Proverbs 4:20-27 – “My son, give attention to my words;  Incline your ear to my sayings.  21 Do not let them depart from your sight;  Keep them in the midst of your heart. 22 For they are life to those who find them And health to all their body.  23 Watch over your heart with all diligence, For from it flow the springs of life.  24 Put away from you a deceitful mouth And put devious speech far from you.  25 Let your eyes look directly ahead And let your gaze be fixed straight in front of you. 26 Watch the path of your feet And all your ways will be established. 27 Do not turn to the right nor to the left; Turn your foot from evil.”  NASU

In a devotional, space and brevity prevent a full exegesis of almost any passage so bear with me as I attempt to highlight what I sense the Lord would have me convey.  It is my settled conviction that God’s word should serve as our guide in life and practice.  It is as we delve into the precepts and principles taught therein we find a place in God that is lofty in our daily lives.  God never presents lofty precepts and principles attainable only by a privileged few but desires them for all believers.  Those lofty places in the Spirit of God are never based on performance but heritage.  It is because God is our Father!  Here we find some incredible instruction that will lead us into that loftiness in the spiritual realm.

GIVE ATTENTION…

The instruction is ‘attend to’ or ‘do’ the word.  We are admonished to follow the instructions contained herein.  We are to hear, understand and implement them in our lives.  Truth that is not appropriated and applied is knowledge that will ‘puff up’ but will not advance our lives or the kingdom.

INCLINE YOUR EAR…

We are to ‘listen’.  As we learn to listen we find our understanding is illuminated enabling us to comprehend what is being taught, to properly respond to that truth.  It is as we understand that we can truly become a ‘doer of the word’ not just a hearer.

NOT DEPART FROM YOUR EYES…

We are instructed to keep the instructions in the forefront of our minds or in our consciousness.  We know from scripture and science that we become what we behold or what we are continually placing in our consciousness.  It is as we keep the covenant of God steadfastly and continuously in our heart and mind we find our natural response is to obey that instruction.

IN THE MIDST OF YOUR HEART…

Simply allow your spirit man to be so filled with the words of the Lord that you are continuously ‘Spirit-led’.  The encouragement is to allow the word of God to permeate our spirits so that what comes out of our hearts and mouths is God’s Word.

The result of those four things is two-fold as is evidenced in verse 22 – Life and Health.  The writer takes us further in vv. 23-27 with the requirement of carefully watching over our hearts because out of the heart comes life and to avoid deceit from us guarding our words.  He counsels us to keep focused on the prize watching how we live and resist the temptation of straying from our firm commitment.

We can live in the abundant life that Jesus has purchased for us but we will not achieve that place spiritually unless we value the food of the soul the Word of God.  May God be with you as you invest in His word and kingdom!  Blessings!

Isaiah 9:6-7 – “For unto us a Child is born, Unto us a Son is given; And the government will be upon His shoulder. And His name will be called Wonderful, Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.  7 Of the increase of His government and peace There will be no end, Upon the throne of David and over His kingdom, To order it and establish it with judgment and justice From that time forward, even forever. The zeal of the Lord of hosts will perform this.”  NKJV

Many have the tradition of a candlelight service or some gathering in church on Christmas Eve and that is wonderful!  Some families open one present on Christmas Eve and share a special thought or testimony and that is great!  Regardless of how you celebrate, the coming of the Christ in Bethlehem the fulfillment of the Promised Messiah is the focus of the celebration or should be.

What was the Promise?  A child would be born who was a Son (the Son of God) and the government would be on His shoulders.  It would not be government as we traditionally understand but the Kingdom of God not man-made traditions but the purpose of God.  He would be identified as Wonderful, Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father and the Prince of Peace.  He would be the dispenser of Justice and His Kingdom would be everlasting!  We are talking about something eternal not something temporal.  The disciples missed that when walking with Jesus thinking that He was going to dethrone the Romans and occupy the throne of an earthly kingdom but Jesus had a much larger purpose in mind and it focused on the eternal.

Earthly governments come and go.  Kings rise and fall.  Tyrants and benevolent rulers appear and disappear but the Kingdom of God is everlasting and that is the Kingdom into which you and I have been born spiritually in the New Birth!  That is what God promised and began to become reality with the birth of the Christ in Bethlehem.  That event was a visible deposit of hope for the fulfillment of the Promise of Redemption for mankind that God declared in Genesis.

What a beautiful gift that the Father has given to mankind.  A child born of a virgin in Bethlehem on that eventful night the Messiah.  The short lifespan of Jesus on earth opened the door to life eternal.  Many celebrate the season without focusing on the reason and miss the Promise that gives purpose to everything in existence.  Without the promise we have no purpose and without purpose we are like rudderless ships tossed on the waves of life.  That is not us for we have Him who is Life and in Him we live and move and have being.  He is the Promise and the Joy of Christmas!

May God richly bless you and MERRY CHRISTMAS!

Ephesians 2:19-22 – “Now, therefore, you are no longer strangers and foreigners, but fellow citizens with the saints and members of the household of God, 20 having been built on the foundation of the apostles and prophets, Jesus Christ Himself being the chief cornerstone, 21 in whom the whole building, being fitted together, grows into a holy temple in the Lord, 22 in whom you also are being built together for a dwelling place of God in the Spirit.”  NKJV

I love carpentry and wood working.  I wish that I were more skilled but enjoy watching a building or a project come together and that which was nothing become something either beautiful or functional and am always impressed with fine craftsmanship.  The pyramids of Egypt have always been an architectural wonder for me.  The research that I have done suggests that every rock fits perfectly into place and each of them had a specific place and could fit in no other location.  That I find fascinating!

That is exactly what God wants and plans for the Church.  He wants to and will fit us into His building as ‘living stones’ and each stone has a unique place, purpose and function.  What kind of stones, are used to build a temple or a pyramid?  Big stones, little stones and even odd shaped stones are needed IF they fit together.  What a picture that our Lord the Master Builder guiding his earthly gifts in fashioning, shaping and placing the stones until there is a perfect fit.  The little stones have to be satisfied filling the gaps.  The big stones have to be willing to endure the stress and responsibility of providing structural support for the others.  The odd shaped stones will need to be patient waiting for the perfect spot to place them for their unique function.  The Lord has chosen a spot for each of his ‘living stones’.  Some stones in a building have to be placed underground out of sight in order to give structural strength for the foundation.  It is imperative that we not ‘envy’ the place of another but ‘desire’ the unique place and function that He has chosen for us.  In that place we will provide an indispensable service for the Kingdom of God and in the Body of Christ.

I have seen reports bemoaning the high turnover rate in companies.  I saw one report that suggested that 80% of people working full time were dissatisfied with their employment.  If that is true then it is reflective that many if not most are dissatisfied with life in general and want more or more opportunity and feel underused, under-appreciated and/or unfulfilled in life.  That produces a ‘negative’ self-image that is contrary to the image God would have us attain.  I believe the best cure for a ‘negative’ self-image is to discover God’s purpose and will for your life and embark in pursuit of it.  It does not matter if God has called and designed us to be big stones, little stones or odd shaped stones we are all unique and our purpose is to glorify Him.

The only lasting cure for a ‘negative’ self-image is spiritual growth.  In Colossians 1 Paul emphasizes the crucial need to understand God’s will, so that we can walk worthy, be faithful, increase in the knowledge of God, be strong, be steadfast, patient and thankful.  Jesus said He glorified the Father in John 17:4 by having ‘accomplished the work given to him.’  We need to ‘know’ the will of God for us and then ‘pursue’ that purpose in our lives.  The place and purpose God has chosen for you is based on what He has placed in you and how He has fashioned and is fashioning you.  Whether you are the one upfront or the janitor you function is vital and valued.

So it is vital if we are to fulfill our purpose and achieve our destiny that we allow the Holy Spirit to fashion us and place us in the spot God has chosen not the spot we think we should be given.  Just as the various parts of the human body have vastly different functions and purposes so do the living stones in the Body of Christ.  Be the stone He has made you and you will soar with the eagles spiritually!

            May the Lord be with you as you go through your day!

Matthew 6:33 – “But seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness, and all these things shall be added to you.”  NKJV

             How many have quoted this passage?  Most of us!  Recently I had a discussion with a person regarding this passage and he challenged me asking, “The directive is to seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness.   Are those two separate and distinct items or is this saying that He is the kingdom of God?”  He was intrigued with the subject and honestly wanted my reflection on the question.

My immediate response question was, “What should be the primary focus of our seeking if it is not JESUS?”  It would be quite easy to split hairs, build doctrines and claim some new revelation that others can run with but what is the primary object of focus and seeking?  If I am seeking the kingdom of God am I not seeking Jesus, His rule, His authority, the life He has afforded?  If I am seeking His righteousness am I not seeking Jesus, His purity, His person and as a result His power?  If I am seeking His righteousness am I not seeking His Covenant?  If I am seeking  His righteousness am I not seeking to be completely transformed by His person and not just represent Him in this present world but manifest Him?

Jesus spoke words of comfort and promise in Luke 12:32 – “Do not fear, little flock, for it is your Father’s good pleasure to give you the kingdom.”   The apostles preached the ‘gospel of the kingdom of God’ and the heart of their preaching was JESUS, His rule and righteousness.  Jesus told His followers that ‘the kingdom of God was at hand’ as a word to stir their hearts to a deeper commitment and resolve to stand firm in their faith.  The disciples asked Jesus, “Will you at this time restore the kingdom to Israel?”  (Acts 1:6) Jesus sent them out to preach ‘the kingdom of God’. (Luke 9).  He sent them with authority and power.  He sent them with His authority and power to not only proclaim but demonstrate the King and the Kingdom.

Therefore, I must ask, “what are we seeking?”  Some seek a kingdom in which they will have a place of prominence, profit or persona.  Some seek the kingdom of God in which Jesus is the Lord of all.  Some declare that they are seeking Him and in finding Him they will have ALL added to them.  Kingdom, Righteousness, Miracles, Power, Provision, Protection and most of all JESUS!  So what was the directive?  In my simple view it is to SEEK HIM. 

Would to God that our hearts so craved and desired Him that nothing could ever be allowed to become a substitute, distraction or diversion!  Would to God that we would become so focused on Him manifesting Himself in our lives that we turn neither to the right or the left but keep our focus on the prize of the high calling in Christ Jesus!  Would to God that we so focused and sought the kingdom of God and His righteousness that sin had the same impact on us as it did and does on Him!

            May God be with you as you go through this day!

I do not want to strain at gnats and swallow camels or even upset anyone’s sensibilities but ask that you allow me to present a thought regarding the song and the celebration of the ‘Twelve Days of Christmas.’  You can find it amusing, beneficial, or consider it in error but all I ask is that you hear the conclusion of the whole matter and then decide if it is something that could be meaningful for you.

The song we most closely associate with this is one that many would consider a ‘nonsensical song’ and maybe it is and this is probably painting with too broad a brush but allow me to offer a thought regarding the song that makes it meaningful to me.  That is the key, ‘meaningful to me’ and you may not share my thoughts but if you do I hope it blesses you.

On the first day of Christmas my true love gave to me… a partridge in a pear tree.  What if we understood the symbolism to be Jesus Christ, the Son of God represented by as a mother partridge protecting her nestlings and remember Jesus’ lament in Luke 13:34 – “Jerusalem! Jerusalem! How often would I have sheltered you under my wings, as a hen does her chicks, but you would not have it so…”  On the second day of Christmas my true love gave to me…two turtle doves.  Allow the symbolism of the Old and New Testaments which together bear witness of God, creation and His incredible love to surface.  On the third day of Christmas my true love gave to me… three French hens.  Now consider the three theological virtues of faith, hope and love in this verse.  On the fourth day of Christmas my true love gave to me…four calling birds.  How about we identify this as the Four Gospels:  Matthew, Mark, Luke and John in which, God’s Good News is proclaimed in Jesus Christ Himself?  On the fifth day of Christmas my true love gave to me…five golden rings.  Here I identify this as the Pentateuch, the first five books of the Bible:  Genesis, Exodus, Leviticus, Numbers and Deuteronomy which are literally the foundation of our faith in history and vision.  On the sixth day of Christmas my true love gave to me…six geese a-laying.  Here my mind sees the six days of creation where God is the creator and sustainer of the world.  On the seventh day of Christmas my true love gave to me…seven swans a-swimming.  Insert the seven gifts of the Holy Spirit:  Prophecy, ministry, teaching, exhortation, giving, leading, and compassion.  The equipping to live this life in Christ!  On the eighth day of Christmas my true love gave to me…eight maids a-milking.  In my mind I picture the eight beatitudes:  Blessed are the poor in spirit, those who mourn, the meek, those who hunger and thirst for righteousness, the merciful, the pure in heart, the peacemakers, and those who are persecuted for righteousness’ sake.  On the ninth day of Christmas my true love gave to me…nine ladies dancing.  In my mind I identify this as speaking of the nine fruit of the Holy Spirit:  Love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, generosity, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control?  On the tenth day of Christmas my true love gave to me…ten lords a-leaping.  Here I easily envision the Ten Commandments.  On the eleventh day of Christmas my true love gave to me…eleven pipers piping.  How about the eleven faithful disciples who remained true and faithful to our Lord?  On the twelfth day of Christmas my true love gave to me… twelve drummers drumming.  It might be a stretch but if any of the aforementioned was in the motivation then one could easily consider this as speaking of the twelve points of doctrine in the Apostle’s Creed.

Regardless of whether the song was meant to be any of that and this is only my feeble attempt to make something spiritual out of something secular, I have chosen to insert thoughts in this song that gives it spiritual meaning for my life.  I do that on occasions and as I listen to a song there is a new enjoyment as I use it to enhance my celebration of Christmas.  Christmas is AMAZING GRACE in full view and the only reason for the season is God’s Love for mankind in which or through which He opened the door of possibility that we could enter into Eternal Life forgiven!

May you have a very MERRY CHRISTMAS and may God be with you as you go through this day and celebrate this joyous season!

Philippians 4:10-13 – “But I rejoiced in the Lord greatly that now at last your care for me has flourished again; though you surely did care, but you lacked opportunity. 11 Not that I speak in regard to need, for I have learned in whatever state I am, to be content: 12 I know how to be abased, and I know how to abound. Everywhere and in all things I have learned both to be full and to be hungry, both to abound and to suffer need. 13 I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me.”  NKJV

In considering the subject of ‘contentment’ as Paul defined it he gives us three powerful spiritual resources from which we can draw, make us adequate and give us contentment.

THE OVERRULING PROVIDENCE OF GOD – – (4:10)

In our day of scientific achievement we hear less and less about the providence of God.  It appears to me that we sometime get the idea that the world is a vast natural machine and that God Himself cannot interrupt the wheels as they turn.  Oh how foolish mankind can be.  If you take note of the word ‘providence’ you find it comes from two Latin words:  ‘Pro’ = before and “Video’ = to see.  So God’s providence simply means that ‘God sees it beforehand.’  The beauty is that not only does He see but He is actively involved in doing something about it.

An example of that is in Genesis 37-50 where we find the story of Joseph and his brothers.  The brothers envied him, sold him into slavery when he was just a young lad.  He was taken to Egypt and ultimately became second in command in the most powerful nation of that day.  After about 20 years of separation Joseph and his brothers were reunited and in Genesis 45:5 he says, “God did send me before you to preserve life.”  Then in Genesis 50:50 he said, “But as for you, you thought evil against me; but God meant it for good.”  God had not abandoned him and had used the events of life to ‘work all things together for his good.’  We would do well to realize that life is not a series of accidents it is series of appointments.  Therefore we can be content knowing that God is still in control.

THE UNFAILING POWER OF GOD – – (4:11-13)

Paul is quick to let everyone know that he is not complaining.  His happiness and joy are not dependent upon his circumstances but comes from something deeper and is totally separate from poverty or prosperity.  I would suggest that most have learned to be ‘abased’ because when difficulties come we normally run to the Lord in prayer.  How many have learned to ‘abound’?  For some prosperity has done more harm than good.  Not all but some for they become like those of Revelation 3:17 – “I am rich, and increased with good, and have need of nothing” and they to remain dependent on God as a result.

The word “instructed’ in verse 12 is not the same as ‘learned’ in verse 11 it means ‘initiated into the secret’  This word was used by the pagan religions with reference to their ‘inner secrets’.  It was through trial and testing that Paul was ‘initiated’ into the wonderful secret or revelation of contentment in spite of circumstances.  He declared in Philippians 4:13 – “I can do all things through Christ, which strengthens me.”  Paul’s motto was and ours should be:  “I can through Christ.”

THE UNCHANGING PROMISES OF GOD – – (4:14-20)

Paul compares the Philippians’ gift to three very familiar things:  A budding tree (v.10) the word ‘flourished’ carries the idea of a flower or tree budding and blossoming.  That comes from the life within.  An investment (vv.14-17) where we find the word ‘communicate’ which is our familiar word ‘fellowship’.  The church entered into an arrangement of ‘giving and receiving’. They gave materially to Paul and received spiritually from the Lord.  A ‘sacrifice (v.18) here we see that Paul clearly recognized the sacrificial actions of these believers.

That makes me think of the spiritual sacrifices identified in scripture:  Romans 12 (our bodies), Hebrews 13 (the praise of our lips and our good works).  Paul did not see the gift as just from men but from heaven itself through these believers.  Let me paraphrase what he said:  “You have met my need, and God is going to meet your need.  You met one need that I have, but my God is going to meet all your needs. You gave out of your poverty, but God will supply your needs out of His riches in glory!”   Hudson Taylor said:  “When God’s work is done in God’s way for God’s glory, it will not lack God’s supply.”

Contentment is from the adequate resources of God.  We have His providence, power and promise.  Why would we not be content?   God bless you as you move forward in your walk and warfare!  Blessings!

Philippians 4:10-13 – “But I rejoiced in the Lord greatly that now at last your care for me has flourished again; though you surely did care, but you lacked opportunity. 11 Not that I speak in regard to need, for I have learned in whatever state I am, to be content: 12 I know how to be abased, and I know how to abound. Everywhere and in all things I have learned both to be full and to be hungry, both to abound and to suffer need. 13 I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me.”  NKJV

Contentment is a subject that is often greatly misunderstood by a very large segment of the Body of Christ and the world.  I have found that when we fail to understand the biblical principle of ‘contentment’ it is because we have either avoided the subject or distorted it.

I heard a pastor tell of overhearing a board member say, “The trouble with him is that he is a thermometer not a thermostat.”  The pastor’s curiosity was highly aroused and he inquired what was being discussed.  He found that two board members were discussing possible new board members.  In further explanation he said, “Pastor, it’s like this.  A thermometer doesn’t change anything around it.  It simply registers the temperature and it is always going up and down. A thermostat regulates the surroundings and changes them when they need to be changed. This man is a thermometer.  He lacks the power to change things.  Things change him.”  That is a powerful analogy and sadly it reflects too many today.

Paul was a thermostat and instead of having massive ups and downs as the situation and circumstances around him changed he continued steadfastly doing what he knew to do.  His demeanor, lifestyle and faith changed things around him rather than things changing him.  He never adopted a ‘victim’ mentality but was always a ‘victor.’  His attitude was seen in verses 11, 13 and 18.  He basically said:  I can accept all things. I can do all things.  I have all things.  He did not have to be pampered to be content.  He found contentment in the spiritual resources abundantly provided by the Lord.

Contentment does not equate to complacency as some seem to think.  It is not a false peace based on ignorance.  A complacent believer is unconcerned about others whereas a contented believer seeks to share his blessings with others.  Contentment is not ‘escape’ from the battle it is abiding in the peace and confidence that the Spirit brings in the midst of the battle.  Thus Paul’s confession:  “I have learned, in whatever state I am, to be content.” 

Two key words:  Learned and Content.  The verb ‘learned’ indicates ‘learned by experience.’  Paul’s spiritual contentment was not something he automatically received upon becoming a Christian. He had to go through many difficult experiences in order to learn to be content.  The word ‘content’ literally means ‘contained.’  It is a description of the man whose resources are within him so that he does not depend on substitutes from without.  The Greek word means – ‘self-sufficient’ and was a favorite word of the Stoic philosophers but the Christian is not sufficient in himself.  He is sufficient in Christ!   That is the difference.  Because Jesus lives we are more than adequate for the demands of life

I want to delve into this a bit more so I will hit the pause button and hold my thoughts until the next post.  So until then may the Lord be with you, guard and guide you as you proceed on His planned way in life!   Blessings!

Proverbs 27:6 – “Faithful are the wounds of a friend, But the kisses of an enemy are deceitful.” NKJV

Have you ever taken a trip with six people in a small car?  A short trip can seem like an endless journey.  I have a friend who took a trip with his family (six people) in an economy car and they were packed in like sardines. It was so crowded he could not see out of the rear-view mirror and had to trust his son to tell him when it was okay to change lanes.  His son realized how difficult it was for his father and said, “Dad, you have to believe me.”  That is a real lesson in trust!  The boy had become his father’s eyes and was able to fill in the ‘blind spots’ because he could see from a better perspective.  All of us have ‘blind spots’ and need someone else to help us find and acknowledge them.

Sometimes we are made aware of our ‘blind spots’ as we observe those things in the lives of another.  An example of that in the Bible is where Nathan the prophet approached David regarding Bathsheba.  Although it would seem incomprehensible that David needed Nathan’s story to see his fault he apparently did.  Nathan used a third party illustration to communicate to David his ‘blind spot.’  It took courage for Nathan to approach the king and demonstrated how deeply he trusted God and loved David.  Sometimes we must confront those we love and expose a ‘blind spot’. 

God has used some faithful friends to reveal ‘blind spots’ in my life and although sometimes it was painful it has always been deeply appreciated in the long run.  Let me approach this by asking some questions to help us move toward discovering ‘blind spots’ in our lives.

Are you CONSISTENT?  James 1:8 tells us, “A double-minded man is unstable in all his ways.”  I heard a preacher speak about consistency and how his small son caused him to examine his lack thereof.  He was rushing from one place to another and his young son was riding in the backseat.  He was deep in thought and his foot grew heavy on the pedal as his speed reached 50 MPH on a city street where the limit was 30.  His son observing the speedometer said, “Dad, you are going 50!”  He was taken aback for he did not realize that his son could read a speedometer and then feeling guilty but not wanting to show it said, “So?”  The boy said, “But the speed limit is 30.”   He knew instantly that there was a latent ‘blind spot’ that somehow he had justified doing wrong so long as he did not get caught. He knew he was opening the door to teach a ‘double standard’ to his son and repented immediately.  Could it be that some of the rebellion in our children has been birthed via our ‘blind spot’ of a ‘double-standard?’

Are you SELF-CONTROLLED?  I do not believe that ‘self-control’ will get us to heaven but lack of it will severely hinder our walk with the Lord.  When a spiritual leader or any leader exhibits self-control it provides an atmosphere of STABILITY.  If in the turbulence of life we demonstrate ‘self-control’ we not only help ourselves but those around us.  As believers we need to overwhelm the world with our calm assurance even in storms.

Do you THINK INDEPENDENTLY?  By that I am referring to the truth in Psalms 1:1 – “How blessed is the man who does not walk in the counsel of the wicked, nor stand in the path of sinners, nor sit in the seat of scoffers.”   Our inner personal convictions dictate whether we will conform to peer-pressure or go against the tide.  A person with a strong faith and understanding of who they are in Christ will be more likely to resist the pressure of the crowd than someone who is ‘double-minded’.  Some have the ‘convoy mentality’ rather than the ‘eagle mentality.’

May the Lord help each of us to see our ‘blind spots’ overcome them and move higher and higher in Him.  May the Lord bless you as you go through your day!