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
Thursday, June 12, 2014
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
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