Sanctification Through the Promises

Behold Wondrous Things (Psalm 119:18)

Ken

“Open Thou mine eyes, that I may behold wondrous things out of Thy law” (Psalm 119:18 KJV). Only the Living God can take the blinders from our eyes to see the wonders of His Law. Self-discovery is the exact opposite of seeking the mother lode of riches from God’s Word. In these NT times, the eureka of discovering understanding from the Word of God is tied to our discovery of Jesus Christ as the Living Word. Scripture makes it easy to make the connection between Christ and His Word. “In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God” (John 1:1). Rather than attempting to make Scripture a book of physical realities, we should realize our physical world is only an attempt to duplicate the realities of the spiritual world. We need to give up on becoming acceptable to the faithless world, and concentrate on the Holy Spirit showing us and through us the more important substance of the Unseen Realm.  “12 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. 13 Neither is there any creature that is not manifest in His sight: but all things are naked and opened unto the eyes of Him with whom we have to do” (Hebrews 4:12-13). Notice how Hebrews 4:12 fluently transitions from the “word of God is quick” to “Neither is there any creature that is not manifest in His sight” (4:13). The Word of God is Jesus!

Just look at how foolish the things of God are to this world. Do we mind looking foolish to the world? 

“For the preaching of the cross is to them that perish foolishness; but unto us which are saved it is the power of God” (1Corinthians 1:18).

“For after that in the wisdom of God the world by wisdom knew not God, it pleased God by the foolishness of preaching to save them that believe” (1Corinthians 1:21).

“But we preach Christ crucified, unto the Jews a stumblingblock, and unto the Greeks foolishness” (1Corinthians 1:23).

“Because the foolishness of God is wiser than men; and the weakness of God is stronger than men” (1Corinthians 1:25).

LORD, bless the foolishness of preaching Your Word that we might lift up Your Son Jesus as the wondrous pinnacle and point of all of Your Law and Scripture. Magnify Him, whose “name is called The Word of God” (Revelation 19:13), to Your everlasting praise. Amen.

What to Do When No One Knows What to Do

Ken

“Trust in the LORD with all thine heart; and lean not unto thine own understanding. In all thy ways acknowledge Him, and He shall direct thy paths” (Proverbs 3:5-6 KJV). We need to be trusting God now, whether or not it ever becomes popular later! The difference between trusting God now and when everything is an emergency is the reason we are to always be ready for the imminent return of the Lord Jesus Christ and our being caught up to Him. You cannot counterfeit confidence to God. He knows when you are trusting Him. Either you trust Him or you don’t. Pretend you are going into battle, and you want to be right with God for whatever happens in the conflict. Trust is an instantaneous thing. Only the Spirit of God can give you that. “The peace of God, which passeth all understanding, shall keep your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus” (Philippians 4:7). Trusting God means we do not hold back on confessing known sin to God. Even the thief on the cross acknowledged his worthiness of condemnation. “Dost not thou fear God, seeing thou art in the same condemnation? And we indeed justly; for we receive the due reward of our deeds: but this man hath done nothing amiss” (Luke 23:40-41). 

Readiness to meet God in eternity took place for that thief, when “he said unto Jesus, Lord, remember me when Thou comest into Thy kingdom. And Jesus said unto him, Verily I say unto thee, To day shalt thou be with Me in paradise” (Luke 23:42-43 ). Let us “commit the keeping of [our] souls to Him in well doing, as unto a faithful Creator” (1Peter 4:19). When this is done, all is well done! Father, alert Your Professed Church to the need of fully trusting in You now, like eternity depended on it. Lord Jesus, return quickly, and may our departure have the desired effect to fulfill all righteousness. Cause our lives to be a testimony to those who will be immediately wrestling with the one who will be the Antichrist. “9 Even him [Antichrist], whose coming is after the working of Satan with all power and signs and lying wonders, 10 And with all deceivableness of unrighteousness in them that perish; because they received not the love of the truth, that they might be saved” (2Thessalonians 2:9-10). LORD, prepare us, as we lift up our heads for our redemptions draws near. Amen and amen. 

Deal Bountifully With Thy Servant (Psalm 119:17)

Ken

“GIMEL. Deal bountifully with Thy servant, that I may live, and keep Thy word” (Psalm 119:17 KJV). The prayer request of the Psalmist is for bountifulness to result from service to the LORD: 

1- “That I may live” (119:17), i.e., not just barely survive, but with a greater liberty or freedom to pursue the worship of Jehovah. “And ye shall hallow the fiftieth year, and proclaim liberty throughout all the land unto all the inhabitants thereof: it shall be a jubile unto you; and ye shall return every man unto his possession, and ye shall return every man unto his family” (Leviticus 25:10). 

2- “And keep Thy word” (Psalm 119:17), i.e., Of what good is bountifulness, which is not devoted to the obedience to God’s Word and the worship of Jehovah? 

There is no aspect of pursuing God, which is redirected or devoted just to me, because I have earned or deserved it. We do not siphon away from God our part and leave Him His “little half acre.” It is all His, including the part we retain for our sustenance. Our survival is His survival. His prosperity is our prosperity. “For in Him we live, and move, and have our being; as certain also of your own poets have said, For we are also his offspring” (Acts 17:28). 

Once we begin to see our life wrapped up in the obedience of God’s Word, we become one with Him. “And I will put My Spirit within you, and cause you to walk in My statutes, and ye shall keep My judgments, and do them” (Ezekiel 36:27). No longer is it Him versus us, just both us together. Father, may the understanding of our bounty be so integrated with our obedience to Your Word that we would cease to look at Your interests compared to our interests, but may we see all as both “our” interests. Cause Your Spirit to inspire within us an appreciation of You motivating us to obedience. In Jesus’ name, we pray. Amen.

Meeting and Kissing

Ken

“Mercy and truth are met together; righteousness and peace have kissed each other” (Psalm 85:10 KJV). Physical existence is only an attempt to replicate spiritual reality. We understand meeting a spouse with a kiss is a sign of close affection, and so it is with mercy and truth, righteousness and peace. The truth is we need God’s mercy, for only the righteousness of a right relationship with Him can give us the perfect peace with our Creator, Savior, and King. Mercy is God withholding the punishment we deserve for our sins. “God be merciful to me a sinner” (Luke 18:13). The truth, as it is in Jesus, is only completely surrendering to Christ can give us a right understanding of Pontius Pilate’s question, “What is truth?” (John 18:38), for Jesus had just said to him, “Every one that is of the truth heareth My voice” (18:37). Righteousness is a right relationship with God causing us to rightly act, but it is impossible without first coming into contact with the Prince of Peace, who is the Lord Jesus Christ. The supernatural act of balancing mercy and truth, righteousness and peace comes only from God’s Spirit working in us “to will and to do of His good pleasure” (Philippians 2:13). 

Surrendering to Jesus Christ as the Lord of your life is part of accepting Christ into your life. “That if thou shalt confess with thy mouth the Lord Jesus, and shalt believe in thine heart that God hath raised Him from the dead, thou shalt be saved” (Romans 10:9). Without complete submission to Christ, it is impossible to defeat the devil. “Submit yourselves therefore to God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you” (James 4:7). Satan already knows submission to Christ is resistance to him, and resistance to Christ — in anything — is submission to the devil. Father, awaken the understanding of Your Professed Church. May Your Professed Body admit we are at war with the devil. Grant to us a firmness, which will prevent cowardice, but a softness, which will invite You to control our lives. In Jesus’ name, we pray. Amen.

Spy Out the Land

Ken

OT Jewish espionage meant to “search the land of Canaan, which I [Jehovah] give unto the children of Israel” (Numbers 13:2 KJV). It was a spying out, reconnaissance, or probing of the Promised Land of Canaan to determine how best to take possession of it. Moses sent twelve to “spy out [Hebrew, tûr, explore] the land of Canaan” (13:17). They returned after 40 days to verify, “The land whither thou sentest us, and surely it floweth with milk and honey; and this [grapes, pomegranates, and figs, they brought back] is the fruit of it” (13:27). 

Before we condemn the Majority Report of the spies — and, it should be condemned — take note, they accurately described the enemy. Only their cowardice to face God’s enemies was to be condemned. “31 But the men who had gone up with him said, We are not able to go up against these people, because they are stronger than we are! 32 Then they presented the Israelites with a discouraging report of the land they had investigated, saying, The land that we passed through to investigate is a land that devours its inhabitants. All the people we saw there are of great stature. 33 We even saw the Nephilim [Hebrew, nephîyl, giants] there (the descendants of Anak came from the Nephilim), and we seemed like grasshoppers both to ourselves and to them”  (Numbers 13:31-33 NET). 

Nephilim? Exactly who are the Nephilim? 

You will find God defining His terms coherently by such as the Law of First Mention in Scripture. “There were giants [Hebrew, nephîyl, Nephilim] in the earth in those days; and also after that, when the sons of God [Hebrew, ben ělôhîym, only used to describe angels in OT, e.g., Job 2:1; 38:7] came in unto the daughters of men, and they bare children to them [Jesus described the lack of necessity and forbiddeness of angels procreating with human females, i.e, Matthew 22:30, not the impossibility of angels doing so, rebelling against God’s command, who ‘kept not their first estate,’ Jude 1:6], the same became mighty men which were of old, men of renown” (Genesis 6:4).  “Also after that” (Genesis 6:4) means there will be Nephilim in the earth at future times, i.e., Goliath of Gath, the giant whom David killed (1Samuel 17). And, yet again, “there was yet a battle in Gath, where was a man of great stature, that had on every hand six fingers, and on every foot six toes, four and twenty in number; and he also was born to the giant” (2Samuel 21:20). 

On face value of the text, it appears the disobedient Fallen Angels were simply attracted to the physical beauty of the human females, i.e., “That the sons of God saw the daughters of men that they were fair; and they took them wives of all which they chose” (6:2). But, Yahweh’s Declaration of War upon Lucifer, following the sin of Adam and Eve, indicated a Seed War, where the physical fruit of Eve’s body would produce Christ (Isaiah 7:14; 9:6). But, the Adversary would also respond with Fallen Angels cohabiting with human females to eventually produce the physical seed of the Antichrist — a Nephilim. The Protoevangeleum:  “[Jehovah addressing the Serpent] And I will put enmity between thee and the woman, and between thy seed [to produce the Antichrist] and her seed [to produce the Lord Jesus Christ]; it shall bruise thy head, and thou shalt bruise his heel” (Genesis 3:15). 

Where were we?

The Promised Land of Canaan was just in reach of the Children of Israel, but ten out of twelve of the spies discouraged their brethren from obeying God to enter in and conquer the Promised Land. We may not be physically conquering a land; but, we must face our own Nephilim to bring the Gospel to the world (Matthew 28:19-20). If Scripture teaches us, “Be not forgetful to entertain strangers: for thereby some have entertained angels unawares” (Hebrews 13:2 ), then we may have unwittingly encountered God’s angels. But, we may also have unknowingly come across the Adversary’s Nephilim. Just as we know to turn away from evil, we need to turn away from evil companions, whether or not they are unknown-to-us-Nephilim. “Do not be misled: Bad company corrupts good character” (1Corinthians 15:33 NIV). And, even if we were suspicious of our bad companions, we should treat the Nephilim like we would the Wicked One. “Submit yourselves therefore to God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you” (James 4:7).

Father, give us grace to help in our time of need that we might have the certain victory over our Adversary the Devil — and, even the Nephilim. May You receive the credit for the victory. Lord, preserve Your people. In Jesus’ conquering name, we pray. Amen. 

Never Give Up

Ken

“Be conscientious about how you live and what you teach. Persevere in this, because by doing so you will save both yourself and those who listen to you” (1Timothy 4:16 NET). Too hard. Too much pain. Too unattractive. Why give up on righteousness, as if a right relationship with God can be found any other way? Most common is the truth of righteousness is crowded out by anything more appealing to our flesh. “All unrighteousness is sin” (1John 5:17). Of that we are sure. Then, why do we give up on righteousness and right relationships with God and our neighbor? Honestly, we just do not think about it. The pathway to hell is full of thoughtlessness. We can clearly see all the negative things befalling us, if we persist in righteousness. And, it is only when those thoughts outweigh the truth of right conduct and a right relationship with God, that we sin. In short, a right relationship with God is righteousness. Righteousness is of the heart. A right relationship will cause us to rightly act. When someone appears to be rightly acting, but lacks sincere motivation, then it is still not righteousness but self-righteousness. May God grant us a thirst for righteousness that only He can satisfy. “My soul thirsteth for God, for the living God: when shall I come and appear before God?” (Psalm 42:2). “Blessed are they which do hunger and thirst after righteousness: for they shall be filled” (Matthew 5:6). Father, cause us to thirst for You, to thirst after righteousness. In Jesus’ name, we pray. Amen.

Accidental Tourists?

Ken

“According as He hath chosen us in Him before the foundation of the world, that we should be holy and without blame before Him in love” (Ephesians 1:4 KJV). Like being rescued from drowning, we come to life in Christ gasping for Christ, for He is our life (John 14:6). Only time and tradition can acclimate us to an alternate version of Christian reality. We are at the mercy of those who came before us to teach us what is Normal Christianity, so we can become acclimated to those around us. And, we need to be attentive, for that is the concept of discipleship. “And the things that thou hast heard of me among many witnesses, the same commit thou to faithful men, who shall be able to teach others also” (2Timothy 2:2). But, our true responsibility is not simply to follow the pattern of the Christianity of those discipling us, but to replicate the life of Christ — even to grow beyond our disciplers. “Verily, verily, I say unto you, He that believeth on me, the works that I do shall he do also; and greater works than these shall he do; because I go unto my Father” (John 14:12). Before we go off on the prideful tangent of looking down upon those seeking to disciple us, “Let him that thinketh he standeth take heed lest he fall” (1Corinthians 10:12).

You and I did not accidentally appear out of nowhere. “Who knoweth whether thou art come to the kingdom for such a time as this?” (Esther 4:14). God’s providence has knowingly placed us in our present circumstances. Ours is not to object to our lack of advantages; but, we are to “rejoice in the Lord alway: and again I say, Rejoice” (Philippians 4:4). When given a project, find what you already have  to bring before the Lord and ask Him to bless it. “And they had a few small fishes: and He blessed, and commanded to set them also before them” (Mark 8:7). 

It may be, humanly speaking, humble to suggest we have accidentally stumbled into our present circumstances. And, so it would seem to us. But, “He hath chosen us in Him before the foundation of the world, that we should be holy and without blame before Him in love” (Ephesians 1:4). Our circumstances are not limitations but features designed for us and into us as tools of His good pleasure. Rather than complain of our lack of physical, economic, political, religious, or social circumstances, we need to commit our small basket of a “few small fishes” (Mark 8:7) for Him to bless and see how many He will feed. 

Human history is not the accidental convergence of unknown forces, but the direct result of a Sovereign God “who worketh all things after the counsel of His own will” (Ephesians 1:11). It should bring us great joy to know our God is the One “declaring the end from the beginning, and from ancient times the things that are not yet done, saying, My counsel shall stand, and I will do all My pleasure” (Isaiah 46:10). 

Father, may You richly bless us with confidence that Your will is being done on this earth. And, may our eyes be opened to see our small part of the design. May our confidence in Your will being done on earth find its impact in every area conceivable and inconceivable that it would upend the popular notion that opposes the fact that “greater is He [the Almighty] that is in [us], than he [the devil] that is in the world” (1John 4:4). Turn our faith into sight. Lord Jesus, return quickly. Amen.

Meditate in Thy Precepts (Psalm 119:15)

Ken

“I will meditate [Hebrew, sîyach, ponder] in Thy precepts, and have respect [Hebrew, nâbat, focus upon] unto Thy ways [Hebrew, ôrach, behavior]” (Psalm 119:15 KJV). To ponder God’s Word means staying awake and thinking about His precepts. Our estimation of His utterances gives us a picture of God. We need to be careful about our own speech, since it gives others a measure of who we are. Though meditation can take place anywhere and at anytime, morning is a favored place because our mind has been rested, cleared of distractions, and reset to pursue the LORD. “Stand in awe, and sin not: commune with your own heart upon your bed, and be still. Selah” (4:4). To “have respect” (119:15) or focus on God’s behavior means to consider God’s ways or contemplate, Why did God do that? Modern psychoanalysis concentrates upon why we do something, but meditation preeminently focuses upon the why of God’s behavior. God demands implicit but not thoughtless obedience. Medication and drugs may mask and control our ability to clearly focus upon God, but must be overcome like anything else in our environment. “They will attack you but they will not be able to overcome you, for I will be with you to rescue you, says the LORD” (Jeremiah 1:19 NET). Father, give us understanding of Your behavior that we may imitate You. Lord Jesus, return quickly. In Jesus’ name, we pray. Amen.

I’ve Got Your Back

Ken

“But you will not leave in haste or go in flight; for the Lord will go before you, the God of Israel will be your rear guard” (Isaiah 52:12 NIV). The KJV translates “rear guard” as “rereward.” Simply put, God says, “I’ve got your back.” Limited as we are, we can use all the help of an Unlimited God. Too big of a promise? No, but we may lack imagination in its application. The picture of God as a watchmaker, winding us up and stepping back out of the way, not intervening is false. Not only does He hold us together — “He is before all things, and by Him all things consist” (Colossians 1:17) — but, He dwells within us by His Spirit to inspire us to obey Him. “And I will put My Spirit within you, and cause you to walk in My statutes, and ye shall keep My judgments, and do them” (Ezekiel 36:27). We do not have eyes in the back of our head, neither do we have the thought or imagination to meditate and anticipate all possible circumstances. But, the Almighty can do that for us. The question is “Are we all out for Him?” “Them that honour Me I will honour, and they that despise Me shall be lightly esteemed [Hebrew, qâlal, be of little account]” (1Samuel 2:30). Father, may we be of great account to You, for we esteem You of greater worth than all our necessary food. Thank You for watching over us. May we look after Your name in this world, as of the greatest importance. Glorify Your name. Lord Jesus, return quickly. In Jesus’ name, we pray. Amen. 

Promises of God

Ken

“For all the promises of God in Him are yea, and in Him Amen, unto the glory of God by us” (2Corinthians 1:20 KJV). Fine words, but what meaneth this? The Son of God, Jesus Christ (1:19) is the Him (1:20). What promises? The First Advent of Messiah (Isaiah 7:14) and His Second Advent (9:6). Yea, but there is more. “According as His divine power hath given unto us all things that pertain unto life and godliness, through the knowledge of Him that hath called us to glory and virtue: Whereby are given unto us exceeding great and precious promises: that by these ye might be partakers of the divine nature, having escaped the corruption that is in the world through lust” (2Peter 1:3-4). “All things that pertain unto life and godliness” (1:3) means anything and everything concerning our existence is included in God’s promises. C.H. Spurgeon compared God’s promises to checks drawn on the Bank of Heaven. “God is not a man, that He should lie; neither the son of man, that He should repent: hath He said, and shall He not do it? or hath He spoken, and shall He not make it good?” (Numbers 23:19). Charles G. Finney maintained the promises of God are God’s means to entirely sanctify us, that is, to make us more like Christ. “And the very God of peace sanctify you wholly; and I pray God your whole spirit and soul and body be preserved blameless unto the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ. Faithful is He that calleth you, who also will do it” (1Thessalonians 5:23-24). Amen.