"On mine arm shall they trust."
- Isa_51:5
In seasons of severe trial, the Christian has nothing on earth that he can trust to, and is therefore compelled to cast himself on his God alone. When his vessel is on its beam-ends, and no human deliverance can avail, he must simply and entirely trust himself to the providence and care of God. Happy storm that wrecks a man on such a rock as this! O blessed hurricane that drives the soul to God and God alone! There is no getting at our God sometimes because of the multitude of our friends; but when a man is so poor, so friendless, so helpless that he has nowhere else to turn, he flies into his Father’s arms, and is blessedly clasped therein! When he is burdened with troubles so pressing and so peculiar, that he cannot tell them to any but his God, he may be thankful for them; for he will learn more of his Lord then than at any other time. Oh, tempest-tossed believer, it is a happy trouble that drives thee to thy Father! Now that thou hast only thy God to trust to, see that thou puttest thy full confidence in him. Dishonour not thy Lord and Master by unworthy doubts and fears; but be strong in faith, giving glory to God. Show the world that thy God is worth ten thousand worlds to thee. Show rich men how rich thou art in thy poverty when the Lord God is thy helper. Show the strong man how strong thou art in thy weakness when underneath thee are the everlasting arms. Now is the time for feats of faith and valiant exploits. Be strong and very courageous, and the Lord thy God shall certainly, as surely as he built the heavens and the earth, glorify himself in thy weakness, and magnify his might in the midst of thy distress. The grandeur of the arch of heaven would be spoiled if the sky were supported by a single visible column, and your faith would lose its glory if it rested on anything discernible by the carnal eye. May the Holy Spirit give you to rest in Jesus this closing day of the month.
Aug 31, 2008
Devotional - The End Of Our Strength
"Blessed are they that have not seen, and yet have believed" (John 20:29).
How strong is the snare of the things that are seen, and how necessary for God to keep us in the things that are unseen! If Peter is to walk on the water he must walk; if he is going to swim, he must swim, but he cannot do both. If the bird is going to fly it must keep away from fences and the trees, and trust to its buoyant wings. But if it tries to keep within easy reach of the ground, it will make poor work of flying.
God had to bring Abraham to the end of his own strength, and to let him see that in his own body he could do nothing. He had to consider his own body as good as dead, and then take God for the whole work; and when he looked away from himself, and trusted God alone, then he became fully persuaded that what He had promised, He was able to perform. That is what God is teaching us, and He has to keep away encouraging results until we learn to trust without them, and then He loves to make His Word real in fact as well as faith.
How strong is the snare of the things that are seen, and how necessary for God to keep us in the things that are unseen! If Peter is to walk on the water he must walk; if he is going to swim, he must swim, but he cannot do both. If the bird is going to fly it must keep away from fences and the trees, and trust to its buoyant wings. But if it tries to keep within easy reach of the ground, it will make poor work of flying.
God had to bring Abraham to the end of his own strength, and to let him see that in his own body he could do nothing. He had to consider his own body as good as dead, and then take God for the whole work; and when he looked away from himself, and trusted God alone, then he became fully persuaded that what He had promised, He was able to perform. That is what God is teaching us, and He has to keep away encouraging results until we learn to trust without them, and then He loves to make His Word real in fact as well as faith.
Aug 30, 2008
Devotional - Silence Not Denial
Here's a beautiful devotional from Come Ye Apart - J.R.Miller
“But he answered her not a word.”
Matthew 15:23
There is something very remarkable in this silence of Christ. Usually He was quick to hear every request made to Him by a sufferer. Scarcely ever had any one to ask twice for a favour. His heart was sensitive, as is a mother’s heart to her child’s cries, and instantly responded to every petition for help. Yet now He stood and listened to this woman’s piteous pleading and answered her not a word. Like a miser with hoards of gold, at whose gates the poor and suffering knock, but who, hearing their cries of need and distress, keeps his gates locked and is deaf to every entreaty, so Jesus stood unmoved by this woman’s cries, though He had all power in His hands.
Why was He thus silent? It was not because He could not help her, for His arm was never weak. The best of us have our weak hours, our days of emptiness, when we have nothing wherewith to help; but His fullness was never exhausted. It was not because He was so engrossed in His own approaching sorrows that He could think of no other one’s sorrow, for even on the cross He forgot Himself to show kindness to others. Evidently the reason for silence was to try this mother’s faith, and to draw it out into still greater strength. He was preparing her to receive in the end a better blessing than she could have received at the beginning.
Our Lord sometimes yet seems to be silent to His people when they cry to Him. To all their earnest supplications He answers not a word. Is His silence a refusal? By no means. Ofttimes, at least, it is meant only to make the suppliants more earnest, and to prepare their hearts to receive richer and greater blessings. So when Christ is silent to our prayers, it is that we may be brought down in deeper humility at His feet, and that our hearts may be made more fit to receive heaven’s gifts and blessings.
“But he answered her not a word.”
Matthew 15:23
There is something very remarkable in this silence of Christ. Usually He was quick to hear every request made to Him by a sufferer. Scarcely ever had any one to ask twice for a favour. His heart was sensitive, as is a mother’s heart to her child’s cries, and instantly responded to every petition for help. Yet now He stood and listened to this woman’s piteous pleading and answered her not a word. Like a miser with hoards of gold, at whose gates the poor and suffering knock, but who, hearing their cries of need and distress, keeps his gates locked and is deaf to every entreaty, so Jesus stood unmoved by this woman’s cries, though He had all power in His hands.
Why was He thus silent? It was not because He could not help her, for His arm was never weak. The best of us have our weak hours, our days of emptiness, when we have nothing wherewith to help; but His fullness was never exhausted. It was not because He was so engrossed in His own approaching sorrows that He could think of no other one’s sorrow, for even on the cross He forgot Himself to show kindness to others. Evidently the reason for silence was to try this mother’s faith, and to draw it out into still greater strength. He was preparing her to receive in the end a better blessing than she could have received at the beginning.
Our Lord sometimes yet seems to be silent to His people when they cry to Him. To all their earnest supplications He answers not a word. Is His silence a refusal? By no means. Ofttimes, at least, it is meant only to make the suppliants more earnest, and to prepare their hearts to receive richer and greater blessings. So when Christ is silent to our prayers, it is that we may be brought down in deeper humility at His feet, and that our hearts may be made more fit to receive heaven’s gifts and blessings.
Isa 49:10 - Promises for protection & fountain of life
They shall not hunger nor thirst; neither shall the heat nor sun smite them: for he that hath mercy on them shall lead them, even by the springs of water shall he guide them.
(Isa 49:10 KJVR)
They shall not hunger nor thirst,.... Being fed in the ways and high places of Gospel ordinances with the love of God, with covenant mercies and precious promises, with Christ, the bread of life, and his grace the water of life, and with the doctrines of the Gospel; they do not desire carnal things, as formerly, but spiritual ones, which they have and are satisfied with, and desire no other food: it signifies that there shall be no famine of the word, nor want of spiritual provisions; it is applied to the New Jerusalem state, Rev_7:16 and so the following clause,
neither shall the heat nor sun smite them; not the sun of persecution, nor the heat of fiery trials and afflictions, particularly in the latter day; nor the heat of a fiery law and divine wrath, or of Satan's fiery darts; not however in the above mentioned state, or in the ultimate glory:
for he that hath mercy on them shall lead them; Christ, the great and good Shepherd of the sheep, who had mercy on them in eternity, and therefore undertook to feed them; and in time, and therefore laid down his life for them; and now in heaven, and sympathizes with him; and at the last day they shall find mercy with him: these he leads out of a state of nature, from the wilderness, where he finds them; out of their sinful ways, and from the pastures of their own righteousness; and he leads them in paths they had not known, in which they should go, in the way of truth, faith, and holiness; in right, though sometimes rough ways; he leads them to himself, his blood, righteousness, and fulness; into his Father's presence, and to his house and ordinances; into Gospel truths, and from one degree of grace to another, and at last to eternal glory; all which he does gradually, softly, gently, in proportion to their strength, and as they are able to bear:
even by the springs of water shall he guide them; or "fountains of water" even of living water; which are no other than God himself, and the plenty of his grace and mercy; Christ, and the fulness of grace that is in him; the covenant of grace, and the blessings of it; the Gospel, and its ordinances; see Rev 7:17 For the Lamb which is in the midst of the throne shall feed them, and shall lead them unto living fountains of waters: and God shall wipe away all tears from their eyes.
(Isa 49:10 KJVR)
They shall not hunger nor thirst,.... Being fed in the ways and high places of Gospel ordinances with the love of God, with covenant mercies and precious promises, with Christ, the bread of life, and his grace the water of life, and with the doctrines of the Gospel; they do not desire carnal things, as formerly, but spiritual ones, which they have and are satisfied with, and desire no other food: it signifies that there shall be no famine of the word, nor want of spiritual provisions; it is applied to the New Jerusalem state, Rev_7:16 and so the following clause,
neither shall the heat nor sun smite them; not the sun of persecution, nor the heat of fiery trials and afflictions, particularly in the latter day; nor the heat of a fiery law and divine wrath, or of Satan's fiery darts; not however in the above mentioned state, or in the ultimate glory:
for he that hath mercy on them shall lead them; Christ, the great and good Shepherd of the sheep, who had mercy on them in eternity, and therefore undertook to feed them; and in time, and therefore laid down his life for them; and now in heaven, and sympathizes with him; and at the last day they shall find mercy with him: these he leads out of a state of nature, from the wilderness, where he finds them; out of their sinful ways, and from the pastures of their own righteousness; and he leads them in paths they had not known, in which they should go, in the way of truth, faith, and holiness; in right, though sometimes rough ways; he leads them to himself, his blood, righteousness, and fulness; into his Father's presence, and to his house and ordinances; into Gospel truths, and from one degree of grace to another, and at last to eternal glory; all which he does gradually, softly, gently, in proportion to their strength, and as they are able to bear:
even by the springs of water shall he guide them; or "fountains of water" even of living water; which are no other than God himself, and the plenty of his grace and mercy; Christ, and the fulness of grace that is in him; the covenant of grace, and the blessings of it; the Gospel, and its ordinances; see Rev 7:17 For the Lamb which is in the midst of the throne shall feed them, and shall lead them unto living fountains of waters: and God shall wipe away all tears from their eyes.
Isa 49:8-9 - Promise for help in days of salvation
Thus saith the LORD, In an acceptable time have I heard thee, and in a day of salvation have I helped thee: and I will preserve thee, and give thee for a covenant of the people, to establish the earth, to cause to inherit the desolate heritages; That thou mayest say to the prisoners, Go forth; to them that are in darkness, Show yourselves. They shall feed in the ways, and their pastures shall be in all high places.
(Isa 49:8-9 KJVR)
Isa 49:8 The Lord - God the Father unto Christ. Heard thee - Though not so as to deliver thee from death; yet so as to crown thee with glory and honour. For a covenant - To be the Mediator and surety of that covenant, which is made between me and them. To establish - To establish truth and righteousness upon earth, and subdue those lusts and passions, which are the great disturbers of human society. Desolate heritages - That desolate places may be repaired and repossessed. That Christ may possess the Heathen, who were in a spiritual sense in a most desolate condition.
Isa 49:9 Prisoners - To the Gentiles who are fast bound by the cords of their sins, and taken captive by the devil at his will. Go forth - Come forth to the light, receive divine illumination. In high places - They shall have abundant provision in all places, yea even in those which commonly are unfruitful, such are both common roads and high grounds.
A promise - to christ and to us ! Special references to the salvation coming to the gentiles and christ being an instrument of the same.
(Isa 49:8-9 KJVR)
Isa 49:8 The Lord - God the Father unto Christ. Heard thee - Though not so as to deliver thee from death; yet so as to crown thee with glory and honour. For a covenant - To be the Mediator and surety of that covenant, which is made between me and them. To establish - To establish truth and righteousness upon earth, and subdue those lusts and passions, which are the great disturbers of human society. Desolate heritages - That desolate places may be repaired and repossessed. That Christ may possess the Heathen, who were in a spiritual sense in a most desolate condition.
Isa 49:9 Prisoners - To the Gentiles who are fast bound by the cords of their sins, and taken captive by the devil at his will. Go forth - Come forth to the light, receive divine illumination. In high places - They shall have abundant provision in all places, yea even in those which commonly are unfruitful, such are both common roads and high grounds.
A promise - to christ and to us ! Special references to the salvation coming to the gentiles and christ being an instrument of the same.
Devotional - purpose in life
"Whatsoever ye do in word or deed, do all in the name of the Lord Jesus."-- Col_3:17.
NOTHING IS more disastrous than aimless drift! God endows each soul for a distinct purpose. Probably in every life there is a lucid moment, when we take our bearings, and there flashes before us a glimpse of the life-work for which we were sent forth. We stand on the mount of vision, like Moses, and see the pattern of the tabernacle, which we are presently to erect. God has a purpose for the soul, as well as for the body, all the members of which were fashioned, when as yet there was none of them (Psa_139:16). Is it conceivable that He should spend thought and care on the body, and have no purpose for the soul? But if that be so, He will reveal His will; He will gradually unfold our life-purpose step by step. Let us go steadily forward reckoning on our Almighty Friend to supply the needed grace, wisdom, and strength.
When the captain of a cricket team leaves the pavilion for the wicket, the crowds watching his every movement, he is probably saying to himself: "I am going to score my hundred, to say the least!" As he faces the man yonder, who may be one of the swiftest and cleverest bowlers in the county, it is as though he says: "You may do your best, but I am going to win out!" It is in such a spirit that each of us should step out to face life: "I am going to win through, by God's grace."
Never forget that God is working with you. "The Lord will perfect that which concerneth me." He will not desert the work of His own hands! In my long life of eighty-one years, I have experienced more fluctuations and difficulties than fall to many, but I unhesitatingly assert that where God gives the plan He stands Surety for the result! Dare to trust Him and keep in step with Him as He leads you onward.
PRAYER
O God, the God of all Goodness and all Grace, Who art worthy of a greater love than we can either give or understand; fill my heart with such love towards Thee as may cast out all sloth and fear, that nothing may seem too hard for me to do or to suffer in obedience to Thee. AMEN.
NOTHING IS more disastrous than aimless drift! God endows each soul for a distinct purpose. Probably in every life there is a lucid moment, when we take our bearings, and there flashes before us a glimpse of the life-work for which we were sent forth. We stand on the mount of vision, like Moses, and see the pattern of the tabernacle, which we are presently to erect. God has a purpose for the soul, as well as for the body, all the members of which were fashioned, when as yet there was none of them (Psa_139:16). Is it conceivable that He should spend thought and care on the body, and have no purpose for the soul? But if that be so, He will reveal His will; He will gradually unfold our life-purpose step by step. Let us go steadily forward reckoning on our Almighty Friend to supply the needed grace, wisdom, and strength.
When the captain of a cricket team leaves the pavilion for the wicket, the crowds watching his every movement, he is probably saying to himself: "I am going to score my hundred, to say the least!" As he faces the man yonder, who may be one of the swiftest and cleverest bowlers in the county, it is as though he says: "You may do your best, but I am going to win out!" It is in such a spirit that each of us should step out to face life: "I am going to win through, by God's grace."
Never forget that God is working with you. "The Lord will perfect that which concerneth me." He will not desert the work of His own hands! In my long life of eighty-one years, I have experienced more fluctuations and difficulties than fall to many, but I unhesitatingly assert that where God gives the plan He stands Surety for the result! Dare to trust Him and keep in step with Him as He leads you onward.
PRAYER
O God, the God of all Goodness and all Grace, Who art worthy of a greater love than we can either give or understand; fill my heart with such love towards Thee as may cast out all sloth and fear, that nothing may seem too hard for me to do or to suffer in obedience to Thee. AMEN.
Devotional - Living by God's Grace
And Joshua the son of Nun and Caleb the son of Jephunneh, who were among those who had spied out the land, tore their clothes . . . "If the LORD delights in us, then He will bring us into this land and give it to us . . . Only do not rebel against the LORD, nor fear the people of the land . . . the LORD is with us." (Num_14:6, Num_14:8-9)
Throughout the Old Testament, we can find examples of people living by the grace of God. They may not have been able to describe their experience in terms of grace. Yet, their reliance upon God to work on their behalf was just as valid as ours. Living by grace involves God at work in people's lives. Even though they may have been born under the law, they could not live by means of the law. The law supplied no resource for life. Without God at work, the only resource is from the flesh, from natural human sufficiency. This has always been inadequate for living as God intended. Joshua and Caleb were two men who realized that God's sufficiency (His grace) was the only reliable hope.
Twelve Israelites had just returned from spying out the Promised Land. Ten of them had a similar perspective. "We went to the land where you sent us. It truly flows with milk and honey . . . Nevertheless the people who dwell in the land are strong; the cities are fortified and very large . . . We are not able to go up against the people, for they are stronger than we" (Num_13:27-28, Num_13:31). Their bad report was based upon what they saw, measured against their own resources. By this evaluation, they concluded: "We are not able to go up against the people." They were comparing two sets of human resources. "They are stronger than we."
Joshua and Caleb were deeply distressed by this inappropriate evaluation. "And Joshua the son of Nun and Caleb the son of Jephunneh, who were among those who had spied out the land, tore their clothes." They knew that this outlook ignored what God had promised and what God could do. "If the LORD delights in us, then He will bring us into this land and give it to us." They realized that this majority report, which was based on human sight and human capabilities, was actually a form of rebellion against the Lord. "Only do not rebel against the LORD, nor fear the people of the land." Their rebellion was in fearing man and not trusting God. All the children of Israel needed to do was remember the Lord was committed to them. "The LORD is with us."
The Lord was willing and able to give them the land.
Lord God almighty, I am reminded that the majority report is so often based on human sight and earthly resources. Help me to be like Joshua and Caleb. I want a perspective that is based upon what You have promised and what You are able to do, Amen.
Throughout the Old Testament, we can find examples of people living by the grace of God. They may not have been able to describe their experience in terms of grace. Yet, their reliance upon God to work on their behalf was just as valid as ours. Living by grace involves God at work in people's lives. Even though they may have been born under the law, they could not live by means of the law. The law supplied no resource for life. Without God at work, the only resource is from the flesh, from natural human sufficiency. This has always been inadequate for living as God intended. Joshua and Caleb were two men who realized that God's sufficiency (His grace) was the only reliable hope.
Twelve Israelites had just returned from spying out the Promised Land. Ten of them had a similar perspective. "We went to the land where you sent us. It truly flows with milk and honey . . . Nevertheless the people who dwell in the land are strong; the cities are fortified and very large . . . We are not able to go up against the people, for they are stronger than we" (Num_13:27-28, Num_13:31). Their bad report was based upon what they saw, measured against their own resources. By this evaluation, they concluded: "We are not able to go up against the people." They were comparing two sets of human resources. "They are stronger than we."
Joshua and Caleb were deeply distressed by this inappropriate evaluation. "And Joshua the son of Nun and Caleb the son of Jephunneh, who were among those who had spied out the land, tore their clothes." They knew that this outlook ignored what God had promised and what God could do. "If the LORD delights in us, then He will bring us into this land and give it to us." They realized that this majority report, which was based on human sight and human capabilities, was actually a form of rebellion against the Lord. "Only do not rebel against the LORD, nor fear the people of the land." Their rebellion was in fearing man and not trusting God. All the children of Israel needed to do was remember the Lord was committed to them. "The LORD is with us."
The Lord was willing and able to give them the land.
Lord God almighty, I am reminded that the majority report is so often based on human sight and earthly resources. Help me to be like Joshua and Caleb. I want a perspective that is based upon what You have promised and what You are able to do, Amen.
God's love - Jesus's love
A beautiful message from George H. Morrison - profound, moving. A strengthening message for the evangelists and those who suffer for His sake.
As the Father hath loved me, so have I loved you— Joh_15:9
The Love of Christ
That their blessed Master loved them was one thing which the disciples never doubted. It was the crowning glory of their years. There are those who always find it easy to believe that other people love them. They accept love as the flowers accept the sunshine in an entirely natural and happy way. But there are some who find it very hard just to be certain that other people love them, and one or two of the disciples were like that. Our Lord had to deal with very various temperaments in that extraordinary little company. Some were responsive and receptive; others, like Thomas, wanted proof of things. And yet there was one thing that they never doubted through all the change and variableness of the years, and that was that their Master loved them. The fact was evident to every heart, and yet behind the fact they felt a mystery. There was something different in the love of Jesus from all the human love that they had known. No love of wife, nor of any precious child, nor of friend, nor of father nor of mother, fully interpreted the Master's love. It did what these had never done. It demanded what these had never asked. It spoke sometimes with an unearthly accent, quite alien from that of human love. They were baffled occasionally, and perplexed, so profoundly new was the experience that came to them in the love of the Lord Jesus. It was then that Jesus made this great comparison that threw such a vivid light on everything. "As the Father hath loved me, so have I loved you." And long afterwards, when hours of darkness came and they were tempted to wonder if He loved them still, what comfort must these words have brought them!
His Father's Love Sent Jesus to Die
They would recall, for instance, how the Father's love for Christ inspired Him for the service of mankind. It was the Father's love that sent Him to the world, not to be ministered unto, but to minister. Human love is often prone to selfishness. It wants to grasp the dear one and to keep him. It shrinks from the thought of charging the beloved with any embassy whose end is death. Yet on such an embassy, whose issue was a cross, God sent not an angel, but His Son— and the Son was certain that the Father loved Him. Inspiring all His service for mankind, quickening Him for every lowly ministry, holding Him to His appointed task, was His profound conviction of His Father's love. And then, on that last night of earthly fellowship, He turned to His disciples with the words, "As the Father hath loved me, so have I loved you." How these words would come back to them again in their evangelization of the world! It was love that had given them their work to do, no matter how difficult or perilous. And to find in our work, however hard it be, an argument for the love of the Lord Jesus is one of the quiet triumphs of the spirit. His is not a love that gives us ease, any more than the love of the Father gave Him ease. It sends us out, morning after morning, to a service which may be only drudgery. And what illumines duty and warms its chilly hands and brings a song into the heart of it is the certainty of love behind it all. It made all the difference to Christ that the Father's love had given Him the task. It made the task a love-gift and touched it as with the joy of heaven. And then He says to all His toiling followers in every century and country, "As the Father hath loved me, so have I loved you."
The Father's Love Did Not Exempt Jesus from Suffering
They would recall again how the Father's love for Christ did not exempt Him from the sorest suffering. He was the well-beloved Son, yet a man of sorrows and acquainted with grief. If there be one thing we all crave to do, it is to shield our loved ones from the sting of pain. That passion is in the heart of every mother as she clasps to her breast her little child. Yet here was the love of the Father for the Son, that gave the Son, and did it quite deliberately, to bitter suffering ending in a cross. Often when our beloved suffer we are powerless. We know the agony of being helpless. We have to witness excruciating pain, impotent to do anything that might relieve it. But the Father, clothed in His omnipotence, with a single word could have put an end to suffering—and yet He loved His Son and did not do it. I wonder if the disciples thought of that when afterwards they recalled this word of Jesus. Stoned, shipwrecked, persecuted, tortured—could it be possible their Master loved them still? And then, clear as a silver bell, these words would strike upon their ears again, "As the Father hath loved me, so have I loved you." He was loved, and yet He suffered sorely. He was loved, and yet His face was marred. He was loved with an everlasting love, and yet all the billows of this mortal life went over Him. What an unspeakable comfort for these gallant souls, tempted through suffering to piercing doubts, this as and so of the Lord Jesus. All God's children must remember that when they are tempted so to doubt the love of heaven. Have not many cried beside some bed of agony, "How can God be love if He permits this?" In such an hour argument is powerless, but there is one Voice that is never powerless. It is His who suffered—and was loved.
The Father's Love Triumphed in the Resurrection and Ascension
They would recall, too, that the Father's love for Christ was a love that justified itself at last. There came at last the hour of resurrection and of ascension to the right hand in heaven. Was it love that gave Him to the earth? It was love that lifted Him above the earth. Was it love that permitted Him to suffer? It was love that crowned His sufferings in glory. The final issue of the Father's love was not the quietness of a garden-grave. It was song; it was dominion; it was liberty. What a magnificent hope for these disciples, persecuted and in prison. What a magnificent hope for every disciple just when things are growing unendurable! A little patience and the love that grips us is going to justify itself magnificently. That is bound, as with hoops of steel, to the as and so of the Lord Jesus.
As the Father hath loved me, so have I loved you— Joh_15:9
The Love of Christ
That their blessed Master loved them was one thing which the disciples never doubted. It was the crowning glory of their years. There are those who always find it easy to believe that other people love them. They accept love as the flowers accept the sunshine in an entirely natural and happy way. But there are some who find it very hard just to be certain that other people love them, and one or two of the disciples were like that. Our Lord had to deal with very various temperaments in that extraordinary little company. Some were responsive and receptive; others, like Thomas, wanted proof of things. And yet there was one thing that they never doubted through all the change and variableness of the years, and that was that their Master loved them. The fact was evident to every heart, and yet behind the fact they felt a mystery. There was something different in the love of Jesus from all the human love that they had known. No love of wife, nor of any precious child, nor of friend, nor of father nor of mother, fully interpreted the Master's love. It did what these had never done. It demanded what these had never asked. It spoke sometimes with an unearthly accent, quite alien from that of human love. They were baffled occasionally, and perplexed, so profoundly new was the experience that came to them in the love of the Lord Jesus. It was then that Jesus made this great comparison that threw such a vivid light on everything. "As the Father hath loved me, so have I loved you." And long afterwards, when hours of darkness came and they were tempted to wonder if He loved them still, what comfort must these words have brought them!
His Father's Love Sent Jesus to Die
They would recall, for instance, how the Father's love for Christ inspired Him for the service of mankind. It was the Father's love that sent Him to the world, not to be ministered unto, but to minister. Human love is often prone to selfishness. It wants to grasp the dear one and to keep him. It shrinks from the thought of charging the beloved with any embassy whose end is death. Yet on such an embassy, whose issue was a cross, God sent not an angel, but His Son— and the Son was certain that the Father loved Him. Inspiring all His service for mankind, quickening Him for every lowly ministry, holding Him to His appointed task, was His profound conviction of His Father's love. And then, on that last night of earthly fellowship, He turned to His disciples with the words, "As the Father hath loved me, so have I loved you." How these words would come back to them again in their evangelization of the world! It was love that had given them their work to do, no matter how difficult or perilous. And to find in our work, however hard it be, an argument for the love of the Lord Jesus is one of the quiet triumphs of the spirit. His is not a love that gives us ease, any more than the love of the Father gave Him ease. It sends us out, morning after morning, to a service which may be only drudgery. And what illumines duty and warms its chilly hands and brings a song into the heart of it is the certainty of love behind it all. It made all the difference to Christ that the Father's love had given Him the task. It made the task a love-gift and touched it as with the joy of heaven. And then He says to all His toiling followers in every century and country, "As the Father hath loved me, so have I loved you."
The Father's Love Did Not Exempt Jesus from Suffering
They would recall again how the Father's love for Christ did not exempt Him from the sorest suffering. He was the well-beloved Son, yet a man of sorrows and acquainted with grief. If there be one thing we all crave to do, it is to shield our loved ones from the sting of pain. That passion is in the heart of every mother as she clasps to her breast her little child. Yet here was the love of the Father for the Son, that gave the Son, and did it quite deliberately, to bitter suffering ending in a cross. Often when our beloved suffer we are powerless. We know the agony of being helpless. We have to witness excruciating pain, impotent to do anything that might relieve it. But the Father, clothed in His omnipotence, with a single word could have put an end to suffering—and yet He loved His Son and did not do it. I wonder if the disciples thought of that when afterwards they recalled this word of Jesus. Stoned, shipwrecked, persecuted, tortured—could it be possible their Master loved them still? And then, clear as a silver bell, these words would strike upon their ears again, "As the Father hath loved me, so have I loved you." He was loved, and yet He suffered sorely. He was loved, and yet His face was marred. He was loved with an everlasting love, and yet all the billows of this mortal life went over Him. What an unspeakable comfort for these gallant souls, tempted through suffering to piercing doubts, this as and so of the Lord Jesus. All God's children must remember that when they are tempted so to doubt the love of heaven. Have not many cried beside some bed of agony, "How can God be love if He permits this?" In such an hour argument is powerless, but there is one Voice that is never powerless. It is His who suffered—and was loved.
The Father's Love Triumphed in the Resurrection and Ascension
They would recall, too, that the Father's love for Christ was a love that justified itself at last. There came at last the hour of resurrection and of ascension to the right hand in heaven. Was it love that gave Him to the earth? It was love that lifted Him above the earth. Was it love that permitted Him to suffer? It was love that crowned His sufferings in glory. The final issue of the Father's love was not the quietness of a garden-grave. It was song; it was dominion; it was liberty. What a magnificent hope for these disciples, persecuted and in prison. What a magnificent hope for every disciple just when things are growing unendurable! A little patience and the love that grips us is going to justify itself magnificently. That is bound, as with hoops of steel, to the as and so of the Lord Jesus.
Devotional - Divine healing
"He sent his word, and healed them, and delivered them from their destructions."Psa_107:20
What an effect a word from God can produce! Be it in reading; in hearing; on the knees; or in secret meditation; when a word drops from the Lord's mouth with any divine power into the soul, what a change it produces! And nothing but this divine power can ever bring a poor sinner out of his miserable condition. When this comes, it does the work in a moment; it heals all the wounds which sin has made, and repairs all the breaches in the conscience that folly has produced. One word from God heals them all. The Lord does not come as it were with plasters to heal first one sore and then another. He heals now as in the days of his flesh. When he healed then, he healed fully, at once, completely.
The earthly doctor heals by degrees; he puts a plaster on one sore, and a liniment on another; and heals one by one. But when the Lord heals, it is all done in a moment. The balm of Gilead flows over all the wounds, heals them up, and makes them perfectly whole. It is then with the soul as with the woman with the issue of blood;"she felt in her body she was healed of that plague."And this is healing! Any word from God, really from God, does it in a moment. If you can get but one word from God into your soul to make you believe you are a child of God, and savingly interested in his pardoning love and mercy, every wound, though there be a million, yes, every wound will be healed instantaneously. This is the only healing worth having.
To be healed by 'evidences' is like being healed by plasters. You need an evidence here, and an evidence there, as a man that has his body full of sores needs a plaster upon every wound. One word from God is the real panacea, the true, the only"heal-all;"and Jesus (Jehovah-rapha"the Lord my healer") the only true infallible Physician. Would you be healed completely, you must look to the Lord, and not to man; be a Hezekiah (2Kings 20), not an Asa(2Ch 16:12).
The healing could be applied to our bodily distress but more so for the ills of our mind which causes us to move away from God. Humbly submit our cares for the Lord to heal in His divine power and mercy.
What an effect a word from God can produce! Be it in reading; in hearing; on the knees; or in secret meditation; when a word drops from the Lord's mouth with any divine power into the soul, what a change it produces! And nothing but this divine power can ever bring a poor sinner out of his miserable condition. When this comes, it does the work in a moment; it heals all the wounds which sin has made, and repairs all the breaches in the conscience that folly has produced. One word from God heals them all. The Lord does not come as it were with plasters to heal first one sore and then another. He heals now as in the days of his flesh. When he healed then, he healed fully, at once, completely.
The earthly doctor heals by degrees; he puts a plaster on one sore, and a liniment on another; and heals one by one. But when the Lord heals, it is all done in a moment. The balm of Gilead flows over all the wounds, heals them up, and makes them perfectly whole. It is then with the soul as with the woman with the issue of blood;"she felt in her body she was healed of that plague."And this is healing! Any word from God, really from God, does it in a moment. If you can get but one word from God into your soul to make you believe you are a child of God, and savingly interested in his pardoning love and mercy, every wound, though there be a million, yes, every wound will be healed instantaneously. This is the only healing worth having.
To be healed by 'evidences' is like being healed by plasters. You need an evidence here, and an evidence there, as a man that has his body full of sores needs a plaster upon every wound. One word from God is the real panacea, the true, the only"heal-all;"and Jesus (Jehovah-rapha"the Lord my healer") the only true infallible Physician. Would you be healed completely, you must look to the Lord, and not to man; be a Hezekiah (2Kings 20), not an Asa(2Ch 16:12).
The healing could be applied to our bodily distress but more so for the ills of our mind which causes us to move away from God. Humbly submit our cares for the Lord to heal in His divine power and mercy.
Aug 28, 2008
Blessings for the children
Children are such precious gifts from our lord! What would I ask for my son if I were to ask our Lord for blessings ?! While my answer would have been different a few years back, I am convinced that the best thing that I could ask for Mathew is - that he be filled with the Godly spirit from his childhood, that God use him as a blessed instrument throughout his life, that he always abides in Him, that he always enjoys the constant soothing presence of the lord. I love my child - I would be happy to see him have a good life, get a good education, have a successful professional life, have a blessed married life, etc if God has bestowed these blessings on him ! But more than all this, I know that the main factor that would enrich his life is his personal relation with God. And that is enough !
A few verses from the bible which I saw today.
Psa 127:3 Lo, children are a heritage of the LORD: and the fruit of the womb is his reward.
Joe 2:28 And it shall come to pass afterward, that I will pour out my spirit upon all flesh; and your sons and your daughters shall prophesy, your old men shall dream dreams, your young men shall see visions:
Psa 8:2 Out of the mouth of babes and sucklings hast thou ordained strength because of thine enemies, that thou mightest still the enemy and the avenger.
Isa 44:3 For I will pour water upon him that is thirsty, and floods upon the dry ground: I will pour my spirit upon thy seed, and my blessing upon thine offspring: Isa 44:4 And they shall spring up as among the grass, as willows by the water courses.
Joh 7:38 He that believeth on me, as the Scripture hath said, out of his belly shall flow rivers of living water.
Act 2:2 And suddenly there came a sound from heaven as of a rushing mighty wind, and it filled all the house where they were sitting. Act 2:3 And there appeared unto them cloven tongues like as of fire, and it sat upon each of them.
Isa 54:13 And all thy children shall be taught of the LORD; and great shall be the peace of thy children.
Pro 22:6 Train up a child in the way he should go: and when he is old, he will not depart from it.
Eph 6:4 And, ye fathers, provoke not your children to wrath: but bring them up in the nurture and admonition of the Lord.
Deu 30:2 And shalt return unto the LORD thy God, and shalt obey his voice according to all that I command thee this day, thou and thy children, with all thine heart, and with all thy soul;
Let us thank God for all our blessings and pray in our mind about the values that we would want to inculcate in our next generation. And while we are at it, also a (humble) thought about these values that we would want to inculcate in ourselves.
PS:I thought of having a break from my normal devotionals and snippets - and I thought of reflecting on a personal message and finally this was the topic that I came to.
A few verses from the bible which I saw today.
Psa 127:3 Lo, children are a heritage of the LORD: and the fruit of the womb is his reward.
Joe 2:28 And it shall come to pass afterward, that I will pour out my spirit upon all flesh; and your sons and your daughters shall prophesy, your old men shall dream dreams, your young men shall see visions:
Psa 8:2 Out of the mouth of babes and sucklings hast thou ordained strength because of thine enemies, that thou mightest still the enemy and the avenger.
Isa 44:3 For I will pour water upon him that is thirsty, and floods upon the dry ground: I will pour my spirit upon thy seed, and my blessing upon thine offspring: Isa 44:4 And they shall spring up as among the grass, as willows by the water courses.
Joh 7:38 He that believeth on me, as the Scripture hath said, out of his belly shall flow rivers of living water.
Act 2:2 And suddenly there came a sound from heaven as of a rushing mighty wind, and it filled all the house where they were sitting. Act 2:3 And there appeared unto them cloven tongues like as of fire, and it sat upon each of them.
Isa 54:13 And all thy children shall be taught of the LORD; and great shall be the peace of thy children.
Pro 22:6 Train up a child in the way he should go: and when he is old, he will not depart from it.
Eph 6:4 And, ye fathers, provoke not your children to wrath: but bring them up in the nurture and admonition of the Lord.
Deu 30:2 And shalt return unto the LORD thy God, and shalt obey his voice according to all that I command thee this day, thou and thy children, with all thine heart, and with all thy soul;
Let us thank God for all our blessings and pray in our mind about the values that we would want to inculcate in our next generation. And while we are at it, also a (humble) thought about these values that we would want to inculcate in ourselves.
PS:I thought of having a break from my normal devotionals and snippets - and I thought of reflecting on a personal message and finally this was the topic that I came to.
Aug 27, 2008
Bible study - spiritual warfare - Eph 6:10-18
I would like this to be formed as a study on the various aspects of spiritual warfare.
In the beginning when the first Adam was in the paradise, came the first sin where in Adam disobeyed the word of God. There in the garden of Eden, Man fell to temptation and experienced sin which separated him from God. Sin is essentially a turning away from the living word of God. When a person becomes born again, he experiences a renewed closeness with God due to the fact that his heart has been reopened to the word. He turns away from sin by accepting the word of God made flesh and the promise of eternal life therein in the word of God.
Being in sin separates us from God. The only way to be together with him is in the new acceptance of Christ , His son, as our personal lord and savior. Till a person is born again, he is in conflict with God. But he is not at conflict with the flesh (the call of the flesh, the call of the body, the sensual life) since his mind listens not to the spirit within but to the flesh. But once you are born again, your old Adam is replaced by Christ the new Adam; your spirit is renewed by the Holy spirit and your mind undergoes a slow transformation or renewal.
Even after being born again, the believer has to be In this world. The world is devil's domain and thus we would be faced with temptations and battles (thus making the process of being renewed in the mind a painfully slow one - since it involves a constancy of being in the spirit and being away from the flesh; It requires us to be ever more in the word and listening carefully to the prompting of the holy spirit, discerning the deceptions of Satan)
Is it like our Father to lead us in His grace to the new life and not to give us the necessary things needed for our survival and victory ?! No sir. That’s not like Him at all. As always, He gives us the word to give us the necessary preparation for the spiritual battles which we could face when in this world. God knows the struggles in the world - His Son has faced all the struggles which we could face here - and emerged victorious (even victorious unto death!) Praise Him ! He was tempted on earth, by the devil himself - and He emerged victorious by the word.
There's a constant conflict that is happening in the spiritual realm - And once we are part of God's family, Satan takes a personal interest in leading a warfare against you - A worrying thought , till you remember the promises of the Lord who sends His angels to watch over you. And more than often, the battle rages on in your mind itself (in terms of circumstances, thoughts, giving into sin, etc).
When the Lord calls, some of us come to Him - in complete surrender, and in faith and follow Him. As a follower of Jesus Christ, you are a soldier. You are in a war. That war is against Satan. It is against the forces of darkness. The battle that the new Christian could face is called spiritual warfare. Here's the comfort for us from the word.
Beloved, think it not strange concerning the fiery trial which is to try you, as though some strange thing happened unto you: But rejoice, inasmuch as ye are partakers of Christ's sufferings; that, when his glory shall be revealed, ye may be glad also with exceeding joy. If ye be reproached for the name of Christ, happy are ye; for the Spirit of glory and of God resteth upon you: on their part he is evil spoken of, but on your part he is glorified.
(1Pe 4:12-14 KJVR)
For those who submit to God, He gives them His Spirit and power to overcome evil. Ye are of God, little children, and have overcome them: because greater is he that is in you, than he that is in the world.
(1Jn 4:4 KJVR)
Till the day you die (or are raptured), this battle can be expected to continue for your soul. The conflict inside you, at times, may seem almost unbearable, but do not give up or despair. For the Lord Jesus said, These things I have spoken unto you, that in me ye might have peace. In the world ye shall have tribulation: but be of good cheer; I have overcome the world.
(Joh 16:33 KJVR)
But never underestimate the Satan and his ability to deceive. Be sober, be vigilant; because your adversary the devil, as a roaring lion, walketh about, seeking whom he may devour:
(1Pe 5:8 KJVR)
One of the best sections on spiritual warfare is Eph 6. Such a beautiful solace to us believers.
Eph 6:10-18 KJVR Finally, my brethren, be strong in the Lord, and in the power of his might. (11) Put on the whole armor of God, that ye may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil. (12) For we wrestle not against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this world, against spiritual wickedness in high places. (13) Wherefore take unto you the whole armor of God, that ye may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand. (14) Stand therefore, having your loins girt about with truth, and having on the breastplate of righteousness; (15) And your feet shod with the preparation of the gospel of peace; (16) Above all, taking the shield of faith, wherewith ye shall be able to quench all the fiery darts of the wicked. (17) And take the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God: (18) Praying always with all prayer and supplication in the Spirit, and watching thereunto with all perseverance and supplication for all saints;
Hallelujah ! That's the message of the lord that I would like to share in study with you today.
(10)Firstly, our power comes from being in union with Jesus. We are in a struggle, and we need to defend ourselves using God’s ways, not man’s ways. We need His strength and His power. (which are ours through the Holy spirit he has given in us)
(11)In our battle, God advices us to use the spiritual weapons (Godly weapons) as against satan's worldly weapons. God's ways, traits and His weapons are what will help us in our spiritual battle. The armor mentioned here is for protection - protection against the fall , for release from the bondage of disobedience and sin, to discern the subtlety of Satan, stand against his wiles, protect our minds and for the ultimate victory which is ours through Christ.
(12)This is a battle for our soul. God in his mercy and love is not willing to let any of his loved ones perish. Satan tries to lead us away from God - towards him. In our battles, we do not grapple the physical enemy, but the battle is against the highest demonic authorities in this world - the utmost powers of the satan, against the unseen rulers of the darkness of this world, against spiritual wickedness (which could come down into our minds too unless we are guarded) When do we know we are wrestling in battle ? Often we have a choice of doing the right thing (scripturally right thing to do!), and the other options seem easier and more tempting to do. When there are tiny thoughts in your mind, leading you to sin. When the various small reasons keep us away from the word or from doing good deeds , etc, then we know that the struggle is on, and is being lost. Personally, at times, I can literally feel the struggle tearing me apart and screaming in my mind. Nevertheless, by FAITH we overcome all these struggles.
(13)Put on the complete armor as God tells us here - that we may be able to withstand (stand ground in strong defense). We need to understand that the weapons of our war are not carnal, but mighty through our God. (2Cor 10:4)We need to take care that when Satan comes charging, we do not lose heart, turn away from God, turn towards the enemy and fall. As God prompts us, his full armor would stand us in good heed when the evil days may fall upon us. [Let us take a few moments and examine our lives - are there areas of our life where we have not had the protection, and are exposed to the satan ? Do we reflect Christ in our public and private lives ? Do we display the fruits as we would if we were to be living Christian lives ? Do we sense the complete armor of God as written here ? Have we Christ centric lives ? You armor is chink free only if you consciously examine your life to be Christian.
(14)The lord starts this verse with a command to us to resist every attack of the devil. The girdle is what holds the entire armor together. Truth is supposed to help hold our defense together in times of trouble. Truth comforts. Truth enables faith. Truth is the essence of God. Truth helps conquer the lies of satan. Truth is the word of God. Jesus defeated Satan with the truth.
A man's core is his heart - pumping lively blood to all his body. The breastplate protects all these vital parts of a human being. When we are under attack, righteousness (Christian integrity, holiness, purity of life, piety, sincerity, etc) would protect our core from the arrows of the enemy. (Look at the righteousness of Job which enables him to face his trials in triumph through the lord!) And this righteousness can be given completely only by the lord - It is written that it comes to us through faith. We have to walk in righteousness, worthy to the calling we have received.
(15)Our ability to stand firm in our battle comes from our feet being shod with the Gospel of peace (In fact, god mentions - preparation for the gospel - which is our readiness to quote the word, which is our readiness to preach the gospel, etc) Even in a battle with a formidable adversary, our defense is the defense of Christ (the Gospel of peace)
(16)A shield protects the complete man and his armor - In our battle, Faith is our shield. It is the ultimate protection for us ! Faith is complete trust and dependence on God in all ways and for all things. It is an unwavering confidence in Jesus Christ. We need to have childlike faith. Faith in Jesus Christ (your shield) puts "Him" between you and the enemy. Through faith, all things can be overcome. (Immense are the promises for those who overcome - remember the promises which our Lord gives to the churches (to him that overcometh - etc - in revelation) 1 John 5:4 - And this is the victory that overcometh, even our faith. With our faith, we shall be able to quench all the fiery darts of the enemy. (This also gives an indication of the strong attack on us by Satan - Fiery darts) And there's enough fuel in our adamic nature to destroy ourselves when the fiery darts come. (All attack on us comes through a combination of thoughts, emotions and flesh) The shield of faith comes from hearing, reading and believing the word of God. Also, it is promised - submit yourself therefore to God; Resist the devil and he will flee from you. How apt when you consider that faith is indeed submission to God. (And angels will minister to you in your weakness as they did when Jesus was victorious in temptation)
(17)No soldier can fight well unless he keeps his head (literally and figuratively!) And no soldier can fight a successful battle unless he has the hope of victory with him. Likewise, the hope of salvation is what protects the Christian's soul (likened to a soldier's head) in our spiritual battle. We cannot fight the devil unless we have the hope of salvation, and once we have the hope of salvation, we have nothing to fear ! (Also, a helmet protects our thoughts - truly, does the hope of salvation)
The word of God is mentioned as the sword, the only weapon in our battle against the devil. While the word of God can be used as a defense, it is also the main weapon for us! Also, here, God presses on us to invoke the Holy spirit in our battles - (sword of the spirit , which is the word of God!) It is with this weapon that Jesus met satan in the wilderness. Unless we are armed with the truth, we can never discern the lies of the devil (Also see Heb 4:12 about the word of God likened to a sword)
Study the bible to understand the truth
Let the mind be ready with the right scripture as our savior had (prompted by the holy spirit)
Do not depend on our wisdom but look to the word for the truth
Another thought - finally all these defenses centre on the word
Truth - the word of God is the truth
Righteousness - comes through faith (Rom 4:5) and faith through hearing the word of God (Rom 10:17)
Gospel of peace - the word of God
Salvation - by faith through grace (again from the word) - believing (in) the word of God (Christ)
Faith - comes from hearing the word of God
What a beautiful revelation !! The essence of spiritual warfare is the word of God !!
(18)Did you ever know of a Christian soldier who goes to battle without prayer ? Prayer crowns all lawful efforts with success and gives a victory where nothing else could. Prayer unleashes the grace of our lord. (and God says - "always" - meaning it is to be a constant factor in our lives , when we are facing our battle, when we are preparing for the battle, etc) I cannot even begin to examine the depth of this verse !! Oh it is so filled with meaning ! Some keywords - always, prayer, in the spirit, watching, perseverance, for all saints (Christians)
In summary - be cheerful in the lord in our spiritual battles - arm yourself with truth, righteousness, faith, gospel, faith , hope of salvation and the word of God. Be in prayer always - and our God has promised us victory in Him !
In the beginning when the first Adam was in the paradise, came the first sin where in Adam disobeyed the word of God. There in the garden of Eden, Man fell to temptation and experienced sin which separated him from God. Sin is essentially a turning away from the living word of God. When a person becomes born again, he experiences a renewed closeness with God due to the fact that his heart has been reopened to the word. He turns away from sin by accepting the word of God made flesh and the promise of eternal life therein in the word of God.
Being in sin separates us from God. The only way to be together with him is in the new acceptance of Christ , His son, as our personal lord and savior. Till a person is born again, he is in conflict with God. But he is not at conflict with the flesh (the call of the flesh, the call of the body, the sensual life) since his mind listens not to the spirit within but to the flesh. But once you are born again, your old Adam is replaced by Christ the new Adam; your spirit is renewed by the Holy spirit and your mind undergoes a slow transformation or renewal.
Even after being born again, the believer has to be In this world. The world is devil's domain and thus we would be faced with temptations and battles (thus making the process of being renewed in the mind a painfully slow one - since it involves a constancy of being in the spirit and being away from the flesh; It requires us to be ever more in the word and listening carefully to the prompting of the holy spirit, discerning the deceptions of Satan)
Is it like our Father to lead us in His grace to the new life and not to give us the necessary things needed for our survival and victory ?! No sir. That’s not like Him at all. As always, He gives us the word to give us the necessary preparation for the spiritual battles which we could face when in this world. God knows the struggles in the world - His Son has faced all the struggles which we could face here - and emerged victorious (even victorious unto death!) Praise Him ! He was tempted on earth, by the devil himself - and He emerged victorious by the word.
There's a constant conflict that is happening in the spiritual realm - And once we are part of God's family, Satan takes a personal interest in leading a warfare against you - A worrying thought , till you remember the promises of the Lord who sends His angels to watch over you. And more than often, the battle rages on in your mind itself (in terms of circumstances, thoughts, giving into sin, etc).
When the Lord calls, some of us come to Him - in complete surrender, and in faith and follow Him. As a follower of Jesus Christ, you are a soldier. You are in a war. That war is against Satan. It is against the forces of darkness. The battle that the new Christian could face is called spiritual warfare. Here's the comfort for us from the word.
Beloved, think it not strange concerning the fiery trial which is to try you, as though some strange thing happened unto you: But rejoice, inasmuch as ye are partakers of Christ's sufferings; that, when his glory shall be revealed, ye may be glad also with exceeding joy. If ye be reproached for the name of Christ, happy are ye; for the Spirit of glory and of God resteth upon you: on their part he is evil spoken of, but on your part he is glorified.
(1Pe 4:12-14 KJVR)
For those who submit to God, He gives them His Spirit and power to overcome evil. Ye are of God, little children, and have overcome them: because greater is he that is in you, than he that is in the world.
(1Jn 4:4 KJVR)
Till the day you die (or are raptured), this battle can be expected to continue for your soul. The conflict inside you, at times, may seem almost unbearable, but do not give up or despair. For the Lord Jesus said, These things I have spoken unto you, that in me ye might have peace. In the world ye shall have tribulation: but be of good cheer; I have overcome the world.
(Joh 16:33 KJVR)
But never underestimate the Satan and his ability to deceive. Be sober, be vigilant; because your adversary the devil, as a roaring lion, walketh about, seeking whom he may devour:
(1Pe 5:8 KJVR)
One of the best sections on spiritual warfare is Eph 6. Such a beautiful solace to us believers.
Eph 6:10-18 KJVR Finally, my brethren, be strong in the Lord, and in the power of his might. (11) Put on the whole armor of God, that ye may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil. (12) For we wrestle not against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this world, against spiritual wickedness in high places. (13) Wherefore take unto you the whole armor of God, that ye may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand. (14) Stand therefore, having your loins girt about with truth, and having on the breastplate of righteousness; (15) And your feet shod with the preparation of the gospel of peace; (16) Above all, taking the shield of faith, wherewith ye shall be able to quench all the fiery darts of the wicked. (17) And take the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God: (18) Praying always with all prayer and supplication in the Spirit, and watching thereunto with all perseverance and supplication for all saints;
Hallelujah ! That's the message of the lord that I would like to share in study with you today.
(10)Firstly, our power comes from being in union with Jesus. We are in a struggle, and we need to defend ourselves using God’s ways, not man’s ways. We need His strength and His power. (which are ours through the Holy spirit he has given in us)
(11)In our battle, God advices us to use the spiritual weapons (Godly weapons) as against satan's worldly weapons. God's ways, traits and His weapons are what will help us in our spiritual battle. The armor mentioned here is for protection - protection against the fall , for release from the bondage of disobedience and sin, to discern the subtlety of Satan, stand against his wiles, protect our minds and for the ultimate victory which is ours through Christ.
(12)This is a battle for our soul. God in his mercy and love is not willing to let any of his loved ones perish. Satan tries to lead us away from God - towards him. In our battles, we do not grapple the physical enemy, but the battle is against the highest demonic authorities in this world - the utmost powers of the satan, against the unseen rulers of the darkness of this world, against spiritual wickedness (which could come down into our minds too unless we are guarded) When do we know we are wrestling in battle ? Often we have a choice of doing the right thing (scripturally right thing to do!), and the other options seem easier and more tempting to do. When there are tiny thoughts in your mind, leading you to sin. When the various small reasons keep us away from the word or from doing good deeds , etc, then we know that the struggle is on, and is being lost. Personally, at times, I can literally feel the struggle tearing me apart and screaming in my mind. Nevertheless, by FAITH we overcome all these struggles.
(13)Put on the complete armor as God tells us here - that we may be able to withstand (stand ground in strong defense). We need to understand that the weapons of our war are not carnal, but mighty through our God. (2Cor 10:4)We need to take care that when Satan comes charging, we do not lose heart, turn away from God, turn towards the enemy and fall. As God prompts us, his full armor would stand us in good heed when the evil days may fall upon us. [Let us take a few moments and examine our lives - are there areas of our life where we have not had the protection, and are exposed to the satan ? Do we reflect Christ in our public and private lives ? Do we display the fruits as we would if we were to be living Christian lives ? Do we sense the complete armor of God as written here ? Have we Christ centric lives ? You armor is chink free only if you consciously examine your life to be Christian.
(14)The lord starts this verse with a command to us to resist every attack of the devil. The girdle is what holds the entire armor together. Truth is supposed to help hold our defense together in times of trouble. Truth comforts. Truth enables faith. Truth is the essence of God. Truth helps conquer the lies of satan. Truth is the word of God. Jesus defeated Satan with the truth.
A man's core is his heart - pumping lively blood to all his body. The breastplate protects all these vital parts of a human being. When we are under attack, righteousness (Christian integrity, holiness, purity of life, piety, sincerity, etc) would protect our core from the arrows of the enemy. (Look at the righteousness of Job which enables him to face his trials in triumph through the lord!) And this righteousness can be given completely only by the lord - It is written that it comes to us through faith. We have to walk in righteousness, worthy to the calling we have received.
(15)Our ability to stand firm in our battle comes from our feet being shod with the Gospel of peace (In fact, god mentions - preparation for the gospel - which is our readiness to quote the word, which is our readiness to preach the gospel, etc) Even in a battle with a formidable adversary, our defense is the defense of Christ (the Gospel of peace)
(16)A shield protects the complete man and his armor - In our battle, Faith is our shield. It is the ultimate protection for us ! Faith is complete trust and dependence on God in all ways and for all things. It is an unwavering confidence in Jesus Christ. We need to have childlike faith. Faith in Jesus Christ (your shield) puts "Him" between you and the enemy. Through faith, all things can be overcome. (Immense are the promises for those who overcome - remember the promises which our Lord gives to the churches (to him that overcometh - etc - in revelation) 1 John 5:4 - And this is the victory that overcometh, even our faith. With our faith, we shall be able to quench all the fiery darts of the enemy. (This also gives an indication of the strong attack on us by Satan - Fiery darts) And there's enough fuel in our adamic nature to destroy ourselves when the fiery darts come. (All attack on us comes through a combination of thoughts, emotions and flesh) The shield of faith comes from hearing, reading and believing the word of God. Also, it is promised - submit yourself therefore to God; Resist the devil and he will flee from you. How apt when you consider that faith is indeed submission to God. (And angels will minister to you in your weakness as they did when Jesus was victorious in temptation)
(17)No soldier can fight well unless he keeps his head (literally and figuratively!) And no soldier can fight a successful battle unless he has the hope of victory with him. Likewise, the hope of salvation is what protects the Christian's soul (likened to a soldier's head) in our spiritual battle. We cannot fight the devil unless we have the hope of salvation, and once we have the hope of salvation, we have nothing to fear ! (Also, a helmet protects our thoughts - truly, does the hope of salvation)
The word of God is mentioned as the sword, the only weapon in our battle against the devil. While the word of God can be used as a defense, it is also the main weapon for us! Also, here, God presses on us to invoke the Holy spirit in our battles - (sword of the spirit , which is the word of God!) It is with this weapon that Jesus met satan in the wilderness. Unless we are armed with the truth, we can never discern the lies of the devil (Also see Heb 4:12 about the word of God likened to a sword)
Study the bible to understand the truth
Let the mind be ready with the right scripture as our savior had (prompted by the holy spirit)
Do not depend on our wisdom but look to the word for the truth
Another thought - finally all these defenses centre on the word
Truth - the word of God is the truth
Righteousness - comes through faith (Rom 4:5) and faith through hearing the word of God (Rom 10:17)
Gospel of peace - the word of God
Salvation - by faith through grace (again from the word) - believing (in) the word of God (Christ)
Faith - comes from hearing the word of God
What a beautiful revelation !! The essence of spiritual warfare is the word of God !!
(18)Did you ever know of a Christian soldier who goes to battle without prayer ? Prayer crowns all lawful efforts with success and gives a victory where nothing else could. Prayer unleashes the grace of our lord. (and God says - "always" - meaning it is to be a constant factor in our lives , when we are facing our battle, when we are preparing for the battle, etc) I cannot even begin to examine the depth of this verse !! Oh it is so filled with meaning ! Some keywords - always, prayer, in the spirit, watching, perseverance, for all saints (Christians)
In summary - be cheerful in the lord in our spiritual battles - arm yourself with truth, righteousness, faith, gospel, faith , hope of salvation and the word of God. Be in prayer always - and our God has promised us victory in Him !
Aug 26, 2008
Delay in posting the bible study
I am very sorry for not having posted my weekly bible study yet.. Despite the long weekend, I guess I got a little distracted and slothful in this. Also, the topic that I chose was such a lovely classic (Spiritual warfare) - books have been written on it. Frankly I underestimated the amount of time I would need to come up with a study on this. I am trying to do this, focused on Eph 6:10-18 and its a topic which is supreme in importance to a believer (especially to a new believer) May God speak volumes more than my human work!
have a blessed week ahead. ~Thomas
have a blessed week ahead. ~Thomas
Devotional - First steps of being lead by the lord
A good devotional from Gloria Copeland !
"The steps of a [good] man are directed and established of the Lord, when He delights in his way [and He busies Himself with his every step]."(Psalm 37:23)
God's will is to lead you on a day-by-day basis. He's given His Spirit to guide you every day.
Most believers don't know that. They expect God to reveal His complete will for their lives in one big revelation. Don't make that mistake. Don't just sit around waiting for God to show you whether or not He wants you to go to Africa for the rest of your life.
Let Him begin to lead you in little things first, to tell you what you need to do about this situation or that one. He'll show you what you need to change. And, as He does, you'll change one thing at a time.
The truth is, you probably already know one thing God wants you to do. You might not know why He wants you to do it. You may not know where it's leading, but you've heard His voice in your heart.
If you want to keep on hearing Him, you'll have to set aside your own ambitions and desires. Spend time in prayer and in the Word. Tune your ear to the voice of His Spirit.
Learn to trust Him. Remember that He's smarter than you are and be willing to do what He says whether you can understand it with your mind or not. Obey even His smallest instructions. If you do, He'll eventually change your whole life...one little step at a time.
"The steps of a [good] man are directed and established of the Lord, when He delights in his way [and He busies Himself with his every step]."(Psalm 37:23)
God's will is to lead you on a day-by-day basis. He's given His Spirit to guide you every day.
Most believers don't know that. They expect God to reveal His complete will for their lives in one big revelation. Don't make that mistake. Don't just sit around waiting for God to show you whether or not He wants you to go to Africa for the rest of your life.
Let Him begin to lead you in little things first, to tell you what you need to do about this situation or that one. He'll show you what you need to change. And, as He does, you'll change one thing at a time.
The truth is, you probably already know one thing God wants you to do. You might not know why He wants you to do it. You may not know where it's leading, but you've heard His voice in your heart.
If you want to keep on hearing Him, you'll have to set aside your own ambitions and desires. Spend time in prayer and in the Word. Tune your ear to the voice of His Spirit.
Learn to trust Him. Remember that He's smarter than you are and be willing to do what He says whether you can understand it with your mind or not. Obey even His smallest instructions. If you do, He'll eventually change your whole life...one little step at a time.
Aug 24, 2008
Holy enough to get to heaven ?
A simple thought -
No one is holy enough to enter heaven without going through Christ; And no one is such a big sinner that he cannot enter heaven by going through Christ.
My friend, if your mind has been prompting you that you - by your good works - could enter heaven, correct your mind and come to the truth.
And my friend, if your mind tells you - that your sin is too large for you to be in heaven - then look unto christ - realize the power of His blood in washing your sins away!
No one is holy enough to enter heaven without going through Christ; And no one is such a big sinner that he cannot enter heaven by going through Christ.
My friend, if your mind has been prompting you that you - by your good works - could enter heaven, correct your mind and come to the truth.
And my friend, if your mind tells you - that your sin is too large for you to be in heaven - then look unto christ - realize the power of His blood in washing your sins away!
Mat 6:15 - Forgiveness
But if ye forgive not men their trespasses, neither will your Father forgive your trespasses. (Mat 6:15 KJVR)
Our Saviour says we should forgive even if the offence be committed seventy times seven times, Mat_18:22. By this is meant, that when a man asks forgiveness, we are cordially and forever to pardon the offence; we are to declare our willingness to forgive him. If he does not ask forgiveness, yet we are still to treat him kindly; not to harbor malice, not to speak ill of him, to be ready to do him good, and be always prepared to declare him forgiven when he asks it, and if we are not ready and willing to forgive him; we are assured that God will not forgive us.
Our Saviour says we should forgive even if the offence be committed seventy times seven times, Mat_18:22. By this is meant, that when a man asks forgiveness, we are cordially and forever to pardon the offence; we are to declare our willingness to forgive him. If he does not ask forgiveness, yet we are still to treat him kindly; not to harbor malice, not to speak ill of him, to be ready to do him good, and be always prepared to declare him forgiven when he asks it, and if we are not ready and willing to forgive him; we are assured that God will not forgive us.
Mat 7:21 - Who shall enter the kingdom ?
Not every one that saith unto me, Lord, Lord, shall enter into the kingdom of heaven; but he that doeth the will of my Father which is in heaven. (Mat 7:21 KJVR)
This exhorts the believer into faith in Christ for life and salvation; which is the source of all true evangelical obedience, and without which nothing is acceptable to God. He that seeth the Son, looks unto him, ventures on him, commits himself to him, trusts in him, relies on him, and believes on him for righteousness, salvation, and eternal life, he it is that does the will of the Father, and he only; and such an one, as he is desirous of doing the will of God in all acts of cheerful obedience to it, without dependence thereon; so he shall certainly enter the kingdom of heaven, and have everlasting life; see Joh_6:40 but as these words chiefly respect preachers, the sense of them is this, that only such who are faithful dispensers of the word shall enter into the joy of their Lord. Such do the will of Christ's Father, and so his own, which are the same, who fully and faithfully preach the Gospel of the grace of God; who declare the whole counsel of God, and keep back nothing that is profitable to the souls of men; who are neither ashamed of the testimony of Christ, nor afraid of the faces of men; but as they are put in trust with the Gospel, so they speak it boldly, with all sincerity, not as pleasing men, but God, and commend themselves to every man's conscience in the sight of God: such as these shall have an abundant entrance into the kingdom and glory of God.
This exhorts the believer into faith in Christ for life and salvation; which is the source of all true evangelical obedience, and without which nothing is acceptable to God. He that seeth the Son, looks unto him, ventures on him, commits himself to him, trusts in him, relies on him, and believes on him for righteousness, salvation, and eternal life, he it is that does the will of the Father, and he only; and such an one, as he is desirous of doing the will of God in all acts of cheerful obedience to it, without dependence thereon; so he shall certainly enter the kingdom of heaven, and have everlasting life; see Joh_6:40 but as these words chiefly respect preachers, the sense of them is this, that only such who are faithful dispensers of the word shall enter into the joy of their Lord. Such do the will of Christ's Father, and so his own, which are the same, who fully and faithfully preach the Gospel of the grace of God; who declare the whole counsel of God, and keep back nothing that is profitable to the souls of men; who are neither ashamed of the testimony of Christ, nor afraid of the faces of men; but as they are put in trust with the Gospel, so they speak it boldly, with all sincerity, not as pleasing men, but God, and commend themselves to every man's conscience in the sight of God: such as these shall have an abundant entrance into the kingdom and glory of God.
Job 17:9 - The righteous - a recurring theme
The righteous also shall hold on his way, and he that hath clean hands shall be stronger and stronger. (Job 17:9 KJVR)
Shall be stronger and stronger - He shall take encouragement from my case, stay himself on the Lord, and thus gain strength by every blast of adversity. This is one grand use of the book of Job. It casts much light on seemingly partial displays of Divine providence: and has ever been the great text-book of godly men in a state of persecution and affliction. This is what Job seems prophetically to declare.
Shall be stronger and stronger - He shall take encouragement from my case, stay himself on the Lord, and thus gain strength by every blast of adversity. This is one grand use of the book of Job. It casts much light on seemingly partial displays of Divine providence: and has ever been the great text-book of godly men in a state of persecution and affliction. This is what Job seems prophetically to declare.
Jas 4:6 - grace to the humble
But he giveth more grace. Wherefore he saith, God resisteth the proud, but giveth grace unto the humble. (Jas 4:6 KJVR)
But he giveth greater grace - To all who shun those tempers. God resisteth the proud - And pride is the great root of all unkind affections.
Surely he scorneth the scorners: but he giveth grace unto the lowly. (Pro 3:34 KJVR)
But he giveth greater grace - To all who shun those tempers. God resisteth the proud - And pride is the great root of all unkind affections.
Surely he scorneth the scorners: but he giveth grace unto the lowly. (Pro 3:34 KJVR)
Snippet - blessings for today!
God setteth the solitary in families: he bringeth out those which are bound with chains: but the rebellious dwell in a dry land. (Psa 68:6 KJVR)
Then shall ye call upon me, and ye shall go and pray unto me, and I will hearken unto you. And ye shall seek me, and find me, when ye shall search for me with all your heart. (Jer 29:12-13 KJVR)
The LORD hath appeared of old unto me, saying, Yea, I have loved thee with an everlasting love: therefore with lovingkindness have I drawn thee. (Jer 31:3 KJVR)
My friend, these are your blessings - claim them from the Lord today in faith!
Then shall ye call upon me, and ye shall go and pray unto me, and I will hearken unto you. And ye shall seek me, and find me, when ye shall search for me with all your heart. (Jer 29:12-13 KJVR)
The LORD hath appeared of old unto me, saying, Yea, I have loved thee with an everlasting love: therefore with lovingkindness have I drawn thee. (Jer 31:3 KJVR)
My friend, these are your blessings - claim them from the Lord today in faith!
Psa 92:12-14 - Bring forth fruit in old age
The righteous shall flourish like the palm tree: he shall grow like a cedar in Lebanon. Those that be planted in the house of the LORD shall flourish in the courts of our God. They shall still bring forth fruit in old age; they shall be fat and flourishing; (Psa 92:12-14 KJVR)
Let us seek for ourselves the salvation and grace of the gospel, that being daily anointed by the Holy Spirit, we may behold and share the Redeemer's glory. It is from his grace, by his word and Spirit, that believers receive all the virtue that keeps them alive, and makes them fruitful. Other trees, when old, leave off bearing, but in God's trees the strength of grace does not fail with the strength of nature. The last days of the saints are sometimes their best days, and their last work their best work: perseverance is sure evidence of sincerity. And may every sabbath, while it shows forth the Divine faithfulness, find our souls resting more and more upon the Lord our righteousness.
Let us seek for ourselves the salvation and grace of the gospel, that being daily anointed by the Holy Spirit, we may behold and share the Redeemer's glory. It is from his grace, by his word and Spirit, that believers receive all the virtue that keeps them alive, and makes them fruitful. Other trees, when old, leave off bearing, but in God's trees the strength of grace does not fail with the strength of nature. The last days of the saints are sometimes their best days, and their last work their best work: perseverance is sure evidence of sincerity. And may every sabbath, while it shows forth the Divine faithfulness, find our souls resting more and more upon the Lord our righteousness.
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