Personal Devotion

J.A. Matteson

Until the LORD reveals Himself to us personally our concept of Him is abstract and questionable. But with His self disclosure comes an ironclad joy filled assurance of His sovereign rule and guidance. "Surely the LORD is in this place, and I did not know it" (Gen. 28:16). Jacob knew of the LORD from a distance through his father Isaac and grandfather Abraham. What he understood of God was based upon their relationship with the LORD, not from personal experience. Until this time Jacob was moderately religious, practicing the family faith from duty rather than personal devotion. What we see with Jacobs elation is typical of new Christians. For some coming to Christ is a gradual dawning of their spiritual need and His lordship. For others, like the apostle Paul on the Damascus road, salvation comes like a thunderclap. However the revelation comes, its outcome is always the same, an unshakable conviction that the LORD "is in this place." Jacob would grow in his understanding that the sovereign rule of the LORD is not confined to a place, but fills every place in heaven and earth, providentially overseeing the affairs of men and creation (Jn. 4:20-23). To Jacobs delight he came to know the LORD not merely as his fathers God ("...because the LORD your God granted me success." Gen. 27:20) but as the LORD his God. That initial revelation by God changes everything and truly we become strangers and pilgrims on the earth seeking a heavenly dwelling not made by human hands (Heb. 11:8-10). Blessed are the poor in spirit who mourn over their sin, eagerly awaiting the return of their Savior Jesus Christ, who ransomed them from the power of satan by His own blood. On earth He goes before and protects them, from behind He is their rear guard lest the devil successfully accuse them of past sin to the travail of the soul. And praise be to God their confidence is not in themselves but in Him whose righteousness they wear by faith, for there is now no condemnation to those in Christ Jesus (Rom. 8:1). Rejoice, therefore, in the remembrance of your personal Bethel moment when God revealed Himself to you as being "in this place" (in the world). Rejoice continually knowing that He continues on with you in your daily journey and will never leave nor forsake you (Matt. 28:20).

Copyright (c) 2015 Immutable Word Ministries ("...the word of our God stands forever.") Isa. 40:8

Let Us Resolve

J.A. Matteson

In the new year may we resolve to be deeper students of God, daily reading His word and applying its truth so that it may transform our thinking and priorities; be better stewards of the body God has given us, for the soul cannot do what the body is unable to do; be more empathetic to people who are difficult to be around, we are often unaware of the hurt and pain that shapes a persons character; be eager to listen rather than speak, respecting another's point of view; be vigilant to extend kindness through good deeds to those less fortunate, mercy is no respecter of persons; be quick to forgive, as in Christ we have been forgiven far more; be ready to laugh and sing, for the day of mourning will certainly arrive; be in the moment in our relationships and cherish them, for you don't know what your life will be tomorrow; be grateful for your lot, as there is someone else who's circumstances are worse; be circumspect to inventory your blessings, they far outweigh hardships; be closer to Jesus Christ through prayer, for to be like Him you must be with Him; be childlike in faith, we come to know Him by trust first, reason tempts the Lord to prove Himself so that we may follow; be diligent to intercede for the lost who, apart from the grace of God awakening them to their need for Christ, most certainly face the unfathomable horrors of eternity in hell for rejecting God's forgiveness through His Son Jesus Christ.

Copyright 2015 Immutable Word Ministries ("...the word of our God stands forever.") Isa. 40:8