Devotional

45. Not Afraid

a writer Sharing Christ Devotional, Song/Poem 0 Comment

Click for How Firm a Foundation YouTube video (listen while you read)

Over the past week “not afraid” has been coming up over and over again from various sources. I would like to share a few more thoughts that I have been meditating on in relation to this subject, even though I have written on it before.

A heart fixed on God in trouble:
–not afraid in distress

“He shall not be afraid of evil tidings: his heart is fixed, trusting in the LORD.”  Psalm 112:7

Why shouldn’t I be afraid?

  • I’m in His hand – all is in His control (John 10:29)

A mind stayed on God in turmoil:
–not anxious over danger

“Thou wilt keep him in perfect peace, whose mind is stayed on Thee: because he trusteth in Thee. ”  Isaiah 26:3

Why shouldn’t I be anxious?

  • I’m on His heart – in His care: My cares are His cares when I cast them on Him.
  • Philippians 4:6-7 ESV “do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus. “

A heart set on Christ in temptation:
–not affected by departure

“Set your affection on things above, not on things on the earth.” Colossians 3:2

Why shouldn’t I be affected?

  • “For ye are dead, and your life is hid with Christ in God.” (v3)

Eyes directed in tribulation:
–not altered in dependence

“Looking unto Jesus the author and finisher of our faith; who for the joy that was set before Him endured the cross, despising the shame, and is set down at the right hand of the throne of God.” Hebrews 12:2

Why shouldn’t I be altered in my dependence on God?

  • “Fear not… I am thy shield, and thy exceeding great reward.” Genesis 15:1
  • “But even the very hairs of your head are all numbered. Fear not therefore: ye are of more value than many sparrows.” Luke 12:7
  • “I will fear no evil: for Thou art with me” Psalm 23:4

In the grand scheme of things, what really matters? Either I shall have His presence here, or I will be in His presence there. What Blessed Assurance.

***

About 6 years ago a girl of 14 was imprisoned for a month in Vietnam for telling others about the Lord Jesus. While there, one of the things they did to try to get her to deny her faith was forcing her to raise her arms and stand on nails and for 15 minutes. She fainted from the pain. After finally being released, she continues to share the gospel, saying, “Don’t be afraid. Believe in the Lord, then you will receive peace.” She related that she was thankful for her prison experience, and that afterward it was as though her life was made new again– it made her strong and bold in the Word of God. What a lesson from a girl of 14! (Voice of the Martyrs)

Click for A different “How Firm a Foundation” Video

44. Father

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I especially enjoyed a meditation by Spurgeon today (Morning and Evening Jan 26 / Look unto Me). Here is an excerpt.

“Abba, Father” (Rom. 8:15)! Whoever can utter these words has expressed sweeter music than all the cherubim and seraphim could ever sing. Heaven is found in the depth of that word–Father! In that word is all I could ever ask, all my needs could ever demand, and all my heart could ever desire.

I have all of everything, throughout all of eternity, when I can say, “Father.”

Who made this relationship possible? The Father’s beloved Son, our Lord Jesus Christ!

42. Metamorphosis

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An interesting creation fact…

…The fourth generation of monarch butterflies is a little bit different than the first three generations. The fourth generation is born in September and October and goes through exactly the same process as the first, second and third generations except for one part. The fourth generation of monarch butterflies does not die after two to six weeks. Instead, this generation of monarch butterflies migrates to warmer climates like Mexico and California and will live for six to eight months until it is time to start the whole process over again.  http://www.monarch-butterfly.com/

I was considering the Greek word metamorphoō today, which means “to change into another form.” It is used only 4 times in the Scriptures, and there are certainly lessons to be learned here.

“And after six days Jesus taketh with him Peter, and James, and John, and leadeth them up into an high mountain apart by themselves: and he was transfigured before them.” (Mark 9:2, also in Matt 17:2)

“But we all, with open face beholding as in a glass the glory of the Lord, are changed into the same image from glory to glory, even as by the Spirit of the Lord.”  (2 Corinthians 3:18)

“And be not conformed [outward, W.E. Vine] to this world: but be ye transformed [inward process, W.E. Vine] by the renewing of your mind, that ye may prove what is that good, and acceptable, and perfect, will of God. ” Romans 12:2

This led me to consider a different word, allassō, which means “to make other than it is” (W.E. Vine). I believe it is used, in a good sense, only in 1 Corinthians 15.

“Behold, I shew you a mystery; We shall not all sleep, but we shall all be changed, In a moment, in the twinkling of an eye, at the last trump: for the trumpet shall sound, and the dead shall be raised incorruptible, and we shall be changed” (1Corinthians 15:51-52).

Finally, metaschēmatizō , meaning “to change in fashion or appearance, change outwardly, fashion anew” (W.E. Vine) is found here:

“For our citizenship is in heaven, from which we also eagerly wait for the Savior, the Lord Jesus Christ, who will transform our lowly body that it may be conformed to His glorious body, according to the working by which He is able even to subdue all things to Himself.” (Philippians 3:20-21 NKJV)

C. H. Spurgeon writes,

See that creeping worm, how contemptible its appearance! It is the beginning of a thing. Mark that insect with gorgeous wings, playing in the sunbeams, sipping at the flower bells, full of happiness and life; that is the end thereof. That caterpillar is yourself, until you are wrapped up in the chrysalis of death; but when Christ shall appear you shall be like him, for you shall see him as he is. Be content to be like him, a worm and no man, that like him you may be satisfied when you wake up in his likeness.  (December 30, Morning and Evening)

Monarch transformation
Monarch transformation

 

God has given us a beautiful picture of transformation and resurrection by giving us the metamorphosis of a butterfly. We are being transformed down here, but the final, great transformation will take place in a moment, when we are raptured up to be with Christ to a much nicer climate than Mexico! Are you excited?

What are your thoughts on this subject?

41. The New Covenant

a writer Sharing Christ Devotional, Doctrinal 0 Comment

A new year is already here, and I am reminded of the New Covenant that God has established based on the death of His beloved Son.

Here are a few thoughts from Mr. Bruce Rodgers that I have enjoyed, taken from his notes on 2 Corinthians 3:7-18.

Contrasting features of the
Old and New Covenants

Old Covenant New Covenant
1) ‘of the letter’; on tables of stone 1) of the Spirit, on fleshy tables of the heart.
2) a ministration of death – the letter killeth 2) a ministration of the Spirit – giving life
3) a ministration of condemnation 3) ministration of righteousness (imputed righteousness)
4)  Transitory – ‘abolished’ 4) Permanent – ‘remains’
5) Face of Moses – a passing glory 5) Face of Jesus Christ – eternal glory of God
6) A veil – upon the face and the heart.
The glory was not transmitted to people		 6) A mirror – both face and heart – to receive and reflect glory (3:18; 4:6)
7) Minds blinded or hardened; unchanged… 7) ‘We…are changed into the same image…’

The Old came in glory, yet could only bring death and condemnation;
The New began with a death, which results in justification, life, and eternal glory.

From notes on Hebrews 8:8
…The LORD takes upon Himself the initiative and responsibility for the new covenant.  It is to be dependent only upon Himself for its terms and fulfillment.  Not the repeated, ‘I will…’  As Rom.9-11 unfolds, there is hope for Israel only in the sovereign mercy of God, for they have forfeited every promise of blessing under the terms of the first covenant.  Note that the word ‘new’(kainos) here means new in character, different in principle, than the first covenant.  In other places the word ‘new’(neos) means young, fresh, not old and decaying (ch.12:24; 2 Cor.3:6)

Is the church included in the New Covenant, or does it only have to do with Israel? Mr. Rodgers believes the church is included, and I agree (though some do not); there is general agreement that believers in this age at least enter into the blessings of the New Covenant. For an in-depth discussion on this topic, just send us an email.

May the Lord encourage us to remember His gracious ways with us and may we seek to love and honor Him in the year to come, as we await our Lord’s eminent return.

40. The Word of Life (1 John 1:1)

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The Word of Life

In some countries, Christians risk loosing their lives simply by owning a Bible. Why do they do it? Because the Word is Life to them. They are willing to risk death that they might take in more of the Word of Life. It has power in their lives, a grip in their heart, an effect on their walk. They witness boldly for their Saviour and take their energy from the true Vine, our Lord Jesus Christ (John 15:1).

I wonder, is it that way with me, in a land where Bibles are abundant, but apathy in relation to the things of God is just as abundant?

Christ is the living “Word of Life” (1 John 1:1). To separate the Scriptures from Christ is to separate His Person from what He says– impossible.

Oh, may we hold fast to the Word of Life! (Philippians 2:16)

The Word of Truth

If I did not have the Scriptures of Truth, I would not know who or what to believe. There would be no firm foundation for faith. Without hearing, there can be no believing: it is through the Word of Truth that salvation comes (Ephesians 1:13, James 1:18). “Faith cometh by hearing, and hearing by the Word of God” (Romans 10:17).

John, the man who leaned upon Jesus’ breast, at the close of writing Revelation said, “And if any man shall take away from the words of the book of this prophecy, God shall take away his part out of the book of life, and out of the holy city, and from the things which are written in this book” (Revelation 22:19). Certainly he placed emphasis on the written Word of God. Paul, the apostle of Christ who was dramatically changed on the Damascus road, said, “If any man think himself to be a prophet, or spiritual, let him acknowledge that the things that I write unto you are the commandments of the Lord” (1Cor. 14:37), and, “All Scripture is breathed out by God and profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction, and for training in righteousness, that the man of God may be competent, equipped for every good work” (2Timothy 3:16-17 ESV). Luke wrote “that you may have certainty concerning the things you have been taught” (Luke 1:4 ESV). The Lord Jesus said, “I have given them Thy word… Sanctify them through Thy truth: Thy word is truth” (John 17:14,17). See also 1John 2:7, Psalm 119 (to name a few).

The Word of God:

Our source of strength in temptation:
Luke 4:4-  “And Jesus answered him, saying, It is written, That man shall not live by bread alone, but by every word of God.”
1Jn 2:14- “I have written unto you, fathers, because ye have known him that is from the beginning. I have written unto you, young men, because ye are strong, and the word of God abideth in you, and ye have overcome the wicked one.”

Our source of surety in salvation:  “So then faith cometh by hearing, and hearing by the word of God.” (Romans 10:17)
“For this cause also thank we God without ceasing, because, when ye received the word of God which ye heard of us, ye received it not as the word of men, but as it is in truth, the word of God, which effectually worketh also in you that believe” (1Thes. 2:13).

Our source to stand in conflict:   “And take the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God” (Ephesians 6:17).

The powerful searcher of our hearts:  “For the word of God is quick, and powerful, and sharper than any twoedged sword, piercing even to the dividing asunder of soul and spirit, and of the joints and marrow, and is a discerner of the thoughts and intents of the heart.” (Hebrews 4:12)

The beautiful song of our heart:  “Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly in all wisdom; teaching and admonishing one another in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing with grace in your hearts to the Lord.” (Col. 3:16)

The unseen source of the universe:  “Through faith we understand that the worlds were framed by the word of God, so that things which are seen were not made of things which do appear.” (Hebrews 11:3)

The unfailing, unending, incorruptible, unchangeable Seed that will abide forever:  “Being born again, not of corruptible seed, but of incorruptible, by the word of God, which liveth and abideth for ever.” (1Peter 1:23)
The Lord Jesus said,  “Heaven and earth shall pass away: but My words shall not pass away.” (Luke 21:33)

May we not hesitate to bare record of the Word of God (John 1:1; Revelation 1:2, 19:13)

May we have the faith of a centurion who said simply, “Speak the word only” (Matthew 8:8).

From Genesis to Revelation, we see the importance of God’s eternal word impressed upon us. Though it be written with ink, it must be written upon our hearts to be effective.

39. Stones of Significance

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Significance (preciousness) symbolized by a stone
The onyx stone is the first stone mentioned, Gen 2:12. It is always linked with preciousness and gold as far as I can tell.
– in Ex 28, onyx stones are on the shoulders of the high priest with the names of the 12 tribes of Israel written on them. One of the stones on the breast was also an onyx stone.
– in 1Chron. the onyx stone is used in the temple.
-Revelation 21:19-20 is the last mention of stones. It relates to the foundations of the wall of the new Jerusalem. This city is specially prepared for the Lamb’s bride.
* Lesson: We can learn from this that we are precious to God, significant and remembered in the sight of our Great High Priest.

The symbolism of a stone
In Genesis 28:11-22, a stone was a symbol to Jacob: a pillar of remembrance about the promise he had made and the God he had found.
* Lesson: It is good for us to set up “stones of remembrance”: reminders to us of our commitment to God and of God’s dealings with us.

The sharpness of a stone
In Exod 4:25, a sharp stone was used in circumcision. This was a cutting off of the flesh, and an indication that God’s people were separated to Him and not like the nations. It was done just after birth.
* Lesson: After we are saved, we are separated to God, and thus should not be like the world. It may be a painful thing to give up the fleshly lusts and worldly pleasures, but God requires that these be cut away from us and that we live lives holy to Him, in keeping with His character and calling.

Stones used in sacrifice
In Exodus 20:25, we are told that if stones are used for sacrifice, they were not to be cut and modified by men.
* Lesson: our worship should be natural and from the heart, not put on as a show for others to see.

Sight of heaven
In Exodus 24:10, we are given a glimpse into heaven, and see under God’s feet the likeness of blue saphire stone.

Statutes in stone
In Exodus 24:12, God wrote the law on two tables of stone.
In Hebrews 10:16, this is contrasted in that God’s law is placed in the hearts of God’s people.
*Lesson: Stone is firm and enduring. God wants His people to have His laws firmly and forever implanted upon their heart.

Service of a stone
In 1Samuel 17:40, David puts a stone to good use when he uses it in his sling to kill the giant. He choose a smooth stone, one that had been tumbling down the stream for some time, molded just into the right shape and size.
* Lesson: The trials and difficulties of life are molding us into men and women who can be better used for God. Then He can reach down into the water of our experience and put us in His sling to wing His word into the minds of those who need it!

State of a stone: a sanctuary in ruins
In Matthew 24:2, the Lord speaks of the state the temple would be in after Jerusalem was destroyed: not one stone would be left upon another.
* Lesson: Perhaps the state of the temple stones symbolized the state of the nation after they rejected their Messiah. How important it is to receive Him! There can be no worship or pleasure given to God without it.

Speaking stones
In Matthew 3:9, John the baptist says that God is able to raise up children to Abraham “[out] of these stones”. In Luke 19:40, the Lord speaks of stones crying out in praise.
* Lesson: Here we see too unnatural things linked with stones: birth and praise. We need a second birth to be able to speak unnatural praise that we could not do in our stone-dead state. 1Peter 2:5 reminds us we are living stones who can offer up spiritual sacrifices that are acceptable to God through Jesus Christ.

Sepulchre stone
In Matthew 28:1-2, the stone had been rolled away from the tomb of the Lord Jesus.
* Lesson: Nothing could prevent the Lord’s resurrection, and that which they used to seek to prevent the disappearance of the body only helped to prove that He indeed is risen!

Supreme Corner stone or Stone of Stumbling
In 1 Peter 2:4-8, we read of Christ who is the chief Corner Stone, precious to God and to His people. But to those who reject Him and stumble over Him, He is a crushing stone of judgment.
* Lesson: Christ is our life and we live in Him. He holds us together. He is our foundation and basis. We are integrally connected to Him, a part of His body. He is precious to us. Yet those who do not see Him this way have only judgment before them. May we seek to turn them to the Savior, our Rock and Corner Stone.

Special Significance on a stone
In Revelation 2:17, we read of the promise given to the overcomer of a name written on a white stone, which only the recipient and the LORD know.
* Lesson: I like to think of this as signifying to us the special, intimate relationship that the Lord has with each individual personally. A brother once said, “I have a whole Christ all to myself”. Each of us should desire that close, individual, intimate relationship with Him who died for us upon that tree.

38. “The Knowledge of Christ” Phil. 3:8

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From C. H. Spurgeon’s Morning and Evening, October 14th.

“I count all things but loss for the excellency of the knowledge of Christ Jesus my Lord.” – Philippians 3:8

Spiritual knowledge of Christ will be a personal knowledge. I cannot know Jesus through another person’s acquaintance with him. No, I must know him myself; I must know him on my own account.

It will be an intelligent knowledge-I must know him, not as the visionary dreams of him, but as the Word reveals him. I must know his natures, divine and human. I must know his offices-his attributes-his works-his shame-his glory. I must meditate upon him until I “comprehend with all saints what is the breadth, and length, and depth, and height; and know the love of Christ, which passeth knowledge.”

It will be an affectionate knowledge of him; indeed, if I know him at all, I must love him. An ounce of heart knowledge is worth a ton of head learning.

Our knowledge of him will be a satisfying knowledge. When I know my Saviour, my mind will be full to the brim-I shall feel that I have that which my spirit panted after. “This is that bread whereof if a man eat he shall never hunger.”

At the same time it will be an exciting knowledge; the more I know of my Beloved, the more I shall want to know. The higher I climb the loftier will be the summits which invite my eager footsteps. I shall want the more as I get the more. Like the miser’s treasure, my gold will make me covet more.

To conclude; this knowledge of Christ Jesus will be a most happy one; in fact, so elevating, that sometimes it will completely bear me up above all trials, and doubts, and sorrows; and it will, while I enjoy it, make me something more than “Man that is born of woman, who is of few days, and full of trouble”; for it will fling about me the immortality of the ever living Saviour, and gird me with the golden girdle of his eternal joy.

Come, my soul, sit at Jesus’s feet and learn of him all this day.