The LORD is continually mindful of His children. As a caring father He watches over and ensures His purposes for them are accomplished. "The LORD will accomplish what concerns me...." (Psalm 138:8); that is, what He has purposed for me today and in all of life. The providence of God is a delightful truth. That His good dealings with His children cannot be frustrated by the world nor our sin is a balm to the soul. The LORD of all creation died to redeem His own. Let us rest this day in His supreme and mighty love. Fret not, O my soul, for the LORD on high knows I am but dust, and as a skillful shepherd He will lead me to delights inexpressible. Praise the LORD!
Copyright (c) 2012 Immutable Word Ministries ("...the word of our God stands forever." Isa. 40:8).
Friday, March 30, 2012
Thursday, March 29, 2012
Face to Face
J.A. Matteson
(Devotional)
"they will see His face...." (Rev. 22:4). The veil separating the resting place of the arc of the covenant in the tabernacle (Holy of Holies) physically set forth and illustrated the inability of sinful men to stand in the presence of He who is holy, lest they die. The death of Christ destroyed that barrier for all who look upon Him in faith, for they are no longer children of wrath in the eyes of God, but holy ones (saints). In heaven the saints will finally stand face to face before Him who knew and loved them from eternity. To see Gods face, and live, denotes intimacy and favor. The saints will gaze into the eyes of Eternity, Love, Mercy, and Truth. In His presence and care they will be complete in every sense as He intended from before the foundation of the world. Let us rest in His rich promises which cannot fail and rejoice in expectancy as we anticipate that precious and glorious day. Amen
Copyright (c) 2012 Immutable Word Ministries ("...the word of our God stands forever." Isa. 40:8).
(Devotional)
"they will see His face...." (Rev. 22:4). The veil separating the resting place of the arc of the covenant in the tabernacle (Holy of Holies) physically set forth and illustrated the inability of sinful men to stand in the presence of He who is holy, lest they die. The death of Christ destroyed that barrier for all who look upon Him in faith, for they are no longer children of wrath in the eyes of God, but holy ones (saints). In heaven the saints will finally stand face to face before Him who knew and loved them from eternity. To see Gods face, and live, denotes intimacy and favor. The saints will gaze into the eyes of Eternity, Love, Mercy, and Truth. In His presence and care they will be complete in every sense as He intended from before the foundation of the world. Let us rest in His rich promises which cannot fail and rejoice in expectancy as we anticipate that precious and glorious day. Amen
Copyright (c) 2012 Immutable Word Ministries ("...the word of our God stands forever." Isa. 40:8).
Wednesday, March 28, 2012
By Grace Through Faith
J.A. Matteson
(Devotional)
"...but the righteous will live by his faith" (Habakkuk 2:4). How is a person made right before God? By faith. How is it that a person believes God? By grace. Is the righteousness a person possess an inherent righteousness; that is, is he actually made righteous in himself? No. In what sense, then, is he righteous? By an imputed righteousness given to him by grace through faith....the righteousness of Christ. Where is boasting? It is eliminated. On what basis is it eliminated? On the basis of grace. So then a person comes to faith (life) by grace through faith and endures in faith (life) by grace. For this reason the Apostle confidently proclaims, "...and those whom He justified, He also glorified" (Romans 8:30).....this is past tense to denote a certainty. Justification is the infallible result of faith. Glorification is the infallible result of justification. The spiritual life which God gives is His life, eternal. And the gifts and calling of God are irrevokable. Oh how magnificent is the LORD on high who has delivered His people by a mighty hand. To Him be the praise and glory this day and forever! Amen
Copyright (c) 2012 Immutable Word Ministries ("...the word of our God stands forever." Isa. 40:8).
(Devotional)
"...but the righteous will live by his faith" (Habakkuk 2:4). How is a person made right before God? By faith. How is it that a person believes God? By grace. Is the righteousness a person possess an inherent righteousness; that is, is he actually made righteous in himself? No. In what sense, then, is he righteous? By an imputed righteousness given to him by grace through faith....the righteousness of Christ. Where is boasting? It is eliminated. On what basis is it eliminated? On the basis of grace. So then a person comes to faith (life) by grace through faith and endures in faith (life) by grace. For this reason the Apostle confidently proclaims, "...and those whom He justified, He also glorified" (Romans 8:30).....this is past tense to denote a certainty. Justification is the infallible result of faith. Glorification is the infallible result of justification. The spiritual life which God gives is His life, eternal. And the gifts and calling of God are irrevokable. Oh how magnificent is the LORD on high who has delivered His people by a mighty hand. To Him be the praise and glory this day and forever! Amen
Copyright (c) 2012 Immutable Word Ministries ("...the word of our God stands forever." Isa. 40:8).
Monday, March 26, 2012
Stand in Awe
J.A. Matteson
(Devotional)
Seasons change, empires blossom and then come to ruin, youth yields to old age, friendships flourish then fade away. "...you know in your hearts and in all your souls that not one word of all the good words which the LORD your God spoke concerning you has failed; all have been fulfilled for you, not one of them has failed" (Josh. 23:14). To whom shall we set our gaze? What will be the object of our attention, affections and hope? Shall we place our hope in that which perishes? Certainly not! The LORD Most High, He is King of kings and LORD of Lords. He is not like a man that He should lie. He speaks and a matter is settled. He is mindful of the estate of His inheritance. Exalt the LORD of heaven and earth, for He cares for you. He watches over your soul and will gently lead you across the river into glory. Let all of God's people stand in awe. Praise the LORD!
Copyright (c) 2012 Immutable Word Ministries ("...the word of our God stands forever." Isa. 40:8).
(Devotional)
Seasons change, empires blossom and then come to ruin, youth yields to old age, friendships flourish then fade away. "...you know in your hearts and in all your souls that not one word of all the good words which the LORD your God spoke concerning you has failed; all have been fulfilled for you, not one of them has failed" (Josh. 23:14). To whom shall we set our gaze? What will be the object of our attention, affections and hope? Shall we place our hope in that which perishes? Certainly not! The LORD Most High, He is King of kings and LORD of Lords. He is not like a man that He should lie. He speaks and a matter is settled. He is mindful of the estate of His inheritance. Exalt the LORD of heaven and earth, for He cares for you. He watches over your soul and will gently lead you across the river into glory. Let all of God's people stand in awe. Praise the LORD!
Copyright (c) 2012 Immutable Word Ministries ("...the word of our God stands forever." Isa. 40:8).
Sunday, March 25, 2012
Incomprehensible
J.A. Matteson
(Devotion)
The LORD is sovereign. He is unrestrained by anything or anyone in His most holy decrees. "Whatever the LORD pleases, He does, in heaven and earth, in the seas and in all deeps" (Psalm 135:6). The LORD transcends creation, all things were created by Him and are subject to Him. He is before all things eternally, the self existed One, Who alone possess in Himself absolute freedom. His gaze is upon all and through all simultaneously. His knowledge is eternal, His power without limit, His essence and ways unfathomable. The LORD is incomprehensible, He is good, His lovingkindness endures forever. Let us bow our hearts before I AM, Who is worthy of all praise and worship and honor. Amen
Copyright (c) 2012 Immutable Word Ministries ("...the word of our God stands forever." Isa. 40:8).
(Devotion)
The LORD is sovereign. He is unrestrained by anything or anyone in His most holy decrees. "Whatever the LORD pleases, He does, in heaven and earth, in the seas and in all deeps" (Psalm 135:6). The LORD transcends creation, all things were created by Him and are subject to Him. He is before all things eternally, the self existed One, Who alone possess in Himself absolute freedom. His gaze is upon all and through all simultaneously. His knowledge is eternal, His power without limit, His essence and ways unfathomable. The LORD is incomprehensible, He is good, His lovingkindness endures forever. Let us bow our hearts before I AM, Who is worthy of all praise and worship and honor. Amen
Copyright (c) 2012 Immutable Word Ministries ("...the word of our God stands forever." Isa. 40:8).
Saturday, March 24, 2012
A Divine Assessment
J.A. Matteson
(Devotional)
Whenever the Gospel is communicated, clearly, it creates conflict. "Do you suppose that I came to grant peace on earth? I tell you, no, but rather division" (Luke 12:51). The message of the cross is not one of appeasement couched in flattery in order to gain the favor of sinners. Rather, it is a divine assessment of guilt, a command, an ultimatum, a dire warning and urgent appeal to flee the wrath of God which will be poured out on the unrighteous on the Day of the LORD. The message of the cross is not one of personal reform, but spiritual resurrection from the dead to walk in newness of life. Christ demands sinners come to Him on His terms. Because the message of the cross shatters self esteem it is never welcome, unless God first opens the heart to receive it as He did with Lydia when Paul preached Christ crucified to her (Acts 16:14). The power of conversion is in the Word of God, not in the messenger. Losing sight of this many alter the content of the Gospel with the hope of making it palatable to sinners. The result is a multitude of unregenerate souls who hold church memberships, tares amidst the wheat. If we desire to witness the power of God as in revivals of the past, let us return to the gospel of the New Testament. To the elect called of God it is honey to the lips (2 Thess. 2:13). To the rest it is guaranteed to foster conflict and division (John 10:26-27). To He alone who is wise be all glory and honor and praise, forever and ever. Amen
Copyright (c) 2012 Immutable Word Ministries ("...the word of our God stands forever." Isa. 40:8).
(Devotional)
Whenever the Gospel is communicated, clearly, it creates conflict. "Do you suppose that I came to grant peace on earth? I tell you, no, but rather division" (Luke 12:51). The message of the cross is not one of appeasement couched in flattery in order to gain the favor of sinners. Rather, it is a divine assessment of guilt, a command, an ultimatum, a dire warning and urgent appeal to flee the wrath of God which will be poured out on the unrighteous on the Day of the LORD. The message of the cross is not one of personal reform, but spiritual resurrection from the dead to walk in newness of life. Christ demands sinners come to Him on His terms. Because the message of the cross shatters self esteem it is never welcome, unless God first opens the heart to receive it as He did with Lydia when Paul preached Christ crucified to her (Acts 16:14). The power of conversion is in the Word of God, not in the messenger. Losing sight of this many alter the content of the Gospel with the hope of making it palatable to sinners. The result is a multitude of unregenerate souls who hold church memberships, tares amidst the wheat. If we desire to witness the power of God as in revivals of the past, let us return to the gospel of the New Testament. To the elect called of God it is honey to the lips (2 Thess. 2:13). To the rest it is guaranteed to foster conflict and division (John 10:26-27). To He alone who is wise be all glory and honor and praise, forever and ever. Amen
Copyright (c) 2012 Immutable Word Ministries ("...the word of our God stands forever." Isa. 40:8).
Thursday, March 22, 2012
His Seed in You
J.A. Matteson
(Devotional)
The ancients walked with God as strangers and pilgrims during their stay upon the earth, enduring in faith until the end. Brevity defines human existence and soon our bodies return to the earth from which they came. "But the one who endures until the end, he will be saved" (Matthew 24:13). But one may ask, "Is it not by faith that I am saved?" Indeed it is. But do you not recognize that the transcendent supernatural characteristic of grace is His seed of Life in you, if indeed His seed is in you. He is eternal life and the one in whom He abides has received Him who is eternal, and he endures eternally in Him. Therefore, the one who has by grace received His seed has received Life eternal, and that not of himself, it is the gift of God. For this reason the children of God endure in faith until the end, for His seed remains in them, for they are His possession given by the Father. Oh how glorious and awesome is He who extends mercy to sinners. To the King immortal be all glory and honor and power and authority, now and for evermore. Amen
Copyright (c) 2012 Immutable Word Ministries ("...the word of our God stands forever." Isa. 40:8).
(Devotional)
The ancients walked with God as strangers and pilgrims during their stay upon the earth, enduring in faith until the end. Brevity defines human existence and soon our bodies return to the earth from which they came. "But the one who endures until the end, he will be saved" (Matthew 24:13). But one may ask, "Is it not by faith that I am saved?" Indeed it is. But do you not recognize that the transcendent supernatural characteristic of grace is His seed of Life in you, if indeed His seed is in you. He is eternal life and the one in whom He abides has received Him who is eternal, and he endures eternally in Him. Therefore, the one who has by grace received His seed has received Life eternal, and that not of himself, it is the gift of God. For this reason the children of God endure in faith until the end, for His seed remains in them, for they are His possession given by the Father. Oh how glorious and awesome is He who extends mercy to sinners. To the King immortal be all glory and honor and power and authority, now and for evermore. Amen
Copyright (c) 2012 Immutable Word Ministries ("...the word of our God stands forever." Isa. 40:8).
Wednesday, March 21, 2012
The Lord's Faithfulness
J.A. Matteson
(Devotional)
The LORD is not remiss as to forsake His children. Daily He works His power in and through their circumstances which He has ordained. "Then Joshua said to the people, 'Consecrate yourselves, for tomorrow the LORD will do wonders among you'" (Josh. 3:5). Mark the LORD's faithfulness and power towards you so that your children and grandchildren may know that it is the living LORD whom you serve, "Let this be a sign among you, so that when your children ask later, saying, 'What do these stones mean to you?'"(Josh. 4:6). The LORD is at work in your midst this day, with expectancy watch your circumstances.
Copyright (c) 2012 Immutable Word Ministries ("...the word of our God stands forever." Isa. 40:8).
(Devotional)
The LORD is not remiss as to forsake His children. Daily He works His power in and through their circumstances which He has ordained. "Then Joshua said to the people, 'Consecrate yourselves, for tomorrow the LORD will do wonders among you'" (Josh. 3:5). Mark the LORD's faithfulness and power towards you so that your children and grandchildren may know that it is the living LORD whom you serve, "Let this be a sign among you, so that when your children ask later, saying, 'What do these stones mean to you?'"(Josh. 4:6). The LORD is at work in your midst this day, with expectancy watch your circumstances.
Copyright (c) 2012 Immutable Word Ministries ("...the word of our God stands forever." Isa. 40:8).
Wednesday, March 14, 2012
Rejoice!
J.A. Matteson
(Devotional)
"Blessed is he who does not take offense at Me" (Luke 7:23). Is Christ Jesus a pearl of great price to you? Is His teaching sweetness to your soul? Have you tasted the kindness of the Lord and are you resting in His love? Is your spirit provoked at the sights and sounds of unrighteousness in a world given over to evil? Are you daily following the Lord Jesus in humble obedience, earnestly desiring to please Him in all that you do? An affirmative reply denotes you are blessed. And that state of blessedness is not the consequence of your doing. Rather, it was Gods grace extended to you while dead in sin and a child of wrath, even as the rest, removing your heart of stone and replacing it with a heart of flesh. It is by grace that you now long for the Savior of your soul and find in Him sweetness above all else. For it is the Spirit of God within the child of God who draws you into fellowship with the Father through the Son of God. Oh how blessed you are. Rejoice!
Copyright (c) 2012 Immutable Word Ministries ("...the word of our God stands forever." Isa. 40:8).
(Devotional)
"Blessed is he who does not take offense at Me" (Luke 7:23). Is Christ Jesus a pearl of great price to you? Is His teaching sweetness to your soul? Have you tasted the kindness of the Lord and are you resting in His love? Is your spirit provoked at the sights and sounds of unrighteousness in a world given over to evil? Are you daily following the Lord Jesus in humble obedience, earnestly desiring to please Him in all that you do? An affirmative reply denotes you are blessed. And that state of blessedness is not the consequence of your doing. Rather, it was Gods grace extended to you while dead in sin and a child of wrath, even as the rest, removing your heart of stone and replacing it with a heart of flesh. It is by grace that you now long for the Savior of your soul and find in Him sweetness above all else. For it is the Spirit of God within the child of God who draws you into fellowship with the Father through the Son of God. Oh how blessed you are. Rejoice!
Copyright (c) 2012 Immutable Word Ministries ("...the word of our God stands forever." Isa. 40:8).
Tuesday, March 13, 2012
Through the Promise
J.A. Matteson
(Devotional)
"But the son by the bondwoman was born according to the flesh, and the son of the free woman through the promise" (Gal. 4:23). As a believer in Jesus Christ you are a child of promise in the likeness of Isaac who, by the supernatural initiative of God, was brought forth to life from death; Ishmael came forth by natural means. Isaac did not participate in his conception in the dead womb of his mother....an impossibility according to the flesh....nor do the children of promise in the likeness of Abraham contribute to their rebirth, so that it might be according to grace through the kindness of Him who calls, "So then it does not depend on the man who wills or the man who runs, but on God who has mercy" (Rom. 9:16). For apart from grace it is impossible to be saved. If it were not for the grace of God we would remain dead in trespasses and sin. And the faith you posses is the manifestation of that grace, for it is the gift of God. Therefore, let us daily give thanks to the LORD for his kindness in calling us forth into this grace in which we now stand.
Copyright (c) 2012 Immutable Word Ministries ("...the word of our God stands forever." Isa. 40:8).
(Devotional)
"But the son by the bondwoman was born according to the flesh, and the son of the free woman through the promise" (Gal. 4:23). As a believer in Jesus Christ you are a child of promise in the likeness of Isaac who, by the supernatural initiative of God, was brought forth to life from death; Ishmael came forth by natural means. Isaac did not participate in his conception in the dead womb of his mother....an impossibility according to the flesh....nor do the children of promise in the likeness of Abraham contribute to their rebirth, so that it might be according to grace through the kindness of Him who calls, "So then it does not depend on the man who wills or the man who runs, but on God who has mercy" (Rom. 9:16). For apart from grace it is impossible to be saved. If it were not for the grace of God we would remain dead in trespasses and sin. And the faith you posses is the manifestation of that grace, for it is the gift of God. Therefore, let us daily give thanks to the LORD for his kindness in calling us forth into this grace in which we now stand.
Copyright (c) 2012 Immutable Word Ministries ("...the word of our God stands forever." Isa. 40:8).
Thursday, March 1, 2012
A Greatful Heart
J.A. Matteson
(Devotional)
Pleasing to the LORD is a grateful heart that gives thanks in seasons of little or plenty. "Though the fig tree should not blossom and there be no fruit on the vine, though the yield of the olive should fail and the fields produce no fruit, though the flocks should be cut off from the fold and there be no cattle in the stalls, yet I will exult in the LORD, I will rejoice in the God of my salvation" (Habakkuk 3:17-18). Sow your seed this day with diligence and skill, apply yourself completely to the task at hand. And at the end of the day rejoice in what the LORD has graciously given you, for it is He who causes the increase and not yourself.
Copyright (c) 2012 Immutable Word Ministries ("...the word of our God stands forever." Isa. 40:8).
(Devotional)
Pleasing to the LORD is a grateful heart that gives thanks in seasons of little or plenty. "Though the fig tree should not blossom and there be no fruit on the vine, though the yield of the olive should fail and the fields produce no fruit, though the flocks should be cut off from the fold and there be no cattle in the stalls, yet I will exult in the LORD, I will rejoice in the God of my salvation" (Habakkuk 3:17-18). Sow your seed this day with diligence and skill, apply yourself completely to the task at hand. And at the end of the day rejoice in what the LORD has graciously given you, for it is He who causes the increase and not yourself.
Copyright (c) 2012 Immutable Word Ministries ("...the word of our God stands forever." Isa. 40:8).
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