Isaiah 48:10 – “Behold, I have refined you, but not as silver; I have tested you in the Furnace of Affliction.”

As I read, prayed, and pondered the Word of God today, I was drawn to the Life of Christ and Life in Christ.  The totality of Jesus’ involvement and investment in us is almost impossible to fully grasp.   Most have Jesus as an accessory, not in totality.   

We add Jesus to our lives rather than Jesus being our lives.  We walk with Him rather than walk in Him.  We live as me, and Jesus rather than Jesus is me.   Christ IN us, Christ THROUGH us is the Christian life.  We try to live for God rather than having God live His life in and through us.

Total surrender is never achieved because we envision ourselves and Jesus as two separate entities.  We fail to grasp that we are cells in the Body of Christ, members of it.  To operate or live separately from Him, thinking that is living for Him, is to dethrone God and enthrone self.

Total surrender is to die to self.  It is to experience His life in our lives.  It is to be transformed.  That is interesting (transformed).  Made different.  Not modified but transformed into something else.  We seek to reform and modify our lives, thoughts, and behavior to be a bit more like Him. Transformation removes the self and replaces it with HIM!

Isaiah 48:10 makes a troubling declaration.  Troubling but wonderful if we can look through the momentary to the eternal.  “I have purified you in the furnace of misery.”  Couple that with Paul’s desire in Philippians 3:10, “My aim (goal or desire) is to know (become inseparably intimate with) Him, to experience the power of His Resurrection, to share in His sufferings, and to be like Him in His death, AND SO, somehow, to attain to the Resurrection from the dead.”

Total surrender.  Total transformation.  Total life!  When we truly see the Life of Christ and Life in Christ as being the same, we are FREE!   At that point, we become more than conquerors through Jesus.   We turn our world upside down for God and live FREE!  Until then, we struggle with two steps forward and one step back.

I surrender all.

2 Corinthians 8:11 – “But now finish doing it also, so that just as there was the readiness to desire it, so there may be also be the completion of it by your ability.”

As I read, prayed, and mused on the Word of God today, I heard this simple directive – “Finish What You Start.” (2 Corinthians 8:11).  That caused me to remember the words of Paul in Galatians 6:9 – “Be not weary in well doing, for you will reap if you faint not.”   Simple but powerful life advice!

How we start has immeasurable value, and unless we start, we can’t finish, so the start is not unimportant.   I’ve heard people say, “How you start is not important, but how you finish.”   That is right, and it is wrong.   No start, no finish. 

We can’t become Christlike until we receive Jesus.   The key is FINISH.  Persevere!   Never quit!   The devil can’t win unless we quit.  

I think of Paul’s lament about the ‘Thorn in the flesh.’   God’s preemptive and preventative action helped Paul to persevere and learn His true source of strength.   He shifted his focus from the tool of the devil to God’s purpose.  He learned his true source of strength.   He learned that attacks do not indicate disfavor or defeat but open the door to a higher ledge upon which we can live!

In 2 Corinthians 10:3-5, there are some life-saving and sustaining realities to help us persevere and FINISH!   Paul saw the War, the Weapons, the Warriors, and the Way!

If we focus on what we do not have, we will never live in what we do have!  If we focus on loss, we never see the gain.   In loss we learn provision and the power of contentment.   There is no price on inner peace!   Inner peace can only be realized when we yield everything to God, and no matter what, trust Him with determination to FINISH!

What is it that we are leaving UNFINISHED?    If anything, it’s time to repent and resume our focus and commitment!   Lord, make me a Finisher!   Help me remember that I am an overcomer, and overcomers are not overcome; they overcome!

Father, help us to be finishers, not just starters!

Luke 12:22-32 – “Then Jesus said to his disciples, “Therefore I tell you, do not worry about your life, what you will eat, or about your body, what you will wear. ²³ For there is more to life than food, and more to the body than clothing. ²⁴ Consider the ravens: They do not sow or reap, they have no storeroom or barn, yet God feeds them. How much more valuable are you than the birds! ²⁵ And which of you by worrying can add an hour to his life? ²⁶ So if you cannot do such a very little thing as this, why do you worry about the rest? ²⁷ Consider how the flowers grow; they do not work or spin. Yet I tell you, not even Solomon in all his glory was clothed like one of these! ²⁸ And if this is how God clothes the wild grass, which is here today and tomorrow is tossed into the fire to heat the oven, how much more will he clothe you, you people of little faith! ²⁹ So do not be overly concerned about what you will eat and what you will drink, and do not worry about such things. ³⁰ For all the nations of the world pursue these things, and your Father knows that you need them. ³¹ Instead, pursue his kingdom, and these things will be given to you as well. ³² “Do not be afraid, little flock, for your Father is well pleased to give you the kingdom. “

As I read, prayed, and pondered the Word of God today, I was moved with this thought, “Why Do We Worry?”   Maybe better would be the declaration, “Why I Don’t Worry About Life!” I ask that you allow me to address that thought for just a minute or two.

In Luke 12:22-32, Jesus made an incredible declaration about Life, Provision, and Trust.   I encourage you to read and meditate on it.   In verse 32, He said, “Do not be afraid, little flock, for your Father has gladly chosen to give you the kingdom.”   That is incredible and comforting if we can embrace it! My question is, “Do we really believe that God meant it for us personally?”

Recently, I had a conversation with someone I care deeply about, and they were struggling with the state of affairs in government, the economy, and the future.   They were wringing their hands and lamenting that the future was so dim and dismal that they were despairing of life.  This person is a Christian, albeit at that moment their faith was in another dimension, not in the promises of our Lord.

I shared this passage with them, which they were very familiar with, and then said, “This is why I refuse to worry about life.” You see, here in simple language, our Lord Jesus said, “DO NOT WORRY ABOUT YOUR LIFE….” Don’t fret over what you are going to eat, drink, wear, and, in the context of that truth, where you will live.

Jesus alluded to the birds of the air, the flowers of the field, and the fact that God cares for them the way He does.   He also cautioned against worry, saying that we cannot add even one hour to our lifespan through it, and that we now know, through medical science, that we can shorten our lifespan through it.

Jesus told us in the familiar verse 33 what we are ‘not to seek’ and what we ‘are to seek’.   He then concluded the statement by saying, “Do not be afraid, little flock, for your Father has gladly chosen to give you the kingdom.”   In that Kingdom, there is the King, and with the King are all the resources we could ever need.

If I worry about life, I am not placing my faith and confidence in God.  I am not suggesting that we make no preparations for our later years or that we go through our days with no labor or effort to earn a living.   Nobody should be that Presumptuous.   I am saying that once we have done all we know to do, we place our total trust in God, rest in God’s Promises, and take Him at His word.

Jesus said, “Do Not Worry!”   That was more than a suggestion; it was a command of Faith!   I believe He meant what He said, so I choose not to worry! I believe, as David declared, “I was young, now I am old, and I have not seen the righteous forsaken nor his seed begging for bread.”   God has promised to take care of us, and He will.

May God be with you as you go through your day!   Let’s set our hearts to trusting God in Everything and resist the temptation to worry and fret!   What good does it do?

Isaiah 1:167-20 – “Wash! Cleanse yourselves!   Remove your sinful deeds. from my sight.  Stop sinning.  ¹⁷ Learn to do what is right.  Promote justice. Give the oppressed reason to celebrate.  Take up the cause of the orphan. Defend the rights of the widow.  ¹⁸ Come, let’s consider your options,” says the Lord.  “Though your sins have stained you like the color red, you can become white like snow; though they are as easy to see as the color scarlet, you can become white like wool.  ¹⁹ If you have a willing attitude and obey, then you will again eat the good crops of the land.  ²⁰ But if you refuse and rebel, you will be devoured by the sword.”  Know for certain that the Lord has spoken.”

As I read, prayed, and pondered the Word of God today, I was both encouraged and troubled, yet also challenged, motivated, and inspired. I can’t detail all that, but I desire to speak from this reminder: Every Restoration and Revival begins with Repentance.  

Isaiah 1:16-20 speaks directly to that reality.  Repentance involves and includes an 180-degree turn in life, thought, motivation, and action.  That’s why John the Baptizer said, “Bring forth fruits that reveal your repentance.”

• Repentance is visible by the demonstrated change. 
• Repentance opens the door to transformation.  
• Repentance is not praying “The Sinner’s Prayer.”

That’s good, but unless it is heartfelt and leads to change, it’s nothing but leaves (words).   Saying “I’m so” doesn’t cut it.  Demonstrating a change reveals true repentance.

I see this connected to the Lord’s Supper (Communion).   In 1 Corinthians 11, we have an extensive discussion about this event.  Paul began by addressing “divisions” and connected them to the celebration of the Lord’s Supper. Sectarianism is detrimental to Body Life and Ministry.   Paul addresses this in 1 Corinthians 12.

The Lord’s Supper has a dual focus.   First, the focus is Jesus!   His work of Grace and Love.   He opened the door for there to be a Body of Christ. Second is the Body of Christ.  This is so important that it is included in the Communion ceremony.   

Without the Body, we lack the power and ability to fulfill the purpose, ministry, and commission of the Church.  We are One Body, not mini-bodies of parts that think and act alike.  The Body needs all its parts, and for those parts to be in place, healthy, and working in harmony with all the other parts.  The result of improperly regarding and relating to the body is revealed in 1 Corinthians 11:29-30. The proper action is in (v 31).

Repentance is the key!  As 1 Corinthians 13:1 addresses, just saying the right-sounding words doesn’t cut the mustard.  Repentance attaches us to Love, and Love transforms our minds, hearts, and souls.

We cry for God to move, and God says, “I have; now you move!”   He gave us Jesus.   He gave us grace.   He gave us the pathway: repentance.   He won’t do more until we act on His actions!  When the Body of Christ repents, revival, renewal, and restoration will come!

LORD, help us to have repentant hearts to receive Your Grace and Pardon!

Proverbs 6:20-22 – “My child, guard the commands of your father and do not forsake the instruction of your mother.  ²¹ Bind them on your heart continually; fasten them around your neck.  ²² When you walk about, they will guide you; when you lie down, they will watch over you; when you wake up, they will talk to you.”

As I read, prayed, and meditated on the Word of God today, our part in the process filled my consciousness.   We tend to go too far in our expectations. We either want God to do everything for us, or we try to do everything for ourselves.  Salvation cannot be earned.  Grace is not payment for doing right; it is the power to enable us to become right.  Grace is not only unmerited favor; it is divine enablement.

Our part in this Christian Walk is obedience.  Out of obedience, we are required and expected to use restraint and self-control.   Proverbs 6:16-19 lists things abominable to God.  Things that will block His presence and hinder our spiritual development. Pride, lying, violence, scheming, wicked hearts (thoughts), false witness (spreading rumors, Sowing discord), causing trouble.

On the other hand, we have a listing of what will lead us to life (vv 20-22). Obedience to the principles of life in God’s Word.   If we make them our daily food, diligent pursuit, and rule of conduct, we discover (v 22).

“When you walk about (daily routine), they will guide you; when you lie down, they will watch over you; when you wake up, they will talk to you.” That is incredible.   What a promise.   Do we embrace it?  Do we realize what is promised?  Do we realize the benefit and provision?  Is it evidenced in our daily lives?

The promise is a divine inner guidance system (Heavenly GPS).  Think about that!  If we seek God and obey His directives, He promises to guide us through life!  An inner witness to know what to do and what not to do.  How many lament, “Lord, I don’t know what to do.”   If God is first and His directions are obeyed, we do know; we just need to stop and listen.

Imagine having Heaven’s Armies watching over and guarding you as you sleep.  What peace that would provide.  No more sleepless nights.  No more tossing and turning.   Total Peace! (Isaiah 26:3).   If that is absent, ask, WHY?   Examine your heart and life.  What are you focused on?

Then, when you wake up from that night of total rest, God’s instructions, precepts, and principles speak to you! God talks to you!   Proverbs 7:1-2: “My child, devote yourself to my words (God’s) and store up my commands (God’s) inside yourself (heart). Keep my commands (God’s) SO THAT you may live (not simply not die or survive, but live) and obey my instructions (God’s) as your most prized possession.”

That is the key. How valuable is God’s Word? Matthew 6:33 is relevant.   Romans 8:37 gives rise to the question, “Do we truly comprehend the totality of our victory in Jesus?”   Read it: “No, in all these things we have Complete victory through Him who loved us.”

If we are in Him, we are dead to the flesh but alive to God.  How dead are we?   How alive are we?  Take stock, then pursue that which produces life!