J.A. Matteson
Even the inexperienced can sail a boat on calm water and may be credited with skill they lack. The true measure of proficiency is only revealed in high seas. The goodness of God tests and refines character through the high seas of affliction, "Behold, I have refined you, but not as silver; I have tested you in the furnace of affliction" (Isaiah 48:10). The essence of affliction is the same whether purposed as pruning or chastening, the former not of sin, the latter of sin. Pruning is the gift of God to His children that they may yield more fruit to the praise of His glory. Chastening is the gift of God to correct erring children and reestablish them to the path of righteousness. Delightful to the LORD are the earnest supplications of His children in the midst of affliction. For the fruit of sin is stiff necked independence, while the fruit of the Spirit is dependence upon Christ. The Lord is not capricious that He should send affliction without purpose. Inquire of the Lord and He will reveal the purpose of affliction whether it is of pruning of chastening. In all things giving praise to His glorious name.
Copyright (c) 2012 Immutable Word Ministries ("...the word of our God stands forever." Isa. 40:8).
Friday, July 27, 2012
Wednesday, July 11, 2012
Maturity in Grace
J.A. Matteson
Grace produces reverence toward Him who brings life out of death. A profound sense of gratefulness consumes the child of God. Offensive to the heirs of Life are words and deeds that disregard the Lord of glory by ignorant men, who with contempt reject His statutes and His Son. "Burning indignation has seized me because of the wicked, who forsake Your law" (Ps. 119:53). Grace tempers righteous indignation and is able to transform it to compassion. For the anger of man does not accomplish the righteousness of God. And in as much as the sweet rains from heaven fall on the just and unjust alike, so grace works compassion in the heart of the saints to recall the end of the wicked apart from Christ, and that but by His grace they too would face perdition. While indignation testifies to His seed within, compassion reveals maturity in grace. Jesus Christ came to seek the ungodly, the vile, the wicked who forsook the law of God. As sons and daughters of God His calling and mission of mercy is ours.
Copyright (c) 2012 Immutable Word Ministries ("...the word of our God stands forever." Isa. 40:8).
Grace produces reverence toward Him who brings life out of death. A profound sense of gratefulness consumes the child of God. Offensive to the heirs of Life are words and deeds that disregard the Lord of glory by ignorant men, who with contempt reject His statutes and His Son. "Burning indignation has seized me because of the wicked, who forsake Your law" (Ps. 119:53). Grace tempers righteous indignation and is able to transform it to compassion. For the anger of man does not accomplish the righteousness of God. And in as much as the sweet rains from heaven fall on the just and unjust alike, so grace works compassion in the heart of the saints to recall the end of the wicked apart from Christ, and that but by His grace they too would face perdition. While indignation testifies to His seed within, compassion reveals maturity in grace. Jesus Christ came to seek the ungodly, the vile, the wicked who forsook the law of God. As sons and daughters of God His calling and mission of mercy is ours.
Copyright (c) 2012 Immutable Word Ministries ("...the word of our God stands forever." Isa. 40:8).
Tuesday, July 10, 2012
Divine Silence
J.A. Matteson
Pilgrims of I AM are the work of His hands, vessels of honor. The design and purpose of each vessel is established by the LORD; their sanctification and glorification are guaranteed. "The LORD will perfect that which concerns me: Your mercy, O LORD, endures forever: do not forsake the works of Your hands" (Ps. 138:8). In the routine rhythm of daily life the flesh may be tempted to consider the LORD distant and unaware of perplexing circumstances, especially when they appear contrary. The goodness of God from time to time is experienced in His silence, not as a result of sin, but because of His earnest affection for His children, to bring them into a greater dependence on Him. Ease tends to cultivate self-reliance, difficulty yields the delightful fruit that matures by abiding. It is not unusual to feel abandoned in seasons of divine silence, yet it is the gift of God and results in the further sanctification to those who humble themselves before the LORD their Maker, Redeemer, and King.
Copyright (c) 2012 Immutable Word Ministries ("...the word of our God stands forever." Isa. 40:8).
Pilgrims of I AM are the work of His hands, vessels of honor. The design and purpose of each vessel is established by the LORD; their sanctification and glorification are guaranteed. "The LORD will perfect that which concerns me: Your mercy, O LORD, endures forever: do not forsake the works of Your hands" (Ps. 138:8). In the routine rhythm of daily life the flesh may be tempted to consider the LORD distant and unaware of perplexing circumstances, especially when they appear contrary. The goodness of God from time to time is experienced in His silence, not as a result of sin, but because of His earnest affection for His children, to bring them into a greater dependence on Him. Ease tends to cultivate self-reliance, difficulty yields the delightful fruit that matures by abiding. It is not unusual to feel abandoned in seasons of divine silence, yet it is the gift of God and results in the further sanctification to those who humble themselves before the LORD their Maker, Redeemer, and King.
Copyright (c) 2012 Immutable Word Ministries ("...the word of our God stands forever." Isa. 40:8).
Friday, July 6, 2012
Every Moment
J.A. Matteson
The capacity of volitional choice predicated upon reason distinguishes humans from the animal kingdom. "For I do not wish to see you now just in passing; for I hope to remain with you for some time, if the Lord permits" (1 Cor. 16:7). To wish and hope for certain future events is uniquely human. And unlike the pagan who lives life under the sun by fate, the pilgrims of the LORD rest in His love and purpose toward them revealed by providence. Equipped with the capacity to plan their way forward the saints reason out paths which they conclude will advance the kingdom and glorify Christ. While noble, their best laid plans may be interrupted by He who alone is omniscient. Whereas the world becomes unsettled when plans are frustrated by impersonal fate, the pilgrim of God knows all is well with his soul in the providence of Him whose love toward him endures forever. In this regard every moment of the pilgrims life is one of wonder, knowing that in the midst of unexpected providences He is working all things together for good to those who love Him and are the called according to His purpose (Rom. 8:28). Beloved, rejoice in the wisdom of the LORD this day. Again I say rejoice!
Copyright (c) 2012 Immutable Word Ministries ("...the word of our God stands forever." Isa. 40:8).
The capacity of volitional choice predicated upon reason distinguishes humans from the animal kingdom. "For I do not wish to see you now just in passing; for I hope to remain with you for some time, if the Lord permits" (1 Cor. 16:7). To wish and hope for certain future events is uniquely human. And unlike the pagan who lives life under the sun by fate, the pilgrims of the LORD rest in His love and purpose toward them revealed by providence. Equipped with the capacity to plan their way forward the saints reason out paths which they conclude will advance the kingdom and glorify Christ. While noble, their best laid plans may be interrupted by He who alone is omniscient. Whereas the world becomes unsettled when plans are frustrated by impersonal fate, the pilgrim of God knows all is well with his soul in the providence of Him whose love toward him endures forever. In this regard every moment of the pilgrims life is one of wonder, knowing that in the midst of unexpected providences He is working all things together for good to those who love Him and are the called according to His purpose (Rom. 8:28). Beloved, rejoice in the wisdom of the LORD this day. Again I say rejoice!
Copyright (c) 2012 Immutable Word Ministries ("...the word of our God stands forever." Isa. 40:8).
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