"For we walk by faith, not by sight" (2 Corinthians 5:7)
So much is written about faith these days. We think and talk about trusting God, and try, even though we stumble at times, to walk by faith. Many times, it is our trying that trips us up. God wants us to learn to live by faith and not by sight (2 Corinthians 5:7). This means living with the idea that he is able to do what we cannot do for ourselves. What a victorious thought! It is also a marvelous invitation to experience freedom from doubt, worry, and disbelief.
Before we can trust God fully, we must come to a point of helpless dependence. It is here that we realize we simply cannot do it all, be all that is needed, and have all the answers. If we could, there would be no need for God. We would be in total control and very proud of it. While God gives us the ability to solve many of the problems we face, His greater desire is for us to live our lives dependent on Him. Godly dependence is not a sign of weakness but one of immeasurable strength and confidence. There are problems in life that only God can solve, tasks only He can perform, and solutions that can only be discovered through the wisdom He gives.
The basic foundation to faith is this: trust God more than you trust yourself. When you do this, you gain wisdom and hope for every area of life.
Dear Lord, help me to trust You more. Give me a confident conviction that You keep Your promises. Amen
~Charles Stanley~
Saturday, May 19, 2012
Profiting From the Word
The Scriptures and Sin - (part 1)
There is grave reason to believe that much Bible reading and Bible study of the last few years has been of no spiritual profit to those who engaged in it. Yea, we go further; we greatly fear that in many instances it has proved a curse rather than a blessing. This is strong language, we are well aware, yet no stronger than the case calls for. Divine gifts may be misused, and Divine mercies abused. That this has been so in the present instance is evident by the fruits produced. Even the natural man or woman may (and often does) take up the study of the Scriptures with the same enthusiasm and pleasure as they might of the sciences. Where this is the case, their store of knowledge is increased, and so also is their pride. Like a chemist engaged in marking interesting experiments, the intellectual searcher of the Word is quite elated when they make some discovery in it; but the joy of the latter is no more spiritual than would be that of the former. Again, just as the successes of the chemist generally increase his sense of self-importance and cause him to look with disdain upon others more ignorant than himself, so alas, is it often the case with those who have investigated Bible numerics, typology, prophecy and other such subjects.
The Word of God may be taken up from various motives. Some read it to satisfy their literary pride. In certain circles it has become both the respectable and popular thing to obtain a general acquaintance with the contents of the Bible simply because it is regarded as an educational defect to be ignorant of them. Some read it to satisfy their sense of curiosity, as they might any other book of note. Others read it to satisfy their sectarian pride. They consider it a duty to be well versed in the particular tenets of their own denomination and so search eagerly for proof-texts in support of "our doctrines." Yet others read it for the purpose of being able to argue successfully with those who differ from them. But in all this there is no thought of God, no yearning for spiritual edification, and therefore no real benefit to the soul.
Of what, then, does a true profiting from the Word consist? Does not 2 Timothy 3:16-17 furnish a clear answer to our question? There we read, "All scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness; that the man and woman of God may be perfect, thoroughly furnished unto all good works." Observe what is here omitted: the Holy Scriptures are given us not for intellectual gratification and carnal speculation, but to furnish unto "all good works," and that by teaching, reproving, correcting us. Let us endeavor to amplify this by the help of other passages.
1. An individual is spiritually profited when the Word convicts him or her of sin. This is its first office: to reveal our depravity, to expose our vileness, to make known our wickedness. A person's moral life may be irreproachable, their dealings with their fellows faultless; but when the Holy Spirit applies the Word to their heart and conscience, opening their sin-blinded eyes to see their relation and attitude to God, they cry, "Woe is me, for I am undone." It is in this way that each truly saved soul is brought to realize their need of Christ. "They that are whole need not a physician, but they that are sick" (Luke 5:31). Yet is is not until the Spirit applies the Word in Divine power that any individual is made to feel that he or she is sick, sick unto death.
~A. W. Pink~
(continued with # 2)
There is grave reason to believe that much Bible reading and Bible study of the last few years has been of no spiritual profit to those who engaged in it. Yea, we go further; we greatly fear that in many instances it has proved a curse rather than a blessing. This is strong language, we are well aware, yet no stronger than the case calls for. Divine gifts may be misused, and Divine mercies abused. That this has been so in the present instance is evident by the fruits produced. Even the natural man or woman may (and often does) take up the study of the Scriptures with the same enthusiasm and pleasure as they might of the sciences. Where this is the case, their store of knowledge is increased, and so also is their pride. Like a chemist engaged in marking interesting experiments, the intellectual searcher of the Word is quite elated when they make some discovery in it; but the joy of the latter is no more spiritual than would be that of the former. Again, just as the successes of the chemist generally increase his sense of self-importance and cause him to look with disdain upon others more ignorant than himself, so alas, is it often the case with those who have investigated Bible numerics, typology, prophecy and other such subjects.
The Word of God may be taken up from various motives. Some read it to satisfy their literary pride. In certain circles it has become both the respectable and popular thing to obtain a general acquaintance with the contents of the Bible simply because it is regarded as an educational defect to be ignorant of them. Some read it to satisfy their sense of curiosity, as they might any other book of note. Others read it to satisfy their sectarian pride. They consider it a duty to be well versed in the particular tenets of their own denomination and so search eagerly for proof-texts in support of "our doctrines." Yet others read it for the purpose of being able to argue successfully with those who differ from them. But in all this there is no thought of God, no yearning for spiritual edification, and therefore no real benefit to the soul.
Of what, then, does a true profiting from the Word consist? Does not 2 Timothy 3:16-17 furnish a clear answer to our question? There we read, "All scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness; that the man and woman of God may be perfect, thoroughly furnished unto all good works." Observe what is here omitted: the Holy Scriptures are given us not for intellectual gratification and carnal speculation, but to furnish unto "all good works," and that by teaching, reproving, correcting us. Let us endeavor to amplify this by the help of other passages.
1. An individual is spiritually profited when the Word convicts him or her of sin. This is its first office: to reveal our depravity, to expose our vileness, to make known our wickedness. A person's moral life may be irreproachable, their dealings with their fellows faultless; but when the Holy Spirit applies the Word to their heart and conscience, opening their sin-blinded eyes to see their relation and attitude to God, they cry, "Woe is me, for I am undone." It is in this way that each truly saved soul is brought to realize their need of Christ. "They that are whole need not a physician, but they that are sick" (Luke 5:31). Yet is is not until the Spirit applies the Word in Divine power that any individual is made to feel that he or she is sick, sick unto death.
~A. W. Pink~
(continued with # 2)
Friday, May 18, 2012
Peace With Yourself
"He has delivered us from the power of darkness and conveyed us into the kingdom of the Son of His love, in whom we have redemption through His blood, the forgiveness of sins." (Colossians 1:13-14)
Have you ever wondered who your staunchest critic is? Who is always present for your biggest blunders? Who remembers the intimate details of your past mistakes with pristine clarity?
The answer, most often, is you. Yours are the hands that toil the fields of sin and rebellion. Yours are the lips that often bring pain upon others. For many, this leads to a tormenting sense of unrest and guilt. Christians often have difficulty accepting God's forgiveness because they are the ones who know for sure how much they do not deserve it.
Even believers who have accepted Christ's atoning sacrifice fall into unhealthy behaviors. The primary example of this trend may be someone asking forgiveness for the same past sin every day for weeks, months, or even years.
This is a trap that we must avoid. Christ did not provide a partial salvation. There is no in-between; the event of His death and resurrection either triumphed over sin or it did not. The answer from Scripture is clear - it did.
Pray today for God's help in setting old burdens to rest and taking up the peace that Christ has so firmly provided.
Father, I want to set old burdens to rest and embrace the peace that You have provided through Jesus Christ. Please help me. Amen
~Charles Stanley~
Have you ever wondered who your staunchest critic is? Who is always present for your biggest blunders? Who remembers the intimate details of your past mistakes with pristine clarity?
The answer, most often, is you. Yours are the hands that toil the fields of sin and rebellion. Yours are the lips that often bring pain upon others. For many, this leads to a tormenting sense of unrest and guilt. Christians often have difficulty accepting God's forgiveness because they are the ones who know for sure how much they do not deserve it.
Even believers who have accepted Christ's atoning sacrifice fall into unhealthy behaviors. The primary example of this trend may be someone asking forgiveness for the same past sin every day for weeks, months, or even years.
This is a trap that we must avoid. Christ did not provide a partial salvation. There is no in-between; the event of His death and resurrection either triumphed over sin or it did not. The answer from Scripture is clear - it did.
Pray today for God's help in setting old burdens to rest and taking up the peace that Christ has so firmly provided.
Father, I want to set old burdens to rest and embrace the peace that You have provided through Jesus Christ. Please help me. Amen
~Charles Stanley~
Faith
"Only believe" (Mark 5:36)
We have here a lesson of the greatest importance, namely this, that when alone in the inner chamber, we must send up our petitions trusting implicitly in the love of God and in the power of the Lord Jesus. Take time to ask yourself the question: Is my heart full of a great and steadfast faith in God's love? If this is not the case, do not begin to pray at once. Faith does not come of itself. Consider quietly how impossible it is for God to lie. He is ready with infinite love to give you a blessing. Take some text of Scripture in which God's power and faithfulness and love are revealed. Appropriate the words, and say: "Yes, Lord, I will pray in firm faith in Thee and in Thy great love."
It is a mistake to limit the word "faith" to the forgiveness of sins and to our acceptance as children of God. Faith includes far more. We must have faith in all that God is willing to do for us. We must have faith each day according to our special needs. God is infinitely great and powerful; Christ has so much grace for each new day that our faith must reach out afresh each day according to the need of the day.
When you enter into the inner chamber, even before you begin to pray, ask yourself: "Do I really believe that God is here with me, and that the lord Jesus will help me to pray, and I may expect to spend a blessed time in communion with my God?"
Jesus often taught His disciples how indispensable faith was to true prayer. He will teach us this lesson too. Remain in fellowship with Him. Christ says to you and to me as to Martha: "Said I not unto thee that if thou would believe, thou should see the glory of God."
Blessed Lord Jesus, strengthen my faith in Thy Almighty power. Amen.
~Andrew Murray~
We have here a lesson of the greatest importance, namely this, that when alone in the inner chamber, we must send up our petitions trusting implicitly in the love of God and in the power of the Lord Jesus. Take time to ask yourself the question: Is my heart full of a great and steadfast faith in God's love? If this is not the case, do not begin to pray at once. Faith does not come of itself. Consider quietly how impossible it is for God to lie. He is ready with infinite love to give you a blessing. Take some text of Scripture in which God's power and faithfulness and love are revealed. Appropriate the words, and say: "Yes, Lord, I will pray in firm faith in Thee and in Thy great love."
It is a mistake to limit the word "faith" to the forgiveness of sins and to our acceptance as children of God. Faith includes far more. We must have faith in all that God is willing to do for us. We must have faith each day according to our special needs. God is infinitely great and powerful; Christ has so much grace for each new day that our faith must reach out afresh each day according to the need of the day.
When you enter into the inner chamber, even before you begin to pray, ask yourself: "Do I really believe that God is here with me, and that the lord Jesus will help me to pray, and I may expect to spend a blessed time in communion with my God?"
Jesus often taught His disciples how indispensable faith was to true prayer. He will teach us this lesson too. Remain in fellowship with Him. Christ says to you and to me as to Martha: "Said I not unto thee that if thou would believe, thou should see the glory of God."
Blessed Lord Jesus, strengthen my faith in Thy Almighty power. Amen.
~Andrew Murray~
Thursday, May 17, 2012
The Inner Chamber
"When thou prayest enter into thine inner chamber" (Matthew 6:6)
Have you ever thought what a wonderful privilege it is that everyone each day and each hour of the day has the liberty of asking God to meet him/her in the inner chamber and to hear what He has to say? We should imagine that every Christian uses such a privilege gladly and faithfully.
"When thou prayest," says Jesus, "enter into thine inner chamber, and having shut thy door, pray to thy Father which is in secret." That means two things. Shut the world out, withdraw from all worldly thoughts and occupations, and shut yourself in alone with God to pray to Him in secret. Let this be your chief object in prayer, to realize the presence of your heavenly Father. Let your watchword be: Alone with God.
This is only the beginning. I must take time to realize His presence with me and pray to my Father who seeth in secret, in the full assurance that He knows how I long for His help and guidance and will incline His ear to me.
Then follows the great promise: "Thy Father which seeth in secret shall reward thee openly." My Father will see to it that my prayer is not in vain. All through the occupations of a busy day, the answer to my prayer will be granted. Prayer in secret will be followed by the secret working of God in my heart.
As the Lord Jesus has given us the promise of His presence and shows us the way to the inner chamber, He will assuredly be with us to teach us to pray. it is through Him that we have access to the Father. Be childlike and trustful in your fellowship with Christ. Prayer in fellowship with Jesus cannot be in vain.
~Andrew Murray~
Have you ever thought what a wonderful privilege it is that everyone each day and each hour of the day has the liberty of asking God to meet him/her in the inner chamber and to hear what He has to say? We should imagine that every Christian uses such a privilege gladly and faithfully.
"When thou prayest," says Jesus, "enter into thine inner chamber, and having shut thy door, pray to thy Father which is in secret." That means two things. Shut the world out, withdraw from all worldly thoughts and occupations, and shut yourself in alone with God to pray to Him in secret. Let this be your chief object in prayer, to realize the presence of your heavenly Father. Let your watchword be: Alone with God.
This is only the beginning. I must take time to realize His presence with me and pray to my Father who seeth in secret, in the full assurance that He knows how I long for His help and guidance and will incline His ear to me.
Then follows the great promise: "Thy Father which seeth in secret shall reward thee openly." My Father will see to it that my prayer is not in vain. All through the occupations of a busy day, the answer to my prayer will be granted. Prayer in secret will be followed by the secret working of God in my heart.
As the Lord Jesus has given us the promise of His presence and shows us the way to the inner chamber, He will assuredly be with us to teach us to pray. it is through Him that we have access to the Father. Be childlike and trustful in your fellowship with Christ. Prayer in fellowship with Jesus cannot be in vain.
~Andrew Murray~
Think Like Jesus
"Submit to God. Resist the devil and he will flee from you" (James 4:7)
God is committed to guarding your life, especially your heart and mind. He defends you from evil, but allows you to choose what you will think and do. Some find it hard to understand why their lives fall apart. However, a quick review of their thought life reveals the real culprit. Thoughts that wander along avenues of greed, pride, and lust do more harm than we can fathom by dimming the awareness of God's love and care.
When your fellowship wavers with the Lord, it also wavers with those of the body of Christ. Ever notice how some days are filled with argument and frustration? Instead of continuing along a downward spiral, stop and ask the Lord to show you where you have gone wrong.
Sooner or later, a wrong attitude leads to wrong behavior. This is why it is extremely important to check on your thought life. As long as you refuse thoughts of evil as they pass through the resources of your mind, then you are doing what God has called you do do, and that is to walk in the light of His truth.
James declared, "Resist the devil and he will flee from you" (James 4:7). Stand firm in the armor that God has provided (Ephesians 6). Rebuke the enemy's draw and temptation to pull you to a substandard lifestyle. Instead, train your mind to think like Jesus, and you will be the victor!
Lord, help me to resist the devil and stand firm in the armor you have provided. Amen
~Charles Stanley~
God is committed to guarding your life, especially your heart and mind. He defends you from evil, but allows you to choose what you will think and do. Some find it hard to understand why their lives fall apart. However, a quick review of their thought life reveals the real culprit. Thoughts that wander along avenues of greed, pride, and lust do more harm than we can fathom by dimming the awareness of God's love and care.
When your fellowship wavers with the Lord, it also wavers with those of the body of Christ. Ever notice how some days are filled with argument and frustration? Instead of continuing along a downward spiral, stop and ask the Lord to show you where you have gone wrong.
Sooner or later, a wrong attitude leads to wrong behavior. This is why it is extremely important to check on your thought life. As long as you refuse thoughts of evil as they pass through the resources of your mind, then you are doing what God has called you do do, and that is to walk in the light of His truth.
James declared, "Resist the devil and he will flee from you" (James 4:7). Stand firm in the armor that God has provided (Ephesians 6). Rebuke the enemy's draw and temptation to pull you to a substandard lifestyle. Instead, train your mind to think like Jesus, and you will be the victor!
Lord, help me to resist the devil and stand firm in the armor you have provided. Amen
~Charles Stanley~
Prayerful Suggestion
To those of you who are sincerely interested in gaining understanding as to your new life in Christ, I would like to suggest that you go to one of my other blog sites: www.anointedtoteach.wordpress.com
This blog has a wonderful series called: The True Vine. It is a beautiful teaching about our standing in Christ, and our understanding of our worthiness in God. These articles will lift you up, and teach you what it is like to be a "branch" on the Vine (Christ), with the Husbandman (God) supplying all your needs.
I pray you will enjoy! God bless you all!
The Shepherd's Disciple
This blog has a wonderful series called: The True Vine. It is a beautiful teaching about our standing in Christ, and our understanding of our worthiness in God. These articles will lift you up, and teach you what it is like to be a "branch" on the Vine (Christ), with the Husbandman (God) supplying all your needs.
I pray you will enjoy! God bless you all!
The Shepherd's Disciple
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