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
Friday, February 7, 2014
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).
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)