J.A. Matteson
The predicament of sinners is dire, for the inclination of the heart is evil continually. Were it not for the graceful influence of the Holy Spirt upon the heart we all would be as chaff and go the way of Sodom. "Oh that my ways may be established to keep Your statutes!" (Ps. 119:5). Mercifully the LORD directs the hearts of His inheritance to Himself; otherwise, lacking moral ability they most surely would forsake His covenant. As fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom, awareness of moral poverty to consistently choose the good is a gift of God. Blessed is the soul that recognizes the depths of iniquity within his heart and its propensity toward wickedness, for He is the LORD's. Oh God, direct our hearts to You. Incline our desires to keep your statues. Make our tongues thirsty for the pure water if Your word and establish us as Your posterity forever. Our hope is in You, our Redeemer and Rock. For Your names sake be merciful to us and lead our hearts in the way everlasting. Blessed is the name of the LORD. Exalted is the Holy One of Israel who leads His people to love Him.
Copyright (c) 2013 Immutable Word Ministries ("...the word of our God stands forever." Isa. 40:8)
Tuesday, June 25, 2013
Monday, June 24, 2013
Nothing is Impossible for God
J.A. Matteson
How tempting it is to conclude the victory was the result of braun or cunning. The heart of man plans his way but the LORD directs his steps. "The king is not saved by a mighty army; a warrior is not delivered by great strength" (Ps. 33:16). Wisdom and strength are good if rightly understood, but become a snare if victory is attributed to them. By grace the LORD exalts the humble, but His face is against the proud. To attribute success to the gift rather that the Giver of gifts is a great sin, for nothing is impossible for God who is able to save by few or many and who delights in lifting up the weak who place their hope in Him. In victory or defeat it is fitting to offer praise and thanksgiving to the LORD of Hosts who makes all things beautiful in His time. Fix your trust in the LORD and hope in His loving kindness, give thanks to the LORD our Maker who crafts the boundaries of our habitation and the influence of our lives. The sparrow does not fall from the sky nor are the LORD's servants brought low apart from the knowledge of the holy One of Israel. Neither does the elk escape the lion or the Christian evade persecution except by the mercy of God. Trust in the LORD and consider His providences and the peace of the LORD will cover you in time of need.
Copyright (c) 2013 Immutable Word Ministries ("...the word of our God stands forever." Isa. 40:8)
How tempting it is to conclude the victory was the result of braun or cunning. The heart of man plans his way but the LORD directs his steps. "The king is not saved by a mighty army; a warrior is not delivered by great strength" (Ps. 33:16). Wisdom and strength are good if rightly understood, but become a snare if victory is attributed to them. By grace the LORD exalts the humble, but His face is against the proud. To attribute success to the gift rather that the Giver of gifts is a great sin, for nothing is impossible for God who is able to save by few or many and who delights in lifting up the weak who place their hope in Him. In victory or defeat it is fitting to offer praise and thanksgiving to the LORD of Hosts who makes all things beautiful in His time. Fix your trust in the LORD and hope in His loving kindness, give thanks to the LORD our Maker who crafts the boundaries of our habitation and the influence of our lives. The sparrow does not fall from the sky nor are the LORD's servants brought low apart from the knowledge of the holy One of Israel. Neither does the elk escape the lion or the Christian evade persecution except by the mercy of God. Trust in the LORD and consider His providences and the peace of the LORD will cover you in time of need.
Copyright (c) 2013 Immutable Word Ministries ("...the word of our God stands forever." Isa. 40:8)
Sunday, June 23, 2013
No Fear Among the Living
J.A. Matteson
The fruit of regeneration is faith, and there is no fear among the living in the lifeless exploits of the wicked. "He will not fear evil tidings; his heart is steadfast, trusting in the LORD" (Ps. 112:7). Darkness conceals the scheming of evil intent, and those who frolic in iniquity hate the light. Unregenerate minds reason "If only the light were extinguished, then we would be unfettered in our pursuits." Cain did not eradicate righteousness by murdering Able, nor are the heirs of salvation swayed by demands to abandon it in return for peace, for peace at the expense of truth is as idolatry. Sanballat and Tobiah ridiculed the workers of the LORD, and the heirs of salvation ignored their threats of destruction, trusting in Him who called and the glory to be revealed. The shrill cries of the wicked grow louder and their threats to abandon the work of the LORD more desperate. Blessed are the servants of righteousness who neither cower or shrink back in declaring His praise and kingdom, for they will not be ashamed in the day of judgement but will shine as the noon day sun.
Copyright (c) 2013 Immutable Word Ministries ("...the word of our God stands forever." Isa. 40:8)
The fruit of regeneration is faith, and there is no fear among the living in the lifeless exploits of the wicked. "He will not fear evil tidings; his heart is steadfast, trusting in the LORD" (Ps. 112:7). Darkness conceals the scheming of evil intent, and those who frolic in iniquity hate the light. Unregenerate minds reason "If only the light were extinguished, then we would be unfettered in our pursuits." Cain did not eradicate righteousness by murdering Able, nor are the heirs of salvation swayed by demands to abandon it in return for peace, for peace at the expense of truth is as idolatry. Sanballat and Tobiah ridiculed the workers of the LORD, and the heirs of salvation ignored their threats of destruction, trusting in Him who called and the glory to be revealed. The shrill cries of the wicked grow louder and their threats to abandon the work of the LORD more desperate. Blessed are the servants of righteousness who neither cower or shrink back in declaring His praise and kingdom, for they will not be ashamed in the day of judgement but will shine as the noon day sun.
Copyright (c) 2013 Immutable Word Ministries ("...the word of our God stands forever." Isa. 40:8)
Friday, June 21, 2013
In and Through All Things
J.A. Matteson
The LORD is holy, and sovereign over all. "Know that the LORD Himself is God; it is He who has made us, and not we ourselves; we are His people and the sheep of His pasture" (Ps. 100:3). Are you in Christ? Praise the LORD! Is your heart enraptured by the beauty of His majestic rule? Praise the Lord! Are the meditations of your heart and the words of your lips continually exalting the LORD who spoke and worlds were created? Praise the LORD! Is your hope and great expectation for the revealing of the Son of God in His glory that the nations may tremble before His majesty? Praise the LORD! Are your circumstances easy or are they hard? Praise the LORD, for in all things He is working for your sanctification and good. Have you enjoyed a measure of earthly success? Praise the LORD, for it is He who gives you the ability to prosper. Are you mindful of characteristics and abilities within your person that others deem favorably? Praise the LORD, for they are gifts of God. Is there a deficiency you manage daily in your stature? Praise the LORD, for the Potter creates all vessels according to His wisdom and for His glory. In all things and through all things praise the LORD who alone is worthy of worship. Praise the LORD!
Copyright (c) 2013 Immutable Word Ministries ("...the word of our God stands forever." Isa. 40:8)
The LORD is holy, and sovereign over all. "Know that the LORD Himself is God; it is He who has made us, and not we ourselves; we are His people and the sheep of His pasture" (Ps. 100:3). Are you in Christ? Praise the LORD! Is your heart enraptured by the beauty of His majestic rule? Praise the Lord! Are the meditations of your heart and the words of your lips continually exalting the LORD who spoke and worlds were created? Praise the LORD! Is your hope and great expectation for the revealing of the Son of God in His glory that the nations may tremble before His majesty? Praise the LORD! Are your circumstances easy or are they hard? Praise the LORD, for in all things He is working for your sanctification and good. Have you enjoyed a measure of earthly success? Praise the LORD, for it is He who gives you the ability to prosper. Are you mindful of characteristics and abilities within your person that others deem favorably? Praise the LORD, for they are gifts of God. Is there a deficiency you manage daily in your stature? Praise the LORD, for the Potter creates all vessels according to His wisdom and for His glory. In all things and through all things praise the LORD who alone is worthy of worship. Praise the LORD!
Copyright (c) 2013 Immutable Word Ministries ("...the word of our God stands forever." Isa. 40:8)
Sunday, June 16, 2013
Obsessed with the Present
J.A. Matteson
Time is as a river and that which passes by today does not return tomorrow. Each generation enjoys unique opportunities to serve the LORD or squander their time in the pursuit of folly. As a new generational chapter begins another concludes. "The sons of Abraham were Isaac and Ishmael. These are their genealogies...." (1 Chronicles 1:29-29). The Hebrews were meticulous in preserving detailed genealogical records. By contrast, most in western societies are hard pressed to identify their heirs to the fourth generation. While the Hebrews honored their past, contemporary citizens of western cultures generally devalue it and are arrogantly obsessed with the present. In this regard they dishonor those who preceded them and often repeat the same folly of their ancestors, folly they might otherwise have avoided, had they merely considered the lessons their ancestors learned. When Moses implores, "So teach us to number our days, that we may present to You a heart of wisdom" (Ps. 90:12), certainly the brevity of life impacted him to humbly consider all that God had accomplished before his birth and will do after his short tenancy upon the earth. By honoring those who preceded us we honor the God who established them and the times in which they lived. To disregard them is to disregard the LORD who actively worked in their midst.
Copyright (c) 2013 Immutable Word Ministries ("...the word of our God stands forever." Isa. 40:8)
Time is as a river and that which passes by today does not return tomorrow. Each generation enjoys unique opportunities to serve the LORD or squander their time in the pursuit of folly. As a new generational chapter begins another concludes. "The sons of Abraham were Isaac and Ishmael. These are their genealogies...." (1 Chronicles 1:29-29). The Hebrews were meticulous in preserving detailed genealogical records. By contrast, most in western societies are hard pressed to identify their heirs to the fourth generation. While the Hebrews honored their past, contemporary citizens of western cultures generally devalue it and are arrogantly obsessed with the present. In this regard they dishonor those who preceded them and often repeat the same folly of their ancestors, folly they might otherwise have avoided, had they merely considered the lessons their ancestors learned. When Moses implores, "So teach us to number our days, that we may present to You a heart of wisdom" (Ps. 90:12), certainly the brevity of life impacted him to humbly consider all that God had accomplished before his birth and will do after his short tenancy upon the earth. By honoring those who preceded us we honor the God who established them and the times in which they lived. To disregard them is to disregard the LORD who actively worked in their midst.
Copyright (c) 2013 Immutable Word Ministries ("...the word of our God stands forever." Isa. 40:8)
Friday, June 14, 2013
Deep Calls to Deep
J.A. Matteson
To know the LORD is to be known by Him, and the servant of the LORD is safe within the gates of His majesty. "The LORD is good, a stronghold in the day of trouble, and He knows those who take refuge in Him" (Nahum 1:7). Certainly the LORD is aware of those who take refuge in Him and those who turn to folly, for the LORD is omniscient. That is not the prophets point here. Those who take refuge in Him were intimately known by Him before the foundation of the world. These are His elect whom He foreknew before their first breath was taken. He knew them and loved them, called them, justified and sanctified them to Himself that they would be a holy nation, a royal priest hood to proclaim His excellencies to the world, to the praise of His glory. Deep calls to deep and the Spirit through Whom life is given glorifies the Son by leading the heirs of salvation to seek refuge in the stronghold of their Redeemer who will never leave nor forsake them. Blessed be the name of the LORD and fortunate are those who take refuge in Him.
Copyright (c) 2013 Immutable Word Ministries ("...the word of our God stands forever." Isa. 40:8)
To know the LORD is to be known by Him, and the servant of the LORD is safe within the gates of His majesty. "The LORD is good, a stronghold in the day of trouble, and He knows those who take refuge in Him" (Nahum 1:7). Certainly the LORD is aware of those who take refuge in Him and those who turn to folly, for the LORD is omniscient. That is not the prophets point here. Those who take refuge in Him were intimately known by Him before the foundation of the world. These are His elect whom He foreknew before their first breath was taken. He knew them and loved them, called them, justified and sanctified them to Himself that they would be a holy nation, a royal priest hood to proclaim His excellencies to the world, to the praise of His glory. Deep calls to deep and the Spirit through Whom life is given glorifies the Son by leading the heirs of salvation to seek refuge in the stronghold of their Redeemer who will never leave nor forsake them. Blessed be the name of the LORD and fortunate are those who take refuge in Him.
Copyright (c) 2013 Immutable Word Ministries ("...the word of our God stands forever." Isa. 40:8)
Saturday, June 8, 2013
The Tendency of the Sinful Flesh
J.A. Matteson
The essence of sin is unbelief, and the fruit of unbelief is trust in the creation rather than the Creator, Who is forever blessed. Amen. "My people consult their wooden idol, and their diviners wand informs them; for a spirit of harlotry has led them astray, and they have played the harlot, departing from their God" (Hosea 4:12). The tendency of the sinful flesh is to attribute prosperity and peace to that which is seen, to that within the created realm. Yahweh is invisible, yet His reality is expressed by what is seen and unseen, for all things exist by Him, through Him and for Him. The LORD speaks to His people and they play the harlot, turning to idols to inform them of what is or may be, rather than turning to Him Who holds all things together by the power of His will. They place their trust of financial security in stock market reports, real estate trends, and the price of metals. They place their hope of physical recovery in the medical community. They place their trust in world leaders to secure the peace, and a multitude of idols too numerous to number guide every aspect of their lives. Vanity upon vanities, all is vanity. Unless the LORD builds the house the laborer builds in vain. The LORD gives and the LORD takes away. The beginning of wisdom is the fear of the LORD and its fruit is fidelity to Him exclusively. Blessed be the name of the LORD who is long suffering and compassionate, Who save His people from their sin and forgives their iniquity.
Copyright (c) 2013 Immutable Word Ministries ("...the word of our God stands forever." Isa. 40:8)
The essence of sin is unbelief, and the fruit of unbelief is trust in the creation rather than the Creator, Who is forever blessed. Amen. "My people consult their wooden idol, and their diviners wand informs them; for a spirit of harlotry has led them astray, and they have played the harlot, departing from their God" (Hosea 4:12). The tendency of the sinful flesh is to attribute prosperity and peace to that which is seen, to that within the created realm. Yahweh is invisible, yet His reality is expressed by what is seen and unseen, for all things exist by Him, through Him and for Him. The LORD speaks to His people and they play the harlot, turning to idols to inform them of what is or may be, rather than turning to Him Who holds all things together by the power of His will. They place their trust of financial security in stock market reports, real estate trends, and the price of metals. They place their hope of physical recovery in the medical community. They place their trust in world leaders to secure the peace, and a multitude of idols too numerous to number guide every aspect of their lives. Vanity upon vanities, all is vanity. Unless the LORD builds the house the laborer builds in vain. The LORD gives and the LORD takes away. The beginning of wisdom is the fear of the LORD and its fruit is fidelity to Him exclusively. Blessed be the name of the LORD who is long suffering and compassionate, Who save His people from their sin and forgives their iniquity.
Copyright (c) 2013 Immutable Word Ministries ("...the word of our God stands forever." Isa. 40:8)
Friday, June 7, 2013
Famine in the Land
J.A. Matteson
There comes a time when perpetual disobedience and willful resistance to correction triggers divine wrath. "Behold, the days are coming," declares The Lord God, "when I will send a famine on the land, not a famine for bread or a thirst for water, but rather for hearing the words of the LORD" (Amos 8:11). It is a fearful thing to fall into the hands of the living God. Discipline begins with the house of God. The scarcity of solid exegetical preaching from American pulpits bears testimony that judgement is not future, it has already arrived. Rather than hungering for a clear word from the LORD many ache to have their ears tickled. So the LORD grants what is requested and a famine of biblical exegetical preaching that nourishes the soul and directs the heart is the result. While there are pockets of solid preaching and teaching in the land, they are few. Oh LORD, look upon Your people with lovingkindness, and direct our hearts in the way pleasing in your sight, that the land may again be enriched by Your gracious word.
Copyright (c) 2013 Immutable Word Ministries ("...the word of our God stands forever." Isa. 40:8)
There comes a time when perpetual disobedience and willful resistance to correction triggers divine wrath. "Behold, the days are coming," declares The Lord God, "when I will send a famine on the land, not a famine for bread or a thirst for water, but rather for hearing the words of the LORD" (Amos 8:11). It is a fearful thing to fall into the hands of the living God. Discipline begins with the house of God. The scarcity of solid exegetical preaching from American pulpits bears testimony that judgement is not future, it has already arrived. Rather than hungering for a clear word from the LORD many ache to have their ears tickled. So the LORD grants what is requested and a famine of biblical exegetical preaching that nourishes the soul and directs the heart is the result. While there are pockets of solid preaching and teaching in the land, they are few. Oh LORD, look upon Your people with lovingkindness, and direct our hearts in the way pleasing in your sight, that the land may again be enriched by Your gracious word.
Copyright (c) 2013 Immutable Word Ministries ("...the word of our God stands forever." Isa. 40:8)
Thursday, June 6, 2013
Religion is Vile
J.A. Matteson
Religion is vile, and acts of piety void of righteousness are an abomination. "Did you present Me with sacrifices and grain offerings in the wilderness for forty years, O house of Israel?" (Amos 5:25). The LORD sits enthroned in heaven discerning the thoughts and intents of the heart. Appearances are deceiving, even the unskilled mariner appears competent on calm seas. The righteous shall live by faith, and the sacrifice they bring they offer continually, that of a humble spirit and contrite heart. In seasons of abundance they give thanks to God and dare not give glory to another. In scarcity the confession of their lips is the goodness and mercy of the LORD, who graciously bestows gifts upon men undeserving. In all things and at all times trust in the goodness of God and His wisdom is the righteous sacrifice pleasing in His sight.
Copyright (c) 2013 Immutable Word Ministries ("...the word of our God stands forever." Isa. 40:8)
Religion is vile, and acts of piety void of righteousness are an abomination. "Did you present Me with sacrifices and grain offerings in the wilderness for forty years, O house of Israel?" (Amos 5:25). The LORD sits enthroned in heaven discerning the thoughts and intents of the heart. Appearances are deceiving, even the unskilled mariner appears competent on calm seas. The righteous shall live by faith, and the sacrifice they bring they offer continually, that of a humble spirit and contrite heart. In seasons of abundance they give thanks to God and dare not give glory to another. In scarcity the confession of their lips is the goodness and mercy of the LORD, who graciously bestows gifts upon men undeserving. In all things and at all times trust in the goodness of God and His wisdom is the righteous sacrifice pleasing in His sight.
Copyright (c) 2013 Immutable Word Ministries ("...the word of our God stands forever." Isa. 40:8)
Sunday, June 2, 2013
The Burden of Leadership
J.A. Matteson
In time the apprentice is ready and the burden of leadership is transferred by one to another. "He also took up the mantle of Elijah that fell from him and returned and stood by the bank of the Jordan" (2 Kgs. 2:13). Reluctance in the apprentice is wisdom, fools aspire to high places, for the weight of leadership is a perpetual companion. Beware of those eager to assume leadership prematurely, let them first be tested. A man is in his heart that which comes from his lips. The apprentice is ready when the self awareness is present that apart from divine assistance he will fail. Humility in spirit is the common denominator of effective leaders. In the fullness of time the master departs, leaving the mantle of leadership to the apprentice to stoop down and pick up. Assuming the mantle the wise stand quietly before the LORD beseeching His grace and wisdom to guide and strengthen.
Copyright (c) 2013 Immutable Word Ministries ("...the word of our God stands forever." Isa. 40:8)
In time the apprentice is ready and the burden of leadership is transferred by one to another. "He also took up the mantle of Elijah that fell from him and returned and stood by the bank of the Jordan" (2 Kgs. 2:13). Reluctance in the apprentice is wisdom, fools aspire to high places, for the weight of leadership is a perpetual companion. Beware of those eager to assume leadership prematurely, let them first be tested. A man is in his heart that which comes from his lips. The apprentice is ready when the self awareness is present that apart from divine assistance he will fail. Humility in spirit is the common denominator of effective leaders. In the fullness of time the master departs, leaving the mantle of leadership to the apprentice to stoop down and pick up. Assuming the mantle the wise stand quietly before the LORD beseeching His grace and wisdom to guide and strengthen.
Copyright (c) 2013 Immutable Word Ministries ("...the word of our God stands forever." Isa. 40:8)
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)