J.A. Matteson
(Devotion)
The LORD is sovereign. He is unrestrained by anything or anyone in His most holy decrees. "Whatever the LORD pleases, He does, in heaven and earth, in the seas and in all deeps" (Psalm 135:6). The LORD transcends creation, all things were created by Him and are subject to Him. He is before all things eternally, the self existed One, Who alone possess in Himself absolute freedom. His gaze is upon all and through all simultaneously. His knowledge is eternal, His power without limit, His essence and ways unfathomable. The LORD is incomprehensible, He is good, His lovingkindness endures forever. Let us bow our hearts before I AM, Who is worthy of all praise and worship and honor. Amen
Copyright (c) 2012 Immutable Word Ministries ("...the word of our God stands forever." Isa. 40:8).
Sunday, March 25, 2012
Saturday, March 24, 2012
A Divine Assessment
J.A. Matteson
(Devotional)
Whenever the Gospel is communicated, clearly, it creates conflict. "Do you suppose that I came to grant peace on earth? I tell you, no, but rather division" (Luke 12:51). The message of the cross is not one of appeasement couched in flattery in order to gain the favor of sinners. Rather, it is a divine assessment of guilt, a command, an ultimatum, a dire warning and urgent appeal to flee the wrath of God which will be poured out on the unrighteous on the Day of the LORD. The message of the cross is not one of personal reform, but spiritual resurrection from the dead to walk in newness of life. Christ demands sinners come to Him on His terms. Because the message of the cross shatters self esteem it is never welcome, unless God first opens the heart to receive it as He did with Lydia when Paul preached Christ crucified to her (Acts 16:14). The power of conversion is in the Word of God, not in the messenger. Losing sight of this many alter the content of the Gospel with the hope of making it palatable to sinners. The result is a multitude of unregenerate souls who hold church memberships, tares amidst the wheat. If we desire to witness the power of God as in revivals of the past, let us return to the gospel of the New Testament. To the elect called of God it is honey to the lips (2 Thess. 2:13). To the rest it is guaranteed to foster conflict and division (John 10:26-27). To He alone who is wise be all glory and honor and praise, forever and ever. Amen
Copyright (c) 2012 Immutable Word Ministries ("...the word of our God stands forever." Isa. 40:8).
(Devotional)
Whenever the Gospel is communicated, clearly, it creates conflict. "Do you suppose that I came to grant peace on earth? I tell you, no, but rather division" (Luke 12:51). The message of the cross is not one of appeasement couched in flattery in order to gain the favor of sinners. Rather, it is a divine assessment of guilt, a command, an ultimatum, a dire warning and urgent appeal to flee the wrath of God which will be poured out on the unrighteous on the Day of the LORD. The message of the cross is not one of personal reform, but spiritual resurrection from the dead to walk in newness of life. Christ demands sinners come to Him on His terms. Because the message of the cross shatters self esteem it is never welcome, unless God first opens the heart to receive it as He did with Lydia when Paul preached Christ crucified to her (Acts 16:14). The power of conversion is in the Word of God, not in the messenger. Losing sight of this many alter the content of the Gospel with the hope of making it palatable to sinners. The result is a multitude of unregenerate souls who hold church memberships, tares amidst the wheat. If we desire to witness the power of God as in revivals of the past, let us return to the gospel of the New Testament. To the elect called of God it is honey to the lips (2 Thess. 2:13). To the rest it is guaranteed to foster conflict and division (John 10:26-27). To He alone who is wise be all glory and honor and praise, forever and ever. Amen
Copyright (c) 2012 Immutable Word Ministries ("...the word of our God stands forever." Isa. 40:8).
Thursday, March 22, 2012
His Seed in You
J.A. Matteson
(Devotional)
The ancients walked with God as strangers and pilgrims during their stay upon the earth, enduring in faith until the end. Brevity defines human existence and soon our bodies return to the earth from which they came. "But the one who endures until the end, he will be saved" (Matthew 24:13). But one may ask, "Is it not by faith that I am saved?" Indeed it is. But do you not recognize that the transcendent supernatural characteristic of grace is His seed of Life in you, if indeed His seed is in you. He is eternal life and the one in whom He abides has received Him who is eternal, and he endures eternally in Him. Therefore, the one who has by grace received His seed has received Life eternal, and that not of himself, it is the gift of God. For this reason the children of God endure in faith until the end, for His seed remains in them, for they are His possession given by the Father. Oh how glorious and awesome is He who extends mercy to sinners. To the King immortal be all glory and honor and power and authority, now and for evermore. Amen
Copyright (c) 2012 Immutable Word Ministries ("...the word of our God stands forever." Isa. 40:8).
(Devotional)
The ancients walked with God as strangers and pilgrims during their stay upon the earth, enduring in faith until the end. Brevity defines human existence and soon our bodies return to the earth from which they came. "But the one who endures until the end, he will be saved" (Matthew 24:13). But one may ask, "Is it not by faith that I am saved?" Indeed it is. But do you not recognize that the transcendent supernatural characteristic of grace is His seed of Life in you, if indeed His seed is in you. He is eternal life and the one in whom He abides has received Him who is eternal, and he endures eternally in Him. Therefore, the one who has by grace received His seed has received Life eternal, and that not of himself, it is the gift of God. For this reason the children of God endure in faith until the end, for His seed remains in them, for they are His possession given by the Father. Oh how glorious and awesome is He who extends mercy to sinners. To the King immortal be all glory and honor and power and authority, now and for evermore. Amen
Copyright (c) 2012 Immutable Word Ministries ("...the word of our God stands forever." Isa. 40:8).
Wednesday, March 21, 2012
The Lord's Faithfulness
J.A. Matteson
(Devotional)
The LORD is not remiss as to forsake His children. Daily He works His power in and through their circumstances which He has ordained. "Then Joshua said to the people, 'Consecrate yourselves, for tomorrow the LORD will do wonders among you'" (Josh. 3:5). Mark the LORD's faithfulness and power towards you so that your children and grandchildren may know that it is the living LORD whom you serve, "Let this be a sign among you, so that when your children ask later, saying, 'What do these stones mean to you?'"(Josh. 4:6). The LORD is at work in your midst this day, with expectancy watch your circumstances.
Copyright (c) 2012 Immutable Word Ministries ("...the word of our God stands forever." Isa. 40:8).
(Devotional)
The LORD is not remiss as to forsake His children. Daily He works His power in and through their circumstances which He has ordained. "Then Joshua said to the people, 'Consecrate yourselves, for tomorrow the LORD will do wonders among you'" (Josh. 3:5). Mark the LORD's faithfulness and power towards you so that your children and grandchildren may know that it is the living LORD whom you serve, "Let this be a sign among you, so that when your children ask later, saying, 'What do these stones mean to you?'"(Josh. 4:6). The LORD is at work in your midst this day, with expectancy watch your circumstances.
Copyright (c) 2012 Immutable Word Ministries ("...the word of our God stands forever." Isa. 40:8).
Wednesday, March 14, 2012
Rejoice!
J.A. Matteson
(Devotional)
"Blessed is he who does not take offense at Me" (Luke 7:23). Is Christ Jesus a pearl of great price to you? Is His teaching sweetness to your soul? Have you tasted the kindness of the Lord and are you resting in His love? Is your spirit provoked at the sights and sounds of unrighteousness in a world given over to evil? Are you daily following the Lord Jesus in humble obedience, earnestly desiring to please Him in all that you do? An affirmative reply denotes you are blessed. And that state of blessedness is not the consequence of your doing. Rather, it was Gods grace extended to you while dead in sin and a child of wrath, even as the rest, removing your heart of stone and replacing it with a heart of flesh. It is by grace that you now long for the Savior of your soul and find in Him sweetness above all else. For it is the Spirit of God within the child of God who draws you into fellowship with the Father through the Son of God. Oh how blessed you are. Rejoice!
Copyright (c) 2012 Immutable Word Ministries ("...the word of our God stands forever." Isa. 40:8).
(Devotional)
"Blessed is he who does not take offense at Me" (Luke 7:23). Is Christ Jesus a pearl of great price to you? Is His teaching sweetness to your soul? Have you tasted the kindness of the Lord and are you resting in His love? Is your spirit provoked at the sights and sounds of unrighteousness in a world given over to evil? Are you daily following the Lord Jesus in humble obedience, earnestly desiring to please Him in all that you do? An affirmative reply denotes you are blessed. And that state of blessedness is not the consequence of your doing. Rather, it was Gods grace extended to you while dead in sin and a child of wrath, even as the rest, removing your heart of stone and replacing it with a heart of flesh. It is by grace that you now long for the Savior of your soul and find in Him sweetness above all else. For it is the Spirit of God within the child of God who draws you into fellowship with the Father through the Son of God. Oh how blessed you are. Rejoice!
Copyright (c) 2012 Immutable Word Ministries ("...the word of our God stands forever." Isa. 40:8).
Tuesday, March 13, 2012
Through the Promise
J.A. Matteson
(Devotional)
"But the son by the bondwoman was born according to the flesh, and the son of the free woman through the promise" (Gal. 4:23). As a believer in Jesus Christ you are a child of promise in the likeness of Isaac who, by the supernatural initiative of God, was brought forth to life from death; Ishmael came forth by natural means. Isaac did not participate in his conception in the dead womb of his mother....an impossibility according to the flesh....nor do the children of promise in the likeness of Abraham contribute to their rebirth, so that it might be according to grace through the kindness of Him who calls, "So then it does not depend on the man who wills or the man who runs, but on God who has mercy" (Rom. 9:16). For apart from grace it is impossible to be saved. If it were not for the grace of God we would remain dead in trespasses and sin. And the faith you posses is the manifestation of that grace, for it is the gift of God. Therefore, let us daily give thanks to the LORD for his kindness in calling us forth into this grace in which we now stand.
Copyright (c) 2012 Immutable Word Ministries ("...the word of our God stands forever." Isa. 40:8).
(Devotional)
"But the son by the bondwoman was born according to the flesh, and the son of the free woman through the promise" (Gal. 4:23). As a believer in Jesus Christ you are a child of promise in the likeness of Isaac who, by the supernatural initiative of God, was brought forth to life from death; Ishmael came forth by natural means. Isaac did not participate in his conception in the dead womb of his mother....an impossibility according to the flesh....nor do the children of promise in the likeness of Abraham contribute to their rebirth, so that it might be according to grace through the kindness of Him who calls, "So then it does not depend on the man who wills or the man who runs, but on God who has mercy" (Rom. 9:16). For apart from grace it is impossible to be saved. If it were not for the grace of God we would remain dead in trespasses and sin. And the faith you posses is the manifestation of that grace, for it is the gift of God. Therefore, let us daily give thanks to the LORD for his kindness in calling us forth into this grace in which we now stand.
Copyright (c) 2012 Immutable Word Ministries ("...the word of our God stands forever." Isa. 40:8).
Thursday, March 1, 2012
A Greatful Heart
J.A. Matteson
(Devotional)
Pleasing to the LORD is a grateful heart that gives thanks in seasons of little or plenty. "Though the fig tree should not blossom and there be no fruit on the vine, though the yield of the olive should fail and the fields produce no fruit, though the flocks should be cut off from the fold and there be no cattle in the stalls, yet I will exult in the LORD, I will rejoice in the God of my salvation" (Habakkuk 3:17-18). Sow your seed this day with diligence and skill, apply yourself completely to the task at hand. And at the end of the day rejoice in what the LORD has graciously given you, for it is He who causes the increase and not yourself.
Copyright (c) 2012 Immutable Word Ministries ("...the word of our God stands forever." Isa. 40:8).
(Devotional)
Pleasing to the LORD is a grateful heart that gives thanks in seasons of little or plenty. "Though the fig tree should not blossom and there be no fruit on the vine, though the yield of the olive should fail and the fields produce no fruit, though the flocks should be cut off from the fold and there be no cattle in the stalls, yet I will exult in the LORD, I will rejoice in the God of my salvation" (Habakkuk 3:17-18). Sow your seed this day with diligence and skill, apply yourself completely to the task at hand. And at the end of the day rejoice in what the LORD has graciously given you, for it is He who causes the increase and not yourself.
Copyright (c) 2012 Immutable Word Ministries ("...the word of our God stands forever." Isa. 40:8).
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)