No more tears…

God amazes me with His timing. Yesterday, I slept almost all day, dizzy, no fever just a weird set of symptoms. Add to that items in the news, a sad e-mail from a friend, and I felt like crying. So what does the Lord say this morning?

He will wipe away every tear from their eyes, and death shall be no more, neither shall there be mourning, nor crying, nor pain anymore, for the former things have passed away.” (Revelation 21:4)

I weep here because of my sin, bereavements and afflictions, but also the physical, mental, emotional and spiritual pain of others. I know that this is our lot in life, but on the other side of the grave, we shall weep no more!

Think of it — He will remove us from all sin and remove all sin from us. I will cease to weep when I have ceased to sin and because He will bless me beyond my wildest imagination.

But, as it is written, “What no eye has seen, nor ear heard, nor the heart of man imagined, what God has prepared for those who love him/— (1 Corinthians 2:9)

I can imagine no sickness for I’ve not been ill more than half a dozen times in thirty years, but I cannot imagine no more tears, no more sin, no more sorrow. This world is filled with it, with poverty, illness, fires, floods, and wars, death and loss. However, as the reading for today says, Jesus will give us all that our hearts desire. There will be no weeping over lost reward in that land to which we are going. Our reward will be full, perfect and satisfying. We shall see Christ and be like Him.

Beloved, we are God’s children now, and what we will be has not yet appeared; but we know that when he appears we shall be like him, because we shall see him as he is. (1 John 3:2)
What could be better than that!

PRAY: Today is a slight improvement over yesterday, made so by Your precious promises that perfection lies ahead. I tend to ‘live in the now’ rather than the past or the future, but this glimpse of Your plans for eternity make the present day sorrows a lot more bearable.

Secure Forever

My hubby received an email today from a former coworker. After updating his news, this man said that he was no longer a Christian. My response went two directions. Either he didn’t fully understand the promises God makes to those who believe in Christ, or this man was not a Christian in the first place.

Jesus said, “I give them eternal life, and they will never perish, and no one will snatch them out of my hand.” (John 10:28) Eternal life is just that — eternal. It cannot be undone once it is done. The Lord makes this unconditional promise to every true believer. It takes into consideration all times, all circumstances, all contingencies, all events and all possibilities. This promise takes in all the flock. Not one of Christ’s sheep will ever perish no, not even one. If anyone is a believer, they will never perish. Christ himself has promised it! Nothing in God’s people or done by them can change that.

God himself says, “They shall never perish.” If one promise of God could be broken, no promise could be believed. Jesus said, “All that the Father gives me will come to me, and whoever comes to me I will never cast out. For I have come down from heaven, not to do my own will but the will of him who sent me. And this is the will of him who sent me, that I should lose nothing of all that he has given me, but raise it up on the last day. For this is the will of my Father, that everyone who looks on the Son and believes in him should have eternal life, and I will raise him up on the last day.” (John 6:37–40) The Good Shepherd must save his sheep. His redemptive work cannot be nullified. It is an irreversible act of grace.

What then shall we say to these things? If God is for us, who can be against us? He who did not spare his own Son but gave him up for us all, how will he not also with him graciously give us all things? Who shall bring any charge against God’s elect? It is God who justifies. Who is to condemn? Christ Jesus is the one who died—more than that, who was raised—who is at the right hand of God, who indeed is interceding for us. (Romans 8:31–34)
And I am sure of this, that he who began a good work in you will bring it to completion at the day of Jesus Christ. (Philippians 1:6)

There are many more Scriptures that verify the keeping power of God. As I read them, I’m also reminded that some hear what their parents or preachers say, but have not heard or believed the life-changing promises of God. I’m not sure if this is the case of the man who says he is no longer a Christian, but it could be that he was not one in the first place.

They went out from us, but they were not of us; for if they had been of us, they would have continued with us. But they went out, that it might become plain that they all are not of us. (1 John 2:19)

PRAY: Lord, You know the heart of all people, Christian or not, and You know what has happened to cause this man to think he is not Your child. If he is, bring him to fuller knowledge. If not, show him what he needs to see and hear so he understands what is needed. Nothing is impossible for You.

Calmed by God’s Wisdom

Our Sunday was such a blessing that I’ve braced myself for an attack from the devil. He didn’t do anything much yesterday, but the world news this morning put me in a slump. The fires in CA are to worsen, hitting the areas where we once lived and have friends. My prayers feel like a drop in an ocean of need. The devil’s attack on my emotions is a pittance compared to what these people are going through.

The Lord brings powerful thoughts from Charnock’s book, and even though the dangers remain, God also remains. Charnock reminds me that Satan’s intentions can be what they will, even seem to be working, but God is able to outwit him in his strategies, baffle him in his plans and even use him as an instrument for the good of His people even though this evil entity designs nothing but lies, hurt and destruction.

The Lord knows how to rescue the godly from trials, and to keep the unrighteous under punishment until the day of judgment. (2 Peter 2:9)

As I wonder why God does not move now, Charnock also reminds me that in denials or delays of answers of prayer, God is gracious to hear; but He is wise to answer in an acceptable time, and help us at the right time. We want things now, like rain, no wind, great power in the fire fighters efforts, but do any of us really know what to ask for or the timing of it?

For he says, “In a favorable time I listened to you, and in a day of salvation I have helped you.” Behold, now is the favorable time; behold, now is the day of salvation. (2 Corinthians 6:2)
Likewise the Spirit helps us in our weakness. For we do not know what to pray for as we ought, but the Spirit himself intercedes for us with groanings too deep for words. (Romans 8:26)

Not only is God's timing perfect, but in all evils threatened to so many people by this enemy and in these fires, God knows and has wisdom concerning anyone or anything that looks as if it or they can outsmart Him. “He catches the wise in their own craftiness, and the schemes of the wily are brought to a quick end.” (Job 5:13)

I’m also reminded that God defeated the serpent in the first net he laid and “brought a glorious salvation out of hell’s rubbish.” He is just as skillful to disappoint the after-game of the devil’s helpers, the policies of hell, and the subtlety of the world, because… “The wisdom of this world is folly with God. For it is written, ‘He catches the wise in their craftiness.’ ” (1 Corinthians 3:19) The Word of God also says this:

The kings of the earth set themselves, and the rulers take counsel together, against the Lord and against his Anointed, saying, “Let us burst their bonds apart and cast away their cords from us.” He who sits in the heavens laughs; the Lord holds them in derision. Then he will speak to them in his wrath, and terrify them in his fury, saying, “As for me, I have set my King on Zion, my holy hill.” (Psalm 2:2–6)
No wisdom, no understanding, no counsel can avail against the Lord. (Proverbs 21:30)
Oh, the depth of the riches and wisdom and knowledge of God! How unsearchable are his judgments and how inscrutable his ways! (Romans 11:33)

The gospel itself is a declaration of God’s power over Satan and all things. The Son of God bowed down to death upon a cross for the satisfaction of justice and rose triumphantly out of the grave to declare God’s justice was satisfied! Then Jesus was exalted to heaven to intercede for us; and will return into the world to receive us, and invest us with a glory forever with Himself! This overrules all powers, even that of a raging fire. “To the only wise God be glory through Jesus Christ, for ever!”

PRAY: You gave me Scripture that I might know You, learn patience as I yield to Your will, be comforted and live in hope, no matter what is going on in my life or in the world. I pray for thousands who suffer to know the same — and soon — yet trust You because Your wisdom is far greater than mine. You will take care of Your people.

Paid in full…

 

Not too familiar with many legal terms. I had to look up the meaning of a surety. This is a person who takes responsibility for another's performance of an undertaking, for example their appearing in court or the payment of a debt. In the Bible, this is a representative who offers himself under obligation for whoever he represents, in this case, Jesus is my surety before God the Father. He is “the guarantor of a better covenant” (Hebrews 7:22) who willingly offered Himself to pay the debt owed for my sin against God. He said:

The Lord God has opened my ear, and I was not rebellious; I turned not backward. I gave my back to those who strike, and my cheeks to those who pull out the beard; I hid not my face from disgrace and spitting. But the Lord God helps me; therefore I have not been disgraced; therefore I have set my face like a flint, and I know that I shall not be put to shame. (Isaiah 50:5–7)
No one takes it from me, but I lay it down of my own accord. I have authority to lay it down, and I have authority to take it up again. This charge I have received from my Father.” (John 10:18)

Last night our church had a prayer gathering. I wound up in a small group that included the mother and her daughter whose life is in turmoil. Mom needed assurance and daughter needed to know that the Lord would not give up on her. Those who prayed wanted to convey the love and power of God to these two and give them hope. While we didn’t use all the verses in today’s devotions, the Lord gave us what we prayed for, and affirms this to me today. He says:

Behold, I will gather them from all the countries to which I drove them in my anger and my wrath and in great indignation. I will bring them back to this place, and I will make them dwell in safety. And they shall be my people, and I will be their God. I will give them one heart and one way, that they may fear me forever, for their own good and the good of their children after them. I will make with them an everlasting covenant, that I will not turn away from doing good to them. And I will put the fear of me in their hearts, that they may not turn from me. (Jeremiah 32:37–40)
Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who has blessed us in Christ with every spiritual blessing in the heavenly places, even as he chose us in him before the foundation of the world, that we should be holy and blameless before him. In love he predestined us for adoption to himself as sons through Jesus Christ, according to the purpose of his will, to the praise of his glorious grace, with which he has blessed us in the Beloved… In him you also, when you heard the word of truth, the gospel of your salvation, and believed in him, were sealed with the promised Holy Spirit, who is the guarantee of our inheritance until we acquire possession of it, to the praise of his glory. (Ephesians 1:3–14)

The love of Christ is our surety for He will never give up on us, no matter what we do. He said:

All that the Father gives me will come to me, and whoever comes to me I will never cast out. For I have come down from heaven, not to do my own will but the will of him who sent me. And this is the will of him who sent me, that I should lose nothing of all that he has given me, but raise it up on the last day. For this is the will of my Father, that everyone who looks on the Son and believes in him should have eternal life, and I will raise him up on the last day. (John 6:37–40)

Whatever God required for our salvation, Christ agreed to perform for us. He willingly became responsible to God for His people and His work as the Surety of the covenant will not be complete until he presents all God’s elect before Him in glory. He will not fail any one of us.

PRAY: My life and the lives of all who know You are safe in Your care. You keep every promise and love us without measure. Grace overrides performance. We cannot do it ourselves. You stand in our place and You died for all, giving not only security and eternal hope, but also deep joy and peace. Your commitment to Your people is the most precious gift of all.

God hears my heart…

 

At times I’ve said that God is the only one who can hug me and give me a good kick at the same time. Today’s devotional reading does that. First the hug part:

True prayer, like all other graces and acts of worship, is a heart work. You may memorize little religious sayings and call them prayers. You may read and recite prayer books and think you are praying. You may repeat the earnest prayers of other people and suppose that you have prayed. But true prayed cannot be taught or learned by men any more than breathing can be. It is not an art or skill. Prayer is the breath of the renewed soul. Prayer is born in the heart by the grace of God. It is the power and grace of the Spirit in a man’s heart that teaches him to pray.
When I pray with others, we often talk about spiritual matters and things on our hearts. We agree that in the mind of God, we are praying in those conversations. The above paragraph hints that this is true because God is listening to our hearts as we breathe out what is truly the needs and desires made aware to us by His Spirit.

At the same time, there are warnings of what not to do concerning prayer, and examples of how God’s people should pray. Jesus said: “And when you pray, you must not be like the hypocrites. For they love to stand and pray in the synagogues and at the street corners, that they may be seen by others. Truly, I say to you, they have received their reward.” (Matthew 6:5)

I cannot say I’ve prayed with that motivation, but must admit thinking that I need to ‘pray properly’ or some such notion. Because God knows my heart, I can sense the admonition and know that praying to impress others does not belong at all.

The example of David also hugs and convicts. His prayer was filled with worship, and I’ve learned the importance of praying to honor Him. Not only is this right, it also puts my focus on Him and being more concerned that His will is done. It is easy to pray for my will to be done, but praying that way and honoring God cannot co-exist. David prayed:

Who am I, O Lord God, and what is my house, that you have brought me thus far? And yet this was a small thing in your eyes, O Lord God… Therefore you are great, O Lord God. For there is none like you, and there is no God besides you, according to all that we have heard with our ears… And you established for yourself your people Israel to be your people forever. And you, O Lord, became their God… Now therefore may it please you to bless the house of your servant, so that it may continue forever before you. For you, O Lord God, have spoken, and with your blessing shall the house of your servant be blessed forever.” (2 Samuel 7:18–29, shortened for space, but this prayer is filled with praise)

From this Word today, I better understand what it means to “pray without ceasing.” It includes continual admission of sin, always seeking God’s will, and always trusting His love and goodness. Prayer is my source of strength and consolation to my faith. But I must not forget that my prayer life reveals my heart attitude, both toward God and myself. I’m thinking how my mind wanders, easily distracted, even forgetting the One I’m talking to — and that is far from the sense of being hugged.

PRAY: Lord Jesus, when I talk with You, I need to confess my sinfulness and weakness in the flesh, but not dwell on it in any sort of self-pity. Keep my heart more focused on You, Your goodness and care, and with a strong, undistracted heart fixed on who You are and what You want in my life and in all the people and things that You put in my heart. Thank You for showing me where Your focus is when I pray, not on my words so much as on my heart and on Your heart.

God’s wisdom

 

Some Canadians are quite stirred up by the next American leader’s jesting that Canada should be the next state of his country. At the same time, the Canadian leader is rapidly losing the confidence of voters and even those who elected him. Today’s newspaper gave an account of discussions between these two leaders. When one joked about taking over the other, the unpopular leader in Canada quipped in return that they could work out a trade, maybe take two states in trade. At that, all talks about a take-over ended and I chuckled.

Then I read this in Charnock’s book in a section about the wisdom of God:

The wisdom of God hath given to men diverse offices, set them its diverse places; some have more honorable charges, some meaner. Not to give that respect their offices and places call for, is to quarrel with the wisdom of God, and overturn the rank and order wherein he has placed things. It is unfit we should affront God in the disposal of his creatures, and intimate to him… that he had done more wisely in placing another, and that he hath done foolishly in placing this or that man in such a charge. Sometimes men are unworthy the place they fill; they may be set there in judgment to themselves and others: but the wisdom of God in his management of things, is to be honored and regarded.

My time with God each morning is not about politics but to focus on Him and His will. All human leaders have flaws, but this response to what seems a joke to some and a threat to others, was met in such a way that it made me wonder if this was one reason the Canadian leader was given his place. His response showed wisdom in humor. It also pointed me to this verse in today’s readings:

Oh, the depth of the riches and wisdom and knowledge of God! How unsearchable are his judgments and how inscrutable his ways! (Romans 11:33)

Charnock says we trust the physician’s skill with our bodies, and the lawyer’s counsel with our estates; but are loath to rely upon God for the concerns of our lives. This applies to many concerns, political issues included. I can list a few things in my own life that I’ve questioned why God allowed such events, or prevented some desires. The Word of God and godly people give answers that show me that my Sovereign God is not joking about anything. His judgments and plans are incomprehensibly wise. The ways He carries them out are as wise as His resolve to do what He does. I am almost always unable to understand His methods, never mind His reasons, because His judgments and ways are both unsearchable.

But God understands my griefs. He knows exactly what I need. None of His remedies are beyond His skill. I might be bewildered and feel hopeless, or think at times that He isn’t caring that I am distressed, or that there is no way this can be a good thing, but He reminds me;

And we know that for those who love God all things work together for good, for those who are called according to his purpose. For those whom he foreknew he also predestined to be conformed to the image of his Son, in order that he might be the firstborn among many brothers. (Romans 8:28–29)

From His Word and my experiences with Him, I know that when I cannot prevent harm or danger, He knows how. If I can’t seem to escape evil or sorrow or trouble, He knows how to deliver me. He means to do what He promises to do, no matter how deep I might dig myself into a hole:

The saying is trustworthy and deserving of full acceptance, that Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners, of whom I am the foremost. (1 Timothy 1:15)

This world is sinful, guilty and cursed, and His solution is Jesus Christ. I’m so amazed that He included me in this gracious gift.

He also makes clear that Jesus is the only way, just as He declared: “I am the way, and the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me.” (John 14:6) The deeper He makes Himself known to me, the more I understand why He is the only Savior, not me or any other way.

PRAY: Oh Lord, You hear my questions and You understand my desire to know why when it comes to Your dealings with me, and with others. But You also know what I need to know, and what I do not need to know. You sometimes put words in my mouth that startle even me, yet You sometimes will not allow me to say anything. Trusting your wisdom is often a challenge, yet You grant the gift of faith that I may bow to Your will without any outcry. I am amazed at Your goodness and also at Your wisdom.

Full Redemption has two parts...

If a thief was offered mercy and forgiven, then kept on stealing from others, that would be a mockery of both mercy and forgiveness. Any court that offered such leniency hopes for a changed life in response, but as the Bible says, leopards can’t change their spots. It takes more power than thieves, judges, courts, and good intentions to do that.

This is why biblical redemption is a two-fold thing involving the price for sin being paid and the power of sin being broken.

If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness. (1 John 1:9)

The main OT story that illustrates the payment for sin is when God redeemed His children from Egypt. They were sealed and protected from judgment by the blood on their doors so the angel of death passed over them.Their part was to trust God and obey this strange request.

They were then given specific laws to obey and the promise of a Messiah to fully redeem them. Moses realized this but most did not. While they knew they were His, sadly, the laws only showed them their need for the Messiah. Then when Jesus came, they didn’t recognize He was the One who would deliver them. “He came to his own, and his own people did not receive him.” (John 1:11)

Even so, as a man Jesus became subject to the will and law of God in every point, working out a perfect righteousness as our Representative. He did what we cannot do, what most do not even try to do. We witnessed that yesterday at a funeral. The only mention of the Lord was in one line of a song and in a story about skiing where the family were thankful to Him for making it down a hill safely.

However, acknowledging God is rarely evidence of redemption or faith. A person might realize Jesus died to pay the penalty of sin, but this is just part of what redemption includes. The power of sin also needs to be broken. When God sent Christ to die for us, it was so “those who live might no longer live for themselves but for him who for their sake died and was raised. From now on, therefore, we regard no one according to the flesh. Even though we once regarded Christ according to the flesh, we regard him thus no longer. Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation. The old has passed away; behold, the new has come.” (2 Corinthians 5:15–17)

This means a full release from the bondage of sin and no more trying to please God by being ‘good’ and doing good things. This new birth is the power of God living in my heart. It is redemption that gives new life. In other words, the thief no longer desires to steal — this sinner no longer wants to run her own life. To live in sin means I would deny the ownership of God, and think He has no right, power, or authority over me. It is believing the lie that I am wise enough and well equipped enough to do what is best for me without any input from my Creator.

Redemption therefore is not just believing Jesus lived and died, but it is realizing that He took my sin and gave me His righteousness so I can say no to sin and obey the One who created me and gave me Jesus, my Messiah. It is relying on Him to both forgive and cleanse, and that does a total remake of a life that was once only about ‘doing it my way’ and ignoring His way.
This is a sure and certain fact. I am redeemed by His death and empowered by His life. There is no redemption in just believing He lived and died. It must include the reality of His life living in me and making me a new person.

PRAY: Jesus, I begin another day trusting You, worshiping You, wanting to be filled with Your Spirit and thinking of You, talking about You, and doing what You desire for me. Because of You, “Into your hand I commit my spirit; you have redeemed me, O Lord, faithful God.” (Psalm 31:5)