J.A. Matteson
Beware of trusting in the gifts rather than the Giver of gifts, it is a snare and only leads to despair. Commonly a repressed people place their hope and trust in he who appears able to rescue them from their plight. This is folly and chasing the wind. For the LORD alone exalts one man and debases another according to the good pleasure of His will. "I will say to the LORD, 'my refuge and my fortress, my God in whom I trust!'" (Ps. 91:2). Delight in the gifts of God, but hope in the LORD only. Be glad in the pleasing providential developments of the LORD, but grant to Him His sovereign place to work things according to His purposes. With diligence and skill perform your task with all your might, but place the fruit of your labor at the foot of the cross as an offering pleasing to the LORD, and find in Him satisfaction and rest. The LORD performs His redemptive purposes, seek Him and His will in all things and He will give rest for your soul.
Copyright (c) 2012 Immutable Word Ministries ("...the word of our God stands forever." Isa. 40:8).
Wednesday, August 29, 2012
Sunday, August 26, 2012
The Internal Evidence
J.A. Matteson
Two men listen to the same sermon. The preacher's appeal to repent and believe in Christ is heard by one man who gives mental assent to the message, agreeing with its premise, but he fails to entrust himself to Christ alone to save him, and continues in vain to attempt to merit God's forgiveness through good works. The other man also gives mental assent to the message, but this man also surrenders any hope of eternal salvation to Christ alone, entrusting his fate to Him, "for it is not the hearers of the Law who are just before God, but the doers of the Law will be justified" (Rom. 2:13). And what does the Law demand? Listen to the apostle evangelize his antagonist, "'Sirs, what must I do to be saved?' They said, 'Believe in the Lord Jesus Christ, and you will be saved....'" (Acts 16:30-31). As Habakkuk observed, "But the righteous will live by his faith" (Hab. 2:4). The writer to the Hebrews noted, "Faith is the assurance of things hoped for, the conviction of things not seen" (Heb. 11:1). What can we say to these things? That the assurance of the hope offered to sinners of eternal life through the vicarious death of Christ is the internal evidence of the grace of God, witnessed externally by the world in a life that daily lives by faith. And this is the gift of God. To the praise of His glory.
Copyright (c) 2012 Immutable Word Ministries ("...the word of our God stands forever." Isa. 40:8).
Two men listen to the same sermon. The preacher's appeal to repent and believe in Christ is heard by one man who gives mental assent to the message, agreeing with its premise, but he fails to entrust himself to Christ alone to save him, and continues in vain to attempt to merit God's forgiveness through good works. The other man also gives mental assent to the message, but this man also surrenders any hope of eternal salvation to Christ alone, entrusting his fate to Him, "for it is not the hearers of the Law who are just before God, but the doers of the Law will be justified" (Rom. 2:13). And what does the Law demand? Listen to the apostle evangelize his antagonist, "'Sirs, what must I do to be saved?' They said, 'Believe in the Lord Jesus Christ, and you will be saved....'" (Acts 16:30-31). As Habakkuk observed, "But the righteous will live by his faith" (Hab. 2:4). The writer to the Hebrews noted, "Faith is the assurance of things hoped for, the conviction of things not seen" (Heb. 11:1). What can we say to these things? That the assurance of the hope offered to sinners of eternal life through the vicarious death of Christ is the internal evidence of the grace of God, witnessed externally by the world in a life that daily lives by faith. And this is the gift of God. To the praise of His glory.
Copyright (c) 2012 Immutable Word Ministries ("...the word of our God stands forever." Isa. 40:8).
Friday, August 24, 2012
The Central Question
J.A. Matteson
Central to all spiritual discussions is a biblical litmus test among participants. "We are from God; he who knows God listens to us; he who is not from God does not listen to us. By this we know the spirit of truth and the spirit of error" (1 Jn. 4:6). Apostolic teaching delineating the Person and work of Jesus Christ is inspired by the Holy Spirit. He who has the Spirit accepts the inspired teachings of the apostles as authoritative. He who does not have the Spirit rejects them for the natural man does not accept the things of the Spirit nor can he understand them for they are spiritually discerned (1 Cor. 2:14). The eternal Word became flesh in the Person of Jesus Christ. He who denies the incarnation of the eternal Word rejects the apostolic teaching. He who rejects the apostles rejects the Son who sent them and the Father who sent His Son. The central question to be asked in spiritual discourse is "Who do you say Jesus Christ is?" the answer to that question reveals whether the person to whom you are conversing with has the Holy Spirit, for no one can confess Jesus is Lord accept by the Spirit (1 Cor. 12:3). By this we know the children of God.
Copyright (c) 2012 Immutable Word Ministries ("...the word of our God stands forever." Isa. 40:8).
Central to all spiritual discussions is a biblical litmus test among participants. "We are from God; he who knows God listens to us; he who is not from God does not listen to us. By this we know the spirit of truth and the spirit of error" (1 Jn. 4:6). Apostolic teaching delineating the Person and work of Jesus Christ is inspired by the Holy Spirit. He who has the Spirit accepts the inspired teachings of the apostles as authoritative. He who does not have the Spirit rejects them for the natural man does not accept the things of the Spirit nor can he understand them for they are spiritually discerned (1 Cor. 2:14). The eternal Word became flesh in the Person of Jesus Christ. He who denies the incarnation of the eternal Word rejects the apostolic teaching. He who rejects the apostles rejects the Son who sent them and the Father who sent His Son. The central question to be asked in spiritual discourse is "Who do you say Jesus Christ is?" the answer to that question reveals whether the person to whom you are conversing with has the Holy Spirit, for no one can confess Jesus is Lord accept by the Spirit (1 Cor. 12:3). By this we know the children of God.
Copyright (c) 2012 Immutable Word Ministries ("...the word of our God stands forever." Isa. 40:8).
Sunday, August 19, 2012
Give Thanks
J.A. Matteson
An attitude of gratitude makes the heart merry; stinken thinkin will leave you sinkin. "Oh give thanks to the LORD, call upon His name; make known His deeds among the peoples" (Ps. 105:1). Admission of dependence upon the LORD is wisdom and a strong refuge; the proud will find himself cut off and vulnerable. Love experienced finds expression; where relationships are distant conversation is silenced. The occasions to give thanks are innumerable. The time to call upon the name of the LORD is now. The variety of ways to witness to the wonders of the LORD know no bounds. Surely goodness and mercy will follow the pilgrims of the LORD this day and forever more. Declare His faithfulness to all generations.
Copyright (c) 2012 Immutable Word Ministries ("...the word of our God stands forever." Isa. 40:8).
An attitude of gratitude makes the heart merry; stinken thinkin will leave you sinkin. "Oh give thanks to the LORD, call upon His name; make known His deeds among the peoples" (Ps. 105:1). Admission of dependence upon the LORD is wisdom and a strong refuge; the proud will find himself cut off and vulnerable. Love experienced finds expression; where relationships are distant conversation is silenced. The occasions to give thanks are innumerable. The time to call upon the name of the LORD is now. The variety of ways to witness to the wonders of the LORD know no bounds. Surely goodness and mercy will follow the pilgrims of the LORD this day and forever more. Declare His faithfulness to all generations.
Copyright (c) 2012 Immutable Word Ministries ("...the word of our God stands forever." Isa. 40:8).
Friday, August 17, 2012
Proclaim the Full Counsel
J.A. Matteson
As with Jeremiah's generation it is fashionable today for the grace of God to be elevated over his justice. Preacher's declare the delightful attributes of God while downplaying or ignoring His justice, righteousness, wrath, and demand for repentance. Sermon subjects bear witness to this reality. When was the last time you heard a compelling sermon on Hell, the attribute of God's wrath or eternal damnation? Rather, preachers and their congregations too often presume upon the grace of God while they continue to live in sin. "They keep saying to those who despise Me, 'The LORD has said, "You will have peace'"; and to everyone who walks in the stubbornness of his own heart, they say, 'Calamity will not come upon you'" (Jer. 23:17). Certainly God is love, but He is also holy and will not turn a blind eye to unrighteousness. Preacher's who do not warn their flocks of the justice and wrath of God do them a grave disservice. Loving correction from God's word is as a sweet balm to His children, for a broken spirit and contrite heart is delightful in His eyes. May the preachers of this generation proclaim the full council of God's word and not tickle the ear with empty rhetoric that does not profit
Copyright (c) 2012 Immutable Word Ministries ("...the word of our God stands forever." Isa. 40:8).
As with Jeremiah's generation it is fashionable today for the grace of God to be elevated over his justice. Preacher's declare the delightful attributes of God while downplaying or ignoring His justice, righteousness, wrath, and demand for repentance. Sermon subjects bear witness to this reality. When was the last time you heard a compelling sermon on Hell, the attribute of God's wrath or eternal damnation? Rather, preachers and their congregations too often presume upon the grace of God while they continue to live in sin. "They keep saying to those who despise Me, 'The LORD has said, "You will have peace'"; and to everyone who walks in the stubbornness of his own heart, they say, 'Calamity will not come upon you'" (Jer. 23:17). Certainly God is love, but He is also holy and will not turn a blind eye to unrighteousness. Preacher's who do not warn their flocks of the justice and wrath of God do them a grave disservice. Loving correction from God's word is as a sweet balm to His children, for a broken spirit and contrite heart is delightful in His eyes. May the preachers of this generation proclaim the full council of God's word and not tickle the ear with empty rhetoric that does not profit
Copyright (c) 2012 Immutable Word Ministries ("...the word of our God stands forever." Isa. 40:8).
To Be Known
J.A. Matteson
To posses insight into the ways of another may be gained by observation; acquaintance with the intent of another's ways is only enjoyed by self-revelation of that person to an intimate. "This is eternal life, that they may know You, the only true God, and Jesus Christ whom You have sent" (Jn. 17:3). To "know" is to be privileged to have an inside track not universally enjoyed. Such knowledge is by grace, by invitation, and not meritorious. To know God is to be know by God. To be know by God is to be the object of His affection, purpose, and redemptive plan in eternity past before the earth existed. To know God is passive is the sense that He cannot be know by human inquiry apart from His initiative in revealing Himself. As a bridegroom reveals his heart to his beloved so God reveals Himself to those know by Him in eternity. In the fullness of time the call of the Good Shepherd is heard in the spirit of those know by God, who in turn come to know Him in response to His self-revelation to them. And this is the highest privilege offered to man, surpassing all the wealth the world may offer.
Copyright (c) 2012 Immutable Word Ministries ("...the word of our God stands forever." Isa. 40:8).
To posses insight into the ways of another may be gained by observation; acquaintance with the intent of another's ways is only enjoyed by self-revelation of that person to an intimate. "This is eternal life, that they may know You, the only true God, and Jesus Christ whom You have sent" (Jn. 17:3). To "know" is to be privileged to have an inside track not universally enjoyed. Such knowledge is by grace, by invitation, and not meritorious. To know God is to be know by God. To be know by God is to be the object of His affection, purpose, and redemptive plan in eternity past before the earth existed. To know God is passive is the sense that He cannot be know by human inquiry apart from His initiative in revealing Himself. As a bridegroom reveals his heart to his beloved so God reveals Himself to those know by Him in eternity. In the fullness of time the call of the Good Shepherd is heard in the spirit of those know by God, who in turn come to know Him in response to His self-revelation to them. And this is the highest privilege offered to man, surpassing all the wealth the world may offer.
Copyright (c) 2012 Immutable Word Ministries ("...the word of our God stands forever." Isa. 40:8).
God's Choosing
J.A. Matteson
The rising sun illuminates the mountain's majesty; the viper conceals itself in the shadow of the rock, lying in wait for the unsuspecting. The LORD is the Maker of them both, one for honor, one for dishonor. "'Can I not, O house of Israel, deal with you as this potter does?' declares the LORD. 'Behold, like the clay in the potter's hand, so are you in My hand, O house of Israel'" (Jer. 18:6). God's sovereignty over His creation is self-evident. The pine tree does not say, "Why am I not a fir? Nor does the salmon protest, "Why have You made me this way and not like the halibut?" In His wisdom the LORD knows each of His creatures and their ends. God knows their future because He has ordained it to glorify Himself. Some vessels He has created for honor and some for dishonor. The sovereign power of God's choosing is readily seen. One man is tall and another short. One woman has brown hair and another blond. One person is wise and another simple. The LORD has ordained all things, things pertaining to mortality and immortality, salvation and perdition. And into this mystery the children of God gratefully marvel and angels long to understand.
Copyright (c) 2012 Immutable Word Ministries ("...the word of our God stands forever." Isa. 40:8).
The rising sun illuminates the mountain's majesty; the viper conceals itself in the shadow of the rock, lying in wait for the unsuspecting. The LORD is the Maker of them both, one for honor, one for dishonor. "'Can I not, O house of Israel, deal with you as this potter does?' declares the LORD. 'Behold, like the clay in the potter's hand, so are you in My hand, O house of Israel'" (Jer. 18:6). God's sovereignty over His creation is self-evident. The pine tree does not say, "Why am I not a fir? Nor does the salmon protest, "Why have You made me this way and not like the halibut?" In His wisdom the LORD knows each of His creatures and their ends. God knows their future because He has ordained it to glorify Himself. Some vessels He has created for honor and some for dishonor. The sovereign power of God's choosing is readily seen. One man is tall and another short. One woman has brown hair and another blond. One person is wise and another simple. The LORD has ordained all things, things pertaining to mortality and immortality, salvation and perdition. And into this mystery the children of God gratefully marvel and angels long to understand.
Copyright (c) 2012 Immutable Word Ministries ("...the word of our God stands forever." Isa. 40:8).
A Resolute Calmness
J.A. Matteson
"For he will be like a tree planted by water, that extends its roots by a stream and will not fear when the heat comes; but its leaves will be green, and it will not be anxious in a year of drought nor cease to yield fruit" (Jer. 17:8). The children of God and the children of satan are obvious, being revealed by the winnowing fork of affliction. Pilgrims are an enigma to the sons of Adam, for they cannot understand their ways. In the midst of turmoil a resolute calmness characterizes the soul that abides in the transcendent power and presence of Christ. Rejoicing in the wisdom of Christ who works all things together for good, pilgrims rest in the everlasting arms of the Lamb of God who publicly declared His love for all who trust in Him. The tide may rise, the heat my be scorching, the waves may roar, the wind may blow. Amidst it all a sublime smile is found in the face of the child of the King of heaven whose trust remains in Him who died for them in order that they may live eternally with Him.
Copyright (c) 2012 Immutable Word Ministries ("...the word of our God stands forever." Isa. 40:8).
"For he will be like a tree planted by water, that extends its roots by a stream and will not fear when the heat comes; but its leaves will be green, and it will not be anxious in a year of drought nor cease to yield fruit" (Jer. 17:8). The children of God and the children of satan are obvious, being revealed by the winnowing fork of affliction. Pilgrims are an enigma to the sons of Adam, for they cannot understand their ways. In the midst of turmoil a resolute calmness characterizes the soul that abides in the transcendent power and presence of Christ. Rejoicing in the wisdom of Christ who works all things together for good, pilgrims rest in the everlasting arms of the Lamb of God who publicly declared His love for all who trust in Him. The tide may rise, the heat my be scorching, the waves may roar, the wind may blow. Amidst it all a sublime smile is found in the face of the child of the King of heaven whose trust remains in Him who died for them in order that they may live eternally with Him.
Copyright (c) 2012 Immutable Word Ministries ("...the word of our God stands forever." Isa. 40:8).
Sunday, August 12, 2012
The Giver of Gifts
J.A. Matteson
The idolatry of humanism knows many faces. The grace of God is revealed through natural endowments and His providence. Take heed that your trust does not subtly shift to the gifts from the Giver of the gifts, transforming that which is a blessing into a snare. "Thus says the LORD, 'Let not a wise man boast of his wisdom, and let not the mighty man boast of His might, let not a rich man boast of his riches; but let him who boasts boast of this, that he understands and knows Me...." (Jer. 9:23-24). The person with a high intellectual capacity may convince himself that it is his wisdom that has resulted in success. The powerful through position or physical might may take pride in his lot. The wealthy may revel that his riches were the seed to still further abundance. Fools, all of them. What does any man have that he has not received from the LORD? The LORD gives and the LORD takes away. If the LORD grants a season of plenty, give thanks, for it is He who gives one the ability to prosper. If the LORD should lead you to the barren plains of want, give thanks, for you have not received that which all men deserve by the hand of a just and holy God. All that a man has, whether by natural endowment or providential blessing, is a gift of God. Let the pilgrim of the LORD make Him his trust with thanksgiving and praise.
Copyright (c) 2012 Immutable Word Ministries ("...the word of our God stands forever." Isa. 40:8).
The idolatry of humanism knows many faces. The grace of God is revealed through natural endowments and His providence. Take heed that your trust does not subtly shift to the gifts from the Giver of the gifts, transforming that which is a blessing into a snare. "Thus says the LORD, 'Let not a wise man boast of his wisdom, and let not the mighty man boast of His might, let not a rich man boast of his riches; but let him who boasts boast of this, that he understands and knows Me...." (Jer. 9:23-24). The person with a high intellectual capacity may convince himself that it is his wisdom that has resulted in success. The powerful through position or physical might may take pride in his lot. The wealthy may revel that his riches were the seed to still further abundance. Fools, all of them. What does any man have that he has not received from the LORD? The LORD gives and the LORD takes away. If the LORD grants a season of plenty, give thanks, for it is He who gives one the ability to prosper. If the LORD should lead you to the barren plains of want, give thanks, for you have not received that which all men deserve by the hand of a just and holy God. All that a man has, whether by natural endowment or providential blessing, is a gift of God. Let the pilgrim of the LORD make Him his trust with thanksgiving and praise.
Copyright (c) 2012 Immutable Word Ministries ("...the word of our God stands forever." Isa. 40:8).
Wednesday, August 8, 2012
Joy Upon Joy
J.A. Matteson
Ignorance of the LORD's ways brings anxiety, and knowledge of the Holy One of Israel is calm. "The LORD your God is in your midst, a victorious warrior. He will exult over you with joy, He will be quiet in His love, He will rejoice over you with shouts of joy" (Zeph. 3:17). Whether upon the highest summit or the lowest valley, the LORD Almighty is there. Whatever the accomplishment this day, it is the LORD of Hosts Who secures the victory, apart from Him nothing is possible. Give honor and praise to the LORD, His loving kindness endures forever. Delightful and unending are the LORD's thoughts toward His people; His love for them stretches beyond Orion, exceeding the farthest reaches of the Pleiades, surpassing the grains of sand upon the shore. Heaven's courts ring out with the voice of the LORD Most High who with indescribable joy proclaims His love over the sheep of His pasture, securing their inheritance in the Beloved by His marvelous promises. O joy upon joy, for the LORD is with His people now and forever more. Let not the wicked contend with the children of the King of kings and LORD of Lords, for as surely as the sun rises, His fury will visit those who harm His children.
Copyright (c) 2012 Immutable Word Ministries ("...the word of our God stands forever." Isa. 40:8).
Ignorance of the LORD's ways brings anxiety, and knowledge of the Holy One of Israel is calm. "The LORD your God is in your midst, a victorious warrior. He will exult over you with joy, He will be quiet in His love, He will rejoice over you with shouts of joy" (Zeph. 3:17). Whether upon the highest summit or the lowest valley, the LORD Almighty is there. Whatever the accomplishment this day, it is the LORD of Hosts Who secures the victory, apart from Him nothing is possible. Give honor and praise to the LORD, His loving kindness endures forever. Delightful and unending are the LORD's thoughts toward His people; His love for them stretches beyond Orion, exceeding the farthest reaches of the Pleiades, surpassing the grains of sand upon the shore. Heaven's courts ring out with the voice of the LORD Most High who with indescribable joy proclaims His love over the sheep of His pasture, securing their inheritance in the Beloved by His marvelous promises. O joy upon joy, for the LORD is with His people now and forever more. Let not the wicked contend with the children of the King of kings and LORD of Lords, for as surely as the sun rises, His fury will visit those who harm His children.
Copyright (c) 2012 Immutable Word Ministries ("...the word of our God stands forever." Isa. 40:8).
Monday, August 6, 2012
Narrow is the Way
J.A. Matteson
Perspective is a gift of God; perseverance the fruit of His Spirit. "The LORD God is my strength, and He has made my feet like hinds' feet, and makes me walk on my high places" (Hab. 3:19). Narrow is the way and difficult the path that leads to vistas of magnificence. In the valley hoards of souls wag their heads contemptuously to those choosing the path less traveled, that way which promises difficulty and peril. Along the way a multitude of adversaries seek to persuade the traveller to turn back, the path is too difficult, and the One who promised delights unspeakable from the summit cannot be trusted. Those called by Him who resides in unapproachable light are not diswaded, but continue their assent undaunted. To their astonishment the higher they climb the stronger and nimbler their feet become to jump from stone to stone and the better they are able to see the sorrowful end of the masses who took the wide and easy path of the valley below.
Copyright (c) 2012 Immutable Word Ministries ("...the word of our God stands forever." Isa. 40:8).
Perspective is a gift of God; perseverance the fruit of His Spirit. "The LORD God is my strength, and He has made my feet like hinds' feet, and makes me walk on my high places" (Hab. 3:19). Narrow is the way and difficult the path that leads to vistas of magnificence. In the valley hoards of souls wag their heads contemptuously to those choosing the path less traveled, that way which promises difficulty and peril. Along the way a multitude of adversaries seek to persuade the traveller to turn back, the path is too difficult, and the One who promised delights unspeakable from the summit cannot be trusted. Those called by Him who resides in unapproachable light are not diswaded, but continue their assent undaunted. To their astonishment the higher they climb the stronger and nimbler their feet become to jump from stone to stone and the better they are able to see the sorrowful end of the masses who took the wide and easy path of the valley below.
Copyright (c) 2012 Immutable Word Ministries ("...the word of our God stands forever." Isa. 40:8).
Sunday, August 5, 2012
Christ is All in All
J.A. Matteson
"In the beginning God...." (Gen. 1:1). Consider this Spirit inspired truth uttered by Moses and absorb its implications. God is eternal and before all things. God is then necessarily in the midst of all things progressively, and the end of all things conclusively. The joy of pilgrims is the omnipresent immediacy of Christ who was and is and is to come, "lo I am with you always, even to the end of the age" (Matt. 28:20). At every beginning in your life Christ is there. We live and move and have our being in the linear dimension of time. At the beginning of this day, Christ is there. At the beginning of occasions of triumphant joy, Christ is there. At the beginning of tragedy and heartbreak, Christ is there. At the beginning of pondering alternative future plans, Christ is there. Christ is at the beginnig of all things, in the midst of all things, and at the collusion of all things. Christ is all in all. Contemplate the number of beginnings in time that define each day of your life and rest in the reality of the presence of Christ in all of them. Christ is the alpha and omega, the beginning and the end.
Copyright (c) 2012 Immutable Word Ministries ("...the word of our God stands forever." Isa. 40:8).
"In the beginning God...." (Gen. 1:1). Consider this Spirit inspired truth uttered by Moses and absorb its implications. God is eternal and before all things. God is then necessarily in the midst of all things progressively, and the end of all things conclusively. The joy of pilgrims is the omnipresent immediacy of Christ who was and is and is to come, "lo I am with you always, even to the end of the age" (Matt. 28:20). At every beginning in your life Christ is there. We live and move and have our being in the linear dimension of time. At the beginning of this day, Christ is there. At the beginning of occasions of triumphant joy, Christ is there. At the beginning of tragedy and heartbreak, Christ is there. At the beginning of pondering alternative future plans, Christ is there. Christ is at the beginnig of all things, in the midst of all things, and at the collusion of all things. Christ is all in all. Contemplate the number of beginnings in time that define each day of your life and rest in the reality of the presence of Christ in all of them. Christ is the alpha and omega, the beginning and the end.
Copyright (c) 2012 Immutable Word Ministries ("...the word of our God stands forever." Isa. 40:8).
Thursday, August 2, 2012
Sentinels of Righteousness
J.A. Matteson
The charismatic personality of a government leader with evil intent may corrupt the sensibilities of otherwise rational people. "But they [Nation of Israel] did not listen [to the warnings of the prophets], and Manasseh seduced them to do evil more than the nations whom the LORD destroyed before the sons of Israel" (2 Kings 21:9). In this regard history repeats itself from generation to generation, from nation to nation. When a people become numb in soul to performing evil, declaring good evil and evil good, God's judgement follows. Woe to the sentinels of righteousness who stand firm in declaring the moral standards of the LORD in the midst of a perverse people, for as rabid dogs men of depraved mind turn and tear them to shreds. Practitioners of wickedness work in dark places, detesting the Light and those who wield it, and with all their might they endeavor to conceal it. The mercy and compassion of the LORD will not forget Jacob nor His inheritance. It is the kindness of the LORD that leads His people to repentance to the praise and glory of His wonderful name.
Copyright (c) 2012 Immutable Word Ministries ("...the word of our God stands forever." Isa. 40:8).
The charismatic personality of a government leader with evil intent may corrupt the sensibilities of otherwise rational people. "But they [Nation of Israel] did not listen [to the warnings of the prophets], and Manasseh seduced them to do evil more than the nations whom the LORD destroyed before the sons of Israel" (2 Kings 21:9). In this regard history repeats itself from generation to generation, from nation to nation. When a people become numb in soul to performing evil, declaring good evil and evil good, God's judgement follows. Woe to the sentinels of righteousness who stand firm in declaring the moral standards of the LORD in the midst of a perverse people, for as rabid dogs men of depraved mind turn and tear them to shreds. Practitioners of wickedness work in dark places, detesting the Light and those who wield it, and with all their might they endeavor to conceal it. The mercy and compassion of the LORD will not forget Jacob nor His inheritance. It is the kindness of the LORD that leads His people to repentance to the praise and glory of His wonderful name.
Copyright (c) 2012 Immutable Word Ministries ("...the word of our God stands forever." Isa. 40:8).
Wednesday, August 1, 2012
Trust in the Lord
J.A. Matteson
Misguided alliances sadden the heart; and trust misplaced is bitter to the soul. "My soul, wait in silence for God only, for my hope is from Him" (Ps. 62:5). As the sovereign, God has so ordered creation that glory, honor, power, and hope are expressions of His Person. God is both the expression and object of hope. All created things are temporal and imperfect. Hoping in the perishable ends in despair, for that which is perishable cannot supply hope eternal. The inclination of fallen man is to trust it creation rather than God. A jaded cynicism often characterizes the soul that has experienced repeated disappointment by hoping in creation rather than God. Those who trust in the LORD will never be disappointed and they will rise on the dawn with joy in the expectancy of His grace. In all situations, in every activity, in each relationship trust in the LORD of creation, for He is LORD of all, the eternal sovereign in whom your hope is rightly placed.
Copyright (c) 2012 Immutable Word Ministries ("...the word of our God stands forever." Isa. 40:8).
Misguided alliances sadden the heart; and trust misplaced is bitter to the soul. "My soul, wait in silence for God only, for my hope is from Him" (Ps. 62:5). As the sovereign, God has so ordered creation that glory, honor, power, and hope are expressions of His Person. God is both the expression and object of hope. All created things are temporal and imperfect. Hoping in the perishable ends in despair, for that which is perishable cannot supply hope eternal. The inclination of fallen man is to trust it creation rather than God. A jaded cynicism often characterizes the soul that has experienced repeated disappointment by hoping in creation rather than God. Those who trust in the LORD will never be disappointed and they will rise on the dawn with joy in the expectancy of His grace. In all situations, in every activity, in each relationship trust in the LORD of creation, for He is LORD of all, the eternal sovereign in whom your hope is rightly placed.
Copyright (c) 2012 Immutable Word Ministries ("...the word of our God stands forever." Isa. 40:8).
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