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
Friday, January 31, 2014
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).
Thursday, January 16, 2014
Maintain Your Integrity
J.A. Matteson
It is better to walk with integrity and to have little than to tread the pathway of fools and possess much. "The LORD was with Joseph, so he became a successful man" (Gen. 39:2). It should never be the ambition of saints to be successful, as the world measures success, but to be faithful to the LORD. And in so doing, and if it be His will, He will exalt you in due season. God will not be mocked, a man shall reap that which he sews. He who sews unto the flesh will, in due season, be forced to eat the bitter fruit of his folly. He who sews unto the Spirit shall reap glory, blessing, and honor from the LORD. As the proverb notes, "There is a way that seems right to a man, but its end is the way of death" (Prv. 14:12). The fool who does not know the LORD brazenly schemes to distort his image before men, pursuing illegitimate gain by concealing truth. Saints survey the landscape of men, pondering how it is that the wicked prosper while so often the righteous suffer. As sons of the day, children of the Light, grace allows the saints to behold foolish men from the LORD's perspective, so rather than being filled with envy saints are burdened with pity, knowing that unless the fool repents divine calamity will surely visit him. It was well pleasing in the sight of God that His servant Joseph should find favor in the eyes of his master. Integrity of reputation is a jewel earned over time, but can be lost in a moment. The world may steal your possessions, bare false witness against you, impune your motives, mock your God, marginalize you from its fellowship, but it can never strip you of your integrity nor your intimate fellowship with Jesus Christ. He knows where you are at this moment and the circumstances buffeting you. As Joseph continued to trust in the LORD his God when rejected by men, in the foul depths of a dungeon, saints can rest in the everlasting arms of Him who bled and died so that they might live. It is a small thing to suffer for His namesake as you maintain your integrity by walking in righteousness. In due season He will exalt you as you humbly walk before Him in obedience.
Copyright © 2014 Immutable Word Ministries ("…the word of our God stands forever." Isa. 40:8).
It is better to walk with integrity and to have little than to tread the pathway of fools and possess much. "The LORD was with Joseph, so he became a successful man" (Gen. 39:2). It should never be the ambition of saints to be successful, as the world measures success, but to be faithful to the LORD. And in so doing, and if it be His will, He will exalt you in due season. God will not be mocked, a man shall reap that which he sews. He who sews unto the flesh will, in due season, be forced to eat the bitter fruit of his folly. He who sews unto the Spirit shall reap glory, blessing, and honor from the LORD. As the proverb notes, "There is a way that seems right to a man, but its end is the way of death" (Prv. 14:12). The fool who does not know the LORD brazenly schemes to distort his image before men, pursuing illegitimate gain by concealing truth. Saints survey the landscape of men, pondering how it is that the wicked prosper while so often the righteous suffer. As sons of the day, children of the Light, grace allows the saints to behold foolish men from the LORD's perspective, so rather than being filled with envy saints are burdened with pity, knowing that unless the fool repents divine calamity will surely visit him. It was well pleasing in the sight of God that His servant Joseph should find favor in the eyes of his master. Integrity of reputation is a jewel earned over time, but can be lost in a moment. The world may steal your possessions, bare false witness against you, impune your motives, mock your God, marginalize you from its fellowship, but it can never strip you of your integrity nor your intimate fellowship with Jesus Christ. He knows where you are at this moment and the circumstances buffeting you. As Joseph continued to trust in the LORD his God when rejected by men, in the foul depths of a dungeon, saints can rest in the everlasting arms of Him who bled and died so that they might live. It is a small thing to suffer for His namesake as you maintain your integrity by walking in righteousness. In due season He will exalt you as you humbly walk before Him in obedience.
Copyright © 2014 Immutable Word Ministries ("…the word of our God stands forever." Isa. 40:8).
Wednesday, January 15, 2014
Freedom from Anxiety
J.A. Matteson
How often we are prone to walk by sight in the hustle and bustle of the day when circumstances are either delightful or threatening. "...not one of them [sparrow] will fall to the ground apart from your Father" (Matt. 10:29). It makes no difference, the state of our lot, we often fret needlessly when our LORD promises that we are continually under His watch. It is not that we do not believe His promise, but we are prone to forget it. The antidote to forgetfulness is thoughtfulness. The apostle Paul exhorts saints to pray without ceasing (1 Thess. 5:17), meaning, to walk in the Spirit--perceiving your circumstance as ordained by God and responding in righteousness--and this requires practice. What freedom from anxiety awaits the pilgrim who encounters trials with inquisitiveness and who with childlike faith inquires, "Lord, what have we here?" It is not God's will that His children be fearful, but that they be faithful; that is, full of faith as they encounter daily circumstances, be they pleasant or painful. Wisdom discerns that in them God is up to something. And unless you inquire, "Lord, what have we here"?, not only will you likely be filled with fear when the sea tosses, but you will miss the point and blessing of what God is teaching you. The saints of old were not super heros, but average men and women who kept the presence of God continually in their conscience present, enabling them to respond to daily circumstances boldly and righteously. Did they always get it right by responding in righteousness? No. Nevertheless, they left for us an example, to learn from both their victories and failures what it looks like to walk faithfully and humbly before our God. Keep your spiritual eyes open today by discerning God's providential hand in the minutest details of your day. Doing so opens the treasuries of heaven to fill your heart with joy and wonder as you grow in your ability to see His hand in and through all things.
Copyright © 2014 Immutable Word Ministries ("…the word of our God stands forever." Isa. 40:8).
How often we are prone to walk by sight in the hustle and bustle of the day when circumstances are either delightful or threatening. "...not one of them [sparrow] will fall to the ground apart from your Father" (Matt. 10:29). It makes no difference, the state of our lot, we often fret needlessly when our LORD promises that we are continually under His watch. It is not that we do not believe His promise, but we are prone to forget it. The antidote to forgetfulness is thoughtfulness. The apostle Paul exhorts saints to pray without ceasing (1 Thess. 5:17), meaning, to walk in the Spirit--perceiving your circumstance as ordained by God and responding in righteousness--and this requires practice. What freedom from anxiety awaits the pilgrim who encounters trials with inquisitiveness and who with childlike faith inquires, "Lord, what have we here?" It is not God's will that His children be fearful, but that they be faithful; that is, full of faith as they encounter daily circumstances, be they pleasant or painful. Wisdom discerns that in them God is up to something. And unless you inquire, "Lord, what have we here"?, not only will you likely be filled with fear when the sea tosses, but you will miss the point and blessing of what God is teaching you. The saints of old were not super heros, but average men and women who kept the presence of God continually in their conscience present, enabling them to respond to daily circumstances boldly and righteously. Did they always get it right by responding in righteousness? No. Nevertheless, they left for us an example, to learn from both their victories and failures what it looks like to walk faithfully and humbly before our God. Keep your spiritual eyes open today by discerning God's providential hand in the minutest details of your day. Doing so opens the treasuries of heaven to fill your heart with joy and wonder as you grow in your ability to see His hand in and through all things.
Copyright © 2014 Immutable Word Ministries ("…the word of our God stands forever." Isa. 40:8).
Monday, January 13, 2014
Hope Is Jesus Christ
J.A. Matteson
God is able and often willing to intersect our life experience in delightful ways far beyond what we might imagine or consider, but our unbelief often stays His hand. "Daughter, take courage, your faith has made you well" (Matt. 9:22). Unless I first believe Jesus can, He will not. He will not tolerate or compete with a spirit of unbelief, and will instead allow me to spend time and resources until I come to the end of myself, pursuing Him with faithful desperation. Until my heart confesses that in nothing else or in anyone else is relief possible--but in Christ alone is my victory assured--He will allow me to waste my time and resources chasing a mirage, my hopes dashed upon the ground. Hope is not in Jesus Christ, hope is Jesus Christ (Ps. 71:5). Will you be humiliated for Jesus' sake, a fool for Christ? Are you prepared to cast aside what the world might think in your utter desperation to get to Jesus? Have your hopes in human solutions to your situation completely disappointed you yet, to the point of despair? Lift up your eyes, nearby your Redeemer passes. Approach Him quickly, confidently, believing He is able to deliver you, He is filled with compassion to assist all who place their trust in Him. Unbelief, ignorance, and pride are the devils prized weapons to effectively keep weary souls from coming to Jesus Christ. Confront them to disempower him, confessing them as the sin they are. Your Savior bids you "Come." The Spirit and the bride say "Come." Press through in joyful expectation to receive what your Lord has purposed to graciously bestow upon you in response to your faith in Him.
Copyright © 2014 Immutable Word Ministries ("…the word of our God stands forever." Isa. 40:8).
God is able and often willing to intersect our life experience in delightful ways far beyond what we might imagine or consider, but our unbelief often stays His hand. "Daughter, take courage, your faith has made you well" (Matt. 9:22). Unless I first believe Jesus can, He will not. He will not tolerate or compete with a spirit of unbelief, and will instead allow me to spend time and resources until I come to the end of myself, pursuing Him with faithful desperation. Until my heart confesses that in nothing else or in anyone else is relief possible--but in Christ alone is my victory assured--He will allow me to waste my time and resources chasing a mirage, my hopes dashed upon the ground. Hope is not in Jesus Christ, hope is Jesus Christ (Ps. 71:5). Will you be humiliated for Jesus' sake, a fool for Christ? Are you prepared to cast aside what the world might think in your utter desperation to get to Jesus? Have your hopes in human solutions to your situation completely disappointed you yet, to the point of despair? Lift up your eyes, nearby your Redeemer passes. Approach Him quickly, confidently, believing He is able to deliver you, He is filled with compassion to assist all who place their trust in Him. Unbelief, ignorance, and pride are the devils prized weapons to effectively keep weary souls from coming to Jesus Christ. Confront them to disempower him, confessing them as the sin they are. Your Savior bids you "Come." The Spirit and the bride say "Come." Press through in joyful expectation to receive what your Lord has purposed to graciously bestow upon you in response to your faith in Him.
Copyright © 2014 Immutable Word Ministries ("…the word of our God stands forever." Isa. 40:8).
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