John 15:7 – “If you abide in Me, and My words abide in you, ask whatever you wish, and it shall be done for you.”  NASB

Part one of the equation and the fulfillment of the Promise requires us to ‘Abide’ in Him.  That ‘abiding’ must be done 24/7/365 and be a total commitment not compartmentalization of aspects of our lives and being.  It is ‘abiding’ In Him with our whole being. I wish I could tell you that this passage is a daily and constant reality in my life, but I can’t.  Yes, I love God and am committed to Him, but I cannot say that whatever I wish or ask for I get all the time.  Now let’s consider part two of the equation.

AND MY WORDS ABIDE IN YOU…

It is one thing to ‘abide’ in Him, in Jesus but what about His words ‘abiding’ in us.  Consider this in the same manner as you considered the 1^st part of the equation, ‘abiding in Him.’  Is the Word of God one with us, all the time, in all situations, and in all places?  Do we ever find ourselves operating in the flesh and trusting our own wisdom, thoughts, words, and ability?  Of course, most of us do.  Before you say, “But we are human so what else can we expect, I ask you to look at the verse again.” 

The “if” is inescapable and it not only implies that there is something expected and required of us but that fulfilling that requirement is possible.  If ‘abiding’ in Him requires 24/7/365 commitment and focus, then having His words ‘abide’ in us does as well.  Paul instructed the Thessalonian Christians to “pray without ceasing.”  How can that be possible?  How can one function in life if you are engaged in prayer every waking moment and even in your sleep invested in the process? 

It is through ‘abiding’ in Him and having His words ‘abide’ in us that we can pray without ceasing and stay focused on Him fully.  It is as we become one with Him through Grace and one with His Word that we discover the possibility of praying without ceasing, rejoicing always, and discover the ability to manifest Him as well as represent Him in this present world.  I call your attention to 1 John 4:17 where the apostle John brings our attention to God’s desired reality that “as Jesus is, so are we in this world.”  He was not talking about what we would be when we get to heaven, here in the present. 

How is He?  Is He not one with the Father?  He said He was.  Is He not always making intercession for us?  He said He was.  In fact, if you examine the total of scripture you discover in the word of Jesus to Pilate that the Word of God is Truth and then in John 14:6 Jesus declared, “I am the way, the truth, and the life…”  So, the Word of God is Truth and Jesus is the Truth, is that a conflict?  Hardly for in John 1:1 we read the incredible declaration that “In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God.”  So, if the Word of God is Truth and Jesus is Truth and the Word created all things, then we know that the Word is Jesus. 

If we are to have His Words abide in us, we must have Jesus abiding in us and we must become one with His Word.  I acknowledge the distinction between words and word.  He is the Word, but His Words are those truths and principles He taught.  I urge you to recall His promise that when the Holy Spirit comes, He brings light to the truth of God and guides us into All Truth which is the Word, which is Jesus.  He leads us into the fullness of Jesus, and we are able to become one with the Word of Christ!

The Word of God transforms us.  One of the ways it transforms us in through our thoughts or the ‘renewing of our minds.’  It is as we become one with the word that we learn to both abide in Him and have His words abide in us.  In short, we become the physical manifestation of God’s Word.  The Power of God flows to and through us.  We are able to bring every thought captive to the obedience of Jesus.  We are able to demonstrate the Word of God in our lives. 

Imagine living in a manner and being so completely united with Him and His Words that doubt vanishes completely! The disciples were channels of extraordinary miracles. That, I believe was only possible because they were ‘abiding’ in Him and His words were ‘abiding’ in them. 

I am reminded of the account in Acts 19 where it speaks of the seven sons of Sceva who had observed the miracles performed by Paul through the power of the Holy Spirit.  They decided to cast out a demon and thought it was a formula, so they declared, “In the name of Jesus, whom Paul preaches come out.”  The demon was not impressed.  The spirit said, “Jesus I know, and Paul I am familiar with, but who are you?” The results of that encounter would be hilarious were it not so serious and so true of too many today.

When we become one with the Word and the Words of Jesus abide in us as we abide in Him, we unleash the Power of Heaven and this becomes a very real fulfillment of the prayer Jesus taught in Matthew 6:10 – “Thy kingdom come…”  It opens the door for God to be God in our lives and in our world.  How can I doubt, if Jesus is living His life through me?  How can I doubt, if I become one with the Word of God?  How can I doubt, if ‘as He is, I am in this present world’?

We are half-way through our examination of this Promise, Problem, and Possibility.  I hope you will join me for more consideration of this as we seek to see this passage become a daily reality in our lives.

God bless you as you run today’s leg of your life’s journey. 

Hebrews 12:1-2 – “Therefore, since we have so great a cloud of witnesses surrounding us, let us also lay aside every encumbrance, and the sin which so easily entangles us, and let us run with endurance the race that is set before us, 2 fixing our eyes on Jesus, the author and perfecter of faith, who for the joy set before Him endured the cross, despising the shame, and has sat down at the right hand of the throne of God.”  NASB

In the last devotional we discussed the challenge or instruction written in the Book of Hebrews to Christians who were struggling with their new life and dealing with its difficulties.  The challenge was, “Let Us Run.”  Today, I would like for us to consider How we are to Run that Race.

We are to Run Stripped of Every Handicap.  That sounds elementary and complex.  How and What is he talking about?  It is our objective to win the race or finish the course and therefore want nothing to hinder our speed or impede our journey, right? There are some things that must be done and things that must be considered.

If we expect to run this race successfully it is imperative that we Put Aside Sin, Every Sin.  I call to your remembrance the story of Samson.  He was a match for every difficulty and situation until he broke his vows and then he was like everybody else and easily defeated. 

Not only are we to put aside every Sin but every Weight.  What is the difference?  A weight is something that is not, in itself, sinful but if we allow it to continue will become sinful through wrong use.  I believe there is a biblical test for everything. 

One simple question that we should ask in every situation is, “Does this help or hinder me in running this Christian Race?”  I read an account was a crow was caught in a river by a young boy without any special equipment.  The crow had gotten its toe caught in a mussel shell that was lodged between some rocks and could not fly away.  The mussel shell or trap did not kill the crow.  It did not break his wings so that he could not fly but made his movement difficult if not impossible and allowed him to be captured.  Do not allow the weights of life to impede your progress, cast all your care on Jesus!

A third thing that we need to consider in this challenge is not only are we to run and remove all hindrances, but we are to run with Patience.  That is possibly the most difficult of all.  This Christian Life or Race is not a sprint it is a marathon.  Sadly, some lose patience because they face opposition.  Opposition is to be expected. The Bible warned that if we serve God, we will face persecution.  Most of us face little if any and nothing compared to what they faced in the days of the writing of the Bible.

Patience is urged because believers have no right to lose heart considering what Jesus did and is doing.  In a very real sense, suffering as a mark of sonship.  Not that we should seek suffering but if we suffer for our faith that is not a bad thing and God takes note of it in giving us strength and protection.

Finally, we are to Run Looking to Jesus.  The literal translation is that we are to run looking away from everything but Jesus.  I like that.  He is our Source.  He is our Example.  He is our Constant Help in the Time of Need.  We can make our lives count for Jesus if we will follow the prescription of the writer of Hebrews.

Remember, we have a Great Cloud of Witnesses.  We have Jesus as our Constant Source of Help, Supply, and Strength.  We have the Guidance and Provision of the Word, the Covenant, and the Promises of the Word of God to help us Stand and Grow in Grace.

May the LORD help you as you ‘strive’ to enter in and run this race with patience and unencumbered by weights and sins. 

Have a fantastic day in Him!

2 Timothy 4:7-8 – “I have fought the good fight, I have finished the course, I have kept the faith; 8 in the future there is laid up for me the crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous Judge, will award to me on that day; and not only to me, but also to all who have loved His appearing.”  NASB

Not only did Paul Fight as is revealed in his life and emphasized in his declaration, “I have fought a good fight,” but he also “Finished his course.”  It is one thing to begin good but in the final analysis, it is not how we begin but how we finish that matters most. 

Paul knew that if there was a Beginning there must be an End.  His starting point was not his training in Judaism but The Cross.  He understood the principle and truth of Grace that Salvation cannot be earned or bought it is a Gift of God.  Paul’s life was rooted and grounded in the Truth of a song that we used to sing in church.  Jesus’ Blood Can Make the Vilest Sinner Clean.  Hallelujah!

Paul understood something that we need to develop an understanding of and confidence in.  That to Run this Race we must be Equipped!  Some scoff at me when I tell them that it is imperative that they put on the whole armor of God daily.  But God has given that armament with purpose.  It wasn’t so Christians could do some little exercise at the beginning of their day.  It was for understanding, protection, and enablement that we could and would pull down strongholds. 

Athletes learn early in their quest to be the best that the right equipment is mandatory.  They also learn that proper training and exercise are essential.  A part that some miss is the importance of diet.  It is vital that we maintain a proper and healthy diet.  No, I’m not talking about natural food but spiritual food.  We are what we eat in a very real sense.  If I have a steady diet of the Word of God and drink of the Spirit of God, I will find that I am spiritually healthy.  If I miss meals and am helter-skelter in my approach to the things of God, I will be weak and easily defeated.  Being properly Equipped is Vital.

To Finish the Race or the Course it is vital that we have a vision of the Finish Line.  If we see the Finish, we will no longer fear death.  It is in viewing the Finish the Prize that we are striving for that we are encouraged and emboldened and given a reason to persevere.  When I consider or contrast Eternity with God to Eternity without Him, I am motivated to Fight the Good Fight and to Strive to Finish the Course.

Those two things, Fighting the Good Fight and Finishing the Course are incredibly important but do not overshadow the third part of the equation.  Paul said, “I have kept the faith.”  In all his trials, struggles, difficulties, and even defeats he never lost confidence in God. 

When doubt raised its ugly head, he resisted and encouraged himself in the LORD.  He had come to the place that he was content in anything and everything because things were not his source, and ease not his objective but God was.  He did not count his earthly life as the most important but his eternity and the eternity of others of paramount importance.  He truly saw death as a promotion and gain.  That takes all the sting out of death and removes its power to cause fear and torment in the heart and mind. 

He was not a bench warmer, he was a starter in the game of life!  He fully comprehended that his labor, his efforts, his investment in others were not in vain.  He believed, as should we, that God has a purpose and a plan for each of us.  He believed, as should we, that God’s Word never returns void but achieves its purpose.

Paul fully embraced the truth that there is Nothing Impossible with God!  In that confidence, he believed that because he was “in Christ” nothing was impossible to him either.  He never allowed himself to think otherwise and we would be behooved to do the same.  He addressed that confidence in 2 Timothy 1:12 saying, “…I know whom I have believed, and I am convinced that He is able to guard what I have entrusted Him until that day.”  That is the view of victory!

Paul affirmed in his life and acknowledged here that there was more to life awaiting him after his physical departure from earth.  He said, “Henceforth there is laid up for me a crown of righteousness.”  (v.8).  John echoed that sentiment saying that “every man that has that hope in him purifies himself even as Jesus is pure.”

Someone said the church is looking for better methods, but God is looking for better people.  That is a powerful truth.  God is looking for Warriors, not Spectators.  He is looking for Finishers, not simply Starters.  He is looking for those who will Keep the Faith until the End.  Can He find what He is seeking in you and in me?

God bless you as you enjoy this day in Jesus!

2 Timothy 4:7-8 – “I have fought the good fight, I have finished the course, I have kept the faith; 8 in the future there is laid up for me the crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous Judge, will award to me on that day; and not only to me, but also to all who have loved His appearing.”  NASB

I sometimes have people challenge me saying, “Oh, brother don’t fight.”  Some believe that if we do the right things to appease and attract the world they will come to the LORD and accept us.  I am convinced that the only method that works is “The Word of God!”  It is the Word of God empowered by the Spirit of God that brings conviction to hearts and the right instruction for life.  If we live Redeemed lives and they see the change in us, they will be moved and not by our trying to be like them.  The devil is not interested in coexistence only dominance and defeat.

I appreciate the apostle Paul and consider him one of the New Testament men that it could rightly be said, that he was a man after God’s own heart.  His declaration in this passage is definitive, “I have fought a good fight.”  That suggests several things that negate the idea that we are to be passivist in our Christianity. 

He Saw a Need to Fight!  He fought for Freedom and throughout human history men have given their lives for the cause of freedom.  America is no exception, we have our heroic patriots.  Paul fought for Survival and sought to prevent people from being destroyed by the devil.  He fought for Love.  We may see no reason for some fights but fighting for or out of love is an integral part of our Christian experience. 

He Saw Who He Was Fighting!  Too often we fight the wrong things, and in that process find ourselves fighting against the Spirit of God.  Napoleon called China a sleeping giant and the devil calls the church the same thing.  Paul was fighting against Sin. 

He waged war with Self, and it was a daily struggle.  He waged war with the devil, the accuser of the brethren, our adversary.  He knew why he was fighting and with whom he was fighting.  He recognized that the Christian’s War is not with men but with the powers of darkness.  It is not a natural but a spiritual war and therefore cannot be fought using natural means. 

He Knew How to Fight!  I am distressed from time to time with believers who do not know how to fight.  They have adopted such a passivist mentality that fighting is foreign to them and they continually get assaulted by the powers of darkness thinking it is normal.  They view their defeat as somehow spiritual and a sign of their piousness.

We have weapons of war that are mighty through God and it is imperative that we learn how to use them.  The most powerful weapon in our arsenal is “The Word of God!”  That Word is God’s liberating truth and is powerful enough to pull down strongholds and set captives free.  However, that Sword of the Word will never become effective if it is not seasoned with Prayer, led by the Spirit of God and wielded with purpose and confidence or faith. 

One more thing I want you to reflect on is the reality that Paul Fought he did not theorize but He Fought!  Sin was dirty and deadly in the view of the apostle and he considered the devil his mortal enemy not simply some nuisance.  He knew no compromise and practiced what he preached.  He was instant in season and out of season.  He stayed on the firing line of the battlefront.  He was always conscious of and studied the schemes and devices of the devil that he might better overcome and teach others the art of overcoming.  He knew that sin and the devil take no holidays, so he was invested in his commitment to Christ 24/7/365.

I want to address a couple more things but will pause here and pick this up again in the next devotional but until then I pray that the LORD will challenge you to become a Fighter for His Kingdom and Purposes.

May this day be filled with His wonder and you find perfect peace in all that you do.  Have a blessed day!

2 Timothy 2:15-19 – “Be diligent to present yourself approved to God as a workman who does not need to be ashamed, handling accurately the word of truth. 16 But avoid worldly and empty chatter, for it will lead to further ungodliness, 17 and their talk will spread like gangrene. Among them are Hymenaeus and Philetus, 18 men who have gone astray from the truth saying that the resurrection has already taken place, and thus they upset the faith of some. 19 Nevertheless, the firm foundation of God stands, having this seal, “The Lord knows those who are His,” and, “Let everyone who names the name of the Lord abstain from wickedness.” NASB

1 Corinthians 8:3 – “but if anyone loves God, he is known by Him.”  NASB

It means something to be known.  We have all heard the saying, “It is not what you know, but who you know that counts.”  There is truth in that and that is not to diminish knowing but emphasizes the importance of being known.  Being known can save us from tremendous hassle, confusion, and difficulty.  It frequently opens doors that would otherwise be closed.  It affords privileges that would not be realized in virtually every sector of life and society. 

If the President of the United States, no matter who that president was, knew me it would open doors for me.  If the president were my father, the considerations would be even greater.  Being known is often more important than wealth, ability, or experience.  It is a prize to be desired.

The world strives for recognition, but the most important recognition is to be ‘known of God.’  The text that we used states that “the LORD knows them that are His.”  He knows us through our need of Him.  He knows us by the love we bear toward Him.  He knows us by the trust that we place in Him.  He knows us by the work we do for, with, and through Him. 

According to the Bible, there is a record in heaven of every detail of our lives and “God knows.”  That can be incredibly comforting or tormenting, but it is a fact that “God knows.”  It is my conviction that being known of God is more valuable than anything that we can have, experience, or possess. 

Being Know of God Affords Us His Protection.  I love the Psalms and in 34:7 we read, “The angel of the LORD encamps around those who fear Him and rescues them.”  2 Chronicles 16:9 assures us that, “the eyes of the LORD move to and fro throughout the whole earth that He may show Himself strong to those whose heart is completely His.”  In Psalms 125:2 we hear the guarantee that God is protecting us unceasingly.  He is our fortress, our hiding place, our refuge as Psalms 91 declares.  He protects as a mother hen would her chicks and even more powerfully and diligently.

Being Know of God Affords Us Access to Heaven’s Resources.  He has invited us to enter the storehouse of heaven and receive whatever we need whenever we need it.  We have an open requisition with God.  We are sons and daughters, heirs of God and joint-heirs with Jesus.  The Blessings of Abraham belong to us.  That’s His Promises.

Studying the Word of God brings light so that we can rightly handle it, discover the truths contained therein and enjoy the promises and provisions provided.  As we become one with the Word, we discover that God is faithful and the comfort we have in knowing that “God knows those that are His.”

But, for that to be of any value to me I must – Know God!  I must – Study His Word.  I must – Apply the Truths of that Word to my life.  As I become aware of and assured that God knows me as His child I can rest in His Provision, enjoy His Peace, and receive His Power in my life.  Being known of God is more valuable than anything we could possess. 

Too many make Christianity far more difficult that God intended.  If we can grasp the truth and receive the assurance that “God knows them that are His” we can follow the directive of Jesus and “Come to Him.”  We can “take His yoke upon us and rest.”  We can relax and not live fearful and fretful that we might mess up.  God is far more interested in providing for us than punishing us.

What do you need today?  The provision is in your relationship with Him. 

God bless you as you embark on today’s leg of your life’s journey.

Philippians 4:19 – “And my God shall supply all your needs according to His riches in glory in Christ Jesus.”  NASB

In the last devotional we consider the assurance found in this passage and today I would like for us to look at the Promise contained therein.  In order to reach the objective of discovering the full impact of this truth I suggest we consider the parallel and contrast contained therein.

Paul said to the Philippians, “You have supplied my need: God shall supply yours.”  He said, “You have supplied one of my needs: God will supply all of yours.”  He said, “You have supplied me out of your poverty:  God will supply you out of His riches.”  He said, “You sent your gift by Epaphroditus, a true servant of Jesus: God will supply all your need by Jesus Himself.”  That is incredible!  Who received the greater blessing? 

Jesus said, “If you give a cup of cold water in the name of an apostle you will not lose your reward.”  We must never forget the truth that our gift does not buy from or obligate God.  He obligates Himself.  The Promises of God are sure and certain.  The Promise is incredible – “All Your Needs Supplied.”  But that is not the end, those needs are supplied by Jesus Himself, the giver and sustainer of life.  Hallelujah!

I like building things and seeing them take shape and come together.  I ask that you consider the construction of this Promise.  Everything in it gathers around one verb, “supply” and amplifies it.  I suggest that there is a seven-fold perfection of supply seen here.  I hope that gets your attention.

The Source of the Supply is My God!  The Certainty of the Supply is Shall!  The Fulness of the Supply is Fulfill!  The Extent of the Supply is All Your Needs!  The Measure of the Supply is According to His Riches!  The Storehouse of the Supply is In Glory!  The Medium of the Supply is In Christ Jesus! 

God will never fail, and we have no reason to fear.  No Christian need to ever beg bread based on that Promise.  We are unkind to ourselves and dishonoring to God when we allow our fears to torment us.  That is not His Promise and He has not given the spirit of fear but the spirit of peace.

Let me give you a simple exercise and something to consider:

The Bank is My God.  The Check is Shall Supply.  The Amount is All Your Need.  The Capital is His Riches.  The Bank Address is In Glory.  The Signature is By Christ Jesus.  With all that, what remains for us to do?  Yes, there is something that we must do to receive this.  It is not automatic.  We must put our signature on the check and endorse it.  No check will receive payment until it is endorsed.  Therefore, sign it by faith and receive the supply.  It is God’s Promise to you!

I would like to dissect the word in the Promise “shall” but will do so in the next devotional and hope that it resonates and provides understanding, challenge, and benefit.  Until then, may the LORD be with you in all you do.

Have a great day in Jesus!