die for a righteous person–though perhaps for a good person one would dare even to die–but God shows His love for us in that while we were still sinners, Christ died for us. Since, therefore, we have now been justified by His blood, much more shall we be saved by Him from the wrath of God. For if while we were enemies we were reconciled to God by the death of His Son, much more, now that we are reconciled, shall we be saved by His life. More than that, we also rejoice in God through our Lord Jesus Christ, through whom we have now received reconciliation.

Simply put by the Reformation Study Bible:

We are saved by God from the wrath of God in order that we will live for God.

What is the chief and highest end of man? Man’s chief and highest end is to glorify God, and fully to enjoy Him forever (The Westminster Larger Catechism). We cannot do this until God softens our heart in order to receive His Son Jesus Christ.

Let your Spirit open my eyes more and more to see the wondrous things of your law, Lord.

Open my lips, that my mouth may daily defend your truth and proclaim your praise.

Increase in me those good gifts which of your mercy you have already given me. And give me a patient spirit, a pure heart and affections, a contented mind, wise behavior. Grant me all those other graces which I need to govern my heart in your fear and guide my life in your favor.

Whether I live or die, may I live and die to you, my God and my Redeemer.

And here, O Lord, I render to you from the altar of my humble heart all possible thanks for those blessings and benefits which you have bestowed upon my soul and body–for this life, and for that which is to come.

Thank you for creating and choosing me. Thank you for redeeming me and putting me to work. Thank you for justifying me and sanctifying me. Thank you for protecting me, from my childhood until now, and for giving me a hope for the future.

Thank you for blessing me with health and resources: food, clothing, and prosperity. And thank you especially for defending me today from perils and dangers of body and soul, and for furnishing me with all the good things I need.

Amen.

Lewis Bayly (1575-1631)

Dear Heavenly Father

Author and Perfecter of our Faith

The One who was, Who is, and is to come

We are created in Your image, fearfully and wonderfully made.

Three parts…body, soul, and spirit. One part material, two parts immaterial.

We were brought into this world in inequity; everyone spiritually separated from God because of the original sin committed by our first parents, Adam and Eve.

We are corrupted by their choice to eat from the tree of the knowledge of good and evil.

Almighty God, your words, “…you shall not eat, for in the day that you eat from it, you will surely die,” and they did. 

In that very moment, their spirit died and from generation to generation, all were banished from God’s sight.

The Holy cannot dwell with the unholy.

We are unable to fellowship with our Spiritual Father. 

We exist only in body and soul, the spirit dead. 

The body is our vehicle to do the things a man is required or desires to do in this world. 

The soul is full of self-centered ideas, thoughts, emotions, goals, words, and actions.

The spirit mute. 

Once the breath leaves the body, there are no choices to make. 

In life, one’s eternal destination has been settled.

But, before this entrance into God’s beautiful creation, God predestined and elected those who would spend eternity with Him. 

He is bringing us back to Himself. 

We are His and always were!

There is none righteous, not even one;

There is none who understands,

There is not who seeks for God;

All have turned aside, together

They have become useless;

There is none who does good,

There is not even one. 

Their throat is an open grave,

With their tongues they

Keep deceiving.

The poison of asps is

Under their lips;

Whose mouth is full of cursing

And bitterness;

Their feet are swift to shed blood,

Destruction and misery

Are in their paths,

And the path of peace they

Have not known.

There is no fear of God

Before their eyes (Rom. 3:10-18).

Man is universally evil, propelled through life in sin and rebellion.

Unable to comprehend the greatness of God, His love, eternal rewards.

Not due to spiritual ignorance but because of human depravity. 

Our minds, wills, and bodies ravaged and taken over by sin.

Deeds and thoughts motivated and carried out, not to please God and glorify Him,

But to please ourselves, to fill an emptiness within that is only meant for God. 

Torn apart by an enemy who is out to kill, steal, and destroy our soul and body.

He keeps us veiled in darkness because we are God’s instruments in this world.

We bring God’s light into the world 

but in captivity we are silenced and stilled, we can do nothing

But hunt, grapple, and meditate on the things of this world.

Appetites and affections that gratify the flesh and harden our hearts further towards God.

We are dead in our trespasses and sins (Eph. 2:1).

We are captive to the law of sin (Rom. 7:23).

We are by nature children of wrath (Eph. 2:3).

But God has the victory over evil

It is by the quickening of the Holy Spirit that we are brought out of spiritual death.

It is God who gives us new life.

We become new creatures in Christ.

Reborn to fellowship with God once again

Unregenerate, regenerate, justified, reconciled, adopted, progressively sanctified

throughout our life, glorified before God.

Well done my good and faithful Servant. 

Jesus paid it all, by His death, burial, resurrection, and ascension

We are set free.

Not by our choice, but only by God’s

Unregenerate in the knowledge of God

Regenerate in the knowledge of God

Converted by His Sovereign will, plan, and purpose. 

Given the ability, the desire, the perseverance, to glorify God

It is by confession and repentance of sin, believing in Jesus as Lord and Savior, and

believing God the Father raised God the Son from death, that we are truly saved.

It is then that we can glorify God and enjoy Him fully forever. 

As always, I welcome your thoughts!

God bless you!!

What does Scripture say about those who have never heard and/or accepted the gospel of Jesus Christ?

We are told in Romans 1:18-23 of God’s wrath against all ungodliness and unrighteousness and that it is by unrighteousness that the truth is suppressed. We are also told that we are without excuse because God’s invisible attributes are on full display in Creation. Mark 16:16 says that whoever believes and is baptized will be saved, but whoever does not believe will be condemned. Those in unbelief cannot enter the kingdom of heaven (Heb. 3:19). The wages of sin is death, but the free gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord (Rom. 6:23). Jesus is the way, and the truth, and the life and no comes to the Father except through Him (John 14:6).

What clear direction does God give to His followers regarding their role in the good news of Jesus Christ?

We are to go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit. We are also instructed to teach new disciples to observe all that Christ has commanded (Matt. 28: 19,20).

Not only are we to evangelize, educate, and train others but it is of the utmost importance to remember where we came from. We all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God (Rom. 3:23) and if we say we have no sin, we deceive ourselves and the truth is not in us (1 John 1:8). It is good to examine ourselves, to see whether we are in the faith (2 Cor. 13:5). The Bible says to test ourselves; this is called the Doctrine of Assurance of Faith. Is there evidence in our lives of salvation: trust in Christ, obedient to God, growth in holiness, fruit of the Spirit, love for other Christians, positive influence on others, adhere to the apostolic teaching and testimony of the Holy Spirit within us (The Reformation Study Bible)?

Lastly, read and apply the Word of God daily! All Scripture is breathed out by God, and profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction, and for training in righteousness, that the man of God may be competent, equipped for every good work (2 Tim. 3:16,17). The Bible is a lamp to our feet and a light to our path (Ps. 119:105). It is written, “Man shall not live by bread alone, but by every word that comes from the mouth of God” (Matt. 4:4).

There is a huge responsibility when it comes to the Great Commission and it is only by the power of the Holy Spirit that we effectively evangelize, preach, and teach. Lives are at stake and this mission needs to be taken very seriously!

I must get up early for quiet time. I have been neglecting this spiritual discipline and my spirit is nutty.

I am empty and looking at the things that I see, the things I feel rather than the focusing the eyes of my heart on the Unseen and those things that Holy God promises.

Yesterday, I was up at 5:45 am, and the dogs stayed in their beds. A mighty miracle in itself! I tip-toed to my desk, picked up John MacArthur’s Daily Bible, and read the appointed Scripture, not something I routinely do, but on this occasion, I was moved to start fresh with this Bible.

Jeremiah 31:21 says to direct your mind to the highway, the way by which you went.

Matthew Henry’s Commentary explains, They must return the same way that they went, that the remembrance of sorrows which attended them might make them the more thankful for their deliverance.

I must return to quiet moments with God. This is where I learned of Him, grew to love Him, and developed spiritually. These disciplined encounters with God were nurtured by His hand, His drawing, His providence, for His purposes. In my sin, I have neglected my duty which, in His perfect timing, turned into my only joy and hope. It was this reward of joy and hope that kept calling me back into His ever-loving Truth!

What turned my heart towards the heavenly Father in the first place? Yes, it was sorrow! I was lost in the things of this world; I was handed an enormous bag of injustice and it was too big for me to carry and dispose of. I sat with the weight of it and lost who I am in Christ. In my wayward elementary prayers, the weight was gradually lifted and I was set free from its hold. I am filled with new life, treasures from heaven and I am shown new things, gifts that overshadowed my grief, disappointment, and anger. God changed the pain into the glory!

…to grant to those who mourn in Zion–

to give them a beautiful headdress instead of ashes,

the oil of gladness instead of mourning,

the garment of praise instead of a faint spirit;

that they may be called oaks of righteousness,

the planting of the LORD that He may be glorified (Isa. 61:3).

And for this, I am thankful! I am thankful for His mercy and grace, His love and perseverance! He is My Lord and Savior Jesus Christ!

…those who departed into the bondage of sin must return to the duties they neglected–must do their first works. Set thy heart towards the highway. The way from Babylon to Zion, from the bondage of sin to the glorious liberty of God’s children (Matthew Henry; Jer. 31).

Oh, praise God forever and in this special revelation, upon realization of my sin, I did not immediately set out on a course of self-punishment, legalism, and unattainable plans. Ms. Fix-It does not have this as she once thought she did. No, God has got this.

For I know the plans I have for you,

declares the LORD, plans for welfare and

not for evil,

to give you a future and a hope (Jer. 29:11).

He has changed my heart! He has stopped me in my tracks and I am able to discern the Holy Spirit’s urgings, “Return to your God, your Bible, and your time of prayer for He is your strength!”

The LORD sets prisoners free;

The LORD opens the eyes of the blind.

The LORD lifts up those who are bowed down;

The LORD loves the righteous.

The LORD watches over the sojourners;

He upholds the widow and the fatherless,

but the way of the wicked He brings to ruin.

The LORD will reign forever,

Your God, O Zion, to all generations.

Praise the LORD (Ps. 146:8-10).

Yes, praise the LORD for repentance, Praise the LORD for forgiveness of sins. Praise the LORD for victory. No longer are the regenerated roaming endlessly in the dark. We are held securely in the hand of Jesus. His grasp so tight, we could not escape if we tried. Once His, always His!! Once saved, always saved!! We are saved from our wretched selves. We have a one-way ticket to eternal glory. Hallelujah!

Turn thou me and I shall be turned.

Heal me and I shall be healed…

All the pious workings in our heart towards God

are the consequences of the working of His grace in us.

Those that departed into the bondage of sin must return

to the duties they neglected–

must do their first works…

When God calls,

we must not plead any inability to come;

for He that calls us will strengthen us (Matthew Henry; Jer. 31).

Here I am Lord, by your power and by your good graces. You leave the ninety-nine on the mountain and go in search of the one that went astray (Matt. 18:12). You elect, seek out, and preserve not only Your church as a whole but also each individual within the church (Reformation Study Bible; Matt. 18:12-14).

Here I am Lord, guard me and guide me! Forgive me for thinking I knew the way. Forgive me for looking to the right and to the left. Set my mind on the things above. Renew a steadfast spirit within me. Create in me a clean heart and continue in your faithful work of sanctification so that I may be, one day, to the likeness of Jesus Christ. Thank you, and it is in your Son’s matchless name I pray, Amen!

God, who is our Creator, certainly knows us better than we know ourselves; He has the power to reveal the root cause of mysterious and obnoxious behaviors and by His special revelation, through the Word of God, He will grant to His children, because of His goodness and kindness, everything we need to break free of strongholds which were set up way before we even knew who we were in Christ Jesus.

The enemy “goes to and fro on the earth, and he walks up and down on it” (Job 1:7, ESV)?

I have come to realize, by God’s mercy and grace, through the reading of His Word daily, that the enemy’s sneaky torment and tantalizing attractions are aimed to distract, and cause guilt, shame, and condemnation. His subtle, eloquent, and stunning misrepresentation of light is a self-serving intention meant to lead God’s people astray, into the opposite direction from God’s Authority (His will, plan, and purpose) which was ordained before He created.

“In the beginning, God created the heavens and the earth. The earth was without form and void, and darkness was over the face of the deep. And the Spirit of God was hovering over the face of the waters” (Gen. 1-2).

“Hovering eagle-like over the primordial deep, the almighty Spirit makes the earth into a habitation for human beings” (Reformation Study Note: Gen. 1:2).

The intrusion of Satan, upon man’s spiritual relationship with God is told in Gen. 3. Verse one says, “Now the serpent was more crafty than any other beast of the field that the LORD God had made.”

Satan is a “high angelic creature who, before the creation of the human race, rebelled against God and has since battled with human beings and God. He is called the prince of darkness, the father of lies, the accuser, and the beguiling serpent” (The Reformation Study Bible; Theological Note: Satan; p. 760).

Satan and his minions are stronger than we are, but they are not stronger than God. Paul Washer, an American Protestant Christian Evangelist, said “The enemy is not afraid of us, he is afraid of the One who lives inside of us.” 1 John 4:4 confirms this statement, “He who is in you is greater than he who is in the world (1 John 4:4).

His plan of attack, his weapons of destruction can keep us from seeing the glory of God. He is sophisticated, his darts are tailor-made, extremely enticing, deceitful and well-thought out. In belief of the enemy’s lies, we bite just as Adam and Eve did, partaking of the “fruit” dangled before us. We think our delight in it will provide the freedom we long for; it will calm and remove those things that cause our heart discomfort. We seek to fill the voids within us with things that have no lasting value or substance. The secret places in our heart are God’s territory, His place of residence, and there is nothing that can occupy God’s space. We are all born with it, believe it or not!

How terribly wrong and unfortunate we are when we allow our human nature to run and rule over us! I am not talking only about daily offenses but also, most importantly, the iniquity we are born with.

Psalm 51: 3-6 expands on this point:

“For I know my transgressions, and my sin is ever before me. Against you, you only, have I sinned and done what is evil in your sight, so that you may be justified in your words and blameless in your judgement. Behold, I was brought forth in iniquity, and in sin did my mother conceive me. Behold, you delight in truth in the inward being, and you teach me wisdom in the secret heart.”

We all enter into this world with sin and this does not refer primarily to the first or “original sin” committed by Adam and Eve. Original sin refers to the RESULT of the first sin– the corruption of the human race. Original sin refers to the fallen condition in which we are born” (The Reformation Study Bible; Theological Note: Original Sin; p. 17).

We are sinners in Adam and it is in Jesus Christ that we are saved and set free; we are righteous by the blood of Christ who died on a Cross for the sins of the world. R. C. Sproul says that the death, burial, resurrection, and ascension of Jesus Christ is sufficient for all but only efficient for some. R.C. Sproul.

The Bible tells us to be sober minded; be watchful. Your adversary the devil prowls around like a roaring lion, seeking someone to devour”(1 Pet. 5:8). “Satan was a murderer from the beginning, and has nothing to do with truth because there is no truth in him. When he lies, he speaks out of his own character, for he is a liar and the father of lies” (John 8: 44).

“Take courage! Do not let your hands be weak, for your work shall be rewarded” (2 Chron. 15:7). We destroy the lies of the enemy and break for good the chains that bind us by taking hold of “the sword of the Spirit which is the Word of God (Eph. 6: 17). Transformation begins by renewing our mind daily in God’s Word.

In 2 Timothy 3:1-5, Paul writes:

“But understand this, that in the last days there will come times of difficulty. For people will be lovers of self, lovers of money, proud, arrogant, abusive, disobedient to their parents, ungrateful, unholy, heartless, unappeasable, slanderous, without self-control, brutal, not love good, treacherous, reckless, swollen in conceit, lovers of pleasure rather than lovers of God, having the appearance of godliness, but denying its power. Avoid such people.”

Paul, here, is addressing false teachers but, in my opinion, his instruction can be applied to those in our physical and spiritual life. No matter their position in life, whether seen or unseen, we must guard our mind and heart against those who deceive and corrupt!

2 Corinthians 3-6 speaks of walking in the flesh:

For though we walk in the flesh, we are not waging war according to the flesh. For the weapons of our warfare are not of the flesh but have divine power to destroy strongholds. We destroy arguments and every lofty opinion raised against the knowledge of God, and take every thought captive to obey Christ, being ready to punish every disobedience when our obedience is complete.”

We take the subtle suggestions injected into our minds and measure them against the Word of God. If they do no measure up, we must reject it and move on. Easier said than done, I know!! These strongholds are the center of direct opposition to the gospel. That is the enemy’s motive, to take us mentally hostage so that we are isolated and closed off for God’s use. We see ourselves in weakness and defeat rather than the powerhouse we are in Christ Jesus.

“No one can escape the devil’s net of temptation, sin, and condemnation without divine help. But neither can people escape their responsibility by trying to blame another agent, even the devil, for their condition…enslavement to sin is voluntary…we all chose in Adam to enslave ourselves to sin and apart from Christ’s intervention, we continue to chose to sin without being coerced. Only the Son of God can break this bondage and replace it with a life of forgiveness, gratitude, and obedience.” (1 John 5:19; Reformation Study Note).

Remember our “Original Sin.” No matter what we believe, the biblical truth is, we are all spiritually separated from God at birth. Our heavenly Father sent Jesus to bring the elect back to Him so that He can be in relationship with them, and so He can use His chosen to further the gospel message so others might be saved. He is building His church and one day, Jesus will return and all those who were predestined to live with Him forever will be resurrected and will live in the new earth!

We cannot get tangled up in the enemies lies, feel shameful, guilty, and condemned, lash out with disrespect nor avenge our hurts. As Paul instructs, “take every thought captive to obey Christ.” Think on those things that are Scriptural, meditate on Truth and God’s promises.

Philippians 4:8 gives us further help in our thought life:

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

People are watching us! If we follow Christ as the Bible instructs, we will be God’s light and love in this world. Sure, we sin and struggle just as anyone does, but the difference is that, in Christ, we are (by grace) forgiven and we are enabled to move forward in the strength and wisdom of Christ, to do better next time. We experience brokenness over our sin and we go to Jesus with our confession and repentance, we turn from that sin, into God’s direction, we ask for His help in crucifying our sins. We do not want to keep to that sinful lifestyle but we need Jesus to help us walk upward rather than inward. The true Christian, those with saving faith, will seek Christ in ALL they do!

Take note, this does not give us permission to keep in our ungodly ways. We do not continue to sin because we know that we are forgiven. A true Christian, from their heart, desires to change and will be given (in God’s perfect timing) the empowerment needed to lay our sin down. We must not get wrapped up in our sinful behavior, those who love God, will feel the weight of their sin, and they will go to Jesus with it, in belief of their forgiveness. It is the enemy who tears us down in the sin, he covertly shifts our gaze from glory to disgrace.

Let me leave you with one more passage of Scripture from 1 John 1:5-10

“Walking in the Light:”

This is the message we have heard from Him and proclaim to you, that God is light, and in Him is no darkness at all. If we say we have fellowship with Him while we walk in darkness, we lie and do not practice the truth. But if we walk in the light, as He is in the light, we have fellowship with one another, and the blood of Jesus His Son cleanses us from all sin. If we say we have no sin, we deceive ourselves, and the truth is not in us. If we confess our sins, He is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness. If we say we have not sinned, we make him a liar, and his word is not in us.”

God’s forgiveness is given as soon as we admit our need of it, not on the basis of any acts we have done to earn it, but solely because of His grace. The free gift of forgiveness carries with it purification from unrighteousness. God accepts us as righteous because He imputes to us the righteousness of Christ. That is, the very righteousness of Christ–His perfect fulfillment of all of the Lord’s requirements–is reckoned to our account when we rest in Jesus alone for salvation (Reformation Study Bible Note: 1 John 1:9).

Hallelujah!!

I pray these wonderful Truths from God have blessed you! I pray the Lord enlightens your mind, draws you close, and fills your heart with love, peace, and joy! I pray that all those who are unsaved, be saved, and all those who are weak and doubtful be granted deeper knowledge of God and greater in faith! In Jesus’ Name, Amen

God bless you and thank you for reading!

In Christ,

Racinda

Help me be peaceful, rejoicing always in your goodness, love, mercy, and grace. Help me set my mind on the things above, your heavenly gifts, all that You are. Teach me in your ways, cause me to walk in them.

Help me to be useful, fruitful, a blessing to all those whom you put before me.

Help me to always pray, to think of You and others before thinking of myself.

Help me to seek you in every circumstance in my life, whether joyful, sad, disappointed or anxious. Let me find You, your peace and rest, trusting in your Sovereignty. You have saved my life! You give life and my purpose comes only from You. It is your will, plan, and purpose that I am after. Lead me on your path, be a lamp to my feet, and when I become disoriented and even rebellious, come quickly, convict, and correct. All of this for your honor, glory, and praise.

Renew my thoughts, my mind, protect me from the enemy and his evil schemes. Let him not lead me astray, weaken my knees nor create confusion in this mission that you have so marvelously and wonderfully given me. How grateful I am for your attentive and tender care; you have molded me to a greater likeness to your Son Jesus Christ.

Oh, my heavenly Father, continue this miraculous transformation in my heart, strip away the awful things within me, those things that are callous and ignorant of your Holiness. How I despise those sinful desires to which I was born into. Soften my heart so that it is finely tuned and supernaturally sensitive to your Presence. Everything that I see and feel, let it be all You, from You, and for You. Let me be pleasing in your sight, set apart for your holy work in this world. Let me operate daily under the power of the Holy Spirit who is my Guide in this life; He is my Intercessor, Sanctifier, Protector, Comforter, and so much more. How blessed I am to be in the Kingdom of God! Thank you for choosing me!

I walk not by the flesh but by the Spirit and I am grateful to You for your precious gifts! I am one with Jesus Christ, I in Him and He in me; I am righteous and with great authority because of the death, burial, resurrection, and ascension of my Lord and Savior. Because of His work on the Cross, I have obtained an inheritance, predestined according to the purpose of Him who works all things according to the counsel of His will. In Christ, I heard the word of truth, the gospel of my salvation. I believed in Him, and I am sealed with the promise of the Holy Spirit, who is my guarantee of my inheritance until I acquire possession of it, and all of this to the praise of His glory (Eph. 1:11-16, ESV).

I am alive in Christ, taken from darkness and by the hand of God, placed in His light, because I have been given spiritual insight; I cannot help but desire more wisdom, understanding, and deeper knowledge of God. No longer as invested in this world as I once was, longing for the day when I meet my God face to face, mysterious as it all sounds, and unable to comprehend the full beauty of this treasure, I pray for further enlightenment so that I am able to praise and worship as reverently as He so deserves.

It is through the power of your Word, the Holy Scriptures, that transformation begins. You tell us in Romans 12:2 not to be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewal of our mind, that by testing we may discern what is the will of God, what is good and acceptable and perfect.”

I met You through the power of your Word, I am drawn close to you by the power of your Word, my worldly ways diminish beneath the power of your Word and I am extremely blessed by the power of your Word.

By the blood of Jesus Christ, His death and resurrection, by the free gift of grace bestowed upon me by Almighty God, by faith alone and my belief in Jesus as my Lord and Savior, my confession and repentance of sin, I am forgiven. In Christ, I enter into God’s holy space, and am reconciled, welcomed, and secured today, tomorrow and forever. Hallelujah!

Almighty God, teach me what “forever” means. I know I cannot be privy to all your hidden treasures in this body and maybe I will never know, but help me embrace and be joyful in forever with you. Let this not be a weapon from my foe. Let this gift of forever continue to grow in my heart. Change my fear into exuberant expectation, like a small child awaiting Christmas day. All that is seen in the eyes of the little one is colorful packages under the tree and just as this child, let me only see You in this great big world of trials and tribulations, chaos and hate, sickness and death, YOU and only YOU!

No sooner have I prayed all of these things, your answer comes to me and for this I am ever so grateful. Thank you for hearing my prayers and thank you for answering. Your Word to me, your peace, solace, and truth comes from Psalm 91. Oh, Father, how I love your inspired, infallible, inerrant Word.

“You will not fear the terror of the night, nor the arrow that flies by day, nor the pestilence that stalks in the darkness, nor the plague that destroys at midday. A thousand may fall at your side, ten thousand at your right hand, but it will not come near you.” (Ps. 91:5-6, NIV). “Whoever dwells in the shelter of the Most High will rest in the shadow of the Almighty. I will say of the LORD, ‘He is my refuge and my fortress, my God, in whom I trust.’ ” (Ps. 91:1).

I find my rest in Jesus Christ; I escape terror and am sung back to sleep by Jesus Christ. The dreams were terrifying last night; the angry, big-teethed alligators and slithery, plump, green snakes were everywhere, striking at all those who were close by. All were on the attack, some succeeding in swallowing people whole, others missing their mark. I woke short of breath, in a panic, and once again, fearful of death.

My trust in God is not where it should be. Father, mature this little faith of mine. Grant me greater faith and trust in You. By Providence, I dwell in the shelter of the Most High. Lord, you are my refuge and my fortress, my God in whom I trust. Father, deliver me from the snare of the fowler and from the deadly pestilence. Cover me with your pinions, it is under your wings, I find refuge. Your faithfulness is my shield and buckler. Because you hold fast to me in love, I will deliver you. I will protect you, because you know my Name. When you call to Me, I will answer you. I will be with you in time of trouble. I will rescue you and honor you with long life. I will satisfy you and show you my salvation

Praise be to God. You surely hear my prayers and answer. Thank you!! I call out to you, and you hear me. I am peaceful, I sleep well. I hold fast to God in love, I am delivered!

Love is all I have, Father; love is all I need. You require nothing more than my love and I love because you loved me first. In all my evil ways, you loved and now the love you have so freely given to me, I now give back to you and to others. Help me love as you love, pure and genuine, honest and true, deep and strong, faithful and fierce, let me love.

Thank you, Almighty and Everlasting God for Psalm 91! This surely is confirmation that You are my refuge, my deliverer, my place of rest, my peace, and comfort.

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!!