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
Wednesday, June 18, 2014
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
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