J.A. Matteson
The name of the LORD is blasphemed. Efforts to remove reference to Him are advanced in the public square. Evil triumphs over good and all seems on a downhill trajectory toward complete chaos and ruin. But lest you loose hope, beloved, remember this: "Whatever you devise against the LORD, He will make a complete end of it. Distress will not rise up twice" (Nahum 1:9). Let it not escape your attention that the LORD is long suffering and gracious, and that He operates in eternity while you exist in time and space. Further, on earth it is easy to be mislead as to His graciousness, attributing it to ignorance or indifference to the evil plight of wickedness upon those who follow the Lamb (Ps. 94). But your life is like a vapor, momentary in appearance and affect, and then you will vanish (Jas. 4:14). Be assured of this: the LORD is aware of the schemes of the wicked and is patient toward them, not wanting any to perish, but for all to come to the knowledge of the truth (2 Pet. 3:9). But the hour will come with all certainty when the season of grace extended toward the wicked will end and the terrible retribution of the wrath of the Lamb will arrive. And because these things take place in God's perfect time, on earth the time of your vapor may have long passed (Heb. 11:13). Nevertheless, as God is true, and every man a liar, let it assure your heart that good will triumph over evil. Be patient, therefore, trusting in the omnipotentance and omniscience of the Almighty, who was, and is, and is to come. When you are weary and evil on earth appears to have the victory, remember the time is at hand for the righteous retribution of the Lamb to visit the sons of disobedience. Fear for them, urging them to be reconciled to God, and in your obedience rejoice that your name is written in the Lamb's book of life in heaven.
Copyright (c) 2014 Immutable Word Ministries ("...the word of our God stands forever.") Isa. 40:8
Saturday, December 27, 2014
Friday, December 12, 2014
God's Superlative Gift
J.A. Matteson
Prior to your awareness of God He was aware of you. "When Israel was a youth I loved him, and out of Egypt I called My son" (Hos. 11:1). Small, insignificant, weak, but beloved; such was and is the relationship between God and Israel. And further, such is the astounding relationship between Christ and His church. Metaphorically, beloved, while you were in bondage to sin and death, God set His affections on you, loved you, and purposed redemption for you. With a mighty hand He bound the powers of darkness and brought you into the liberty of life, breathing into you His Spirit whereby you cry out "Hallijulia, my Redeemer lives!" Consider the gift to which you are heir to. Liberty, yes! Forgiveness, yes! Life, yes! Purpose, yes! A future and a hope, yes! Yet realize this: these delightful manifestations of your rebirth have as their origin the love of God toward you. God's superlative gift to you is Himself; He by His love toward you revealed Himself to you, through which all of the other spiritual benefits that you possess and enjoy exist. Indeed, you love Him because He first loved you, and called you into fellowship with Himself for eternity. Oh the gracious love of God toward His people, how precious are His thoughts toward you and good His providential appointments by which He leads you still higher on the mount of His eternal majesty. Let us with gratitude hearts give thanks to Him who gave us the gift beyond value, Himself.
Copyright (c) 2014 Immutable Word Ministries ("...the word of our God stands forever."). Isa. 40:8
Prior to your awareness of God He was aware of you. "When Israel was a youth I loved him, and out of Egypt I called My son" (Hos. 11:1). Small, insignificant, weak, but beloved; such was and is the relationship between God and Israel. And further, such is the astounding relationship between Christ and His church. Metaphorically, beloved, while you were in bondage to sin and death, God set His affections on you, loved you, and purposed redemption for you. With a mighty hand He bound the powers of darkness and brought you into the liberty of life, breathing into you His Spirit whereby you cry out "Hallijulia, my Redeemer lives!" Consider the gift to which you are heir to. Liberty, yes! Forgiveness, yes! Life, yes! Purpose, yes! A future and a hope, yes! Yet realize this: these delightful manifestations of your rebirth have as their origin the love of God toward you. God's superlative gift to you is Himself; He by His love toward you revealed Himself to you, through which all of the other spiritual benefits that you possess and enjoy exist. Indeed, you love Him because He first loved you, and called you into fellowship with Himself for eternity. Oh the gracious love of God toward His people, how precious are His thoughts toward you and good His providential appointments by which He leads you still higher on the mount of His eternal majesty. Let us with gratitude hearts give thanks to Him who gave us the gift beyond value, Himself.
Copyright (c) 2014 Immutable Word Ministries ("...the word of our God stands forever."). Isa. 40:8
Friday, December 5, 2014
Choose the Right
J.A. Matteson
Forget about supernatural intervention to deliver you from the lusts of the flesh, God has given you a mind and a will to choose the right. "But Daniel made up his mind that he would not defile himself ...." (Dan. 1:8). God will not do for us what He has empowered us to do for ourselves. Daniel knew the right and soberly determined to pay any price to be pleasing to God, rather than yield to that which he determined to profane His name. Joseph made up his mind before Potiphar's wife seduced him to lie with her, that he would not perform such wickedness. Peter, knowing that disobedience before the high priest and council would invoke their wrath, made up his mind that imprisonment or death was a small price to pay rather than deny the One by who's name he had been forgiven and given eternal life. Temptation to sin greet every believer at the start of each day. God has given you a will to choose the right; use it. Consider those sins into which you become so easily entangled. Are you tired of asking for forgiveness for the same things for which you are now ashamed? Make up your mind this day not to give an inch of ground to the flesh, the world, and the devil. In doing this you will be surprised how God delights strengthening you inwardly in response to your obedience; but He will not hold you up until you resolve to stand. Then when temptation arrives it will not catch you unawares and, having expected it, you will stare it in the face, endowed with the full armor of God, and resolutely proclaim, "No!"
Copyright (c) 2014 Immutable Word Ministries ("...the word of our God stands forever.") Isa. 40:8
Forget about supernatural intervention to deliver you from the lusts of the flesh, God has given you a mind and a will to choose the right. "But Daniel made up his mind that he would not defile himself ...." (Dan. 1:8). God will not do for us what He has empowered us to do for ourselves. Daniel knew the right and soberly determined to pay any price to be pleasing to God, rather than yield to that which he determined to profane His name. Joseph made up his mind before Potiphar's wife seduced him to lie with her, that he would not perform such wickedness. Peter, knowing that disobedience before the high priest and council would invoke their wrath, made up his mind that imprisonment or death was a small price to pay rather than deny the One by who's name he had been forgiven and given eternal life. Temptation to sin greet every believer at the start of each day. God has given you a will to choose the right; use it. Consider those sins into which you become so easily entangled. Are you tired of asking for forgiveness for the same things for which you are now ashamed? Make up your mind this day not to give an inch of ground to the flesh, the world, and the devil. In doing this you will be surprised how God delights strengthening you inwardly in response to your obedience; but He will not hold you up until you resolve to stand. Then when temptation arrives it will not catch you unawares and, having expected it, you will stare it in the face, endowed with the full armor of God, and resolutely proclaim, "No!"
Copyright (c) 2014 Immutable Word Ministries ("...the word of our God stands forever.") Isa. 40:8
Thursday, December 4, 2014
Into the Joy of His Eternal Light
J.A. Matteson
Revelation, inspiration, perception, understanding, awareness, these things are dependent upon the Word of Life and the light of His glory, filling that which was darkness, dispersing blindness with the dazzling clarity of faith. "God is light, and in Him there is no darkness at all" (1 Jn. 1:5). To believe in Him is to be in Him. To be in Him is to be enveloped in the brilliant glory of His presence, perfect light, peace, contentment. Concern, confusion, restless anxiety are of the darkness, but the perfect Light of Christ disperses all things contrary to His Person so that all who have fellowship with the Father through Him might abide in the Light of Peace. And the Light is eternal, self-sustaining, above all, through all, and in all who He is pleased to call His brethren. In the world darkness advances, but in Christ we are more than conquerors through Him who loves us, having called us out of darkness into the joy of His eternal Light. Rejoice, therefore, in Christ Jesus, the Light of the World.
Copyright (c) 2014 Immutable Word Ministries ("...the word of our God stands forever.") Isa. 40:8
Revelation, inspiration, perception, understanding, awareness, these things are dependent upon the Word of Life and the light of His glory, filling that which was darkness, dispersing blindness with the dazzling clarity of faith. "God is light, and in Him there is no darkness at all" (1 Jn. 1:5). To believe in Him is to be in Him. To be in Him is to be enveloped in the brilliant glory of His presence, perfect light, peace, contentment. Concern, confusion, restless anxiety are of the darkness, but the perfect Light of Christ disperses all things contrary to His Person so that all who have fellowship with the Father through Him might abide in the Light of Peace. And the Light is eternal, self-sustaining, above all, through all, and in all who He is pleased to call His brethren. In the world darkness advances, but in Christ we are more than conquerors through Him who loves us, having called us out of darkness into the joy of His eternal Light. Rejoice, therefore, in Christ Jesus, the Light of the World.
Copyright (c) 2014 Immutable Word Ministries ("...the word of our God stands forever.") Isa. 40:8
Friday, November 7, 2014
The Throne of Grace
J.A. Matteson
The power of prayer and the prayer of power is in its object, Jesus Christ. "Therefore let us draw near with confidence to the throne of grace...." (Heb. 4:16). Believer, You heard His voice in the day He called you from darkness to light. Are you hearing Him today? Are you weak?, He is strong. Are you uncertain?, He is wisdom. Are you fearful?, He is faithful. The throne of grace, what is it and where might you find it? Abraham found it while gazing into the night sky as he considered his posterity would be as the stars. Moses found it on Mt. Sinai in the presence of a bush burning that was not consumed. Jacob found it while slumbering under a canopy of stars where a ladder from heaven descended to earth. Peter, James, and John found it on the holy mount as Jesus was transfigured before them. John found it on the isle of Patmos through the vision of the revelation of Jesus Christ. And the time would fail us to numerate an exhaustive list of additional saints who, by faith, approached the throne of grace. The throne is the presence, mercy, empowerment, love, faith, rest, and joy of the Lord, given to His children as an earnest and foreshadow of the glory to come. The throne is found anywhere and anytime believers cry out to Him, "Abba Father!" As Jesus revealed to the Samaritan women at the well the throne of grace is not locational, it is found by all who by faith come to Jesus Christ in worship to exalt Him in spirit and truth. It is there He exchanges our fears for His power, our weakness for His faithfulness, our confusion for His wisdom. Today if you hear His voice come at once without delay.
Copyright (c) 2014 Immutable Word Ministries ("...the word of our God stands forever.") Isa. 40:8
The power of prayer and the prayer of power is in its object, Jesus Christ. "Therefore let us draw near with confidence to the throne of grace...." (Heb. 4:16). Believer, You heard His voice in the day He called you from darkness to light. Are you hearing Him today? Are you weak?, He is strong. Are you uncertain?, He is wisdom. Are you fearful?, He is faithful. The throne of grace, what is it and where might you find it? Abraham found it while gazing into the night sky as he considered his posterity would be as the stars. Moses found it on Mt. Sinai in the presence of a bush burning that was not consumed. Jacob found it while slumbering under a canopy of stars where a ladder from heaven descended to earth. Peter, James, and John found it on the holy mount as Jesus was transfigured before them. John found it on the isle of Patmos through the vision of the revelation of Jesus Christ. And the time would fail us to numerate an exhaustive list of additional saints who, by faith, approached the throne of grace. The throne is the presence, mercy, empowerment, love, faith, rest, and joy of the Lord, given to His children as an earnest and foreshadow of the glory to come. The throne is found anywhere and anytime believers cry out to Him, "Abba Father!" As Jesus revealed to the Samaritan women at the well the throne of grace is not locational, it is found by all who by faith come to Jesus Christ in worship to exalt Him in spirit and truth. It is there He exchanges our fears for His power, our weakness for His faithfulness, our confusion for His wisdom. Today if you hear His voice come at once without delay.
Copyright (c) 2014 Immutable Word Ministries ("...the word of our God stands forever.") Isa. 40:8
Thursday, October 30, 2014
Unstable Souls
J.A. Matteson
With great charity and grace leaders in the church are to bear with and correct those who oppose sound doctrine, to the extent that their opposition is of ignorance accompanied with a teachable spirit. By contrast those opposed to sound doctrine with a strong spiritual undercurrent of malice are to avoided. "Be on guard against him yourself, for he vigorously opposed our teaching" (2 Tim. 4:15). These are tares amidst the wheat, self condemned, heaping up for themselves judgement in the day of God's wrath. Blind and deaf to spiritual truth they are unstable souls, forever learning but never coming to the truth which is the Word of God preserved in Scripture. Pulling together their spiritual understandings from every corner of human wisdom they are tossed to and fro, ships in the harbor without anchor drifting about, unsettled souls who agitate the peace of others by the heresies they confidentiality proclaim as divine truth. Undisciplined, unrepentant, unwilling to submit to sound doctrine they viciously undermine the tireless work of God's workers in sewing, watering, and reaping the word of life. Therefore, take note of them, mark them, avoid them, as they were appointed for the just retribution to be delivered upon the unjust according to the righteous fury of the LORD.
Copyright (c) 2014 Immutable Word Ministries ("...the word of our God stands forever.") Isa. 40:8
With great charity and grace leaders in the church are to bear with and correct those who oppose sound doctrine, to the extent that their opposition is of ignorance accompanied with a teachable spirit. By contrast those opposed to sound doctrine with a strong spiritual undercurrent of malice are to avoided. "Be on guard against him yourself, for he vigorously opposed our teaching" (2 Tim. 4:15). These are tares amidst the wheat, self condemned, heaping up for themselves judgement in the day of God's wrath. Blind and deaf to spiritual truth they are unstable souls, forever learning but never coming to the truth which is the Word of God preserved in Scripture. Pulling together their spiritual understandings from every corner of human wisdom they are tossed to and fro, ships in the harbor without anchor drifting about, unsettled souls who agitate the peace of others by the heresies they confidentiality proclaim as divine truth. Undisciplined, unrepentant, unwilling to submit to sound doctrine they viciously undermine the tireless work of God's workers in sewing, watering, and reaping the word of life. Therefore, take note of them, mark them, avoid them, as they were appointed for the just retribution to be delivered upon the unjust according to the righteous fury of the LORD.
Copyright (c) 2014 Immutable Word Ministries ("...the word of our God stands forever.") Isa. 40:8
Tuesday, October 14, 2014
Kindred Spirits
J.A. Matteson
Had the excellencies of God's mercy in our personal redemption and the hope of His calling been the limit of His grace, it would be immeasurably beyond what we deserve; that being hell. Notwithstanding the glorious sweetness of His fellowship, the LORD has further blessed His saints with the company of hearts and minds of like affection, kindred spirits saved by grace, growing from faith to faith, looking to the blessed hope of His return and deliverance. "We give thanks to God always for all of you...." (1Thess. 1:2). In His eternal goodness the LORD has providentially placed in our lives shadows of His essence, reflections of His kindness, echos of His radiance, as brought forth by the fruit of His Spirit in the lives of the saints around us, to encourage, strengthen, and yes, when needed, lovingly rebuke. What a ghastly place this fallen world would be without them, if in solitude we were to tread our pilgrims path! It is fitting and proper, therefore, that in remembrance of these gifts from heaven we give thanks to the LORD on High, Jesus Christ our Redeemer, by whom and through whom we can do all things, by His power that works in us, and in the saints of His choosing who are dear to us.
Copyright (c) 2014 Immutable Word Ministries ("...the word of our God stands forever."). Isa. 40:8
Had the excellencies of God's mercy in our personal redemption and the hope of His calling been the limit of His grace, it would be immeasurably beyond what we deserve; that being hell. Notwithstanding the glorious sweetness of His fellowship, the LORD has further blessed His saints with the company of hearts and minds of like affection, kindred spirits saved by grace, growing from faith to faith, looking to the blessed hope of His return and deliverance. "We give thanks to God always for all of you...." (1Thess. 1:2). In His eternal goodness the LORD has providentially placed in our lives shadows of His essence, reflections of His kindness, echos of His radiance, as brought forth by the fruit of His Spirit in the lives of the saints around us, to encourage, strengthen, and yes, when needed, lovingly rebuke. What a ghastly place this fallen world would be without them, if in solitude we were to tread our pilgrims path! It is fitting and proper, therefore, that in remembrance of these gifts from heaven we give thanks to the LORD on High, Jesus Christ our Redeemer, by whom and through whom we can do all things, by His power that works in us, and in the saints of His choosing who are dear to us.
Copyright (c) 2014 Immutable Word Ministries ("...the word of our God stands forever."). Isa. 40:8
Sunday, October 5, 2014
In All Things
J.A. Matteson
Has it occurred to you that your circumstance is ordained by God in order that you might bear witness to the gospel?
"...knowing that I am appointed for the defense of the gospel" (Phil. 1:16). We go along our way day to day with grandiose ideas of how we will glorify God. The LORD will have none of that; rather, He raises up refining stones to buffet our sense of order, challenging our misguided delusion of personal sovereignty. Know this: within every high and low the LORD is in the midst. Amongst every travail and victory He is there. As the LORD sets in motion the heavenly bodies, guiding their paths according to the good pleasure of His will, does He not in like manner guide you daily course by His hand of providence? Indeed, He does, and for His glory and your sanctification. In all things, pleasant and distressful, know that He has appointed you for each occasion for the defense of the gospel. Let the fruit of His spirit burst forth from your mouth in praise as His grace gives you utterance.
Copyright (c) 2014 Immutable Word Ministries ("...the word of our God stands forever.") Isa. 40:8
Has it occurred to you that your circumstance is ordained by God in order that you might bear witness to the gospel?
"...knowing that I am appointed for the defense of the gospel" (Phil. 1:16). We go along our way day to day with grandiose ideas of how we will glorify God. The LORD will have none of that; rather, He raises up refining stones to buffet our sense of order, challenging our misguided delusion of personal sovereignty. Know this: within every high and low the LORD is in the midst. Amongst every travail and victory He is there. As the LORD sets in motion the heavenly bodies, guiding their paths according to the good pleasure of His will, does He not in like manner guide you daily course by His hand of providence? Indeed, He does, and for His glory and your sanctification. In all things, pleasant and distressful, know that He has appointed you for each occasion for the defense of the gospel. Let the fruit of His spirit burst forth from your mouth in praise as His grace gives you utterance.
Copyright (c) 2014 Immutable Word Ministries ("...the word of our God stands forever.") Isa. 40:8
Monday, September 8, 2014
Planted Firmly
J.A. Matteson
How may we know our path is acceptable and pleasing to the LORD? "Watch over your heart with all diligence, for from it flow the springs of life" (Prv. 4:23). Listen to the words from your mouth, do they dispense blessing or bitterness? Inspect the meditations of your heart, are they inclinations of trust in God or doubt? From the heart we may examine the the condition of our soul, all pretense is gone before the eyes of Him with whom we will give an account. The word of God reveals the state of the inner man. Confronted with sin he either confesses it and repents or hardens his heart by turning away to his own harm. Goodness, thankfulness, hope, mercy, faith, truth, gentleness, these are the things which spring forth from the wellspring of a heart dwelling in the shadow of the Almighty. The presence of the antithesis of these things indicates we have wandered from the straight and narrow way of life. Forsake the way of death and return to the path of life. Humble yourself before the mighty king of glory and He will lift you up and establish you as a firmly planted tree beside refreshing waters, whose leaf shall never wither and whose fruit will forever endure.
Copyright (c) 2014 Immutable Word Ministries ("...the word of our God stands forever."). Isa. 40:8
How may we know our path is acceptable and pleasing to the LORD? "Watch over your heart with all diligence, for from it flow the springs of life" (Prv. 4:23). Listen to the words from your mouth, do they dispense blessing or bitterness? Inspect the meditations of your heart, are they inclinations of trust in God or doubt? From the heart we may examine the the condition of our soul, all pretense is gone before the eyes of Him with whom we will give an account. The word of God reveals the state of the inner man. Confronted with sin he either confesses it and repents or hardens his heart by turning away to his own harm. Goodness, thankfulness, hope, mercy, faith, truth, gentleness, these are the things which spring forth from the wellspring of a heart dwelling in the shadow of the Almighty. The presence of the antithesis of these things indicates we have wandered from the straight and narrow way of life. Forsake the way of death and return to the path of life. Humble yourself before the mighty king of glory and He will lift you up and establish you as a firmly planted tree beside refreshing waters, whose leaf shall never wither and whose fruit will forever endure.
Copyright (c) 2014 Immutable Word Ministries ("...the word of our God stands forever."). Isa. 40:8
Monday, July 28, 2014
The Hand of the LORD
For a time the upper hand of the enemies of Israel may appear to prosper, but the hand of the LORD will, in due time, crush those committed to the harm of His chosen ones. "Those who contend with you will be as nothing and will perish" (Isaiah 41:11). Bleak as the darkness of a moonless night, silent as the grave, cold as the heart of the man of wicked intent, all is temporal. The brilliance of the moon will again shine forth, dispersing the gloom of night. The inhabitants of the grave will leap forth with joy. Mercy, goodwill and compassion will replace the unbelieving heart of stone, hoping in Him who opens blind eyes and unstops deaf ears. The times and seasons of God's mercy and wrath belong to Him; who can counsel or direct Him? It is He who governs he affairs of men and who fights for the ones in whom His soul delights. Foolish are the enemies of Israel who boast in the conquest of their habitation, who delight in idols, profaning the name of the living God, even the Holy One of Israel. His vindication is swift, who can escape from the terror if His fury? But those who trust in the name of LORD most high will never be disappointed, even Jacob, with the righteous inhabitants of Israel, in whom His soul delights.
Copyright 2014 Immutable Word Ministries ("...the word of our God stands forever.") Isa. 40:8
Copyright 2014 Immutable Word Ministries ("...the word of our God stands forever.") Isa. 40:8
Thursday, July 17, 2014
In Times of Turmoil
J.A. matteson
On any particular day and in times of turmoil this is one truth satan presses to have you doubt or forget. "The LORD has established His throne in the heavens, and His sovereignty rules over all" (Ps. 103:19). In every disappointment, God rules over it. In moments of weakness, when temptations abound, the LORD is sovereign over them. During sickness and confusion God is calmly controlling all things from the throne of His grace. When you are maligned and unjustly accused, Jesus Christ is your advocate, ruling the universe with truth and righteousness. His ways are higher than the heavens and His thoughts beyond the farthest points of light. Nothing comes to pass apart from His sovereign will. Whether light or darkness describe your circumstances the LORD Almighty is King, being well pleased with all who place their hope and trust in Him. You may not know why, but you know Who. Give honor and glory to the King of glory, let the nations tremble before the throne of His righteousness. Firmly in His right hand are the saints of His choosing, whose redemption is secure by the power of His love.
Copyright © 2014 Immutable Word Ministries ("…the word of our God stands forever.") Isa. 40:8
On any particular day and in times of turmoil this is one truth satan presses to have you doubt or forget. "The LORD has established His throne in the heavens, and His sovereignty rules over all" (Ps. 103:19). In every disappointment, God rules over it. In moments of weakness, when temptations abound, the LORD is sovereign over them. During sickness and confusion God is calmly controlling all things from the throne of His grace. When you are maligned and unjustly accused, Jesus Christ is your advocate, ruling the universe with truth and righteousness. His ways are higher than the heavens and His thoughts beyond the farthest points of light. Nothing comes to pass apart from His sovereign will. Whether light or darkness describe your circumstances the LORD Almighty is King, being well pleased with all who place their hope and trust in Him. You may not know why, but you know Who. Give honor and glory to the King of glory, let the nations tremble before the throne of His righteousness. Firmly in His right hand are the saints of His choosing, whose redemption is secure by the power of His love.
Copyright © 2014 Immutable Word Ministries ("…the word of our God stands forever.") Isa. 40:8
Monday, July 14, 2014
Stronger and Sweeter
J.A. Matteson
Seasons change and the flesh of man returns to the earth from which it came, but the word of our LORD endures forever. His precepts are from everlasting to everlasting and fools trifle with the word of His testimony, "Woe to those who call evil good, and good evil" (Isa. 5:20). Like wild beasts depraved souls sneer at the seed of the woman, throughout history the saints have been torn asunder, slandered, reviled, mocked, marginalized, condemned, made a laughing stock, and in all ways unjustly impugned. Darkness hates the light, wicked men who plot evil and practice deplorable acts hate God's saints, being convicted by their righteous deeds and the testimony of their lips of the moral code of God. "Silence!" they scream. Working tirelessly the wicked purpose to mute the testimony of the saints legislatively. If they fail legislatively, with violence they isolate the saints of God, inflicting death to silence the divine message of condemnation they know is just. Were it not for the grace of God ordinary men would shrink back from the fire, but by grace the faith of the afflicted saints grows stronger and sweeter in the face of personal danger, prevailing to the praise and glory of the Lord Jesus Christ. Alas, the saints of God cannot but stand as sentinels in the hurricane of Satan's devices. And stand they will, for the LORD of Hosts is with them and able to make them stand.
Copyright © 2014 Immutable Word Ministries ("…the word of our God stands forever.") Isa. 40:8
Seasons change and the flesh of man returns to the earth from which it came, but the word of our LORD endures forever. His precepts are from everlasting to everlasting and fools trifle with the word of His testimony, "Woe to those who call evil good, and good evil" (Isa. 5:20). Like wild beasts depraved souls sneer at the seed of the woman, throughout history the saints have been torn asunder, slandered, reviled, mocked, marginalized, condemned, made a laughing stock, and in all ways unjustly impugned. Darkness hates the light, wicked men who plot evil and practice deplorable acts hate God's saints, being convicted by their righteous deeds and the testimony of their lips of the moral code of God. "Silence!" they scream. Working tirelessly the wicked purpose to mute the testimony of the saints legislatively. If they fail legislatively, with violence they isolate the saints of God, inflicting death to silence the divine message of condemnation they know is just. Were it not for the grace of God ordinary men would shrink back from the fire, but by grace the faith of the afflicted saints grows stronger and sweeter in the face of personal danger, prevailing to the praise and glory of the Lord Jesus Christ. Alas, the saints of God cannot but stand as sentinels in the hurricane of Satan's devices. And stand they will, for the LORD of Hosts is with them and able to make them stand.
Copyright © 2014 Immutable Word Ministries ("…the word of our God stands forever.") Isa. 40:8
Wednesday, June 25, 2014
To Know Him
J.A. Matteson
Our confidence in what we purport to believe about God will be tested by God. "But now it has come to you, and you are impatient; it touches you, and you are dismayed" (Job 4:5). With great assurance we may strengthen others in the days of plenty and pleasure, espousing the greatness and tender mercies of God, and yet, that to which we speak is lacking the veracity of personal experience. To acknowledge is fundamentally different from knowing, it is a lower level. God intends for His children to know Him as we know the heart of a close friend. The test comes when that which we confidently acknowledge is placed in the fire of affliction. Days may turn to weeks, and weeks may turn to months, and months may turn to years, and your suffering continues, "My God, My God, why have You forsaken me?" is our cry (Ps. 22:1). In reply to our cry is silence, deafening quiet. And then it happens, after a protracted period of time we become spiritually depleted, exhausted, virtually unable to continue another second acknowledging the truth of God's mercies. We consider ourselves as dead, without future. It is in that moment, in that place, that it comes, when self is dead and all that remains is Jesus Christ, then we hear it, "a gentle whisper" (1 Kgs. 19:12). The end of self in merely our mental assent is what God is after, replacing acknowledgement with knowing, and the way is narrow, difficult, but glorious in its treasures. Now our words of counsel and exhortation to others possess a fresh vitality, spiritually infused with the life giving presence of one who has walked with Jesus Christ (2 Cor. 1:3-5). God restored Job and his words of wisdom became sweeter and more tender as a result of what he personally knew to be true of God and His gracious dealings with His children.
Copyright © 2014 Immutable Word Ministries ("…the word of our God stands forever.") Isa. 40:8
Our confidence in what we purport to believe about God will be tested by God. "But now it has come to you, and you are impatient; it touches you, and you are dismayed" (Job 4:5). With great assurance we may strengthen others in the days of plenty and pleasure, espousing the greatness and tender mercies of God, and yet, that to which we speak is lacking the veracity of personal experience. To acknowledge is fundamentally different from knowing, it is a lower level. God intends for His children to know Him as we know the heart of a close friend. The test comes when that which we confidently acknowledge is placed in the fire of affliction. Days may turn to weeks, and weeks may turn to months, and months may turn to years, and your suffering continues, "My God, My God, why have You forsaken me?" is our cry (Ps. 22:1). In reply to our cry is silence, deafening quiet. And then it happens, after a protracted period of time we become spiritually depleted, exhausted, virtually unable to continue another second acknowledging the truth of God's mercies. We consider ourselves as dead, without future. It is in that moment, in that place, that it comes, when self is dead and all that remains is Jesus Christ, then we hear it, "a gentle whisper" (1 Kgs. 19:12). The end of self in merely our mental assent is what God is after, replacing acknowledgement with knowing, and the way is narrow, difficult, but glorious in its treasures. Now our words of counsel and exhortation to others possess a fresh vitality, spiritually infused with the life giving presence of one who has walked with Jesus Christ (2 Cor. 1:3-5). God restored Job and his words of wisdom became sweeter and more tender as a result of what he personally knew to be true of God and His gracious dealings with His children.
Copyright © 2014 Immutable Word Ministries ("…the word of our God stands forever.") Isa. 40:8
Tuesday, June 24, 2014
Grace Transforms our Hearts
J.A. Matteson
The road is not always smooth nor the grass green. Bitter cold replaces the warmth of summers sun and a friend returns evil for good. "Shall we indeed accept good from God and not accept adversity?" (Job 2:10). The times and seasons of our existence are for the good pleasure of God. The earth is His, we are His creation to dispose of as He chooses. And unless we are vigilant we may delude ourselves into concluding our lot deserves nothing short of feather beds and roses. Underlying this mindset is a fundamental misunderstanding of who God is and what He after as He infuses the life of His Son in us. And until we recognize the pleasant and unpleasant as both being under the sovereign control of God to disperse as He pleases, we will trod along our way being tossed hither and yon by every circumstance. What God is after is that His children, as with His Son, will put on a heart of wisdom and obedience, emptying the last vestiges of self into the eternal ocean of God's perfect will. Whatsoever comes to pass, Job understood, is from the hand of God. And as such ultimately it is for our good, even though in the moment we may not understand. So we trust in Him who is faithful, defer to Him who is omniscient, and rest in Him who will never leave nor forsake us. Satan incites us to curse God in our affliction. Grace transforms our hearts completely, where affliction becomes the affirmation and witness of our lips to the everlasting love of Him who died that we might live.
Copyright © 2014 Immutable Word Ministries ("…the word of our God stands forever.") Isa. 40:8
The road is not always smooth nor the grass green. Bitter cold replaces the warmth of summers sun and a friend returns evil for good. "Shall we indeed accept good from God and not accept adversity?" (Job 2:10). The times and seasons of our existence are for the good pleasure of God. The earth is His, we are His creation to dispose of as He chooses. And unless we are vigilant we may delude ourselves into concluding our lot deserves nothing short of feather beds and roses. Underlying this mindset is a fundamental misunderstanding of who God is and what He after as He infuses the life of His Son in us. And until we recognize the pleasant and unpleasant as both being under the sovereign control of God to disperse as He pleases, we will trod along our way being tossed hither and yon by every circumstance. What God is after is that His children, as with His Son, will put on a heart of wisdom and obedience, emptying the last vestiges of self into the eternal ocean of God's perfect will. Whatsoever comes to pass, Job understood, is from the hand of God. And as such ultimately it is for our good, even though in the moment we may not understand. So we trust in Him who is faithful, defer to Him who is omniscient, and rest in Him who will never leave nor forsake us. Satan incites us to curse God in our affliction. Grace transforms our hearts completely, where affliction becomes the affirmation and witness of our lips to the everlasting love of Him who died that we might live.
Copyright © 2014 Immutable Word Ministries ("…the word of our God stands forever.") Isa. 40:8
Wednesday, June 18, 2014
God Knows Us
J.A. Matteson
In our pilgrims journey we at times loose sight of God, but God never looses sight of us. "How precious are Your thoughts to me, O God!" (Ps. 139:17). We do not know ourselves, but God knows us. We fail to understand His leading so as to bring to pass what He has ordained this day. We misinterpret difficulty as His displeasure when more often it is His kindness redirecting our way to bring us back to the path He has ordained for us, for our good and His glory. And depending on how far we have wandered from His way the journey back may appear daunting. Had we known ourselves as He knows us we would have recognized early on we were off the path and self-corrected our way. This is the perseverance of the saints who continue on their journey toward glory, and that by the grace of God. Had it not been for grace they would have remained in a desert place to the destruction of the soul. The loving kindness of the LORD is a sure foundation, a river springing forth into life eternal. If the day is cloudy obscuring the mountain peaks of His majesty, and the path uneven and precarious, rest in the knowledge that God is making perfect sense of your circumstances. And if He brings you to your senses where looking down at where your feet are standing you discern you have strayed from His path, simply acknowledge that which you know to be true and ask Him to guide you back. His good thoughts towards you are never ceasing in guiding you to your heavenly dwelling, giving you the desire of your heart.
Copyright © 2014 Immutable Word Ministries ("…the word of our God stands forever.") Isa. 40:8
In our pilgrims journey we at times loose sight of God, but God never looses sight of us. "How precious are Your thoughts to me, O God!" (Ps. 139:17). We do not know ourselves, but God knows us. We fail to understand His leading so as to bring to pass what He has ordained this day. We misinterpret difficulty as His displeasure when more often it is His kindness redirecting our way to bring us back to the path He has ordained for us, for our good and His glory. And depending on how far we have wandered from His way the journey back may appear daunting. Had we known ourselves as He knows us we would have recognized early on we were off the path and self-corrected our way. This is the perseverance of the saints who continue on their journey toward glory, and that by the grace of God. Had it not been for grace they would have remained in a desert place to the destruction of the soul. The loving kindness of the LORD is a sure foundation, a river springing forth into life eternal. If the day is cloudy obscuring the mountain peaks of His majesty, and the path uneven and precarious, rest in the knowledge that God is making perfect sense of your circumstances. And if He brings you to your senses where looking down at where your feet are standing you discern you have strayed from His path, simply acknowledge that which you know to be true and ask Him to guide you back. His good thoughts towards you are never ceasing in guiding you to your heavenly dwelling, giving you the desire of your heart.
Copyright © 2014 Immutable Word Ministries ("…the word of our God stands forever.") Isa. 40:8
Thursday, June 12, 2014
By Grace We Stand
J.A. Matteson
Whatsoever comes to pass is by the sovereign hand of God. The fool is convinced it is by his cunning and might he has prevailed. "The king is not saved by a mighty army; a warrior is not delivered by great strength" (Ps. 33:16). That is an affront to humanism, a slight to prognosticators of self-determination. Nevertheless its truth is to be confessed and embraced. And to believers God's sovereignty is a firm foundation, a comfort in the midst of evil. If we were to stand and prevail by our own hand we would surely be swept away. By grace we stand against evil, trust in Him to deliver us, love Him who died that we might live, move here and there to and fro, embrace and laugh, weep and mourn, smile and frown, pick up and toss away, proclaim and defend, love and hope. Consider that which is in your hand for good, but trust in the LORD, for by His providence you either stand or fall, and He is able to make you stand, all those who place their hope in Him.
Copyright © 2014 Immutable Word Ministries ("…the word of our God stands forever.") Isa. 40:8
Whatsoever comes to pass is by the sovereign hand of God. The fool is convinced it is by his cunning and might he has prevailed. "The king is not saved by a mighty army; a warrior is not delivered by great strength" (Ps. 33:16). That is an affront to humanism, a slight to prognosticators of self-determination. Nevertheless its truth is to be confessed and embraced. And to believers God's sovereignty is a firm foundation, a comfort in the midst of evil. If we were to stand and prevail by our own hand we would surely be swept away. By grace we stand against evil, trust in Him to deliver us, love Him who died that we might live, move here and there to and fro, embrace and laugh, weep and mourn, smile and frown, pick up and toss away, proclaim and defend, love and hope. Consider that which is in your hand for good, but trust in the LORD, for by His providence you either stand or fall, and He is able to make you stand, all those who place their hope in Him.
Copyright © 2014 Immutable Word Ministries ("…the word of our God stands forever.") Isa. 40:8
Wednesday, June 4, 2014
Rest
J.A. Matteson
Be careful not to allow your love for Jesus Christ to hinder the divine imperative relating to His redemptive means. "Do not let your heart be troubled...." (Jn. 14:1). Are you annoyed when Jesus is mocked, ridiculed, slandered? Is it your inclination to insert yourself into providences hostile to Christ and His kingdom in order to alter perceived outcomes? Can you see that you have allowed your heart to be troubled? It is natural to desire to protect and defend those we love from harm. We forget that Jesus is the sovereign I Am, omnipotent, eternal God of creation. Does He need our protection? Loosing sight of His majesty our hearts become troubled. This day, regardless of the disdain by which His name may be maligned, Jesus reminds us, "Do not let your heart be troubled." Contrary to the false teachers' assertions, world opinion about Jesus will not become sweeter before His immanent return, but it will become increasingly bitter and hostile, all according to His perfect redemptive plan in calling out His sheep. Rest, therefore, in His everlasting arms of peace this day, assured that in spite of opposition He has the situation perfectly under control.
Copyright © 2014 Immutable Word Ministries ("…the word of our God stands forever.") Isa. 40:8
Be careful not to allow your love for Jesus Christ to hinder the divine imperative relating to His redemptive means. "Do not let your heart be troubled...." (Jn. 14:1). Are you annoyed when Jesus is mocked, ridiculed, slandered? Is it your inclination to insert yourself into providences hostile to Christ and His kingdom in order to alter perceived outcomes? Can you see that you have allowed your heart to be troubled? It is natural to desire to protect and defend those we love from harm. We forget that Jesus is the sovereign I Am, omnipotent, eternal God of creation. Does He need our protection? Loosing sight of His majesty our hearts become troubled. This day, regardless of the disdain by which His name may be maligned, Jesus reminds us, "Do not let your heart be troubled." Contrary to the false teachers' assertions, world opinion about Jesus will not become sweeter before His immanent return, but it will become increasingly bitter and hostile, all according to His perfect redemptive plan in calling out His sheep. Rest, therefore, in His everlasting arms of peace this day, assured that in spite of opposition He has the situation perfectly under control.
Copyright © 2014 Immutable Word Ministries ("…the word of our God stands forever.") Isa. 40:8
Monday, June 2, 2014
The Supreme Example
J.A. Matteson
To what or to whom are you looking to for guidance in your pilgrims journey toward heaven? Unless the example of discipleship by men is solidly forged in the furnace of affliction in pursuit of Jesus Christ you are on a fools errand emulating them. "For I gave you an example that you should do as I did to you" (Jn. 13:15). How am I to live, love, persevere, exhort, forgive, minister, depend, rest, teach or hope apart from the example of Jesus Christ? Follow the example of no man who is not himself following Jesus Christ. So close in heart to Jesus Christ was the apostle Paul that he dared to proclaim, "Brethren, join in following my example, and observe those who walk according to the pattern you have in us" (Phil. 3:17). When our life is hidden in Jesus Christ His life giving transformational Spirit produces in us that which is well pleasing in His sight (2 Pet. 1:6-9). As you journey set the supreme example of Jesus Christ before you, intently study Him, when you consider in what manner you are to seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness (Matt. 6:33). Only by being closely acquainted with Him will you develop the discernment to know which examples among men are worthy of your consideration.
To what or to whom are you looking to for guidance in your pilgrims journey toward heaven? Unless the example of discipleship by men is solidly forged in the furnace of affliction in pursuit of Jesus Christ you are on a fools errand emulating them. "For I gave you an example that you should do as I did to you" (Jn. 13:15). How am I to live, love, persevere, exhort, forgive, minister, depend, rest, teach or hope apart from the example of Jesus Christ? Follow the example of no man who is not himself following Jesus Christ. So close in heart to Jesus Christ was the apostle Paul that he dared to proclaim, "Brethren, join in following my example, and observe those who walk according to the pattern you have in us" (Phil. 3:17). When our life is hidden in Jesus Christ His life giving transformational Spirit produces in us that which is well pleasing in His sight (2 Pet. 1:6-9). As you journey set the supreme example of Jesus Christ before you, intently study Him, when you consider in what manner you are to seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness (Matt. 6:33). Only by being closely acquainted with Him will you develop the discernment to know which examples among men are worthy of your consideration.
Wednesday, May 28, 2014
A Spiritual Law
J.A. Matteson
Can the blind at birth truly comprehend light, even when it is carefully described to them? Can the deaf at birth ever really experience the sweet sounds of springtime birds singing at sunrise? How could a person color blind understand the depth and vibrancy of red? "But you do not believe because you are not of My sheep" (Jn. 10:26). Note the key word used by Jesus: because. It is a causal word denoting why something is the way it is. This word in this statement, placed where it is, is problematic to the Arminian. Notice also what Jesus does not say, "You do not believe because of your hardness of heart," or "You do not believe because of your pride and refusal to repent," or "You do not believe because you lack knowledge and must be educated in the way of salvation," or "You do not believe because you can't make intellectual sense of it all." While all of those statements may be true at some level, they are not the ultimate cause of perpetual spiritual blindness resulting in unbelief. What fellowship has light with darkness, or can the living communicate with the dead? Jesus reveals a spiritual law of new birth and the Jews, whose hearts were cloaked in darkness, did not perceive the light. Why? Their spiritually dead condition was and, most horribly, would continue due to the efficient cause of divine election bypassing them according to the good pleasure of the Father's will. To those whom His favor rests faith is the instrumental effect of grace upon the heart, "The people who walk in darkness will see a great light..." (Isa. 9:2). In no way do the people walking in darkness who see the light perceive it meritoriously. Rather they perceive it in spite of their darkened souls, being enlightened as an act of divine grace. When the light of faith dawns in the heart the cares of the world take on the true measure of their insignificance in the blinding light of His eternal glory, "What is man that You are mindful of him?" (Ps. 8:4). So you believe that Jesus is the Christ? You do well. However, do not boast in anything other than the grace of God which has awakened you, revealing the identity of His Son to you. Any other boasting is evil. You brought nothing to the transaction but your deadness and sin. Salvation is of the LORD.
Copyright © 2014 Immutable Word Ministries ("…the word of our God stands forever.") Isa. 40:8
Can the blind at birth truly comprehend light, even when it is carefully described to them? Can the deaf at birth ever really experience the sweet sounds of springtime birds singing at sunrise? How could a person color blind understand the depth and vibrancy of red? "But you do not believe because you are not of My sheep" (Jn. 10:26). Note the key word used by Jesus: because. It is a causal word denoting why something is the way it is. This word in this statement, placed where it is, is problematic to the Arminian. Notice also what Jesus does not say, "You do not believe because of your hardness of heart," or "You do not believe because of your pride and refusal to repent," or "You do not believe because you lack knowledge and must be educated in the way of salvation," or "You do not believe because you can't make intellectual sense of it all." While all of those statements may be true at some level, they are not the ultimate cause of perpetual spiritual blindness resulting in unbelief. What fellowship has light with darkness, or can the living communicate with the dead? Jesus reveals a spiritual law of new birth and the Jews, whose hearts were cloaked in darkness, did not perceive the light. Why? Their spiritually dead condition was and, most horribly, would continue due to the efficient cause of divine election bypassing them according to the good pleasure of the Father's will. To those whom His favor rests faith is the instrumental effect of grace upon the heart, "The people who walk in darkness will see a great light..." (Isa. 9:2). In no way do the people walking in darkness who see the light perceive it meritoriously. Rather they perceive it in spite of their darkened souls, being enlightened as an act of divine grace. When the light of faith dawns in the heart the cares of the world take on the true measure of their insignificance in the blinding light of His eternal glory, "What is man that You are mindful of him?" (Ps. 8:4). So you believe that Jesus is the Christ? You do well. However, do not boast in anything other than the grace of God which has awakened you, revealing the identity of His Son to you. Any other boasting is evil. You brought nothing to the transaction but your deadness and sin. Salvation is of the LORD.
Copyright © 2014 Immutable Word Ministries ("…the word of our God stands forever.") Isa. 40:8
Friday, May 16, 2014
Innocent Blood
J.A. Matteson
The LORD does not change. That which the LORD deemed as evil in the days of the patriarchs and kings of Israel, He deems as evil today. "...at the command of the LORD it came upon Judah, to remove them from His sight because of the sins of Manasseh...and also for the innocent blood which he shed, for he filled Jerusalem with innocent blood...." (2 Kgs. 24:3-4). Innocent blood, persons not guilty of the violence inflicted upon them by their fellow man. The LORD is long suffering, forgiving iniquity and extending forgiveness to all seeking it. Whom among us today is the most vulnerable innocent blood suffering violence and death at the hands of their fellow man? Is it not our fellow human beings in the womb yet born? Their blood flows through our communities, our nations. If the LORD stays His righteous hand of wrath against the nations who murder His children in the womb, violating the sixth commandment, will He not owe an apology to king Manasseh? The LORD is impartial, a people that sows evil will reap evil. The LORD will not be mocked, wrath visits those who practice iniquity. Our lands are crimson in the shed blood of the innocent to satisfy "convenience" and "choice." The land is weary and the people mourn, confusion and anxiety is expressed among friend and acquaintance alike. An uneasy foreboding heaviness characterizes the mood of the people. Wrath is not a future possibility, it is a present reality. A people in confusion and despair characterize the wages of sin. To find absolution they must first look down before looking up to God, in so doing they will observe that their feet are covered with the blood of the innocent of their communities, the blood of the unborn. These are silent voices who cannot speak in their own defense. If those walking upon the earth, God's people, do not defend their right to life, who will?
Copyright © 2014 Immutable Word Ministries ("…the word of our God stands forever.") Isa. 40:8
The LORD does not change. That which the LORD deemed as evil in the days of the patriarchs and kings of Israel, He deems as evil today. "...at the command of the LORD it came upon Judah, to remove them from His sight because of the sins of Manasseh...and also for the innocent blood which he shed, for he filled Jerusalem with innocent blood...." (2 Kgs. 24:3-4). Innocent blood, persons not guilty of the violence inflicted upon them by their fellow man. The LORD is long suffering, forgiving iniquity and extending forgiveness to all seeking it. Whom among us today is the most vulnerable innocent blood suffering violence and death at the hands of their fellow man? Is it not our fellow human beings in the womb yet born? Their blood flows through our communities, our nations. If the LORD stays His righteous hand of wrath against the nations who murder His children in the womb, violating the sixth commandment, will He not owe an apology to king Manasseh? The LORD is impartial, a people that sows evil will reap evil. The LORD will not be mocked, wrath visits those who practice iniquity. Our lands are crimson in the shed blood of the innocent to satisfy "convenience" and "choice." The land is weary and the people mourn, confusion and anxiety is expressed among friend and acquaintance alike. An uneasy foreboding heaviness characterizes the mood of the people. Wrath is not a future possibility, it is a present reality. A people in confusion and despair characterize the wages of sin. To find absolution they must first look down before looking up to God, in so doing they will observe that their feet are covered with the blood of the innocent of their communities, the blood of the unborn. These are silent voices who cannot speak in their own defense. If those walking upon the earth, God's people, do not defend their right to life, who will?
Copyright © 2014 Immutable Word Ministries ("…the word of our God stands forever.") Isa. 40:8
Saturday, May 10, 2014
Pursue Jesus Christ
J.A. Matteson
We cannot will our way into spiritual enlightenment, God must reveal Himself to us. "In Him was life, and the life was the light of men" (1 Jn. 1:4). Forget about pressing into the deep questions of your existence and the operation of the created order. Rather, make your aim to "know Christ and the power of His resurrection" (Phil. 3:10). We easily get distracted by what has been made, neglecting Him who made it. All things were created by Him and for Him, in Him are the treasures of all wisdom (2 Pet. 3:15). In our quest for wisdom and understanding let us pursue Jesus Christ, in whom reside life and light to make the simple wise and the wise humble. The greatest treasure on earth is as dung compared to the surpassing excellence of knowing Jesus Christ our Lord. And not knowing what we do not know, God is well pleased to reveal more of Himself in unexpected moments and places as we remain in Him, spiritually poor, hungry, dependent. Moses began his day in ordinary fashion unaware that God would reveal Himself in the remarkable splendor of a bush on fire but not consumed. Jacob, sleeping under the night sky was delightfully startled to behold in his slumbering state a ladder to heaven revealing God's intimate presence. God's presence and self-disclosure is never demanded, we have no claim on it; it comes to His servants according to the good pleasure of His will. And yet, His servants may hasten His presence with its accompanying wisdom and understanding as they daily seek Jesus Christ above and before all else (Jer. 29:13).
Copyright © 2014 Immutable Word Ministries ("…the word of our God stands forever.") Isa. 40:8
We cannot will our way into spiritual enlightenment, God must reveal Himself to us. "In Him was life, and the life was the light of men" (1 Jn. 1:4). Forget about pressing into the deep questions of your existence and the operation of the created order. Rather, make your aim to "know Christ and the power of His resurrection" (Phil. 3:10). We easily get distracted by what has been made, neglecting Him who made it. All things were created by Him and for Him, in Him are the treasures of all wisdom (2 Pet. 3:15). In our quest for wisdom and understanding let us pursue Jesus Christ, in whom reside life and light to make the simple wise and the wise humble. The greatest treasure on earth is as dung compared to the surpassing excellence of knowing Jesus Christ our Lord. And not knowing what we do not know, God is well pleased to reveal more of Himself in unexpected moments and places as we remain in Him, spiritually poor, hungry, dependent. Moses began his day in ordinary fashion unaware that God would reveal Himself in the remarkable splendor of a bush on fire but not consumed. Jacob, sleeping under the night sky was delightfully startled to behold in his slumbering state a ladder to heaven revealing God's intimate presence. God's presence and self-disclosure is never demanded, we have no claim on it; it comes to His servants according to the good pleasure of His will. And yet, His servants may hasten His presence with its accompanying wisdom and understanding as they daily seek Jesus Christ above and before all else (Jer. 29:13).
Copyright © 2014 Immutable Word Ministries ("…the word of our God stands forever.") Isa. 40:8
Friday, April 25, 2014
Remain in the Way
J.A. Matteson
Many are the diversions set before pilgrims by the prince of darkness beckoning them to turn to the right or the left, to forsake the way of the LORD, "As for God, His way is blameless; the word of the LORD is tested" (2 Sam. 22:31). Are you still demanding of God that every providence be revealed in its divine purpose? Let it go. A pilgrims calling is to obedience unto the LORD, not omniscience. It is enough to remain in the way of the LORD day by day, walking out that which He has already revealed. Continue on today where you left off yesterday. Pay particular attention to your thoughts, words, and deeds. Examine yourself before the LORD. Introspection is helpful, only so far as its end is fruitfulness. David examined his heart before the LORD, obeying what He last spoke to him, correcting past injustices as divinely revealed, irrespective of personal interpretation. And once completed, "God was moved by prayer for the land" (2 Sam. 21:14). Our prayers and intercession are ineffectual until we bring our heats into alignment with His way, forsaking all other paths set before us, making restitution for past wrongs, repenting of presumption upon the grace of the LORD. It is in that setting, in this orientation of heart and soul that the LORD is delighted to move on behalf of His children.
Copyright © 2014 Immutable Word Ministries ("…the word of our God stands forever"). Isa. 40:8
Many are the diversions set before pilgrims by the prince of darkness beckoning them to turn to the right or the left, to forsake the way of the LORD, "As for God, His way is blameless; the word of the LORD is tested" (2 Sam. 22:31). Are you still demanding of God that every providence be revealed in its divine purpose? Let it go. A pilgrims calling is to obedience unto the LORD, not omniscience. It is enough to remain in the way of the LORD day by day, walking out that which He has already revealed. Continue on today where you left off yesterday. Pay particular attention to your thoughts, words, and deeds. Examine yourself before the LORD. Introspection is helpful, only so far as its end is fruitfulness. David examined his heart before the LORD, obeying what He last spoke to him, correcting past injustices as divinely revealed, irrespective of personal interpretation. And once completed, "God was moved by prayer for the land" (2 Sam. 21:14). Our prayers and intercession are ineffectual until we bring our heats into alignment with His way, forsaking all other paths set before us, making restitution for past wrongs, repenting of presumption upon the grace of the LORD. It is in that setting, in this orientation of heart and soul that the LORD is delighted to move on behalf of His children.
Copyright © 2014 Immutable Word Ministries ("…the word of our God stands forever"). Isa. 40:8
Friday, March 28, 2014
Spirit Infused Authority
J.A. Matteson
When God's word is presented clearly, or accurately, it is always accompanied with divine resurrection power, bringing to life that which was dead. "...they were amazed at His teaching, for His message was with authority" (Lk. 4:32). Authority, power, influence, these words encapsulate the sense of what Luke is expressing in the effect of Jesus' teaching upon His hearers. And that Spirit infused authority is also available to His servants who faithfully proclaim His gospel, rightly dividing the word of truth. The Apostle Paul eludes to the same type of effect upon the Corinthian believers (1 Cor. 2:4). Not surprisingly the effect of sound biblical preaching was announced by Jesus during His earthly ministry (Jn. 16:8). The reason that power is absent in most pulpits today is because the authority of God's word (Bible) has been replaced by the opinion and conjecture of men. Entertainment of the goats has superceded the enlightenment of the sheep because of unbelief in the power and sufficiency of the word of God to redeem and sanctify souls. This is a grave sin. The great revivals of old were rooted in sound biblical exposition, an earnest fidelity to Law and Gospel. The authority and power of God's word is eternal, immutable. Repentance of unbelief in its sufficiency and obedience to its message will yield a fresh unleashing of its power, the effect of which will be the revival of God's church to reach the lost for Jesus Christ.
Copyright © 2014 Immutable Word Ministries ("…the word of our God stands forever). Isa. 40:8
When God's word is presented clearly, or accurately, it is always accompanied with divine resurrection power, bringing to life that which was dead. "...they were amazed at His teaching, for His message was with authority" (Lk. 4:32). Authority, power, influence, these words encapsulate the sense of what Luke is expressing in the effect of Jesus' teaching upon His hearers. And that Spirit infused authority is also available to His servants who faithfully proclaim His gospel, rightly dividing the word of truth. The Apostle Paul eludes to the same type of effect upon the Corinthian believers (1 Cor. 2:4). Not surprisingly the effect of sound biblical preaching was announced by Jesus during His earthly ministry (Jn. 16:8). The reason that power is absent in most pulpits today is because the authority of God's word (Bible) has been replaced by the opinion and conjecture of men. Entertainment of the goats has superceded the enlightenment of the sheep because of unbelief in the power and sufficiency of the word of God to redeem and sanctify souls. This is a grave sin. The great revivals of old were rooted in sound biblical exposition, an earnest fidelity to Law and Gospel. The authority and power of God's word is eternal, immutable. Repentance of unbelief in its sufficiency and obedience to its message will yield a fresh unleashing of its power, the effect of which will be the revival of God's church to reach the lost for Jesus Christ.
Copyright © 2014 Immutable Word Ministries ("…the word of our God stands forever). Isa. 40:8
Monday, March 17, 2014
A Higher Law
J.A. Matteson
The practices of unrighteousness that characterize a persons life invite the wrath of God. "...neither fornicators, nor idolaters, nor adulterers, nor effeminate, nor homosexuals, nor thieves, nor covetous, nor drunkards, nor revilers, nor swindlers, will inherit the kingdom of God" (1 Cor. 6:9-10). When the light of God's people dims unrighteousness abounds unrestrained. As children of the light, fear of reprisal and retribution by those engaging in unrighteousness, must not govern our duty in proclaiming the kingdom of God and His righteousness. It is to be performed in humble love of our neighbor. At one time we too were lost in sin and the wrath of God was upon us, even as the rest. Then the message of the gospel penetrated our hearts, having been delivered faithfully by one of God's servants, and we were brought to conviction and repentance. Ezekiel was commissioned by God to proclaim His truth, whether people listened or not (Ezk. 2:5-7). John the Baptist in like manner boldly informed king Herod that his adulterous affair with his brothers wife was "not lawful" (Mk. 6:18). Friendship with the world and its cultural norms, through our silence, consigns sinners to misery and a certain horrifying eternity separated from God in hell. It is to disregard the welfare of our neighbor, the person we are to love as ourselves, if we remain silent as we watch them perish. The saddest reality about increasing immorality in any culture is that those demanding liberation from God's Law in order to pursue their lawless ends are in fact loosing everything while in the process claiming victory that they are now free. Certainly we are to pray for their salvation, but prayer does not eliminate our duty to verbally warn them that their behavior is "not lawful." Should they with anger and contempt revile you by declaring that the civil magistrate has declared their behavior "legal" (as in the case of homosexual "marriage"), with humility it is your duty to inform them that there is a higher law, God's Law, that superceds mans law, and that His Law is unchanging and condemns their behavior and will judge them by it unless they repent. As children of the light Christians may never excuse nor capitulate by enabling unrighteousness behavior through silence. As with the saints of old in scripture and the long historical record of those since, it is our duty and privilege to stand firm in the word of truth. And in our standing firm we may be comforted by the words of the Lord Jesus Christ who warned his disciples that the world would hate them, but that they should not fear men, but rather Him who holds the keys to heaven and hell (Lk. 12:4-6).
Copyright © 2014 Immutable Word Ministries ("…the word of our God stands forever.") Isa. 40:8
The practices of unrighteousness that characterize a persons life invite the wrath of God. "...neither fornicators, nor idolaters, nor adulterers, nor effeminate, nor homosexuals, nor thieves, nor covetous, nor drunkards, nor revilers, nor swindlers, will inherit the kingdom of God" (1 Cor. 6:9-10). When the light of God's people dims unrighteousness abounds unrestrained. As children of the light, fear of reprisal and retribution by those engaging in unrighteousness, must not govern our duty in proclaiming the kingdom of God and His righteousness. It is to be performed in humble love of our neighbor. At one time we too were lost in sin and the wrath of God was upon us, even as the rest. Then the message of the gospel penetrated our hearts, having been delivered faithfully by one of God's servants, and we were brought to conviction and repentance. Ezekiel was commissioned by God to proclaim His truth, whether people listened or not (Ezk. 2:5-7). John the Baptist in like manner boldly informed king Herod that his adulterous affair with his brothers wife was "not lawful" (Mk. 6:18). Friendship with the world and its cultural norms, through our silence, consigns sinners to misery and a certain horrifying eternity separated from God in hell. It is to disregard the welfare of our neighbor, the person we are to love as ourselves, if we remain silent as we watch them perish. The saddest reality about increasing immorality in any culture is that those demanding liberation from God's Law in order to pursue their lawless ends are in fact loosing everything while in the process claiming victory that they are now free. Certainly we are to pray for their salvation, but prayer does not eliminate our duty to verbally warn them that their behavior is "not lawful." Should they with anger and contempt revile you by declaring that the civil magistrate has declared their behavior "legal" (as in the case of homosexual "marriage"), with humility it is your duty to inform them that there is a higher law, God's Law, that superceds mans law, and that His Law is unchanging and condemns their behavior and will judge them by it unless they repent. As children of the light Christians may never excuse nor capitulate by enabling unrighteousness behavior through silence. As with the saints of old in scripture and the long historical record of those since, it is our duty and privilege to stand firm in the word of truth. And in our standing firm we may be comforted by the words of the Lord Jesus Christ who warned his disciples that the world would hate them, but that they should not fear men, but rather Him who holds the keys to heaven and hell (Lk. 12:4-6).
Copyright © 2014 Immutable Word Ministries ("…the word of our God stands forever.") Isa. 40:8
Tuesday, March 11, 2014
Irresistible Grace
J.A. Matteson
Entrance into the kingdom of God is by grace, citizens thereof display an otherness in their spiritual perceptions, being born of the Spirit; and where grace is at work in the soul to be reborn a heightened awareness of the awfulness of personal sin increasingly becomes excruciatingly unbearable. "You are not far from the kingdom of God" (Mk. 12:34). This man was in anguish of soul, intimately mindful of his sin. Jesus declared the man was not "far" from the kingdom of heaven; far (mak-ros') in time, his rebirth was immanent. Jesus next informs the man, by speaking to the crowd in which he stood, that the faith he possessed in God can be placed in Himself, He is the Son of David, the incarnate LORD of glory, the Lamb of God, come to die for the sins of His people. Mark does not recorded the scribes response to Jesus' teaching on David's Son, wherein He is the fulfillment of the prophetic word. Yet Jesus said with authority and certainty that the man was not far (in time) from entering the kingdom of God. What a beautiful picture of irresistible grace, drawing the soul of the elect to the Savior. Blessed be the LORD our God who makes all things new, and who by His grace saves sinners from the misery of sin and death unto everlasting life and eternal bliss. To the King immortal and all powerful, Jesus Christ, be the glory and the majesty and dominion now and forever more.
Copyright © 2014 Immutable Word Ministries ("…the word of our God stands forever.") Isa. 40:8
Entrance into the kingdom of God is by grace, citizens thereof display an otherness in their spiritual perceptions, being born of the Spirit; and where grace is at work in the soul to be reborn a heightened awareness of the awfulness of personal sin increasingly becomes excruciatingly unbearable. "You are not far from the kingdom of God" (Mk. 12:34). This man was in anguish of soul, intimately mindful of his sin. Jesus declared the man was not "far" from the kingdom of heaven; far (mak-ros') in time, his rebirth was immanent. Jesus next informs the man, by speaking to the crowd in which he stood, that the faith he possessed in God can be placed in Himself, He is the Son of David, the incarnate LORD of glory, the Lamb of God, come to die for the sins of His people. Mark does not recorded the scribes response to Jesus' teaching on David's Son, wherein He is the fulfillment of the prophetic word. Yet Jesus said with authority and certainty that the man was not far (in time) from entering the kingdom of God. What a beautiful picture of irresistible grace, drawing the soul of the elect to the Savior. Blessed be the LORD our God who makes all things new, and who by His grace saves sinners from the misery of sin and death unto everlasting life and eternal bliss. To the King immortal and all powerful, Jesus Christ, be the glory and the majesty and dominion now and forever more.
Copyright © 2014 Immutable Word Ministries ("…the word of our God stands forever.") Isa. 40:8
Monday, March 10, 2014
Error is Systemic
J.A. Matteson
Willful denial of explicit and implicit doctrines of scripture in order to support ones personal bias results in systemic theological error and spiritual blindness, always dangerous ground. "...have you not read?...you are greatly mistaken" (Mk. 12:26-27). Coming to scripture with a particular bias or presupposition, unsupported by sound hermeneutics, blinds the mind of the reader or listener to the truth, not only regarding the specific doctrine pertaining to his bias, but to the whole of scripture; doctrinal error is systemic, not stopping merely with his bias of one topic, for bias colors the whole of Gods person and work in Jesus Christ. Scripture interprets scripture, the word of God is a unified whole. It is, therefore, impossible to restrain bias in any particular doctrine from polluting our entire understanding of God and the gospel. As a drop of ink fundamentally alters the brilliance of a bucket of pure artisan water, doctrinal bias permeates the whole of scripture, fundamentally altering a persons understanding of God. It is unwise and unsafe to hold onto our bias when scripture reveals the naked truth of our error. Bias is revealed by scripture whenever our proof text is undermined by an alternate text. The path to spiritual growth is not in stubbornly holding onto our bias, but in hearing the Lord Jesus in that encounter inform us, "...you are greatly mistaken", letting go of it and embracing the truth. No one come to scripture without bias as a result of the pollution of our sinful fallen nature. Grace, however, illumines our mind to the truth of the word and it is our responsibility at that moment to lay at the foot of the cross our bias and embrace the truth God reveals to us.
Copyright © 2014 Immutable Word Ministries ("…the word of our God stands forever.") Isa. 40:8
Willful denial of explicit and implicit doctrines of scripture in order to support ones personal bias results in systemic theological error and spiritual blindness, always dangerous ground. "...have you not read?...you are greatly mistaken" (Mk. 12:26-27). Coming to scripture with a particular bias or presupposition, unsupported by sound hermeneutics, blinds the mind of the reader or listener to the truth, not only regarding the specific doctrine pertaining to his bias, but to the whole of scripture; doctrinal error is systemic, not stopping merely with his bias of one topic, for bias colors the whole of Gods person and work in Jesus Christ. Scripture interprets scripture, the word of God is a unified whole. It is, therefore, impossible to restrain bias in any particular doctrine from polluting our entire understanding of God and the gospel. As a drop of ink fundamentally alters the brilliance of a bucket of pure artisan water, doctrinal bias permeates the whole of scripture, fundamentally altering a persons understanding of God. It is unwise and unsafe to hold onto our bias when scripture reveals the naked truth of our error. Bias is revealed by scripture whenever our proof text is undermined by an alternate text. The path to spiritual growth is not in stubbornly holding onto our bias, but in hearing the Lord Jesus in that encounter inform us, "...you are greatly mistaken", letting go of it and embracing the truth. No one come to scripture without bias as a result of the pollution of our sinful fallen nature. Grace, however, illumines our mind to the truth of the word and it is our responsibility at that moment to lay at the foot of the cross our bias and embrace the truth God reveals to us.
Copyright © 2014 Immutable Word Ministries ("…the word of our God stands forever.") Isa. 40:8
Tuesday, March 4, 2014
Worthy of Death; Redeemed by Life
J.A. Matteson
Sins residue makes murky the water of faith as evidenced by moments when God's goodness is questioned, "I do believe, help my unbelief" (Mk. 9:24). Redeemed from spiritual death we too often hold onto that for which Jesus Christ died; namely, our sin, elevating divine justice over divine mercy. The transformation in grace whereby we grow from faith to faith does not remove our awareness of the depths of our inclination toward sin. Whereas we know in our heart grace saved us we mistakenly project upon God our sins just deserts above and beyond His mercy. This poor man was not questioning Christ's ability to perform a miraculous act (he was well aware of Jesus' reputation), he was doubting Christ's healing mercy being extended to a sinner such as he. The man held a distorted and unbalanced understanding of the character of God. It is precisely because of God's grace and mercy that Jesus Christ died for sinners, not due to their merit. We are all unworthy of the mercy of God who richly gives to all who trust in Him. By grace the man was given faith to believe in Jesus' saving power from sin and death, and by grace the man confessed his need for additional faith, that as an unworthy sinner God would choose to extend mercy to him. From Calvary to paradise our experience with Jesus Christ is an ongoing stream of delight in the river of God's love and mercy towards us, the sinner; worthy of death, and redeemed by Life.
Copyright © 2014 Immutable Word Ministries ("…the word of our God stands forever.") Isa. 40:8
Sins residue makes murky the water of faith as evidenced by moments when God's goodness is questioned, "I do believe, help my unbelief" (Mk. 9:24). Redeemed from spiritual death we too often hold onto that for which Jesus Christ died; namely, our sin, elevating divine justice over divine mercy. The transformation in grace whereby we grow from faith to faith does not remove our awareness of the depths of our inclination toward sin. Whereas we know in our heart grace saved us we mistakenly project upon God our sins just deserts above and beyond His mercy. This poor man was not questioning Christ's ability to perform a miraculous act (he was well aware of Jesus' reputation), he was doubting Christ's healing mercy being extended to a sinner such as he. The man held a distorted and unbalanced understanding of the character of God. It is precisely because of God's grace and mercy that Jesus Christ died for sinners, not due to their merit. We are all unworthy of the mercy of God who richly gives to all who trust in Him. By grace the man was given faith to believe in Jesus' saving power from sin and death, and by grace the man confessed his need for additional faith, that as an unworthy sinner God would choose to extend mercy to him. From Calvary to paradise our experience with Jesus Christ is an ongoing stream of delight in the river of God's love and mercy towards us, the sinner; worthy of death, and redeemed by Life.
Copyright © 2014 Immutable Word Ministries ("…the word of our God stands forever.") Isa. 40:8
Thursday, February 27, 2014
In a Spirit of Humility
J.A. Matteson
A servant of Jesus Christ is faithful to cast the light of truth in dark places, motivated by love of his neighbor, delivered with an earnest desire that he not miss heaven by coming under divine judgment. "It is not lawful for you to...." (Mk. 6:18). Cultural norms and laws change, societal values void of the law of God reflect the depraved fallen nature of humanity. This is increasingly so as a society turns its back on Jesus Christ. The king was brazen in his sin of adultery, John was faithful to the LORD to call him out on it; not with a spirit of meanness, but of genuine love for his neighbor, knowing the severity of God's wrath toward lawlessness upon those who remain unrepentant. The tenor of John's rebuke was caring, but firm. Sin blinds moral perception and clouds mental decision making. A servant of Jesus Christ must first make sure his own eye is clear, check his motives before the LORD to ensure that malice and hatred of the sin is not projected upon the sinner. Only then can he be used of God effectively to bring the light of the gospel into another persons life. In response the darkness generally seeks to extinguish the light, employing any means to silence the voice of truth. The winds of carnality howl against the wick of righteousness; faithful servants of Jesus Christ, knowing of the dreadful day of the wrath of God that will visit the unrepentant, persist in their preaching of the King and His kingdom. The salve they apply is done gently, in a spirit of humility, confessing that but for the grace of God they too would be in danger of judgement.
Copyright © 2014 Immutable Word Ministries ("…the word of our God stands forever.") Isa. 40:8
A servant of Jesus Christ is faithful to cast the light of truth in dark places, motivated by love of his neighbor, delivered with an earnest desire that he not miss heaven by coming under divine judgment. "It is not lawful for you to...." (Mk. 6:18). Cultural norms and laws change, societal values void of the law of God reflect the depraved fallen nature of humanity. This is increasingly so as a society turns its back on Jesus Christ. The king was brazen in his sin of adultery, John was faithful to the LORD to call him out on it; not with a spirit of meanness, but of genuine love for his neighbor, knowing the severity of God's wrath toward lawlessness upon those who remain unrepentant. The tenor of John's rebuke was caring, but firm. Sin blinds moral perception and clouds mental decision making. A servant of Jesus Christ must first make sure his own eye is clear, check his motives before the LORD to ensure that malice and hatred of the sin is not projected upon the sinner. Only then can he be used of God effectively to bring the light of the gospel into another persons life. In response the darkness generally seeks to extinguish the light, employing any means to silence the voice of truth. The winds of carnality howl against the wick of righteousness; faithful servants of Jesus Christ, knowing of the dreadful day of the wrath of God that will visit the unrepentant, persist in their preaching of the King and His kingdom. The salve they apply is done gently, in a spirit of humility, confessing that but for the grace of God they too would be in danger of judgement.
Copyright © 2014 Immutable Word Ministries ("…the word of our God stands forever.") Isa. 40:8
Wednesday, February 26, 2014
Reality is the Will of God
J.A. Matteson
Beware of drawing conclusions on a matter apart from inquiring of Jesus Christ. "They began laughing at Him" (Mk. 5:40). What appears definitive is not reality; reality is the will of God in the matter. Both Abraham and Sarah laughed at the proclamation of God concerning a future heir only to be proved foolish nine months later with the birth of Isaac (Gen. 17:17, 18:12). A matter is not settled, regardless of how conclusive or permanent it may appear. The God of miracles is immutable, willing, ready, and able to intervine when it is His good pleasure to do so, and in response to the petitions of His children (Jas. 4:2). Pleasing to the LORD are eyes of faith that continue to hope and pray until the Spirit confirms God has settled a matter. Only then is it time to put the matter behind you and move on.
Copyright © 2014 Immutable Word Ministries ("…the word of our God stands forever.") Isa. 40:8
Beware of drawing conclusions on a matter apart from inquiring of Jesus Christ. "They began laughing at Him" (Mk. 5:40). What appears definitive is not reality; reality is the will of God in the matter. Both Abraham and Sarah laughed at the proclamation of God concerning a future heir only to be proved foolish nine months later with the birth of Isaac (Gen. 17:17, 18:12). A matter is not settled, regardless of how conclusive or permanent it may appear. The God of miracles is immutable, willing, ready, and able to intervine when it is His good pleasure to do so, and in response to the petitions of His children (Jas. 4:2). Pleasing to the LORD are eyes of faith that continue to hope and pray until the Spirit confirms God has settled a matter. Only then is it time to put the matter behind you and move on.
Copyright © 2014 Immutable Word Ministries ("…the word of our God stands forever.") Isa. 40:8
Monday, February 24, 2014
The Terror of the Test
J.A. Matteson
There are stark moments when our incomplete understanding of who Jesus Christ is finds itself juxtaposed against His revelation of Himself to our conscience awareness. "Who then is this….?" (Mk. 4:41). Those moments generally come in times of personal crisis; God governs over them as tests. The circumstances are real, their toll if unchecked is real. It is in them Jesus Christ reveals more of Himself to us. If it were not for the terror of the test our understanding of His power and grace would be stunted. Here, Jesus intended to reveal Himself as the God over the created order; the One whom they were familiar with through the Torah, but whom they did not know personally (Ex. 14:21). To Martha and His disciples Jesus purposed in the death of Lazarus to reveal Himself as the resurrection and the life (Jn. 11:45). Peter's mother-in-law lie sick, Jesus reveals Himself as the God who heals our infinities (Lk. 4:38-39). Some of His disciples walk along the road to Emmaus after His crucifixion, Jesus approaches and reveals Himself as the One who makes His word known to His elect (Lk. 24:45). In each instance the recipients of Jesus' self-disclosure were blessed, forever changed. Jesus Christ is the same yesterday, today, and forever (Heb. 13:8). As His child, expect Him to reveal more of Himself to you when the tempests of life appear threatening.
Copyright © 2014 Immutable Word Ministries ("…the word of our God stands forever.") Isa. 40:8
There are stark moments when our incomplete understanding of who Jesus Christ is finds itself juxtaposed against His revelation of Himself to our conscience awareness. "Who then is this….?" (Mk. 4:41). Those moments generally come in times of personal crisis; God governs over them as tests. The circumstances are real, their toll if unchecked is real. It is in them Jesus Christ reveals more of Himself to us. If it were not for the terror of the test our understanding of His power and grace would be stunted. Here, Jesus intended to reveal Himself as the God over the created order; the One whom they were familiar with through the Torah, but whom they did not know personally (Ex. 14:21). To Martha and His disciples Jesus purposed in the death of Lazarus to reveal Himself as the resurrection and the life (Jn. 11:45). Peter's mother-in-law lie sick, Jesus reveals Himself as the God who heals our infinities (Lk. 4:38-39). Some of His disciples walk along the road to Emmaus after His crucifixion, Jesus approaches and reveals Himself as the One who makes His word known to His elect (Lk. 24:45). In each instance the recipients of Jesus' self-disclosure were blessed, forever changed. Jesus Christ is the same yesterday, today, and forever (Heb. 13:8). As His child, expect Him to reveal more of Himself to you when the tempests of life appear threatening.
Copyright © 2014 Immutable Word Ministries ("…the word of our God stands forever.") Isa. 40:8
Friday, February 21, 2014
The Unction of His Spirit
J.A. Matteson
Beware of filling your mind with the bias of men rather than the word of Jesus Christ as you go about ministry in His name. "...that they would be with Him...." (Mk. 3:14). Moses was forty days on the mountain; for the first six days he waited on the LORD, on the seventh day He spoke. God's servant tarried patiently, receiving from God, in His time, that which he was to know. The twelve tarried with Jesus night and day for three years. Impatience before God is a ministers downfall. It will invalidate your ministry if what you convey to those under your care is not His word to them, but the opinion of men. Ministers must become the incarnation of the word in the sense that it must first be pressed through them by the Spirit, becoming their personal experience with Jesus Christ, otherwise what is communicate lacks life. It is an exacting and deliberate act of the will to surrender your idea of urgency and wait on God. We would much rather seek out a detour, a shortcut. Spiritual immaturity itches to find another way to be a minister of grace, so by our choices our lives become packed with activity and commitments, all in the name of the Lord; we do not have time to wait on God. So we defiantly bypass God's way in pursuit of mans, reaching for the opinions of others in the form of books, CD's, DVD's and seminars, anxiously hoping to find inspirited truth. Rest assured, beloved, those under that form of guidance know that you have not been with Jesus Christ because what you proclaim lacks the unction of His Spirit. Both you and they know it is an act. Your words comes across as academic, lifeless, rather than Spirit infused transformational truth. If we want to be used much by God as ministers of His word there are no shortcuts, no bypass routes, we must ascend the mountain and spend as much time before Him as He deems necessary to instill within our hearts His message for His people. Any other preaching and teaching is a charade and of minimal spiritual benefit to those listening. If you find your self protesting, "Have you seen my schedule? I just don't have time." Then you have a decision to make, do you not? Get alone with Jesus for His guidance.
Copyright © 2014 Immutable Word Ministries ("…the word of our God stands forever.") Isa. 40:8
Beware of filling your mind with the bias of men rather than the word of Jesus Christ as you go about ministry in His name. "...that they would be with Him...." (Mk. 3:14). Moses was forty days on the mountain; for the first six days he waited on the LORD, on the seventh day He spoke. God's servant tarried patiently, receiving from God, in His time, that which he was to know. The twelve tarried with Jesus night and day for three years. Impatience before God is a ministers downfall. It will invalidate your ministry if what you convey to those under your care is not His word to them, but the opinion of men. Ministers must become the incarnation of the word in the sense that it must first be pressed through them by the Spirit, becoming their personal experience with Jesus Christ, otherwise what is communicate lacks life. It is an exacting and deliberate act of the will to surrender your idea of urgency and wait on God. We would much rather seek out a detour, a shortcut. Spiritual immaturity itches to find another way to be a minister of grace, so by our choices our lives become packed with activity and commitments, all in the name of the Lord; we do not have time to wait on God. So we defiantly bypass God's way in pursuit of mans, reaching for the opinions of others in the form of books, CD's, DVD's and seminars, anxiously hoping to find inspirited truth. Rest assured, beloved, those under that form of guidance know that you have not been with Jesus Christ because what you proclaim lacks the unction of His Spirit. Both you and they know it is an act. Your words comes across as academic, lifeless, rather than Spirit infused transformational truth. If we want to be used much by God as ministers of His word there are no shortcuts, no bypass routes, we must ascend the mountain and spend as much time before Him as He deems necessary to instill within our hearts His message for His people. Any other preaching and teaching is a charade and of minimal spiritual benefit to those listening. If you find your self protesting, "Have you seen my schedule? I just don't have time." Then you have a decision to make, do you not? Get alone with Jesus for His guidance.
Copyright © 2014 Immutable Word Ministries ("…the word of our God stands forever.") Isa. 40:8
Tuesday, February 18, 2014
Going Out
J.A. Matteson
Our deepest transformational encounters with Christ are always accompanied by intense personal discomfort, be it emotional, physical or spiritual. "Immediately the Spirit impelled Him to go out...." (Mk. 1:12). Our setting changes abruptly or subtly, circumstances become hostile to our communion with Christ, foreign, we have not been this way before. Inwardly we sense the overpowering nudge of the Spirit driving us out, away from the familiar and comfortable, away from the emotional company of others to a solitary place, away from our dependence on self and into the everlasting arms of divine grace. And most surprising to us is this inner compulsion to go out often takes place in the ordinary confines of our daily experience. It is in that setting, in that venue, Satan comes to tempt us as we depend on Christ to deliver us from evil. We are surrounded by familiar faces and things, those near and dear are unaware that inwardly we are in a desert place, a war is raging between the flesh and the Spirit, having been impelled to go out, to be purified by the Spirit through our triumph over satanic temptation. And no one on earth can comprehend the fire through which you walk, adding to its solitary experience. Conferring with flesh and blood is not advised or profitable, Jesus Christ bids you to confer with Him; He is your counselor, your wisdom, your comfort, your strength, your friend. The time will come when the test ends; grace has made you wiser, stronger, the fruit of the spirit more abundant. The gladness of your heart is filled to overflowing. You have been alone with Jesus in a desert place and prevailed by His hand, overcoming the devil, to the praise of His glorious name.
Copyright © 2014 Immutable Word Ministries ("…the word of our God stands forever.") Isa. 40:8
Our deepest transformational encounters with Christ are always accompanied by intense personal discomfort, be it emotional, physical or spiritual. "Immediately the Spirit impelled Him to go out...." (Mk. 1:12). Our setting changes abruptly or subtly, circumstances become hostile to our communion with Christ, foreign, we have not been this way before. Inwardly we sense the overpowering nudge of the Spirit driving us out, away from the familiar and comfortable, away from the emotional company of others to a solitary place, away from our dependence on self and into the everlasting arms of divine grace. And most surprising to us is this inner compulsion to go out often takes place in the ordinary confines of our daily experience. It is in that setting, in that venue, Satan comes to tempt us as we depend on Christ to deliver us from evil. We are surrounded by familiar faces and things, those near and dear are unaware that inwardly we are in a desert place, a war is raging between the flesh and the Spirit, having been impelled to go out, to be purified by the Spirit through our triumph over satanic temptation. And no one on earth can comprehend the fire through which you walk, adding to its solitary experience. Conferring with flesh and blood is not advised or profitable, Jesus Christ bids you to confer with Him; He is your counselor, your wisdom, your comfort, your strength, your friend. The time will come when the test ends; grace has made you wiser, stronger, the fruit of the spirit more abundant. The gladness of your heart is filled to overflowing. You have been alone with Jesus in a desert place and prevailed by His hand, overcoming the devil, to the praise of His glorious name.
Copyright © 2014 Immutable Word Ministries ("…the word of our God stands forever.") Isa. 40:8
Monday, February 17, 2014
Fulfilling His Commission
J.A. Matteson
To be used as a redemptive instrument of God through the Gospel is a natural effect of our abiding; too often we confuse evangelism and discipleship as being an act we perform. "I am with you always" (Matt. 28:20). In every occasion and location Jesus is with you, in you, and the intimacy of your relationship with Him is the foundation of effective ministry (Col. 1:27). If your paradymn of witnessing and discipleship is rooted in anything other than your relationship with Jesus Christ your activities will disappoint those you seek to influence, because you have yet to be influenced by the Spirit of Christ yourself (Jude 1:12); come to Him first, abide with Him, then you will hear clearly how to reach and build others up in Christ (Acts 8:29). We cannot impart what we do not posses, and a sincere inner intimacy with Jesus Christ is the quickening agent God uses to awaken the dead (Acts 4:13). To be greatly used of Jesus Christ in fulfilling His commission demands we first spend much time with Him and remain with Him as we move through the unique providential settings He engineers daily. With spiritual eyes open, in a perpetual state of inner prayer, Jesus Christ will reveal to you where He is working, gently illumining your awareness as He is speaks to you in each setting; get ready for His directive, obey immediately and completely (1 Sam. 3:10), and you will be empowered by His Spirit in that moment to fulfill what He purposed in eternity concerning the person with whom you are interacting, to the praise of His glorious name.
Copyright © 2014 Immutable Word Ministries ("…the word of our God stands forever.") Isa. 40:8
To be used as a redemptive instrument of God through the Gospel is a natural effect of our abiding; too often we confuse evangelism and discipleship as being an act we perform. "I am with you always" (Matt. 28:20). In every occasion and location Jesus is with you, in you, and the intimacy of your relationship with Him is the foundation of effective ministry (Col. 1:27). If your paradymn of witnessing and discipleship is rooted in anything other than your relationship with Jesus Christ your activities will disappoint those you seek to influence, because you have yet to be influenced by the Spirit of Christ yourself (Jude 1:12); come to Him first, abide with Him, then you will hear clearly how to reach and build others up in Christ (Acts 8:29). We cannot impart what we do not posses, and a sincere inner intimacy with Jesus Christ is the quickening agent God uses to awaken the dead (Acts 4:13). To be greatly used of Jesus Christ in fulfilling His commission demands we first spend much time with Him and remain with Him as we move through the unique providential settings He engineers daily. With spiritual eyes open, in a perpetual state of inner prayer, Jesus Christ will reveal to you where He is working, gently illumining your awareness as He is speaks to you in each setting; get ready for His directive, obey immediately and completely (1 Sam. 3:10), and you will be empowered by His Spirit in that moment to fulfill what He purposed in eternity concerning the person with whom you are interacting, to the praise of His glorious name.
Copyright © 2014 Immutable Word Ministries ("…the word of our God stands forever.") Isa. 40:8
Friday, February 14, 2014
Godly Sorrow for Sin
J.A. Matteson
Sin exposes the true spiritual state of the soul, its response to it being either a worldly remorse terminating in satanic condemnation or a godly repentance leading to eternal life. "...he went away and hanged himself" (Matt. 27:5). Peter and Judas both sinned against the Lord Jesus Christ, yet their responses to their errors was notably different and illustrates clearly the difference between the redeemed and the reprobate (Matt. 7:20). Both men upon realization of their sin are said to have "gone out" to a solitary place. But that is where the similarity between these two men ends. The Holy Spirit within the children of a God convicts of sin, redeems from bondage, restores to holiness, and in all ways makes the heart joyful and glad. The focus of conviction leading to godly grief is in the absolute horror and disgust in the sin that so easily entangles us (Heb. 12:1); the aim of the Spirit is the condemnation of sin, not the sinner redeemed from it (Rom. 8:1). The outcome of godly conviction is always towards life and further growth in grace (Jn. 15:2), bringing to fruition the promise of redemption of the elect, sealed by their great confession of faith (Eph. 1:13), which God in eternity purposed in accordance with His good pleasure, loosing none (Jn. 10:28), but bringing to glory all those foreknown to Him (Rom. 8:30). The fruit of worldly sorrow is markedly different, for its fruit is satanicly inspired, the bitter condemnation from the prince of darkness emanating in the putrid depths of hell. Its focus is antithetical to life, death is its aim, eternal misery its outcome. The spirit of worldly condemnation compels the wretched soul toward its master, satan, the father of lies. The Spirit of godly conviction compels the blessed redeemed toward the lover of their souls, the Lord Jesus Christ. O how wonderful is the godly sorrow for sin in the children of God, and how awful is the worldly spirit of condemnation in the offspring of the devil who do not hear the sweet invitation of salvation found in the Lord Jesus Christ (Jn. 10:26).
Copyright © 2014 Immutable Word Ministries ("…the word of our God stands forever.") Isa. 40:8
Sin exposes the true spiritual state of the soul, its response to it being either a worldly remorse terminating in satanic condemnation or a godly repentance leading to eternal life. "...he went away and hanged himself" (Matt. 27:5). Peter and Judas both sinned against the Lord Jesus Christ, yet their responses to their errors was notably different and illustrates clearly the difference between the redeemed and the reprobate (Matt. 7:20). Both men upon realization of their sin are said to have "gone out" to a solitary place. But that is where the similarity between these two men ends. The Holy Spirit within the children of a God convicts of sin, redeems from bondage, restores to holiness, and in all ways makes the heart joyful and glad. The focus of conviction leading to godly grief is in the absolute horror and disgust in the sin that so easily entangles us (Heb. 12:1); the aim of the Spirit is the condemnation of sin, not the sinner redeemed from it (Rom. 8:1). The outcome of godly conviction is always towards life and further growth in grace (Jn. 15:2), bringing to fruition the promise of redemption of the elect, sealed by their great confession of faith (Eph. 1:13), which God in eternity purposed in accordance with His good pleasure, loosing none (Jn. 10:28), but bringing to glory all those foreknown to Him (Rom. 8:30). The fruit of worldly sorrow is markedly different, for its fruit is satanicly inspired, the bitter condemnation from the prince of darkness emanating in the putrid depths of hell. Its focus is antithetical to life, death is its aim, eternal misery its outcome. The spirit of worldly condemnation compels the wretched soul toward its master, satan, the father of lies. The Spirit of godly conviction compels the blessed redeemed toward the lover of their souls, the Lord Jesus Christ. O how wonderful is the godly sorrow for sin in the children of God, and how awful is the worldly spirit of condemnation in the offspring of the devil who do not hear the sweet invitation of salvation found in the Lord Jesus Christ (Jn. 10:26).
Copyright © 2014 Immutable Word Ministries ("…the word of our God stands forever.") Isa. 40:8
Thursday, February 13, 2014
Following Jesus Closely
J.A. Matteson
Can a branch abide in the vine remotely? Is it possible for grapes to grow detached from the vine? Are the words spoken by another heard best at a distance or in close proximity? "But Peter was following Him at distance...." (Matt. 26:58). When Jesus invites us to follow Him, He expects us to remain with Him, come what may (Jn. 6:67). How easy it is to follow Him closely, to openly associate with Jesus when our present company speaks well of Him (Matt. 21:9). It is quite different when we find ourselves in the company of those who are opposed to Christ, openly decrying His holy name (Acts. 8:1). In that setting do we seek to hide our identity in Christ in order to avoid persecution, to be accepted in the company of the group? In a moment of weakness Peter feared the disapproval of men more than the displeasure of God. We can all identify with Peter at some level. Fortunately the grace of God is astounding, and through the gift of repentance God gently restores us to fellowship, abiding, following Jesus closely. Difficult moments will come again, testing your allegiance to Christ. The surest way to follow Jesus close at the time of testing is to daily beseech the Lord to enable you to stand when the occasion arrives. And He who called you is faithful to strengthen you, to the praise of His glorious name (Jude 1:24-25).
Copyright © 2014 Immutable Word Ministries ("…the word of our God stands forever.") Isa. 40:8
Can a branch abide in the vine remotely? Is it possible for grapes to grow detached from the vine? Are the words spoken by another heard best at a distance or in close proximity? "But Peter was following Him at distance...." (Matt. 26:58). When Jesus invites us to follow Him, He expects us to remain with Him, come what may (Jn. 6:67). How easy it is to follow Him closely, to openly associate with Jesus when our present company speaks well of Him (Matt. 21:9). It is quite different when we find ourselves in the company of those who are opposed to Christ, openly decrying His holy name (Acts. 8:1). In that setting do we seek to hide our identity in Christ in order to avoid persecution, to be accepted in the company of the group? In a moment of weakness Peter feared the disapproval of men more than the displeasure of God. We can all identify with Peter at some level. Fortunately the grace of God is astounding, and through the gift of repentance God gently restores us to fellowship, abiding, following Jesus closely. Difficult moments will come again, testing your allegiance to Christ. The surest way to follow Jesus close at the time of testing is to daily beseech the Lord to enable you to stand when the occasion arrives. And He who called you is faithful to strengthen you, to the praise of His glorious name (Jude 1:24-25).
Copyright © 2014 Immutable Word Ministries ("…the word of our God stands forever.") Isa. 40:8
Tuesday, February 11, 2014
Rightly Abiding
J.A. Matteson
Be careful not to impune the motives of another's devotion to the Lord, for in so doing He make rebuke you. "Why do you trouble the woman?" (Matt. 26:10). One persons excess is another's joyful gift of love. With a critical heart we may examine the ministry of another, reasoning thus, "I would have done such and such." Do we see the root of our objection as pride? We may find ourselves with a critical spirit scrutinizing the ministry of another, and when we listen carefully we may also hear the words of Jesus asking us, "What is that to you?" (Jn. 21:22). When we are focused on criticizing others we are unable to gaze upon Christ, for it is impossible to fix our gaze on two separate objects simultaneously. When we are rightly abiding in Christ the ministry of others exalting Him in truth is our joy, regardless of its display, and we do not entertain demonic suggestions of ill intent, but interpret all things through the spiritual filter of love (1 Sam. 16:7). The whole earth is the Lords, all praise and honor and worship are due Him. Worship the Lord in spirit and truth in your own context as moved by the Spirit, affording others the grace to do likewise.
Copyright © 2014 Immutable Word Ministries ("…the word of our God stands forever.") Isa. 40:8
Be careful not to impune the motives of another's devotion to the Lord, for in so doing He make rebuke you. "Why do you trouble the woman?" (Matt. 26:10). One persons excess is another's joyful gift of love. With a critical heart we may examine the ministry of another, reasoning thus, "I would have done such and such." Do we see the root of our objection as pride? We may find ourselves with a critical spirit scrutinizing the ministry of another, and when we listen carefully we may also hear the words of Jesus asking us, "What is that to you?" (Jn. 21:22). When we are focused on criticizing others we are unable to gaze upon Christ, for it is impossible to fix our gaze on two separate objects simultaneously. When we are rightly abiding in Christ the ministry of others exalting Him in truth is our joy, regardless of its display, and we do not entertain demonic suggestions of ill intent, but interpret all things through the spiritual filter of love (1 Sam. 16:7). The whole earth is the Lords, all praise and honor and worship are due Him. Worship the Lord in spirit and truth in your own context as moved by the Spirit, affording others the grace to do likewise.
Copyright © 2014 Immutable Word Ministries ("…the word of our God stands forever.") Isa. 40:8
Friday, February 7, 2014
Dead to the External
J.A. Matteson
We may spend time with Jesus on the mount in prayer, behold His glory, enjoy His sweet fellowship throughout the day, and can still miss the orientation of His heart. "...His disciples came up to point out the temple buildings to Him" (Matt. 24:1). How easily we become entangled in the apparent significance of religious trappings rather than the spiritual truth they are intended to represent. Great time, energy, material resources and money are dedicated to them, when God would have us dedicate the focus of our lives on cleaning the inside our our cup, rather than being impressed with its external beauty (Matt. 23:25). Jesus was dead to external religious pretense, and so must His disciples be. By contrast Jesus was well pleased with the inner spiritual beauty of a ransomed soul, those often rejected by the religious (Lk. 7:39). If we are to be of service to Jesus Christ we must get close to Him until His perception of worldly things becomes ours. To love and rejoice at the inner beauty of a soul bringing forth the fruit of the Spirit is much preferred over the external appearance of the temple the Spirit resides within. The Jerusalem temple was an architectural wonder, but one filled with spiritual lawlessness. Jesus was unimpressed, He focused on the spiritual condition of its use, His disciples were preoccupied with the physical. Externally the Pharisees appeared beautiful in their religious attire, inwardly they were filled with wickedness. We must continually strive to perceive the spiritual reality of a setting as Jesus did; "you will know them by their fruit" (Matt. 7:16). If our house of worship is transforming souls who are increasingly bringing forth the fruit of the Spirit, Jesus is well pleased. If our house of worship is filled with lawlessness Jesus is not only unimpressed, but His judgement will in time visit that congregation (Rev. 2:20). Only with the light of Christ will we correctly discern His heart in our situation and be able to respond in a manner pleasing to Him (Matt. 16:3).
Copyright © 2014 Immutable Word Ministries ("…the word of our God stands forever.") Isa. 40:8
We may spend time with Jesus on the mount in prayer, behold His glory, enjoy His sweet fellowship throughout the day, and can still miss the orientation of His heart. "...His disciples came up to point out the temple buildings to Him" (Matt. 24:1). How easily we become entangled in the apparent significance of religious trappings rather than the spiritual truth they are intended to represent. Great time, energy, material resources and money are dedicated to them, when God would have us dedicate the focus of our lives on cleaning the inside our our cup, rather than being impressed with its external beauty (Matt. 23:25). Jesus was dead to external religious pretense, and so must His disciples be. By contrast Jesus was well pleased with the inner spiritual beauty of a ransomed soul, those often rejected by the religious (Lk. 7:39). If we are to be of service to Jesus Christ we must get close to Him until His perception of worldly things becomes ours. To love and rejoice at the inner beauty of a soul bringing forth the fruit of the Spirit is much preferred over the external appearance of the temple the Spirit resides within. The Jerusalem temple was an architectural wonder, but one filled with spiritual lawlessness. Jesus was unimpressed, He focused on the spiritual condition of its use, His disciples were preoccupied with the physical. Externally the Pharisees appeared beautiful in their religious attire, inwardly they were filled with wickedness. We must continually strive to perceive the spiritual reality of a setting as Jesus did; "you will know them by their fruit" (Matt. 7:16). If our house of worship is transforming souls who are increasingly bringing forth the fruit of the Spirit, Jesus is well pleased. If our house of worship is filled with lawlessness Jesus is not only unimpressed, but His judgement will in time visit that congregation (Rev. 2:20). Only with the light of Christ will we correctly discern His heart in our situation and be able to respond in a manner pleasing to Him (Matt. 16:3).
Copyright © 2014 Immutable Word Ministries ("…the word of our God stands forever.") Isa. 40:8
Wednesday, February 5, 2014
Of No Consequence
J.A. Matteson
To be noticed by men for good works or to be in a position of honor among the saints is not sin. Seeking to be noticed by others or coveting position in order to be honored by men is pride, that is sinful. "But they do all their deeds to be noticed by men" (Matt. 23:5). Oh how subtle is the flesh and Devil to draw saints into this temptation. To desire that others speak well of you, to desire validation of you efforts and to inwardly feel misused when "Thank you" or "Well done" is absent. Develop the habit of not looking back for approval or praise. Refrain from searching out sources and places where others may express their opinion of you as to your ministry. It should be of no consequence to you how others view your ministry when all that you do is done for the glory of God (Col. 3:23). The intent of our heart should be pleasing Jesus Christ, to go unnoticed by men in ministry, decreasing that He might increase, in secret laying out the intent of your heart before Him (Matt. 6:1-4). Cut away all things that draw your attention to yourself before men. Starve the remnant of human pride until all that remains in view is Jesus Christ lifted up.
Copyright © 2014 Immutable Word Ministries ("…the word of our God stands forever.") Isa. 40:8
To be noticed by men for good works or to be in a position of honor among the saints is not sin. Seeking to be noticed by others or coveting position in order to be honored by men is pride, that is sinful. "But they do all their deeds to be noticed by men" (Matt. 23:5). Oh how subtle is the flesh and Devil to draw saints into this temptation. To desire that others speak well of you, to desire validation of you efforts and to inwardly feel misused when "Thank you" or "Well done" is absent. Develop the habit of not looking back for approval or praise. Refrain from searching out sources and places where others may express their opinion of you as to your ministry. It should be of no consequence to you how others view your ministry when all that you do is done for the glory of God (Col. 3:23). The intent of our heart should be pleasing Jesus Christ, to go unnoticed by men in ministry, decreasing that He might increase, in secret laying out the intent of your heart before Him (Matt. 6:1-4). Cut away all things that draw your attention to yourself before men. Starve the remnant of human pride until all that remains in view is Jesus Christ lifted up.
Copyright © 2014 Immutable Word Ministries ("…the word of our God stands forever.") Isa. 40:8
Saturday, February 1, 2014
Trust Him in Every Situation
J.A. Matteson
To sojourn with Jesus is to be awakened to that which He ordained for you before the foundation of the world. "This took place to fulfill what was spoken...." (Matt. 21:4). Too often we misinterpret events as unrelated to our sanctification, when in reality all things bare directly upon it (1 Thess. 4:3). Before you took your first breath all your days were lovingly crafted by your Heavenly Father to present you to the Son of God acceptable and perfect when you meet your Lord face to face in heaven (Ps. 139:16). Knowing it is written that each day of our lives are ordained, and that as a child of God our circumstances are engineered to bring about our sanctification, we may continue along our pilgrim pathway with confidence, knowing that all of God's revealed promises in His word are "yes" for those in Christ Jesus (2 Cor. 1:20). How easy it is for us to get bogged down in the minucia of our daily experience, burdened over this, anxious over that, taking our focus off the entirety of the tapestry of our lives God is weaving together. We focus on the individual knots as the rug is weaved, God's attention is on the completed product. We stir over His means while He lovingly pursues His end. It is not God's will that His children be filled with fear and anxiety, but that they rest moment by moment in Him (Matt. 11:28). In this regard you may embrace each day, every trial, all temptations and storms as ordained by God to further your sanctification. You may trust Him in every situation, even when you do not understand. Interpret the situation in light of His end, your sanctification. In it He will walk with you, never leaving nor forsaking you (Heb. 13:5). He may not directly cause trying circumstances, but may allow secondary causes to bring them about. And in the midst of them you also know with absolute certainty, for it is written, that He has your welfare in mind (Rom. 8:28). "All things," these are the knots in the tapestry of your life experience God has ordained for you. "Work together for good", this is the beautiful end product of your sanctification God will complete (Phil. 1:6). Rest, beloved, in knowing that whatsoever comes to pass in your life this day it is to fulfill that which has been spoken, your sanctification.
Copyright © 2014 Immutable Word Ministries ("…the word of our God stands forever.") Isa. 40:8
To sojourn with Jesus is to be awakened to that which He ordained for you before the foundation of the world. "This took place to fulfill what was spoken...." (Matt. 21:4). Too often we misinterpret events as unrelated to our sanctification, when in reality all things bare directly upon it (1 Thess. 4:3). Before you took your first breath all your days were lovingly crafted by your Heavenly Father to present you to the Son of God acceptable and perfect when you meet your Lord face to face in heaven (Ps. 139:16). Knowing it is written that each day of our lives are ordained, and that as a child of God our circumstances are engineered to bring about our sanctification, we may continue along our pilgrim pathway with confidence, knowing that all of God's revealed promises in His word are "yes" for those in Christ Jesus (2 Cor. 1:20). How easy it is for us to get bogged down in the minucia of our daily experience, burdened over this, anxious over that, taking our focus off the entirety of the tapestry of our lives God is weaving together. We focus on the individual knots as the rug is weaved, God's attention is on the completed product. We stir over His means while He lovingly pursues His end. It is not God's will that His children be filled with fear and anxiety, but that they rest moment by moment in Him (Matt. 11:28). In this regard you may embrace each day, every trial, all temptations and storms as ordained by God to further your sanctification. You may trust Him in every situation, even when you do not understand. Interpret the situation in light of His end, your sanctification. In it He will walk with you, never leaving nor forsaking you (Heb. 13:5). He may not directly cause trying circumstances, but may allow secondary causes to bring them about. And in the midst of them you also know with absolute certainty, for it is written, that He has your welfare in mind (Rom. 8:28). "All things," these are the knots in the tapestry of your life experience God has ordained for you. "Work together for good", this is the beautiful end product of your sanctification God will complete (Phil. 1:6). Rest, beloved, in knowing that whatsoever comes to pass in your life this day it is to fulfill that which has been spoken, your sanctification.
Copyright © 2014 Immutable Word Ministries ("…the word of our God stands forever.") Isa. 40:8
Friday, January 31, 2014
The Leaders God Raises Up
J.A. Matteson
Self promotion is antithetical to kingdom life, even if position is sought purportedly for the right reasons, such as the advancement of the gospel. "You do not know what you are asking" (Matt. 20:22). If we think our influence for Christ may be increased by attaining such and such a position we are blind, deluded, we have yet to understand our calling in Christ. Until we are quite content to serve Jesus in obscurity we have yet to comprehend the kingdom of God. At the wedding feast of the Lamb will be countless saints unknown to the annals of written history, to whom the Lord Jesus will exalt; the least will be greatest and the last will be first. We strive and pray in our service and in response to our petition Jesus replies, "You do not know what you are asking." The leaders God raises up are reluctant leaders, dreadfully hesitant, those who recognize their weaknesses and failures, saints who beseech the Lord to please, please, choose another, and yet obey when the command comes, "Who am I, that I should go...?" (Ex. 3:11). The mantle of leadership is awfully burdensome, wise men seek it not. Solomon was God's chosen leader for Israel and terrified of the responsibility as king. In humility he asked for wisdom, not honor before men, to lead God's people, and his request was pleasing to the Lord (2 Chr. 1:11). Beseech, therefore, wisdom and grace to serve the Lord in obscurity with gratefulness. Be thankful that the heavy weight of leadership has not been placed upon you. Yet know that if the Lord should choose you to bare the burden of leading His people that His grace is sufficient to perform that to which He calls you. If you find in your heart ambitious thoughts of pursuing position, listen carefully to the Spirit of Christ, "You do not know what you are asking." God's leaders are called, not self-made.
Copyright © 2014 Immutable Word Ministries ("…the word of our God stands forever.") Isa. 40:8
Self promotion is antithetical to kingdom life, even if position is sought purportedly for the right reasons, such as the advancement of the gospel. "You do not know what you are asking" (Matt. 20:22). If we think our influence for Christ may be increased by attaining such and such a position we are blind, deluded, we have yet to understand our calling in Christ. Until we are quite content to serve Jesus in obscurity we have yet to comprehend the kingdom of God. At the wedding feast of the Lamb will be countless saints unknown to the annals of written history, to whom the Lord Jesus will exalt; the least will be greatest and the last will be first. We strive and pray in our service and in response to our petition Jesus replies, "You do not know what you are asking." The leaders God raises up are reluctant leaders, dreadfully hesitant, those who recognize their weaknesses and failures, saints who beseech the Lord to please, please, choose another, and yet obey when the command comes, "Who am I, that I should go...?" (Ex. 3:11). The mantle of leadership is awfully burdensome, wise men seek it not. Solomon was God's chosen leader for Israel and terrified of the responsibility as king. In humility he asked for wisdom, not honor before men, to lead God's people, and his request was pleasing to the Lord (2 Chr. 1:11). Beseech, therefore, wisdom and grace to serve the Lord in obscurity with gratefulness. Be thankful that the heavy weight of leadership has not been placed upon you. Yet know that if the Lord should choose you to bare the burden of leading His people that His grace is sufficient to perform that to which He calls you. If you find in your heart ambitious thoughts of pursuing position, listen carefully to the Spirit of Christ, "You do not know what you are asking." God's leaders are called, not self-made.
Copyright © 2014 Immutable Word Ministries ("…the word of our God stands forever.") Isa. 40:8
Wednesday, January 29, 2014
His Providential Hand
J.A. Matteson
In the course of human events, public or private, the haze of circumstances may obscure the Lords promise because we have taken our spiritual eye off Him. "All things work together for good to them that love God" (Rom. 8:28). Our problem comes into focus when we question God's love or concern when circumstances are unpleasant; namely, our disobedience in taking no thought of our life (Matt. 6:25). Jesus says not to become obsessed with food, clothing, money or its lack. We protest by our actions, charging off headstrong along a particular path with the intent to secure them. All the while we demonstrate our disobedience to the Lord's command, "Take no thought." It is essential that we perceive the Lord's hand in every circumstance, even the smallest detail. Unless it is seen that He engineers our daily circumstances for His glory and our good we will continue to disobey His command, "Take no thought." Jesus Christ took no thought of His life, but moment by moment entrusted Himself to the providential care of His Father. The cares of this world are like ocean breakers constantly beating upon the shoreline of our lives. And unless we align our will and obedience in them to the Spirit an erosion of trust in God will result, and we become ineffectual vessels to the Lord. Plan your way today, but allow God to direct your steps as He chooses. Submit your will and plan to His providential hand, anticipate it, expect it, respond by seeking first His kingdom and righteousness in every circumstance. Never consider your circumstances as odd, but divine opportunities to obey by "taking no thought of your life." Only by seeing God's providential hand in his imprisonment in Rome could the apostle Paul comfort his friends in Philippi, assuring them that his confinement had actually advanced the cause of the Gospel (Phil. 1:12).
Copyright © 2014 Immutable Word Ministries ("…the word of our God stands forever.") Isa. 40:8
In the course of human events, public or private, the haze of circumstances may obscure the Lords promise because we have taken our spiritual eye off Him. "All things work together for good to them that love God" (Rom. 8:28). Our problem comes into focus when we question God's love or concern when circumstances are unpleasant; namely, our disobedience in taking no thought of our life (Matt. 6:25). Jesus says not to become obsessed with food, clothing, money or its lack. We protest by our actions, charging off headstrong along a particular path with the intent to secure them. All the while we demonstrate our disobedience to the Lord's command, "Take no thought." It is essential that we perceive the Lord's hand in every circumstance, even the smallest detail. Unless it is seen that He engineers our daily circumstances for His glory and our good we will continue to disobey His command, "Take no thought." Jesus Christ took no thought of His life, but moment by moment entrusted Himself to the providential care of His Father. The cares of this world are like ocean breakers constantly beating upon the shoreline of our lives. And unless we align our will and obedience in them to the Spirit an erosion of trust in God will result, and we become ineffectual vessels to the Lord. Plan your way today, but allow God to direct your steps as He chooses. Submit your will and plan to His providential hand, anticipate it, expect it, respond by seeking first His kingdom and righteousness in every circumstance. Never consider your circumstances as odd, but divine opportunities to obey by "taking no thought of your life." Only by seeing God's providential hand in his imprisonment in Rome could the apostle Paul comfort his friends in Philippi, assuring them that his confinement had actually advanced the cause of the Gospel (Phil. 1:12).
Copyright © 2014 Immutable Word Ministries ("…the word of our God stands forever.") Isa. 40:8
Wednesday, January 22, 2014
Surrender Your Way
J.A. Matteson
Are you continuing to struggle in spirit when your plans are dashed? "I will grant this people favor in the sight of the Egyptians" (Ex. 3:21). Unrest results when we don't get our way. Fruitfulness occurs when we surrender our way for God's will. Saints use their intellect to chart their daily course, but the hand of Providence determines outcomes. Unless you surrender your way to God's sovereignty today peace will elude you. The day begins, relationships and events develop contrary to your plans. It is imperative that you discern God has placed before you a fork in the road, which path will you take: faith or fear. If you choose to walk in the flesh the fruit of fearfulness will manifest itself. If you choose to walk in the spirit, an attitude of thanksgiving and worship will overflow from you. Recognize, Christian, that it is the LORD who works in the hearts of those with whom you come into contact, influencing how they perceive you and respond to you. If you find favor in their sight, thank God. If they are adverse toward you recognize that this too is from the hand of God. Immediately inquire of the LORD as to His will and direction in that setting, He is directing your steps, though you have planned your way (Prv. 16:9). As you move forward through the circumstance by faith look for His providential blessing through you, as His instrument, to build up another pilgrim or to proclaim Jesus Christ to an individual who He is calling. The affairs of earthly concerns that occupy your attention are a mere trifle before the LORD and useful to Him in order to strategically deploy His ambassadors in the daily out-working of His redemptive will. The primary aim this day is to seek first His kingdom and righteousness, walk in the spirit, and consider unanticipated obstacles as God's directing you to fulfill His redemptive will in the life of another. When, by His grace, you perceive what He is up to joy will fill your heart that He chose to work through you to bless another person.
Copyright © 2014 Immutable Word Ministries ("…the word of our God stands forever.") Isa. 40:8
Are you continuing to struggle in spirit when your plans are dashed? "I will grant this people favor in the sight of the Egyptians" (Ex. 3:21). Unrest results when we don't get our way. Fruitfulness occurs when we surrender our way for God's will. Saints use their intellect to chart their daily course, but the hand of Providence determines outcomes. Unless you surrender your way to God's sovereignty today peace will elude you. The day begins, relationships and events develop contrary to your plans. It is imperative that you discern God has placed before you a fork in the road, which path will you take: faith or fear. If you choose to walk in the flesh the fruit of fearfulness will manifest itself. If you choose to walk in the spirit, an attitude of thanksgiving and worship will overflow from you. Recognize, Christian, that it is the LORD who works in the hearts of those with whom you come into contact, influencing how they perceive you and respond to you. If you find favor in their sight, thank God. If they are adverse toward you recognize that this too is from the hand of God. Immediately inquire of the LORD as to His will and direction in that setting, He is directing your steps, though you have planned your way (Prv. 16:9). As you move forward through the circumstance by faith look for His providential blessing through you, as His instrument, to build up another pilgrim or to proclaim Jesus Christ to an individual who He is calling. The affairs of earthly concerns that occupy your attention are a mere trifle before the LORD and useful to Him in order to strategically deploy His ambassadors in the daily out-working of His redemptive will. The primary aim this day is to seek first His kingdom and righteousness, walk in the spirit, and consider unanticipated obstacles as God's directing you to fulfill His redemptive will in the life of another. When, by His grace, you perceive what He is up to joy will fill your heart that He chose to work through you to bless another person.
Copyright © 2014 Immutable Word Ministries ("…the word of our God stands forever.") Isa. 40:8
Friday, January 17, 2014
The Power of His Love
J.A. Matteson
There are moments of weakness for every saint in their journey, especially new believers. "A bruised reed He will not break, and smoking flax He will not quench" (Matt. 12:20). The tender mercy and compassion of the Lord Jesus Christ are eternal, He is the Ancient of Days. The Lord is ever mindful of our weakest moments and knows that we are dust and flesh. In our weakness He never condemns us--that's the devils practice-- but builds us up by the power of His love. Carefully and with precision the bruised reed is gently brought back to its erect position by the hands of grace and held there until it is mended and once again able to bend in the winds of adversity, made stronger than it was prior on account of its bruise. The same tender hand of grace cups the smoking flask, nearly extinguished, gently blowing life upon it until the small blue flame erupts to amber then hot white. The Lord knows His own and as a faithful Shepherd He protects, nourishes, and binds up the bruises of His sheep. During your weakest moments when strength has evaporated and prayerful utterances are evasive, He who called you by name is Faithful, He will uphold you and restore you, bringing to completion the good which He started in you until the day of Christ Jesus.
Copyright © 2014 Immutable Word Ministries ("…the word of our God stands forever." Isa. 40:8).
There are moments of weakness for every saint in their journey, especially new believers. "A bruised reed He will not break, and smoking flax He will not quench" (Matt. 12:20). The tender mercy and compassion of the Lord Jesus Christ are eternal, He is the Ancient of Days. The Lord is ever mindful of our weakest moments and knows that we are dust and flesh. In our weakness He never condemns us--that's the devils practice-- but builds us up by the power of His love. Carefully and with precision the bruised reed is gently brought back to its erect position by the hands of grace and held there until it is mended and once again able to bend in the winds of adversity, made stronger than it was prior on account of its bruise. The same tender hand of grace cups the smoking flask, nearly extinguished, gently blowing life upon it until the small blue flame erupts to amber then hot white. The Lord knows His own and as a faithful Shepherd He protects, nourishes, and binds up the bruises of His sheep. During your weakest moments when strength has evaporated and prayerful utterances are evasive, He who called you by name is Faithful, He will uphold you and restore you, bringing to completion the good which He started in you until the day of Christ Jesus.
Copyright © 2014 Immutable Word Ministries ("…the word of our God stands forever." Isa. 40:8).
Thursday, January 16, 2014
Maintain Your Integrity
J.A. Matteson
It is better to walk with integrity and to have little than to tread the pathway of fools and possess much. "The LORD was with Joseph, so he became a successful man" (Gen. 39:2). It should never be the ambition of saints to be successful, as the world measures success, but to be faithful to the LORD. And in so doing, and if it be His will, He will exalt you in due season. God will not be mocked, a man shall reap that which he sews. He who sews unto the flesh will, in due season, be forced to eat the bitter fruit of his folly. He who sews unto the Spirit shall reap glory, blessing, and honor from the LORD. As the proverb notes, "There is a way that seems right to a man, but its end is the way of death" (Prv. 14:12). The fool who does not know the LORD brazenly schemes to distort his image before men, pursuing illegitimate gain by concealing truth. Saints survey the landscape of men, pondering how it is that the wicked prosper while so often the righteous suffer. As sons of the day, children of the Light, grace allows the saints to behold foolish men from the LORD's perspective, so rather than being filled with envy saints are burdened with pity, knowing that unless the fool repents divine calamity will surely visit him. It was well pleasing in the sight of God that His servant Joseph should find favor in the eyes of his master. Integrity of reputation is a jewel earned over time, but can be lost in a moment. The world may steal your possessions, bare false witness against you, impune your motives, mock your God, marginalize you from its fellowship, but it can never strip you of your integrity nor your intimate fellowship with Jesus Christ. He knows where you are at this moment and the circumstances buffeting you. As Joseph continued to trust in the LORD his God when rejected by men, in the foul depths of a dungeon, saints can rest in the everlasting arms of Him who bled and died so that they might live. It is a small thing to suffer for His namesake as you maintain your integrity by walking in righteousness. In due season He will exalt you as you humbly walk before Him in obedience.
Copyright © 2014 Immutable Word Ministries ("…the word of our God stands forever." Isa. 40:8).
It is better to walk with integrity and to have little than to tread the pathway of fools and possess much. "The LORD was with Joseph, so he became a successful man" (Gen. 39:2). It should never be the ambition of saints to be successful, as the world measures success, but to be faithful to the LORD. And in so doing, and if it be His will, He will exalt you in due season. God will not be mocked, a man shall reap that which he sews. He who sews unto the flesh will, in due season, be forced to eat the bitter fruit of his folly. He who sews unto the Spirit shall reap glory, blessing, and honor from the LORD. As the proverb notes, "There is a way that seems right to a man, but its end is the way of death" (Prv. 14:12). The fool who does not know the LORD brazenly schemes to distort his image before men, pursuing illegitimate gain by concealing truth. Saints survey the landscape of men, pondering how it is that the wicked prosper while so often the righteous suffer. As sons of the day, children of the Light, grace allows the saints to behold foolish men from the LORD's perspective, so rather than being filled with envy saints are burdened with pity, knowing that unless the fool repents divine calamity will surely visit him. It was well pleasing in the sight of God that His servant Joseph should find favor in the eyes of his master. Integrity of reputation is a jewel earned over time, but can be lost in a moment. The world may steal your possessions, bare false witness against you, impune your motives, mock your God, marginalize you from its fellowship, but it can never strip you of your integrity nor your intimate fellowship with Jesus Christ. He knows where you are at this moment and the circumstances buffeting you. As Joseph continued to trust in the LORD his God when rejected by men, in the foul depths of a dungeon, saints can rest in the everlasting arms of Him who bled and died so that they might live. It is a small thing to suffer for His namesake as you maintain your integrity by walking in righteousness. In due season He will exalt you as you humbly walk before Him in obedience.
Copyright © 2014 Immutable Word Ministries ("…the word of our God stands forever." Isa. 40:8).
Wednesday, January 15, 2014
Freedom from Anxiety
J.A. Matteson
How often we are prone to walk by sight in the hustle and bustle of the day when circumstances are either delightful or threatening. "...not one of them [sparrow] will fall to the ground apart from your Father" (Matt. 10:29). It makes no difference, the state of our lot, we often fret needlessly when our LORD promises that we are continually under His watch. It is not that we do not believe His promise, but we are prone to forget it. The antidote to forgetfulness is thoughtfulness. The apostle Paul exhorts saints to pray without ceasing (1 Thess. 5:17), meaning, to walk in the Spirit--perceiving your circumstance as ordained by God and responding in righteousness--and this requires practice. What freedom from anxiety awaits the pilgrim who encounters trials with inquisitiveness and who with childlike faith inquires, "Lord, what have we here?" It is not God's will that His children be fearful, but that they be faithful; that is, full of faith as they encounter daily circumstances, be they pleasant or painful. Wisdom discerns that in them God is up to something. And unless you inquire, "Lord, what have we here"?, not only will you likely be filled with fear when the sea tosses, but you will miss the point and blessing of what God is teaching you. The saints of old were not super heros, but average men and women who kept the presence of God continually in their conscience present, enabling them to respond to daily circumstances boldly and righteously. Did they always get it right by responding in righteousness? No. Nevertheless, they left for us an example, to learn from both their victories and failures what it looks like to walk faithfully and humbly before our God. Keep your spiritual eyes open today by discerning God's providential hand in the minutest details of your day. Doing so opens the treasuries of heaven to fill your heart with joy and wonder as you grow in your ability to see His hand in and through all things.
Copyright © 2014 Immutable Word Ministries ("…the word of our God stands forever." Isa. 40:8).
How often we are prone to walk by sight in the hustle and bustle of the day when circumstances are either delightful or threatening. "...not one of them [sparrow] will fall to the ground apart from your Father" (Matt. 10:29). It makes no difference, the state of our lot, we often fret needlessly when our LORD promises that we are continually under His watch. It is not that we do not believe His promise, but we are prone to forget it. The antidote to forgetfulness is thoughtfulness. The apostle Paul exhorts saints to pray without ceasing (1 Thess. 5:17), meaning, to walk in the Spirit--perceiving your circumstance as ordained by God and responding in righteousness--and this requires practice. What freedom from anxiety awaits the pilgrim who encounters trials with inquisitiveness and who with childlike faith inquires, "Lord, what have we here?" It is not God's will that His children be fearful, but that they be faithful; that is, full of faith as they encounter daily circumstances, be they pleasant or painful. Wisdom discerns that in them God is up to something. And unless you inquire, "Lord, what have we here"?, not only will you likely be filled with fear when the sea tosses, but you will miss the point and blessing of what God is teaching you. The saints of old were not super heros, but average men and women who kept the presence of God continually in their conscience present, enabling them to respond to daily circumstances boldly and righteously. Did they always get it right by responding in righteousness? No. Nevertheless, they left for us an example, to learn from both their victories and failures what it looks like to walk faithfully and humbly before our God. Keep your spiritual eyes open today by discerning God's providential hand in the minutest details of your day. Doing so opens the treasuries of heaven to fill your heart with joy and wonder as you grow in your ability to see His hand in and through all things.
Copyright © 2014 Immutable Word Ministries ("…the word of our God stands forever." Isa. 40:8).
Monday, January 13, 2014
Hope Is Jesus Christ
J.A. Matteson
God is able and often willing to intersect our life experience in delightful ways far beyond what we might imagine or consider, but our unbelief often stays His hand. "Daughter, take courage, your faith has made you well" (Matt. 9:22). Unless I first believe Jesus can, He will not. He will not tolerate or compete with a spirit of unbelief, and will instead allow me to spend time and resources until I come to the end of myself, pursuing Him with faithful desperation. Until my heart confesses that in nothing else or in anyone else is relief possible--but in Christ alone is my victory assured--He will allow me to waste my time and resources chasing a mirage, my hopes dashed upon the ground. Hope is not in Jesus Christ, hope is Jesus Christ (Ps. 71:5). Will you be humiliated for Jesus' sake, a fool for Christ? Are you prepared to cast aside what the world might think in your utter desperation to get to Jesus? Have your hopes in human solutions to your situation completely disappointed you yet, to the point of despair? Lift up your eyes, nearby your Redeemer passes. Approach Him quickly, confidently, believing He is able to deliver you, He is filled with compassion to assist all who place their trust in Him. Unbelief, ignorance, and pride are the devils prized weapons to effectively keep weary souls from coming to Jesus Christ. Confront them to disempower him, confessing them as the sin they are. Your Savior bids you "Come." The Spirit and the bride say "Come." Press through in joyful expectation to receive what your Lord has purposed to graciously bestow upon you in response to your faith in Him.
Copyright © 2014 Immutable Word Ministries ("…the word of our God stands forever." Isa. 40:8).
God is able and often willing to intersect our life experience in delightful ways far beyond what we might imagine or consider, but our unbelief often stays His hand. "Daughter, take courage, your faith has made you well" (Matt. 9:22). Unless I first believe Jesus can, He will not. He will not tolerate or compete with a spirit of unbelief, and will instead allow me to spend time and resources until I come to the end of myself, pursuing Him with faithful desperation. Until my heart confesses that in nothing else or in anyone else is relief possible--but in Christ alone is my victory assured--He will allow me to waste my time and resources chasing a mirage, my hopes dashed upon the ground. Hope is not in Jesus Christ, hope is Jesus Christ (Ps. 71:5). Will you be humiliated for Jesus' sake, a fool for Christ? Are you prepared to cast aside what the world might think in your utter desperation to get to Jesus? Have your hopes in human solutions to your situation completely disappointed you yet, to the point of despair? Lift up your eyes, nearby your Redeemer passes. Approach Him quickly, confidently, believing He is able to deliver you, He is filled with compassion to assist all who place their trust in Him. Unbelief, ignorance, and pride are the devils prized weapons to effectively keep weary souls from coming to Jesus Christ. Confront them to disempower him, confessing them as the sin they are. Your Savior bids you "Come." The Spirit and the bride say "Come." Press through in joyful expectation to receive what your Lord has purposed to graciously bestow upon you in response to your faith in Him.
Copyright © 2014 Immutable Word Ministries ("…the word of our God stands forever." Isa. 40:8).
Saturday, January 11, 2014
The Inward Precedes the Outward
J.A. Matteson
Too often we confuse what Jesus is implying by infusing personal bias into His invitation. "Teacher, I will follow You wherever You go" (Matt. 8:19). We must go out in our mind, out in our will first, otherwise our physical change in location is a ruse and of no value to the King and His kingdom. It is not our geographical position Jesus aims to alter, but the pliability of our will to obey Him in the subtle areas of disobedience. Physically moving from here to there is easy and does not further our sanctification. Unless I am willing to obey Him from the heart my trekking about over land and sea is a sham. Discipleship takes place not in the physical dimension in what I do or where I go for Christ--as though He is dependent on me for anything--but in the spiritual dimension through what I become by the grace of God. Christian discipleship is foremost an odyssey of the mind, whereby daily dying to self I pick up my cross of self-denial, aligning my will to His in the most trivial and menial tasks, often going unrecognized and frequently unappreciated by those around me. We often in great anticipation eagerly wait for the Lord to invite us to what we perceive to be a grand assignment, all the while holding a grudge against our neighbor, cheating on our taxes, listening to or viewing worldly amusements that wage war against the soul, lusting after beautiful people, but we are very happy because we will jump on an airplane in a moments notice to follow Jesus wherever He leads. That is a pseudo discipleship, the devils trick. Christian discipleship is exacting, transforming from within thoughts, attitudes, values, hope. Daily confronting the word of God we are confronted by it, the Lord of Hosts reveals our heart, presenting two distinct paths in response to it, obedience or disobedience. And He graciously knows which sins we are holding on to tightly, it is here, in the quietness of a moment with Him we must either lay it at the cross, or hold onto it while vowing to follow Him wherever He goes. Immediately after Saul of Tarsus was confronted by the risen Christ he went into personal exile. It was only after surrendering his will to Jesus, undergoing a deep cleansing spiritual transformation, that he later followed Jesus wherever He led; the inward precedes the outward. Blessed is the pilgrim who discovers that his most extensive Christian adventures often take place within the confines of his own person as he encounters, surrenders, and joyfully obeys all that the Lord graciously reveals to him and works in him. That servant is useful to his Master, to follow Him wherever He leads.
Copyright © 2014 Immutable Word Ministries ("…the word of our God stands forever." Isa. 40:8).
Too often we confuse what Jesus is implying by infusing personal bias into His invitation. "Teacher, I will follow You wherever You go" (Matt. 8:19). We must go out in our mind, out in our will first, otherwise our physical change in location is a ruse and of no value to the King and His kingdom. It is not our geographical position Jesus aims to alter, but the pliability of our will to obey Him in the subtle areas of disobedience. Physically moving from here to there is easy and does not further our sanctification. Unless I am willing to obey Him from the heart my trekking about over land and sea is a sham. Discipleship takes place not in the physical dimension in what I do or where I go for Christ--as though He is dependent on me for anything--but in the spiritual dimension through what I become by the grace of God. Christian discipleship is foremost an odyssey of the mind, whereby daily dying to self I pick up my cross of self-denial, aligning my will to His in the most trivial and menial tasks, often going unrecognized and frequently unappreciated by those around me. We often in great anticipation eagerly wait for the Lord to invite us to what we perceive to be a grand assignment, all the while holding a grudge against our neighbor, cheating on our taxes, listening to or viewing worldly amusements that wage war against the soul, lusting after beautiful people, but we are very happy because we will jump on an airplane in a moments notice to follow Jesus wherever He leads. That is a pseudo discipleship, the devils trick. Christian discipleship is exacting, transforming from within thoughts, attitudes, values, hope. Daily confronting the word of God we are confronted by it, the Lord of Hosts reveals our heart, presenting two distinct paths in response to it, obedience or disobedience. And He graciously knows which sins we are holding on to tightly, it is here, in the quietness of a moment with Him we must either lay it at the cross, or hold onto it while vowing to follow Him wherever He goes. Immediately after Saul of Tarsus was confronted by the risen Christ he went into personal exile. It was only after surrendering his will to Jesus, undergoing a deep cleansing spiritual transformation, that he later followed Jesus wherever He led; the inward precedes the outward. Blessed is the pilgrim who discovers that his most extensive Christian adventures often take place within the confines of his own person as he encounters, surrenders, and joyfully obeys all that the Lord graciously reveals to him and works in him. That servant is useful to his Master, to follow Him wherever He leads.
Copyright © 2014 Immutable Word Ministries ("…the word of our God stands forever." Isa. 40:8).
Tuesday, January 7, 2014
Our Daily Bread
J.A. Matteson
Am I satisfied with my lot at days end, having applied myself in righteous kingdom pursuits, trusting in the goodness of Gods providential care, or am I continually unsettled in my insatiable desire for more? "Give us this day our daily bread" (Matt. 6:11). There is no virtue in idleness with a mind toward consuming my neighbors bread, nor is there in hoarding bread for tomorrow. Wisdom confesses it is divine providence that supplies today's bread, while simultaneously acknowledging that it is supplied through my industry as enabled by God. Israel stumbled at this point, exhibiting unbelief in Gods providential care by hoarding manna in hopes of attaining a supply for days. God frustrated their evil intent by delivering swift judgement, consuming the stockpile of their covetousness by worms (Ex. 16:20). At the same time the LORD would have us take a lesson from the squirrel, who in anticipation of winter when foregoing is not possible, stores away a supply to ensure its survival. Wisdom depends on God both today and tomorrow for what is needed, seeking first His kingdom and righteousness, living prudently with all piety and gratefulness. Folly, the fruit of unbelief in the providential care of God, seeks to establish its own providences, ignoring the word of God, forcing its way ahead by employing human wit in the hope of achieving desired ends. For a season folly may appear to prosper, but in the fullness of Gods time leads to ruin (Matt. 7:27). Intellectually we may agree with the providential care of God and His provision of daily bread; however, we may examine our inner state of the soul and there witness the true condition of our faith. Am I at peace or anxious? Am I resting in the everlasting arms of divine providence, or stressed and filled with worry? It is one thing to confess Gods providential care and quite another to live in it. Restlessness and anxiety over daily bread is an indicator of remnants of the old man wrestling control over your new life in Jesus Christ. Come to the cross, confess it as the sin of unbelief, leave it there, and continue on your pilgrims journey. The rest you seek is in Jesus Christ. He will not force you to come to Him, but when you do the peace you hunger for will become your daily experience as you depend on the faithful and loving hand of your Heavenly Father to provide what He already knows you need.
Copyright © 2014 Immutable Word Ministries ("…the word of our God stands forever." Isa. 40:8).
Am I satisfied with my lot at days end, having applied myself in righteous kingdom pursuits, trusting in the goodness of Gods providential care, or am I continually unsettled in my insatiable desire for more? "Give us this day our daily bread" (Matt. 6:11). There is no virtue in idleness with a mind toward consuming my neighbors bread, nor is there in hoarding bread for tomorrow. Wisdom confesses it is divine providence that supplies today's bread, while simultaneously acknowledging that it is supplied through my industry as enabled by God. Israel stumbled at this point, exhibiting unbelief in Gods providential care by hoarding manna in hopes of attaining a supply for days. God frustrated their evil intent by delivering swift judgement, consuming the stockpile of their covetousness by worms (Ex. 16:20). At the same time the LORD would have us take a lesson from the squirrel, who in anticipation of winter when foregoing is not possible, stores away a supply to ensure its survival. Wisdom depends on God both today and tomorrow for what is needed, seeking first His kingdom and righteousness, living prudently with all piety and gratefulness. Folly, the fruit of unbelief in the providential care of God, seeks to establish its own providences, ignoring the word of God, forcing its way ahead by employing human wit in the hope of achieving desired ends. For a season folly may appear to prosper, but in the fullness of Gods time leads to ruin (Matt. 7:27). Intellectually we may agree with the providential care of God and His provision of daily bread; however, we may examine our inner state of the soul and there witness the true condition of our faith. Am I at peace or anxious? Am I resting in the everlasting arms of divine providence, or stressed and filled with worry? It is one thing to confess Gods providential care and quite another to live in it. Restlessness and anxiety over daily bread is an indicator of remnants of the old man wrestling control over your new life in Jesus Christ. Come to the cross, confess it as the sin of unbelief, leave it there, and continue on your pilgrims journey. The rest you seek is in Jesus Christ. He will not force you to come to Him, but when you do the peace you hunger for will become your daily experience as you depend on the faithful and loving hand of your Heavenly Father to provide what He already knows you need.
Copyright © 2014 Immutable Word Ministries ("…the word of our God stands forever." Isa. 40:8).
Monday, January 6, 2014
The Closer We Come
J.A. Matteson
Unless I am repulsed by my sin it is impossible to live the crucified life. "I am God Almighty; walk before Me, and be blameless" (Gen. 17:1). Those words ought to strike terror in any thinking person. Unless I come to apprehend the brilliance of God's glory and discern His watchful eye upon upon Me continually I will not advance in sanctification. To walk is to live; before Me implies God is already watching. So the question is how will I choose to live before the piercing eyes of the Almighty who knows me better than I know myself? To be blameless apart from grace is impossible, yet the humble orientation of the heart of faith makes all things possible. To take captive to the obedience of Christ, by faith, every thought, word, and deed as before Him, with His word as my rule, and His glory as my end, is to walk blamelessly before Him. When His Spirit through our conscience in response to His word convicts us of sin we must hate it as He hates it. No safe harbor can be afforded to and thought, or careless word, or behavior contrary to His holiness. The closer we come before His glory the more revealing is our sin to us and awful is its existence within us. Fall on our faces we must before the penetrating glory of His brilliance. We cannot reform ourselves, as soiled garments are our attempts at righteousness. By faith we agree with God as to our poverty and He graciously performs the miracle of new life. Nausea in response to sin is the work of the Spirit within us. With gladness His saints are sickened by its stain and rejoice in the grace of His convicting presence.
Copyright © 2014 Immutable Word Ministries ("…the word of our God stands forever." Isa. 40:8).
Unless I am repulsed by my sin it is impossible to live the crucified life. "I am God Almighty; walk before Me, and be blameless" (Gen. 17:1). Those words ought to strike terror in any thinking person. Unless I come to apprehend the brilliance of God's glory and discern His watchful eye upon upon Me continually I will not advance in sanctification. To walk is to live; before Me implies God is already watching. So the question is how will I choose to live before the piercing eyes of the Almighty who knows me better than I know myself? To be blameless apart from grace is impossible, yet the humble orientation of the heart of faith makes all things possible. To take captive to the obedience of Christ, by faith, every thought, word, and deed as before Him, with His word as my rule, and His glory as my end, is to walk blamelessly before Him. When His Spirit through our conscience in response to His word convicts us of sin we must hate it as He hates it. No safe harbor can be afforded to and thought, or careless word, or behavior contrary to His holiness. The closer we come before His glory the more revealing is our sin to us and awful is its existence within us. Fall on our faces we must before the penetrating glory of His brilliance. We cannot reform ourselves, as soiled garments are our attempts at righteousness. By faith we agree with God as to our poverty and He graciously performs the miracle of new life. Nausea in response to sin is the work of the Spirit within us. With gladness His saints are sickened by its stain and rejoice in the grace of His convicting presence.
Copyright © 2014 Immutable Word Ministries ("…the word of our God stands forever." Isa. 40:8).
Thursday, January 2, 2014
Our Walking and His Working
J.A. Matteson
Most stubborn in our Adamic nature is the sublime insistence of a one to one correlation in what we do and what we achieve. "I have gotten a man child from the help of the LORD" (Gen. 4:1). That's because God set up the out-working of our redemption in such a way that His sanctifying work in us takes place as we walk by faith in Him. And because of the intimate connection between our walking and His working, the old man within can subtly seduce us into thinking that we are what we are because what we have done. Nothing could be further from the truth. Yes, unless the farmer sews he will not eat. However, it is by grace that his labor produces a crop and he cannot presume that just because he labors rains will follow resulting in a harvest. Apart from the work of the LORD you cannot accomplish anything. It was not the mere act of relations with her husband that resulted in a child for Eve, but God's graceful design; it is the LORD who opens and closes the womb. There is no greater sense of wonder and joy for the saint than to finally surrender the idea of personal sovereignty with respect to outcomes. It is a delightful thing in the eyes of the LORD when His child recognizes and confesses "I have gotten....from the help of the LORD." Thanksgiving is an attitude of worship precious to God.
Copyright © 2014 Immutable Word Ministries ("…the word of our God stands forever." Isa. 40:8).
Most stubborn in our Adamic nature is the sublime insistence of a one to one correlation in what we do and what we achieve. "I have gotten a man child from the help of the LORD" (Gen. 4:1). That's because God set up the out-working of our redemption in such a way that His sanctifying work in us takes place as we walk by faith in Him. And because of the intimate connection between our walking and His working, the old man within can subtly seduce us into thinking that we are what we are because what we have done. Nothing could be further from the truth. Yes, unless the farmer sews he will not eat. However, it is by grace that his labor produces a crop and he cannot presume that just because he labors rains will follow resulting in a harvest. Apart from the work of the LORD you cannot accomplish anything. It was not the mere act of relations with her husband that resulted in a child for Eve, but God's graceful design; it is the LORD who opens and closes the womb. There is no greater sense of wonder and joy for the saint than to finally surrender the idea of personal sovereignty with respect to outcomes. It is a delightful thing in the eyes of the LORD when His child recognizes and confesses "I have gotten....from the help of the LORD." Thanksgiving is an attitude of worship precious to God.
Copyright © 2014 Immutable Word Ministries ("…the word of our God stands forever." Isa. 40:8).
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