15
Jun '20
An Eternal Values Perspective
15
Jun '20
2 Corinthians 4:17, “For our light affliction, which is but for a moment, worketh for us a far more exceeding and eternal weight of glory;”
This chapter is chock full of a perspective that trusts God regardless of the consequences. That includes a proper perspective on suffering. Paul had a redeemed point of view. Therefore, the suffering he experienced for the gospel’s sake was considered a temporal, light affliction. But that’s true only in comparison with the eternal weight of glory that exists for those who trust God. This perspective has eternal values in view. Trust God. Properly weigh present trials against future glory, and I reckon our present sufferings won’t be worth comparing with the glory that is to be revealed to us (Romans 8:18).
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13
Jun '20
Saturday with Spurgeon
13
Jun '20
Christ at the Center
“They are they which testify of me.” John 5:39
Jesus Christ is the Alpha and Omega of the Bible. He is the constant theme of its sacred pages; from first to last they testify of him. At the creation we at once discern him as one of the sacred Trinity; we catch a glimpse of him in the promise of the woman’s seed; we see him typified in the ark of Noah; we walk with Abraham, as he sees Messiah’s day; we dwell in the tents of Isaac and Jacob, feeding upon the gracious promise; we hear the venerable Israel talking of Shiloh; and in the numerous types of the law, we find the Redeemer abundantly foreshadowed. Prophets and kings, priests and preachers, all look one way—they all stand as the cherubs did over the ark, desiring to look within, and to read the mystery of God’s great propitiation. Still more manifestly in the New Testament we find our Lord the one pervading subject. It is not an ingot here and there, or dust of gold thinly scattered, but here you stand upon a solid floor of gold; for the whole substance of the New Testament is Jesus crucified, and even its closing sentence is bejewelled with the Redeemer’s name. We should always read Scripture in this light; we should consider the word to be as a mirror into which Christ looks down from heaven; and then we, looking into it, see his face reflected as in a glass—darkly, it is true, but still in such a way as to be a blessed preparation for seeing him as we shall see him face to face. This volume contains Jesus Christ’s letters to us, perfumed by his love. These pages are the garments of our King, and they all smell of myrrh, and aloes, and cassia. Scripture is the royal chariot in which Jesus rides, and it is paved with love for the daughters of Jerusalem. The Scriptures are the swaddling bands of the holy child Jesus; unroll them and you find your Saviour. The quintessence of the word of God is Christ.
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12
Jun '20
Bless the LORD, O my soul!
12
Jun '20
Psalm 103:1-2, “Bless the LORD, O my soul: and all that is within me, bless his holy name. Bless the LORD, O my soul, and forget not all his benefits:”
This psalm has soul. Saturated with praise. This is the natural response for those who have trusted and are trusting in the precious name of Christ Jesus. Rather than hearts and minds full of anxiety, strife, bitterness, or the grind of this world, how much better it is for our souls to be overflowing with adoration to and for the holy, covenant making and covenant keeping Lord. God’s goodness is not just something about which we read but something to be experienced. Our souls will produce music as sweet and as exhilarating as this as we daily trust the Lord whose mercy endures forever.
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11
Jun '20
A Proper Balance
11
Jun '20
Ecclesiastes 3:1, “To every thing there is a season, and a time to every purpose under the heaven:”
Jesus was busy about His Father’s business, seeking and saving the lost (John 9:4; Luke 19:10). He also recognized that rest and rejuvenation were necessary (Mark 6:31). There are times when we must be busy, and there are times when we must slow down. Jesus did both. If we follow in His steps, we also will strive for a proper balance. Work hard when it is time to be busy. Relax when it is time to rest. Do that and you will enjoy and be more productive at both work and rest. Trust God to know when to start and when to stop, and be joyful in your work and your play.
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10
Jun '20
A More Glorious Truth
10
Jun '20
Psalm 9:10, “And they that know thy name will put their trust in thee: for thou, LORD, hast not forsaken them that seek thee.”
Life is a mess. In our immediate environment and in the wider word there is oppression, injustice, and the success of wickedness. That is a fact, but here is another, more certain and certainly more glorious truth, the ultimate and assured triumph of Christ and His righteousness. The powerful and praiseworthy Lord is the refuge for the oppressed and troubled. Those who trust Him need not be dominated by fear, because He has promised to never leave or forsake you. Take refuge in and trust Him. No other name is able to deliver salvation and justice but Christ alone.
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29
May '20
Call It Out
29
May '20
Psalm 7:1, “O LORD my God, in thee do I put my trust: save me from all them that persecute me, and deliver me:”
Persecution is not a thing of the past. Many believers around the world still face severe persecution for their faith. Indeed, this is a promise to any who live a godly life in Christ Jesus. Perhaps the most powerful and regularly used instrument of persecution is the tongue. Deliverance is found only in Christ Jesus. The Lord died on the cross so that He might be your God, yours by a special covenant sealed by His precious blood. Trust in the One who was persecuted to death, yet lives, and you will likewise be delivered, now and for eternity.
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28
May '20
Fruitfulness is Linked to Faithfulness
28
May '20
John 15:5, “I am the vine, ye are the branches: He that abideth in me, and I in him, the same bringeth forth much fruit: for without me ye can do nothing.”
Every road has two ditches. One says, “I can’t do anything.” The other, “I can do it all by myself.” Remember Jesus never said, “Without Me you cannot do the big stuff.” The issue is not that we can do some things in our own strength. The issue is that we can do nothing apart from Christ. Fruitfulness in God’s work has one requirement: faithfulness in God’s Son. The only way a believer will make any progress in becoming more like Christ, is by relying on the Holy Spirit rather than our own abilities. To abide in Christ requires trusting Him, no matter what. He will take care of the rest.
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27
May '20
A Stormy Weather Prayer
27
May '20
Psalm 55:5-6, “Fearfulness and trembling are come upon me, and horror hath overwhelmed me. And I said, Oh that I had wings like a dove! for then would I fly away, and be at rest.”
This psalm was written during stormy weather, not a thunderstorm or a hailstorm, but a people storm. Those are often the worst kind. The Lord’s servants sometimes get weary, not necessarily weary of the work, just weary in the work. David’s heart was broken. His spirit beaten down and his energy level was not what it used to be. He wanted to escape, but no matter where we run, we are still there. When an overwhelming storm hits, don’t run to the hills. Instead, fall on your knees. Trust God. He is faithful to hear, save, and deliver you (Psalm 55:16-18).
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26
May '20
The True Mother of Victories
26
May '20
Psalm 21:7, “For the king trusteth in the LORD, and through the mercy of the most High he shall not be moved.”
This is a psalm of confident thanksgiving. By it, we are taught to thank God for past and present victories. We are also taught to anticipate future successes. Our confidence for all this is grounded in the steadfast love of the most High God. Spurgeon said it best, “The joy of faith and the victory achieved was due to precious grace. A holy confidence in Jehovah is the true mother of victories.”
Trust God no matter what and be assured that whatever changes or reversals you experience in the moment, your ultimate wellbeing is secure, because every hope rooted in and leaning on the gracious promises of our Lord Jesus will be fulfilled.
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22
May '20
There is Joy in the Morning
22
May '20
Psalm 30:5, “For his anger endureth but a moment; in his favor is life: weeping may endure for a night, but joy cometh in the morning.”
To know and trust Jesus is to know real and lasting joy. This does not exempt the believer from sin, or sin’s consequences. God is perfectly just and completely loving. He is never one or the other. He never leans more in one direction than the other. God disciplines His children, just as any good father should. That discipline is justly balanced, perfectly administered, and as soon as confession is made, our fellowship with the Father is fully restored. For those who trust God, mourning – for whatever reason – only lasts until morning. Have you trusted Jesus? Are you trusting Him?
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