“And I saw as it were a sea of glass mingled with fire: and them that had gotten the victory over the beast, and over his image, and over his mark, and over the number of his name, stand on the sea of glass, having the harps of God” (Revelation 15:2 KJV). Victory over the enemy may mean pain, suffering, and death, which is depicted here in the saints who overcame the Antichrist through their martyrdom. Though we must be determined to live for Christ, we should be unhesitant to die for Christ. If not, we are merely sunshine soldiers hoping to get to Heaven the easiest way possible. Christ never said all would be martyred for Him, but all would be witnesses for Him.
Looking for the Promise
Faith Is The Victory
“For whatsoever is born of God overcometh the world: and this is the victory that overcometh the world, even our faith” (1John 5:4 KJV). Winning a war first requires defining victory. If Jesus already defeated Satan at the Cross, why must we fight a Spiritual War? Because “we wrestle not against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this world, against spiritual wickedness in high places” (Ephesians 6:12 KJV). The Enemy covets the glory belonging only to Almighty God, so he must enlist the sympathy of the world and neutralize support for and dependence upon Yahweh. In reality, Satan can only delay God’s final judgment against himself, but cannot eliminate that inevitable conclusion. By contrast, the Father must draw humanity to Himself through His Son by His Spirit. Since faith is that relationship of trust in God which functions by love, I AM will be worshipped by His chosen ones for He is worthy. The Most High alone determines when everything is finished. “But without faith it is impossible to please Him: for he that cometh to God must believe that He is, and that He is a rewarder of them that diligently seek Him” (Hebrews 11:6 KJV).
Voice of God: In Our Thoughts
We need to quit treating our thoughts as if they were our own creation and comprehend they come from God. “The thoughts of the righteous are right” (Proverbs 12:5 KJV). It may startle us to think this since often in the past we have stifled good thoughts and replaced them with idle thoughts, which serve only as the springboard for temptation then sin. But, the “thoughts of the diligent tend only to plenteousness [Hebrew, môthâr, profit, abundance]” (21:5), because they flow from the mind of God. “For I know the thoughts that I think toward you, saith the LORD, thoughts of peace, and not of evil, to give you an expected end [Hebrew, literally, ‘a future and a hope,’ the future you hoped for, ‘future filled with hope’ (NET)]” (Jeremiah 29:11 KJV). If we want to keep the conversation going with God, we must acknowledge and honor God in all our thoughts. Amen?
Anxious for Nothing
“Be careful [Greek, merimnaō, anxious] for nothing” (Philippians 4:6 KJV) means we shouldn’t worry about anything. It’s practically impossible not to worry, unless we’re really persuaded God is listening to our prayers. “But in every thing by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known unto God” (Philippians 4:6 KJV). We ask and petition God with gratitude concerning whatever is on our mind. Not only does He supply our needs, but it fortifies our faith, when we are doing whatever we can cooperating with God. What a wonderful exchange! “And the peace of God, which passeth all understanding, shall keep your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus” (Philippians 4:7 KJV). And, God is always giving more than we know to ask (Ephesians 3:20)!
Health of My Countenance
The wonders of a vibrant auto immune system, medical science understands its underlying importance. Good clean living, others attribute to their longevity. Who or what holds us together? Our God. “Why art thou cast down, O my soul? and why art thou disquieted within me? hope thou in God: for I shall yet praise Him, who is the health of my countenance, and my God” (Psalm 42:11; 43:5 KJV).
An Economist’s Lament
“In the long run we are all dead,” said John Maynard Keynes of ‘buy now pay later’ fame. If death is the end of it all, then humanity’s long term outlook is dismal. But, hope can only spring from an unlimited, everlasting, all caring God. “Now the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace in believing, that ye may abound in hope, through the power of the Holy Ghost” (Romans 15:13 KJV).
Behavior: Ten Minute Rule
I knew a person who overcame a lifelong smoking addiction after committing their life to Christ. “I can do all things through Christ which strengtheneth me” (Philippians 4:13 KJV). I read a story of another individual, who was told by his doctor he would probably die, if he didn’t quit smoking. He was instructed to commit himself to not smoking for only ten minutes, and occupy himself with something else during those ten minutes. Repeat the process until a habit formed, likely a month or two later. The man surprised the doctor exactly a year later with a smile and mission accomplished! How much more any behavior can be conquered through Christ!
Addiction: The Bad and the Good
“They have addicted [Greek, tassō, devoted] themselves to the ministry of the saints” (1Corinthians 16:15 KJV). The concept of dependency is a negative addiction, if I am “brought under the power of any” (1Corinthians 6:12 KJV) thing but Christ. On the other hand, an addiction is positive, if the dependency brings us under the influence of Christ and His ministry. O LORD, addict us to Yourself and Your ministry. May we never withdraw from our dependency upon You! Help us exchange our addiction for anything to dependence only upon You! Amen.
Support Your Local Church (Part 2)
Contributing to your local church not only pays the rent, keeps the lights on, provides a place to teach your kids, provides a place to interact with fellow disciples, gives a way to hear the preaching of God’s Word, but it is a place where Jesus said He would be especially present. Sure, He is everywhere because He is God, but He was especially present in the OT Holy of Holies of the Jerusalem Temple, just as He is now abiding in His NT disciples. But, He is, again, especially present in the assemblies of the local church, where the Holy Spirit can specially minister to us and through us, like in Matthew 18:20. “For where two or three are gathered together in My name, there am I in the midst of them” (Matthew 18:20 KJV). Keep this special assembly alive with your tithes and offerings.
Blessings, Desire, and Hope
“Blessings are upon the head of the just. The desire of the righteous shall be granted. The hope of the righteous shall be gladness” (Proverbs 10:6, 24, 28 KJV). If we do the right thing because of God’s Spirit working in us, we are righteous. Blessings or happiness will characterize us. Our righteous desires will be granted, and our righteous hope will make us glad.
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