Archive for February, 2011

  • 08 Feb

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    A SURE FOUNDATION

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    “Therefore thus saith the Lord GOD, Behold, I lay in Zion for a foundation a stone, a tried stone, a precious corner stone, a sure foundation: he that believeth shall not make haste.”

    Isaiah 28:16

    What glorious and inspired language the prophet used in describing the coming of the Messiah, our Savior, the Lord Jesus Christ, our Rock! He is the Solid Rock on which every life should be built. To those who believe, He is precious. To others He is a rock of offense. Those who are not built upon Him and upon obedience to His Word are building their lives on sand and will not withstand the storms of life.

    He is the Chief Cornerstone of the New Testament church. The stone which the builders rejected became the head of the corner. He is the stone cut out without hands Whose kingdom shall destroy all other kingdoms. Those who fall on this stone will be broken, and those who the stone falls upon will be ground to powder.

    He is “a sure foundation.” There is no more sure foundation than Jesus Christ. So many are building their lives and families on that which is shifting and uncertain. The safest and surest place to be for time and eternity is trusting in the Lord, resting on the “sure foundation.”

    “He that believeth shall not make haste.” Believing on Him means having absolute confidence that Jesus is the way of salvation and the giver of eternal life and trusting entirely in Him and His sacrificial death for one’s redemption. He that has his faith in Christ will not be forced to flee in fear and shame, but is eternally secure in the Lord. Our faith in Christ is not a passing fancy. We are not looking for another way because we know we have found the only way.

    This assurance is not based on any merit of our own. Bible salvation is not earned by religious works or human effort. Our complete confidence is in Him, His divine person, His sinless life, His vicarious death and bodily resurrection, and His exceeding great and precious promises. We know with certainty who He is, what He has done, and what He can do for others. For this reason, we are not ashamed of Him. We can boldly say that the Lord is our Helper. We can point others to Calvary with absolute assurance that He is the answer for the needs of the world. We see such uncertainty and confusion in our generation. What a joy to know that in Christ we have found “a sure foundation!”

  • 07 Feb

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    REJOICE IN THE LORD

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    “Rejoice in the Lord alway: and again I say, Rejoice.”

    Philippians 4:4

    The Christian life should be one of rejoicing. Everyone wants to have joy and happiness in his life. For those who are unsaved, happiness is always conditional. They can have joy when circumstances are favorable, friends are available, and resources are plentiful. However, the follower of Jesus Christ has the distinct advantage when it comes to the possibility of enjoying this journey. There is always cause for rejoicing because He never changes; and in Him, we are secure and gloriously blessed. His grace and mercy are unchanging, and His promises are eternal. Our rejoicing is spiritual rather than circumstantial. Even in adversity and difficulty, we are told to rejoice.

    When Paul wrote the church members in Philippi, he was in a prison cell. He encouraged them to “Rejoice.” How is it that the man of God was able to rejoice and admonish others to do the same, while suffering as a prisoner for Jesus Christ? It is because, our rejoicing is “in the Lord.” Our joy is not dependent on our physical condition as much as our spiritual position. Our consistent rejoicing is possible because of our position in Christ. Paul could not have said this if his rejoicing depended on his environment because he was often persecuted, betrayed, and imprisoned. Because our rejoicing is based on spiritual reality, rejoicing is a decision, not simply an emotion.

    We are commanded to rejoice whether we feel like rejoicing or not. We are to “Rejoice in the Lord alway.” Always includes at all times and in all things. By faith, we can rejoice knowing that God’s love is consistent and that His way is best. True believers have much to rejoice about, and it is inconsistent with our profession if we are not living a joyful life in the Lord.

    Rejoicing is a very important discipline for the Christian for numerous reasons. A rejoicing lifestyle is good for us. It is actually healthier to be happy. The Bible says, “A merry heart doeth good like a medicine: but a broken spirit drieth the bones” (Proverbs 17:22). It is also good for those that we seek to influence to see that we enjoy the Christian life. It will be difficult to convince others of the benefits of following Christ if we are not rejoicing in Him and His goodness. Most importantly, it brings glory to God. He receives the honor when our rejoicing is in His goodness and grace in our lives.

  • 06 Feb

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    BE OF THE SAME MIND IN THE LORD

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    “I beseech Euodias, and beseech Syntyche, that they be of the same mind in the Lord.”

    Philippians 4:2

    What a practical challenge Paul presented to these two women in the church at Philippi, that they be “of the same mind.” Apparently these women were having some kind of dispute or disagreement. For Paul, remaining in discord was not an option. They were to strive to come to agreement or unity. We are told nothing about the nature of their conflict, but the problem was serious enough to merit individual attention in the Philippian epistle.

    This concern of Paul serves as an example and reminder to us as well. We need to take seriously the matter of working to resolve problems in relationships, especially in the church family. For some, this may seem like an impossible proposition. After all, we have our personality differences, as well as differences of opinions and preferences. However, the success of being unified with others in the body of Christ is not dependent on our ability to work out our differences purely on a human level. Rather it stems from our spiritual position, “be of the same mind in the Lord.”

    Conflicts that appear to be irresolvable can be mended “in the Lord.” If we are in Christ and walking in the Spirit, we will have the Lord’s help in coming to agreement. He helps us see and understand things differently from how we would be able to otherwise. Although we all have our own thoughts, we as sincere Christians should seek to know the mind of the Lord. If we can discover His mind, we will be “of the same mind.”

    Permanent breeches in relationships are often caused, not by disagreements alone, but by stubbornness and willfulness. In many cases, when two differing parties honestly turn to the Lord for wisdom, both find that, in some way, they have contributed to the problem. When we are abiding in the Lord, God gives us the grace to forgive those who have offended or wronged us. God promises us the ability to forgive each other “in the Lord,” whatever has been said or done.

    With God’s help, we too can see damaged relationships healed for the glory of God. As Christian brothers and sisters, especially in the church body, our love for each other should be stronger than the areas where we might disagree. We are not just friends or acquaintances; we are brethren “in the Lord.”

  • 05 Feb

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    STAND FAST IN THE LORD

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    “Therefore, my brethren dearly beloved and longed for, my joy and crown, so stand fast in the Lord, my dearly beloved.”

    Philippians 4:1

    These words were immediately preceded by Paul’s referring to our home in Heaven and our looking for the appearing of our Savior, Jesus Christ. He spoke of the promise of His changing our vile bodies to be fashioned like unto His glorious body. Paul then encouraged the members of the church at Philippi to “stand fast in the Lord.” Because we know the Lord is coming, because we will one day stand before Him, we are urged to be steadfast, to be settled and established. The opposite of standing fast is to be always changing, being inconsistent and vacillating.

    There are so very many calls in the Scripture for God’s people to stand strong and to be true to Him. Why the repeated cry for stability? For one thing, we need to be resolved to be steadfast because the temptations to drift or compromise are always there. To change our position because of a greater insight into truth or a commitment to some revealed principle is commendable. In many cases, believers are changing their positions because of convenience rather than conviction. The more liberal our world becomes, the more pressure some will feel to compromise their stand. Also, we must “stand fast in the Lord” because the world we live in needs to see that the convictions and commitments of Christians are strong and steadfast. It does not help our cause for the communities we live in to see professing believers who are always changing and unsure.

    How is it possible to “stand fast in the Lord” in such a changing environment? We can stand strong and be consistent because God does not change. Our feelings may change and our friends may change, but God will never change. His truth has never changed. Although the moral landscape in our society is ever evolving in a more sinful direction, God’s standards of morality are the same as they were thousands of years ago. Also, we can “stand fast in the Lord” because He gives us the strength to stand. Our standing is “in the Lord.” History records the powerful testimonies of countless, faithful followers of Jesus that He supported and strengthened for times of testing and temptation. We are not standing in our own determination and strength alone, but rather we stand in the grace and ability that He gives.

  • 04 Feb

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    DON’T NAME IT AFTER ME

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    “And Joab fought against Rabbah of the children of Ammon, and took the royal city. And Joab sent messengers to David, and said, I have fought against Rabbah, and have taken the city of waters. Now therefore gather the rest of the people together, and encamp against the city, and take it: lest I take the city, and it be called after my name.”

    II Samuel 12:26-28

    Joab was one of the sons of Zeruiah and the capable commander of David’s military. Joab had taken Rabbah, one of the chief cities of the Ammonites. When it became apparent to Joab that the victory was secured, he sent word to David that the city was falling. Joab wanted David to receive the honor rather than he. Joab did not want the city to be named after him. In this, he serves as a good example of loyalty and servitude. Joab was not interested in making a name for himself, but rather, he sought his master’s honor.

    A faithful servant will seek the success and honor of those he is serving. This could apply to our vocational life, our family, our church ministry, or even our personal service to the Lord. Who gets the credit for what is done? It is often an evidence of pride when we want to be recognized for the things we have accomplished. It is an unhealthy attitude to think of our service in terms of what recognition we may get out of it. Many employees think only in terms of their paycheck, not of how they can help the company succeed. Of course, everyone likes a word of commendation; and it is certainly appropriate to acknowledge those who faithfully serve. However, our commitment should be to see prosperity or blessing come to those we are serving or working for.

    Jesus was a great example in that He often deflected praise and honor from Himself to His Father. Whom are we serving, and why are we serving? Is our chief concern to bring honor to the Lord and blessing to those we are serving, or is our main concern how it might benefit us? If our attitude is right, we should not be jealous if someone else gets the credit for things we have done or had a part in doing. The true spirit of being a servant is giving our best, regardless of who gets the credit. Ultimately, our purpose in life is not to get honor for ourselves, but to bring honor to our Lord. We want our Savior to receive glory for the things He does in and through our lives. The important thing is that His name is known, not ours.

  • 03 Feb

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    KEEP DOING WHAT YOU KNOW TO DO

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    “But continue thou in the things which thou hast learned and hast been assured of, knowing of whom thou hast learned them; And that from a child thou hast known the holy scriptures, which are able to make thee wise unto salvation through faith which is in Christ Jesus.”

    II Timothy 3:14, 15

    Timothy had been blessed with a godly grandmother and mother who taught him the Word of God. The truths he began learning as a child eventually brought Timothy to the place of “salvation through faith which is in Christ.” In his final epistle, Paul’s plea for Timothy was to “continue thou in the things which thou hast learned.” The aging apostle warned his spiritual son about the ever-present danger of diverting from the narrow road of obedience and commitment to the Scripture.

    This advice to Timothy is just as timely for us today. We too must continue in the Bible-based path that we have been shown. To do so requires a commitment to the principles and commands of the Word of God. Temptations to compromise are real, and often very subtle. Our commitment to stay the course needs to be stronger than the temptations to quit.

    If ever there was a day when people are drifting from the Word of God that they once believed and practiced, we are living in that day. Times change, but truth never changes. We do not need something new, but a renewed resolve to live by the precepts of the Holy Scripture. The enemy of men’s souls remains relentless.

    The first recorded temptation of man in the Garden of Eden included an assault on God’s Word. Satan has continued to use every imaginable means to cast doubt on the Scripture and to lure souls away from their commitment to the absolute authority of God’s unchanging Truth. When a person begins to minimize the importance of obedience or compromise in their commitment to the Holy Scriptures, he is on his way to serious spiritual problems. False prophets are very effective in presenting partial truths or twisting the Word of God. Today’s host of modern translations is another evidence of Satan’s attacks on the Bible.

    Paul spoke directly to Timothy about his enduring commitment to continue doing what he had been taught to do. Let’s take Paul’s admonition to heart and remain steadfastly committed to the teachings of the Word of God.

  • 02 Feb

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    ABRAHAM DREW NEAR

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    “And Abraham drew near, and said, Wilt thou also destroy the righteous with the wicked?”

    Genesis 18:23

    Three heavenly visitors stopped to see Abraham on their way to Sodom. One of the guests was the Lord. Abraham and Sarah were hospitable to them. The Lord informed Abraham that the wickedness of Sodom was the reason for their visit. Of course, Abraham knew that his nephew Lot and his family resided there. When the two angels left in the direction of Sodom, “Abraham drew near” to the Lord and began to intercede for the city.

    What a privilege it is to know that one can draw near to Almighty God! We understand, according to the Scripture, that the only way we can draw near to Holy God is through our faith in Jesus’ substitutionary death and His sacrificial blood applied to our sinful lives. Ephesians 2:13 tells us that, “ye who sometimes were far off are made nigh by the blood of Christ.” Just as Abraham did, we who are saved by the grace of God can draw near.

    This drawing near is both a privilege and a responsibility. As it did with Abraham, drawing near takes initiative on our part. God wants us to choose to draw near to Him and spend time with Him. James 4:8 tells us, “Draw nigh to God, and he will draw nigh to you.” Abraham knew that he was in the presence of the Lord, and yet he was welcome to draw closer to God. Although we are in Christ through the new birth, we can still draw nearer to Him in fellowship, surrender, and prayer. It may well be that God is waiting on us to take the initiative and draw near to Him.

    Abraham drew near for a specific purpose. He needed to pray for Sodom and his family that lived there. Abraham wanted to intercede for his loved ones. We likewise have reasons to draw near to the Lord. We draw near to Him that we might enjoy fellowship with Him. We were created to have fellowship with the Lord. We draw near that we might worship Him and give Him praise. As with Abraham, we draw near that we might pray to Him and intercede for others.

    Draw near to Him today. Tell Him that you love Him and appreciate all that He has done for you. Thank Him for the privilege of prayer. Are there things you need for God to do? Like Abraham, do you have loved ones in peril? Is pending judgment of concern to your soul? Perhaps it is time to draw away from other interests and draw near to God.

  • 01 Feb

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    THE MOTIVATION OF TIME

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    “See then that ye walk circumspectly, not as fools, but as wise, Redeeming the time, because the days are evil.”

    Ephesians 5:15, 16

    It would be difficult to overestimate the value of our time. Understanding the brevity of life and the importance of using our time wisely serves to motivate us to be better stewards of our moments and days. It is foolish to live with little regard for how our time is being used. We are admonished to be “Redeeming the time.”

    To redeem means “to buy up” or “buy back.” Investors sometimes buy up things that are considered to be of great value, such as real estate, gold, etc. We are commanded to buy up time. Time is extremely valuable. It is the commodity that we use in exchange for everything that we do. If we are going to read our Bible, spend time with our family, or get involved in serving the Savior, then it will require our time. Time, once it is gone, can never be recovered. If we lose our keys or misplace our wallet, they can be replaced. Such is not the case with our time. If time is wasted, it is gone forever and it cannot be retrieved.

    With each passing day, our time becomes more limited, making it of increasing value. The older we are, the more conscious we become of this fact. Our yesterdays are now more numerous than our tomorrows. Therefore, we must take advantage and make full use of our time while we have it. We should think practically on how we might redeem our time, by evaluating how our time is spent. The Psalmist prayed, “So teach us to number our days, that we may apply our hearts unto wisdom” (Psalm 90:12). An excuse that is commonly used to justify negligence in spiritual service or devotion is the lack of time. In reality, we all have the same number of hours per day and days per week.

    If God wants us to do something, the time is available to accomplish it. It is our duty to arrange our schedules in such a way that we have the time to do His will. We must recognize and overcome the temptation or tendency to procrastinate or postpone things that should be done immediately. Too much time may be spent on things of lesser importance; then we find that we have very little time for matters of greater value. We must continually assess our schedules and adjust our priorities, as we seek to be good stewards of our time. With God as our helper, we must be committed to using our time wisely.

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