God sees the big picture. This is quite the opposite of man, whose tendency leans towards self-focus and immediate gratification. Our physical eyes may have "perfect" vision, yet we can be spiritually shortsighted to the point of blindness. To enter in to all God has for us requires us to trust Him. We must be convinced He intimately knows us, our needs, and what is best.
After God led the children of Israel out of slavery in Egypt, He intended to bring them into the land He promised to give them. When they arrived at the doorstep of Canaan, they sent spies into the land for 40 days. 10 out of 12 brought an evil report of the land. They acknowledged it was a good land but there were giants and massive strongholds. In their shortsightedness they looked at the giants and their own relative physical stature and strength rather than the power of God who had done mighty wonders to miraculously deliver them from Egypt. The people cried and wished they had never left Egypt. Because of the unbelief of that generation, God forbade them to enter the land. The two spies who gave a good report and urged the people to trust God who would grant them certain victory, Joshua and Caleb, were the only people from that generation who entered into the land 40 years later.
For 40 years, a year for a day, God led the people through the wilderness. Finally, the day came when it was time to cross over the Jordan River and enter into the Promised Land. As they made ready to cross over, the children of Ruben, Gad, and Manasseh talked amongst themselves. The land on the east side of the Jordan was good land for cattle, and they had much cattle! Numbers 32 speaks of how they approached Moses and asked politely to be given the land west of Jordan for their inheritance instead of passing over. They saw goodness of the land and thought, "Man, it doesn't get much better than this! We would be content to stay right here!" God, in His mercy and grace, heeded their request and gave them the land. If they did not want to enter into the land, He would not force them. He blessed them, despite their unbelief.
Yes, unbelief. This is the same shortsighted unbelief that can strike the hearts and minds of Christian today. As we follow Christ, contentment in every situation is something God teaches us. But we can grow comfortable in our surroundings and be unmotivated to take the next step of faith. Hey, if God is blessing me on this side of the Jordan, what's the point of crossing over? Can it get any better than this? We have cattle and this land is good land for cattle. Can't I just stay right here, God? As we see in the text, sometimes God says yes. But it is always a terrible tragedy when God's people think they know better than God. To politely decline an inheritance in the Land of Promise because you prefer the grazing where you are - without any knowledge of what God has in store for you - is foolish!
Believers, it gets better. When we think we have tapped out how good God is, He raises the bar exponentially. The only way we will know and experience all God has for us is walking by faith, not by sight. If God has an inheritance on the east side of the Jordan, do not be content to stay on the west side - even if you have cattle and it is good land for cattle. Where God is leading you is where you should go. Doesn't God know what cattle need? More importantly, doesn't God know what you need? Doesn't He know best? Since He has purchased and redeemed us for Himself, let us go where He leads. Should God lead you over Jordan, cross over!
07 January 2014
06 January 2014
God is Good No Matter What
It is good to be reminded that God is in control. In good times and bad, God stands at the helm of the circumstances of our lives. He rules and reigns, sovereign over all. It is common for a Christian to attribute what we see as good and beneficial as Divine Providence blessing us, and when trials or difficulties come it is seen as an attack of Satan. While it is true Satan is alive and well on planet earth, that he seeks to steal, kill, and destroy, he is not to blame for anything we perceive as "bad" which happens to us. God's sovereignty is not only what we perceive as good, but also has control over what we see as inconvenient, troubling, and even fiery trials.
Do you struggle that God allows both good and evil in the world? He allows even His own children to suffer greatly at the hands of sinners. A reason why God's sovereignty is hard for us to comprehend can be our own unbelief. We look at tragedies, obstacles, even delays, and wonder what could possibly be good about them. There is nothing good about sin, and the world is steeped in it. Because we do not see good in the circumstances, we figure there must be a sinister purpose behind them - something other than God. This is the view from the flesh, a view that does not hold God as all powerful, righteous, and good. The fact that God has the power to change our circumstances and at times chooses not to is a tablet (pill) that sticks in unbelieving throats. Yet God wants my thinking to change concerning His character and the things He allows. He is able to take the most obscene, horrendous evil and make it work for good. How He does this I cannot say, but I am convinced by scripture this is exactly what He does every time. God wants to bring us to a place where we trust Him because we know Him, not because we think He has made our lives easier or better.
Romans 8:28 says with unflinching, bold confidence: "And we know that all things work together for good to those who love God, to those who are the called according to His purpose." If we are in Christ, He can use our wretched past and uncertain future for our good and His glory. Instead of seeing everything advantageous as a blessing and delays or trials as enemy assaults, let us rejoice knowing our Father sits on the throne. There are blessings in both what we perceive as good or bad. Since we aren't God, we won't fully understand His ways or thoughts. But on the foundation of scripture we stand strong in belief in God's righteousness, goodness, and unfailing love. No matter what we face, God is good. In a world that has forsaken God, let us seek refuge in the One who will never leave or forsake us!
Do you struggle that God allows both good and evil in the world? He allows even His own children to suffer greatly at the hands of sinners. A reason why God's sovereignty is hard for us to comprehend can be our own unbelief. We look at tragedies, obstacles, even delays, and wonder what could possibly be good about them. There is nothing good about sin, and the world is steeped in it. Because we do not see good in the circumstances, we figure there must be a sinister purpose behind them - something other than God. This is the view from the flesh, a view that does not hold God as all powerful, righteous, and good. The fact that God has the power to change our circumstances and at times chooses not to is a tablet (pill) that sticks in unbelieving throats. Yet God wants my thinking to change concerning His character and the things He allows. He is able to take the most obscene, horrendous evil and make it work for good. How He does this I cannot say, but I am convinced by scripture this is exactly what He does every time. God wants to bring us to a place where we trust Him because we know Him, not because we think He has made our lives easier or better.
Romans 8:28 says with unflinching, bold confidence: "And we know that all things work together for good to those who love God, to those who are the called according to His purpose." If we are in Christ, He can use our wretched past and uncertain future for our good and His glory. Instead of seeing everything advantageous as a blessing and delays or trials as enemy assaults, let us rejoice knowing our Father sits on the throne. There are blessings in both what we perceive as good or bad. Since we aren't God, we won't fully understand His ways or thoughts. But on the foundation of scripture we stand strong in belief in God's righteousness, goodness, and unfailing love. No matter what we face, God is good. In a world that has forsaken God, let us seek refuge in the One who will never leave or forsake us!
31 December 2013
2014: A New Beginning
Today marks the beginning of a new year, a year of vast potential, purpose, and promise. In His wisdom God designed the earth to orbit the sun and orchestrated the division of seasons, months, weeks, and days. If all we counted were days without hours, time would hold little promise for the future. There would be no possibility for a year to hold the potential of being "the year where everything changed for good." A new year opens countless possibilities, and reminds those whose eyes have been opened to the new life we have granted us through faith in Christ. Every day is a new day to seek God and worship Him, as we grow in His love and wisdom. Our God is not one of second chances but new beginnings! Every new day and every new year is one to take hold of as a gift from God and relish the opportunities and even challenges He places before us.
It is now 2014, two-thousand and fourteen years since the birth of Jesus Christ, the One who makes all things new. Revelation 21:5-6 says, "Then He who sat on the throne said, "Behold, I make all things new." And He said to me, "Write, for these words are true and faithful." 6 And He said to me, "It is done! I am the Alpha and the Omega, the Beginning and the End. I will give of the fountain of the water of life freely to him who thirsts." The way God makes new is not like a "refurbished" electronic device, but is a continual process as we follow after Him in faith. We are continually being renewed as we put off the old man - our old ways of thinking, doing, and coping - and choose to be renewed in the Spirit of our mind through the Word of God, and put on the new man which after God is created in righteousness and true holiness. We are not doomed to repeat past failures, nor are we required to bear the burden or guilt of them. The future spreads before us bright and beautiful as we consider the new life God has offered us through the Gospel.
Sometimes we can feel like change in ourselves or our circumstances is impossible. We have tried hard before and failed: why should this time be any different? Ask that question to barren Hannah, Namaan the leper, or the disciples of Jesus who toiled all night without catching a single fish. Let us never forget that what is impossible with men is possible with God. Which is harder: to change external circumstances or to change the heart and mind of a stubborn, willful human being? I speak of all men and do not exclude myself. 2 Corinthians 5:17-21 says this: "Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation; old things have passed away; behold, all things have become new. 18 Now all things are of God, who has reconciled us to Himself through Jesus Christ, and has given us the ministry of reconciliation, 19 that is, that God was in Christ reconciling the world to Himself, not imputing their trespasses to them, and has committed to us the word of reconciliation. 20 Now then, we are ambassadors for Christ, as though God were pleading through us: we implore you on Christ's behalf, be reconciled to God. 21 For He made Him who knew no sin to be sin for us, that we might become the righteousness of God in Him." Here we see our position and calling before God as believers, unbelievable as it might be. Consider this, believer! If you are in Christ, old things have passed away; behold, all things have become new. We have been reconciled to God and have been ordained to reconcile others to Him as well, for He has committed to us the word of reconciliation. It is His work, yet we are called to be ambassadors for Christ as long as He tarries. This is both a sober task and a joyful duty.
The Israelites were not able to enter the Promised Land because of unbelief, and many Christians encamp in desolate places where the water is stagnant and the food stale for the same reason. Day after day they trudge on, and God's promises and dynamic power are forgotten. They do not feel new, thus they do not believe God can make all things new. Because they have limited God by their shortsightedness, focusing on their past struggles or perceived odds stacked against them, God cannot do for them what they have tried again and again to do themselves. You may scoff to yourself: "A man limiting God? Rubbish!" Consider Psalm 78:40-42: "How often they provoked Him in the wilderness, and grieved Him in the desert! 41 Yes, again and again they tempted God, and limited the Holy One of Israel. 42 They did not remember His power: the day when He redeemed them from the enemy." Unbelief provokes and grieves God. Jesus had the power to heal, yet He could not heal many in His home town because of unbelief. Unbelief stayed His hand and blunted His miraculous power. Unbelief causes us to forget God's power He has revealed to us, having redeemed us from sin and death. If God has saved us from hell and transformed our hearts through spiritual regeneration by the indwelling Spirit, is anything too hard for Him?
For some people this new year will be simply another day ticking over to the next. For others, however, it is a new year where God will have freedom through faith in His people to make all things new. I find this most encouraging and exciting for my own walk, as well as far-reaching implications for lost people of this world who desperately need a Saviour! May 2014 mark the beginning of a new walk with Christ that is richer, fuller, and blessed beyond reason as we faithfully follow Jesus Christ and shine bright for Him!
It is now 2014, two-thousand and fourteen years since the birth of Jesus Christ, the One who makes all things new. Revelation 21:5-6 says, "Then He who sat on the throne said, "Behold, I make all things new." And He said to me, "Write, for these words are true and faithful." 6 And He said to me, "It is done! I am the Alpha and the Omega, the Beginning and the End. I will give of the fountain of the water of life freely to him who thirsts." The way God makes new is not like a "refurbished" electronic device, but is a continual process as we follow after Him in faith. We are continually being renewed as we put off the old man - our old ways of thinking, doing, and coping - and choose to be renewed in the Spirit of our mind through the Word of God, and put on the new man which after God is created in righteousness and true holiness. We are not doomed to repeat past failures, nor are we required to bear the burden or guilt of them. The future spreads before us bright and beautiful as we consider the new life God has offered us through the Gospel.
Sometimes we can feel like change in ourselves or our circumstances is impossible. We have tried hard before and failed: why should this time be any different? Ask that question to barren Hannah, Namaan the leper, or the disciples of Jesus who toiled all night without catching a single fish. Let us never forget that what is impossible with men is possible with God. Which is harder: to change external circumstances or to change the heart and mind of a stubborn, willful human being? I speak of all men and do not exclude myself. 2 Corinthians 5:17-21 says this: "Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation; old things have passed away; behold, all things have become new. 18 Now all things are of God, who has reconciled us to Himself through Jesus Christ, and has given us the ministry of reconciliation, 19 that is, that God was in Christ reconciling the world to Himself, not imputing their trespasses to them, and has committed to us the word of reconciliation. 20 Now then, we are ambassadors for Christ, as though God were pleading through us: we implore you on Christ's behalf, be reconciled to God. 21 For He made Him who knew no sin to be sin for us, that we might become the righteousness of God in Him." Here we see our position and calling before God as believers, unbelievable as it might be. Consider this, believer! If you are in Christ, old things have passed away; behold, all things have become new. We have been reconciled to God and have been ordained to reconcile others to Him as well, for He has committed to us the word of reconciliation. It is His work, yet we are called to be ambassadors for Christ as long as He tarries. This is both a sober task and a joyful duty.
The Israelites were not able to enter the Promised Land because of unbelief, and many Christians encamp in desolate places where the water is stagnant and the food stale for the same reason. Day after day they trudge on, and God's promises and dynamic power are forgotten. They do not feel new, thus they do not believe God can make all things new. Because they have limited God by their shortsightedness, focusing on their past struggles or perceived odds stacked against them, God cannot do for them what they have tried again and again to do themselves. You may scoff to yourself: "A man limiting God? Rubbish!" Consider Psalm 78:40-42: "How often they provoked Him in the wilderness, and grieved Him in the desert! 41 Yes, again and again they tempted God, and limited the Holy One of Israel. 42 They did not remember His power: the day when He redeemed them from the enemy." Unbelief provokes and grieves God. Jesus had the power to heal, yet He could not heal many in His home town because of unbelief. Unbelief stayed His hand and blunted His miraculous power. Unbelief causes us to forget God's power He has revealed to us, having redeemed us from sin and death. If God has saved us from hell and transformed our hearts through spiritual regeneration by the indwelling Spirit, is anything too hard for Him?
For some people this new year will be simply another day ticking over to the next. For others, however, it is a new year where God will have freedom through faith in His people to make all things new. I find this most encouraging and exciting for my own walk, as well as far-reaching implications for lost people of this world who desperately need a Saviour! May 2014 mark the beginning of a new walk with Christ that is richer, fuller, and blessed beyond reason as we faithfully follow Jesus Christ and shine bright for Him!
30 December 2013
Hope Does Not Disappoint!
"Therefore, having been justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ,
2
through whom also we have access by faith into this grace in which we stand, and rejoice in hope of the glory of God.
3
And not only that, but we also glory in tribulations, knowing that tribulation produces perseverance;
4
and perseverance, character; and character, hope.
5
Now hope does not disappoint, because the love of God has been poured out in our hearts by the Holy Spirit who was given to us.
6
For when we were still without strength, in due time Christ died for the ungodly."
Romans 5:1-6
During a drive last night, part of this passage continued to rattle through my mind: "Now hope does not disappoint." Everyone alive at some time has been disappointed, and for good reason. In every heart there are dreams and expectations that this ever shifting world has unceremoniously shattered. In the KJV the word "hope does not disappoint" is translated "hope maketh not ashamed." Paul told the Roman believers that the hope God provides would not leave them ashamed or confounded even in the midst of tribulation. In the fierceness of the storm there will be calm for those who take shelter in their Saviour. We commonly say we "hope" when we wish for something, but the hope provided by God is an absolute surety. Christians can have the expectation that God will always work things for good for those who love God and are the called according to His purposes.
The hope God provides through faith in Christ and his unshakable promises in His Word is infinitely greater and better than any hope offered by this world. The hope of this world is in reality utter and complete hopelessness. This world will always disappoint. One thing may make us temporarily happy, but only one little thing need happen to throw us angrily into despair. Case in point - yesterday I went to a friend's house to watch the last game of the San Diego Charger's football season, a game with playoff implications. For those of my fellow loyal Charger fans, we know how it feels to be disappointed again and again. I hoped my team with win against the Kansas City Chiefs, but nothing for the Chargers can be easy! I refused to even allow myself to hope for the victory as time ticked away. Amazingly, the Chargers finished with a victory and squeaked into the playoffs. The happiness of the victory had hardly sunk in when I reached home and found I had left my laptop power supply cable at my mate's house! How frustrated I was! Even when my "hope" of an improbable playoff berth had been realised, my own forgetfulness was enough to extinguish my happiness and replace it with irritation!
This situation brought me back to the words of Romans 5. Those of us who have been born again by grace through faith in Christ have a sure hope that does not disappoint. No matter what disappointments I face on this earth, my name is written in the Lamb's Book of Life. I am God's child even if tribulations and troubles come. I do not need to wait for heaven to receive the proof, for God has sent the Holy Spirit as a heavenly downpayment. He has poured out His love in our hearts by the Holy Spirit who has been given. When I feel alone or forgotten, I know I have a High Priest in the heavens who stands at the right hand of the Father living to make intercession for me. He allows even our forgetfulness to accomplish His glorious good. The peace that God gives does not ebb and flow like the happiness we experience on this planet, but is a constant certainty for those who live to walk by faith and not by sight.
Football teams will disappoint, and we manage to disappoint ourselves at times! But thanks be to God who has given us peace, access into His presence, and hope that does not disappoint. When we were without strength and enemies of God, Jesus demonstrated love for us through His willing sacrifice on the cross. Never, ever let anything in your life rob you of the joy and peace God has given!
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)